bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgeon educator perspectives of implementing a National Undergraduate Curriculum in otolaryngology
Authors: Hall Andrew , Jones Huw , Hannan Alam
Published: October 2019

BackgroundThe General Medical Council will be implementing a national examination for all UK medical students in 2022. Our aim was to review surgeon educator perceptions on the future implementation of an associated undergraduate national curriculum in otolaryngology within a UK School of Surgery. MethodsA mixed methods study was performed to assess ENT surgeon educator perspectives of a change to a national curriculum in ENT. Responses were reviewed with respect to teaching content, quality and student experience with degree of agreement assessed with Likert scoring. Associated qualitative focus group sessions were performed and responses underwent detailed thematic analysis according to grounded theory.ResultsA response rate of 50% was achieved with twenty-one participants analysed working in fourteen hospitals. These held an average of eight years undergraduate teaching experience. These showed strong agreement believing implementation of a national curriculum would improve the standard of teaching delivered at a personal, institutional and national level. There was also agreement on a minimum baseline for teaching exposure by students. 95% of surgeon educators in otolaryngology were in support of future adoption of a change to a centralized national otolaryngology curriculum in contrast to conventional expectations of resistance. Further related themes were identified relating to the personal, institutional and specialty related factors influencing practical delivery of a national curriculum that can help shape this delivery. ConclusionsEvaluating the future implementation of a national curriculum in ENT from those involved in the regular practical delivery of undergraduate medical education was previously unassessed within the medical literature. A series of practical recommendations are made to assist the implementation of a national ENT curriculum in contrast to the current locally led system. These were divided into areas of teaching content, teaching quality and student experience. A national curriculum appears to offer a philosophically accessible and popular re-imagining for future undergraduate otolaryngology training. Our findings aim to offer assistence to other similar surgical sub-specialties facing similar challenges internationally.
Facilitators and Barriers of Managing Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions in the Community: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Foo Kah Mun , Sundram Meena , Legido-Quigley Helena
Published: October 2019

Background About one-third of all adults worldwide were diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Literature had found several challenges of providers and patients coping with managing MCCs in the community, urging the need for further study. A qualitative study was thus conducted to examine facilitators and barriers of managing patients with MCCs in the community in Singapore. Methods This involves 26 semi-structured interviews with 10 physicians, 2 caregivers and 14 patients seeking treatment in the polyclinics that provides subsidised primary care services. Topic guides were developed with reference from literature review, Chronic Care Model (CCM) and Framework for patient-centred access to healthcare. Results Despite perceived affordable charges and availability of support system, some patients still encountered financial difficulties in managing care. These include inadequacy of the nation-wide medical savings scheme to cover outpatient treatment and medications. Half of the healthcare users did not know where to seek help. While patients could access comprehensive services in polyclinics, those that did not turn up might not receive timely care. Furthermore, patients reported long consultation waiting time. Physicians were able to propose and drive quality improvement projects to improve care quality. However, there were challenges of delivering safe and quality care with limited consultation duration due to the need to manage waiting time, inadequate communication with specialists to coordinate care, and resource constraints in managing complex patients. Although providers could equip patients with self-management and lifestyle related guidelines, patients’ actions are influenced by multiple factors including work nature, beliefs and environment. Conclusions There were barriers on care access, delivery and self-management as reported. It is crucial to adopt whole-of-society approach involving individuals, community, institutions and policymakers to improve and support MCCs management. This study has also highlighted the importance to consider different viewpoints of healthcare providers and users in policy formulation and community care planning.
PM2.5 concentration forecasting using Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network and Multi-Level Additive Model
Authors: Tao Lixin , Tian Feifei , Wu Lijuan , Liu Mengyang , Ma Yuan , Wu Zhiyuan , Li Haibin , Guo Xiuhua
Published: October 2019

Background PM 2.5 concentration predication can provide an effective way to protect public health by early warning. Though there are many methods available, the comparison between multi-level additive model (AM) and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network in predicting PM 2.5 concentration is limited. This study aimed to compare the performance of multi-level AM and LSTM in predicting hourly and daily PM 2.5 concentration.Methods Air pollution data from Jul 1, 2016 to Dec 31, 2017 were obtained from Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center, and meteorological data were derived from the National Meteorological Science Data Sharing Service. Multi-level AM and LSTM were developed to estimate the regional hourly and daily concentration of PM 2.5 .Results In the prediction of hourly PM 2.5 concentrations, LSTM achieved a better performance than multi-level AM (range of R 2 : 0.76-0.92 for LSTM, 0.59-0.78 for multi-level AM; range of root mean square error (RMSE): 6.20-17.58μg/m 3 for LSTM, 19.19-30.81μg/m 3 for multi-level AM; range of mean absolute error (MAE): 4.50-13.42μg/m 3 for LSTM, 13.55-22.35μg/m 3 for multi-level AM; range of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE): 0.18%-0.55% for LSTM, 0.50%-0.87% for multi-level AM). While in the prediction of daily PM 2.5 concentrations, multi-level AM showed a higher predictive accuracy than LSTM (range of R 2 : 0.43-0.93 for LSTM, 0.74-0.98 for multi-level AM; range of RMSE: 32.46-46.82μg/m 3 for LSTM, 4.83-20.98μg/m 3 for multi-level AM; range of MAE: 24.32-34.89μg/m 3 for LSTM, 3.67-16.33μg/m 3 for multi-level AM; range of MAPE: 0.92%-1.74% for LSTM, 0.11%-0.45% for multi-level AM).Conclusion LSTM showed better performance than the multi-level AM when there is a large amount of data, while multi-level AM showed better performance than LSTM when the amount of data is relatively small.
Another face Of DMSO: Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the pluripotency and differentiation capacity of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Yi JunKoo , Ha Jae-Jung , Kim Dae-Hyun , Ryoo Zae-Young , Kim Sung-Hyun , Kim Myoung-Ok
Published: October 2019

