bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No‐Till Corn Yields and Water Balance in the Mid‐Atlantic Coastal Plain
Authors: Roygard Jon K. F. , Alley Mark M. , Khosla Raj
Published: July 2014

Water is the main limiting factor to rainfed corn (Zea mays L.) yield in the mid‐Atlantic coastal plain. This study was conducted to determine the water balance, yields, and efficiency of water use (EWU) of no‐till rainfed corn grown on three soils of varying water‐holding capacity, a Wickham sandy loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, thermic, Typic Hapludults) and two Bojac soils, a sandy loam and a loamy sand (coarse‐loamy, mixed, thermic, Typic Hapludults). Soil water balance was determined from climate data and weekly measurements of soil moisture from time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes. Water balance components of water stress, crop coefficients, and evapotranspiration were determined for vegetative, tasseling, and grain‐fill growth stages in 1998 and 1999. Yields were determined by overlaying georeferenced yield maps, order‐1 soil survey maps, and locations of TDR probes. The EWU concept was defined as yield divided by [precipitation + (initial soil water content − final water content)], clarifying it from water use efficiency measurements that are calculated similarly but do not include drainage. Yields in 1998 (4833–12200 kg ha−1) were higher than 1999 yields (2245–8240 kg ha−1) due to higher growing season precipitation in 1998 (400 mm) than 1999 (220 mm). Drainage was determined in 1998, ranging from 65 to 105 mm. Minimizing drainage losses has potential for increasing the EWU and yields. This study establishes baseline water balance data for the mid‐Atlantic coastal plain that can be used to parameterize computer models for investigating the effect of management practices on EWU and yields.
Effect of Time of Temperature Observation and Estimation of Daily Solar Radiation for the Northern Great Plains, USA
Authors: Mahmood Rezaul , Hubbard Kenneth G.
Published: July 2014

Daily incident solar radiation is an important input for numerous crop growth simulation models. However, lack of recorded solar radiation is a significant impediment for most crop–climate studies. The present study aimed to overcome the problem of sparse historical data of solar radiation over the northern Great Plains. The approach was to develop a physically based solar radiation model wherein estimates were possible with minimum input data. In addition, this study investigates impacts of time of observation bias on the model formulation. The proposed model (M‐H) requires measured daily range of air temperature (maximum minus minimum) and estimated daily clear‐sky solar radiation. Daily weather data (including solar radiation measurements) for nine stations with observations from 1990 through 1998 were used for formulation of the final model. To determine potential bias associated with the reporting time, three times—0800, 1600, and 2400 h—were tested. Based on superior performance, the solar radiation model formulated with 2400‐h reporting time data from Akron, CO, was selected for the whole region. The model underestimated high values. Local‐scale advection and frontal passage were apparently responsible for this bias. This proposed model was also compared with two forms of the Bristow–Campbell (B‐C) model. Both of these forms show significant improvement for 2400‐h observation time. One particular form of the B‐C model performs slightly better than the model proposed here. However, it also underestimates high values like the M‐H model and shows slight regional bias. This study finds that, overall, the M‐H model is more stable than the B‐C model.
Adapting the CROPGRO Legume Model to Simulate Growth of Faba Bean
Authors: Boote Kenneth J. , Mínguez María Inés , Sau Federico
Published: July 2014

Crop growth models are valuable tools for integrating our understanding of physiological processes and for hypothesizing and evaluating crop management strategies. Our objective was to adapt the CROPGRO model to simulate the growth and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.). The CROPGRO model simulates different grain legume species using external parameter files that describe species process sensitivity to environment plus files describing cultivar differences. Specific objectives were to develop a species file and one cultivar file for faba bean based on: (i) values and relationships from the literature and (ii) comparison with observed growth data on faba bean grown in Cordoba (Spain). A systematic procedure was followed to develop relationships and values for the species and cultivar files. Base temperatures for processes of this cool‐season legume are typically between 0 to 2°C for photosynthetic, vegetative, and reproductive processes while corresponding optimum temperatures vary from 22 to 30°C. After adaptation, the model accurately predicted total crop dry matter accumulation, pod mass, and partitioning to plant components. High seed yields of faba bean exceeding 6000 kg ha−1 were predicted in agreement with observed data. Sensitivity analyses on sowing date showed optimum yields from early winter sowing at Cordoba and late winter sowing in northern Europe. Adapting an existing mechanistic model such as CROPGRO had advantages because many processes were similar across species and well simulated. The primary adaptation required was to change the cardinal temperature sensitivities of growth processes, based on faba bean literature or by analogy to other species.
Alfalfa Autotoxicity
Authors: Seguin Philippe , Sheaffer Craig C. , Schmitt Michael A. , Russelle Michael P. , Randall Gyles W. , Peterson Paul R. , Hoverstad Tom R. , Quiring Steve R. , Swanson Doug R.
Published: July 2014

