bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Phosphorus Release from Biosolids and Manure‐Amended Soils under Anoxic Conditions
Authors: Shober Amy L. , Sims J. Thomas
Published: January 2009

The solubility of P in biosolids and manures has been shown to influence the potential for dissolved P losses in runoff and leachate when these materials are land applied. As a result, some Mid‐Atlantic US states have developed P source coefficients (PSCs) to account for differences in P solubility between fertilizers, manures, and biosolids in P risk assessment tools. The reliability of these PSCs has not been evaluated under anoxic conditions, where environmental changes may affect the P solubility of biosolids or manures. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of anoxic conditions on the release of P from a range of Mid‐Atlantic soils amended with manures and biosolids. The concentration of dissolved P released into solution (0.01 mol L−1NaCl) from the Pamunkey, Berks, and Manor soils was significantly lower under reducing conditions than under oxidized conditions (median ΔP= −0.70, −0.49, and −0.07 mg L−1, respectively; all significant at the 0.001 probability level). There was no significant P source effect on dissolved P released into solution after anoxic incubation of soils. Calculated solubility diagrams and increases in oxalate‐extractable Fe and P sorption index under reducing conditions for all soils suggest the precipitation of (i) an Fe(II)‐oxide that increased the P sorption capacity of the soils or (ii) an Fe(II)‐phosphate that decreased the solubility of P. We propose that current PSCs do not need alteration to account for differences in P solubility of organic sources under reducing conditions under relatively static conditions (e.g., seasonable high water table, periodically submerged soils, stagnant drainage ditches).
Land Application of Sugar Beet By‐products: Effects on Runoff and Percolating Water Quality
Authors: Kumar Kuldip , Rosen Carl J. , Gupta Satish C. , McNearney Matthew
Published: January 2009

Water quality concerns, including greater potential for nutrient transport to surface waters resulting in eutrophication and nutrient leaching to ground water, exist when agricultural or food processing industry wastes and by‐products are land applied. Plot‐ and field‐scale studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of sugar beet by‐products on NO3–N and P losses and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in runoff and NO3–N concentrations in percolating waters. In the runoff plot study, treatments in the first year included two rates (224 and 448 Mg ha−1fresh weight) of pulp and spoiled beets and a nonfertilized control. In the second year, no by‐products were applied on the treated plots, the control treatment was fertilized with N fertilizer, and an additional treatment was added as a nonfertilized control in buffer areas. Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) was grown in the year of by‐product application and sugar beet (Beta vulgarisL.) in the following year. In the percolation field study, the treatments were the control, pulp (224 Mg ha−1), and spoiled beets (224 Mg ha−1). Results from the runoff plot showed that both by‐products caused immobilization of soil inorganic N and thus reduced NO3–N losses in runoff and soil waters during the first growing season. There was some risk of NO3–N exceeding the drinking water limit of 10 mg L−1, especially between the period of wheat harvest and soil freezing in fall when pulp was applied at 448 Mg ha−1The field‐scale study showed that by‐product application at 224 Mg ha−1did not result in increased ground water NO3–N concentrations. Application of spoiled beets at both rates caused significantly higher BODs in runoff in the first year of application. The concentrations of total and soluble reactive P (SRP) were also higher from both rates of spoiled beet application and from the higher application rate of pulp during the 2‐yr study period. These high BODs and total P and SRP concentrations in runoff waters from land application of sugar beet by‐product suggest that application rates should not be higher than 224 Mg ha−1Best management practices that prevent runoff from entering surface waters directly from these fields are warranted.
Tungsten Effects on Microbial Community Structure and Activity in a Soil
Authors: Ringelberg D. B. , Reynolds C. M. , Winfield L. E. , Inouye L. S. , Johnson D. R. , Bednar A. J.
Published: January 2009

Tungsten, once deposited onto a soil as a result of private, industrial, and military activities, may persist as tungstate anion or, via polymerization, as a variety of poly‐tungstate species, each with varying solubility and soil sorption characteristics. In this study, the impact of weathered tungsten on a soil microbial community was measured. Fatty acid analyses indicated that weathered tungsten at ≤2500 mg kg−1 was associated with a significant increase in microbial biomass and that concentrations up to 6500 mg kg−1 did not result in a significant decrease in measured biomass, relative to the control. Analysis of cellular fatty acids also identified significant microbial community shifts between 0 and 325, 1300 and 2600, and 3900 and 6500 mg W kg−1 soil. In general, the positive effect of tungsten on microbial biomass coincided with an increase in Gram‐negative bacterial fatty acids, whereas fatty acids indicative of actinomycetes and Gram‐positive bacteria were more abundant at the highest soil tungsten concentrations. The weathered tungsten also inhibited N2 fixing activity of a free living diazotroph at ≥1300 mg W kg−1 soil. These results indicate that tungsten in soil can alter both the structure and the function of an indigenous soil microbial community.
Biodegradation of Natural Organic Matter in Long‐Term, Continuous‐Flow Experiments Simulating Artificial Ground Water Recharge for Drinking Water Production
Authors: Kolehmainen Reija E. , Kortelainen Nina M. , Langwaldt Jörg H. , Puhakka Jaakko A.
Published: January 2009

