bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of a sulfur‐containing heteroarotionoid antitumor agent, SHetA2, using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Zhongfa , Zhang Yilong , Hua Yousheng Frank , Covey Joseph M. , Benbrook Doris M. , Chan Kenneth K.
Published: October 2008

SHetA2 {[(4‐nitrophenyl)amino][2,2,4,4‐tetramethylthiochroman‐6‐yl)amino]methanethione], NSC 726189}, a sulfur‐containing heteroarotinoid, selectively inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis without activation of nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs). The objective of this study was to investigate its in vitro metabolism in rat and human liver microsomes and in vivo metabolism in the mouse and rat using liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet/multi‐stage mass spectrometry (LC‐UV/MSn) on an ion‐trap mass spectrometer coupled with a photo‐diode array (PDA) detector. In vitro, in the absence of glutathione (GSH), oxidation of the four aliphatic methyl groups of SHetA2 yielded one mono‐, two di‐, and one tri‐hydroxylated SHetA2 metabolites, which were identified based on their UV and multi‐stage mass spectra. In the presence of GSH, in addition to these primary oxidative metabolites, four GSH adducts of SHetA2 and a novel rare form thioether GSH adduct was detected and characterized. In vivo, the monohydroxylated SHetA2 metabolites were also detected in mouse and rat plasma and two GSH adducts were detected in rat liver following intravenous (i.v.) bolus administration of SHetA2 at 40 mg/kg. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing glycerophosphocholine lipid matrix interference effects in biological fluid assays by using high‐turbulence liquid chromatography
Authors: Du Lihong , White Robert L.
Published: October 2008

Matrix interferences can severely affect quantitative assays of biological samples when electrospray ionization (ESI) is employed with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A major source of matrix interferences for plasma sample analyses is the presence of glycerophosphocholine (GPCho) lipids. The efficiency of online high‐turbulence liquid chromatography (HTLC) extraction for eliminating these lipids is evaluated and the interfering effects of endogenous lipids on human plasma assays are measured for pharmaceutical compounds having a wide variety of chemical properties. It is found that GPCho lipids, represented by 16:0, 18:1 and 18:0 LPC (lysophosphatidylcholine) and 16:0‐18:2 PC, cause variations for hydrophobic compound analyses even when optimal online HTLC extraction conditions are employed. The efficiency for lipid removal depends on the organic content of the transfer solvent, but turbulent flow loading has no significant effect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twenty Years of Splenic Preservation in Trauma: Lower Early Infection Rate Than in Splenectomy
Authors: Gauer Jean‐Marc , Gerber‐Paulet Susanne , Seiler Christian , Schweizer Walter Paul
Published: October 2008

Background

Retrospective studies concerning the operative preservation and nonoperative management of splenic injuries in patients with splenic trauma have been published; however, few studies have analyzed prospectively the results and early complication rates of a defined management in splenic injury.

Methods

From 1986 to 2006, adult patients with blunt splenic injuries were evaluated prospectively with the intent of splenic preservation. Hemodynamically unstable patients underwent laparotomy. Stable patients were treated conservatively regardless of the grade of splenic injury determined by ultrasound and/or CT scan.

Results

During a 20‐year period, 155 patients were prospectively evaluated. In 98 patients (63%), the spleen could be preserved by nonoperative (64 patients, 65%) or operative (34 patients, 35%) treatment and 57 patients (37%) needed splenectomy. There were no differences in age, sex, or trauma score between the groups, but a higher early infection rate in patients with splenectomy compared with patients with splenic preservation (p < 0.005) was observed, even if the patients were matched with respect to multiple trauma using the Injury Severity Score (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Splenic preservation in patients with blunt splenic injury by operative or nonoperative treatment leads to lower early infection rates in adults and, therefore, should be advocated.
Delayed Wound Healing in Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus Coincides with an Altered Collagen Composition
Authors: Binnebösel Marcel , Junge Karsten , Schwab Robert , Antony Albert , Schumpelick Volker , Klinge Uwe
Published: October 2008

Background

Although patients with pilonidal sinus are young and, thus, are expected to heal well, a delayed healing with high risk of recurrence frequently is observed. This study was initiated to test whether disorders in the extracellular matrix (ECM) may be detected in patients with pilonidal sinus and delayed wound healing or recurrent disease, respectively.

Methods

In 48 patients, tissue specimens were obtained at the index operation. All patients were treated by local excision and primary wound closure. The collagen type I/III ratio, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, ‐9, and ‐13, as well as the proliferation index (Ki67) and the macrophage infiltrate (CD68) were measured. Patients with an uneventful wound healing by primary intention were compared with those in which the healing by primary intention fails (secondary healing), and patients suffering first onset of pilonidal sinus or to those patients who had undergone previous surgery for pilonidal sinus. Clinical parameters and comorbidity were evaluated.

Results

Patients with secondary healing, exhibited at the index operation a significantly lower collagen type I/III ratio (2.34 ± 0.4) compared with patients with problem‐free wound healing (3.04 ± 0.7). Furthermore, significantly higher expression of MMP‐1, ‐9, and 13, and a significantly higher proliferation index (Ki67) were found in the specimens of the patients with secondary healing. In patients in whom the operation was performed because of a recurrence expression of both Ki67 and CD68 were significantly higher. Smokers had an increased risk for suffering recurrent disease, but did not show differences in the collagen ratio.

