bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light and Moisture Competition Effects on Biomass of Red Clover Underseeded To Winter Wheat
Authors: Queen Adam , Earl Hugh , Deen William
Published: October 2009

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) use as an underseeded cover crop in winter cereals has declined due to inability of growers to consistently establish uniform stands. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of light and soil moisture competition on underseeded red clover establishment and end of season dry matter production. Field trials were conducted at multiple locations in 2005 and 2006 in Ontario, Canada. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) N rate (67 and 135 kg N ha−1) and row thinning treatments (19‐cm rows, every third 19‐cm row removed at the 4–5 leaf stage) were used to alter light penetration and soil moisture competition. The high N rate and row thinning treatments consistently reduced light penetration, beginning as early as wheat stem elongation initiation, but had no effect on soil gravimetric moisture content. Soil moisture was primarily affected by location and year. Red clover dry weight in 2005, a relatively dry year, ranged from 688 to 1184 kg ha−1, and in 2006, a relatively wet year, ranged from 2336 to 2805 kg ha−1. Average final red clover stand count was 23 plants m−2 in 2005 and 55 plants m−2 in 2006. In 2005, plant mortality occurred before wheat anthesis. In both years, and at most locations, red clover final dry weight was positively correlated with light penetration, again beginning as early as initiation of wheat stem elongation. Final red clover dry weight in both years and red clover stand count in 2005 were correlated with soil gravimetric water content during wheat anthesis, but this was primarily due to location and year effects. Although both light penetration through the wheat canopy and soil moisture influence biomass production of underseeded red clover, soil moisture has the greater influence and is altered very little by wheat management.
Nitrogen Influences Biomass and Nutrient Partitioning by Perennial, Warm‐Season Grasses
Authors: Heggenstaller Andrew H. , Moore Kenneth J. , Liebman Matt , Anex Robert P.
Published: October 2009

Recent attention has focused on the use of perennial, warm‐season grasses as renewable energy crops. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of N fertilization on partitioning of biomass and nutrients between above‐ and belowground plant components by four warm‐season grass species in Iowa. In 2006–2007, established stands of big bluestem (Andropogon geradii Vitman), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash], and eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] were fertilized with 0, 65, 140, or 220 kg N ha−1 in the spring and harvested following frost in the fall. Dependent on grass species and year, yield response to N was linear or quadratic. Optimum yield after 2 yr was 13.5 Mg ha−1 at 140 kg N ha−1 for all grasses except eastern gamagrass, which demonstrated lower yield and a consistent linear N response. Nitrogen inputs had pronounced but grass‐specific effects on root biomass and nutrient partitioning. For big bluestem and switchgrass, 140 kg N ha−1 maximized root biomass and favored allocation of nutrients to roots over shoots. In contrast, for indiangrass and eastern gamagrass, root biomass and root nutrient allocation were adversely affected by N inputs. For all grasses, 220 kg N ha−1 shifted allocation of nutrients to shoots over roots. Selection of crops and management practices that optimize yield, and maintain a high level of resource partitioning to roots at low to intermediate N input rates will promote the development of productive and efficient bioenergy systems.
Subsurface Drip and Overhead Irrigation: A Comparison of Plant Boll Distribution in Upland Cotton
Authors: Ritchie Glen L. , Whitaker Jared R. , Bednarz Craig W. , Hook James E.
Published: October 2009

Although subsurface drip (SSD) is used as a water‐efficient alternative to overhead irrigation in many crops, the effects of SSD on the distribution of bolls on cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) have not been thoroughly examined. The purpose of this study was to add to the current knowledge about the effects of SSD on cotton yield dynamics. Cultivar DP 488 BG/RR was grown in three studies during 2 yr with irrigation treatments consisting of overhead irrigation (Overhead), a nonirrigated control (Nonirrigated), SSD matched to overhead irrigation amounts and frequency (SSD Matched), and SSD based on soil moisture (SSD Fed) irrigated cotton. The cotton was grown in two locations in 2004 and one location in 2005 in Georgia. Crop height, maturity, and soil moisture status were monitored throughout the growing season in each location. At harvest, a subplot consisting of one harvest row measuring 3 m in length was removed from each plot and handpicked to determine cotton boll distribution in each plot. Irrigation method had a significant impact on boll distribution on the plants, with the overhead irrigation treatment consistently having less cotton near the bottom of the plant and more cotton near the top than either of the SSD methods. We conclude that SSD irrigation decreases early‐season fruit loss, resulting in heavier carbohydrate sinks and decreasing overall growth and upper boll filling on the crop.
Performance of an Optimized Nutrient Management System for Double‐Cropped Wheat‐Maize Rotations in North‐Central China
Authors: He Ping , Li Shutian , Jin Jiyun , Wang Hongting , Li Chunjie , Wang Yilun , Cui Rongzong
Published: October 2009

