bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pot-in-pot Reduces Salinity, Chloride Uptake, and Maintains Aesthetic Value in Euonymus japonicus Thunb. Under Saline Irrigation
Authors: Miralles Julián , Valdes Raquel , Martínez-Sánchez Juan J. , Bañón Sebastián
Published: February 2019

The appropriate management of crop conditions can reduce the salt damage suffered by ornamental species and produce high-quality plants even when saline irrigation water is used. The aim of this study was to determine whether the pot-in-pot (PIP) cultivation system can improve the saline irrigation tolerance of Euonymus japonicus compared with aboveground potting (AGP) in terms of growth and development, aesthetic quality, ion accumulation, and leaf potentials. A 5-month experiment started on 6 Mar., and the interaction between the cultivation system (PIP or AGP) and water quality (fresh water and saline water, with 1.76 and 9.04 dS·m−1, respectively) was assessed. The substrate used was a mixture of white peat, coconut fiber, and perlite (40/40/20, v/v/v). A soil moisture sensor-controlled system was used to irrigate all the treatments when the AGP treatment irrigated with fresh water reached a volume water content (θ) of 0.33–0.35 m3·m−3. An interaction effect reduced the salinity effects in PIP and saline irrigation (PIP-s) compared with AGP and saline irrigation (AGP-s) in terms of damaged leaf area, plant dry weight (DW), and the compactness index. The PIP-s plants showed a survival rate of 93% compared with 57% in AGP-s. The substrate temperatures were milder in PIP regardless of the irrigation water, and the pore water electrical conductivity (EC) was 36% lower in PIP-s than in AGP-s. PIP reduced the Cl− accumulated in leaves but did not influence Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, or the K+/Na+ ratio. The lower amount of Cl− accumulated increased leaf water potential (Ψo) in PIP. Saline irrigation produced a general accumulation of Cl− and Na+ in leaves and decreased Ca2+, Mg2+, the K+/Na+ ratio, Ψo, the shoot to root ratio, and height. In general, PIP reduced the salinity damage to Euonymus japonicus, the main effect being the lower Cl− ion uptake, which improved its aesthetic value (less damage and greater compactness and growth).
1-Methylcyclopropene Improves Ethylene Tolerance of Unrooted Herbaceous Cuttings but Delays Adventitious Root Development in Angelonia, Calibrachoa, Impatiens, Portulaca, Sutera, and Verbena Cultivars
Authors: Leatherwood W. Roland , Dole John M. , Bergmann Ben A. , Faust James E.
Published: February 2019

Knowing which herbaceous taxa are ethylene sensitive and managing exposure of unrooted terminal stem cuttings to ethylene in those taxa are critical for maintaining high-quality propagules that root readily. Of 59 taxa surveyed, freshly harvested terminal cuttings of Begonia hybrid ‘Snowcap’, Lantana camara L. ‘Patriot Sunbeam’, and Portulaca oleracea L. ‘Fairytales Sleeping Beauty’ were sensitive to exogenous application of 1 μL·L−1 ethylene, as demonstrated by leaf abscission within 24 hours of treatment. Exposure to 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 700 μL·L−1 for 4 hours before ethylene treatment prevented ethylene injury in these species/cultivars. Exposing unrooted cuttings to 700 μL·L−1 1-MCP induced significant endogenous ethylene biosynthesis in terminal cuttings of the five taxa tested: Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch ‘Visions of Grandeur’, Impatiens hawkeri W. Bull ‘Sonic Red’, Pelargonium peltatum (L.) L’Hérit. ‘Mandarin’, Pelargonium ×hortorum Bailey (pro sp.) [inquinans × zonale] ‘Rocky Mountain White’, and Petunia ×hybrida Vilm. ‘Suncatcher Coral Prism’. Exogenous 1 μL·L−1 ethylene improved adventitious rooting in two cultivars: Begonia hybrid Anita Louise and Fuchsia triphylla L. Honeysuckle. Other trials showed that 1-MCP exposure reduced root number and length of P. ×hortorum ‘Kardino’ and delayed adventitious rooting in all six cultivars tested: Angelonia angustifolia Benth. ‘Carita Lavender’, Calibrachoa ×hybrida Llave & Lex. ‘Terra Cotta’, I. hawkeri ‘Sonic Red’, P. oleracea ‘Fairytales Sleeping Beauty’, Sutera cordata Kuntze ‘Abunda Blue Improved’, and Verbena ×hybrida Groenl. & Ruempl. ‘Aztec Wild Rose’. Subsequent exposure to 1 μL·L−1 ethylene partially mitigated the negative effects on rooting from exposing cuttings to 1-MCP.
Crop Load Influences Fruit Quality, Nutritional Balance, and Return Bloom in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple
Authors: Serra Sara , Leisso Rachel , Giordani Luca , Kalcsits Lee , Musacchi Stefano
Published: February 2019

