bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiotherapists’ use and perspectives on the importance of patient-reported outcome measures for shoulder dysfunction
Authors: Payne C , Michener LA
Published: July 2014

Background:

Many patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) for shoulder dysfunctions have acceptable psychometric properties. However, the large number of measures that are available present clinicians and researchers with dilemmas in PRO selection. This study set out to determine the perceived importance of PROs, the measures currently used by physiotherapists in clinical practice and research, and the psychometric criteria that are considered important in PRO selection.

Methods:

Delegates at the 2010 International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists were invited to participate in this cross-sectional observational study. Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) web-based tools were used to design an online questionnaire. IRB approval was gained prior to commencement of the study. Anonymised numerical survey data were tallied and frequency counts reported descriptively.

Results:

Participants submitted 101 completed questionnaires, which was an 84% response rate. One or more validated shoulder or upper extremity PROs were used by 91% of clinicians, and 94% of researchers. The use of PROs was considered to be ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important by the majority of clinicians (76%), and researchers (98%). Most commonly used as a primary outcome by clinicians and researchers respectively were: the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder Hand Questionnaire (DASH) (40%, 44%) and the Oxford Shoulder Scale (OSS) (36%, 22%); and as secondary outcomes: the DASH (33%, 28%); OSS (17%, 8%), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) (8%, 18%); and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons standardized assessment form (ASES) (8%, 13%). Psychometric properties and practicality aspects were deemed extremely or very important by 86–96% of participants.

Conclusion:

The majority of clinicians and researchers use a shoulder or upper extremity function or disability questionnaire. This indicates that PROs are considered important in clinical practice and research, and psychometric properties are critical in PRO selection. The DASH, OSS, SPADI and ASES are most commonly used by shoulder therapists in clinical practice and research studies.

Implications:

These findings can be used to aid the development of a consensus on a core set of PROs for shoulder dysfunctions for use by clinicians and researchers.
Characterising lower limb muscle activity and test-retest repeatability of EMG measures in healthy adults during upright pedalling
Authors: Sammon E , Hancock NJ , Kennedy NC , Pomeroy VM
Published: July 2014

Background:

Upright pedalling (UP) has similarities to walking in terms of both muscle activation and biomechanical activity. Therefore, UP is a potential rehabilitation therapy for enhancing walking recovery. The development of UP as a rehabilitation intervention requires understanding of muscle activity patterns elicited during pedalling in a range of participants, including young healthy adults. The aims of this study were: to characterise muscle activation patterns during UP in young healthy adults, and to investigate the test-retest repeatability of EMG-derived measures used to characterise activity patterns.

Methods:

Participants (total n=8, females: n=7) performed two UP sessions, separated by a 1-hour rest period. During UP, muscle activity of rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) was recorded using surface EMG. Lower limb muscle activity was characterised by average, integrated activity (iEMG) for each muscle group according to four 90° phases of the 360° wheel turn. This procedure provided a measure of muscle activity throughout the pedalling cycle. Testretest repeatability of mean iEMG values for each pedal revolution was calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

Characterisation of activity: muscle activity for all participants during UP demonstrated reciprocal muscle activation of BF and RF. More specifically, RF exhibited double bursts of activity at 0–135° and 270–360°, whereas BF demonstrated a single burst at 135–270°. Test-retest repeatability: appeared high for RF when considering the point estimate (ICC=0.837), but the associated wide CIs (-0.224–1.39) mean that this finding is imprecise. A lack of repeatability observed for BF (ICC=0.02) was also inconclusive due to wide CI's (-0.258–0.737).

Conclusions:

UP elicited a reciprocal muscle activation pattern in RF and BF in a small sample of young healthy volunteers. Definitive test-retest repeatability of recorded measures was not established.

Implications:

This study has contributed normative data on muscle activation patterns during walking-like activity, and data to inform sample size for definitively testing intra-participant variance.
The effect of sensory-focused therapeutic interventions on functional outcomes in the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke
Authors: Drzyzga L , Watkins C
Published: July 2014

Background:

Despite the high prevalence of upper limb sensorimotor impairments among stroke victims, very few evidence-based reviews exist about the functional benefit of sensory-focussed therapeutic interventions upon the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke. This systematic-review aims to address this concern to determine the efficacy of sensory-focussed therapeutic interventions upon functional outcomes in the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke.

Methods:

Studies included within the systematic review were sourced from the following databases: Medline; SPORTDiscus; AMED; CINAHL; and PEDro, via EBSCO Host. The keywords used to obtain the pertinent literature were: ‘stroke’, ‘therapy’, ‘rehabilitation’, ‘function’, ‘upper limb’ and ‘sensory’. The reference list of each retrieved paper was hand searched to identify any additional relevant literature. Two independent researchers applied the specific inclusion/exclusion criteria to each paper to eliminate any irrelevant studies. The methodological quality of each of the selected papers was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. This gave a final total of 11 studies to be included within the systematic review. A data extraction form was devised and all relevant data was extrapolated from each study by two independent researchers. For each study, primary outcome measures were compared between the experimental group and the control group, pre- and post-treatment using the mean and standard deviation values. Statistical significance of these values was also assessed and compared using the respective P values.