The role of biodegradation in the attenuation of natural organic matter (NOM) was investigated in long‐term experiments that simulate artificial ground water recharge (AGR) for drinking water production. Lake water containing 5.8 mg L−1 total organic carbon (TOC) was continuously fed into an 18.5‐m‐long sand column. During the 941 d of operation, on average 76 and 81% of TOC was removed within the first 0.6 m and the entire column length, respectively. Large molecular size fractions (approximately 1800–2200 Da) of NOM were removed more efficiently than smaller ones (approximately 250–1400 Da). The biodegradation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) within the first 0.6 m, measured by the stable inorganic carbon isotope (δ13C) method, depended on temperature and hydraulic load: The extent of mineralization was 32% at 6°C (Day 442) and 38% at 23°C (Day 708) with a 0.3 m3 (m2d)−1 hydraulic load and 52% at 5.5°C (Day 883) with a 3.1 m3 (m2d) −1 hydraulic load. The rest of the DOC removal was likely due to entrapment or sorption onto the sand particles. Decreases in DOC and the total cell counts in the water along the column were positively correlated (r = 0.99; P = 0.001). The accumulation of biomass was minor, with the highest concentration amounting to 7.2 mg g−1 dw of sand. In summary, this study demonstrated that biodegradation has a key role in NOM removal in AGR and is dependent on temperature.
Analytical Solution Describing Pesticide Volatilization from Soil Affected by a Change in Surface Condition
Authors: Yates S. R.
Published: January 2009

An analytical solution describing the fate and transport of pesticides applied to soils has been developed. Two pesticide application methods can be simulated: point‐source applications, such as idealized shank or a hot‐gas injection method, and a more realistic shank‐source application method that includes a vertical pesticide distribution in the soil domain due to a soil fracture caused by a shank. The solutions allow determination of the volatilization rate and other information that could be important for understanding fumigant movement and in the development of regulatory permitting conditions. The solutions can be used to characterize differences in emissions relative to changes in the soil degradation rate, surface barrier conditions, application depth, and soil packing. In some cases, simple algebraic expressions are provided that can be used to obtain the total emissions and total soil degradation. The solutions provide a consistent methodology for determining the total emissions and can be used with other information, such as field and laboratory experimental data, to support the development of fumigant regulations. The uses of the models are illustrated by several examples.
Donor‐dependent Extent of Uranium Reduction for Bioremediation of Contaminated Sediment Microcosms
Authors: Madden Andrew S. , Palumbo Anthony V. , Ravel Bruce , Vishnivetskaya Tatiana A. , Phelps Tommy J. , Schadt Christopher W. , Brandt Craig C.
Published: January 2009

Bioremediation of uranium was investigated in microcosm experiments containing contaminated sediments from Oak Ridge, Tennessee to explore the importance of electron donor selection for uranium reduction rate and extent. In these experiments, all of the electron donors, including ethanol, glucose, methanol, and methanol with added humic acids, stimulated the reduction and immobilization of aqueous uranium by the indigenous microbial community. Uranium loss from solution began after the completion of nitrate reduction but essentially concurrent with sulfate reduction. When electron donor concentrations were normalized for their equivalent electron donor potential yield, the rates of uranium reduction were nearly equivalent for all treatments (0.55–0.95 μmol L−1 d−1). Uranium reduction with methanol proceeded after a 15‐d longer lag time relative to that of ethanol or glucose. Significant differences were not found with the inclusion of humic acids. The extent of U reduction in sediment slurries measured by XANES at various time periods after the start of the experiment increased in the order of ethanol (5–7% reduced at 77 and 153 d), glucose (49% reduced at 53 d), and methanol (93% reduced at 90 d). The microbial diversity of ethanol‐ and methanol‐amended microcosms in their late stage of U reduction was analyzed with 16S rRNA gene amplification. Members of the Geobacteraceae were found in all microcosms as well as other potential uranium‐reducing organisms, such as Clostridium and Desulfosporosinus. The effectiveness of methanol relative to ethanol at reducing aqueous and sediment‐hosted uranium suggests that bioremediation strategies that encourage fermentative poising of the subsurface to a lower redox potential may be more effective for long‐term uranium immobilization as compared with selecting an electron donor that is efficiently metabolized by known uranium‐reducing microorganisms.
Bioavailability and Fate of Phosphorus in Constructed Wetlands Receiving Agricultural Runoff in the San Joaquin Valley, California
Authors: Maynard Jonathan J. , O'Geen Anthony T. , Dahlgren Randy A.
Published: January 2009

Elevated nutrient concentrations in agricultural runoff contribute to seasonal eutrophication and hypoxia in the lower portion of the San Joaquin River, California. Interception and filtration of agricultural runoff by constructed wetlands may improve water quality of return flows ultimately destined for major water bodies. This study evaluated the efficacy of two small flow‐through wetlands (2.3 and 7.3 ha; hydraulic residence time = 11 and 31 h) for attenuating various forms of P from irrigation tailwaters during the 2005 irrigation season (May to September). Our goal was to examine transformations and removal efficiencies for bioavailable P in constructed wetlands. Inflow and outflow water volumes were monitored continuously and weekly water samples were collected to measure total P (TP), dissolved‐reactive P (DRP), and bioavailable P (BAP). Suspended sediment was characterized and fractionated into five operationally‐defined P fractions (i.e., NH4Cl, bicarbonate‐dithionite, NaOH, HCl, residual) to evaluate particulate P (PP) transformations. DRP was the major source of BAP with the particulate fraction contributing from 11 to 26%. On a seasonal basis, wetlands removed 55 to 65% of PP, 61 to 63% of DRP, 57 to 62% of BAP, and 88 to 91% of TSS. Sequential fractionation indicated that the bioavailable fraction of PP was largely associated with clay‐sized particles that remain in suspension, while less labile P forms preferentially settle with coarser sediment. Thus, removal of potentially bioavailable PP is dependent on factors that promote particle settling and allow for the removal of colloids. This study suggests that treatment of tailwaters in small, flow‐through wetlands can effectively remove BAP. Wetland design and management strategies that enhance sedimentation of colloids can improve BAP retention efficiency.
Toxicity of Anionic Polyacrylamide Formulations when Used for Erosion Control in Agriculture
Authors: Weston Donald P. , Lentz Rodrick D. , Cahn Michael D. , Ogle R. Scott , Rothert Amanda K. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: January 2009