The apple variety, ‘Honeycrisp’ has been extensively planted in North America during the last two decades. However, it suffers from several agronomic problems that limit productivity and postharvest quality. To reduce losses, new information is needed to better describe the impact of crop load on productivity and postharvest fruit quality in a desert environment and the major region where ‘Honeycrisp’ expansion is occurring. Here, 7-year-old ‘Honeycrisp’ trees on the M9-Nic29 rootstock (2.5 × 0.9 m) were hand thinned to five different crop loads [from 4.7 to 16.0 fruit/cm2 of trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA)] to compare fruit quality, maturity, fruit size, elemental concentration, and return bloom. Fruit size distribution was affected by crop load. Trees with the highest crop load (16 fruit/cm2) produced smaller fruit. Index of absorbance difference (IAD) measurements (absorption difference between 670 and 720 nm), a proxy indicator of the chlorophyll content below the skin of fruit measured by a DA-meter, were made shortly after harvest (T0) and after 6 months of storage (T1). Fruit from the trees with the lowest crop load had lower IAD values indicating advanced fruit ripeness. The comparison between the IAD classes at T0 and T1 showed that fruit belonging to the lowest IAD class had significantly higher red-blushed overcolor percentage, firmness, dry matter, and soluble solid content than those in the “most unripe” class (highest IAD readings) regardless of crop load. The percentage of blushed color, firmness, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content, and dry matter were all higher in the lowest crop loads at both T0 and T1. Fruit calcium (Ca) concentration was lowest at the lowest crop load. The (K + Mg + N):Ca ratio decreased as crop load increased until a crop load of 11.3 fruit/cm2, which was not significantly different from higher crop loads. For return bloom, the highest number of flower clusters per tree was reported for 4.7 fruit/cm2 crop load, and generally it decreased as crop load increased. Here, we highlight the corresponding changes in fruit quality, storability, and elemental balance with tree crop load. To maintain high fruit quality and consistency in yield, careful crop load management is required to minimize bienniality and improve fruit quality and storability.
Consumers’ Shares of Preferences for Turfgrass Attributes Using a Discrete Choice Experiment and the Best–Worst Method
Authors: Ghimire Monika , Boyer Tracy A. , Chung Chanjin , Moss Justin Q.
Published: February 2019

This study compares preference shares of stress-tolerant, low-maintenance, and low-cost turfgrass attributes in five states (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas) in the southeastern and midsouthern United States using the discrete choice experiment (DCE) and the best–worst method (BWM). An online survey was conducted and a mixed logit model (MLM) was used to determine the homeowners’ relative preferences for turfgrass attributes. The results of a survey of 1179 household consumers indicate that the most preferred attribute using either of the methods was low maintenance cost in all the states. Although the relative importance (preference share) by the DCE and the BWM for each attribute is statistically different, both methods yield a similar preference ordering for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and saline-tolerant turf, but a different ordering for shade-tolerant and low purchase–price turf. This study provides a framework for turfgrass researchers and producers to invest and expand outreach on desirable turfgrass attributes for homeowners.
Planting Angle and Meristem Management Influence Sweet Cherry Canopy Development in the “Upright Fruiting Offshoots” Training System
Authors: Law Tiffany L. , Lang Gregory A.
Published: February 2019

Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO) is a novel high-density training system for sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) that produces fruit on multiple vertical leaders (“offshoots”) arising from a cordon-like trunk. The promotion of sufficient upright shoot number and uniform shoot distribution during establishment are key to development of this training system. Trunk angle, meristem management (selective bud retention and removal), and cordon height at establishment were evaluated for influence on shoot number, shoot distribution, total shoot length, and early fruiting potential. At planting, trunk angles of 45° or 60° from the horizontal resulted in increased shoot growth compared with 30°, and also increased shoot distribution when bud selection was not imposed. A cordon height of 45 cm increased total shoot length by 20% compared with a 60-cm cordon height. Bud selection (retaining buds for optimal upright shoot distribution and removing all others) improved canopy development by reducing the number of shoots in the terminal third of the cordon and increasing the number of shoots in the basal and middle thirds compared with no bud selection. Bud selection reduced fruiting potential in the 2nd and 3rd years compared with unmanaged treatments, but subsequently surpassed those treatments in projected annual yield in Year 4 and cumulative yield in Year 5. Bud selection increased total and average shoot length, and improved distribution while moderating early crop load potential. Planting angle, cordon height, and bud selection significantly impact canopy establishment of UFO trees by affecting shoot number, length, and distribution.
Fertility and Reproductive Pathways of Triploid Flowering Pears (Pyrus sp.)
Authors: Phillips Whitney D. , Ranney Thomas G. , Touchell Darren H. , Eaker Thomas A.
Published: February 2019