Overapplication of N and P and insufficient supply of K are considered primary reasons for restriction of yield improvement in the North China Plain. Optimized nutrient management practices based on soil testing and yield targets have been developed. Other large scale field experiments have indicated that additional improvement for yield and nutrient use benefits is needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the optimized nutrient management system on yield, nutrient uptake, nutrient utilization, and profit in the North China provinces of Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan. Treatments consisted of a check without fertilizer use (CK); a balanced, optimum nutrient application (OPT); the farmers' practice (FP); and a series of nutrient omission treatments (minus N, P, and K, respectively). The results indicated that the OPT optimized grain yield, nutrient use efficiency, and profitability. Maize (Zea mays L.) yield increased by 12.2% at Shanxi and 18.5% at Hebei, respectively. Inputs of N and P across the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize system at the four sites was reduced by 13% (266 kg N ha−1) and 45% (430 kg P2O5 ha−1), while K input was increased by 43% (265 kg K2O ha−1). The OPT improved both measurements of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE); agronomic nitrogen efficiency (AEN) and nitrogen recovery efficiency (REN) in the majority of cases. Although the OPT tested in this study increased yields and nutrient uptake, there remains considerable potential to improve AEN and REN further for this intensive winter wheat–summer maize rotation system.
Comparison of Certified and Farm‐Saved Seed on Yield and Quality Characteristics of Canola
Authors: Clayton G. W. , Brandt S. , Johnson E. N. , O'Donovan J. T. , Harker K. N. , Blackshaw R. E. , Smith E. G. , Kutcher H. R. , Vera C. , Hartman M.
Published: October 2009

Relatively high seed prices and low canola (Brassica napus L.) grain prices created a controversy over using farm‐saved seed from hybrids. Agronomic implications of saving seed from a canola crop were investigated by planting certified seed and saved‐seed of an open‐pollinated and a hybrid canola cultivar at eight site‐years in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada. In one series of experiments cultivars and seed rates were compared, while in another experiment seed treatments and use of sized seed were investigated. Results tend to agree with similar studies with other crops where agronomic performance was unaffected when farm‐saved seed from open‐pollinated crops was used, but declined when this practice was used with hybrid cultivars. Using farm‐saved seed from hybrid canola (HY‐FSS) compared with hybrid certified seed (HYC) reduced plant population density by 16 to 18% at the time of crop maturity and yield by an average of 12%, delayed maturity by 2 d, reduced seed oil content by 5 g kg−1, and resulted in a small increase in incidence of green seed. Yield and quality loss associated with using HY‐FSS could not be recovered by using increased seeding rates or by sizing and planting only large seed. The inability to use the most effective combined insecticide plus fungicide seed protectant treatments with farm‐saved seed resulted in a 20% yield loss compared with treated certified hybrid seed. Our study demonstrates the production risks of growing HY‐FSS on plant density, yield, maturity, and seed oil content.
Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Fertilization on Cucumber
Authors: Amer Kamal H. , Midan Sally A. , Hatfield Jerry L.
Published: October 2009

Soil water budgets are essential in determining the proper timing and amount of irrigation. Organic fertilizers can be substituted for commercial fertilizers; however, information is sparse on the interaction of irrigation management and nutrient source on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production. This study evaluated nutrient source and irrigation management on growth and yield of cucumber grown in the arid area of Egypt. A field experiment was conducted using cucumber grown in northern Egypt at Shibin El‐Kom in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate water use and fertilizer rate and type. Three irrigation deficits and seven fertilization types were arranged in a randomized split‐plot design with irrigation rates as main plots and fertilizer treatments within irrigation rates. Irrigation treatments were a ratio of crop evapotranspiration (ET) as: 1.0 ET, 0.84 ET, and 0.64 ET. Fertilizer treatments were applied at the recommended rate of N either as a commercial fertilizer or with organic manure. Chlorophyll a and b, leaf area index, and yield were greatest with the lowest ratios of male to female flowers when adequate water and high N were used (1.0 ET with chicken manure at 7 Mg/ha). Seasonal water use was 498 and 471 mm for 1.0 ET in 2006 and 2007 plantings over the 125 d growing season, respectively. The yield reduction coefficient averaged 0.77. An optimal scheduling was statistically developed based on crop response in deficit irrigation to achieve maximum yield for different uniformity coefficient variation values. Cucumber performance was significantly affected by both irrigation and nutrient deficiencies.
Nonstructural Carbohydrate Concentrations in Timothy as Affected by N Fertilization, Stage of Development, and Time of Cutting
Authors: Pelletier Sophie , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Lafrenière Carole , Bertrand Annick , Bélanger Gilles , Castonguay Yves , Rowsell John
Published: October 2009

