bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site‐Specific Adsorption of 1,3‐Dinitrobenzene to Bacterial Surfaces: A Mechanism of n–π Electron‐Donor‐Acceptor Interactions
Authors: Qu Xiaolei , Xiao Lin , Zhu Dongqiang
Published: May 2008

Surface and subsurface contamination with nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) has drawn considerable attention, and biosorption may play an important role in the fate and transport of these compounds in the environment. We studied the sorption of polar 1,3‐dinitrobenzene (DNB) as a representative NAC and 2,6‐dichlorobenzonitrile and nonpolar phenanthrene and 1,2,4,5‐tetrachlorobenzene from the aqueous phase to two common bacteria, gram‐negative Escherichia coli and gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis. Sorption of DNB is highly nonlinear and is well described by the Langmuir model and shows the highest capacity among all tested solutes (up to 2.4% of E. coli biomass and 7.6% of B. subtilis biomass by weight) despite the lowest solute hydrophobicity. These results indicate that strong specific sorptive interactions exist between DNB and bacterial surfaces. We propose a mechanism of n–π electron‐donor‐acceptor interactions between the oxygen electron pairs of deprotonated carboxyl groups (electron donors) of bacterial surfaces and DNB (electron acceptor). Biosorption of DNB increases with deprotonation of functional groups as pH increases, which rules out hydrophobic effects and H‐bonding as major sorption driving forces because they are both favored by protonation of functional groups as pH decreases.
Evaluating Aeration Techniques for Decreasing Phosphorus Export from Grasslands Receiving Manure
Authors: Butler David M. , Franklin Dorcas H. , Cabrera Miguel L. , Tasistro Armando S. , Xia Kang , West Larry T.
Published: May 2008

Because surface‐applied manures can contribute to phosphorus (P) in runoff, we examined mechanical aeration of grasslands for reducing P transport by increasing infiltration of rainfall and binding of P with soil minerals. The effects of three aeration treatments and a control (aeration with cores, continuous‐furrow “no‐till” disk aeration perpendicular to the slope, slit aeration with tines, and no aeration treatment) on the export of total suspended solids, total Kjeldahl P (TKP), total dissolved P (TDP), dissolved reactive P (DRP), and bioavailable P (BAP) in runoff from grasslands with three manure treatments (broiler litter, dairy slurry, and no manure) were examined before and after simulated compaction by cattle. Plots (0.75 × 2 m) were established on a Cecil soil series with mixed tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)‐bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] vegetation on 8 to 12% slopes. Manures were applied at a target rate of 30 kg P ha−1, and simulated rainfall was applied at a rate of 85 mm h−1 Although the impact of aeration type on P export varied before and after simulated compaction, overall results indicated that core aeration has the greatest potential for reducing P losses. Export of TKP was reduced by 55%, TDP by 62%, DRP by 61%, total BAP by 54%, and dissolved BAP by 57% on core‐aerated plots with applied broiler litter as compared with the control (p < 0.05). Core and no‐till disk aeration also showed potential for reducing P export from applied dairy slurry (p < 0.10). Given that Cecil soil is common in pastures receiving broiler litter in the Southern Piedmont, our results indicate that pairing core aeration of these pastures with litter application could have a widespread impact on surface water quality.
The Effect of Cattle Slurry Electroflotation Products as Fertilizers on Gaseous Emissions and Grassland Yield
Authors: Menéndez S. , Merino P. , Lekuona A. , Pinto M. , González‐Murua C. , Estavillo J. M.
Published: May 2008

The climatic conditions of the Basque Country (northern Spain) provide the favorable conditions for the growth of grasslands and the development of livestock enterprises. The intensification of the farms is leading to serious environmental risks due to the great generation of manures and slurries and their subsequent inefficient management. Their application involves N losses that can be pollutant. The environmental company ADE BIOTEC S.L. is developing the process called “electroflotation” with the aim of reducing the volume of slurries from intensive livestock farms. The process consists basically of an electrolysis of the slurry catalyzed by iron which leads to the flocculation of the solid particles, giving as a final result a solid and a liquid fraction. The objective of this work was to assess the usefulness of these two fractions as fertilizers. With this aim, the environmental risk of their application was determined regarding gaseous emissions to the atmosphere (i.e., of NO, NH3, N2O, and CO2) and their fertilizer capacity was investigated by determining their effects on grassland yield and N uptake in comparison to the untreated slurry. The untreated slurry and the solid and the liquid fractions were all applied at a rate of 70 kg NH4+–N ha−1 The application of the products of electroflotation did not affect N2O and CO2 losses, being of the same magnitude as those caused by the application of the original slurry. However, after their application, a reduction in NH3 volatilization losses was induced in the short term and a reduction in NO losses was caused in the long term. The solid and liquid fractions both increased biomass yield with respect to the untreated slurry. The solid fraction even induced a higher N uptake than the liquid fraction and the untreated slurry.
Antibiotic Degradation during Manure Composting
Authors: Dolliver Holly , Gupta Satish , Noll Sally
Published: May 2008