Background Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) go through self-renewal in the existence of the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). LIF is add to the mouse stem cells culture medium, and its removal results in fast differentiation. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is one of the most general used solvents in drug test. Methods We exposed 4-day mESC cultures to different concentrations of DMSO (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) to identify the safest dose exhibiting efficacy as a solvent. mESCs grown under general pluripotency conditions in the absence of LIF were treated with DMSO. In addition, as a control for differentiation, mESCs were grown absence of LIF.Results DMSO downregulated the mRNA expression level of pluripotency markers. Moreover, DMSO reduced the mRNA expression levels of ectodermal marker (β-tubulin3) and a mesodermal marker (Hand1) and endodermal markers (Foxa2 and Sox17) in mESCs. These results indicate that DMSO treatment enhances the pluripotency and disrupts the differentiation of mESCs. We also show that members of the Tet oncogene family are critical to inhibiting the differentiation and methylation of mESCs. Conclusion DMSO is appropriate to sustain the pluripotency of mESCs in the absence of LIF, and that mESCs can be sustained in an undifferentiated state using DMSO. Therefore, DMSO may, in part, function as a substitute for LIF.
The effect of steroid hormone on the expression of the calcium-processing proteins in the immature rat brain
Authors: Park Seon Young , Yoo Yeong-Min , Jung Eui-Man , Jeung Eui-Bae
Published: October 2019

Background The cytosolic calcium concentration is regulated by calcium-processing proteins such as transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 5 (TRPV5), TRPV6, sodium-calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1), and plasma membrane Ca 2+ ATPase 1 (PMCA1). Those calcium-processing proteins are important for physiological functions in the brain. The effects of steroid hormones on calcium-processing protein expressions in the brains are unknown. Thus, the effects of steroid hormones on the distribution, localization, and expressions of calcium-processing proteins in the brain were analyzed. Immature female rats were injected with estrogen (E2), progesterone (P4), dexamethasone (DEX), and their antagonists (ICI 182,780 and RU486).Results We found that TRPV5 and TRPV6 proteins were highly expressed in the cerebral cortex (CT), hypothalamus (HY), and brain stem (BS) compared to that in the olfactory bulb (OB) and cerebellum (CB). Also, the NCX1 protein was highly expressed in CT and BS compared to that in OB, HY, and CB, and PMCA1 protein was highly expressed in CT compared to that in other brain regions. Furthermore, expression levels of TRPV5, TRPV6, NCX1, and PMCA1 proteins were regulated by E2, P4, and/or DEX in the CT and HY. In summary, calcium-processing proteins are widely expressed in the immature rat brain, and expressions of calcium-processing proteins in CT and HY are regulated by E2, P4, and/or DEX and can be recovered by antagonist treatment.Conclusion These results indicate that steroid hormone regulation of TRPV5, TRPV6, NCX1, and PMCA1 proteins may serve as a critical regulator of cytosolic calcium absorption and release in the brain.
Exogenous Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus type 2 related to ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma in Romania: prevalence, anatomical forms, pathological description, immunophenotyping and virus identification
Authors: Toma Corina , Bâlteanu Valentin , Tripon Septiumiu , Trifa Adrian , Rema Alexandra , Amorim Irina , Pop Raluca Maria , Popa Roxana , Catoi Cornel , Taulescu Marian
Published: October 2019

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a neoplastic disease caused by exogenous Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus (exJSRV). The prevalence of JSRV-related OPA in Eastern European countries, including Romania is unknown. We aimed to investigate: the prevalence and morphological features of OPA (classical and atypical forms) in Romania, the immunophenotype of the pulmonary tumors and their relationships with exJSRV infection. Lung tumors from 28 slaughtered adult sheep and 6 necropsied individuals were grossly evaluated. Cytology, histology, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and DNA testing were subsequently performed. Out of 2693 examined sheep, 34 had OPA (1.26% prevalence). The diaphragmatic lobe was the most affected. Grossly, the classical OPA was identified in 88.24% of investigated cases and the atypical OPA in 11.76% that included solitary myxomatous nodules. Histopathology results confirmed the presence of OPA in all suspected cases, which were classified into acinar and papillary types. Myxoid growths (MGs) were diagnosed in 6 classical OPA cases and in 2 cases of atypical form. JSRV-MA was identified by IHC (94.11%) in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells of OPA. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy also confirmed the JSRV within the neoplastic cells. Adenocarcinoma was positive for MCK and TTF-1, and MGs showed immunoreaction for Vimentin, Desmin and SMA; Ki67 expression of classical OPA was higher than atypical OPA and MGs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of the exJSRV type 2 in Romanian sheep affected by lung cancer and showed a high similarity with the UK strain (AF105220.1), confirming exJSRV2 for the first time in Romania. Additionally, we described the first report of atypical OPA in Romania, and to the best of our knowledge, in Eastern Europe. Finally, we showed that MGs have a myofibroblastic origin.
Total Pancreatectomy is as Feasible and Safe as Pancreatico-duodenectomy
Authors: Ben-Ishay Offir , Zhaya Reem Abu , Kluger Yoram
Published: October 2019