Flowering pears are popular landscape plants due to a combination of desirable traits including broad adaptability, pest resistance, and attractive ornamental features. However, in some areas, flowering pears readily reseed and naturalize. Considering the value and utility of these trees, the development of infertile cultivars would be desirable. Breeding of triploid plants is one of the approaches that has been successfully used to develop seedless cultivars of many crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate female fertility and reproductive pathways of triploid flowering pear hybrids. Female fertility was characterized by evaluating fruit set, seeds per fruit, seed germination, seedlings per flower, and percent relative fertility [(seedlings per flower for triploid/seedlings per flower for diploid control) × 100]. Flow cytometry was used to determine relative genome sizes and ploidy levels of female parents, seedlings, and seeds (both embryo and endosperm) and to make inferences regarding reproductive pathways. Mean holoploid genome sizes were confirmed for the diploid [1.25 ± 0.05 (se) pg] and triploid [1.88 ± 0.12 (se) pg] female parents. Relative female fertility was significantly reduced in triploids, but varied considerably among accessions and ranged from 0.0% to 33.6%. Of the 13 triploids used in this study, five accessions had a relative fertility of <2%. One accession had no measurable female fertility. Cytometric analysis of seeds and seedlings from triploid maternal parents showed that they were predominantly abnormal aneuploids, which typically results in seedlings with reduced fitness and fertility. Fertilization with unreduced gametes, apomixis, and pseudogamy were documented in triploid-derived embryos/offspring, but were relatively uncommon. The considerable reduction in female fertility of some triploid selections, coupled with the limited production of primarily aneuploid progeny, provides desirable options for new infertile flowering pears to prevent or reduce reseeding and naturalizing.
Screening Cucurbit Rootstocks for Resistance to Meloidogyne spp. and Rotylenchulus reniformis
Authors: Smith Cody L. , Freeman Joshua H. , Kokalis-Burelle Nancy , Wechter William P.
Published: February 2019

Fusarium wilt [caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON)] has been a consistent problem in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] production worldwide. One method for combatting this pathogen in the field is to graft a susceptible, high-yielding scion on to a fusarium wilt-resistant rootstock. A concerning issue with rootstocks resistant to fusarium wilt is that they have not been tested for their susceptibility to plant pathogenic nematodes—specifically, root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) and the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis). Preliminary findings have demonstrated that many of these Fusarium-resistant rootstocks are highly susceptible to RKNs. Research was conducted during the Spring and Fall 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the resistance to RKN and reniform nematode in rootstocks with known resistance to fusarium wilt. Six rootstocks were evaluated over the course of four experiments. A nematode-susceptible interspecific hybrid [Cucurbita maxima (Duchesne) × C. moschata (Duchesne)] rootstock ‘Carnivor’ was included as a susceptible control in both years. Results demonstrated that several Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (L.H. Bailey) rootstocks (‘Carolina Strongback’, USVL246-FR2, USVL252-FR2, and USVL-360) and ‘SP-6’ (a commercially available pollinizer cultivar) exhibited resistance to plant parasitic nematodes when compared with the susceptible control. Partial resistance was observed in USVL-482351. When compared with the control, these rootstocks also had fewer Meloidogyne spp. and R. reniformis in root tissue. These findings indicate that rootstocks may be available to manage both fusarium wilt and RKN in grafted cucurbit production system.
Comprehensive Application of Different Methods of Observation Provides New Insight into Flower Bud Differentiation of Double-flowered Paeonia lactiflora ‘Dafugui’
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Zhu Wei , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Fan Yongming , Yu Xiaonan
Published: February 2019

The analysis of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) floral bud initiation and differentiation from autumn to early spring is important because flower formation is strictly correlated with flowering in late spring. A clear understanding of peony flower development would allow management practices to be optimized for stable annual production and supply of cut flowers. The aim of this research was to study the time-sensitive characteristics underlying flower development in peony cultivar ‘Dafugui’. Flower bud differentiation was assessed by paraffin and hand-made slices, as well as stereomicroscopy. Both methods have strengths and weaknesses. Our observations are not entirely consistent with those of previous studies. Flower bud differentiation in ‘Dafugui’, which starts from late September to mid-April of the following year, is divided into differentiation of the lower parts (separate differentiation periods for the bracts, sepals, petals, stamens, and pistillodes) and upper parts (separate differentiation periods for the petals, stamens, and pistil), and is closely related to annual changes in ambient temperature. Differentiation of lower flower buds takes place before winter dormancy, whereas that of upper parts starts early in the following spring, and finally forms a double-flowered type. The three methods used in this article can be used to study P. lactiflora flower bud differentiation and can contribute to an understanding of this process in the future.
Morphological and Structural Characters of Trichomes on Various Organs of Rosa roxburghii
Authors: Wang Dao-Jing , Zeng Jing-Wen , Ma Wen-Tao , Lu Min , An Hua-Ming
Published: February 2019