On‐farm manure management practices, such as composting, may provide a practical and economical option for reducing antibiotic concentrations in manure before land application, thereby minimizing the potential for environmental contamination. The objective of this study was to quantify degradation of chlortetracycline, monensin, sulfamethazine, and tylosin in spiked turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) litter during composting. Three manure composting treatments were evaluated: a control treatment (manure pile with no disturbance or adjustments after initial mixing), a managed compost pile (weekly mixing and moisture content adjustments), and vessel composting. Despite significant differences in temperature, mass, and nutrient losses between the composting treatments and the control, there was no difference in antibiotic degradation among the treatments. Chlortetracycline concentrations declined rapidly during composting, whereas monensin and tylosin concentrations declined gradually in all three treatments. There was no degradation of sulfamethazine in any of treatments. At the conclusion of the composting period (22–35 d), there was >99% reduction in chlortetracycline, whereas monensin and tylosin reduction ranged from 54 to 76% in all three treatments. Assuming first‐order decay, the half‐lives for chlortetracycline, monensin, and tylosin were 1, 17, and 19 d, respectively. These data suggest that managed compositing in a manure pile or in a vessel is not better than the control treatment in degrading certain antibiotics in manure. Therefore, low‐level manure management, such as stockpiling, after an initial adjustment of water content may be a practical and economical option for livestock producers in reducing antibiotic levels in manure before land application.
A New Method to Quantify the Impact of Soil Carbon Management on Biophysical Soil Properties: The Example of Two Apple Orchard Systems in New Zealand
Authors: Deurer Markus , Sivakumaran Siva , Ralle Stefanie , Vogeler Iris , McIvor Ian , Clothier Brent , Green Steve , Bachmann Jörg
Published: May 2008

A new method to diagnose the environmental sustainability of specific orchard management practices was derived and tested. As a significant factor for soil quality, the soil carbon (C) management in the topsoil of the tree‐row of an integrated and organic apple orchard was selected and compared. Soil C management was defined as land management practices that maintain or increase soil C. We analyzed the impact of the soil C management on biological (microbial biomass C, basal respiration, dehydrogenase activity, respiratory quotient) and physical (aggregate stability, amount of plant‐available water, conductive mean pore diameter near water saturation) soil properties. Soil in the alley acted as a reference for the managed soil in the tree row. The total and hot‐water–extractable C amounts served as a combined proxy for the soil C management. The soil C management accounted for 0 to 81% of the degradation or enhancement of biophysical soil properties in the integrated and organic system. In the integrated system, soil C management led to a loss of C in the top 0.3 m of the tree row within 12 yr, causing a decrease in microbial activities. In the tree row of the organic orchard, C loss occurred in the top 0.1 m, and the decrease in microbial activities was small or not significant. Regarding physical soil properties, the C loss in the integrated system led to a decrease of the aggregate stability, whereas it increased in the organic system. Generally, the impact of soil C management was better correlated with soil microbial than with the physical properties. With respect to environmental soil functions that are sensitive to the decrease in microbial activity or aggregate stability, soil C management was sustainable in the organic system but not in the integrated system.
Development and Validation of a Wing Key to Improve Harvest Management of Alcids in the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: WILHELM SABINA I. , GILLILAND SCOTT G. , ROBERTSON GREGORY J. , RYAN PIERRE C. , ELLIOT RICHARD D.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:Murres (thick‐billed [Uria lomvia] and common [U. aalge]) are legally hunted along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Razorbills (Alca torda) are also incidentally taken. Only irregular estimates of the total murre harvest are available, so a tool to derive estimates of age‐ and species‐specific harvest is required to effectively monitor the hunt and manage a sustainable harvest. We collected 293 murre and razorbill wings from hunters between 1999–2004, with the goal of identifying wing characteristics that could be used to discriminate age and species. We found that murres and razorbills could be reliably aged (first‐yr vs. older) on the basis of molt limits of greater wing coverts. Using a discriminant function (DF) incorporating length of the first primary and second secondary feather, we classified 95–96% of common murres and 99–100% of thick‐billed murres correctly to species. First‐year thick‐billed and common murres also differed in number of pale secondary coverts (median = 12 and 3, respectively), providing another species‐specific trait. We developed a key to age and assign species based on these results. We assessed applicability and accuracy of the wing‐key with novice observers, who differentiated between murre and razorbill wings using feather‐pattern coloration with high accuracy (95 ± 9%) and were able to differentiate between the 2 murres species using 3 techniques: visual assessment of wing shape (83 ± 14% accuracy), the DF (94 ± 6%), and number of worn secondary coverts for first‐year birds only (83 ± 5%). Experience increased success rates of aging and species classification using wing shape and number of worn secondary coverts but not using the DF. Despite differences in measurement accuracy and repeatability among observers, the DF proved to be robust. Our results will facilitate implementation of a species composition survey for the murre hunt and will improve identification rates of carcasses found during beached bird surveys in the Northwest Atlantic, aiding in monitoring of alcid populations vulnerable to anthropogenic activities.
Pck1 Gene Silencing in the Liver Improves Glycemia Control, Insulin Sensitivity, and Dyslipidemia in db/db Mice
Authors: Gómez-Valadés Alicia G. , Méndez-Lucas Andrés , Vidal-Alabró Anna , Blasco Francese X. , Chillon Miguel , Bartrons Ramon , Bermúdez Jordi , Perales José C.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—Cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C; encoded by Pck1) catalyzes the first committed step in gluconeogenesis. Extensive evidence demonstrates a direct correlation between PEPCK-C activity and glycemia control. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the metabolic impact and their underlying mechanisms of knocking down hepatic PEPCK-C in a type 2 diabetic model.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—PEPCK-C gene targeting was achieved using adenovirus-transduced RNAi. The study assessed several clinical symptoms of diabetes and insulin signaling in peripheral tissues, in addition to changes in gene expression, protein, and metabolites in the liver. Liver bioenergetics was also evaluated.

