bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uses and Abuses of Tumor Markers in the Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Henry N. Lynn , Hayes Daniel F.
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify the difference between prognostic and predictive factors.Describe the evaluation of tumor markers, including their utility, magnitude, and reliability.Discuss issues surrounding tumor markers currently in routine use in breast cancer, including estrogen receptor, Her-2/neu, and Oncotype DX™.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Aromatase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: An Overview
Authors: Altundag Kadri , Ibrahim Nuhad K.
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the published data on aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer.Describe the differences in study designs, clinical outcome, and safety data on aromatase inhibitors.Select the proper aromatase inhibitor based on a thorough understanding of the data that led to the specific indication for the drug.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Multidisciplinary Therapy of Locally Far-Advanced or Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Fixed Perioperative Sequence of Epirubicin, Vinorelbine, and Fluorouracil Chemotherapy, Surgery, and Radiotherapy: Long-Term Results
Authors: Ardavanis Alexandros , Scorilas Andreas , Tryfonopoulos Dimitrios , Orphanos Georgios , Missitzis Ioannis , Karamouzis Michael , Chrysochoou Minas , Sotiropoulou Anastasia , Arnogiannaki Niki , Ioannidis Georgios , Pissakas Georgios , Rigatos Gerassimas
Published: June 2006

Background. Based on phase II data in advanced breast cancer (BC), the fluorouracil, epirubicin, and vinorelbine (FEN) combination was assessed as perioperative chemotherapy, integrated in a multidisciplinary treatment for locally advanced BC.

Patients and Methods. Patients with newly diagnosed inoperable (stage IIIB or inflammatory) BC. Multimodality treatment protocol consisted of four preoperative courses of fluorouracil (600 mg/m2 day 1), epirubicin (75 mg/m2 day 1), and vinorelbine (25 mg/m2 day1andday8), all i.v. every 21 days, followed by radical or conservative surgery according to clinical response and four postoperative identical chemotherapy courses aimed to eradicate micrometastatic disease. Locoregional radiotherapy was offered to all patients after the completion of chemotherapy followed by hormonotherapy according to hormone receptor status. The primary end points of the study were: (a) clinical and pathological response, (b) downstaging and conversion to operable disease, and (c) recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results. Forty-eight women, one stage IIIA, 27 (56.2%) stage IIIB, two stage IIIC (4.1%), and 12 (25%) with inflammatory BC, aged 34–75 years (median, 52), were accrued. Thirty-eight and 34 patients completed the planned pre- and postoperative chemotherapy, respectively. Totals of 175 and 135 cycles were administered pre- and postoperatively, respectively. Toxicity of both phases, mainly hematologic, was in general acceptable without treatment-related death. Venous reactions were a frequent problem. All but three tumors were converted to operable, 31.3% with breast conservation. The clinical response rate (RR) was 77.7% (22.2% complete) and pathological RR was 73.3% (complete, 20% in both primary and axilla). After a median follow-up of 72 months, 62.5% and 16.7% of patients remain relapse free at 3 and 5 years, respectively, while 83% and 58.3% were alive 3 and 5 years, respectively, after the start of chemotherapy. Median RFS and OS have not yet been reached, and are currently 37+ and 62+ months, respectively.

Conclusion. This fixed number of FEN perioperative courses schedule followed by radiotherapy is safe and highly active in inducing both local and distant control of locally far-advanced BC. This strategy is at least not inferior to other established regimens or strategies for locally far-advanced BC, while the integration of taxanes or new targeted agents may help show its true value for this challenging clinical entity.
Primary Systemic Therapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Sachelarie Irina , Grossbard Michael L. , Chadha Manjeet , Feldman Sheldon , Ghesani Munir , Blum Ronald H.
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the rationale for using primary systemic therapy (PST) in the treatment of nonmetastatic breast cancer.Discuss the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate as a surrogate marker of PST benefit.Select the most appropriate regimen for a patient with breast cancer considered for PST.Explain the role of sentinel node biopsy and delivery of radiation therapy after PST in breast cancer patients.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Cancer in 15- to 29-Year-Olds by Primary Site
Authors: Bleyer Archie , Viny Aaron , Barr Ronald
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Define the cancers most common in 15- to 29-year-olds.Identify the variations in cancer histology in this age group according to age, sex, and race/ethnicity.Interpret survival trend differences during the past quarter century.Interpret incidence and survival according to sex, race/ethnicity, and age groups.Discuss areas where progress has been suboptimal in managing cancer in 15- to 29-year-olds.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Present and Future Role in Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment: A Review
Authors: Arnold Dirk , Peinert Stefan , Voigt Wieland , Schmoll Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2006

Background. Despite advances in conventional and targeted anticancer therapy, the prognosis remains poor for many patients with solid tumors. Ongoing research into the molecular basis of malignant disease, however, has yielded many novel agents with potential activity, including the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs).