Forages with increased total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrations improve the N‐use efficiency of dairy cows. This study determined the effect of time of cutting (0700 vs. 1500 h), stage of development (heading and anthesis), and N fertilization (30, 50, 70, 90, and 110 kg N ha−1 as NH4NO3) on the fermentable carbohydrate concentration of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) grown in northern Ontario, Canada. Forage dry matter (DM) yield and concentrations of N, starch, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and fructans were determined. Concentration of soluble carbohydrates (SC) was estimated by the sum of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, while TNC was obtained by adding SC and starch. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect forage carbohydrate concentrations, but slightly increased DM yield. Forage had higher TNC, starch, sucrose, and fructose concentrations (+9 to 63%) but lower glucose concentration (−27%) when harvested at anthesis compared with heading. Concentration of high degree of polymerization (HDP) fructans was close to 0 at heading and increased to 64.3 mg g−1 DM at anthesis. The afternoon‐cut forage had higher TNC (+53%), SC (+60%), and sucrose (+87%) concentrations than the morning‐cut forage; this positive effect was greater when timothy was harvested at heading compared with anthesis. Starch and HDP fructan concentrations were similar for both times of cutting, whereas results for glucose and fructose were inconsistent. Delayed cutting during the day and an extended growth period increased timothy TNC and HDP fructan concentrations to an extent likely to improve the N use efficiency of dairy cows.
Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Species in Soils of Cultivated Soybean Fields
Authors: Troeh Z. I. , Loynachan T. E.
Published: October 2009

Mycorrhizae are presumably important contributors to plant growth in most ecosystems. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the population diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in Clarion (well drained) and Webster (poorly drained) soils of four Iowa soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields. These soils normally occur together on the landscape, with Clarion in the upland and Webster in lowland positions. Previous work consistently has shown higher AM fungal spore counts in Webster soils. Spore morphology was used for the characterization of fungal species. Identification of certain species was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based rDNA fingerprinting. Glomus claroideum, G. etunicatum, G. mosseae, G. viscosum, and Paraglomus occultum‐like spores were prevalent in both Clarion and Webster soils. Trap cultures led to detection of several additional AM fungal species, including G. clarum, G. coronatum, G. fasciculatum, G. vesiforme, Acaulospora calossica, and Entrophospora infrequens The richness of the Glomus species varied from eight species in Webster soil of a field with highest available P (203 mg kg−1 soil Bray P1), where spores of G. mosseae constituted 90% of the spore population, to 12 species in Clarion soil, with lowest available P (14 mg kg−1 soil Bray P1). The variability of AM fungal density and distribution was also high among samples taken only 2 m apart. Although diverse within the genus, this study showed the dominance of Glomus species in field soils used to produce two important commercial crops, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean, in the midwestern United States.
Control of Cereal Rye with a Roller/Crimper as Influenced by Cover Crop Phenology
Authors: Mirsky Steven B. , Curran William S. , Mortensen David A. , Ryan Matthew R. , Shumway Durland L.
Published: October 2009

Adoption of reduced tillage practices have been driven by the need to enhance soil quality, minimize field labor time, and scale up farm size. However, concerns about increased reliance on herbicides and demand for organically grown foods call for adoption of production practices that can reduce both tillage and herbicide use. This research study assessed the influence of planting and termination dates on mechanical cover crop control efficacy to limit tillage and herbicide use using a roller/crimper. A thermal‐based phenological model using growing degree days (GDD; base 4.4°C) was developed to predict cereal rye (Secale cerealeL.) growth stage. Mechanical control of cereal rye increased as rye matured. Variations in cereal rye cultivar growth rates were observed; however, they responded similarly to rolling when terminated at the same growth stage. Consistent control was achieved at a Zadoks growth stage 61 (rye anthesis). A thermal‐based phenological model separating the effects of heat units accumulated in the fall (FallGDD) from those accumulated in the spring (SpringGDD) best predicted the phenological development of cereal rye. Predicting when cereal rye can be successfully controlled using a roller/crimper along with the use of the thermal‐based phenological model should aid growers in decision‐making regarding cereal rye planting and termination dates.
Broiler Litter Fertilization and Cropping System Impacts on Soil Properties
Authors: Adeli A. , Tewolde H. , Sistani K. R. , Rowe D. E.
Published: October 2009

Understanding the effects of management practices on soil properties is necessary because soil properties are directly related to the capacity of soil to function. Soil physical, chemical and biological properties were determined after 3 yr in three cropping sequences [continuous cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (CCC), cotton‐corn (Zea mays L.)‐cotton (CMC), and corn‐cotton‐cotton (MCC) each at four broiler litter fertilization rates (0, 4.5, 9, and 13.4 Mg ha−1) to a soil depth of 15 cm on a Catalpa silty clay loam soil in Verona, MS. Inorganic N fertilizer was applied at the rate of 123 kg ha−1 yr−1 to cotton and 180 kg ha−1 yr−1 to corn. Averaged across crop sequences, broiler litter application significantly increased soil nutrient concentrations, microbial biomass C (MBC), total porosity, and aggregate stability (AS). The inclusion of corn into rotation with cotton increased soil MBC, AS, and reduced bulk density (Db). Application of broiler litter at rate greater than 9 Mg ha−1 to CCC resulted in increasing NO3–N concentration at the lower 30‐cm depth and P accumulation by fourfold at the 0‐ to 5‐cm depth. Rotating cotton with corn in this study improved soil quality parameters and decreased NO3–N and P accumulation at the soil surface by approximately 24 and 20%, respectively. Hence, corn is sown in rotation with cotton in Mississippi, the Mississippian cotton industry could potentially improve soil organic carbon, nutrient cycling, and soil quality if broiler litter is used as the nutrient source.
Root‐Lesion Nematodes Reduce Yield of Intolerant Wheat and Barley
Authors: Smiley Richard W.
Published: October 2009