Autotoxicity may reduce plant population and productivity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) reseeded into winterkilled alfalfa stands; however, the interaction of important variables such as reseeding delay, stand age, and cultivar with autotoxicity has not been evaluated. We determined the effects of stand age (1‐, 2‐, or 3‐yr‐old alfalfa stands), reseeding delay (none or 2‐wk delay) after plowing the original stands in May, and cultivar reseeded (‘5262’ or ‘Wrangler’) on populations and productivity of reseeded alfalfa. Oat (Avena sativa L.), corn (Zea mays L.), or tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.) served as controls. There was no consistent evidence for autotoxicity in the reseeding year, as populations and forage yields were similar when seeding followed alfalfa or the control crops, regardless of the age of the previous alfalfa stand or the alfalfa cultivar reseeded. Delaying seeding had inconsistent effects on alfalfa plant population but consistently reduced yields in the seeding year, with yields averaging 4.9 and 6.3 Mg ha−1 with and without a 2‐wk reseeding delay, respectively. In three of six experiments, yields at the first harvest in the year following reseeding averaged 15% lower following alfalfa than a control crop (3.6 and 4.2 Mg ha−1, respectively), suggesting that alfalfa autotoxic response may be delayed. The lack of consistent evidence of autotoxicity, coupled with yield reductions in the seeding year associated with delayed seeding, suggest that the recommendation to delay alfalfa reseeding 2 wk following plowing of winterkilled stands may be unjustified.
Rotation Interval and Pesticide Effects on Establishment of Alfalfa after Alfalfa
Authors: Jennings John A. , Nelson C. Jerry
Published: July 2014

Published intervals for avoiding autotoxicity when reseeding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) after alfalfa range from 2 wk to more than 1 yr. Intervals between killing old alfalfa stands with herbicides and reseeding alfalfa were compared in field experiments established in 1992 (Locations 1 and 2) and 1993 (Location 3) near West Plains, MO. Soils were Poynor cherty silt loam (loamy‐skeletal over clayey, siliceous, mesic Typic Paleudult), Ashton silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, mesic Mollic Hapludalf), and Waben very cherty silt loam (loamy‐skeletal, siliceous, mesic Ultic Hapludalf), respectively. Main plots were 18‐, 12‐, 6‐, 0.75‐, and 0.5‐mo rotation intervals before a common May planting date. Subplots were insecticide and fungicide treatments at planting. Insecticide or fungicide treatment did not affect plant density or yield during the establishment year or two subsequent years. Among years, plant densities for the 0.75‐ and 0.5‐mo rotation intervals ranged between 12 and 19.2% lower (P < 0.05) than that of the 18‐mo control interval, and yields for the 6‐ and 0.5‐mo intervals ranged between 6.3 and 10.3% lower than that of the control (P < 0.05). Although plant density of the 0.75‐mo rotation interval was lower, yield was similar to the 18‐mo control due to incomplete kill of old plants. Plant density and dry matter yield remained ranked according to rotation interval from the seeding year through the third year, suggesting an autoconditioning effect during establishment that was retained at the population level. A rotation interval of at least 12 mo is suggested before reseeding alfalfa after alfalfa in the lower Midwest.
Irrigation and Nitrogen Effects on Tall Wheatgrass Yield in the Southern High Plains
Authors: Lauriault Leonard M. , Kirksey Rex E. , Donart Gary B.
Published: July 2014

Winter months in the Southern High Plains of the USA have the lowest precipitation. As a result, producers using tall wheatgrass [Agropyron elongatum (Host) Beauv.] may get higher production in the spring and possibly throughout the growing season with additional irrigation. Also, growers need information about interactions between soil moisture and N fertilizer to maximize productivity. In a split‐plot study conducted at the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari from 1997 to 1999, tall wheatgrass furrow‐irrigated monthly from April to September was irrigated once, twice, or not irrigated during winter as the whole‐plot treatment. For subplot treatments, tall wheatgrass annually received 168 kg N ha−1 split into two, three, or four equal applications. Tall wheatgrass irrigated in the winter yielded more dry matter (DM) over the 3 yr than unirrigated tall wheatgrass (11.72, 12.10, and 13.55 Mg ha−1 for tall wheatgrass not irrigated, irrigated once, or irrigated twice, respectively). Tall wheatgrass fertilized three or four times outyielded tall wheatgrass fertilized twice (11.08, 12.85, and 13.44 Mg ha−1 for two, three, and four N applications, respectively). No interaction occurred between the irrigation and N treatments. A year × harvest × N effect existed in which a mid‐December N application, preceded and followed by precipitation, produced approximately 1 Mg ha−1 more DM than unfertilized tall wheatgrass in the first harvest the following year. Both supplemental winter irrigation and N application scheduling offer opportunities for tall wheatgrass producers to increase production in the Southern High Plains of the USA.
Nitrate Leaching as Influenced by Cover Crops in Large Soil Monoliths
Authors: Logsdon S. D. , Kaspar Thomas C. , Meek David W. , Prueger John H.
Published: July 2014

Unacceptable levels of NO3 leaching to ground water and drainage systems can occur under corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations. Cover crops have the potential to reduce NO3 leaching, but this process has not been well documented. Lysimeters utilizing large soil monoliths are an excellent approach for studying NO3 leaching because inputs can be controlled and outputs accurately measured. The objective of this study was to see if fall cover crops could reduce NO3 leaching from large soil monoliths. We used three (1 by 1 by 1.5 m deep) monoliths in each of two controlled climate chambers with oat (Avena sativa L.) or rye (Secale cereale L.) fall cover crop interplanted into soybean in mid‐August. The study was continued for two cover crop cycles in each chamber. In Chamber 1, drainage was significantly reduced due to oat or rye cover crops for the fall through summer of Years 1 and 2 (first cover crop cycle), and NO3 loss was reduced for most of the same time period. In Chamber 2, NO3 loss was reduced for the spring‐summer season of the second year (first cover crop cycle). Although drainage was less under cover crops for Chamber 1, the soil water content was not consistently lower because of replenishment by watering. The soil monoliths were useful for showing that oat and rye cover crops in a corn–soybean rotation can reduce NO3 leaching from lysimeters and suggest that the same trend would be true in the field.
Stem and Root Carbohydrate Dynamics of Two Cotton Cultivars Bred Fifty Years Apart
Authors: Wells Randy
Published: July 2014