Rosa roxburghii Tratt (Rosaceae) of various organ surfaces are widely existing trichomes. Certain varieties have fruits that are thickly covered with macroscopic trichomes. R. roxburghii Tratt (RR) and R. roxburghii Tratt. f. esetosa Ku (RRE) are important commercial horticultural crops in China because of their nutritional and medicinal values. RRE is generally considered a smooth-fruit variant that arose from RR. Despite their economic importance, the morphological and anatomic features of organ trichomes have not been explored in detail for these two rose germplasms. In this research, we investigated the distribution, morphology, and structure of trichomes distributed on the stem, pedicel, fruit, sepal, and marginal lobule sepals (MLS) of RR as well as RRE. This was accomplished using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There are various shapes of trichomes distributed on the surfaces of stems, pedicels, fruits, and sepals of the two germplasms. Binate prickles arose on the stem nodes in both germplasms, but acicular trichomes, papillary trichomes, and ribbon trichomes were present only on the surfaces of pedicels in RR. Likewise, flagelliform trichomes were present only on the surfaces of pedicels in RRE. Furthermore, a transection of stems shows that thorns in the two germplasms are composed of epidermis, meristematic layer, and parenchyma cells. The trichome epidermis and meristematic layer in stems of RR are composed of round cells, whereas RRE exhibits square cells in the same layers. Trichomes on the fruit of RR were macroscopic and of single flagelliform and acicular shape. RRE exhibited polymorphic trichomes of flagelliform, triangular, capitate glandular, and elliptic glandular shapes on the pericarp. On the surfaces of RR sepals, there are thick macroscopic acicular trichomes. In contrast, RRE sepals presented flagelliform trichomes and capitate glandular trichomes. It is interesting that no trichomes were found on the surfaces of the MLS in the two germplasms; however, stomata were densely packed on the MLS of RRE when compared with RR. For RR, the trichomes on both sepal and fruit are composed of an epidermis layer and parenchyma cells; however, the epidermis cells of sepal trichomes are polygon-shaped, in contrast to the round epidermis cells in fruit. These results suggest that the two rose germplasms are good candidates for understanding the trichome ontogeny in the genus and for further breeding of the smooth organ trait in this rose species.
Relationships between Fruit Weight and Diameter at 60 Days after Bloom and at Harvest for Three Apple Cultivars
Authors: Marini Richard P. , Schupp James R. , Baugher Tara Auxt , Crassweller Robert
Published: February 2019

Early-season fruit diameter measurements for ‘Gala’, ‘Fuji’, and ‘Honeycrisp’ apples in three orchards for 3 years were used to develop regression models to estimate fruit weight at harvest. Fruit weight at harvest was linearly related to fruit diameter 60 days after bloom, but intercepts and slopes were not homogeneous for all nine combinations of orchards and years for any of the cultivars. When the entire data set for a cultivar was used to develop a single predictive model, the model was biased and underpredicted fruit weight for small fruit and overpredicted fruit weight for large fruit. Adding the ratio of (fruit weight/fruit diameter) at 60 days after bloom to the model with fruit diameter at 60 days after bloom produced a less-biased model with improved coefficients of determination, and predicted values were more similar to the observed values. The (fruit weight/fruit diameter) ratio was positively related to cumulative growing degree days for the 60 days before the fruit were measured and tended to be lower in years when fruits were exposed to frosts. These multiple regression models can be used to develop tables with predicted fruit weights at harvest for varying combinations of fruit diameter and (fruit weight/fruit diameter) ratio 60 days after bloom.
Identification of Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Chile Pepper
Authors: McCoy Jack E. , Bosland Paul W.
Published: February 2019

Powdery mildew [Leveillula taurica (Lév.) Arn] is a fungus causing epidemics on chile peppers (Capsicum sp.) worldwide. It was first observed in New Mexico in the late 1990s and has been a reoccurring issue. During the 2017 growing season, environmental conditions were highly favorable for powdery mildew development and severe infection was observed. This provided a unique opportunity to identify novel sources of resistance in Capsicum to powdery mildew. In the present study, the incidence and severity of powdery mildew was evaluated for 152 chile pepper accessions comprising different cultivars and species. Major differences in disease severity and incidence were observed among the accessions. Of the 152 accessions, 53 were resistant, i.e., received a disease index (DI) score of ≤1. When examining across Capsicum species, 16 Capsicum annuum accessions, all 8 Capsicum baccatum, all 21 Capsicum chinense, 5 of 6 Capsicum frutescens, the Capsicum chacoense accession, and the Capsicum rhomboideum accession were resistant. These results provide several accessions with resistance that can be used in breeding programs. Especially important are the C. annuum resistant accessions, as this resistance can be more quickly incorporated into commercially important C. annuum cultivars as compared with interspecific hybridizations.
Grain Sorghum Yield Components as Influenced by Hybrid, Seeding Date, and Irrigation
Authors: Bruns H. Arnold
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Grain sorghum, though not a new crop to the Lower Mississippi River Valley, has received very limited attention in recent years with respect to management research.

Row‐crop irrigation has greatly increased in the Mississippi Delta over the past 20 years to where sub‐surface acquifers are being mined at unsustainable rates.

Grain sorghum appears to benefit very little or not at all from irrigation and may provide a cash crop that will help reduce irrigation water depletion.

Production practices of grain sorghum that manage around some of the newer pest problems that have recently appeared are in need of development.

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production retains some interest in the midsouth states as a rotation crop and a drought‐tolerant option in limited or non‐irrigated cropping systems, thus helping conserve water resources. An experiment was conducted using four grain sorghum hybrids to measure the effects of irrigation vs. no irrigation plus May vs. June seeding dates on yield and yield components of the crop. The May seeding was the normal time of planting while the June seeding simulated double‐cropping after wheat (Triticum asetivum L.) Furrow irrigation had no impact on seed yield at either seeding date. June seedings were lower (≤4626.4 kg ha−1) than May seedings (≥5168.3 kg ha−1). No differences among hybrids were observed between years of the two May seedings. However, all hybrid yields for June seedings in 2017 were significantly less than the 2016 crop. Heads per hectare basically did not differ between years, but May seedings produced more heads (≥134,167 heads ha−1) than June seedings (≤118,504 heads ha−1). Despite reduced grain yields by June seedings, the lack of having to irrigate double‐crop grain sorghum as opposed to having to irrigate double‐crop soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] makes the former a viable option for water conservation and potential profit.
Earthworms and Phosphate‐Solubilizing Bacteria Stimulate Nitrogen Storage and Cycling in a Manured Arid Soil
Authors: Cheng Xiong , Zhang Yu-Long , Li Wen-Yan , Wang Li-Ying , Zhang Hai-Chun , Lu Wei-Sheng , Chen Xiao-Yang , Li Yong-Tao , Xu Hui-Juan
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Earthworm and PSB improved chemical properties of manure‐amended soils.