Root‐lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei) are widely distributed and substantially reduce grain yields in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐producing regions of the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The objective of this research was to determine if wheat and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars differ in tolerance to these nematode species. Field experiments were conducted by comparing yields in untreated and nematicide‐treated plots over 3 yr at two locations infested with either P. neglectus or P. thornei Yield improvements from nematicide application ranged from 9 to 40% for spring cereals and 6 to 17% for winter cereals. Phenotypic tolerance responses differed (P < 0.01) among 45 cultivars of spring cereals but not among 22 and 45 cultivars of winter cereals. Tolerance ratings were assigned to spring cereals. This is the first report of wheat and barley tolerances to root‐lesion nematodes in North America. Variability within data sets was used to estimate that 40 and 56 comparisons (experiments × replications) would be required to assign tolerance ratings at the 95% confidence interval for spring and winter cereals, respectively. Cultivar reactions in these tests, production and economic statistics for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and surveys of Pratylenchus in these states were used to estimate that P. neglectus and P. thornei reduce region‐wide yields as much as 5% annually, equaling 361 Gg (361,000 metric tons) valued at $51 million. It was concluded that this yield‐based screening procedure was impractical for routine screening but added emphasis to the importance of these root parasites in regions with low precipitation.
Enhancing Phosphorus Phytoremedation Potential of Two Warm‐Season Perennial Grasses with Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Newman Y. C. , Agyin‐Birikorang S. , Adjei M. B. , Scholberg J. M. , Silveira M. L. , Vendramini J. M. B. , Rechcigl J. E. , Sollenberger L. E. , Chrysostome M.
Published: October 2009

Phytoremediation or use of plants to extract soil nutrients is a practice used to ameliorate the impacts of excessive soil nutrients. Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatumFlügge) and ‘Floralta’ limpograss [Hemarthria altissima(Poir.) Stapf & Hubb] were grown in a P‐impacted Immokalee fine sand (Mehlich‐1 P ≈ 30 mg P kg−1) to evaluate increasing N levels on dry matter yield (DMY), forage P concentration, P removal, and P dynamics in the soil profile. Treatments were four levels of N fertilization (0, 50, 67, and 101 kg N ha−1harvest−1) replicated four times for each species. Both grasses showed increases in P removal with increasing N fertilizer applications. Phosphorus removed by forages for the highest N application level ranged from 59 (bahiagrass; 2‐yr period) to 83 kg ha−1(limpograss; 3‐yr period). The initial soil P content of the Ap horizon of allN> 0 treatments decreased by ≥85% over the study period. However, more P from the control (N= 0) plots leached to subsurface horizons compared to P lost from the plots receiving N fertilizer. Nitrogen application enhanced P uptake from the soil and consequently reduced off‐site P losses from the surface soil. Nitrogen application of 67 kg ha−1harvest−1optimized P removal by bahiagrass and limpograss. These data show that well managed, warm‐season perennial forage grasses with adequate N fertilization and managed for hay production or greenchop are an option for reducing off‐site P losses from P‐impacted soils.
Peanut Cultivar Response to Damage from Tobacco Thrips and Paraquat
Authors: Drake Wendy L. , Jordan David L. , Lassiter Bridget R. , Johnson P. Dewayne , Brandenburg Rick L. , Royals Brian M.
Published: October 2009

Virginia market‐type peanut cultivars in North Carolina vary in the number of days following emergence required to reach optimum maturity, and concern over cultivar response to interactions of tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca Hinds) damage in absence of in‐furrow insecticide and injury from paraquat exist with respect to cultivar selection. Experiments were conducted during 2007 and 2008 to determine if cultivars vary in response to interactions of the insecticide aldicarb (no aldicarb or aldicarb applied in the seed furrow at planting) and the herbicide paraquat (no paraquat or paraquat applied 24 to 28 d after peanut emergence, DAE). The cultivar VA 98R expressed more damage from tobacco thrips than the cultivars Gregory, Perry, or Phillips. Although vegetative growth parameters varied among cultivar, aldicarb, and paraquat treatments, pod yield and market grade characteristics were not affected by the interaction of experiment, cultivar, aldicarb, and paraquat or the interaction of cultivar, aldicarb, and paraquat. Damage from tobacco thrips in absence of aldicarb affected pod yield more than injury from paraquat. The combination of tobacco thrips damage in absence of aldicarb and injury from paraquat lowered pod yield compared with aldicarb‐treated peanut either with or without paraquat regardless of cultivar. These data suggest that recommendations on use of aldicarb for tobacco thrips control or paraquat for early season weed control should not vary based on cultivar selection when considering pod yield and market grade characteristics.
Potassium Uptake and Partitioning Relative to Dry Matter Accumulation in Cotton Cultivars Differing in Maturity
Authors: Gwathmey C. Owen , Main Christopher L. , Yin Xinhua
Published: October 2009