Conclusions

As a novel finding, this study indicates that disturbances of the ECM may predict a delayed wound healing after pilonidal sinus surgery.
Results of Surgical Treatment After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage III Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Carretta Angelo , Ciriaco Paola , Melloni Giulio , Sayed Imad , Bandiera Alessandro , Ferla Luca , Puglisi Armando , Zannini Piero
Published: October 2008

Background

The potential benefits of an approach combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery in stage IIIA and IIIB NSCLC have to be weighed against a potential increase in postoperative complications. We evaluated the results in terms of postoperative complications and survival in patients with stage III NSCLC who underwent complete surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with two regimens: mitomycin, vinblastine, and cisplatin (MPV) versus gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC).

Methods

From March 1991 to September 2005, 110 patients with stage III NSCLC (86 stage IIIA and 24 stage IIIB) underwent complete surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ninety‐two patients were men and 18 were women, with a mean age of 59 (range, 39–80) years. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen was MPV in 72 patients and GC in 38.

Results

The overall response (>50%) to chemotherapy was 84%. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were 1.8% and 20%, respectively. Overall 5‐year survival was 46%. Minor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (<50%) and residual nodal N2 involvement in stage IIIA had an adverse impact on survival (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Favorable long‐term survival was observed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with MPV and GC regimens in stage IIIA and IIIB NSCLC, with relatively low postoperative mortality and morbidity. Caution should be taken when offering surgical treatment to patients with minor response to induction chemotherapy and residual N2 disease in view of the significantly reduced survival.
Psychological and psychiatric factors related to health-related quality of life after total hip replacement – preliminary report
Authors: Badura-Brzoza Karina , Zajac Piotr , Brzoza Zenon , Kasperska-Zajac Alicja , Matysiakiewicz Jerzy , Piegza Magdalena , Hese Robert T. , Rogala Barbara , Semenowicz Jacek , Koczy Bogdan
Published: October 2008

Total hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopaedic interventions in improving considerably the patients' performance, nevertheless some patients demonstrate declined functional ability following an operation. Such condition is not a consequence of medical illness or the surgery itself but might rather be associated with mental status. The authors conduct an investigation concerning the relation between some psychological and psychiatric factors and their influence on health-related quality of life in patients after total hip replacement.

Methods

Into the study group we included 102 subjects undergoing total hip replacement (59 female, 43 male). In all subjects we measured depression (Beck Depression Inventory – BDI), anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory – STAI), sense of coherence (SOC-29), personality traits (Eysenck Personality Inventory – EPI) and health related quality of life (SF-36).

Results

The postoperative values of the PCS and the MCS for the whole group of patients correlated negatively with the SOC values (p= 0.04 andp= 0.03 respectively). Neuroticism (EPI) and anxiety as a trait (STAI) were also associated with postoperative performance, both in mental (p= 0.03 andp= 0.008 respectively) and physical (p= 0.005 andp= 0.04 respectively terms).

Conclusion

Total hip replacement improves significantly the patient’s health-related quality of life at 6 months after surgery, what is influenced by sense of coherence, neuroticism and anxiety as a trait. Above mentioned factors should be taken into account when rehabilitation and social readaptation processes are planned.
Suicidal ideation and time perspective in high school students
Authors: Laghi Fiorenzo , Baiocco Roberto , D’Alessio Maria , Gurrieri Grazia
Published: October 2008

Objective

Many studies have enlightened the relevance of deepening our knowledge of suicidal ideation among adolescents. However, research has given insufficient attention to the impact of time perspective on suicidal ideation: the present study confirms this relationship in a large sample of adolescents.

Method

A survey was conducted on a sample of 3700 Italian adolescents. We obtained data using a structured questionnaire addressing suicidal ideation, mental health status, self-esteem, individual and family characteristics, and time perspective (ZTPI) in three temporal frames: the past, present and future, and the attitude related to each one of them. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Overall, 9.2% of the sample reported severe suicidal ideation during the past two weeks; 7.6% reported moderate suicidal ideation. Female adolescents were more likely to report severe suicidal ideation when compared to males (χ(2)2= 13.38,P= .001). There were no differences regarding age (χ(1)2= 2.81,P= .245) and SES (χ(2)2= 8.67,P= .08).

The first discriminant function was mostly explained by psychopathological symptoms (General Global Index), self-esteem and two dimensions of the ZTPI (Negative Past and Fatalistic Present).