Results:

Statistically significant results from all the included studies suggest that functional motor abilities of the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke can be improved by the application of the following sensory-focussed interventions: mirror therapy; thermal therapy; transcutaneous electrical stimulation; intermittent pneumatic compression; and proprioceptive and exteroceptive stimulation therapy. Due to significant differences in methodology and outcome measures, it was difficult to draw a comparison between the efficacies of specific sensory interventional subtypes evaluated within this review.

Conclusions:

This systematic review provides evidence to support the use of several sensory-focused therapeutic interventions for improving motor recovery in the hemiplegic upper-limb following stroke.

Implications:

This review indicates that sensory-focused therapeutic interventions should be employed in clinical practice as an evidence-based means to improve the functional abilities of patients with hemiplegic upper limbs post stroke.
Infant cervical range of motion in the sagittal plane
Authors: Williams JM , Theobald PS , Jones MD
Published: July 2014

Background:

Data pertaining to infant sagittal cervical range of motion (CROM) is lacking. Previous studies have either quantified motions other than sagittal or quantified sagittal range of motion in children >3 years old. Data capture in infants is complex and novel methods are required to overcome previous limitations. Such data is invaluable to inform paediatric injury models, such as those for shaken baby syndrome and automotive safety.

Methods:

Nine infants were recruited from a local group of parents (mean age=406 days, SD=19). Sagittal range-of-motion was measured using two miniature accelerometers (THETAmetrix), which provide orientation angle with respect to gravity. One sensor was placed on the forehead and one over the T2–3 spinous process. Sagittal range of motion was determined by subtracting the tilt angle of thorax sensor from that of the forehead and then summing the total sagittal movement cycle to yield resultant cervical range of motion. Infants were placed in their usual highchair and encouraged to move their head into flexion and extension by a parent focussing their attention on a favourite toy. At the point of maximal motion, the lead researcher applied gentle overpressure to ensure full range was achieved with parental consent. Once one full cycle of sagittal motion was achieved, data collection was terminated.

Results:

Overpressure was not possible in two infants, therefore, their data was omitted. The mean peak sagittal range of motion was 115° (SD=12) with a 95% CI=106–124°.

Conclusions:

The described methods were successful in measuring sagittal CROM in infants and could be used to determine range of motion in even younger infants. The data produced is in agreement with previous reports on older children; however, this method overcomes limitations of other data capture methods.

Implications:

The results provide the first estimate of infant CROM. These data can serve as reference for models of musculoskeletal and neurological injury, including those for shaken baby syndrome and automotive safety.
Physical examination for the diagnosis of cervical facet joint pain : A systematic review
Authors: Mansfield M
Published: July 2014

Background:

Chronic neck and low back pain are painful, disabling and are associated with significant costs to individuals and health services. The evidence base to date is inconclusive in determining which physical examination tests are accurate in identifying facet joint pain and further research is required. The objective of this study was to undertake a systematic review investigating the accuracy of a physical examination to identify facet joint pain.

Methods:

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, Central, Amed, Biosis, and Mantis were searched up to 2012. Grey literature, conference proceedings, hand-searching and expert author contact were also undertaken. Studies were included if the subjects were adults over the age of 18 years, had no red flag pathologies or previous surgery and were in English. There were no restrictions on the study type. The included studies were assessed for bias using QUADAS-2.

Results:

A total of 13 914 studies were retrieved and screened for inclusion. Four cervical and six lumbar spine studies met the inclusion criteria. No additional lumbar spine studies were retrieved since 2007; therefore, the lumbar spine studies were not analysed. The cervical spine studies were heterogeneous in methods and a meta anaylsis could not be conducted. Two studies investigated a combined manual examination. One study investigated palpation in isolation and another investigated electronic pain pressure thresholds. The accuracy values for all cervical spine studies were 0.67–1.00 and 0.16–1.00 for sensitivity and specificity respectively.

Conclusions:

This review cannot provide conclusive evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination in diagnosing facet joint pain in the cervical spine. There was a small trend towards higher accuracy values when using a combined manual examination including palpation. However, caution should be taken as this is based on very few studies that were highly heterogeneous.