Dry matter may accumulate faster in fruit of earlier maturing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars than in later cultivars, requiring more rapid K uptake and/or partitioning to developing bolls. Faster K uptake may require higher K fertility. We examined K uptake and partitioning relative to dry matter accumulation during boll filling of two cultivars contrasting in maturity, under two K fertility regimes at Jackson, TN. Plots fertilized with 56 kg K ha−1 yr−1 received the recommended rate of K, while plots receiving 112 kg K ha−1 yr−1 were overfertilized with K. ‘PM 1218 BG/RR’ (PVP 200000213) matured earlier than ‘DP 555 BG/RR’ (PVP 200200047) in 2005, and ‘FM 960BR’ PVP 200400224 matured earlier than DP 555 BG/RR in 2006, but not 2007. Higher K fertility did not increase lint yields, but it delayed maturity in two of 3 yr. During boll filling, the earlier cultivar accumulated more dry matter and K in fruit than the later cultivar, and accumulated them faster in 2 of 3 yr. Higher K fertility shifted the partitioning of dry matter and K to vegetative organs relative to fruit. The proportion of plant K in fruit exceeded the proportion of dry matter in fruit, and the difference increased during boll filling. Evidently, K translocation to fruit exceeded dry matter accumulation in fruit, indicating that boll filling was not limited by K. Neither the K‐uptake ratio (total aboveground K relative to residual soil K plus fertilizer K) nor the K‐utilization ratio (lint produced per unit plant K) differed between cultivars with sufficient K fertility.
Livestock production: Present situation and future development directions in Republic of Serbia
Authors: Aleksic S. , Pantelic V. , Radovic C.
Published: November 2009

Livestock production is important branch of agriculture in Republic of Serbia. Over 700.000 households are engaged in this production, which is over 55% of total number of households. Livestock production provides necessary products (milk, meat, eggs) for nutrition of domestic population. Also, livestock production provides raw materials for food industry (dairy plants, slaughterhouses, meat industry, conditory industry and leather industry). Livestock production is expected to provide high quality products for export, primarily beef and lamb meat. Chance/opportunity for export exists also for cheeses of high quality (especially sheep and goat cheeses) of defined origin and quality. Based on available data, current situation in livestock production is assessed as inviolable. Number of heads of all species of domestic animals and poultry has been constantly decreasing over the period of last 12 years. The greatest decrease of number of heads of livestock was recorded in years 2000, 2001 and 2002, in all species of domestic animals. During this period, number of cattle decreased by 18,6%, of pigs by 11,8%, sheep by 12,3%, number of goats by 54,1%, horses by 66,0% and poultry by 28,0%. So, by the end of 2007, number of cattle was 1.087.000, pigs 3.832.000, sheep 1.606.000, goats 149.000, horses 18.000 and poultry 16.422.000. Republic of Serbia will in its near future become member of European Union (EU) and World Trade Organization (WTO), which means that livestock production should prepare for competition on unique developed market, without any state trade barriers. Serbia has been preparing for this since 2006 when it signed bilateral agreement on free trade with neighbouring countries - Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and in this way became part of the market and accepted the competition rules on the free market. Accession to EU and WTO includes liberalization of trade in livestock products, low possibility for import protection, implementation of quality standards (HACCP; ISO, Global GAP), reduction of the level of domestic support, discontinuing of export subsidies, increase of profitability and ability to be competitive on the international market.
Application of alternative growth promoters in broiler production
Authors: Peric L. , Zikic D. , Lukic M.
Published: November 2009

Subsequent to banning of use of antibiotics as growth promoter sin poultry nutrition, numerous studies turned to finding of alternative solutions, i.e. other, natural substances, which would have positive effect on chicken growth and feed conversion. Today, several groups of these additives are in use, and most often probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, acidifiers, antioxidants and phytogene additives. Considering that each of the stated groups has its own specificities, objective of this work was to present main mechanism of their action and to present their effect on production results in fattening of broiler chickens through review of research published in this field.
Stressful Life Events and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Pyykkönen Antti-Jussi , Räikkönen Katri , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Eriksson Johan G. , Groop Leif , Isomaa Bo
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

Stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. However, the scant evidence available is not population-based, restricting the external validity of the findings. Our aim was to test associations between stressful life events, their accumulation, and the metabolic syndrome in a large population-based cohort. We also tested associations between stress and the individual components related to the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a population-based, random sample of 3,407 women and men aged 18–78 years residing in Western Finland. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and International Diabetes Federation criteria. The severity of 15 stressful life events pertaining to finance, work, social relationships, health, and housing was self-rated.