Earthworm and PSB enhanced the increase of soil organic nitrogen pools by pig manure.

Earthworm and PSB accelerated soil mineralization and nitrifier‐ denitrification.

Improper reuse of manure could not only lead to low nitrogen‐use efficiency but also result in environmental pollution. Therefore, we studied the effect of manure amendment with or without organisms (earthworm and bacteria) on soil nitrogen cycling, aiming to develop a more scientific way to reuse manure. In this study, six treatments, including control (CK), manure (M), manure + slurry (MS), manure + slurry + earthworm (MSE), manure + slurry + bacteria (MSB), and manure + slurry + earthworm + bacteria (MSEB) were divided into two groups to study the effect of manure and the effect of organism on the soil nitrogen pools and nitrogen cycling, respectively. The results showed that manure amendment coupled with organisms increased total nitrogen from 0.538 ± 0.06 to 1.380 ± 0.22 g kg 1, and available nitrogen from 67.28 ± 5.22 to 113.11 ± 12.21 mg kg−1, and improved soil organic nitrogen pool by increasing acid‐hydrolyzable nitrogen (AHN) from 404 ± 39 to 974 ± 94 mg kg−1 and non‐acid‐hydrolyzable nitrogen (NAHN) from 133 ± 26 to 406 ± 155 mg kg−1. Based on the results of soil inorganic nitrogen and soil enzyme activities, we further found that earthworms and bacteria accelerated soil nitrogen cycling by stimulating soil mineralization (ammonification and nitrification) and nitrifier‐denitrification, providing more available nitrogen to plants. Thus, we conclude that manure coupled with organisms would be a more efficient way to reuse manure via increasing soil nitrogen storage and availability simultaneously.
Wetting Patterns and Relative Water‐Uptake Rates from a Ring‐Shaped Water Source
Authors: Friedman Shmulik P. , Gamliel Alon
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

A solution for infiltration from a horizontal ring‐shaped source is formulated.

Effects of source and sink attributes, potential evaporation and the soil heterogeneity on water uptake were analyzed.

Relative water‐uptake rate is suggested as a design criterion for ring‐emitter radius and depth.

A solution of the quasi‐linear flow equation for steady and unsteady infiltration from a horizontal ring‐shaped source with evaporation at the surface of a vertically heterogeneous soil is derived. A coupled source–sink approach enables analyzing the effects of geometrical source and sink attributes, potential evaporation rate and soil heterogeneity on wetting patterns and water‐uptake rates. Ring emitters significantly smaller than the soil's capillary length behave like a point source and substantially larger rings behave like a line source. For ring source radii comparable to the soil's capillary length, water uptake depends on the ring radius and on the size of the root zone in a complex manner. At the stage of root development toward a ring emitter, water uptake is low, and it increases as the radius of the ring (torus)‐shaped root system increases. Deepening a subsurface ring emitter decreases water uptake in the absence of evaporation from the soil surface and increases water uptake in the presence of evaporation. It is suggested that the evaluated relative water‐uptake rate be used as a design criterion for determining the desired radius and depth of the ring emitter with respect to root‐zone geometry, soil properties and atmospheric evaporation demand.
Corn Nitrogen Management Following Daikon Radish and Forage Oat Cover Crops
Authors: Rutan J. , Steinke K.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Daikon radish and forage oat cover crops following winter wheat sequestered residual autumn soil NO3–N levels.

Nitrogen availability to the ensuing corn crop may be reduced when preceded by radish or oat cover crops.

When using radish or oat cover crops, increased 5×5 starter rates (> 45 kg N ha‐1) may be required if full SD is delayed until V11.

Radish and oat cover crops preceding corn did not provide a subsequent N fertilizer replacement value but may still be effectively utilized as soil conservation tools.