RESULTS—Treatment resulted in reduced PEPCK-C mRNA and protein. After treatment, improved glycemia and insulinemia, lower triglyceride, and higher total and HDL cholesterol were measured. Unsterified fatty acid accumulation was observed in the liver, in the absence of de novo lipogenesis. Despite hepatic lipidosis, treatment resulted in improved insulin signaling in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. O2 consumption measurements in isolated hepatocytes demonstrated unaltered mitochondrial function and a consequent increased cellular energy charge. Key regulatory factors (FOXO1, hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α, and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator [PGC]-1α) and enzymes (G6Pase) implicated in gluconeogenesis were downregulated after treatment. Finally, the levels of Sirt1, a redox-state sensor that modulates gluconeogenesis through PGC-1α, were diminished.

CONCLUSIONS—Our observations indicate that silencing PEPCK-C has direct impact on glycemia control and energy metabolism and provides new insights into the potential significance of the enzyme as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes.
Association of Common C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Gene Polymorphisms With Baseline Plasma CRP Levels and Fenofibrate Response
Authors: Shen Jian , Arnett Donna K. , Parnell Laurence D. , Peacock James M. , Lai Chao-Qiang , Hixson James E. , Tsai Michael Y. , Province Michael A. , Straka Robert J. , Ordovas Jose M.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker that contributes to the prediction of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the influences of CRP polymorphisms on baseline CRP levels and fenofibrate-induced CRP changes in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We examined the association of CRP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (m772A>G, m301G>A >T, i178T>A, 3u1273C>T, and 3u2131C>T) with baseline plasma CRP levels among 1,123 white U.S. participants in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) Study and the modulating effect of these SNPs on CRP response to a 3-week fenofibrate treatment among 290 participants with the metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS—There were strong associations of m301G>A>T (rs3091244; P = 0.003), i178T>A (rs1417938; P = 0.001), 3u1273C>T (rs1130864; P = 0.001), and 3u2131C>T (rs1205; P < 0.001) with baseline CRP levels. Moreover, among subjects with the metabolic syndrome, fenofibrate induced the greatest reduction in CRP levels for TT subjects of the i178T>A compared with TA and AA subjects (−30 for TT, −19 for TA, and −11% for AA; P = 0.004). Similarly, for the m301G>A>T, major allele carriers displayed maximal reduction of CRP over noncarriers (−20 for GG, −15 for GA and GT, and −0.3% for TA and AA; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS—Our results demonstrate that common genetic variants within the CRP gene affect baseline CRP levels and further modulate CRP response in subjects with the metabolic syndrome treated with fenofibrate. This knowledge could contribute to a better prediction of therapeutic success.
Modestly Elevated Glucose Levels During Pregnancy Are Associated With a Higher Risk of Future Diabetes Among Women Without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Carr Darcy B. , Newton Katherine M. , Utzschneider Kristina M. , Tong Jenny , Gerchman Fernando , Kahn Steven E. , Heckbert Susan R.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—To determine whether 1-h oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) or 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results below gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) criteria are associated with developing diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A retrospective cohort study was performed among women without GDM who had a pregnancy OGCT (n = 24,780) or OGTT (n = 6,222). Subsequent diabetes was ascertained by ICD-9 codes or pharmacy or laboratory data over a median follow-up of 8.8 years.

RESULTS—Diabetes risk increased across OGCT quartiles: adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.67 (95% CI 1.07–2.61) for 5.4–6.2 mmol/l, 2.13 (1.39–3.25) for 6.3–7.3 mmol/l, and 3.60 (2.41–5.39) for ≥7.4 mmol/l compared with ≤5.3 mmol/l. Women with one abnormal OGTT result had a higher risk compared with those with normal values (HR 2.08 [95% CI 1.35–3.20]).

CONCLUSIONS—Women with modestly elevated glucose levels below the threshold for GDM had a higher risk for diabetes.
Leptin Does Not Directly Regulate the Pancreatic Hormones Amylin and Pancreatic Polypeptide
Authors: Hwang Janice J. , Chan Jean L. , Ntali Georgia , Malkova Dalia , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—Leptin and the pancreatic hormones amylin and pancreatic polypeptide are being evaluated alone or in combination for the treatment of obesity, but their physiological regulation has not yet been fully elucidated. Thus, we examined whether amylin and pancreatic polypeptide are regulated by caloric intake and/or short- and long-term energy deprivation and whether any potential regulation is mediated by changes in leptin levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured circulating levels of amylin and pancreatic polypeptide after 1) a 75-g glucose load in 28 healthy, normal-weight women, 2) 72-h complete energy deficiency (severe hypoleptinemia) with administration of either placebo or replacement-dose recombinant methionyl human leptin (r-metHuLeptin) in normal-weight men (n = 6) and women (n = 7), and 3) chronic mild energy deficiency (mild hypoleptinemia) in 7 women with hypothalamic amenorrhea before and after r-metHuLeptin administration for 3 months.