Addition of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) to agricultural irrigation water can dramatically reduce erosion of soils. However, the toxicity of PAM to aquatic life, while often claimed to be low, has not been thoroughly evaluated. Five PAM formulations, including two oil‐based products, one water‐based product, one granular product and one tablet product, were evaluated for acute and/or chronic toxicity to five species commonly used for freshwater toxicity testing [Hyalella azteca (Saussure), Chironomus dilutus (Shobanov et al.), Ceriodaphnia dubia (Richard), Pimephales promelas (Rafinesque), and Selenastrum capricornutum (Printz)]. When applied as an oil‐based product, acute toxicity was seen to four of the five species at concentrations less than the 10 mg/L that is often used for erosion control. Toxicity was diminished, but still remained, after passage of the irrigation water across an agricultural field, indicating a potential impact to nearby surface waters. Results from the non‐oil‐based products indicated minimal toxicity associated with PAM even at concentrations 10 times those used in agriculture when applied in the granular form, as a tablet, or in a water‐based liquid. These data suggest that other agents in the oil‐based products, such as surfactants or emulsifiers, rather than the PAM itself, contribute to the toxicity. Care is required in selecting an appropriate PAM formulation when the potential exists for entry of tailwater to nearby surface waters.
Registration of Eight Extra‐Long Staple Upland Cotton Germplasm Lines
Authors: Smith C. W. , Hague S. , Thaxton P. S. , Hequet E. , Jones D.
Published: January 2009

Eight extra‐long staple (ELS) upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm lines, TAM A106‐15 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐894, PI 654359), TAM A106‐16 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐895, PI 654360), TAM B147‐21 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐896, PI 654361), TAM B182‐33 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐897, PI 654362), TAM C66‐16 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐898, PI 654363), TAM C66‐26 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐899, PI 654364), TAM C147‐42 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐900, PI 654365), and TAM C155‐22 ELS (Reg. No. GP‐901, PI 654366), were developed by the Cotton Improvement Laboratory, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas AgriLife Research (Texas A&M University, College Station), and released in 2008 as part of an ongoing effort to create germplasm with combinations of improved fiber quality parameters, especially upper half mean (UHM) length and fiber bundle strength. All ELS lines exhibited high volume instrument (HVI) UHM fiber length greater than 32.0 mm, which is the minimum UHM to be classified as ELS upland according to Cotton Incorporated. Seven of the eight lines equaled or exceeded the minimum UHM length of 34.8 mm for pima (G. barbadense L.) in the USDA 2007 pima loan schedule in at least one performance trial. Fiber bundle strengths of the eight lines were equal to or higher than ‘Fibermax 832’.
Registration of ‘Pristine’ Zoysiagrass
Authors: Scully B. T. , Nagata R. T. , Cherry R. H. , Trenholm L. E. , Unruh J. B.
Published: January 2009

‘Pristine’ (Reg. No. CV‐251, PI 652481) zoysiagrass [Zoysia japonica Stued. by Zoysia tenuifolia (L.) Merr.] was developed by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station at the Everglades Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Belle Glade, FL, and initially approved for release in 2005. This zoysiagrass variety originated as an open‐pollinated progeny from ‘Emerald’ and tested in Florida under experimental designation BA‐305. Pristine was selected for improved agronomic and horticultural traits, including reduced production of seed heads, finer leaf texture, darker leaf color, and a faster rate of ground coverage and crop establishment in southern Florida. In comparison to the standard variety Emerald, Pristine exhibited a 46% average annual reduction in seed‐head production and generally produced seed heads with an attenuated morphology. It also produced darker green leaves that were 21% shorter and 19% narrower than Emerald, which visually conferred upon Pristine a more refined canopy structure and texture. In addition, ground coverage and crop establishment was significantly faster for Pristine at two of the three test sites. Pristine is primarily intended for use in the Florida specialty market for zoysiagrass.
Registration of ‘N8101’ Small‐Seeded Soybean
Authors: Carter T. E. , Burton J. W. , Rzewnicki P. E. , Villagarcia M. R. , Fountain M. O. , Bowman D. T. , Taliercio Earl
Published: January 2009

