bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Abnormalities of Sensory Nerve Function Associated With Oxaliplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Park Susanna B. , Goldstein David , Lin Cindy S.-Y. , Krishnan Arun V. , Friedlander Michael L. , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Neurotoxicity is becoming increasingly recognized as the major dose-limiting toxicity of oxaliplatin. Because the mechanism of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity remains unclear, the present study investigated the potential of axonal excitability techniques in identifying pathophysiologic mechanisms and early markers of nerve dysfunction.

Patients and Methods

Measures of sensory axonal excitability were recorded before and after infusion over 88 treatment cycles in 25 patients with colorectal cancer, who received a total oxaliplatin dose of 766 ± 56 mg/m2. Neurologic assessment, clinical rating scales, and routine nerve conduction studies were performed.

Results

By completion of treatment, 16% of patients had developed severe (grade 3) neurotoxicity, and oxaliplatin dose reduction or cessation as a result of neurotoxicity was required in 40% of patients. Changes in axonal excitability occurred after infusion and could be explained on the basis of alterations in axonal membrane sodium (Na+) channel function (refractoriness: 7.6% ± 1.7% before infusion v 4.5% ± 1.4% after infusion; P = .03; superexcitability: −22.8% ± 0.8% before infusion v −20.1% ± 1.1% after infusion; P = .0002). Changes became less pronounced in later treatment cycles, suggesting that chronic nerve dysfunction and sensory loss masked acute effects at higher cumulative doses. Importantly, patients who demonstrated reductions in superexcitability in early treatment were subsequently more likely to develop moderate to severe neurotoxicity. The findings suggest that the degree of acute nerve dysfunction may relate to the development of chronic neurotoxicity.

Conclusion

Sensory axonal excitability techniques may facilitate identification of Na+ channel dysfunction in oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity and thereby provide a method to identify patients at risk for neurotoxicity to target those most likely to benefit from future neuroprotective strategies.
Epigenetic Regulation of MicroRNAs in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Roman-Gomez Jose , Agirre Xabier , Jiménez-Velasco Antonio , Arqueros Victor , Vilas-Zornoza Amaia , Rodriguez-Otero Paula , Martin-Subero Iñaki , Garate Leire , Cordeu Lucia , San José-Eneriz Edurne , Martin Vanesa , Castillejo Juan Antonio , Bandrés Eva , Calasanz María José , Siebert Reiner , Heiniger Anabel , Torres Antonio , Prosper Felipe
Published: January 2009

Purpose

To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) epigenetically regulated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

We first examined ALL-derived cell lines for the presence of abnormal levels of two different histone modifications (trimethylation of H3 lysine 4 [K4H3me3] and dimethylation of H3 lysine 9 [K9H3me2]) in the 5′UTR regions around CpG islands of 78 miRNAs by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-ChIP analysis. Methylation status (methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and expression (quantitative PCR) of miRNAs showing a pattern of histone modifications linked to a closed chromatin structure were analyzed in a panel of six ALL cell lines and in 353 ALL patients.

Results

CpG islands around 13 miRNAs disclosed high levels of K9H3me2 and/or low levels of K4H3me3, a pattern of histone modifications underlying a closed chromatin structure associated with repressive gene expression. Complete consistency in the correlation between both histone marks, the presence of DNA methylation around these miRNAs, and their expression patterns was confirmed in the six ALL cell lines. Treatment with 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine upregulated the expression levels of these genes, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms deregulate the expression of these miRNAs. A total of 65% of the ALL samples had at least one miRNA methylated (methylated group). Estimated disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 14 years were 78% and 71% for nonmethylated patients and 24% and 28% for methylated patients (P = .00001 for both). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that methylation profile was an independent prognostic factor for predicting DFS (P = .0001) and OS (P = .0001).

Conclusion

Aberrant miRNA methylation is a common phenomenon in ALL that affects the clinical outcome of these patients.
Relationships of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D to Bone Mineral Density and Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Markers of Bone Turnover in Older Persons
Authors: Kuchuk Natalia O. , Pluijm Saskia M. F. , van Schoor Natasja M. , Looman Caspar W. N. , Smit Johannes H. , Lips Paul
Published: January 2009

Context: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] may influence serum PTH and other parameters of bone health up to a threshold concentration, which may be between 25 and 80 nmol/liter.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the threshold serum 25(OH)D with regard to PTH, bone turnover markers, and bone mineral density (BMD).

Design and Setting: This was part of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, an ongoing cohort study.

Participants: A total of 1319 subjects (643 men and 676 women) between the ages of 65 and 88 yr participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures: Serum 25(OH)D, PTH, osteocalcin, urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine, quantitative ultrasound of the heel, BMD of lumbar spine and hip, total body bone mineral content, and physical performance. The relationship between the variables was explored by analysis of covariance and the locally weighted regression (LOESS) plots.