Conclusions

Differences in time perspective dimensions between moderate and severe ideators suggest that these groups should be considered and analyzed as two discrete groups in further research.
Early postnatal maternal deprivation in rats induces memory deficits in adult life that can be reversed by donepezil and galantamine
Authors: Benetti Fernando , Mello Pâmela Billig , Bonini Juliana Sartori , Monteiro Siomara , Cammarota Martín , Izquierdo Iván
Published: October 2008

Early postnatal maternal deprivation is known to cause long‐lasting neurobiological effects. Here, we investigated whether some of the cognitive aspects of these deficits might be related to a disruption of the cholinergic system. Pregnant Wistar rats were individually housed and maintained on a 12:12 h light/dark cycle with food and water freely available. The mothers were separated from their pups for 3 h per day from postnatal day 1 (PND‐1) to PND‐10. To do that, the dams were moved to a different cage and the pups maintained in the original home cage, which was transferred to a different room kept at 32 °C. After they reached 120–150 days of age, maternal‐deprived and non‐deprived animals were either sacrificed for brain acetylcholinesterase measurement, or trained and tested in an object recognition task and in a social recognition task as described by Rossato et al. (2007) [Rossato, J.I., Bevilaqua, L. R.M., Myskiw, J.C., Medina, J.H., Izquierdo, I., Cammarota, M. 2007. On the role hippocampal synthesis in the consolidation and reconsolidation of object recognition memory. Learn. Mem. 14, 36–46] and Lévy et al. (2003) [Lévy, F., Melo. A.I., Galef. B.G. Jr., Madden, M., Fleming. A.S. 2003. Complete maternal deprivation affects social, but not spatial, learning in adult rats. Dev. Psychobiol. 43, 177–191], respectively. There was increased acetylcholinesterase activity in hippocampus and perirhinal cortex of the deprived animals. In addition, they showed a clear impairment in memory of the two recognition tasks measured 24 h after training. Oral administration of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil or galantamine (1 mg/kg) 30 min before training reversed the memory impairments caused by maternal deprivation. The findings suggest that maternal deprivation affects memory processing at adulthood through a change in brain cholinergic systems.
Feline thyroid carcinoma: Diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment
Authors: Hibbert Angie , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Barrett Esther L. , Day Michael J. , Harvey Andrea M.
Published: October 2008

This study reports the scintigraphy, histopathology, sole treatment with high-dose radioactive iodine and outcome of eight cases of feline thyroid carcinoma. Scintigraphic findings were variable and in 7/8 cases scintigraphic features could not reliably distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. Histopathology revealed typical criteria of malignancy in all cases, with mitotic activity described most frequently (7/8 cases), followed by infiltration of local tissues (4/8 cases). Cellular pleomorphism was infrequently observed. Single high-dose (1100 MBq I131) radioiodine therapy was successful in 6/8 cases, with complete resolution of hyperthyroidism, and was associated with prolonged survival times (181–2381 days). Sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine is a safe and effective treatment for functional thyroid carcinoma. The prognosis for feline thyroid carcinoma successfully treated with radioiodine is good, with extended survival times commonly achieved.
CAMK1D amplification implicated in epithelial–mesenchymal transition in basal‐like breast cancer
Authors: Bergamaschi Anna , Kim Young H. , Kwei Kevin A. , La Choi Yoon , Bocanegra Melanie , Langerød Anita , Han Wonshik , Noh Dong-Young , Huntsman David G. , Jeffrey Stefanie S. , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Pollack Jonathan R.
Published: October 2008

Breast cancer exhibits clinical and molecular heterogeneity, where expression profiling studies have identified five major molecular subtypes. The basal‐like subtype, expressing basal epithelial markers and negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2, is associated with higher overall levels of DNA copy number alteration (CNA), specific CNAs (like gain on chromosome 10p), and poor prognosis. Discovering the molecular genetic basis of tumor subtypes may provide new opportunities for therapy. To identify the driver oncogene on 10p associated with basal‐like tumors, we analyzed genomic profiles of 172 breast carcinomas. The smallest shared region of gain spanned just seven genes at 10p13, including calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase ID (CAMK1D), functioning in intracellular signaling but not previously linked to cancer. By microarray, CAMK1D was overexpressed when amplified, and by immunohistochemistry exhibited elevated expression in invasive carcinomas compared to carcinoma in situ. Engineered overexpression of CAMK1D in non‐tumorigenic breast epithelial cells led to increased cell proliferation, and molecular and phenotypic alterations indicative of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), including loss of cell–cell adhesions and increased cell migration and invasion. Our findings identify CAMK1D as a novel amplified oncogene linked to EMT in breast cancer, and as a potential therapeutic target with particular relevance to clinically unfavorable basal‐like tumors.
Environment and paleoecology of a 12 ka mid-North American Younger Dryas forest chronicled in tree rings
Authors: Panyushkina Irina P. , Leavitt Steven W. , Thompson Todd A. , Schneider Allan F. , Lange Todd
Published: October 2008

Until now, availability of wood from the Younger Dryas abrupt cooling event (YDE) in N. America ca. 12.9 to 11.6 ka has been insufficient to develop high-resolution chronologies for refining our understanding of YDE conditions. Here we present a multi-proxy tree-ring chronology (ring widths, “events” evidenced by microanatomy and macro features, stable isotopes) from a buried black spruce forest in the Great Lakes area (Liverpool East site), spanning 116 yr at ca. 12,000 cal yr BP. During this largely cold and wet period, the proxies convey a coherent and precise forest history including frost events, tilting, drowning and burial in estuarine sands as the Laurentide Ice Sheet deteriorated. In the middle of the period, a short mild interval appears to have launched the final and largest episode of tree recruitment. Ultimately the tops of the trees were sheared off after death, perhaps by wind-driven ice floes, culminating an interval of rising water and sediment deposition around the base of the trees. Although relative influences of the continental ice sheet and local effects from ancestral Lake Michigan are indeterminate, the tree-ring proxies provide important insight into environment and ecology of a N. American YDE boreal forest stand.
Confidence Limits for Seasonal Rainfall: Their Value in Kenya Agriculture
Authors: Woodhead T.
Published: October 2008