‘N8101’ soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. No. CV‐498, PI 654355) was cooperatively developed and released by the USDA‐ARS and the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service in February 2008 as a small‐seeded Maturity Group VIII conventional cultivar. N8101 is the first publicly released small‐seeded soybean cultivar in its maturity group and has potential use in the Japanese soyfoods market. It was derived from the cross of small‐seeded germplasm NC114 and a small‐seeded cultivar N7101. N8101 is adapted to the southeastern United States between 30 and 36° N latitude. In 22 USDA regional trials, N8101 exhibited a 100‐seed weight of 7.3 g, 5.4 g less than that of control variety, ‘Prichard RR’. Yield of N8101 was approximately 92% of that produced by Prichard RR (2712 kg ha−1). Over seven additional trials in North Carolina, N8101 had a 100‐seed weight of 6.5 g, 1.4 g less than that of small‐seeded Maturity Group VII cultivar N7103. Seed protein content was similar to that of Prichard RR, and seed carbohydrate composition was similar to that of N7103. N8101 is resistant to shattering, Soybean mosaic virus, frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina Hara), and bacterial pustule [Xanthomonas campestris pv. glycines (Nakano) Dye]. The reduced yield of N8101 compared with commodity‐type cultivars limits its use to specialty purposes.
Registration of ‘CP 00‐1446’ Sugarcane
Authors: Comstock Jack C. , Glaz Barry , Edmé Serge J. , Davidson R. Wayne , Gilbert Robert A. , Glynn Neil C. , Miller Jimmy D. , Tai Peter Y.P.
Published: January 2009

‘CP 00‐1446’ (Reg. No CV‐133, PI 654092) sugarcane (a complex hybrid ofSaccharumspp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc., and was released to growers in Florida in September 2007. CP 00‐1446 was selected from a cross of genotypes CP 93‐1607 × CP 91‐1150 made at Canal Point, FL, in January 1998. The female and male parents were advanced to the penultimate selection stage (Stage 3) and the final stage (Stage 4), respectively, of the Canal Point sugarcane cultivar breeding and selection program. CP 00‐1446 was released and recommended for sand soils in Florida because of its high plant cane and acceptable ratoon per hectare yields of cane and sucrose and commercial recoverable sucrose on sand soils, and its acceptable disease reactions to smut [caused byUstilago scitaminea(Sydow & P. Sydow)] (moderately susceptible), brown rust (caused byPuccinia melanocephalaH. & P. Sydow) (moderately resistant), orange rust (caused byPuccinia kuehniiE.J. Butler) (moderately resistant), leaf scald (caused byXanthomonas albilineansAshby, Dowson) (resistant),Sugarcane mosaic virusstrain E (mosaic) (moderately susceptible), and ratoon stunting disease (caused byClavibacter xylisubsp.xyliDavis) (resistant) in Florida.
Registration of ‘CP 00‐2180’ Sugarcane
Authors: Glaz Barry , Edmé Serge J. , Davidson R. Wayne , Gilbert Robert A. , Comstock Jack C. , Glynn Neil C. , Miller Jimmy D. , Tai Peter Y.P.
Published: January 2009

‘CP 00‐2180’ (Reg. No. CV‐134, PI 654093) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc., and was released to growers in Florida in September 2007. CP 00‐2180 was selected from a self‐cross of cultivar HoCP 91‐552 made at Canal Point, FL, in January 1998. Based on its high cane yields and fiber content (16%), HoCP 91‐552 was released as a cultivar for bioenergy in Louisiana. CP 00‐2180 was released and recommended for sand soils in Florida because of its high plant cane and acceptable ratoon per hectare yields of cane and sucrose and commercial recoverable sucrose on sand soils, and its resistance to smut [caused by Ustilago scitaminea (Sydow & P. Sydow)], brown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Sydow), orange rust (caused by Puccinia kuehnii E.J. Butler), leaf scald [caused by Xanthomonas albilineans (Ashby) Dowson], Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E, and ratoon stunting disease (caused by Clavibacter xyli subsp. xyli Davis) in Florida.
Registration of ‘HoCP 00‐950’ Sugarcane
Authors: Tew T. L. , Dufrene E. O. , Garrison D. D. , White W. H. , Grisham M. P. , Pan Y.-B. , Richard E. P. , Legendre B. L. , Miller J. D.
Published: January 2009

‘HoCP 00‐950’ (Reg. No. CV‐135, PI 654823) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum officinarum L., S. spontaneum L., S. barberi Jeswiet, and S. sinense Roxb. amend. Jeswiet) was selected and evaluated by the USDA‐ARS, working cooperatively with the Louisiana State University AgCenter, and the American Sugar Cane League, Inc. It was released to growers in Louisiana in April 2007. In 67 machine‐harvested trials on light‐ and heavy‐textured soils from 2004 to 2007 (plant‐cane through third‐ratoon crop) averaged over nine southern Louisiana locations, HoCP 00‐950 produced 5% more sugar and had 6% higher sugar content than the industry standard, ‘HoCP 96‐540’. In plant‐cane and ratoon‐crop maturity tests harvested in 2007, HoCP 00‐950 had significantly higher sugar content than HoCP 96‐540 across all harvest dates, with 35% higher sugar content at the outset of the harvest season (late September). HoCP 00‐950 is resistant to brown rust (Puccinia melanocephala), smut (Ustilago scitaminea), leaf scald (Xanthomonas albilineans), and mosaic diseases. It is susceptible to the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) and should not be planted in areas where pesticide use is restricted. The early maturity characteristic of HoCP 00‐950 provides growers with a variety that can produce profitable sugar yields early in the milling season without the need to apply a chemical ripener.
The effect of applying high-pressure coolant (HPC) jet in machining of 42CrMo4 steel by uncoated carbide inserts
Authors: Kamruzzaman M , Dhar NR
Published: January 2009