Design. This review summarizes current clinical data for EGFR-TKIs as monotherapy or in combination with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, irinotecan, or oxaliplatin, focusing on the rapidly developing area of colorectal, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers.

Results. EGFR-TKIs have limited but valuable activity as monotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients who have received prior anticancer treatment. The potential for application as a single agent in colorectal, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers has yet to be demonstrated conclusively and deserves further investigation, especially as second- or third-line therapy. In combination with oxaliplatin-based regimens and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin-based regimens, TKIs have shown benefits, suggesting that there may be a synergistic effect with chemotherapy. However, combinations with irinotecan-based regimens have been limited by toxicities.

Conclusions. EGFR-TKIs show benefits when used in combination with chemotherapy, and the favorable toxicity profiles observed suggest that these may be of value in frail or elderly patients.
Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Current Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Cardenes Higinia R. , Chiorean Elena G. , DeWitt John , Schmidt Max , Loehrer Patrick
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the natural history of locally advanced pancreatic cancer, compared with resectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.Describe the palliative management of obstruction, celiac plexus pain, and bleeding.Evaluate various combinations of chemotherapy and radiation.Discuss new strategies to manage locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
End Points for Adjuvant Therapy Trials: Has the Time Come to Accept Disease-Free Survival as a Surrogate End Point for Overall Survival?
Authors: Gill Sharlene , Sargent Daniel
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify the benefits and caveats of using disease-free survival as a surrogate end point for overall survival in adjuvant therapy trials.Describe the accepted criteria for validating a surrogate end point.Discuss the current applicability of DFS as an end point in adjuvant trials.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
The Role of Perioperative Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Cohen Seth M. , Goel Anupama , Phillips John , Ennis Ronald D. , Grossbard Michael L.
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Explain the rationale for perioperative chemotherapy administration in the treatment of operable bladder cancer.Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the preoperative and postoperative administration of chemotherapy in the treatment of operable bladder cancer.Describe the benefits of the perioperative administration of chemotherapy in the treatment of operable bladder cancer shown in randomized clinical trials.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Symptoms and Treatment in Cancer Therapy-Induced Early Menopause
Authors: Boekhout Annelies H. , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H.M.
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the therapeutic options when hot flashes disrupt the quality of life or quality of sleep in breast cancer patients.Select appropriate nonpharmacological or pharmacological options in the management of hot flashes in breast cancer patients.Discuss the relative efficacy and safety of interventions in the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer patients.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Salvage Therapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Factors Influencing Treatment Selection
Authors: Ramalingam Suresh , Sandler Alan B.
Published: June 2006

Novel chemotherapies and molecularly targeted agents have improved outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several efficacious regimens are available, which allows for selection of therapy based on factors such as schedule, toxicity profile, patient-specific needs, and individual preferences of the patient.

Treatment guidelines recommend platinum-based chemotherapy first line for patients with a good performance status. These regimens offer a modest survival advantage over best supportive care. The role of targeted biologic agents in this setting is being assessed in phase II trials. Results to date show promising activity and tolerability.

Erlotinib, docetaxel, and pemetrexed are all approved for patients who progress following one prior regimen for advanced NSCLC. These agents have different tolerability profiles and routes of administration but appear to have similar effects on tumor response and survival, though comparative trials are required to confirm this. Based on the results of a phase III trial, erlotinib is also recommended for third-line use in patients with NSCLC.

Identifying predictive markers of clinical response to therapy may provide an opportunity to better select patient subsets appropriate for specific treatment. Recent data have linked various clinical characteristics and biologic markers with outcome to HER-1/EGFR-targeted agents. However, many of these studies are retrospective and based on small patient numbers, and there is evidence of broad benefit across diverse patient subgroups with erlotinib. Prospective, randomized trials are required to validate potential predictive markers fully before they are applied to clinical practice.
Liposomal Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, and Etoposide and Antiretroviral Therapy for Patients with AIDS-Related Lymphoma: A Pilot Study
Authors: Combs Sara , Neil Nancy , Aboulafia David M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose. To evaluate in a pilot study the safety and efficacy of liposomal doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (LACE) when combined with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL). The impact of HIV viral control on therapy and survival was also assessed.

Patients and Methods. Between 1994 and 2005, 40 patients at Virginia Mason Medical Center were diagnosed with ARL. Twelve received LACE every 28 days. All patients received intrathecal chemoprophylaxis, ART, and G-CSF.