Implications:

Further research is needed in different clinical settings, including in primary care and with subjects with less chronicity of symptoms. Moreover, greater homogeneity of the methods used in index and reference tests is required in future studies.
The 2011 World Press Photo: A study of a modern-day Hagar in Yemen through the prism of collective memory in Islam
Authors: Mielczarek Natalia
Published: July 2014

This project offers historical and visual rhetorical analyses of the 2011 World Press Photo, arguing the award-winning image echoes one of the most central collective memories within Islam: that of Hagar, the mother of all Arabs. The article posits that the woman in the photo is the modern-day Hagar who exemplifies strength, courage and independence, much like her predecessor millennia ago. In that, the woman, as captured in the winning image, creates a countermemory to the dominant collective memory of a Muslim woman in Yemen, who has emerged over the years as dominated by men and in need of protection. The analysis puts the 2011 World Press Photo within the Islam-centric context of interpretation, suggesting that looking at it only through the Christian-centred perspective, as was done in the West, robs the image of its polysemic qualities.
Manufacturing method of carbon and glass fabric composites with dispersed nanofibers using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding
Authors: Song Jun Hee
Published: July 2014

Fiber-reinforced composites have favorable structural characteristics such as their light weight, high specific strength, and high stiffness. Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), used for manufacturing these composites, is relatively simple and provides materials with excellent mechanical properties. In this study, the author investigated the utility of VARTM in improving the performance of a carbon nanofiber (CNF)/carbon fiber composite impregnated with thermosetting resin. Processing parameters were determined, and the integrity of the manufactured composites was assessed. Carbon and glass fibers were used as reinforcing materials in an epoxy resin matrix. CNFs, which have excellent thermal and electrical characteristics, were dispersed in the composites. The pore sizes using the 0°/90°- and 90°/45° types of laminates were about 45 and 50 μm, respectively. The integrated composites produced had low porosity (below 3.7×10-5%).
A subexponential construction of graph coloring for multiparty computation
Authors: Asghar Hassan Jameel , Desmedt Yvo , Pieprzyk Josef , Steinfeld Ron
Published: July 2014

We show the first deterministic construction of an unconditionally secure multiparty computation (MPC) protocol in the passive adversarial model over black-box non-Abelian groups which is both optimal (secure against an adversary who possesses any

t
<

n
2

$t < \frac{n}{2}$

inputs) and has subexponential complexity of construction based on coloring of planar graphs. More specifically, following the result of
Desmedt et al. (2012) that the problem of MPC over non-Abelian groups can be reduced to finding a t-reliable n-coloring of planar graphs, we show the construction of such a graph which allows a path from the input nodes to the output nodes when any t-party subset is in the possession of the adversary. Unlike the deterministic constructions from Desmedt et al. (2012) our construction has subexponential complexity and is optimal at the same time, i.e., it is secure for any

t
<

n
2

$t < \frac{n}{2}$

.
Field-induced Kosterlitz–Thouless transition in critical triangular-lattice antiferromagnets
Authors: Hwang Chi-Ok , Kim Seung-Yeon
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we directly obtain from Monte Carlo simulations
the critical magnetic field

H
=
0
.
29
(
3
)

${H=0.29(3)}$

of the field-induced
Kosterlitz–Thouless transition in the critical triangular-lattice antiferromagnet.
The Yang–Lee zero approach clearly shows the field-induced Kosterlitz–Thouless transition
and the critical magnetic field agrees well with the results from other indirect methods.
Also, the reduced zero-field susceptibility gives us the same conclusion.
For the investigations, we used the exact and approximate ground densities
of states as a function of magnetization by using both the exact enumeration method for small systems
(up to 9×9 lattices) and the Wang–Landau Monte Carlo algorithm for large systems
(up to 30×30 lattices).
Targeted and reversible cancer cell-binding DNA nanoparticles
Authors: Ruff Laura E. , Marciniak Jennifer Y. , Sanchez Ana B. , Esener Sadik C. , Messmer Bradley T.
Published: July 2014

DNA nanoparticles (DeNAno) produced by rolling circle replication of circular oligonucleotide templates are a novel format for the selection of cell-binding reagents from randomized libraries. DeNAno particles consist of several hundred concatemers and can leverage that multivalency to bind to complex surfaces such as cells. In this study, an iterative bio-panning approach was used to recover particles that bound to the mouse pancreatic cancer line, Panc-02. These particles shared a primary sequence motif. Hybridization of a locked nucleic acid complimentary to this motif both inhibited cell binding and released pre-bound DeNAno particles from the cells. The monomeric form of one of the selected sequences was unable to compete with the cognate particle, consistent with a low-affinity, but high-avidity, type interaction. DeNAno library selection against cancer or other cell types can, thus, yield novel cell binding agents without
In situ Crystallization of N(SiMe3)3 and As(SiMe3)3: Trigonal planar or pyramidal coordination of the central atoms?
Authors: Merz Klaus , Bieda Ruth
Published: July 2014

In situ crystallization technique at low temperature was used to obtain single crystals of the low melting compounds N(SiMe3)3
1 and As(SiMe3)3
3. N(SiMe3)3 has a waxy consistence at room temperature. The solid-state structure of both compounds has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. N(SiMe3)3 is distorted and shows nearly a trigonal planar coordination of the central nitrogen atom. In contrast, the heavier homologue As(SiMe3)3 shows a trigonal pyramidal coordination with Si-As-Si 103.4(6)°–104.9(6)°.
Micro- and Nano-Characteration of Interaction Between Asphalt and Filler
Authors: Tan Yiqiu , Guo Meng
Published: July 2014