For Muguga, in Kenya, confidence limits of expected ‘twenty-day’ rainfall may be reliably derived through a logarithmic transformation of the skew rainfall data. Frequency distributions of rainfall totals received during specific crop-growing seasons are examined for three widely separated Kenya sites. It is shown that confidence limits for such seasonal rainfall cannot be obtained by summation of the corresponding limits for the successive twenty-day intervals included within the season. Twenty-day limits should not therefore be accumulated in seasonal comparisons of crop water requirements and precipitation. Such assessments of agricultural site potential must take account of the year-to-year variability of precipitation, but are best undertaken with actual rainfall amounts.
Expected Rainfall and Kenya Agriculture-Confidence Limits for Large Areas at Minimum Cost
Authors: Woodhead T. , Waweru E. S. , Lawes E. F.
Published: October 2008

Confidence limits of expected twenty-day rainfall have been computed for two widely separated maize-producing regions in Kenya. The 35-km. square survey areas were quite different topographically, and limits were derived for seven rainfall sites in each. Ratios of these limits to the corresponding long-term mean precipitations were evaluated for each site for each twenty-day period during the appropriate maize-growing seasons. For a particular period and confidence level, these ratios were almost constant for either group of seven sites. The variability computed for a single, well-chosen site is therefore representative of quite a large neighbourhood. Expected rainfall totals were also derived for a ‘fictitious’ site, simulating the average precipitation over the whole of the flatter of the two areas. The resulting limits were less extreme than those of any individual site, indicating that areal rainfall, as used in hydrology, is less variable than the agriculturally-important point rainfall.
Needs of Sugar Cane for Silicon when Growing in Highly Weathered Latosols
Authors: Cheong Y. Wong You , Halais P.
Published: October 2008

Yields of sugar cane in low-silicon soils were significantly increased by the application of both calcium silicate and coral sand. Over and above the significant response to Ca and increase in soil pH, there was a highly significant response to Si. The overall response to the higher level of calcium silicate application (14·2 tons/ha.) over the control was 28·3 tons of cane per hectare. Neither calcium silicate nor coral sand influenced the sucrose content of the juice.
Water Relations of Beans II. Effects of Differential Irrigation on Yield and Seed Size of Broad Beans
Authors: El Nadi A. H.
Published: October 2008

A crop of broad beans was subjected to different water treatments with a view to finding the most economical irrigation policy. Increments in yield were obtained from the sixth to ninth irrigation, but the relative significance of each irrigation after the sixth was dependent upon whether irrigation water was saved during the vegetative and early flowering phase, or during the phase of pod development. The influence of the different water regimes on yield components and on some attributes of growth was studied.
Foliar Composition of the Oil Palm in West Malaysia I. Variation in Leaf Nutrient Levels in Relation to Sampling Intensity
Authors: Chin Poon Yew , Varley J. A. , Ward J. B.
Published: October 2008

A uniformity trial was carried out at Banting, Selangor in West Malaysia to estimate optimal sampling rates for determining foliar nutrient contents of oil palms. The results suggest that the unit for sampling in this area is greater than 10 acres but less than 50. A comparison of the results with those obtained in Nigeria shows a large measure of agreement. Factors concerned in choosing a sampling rate are discussed. With the information available a rate of 2–3 per cent appears adequate.
Effects of Application Techniques on the Control of Powdery Mildew on Roses
Authors: Vigodsky Hillela , Zieslin N.
Published: October 2008

Three methods of applying four fungicides were tested for controlling powdery mildew on roses. Best results were obtained by air blast application, with high-volume sprays providing better control than low-volume sprays. The former, unassisted by air blast, failed to give adequate control. Fluorescent tracers showed that performance of various modes of application depended on their ability to provide a satisfactory fungicide deposit on the lower leaf surface, which was particularly susceptible to the disease.
Effects of Sowing Date, Nitrogen and Seed Rate on Wheat Yields in the Sudan Gezira
Authors: Khalifa M. A.
Published: October 2008

A three-year study of the effects of sowing date, nitrogen application and seed rate on wheat showed that sowing in mid-October gave consistently greater grain yields than sowing in mid-September or mid-November because grains were larger and more numerous per head. Nitrogen increased yields but the effect decreased with later sowing. Nitrogen probably increased grain yield by increasing the number of ears, but this effect diminished with higher levels of nitrogen. Grain yield was only slightly influenced by seed rate, and the interaction of seed rate with sowing date or nitrogen was unimportant.
Growth of Sugar Beet (Var. Polyrave) in Relation to Petiole Nitrate Content
Authors: Albasal N. , Dor Z. , Carmeli R. , Kafkafi U.
Published: October 2008

Nitrate content in the petiole of sugar beet (var. Polygrave) reaches its maximum three months after emergence of the seedling. There is a linear correlation between the final yields and the nitrate content of the petiole at the maximum stage. Nitrogen fertilization should be given in the first three months of the beet growth.
Floral Initiation and Flowering of Coffea arabica L. in Kenya
Authors: Wormer T. M. , Gituanja J.
Published: October 2008