Results: Serum 25(OH)D was below 25 nmol/liter in 11.5%, below 50 nmol/liter in 48.4%, below 75 nmol/liter in 82.4%, and above 75 nmol/liter in 17.6% of the respondents. Mean serum PTH decreased gradually from 5.1 pmol/liter when serum 25(OH)D was below 25 nmol/liter to 3.1 pmol/liter when serum 25(OH)D was above 75 nmol/liter (P < 0.001) without reaching a plateau. All BMD values were higher in the higher serum 25(OH)D groups, although only significantly for total hip (P = 0.01), trochanter (P = 0.001), and total body bone mineral content (P = 0.005). A threshold of about 40 nmol/liter existed for osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline/creatinine, 50 nmol/liter for BMD, and 60 nmol/liter for physical performance.

Conclusions: Low serum 25(OH)D concentrations are common in the elderly. Bone health and physical performance in older persons are likely to improve when serum 25(OH)D is raised above 50–60 nmol/liter.
The non-methylated DNA-binding function of Kaiso is not required in earlyXenopus laevisdevelopment
Authors: Ruzov Alexey , Savitskaya Ekaterina , Hackett Jamie A. , Reddington James P. , Prokhortchouk Anna , Madej Monika J. , Chekanov Nikolai , Li Minghui , Dunican Donncha S. , Prokhortchouk Egor , Pennings Sari , Meehan Richard R.
Published: January 2009

Mammalian forms of the transcription repressor, Kaiso, can reportedly bind methylated DNA and non-methylated CTGCNA motifs. Here we compare the DNA-binding properties of Kaiso from frog, fish and chicken and demonstrate that only the methyl-CpG-binding function of Kaiso is evolutionarily conserved. We present several independent experimental lines of evidence that the phenotypic abnormalities associated with xKaiso-depleted Xenopus laevis embryos are independent of the putative CTGCNA-dependent DNA-binding function of xKaiso. Our analysis suggests that xKaiso does not play a role in the regulation of either xWnt11 or Siamois, key signalling molecules in the Wnt pathway during X. laevis gastrulation. The major phenotypic defects associated with xKaiso depletion are premature transcription activation before the mid-blastula transition and concomitant activation of a p53-dependent cell-death pathway.
Performance of a low-spin disk for a shaft-drive continuously variable transmission
Authors: Yamanaka M , Narita Y , Igari G , Inoue K
Published: January 2009

A novel continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanism (a shaft-drive CVT) was developed by the present authors. In the mechanism, the input and output shafts with conical disks are parallel and an idler shaft with conical rollers at both ends is placed perpendicular to the input—output shafts. This idler shaft transmits torque from the input shaft to the output shaft and its linear motion causes the speed to vary by changing the contact point between the input—output disks and the idler roller. In this paper, the use of a disk with a concave shape is proposed in order to decrease the amount of spin caused by the change in the contact point, because the spin has an adverse effect on traction contact performance and is responsible for an increase in power loss. The design procedure of the novel concave disk and the roller is discussed and their effect is evaluated using a prototype CVT. The speed efficiency was improved to 1.6 points in the case of a transmitted power of 0.6kW.
Characterization and quantification of luxury sound quality in premium-class passenger cars
Authors: Kim T G , Lee S-K , Lee H H
Published: January 2009

Luxury sound is one of the most important sound qualities in a premium passenger car. Previous work has shown that, because of the effects of many different interior sounds, it is difficult to evaluate the luxury sound objectively by using only the A-weighted sound pressure level. The characteristics of such sound were systematically investigated and a new objective evaluation was proposed of the luxury sound quality index. This was developed by the systematic combination of the seven major interior sound quality indices based on path analysis. These sounds inside a passenger car were evaluated by the members of a luxury automotive club. Then, by using sound metrics (psychoacoustic parameters) and multiple regression, seven major interior sound quality indexes were developed. Multiple regression was used to model the correlation between objective and subjective evaluation. The newly developed luxury sound quality index can be applied to the objective evaluation of the seven premium passenger cars in a pilot car stage based on the customer preference.
Goal-Driven Optimization
Authors: Chen Wenqing , Sim Melvyn
Published: January 2009

We develop a goal-driven stochastic optimization model that considers a random objective function in achieving an aspiration level, target, or goal. Our model maximizes the shortfall-aware aspiration-level criterion, which encompasses the probability of success in achieving the aspiration level and an expected level of underperformance or shortfall. The key advantage of the proposed model is its tractability. We can obtain its solution by solving a small collection of stochastic linear optimization problems with objectives evaluated under the popular conditional-value-at-risk (CVaR) measure. Using techniques in robust optimization, we propose a decision-rule-based deterministic approximation of the goal-driven optimization problem by solving subproblems whose number is a polynomial with respect to the accuracy, with each subproblem being a second-order cone optimization problem (SOCP). We compare the numerical performance of the deterministic approximation with sampling-based approximation and report the computational insights on a multiproduct newsvendor problem.
Oblique rotation in correspondence analysis: A step forward in the search for the simplest interpretation
Authors: Lorenzo‐Seva Urbano , van de Velden Michel , Kiers Henk A. L.
Published: January 2009