This study explored the testing technologies characterizing the interaction between asphalt and filler. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to describe the surface morphology and surface adhesion force of asphalt mastic and analyze their effect factors. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the physicochemical interaction between asphalt and filler. Adsorption tests were used to study adsorption and desorption properties of asphalt on aggregate. The results show that andesite aggregate had a smoother surface and a weaker adhesion force than granite aggregate. The greater the asphalt penetration, the stronger the surface adhesion force. A small number of filler material increased the adhesion force of the asphalt mastic, but too much filler decreased the adhesion force. FTIR tests were employed to explore the various functional groups of asphalt and fillers. No obvious new stretching vibration peak or deformation vibration peak indicated that the interaction between asphalt and filler was mainly a physical action. Net absorption test revealed that the greater the equilibrium concentration, the greater the adsorption amount. Distilled water stripped asphalt from aggregate. The type of adsorption isotherm corresponded to multi-molecular layer adsorption that further indicated that the interaction between asphalt and fillers was mainly a physical action.
Effects of Using Recycled Asphalt Shingles in Open-Graded Friction Course on Flexible Pavement Performance
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Wang George , Ahn Yong Han
Published: July 2014

Recycling inert construction wastes is one of the approaches to promote sustainable development. In North America, the majority of steep roofs are covered with asphalt shingles. Re-roofing and manufacturing of asphalt shingles create a large amount of waste. This paper examines the use of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in open-graded friction course (OGFC). OGFC mixtures with and without RAS were prepared and tested for rutting resistance, indirect tensile strength, moisture-induced damage, and dynamic modulus. The dynamic modulus was also used to examine the responses of flexible pavement under assumed structures, temperature levels, and loading conditions. In addition, a section of major interstate highway in the United States surfaced with the RAS OGFC mixture of this study was used for performance monitoring. The use of RAS in OGFC was found to enhance its rutting performance, generally increase indirect tensile strengths of the tested specimens, generate pavement structural responses similar to those of a conventional OGFC mixture under the same loading conditions, and improve pavement’s fatigue life. Except for clogging, no obvious distress was found in the trial section after being used for two and a half years. Future research is suggested for the development of an appropriate laboratory evaluation method for the assessment of OGFC durability.
Enhancing Value for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum via Function-Inspired Change
Authors: Kirk Stephen J.
Published: July 2014

This paper highlights the principals of value management applied to the planned Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi. The core of success was the use of function analysis, which is the unique element of the value methodology (VM). Both performance and life-cycle cost savings resulted from function inspired change. The techniques of VM as well and the resulting recommendations for value enhancement of the Guggenheim are described. The project is being managed by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC). The lead designer is Gehry Partners (Los Angeles, CA). The schematic VM workshop focused on a review of the site and building design efficiency, architectural and engineering systems effectiveness, sustainability, and life-cycle performance, and risks associated with the schedule and constructability. The VM team identified over 300 ideas for value enhancement.
Life–Cycle Cost Implications of More Stringent State Energy Codes
Authors: Kneifel J. D.
Published: July 2014

Energy efficiency requirements in energy codes vary across states, with states having adopted energy codes ranging across editions of the industry consensus standard (ASHRAE 90.1). Some states do not have a code requirement for energy efficiency, leaving it up to the locality or jurisdiction to set its own requirements. This paper uses ASTM building economic standards (E917-05(2010) and E1074-09) to estimate the impacts that the adoption of more stringent energy codes for commercial buildings would have on building life–cycle costs. The results are based on analysis of the Building Industry Reporting and Design for Sustainability (BIRDS) database. For this study, the performance of buildings designed to meet current state energy codes is compared to their performance when meeting a “Low Energy Case” (LEC) building design based on ASHRAE 189.1-2009, which increases energy efficiency beyond the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 design, to determine whether more stringent energy standard editions are life–cycle cost–effective in reducing energy consumption. The approach is described in detail for a single city and building type (Knoxville, TN). Using the same approach, the new savings for each building type in all cities for Tennessee are calculated. The estimated average savings for each of the building types are aggregated using state–level new commercial building construction data to calculate the magnitude of the net savings (80.8 GWh annually and $28.1 × 106 in life-cycle costs) that Tennessee may realize if it were to adopt the LEC design as its state energy code. These state-level estimates are further aggregated to the national level, estimating the potential total impact from nationwide adoption of the LEC design to be 34 441 GWh and $1.0 billion for 1 years' worth of construction for a 10-year study period.
The Economics of Residential Fire Sprinklers and the Potential Impact of Recent Code Changes
Authors: Butry David T.
Published: July 2014