Little is known concerning carbohydrate pools within the nonleaf and nonreproductive portions of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plant. A 2‐yr field study was conducted to ascertain both the concentration and total content of soluble carbohydrate and starch in upper stems, lower stems, vegetative branches, and roots of two cultivars released approximately 50 yr apart [Deltapine (DPL) 14 and 5690] from the same breeding program. In addition, yield, canopy photosynthesis, nodes above white flower, and white flowers per square meter were measured in the second year. Cultivar main effect was significant for soluble carbohydrate, total carbohydrate (soluble carbohydrate + starch), root dry weight, and total stem and root dry weight per plant. These differences are reflected by the generally greater dry weight and larger soluble carbohydrate concentration of DPL 5690 at 143 d after planting in 1994. Deltapine 5690 also exhibited larger late‐season, integrated canopy photosynthesis in 1994, attributing to its larger soluble carbohydrate content. There was an initial increase in total stem and root carbohydrate per plant in each year followed by a decrease. Timing of the maxima and minima differed between years and between cultivars in 1994. Both the upper/lower stem carbohydrate ratios and the upper/lower stem starch ratios indicate declining upper‐stem carbohydrate as flowering approached a hiatus and a shift in carbohydrate content towards the lower half of the stem. The data indicate that carbohydrate concentration and content per plant vary throughout the season; however, the cultivars exhibited little alteration in carbohydrate trends due to breeding efforts.
Yield Ranks of Glyphosate‐Resistant Cotton Cultivars are Unaffected by Herbicide Systems
Authors: May O. Lloyd , Murdock Edward C.
Published: July 2014

Official Cultivar Trials (OCTs) evaluate transgenic, glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)‐glycine]‐resistant and nonresistant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars with a nonglyphosate herbicide regime. Thus, yields of glyphosate‐resistant cotton cultivars in OCTs may not reflect cultivar variation in glyphosate resistance or the intended production system because all cultivars are produced under a common herbicide regime. Our objective was to assess in field trials main effects and interaction among glyphosate‐resistant cotton cultivars and herbicide systems with and without glyphosate for lint yield. Fourteen glyphosate‐resistant cultivars were tested in 1998 while 10 were tested in 1999. Herbicide systems were (i) Standard, preplant soil‐applied and postdirect‐applied herbicides potentially used in OCTs but no glyphosate; (ii) Residual + Glyphosate, preplant soil‐applied and postdirect‐applied herbicides including a four‐leaf‐stage topical glyphosate application; and (iii) Glyphosate Only, a four‐leaf‐stage topical glyphosate application followed by an eight‐leaf directed spray. We found significant (P < 0.05 and P < 0.10, earlier‐ and later‐maturity trials, respectively) herbicide system main effects for lint yield but nonsignificant cultivar × herbicide system interactions. Averaged over years and cultivars, the Glyphosate Only herbicide system produced significantly (P < 0.05) greater yields (597 and 839 kg ha−1 for earlier‐ and later‐maturity trials, respectively) than the Standard herbicide system (419 and 644 kg ha−1 for earlier‐ and later‐maturity trials, respectively). The lack of cultivar × herbicide system interactions for yield suggests OCTs determine relative yield potential among glyphosate‐resistant cultivars. The lower yield in the Standard system suggests OCTs can impose a yield penalty on glyphosate‐resistant cultivars; thus, comparisons with non‐glyphosate‐resistant cultivars may not be valid.
Ryegrass–Bermudagrass Production and Nutrient Uptake when Combining Nitrogen Fertilizer with Broiler Litter
Authors: Evers Gerald W.
Published: July 2014

A common problem when broiler litter is applied to pastures in the southeastern USA is the buildup of soil P because of the difference in N–P–K ratio of the broiler litter and forage crop requirements. A study was conducted to test the theory that if the N requirement of the forage crop is only partially met by the broiler litter, application of commercial N fertilizer would stimulate plant growth to remove excess soil P and K. A small‐plot study was conducted for 2 yr combining 9 Mg ha−1 broiler litter applied in October with various combinations of 56 kg N ha−1 applied in December, March, May, and July to an annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.)–‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pasture system. Yield increased from 8.9 to a maximum of 13.4 Mg ha−1 when 56 kg N ha−1 was applied up to three times a year. Nitrogen uptake was directly related to the amount of N fertilizer applied, with a maximum of 285 kg N ha−1 removed following four applications. The most P and K was removed when N was applied in December and March or March and May. These treatments removed 23% more P and 43% more K than when no commercial N was applied. Ryegrass removed twice as much P and K as bermudagrass. Combining broiler litter with commercial N fertilizer as a nutrient source for pastures was an effective method to increase P and K uptake from an annual ryegrass–bermudagrass pasture.
Broiler Litter Application Effects on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of ‘Alicia’ Bermudagrass
Authors: Brink Geoffrey E. , Rowe Dennis E. , Sistani Karamat R.
Published: July 2014