Results. The median patient CD4+ count was 190 cells/μl (range, 20–510 cells/μl), and the median HIV viral load (VL) was 61,613 copies/ml (range, <50–500,000 copies/ml). Seven patients (58%) had an International Prognostic Index score of 3 or 4. Six patients (50%) were ART-naïve, five were viremic despite ART, and one had an undetectable HIV-1 VL. Nine patients (75%) achieved a complete response (CR), and median overall survival was 107 months. At a median follow-up of 46 months, the recurrence-free survival rate was 50%. Two patients died from relapsed/refractory ARL and one patient achieved a CR with salvage therapy. One CR patient died from complications of pneumonia, and another CR patient died from uncertain causes 5 years after treatment. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 23 of 61 (38%) chemotherapy cycles. Hospitalization was required after 5% of treatment cycles due to neutropenic fever.

Conclusion. LACE is an effective and tolerable treatment for ARL. HIV viral control can be maintained in the majority of patients during and after completion of LACE.
Understanding and Managing Methotrexate Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Widemann Brigitte C. , Adamson Peter C.
Published: June 2006

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the pharmacology of methotrexate.Describe the current incidence and presentation of high-dose methotrexate-induced renal dysfunction.Discuss conventional and investigational treatment approaches to high-dose methotrexate-induced renal dysfunction.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Symptom Experience and Emotional Distress After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bay Esther , Bergman Karen
Published: June 2006

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unexpected and affects nearly 1.5 million Americans annually. Many with seemingly minor injuries incur long-lasting symptoms without clear explanation. This study examined the symptom experience and emotional response of persons with mild-to-moderate TBI and was guided by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) symptom management model. Using a cross-sectional design with persons recruited from outpatient rehabilitation settings, we found a positive and significant relationship between postinjury symptom frequency and tension/anxiety, anger/hostility and perceived chronic stress, implying a need to understand these relationships over time in order to implement symptom management strategies.
We Create the Path by Walking: Maryknoll Sisters Health Care—Long-Term Care
Authors: Fearon-Giannoni Susan
Published: June 2006

Religious groups like the Maryknoll Sisters have been examining their demographics for years and seeking ways to deal with the aging of their communities while facing diminishing numbers of new members. In 1999, the Sisters projected that in the year 2010, they would number 447, and 359 of them would be over the age of 65 years; 228 would be over the age of 75! Each Sister and the Maryknoll community as a whole deal with aging using the strengths of their lifestyle, spirituality, and support systems. They have learned that they must discern their future with a notion inspired by St. Augustine, “solvitur ambulando,”—it is solved by walking. This article considers one religious community’s approach to long-term care at the beginning of the 21st century using personal stories and highlighting some of the options the Maryknoll Sisters have developed.
The Management of Drilling-Engineering and Well-Services Software as Safety-Critical Systems
Authors: Sawaryn S. J. , Sanstrom B. , McColpin G.
Published: June 2006

Routinely, specialist software is used to perform tasks such as casing design and directional collision-avoidance scans. If undetected, a serious failure in the development or use of any one of these products could result in loss of life or catastrophic environmental damage. Such an event would jeopardize the oil company's licence to operate (Thorogood 1994) and would seriously damage the software vendor's credibility.

The drilling-and well-services software industry has matured over the last 5 years. During this period we have witnessed many commercial and technical changes, including further consolidation of the oil majors, the meteoric growth of Web-based tools, and the increased complexity of the software and types of wells being drilled. Commercial pressures also mean fewer resources are available to perform these tasks. Unless managed, it is clear these changes greatly increase the risk of a serious incident.

BP and Landmark have conducted a series of joint audits to gain a detailed understanding of both the operator's and software vendor's working practices in relation to this software. The paper contains a description of the conclusions and actions arising from the audits. Desired improvements in testing, core competencies, and independent verification were identified. Details of the audit process are included to enable other parties to conduct similar audits for themselves. The risks and potential loss imply that critical applications should be managed formally as "safety-critical systems." It is also concluded that close collaboration between operators and software vendors is needed for the management process to be effective.
Evaluation, Impact, and Management of Casing Deformation Caused By Tectonic Forces in the Andean Foothills, Colombia
Authors: Last Nigel , Mujica Santiago , Pattillo Phillip , Kelso Gary
Published: June 2006

Ovalization of casing strings has been detected in the tectonically active foothills of Colombia, South America, initially through operational difficulties, and subsequently, by extensive monitoring. The effect of this ovalization on cross-sectional collapse has been numerically and experimentally analyzed in a previous publication (Pattillo et al. 2004). The current study emphasizes the broader context to which those detailed results were applied. Here, the emphasis will fall on characterizing the deformation, assessing its impact on well integrity, and developing a strategy for managing the consequences to achieve improved business and operational decision making.
Basis of Design for Coiled-Tubing Underbalanced Through-Tubing Drilling in the Sajaa Field
Authors: Suryanarayana P. V. , Smith Bruce , Hasan ABM K. , Leslie Charlie , Buchanan Richard , Pruitt Randy
Published: June 2006