Residential fire sprinklers are expected to prevent room flashover, improving conditions for occupant egress and thereby reducing the number of fatalities resulting from home fires. Based on data reported by the National Fire Protection Association, in the U.S., occupant deaths resulting from fires in one- and two-family dwellings (“homes”) averaged 2154 between 2008 and 2012—some 71 % of all fire deaths. Of these fires, none involved homes with sprinklers, partly due to their effectiveness, but also due to their rarity in the U.S. housing stock. Their scarcity is largely explained by economic considerations. Using ASTM Standard Practices, we demonstrate the economic performance of sprinklers is primarily driven by the (1) physical performance of sprinklers in terms of fatalities avoided, (2) value of a statistical life (VSL), (3) time value of money (discount rate), (4) insurance savings for owners of sprinklered homes, and (5) sprinkler installation costs. Only until recently have the benefits been shown to outweigh the costs, specifically when the VSL is high and the discount rate is low. Such research was cited in support of a change to the International Residential Code requiring sprinklers in all new one- and two-family homes, which became effective Jan. 1, 2011. We evaluate the impact—in terms of occupant fatalities and occupant and fire service injuries avoided—from continued penetration of sprinklers into the U.S. housing stock. The results suggest that the impact can be significant, but is moderated by the rate of statewide code adoption and the turnover in the housing market.
Ploidy-Regulated Variation in Biofilm-Related Phenotypes in Natural Isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hope Elyse A , Dunham Maitreya J
Published: July 2014

The ability of yeast to form biofilms contributes to better survival under stressful conditions. We see the impact of yeast biofilms and “flocs” (clumps) in human health and industry, where forming clumps enables yeast to act as a natural filter in brewing and forming biofilms enables yeast to remain virulent in cases of fungal infection. Despite the importance of biofilms in yeast natural isolates, the majority of our knowledge about yeast biofilm genetics comes from work with a few tractable laboratory strains. A new collection of sequenced natural isolates from the Saccharomyces Genome Resequencing Project enabled us to examine the breadth of biofilm-related phenotypes in geographically, ecologically, and genetically diverse strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We present a panel of 31 haploid and 24 diploid strains for which we have characterized six biofilm-related phenotypes: complex colony morphology, complex mat formation, flocculation, agar invasion, polystyrene adhesion, and psuedohyphal growth. Our results show that there is extensive phenotypic variation between and within strains, and that these six phenotypes are primarily uncorrelated or weakly correlated, with the notable exception of complex colony and complex mat formation. We also show that the phenotypic strength of these strains varies significantly depending on ploidy, and the diploid strains demonstrate both decreased and increased phenotypic strength with respect to their haploid counterparts. This is a more complex view of the impact of ploidy on biofilm-related phenotypes than previous work with laboratory strains has suggested, demonstrating the importance and enormous potential of working with natural isolates of yeast.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Chinese Patients Receiving Curative Surgery for Colon Cancer
Authors: Chen Kuo-Hsing , Shao Yu-Yun , Lin Zhong-Zhe , Yeh Yi-Chun , Shau Wen-Yi , Kuo Raymond Nienchen , Chen Ho-Min , Lai Chiu-Ling , Yeh Kun-Huei , Cheng Ann-Lii , Lai Mei-Shu
Published: July 2014

Background.

We investigated the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prognosis of patients with early colon cancer who had undergone curative surgery.

Methods.

From three national databases of patients in Taiwan, we selected a cohort of colon cancer patients who had been newly diagnosed with stage I or stage II colon cancer between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008 and had undergone curative surgery. We collected information regarding DM (type 2 DM only), the use of antidiabetic medications, other comorbidities, and survival outcomes. The colon cancer-specific survival (CSS) and the overall survival (OS) were compared between patients with and without DM.

Results.

We selected 6,937 colon cancer patients, among whom 1,371 (19.8%) had DM. The colon cancer patients with DM were older and less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy but had a similar tumor stage and grade, compared with colon cancer patients without DM. Compared with colon cancer patients without DM, patients with DM had significantly shorter OS (5-year OS: 71.0% vs. 81.7%) and CSS (5-year CSS: 86.7% vs. 89.2%). After adjusting for age, sex, stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, and comorbidities in our multivariate analysis, DM remained an independent prognostic factor for overall mortality (adjusted hazards ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–1.49), but not for cancer-specific mortality. Among the colon cancer patients who had received antidiabetic drug therapy, patients who had used insulin had significantly shorter CSS and OS than patients who had not.

Conclusion.

Among patients who receive curative surgery for early colon cancer, DM is a predictor of increased overall mortality.
Influence of Late‐Season Foliar Nitrogen Applications on Yield and Grain Nitrogen in Winter Wheat
Authors: Woolfolk Curt W. , Raun William R. , Johnson Gordon V. , Thomason Wade E. , Mullen Robert W. , Wynn Kathie J. , Freeman Kyle W.
Published: July 2014

Increasing grain protein in new higher‐yielding cereal grains has recently received added attention due to protein premiums paid to farmers. Hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) studies were conducted at two locations in Oklahoma in 1997–1998, 1998–1999, and 1999–2000 to evaluate the effects of late‐season foliar N applications on grain yield, total grain N, straw yield, and total straw N. Foliar applications of N were made at two different times (pre‐ and postflowering) using urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) at rates of 0, 11, 22, 34, and 45 kg N ha−1. Ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] was also applied at a single rate of 22 kg N ha−1 both pre‐ and postflowering. A significant linear increase in total grain N was observed for postflowering applications using UAN in five of six site‐years. In four out of the six site‐years, a significant linear increase was observed for preflowering applications of UAN. No consistent increases or decreases from foliar N applications were observed for grain yield, straw yield, or straw N. Over years and locations, UAN applied preflowering and postflowering at 34 kg N ha−1 increased total grain N over that of the check (no foliar N applied) by 2.7 and 2.4 g kg−1, respectively. Late‐season foliar N applications before or immediately following flowering may significantly enhance grain N content and, thus, percent protein in winter wheat.
Crop Residue Removal and Nitrogen Fertilization Affects Seed Production in Meadow Bromegrass
Authors: Loeppky Heather A. , Coulman Bruce E.
Published: July 2014