To avoid surface distortion and to improve tool life, machining of alloy steel and other hard materials under high speed-feed condition requires instant heat transfer from the work-tool interface where the intensity of cutting temperature is the maximum. Conventional cooling is completely unable and other special techniques like MQL and cryogenic cooling are not suitable in context of product quality and cost effectiveness. Supply of high-pressure coolant (HPC) with high velocity may provide the best control to reduce cutting temperature and tool wear as well as increase tool life. This paper deals with an experimental investigation on the effect of high-pressure coolant on temperature, tool wear, surface roughness and dimensional deviation in turning 42CrMo4 steel by uncoated carbide inserts and comparing it with dry condition. It is observed that the cutting temperature and tool wear is reduced, tool life is increased, surface finish is improved, and dimensional deviation is decreased with the use of high-pressure coolant. Keywords: High-pressure coolant (HPC), Alloy steel, Temperature, Wear and Product quality. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i2.1849 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME39, No. 2, Dec. 2008 71-77
Dynamic analysis of railway vehicle-track interactions due to wheel flat with a pitch-plane vehicle model
Authors: Uzzal Rajib Ul Alam , Ahmed Waiz , Rakheja Subhash
Published: January 2009

This paper presents the responses of the railway vehicle and track components in terms of contact forces and displacements. The considered vehicle model is a five-DOF pitch-plane lumped parameter quarter car model supported on two-dimensional track systems comprising three layers. The car body is linked with the vehicle bogie through secondary suspension springs and damper elements, which is further linked to the wheels through primary suspension springs and damper elements. In modeling of the track, the rail is considered as an infinitely long beam discretely supported by a series of springs, dampers and masses representing the elasticity and damping effects of the rail pads, ballasts, and subgrades respectively. The non-linear Hertzian contact theory is employed to accomplish the dynamic interactions between the lumped mass vehicle and the continuous rail. The drastic effect of one wheel flat to the other perfect wheel-rail contact point is also taken into account. Keywords: Wheel flat, pitch-plane vehicle, wheel-rail impact, component force. doi:10.3329/jme.v39i2.1851 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME39, No. 2, Dec. 2008 86-94
Agronomic consequences of potential management zones delineated on the basis of EM38DD measurements
Authors: Vitharana U.W.A. , Van Meirvenne M. , Simpson D. , Cockx L. , Hofman G.
Published: January 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of dual dipole apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) measurements obtained with an EM38DD sensor as an explicit information source to delineate potential management classes in an agricultural field in the Polder area of Belgium. The success of class delineation was evaluated in relation to soil physical‐chemical properties and sugar beet yield. The average apparent electrical conductivity (ECa‐A) derived from vertical and horizontal dipole measurements was capable of delineating 3 relatively large management classes. The analysis of variance of soil properties indicated that topsoil sand and lime and subsoil clay, sand and lime were largely different across these classes (all having a proportion of the variance accounted for by a classification of >0.5). During the growing season of 2005, we monitored topsoiland moisture content and found strong differences among classes. As a result, the crop biomass at harvest (roots plus leaves) was strongly variable between classes (ranging from 105 Mg ha−1to 153 g ha−1), as well as the sugar content (ranging from 15.4% to 17.2%). However, due to a compensation effect between the crop biomass and sugar accumulation, differences in sugar yield and financial income between classes were relatively small (the income ranged from 3950 € ha−1to 4230 € ha−1). However, these income values resulted from strongly different growing conditions, calling for a class‐specific management. The image of the average ECa was found to be a reliable basis for delineating agronomically relevant management zones.
Underwater self‐potential measurements in the safety assessment of dams
Authors: Rozycki A. , Olalla C. , Ruiz Fonticiella J.M. , Cuadra A.
Published: January 2009

A small earth‐cored dam, the water balance of which indicated water losses, was chosen to test the applicability of the underwater self‐potential (SP) method. The data were recorded using a measurement system composed of an electrode dragged over the upstream face of the dam and attached to a well‐logging instrument. The measured electrical potential was referred to a fixed point inside the reservoir and near to the pool water level.

The obtained SP data were split into regional and local components. The regional component was generated using an existing correlation between a vertical SP water gradient and the water depth of the upstream slope shape of the dam. The residual SP field was obtained by subtraction of the regional component from the recorded data.

The residual SP field showed several anomalies, one of which coincided with the axis of the outlet conduit. Depth estimation gave a value equal to the position of the tube. Some of the anomalies suggested the presence of suffusion processes that had developed along the upstream slope, similar to sink‐hole dissolution. The SP anomalies and the conductive bodies interpreted from the direct current measurements which were carried out on the crest of the dam, showed good spatial correlation; this indicated the possibility of hydraulic connections through preferential flow paths between the upstream face and the body of the dam.

In quantitatively interpreting the SP anomalies, their relative positions on the upstream face must be taken into account, due to possible electrical‐potential distortions at the rock‐fill/water and water/ air limits.
Highly Conductive Films of Layered Ternary Transition‐Metal Nitrides
Authors: Luo Hongmei , Wang Haiyan , Bi Zhengxing , Zou Guifu , McCleskey T. Mark , Burrell Anthony K. , Bauer Eve , Hawley Marilyn E. , Wang Yongqiang , Jia Quanxi
Published: January 2009

Epitaktische Filme aus BaZrN2 (siehe TEM‐Bild) und BaHfN2 wurden durch polymerunterstützte Abscheidung auf SrTiO3(STO)‐Substraten gezüchtet. Die Filme sind phasenrein, wodurch sich die intrinsischen physikalischen Eigenschaften der ternären Nitride untersuchen lassen. Zwischen 5 und 300 K zeigen die Filme ein metallartiges Widerstands‐Temperatur‐Verhalten bei hohen Restwiderstandsverhältnissen.