This paper describes the technical basis for the design and implementation of a coiled-tubing (CT) underbalanced drilling (UBD) campaign in the Sajaa field in Sharjah, UAE. The campaign calls for up to three multilaterals per well to be drilled underbalanced from the existing wells' through tubing. The paper describes the analysis, modeling, and result, and their implication in the selection of the operational approach. The key issues associated with the campaign, many of which were unique and challenging within the context of UBD, are discussed, with specific reference to the Sajaa-3 well, which was the first candidate. These include

Temperature modeling and thermal considerations because of the high bottomhole temperature (BHT). Compositional pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) behavior of the produced fluid. Feasibility, underbalanced operability, and controllability of through-tubing UBD operations. Risk to underbalance from near-wellbore depletion of the reservoir caused by long-term production from the motherbore. Estimation and impact of the productivity of the motherbore and open laterals while drilling subsequent laterals. Risk from reservoir parameter uncertainties. Hole-cleaning risks. Designing for zero flare. Consideration of mechanical and hydraulic limitations to the drillable lengths. Equipment limitations.

The paper details the analysis approach used, assumptions made, models used, and the results. It should be noted that the Sajaa produced fluid is a retrograde condensate and the inflow performance was nonlinear and, therefore, consideration of these in the basis of design (BOD) becomes critical.

The goal of this work was not only to create the technical BOD for the well, Sajaa-3, but also to set the parametric limitations for a wide range of well types that were likely to be encountered in the continuation of the campaign. On the basis of this work, an approach to drilling and monitoring the well to minimize the risks was developed, and it formed the basis of the drilling operation. The ongoing campaign, now well past 30 wells, has been one of the most successful applications of CT UBD. The results of the drilling operation of Sajaa-3 and the subsequent wells and their implications to the design basis are also discussed.
Helical Buckling of Pipe With Connectors and Torque
Authors: Mitchell Robert F. , Miska Stefan
Published: June 2006

It has been generally recognized that connectors (tool joints and couplings) should have some effect on the buckling of pipe. For instance, the connector outside diameter may be as much as 50% greater than the pipe-body diameter. As a result, the radial clearance of the connector can be substantially smaller than the radial clearance of the pipe body.

The analysis of buckling has received extensive attention in the last 20 years. The effect of connectors on pipe stresses has received somewhat less attention. Lubinski (1977) used the beam-column equations to analyze the effect of connectors on pipe-bending stresses for a pipe in tension in a 2D constant-curvature wellbore. Bending stresses were significantly magnified by the connector standoff. Paslay and Cernocky (1991) completed this analysis by analyzing the pipe in compression. Mitchell (2000) extended these results to 3D helical buckling.

Torque adds a new dimension to the buckling problem. Without torque, buckling occurs only for positive effective axial force (compressive axial force plus pressure effects). A pipe with applied torque can buckle in tension (Greenhill 1883). The contact force between pipe and wellbore can be increased or decreased, depending on the direction of the applied torque. And, of course, pipe used in rotary drilling always has applied torque'so buckling analysis without torque is not complete.

This paper looks at 3D buckling of pipes with connectors with applied torque. The problem formulation is similar to Lubinski et al.'s (1962) buckling analysis: the wellbore is vertical and straight. The beam-column equations considered in the plane-buckling analysis are used, but now there are deflections out of the plane. A solution for helical buckling is developed that produces pipe sag, maximum dogleg angle, contact force, and bending-stress magnification as a function of pipe effective axial force and torque. An application problem is solved, and the relative effects of compressive axial force and torque on sag between connectors, contact loads, and maximum bending stress are examined.

Applications include the analysis of bottomhole assemblies, drillpipe, casing, and tubing. The final results are simple enough to be suitable for spreadsheet calculations.
Cuttings Transport With Aqueous Foam at Intermediate-Inclined Wells
Authors: Capo Jesus , Yu Mengjiao , Miska Stefan Z. , Takach Nicholas , Ahmed Ramadan
Published: June 2006

An experimental study of cuttings transport with foam at intermediate angles has been conducted in a full-scale low-pressure ambient-temperature (LPAT) flow loop at the U. of Tulsa. An anionic surfactant was used in these water-based foam tests at a concentration of 1 vol%. Air was used as the dispersed fluid. Tests were conducted to obtain flow curves for foams with 70 and 80% qualities in 2-, 3-, and 4-in. pipes. A simulator was developed to predict pressure, flow velocity, specific volume-expansion ratio, and foam quality along the wellbore, on the basis of the volume-equalized power-law model.

Tests were conducted to determine the effects of inclination angle, foam quality, foam velocity, and rate of penetration (ROP) on cuttings transport. Results from this study show that the in-situ cuttings concentration ranged, according to the inclination angles, from 4.8 to 14.6% for 45°, 14.3 to 22.3% for 55°, and 8.5 to 25.7% for 65°. It is shown in this study that the transport of cuttings (in terms of cuttings concentration) has a better performance with foams of low quality. For a given inclination angle and similar foam-flow conditions, increasing the ROP from 20 to 44 ft/hr can lead to an increase in the in-situ cuttings concentration of up to 7%.