Seed yield in meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) declines rapidly after two to three seed crops. This is a critical limitation to economic seed production. Field experiments were conducted at Saskatoon and Outlook, SK, Canada, to determine the influence of residue removal and N fertilization on seed yield. Three N treatments (0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1) were applied in September each year for the first three seed production years, and four residue removal treatments (none, after harvest, October, and after harvest + October) were applied in the second and third seed production years. Residue removal after harvest and N application (100 kg ha−1) increased yield 0 to 572 kg ha−1 in the second seed crop compared with the untreated control. In the third‐year seed crop, residue removal increased seed yield 30 to 90 kg ha−1. Application of N fertilizer increased third‐year seed yield 90 kg ha−1 at Outlook only. Mean seed yield was reduced in the third compared with the second crop year, regardless of treatment. Residue removal after harvest combined with the application of 100 kg N ha−1 increased the cumulative 2‐yr seed yield by 390 to 490 kg ha−1 compared with the untreated control. At the current seed price (Can$2.50 kg−1) and N fertilizer cost (Can$0.66 kg−1) of meadow bromegrass, the additional seed yield from residue removal and 100 kg N ha−1 would provide a net return of Can$975 to Can$1225 ha−1 on an additional investment of <Can$100 ha−1
Modifying DSSAT Crop Models for Low‐Input Agricultural Systems Using a Soil Organic Matter–Residue Module from CENTURY
Authors: Gijsman Arjan J. , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Parton William J. , Kerridge Peter C.
Published: July 2014

In low‐input systems, where most nutrients become available from soil organic matter (SOM) and residue turnover, the applicability of DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) crop simulation models is limited because (i) it recognizes only one type of SOM (i.e., humus) and recently added, but not yet humified, residue; (ii) it does not recognize a residue layer on top of the soil; (iii) newly formed humus is given a fixed C/N ratio of 10; (iv) only one litter pool is recognized for N although three are recognized for C; (v) for residues with C/N ratios <25, the three litter pools for C decompose at a rate that is independent of the residue's N concentration; and (vi) SOM and residue flows are independent of soil texture. A SOM–residue module from the CENTURY model was incorporated in the DSSAT crop simulation models, and a residue layer was added on top of the soil. Modifications were also made in the senescence module of CROPGRO, a model within DSSAT, so that senesced material is now added daily to the soil. Evaluation of the model, using a data set of 40 yr of bare fallow, showed an excellent fit [product moment correlation coefficient (r) of 0.983] between simulated and measured values for SOM‐C. Soil N from decomposing SOM and residues was evaluated with data from a Brazilian experiment with seven leguminous residue types. By incorporating the CENTURY SOM–residue module, DSSAT crop simulation models have become more suitable for simulating low‐input systems and conducting long‐term sustainability analyses.
Defoliation Effects on Persistence and Productivity of Four Pennisetum spp. Genotypes
Authors: Macoon Bisoondat , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Moore John E.
Published: July 2014

‘Mott’ dwarf elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is productive and persistent but costly to establish. Interspecific hybrids that are easier to establish have been developed between pearl millet [P. glaucum (L.) R. Br.] and elephantgrass, but questions remain about their persistence. A field experiment was conducted on a hyperthermic, uncoated Aquic Quartzipsamment soil in 1990 and 1991 to determine the effect of defoliation frequency (6 or 12 wk) and stubble height (20 or 40 cm) on dry matter (DM) yield and persistence of Mott and three hybrids (S360, S4, and S41) and to examine the relationships among persistence, number of tillers, and organic reserves. In 1990, total annual yield of Mott ranged from 5.8 to 10.7 Mg ha−1 and was similar to S41 (9.5–11.7 Mg ha−1). Hybrid S4 (6.1–8.7 Mg ha−1) was intermediate, and S360 (4.7–7.4 Mg ha−1) yielded least. Yields were greater for Mott than the hybrids in 1991, regardless of clipping treatment. After 1 yr of defoliation, winter survival of the hybrids was 46 (S41), 21 (S360), and 9% (S4) compared with 100% for Mott. After 2 yr, Mott survival was 100%, but no hybrid plants remained. Total nonstructural carbohydrate concentration of rhizomes was greatest for S360 and with more lenient defoliation, but it was not related to persistence. These data indicate that hybrids are productive in fully established stands, but lack of persistence precludes recommendation for their use in permanent pastures or harvested forage systems based on perennials.
Delayed Planting Effects on Flowering and Grain Maturation of Dent Corn
Authors: Nielsen Robert L. , Thomison Peter R. , Brown Gregory A. , Halter Anthony L. , Wells Jason , Wuethrich Kirby L.
Published: July 2014