RESULTS

In comparison with subjects not reporting any extremely stressful life events, those reporting work- or finance-related events had an increased odds for having the metabolic syndrome. The risk was further increased according to accumulation of stressful finance-related events and to having at least three stressful life events in any of the life domains assessed. Accumulation of stressful life events was associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and triglycerides. The associations were not confounded by sex, age, lifestyle, or family history of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Life events perceived as stressful, particularly those related to finance and work, may be a signal for poor metabolic health.
Effect of thidiazuron and gibberellic acid on leaf yellowing of cut stock flowers
Authors: Ferrante Antonio , Mensuali-Sodi Anna , Serra Giovanni
Published: November 2009

Plant hormones such as cytokinins and gibberellins are able to inhibit leaf yellowing in different species of cut flowers and potted plants. These hormones can be used alone or in combination among them for preserving chlorophyll in floriculture items. In the present study thidiazuron was tested alone or combined with GA3 for delaying leaf yellowing of cut stock flowers during vase life. Cut flowers were placed in a controlled environment and treated for 24 hours with the following solutions: distilled water (control) or solutions containing 5, 10 µM thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.5 mM gibberellic acid (GA3), or a combination of 0.5 mM GA3 with 5 µM TDZ. The effect of treatments was evaluated by measuring chlorophyll content, ethylene production, leaf gas exchanges and chlorophyll a fluorescence. Results showed that TDZ was able to delay leaf yellowing in light during whole experimental period (30 days). The effect of TDZ on dark stored flowers was less effective, and also delayed chlorophyll losses for 10–12 days. TDZ and GA3 combination did not show any synergistic nor beneficial effect. Gas exchange values such as net photosynthesis, vapour pressure deficit, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency were higher in the TDZ only treatment.
Obesity and Its Relationship to Addictions: Is Overeating a Form of Addictive Behavior?
Authors: Barry Danielle , Clarke Megan , Petry Nancy M.
Published: October 2009

Obesity is a major public health problem and notoriously difficult to treat. There are many parallels between obesity/overeating and addictions to alcohol and drugs. This paper discusses similarities between obesity and addictive disorders, including common personality characteristics, disruptive behavior syndromes, and brain mechanisms. Although there are important differences between overeating and other addictive behaviors, an addiction model of overeating may effectively inform prevention and treatment of obesity
A Simple Risk Scoring System for Prediction of Relapse after Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
Authors: Pedersen Mads Uffe , Hesse Morten
Published: October 2009

Predicting relapse after alcoholism treatment can be useful in targeting patients for aftercare services. However, a valid and practical instrument for predicting relapse risk does not exist. Based on a prospective study ofalcoholism treatment, we developed the Risk of Alcoholic Relapse Scale (RARS) using items taken from the Addiction Severity Index and some basic demographic information. The RARS was cross‐validated using two non‐overlapping samples, and tested for its ability to predict relapse across different models of treatment. The RARS predicted relapse to drinking within 6 months after alcoholism treatment in both the original and the validation sample, and in a second validation sample it predicted admission to new treatment 3 years after treatment. The RARS can identify patients at high risk of relapse who need extra aftercare and support after treatment.
Characteristics of Pathological Gamblers with a Problem Gambling Parent
Authors: Schreiber Liana , Odlaug Brian L. , Won Kim Suck , Grant Jon E.
Published: October 2009

This analysis compares the characteristics of adult pathological gamblers with and without a problem gambling parent. A sample of 517 individuals with current DSM‐TV pathological gambling was categorized based on presence of a parental problem gambler. Groups were compared on clinical characteristics, gambling severity, gambling‐related problems, and psychiatric comorbidity. Although the groups were similar on most measures, pathological gamblers with at least one problem gambling parent were more likely to have a father with an alcohol abuse/dependence problem; have financial and legal problems; and report daily nicotine use. Females with a problem gambling parent had significantly earlier onset of gambling behavior, were significantly more likely to have a father with an alcohol use disorder, and were significantly more likely to have financial problems secondary to gambling than females without a problem gambling parent. Males with a problem gambling parent were significantly more likely to have a father with an alcohol use disorder and have legal problems secondary to gambling compared to males without a problem gambling parent. Treatment approaches may need to be tailored for specific problems secondary to gambling and gender issues based on the history of having a problem gambling parent.
Cell-Based Therapy for Heart Failure: Skeletal Myoblasts
Authors: Seidel Monika , Borczyńska Aleksandra , Rozwadowska Natalia , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: October 2009