A new correlation for the ratio of the cuttings-bed area to the cross-sectional area of the annulus as a function of dimensionless numbers (Ar, NRe, Fr, Ss, and θ) was developed and allows for potential practical applicaitons. The differences between the calculated and measured values are within the range of ±17%.
Map Scale Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Stock Estimation in North China
Authors: Zhao Yongcun , Shi Xuezheng , Weindorf David C. , Yu Dongsheng , Sun Weixia , Wang Hongjie
Published: June 2006

Digital soil maps of different scales have been compiled in China, but exactly how map scale affects the estimation of regional SOC (soil organic carbon) stocks remains unclear. To test the effect, median, mean, and a pedological professional knowledge based method (PKB) were used to link soil profiles to soil maps at five scales ranging from 1:500 000 to 1:10 000 000 for the Hebei Province. Excluding the 1:4000 000 soil map, SOC stocks decreased as the map scale decreased. The estimated SOC stocks obtained using the mean were always higher than those using the median or PKB method. The changes in estimation due to different map scales and linking methods affected the process of assigning SOCD (soil organic carbon density) values to digital soil surveys. The differences in SOCD values resulted from the change in the total nonurban land area of each soil type as a result of the different methods and scales of maps used in the regional SOC stock estimation process.
Ornithogenic Gelisols (Cryosols) from Maritime Antarctica
Authors: Michel Roberto Ferreira Machado , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto G. Reynaud , Dias Luis Eduardo , Simas Felipe Nogueira Bello , de Melo Benites Vinicius , de Sá Mendonça Eduardo
Published: June 2006

In terrestrial ecosystems of Maritime Antarctica (King George Island), the transference of primary marine production to the land promoted by penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae)and other birds, appears to influence soil formation and chemical weathering to a greater extent than formerly predicted. This paper summarizes the results of pedological investigations on the vicinity of the American Pieter J. Lenie Field Station (62°10′ S, 58°28′ W), discussing soil formation processes related to vegetation succession in the studied area. Soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation and associated phosphatization are marked soil‐forming processes in ice‐free areas once colonized by penguins. Also there is a high correlation between soil development and vegetation patterns. Nutrient supply in these cryogenic soils is affected by low pH following nitrification and high contents of P, K, Ca, and Mg due to seabirds' inputs. Lithic Umbriturbels and Glacic Haploturbels are the most common ornithogenic soils, followed by Lithic Fibristels and Psammentic Aquiturbels. In all soils phosphatization and ornithogenesis occurs in varying degrees. However, the recent Gelisols order of Soil Taxonomy does not consider the influence of ornithogenesis or phosphatization in its framework, so that a more detailed classification of such soils is not possible.
Soil Nitrogen and Nutrient Dynamics after Repeated Application of Treated Dairy‐Waste
Authors: Habteselassie Mussie Y. , Miller Bruce E. , Thacker Seth G. , Stark John M. , Norton Jeanette M.
Published: June 2006

Improved understanding of the effects of dairy‐waste treatment and land application on microbial processes and products is required to predict the outcome of waste applications and avoid undesirable environmental impacts. Our objective was to assess effects of treated dairy‐waste on soil N pools, nitrification, plant N availability, and yield in a silage cornfield (Zea maysL.) treated with ammonium sulfate (AS), dairy‐waste compost (DC), or liquid dairy‐waste (LW) as N sources at two levels of application over 5 yr. Increases in soil C and N, nitrate, and available P and K were observed for the DC treated soils throughout the 5‐yr period. Soil organic C increases for the high‐level DC treated soil doubled the C pool resulting in an increase of 14 Mg C ha−1The highest nitrate accumulation was at the 60‐ to 90‐cm depth for soils receiving high level of DC (200 kg N ha−1), which moved to lower depths in subsequent years. Soils receiving a high‐level of DC or LW showed a three‐fold increase in nitrifier activity compared with the control. There was a positive silage corn yield response with all the treatments, with DC having the highest yields. While N from AS and LW are available for plant uptake almost immediately, the organic N in compost continued to mineralize throughout the growing season, after harvest and in subsequent years. Careful management of application rates to optimize the timing of N release versus plant demand and of post‐harvest nutrient pools are suggested for the prevention of excessive nitrate accumulations and movement from repeated dairy‐waste applications.
Simulating the Gas Diffusion Coefficient in Macropore Network Images: Influence of Soil Pore Morphology
Authors: Liu Gang , Li Baoguo , Hu Kelin , van Genuchten M. Th.
Published: June 2006