In Kenya, coffee growing east of the Great Rift Valley has its main flowering either in February–March or in October–November. These flowerings are mainly initiated from approximately August to December and June to September, respectively. Changes from an early to a late flowering rhythm and vice versa can be caused by (a) pruning, (b) the condition of the tree, and (c) the weather pattern, but more information is needed for a complete understanding of this problem.
Nodulation of Legumes in the Sudan II. Rhizobium Strains and Cross-Inoculations ofAcacia Spp
Authors: Habish H. A. , Khairi Sh. M.
Published: October 2008

Cross-inoculation tests among tenAcaciaspecies and cowpea (Vigna sinensis) showed that eightAcacia sppwere related to cowpea while two were independent and this agreed with the placement of Acacia in the cowpea group. The Acacia rhizobia showed certain cultural and physiological similarities to the cowpea Rhizobium and were resistant to high temperatures.
Response of Maize Varieties in Tanzania to Different Plant Populations and Fertilizer Levels
Authors: Bolton A.
Published: October 2008

Trials were conducted for three seasons at a range of altitudes in Tanzania to investigate the effect of plant populations and levels of applied nitrogen and phosphate on the performance of maize varieties. Increasing population to 47,500 plants per hectare gave increased yields even though cob size and number of cobs per 100 plants showed considerable reductions, but 72,000 plants/ha. is probably too many for late maturing varieties. Sites over 900 m. showed good response to applied fertilizer, but below 900 m. response was much smaller or absent. Cob height was increased by fertilizer but hardly affected by spacing, no treatment made any appreciable difference to days to 50 per cent pollen shed, and lodging increased with closer spacing.
A Simple Wetness Recorder
Authors: Huxley P. A. , Waller J. M.
Published: October 2008

When wetted overnight by dew, dye spots on a cone-shaped paper ‘sensor’ will spread to an extent which depends on both the duration and the intensity of dewfall. Results from such a sensor have been compared with those from the de Wit recorder. Although only a qualitative assessment of surface wetness is obtained, the paper sensors are cheap and easily replicated, they can be stored for assessment later and they can be made in sizes to suit any particular situation in the field.
Statistical Studies of Experimental Techniques with the Apple Crop in Iran
Authors: Abraham T. P. , Hoobakht A. , Nejad Parvin Aryan
Published: October 2008

Data of uniformity trials on apple in farmers' gardens showed large localized and genetic variation, indicating that larger plots could be used with advantage. Formation of blocks on the basis of uniformity trials can be expected to increase block efficiency considerably. With only four to six years for experiments it was found better to use trunk girth as a calibrating variate for forming plots and blocks instead of losing two years for a uniformity trial. The minimum number of replications needed to obtain estimates of treatment effects with a given standard error has been calculated. There was a pronounced biennial swing in the yields as reflected by the intra-tree correlation.
The Potassium Status of Soils in the Savanna Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Wild A.
Published: October 2008

Thirty one soils from the Savanna Zone of Nigeria were low in exchangeable potassium, ΔK°, and ΔK°° and had very low potassium buffer capacities. The soils were low in clay, which was kaolinitic. Two soils high in 2:1 layer clay minerals contained higher quantities of labile potassium. Total potassium varied with parent material. Release of non-exchangeable potassium was low. After cropping, wet/dry cycles released exchangeable potassium. Potassium deficiency is expected to occur commonly with intensive cropping in the field.
Foliar Diagnosis of Nutrient Deficiencies in Mauritius Sugar Cane I. Changes in Optimum Leaf Nitrogen with Ecological Conditions
Authors: Nababsing P. , Halais P.
Published: October 2008

The response of six cane varieties to nitrogen fertilization (0, 70 and 140 kg. N/ha.) has been studied. Results of three ratoon crops from 23 trials on representative sites throughout Mauritius indicate that optimum fertilization is around 70 kg. N/ha. Three levels for optimum nitrogen in the third leaf blade have been established, namely 1·93, 2·05 and 2·22 per cent corresponding roughly to the sub-humid, humid and super-humid areas of Mauritius.
Variability in Leaf Area of Rice
Authors: Gomez K. A. , Palaniswamy K. M.
Published: October 2008

Sources of variation in the leaf area of rice were examined from 11,356 sample leaves. The three major sources of variability, in decreasing order, were variation among leaves within tillers, variation among tillers within hills, and variation among hills within plots. Within the same tiller upper leaves were larger than the lower ones, except for the flag leaf. Larger leaves were also associated with the taller tillers in a hill. For assessing leaf areas of rice in experimental plots, it is suggested that all leaves from the middle tiller of each sample hill be measured. Furthermore, to avoid border effects, at least two outermost rows on each side of a plot should be excluded from leaf area determinations.
Improving the Quality of a Groundnut Population in Zambia by Bulk Selection of Seed
Authors: Thomas R. L. , Prior A. J. , Grafius J. E.
Published: October 2008