Background For many years total pancreatectomy (TP) had a notorious reputation due to the resulting brittle diabetes and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, recent evidence suggests otherwise. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the comparative perioperative results of TP and pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD).Methods The current study is a single center retrospective, case control study comparing the peri-operative outcomes of TP and PD over a period of 7 years for malignant and benign diseases of the pancreas. Primary and secondary measures of outcome were peri-operative mortality and morbidity respectively.Results 214 patients underwent pancreatic resection during the study period of which 35 patients underwent TP and 179 patients underwent PD. The two groups were homogenous in terms of demographics and clinical presentation. Mortality was not different between TP and PD and stands on 2.9% and 5% respectively (p-0.58). Overall complication rate was significantly lower in the TP group (17.1% vs. 55%, p<0.001) and the rate of major complications (Dindo-Clavien >3) was lower but did not reach statistical significance (2.9% vs. 11.2%, p-0.13).Conclusions Our study suggests that total pancreatectomy is not only feasible and safe, it might have better perioperative outcomes than PD with same mortality and reduced overall complication rate.
Impact of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus susceptibility: A pooled analysis
Authors: Yang Shi-kun , Liu Na , Zhu Ying-qiu , Zhang Wei-juan , Song Na , Yang Jin-ping , Zhang Hao , Gui Ming
Published: October 2019

It is still unclear whether there was an association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This meta analysis including 19 studies were performed using Stata software. In our analysis, VDR ApaI polymorphism was correlated with SLE susceptibility in general populations (AA vs aa: P=0.003; AA+Aa vs aa: P=0.000). VDR gene ApaI and BsmI polymorphism were correlated with SLE susceptibility in Caucasian populations (BB vs Bb+bb: p=0.005; B vs b: P=0.026; AA vs aa: P =0.038). VDR BsmI and FokI polymorphism were correlated with SLE in African populations (BB+Bb vs bb: P=0.000; FF vs Ff +ff: P=0.000; F vs f: P=0.000; FF vs ff: P=0.000; FF+Ff vs ff: P=0.000). VDR ApaI polymorphism was correlated with SLE in Asian populations (AA+Aa vs aa) when stratified by race. Additionly, ApaI polymorphism was correlated with SLE in female subjects (AA vs aa: P =0.022) when stratified by gender. But there was no association between VDR TaqI polymorphism and SLE susceptibility in our analysis.
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers in Minimizing Nitrogen Losses in Irrigated Russet Potato
Authors: Ghosh Upasana , Chatterjee Amitava , Hatterman‐Valenti Harlene
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

Enhanced efficiency fertilizers significantly reduced cumulative N2O emission compared with urea.

Volatilization loss was lower with determinate than indeterminate cultivar.

SuperU application lead to higher soil N after harvest.

Environmentally Smart N can be a potential alternative to urea to increase N use efficiency.

Fertilizer‐N can be lost through ammonia (NH3) volatilization, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, and nitrate (NO3−) leaching. Field studies were conducted in 2015 and 2016 at Inkster, ND, to evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) in reducing N losses over urea alone in an irrigated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production system. Research and fertilizer‐N recommendation for potato were mostly restricted to Russet Burbank; it is critical to understand N dynamics of newly released cultivars. Two EEFs (SuperU and Environmentally Smart Nitrogen [ESN]) at a rate of 280 kg N ha−1, urea at a rate of 225 kg and 280 kg N ha−1, and Growers’ standard (10–34–0 and urea and urea ammonium nitrate in split) at a rate of 280 kg N ha−1 were applied as N treatments in three russet potato cultivars (Russet Burbank, Dakota Trailblazer, and ND8068‐5 Russ). Urea at 280 kg N ha−1 had the highest NH3 volatilization and was significantly higher than SuperU and ESN for Russet Burbank and Trailblazer for both years. Both EEFs reduced N2O emission compared with urea in both years, but SuperU was more efficient than ESN. Residual NO3–N was highest with SuperU both years. Residual soil NO3–N concentration of 120 cm depth with ND8068‐5 Russ were significantly higher compared with Russet Burbank in both growing seasons. Application of EEFs might have the potential to reduce N losses under irrigated late‐planted russet potatoes.
In Situ Cotton Leaf Area Index by Height Using Three‐Dimensional Point Clouds
Authors: Dube Nothabo , Bryant Benjamin , Sari‐Sarraf Hamed , Kelly Brendan , Martin Clyde F. , Deb Sanjit , Ritchie Glen L.
Published: October 2019

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) high‐throughput crop phenotyping may benefit plant research and breeding programs by providing a rapid, nondestructive method of determining in‐season crop growth and development. In this study, a set of three inexpensive, structured, near‐infrared laser projectors mounted on a robotic platform were used to generate high‐density color point clouds (PCs) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in 2016 and 2017. The PCs were calibrated based on destructive leaf area measurements, and the transformed PCs were analyzed to quantify leaf area by canopy height in 1‐cm intervals. We conducted weekly scans of 8‐m plots throughout the growing season for two cotton cultivars and two irrigation treatments during the 2 yr. The calibrated PCs were used to accurately measure leaf area index and leaf area index by canopy height. The analysis of leaf area distribution throughout the growing season indicated significant cultivar and irrigation effects by canopy height as well as significant interactions between cultivar and irrigation. Based on the results, it is possible to use a 3‐D sensor system to distinguish growth habits that are not easily measured using traditional growth measurements. The information obtained from 3‐D measurements may provide additional information about several canopy characteristics that are currently difficult to measure, including radiation capture parameters and biomass partitioning.