Knowledge of the diffusion coefficient is necessary for modeling gas transport in soils and other porous media. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the diffusion coefficient and pore structure parameters, such as the fractal dimension of pores (Dmp), the shortest path length through the medium (lmin), and the fractal dimension of the shortest path (Dmin). The finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate the gaseous diffusion process in an idealized soil system with a highly connected macropore network. The analysis was performed on binary images of soil thin sections. We show that the ratio ξ of the diffusion coefficient in soil (Deff) to that in free air (D0) is a function of not only the air‐filled porosity ε, but also of other parameters, and hence no universal relationship exists between ξ and Dmp and Dmin Furthermore, ξ is shown to be strongly related to the pore‐space structure and the direction of the concentration gradient. The tortuosity (T) furthermore was found to be related to the weighted path length along the main diffusion direction.
Fitting Uniaxial Soil Compression Using Initial Bulk Density, Water Content, and Matric Potential
Authors: Fritton D. D.
Published: June 2006

The existing bulk density and wetness of a soil influence soil compaction, but the ability to quantitatively describe these effects is limited. The purpose of this study was to generalize an empirical nonlinear equation for uniaxial soil compression, presently limited to fitting one compression curve at a time, by adding a capability to describe a single soil material at variable initial bulk density and wetness. The original relationship between the compressed soil bulk density and the applied stress was first simplified by reducing the number of coefficients required to fit a single experimental curve from three to two. The generalized relationship combined the original equation, an equation that removed a high correlation that existed between two of its coefficients, and two equations that reflected the impact of the bulk density, water content, and matric potential on the two remaining coefficients. This generalized relationship was tested for soil materials at various initial bulk density, water content, and matric potential values where texture and organic matter content were held constant. The study used 21 datasets representing three to five horizons of four soils and one soil mixed with four different amounts of sand. For each horizon or soil material studied, the generalized relationship was fitted simultaneously using nonlinear regression to 2–14 compression curves per horizon, including disturbed and undisturbed soil samples in nine cases. The generalized relationship fit each dataset with an R2 ≥ 0.932 (P < 0.001) and was judged superior to the best existing equation for multiple curves.
Characterization of Soil Water Content Using Measured Visible and Near Infrared Spectra
Authors: Mouazen A. M. , Karoui R. , De Baerdemaeker J. , Ramon H.
Published: June 2006

Soil water content (WC) affects the accuracy of the visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic measurement of other soil properties, for example, C, N, and other nutrients. This study was conducted to subtract the WC contribution to VIS‐NIR spectra by classifying soil spectra into different WC groups. This classification might improve the accuracy of prediction of other soil properties with calibration models established separately for each group of WC. A mobile, fiber‐type, VIS‐NIR spectrophotometer (Zeiss Corona 1.7 visnir fiber), with a measurement range of 306.5 to 1710.9 nm was used to measure the light reflectance of two sample sets: one (275 samples) collected from a single field and the other (360 samples) collected from multiple fields in Belgium and northern France. The partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis and factorial discriminant analysis (FDA) were applied to the VIS‐NIR spectra to quantify WC and classify spectra into different WC groups, respectively. Samples were divided into calibration and validation sets with ratios of 10:1 and 3:1 for the PLS and FDA, respectively. The PLS for the single‐field sample set provided better estimation of WC (R2 = 0.98) than for the multiple‐field sample set (R2 = 0.88). For the single‐field sample set, spectra were successfully classified into six WC groups with correct classification (CC) of 94.1 and 95.6% for the calibration and validation datasets, respectively. Due to the large variability in the multiple‐field sample set, soils were successfully classified into three WC groups only. The CC obtained were 88.1 and 79.7% for the calibration and validation sets, respectively. These results suggested that the FDA can be successfully used to classify soil VIS‐NIR spectra into different WC levels, particularly when soil variability is minimal.
Desorption, Persistence, and Leaching of Dibenzofuran in European Soils
Authors: Celis R. , Real M. , Hermosín M. C. , Cornejo J.
Published: June 2006

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their heterocyclic analogs (hetero‐PAHs) represent the predominant chemical classes in many contaminated soils. Despite the fact that hetero‐PAHs are more soluble and hence potentially more mobile and bioavailable than similar nonsubstituted compounds, the existing information about the fate of these compounds in the soil environment is limited. In this article, laboratory experiments were designed to assess the desorption, persistence, and leaching behavior of the hetero‐PAH dibenzofuran in four European soils with different physicochemical characteristics. Previous research has shown that organic matter was important in the extent of sorption of dibenzofuran by the soils studied, although sorption was not predictable exclusively from the organic carbon content. Dibenzofuran desorption isotherms showed little hysteresis, in particular from higher equilibrium points of the sorption isotherms, indicating weak interaction mechanisms between dibenzofuran and the soils. The half‐life of dibenzofuran in the soils during incubation experiments ranged between 5 and 55 d, depending on soil type and experimental conditions. In general, the persistence of dibenzofuran decreased with the organic carbon content of the soils (0.56–2.09%) and with temperature (4°C/20°C) and increased with the initial concentration of the chemical in soil (10 mg kg−1/100 mg kg−1). Leaching tests, performed in hand‐packed and undisturbed soil columns, indicated that dibenzofuran is likely to move slowly through the soil profile, although dissolved organic matter and soil structure can influence the amount of dibenzofuran leached. The effect of dissolved organic matter on leaching of dibenzofuran was found to be soil dependent and less important than the effect of soil structure.
Aggregation and Organic Matter Protection Following Tillage of a Previously Uncultivated Soil
Authors: Grandy A. Stuart , Robertson G. Philip
Published: June 2006