Broiler litter should be applied to coincide with crop growth to maximize nutrient uptake. We determined the influence of rate and date of litter application on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] yield and nutrient uptake. Litter was applied to ‘Alicia’ hybrid bermudagrass on a Savannah fine sandy loam (fine‐loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Typic Fragiudult) at 9 and 18 Mg ha−1 as a single application in early April, May, and June or as a split application in early April and June, May and July, and June and August. Increasing application rate increased yield and P uptake when litter was applied in April [12.8–15.6 Mg ha−1 dry matter (DM); 43.3–49.9 kg P ha−1] or June (14.3–16.9 Mg ha−1 DM; 45.4–51.3 kg P ha−1) but not in May (mean of 15.0 Mg ha−1 DM and 48.4 kg P ha−1). Delaying application of 9 Mg ha−1 until May or 18 Mg ha−1 until June increased annual yield and N, K, and Cu uptake compared with applications in April. Split application improved yield and nutrient uptake only when litter was applied in April and June compared with April application. Phosphorus uptake was unaffected by application date, possibly due to high soil P levels (351 mg kg−1) and to the small quantity of P required by the grass relative to that applied. The results suggest that litter should be applied to bermudagrass only after minimum temperatures exceed those necessary for optimum growth.
Assessing Soil Carbon Sequestration in Turfgrass Systems Using Long‐Term Soil Testing Data
Authors: Qian Yaling , Follett Ronald F.
Published: July 2014

As part of the urbanization process, an increasing percentage of land throughout the USA is being converted into turfgrass. Because of high productivity and lack of soil disturbance, turfgrass may be making substantial contributions to sequester atmospheric C. To determine the rate and capacity of soil C sequestration, we compiled historic soil‐testing data from parts of 15 golf courses that were near metropolitan Denver and Fort Collins, CO, and one golf course near Saratoga, WY. In addition, we compiled a total of about 690 data sets on previous land use, soil texture, grass species and type, fertilization rate, irrigation, and other management practices. The oldest golf course was 45 yr old in 2000, and the newest golf course was 1.5 yr old. Nonlinear regression analysis of compiled historic data indicated a strong pattern of soil organic matter (SOM) response to decades of turfgrass culture. Total C sequestration continued for up to about 31 yr in fairways and 45 yr in putting greens. However, the most rapid increase occurred during the first 25 to 30 yr after turfgrass establishment, at average rates approaching 0.9 and 1.0 t ha−1yr−1for fairways and putting greens, respectively. Our study also found that past land use imparted a strong control of SOM baseline; fairways converted from agricultural lands exhibited 24% lower SOM than fairways converted from native grasslands. We concluded that C sequestration in turf soils occurs at a significant rate that is comparable to the rate of C sequestration reported for USA land that has been placed in the Conservation Reserve Program.
Residue Accumulation and Changes in Soil Organic Matter as Affected by Cropping Intensity in No‐Till Dryland Agroecosystems
Authors: Ortega Rodrigo A. , Peterson Gary A. , Westfall Dwayne G.
Published: July 2014

Crop residue is a valuable resource in Great Plains dryland agroecosystems because it aids in water conservation and soil erosion control. The objectives of our research were to (i) determine the effect of cropping intensity, climate gradient, and soil depth on levels and changes in soil C, soil N, and residue parameters after 8 yr of no‐till management in dryland cropping systems and (ii) relate soil and residue parameters to soil C and N levels. Surface soil properties and residue parameters were compared in two cropping systems, wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)–fallow (WF) and wheat–corn (Zea maysL.) or sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench]–proso millet (Panicum miliaceumL.)–fallow (WCMF). The effects were examined on the summit position of a catenary sequence of soils across three environments representing an evapotranspiration (ET) gradient. Soils at the low‐ and medium‐ET sites are classified as Argiustols, and the soil at the high‐ET site is an Ustochrept. There was 3.0 Mg ha−1of residue in the surface 10 cm of soil compared with 2.7 Mg ha−1of residue on the soil surface averaged over ET gradient and cropping systems. About 90% of the residue in the soil was found within the 2.5‐cm soil depth. The highest soil organic C (SOC) and soil organic N (SON) were observed in the surface 0‐ to 2.5‐cm depth. There was a trend (P≤ 0.16) for the more intense WCMF cropping system to have higher SOC and SON contents than the traditional WF system (C = 6.6 g kg−1for WF compared with 7.5 g kg−1for WCMF and N = 0.70 g kg−1for WF compared with 0.74 g kg−1for WCMF). From 1985 to 1993, gains in SOC (967 kg ha−1) and SON (74 kg ha−1) occurred in the surface 0‐ to 2.5‐ and 2.5‐ to 5‐cm depths while losses were observed in the 5‐ to 10‐cm depth (SOC = −694 kg ha−1; SON = −44 kg ha−1). Climate strongly modified these effects but did not reflect a clear ET gradient effect. The results suggest that higher levels of surface SOC and SON can be attained by increasing cropping intensity under no‐till management.
Solid State 31Phosphorus Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Iron‐, Manganese‐, and Copper‐Containing Synthetic Hydroxyapatites
Authors: Sutter B. , Taylor R. E. , Hossner L. R. , Ming D. W.
Published: July 2014