Core Ideas

Leaf area index (LAI) has not traditionally been separated in plants by height.

Three‐dimensional sensing was used to accurately measure LAI by height in cotton.

Cotton cultivar, irrigation, and growth stage measurably affected LAI by height.

Three‐dimensional sensing may complement measures of radiation capture and other spatial factors.
Basis of Atrazine and Mesotrione Synergism for Controlling Atrazine‐ and HPPD Inhibitor‐Resistant Palmer Amaranth
Authors: Chahal Parminder S. , Jugulam Mithila , Jhala Amit J.
Published: October 2019

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) resistant to atrazine [6‐chloro‐N‐ethyl‐N’‐(1‐methylethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine2,4‐diamine] and 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)‐inhibiting herbicides was confirmed in a seed corn (Zea mays L.) production field in Nebraska, in 2014. Neither atrazine nor HPPD inhibitors (mesotrione [2‐(4‐mesyl2‐nitrobenzoyl)‐3‐hydroxycylohex‐2‐enone], tembotrione {2‐[2‐chloro‐4‐(methylsulfonyl)‐3‐[(2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxy) methyl]benzoyl]‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione}, or topramezone {[3‐(4,5‐dihydro‐3‐isoxazolyl)‐2‐methyl‐4‐(methylsulfonyl)phenyl](5‐hydroxy‐1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)methanone}) applied post‐emergence were able to control resistant Palmer amaranth even at greater than label rates. However, their tank mixtures even at lower than the label rate provided more than 90% control under greenhouse and field conditions. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of atrazine on mesotrione absorption and translocation when tank mixed or vice versa in atrazine‐ and HPPD inhibitor‐resistant Palmer amaranth from Nebraska. Tank mixing commercial formulation of atrazine at 560 g ha−1 increased 14C‐mesotrione absorption to 51% compared to 39% with 14C‐mesotrione alone. However, 14C‐atrazine absorption or translocation was not affected by mesotrione at 26 g ha−1 in the tank mixture. Similarly, mesotrione did not affect the metabolism of 14C‐atrazine in resistant or susceptible plants when tank mixed compared to 14C‐atrazine applied alone. Increased absorption of mesotrione when tank mixed with atrazine could be one of the reasons of atrazine and mesotrione synergism besides their biochemical interaction in the atrazine‐ and HPPD inhibitor‐resistant Palmer amaranth biotype from Nebraska.

Core Ideas

Atrazine applied in tank‐mixture increased mesotrione absorption.

Mesotrione applied in tank mixture did not affect atrazine absorption and translocation.

Atrazine metabolism was not affected by mesotrione applied in tank mixture.
Water Repellency and Hydrophobicity of Some Major Agricultural Crop Residues
Authors: Miller J.J. , Owen M.L. , Yang X.M. , Drury C.F. , Chanasyk D.S. , Willms W.D.
Published: October 2019

Water repellency of agricultural crop residues may affect the hydrologic balance and increase runoff loss of pesticides by greater wash off from hydrophobic residue. We conducted a laboratory study to measure water repellency and hydrophobicity of 30 major agricultural crops (grass, legume, cereal, oilseed, pulse, and specialty crops). Crop samples were collected in southern Alberta, Canada in 2017 and 2018. Water repellency (WR) of oven‐dried (60°C) and ground (<2 mm) crop residues was measured using the water drop penetration time (WDPT) and molarity of ethanol (MED) tests. Hydrophobicity was evaluated using the ratio of hydrophobic CH– to hydrophilic CO–functional groups using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The WDPTs of the 30 agricultural crops ranged from 8.3 to 2438 s, suggesting that crop species influenced WR of the dried and undecomposed residues. Needle‐and‐thread grass (Stipa comata Trin. and Rupr.), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [Kunth] Lag. ex Griffiths), and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.) were the most WR crops based on WDPT. Fababean (Vicia faba), mustard (Sinapis alba L.), and sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) were the least WR crops. Mean WDPTs were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater for grass than the other four crop types by 23 to 44 times. Significant differences in WDPT occurred among crop species within each of the six crop types. A significant positive correlation occurred between WDPT and hydrophobicity (r = 0.54), but not between WDPT and organic carbon. Overall, crop type and species may influence WR of crop residues and could affect the hydrologic balance.