Correspondence analysis (CA) is a popular method that can be used to analyse relationships between categorical variables. It is closely related to several popular multivariate analysis methods such as canonical correlation analysis and principal component analysis. Like principal component analysis, CA solutions can be rotated orthogonally as well as obliquely into a simple structure without affecting the total amount of explained inertia. However, some specific aspects of CA prevent standard rotation procedures from being applied in a straightforward fashion. In particular, the role played by weights assigned to points and dimensions and the duality of CA solutions are unique to CA. For orthogonal simple structure rotation, procedures recently have been proposed. In this paper, we construct oblique rotation methods for CA that take into account these specific difficulties. We illustrate the benefits of our oblique rotation procedure by means of two illustrative examples.
The effect of repeated questioning on children's accuracy and consistency in eyewitness testimony
Authors: Krähenbühl Sarah , Blades Mark , Eiser Christine
Published: January 2009

Purpose. In police interviews children may be asked the same question many times. We investigated how the number of repetitions and the interval between those repetitions affected the accuracy and consistency of children's responses.

Methods. 156 children aged 4–9 years watched a staged event and were interviewed individually 1 week later. Children were asked eight open‐ended questions, which were each repeated a further four times (making a total of forty questions). Half these open‐ended questions could be answered from information in the event, and half were unanswerable (so children should have said ‘don't know’ in response to these questions). The questions were repeated in gist form. The interval between an initial question and its repetitions was varied by use of other questions and twenty non‐repeated filler questions. The intervals between repetitions were immediate repetition, repetition after a delay of three intervening questions, after a delay of six intervening questions, and after ten or more intervening questions.

Results. Over a quarter of children's responses to repeated questions changed, usually resulting in a decline in accuracy, particularly after the first repetition. Subsequently, the number of repetitions and delay interval had little effect on responses to answerable questions although accuracy to unanswerable questions continued to decline.

Conclusions. Question repetition had a negative affect on children's consistency and accuracy. For unanswerable questions in particular, the more often a question was repeated the more likely children were to invent a response.
Relative Resistance of Silicone and Si-Hybrid Based Sealants to Alternating Periods of Accelerated Weathering and Thermo-Mechanical Movements
Authors: Longo D. , Vandereecken P.
Published: January 2009

Sealants used in weatherseal applications are subject to both environmental and mechanical aging during their service life. Environmental aging consists of interaction with sunlight, rain, or moisture, and other atmospheric agents such as ozone. Mechanical aging is linked to the expansion and contraction of the different substrates (glass, concrete…) due to temperature variations. In order to assess the durability of sealants, the ISO 11600 norm includes separate tests for movement capability (ISO 9047) and UV irradiation (ISO 11431) but no combinations of those tests. In 1991, the RILEM TC139-DBS “Durability of Building Sealants” was created to develop new and more adapted testing. The testing proposed by this comity, was a combination of accelerated weathering (humidity and UV) combined with thermo-mechanical cycling. This study compares the durability of silicone sealants and newly developed Si-modified organic based sealants using alternated cycles of ISO 11431 and ISO 9047 during a one year period. Results show that most Si-modified organic will show limited durability in weatherseal applications mostly because of poor UV resistance. Newly developed Si-organic based sealants tested during this work show excellent UV resistance but poor elastic recovery after compression at high temperature (70 °C). This poor elastic recovery limits their long term movement capability. However, good durability can be expected with designs leading to lower movement capability than those obtained from the ISO 11600 testing.
Quenchant Characterization by Cooling Curve Analysis
Authors: Canale Lauralice C. F. , Luo Xinmin , Yao Xin , Totten G. E.
Published: January 2009

Currently, ASTM cooling curve analysis standards ASTM D6200 “Standard Test Method for Determination of Cooling Characteristics of Quench Oils by Cooling Curve Analysis,” D6482 “Standard Test Method for Determination of Cooling Characteristics of Aqueous Polymer Quenchants by Cooling Curve Analysis with Agitation,” and D6549 “Standard Test Method for Determination of Cooling Characteristics of Quenching by Cooling Curve Analysis with Agitation (Drayton Unit),” describe the experimental methodology for cooling curve data acquisition but leave the analysis of the resulting time-temperature cooling data up to the user. Therefore, it is of interest to provide an overview of the various methodologies that may be used by the user of these standards for data analyses and reporting. This is important in order to assess the impact of quench severity on resulting metallurgical properties of various steel alloys. The objective of this paper is to provide a general overview of approaches used to quantify not only the time-temperature behavior, but also a general quantitative assessment of relative quench severity exhibited by the various quenching media being analyzed. Methods for characterizing and interpreting cooling time-temperature curves are reviewed and the reasons for their utilization are discussed.
Antithrombotic therapy in primary and secondary stroke prevention of cardiac patients and in acute stroke
Authors: Csiba László , Kovács Katalin Réka
Published: January 2009