RESULTS—Amylin and pancreatic polypeptide levels increased 15 min after a 75-g glucose load and remained elevated at 60 and 120 min (P < 0.0001). Fasting for 72 h decreased leptin (to 21%) and amylin (to 67%) of baseline but not pancreatic polypeptide levels. Normalizing leptin levels with r-metHuLeptin did not alter the fasting-induced decrease in amylin and had no effect on pancreatic polypeptide levels. Neither amylin nor pancreatic polypeptide levels were different in leptin-deficient women with hypothalamic amenorrhea compared with weight-matched control subjects, and normalization of leptin levels with r-metHuLeptin treatment did not alter amylin or pancreatic polypeptide levels.

CONCLUSIONS—Circulating amylin levels increase after a glucose load and decrease in response to short-term complete fasting, but these changes are not mediated by leptin.
A G2(MP2) theoretical study of substituent effects on H3BNHnCl3−n (n= 3-0) donor-acceptor complexes
Authors: Anane Hafid , Houssame Soufiane , Guerraze Abdelali , Guermoune Abdeladim , Boutalib Abderrahim , Jarid Abedellah , Nebot-Gil Ignacio , Tomás Francisco
Published: May 2008

The complexation energies of H3BNHnCl3−n (n= 3-0) complexes and the proton affinities of NHnCl3−n compounds have been computed at the G2(MP2) level of theory. G2(MP2) results show that the successive chlorine substitution on the ammonia decreases both the basicity of the NHnCl3−n ligands and the stability of H3BNHnCl3−n complexes. The findings are interpreted in terms of the rehybridisation of the nitrogen lone-pair orbital. The NBO partitioning scheme shows that the variation of the N-H and N-Cl bond lengths, upon complexation, is due to variation of “s” character in these bonds.
A Quantitative Comparison of Surgical Approaches for Posterolateral Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Garras David N. , Santangelo James A. , Wang David W. , Easley Mark E.
Published: April 2008

Background

Exposure of the posterolateral talar dome for osteochondral autograft transfer can be challenging. The purpose of this study is to compare surgical exposures for perpendicular access to the posterolateral talar dome using osteochondral transfer instrumentation.

Materials and Methods

Five surgical approaches were performed on each of eight cadaveric ankles. The sequence was: (1) Anterolateral arthrotomy with ATFL release, (2) Anterolateral tibial osteotomy, (3) Fibular osteotomy with ATFL intact, (4) Fibular osteotomy with ATFL release, and (5) Fibular osteotomy with ATFL/CFL release. (ATFL repaired between 1 and 2). While maintaining the orientation of the harvester perpendicular to the talar dome articular surface, osteochondral plugs were harvested as far posteriorly as possible using a 6-mm harvester. Distances from the anterior talar articular surface to the posterior aspect of the recipient site were measured. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and Fisher post hoc tests.

Results

Average AP exposure (mm) and percentage of AP talar dome dimensions exposed: (1) Anterolateral arthrotomy with ATFL release: 21.2 mm (43.3%), (2) Anterolateral tibial osteotomy: 33.7 mm (68.5%), (3) Fibular osteotomy(ATFL intact): 43.2 mm (87.8%), (4) Fibular osteotomy with ATFL release: 44.9 mm (91.2%), and (5) Fibular osteotomy with ATFL/CFL release: 46.6 mm (94.6%). All osteotomies provided greater exposure than anterolateral arthrotomy with ATFL release ( p < 0.0001). A significant difference was obtained between each of the fibular osteotomies and tibial osteotomy ( p < 0.0001). Differences between the fibular osteotomy approaches (3 to 5) were not significant.

Conclusion

Fibular osteotomy provides the greatest perpendicular exposure to the posterolateral talar dome. Anterolateral tibial osteotomy provides greater exposure than arthrotomy alone.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides a guide for surgical exposures to the posterolateral talar dome for osteochondral autograft transfer.
Opportunities and Strategies for Chinese University Presses with the Rapid Development of Higher Education
Authors: Fan Xiaoyan , Wang Bo
Published: April 2008

Over the past decade, higher education in China has been transformed from an elite, highly selective structure into a system of mass education, creating an enormous demand for various kinds of college and university textbooks. Although the competition in China's textbook publishing industry is fierce, and university presses are relatively weak compared with other publishing enterprises and companies, they have some advantages in college textbook publishing. Taking Zhejiang University Press as an example, this article describes the strategies adopted by Chinese university presses to seize the opportunities presented by the rapid development of higher education.
Editors and Copy Editors in Fiction: Taking a Carpet-Sweeper to the Jungle
Authors: Bell Hazel K.
Published: April 2008

The author considers the various types of editors and copy editors presented in fiction: the conscientious, the compulsive, the stereotypical, the Cinderellas, the ruthless, the arrogant, and the power-abusers.
Potential Weed Management Systems for Organic Peanut Production
Authors: Johnson W. Carroll , Mullinix Benjamin G.
Published: May 2008