Core Ideas

Agricultural crop species residue influenced water repellency and hydrophobicity

Grass was the most water repellent and hydrophobic crop type

A positive correlation occurred between water repellency and hydrophobicity

The physical morphology of leaves may contribute to water repellency

Water repellency differences also occurred for species within the six crop types
Preanthesis Root Growth and Nitrogen Uptake Improved Wheat Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Guo Hua , Tian Zhongwei , Sun Shuzhen , Li Yu , Jiang Dong , Cao Weixing , Dai Tingbo
Published: October 2019

Grain yield and N fertilizer use efficiency (NUE) are closely related to preanthesis root growth and distribution, whereas changes in root morphology and distribution, plants’ N uptake and utilization ability, and their relationships with grain yield and NUE remain unclear. We conducted a 2‐yr microplot and sand culture experiment using three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (N‐efficient, intermediate, and N‐inefficient) to examine differences in grain yield, NUE, root growth, root morphology, root distribution, and nitrate transporter gene (TaNRT) expression. The N‐efficient wheat cultivar increased grain yield and NUE by improving preanthesis N uptake. Root biomass, growth rate, length, surface area, and weight density were higher in the N‐efficient cultivar than in other cultivars at preanthesis. The N‐efficient cultivar distributed more roots throughout the topsoil layer. The TaNRT expression level at preanthesis was higher in the N‐efficient cultivar than in the intermediate cultivar, whereas no significant genotypic difference was observed after anthesis. This result indicates that TaNRT upregulation increased N efficiency through a higher preanthesis N uptake and that TaNRT 1.1 and TaNRT 1.2 played a more important role than TaNRT 2.1 and TaNRT 2.2. Nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activity increased in the N‐efficient cultivar at the preanthesis stage and decreased after anthesis. These results indicate that the N‐efficient wheat cultivar had higher preanthesis root growth and N uptake ability, promoting leaf N assimilation ability and improving wheat yield and NUE.

Core Ideas

Yield and N use efficiency were comparable among different N‐efficient wheat cultivars.

The N‐efficient wheat cultivar increased preanthesis N accumulation.

The N‐efficient wheat cultivar showed faster root growth and greater root distribution in the soil.
Exogenous Hormones Affect Bt Protein Content of Two Bt Cotton Cultivars
Authors: Xiang Zhang , Feng Tian Q. , Chen Zhao , Xin Ma Y. , Hua Wei C. , Yuan Chen , Hua Chen D.
Published: October 2019

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has been widely planted in Asia. However, efficacy of the Bt protein to kill pests has been inconsistent. Effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and dimethylpiperidinium chloride (DPC) on boll Bt protein content were investigated on ‘Sikang1’ and ‘Siza3.’ Treatment of DPC increased the Bt protein contents in carpel wall and cotton seed at 10 d after flowering (DAF) and 30 DAF in 2014 and 2015. However, Bt protein contents of the GA3 treatment only at 30 DAF were higher for both cultivars in comparison to the control. To further investigate the mechanism, we found the ability of protein synthesis (indicated by enzyme activities of nitrate reductase [NR], glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase [GPT], and glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase [GOT], as well as contents of total nitrogen, free amino acid, and soluble protein) in bolls increased markedly with the application of DPC for both cultivars. Further analysis showed that there were positive linear correlations between Bt protein content and NR, GPT, and GOT activities and total nitrogen and soluble protein contents (r = 0.925∗∗, r = 0.691∗∗, r = 0.703∗∗, r = 0.682∗, r = 0.693∗∗, respectively) in carpel wall of bolls. Thus, DPC is potentially an effective chemical application to increase boll Bt protein content.

Core Ideas

Dimethylpiperidinium chloride (DPC) application can bolster boll insect resistance.

Significant linear positive correlation between Bt protein content and ability of synthesis the protein was found in boll shell.

DPC increases Bt protein content through increasing ability of synthesis the protein.
Differential Nitrogen and Water Impacts on Yield and Quality of Wheat Classes
Authors: Bicego Breno , Sapkota Anish , Torrion Jessica A.
Published: October 2019

High wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield and desirable quality must be considered to avoid market price penalty. Wheat classes and genotypes may respond differently to agronomic management and environmental conditions. Our goal was to characterize the yield, protein, test weight, and falling number of four hard red and four soft white spring wheat cultivars randomized within the five N levels over contrasting environments (rainfed and irrigated) in northwestern Montana. One‐third yield reduction from 2016 to 2017 was attributed to heat stress. Irrigation increased both grain yield and test weight. However, falling number was generally higher under rainfed environment, but was also cultivar dependent. ‘Egan,’ ‘McNeal,’ and ‘Alpowa’ falling number values were more resilient to environmental differences than other cultivars. Overall, soft whites had higher yields than hard reds, but with a stronger negative yield to protein relationship. Achieving high yield in hard reds via irrigation did not reduce grain protein in relation to rainfed, except at very low N (2017 control). The cultivar Egan, with Gpc‐B1 gene for higher grain protein, had similar yield to its parent material and to other hard red, though inferior to ‘Vida’ (characterized by extended green leaf duration after heading) under hot and dry conditions. During the less limiting year (2016), the maximum protein was achieved with much less N under irrigated environment compared with rainfed. Soft whites, due to lower grain protein requirement and lack of yield response to N in our study, can be grown with lower N input than hard reds.