The incorporation of micronutrients into synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA) is proposed for slow release of these nutrients to crops in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Advanced Life Support (ALS) program for Lunar or Martian outposts. Solid state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was utilized to examine the paramagnetic effects of Fe3+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ to determine if they were incorporated into the SHA structure. Separate Fe3+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ containing SHA materials along with a transition metal free SHA (pure‐SHA) were synthesized using a precipitation method. The proximity (<1 nm) of the transition metals to the 31P nuclei of SHA were apparent when comparing the integrated 31P signal intensities of the pure‐SHA (87 arbitrary units g−1) with the Fe‐, Mn‐, and Cu‐SHA materials (37–71 arbitrary units g−1). The lower integrated 31P signal intensities of the Fe‐, Mn‐, and Cu‐SHA materials relative to the pure‐SHA suggested that Fe3+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ were incorporated in the SHA structure. Further support for Fe3+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ incorporation was demonstrated by the reduced spin‐lattice relaxation constants of the Fe‐, Mn‐, and Cu‐SHA materials relative to pure‐SHA Inversion recovery spectra indicated that Fe3+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ were not homogeneously distributed about the 31P nuclei in the SHA structure. Extraction with diethylene‐triamine‐penta‐acetic acid (DTPA) suggested that between 50 and 80% of the total starting metal concentrations were incorporated in the SHA structure. Iron‐, Mn‐, and Cu‐containing SHA are potential slow release sources of Fe, Mn, and Cu in the ALS cropping system.
Nitrification and Denitrification near a Soil–Manure Interface Studied with a Nitrate‐Nitrite Biosensor
Authors: Meyer Rikke Louise , Kjær Thomas , Revsbech Niels Peter
Published: July 2014

A two‐layer system of cattle (Bos taurus) manure and soil was used to study the development of nitrification and denitrification processes associated with the oxic–anoxic interface of soil and manure over a period of 18 d. By use of microsensors, depth profiles of O2 and nitrate plus nitrite NO−x were measured. We observed an initial depletion of NO−x originally present in the soil, followed by an increase after ∼1 wk caused by the activity of nitrifying bacteria. Fluxes of NO−x from the soil into the manure were calculated from NO−x profiles and compared with measurements of N2 production. Generally, NO−x fluxes and N2 production were concordant. Denitrification (NO−x consumption) was closely coupled to nitrification until Day 18, when NO−x accumulated in the anoxic zone and therefore no longer seemed to limit denitrification. Maximum denitrification rates were measured at Day 9/10 and reached 732 and 497 nmol N m−2 h−1 when measured as NO−x flux and N2 production, respectively. An experiment was set up to investigate the temporal change in NO−x profiles when nitrification was inhibited by acetylene. Profiles of NO−x were measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h of incubation with 1% acetylene. Calculated NO−x fluxes were 39% of the original rates after 2 h and only 2% after 48 h. Thus, this experiment stresses the importance of very short incubation time when using the acetylene inhibition technique to measure denitrification rates.
Methodological variability in microbial community level physiological profiles
Authors: Balser Teri C. , Kirchner James W. , Firestone Mary K.
Published: July 2014

We performed two experiments to assess the methodological variability of microbial community‐level physiological profiles (CLPP, using the BiOLOG assay) in soil from a California annual grassland ecosystem. In a study to assess the impact of sample preparation, we found that bacteria adhered to soil surfaces are numerically dominant and have CLPPs indistinguishable from that of intact soil. Studies that allow soil particles to settle prior to dilution or plating may not accurately reflect the substrate utilization pattern of whole soil. In a hierarchical ANOVA, we found that nearly all of the methodological variability in the CLPP assay comes from soil replicates rather than plate replicates. Many laboratories replicate at the level of the CLPP plate. Our results indicate that to best represent a given soil sample, it is important to replicate soil subsamples, rather than CLPP plates.
Effects of Soil and Water Properties on Anionic Polyacrylamide Sorption
Authors: Lu J. H. , Wu L. , Letey J.
Published: July 2014

Knowing the sorptive behavior of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) by soils is useful in predicting the appropriate application rate, depth of effective treatment, and its mobility in soils. Sorption isotherms of PAM by soil materials, six natural soils, and their subsamples with partial organic matter (OM) removed by H2O2 oxidization under different dissolved salt concentrations were examined. The PAM sorption isotherms can be well described by the Langmuir equation. Soil texture, OM content, and dissolved salts (a combined contribution of soil salinity and irrigation water quality) influenced the extent of PAM sorption. Soils with high clay or silt content and low OM content had a high sorptive affinity for anionic PAM. The amount of PAM saturation sorption increased significantly as the total dissolved salts (TDS) increased. Divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ were about 28 times more effective in enhancing PAM sorption than monovalent cations Na+ and K+, mainly because of their stronger charge screening ability. The effectiveness of cation enhancement on PAM sorption varied with soil texture and was greater in fine soils than in sandy soils. Organic matter had a negative effect on PAM sorption. Soil samples after the removal of partial OM adsorbed more PAM than natural soils. The negative effect of OM on PAM sorption was attributed to the reduction of accessible sorption sites by cementing inorganic soil components to form aggregates and to the enhancement of electrostatic repulsion between PAM and soil surface by its negatively charged functional groups.
Using Models to Manage Soil Inorganic Nitrogen in Forest Tree Nurseries
Authors: Larocque M. , Banton O. , Gagnon J. , Camiré C.
Published: July 2014