Studies were conducted near Tifton, GA to develop weed management systems for organic peanut production. Trials in 2004 and 2005 evaluated row patterns (two levels), remedial weed control (four levels), and cultivation (three levels). Row patterns were wide rows (91 cm apart) and narrow rows (30 cm apart). Remedial weed control was early-season applications of clove oil, citric plus acetic acid, broadcast propane flaming, and a nontreated control. Cultivation regimes were 1X or 2X sweep cultivation and a non-cultivated control. The experimental sites had heavy natural infestations of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. None of the treatment combinations effectively controlled weeds season-long and resulting peanut yields were poor. Annual grasses were particularly troublesome due to ineffective control from flaming and citric plus acetic acid. Clove oil was slightly more effective in controlling annual grasses than the other remedial treatments, but annual grass control was still unacceptable. Dicot weeds were not effectively controlled by mid-season, although clove oil and flaming controlled the seedling weeds early season. The lack of residual weed control by the remedial weed control treatments resulted in heavy weed infestations by mid-season. Poor control of annual grasses, no residual weed control, and high cost of remedial treatments indicates that these systems of weed management in organic peanut production are not suited to sites with heavy weed infestations.
Development of an Inoculation Method for Quantifying Fungicide Residues on Peanut Foliage
Authors: Woodward J. E. , Brenneman T. B.
Published: May 2008

A bioassay was developed to evaluate residues of three foliar applied fungicides on peanut leaflets and stems obtained from the upper, middle, and lower canopy. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of wounding and nutrient source on the development of Sclerotium rolfsii lesions. Results indicated that wounding was not required for infection on either tissue type, and that adequate lesion development was obtained when ¼ strength potato dextrose agar (PDA) was used as a nutrient source. Significant differences in lesion development were observed among canopy layers for leaflets and stems. Tissues collected from the upper canopy were more rapidly colonized by S. rolfsii than tissues from the middle or lower canopy. One-quarter strength PDA was used as a nutrient source to determine an appropriate sample size, and to evaluate the response of S. rolfsii to varying concentrations of azoxystrobin, flutolanil and tebuconazole on non-wounded tissues. Based on differences in the sample mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation, a total of 8 to 10 samples are required to obtain a reliable estimate. The application of fungicides significantly reduced the size of S. rolfsii lesions compared to the non-treated controls. Consistent results were obtained from the leaflet and stem assays, and lesion size decreased linearly with increasing log10+1 transformed fungicide concentration. The EC50 values from the leaflet and stem assays were 17.2, 9.5, and 18.1 mg/L, and 18.1, 8.3, and 13.5 mg a.i. /L for azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, and flutolanil, respectively. These results demonstrate an effective method to determine differences in the activity of foliar applied fungicides.
Disease Management and Variable Planting Patterns in Peanut
Authors: Nuti R. C. , Faircloth W. H. , Lamb M. C. , Sorensen R. B. , Davidson J. I. , Brenneman T. B.
Published: May 2008

Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) is typically sown in single or twin rows centered on 91-cm beds. A planter capable of sowing 8 peanut rows on a 182-cm bed was developed by USDA-ARS. This planting pattern optimizes plant spacing and may contribute to crop advantages. Management of soil borne diseases in peanut may be affected by planting patterns. Replicated field experiments were conducted in 2002, 2003, and 2004 at two locations each year near Dawson, Georgia to compare interactions of planting patterns and disease management programs. Three fungicide application regimes were factored over single row, twin row, and diamond planting patterns, for a total of 9 treatments. A block calendar schedule with 14-d intervals was compared with two weather advisory programs, including AU-Pnuts and an experimental version of AU-Pnuts using minimum daily soil temperature (MDST) as a guide for fungicide selection. The seeding rate of each planting pattern was 22 seed/m2. There were no planting pattern by fungicide program interactions. Twin row and diamond planting patterns were often superior in yield than single rows; however, diamond patterns did not yield better than twin rows. Incidence of peg, pod, and limb rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani and stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii was not severe in any trial and was not affected by planting pattern. Despite low disease presence, the calendar program was consistently better for yield and overall disease control than the two advisory programs. Yield was similar for the three fungicide treatments in four of six experiments. Grade of twin row and diamond planted peanut was 0.7 points better than single row peanut over three years at one location. Net return based on crop value less fungicide program cost was more closely tied to yield than variable input costs for fungicide programs.
Canopy Characteristics and their Ability to Predict Peanut Maturity
Authors: Rowland D. L. , Sorensen R. B. , Butts C. L. , Faircloth W. H. , Sullivan D. G.
Published: May 2008

To ensure maximum economic return, a peanut producer must accurately predict harvest time, delaying as long as possible to reach optimal crop maturity without risking losses through mechanical damage due to deteriorating peg attachments. Currently utilized methods for predicting peanut maturity are based on hull color determination and are labor-intensive and subject to the observer's ability to finely discriminate color classes. This study sought to test and evaluate canopy traits that may be correlated with crop maturity. Specifically, the objective of this study was to determine if plant canopy characteristics could be used successfully to predict peanut maturity, through the correlation of solute concentrations, chlorophyll content, nutrient analysis, and reflectance with crop maturity. Using sequential harvest dates in 2003 and 2004 at two sites (Sasser and Dawson, GA), canopy characteristics including: Brix, osmolality, chlorophyll content, macro- and micro-nutrients, and spectral indices were correlated with the maturity of the crop represented by Maturity Index 1 (the percentage of brown and black pods). Stepwise regression of these canopy characteristics with Maturity Index 1 indicated seven leaf characteristics were important in predicting the maturity of the crop: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and iron. By calculating and summing the relative change of these leaf nutrients from the first to the last harvest, it was determined this Change Index showed a quadratic relationship across harvests. Therefore, it appears that crop maturity in the southeastern U.S. can be accurately and objectively predicted through the use of late season canopy nutrient analysis. Canopy reflectance in the 830 and 850 nm region also showed strong correlation with crop maturity indicating that the use of remotely sensed spectral indices should be further developed as a crop maturity predictor in this region.
Disease and Insect Assessment of Candidate Cultivars for Potential Use in Organic Peanut Production
Authors: Branch W. D. , Culbreath A. K.
Published: May 2008