Delayed planting shortens the effective growing season for corn (Zea mays L.), increasing the risk of exposure to lethal cold temperatures late in the season before grain maturation. Consequently, growers often must decide whether to switch to early maturity hybrids to minimize this risk. The objective of this study was to determine whether delayed planting influenced the growing degree day (GDD) ratings of silking and kernel black‐layer (BL) development of corn. The effects of delayed planting on the phenological responses of three corn hybrid maturities common to the eastern U.S. Corn Belt were investigated at four locations in Indiana and Ohio over 4 yr. Thermal time from planting to silk emergence decreased an average of 34 GDDs for June vs. early May plantings while the grain‐fill period decreased an additional 110 GDDs with late plantings. The total decrease in GDDs from planting to BL was 144 GDDs for corn planted in early June compared with early May, equal to a linear response to delayed planting of 3.8 fewer GDDs per day of delayed planting. The three hybrids responded differently to delayed planting, with greater GDD decreases occurring with late‐maturity hybrid. Linear rates of GDD decrease with delayed planting ranged from 4.5 to 3.2 GDDs per day of delayed planting for late‐ and early maturity hybrids, respectively. Delayed planting decreases the GDD requirements of corn hybrids, resulting in less risk to grain maturation for adapted hybrid maturities from late‐season killing freezes than previously thought.
Environmental and Economic Optimization of Dairy Manure Management
Authors: Giasson Elvio , Bryant Ray B. , Bills Nelson L.
Published: July 2014

Manure allocation on dairy farms to meet crop nutrient requirements, minimize environmental risks of nutrient loss, and maximize economic returns is a complex management decision. A multiple‐criteria, mathematical programming approach was developed to assess decision‐making with respect to manure allocation decisions at the farm scale. The objective function to be optimized includes several subfunctions developed for considering economic and environmental indicators, such as the Phosphorus Site Index. The structure of the nonlinear model allows the planner to change the importance among subfunctions, making it possible to obtain solutions that meet different management objectives for manure allocation. Optimization results for a New York State dairy farm were compared with recommendations made by a farm planner. The results show that using this optimization model allowed the total amount of manure within the farm to be applied, satisfying the nutrient requirements and keeping the P‐Index low in all fields where manure was applied. The optimized recommendation resulted in a 31% reduction in the average P‐Index weighted by field area and in a 50% reduction in the standard deviation of the P‐Index among fields, mainly because manure application was minimized in fields with higher soil‐test P and with higher P transport factor. This approach is a definite improvement over current practices used in nutrient management planning, but due to difficulties associated with nonlinear programming, this software is not easily adapted for general use.
Tillage Effects on Corn Production in a Coarse‐Textured Soil in Southern Ontario
Authors: Beyaert Ronald P. , Schott Jacqueline W. , White Peter H.
Published: July 2014

Minimum tillage has been shown to slow early corn (Zea mays L.) growth and reduce grain yields in some soil types and under some climatic conditions. To overcome these limitations, the no‐till (NT) system can be modified by incorporating residues and loosening the soil in a zone over the center of the row while leaving the interrow area untilled. This study compares soil temperatures and corn growth and productivity under zone till (ZT), NT, and conventional tillage (CT) systems in a coarse‐textured soil (Psammentic Hapludalf) located in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Soil temperature at the 4‐cm depth decreased with decreasing tillage intensity from CT to NT during warmer years but was similar in CT and ZT during a cooler year. This resulted in reduced growing degree days in the seed zone with decreasing tillage. Lower soil temperatures in NT did not delay the initiation of corn seedling emergence but did reduce the rate of emergence compared with CT plots. Corn growth rates were found to be similar among tillage systems in the early part of the growing system but were higher for both the ZT and NT systems during late vegetative and early reproductive growth. Grain yields increased as tillage intensity decreased in a year with drier conditions at tasseling but were similar across tillage systems in the other 2 yr. These results suggest that converting a NT system to a ZT system would neither result in significantly higher yields, nor cause a serious grain yield reduction relative to CT.
Agronomic Consequences of Dormant–Nondormant Alfalfa Mixtures
Authors: Brummer E. Charles , Moore Kenneth J. , Bjork N. Charles
Published: July 2014

The yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) during the establishment year is typically less than that from fully established stands. Because nondormant cultivars produce more growth during autumn than dormant cultivars, a mechanism to increase yield during the establishment year in northern areas of the USA could be to mix seed of nondormant and adapted cultivars at planting. The objective of this experiment was to determine if establishment year yield could be improved by seeding dormant–nondormant mixtures without adversely affecting yield in the succeeding year. Two dormant–nondormant mixtures (‘Vernal’–‘Mecca II’ and ‘5454’–‘5939’) with 10, 30, or 50% of the nondormant cultivar and pure stands of all four cultivars were seeded in field studies near Ames, Nashua, and Castana, IA, in April 1998. Four forage harvests were taken in 1998, including one in late October, and in 1999. Plants were counted in May and October 1998 and in June 1999. Plant numbers among treatments were similar during 1998. Stand mortality in spring 1999 increased as the nondormant percentage increased, except that 10% nondormant plots had slightly more plants than 0% plots. In 1998, total forage yield increased linearly with increasing percentage of nondormant seed, but nutritive value in October 1998 declined slightly with increasing percentages of nondormant seed. In 1999, yield declined linearly as the percentage of nondormant seed increased; plots with 10% nondormant seed yielded less than the pure stands of dormant cultivars. We do not recommend mixing any nondormant seed with adapted dormant cultivars at planting.
Corn Yield Response to Nitrogen at Multiple In‐Field Locations
Authors: Schmidt John P. , DeJoia Aaron J. , Ferguson Richard B. , Taylor Randal K. , Young R. Kris , Havlin John L.
Published: July 2014

Improving N management for corn (Zea mays L.) production with precision agriculture technologies requires that spatial N recommendations adequately represent in‐field variability in N availability. Our objective was to evaluate corn response to increasing N rates in several in‐field locations that represented the range of soil organic matter (OM) content in the field. In a 2‐yr study, three center pivot–irrigated fields were selected in south‐central Kansas and south‐central Nebraska. Four or five locations were selected within each field. At each location, five or six N treatments (0–336 kg N ha−1) were surface‐applied early in the growing season. The minimum N rate to achieve maximum yield varied by as much as 130 kg N ha−1 among in‐field locations at three site‐years. The least amount of N to achieve maximum yield did not coincide with locations representing greater soil OM. Yield response at two site‐years was the same among in‐field locations; however, mean yield among in‐field locations varied by as much as 4.2 Mg ha−1, representing potential for improvement in N use efficiency. Leaf tissue N was below the critical threshold for 60 to 100% of observations at three different in‐field locations but below the critical threshold for <35% of the observations at all other in‐field locations. The reason for the discrepancy in N availability among in‐field locations was not conclusively identified but was not only related to soil OM content. Variable N recommendations based only on soil OM is too simplistic to reflect variability in N availability within a field.
Species Contribution to Seasonal Productivity of a Mixed Pasture under Two Sward Grazing Height Regimes
Authors: Carlassare Maria , Karsten Heather D.
Published: July 2014

Mixed pastures often include tall and short plant species that respond differently to grazing intensity. We evaluated the effect of two rotational grazing height regimes on species productivity and availability to animals. We compared tall and short grazing height regimes within current recommendations in a Pennsylvania pasture dominated by orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and grazed by cow–calf (Bos taurus) pairs. Orchardgrass height defined grazing regimes. Tall pastures were grazed from 27 cm down to 7 cm and short pastures from 20 to 5 cm from April 1998 to May 2000. Before each grazing period, herbage was sampled at grazing regime residual heights of 7 or 5 cm (herbage harvested) and at ground level (herbage mass). Species harvest index (HI) was calculated as the ratio of herbage harvested over live herbage mass to compare herbage availability among species and grazing regimes. In tall vs. short pastures, there was 50% more herbage harvested at each grazing event and 23% more total herbage harvested over the 2.3‐yr experiment. Higher production was mainly due to orchardgrass (51% more herbage harvested in tall vs. short pastures) and tall legumes. Herbage harvested decreased during dry, warm periods independent of season, with bluegrass decreasing most. Orchardgrass HI was highest, quackgrass (Elytrigia repens L.) and bluegrass HIs were intermediate, and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) HI was lowest. Small differences in grazing height recommendations had significant effects. Tall grazing heights increased productivity and favored tall‐growing species that had higher harvest indices.
Refinements to an In‐Situ Soil Core Technique for Measuring Net Nitrogen Mineralization in Moist, Fertilized Agricultural Soil
Authors: Brye Kristofor R. , Norman John M. , Nordheim Erik V. , Gower S. Thompson , Bundy Larry G.
Published: July 2014

Diffusion of NO−3–N ions and nonuniform distribution of surface‐applied N fertilizers contribute to large variations in field measurements of net N mineralization. An in situ soil core–ion exchange resin bag (ISC–IERB) field method has been used reliably to measure net N mineralization in intact soil cores but has not been widely tested in moist, though nonirrigated, N‐fertilized agricultural soils. From 1996 through 2000, net N mineralization was measured in the top 20 cm using a refined version of the ISC/IERB technique for the first 1‐mo period following planting and fertilization of N‐fertilized and N‐unfertilized, no‐tillage and chisel‐plowed corn (Zea mays L.) agroecosystems on Plano silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic, typic argiudoll) in south‐central Wisconsin. Progressive modifications were made to the ISC/IERB technique, which ultimately resulted in reduced sample variability. Following the refinements, a significant N fertilization effect was shown for the most variable period of the growing season where net N mineralization rates for N‐fertilized corn treatments were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than for N‐unfertilized corn treatments.