A kardiogén stroke a jövőben egyre nagyobb jelentőségűvé válik gyakorisága növekedése miatt. Ischaemiás eseményt még nem szenvedett pitvarfibrilláló beteg esetén kockázatbecslést kell végezni és annak alapján dönteni a vérlemezkegátló vagy antikoaguláns kezelésről. (A legtöbb pitvarfibrilláló esetet antikoagulálni kell.) A pitvarfibrilláció súlyos stroke-kockázati tényező, ezért pitvarfibrilláló betegeknél az antikoagulálás a primer prevenció része (kivétel: fiatal, egyéb kockázati tényezővel nem rendelkező pitvarfibrilláló személy). Hetvenöt évnél idősebb pitvarfibrilláló beteg is antikoagulálható, megfelelően ellenőrzött INR-értékek mellett. A szerzők áttekintik az egyéb szívbetegségeket is, különös tekintettel a billentyűbetegségekre és a szívinfarktusra. Akut stroke-ban az új európai útmutató nem javasolja sem a hagyományos, sem a frakcionált heparin használatát. Ischaemiás stroke-ban aszpirinkezelést alkalmazunk az első három napban, és ezt követően térünk át tartós antikoaguláns kezelésre, és csak akkor, ha embóliaforrást tudtunk igazolni, illetve a beteg együttműködése megfelelő, a vérzésveszély viszonylag kicsi (INR 2-3). Egyébként csak vérlemezkegátló kezelést alkalmazunk. Néhány különleges esetben egyes szerzők javallják a korai antikoagulálást (az újabb embolizáció veszélye extrém nagy, bal pitvari/kamrai thrombus, artériadissectio vagy sebészi beavatkozás súlyos artériastenosis mellett), más esetben pedig óvatosságra intenek (kiterjedt infarktus, nem megfelelő módon kontrollálható vérnyomás, súlyos microvascularis elváltozások). A szekunder prevenció stádiumában nincs különbség a vérlemezkegátló és az antikoaguláns kezelés hatásossága között, elsősorban vérlemezkegátló kezelés jön szóba, kivéve azokat az eseteket, amikor a szív embóliaforrás.
Obesity: impact on obstetric practice and outcome
Authors: Stewart Frances M , Ramsay Jane E , Greer Ian A
Published: January 2009

Prepregnancy obesity is increasingly common.

More than half of all women who died from direct or indirect causes in the 2003–05 report, Saving Mothers’ Lives, were overweight or obese.

Obese mothers have an increased risk of complications.

Learning objectives:

To learn about the increased incidence of miscarriage, congenital malformation and metabolic complications.

To learn about the increased risks of intrapartum complications.

Ethical issues:

Should medical assistance to conceive be withheld until BMI ≤35?

More of the healthcare budget should be spent on prevention rather than treatment of obesity.

Please cite this article as: Stewart FM, Ramsay JE, Greer IA. Obesity: impact on obstetric practice and outcome. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:25–31.
NICE guidelines on urinary incontinence: implications for training and practice in urogynaecology
Authors: Freeman Robert M , Monga Ashwani
Published: January 2009

NICE have produced the most comprehensive guidelines so far on the management of urinary incontinence in women.

Thirteen key recommendations relate to initial assessment in primary care; investigations; and conservative and surgical treatments.

NICE discuss the implications for training and practice and recommend methods of implementation.

Learning objectives:

To learn how to assess symptoms.

To appreciate how to use investigations appropriately.

To understand how to choose appropriate treatment.

Ethical issues:

Do we have to follow national guidelines?

Is it appropriate for the medical profession to focus on cost?

Should decisions on funding to implement these guidelines rest with primary care trusts?

Please cite this article as: Freeman RM, Monga A. NICE guidelines on urinary incontinence: implications for training and practice in urogynaecology. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:33–39.
Adenomyosis uteri: an update
Authors: Mehasseb Mohamed K , Habiba Marwan A
Published: January 2009

Adenomyosis uteri is defined by the presence of endometrium in the myometrium.

The prevalence in asymptomatic women remains unknown.

It is commonly associated with other pathologies.

Hysterectomy remains the main surgical option for women whose families are complete.

Learning objectives:

To understand the theories regarding the aetiology.

To appreciate the clinical picture and complications.

To learn about current treatment modalities.

Ethical issues:

Counselling women with adenomyosis uteri is challenging when the clinical significance of the condition is uncertain.

Are more expensive diagnostic tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging, justifiable?

Is the risk–benefit weighted against invasive investigation?

Please cite this article as: Mehasseb MK and Habiba MA. Adenomyosis uteri: an update. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:41–47.
Geochemistry of the Panjal Traps basalts (NW Himalaya): records of the Pangea Permian break-up
Authors: Chauvet François , Lapierre Henriette , Bosch Delphine , Guillot Stéphane , Mascle Georges , Vannay Jean-Claude , Cotten Jo , Brunet Pierre , Keller Francine
Published: January 2009