Core Ideas

Egan (Gpc‐B1 gene cultivar) had superior grain protein with relatively no yield penalty

Vida (stay‐green trait cultivar), Alturas, and UI Stone are more resilient under varied growing conditions and management

Soft white market class had higher grain yield and stronger protein dilution than hard red
One‐Time Fertilizer Briquettes Application for Maize Production in Savanna Agroecologies of Ghana
Authors: Adu‐Gyamfi Raphael , Agyin‐Birikorang Sampson , Tindjina Ignatius , Ahmed Shafik Mohammed , Twumasi Ama Duoduaa , Avornyo Vincent Kodjo , Singh Upendra
Published: October 2019

Declining maize yields in the Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Ghana call for effective nutrient management strategies that increase maize productivity and profitability among smallholder farmers. Field trials were conducted during 2016 and 2017 in three locations in northern Ghana to evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of one‐time application of multi‐nutrient fertilizer briquettes for maize production. The treatments were: (i) farmer practice (FP); (ii) NPK fertilizer briquettes applied at the recommended N, P, and K rates (100%‐Briquette); (iii) 75%‐Briquette; (iv) modified farmer practice (MFP) with N, P, and K applied at the recommended rate (100%‐MFP); (v) 75%‐MFP; and (vi) control, with no fertilizer applied. The farmer practice involved surface broadcasting the granular N, P, and K fertilizer at the recommended rate. The MFP involved subsurface incorporation of the granular fertilizer into the soil. Across all three locations and in both years, maize grain yield resulting from the treatments followed this order: 100%‐Briquette > 100%‐MFP = 75%‐Briquette > 75%‐MFP > FP > control. Despite the greatest grain yields resulting from the 100%‐Briquette treatment, the greatest gross profit margin of 0.46 was obtained with the 75%‐Briquette treatment, followed by the 100%‐Briquette treatment (∼0.43), 100%‐MFP (∼0.39), 75%‐MFP (∼0.24), and FP (0.03). From the combined results, we conclude that the one‐time application of multi‐nutrient fertilizer briquettes could be an efficient fertilizer management strategy to increase maize yields and profitability for smallholder farmers in the Guinea Savanna zone. This presents a real strategy for improved productivity across diverse agroecologies for food security among smallholder farmers.

Core Ideas

One‐time application of multi‐nutrient fertilizer briquettes increased maize grain yields.

High nutrient recovery efficiency of fertilizer briquettes resulted in a 25% reduction in application rates.

Application of fertilizer briquettes resulted in the greatest gross profit margin of 46%.

The traditional farmers’ practice of surface broadcast resulted in lowest gross profit margin of only 3%.

Incorporation of fertilizers into the soil resulted in an increase of gross profit margin to 39%.
Selection of Aluminum‐Resistant Wheat Genotypes Using Multienvironment and Multivariate Indices
Authors: Aguilera Jorge González , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , da Silva José Pereira , Pereira Jorge Fernando , Zuffo Alan Mario , Consoli Luciano
Published: October 2019

A gain in association was obtained by using a new multivariate index with alleles of TaALMT1 and TaMATE1B genes compared with a previously published index. Wheat is among the major grain crops. Its growth can be affected by aluminum toxicity, an important stress factor that limits plant productivity. Thus, an efficient means to select wheat genotypes that are resistant to this stress is required. Here, 172 wheat cultivars and 23 synthetic hexaploid wheat plants showing different alleles for TaALMT1 and TaMATE1B and different levels of Al resistance in field conditions (phenotyped in two crop seasons) were studied. The modified Lin and Binns method was applied to obtain the phenotype data in a multivariate manner aiming at a general identification of genotypes based on the multiple traits evaluated. The genotype × year interaction was significant for all traits that were evaluated in three growth stages (tillering, silking, and maturation). The top 20 Al‐resistant genotypes obtained by the multivariate method were highlighted as having the best combination of the main desirable traits. Correlation analysis showed a gain in the association of the multivariate index with alleles of TaALMT1 and TaMATE1B genes compared with a previously published index. The superior TaMATE1B allele (having an insertion in the promoter region) contributed a greater Al resistance independent of the TaALMT1 allele. The higher association with Al resistance qualifies the selection index described in this study to be used for wheat breeding programs with the aim of improving the performance of wheat when grown under Al stress.

Core Ideas

Wheat is among the major grain crops.

Its growth can be affected by aluminum toxicity.

Genotypes with high adaptability and stability were identified.

A new multivariate index allowed greater association with Al resistance.
Quantification of soybean leaf senescence and maturation as impacted by soil‐ and foliar‐applied nitrogen
Authors: Craft J.C. , Lindsey L.E. , Barker D.J. , Lindsey A.J.
Published: October 2019

The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the effect of various rates of soil‐ and foliar‐applied N at different growth stages on the maturation of soybeans; and (ii) quantify the effect on soybean yield and quality (protein and oil) of soil and foliar N application. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/693.
Polymer‐coated UREA use for corn on irrigated sandy soil
Authors: Rui Yichao , Ruark Matthew D. , Andraski Todd W. , Bundy Larry G.
Published: October 2019

Improved nitrogen (N) management in corn production is needed to optimize economic returns to farmers and minimize environmental concerns associated with agricultural N use. This study examines the optimum timing and rates of polymer‐coated urea on corn yield and N use efficiency under varying seasonal precipitation on irrigated sandy soils. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/726.
Cover crops for improved soil health in silage corn cropping systems in Idaho
Authors: Walsh Olga S. , McClintick‐Chess J.R.
Published: October 2019