Interest in organic peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production is increasing in the United States. Disease and insect resistant cultivars will be needed to meet the challenge of producing peanuts without conventional pesticides. No-fungicide and no-insecticide field trials were conducted under irrigation four consecutive years (2003–06) at the University of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station to evaluate peanut genotypes for pest resistance. The most important foliar peanut diseases in the southeast are tomato spotted wilt (TSW) caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus and both early and late leafspots caused by Cercospora arachidicola Hori and Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. & Curt.) Deighton, respectively. Two of the most important insect pests on peanut are tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) and potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae Harris). Results from these no-fungicide and no-insecticide field trials showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in pest resistance among advanced Georgia breeding lines and cultivars. Two Georgia cultivars ‘Georgia-01R’ and ‘Georgia-05E’ consistently produced the highest yields and had high levels of resistance to TSW, leafhoppers, and leafspots each year. Georgia-01R is a multiple-pest-resistant, mid-oleic, runner-type cultivar; whereas, Georgia-05E is a multiple-pest-resistant, high-oleic, virginia-type cultivar. Both cultivars should be considered as good candidates for potential use in organic peanut production.
Temperature Responsive Solution Partition of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres
Authors: Chung Po‐Wen , Kumar Rajeev , Pruski Marek , Lin Victor S.‐Y.
Published: April 2008

A series of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐coated mesoporous silica nanoparticle materials (PNiPAm‐MSNs) has been synthesized by a surface‐initiated living radical polymerization with a reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) reaction. The structure and the degree of polymerization of the PNiPAm‐MSNs has been characterized by a variety of techniques, including nitrogen sorption analysis, 29Si and 13C solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The thermally induced changes of the surface properties of these polymer‐coated core–shell nanoparticles have been determined by examining their partition activities in a biphasic solution (water/toluene) at different temperatures.
Multifunctional Bismuth‐Doped Nanoporous Silica Glass: From Blue‐Green, Orange, Red, and White Light Sources to Ultra‐Broadband Infrared Amplifiers
Authors: Zhou Shifeng , Jiang Nan , Zhu Bin , Yang Hucheng , Ye Song , Lakshminarayana Gandham , Hao Jianhua , Qiu Jianrong
Published: April 2008

Ultra‐broadband luminescent sources that emit light over an extremely wide wavelength range are of great interest in the fields of photonics, medical treatment, and precision measurement. Extensive research has been conducted on materials doped with rare‐earth and transition‐metal ions, but the goal of fabricating an ultra‐broadband emitter has not been attained. We present a facile method to realize this kind of novel light source by stabilizing “active” centers (bismuth) in a “tolerant” host (nanoporous silica glass). The obtained highly transparent materials, in which, unusually, multiple bismuth centers (Bi+, Bi2+, and Bi3+) can be stabilized, emit in an ultra‐broadband wavelength range from blue‐green, orange, red, and white to the near‐infrared region. This tunable luminescence covers the spectral range of the traditional three primary colors (RGB) and also the telecommunications windows.
Cockayne syndrome type II in a Druze isolate in Northern Israel in association with an insertion mutation in ERCC6
Authors: Falik‐Zaccai Tzipora C. , Laskar Meital , Kfir Nechama , Nasser Wael , Slor Hanoch , Khayat Morad
Published: April 2008

Cockayne syndrome (CS) (OMIM #133540) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by severe growth and developmental retardation, progressive neurological dysfunction and symptoms of premature aging. The underlying cause of the disease is a defect in transcription‐coupled DNA repair, specifically the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. To date, about half of the reported CS cases have an altered cellular response to UV resulting from mutations in either the CSA or the CSB genes. We have identified a large, highly consanguineous, Druze kindred descended from a single ancestor, with six CS cases. All six of them presented with the congenital severe phenotype that includes severe failure to thrive, severe mental retardation, congenital cataracts, loss of adipose tissue, joint contractures, distinctive face with small, deep‐set eyes and prominent nasal bridge, and kyphosis. They had no language skills, could not sit or walk independently, and died by the age of 5 years. Cellular studies of the fibroblasts from three patients showed a significant defect in transcription‐coupled DNA repair (TCR) and a marked correction of the abnormal cellular phenotype with a plasmid containing the cDNA of the ERCC6 gene. Molecular studies led to identification of a novel insertion mutation, c.1034‐1035insT in exon 5 of the ERCC6 gene (p.Lys345Asnfs*24). This mutation was identified in 1:15 healthy individuals from the same village, indicating an extremely high carrier frequency. Identification of the causative mutation enables comprehensive genetic counseling among the population at risk from this village. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiologic transition in an isolated indigenous community in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Malina Robert M. , Peña Reyes Maria Eugenia , Little Bertis B.
Published: April 2008