Cover crops (CC) preceding corn (Zea mays L.) may influence subsequent nitrogen (N) availability, but it is not clear whether N strategies require adjustment. Field studies conducted in 2015 to 2016 evaluated the effects of a daikon radish [Raphanus sativus (L.)], forage oat [Avena sativa (L.)], and no CC following winter wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)] on soil chemical properties, corn growth, grain yield, and profitability. Nitrogen management strategies were equalized to 179 kg N ha–1 and included pre‐plant incorporated (PPI) N, poultry litter (PL) PPI (61 kg N ha–1) plus sidedress (SD) N V11, starter N (45 kg N ha–1) subsurface banded (5 cm below and 5 cm beside the seed, 5×5) followed by V4, V11, or V4 plus V11 SD, and a zero N control. Cover crops reduced autumn soil NO3–N levels 78 to 84% relative to no CC but occasionally reduced N during critical corn uptake periods. Cover crops did not increase soil base cation availability to the ensuing corn crop. When 5×5 starter was followed by full SD at V11, CCs reduced yield 3.2 to 3.9% and profitability 11.8 to 13.2% compared with no CC indicating reduced efficacy and possibly greater 5×5 requirements to maintain yield potential until SD time. In the zero N control, CCs reduced grain yield 11.8 to 14.2% and increased yield response to N 63 to 79% suggesting reduced N availability. Radish and oat CCs provided a trap crop for autumn residual N, but N management strategies may need to account for reduced N availability.
Modeling Sorptive Fractionation of Organic Matter at the Mineral‐Water Interface
Authors: Liang Yuzhen , Ding Yang , Wang Pei , Lu Guining , Dang Zhi , Shi Zhenqing
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

OM fractionation is studied for six minerals and more than 180 OM moieties.

Mineral surface variability is explained by the pp‐LFER system parameters.

OM functionality variability is quantified by the Abraham parameters.

Factors governing fractionation are polarity, H‐bonding, dispersion, and cavitation.

A link is developed between sorption and OM moiety molecular characteristics.

Sorptive fractionation of organic matter (OM) at mineral–water interfaces alters the composition of OM and therefore affects the fate, transport, and bioavailability of nutrients and contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments. It is essential to identify the fractions of OM that are selectively sorbed on minerals and to elucidate the mechanisms of sorptive fractionation. In this study, the partition between mineral and water for a large set of organic molecules covering the most relevant OM functional groups and building blocks were predicted using the mechanistic Polyparameter Linear Free Energy Relationships (pp‐LFERs). The results were used to infer the sorptive fractionation tendency of OM moieties. It is found that for a OM moiety belonging to the chemical classes of alkanes, alkenes, or benzenes, its sorption to bentonite is the strongest, followed by kaolinite, talc or hematite, and Al2O3or quartz, relative to water. For a moiety with either double bond, or –OH, or –COOH, or R–COO–R′, or R–O–R′, or R–COH, or R–CO–R′, or –NH2, its partition to water is enhanced as compared to the respective alkane moiety. Opposite is found for thiols and sulfides. Meanwhile, a correlation is developed, that is, as the double bond equivalence decreases and the number of C atoms increases, the degree of sorption increases. Overall, the key factors controlling the sorptive fractionation are polarity, H‐bonding, van de Waals dispersion, and the energy for cavity formation. This work provides insights into the OM sorption at the mineral and water interface at the molecular level.
Heat‐Generating Nuclear Waste in Salt: Field Testing and Simulation
Authors: Johnson Peter J. , Otto Shawn , Weaver Douglas J. , Dozier Brian , Miller Terry A. , Jordan Amy B. , Hayes-Rich Nathan G. , Stauffer Philip H.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

A field‐scale experiment and numerical simulations confirm salt backfill behavior.

Simulations closely match temperature around and under the piled salt backfill.

Results indicate limited dissolution–precipitation reactions around the heat source.

Alteration of backfill is unlikely if the drift is allowed to dry before emplacement.

Investigations relating to in‐drift disposal of heat‐generating nuclear waste in salt have raised questions about heat–brine interactions in the unsaturated run‐of‐mine (RoM) salt pile used as backfill. These interactions have the potential to change the structure of the RoM salt surrounding the canister, possibly altering long‐term containment of the source. An experiment is in progress at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), New Mexico, in which a heated canister was placed on the floor of an open drift, covered in a pile of RoM salt, and energized with 1000 W. Temperature in the RoM salt pile had stabilized after about 15 d, allowing evaluation of the heat‐up period of the ongoing experiment. Using a multiphase porous flow simulator that has been modified to handle salt‐specific coupled processes, we examined coupled thermal–hydrological–chemical behavior in the RoM salt pile. Our simulations suggest that for the relatively dry cases examined, porosity changes within RoM salt in a generic salt repository are likely to be minor in the period between waste emplacement and plastic closure of the drift. The primary sensitivity for porosity change is to the early moisture content of the RoM salt used to cover the canister. Secondary influences include moisture availability from the disturbed rock zone (DRZ) surrounding the drift and the capillary pressure ratio between the DRZ and the RoM salt. Early changes in porosity and permeability may be affected by moisture content, but this was not observed in the test. Such changes would be most likely to occur when using damp RoM salt or if waste is emplaced in a drift immediately following opening of the drift before evaporative dewatering of the drift walls occurs.
Fuzzy reliability-based optimization of a hydropower reservoir
Authors: Nair Sukanya J. , Sasikumar K.
Published: February 2019

Reservoir operation modeling and optimization are inevitable components of water resources planning and management. Determination of reservoir operating policy is a multi-stage decision-making problem characterized by uncertainty. Uncertainty in inflows and power demands lead to varying degrees of the working of a reservoir from one period to another. This transition, being ambiguous in nature, can be addressed in a fuzzy framework. The different working states of the reservoir are described as fuzzy states. Based on the degree of success in meeting the power demand and randomness associated with inflows, hydropower production is considered as a random fuzzy event. This paper examines the scope of profust reliability theory, a theory used in the reliability analysis of manufactured systems, in the performance optimization of a hydropower reservoir system. The operating policy derived from a profust reliability-based optimization model is compared with a simulation model. The model is then used to derive the optimal operation policy for a hypothetical reservoir fed by normally distributed inflow, for a period of five years. The results show that the model is useful in deriving optimal operating policies with improved reliabilities in hydropower production.
Diagnoses of Pathological States Based on Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav
Published: February 2019