Corn acreage has been steadily expanding in the Pacific Northwest and the state of Idaho in recent years. Corn silage fields left with limited crop residue and receiving a manure application after harvest are ideal for cover crops. And cover crops have the potential to improve soil health. A field trial was conducted in Idaho to evaluate cover crops in the corn silage system. Earn 1 CEU in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/723.
Environmental Influences on the Relationship between Fall and Spring Vigor in Hairy Vetch
Authors: Kucek Lisa Kissing , Riday Heathcliffe , Ehlke Nancy , Reberg‐Horton Chris , Maul Jude , Mirsky Steven B. , Pelzer Chris J. , Poskaitis Megan , Ryan Matthew R. , Seehaver Sarah , Wayman Sandra , Wiering Nicholas
Published: October 2019

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is a commonly grown legume cover crop in the United States. Critical breeding goals for the species include increasing early fall vigor and spring biomass production. To ascertain genetic improvement for these traits, we explored the relationship between fall and spring vigor. Moreover, we evaluated the variation in genotypic performance across multiple environments and assessed how weather variables affected germplasm performance. The relationship between fall and spring vigor differed by winter weather conditions. In warmer locations, top‐performing genotypes in the fall were the top performers in the spring, allowing simultaneous selection for both traits of interest. Environments with colder winter conditions, however, did not show linear relationships between fall and spring vigor. At cold sites, the most and least vigorous plants in the fall tended to underperform in the spring. Results suggest that fall vigor is not a linear predictor of spring vigor in cold environments, and consequently, breeding programs should screen and select for both traits in cold climates. Genotype × environment interaction (GE) heavily contributed to spring vigor performance. In our dataset, days below freezing without snow cover, days below freezing, minimum daily temperature, and freezing degree days were related to the signal in GE. As a result, breeding programs would benefit from dividing selection sites according to the severity of winter conditions.
Evaluation of Soybean Greenness from Ground and Aerial Platforms and the Association with Leaf Nitrogen Concentration in Response to Drought
Authors: Bai Hua , Purcell Larry C.
Published: October 2019

Early senescence has been noted for soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) exposed to drought. This research quantified the greenness of soybean canopy using digital image analysis throughout seedfilling for drought and well‐irrigated treatments. Five genotypes ranging from maturity groups (MGs) 2 to 5 were sown in field experiments for 3 yr. Leaf nitrogen (N) concentration decreased steadily throughout seedfill for all genotypes. The Dark Green Color Index (DGCI), which was determined from pictures taken from the ground, also decreased throughout the seedfill period for all genotypes, but did not indicate treatment differences between drought and well‐irrigated treatments. Aerial photographs taken from a height of 50 to 75 m also showed a progressive decline in DGCI values for all genotypes during seedfill, and also indicated that DGCI decreased faster and/or earlier in the season for the drought treatment than for the well‐irrigated treatment. The results demonstrated that aerial DGCI measurements have the promise to detect early senescence associated with drought, which may have applications in evaluating differences in sensitivity to drought among soybean genotypes.
Evaluation of Elite Maize Inbred Lines for ReducedAspergillus flavusInfection, Aflatoxin Accumulation, and Agronomic Traits
Authors: Pekar Jacob J. , Murray Seth C. , Isakeit Thomas S. , Scully Brian T. , Guo Baozhu , Knoll Joseph E. , Ni Xinzhi , Abbas Hamed K. , Williams Paul , Xu Wenwei
Published: October 2019

Mycotoxins produced by the fungusAspergillus flavusare harmful to humans and animals and result in large economic losses. Developing and disseminating resistant germplasm is a critical component to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of pre‐harvest aflatoxins in maize (Zea maysL.). Ninety‐three different inbred lines were evaluated for seven standard agronomic traits during the years of 2012 to 2016 in two locations (nine environments), and inoculated withA. flavus. Multiple inbreds were both lower accumulating for aflatoxins and higher yielding than aflatoxin tolerant and high yielding checks. The top seven inbred lines on average had an aflatoxin value of 14.1 ng g−1and an average yield of 3.2 Mg ha−1, while the susceptible checks were 185.9 ng g−1and 2.5 Mg ha−1, respectively. Several inbred lines evaluated in this study have high potential utility in future maize improvement research, such as breeding for resistance, segregating populations for genetic mapping as well as in direct use in hybrids with genetically improved resistance to A. flavus.
Genetic and Physiological Aspects of Drought Tolerance in Smooth Bromegrass
Authors: Abtahi Mozhgan , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Saeidnia F. , Bahrami Sajed , Mirlohi Aghafakhr
Published: October 2019

The genetic basis of physiological traits and their association with forage yield and drought tolerance is poorly understood in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss). In this study, half‐sib families from a polycross population were evaluated in the field under normal and water deficit conditions during 2012 and 2013. Water deficit greatly influenced physiological traits and forage production. Under water deficit conditions, most of physiological traits decreased, whereas carotenoid content, proline content, and ratio of chlorophyll a/ chlorophyll b increased. Moderate to high estimates of heritability and genetic variation for yield and physiological traits indicated that selection in this germplasm would be useful in achieving genetic progress. Heritability estimates were slightly decreased for agromorphological traits under water deficit conditions, but the heritability of physiological traits increased in response to water deficit conditions. Significant associations between drought tolerance index and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, carotenoids, and proline content showed the importance of these traits to confer drought tolerance in smooth bromegrass. Several genotypes with relatively higher tolerance and forage yield were identified under both moisture regimes that can be used in further breeding programs of smooth bromegrass.
Evaluation of a Chromosome Segment from Gossypium barbadense Harboring the Fiber Length QTL qFL‐Chr.25 in Four Diverse Upland Cotton Genetic Backgrounds
Authors: Brown Nino , Kumar Pawan , Singh Rippy , Lubbers Ed , Campbell B. Todd , Myers Gerald O. , Wright Robert J. , Subramani Jay , Jones Don , Paterson Andrew H. , Chee Peng W.
Published: October 2019