The objective of the present study is to analyze age‐specific mortality in a rural indigenous community in the throes of a secular increase in size in the Valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico, over 30 years, 1970–1999. Variation in mortality by age group was analyzed over time for evidence of an epidemiological transition. The seasonal rain pattern in the Valley of Oaxaca (83% from May through September) was evaluated for its relationship with mortality in wet and dry months. Mortality and causes of death changed markedly over the 30‐year interval. Infant and preschool mortality, overall mortality, and causes of death changed from the 1970s through the 1990s. Prereproductive deaths (<15 years) predominated in the 1970s and were largely due to gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, with periodic outbreaks of measles. Deaths of adults 65+ years predominated in the 1990s and were largely due to degenerative diseases usually associated with aging. The marked changes in age and causes of death over the three decades (epidemiologic transition from Stage I to Stage II) occurred concurrently with significant secular increases in body size in children, adolescents, and young adults, highlighting improved health and nutritional conditions in the community which is in early Stage II of the demographic transition. The demographic transition to Stage II is a leading indicator (15–25 years lag) for the onset of the secular trend, while the epidemiologic transition to Stage II is a predictor that the secular increase is in process in the study community. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beeinflusst die Kornsteifigkeit der Gesteinskörnung im Beton den Degradationsprozess infolge zyklischer Druckbeanspruchung?
Authors: Breitenbücher Rolf , Ibuk Hursit , Yüceoglu Sami
Published: April 2008

Bauwerke, wie beispielsweise Brücken, Kühltürme, Windenergieanlagen oder ähnliche, sind neben Einwirkungen aus der Umwelt und ständig vorhandenen statischen Lasten oft auch zyklischen Belastungen ausgesetzt. Letztere können im Laufe der Lastzyklen feinste Mikrorisse hervorrufen und dann zu einer Degradation des Betongefüges führen, was wiederum mit einer Reduzierung der Steifigkeit und Festigkeit verbunden ist.

Bisher ist weitgehend ungeklärt, ob und inwieweit sich unterschiedliche Gesteinskörnungen und damit unterschiedliche Kornsteifigkeiten auf diesen Degradationsprozess auswirken und welche Konsequenzen sich daraus ggf. für die Steifigkeit des Betons ergeben. Im Rahmen des Sonderforschungsbereichs 398 wurden lebensdauerorientierte Entwurfskonzepte unter Schädigungs‐ und Deteriorationsaspekten entwickelt. Hierin wurden im Teilprojekt A13 die Veränderungen in den Materialeigenschaften des Betons infolge zyklischer Druckschwellbelastungen experimentell untersucht. In diesem Beitrag wird über Untersuchungen an Betonen mit unterschiedlichen Korneigenschaften unter zyklischer Druckschwellbeanspruchung berichtet. Dabei wurden gezielt Gesteinskörnungen mit signifikant unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften (Sandstein, Basalt, Quarzit) einbezogen, ansonsten wurde von einer einheitlichen Betonzusammensetzung ausgegangen. Probekörper aus diesen Betonen wurden einstufigen zyklischen Druckbeanspruchungen unterzogen, wobei die untere und obere Spannung mit σmax/σmin = 0,675 fc/0,10 fc während der gesamten Versuchsreihe konstant gehalten wurde.

Während der zyklischen Druckschwellbeanspruchung wurden zum einen die Dehnungen der Probekörper ermittelt, zum anderen wurde eine ggf. fortschreitende Degradation im Betongefüge durch die Veränderung der Steifigkeit des Betons (E‐Modul) sowie mikroskopische Betrachtungen nach verschiedenen Lastzyklen Ni erfasst. Die Untersuchungen zeigten, dass sich das Verhältnis zwischen den Steifigkeiten der groben Gesteinskörnung und des Zementsteins maßgeblich auf den Degradationsprozess im Beton auswirkt. Bei den Betonen mit Sandstein führte die geringere Kornsteifigkeit im Vergleich zu den Betonen mit Quarzit oder Basalt dazu, dass die Steifigkeitsreduktion und der Zuwachs an Mikrorissen im Betongefüge nach definierten Lastzyklen vergleichsweise gering ausfielen.
Generalerneuerung der A2‐Südautobahn Wien–Graz: Kathodischer Korrosionsschutz an den Stützenreihen der Überführungen Ü 13 bis Ü 22
Authors: Gieler‐Breßmer Susanne , Pruckner Franz , Schalko Dietmar
Published: April 2008

Die Südautobahn A2 Wien – Graz wird im Zuge eines 4‐spurigen Ausbaus in den Jahren 2007 und 2008 vom Knoten Guntramsdorf bis Leobersdorf generalerneuert. Im Zuge dieser Generalerneuerung sind auch die Stützenreihen aus Stahlbeton der in diesem Autobahnabschnitt liegenden Überführungsobjekte Ü 13 bis Ü 22 instand zu setzen. Aus diesem Grund erfolgte im Jahr 2006 eine umfassende IST‐Zustandserhebung an den 1959 bis 1961 erbauten Stützen. Diese zeigte, dass es im Laufe der Jahre zu chloridinduzierter Korrosion der Bewehrung im Spritzwasser‐ und Sprühnebelbereich gekommen ist, die zur Sicherstellung der dauerhaften Gebrauchstauglichkeit eine sachgerechte Instandsetzung erforderlich macht.