Satellite cells are committed precursor cells residing in the skeletal muscle. These cells provide an almost unlimited regeneration potential to the muscle, contrary to the heart, which, although proved to contain cardiac stem cells, possesses a very limited ability for self-renewal. The idea that myoblasts (satellite cell progenies) may repopulate postinfarction scar occurred around the mid-1990s. Encouraging results of preclinical studies triggered extensive research, which led to the onset of clinical trials. These trials have shown that autologous skeletal myoblast transplantation to cure heart failure is feasible and relatively safe (observed incidences of arrhythmia). Because most of the initial studies on myoblast application into postischemic heart have been carried out as an adjunct to routine surgical procedures, the true clinical outcome of such therapy in regard to cell implantation is blurred and requires to be elucidated. The mechanism by which implantation of skeletal myoblast may improve heart function is not clear, especially in the light of inability of these cells to couple electromechanically with a host myocardium. Successful myoblast therapy depends on a number of factors, including: delivery to the target tissue, long-term survival, efficacious engraftment, differentiation into cardiomyocytes, and integration into the new, unique microenvironment. All these steps constitute a potential goal for cell manipulation aiming to improve the overall outcome of such therapy. Precise understanding of the mechanism by which cells improve cardiac function is essential in giving the sensible direction of further research.
Primate Adult Brain Cell Autotransplantation, a Pilot Study in Asymptomatic MPTP-Treated Monkeys
Authors: Brunet Jean-François , Redmond D. Eugene , Bloch Jocelyne
Published: October 2009

Autologous brain cell transplantation might be useful for repairing lesions and restoring function of the central nervous system. We have demonstrated that adult monkey brain cells, obtained from cortical biopsy and kept in culture for a few weeks, exhibit neural progenitor characteristics that make them useful for brain repair. Following MPTP treatment, primates were dopamine depleted but asymptomatic. Autologous cultured cells were reimplanted into the right caudate nucleus of the donor monkey. Four months after reimplantation, histological analysis by stereology and TH immunolabeling showed that the reimplanted cells successfully survived, bilaterally migrated in the whole striatum, and seemed to have a neuroprotection effect over time. These results may add a new strategy to the field of brain neuroprotection or regeneration and could possibly lead to future clinical applications.
Overexpression of Follistatin in Human Myoblasts Increases Their Proliferation and Differentiation, and Improves the Graft Success in SCID Mice
Authors: Benabdallah B. F. , Bouchentouf M. , Rousseau J. , Tremblay J. P.
Published: October 2009

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by the absence of functional dystrophin, leading to the myofiber membrane instability and progressive muscle atrophy. Myoblast transplantation in dystrophic muscles is a potential therapy, as it permits the long-term restoration of dystrophin expression in transplanted muscles. However, the success of this approach is limited by the short period of muscle repair following myoblast transplantation. Myostatin, a powerful inhibitor of muscle growth, is involved in terminating the period of muscle repair following injury by reducing myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Follistatin forms a complex with myostatin, preventing its interaction with its receptor and thus blocking the myostatin signal. Here, we used a lentivirus to overexpress the follistatin protein in normal myoblasts to block the myostatin signaling. We measured the potential of transduced myoblasts to proliferate and to form multinucleated myotubes in vitro. And finally, we considered the engraftment success of those transduced myoblasts in comparison with control cells in vivo within SCID mice TA muscle. Our results first confirmed the overexpression of follistatin into lentivirus transduced myoblasts, and second showed that the overexpression of the follistatin in normal human myoblasts improved in vitro their proliferation rate by about 1.5-fold after 96 h and also their differentiation rate by about 1.6- and 1.8-fold, respectively, in the absence and in the presence of recombinant myostatin. Finally, our data demonstrated that the engraftment of human normal myoblasts overexpressing the follistatin protein into SCID mouse muscles was enhanced by twofold.
Growth Factor Coinjection Improves the Migration Potential of Monkey Myogenic Precursors without Affecting Cell Transplantation Success
Authors: Lafreniere Jean-François , Caron Marie-Christine , Skuk Daniel , Goulet Marlyne , Cheikh Anissa Rahma , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: October 2009

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited disease and a main target of myogenic cell transplantation (MT). After the failure of the first clinical trials with DMD patients, the poor migration of transplanted cells has been suspected to be a major problem for a more effective clinical application of MT. Previous investigations suggested that the quantity and dispersion of myofibers containing donor cell nuclei might be improved by increasing the migration of the transplanted cells outside the injection sites. Because the coinjection of motogenic factors with human myoblasts enhanced their intramuscular migration following MT in SCID mice, the present study aimed to investigate whether this approach was appropriate to increase MT success in muscles of nonhuman primates. In vitro studies indicated that IGF-1 or bFGF increased components of proteolytic systems involved in myoblast migration. In vitro and in vivo experiments also demonstrated that coinjection of bFGF or IGF-1 was able to improve monkey myogenic cell migration and invasion. Sixty hours after MT in skeletal muscle tissue, the migration distances reached by monkey myoblasts increased by nearly twofold when one of the growth factors was coinjected with the cells. However, long-term observations in adult monkeys suggest that promigratory treatments are not intrinsically sufficient to improve the success of MT. Even if short-term observations reveal that grafted cells are not always trapped inside the injection site and in spite of the fact that both factors enhanced transplanted cell migration, myofibers including grafted cell nuclei were still restrained to the injection trajectory without notable difference in their amount or their dispersion. The incapacity of transplanted cells to fuse with undamaged myofibers, which are located outside the injection sites, is a priority problem to solve in order to improve transplantation success and reduce the number of injections required for the treatment of DMD patients.
A Biocompatible Endothelial Cell Delivery System for in Vitro Tissue Engineering
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana , Wang Yadong , Niklason Laura E.
Published: October 2009