Competition with manmade fibers has increased focus on upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber quality, especially upper half mean length (FL), for industry stakeholders and breeders. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of qFL‐Chr.25, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) introgressed from G. barbadense L. originally identified in ‘Sealand 883’. The QTL was deployed within four genetic backgrounds: Acala SJ4, Paymaster HS26, Deltapine 50 (DP 50), and Georgia 2004089 (GA089), each representing the gene pools of the major US cotton‐growing regions: the US Southwest, Texas High Plains, Mississippi Delta, and US Southeast, respectively. In highly related bulked sister lines (BSLs), the effect of qFL‐Chr.25 was significant in the DP 50 (1.4 mm) and GA089 (1 mm) backgrounds in trials grown in Tifton, GA, in 2014 and 2015. In multilocation trials planted across the Cotton Belt in 2011 of 25 lines from each of the four backgrounds carrying the G. barbadense allele and 25 without the introgressed allele, FL of the QTL(+) lines were numerically higher than the QTL(−) lines by 0.9 mm, though not statistically significant. Recombinant genotypes recovered from the Paymaster HS26 and GA089 backgrounds, and development of additional simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers within the QTL region, allowed further refinement of the qFL‐Chr.25 region's boundaries from ∼2.2 to 0.8 Mb. Although variable effects were seen from this QTL, observation in a more isogenic state such as the BSLs and recombinant lines made the effect of the QTL more apparent. Incorporation of this QTL into breeding programs aided by these newly developed SSR markers should help in the utilization of this introgression to improve cotton fiber quality.
Molecular Analysis of Two Novel Missense Mutations in the Sg‐1 Gene Associated with Group A Saponin Biosynthesis in Soybean
Authors: Sundaramoorthy Jagadeesh , Park Gyu Tae , Son Hae Reon , Tsukamoto Chigen , Lee Jeong‐Dong , Seo Hak Soo , Song Jong Tae
Published: October 2019

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accumulates several different types of saponins, including the Aa and Ab series of saponins, which contribute to the bitter and astringent aftertaste in soy food products. Modification of the soybean genome is being applied to develop bitter‐free soybean cultivars. In this study, two new ethyl‐methanesulfonate (EMS)‐induced mutants, PE937 and PE1015, were characterized for their ability to accumulate the bitter‐free A0‐αg saponin and low level of the bitter Ab‐series saponins compared with the wild cultivar. These phenotypes resemble that of previously reported sg‐1° mutants that accumulate A0‐αg and no Ab‐series saponins, which are controlled by the Sg‐1b (Glyma.07G254600) gene. Sequence analysis of Sg‐1b in PE937 and PE1015 revealed that each mutant has a single‐nucleotide polymorphism that causes an amino acid change from Gly349 to Asp349 and from Gly241 to Asp241 in the Sg‐1b proteins. We therefore designated these mutations as alleles sg‐1b1 and sg‐1b2, respectively. Multiple alignment analysis showed that the Gly349 and Gly241 are highly conserved among the UDP‐dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) proteins. In light of the above results, the fact that there are low levels of Ab‐series saponins in both of the mutants indicates that these mutations may reduce the UGT activity of Sg‐1b proteins in the biosynthesis of Ab‐series saponins. Cosegregation analysis revealed that the novel sg‐1b1 and sg‐1b2 variants are recessive to Sg‐1b and are tightly linked to A0‐αg saponin accumulation.
Capacity and Distribution of Water Stored in the Vadose Zone of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhu Yuanjun , Jia Xiaoxu , Qiao Jiangbo , Binley Andrew , Horton Robert , Hu Wei , Wang Yunqiang , Shao Ming'an
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

Vadose zone water is up to 3.1 × 1012 m3 in the Chinese Loess Plateau.

The deep vadose zone (below 5 m) stores 92.4% of the total vadose zone water.

Vadose zone water distribution is uneven, depending on loess thickness and precipitation.

Vadose zone water accounts for 42.1% of water resources in the Chinese Loess Plateau.

Water stored in the vadose (unsaturated) zone provides the majority of water required by plants and buffers water resources; thus, it is central to understanding ecological and hydrological processes in the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) with its thick loess deposits. We used multisource data on soil water content (SWC) and vadose zone thickness, combined with a spatial interpolation method, to quantify the vadose zone water and further deduce the water resource composition in the CLP. Vadose zone water is approximately 3.1 × 1012 m3 (±27.5%) in the CLP, 92.4% of which is stored in the deep vadose zone (>5 m and above the groundwater table). The water resources composition of the CLP comprises precipitation, river water, vadose zone water, and the saturated zone water (shallow groundwater), accounting for 2.1, 0.1, 42.1, and 55.7%, respectively. Although a large amount of water exists in the vadose zone, the SWCs in the upper (<5 m) and deep vadose zones are 47.4 and 65.3%, respectively, of the mean field capacity, both being at a low level. Our findings bridge the knowledge gaps on the deep vadose zone water and water resources composition in the CLP, providing the basis for decision‐making on balancing revegetation and water resources conservation.