Nachdem im Jahr 2003 an den Stützenreihen der Überführungen Ü 5–Ü 12 sehr gute Erfahrungen mit der Anwendung des kathodischen Korrosionsschutzes durch fremdstrominduzierte Anoden gemacht worden waren, entschied sich der Auftraggeber, die ASFINAG SGO, zur erneuten Anwendung dieses Instandsetzungsprinzips. Ziel ist es, die “intelligente Brücke” mit Hilfe eines installierten Fernabfragesystems zu erzeugen, durch welches eine kontinuierliche Überwachung der Bauwerke sicher gewährleistet wird. Die an den Überführungsobjekten aufgezeichneten Daten werden über ein Lichtwellenkabel in die ASFINAG‐Zentrale übertragen, so dass die Überwachung und Steuerung der Anlage zentral erfolgen kann.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird über die Ergebnisse der Ist‐Zustandserhebung, das Planungskonzept des kathodischen Korrosionsschutzes und die Ausführung an den Stützenreihen Fahrtrichtung Graz berichtet.
Randomized clinical trial of early versus delayed temporary stoma closure after proctectomy
Authors: Alves A , Panis Y , Lelong B , Dousset B , Benoist S , Vicaut E
Published: April 2008

Background

Temporary faecal diversion is recommended with a low colorectal, coloanal or ileoanal anastomosis (LA). This randomized study evaluated early (EC; 8 days) versus late (LC; 2 months) closure of the temporary stoma.

Methods

Patients undergoing rectal resection with LA were eligible to participate. If there was no radiological sign of anastomotic leakage after 7 days, patients were randomized to EC or LC. The primary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and mortality 90 days after the initial resection.

Results

Some 186 patients were analysed. There were no deaths within 90 days and overall morbidity rates were similar in the EC and LC groups (31 versus 38 per cent respectively; P = 0·254). Overall surgical complication (both 15 per cent; P = 1·000) and reoperation (both 8 per cent; P = 1·000) rates were similar, but wound complications were more frequent after EC (19 versus 5 per cent; P = 0·007). Small bowel obstruction (3 versus 16 per cent; P = 0·002) and medical complications (5 versus 15 per cent; P = 0·021) were more common with LC. Median (range) hospital stay was reduced by EC (16 (6–59) versus 18 (9–262) days; P = 0·013).

Conclusion

Early stoma closure is feasible in selected patients, with reduced hospital stay, bowel obstruction and medical complications, but a higher wound complication rate. Registration number: NCT00428636 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Radiation exposure during endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Weerakkody R A , Walsh S R , Cousins C , Goldstone K E , Tang T Y , Gaunt M E
Published: April 2008

Background

Endovascular stent-grafting is an established option for the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) that can involve prolonged manipulation under radiological control. The aim was to determine the average radiation exposure sustained during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and the first year of postoperative surveillance.

Methods

Prospective radiation dose data were recorded and used to calculate dose area product (DAP) values for 96 patients undergoing EVAR. The DAP data were then used to determine the entrance skin dose (ESD), an indicator of potential skin damage, and the effective dose, an indicator of long-term cancer risk, for each patient.

Results

The median ESD during EVAR was 0·85 (interquartile range 0·51–3·74) Gy. The threshold for possible radiation-induced skin damage of 2 Gy was exceeded in 29 per cent of procedures. The effective dose of radiation in the first year following EVAR was 79 mSv.

Conclusion

Radiation doses administered during EVAR were higher than previously thought, with a potential risk of radiation-induced skin damage and later malignancy.
Structural Characterization and Temperature‐Dependent Photoluminescence of Linear CdTe/CdSe/CdTe Heterostructure Nanorods
Authors: Saunders Aaron E. , Koo Bonil , Wang Xiaoyong , Shih Chih‐Kang , Korgel Brian A.
Published: April 2008

Linear CdTe|CdSe|CdTe heterostructure nanorods are synthesized by using a colloidal sequential reactant injection technique [Shieh et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 2005, 109, 8538–8542]. The composition profiles of the individual nanorods are verified by using nanobeam elemental mapping by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and the photoluminescence emission spectra of the linear CdTe|CdSe|CdTe heterostructure nanorods are measured as a function of the temperature (down to 5 K). Photoluminescence is observed to occur from electron–hole recombination in both the CdSe core and across the heterojunction. Thermally activated trapping is found to influence both luminescence processes, thereby being more significant for the type II recombination across the CdSe|CdTe interface.
The L1‐CAM, Neuroglian, functions in glial cells for Drosophila antennal lobe development
Authors: Chen Weitao , Hing Huey
Published: April 2008

Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the roles of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and projection neurons (PNs) in Drosophila antennal lobe (AL) development, the roles of glia have remained largely mysterious. Here, we show that during Drosophila metamorphosis, a population of midline glial cells in the brain undergoes extensive cellular remodeling and is closely associated with the collateral branches of ORN axons. These glial cells are required for ORN axons to project across the midline and establish the contralateral wiring in the ALs. We find that Neuroglian (Nrg), the Drosophila homolog of the vertebrate cell adhesion molecule, L1, is expressed and functions in the midline glial cells to regulate their proper development. Loss of Nrg causes the disruption in glial morphology and the agenesis of the antennal commissural tract. Our genetic analysis further demonstrates that the functions of Nrg in the midline glia require its ankyrin‐binding motif. We propose that Nrg is an important regulator of glial morphogenesis and axon guidance in AL development. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008.