Engineering solid tissues, including cardiac muscle, requires the inclusion of a microvasculature. Prevascularization in vitro will likely be dependent upon coculturing parenchymal cells with vascular cells, on a matrix that is sufficiently porous to allow microvessel formation. In this study, we examined the behavior and function of endothelial cells on a highly porous elastomeric 3D poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) scaffold, to provide a flexible and biocompatible endothelial cell delivery system for developing cardiac engineered tissues with neovascularization potential. Both static and perfusion cell seeding methods were used, and the effects of surface treatment of the scaffold with various extracellular matrix components were examined. Endothelial cell adhesion and phenotype on the PGS scaffold under various flow conditions were also determined. Surface coating with laminin markedly improved the endothelial cell adhesion, survival, and proliferation. The anticoagulant phenotype of adhered endothelial cells was further regulated by the application of flow through regulation of nitric oxide expression. By providing a highly porous scaffolding that contains endothelium with anticoagulant properties, the endothelial cell-seeded PGS scaffold could provide a new basis for subsequent coculture studies with various cell types to develop complex engineered tissue constructs with vascularization capacity.
A Framework for Caching Relevant Data Items for Checking Integrity Constraints of Mobile Database
Authors: Ibrahim Hamidah , Dzolkhifli Zarina , Affendey Lilly Suriani Affendey , Madiraju Praveen
Published: October 2009

In a mobile environment, due to the various constraints

inherited from limitations of wireless communication

and mobile devices, checking for integrity constraints to

maintain the consistent state of mobile databases is an important

issue that needs to be addressed. Hence, in this paper

we propose a framework for caching relevant data items

needed during the process of checking integrity constraints

of mobile databases. This is achieved by analyzing the relationships

among the integrity tests (simplified form of integrity

constraints) to be evaluated for a given update operation.

This improves the checking mechanism by preventing

delays during the process of checking constraints and performing

the update. Hence, our model speeds up the checking

process.
Using Mobility to Enhance the Routing Process in the MIS System
Authors: Kamal Oudidi , Ahmed Habbani , Mohammed Elkoutbi
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we introduce the original Mobile Intelligent System (MIS) in embedded FPGA architecture. This node will allow the construction of autonomous mobile network units which can move in unknowns, inaccessible or hostile environnement for human being, in order to collect data by various sensors and transmits them by routing to a unit of distant process.

In the sake of improving the performance of routing unit, we propose a measure of mobility. Each node measure its own mobility in the network, based on the change of the links state in his neighboring. This measure of mobility has no unit, and it is calculated by quantification in regular time intervals.
Selective Prostacyclin Receptor Agonism Augments Glucocorticoid-Induced Gene Expression in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wilson Sylvia M. , Shen Pamela , Rider Christopher F. , Traves Suzanne L. , Proud David , Newton Robert , Giembycz Mark A.
Published: October 2009

Prostacyclin receptor (IP-receptor) agonists display anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity in cell-based assays and in preclinical models of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this study, we have extended these observations by demonstrating that IP-receptor activation also can enhance the ability of glucocorticoids to induce genes with anti-inflammatory activity. BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells stably transfected with a glucocorticoid response element (GRE) luciferase reporter were activated in a concentration-dependent manner by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. An IP-receptor agonist, taprostene, increased cAMP in these cells and augmented luciferase expression at all concentrations of dexamethasone examined. Analysis of the concentration-response relationship that described this effect showed that taprostene increased the magnitude of transcription without affecting the potency of dexamethasone and was, thus, steroid-sparing in this simple system. RO3244794, an IP-receptor antagonist, and oligonucleotides that selectively silenced the IP-receptor gene, PTGIR, abolished these effects of taprostene. Infection of BEAS-2B GRE reporter cells with an adenovirus vector encoding a highly selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) also prevented taprostene from enhancing GRE-dependent transcription. In BEAS-2B cells and primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells, taprostene and dexamethasone interacted either additively or cooperatively in the expression of three glucocorticoid-inducible genes (GILZ, MKP-1, and p57kip2) that have anti-inflammatory potential. Collectively, these data show that IP-receptor agonists can augment the ability of glucocorticoids to induce anti-inflammatory genes in human airway epithelial cells by activating a cAMP/PKA-dependent mechanism. This observation may have clinical relevance in the treatment of airway inflammatory diseases that are either refractory or respond suboptimally to glucocorticoids.