Understanding the effects of tillage on soils following years or decades of no‐till is critical for developing C conservation strategies. To date, short‐term responses to tillage in previously uncultivated or other long‐term no‐till soils have primarily focused on total C changes, which are difficult to detect. Tillage effects on soil conservation and C permanence may be better predicted by changes in more readily detected factors known to affect C storage such as aggregation and physically protected C. We annually plowed replicated plots in a previously uncultivated midsuccessional field between 2002 and 2004 and investigated changes in the distribution of aggregates, physically protected C, and light fraction (LF) organic matter. Within 60 d of initial cultivation, soil aggregates in the 2000‐ to 8000‐μm size class declined from 0.47 to 0.15 g g−1at 0‐ to 7‐cm soil depth and from 0.32 to 0.23 g g−1at 7 to 20 cm. Lower levels of aggregation persisted through the winter and spring of the following year. Inter‐aggregate, unprotected light fraction (LF) increased following cultivation, as did particulate C in soil fractions with densities < 1.9 g cm−3Changes in the mass of total soil C were not detectable after 3 yr but the vertical distribution of all soil C pools was altered by plowing. Our study demonstrates that plowing once immediately and substantially alters aggregation and LF and particulate C dynamics and that these conditions persist. Results suggest that no‐till soils need to be continuously maintained to protect aggregation and physically stabilized C pools.
Method for Maintaining One‐Dimensional Temperature Gradients in Unsaturated, Closed Soil Cells
Authors: Zhou J. , Heitman J. L. , Horton R. , Ren T. , Ochsner T. E. , Prunty L. , Ewing R. P. , Sauer T. J.
Published: June 2006

One‐dimensional temperature gradients are difficult to achieve in nonisothermal laboratory studies because, in addition to desired axial temperature gradients, ambient temperature interference (ATI) creates a radial temperature distribution. Our objective was to develop a closed soil cell with limited ATI. The cell consists of a smaller soil column, the control volume, surrounded by a larger soil column, which provides radial insulation. End boundary temperatures are controlled by a new spiral‐circulation heat exchanger. Four cell size configurations were tested for ATI under varying ambient temperatures. Results indicate that cells with a 9‐cm inner column diameter, 5‐cm concentric soil buffer, and either 10‐ or 20‐cm length effectively achieved one‐dimensional temperature conditions. At 30°C ambient temperature, and with axial temperature gradients as large as 1°C cm−1, average steady‐state radial temperature gradients in the inner soil columns were <0.02°C cm−1 Thus, these cell configurations meet the goal of maintaining a one‐dimensional temperature distribution. These cells provide new opportunities for improving the study of coupled heat and water movement in soil.
Organic Carbon Influences on Soil Particle Density and Rheological Properties
Authors: Blanco-Canqui Humberto , Lal R. , Post W. M. , Izaurralde R. C. , Shipitalo M. J.
Published: June 2006

Soil particle density (ρs) is not routinely measured and is assumed to range between 2.60 and 2.70 Mg m−3or to be a constant (2.65 Mg m−3) when estimating essential properties such as porosity, and volumetric water and air relations. Values of ρsfor the same soil may, however, differ significantly from the standard range due to management‐induced changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations. We quantified the ρsand Atterberg limits of a Rayne silt loam for five long‐term (>22 yr) moldboard‐plowed continuous corn (Zea maysL.; MP), no‐till continuous corn (NT), no‐till continuous corn with beef cattle manure (NTm), pasture, and forest systems. We also assessed the relationships of SOC concentration with ρsand the Atterberg limits and the impact of ρson soil porosity. Mean ρsacross NT, NTm, and pasture (2.35 Mg m−3) was ∼7% lower than that for MP in the 0‐ to 10‐cm soil depth (2.52 Mg m−3,P< 0.01). Forest had the lowest ρsof all soils (1.79 Mg m−3). The NTm caused a greater reduction in ρsand a greater increase in SOC concentration, liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), and plasticity index (PI) than NT. Surface soils under MP had the highest ρsand ρband the lowest SOC concentration, LL, PL, and PI. The SOC concentration was correlated negatively with ρs(r2= 0.75) and positively with Atterberg limits (r2> 0.64) at >20‐cm depth. Estimates of soil porosity for NT, NTm, and pasture using the constant ρsoverestimated the “true” porosity by 12% relative to that using the measured ρs
Design and Testing of a Low‐Cost Soil‐Drying Oven
Authors: Whitaker Martha P. L. , Ferré Ty P. A. , Nijssen Bart , Washburne Jim
Published: June 2006