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Perfluoropentaphenylborole
Authors: Fan Cheng , Piers Warren E. , Parvez Masood
Published: January 2009

Komplett fluoriert: Vollständig fluoriertes Pentaphenylborol (siehe Struktur) wurde durch aufeinander folgende Transmetallierungsreaktionen unter Beteiligung von Zr‐ und Sn‐Heterocyclen synthetisiert. Das hoch feuchtigkeitsempfindliche Borol ist ein neues Mitglied der Familie der Perfluorarylborane, einer Klasse von antiaromatischen Verbindungen mit grundlegender Bedeutung für Aromatizitätskonzepte.

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Acetylides from Alkyl Propiolates as Building Blocks for C3 Homologation
Authors: Tejedor David , López‐Tosco Sara , Cruz‐Acosta Fabio , Méndez‐Abt Gabriela , García‐Tellado Fernando
Published: January 2009

Three that matter: Metal acetylides from alkyl propiolates allow C3 homologations with transference of their versatile reactivity profile to products that can then react without further elaboration. Metal‐free acetylides, which are generated by the action of a good nucleophile on the alkyl propiolate, react with suitable electrophiles through different domino reactions to generate skeletal diversity.

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Alkyl propiolates are reagents with a versatile reactivity profile that entirely remains in the C3‐homologated product for further elaboration. To be effective, this C3 homologation requires suitable methods for the generation of the acetylide anion that are compatible with both the conjugated ester and the electrophilic partner. Recent advances include catalytic procedures for the in situ generation of these acetylides in the presence of suitable electrophiles. Whereas the organometallic methods have brought stereoselectivity to these reactions, the organocatalytic methods laid the ground for new efficient domino processes that generate complexity.
A Copper‐Catalyzed, pH‐Neutral Construction of High‐Enantiopurity Peptidyl Ketones from Peptidic S‐Acylthiosalicylamides in Air at Room Temperature
Authors: Liebeskind Lanny S. , Yang Hao , Li Hao
Published: January 2009

A copper‐catalyzed transformation of peptidic thiol esters and boronic acids gives peptidyl ketones and takes place in DMF or DMF/H2O at room temperature in air (see scheme). This aerobic reaction only occurs at a thiol ester group capable of coordinating to Cu through its appendage on the sulfur center and is not hampered by racemization of the reactants or products.

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Carbon Dioxide Induced Phase Switching for Homogeneous‐Catalyst Recycling
Authors: Desset Simon. L. , Cole‐Hamilton David J.
Published: January 2009

SwitchPhos: Rhodium complexes formed from PPh3 ligands functionalized with weakly basic amidine groups are highly active catalysts for the hydroformylation of alkenes. On bubbling with CO2 in the presence of water, the yellow rhodium complexes move into the water phase, whereas bubbling with N2 at 60 °C causes them to switch back into the organic phase. The catalysts can be used for reactions in water or an organic phase.

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Molecular Modeling, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Macrocyclic Calpain Inhibitors
Authors: Abell Andrew D. , Jones Matthew A. , Coxon James M. , Morton James D. , Aitken Steven G. , McNabb Stephen B. , Lee Hannah Y.‐Y. , Mehrtens Janna M. , Alexander Nathan A. , Stuart Blair G. , Neffe Axel T. , Bickerstaffe Roy
Published: January 2009

The design and elaboration of a series of macrocyclic templates that exhibit a propensity to adopt a β‐strand‐like peptide‐backbone conformation led to potent and selective inhibitors of calpain 2. Macrocycle 1 retarded calcium‐induced opacification in an ovine‐lens culture assay and is a lead compound for the development of a drug for cataract treatment. Cbz=carbobenzyloxy.

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Highly Conductive Films of Layered Ternary Transition‐Metal Nitrides
Authors: Luo Hongmei , Wang Haiyan , Bi Zhengxing , Zou Guifu , McCleskey T. Mark , Burrell Anthony K. , Bauer Eve , Hawley Marilyn E. , Wang Yongqiang , Jia Quanxi
Published: January 2009

Film studies: Epitaxial films of BaZrN2 (see TEM image) and BaHfN2 are grown by polymer‐assisted deposition on SrTiO3 (STO) substrates. The films are phase‐pure, allowing the intrinsic physical properties of the ternary nitrides to be studied. From 5 to 300 K, the films exhibit metallic‐like resistivity–temperature behavior, with large residual resistivity ratios.

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Barrier Compression Enhances an Enzymatic Hydrogen‐Transfer Reaction
Authors: Hay Sam , Pudney Christopher R. , McGrory Tom A. , Pang Jiayun , Sutcliffe Michael J. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: January 2009

Putting the squeeze on: Hydrostatic pressure causes a shortening of the charge‐transfer bond in the binary complex of morphinone reductase and NADH4 (see diagram). Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that pressure reduces the average reaction barrier width by restricting the conformational space available to the flavin mononucleotide and NADH within the active site. The apparent rate of catalysis increases with pressure.