The late Lower to Middle Permian Panjal Traps (NW Himalaya, India-Pakistan) represent the greatest magmatic province erupted on the northern Indian platform during the Neotethys opening. New geochemical and isotopic analyses were performed on basalts from the eastern borders of the traps (SE Zanskar-NW Spiti area) in order to characterize this volcanism, to discuss its compositional variations in comparison to Panjal counterparts and its relationships with the opening of Neotethys. Lavas show features of tholeiitic low-Ti (< 1.6%) continental flood basalts with LREE, Th enrichments and Nb-Ta negative anomalies. Trace element ratios combined with εNdi values (−3.6 to +0.9) and high Pb isotopic ratios suggest that these tholeiitic basalts were derived from an OIB-like mantle contaminated at various degrees by a continental crust component. Previous geochemical features are broadly similar to those of the coeval Panjal volcanic sequences identified westwards (Ladakh, Kashmir and Pakistan). Present geochemical constraints obtained for the Panjal Traps basalts suggest they originated from rapid effusion of tholeiitic melts during opening of the Neotethys Ocean. Similar magmatism implying an OIB-type reservoir is contemporaneously recognized on and along the adjacent Arabian platform. Both Indian and Arabian Permian volcanics were emplaced during coeval syn-rift to post rift transition. These Lower to Middle Permian south Neotethyan continental flood magmatism are regarded as associated to a passive rifting. In this scheme, OIB-type isotopic signature would be related either to a melting episode of syn-rift up-welling mantle plumes or to a melting of a regional abnormally hot and enriched mantle.
Suitability of the Diffusion Method for Natural Abundance Nitrogen‐15 Analysis
Authors: Stephan Kirsten , Kavanagh Kathleen L.
Published: January 2009

Knowing the isotopic signature of inorganic N in soil is an important component in understanding N cycling processes. We tested the suitability of the diffusion method, a relatively simple and inexpensive method commonly applied to samples containing 15N at tracer level, for KCl extracts containing low amounts of NH4+ and NO3− at natural 15N abundance. We developed methods to quantify and correct errors affecting target δ15N values resulting from N contamination in reagents and incomplete N recovery from KCl solution. After correcting for these sources of error, we assessed precision and accuracy. We found contamination in reagents to be negligible (0.8–2% of total sample N; sample N = target N + contaminant N) for NH4+ diffusions but considerable (7–13.4% of total sample N) in NO3− diffusions containing 50 μg target N. Failure to correct for the isotopic values of contaminants, which we found to be depleted by 10‰ relative to target δ15N, in NO3− diffusions would have resulted in underestimating target δ15N by 0.8 to 1.6‰, depending on the amounts of reagents used. We found that sample δ15N will be underestimated by approximately 0.2‰ (NH4+ diffusions) and 0.26‰ (NO3− diffusions) for every 1% short of complete recovery of sample N. After correcting for reagent N contamination and incomplete recovery, we found the precision and accuracy (1 SD) of the diffusion procedure to range from 0.2 and 1.3%. We conclude that the diffusion method can be applied to KCl extracts containing 15N at natural abundance if a precision or accuracy of <1.3‰ is not required.
Changes in Soil Organic Matter Pools and Carbon Mineralization as Influenced by Fire Severity
Authors: Hatten J. A. , Zabowski D.
Published: January 2009

Fire transforms soil organic matter (SOM) to recalcitrant forms of C. The degree to which SOM is altered is dependent on fire severity. This study investigated changes in SOM composition and mineralization by controlling the fire severity of laboratory burns on reconstructed soil profiles (O, A1 [0–1 cm], and A2 [1–2 cm] horizons). Burning simulated low‐, moderate‐, and high‐severity fires. Organic and mineral soils were incubated for 180 d and CO2production was measured with soda lime traps. Soils were analyzed for SOM composition pre‐ and post‐incubation using an alkaline extraction. Higher severity burning resulted in lower O horizon decomposition rates on a C basis. Fulvic acid C in the control and low‐severity O horizons was reduced by 13% by incubation, which was negatively correlated with cumulative C mineralized (r= −0.564). After incubation, the SOM composition of the burned O horizons remained different from the control. Higher severity burning caused mineral soil to initially have higher C mineralization rates, which disappeared by the end of the incubation. Fulvic acid concentration was reduced by 61 and 38% during incubation of the A1 and A2 horizons, respectively, returning the SOM composition to control levels. The sum of alkaline insoluble forms (e.g., humin) of SOM accounted for 74 and 61% of total soil C and N, respectively, which was not significantly different between treatments. The fire severities examined show that the major impacts to SOM occurred to the O horizon and any fire‐related changes to the mineral soil were not persistent.
Regional Study of No‐Till Effects on Carbon Sequestration in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Christopher Sheila F. , Lal Rattan , Mishra Umakant
Published: January 2009

No‐till (NT) agriculture has been promoted as one of the optimal management practices that preserves soil and water, and increases soil organic C (SOC) compared with conventional tillage (CT) practices. Information on SOC sequestration in NT systems, however, has been based on measurements from the surface soil (<30 cm) and little is known about the extent of SOC sequestration in NT across the entire 0‐ to 60‐cm soil profile. We conducted a regional study of NT farming to assess the extent of SOC sequestration in the whole soil profile across 12 contrasting but representative soils in the Midwestern United States, each within a Major Land Resource Area (MLRA: 98, 111C, 114B, 122 in Indiana; 111A, 111B, 111D, 124, and 126 in Ohio; and 127 and 147 in Pennsylvania). Soils on gentle terrain were sampled in paired NT and CT fields as well as in an adjacent woodlot in each MLRA. The SOC and N concentrations were greater in the surface 0‐ to 5‐cm soil in NT than CT in MLRA 124. The SOC concentration in CT soil was greater than in NT soil at 10 to 30 cm in MLRAs 98 and 126. The total SOC pool for the whole soil profile did not differ between NT and CT in eight of the 12 MLRAs and the total profile SOC was actually greater under CT in MLRAs 98, 127, and 126, resulting in negative C sequestration rates on conversion from CT to NT in these three MLRAs. This regional study suggests that the entire soil profile must be examined and ecosystem C budget assessed when elucidating SOC sequestration in NT vs. CT fields.
Tillage Effects on Microbial and Carbon Dynamics during Plant Residue Decomposition
Authors: White Paul M. , Rice Charles W.
Published: January 2009