Substantial improvement is reported in a quality measure, large seed size, after only one generation of mass selection from a bulk ‘Chalimbana’ population of Zambian land races of the inbred species Arachis hypogaea L. There were large positive correlations between seed size as planted and the subsequent mean size harvested. Large seed also tended to produce an increased proportion of 2- rather than 3-seeded pods, further improving both crop uniformity and quality. Total yield was unaffected, or possibly even slightly enhanced, by planting larger kernels. The circumstantial advantages of mass as opposed to pedigree selection methods are discussed.
Boron Deficiency in Cotton in Northern Nigeria I. Factors Influencing Occurrence and Methods of Correction
Authors: Heathcote R. G. , Smithson J. B.
Published: October 2008

Boron deficiency in cotton occurs widely in northern Nigeria, where its extent and severity appear to be increasing, particularly under intensive agriculture. The deficiency may be aggravated by fertilizer application, specially nitrogen. Soil boron status varies greatly but is generally very low and often less than is considered necessary elsewhere. Superphosphate containing added boron corrects deficiency safely and satisfactorily.
Use of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Leaf Tips as Vegetables II. Evaluation of Yield and Nutritive Quality
Authors: Villareal R. L. , Tsou S. C. S. , Lin S. K. , Chiu S. C.
Published: October 2008

Yields of sweet potato tips varied from 10 to 16 t/ha in weight and 61 to 352/m2 in number, whilst yields of marketable roots varied from 1 to 16 t/ha. Cultivar differences in dry matter, fibre, ash, vitamin B2 and oxalate were also observed. The tips appeared to provide an excellent source of vitamin B2 which is important for Asian diets deficient in this vitamin. Application of 120 kg N/ha gave higher tip yields than no nitrogen, primarily due to increases in their number and size. Among the leaf types evaluated, Kinangkong (a fine leaf cultivar) produced the highest yield, and had the highest amount of protein, lowest oxalate, and fairly high dry matter, which makes it a very desirable leafy vegetable.
Use of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Leaf Tips as Vegetables III. Organoleptic Evaluation
Authors: Villareal R. L. , Tsou S. C. , Chiu S. C. , Lai S. H.
Published: October 2008

Blanched leaf tips of ten sweet potato cultivars were evaluated for eating qualities such as tenderness, flavour, stem and leaf colour, and hairiness to determine selection criteria. Some cultivars compared favourably with the control in most quality attributes, with a general agreement on the acceptability ranking of three cultivars. Stepwise multiple regression analysis suggested that all the quality attributes studied are important in predicting general acceptability of blanched tips, but the use of stem colour and hairiness for initial selection should be sufficient to reduce the number of lines prior to further evaluation.
Effects of Mulching Previous Crops or Fallow on Dryland Maize and Wheat
Authors: Prihar S. S. , Singh Ranjodh , Singh Nathu , Sandhu K. S.
Published: October 2008

In dryland areas, where rains recede much earlier than the time of sowing of crops, moisture in the seed zone becomes limiting for stand establishment. Mulches are known to conserve moisture in the upper soil layers, so we studied the effect of mulching a standing maize or fallow on the yield of the maize and on following wheat. Mulching maize with green twigs of ‘basooti’ a few weeks before harvest increased its yield by 16%. Both in maize and on fallow mulching increased water storage, particularly in the upper soil layers, and increased wheat yields from 19.0 to 22.5 q/ha after maize and 29.1 to 33.3 q/ha after fallow. It also led to increased water use and water use efficiency of wheat.
Storage of Fresh Cassava (Manihot esculenta) III. Preserving Chipped Roots Before and During Sun-Drying
Authors: Booth R. H. , Dhiauddin M. N.
Published: October 2008

The potential was demonstrated of using sodium chloride and sodium metabisulphite as chemical preservatives during pre-drying storage of wet cassava chips, and during slow sun-drying under adverse weather conditions. Both chemicals permitted chips to maintain a good colour and texture and prevented gross microbial deterioration.
Effects of Variety, Fertilizer and Environment on Fire-cured Tobacco in Malawi
Authors: Abington J. B. , Tanton T. W.
Published: October 2008

Five fire-cured tobacco varieties were grown under different fertilizer levels and environments, to investigate their effects upon quality of the cured leaf. Environment exerted the greatest effect, and the best quality of leaf was produced from virgin soils. Fertilizer responses were greatest in environments where traditional agricultural methods operated, but even heavy applications of fertilizer under these conditions did not compensate for lack of good initial soil conditions. Although variety affected the style of tobacco produced, varietal differences were small compared with the effects of environment and fertilizer.
Irrigation Effects on Roots and Shoots of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides)
Authors: Gregory P. J. , Squire G. R.
Published: October 2008

Irrigated and unirrigated crops of pearl millet were grown in Hyderabad, India, during the post-monsoon season of 1977. Irrigation increased both the dry weight of roots and the number of root axes, but because the additional axes were thick and unbranched the total length of roots was unaffected. However, irrigation did cause more of the root length to be in the top 20 cm of soil. Yield of the irrigated crop was higher than that of the dry crop, mainly because more tillers survived to produce grain. Grain growth of the dry crop occurred when the net growth of the crop was zero, probably because of movement of assimilate from stems to panicles. Possible strategies for improving yields are examined in the light of the growth data.
Effects of Potassium on Buoyancy of Banana Fruit
Authors: Johnson T. J.
Published: October 2008