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Tandem Double‐Michael‐Addition/Cyclization/Acyl Migration of 1,4‐Dien‐3‐ones and Ethyl Isocyanoacetate: Stereoselective Synthesis of Pyrrolizidines
Authors: Tan Jing , Xu Xianxiu , Zhang Lingjuan , Li Yifei , Liu Qun
Published: January 2009

Up to four adjacent stereocenters can be formed stereoselectively in the construction of a pyrrolizidine unit through a novel organocatalytic reaction that involves treatment of various dienones with ethyl isocyanoacetate (see scheme; DBU=1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene). Mechanisms for this atom‐economic, one‐pot synthesis have been proposed.

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From Oblivion into the Limelight: Iron (Domino) Catalysis
Authors: Fürstner Alois
Published: January 2009

Sleeping beauty? Is the scientific community about to kiss awake iron catalysis, a topic that has been dormant for decades? A recent study on a user‐friendly direct cross‐coupling reaction of alkyl and aryl halides constitutes an important step toward this end through the integration of two different iron‐catalyzed elementary steps into a practical one‐pot procedure.

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The effects of marginal maternal vitamin A status on penta‐brominated diphenyl ether mixture‐induced alterations in maternal and conceptal vitamin A and fetal development in the Sprague Dawley rat
Authors: Ellis‐Hutchings Robert G. , Cherr Gary N. , Hanna Lynn A. , Keen Carl L.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) toxicity in rodents can be associated with disruptions in endocrine signaling. We previously reported that the penta‐BDE mixture, DE‐71, disrupts thyroid hormones and vitamin A metabolism in rats during lactation, and that this disruption is amplified in animals fed diets marginal in vitamin A. The ability of the DE‐71 to disrupt vitamin A metabolism during the prenatal period has not been evaluated. While penta‐BDE mixtures are not strong teratogens in pregnant animals fed standard commercial laboratory diets, we hypothesized that they could be teratogenic under conditions of marginal vitamin A status. METHODS: rats were fed diets containing 0.4 retinyl equivalents (RE, marginal) or 4.0 RE (adequate) of vitamin A per gram of diet. Pregnant animals were exposed to DE‐71 (0, 6, 18, 60, or 120 mg/kg) from gestation days (GD) 6–11.5, or on GD 6–19.5. RESULTS: DE‐71 treatment resulted in dose‐responsive reductions in maternal thyroid hormone and markers of vitamin A metabolism, with the latter reduction amplified in marginal vitamin A dams. Fetuses from marginal vitamin A, DE‐71‐exposed dams exhibited a dose‐responsive increase in liver retinol binding protein levels. DE‐71 treatment did not result in gross malformations; however, consistent with our hypothesis, GD 20 fetal weights were lower, and skeletal ossification was less when DE‐71 exposure occurred concomitant with a marginal vitamin A status. For several endpoints, observable effects were evident at the lowest dose tested, consistent with a dose‐response trend. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the concept that marginal vitamin A status enhances the disruptive effects of DE‐71 during prenatal development. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 86:48‐57, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural Effects on ss‐ and dsDNA Recognition by a β‐Hairpin Peptide
Authors: Stewart Amanda L. , Waters Marcey L.
Published: January 2009

Form defines function: The effects of β‐hairpin structure on the binding affinity and selectivity for ssDNA versus dsDNA were investigated; this provided insights into the factors that contribute to the selective recognition of both ss‐ and dsDNA and suggested new approaches for designing biomimetic receptors. Binding studies showed that 1) folding is crucial for binding to both ss‐ and dsDNA, and 2) chirality affects binding for duplex but not for ssDNA.

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The interactions involved in the binding of a designed β‐hairpin dimer to single‐stranded and duplex DNA have been explored. Previously the peptide dimer had been found to bind ssDNA with a dissociation constant of 3 μμ through a combination of aromatic and electrostatic interactions, whereas binding to duplex DNA was primarily driven by electrostatic interactions. In this report, the effects of folding and chirality were studied to determine the factors that contribute to affinity and selectivity for ssDNA versus dsDNA. Binding studies showed that 1) folding is crucial for binding to both ss‐ and dsDNA, and 2) chirality affects binding for duplex DNA but not for ssDNA. Taken together, these studies reveal different modes of binding for ss‐ and duplex DNA, with different driving forces, but in each case peptide structure contributes significantly to binding.
Investigation of sp2–sp Coupling for Electron‐Enriched Aryl Dihalides under Oxygen‐Free Sonogashira Coupling Reaction Conditions Using a Two‐Chamber Reaction System
Authors: Chen Xue‐Yi , Barnes Charles , Dias Jerry R. , Sandreczki T. C.
Published: January 2009

Triethylamine hydroiodide crystals were formed during Sonogashira reactions; after complete reaction the solution retains a characteristic light color (see picture). Very sluggish Sonogashira reactions of electron‐enriched aryl diiodides have been carried out in high yield in an oxygen‐free, two‐chamber reaction system. The formation of triethylamine hydroiodide crystals was monitored to determine the completion of reaction.

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Fourier Transform Infrared Study of the Dissolution Mechanism of Poly(methyl methacrylate) in CO2‐Expanded Ethanol
Authors: Matsuyama Kiyoshi , Mishima Kenji
Published: January 2009

Both CO2 and ethanol are nonsolvents for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) at 303 K, but PMMA dissolves in CO2‐expanded ethanol (red spectrum, see figure). The dissolution process consists of swelling of the PMMA by the CO2, which allows the ethanol to penetrate the PMMA and interact with the polymer through carbonyl–hydroxyl hydrogen bonds to separate the polymer chains.