One goal of soil C sequestration is to increase the mass of C stored in agricultural soils. Reducing soil disturbance, e.g., no‐till management, facilitates soil fungal growth and results in higher C sequestration rates; however, the specific mechanisms associated with short‐term plant residue C and N retention are less clear. We applied 13C‐ and 15N‐enriched grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] residue to no‐till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) soils, and measured the 13C and 15N retention in the soil and in aggregate fractions, along with soil microbial dynamics, during a growing season. The added plant residue mineralized rapidly in both tillage systems, with similar decomposition kinetics, as indicated by 13C data. Mass balance calculations indicated that approximately 70% of the added 13C was mineralized to CO2 by 40 d. Total Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungal phospholipid fatty acids were higher under NT 0 to 5 cm during the most active period of residue mineralization compared with the CT 0‐ to 5‐ or 5‐ to 15‐cm depths. No changes were observed in the NT 5‐ to 15‐cm depth. The >1000‐μm aggregate size class retained the most 13C, regardless of tillage. The NT >1000‐μm aggregates retained more 15N at the end of the experiment than other NT and CT aggregates size classes. Data obtained indicate higher biological activity associated with NT soils than under CT, and increased retention of plant residue C and N in macroaggregates.
Land‐use Effects on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen on a U.S. Midwestern Floodplain
Authors: Jelinski N. A. , Kucharik C. J.
Published: January 2009

Wet prairie soils in the Midwest store significant amounts of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN). Crop fields, prairie restorations of varying ages, and remnant prairies on a floodplain soil (Fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquolls) in southern Wisconsin were intensively sampled to estimate changes in SOC and TN due to the conversion of native prairie to row crops and the restoration of prairie on cropped land. In the top 10 cm of soil, remnant prairies contained an additional 24 Mg SOC ha−1 and 1.7 Mg TN ha−1, compared with currently cropped fields (P < 0.05). In the top 25 cm, remnant prairies contained an additional 2.4 Mg TN ha−1 compared with currently cropped fields (P < 0.05), but a difference was not detected in SOC between unplowed remnants and cropped fields. Soil inorganic carbon (SIC) was significantly greater at all depths in cropped fields than in unplowed remnants. No differences in SOC and TN mass between annually tilled (AT) and biennially tilled (BT) fields were detected, except for greater TN in the top 10 cm of BT fields. No differences between currently cropped fields and prairie restorations less than 7 yr old were detected, however a 7‐ and 45‐yr‐old restoration had greater SOC and TN mass than crop averages. These results suggest that the loss of SOC in the A horizon of the soils on this floodplain through agriculture has likely been small. Additionally, the redistribution of SIC through the soil profile has had a significant impact on the total C stored in the plow layer, but not on the net C sequestered or released to the atmosphere through land use.
Soil Test Nutrient Changes Induced by Poultry Litter under Conventional Tillage and No‐Tillage
Authors: Schomberg Harry H. , Endale Dinku M. , Jenkins Michael B. , Sharpe Ron R. , Fisher Dwight S. , Cabrera Miguel L. , McCracken Dan V.
Published: January 2009

Poultry litter (PL) can supply N, P, K, and other plant nutrients; however, excessive application may cause environmental problems, depending on management and crop nutrient demand. Changes in soil test (ST) nutrient content in a Cecil soil (a fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult) during a 10‐yr period of PL use was evaluated at the USDA‐ARS J. Phil Campbell, Sr., Natural Resource Conservation Center, Watkinsville, GA. During the cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) cropping phase (1995–2000), 4.4 Mg PL ha−1yr−1resulted in small changes in ST nutrient content in the surface 15 cm. Differences were observed between tillage treatments, with less accumulation of Ca, Mg, and Mn and greater accumulation of Zn for no‐till (NT) than conventional tillage (CT). During the corn (Zea maysL.) cropping phase (2001–2005), average annual PL inputs (11.2 Mg ha−1) increased P and Zn contents, with changes being similar for CT and NT. After 10 yr, ST nutrient contents in the surface 15 cm reflected 25, 4, 45, 26, 17, and 97% of the input from PL for P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn, respectively. Changes in soil profile nutrient content (to a depth of 60 cm) from 1997 to 2005 were predominantly at 0 to 15 cm, where P and Zn increased >200%. Accumulation of Ca, K, P, and Zn at lower depths was also observed. Strategies for increasing nutrient removal following repeated long‐term application of PL should be considered to avoid excessive levels of nutrients.
How Management of Grass Hedges Affects their Erosion Reduction Potential
Authors: Dabney Seth M. , McGregor K.C. , Wilson G.V. , Cullum R.F.
Published: January 2009