The production of bareroot seedlings in tree nurseries requires large amounts of inorganic fertilizers. The fertilizer type and application schedule can have an effect on seedling growth and on NO3losses to the environment. The objective of this study was to determine if a model simulating N dynamics in agricultural field soils could be used to estimate soil inorganic N levels in forest tree nursery soils. The model selected was AGRIFLUX, a mechanistic and stochastic model. The study was carried out from 1993 to 1995 in a Canada forest tree nursery located in Quebec. In 1994, four different treatments of N fertilization (186 kg N ha−1) were applied: nine applications of ammonium sulfate (AS: 21‐0‐0) every 2 wk compared with two and three seasonal applications of sulfur‐coated urea (SCU: 38‐0‐0). Soil inorganic N concentrations were measured at depths of 0 to 20 and 20 to 40 cm. Temporal trends of inorganic N were generally well simulated by the model for both soil depths, considering the high variability of the field measurements. Results show that the AS treatment was better simulated than the SCU treatments. Sensitivity analysis revealed that most of the parameters used in AGRIFLUX have a relatively limited influence on the model results. This study shows that a model such as AGRIFLUX can be a useful tool for the estimation of inorganic N levels in forest tree nursery soils.
Phosphorus Fertilizer Effects on Soil Phosphorus Pools in Acid Upland Soils
Authors: Dobermann Achim , George Thomas , Thevs Niels
Published: July 2014

Opinions vary on fertilization strategies in part because of uncertainties in methods assessing P supply across sites. We quantified the fate and extractability of fertilizer P after two to four crops with four to five P levels applied to upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations in three experiments in Asia. Soil P pools were measured by Mehlich‐1 extractant, a modified Hedley fractionation and by mixed‐bed resin capsules after 1 and 14 d (resin adsorption quantity, RAQ‐P1 and RAQ‐P14). Without P addition, 84% of the total P was in the NaOH‐Po and residual‐P fractions across sites. Phosphorus fertilization increased Mehlich‐1 P, resin‐P, NaOH‐Pi, H2SO4‐P, RAQ‐P1, and RAQ‐P14 across sites, whereas NaOH‐Po and residual‐P were unchanged. The sum of resin‐P and NaOH‐Pi increased from 10% to between 20 and 30% of the total soil P. Mehlich‐1 P and resin P increased similarly across sites and fitted quadratic models: the increase in Mehlich‐1 P (mg kg−1 per kg P ha−1) ranged from 0.050 at low P rates to >0.125 at >400 kg P ha−1 The increases per unit P of RAQ‐P, NaOH‐Pi, and H2SO4‐P varied among sites. Oxalate‐extractable Fe accounted for most of the variation in NaOH‐Pi and RAQ‐P. Changes in soil P pools in tropical upland Oxisols and Ultisols following P addition are likely better reflected by NaOH‐Pi and RAQ‐P than Mehlich‐1 P and resin P. Improvements in soil P tests are needed to better discriminate the changes in P pools from fertilization across soils.
Trace Elements in Manganese‐Iron Nodules from a Chinese Alfisol
Authors: Liu F. , Colombo C. , Adamo P. , He J. Z. , Violante A.
Published: July 2014