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Inhomogeneous Phase Transition upon Hydrogenation of Nanocluster Pd Films
Authors: Di Vece Marcel , Kelly John J. , Lievens Peter
Published: January 2009

Phased out: A combination of electrochemical and optical techniques is used to study the interaction of hydrogen with palladium nanoclusters. Hydrogen pressure‐composition isotherms reveal the reduced presence of the β phase in palladium nanoclusters. Hydrogen extraction transients relate the reduced miscibility gap to a core‐shell phase transformation in the palladium nanoclusters (see picture).

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The role of insulin‐like growth factor‐I and its binding proteins in glucose homeostasis and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rajpathak Swapnil N. , Gunter Marc J. , Wylie‐Rosett Judith , Ho Gloria Y. F. , Kaplan Robert C. , Muzumdar Radhika , Rohan Thomas E. , Strickler Howard D.
Published: January 2009

This review addresses the possible role of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐axis in normal glucose homoeostasis and in the etiopathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. IGF‐I, a peptide hormone, shares amino acid sequence homology with insulin and has insulin‐like activity; most notably, the promotion of glucose uptake by peripheral tissues. Type 2 diabetes as well as pre‐diabetic states, including impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, are associated cross‐sectionally with altered circulating levels of IGF‐I and its binding proteins (IGFBPs). Administration of recombinant human IGF‐I has been reported to improve insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals as well as in patients with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Further, IGF‐I may have beneficial effects on systemic inflammation, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and on pancreatic β‐cell mass and function. There is considerable inter‐individual heterogeneity in endogenous levels of IGF‐I and its binding proteins; however, the relationship between these variations and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes has not been extensively investigated. Large prospective studies are required to evaluate this association. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptations to exercise training within skeletal muscle in adults with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Yi , Simar David , Fiatarone Singh Maria A.
Published: January 2009

The aim of this investigation was to review morphological and metabolic adaptations within skeletal muscle to exercise training in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). A comprehensive, systematic database search for manuscripts was performed from 1966 to March 2008 using computerized databases, including Medline, Premedline, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE and SportDiscus. Three reviewers independently assessed studies for potential inclusion (exposure to exercise training, T2DM or IGT, muscle biopsy performed). A total of 18 exercise training studies were reviewed. All morphological and metabolic outcomes from muscle biopsies were collected. The metabolic outcomes were divided into six domains: glycogen, glucose facilitated transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin signalling, enzymes, markers of inflammation, lipids metabolism and so on. Beneficial adaptations to exercise were seen primarily in muscle fiber area and capillary density, glycogen, glycogen synthase and GLUT4 protein expressions. Few randomized controlled trials including muscle biopsy data existed, with a small number of subjects involved. More trials, especially robustly designed exercise training studies, are needed in this field. Future research should focus on the insulin signalling pathway to better understand the mechanism of the improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in response to various modalities and doses of exercise in this cohort. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin analogues: fears, facts and fantasies
Authors: Cordera Renzo , Salani Barbara , Briatore Lucia
Published: January 2009

IGF‐I and insulin, acting through both IGF‐I and insulin receptors, have been studied widely to evaluate their oncogenic and teratogenic properties. These two properties need to be studied for each new insulin analogue, in addition to measurements of their metabolic and pharmacodynamic features. This editorial critiques a study in this issue of the journal of several insulin analogues in their action in vitro on several cancer‐related cell lines. The conclusions and limitations of these studies are highlighted, especially as they influence guidelines for using these analogues patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Student experiences of neurodiversity in higher education: insights from the BRAINHE project
Authors: Griffin Edward , Pollak David
Published: January 2009

The number of students with identified learning differences (LDs) of all kinds is increasing in higher education. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 27 current and previous students with a range of specific LDs by means of semi‐structured interviews, using a thematic approach. The findings revealed that participants shared many life experiences and preferences for learning irrespective of their type of LD. Participants generally held one of two views about their identity as ‘neurodiverse’: a ‘difference’ view—where neurodiversity was seen as a difference incorporating a set of strengths and weaknesses, or a ‘medical/deficit’ view—where neurodiversity was seen as a disadvantageous medical condition. The former view was associated with expressions of greater career ambition and academic self‐esteem, while the latter view was associated more with processes for obtaining the Disabled Students' Allowance. Many of the participants reported similar experiences in education and with university support; many did not feel adequately supported by their institutions. Recommendations are made for increased awareness training among lecturers and better liaison between university departments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Line‐division‐based digital watermarking system for facilitating fair use of small‐size vector map content
Authors: Yamada Takaaki , Fujii Yasuhiro , Tezuka Satoru , Komoda Norihisa
Published: January 2009

As many people use digital maps in the ubiquitous network, facilitating fair use has become a great issue for vector map content. Watermarks are a promising way to trace content and report contact information to end users. We clarify the technical requirement for a small‐size map including several hundred vectors. A line‐division‐based digital watermarking system based on inserting new points that divide a line segment, where the internal division ratio indicates the embedding information, is proposed. The ability of the method to survive daily user operations and trace content is evaluated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(9): 11– 19, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10010