Grass hedges are specialized vegetative buffers effective in trapping sediment. Information is needed on how the effectiveness of grass hedges changes over time after planting, and in response to hedge clipping management. Erosion from natural rainfall was measured during 13 yr after establishing single‐row (eventually growing to be 1 m wide) miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis Andersson) hedges at the lower end of erosion plots (21 m long, 5% slope) in a replicated study involving conventional tillage (CT) and no‐till (NT) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) grown on silt loam soils (Typic Fragiudalfs) in Holly Springs, MS. Sediment yield values from plots with and without grass hedges were analyzed with reference to the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to determine the conservation support practice (“P” factor) for sediment yield, which is the fractional reduction in sediment yield due to the presence of the grass hedge. The “P” factor of grass hedges was found to be about 0.5 in the establishment year and to decrease progressively with time for CT cotton. The “P” factor for grass hedges averaged 0.23 for CT wide‐row cotton and 0.12 for ultra narrow row (UNR) cotton studied with older hedges. “P” factors for NT were higher, averaging 0.5 for wide‐row cotton and 0.65 for UNR cotton, perhaps reflecting a finer eroded sediment size distribution. Comparison of several methods of estimating hedge effectiveness showed that while observed monthly rainfall effects on soil erosion were not fully explained by the EI30 term used in RUSLE, fitting more complex statistical models to the data did not appreciably alter estimates of fractional sediment yield reduction due to grass hedges. The results of this study demonstrated that during extreme events, hedge effectiveness was enhanced (“P” was lowered) by management that allowed accumulation of hedge clippings upslope of the hedges. However, for freshly tilled conditions, “P” values for 7‐yr old hedges varied from 0.2 for monthly rainfall = 100 mm to 0.35 for monthly rainfall = 400 mm even when all residues were removed.
Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test with Organic Matter Correction for Predicting Nitrogen Responsiveness of Corn in Rotation
Authors: Lawrence J. R. , Ketterings Q. M. , Goler M. G. , Cherney J. H. , Cox W. J. , Czymmek K. J.
Published: January 2009

Several research groups have evaluated the Illinois soil N test (ISNT) as a tool for identifying the N responsiveness of corn (Zea mays L.). These studies have shown mixed results. Research in New York improved the ISNT accuracy by adjusting the critical ISNT value (0–20‐cm depth) for organic matter estimated by loss‐on‐ignition (LOI), resulting in an ISNT × LOI curve above which corn tended to be nonresponsive. We conducted 34 N rate trials (2005–2007) to further evaluate the accuracy of the ISNT × LOI curve in predicting the N responsiveness of corn in rotation with grass–legume sod or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. First‐year corn did not respond to sidedress N (16 trials), yet the ISNT × LOI curve predicted that sidedress N was needed for six sites. For second‐, third‐, or fourth‐year corn after sod and corn after soybean, the ISNT × LOI curve accurately predicted N responsiveness for 15 of 18 sites (eight responsive and 10 nonresponsive sites). The ISNT values of first‐ and second‐year corn were closely correlated (ISNTYear2 = −12.8 + 1.1 ISNTYear1, r2 = 0.96, P < 0.001). The results of laboratory and field trials on ISNT dynamics from spring sod plowdown through sidedress showed an ISNT peak 1 to 4 wk after plowdown, indicating that samples taken at or after sidedress do not reflect sod N credits. We conclude that the ISNT × LOI curve accurately identified nonresponsive sites as long as the sample was not collected within 5 wk of sod plowdown and that sod N credits need to be taken into account for first‐year corn.
Cultivation Affects Soil Organic Nitrogen: Pyrolysis‐Mass Spectrometry and Nitrogen K‐edge XANES Spectroscopy Evidence
Authors: Leinweber Peter , Walley Fran , Kruse Jens , Jandl Gerald , Eckhardt Kai-Uwe , Blyth Robert I.R. , Regier Tom
Published: January 2009

Elucidating molecular–chemical changes that the soil organic N (SON) pool has undergone following long‐term cultivation remains a challenge. Our objective was to examine SON compounds in paired native and long‐term cultivated soils using three independent analytical methods. Curie‐point pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed approximately 60 different organic N‐containing molecules of which 11, 13, and 14 were less and 8, 16, and 11 more abundant in the cultivated than in the native soils from Lethbridge, Macklin, and St. Denis, respectively. Pyrolysis‐field ionization mass spectrometry (Py‐FIMS) revealed that heterocyclic N compounds such as substituted pyrroles and pyridines contributed to the overall cultivation‐induced changes. Furthermore, Py‐FIMS showed that cultivated sites preferentially lost thermally labile peptides and, to a lesser extent, other labile N‐containing compounds. The magnitude of losses decreased in the order Lethbridge (80 yr cultivation) > Macklin (85 yr cultivation) > St. Denis (57+ yr cultivation). Relative gains in thermally stable N‐containing compounds (all sites) and peptides (Macklin only) followed the same order. The weaker cultivation effect at St. Denis probably reflects a greater inherent stability of SON compounds in the native soil, as indicated by onsets and peaks in the thermal volatilization curves at 40 K higher pyrolysis temperature. Synchrotron‐based N K‐edge x‐ray near‐edge fine structure spectroscopy confirmed the enrichment of nitriles and N‐heterocycles in the cultivated Lethbridge soil at the expense of amide N. Our multimethodological approach provided evidence for the enrichment of a relatively stable nonproteinaceous pool of SON on cultivation.
Classification of Anthropogenic Soils with Andic Properties
Authors: Tejedor M. , Jiménez C. , Armas-Espinel S. , Hernández-Moreno J. M.
Published: January 2009