The morphological properties, the mineralogy, and the chemical composition of Mn‐Fe nodules, collected from an Alfisol in Southern China (Wuhan), were studied by optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), total and sequential dissolution chemical analyses and differential x‐ray diffraction (DXRD). This information is needed to gain a further understanding of nodule formation in soil environments and the influence of Mn and Fe oxides on the phyto‐availability of both nutrients and toxic trace metals. Element quantification and mapping showed that Si, Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, K, and Ti were the main elements present in the nodules. Nodules were found to be highly variable in composition and in degree of banding of Fe and Mn. In spherical nodules, Fe and Mn were distributed mainly in concentric bands. With few exceptions, heavy metals were concentrated in the finest fraction (<2 μm). Copper and Ni were associated mainly with Mn, whereas Cr and V were associated with Fe. The majority (90%) of total Fe in the <2‐μm fraction was extracted by ammonium oxalate and dithionite reagents. Most (61%) of total Mn was dissolved by hydroxylamine hydrochloride. It was ascertained by DXRD analysis that ferryhydrite and goethite were the poorly crystalline and crystalline Fe phases, and that lithiophorite and vernadite were the Mn oxides. Micromorphological, chemical, and mineralogical results suggest that the growth of nodules was initiated by flocculation of phyllosilicates in oxidative environments. The MnO2 minerals may have inhibited recrystallization of the ferryhydrite.
Reconstruction of the long urethral strictures with the buccal mucosal free graft
Authors: Ignjatovic Ivan , Basic Dragoslav , Stankovic Jablan , Potic Milan , Dinic Ljubomir
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Reconstruction of the long urethral strictures is a difficult
task in urology. The most frequently used method is augmentation with the free
buccal mucosal graft. Material and methods: Restrospective analysis of 57
patients with the long urethral stricture was performed. All patients were
evaluated endoscopically and radiologically before the surgery. Buccal
mucosal graft harvested from the inner side of the cheek (unilateral or
bilateral) was used for the urethral reconstruction in all patients.
Follow-up was one year. Results: Complete follow up is achieved in 44/57
(77.2%)patients. The most important etiology of the strictures was previous
iatrogenic trauma (instrumentation). The strictures were the most frequently
located in the bulbar urethra. Preoperative exact evaluation of the stricture
length was possible in only 35/57 patients (61.4%). Overall success rate of
the surgery was 38/44 (86.3%). Complications occurred in 6/44 (13.7%) of
patients-primary graft failure and urinary fistula. Mean preoperative IPSS
was 19,2?5,2, and postoperative 10.3?3,2 (p<0.0001). IPSSQOL was 4.9?3.7
before the surgery, 2.9?1,1 after the surgery(p<0.001). Persistent urinary
infection was present in 12/44(27.2%) patients. Conclusion: Buccal mucosal
free graft could be successfully used in the reconstruction of long urethral
strictures. However, complications are not uncommon, and residual symptoms
still exist after the surgery, and could not be neglected.
Preservation surgery in patients with localized renal cell cancer - Nephron Sparing Surgery
Authors: Djozic Jasenko , Djozic Senjin , Bogdanovic Jovo , Sekulic Vuk , Djozic Masa , Vojinov Sasa , Levakov Ivan , Zivojinov Srdjan , Jeremic Dimitrije , Marusic Goran , Djozic Damir
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Renal Cell Cancer (RCC) is third most frequent urological
cancer behind Prostate cancer and Bladder cancer. It represents 2-3 % of all
cancers with annual increase in incidence of 2% in Europe (except Denmark and
Sweden) and worldwide. Surgery is the only curative procedure, performed as
radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (nephron sparing
surgery-NSS). Radical nephrectomy consists of nephrectomy with
ipsilateraladrenalectomy and lymphadenetomy, but partial nephrectomy means
resection of the tumor only with 1-3 mm of healthy surrounding tissue and
preservation of the rest of the kidney as well as ipsilateral adrenal gland
and lymph nodes. NSS is a method of conservation of attacked kidney and
preservation of kidney?s function with previous radical resection of
localized RCC, respecting of all oncological principles. The aim of this
study is to describe NSS procedure in details and present results of its 13
year use at Clinic of Urology in Novi Sad. Material and methods: In the last
13 years there were 868 patients(pts) with RCC. NSS has been performed in 242
pts (27,88%). Bilateral tumors: synchronous 8pts,asynchronous 3pts. Better
kidney has been operated, first. Indications for NSS were: absolute - 34 pts
(15,0%), relative - 58 pts (23,1%) and elective - 150 pts (61,9%). Surgery was
performed according to established protocol for this procedure based on
recommendation of Prof. A. Novick, Cleveland, USA. Results: All patients
underwent surgery under general anesthesia through lumbothomy, mostly. Tumor
size was between 2,5-4,5 cm: over 4,5 cm(4-7 cm): 4 pts. Average age of pts
- 63,5 years (37-84),male: 148 (61,1%), female: 94(38,9%). From 2001-2005,
2006- 2010 i 2011-2013, 39,111 i 92 NSShas been done, respectively. It
represented 13,5%, 36,6% , 50,54% of all pts with RCC underwent surgery in
that period, respectively. There was an increase of NSS in that period
compared to RN for localized RCC. There were no death outcomes inpts
underwent NSS, local recurrence was seen in 1 patient (0.6%), urine leakage >
2 weeks 5 pts (5/242 =2,06%),severe hemorrhage: 3 pts (1.23%), nephrectomy
has been done. We do not have patients with von Hippel Landau (VHL) disease.
Conclusion: Nephron sparing surgery Is the first choice of surgery for
patients with low grade kidney tumors (up to 4.5 cm, even 7 cm), has
excellent oncological results-comparable with radical nephrectomy, but with
preservation of renal function and should be done by an experienced
urological team in specialized urological centers with good anesteziological
support.
Management of JJ stent-related symptoms
Authors: Papatsoris Athanasios , Dellis Athanasios , Daglas George , Sanguedolce Francesco
Published: July 2014

Ureteric JJ stents are inserted in numerous patients as a routine procedure.
Nevertheless, the ideal JJ stent that does not cause any lower urinary tract
symptoms has not been developed yet. Even special validated questionnaires
have been used for the assessment of JJ stent-related symtoms. For the
management of such symptoms usually alpha-blockers are administered. Also,
studies have examined the efficacy and safety of anticholinergics and calcium
channel blockers. In this article we review the literature upon the
management of JJ stent-related symptoms.
Complications of Camey-Le Duck ureteral reimplantation technique in modified ureterosigmoidostomy (Mainz pouch II) urinary diversion
Authors: Basic Dragoslav , Ignjatovic Ivan , Potic Milan , Radovanovic Miladin
Published: July 2014

Objective: to analyze complications and clinical outcome of Camey-Le Duck
ureteral reimplantation technique in modified Mainz pouch II urinary
diversion. Patients and methods: this retrospective study included a total of
110 patients (101 male and 9 female, mean age 59,2 years, SD=10,2), who had
underwent a modified Mainz pouch II urinary diversion with Camey-Le Duck
ureteral reimplantation technique, following total cystectomy, during the
period 1995-2014. The mean follow-up, available for 90 (82%) patients period
was 19 (1-74) months. Early and late postoperative complications were
analyzed. Results: early complications developed in 22 (20%) patients as
follow: unilateral ureterohydronephrosis in 8 (7%) patients, bilateral
ureterohydronephrosis in one (1%)- two RU (renoureteral units), urinary
leakage in 8 (7%), and pyelonephritis in 5 (5%) patients. Late complications
developed in 28 (25%) patients: pyelonephritis in 17 (15%), and ureteral
reimplantation site stenosis in 11 (10%) patients with 12 RU. Balloon
dilatation procedure was applied in all 12 RU, with additional metallic
Strecker stent insertion in 5 RU. At 24-month follow-up, all patients with
metallic Strecker stent had normal results of serum biochemistry, blood gas
analysis and renal ultrasound. In the rest of six patients with 7RU, balloon
dilatation has failed and restenosis of ureteral reimplantation site with
consequent ipsilateral hydronephrosis was verified. In these patients,
permanent percutaneous nephrostomy catheter was applied. Conclusion: Camey-Le
Duck ureteral reimplantation technique following Mainz pouch II urinary
diversion is simple, reliable and durable. It enables well upper urinary
tract protection and is associated with relatively low major complication
rates.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a constant rate infusion of fentanyl (5 μg/kg/h) in awake cats
Authors: Ambros Barbara , Alcorn Jane , Duke-Novakovski Tanya , Livingston Alexander , Dowling Patricia M.
Published: July 2014

Objective—To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and thermal and mechanical antinociceptive effects of a fentanyl constant rate infusion (CRI) in conscious cats.