Two cholinesterases exist: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). While AChE plays a crucial role in neurotransmissions, BChE has no specific function apart from the detoxification of some drugs and secondary metabolites from plants. Thus, both AChE and BChE can serve as biochemical markers of various pathologies. Poisoning by nerve agents like sarin, soman, tabun, VX, novichok and overdosing by drugs used in some neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer´s disease and myasthenia gravis, as well as poisoning by organophosphorus pesticides are relevant to this issue. But it appears that changes in these enzymes take place in other processes including oxidative stress, inflammation, some types of cancer and genetically conditioned diseases. In this review, the cholinesterases are introduced, the mechanism of inhibitors action is explained and the relations between the cholinesterases and pathologies are explained.
Xenobiotic Metabolising Enzymes: Impact on Pathologic Conditions, Drug Interactions and Drug Design
Authors: Rekka Eleni A. , Kourounakis Panos N. , Pantelidou Maria
Published: February 2019

Background:

The biotransformation of xenobiotics is a homeostatic defensive response of the
body against bioactive invaders. Xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, important for the metabolism,
elimination and detoxification of exogenous agents, are found in most tissues and organs and are distinguished
into phase I and phase II enzymes, as well as phase III transporters. The cytochrome P450 superfamily
of enzymes plays a major role in the biotransformation of most xenobiotics as well as in the
metabolism of important endogenous substrates such as steroids and fatty acids. The activity and the
potential toxicity of numerous drugs are strongly influenced by their biotransformation, mainly accomplished
by the cytochrome P450 enzymes, one of the most versatile enzyme systems.

Objective:

In this review, considering the importance of drug metabolising enzymes in health and disease,
some of our previous research results are presented, which, combined with newer findings, may
assist in the elucidation of xenobiotic metabolism and in the development of more efficient drugs.

Conclusion:

Study of drug metabolism is of major importance for the development of drugs and provides
insight into the control of human health. This review is an effort towards this direction and may
find useful applications in related medical interventions or help in the development of more efficient
drugs.
Roles of Fluorine in Drug Design and Drug Action
Authors: Gupta Satya Prakash
Published: February 2019

The article discusses the basic properties of fluorine atom that have made it so useful in drug development. It presents several examples of therapeutically useful drugs acting against many life-threatening diseases along with the mechanism as to how fluorine influences the drug activity. It has been pointed out that fluorine, due to its ability to increase the lipophilicity of the molecule, greatly affects the hydrophobic interaction between the drug molecule and the receptor. Because of its small size, it hardly produces any steric effect, rather due to electronic properties enters into electrostatic and hydrogen-bond interactions. Thus, it greatly affects the drug-receptor interaction and leads to increase the activity of the drugs.
3D Pharmacophore-based Ligand Alignment, Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking Protocols Towards the Discovery of 2-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)methyl) Derivatives as Antifungal Inhibitors
Authors: Badawy Mohamed E. I. , El-Zemity Saad R.
Published: February 2019

Background:

1,2,4-Triazoles are important five-membered heterocyclic scaffolds due to their
extensive biological activities. These products have been an area of growing interest to many
researchers around the world as of their diverse biological activities including antifungal and
antibacterial activity against broad spectrum of microbial pathogens.

Methods:

A series of 2-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl) derivatives was designed, synthesized and evaluated
as antifungal agents against five plant pathogenic fungi (Alternaria tennis, Botryodiplodia
theobromae, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum and Helminthosporium turcicum) to meet the
urgent need of new antifungal agents with improved activity and broader spectrum. In silico studies
including pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, drug-likeness analysis and ADMET prediction
were examined. In addition, the elucidation of the activity is based on the molecular docking to the active
site of the Sterol 14α-Demethylase Cytochrome P450 (CYP51) was investigated.

Results:

The results of antifungal activity indicated that the compounds containing tert or sec-butyl as
hydrophobic substituents on a phenyl ring significantly increased the activity (compounds 4, 5 and 6)
with EC50 in the range of 8-84 mg/L of all tested fungi. The pharmacophore modeling produced an
accurate projecting model (Hypo 1) from these derivatives. The superlative Hypo1 consists of three
features counting two hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and one hydrophobic (HYD). The docking
results showed approximately a similar binding degree at the active sites of the fungal enzyme (CYP51)
as a standard fungicide penconazole.

Conclusion:

According to data obtained, some derivatives, especially those with tert or sec-butyl substituents
on the phenyl ring, were more potent against phytopathogenic fungi. These compounds (e.g., 4,
5, and 6) should develop into new potential fungicides as a desirable activity.
Impact of Ondansetron on Withdrawal Signs, Fentanyl Requirement and Pain Relief in Opioid-addicted Patients under General Anesthesia
Authors: Mahikhan Farzaneh , Hashemian Morteza , Dehesh Tania , Jafari Elham , Jafari Mandana , Rahimi Hamid-Reza
Published: February 2019

Background:

Serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such as ondansetron have been investigated
to attenuate opioid withdrawal signs in studies.