Banana packing systems rely on floating the fruit in water in order to remove latex produced at the cut surfaces of the crown. At some periods of the year up to 5% of the fruit sinks and rolls along the bottom of the tanks, resulting in heavy scarring of the peel. Potassium content of buoyant fruit exceeded 1·3% dry weight in the pulp and 6·0% in the peel, but in one investigation the sinker fruit had 36 and 20% less than these levels respectively. Application of potassium fertilizer in the field greatly reduced the amount of sinker fruit.
Economic Importance of Rice Stem-borer (Diopsis macrophthalma) in Malawi
Authors: Feijen H. R.
Published: October 2008

Experiments were carried out in which injuries caused by Diopsis macrophthalma larvae were simulated. The results show that these larvae can have negative or positive effects on rice (number of stems, height, maturation time, number of ears and yield), depending on time and level of attack, growing conditions and variety. The results suggest that under normal conditions the effect on number of stems, height, number of ears and yield is positive, and only becomes negative if poor growing conditions are combined with a late, heavy attack. An experiment with Diopsids was carried out to evaluate the simulation experiments.
Some Factors Limiting Yields of Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Tanton T. W.
Published: October 2008

Measurements indicate that the tea crop—which consists of young shoots—is sink-limited and that the plucking of immature shoots, essential for quality tea, is a major factor limiting yields of the crop. The importance of this aspect in selecting for high-yielding plant material is discussed.
Yields and Responses to Lime and Potassium Fertilizer in Different Cropping Years in Uganda
Authors: Foster H. L.
Published: October 2008

Trials on ferrallitic soils in Uganda showed that crops responded to lime after the first year of cropping on soils which had a pH up to 6·0, and to potassium on soils which had an extractable K level up to 18 mg 100 g−1. Soil and leaf analyses indicated that responses to lime on soils of pH above 5·2 were due to an increase in phosphate availability. Low yields at several sites in the first year were apparently due to immobilization of nutrients during rapid mineralization of soil organic matter. In later years soil organic matter did not decline appreciably, and yields dropped only at sites where potassium or minor element deficiencies apparently developed.
Effect of Plot Shape on Variability in Smith's Variance Law
Authors: Reddy M. Narayana , Chetty C. K. Ramanatha
Published: October 2008

Fairfield Smith's variance law is extended to study simultaneously the effect of plot size and its rectangularity (which quantifies shape) on variance. This model is fitted to two seasons' data on sorghum grain yield generated from uniformity trials under rainfed conditions. Some implications of the fitted model are discussed.
Historical Data as a Guide to Selecting Systems for Intercropping Two Species
Authors: Pearce S. C. , Edmondson R. N.
Published: October 2008

A small farmer in the tropics often grows a range of crops to protect himself against failure in a bad season. It is suggested that guidance on the choice of species, and the proportions between them, can be gained by studying past cropping figures, such as those collected for FAO purposes. Two cases are distinguished for systems using two species, (a) when the crops serve much the same purpose and are interchangeable in use, and (b) when they serve different purposes and a certain minimum is required of each. Special attention is given to intercropping, in which the two species are grown in close association.
Growth and Development of Upland Rice at Three Altitudes in the Highlands of Northern Thailand
Authors: Chamberlin R. J. , Insomphun Songchao
Published: October 2008

A number of upland rice varieties were grown in the highlands of northern Thailand at altitudes of 800, 1200, and 1450 m in 1978 and 1979. Growth rate declined and growth duration was extended as altitude increased. At the 1200 and 1450 m sites yield was severely restricted by spikelet sterility, probably induced by cool temperatures. Some varieties were completely sterile at the highest altitude, where yields ranged up to 2.6 t ha−1. At 800 m several varieties yielded more than 5 t ha−1 in 1978, but yields at this lower site were reduced by about 20% in 1979. Translocation to the grain of assimilates stored in the vegetative parts appeared to have been restricted. Lodging was a problem at all sites.
Consistency and Convenience in the Choice of Units for Agricultural Science
Authors: Monteith J. L.
Published: October 2008

The Système International d'Unités (SI) provides a consistent and coherent set of units for specifying the magnitude of physical quantities. Use of SI is recommended by most scientific journals and in many, includingExperimental Agriculture, it is now mandatory. Multiples and sub-multiples of units should be chosen to minimize the repetition of zeros before or after the decimal point. Several units related to SI (e.g. tonne and hectare) are convenient in speech as well as in writing but should be avoided in analysis to minimize the risk of numerical errors. Units common in agricultural science are discussed with special reference to the need for compromise between consistency and convenience.
An Assessment of Different Techniques for Inoculating Phaseolus vulgaris with Rhizobium
Authors: Rawsthorne S. , Summerfield R. J.
Published: October 2008

A technique to better ensure reliable nodulation of pot-grown, P. vulgaris plants with cultured strains of Rhizobium is described. Nodulation, dinitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) activity and growth of 28-day-old plants were all stimulated markedly when seeds had been inoculated with cultured Rhizobium phaseoli suspended in alginate gel (Agrigel) rather than in sucrose solution. Nodulation attributes of plants inoculated with R. phaseoli strain RCR 3644 which had been sub-cultured repeatedly on yeast mannitol agar slopes were consistently inferior to those recorded for the same strain but recently cultured from a freeze-dried sample. Some of the potential problems with open pot culture of nodule-dependent legumes are discussed.
An Evaluation of the Oil Concentration in Sesame Seeds in Relation to Developmental Stage, Node Position and Capsule Age
Authors: Saha S. N. , Bhargava S. C.
Published: October 2008