Animals—8 healthy adult cats.

Procedures—At a ≥ 14-day interval, 7 cats received a loading dose (LD) of fentanyl (5 μg/kg, IV [administered at 0 hours]) followed by fentanyl infusion (5 μg/kg/h, IV) for 2 hours or similar administrations of equivalent volumes of 0.9% saline (NaCl) solution. One cat received only the fentanyl treatment. For both treatments, sedation and adverse events were evaluated and mechanical threshold (MT) and thermal threshold (TT) testing was performed prior to (baseline) and at predetermined times up to 26 hours after LD administration; plasma fentanyl concentrations were determined at similar times when the cats received fentanyl.

Results—Fentanyl induced mild sedation during the infusion. The only adverse effect associated with fentanyl LD administration was profuse salivation (1 cat). Saline solution administration did not significantly change MT or TT over time. For the duration of the CRI, MT and TT differed significantly between treatments, except for TT 1 hour after LD administration. For the fentanyl treatment, MT and TT were significantly higher than baseline at 0.25 to 0.75 hours and at 0.25 to 1 hour, respectively. During the fentanyl CRI, mean ± SD plasma fentanyl concentration decreased from 4.41 ± 1.86 ng/mL to 2.99 ± 1.28 ng/mL and was correlated with antinociception; plasma concentrations < 1.33 ± 0.30 ng/mL were not associated with antinociception.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Fentanyl CRI (5 μg/kg/h) induced mechanical and thermal antinociception in cats.
Efficacy of a multivalent modified-live virus vaccine containing a Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid in calves challenge exposed with Bibersteinia trehalosi
Authors: Bowersock Terry L. , Sobecki Brian E. , Terrill Sarah J. , Martinon Nathalie C. , Meinert Todd R. , Leyh Randy D.
Published: July 2014

Objective—To determine the efficacy of a multivalent modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine containing a Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid to reduce pneumonia and mortality rate when administered to calves challenge exposed with virulent Bibersteinia trehalosi.

Animals—74 Holstein calves.

Procedures—Calves were assigned to 2 treatment groups. Calves in the control group (n = 36) were vaccinated by SC administration of 2 mL of a commercial 5-way MLV vaccine, and calves in the other group (38) were vaccinated by SC administration of a 2-mL dose of a 5-way MLV vaccine containing M haemolytica toxoid (day 0). On day 21, calves were transtracheally administered B trehalosi. Serum was obtained for analysis of antibody titers against M haemolytica leukotoxin. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected from calves 1 day before vaccination (day −1) and challenge exposure (day 20) and cultured to detect bacterial respiratory pathogens. Clinical scores, rectal temperature, and death attributable to the challenge-exposure organism were recorded for 6 days after challenge exposure. Remaining calves were euthanized at the end of the study. Necropsy was performed on all calves, and lung lesion scores were recorded.

Results—Calves vaccinated with the MLV vaccine containing M haemolytica toxoid had significantly lower lung lesion scores, mortality rate, and clinical scores for respiratory disease, compared with results for control calves.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of a multivalent MLV vaccine containing M haemolytica toxoid protected calves against challenge exposure with virulent B trehalosi by reducing the mortality rate, lung lesion scores, and clinical scores for respiratory disease.
Influence of Fear-Avoidance Beliefs on Disability in Patients With Subacromial Shoulder Pain in Primary Care: A Secondary Analysis
Authors: Kromer Thilo O. , Sieben Judith M. , de Bie Rob A. , Bastiaenen Caroline H.G.
Published: July 2014

Background

Little information exists about the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and catastrophizing in subacromial pain syndrome.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among pain, catastrophizing, fear, and disability and the contribution of fear-avoidance beliefs to disability at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

Design

A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis was conducted.

Methods

Baseline demographic and clinical data, including fear-avoidance beliefs and catastrophizing, of 90 patients were assessed for this analysis. Disability was measured with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. First, bivariate and partial correlations were calculated among pain, fear-avoidance beliefs, catastrophizing, and disability, based on the fear-avoidance model. Second, the contribution of fear-avoidance beliefs to disability at baseline and at 3-month follow-up was examined with hierarchical regression analyses.

Results

Correlations between clinical variables and disability were largely in line with the fear-avoidance model. Regression analyses identified a significant contribution of fear-avoidance beliefs to baseline disability but not to disability at 3 months.

Limitations

Patients with subacromial pain syndrome were studied; therefore, the results should be transferred with caution to other diagnoses. A modified version of the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire was used, which was not validated for this patient group.

Conclusions

Fear-avoidance beliefs contribute significantly to baseline disability but not to disability change scores after 3-month follow-up. Duration of complaints and baseline disability were the main factors influencing disability change scores. Although the results help to improve understanding of the role of fear-avoidance beliefs, further studies are needed to fully understand the influence of psychological and clinical factors on the development of disability in patients with subacromial shoulder pain.
Case of Legionnaires’ disease in a neonate following a home birth in a heated birthing pool, England, June 2014
Authors: Phin N , Cresswell T , Parry-Ford F , on behalf of the Incident Control Team Collective
Published: July 2014

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