Objective:

Therefore, we designed a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial to evaluate
this effect on opioid-addicted patients who were admitted to the orthopedic department for surgery
due to bone fractures.

Methods:

Male adults who were addicted to opioids, aged 18 to 79 years were enrolled (n=96) and
randomized into intravenous doses (4 & 8 mg) of ondansetron (n=32) and placebo (n=32). The vital
signs, withdrawal symptoms and the frequency requirement of fentanyl were recorded during anesthesia,
and opioid (pethidine) analgesic was received during the recovery period. Outcome parameters
were analyzed for reduction of withdrawal symptoms in addicted adults.

Results:

We indicated that ondansetron demonstrated significant differences with few vital outcomes
including systolic blood pressure (SBP) 20 (SBP3) and 50 min (SBP4) after injection of
ondansetron during the period of surgery. Ondansetron could also significantly reduce the frequency
requirement of fentanyl at 20 min (dose 3) in general anesthesia. Furthermore, requirement
for further administration of opioid analgesic drugs such as pethidine was significantly reduced in
the ondansetron groups. Objective opioid withdrawal scale (OOWS) results indicated that few clinical
parameters including tremor, hot and cold flushes and anxiety were significantly attenuated in
addicted patients who received ondansetron.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated supporting evidence for the beneficial treatment of ondansetron
for the control of withdrawal symptoms and pain in addicted patients, and more clinical studies
are suggested in this regard.
Virtual Reality-Based Exercise with Exergames as Medicine in Different Contexts: A Short Review
Authors: Costa Marcos Túlio Silva , Vieira Lanna Pinheiro , Barbosa Elizabete de Oliveira , Mendes Oliveira Luciana , Maillot Pauline , Otero Vaghetti César Augusto , Giovani Carta Mauro , Machado Sérgio , Gatica-Rojas Valeska , Monteiro-Junior Renato Sobral
Published: February 2019

There is enough evidence that, nowadays, the sedentary lifestyle is one of the major health problems worldwide, linked to many chronic diseases, including mental comorbidities, systemic hypertension, metabolic dysregulation, and cancer. Although health societies recommend engagement to physical activities, there is an overwhelming number of people remaining sedentary, even knowing the health benefits of regular exercises. One of the main factors that justifies this scenario is the lack of motivation, which is a barrier to people intended to start new habits for health. Considering this previous information, new alternatives for exercises may help people engage in a healthier lifestyle. Technology has contributed to this with devices that allow movements based on virtual reality approaches, including the exergames. These are games available even in commercial devices, as video-games, that allow people to work with different physical components. Furthermore, exergames add cognitive gain through its dual-task characteristic. Moreover, due to the combination of these benefits, they are feasible to acquire, and easy to use. Exergames are not only a potential strategy to reduce sedentary lifestyle but also a good method to improve health gains and rehabilitation in different populations and pathological conditions: older adults, stroke survivors, and Parkinson’s disease. In this review, we aim to demonstrate some conditions that literature supports the intervention with exergames due to its physical and cognitive benefits. Furthermore, at the end of this review, we also explore the neurobiological mechanisms behind virtual-reality based exercises.
Short-Term Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide Therapy in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: a Pilot Study to Possible Future Implications of Treatment
Authors: Onesti Emanuela , Frasca Vittorio , Ceccanti Marco , Tartaglia Giorgio , Gori Maria Cristina , Cambieri Chiara , Libonati Laura , Palma Eleonora , Inghilleri Maurizio
Published: February 2019

Background: The cannabinoid system may be involved in the humoral mechanisms at the neuromuscular junction. Ultramicronized-palmitoylethanolamide (μm-PEA) has recently been shown to reduce the desensitization of Acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked currents in denervated patients modifying the stability of ACh receptor (AChR) function.
 Objective: To analyze the possible beneficial effects of μm-PEA in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) on muscular fatigue and neurophysiological changes.
 Method: The duration of this open pilot study, which included an intra-individual control, was three weeks. Each patient was assigned to a 1-week treatment period with μm-PEA 600 mg twice a day. A neurophysiological examination based on repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the masseteric and the axillary nerves was performed, and the quantitative MG (QMG) score was calculated in 22 MG patients every week in a three-week follow-up period. AChR antibody titer was investigated to analyze a possible immunomodulatory effect of PEA in MG patients.
 Results: PEA had a significant effect on the QMG score (p=0.03418) and on RNS of the masseteric nerve (p=0.01763), thus indicating that PEA reduces the level of disability and decremental muscle response. Antibody titers did not change significantly after treatment.
 Conclusion: According to our observations, μm-PEA as an add-on therapy could improve muscular response to fatigue in MG. The possible modulation of AChR currents as a means of eliciting a direct effect from PEA on the conformation of ACh receptors should be investigated. The co-role of cytokines also warrants an analysis. Given the rapidity and reversibility of the response, we suppose that PEA acts directly on AChR, though further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.