Weekly measurements were made of the seed oil concentration (% dry weight) in five sesame genotypes (Sesamum indicum) from flowering to maturity. During early but not late development the oil concentration of main shoot capsules was less variable than that in capsules taken from branches. The oil concentration of seeds from capsules at different nodes decreased from 67 to 22% between the lowest (oldest) capsule at node 8 and the youngest one at the uppermost node (25) in 1976, and from 65 to 19% for the same nodes in 1977. Variations in oil accumulation in relation to capsule age revealed that oil formation begins within 5 days after fertilization and maximum accumulation (52% oil) was achieved after 30 days. The implications of these findings for the assessment of oil yield potential are discussed.
Control of Water Use by Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides)
Authors: Squire G. R. , Gregory P. J. , Monteith J. L. , Russell M. B. , Singh Piara
Published: October 2008

At Hyderabad, India, stands of pearl millet were grown after the monsoon (a) with no irrigation after establishment and (b) with irrigation as needed to avoid stress. Increases of dry matter and leaf area were determined by regular harvesting. The interception of radiation by the foliage, uptake of water from the soil and stomatal conductance were monitored. Before anthesis at 42 days after sowing (DAS), the rate of dry matter production and the transpiration rate in the unirrigated stand were about 80% of the corresponding rates for the irrigated control, mainly because of a smaller stomatal conductance from 30 DAS. After anthesis, the unirrigated stand grew little and used only 10% of the water transpired by the control. This large difference was partitioned between loss of leaf area and smaller stomatal conductance in the ratio of approximately 2:1. Radiation intercepted by foliage in the irrigated stand produced 2.0 g of dry matter per MJ compared with 2.5 g MJ−1for the same variety growing in the monsoon, a difference consistent with a smaller stomatal conductance in drier air.
Studies on Transpiration Suppressants on Spring Sorghum in North-Western India in Relation to Soil Moisture Regimes. I. Effect on Yield and Water Use Efficiency
Authors: Babu D. Boobathi , Singh S. P.
Published: October 2008

The results of field experiments conducted in the spring seasons (February/March to June) of 1980 and 1981 indicate that grain yields of sorghum increased with increase in frequency of irrigation. Crops sprayed with atrazine or CCC yielded more than the unsprayed control; maximum yields were obtained by the application of atrazine at 200 g ha−1. Water use efficiency decreased with increase in irrigation but increased as a result of spraying crops with either chemical. Irrigation water can be saved by the spraying of atrazine or CCC onto spring-sown sorghum.
Studies on Transpiration Suppressants on Spring Sorghum in North-Western India in Relation to Soil Moisture Regimes. II. Effect on Growth and Nutrient Uptake
Authors: Babu D. Boobathi , Singh S. P.
Published: October 2008

The effects of irrigation and spraying of transpiration suppressants on growth and nutrient uptake by spring sorghum (CSH 6) have been investigated. Crop growth, measured by plant-height, leaf area index and dry matter production, and uptake of N, P and K increased with more frequent irrigation and in response to the spraying of transpiration suppressants. Foliar applications of atrazine at 200 g ha−1 and CCC at 300 ml ha−1 proved to be the best in this NW Indian location.
Insect Pest Control for Cowpea in Crop Mixtures
Authors: Fisher N. M. , Raheja A. K. , Elemo K. A.
Published: October 2008

In 1981 and 1982, three crop protection regimes were compared with an unsprayed control for cowpea grown alone and in mixtures with maize, sorghum and cotton. Unsprayed cowpea in mixtures with maize had yields which suggested some pest escape in 1981 but not in 1982. When sprayed, only the maize–cowpea mixture showed much yield advantage over sole crops. For maize–cowpea in 1983, a very dry year, only the alternate row mixtures showed a yield advantage and three spray applications gave cowpea yields as good as those resulting from six applications. The late, photosensitive cowpea variety Acq 1696 had better yields than the medium maturity TVx1948·01 F in the mixed crop but was greatly inferior as a sole crop.
Relative Sowing Time and Density of Component Crops in a Maize/Cowpea Intercrop System
Authors: Ofori Francis , Stern W. R.
Published: October 2008

The effect of variations in the relative sowing time and density of component crops in a maize/cowpea intercrop were examined in two experiments. In the first experiment, maize and cowpea were sown together, and either 10 or 21 days before or after each other. Maize yield was reduced when sown at the same time or after cowpea; intercrop cowpea yields were less than sole cowpea yields at all sowings. In the second experiment, maize densities of 35, 50 and 70 × 103plants ha−1were combined with cowpea densities of 70, 100 and 140 × 103plants ha−1. Increasing the density of either crop in the mixture resulted in increases in total yield. Maize reduced cowpea yields more than the effect of cowpea on maize yields. In terms of LER and total seed protein yield, there was no advantage of either staggered sowings over simultaneous sowing or of the various intercrop density combinations, except between the lowest and the highest densities of either maize or cowpea. The LERs appeared to follow the trends in cowpea yields and total seed protein yields the trends in maize yields.