Measuring gravimetric soil water content is a relatively elementary laboratory procedure; however, the inaccessibility of a laboratory oven makes this activity impractical for K–12 students. The Soil Moisture Campaign (SMC) Project of the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program was developed to use gravimetric water content measurement as an introduction to earth science research for K–12 students. We have designed and tested a low‐budget, low‐technology “light‐bulb oven” that is affordable enough for use in a classroom. The light‐bulb oven was tested by drying replicate samples of four different soil types in the light‐bulb oven and in a traditional laboratory oven. The results show that the performance of the light‐bulb oven was comparable to that of a traditional laboratory oven.
Is the Tension Beneath a Tension Infiltrometer What We Think It Is?
Authors: Walker C. , Lin H. S. , Fritton D. D.
Published: June 2006

The tension infiltrometer has become a standard tool for measuring near‐saturated soil hydraulic properties. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics of the supply tension at the interface between the tension infiltrometer and the measured soil using a pressure transducer under different soil conditions and to raise some cautions needed for proper use of this standard device. Infiltration experiments were conducted on a tension table, a large sand column, and in two field soils of contrasting textures and structures to test the performance of the standard two‐piece infiltrometer. Results showed that during high flow rates (>200 cm3 min−1) the tension at the infiltrometer–soil interface started to deviate by as much as 15 mm from the desired tension. However, during field experiments the high flow rates were not experienced, and thus no deviation was observed between the preset desired tension and the actual measured tension at the infiltrometer–soil interface. To alleviate the problem of tension deviation under high flow, the water supply tubing and fitting diameters of the standard infiltrometer were successfully increased to yield a higher flow rate (≈300–400 cm3 min−1) without elevated tensions.
Can Basin‐Scale Recharge Be Estimated Reasonably with Water‐Balance Models?
Authors: Faust Abigail E. , Ferré Ty P. A. , Schaap Marcel G. , Hinnell Andrew C.
Published: June 2006

We examine in‐place recharge as an example of the complex, basin‐scale hydrologic processes that are being represented with simplified numerical models. The rate and distribution of recharge depend on local meteorological conditions and hydrogeologic properties. The pattern of recharge is defined predominantly by the distribution of net precipitation (precipitation less evapotranspiration), but different pedotransfer functions (PTFs) predict different fractions of precipitation that become in‐place recharge at a given location. At any single location, these differences can often be explained on the basis of the PTF characteristics, but because of the complex averaging that occurs across a basin, the combined effects of meteorological variation and soil textural variation on the basin‐wide recharge rates cannot be predicted on the basis of the characteristics of different PTFs. In fact, we show that the same basin‐scale numerical model, using identical inputs and modeling options, can produce almost an order of magnitude variation in predicted basin total recharge depending on the choice of PTF. This suggests that sensitivity analyses should be performed on the choice of constitutive relationship (e.g., PTF) when assessing the predictive capability of basin‐scale hydrologic models.
Irrigating Forage Crops with Saline Waters: 1. Volumetric Lysimeter Studies
Authors: Skaggs T. H. , Poss J. A. , Shouse P. J. , Grieve C. M.
Published: June 2006

In regions lacking outlets for agricultural drainage disposal, the recycling of drainage waters for irrigation is increasingly seen as a viable management option. Vadose zone modeling could potentially assist in the design of management practices for drainage reuse operations, but data are lacking about the accuracy of simulations of root water uptake under the dynamic, saline field conditions that are encountered in reuse systems. This study used a volumetric lysimeter system to examine, within the context of drainage reuse management systems, relationships between irrigation water salinity, irrigation depth, forage crop biomass production (alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.] and tall wheatgrass [Agropyron elongatum (Host) P. Beauv.]), ET (evapotranspiration), drainage depth, and drainage water quality. Findings include: (i) ET rates in the volumetric lysimeters were very high owing to clothesline and oasis effects; (ii) the relationship between ET and yield differed from what has been reported in the literature, possibly due to higher evaporation rates in abundantly watered, salt‐stressed treatments that had reduced canopy cover; (iii) the salt tolerance exhibited by tall wheatgrass was significantly lower than what has been reported in the literature, whereas the salt tolerance of alfalfa was found to be in reasonably good agreement with reported values; (iv) leaching fractions varied greatly in response to both irrigation depth and irrigation water quality; and (v) drainage water quality and depth varied in response to temporal variations in evapotranspiration. In a companion study, the data were evaluated against a simulation model considered for use in the design of reuse management practices.