On the mountainous islands of the Canary Islands (Spain), the soils on the cool and humid north face are better suited to farming than those on the hot and arid south side. A common practice is to transport soils from one side of the island to the other—as well as from midaltitude zones in the north to others lower down—to construct artificial soils known locally as sorribas, which are used to grow, under irrigation, export crops such as banana (Musa acuminata Colla) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The aim of this study was to evaluate the andic properties of the sorriba soils derived from Andisols or from other soil types (Inceptisols or Alfisols) that have some andic properties. The properties of the sorriba soils were compared with those of the original soils where this was possible and a classification is put forward in accordance with Soil Taxonomy. The results obtained show that, several years after transportation (3 to >50), the soils have important modifications, such as loss of horizonation and increased salinity and sodicity, yet they retain some of the andic characteristics of the original soils (low bulk density and high oxalate‐extractable Al + ½ oxalate‐extractable Fe values). We discuss whether soils that have undergone extensive transformation but have andic soil properties should be considered Andisols or Entisols. Moreover, we suggest the inclusion of an andic subgroup in Torriarents and Torriorthents for anthropogenic soils presenting near‐andic properties.
Feeding Ecology of Arctic‐Nesting Sandpipers During Spring Migration Through the Prairie Pothole Region
Authors: ELDRIDGE JAN L. , KRAPU GARY L. , JOHNSON DOUGLAS H.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  We evaluated food habits of 4 species of spring‐migrant calidrid sandpipers in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North Dakota. Sandpipers foraged in several wetland classes and fed primarily on aquatic dipterans, mostly larvae, and the midge family Chironomidae was the primary food eaten. Larger sandpiper species foraged in deeper water and took larger larvae than did smaller sandpipers. The diverse wetland habitats that migrant shorebirds use in the PPR suggest a landscape‐level approach be applied to wetland conservation efforts. We recommend that managers use livestock grazing and other tools, where applicable, to keep shallow, freshwater wetlands from becoming choked with emergent vegetation limiting chironomid production and preventing shorebird use.
Edge Effect on Density Estimates of a Radiotracked Population of Yellow‐Necked Mice
Authors: TIOLI SILVIA , CAGNACCI FRANCESCA , STRADIOTTO ANNA , RIZZOLI ANNAPAOLA
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT Density estimates for small‐mammal populations from capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) data have played an important role in many studies of theoretical and applied ecology. Defining effective trapping area (ETA) is one of the main issues affecting accuracy of density estimates. Our objective was to assess sensitivity of CMR density estimates to correctors based on movement parameters calculated from trapping and radiotelemetry data. From May to November 2005, we conducted monthly CMR trapping in a beech (Fagus sylvaticus) forest of the province of Trento, northern Italy. In conjunction with CMR, we radio‐marked 32 yellow‐necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) captured from July to October and located them daily using radiotelemetry. We estimated population size (N) by model averaging with Program MARK. We calculated ETA using several definitions of the boundary strip, including full and half mean maximum distance moved (MMDM) from capture‐recapture and telemetry data and mean radius of mean monthly home ranges. The boundary strip (W) increased with the amount of behavioral information embodied in the estimates. The largest W and lowest density values were based on radius of mean home ranges followed by MMDM calculated from telemetry data. The ETA based on movement distances increased more than proportionally whenNdecreased, suggesting that low population density combined with scarce resources results in rodents moving more in search of food, thus leading to overestimated ETA and underestimated density values. Although robust behavioral information would certainly improve density estimates, we suggest caution in relating ranging movements to capture probability and hence in using correctors based on movement distances to infer density values.
Effects of Environmental Conditions on Performance of Vaginal Implant Transmitters
Authors: NEWBOLT CHAD H. , DITCHKOFF STEPHEN S.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  Vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) are increasingly used to facilitate capture of neonatal ungulates. Environmental conditions potentially have a significant influence on performance of VITs; however, effects on VIT performance largely are unknown. We exposed VITs to conditions reflective of those present during white‐tailed deer fawning season in Alabama and examined effects of ambient air temperature and vegetative structure on their performance. Performance of VITs was inversely related to ambient air temperature, and VIT performance increased along with increasing amounts of shade provided by vegetation. Current devices likely will perform relatively well if expelled in areas where ambient air temperatures are below the user‐defined pulse switch point and habitat conditions provide shade. Performance of VITs will be severely compromised if expulsion occurs in areas where ambient air temperatures are above the user‐defined pulse switch point and devices are exposed to direct sun. Individuals interested in utilizing VITs should consider local climate and vegetative characteristics prior to initiating projects to evaluate if devices will meet performance requirements.
Postlogging Succession and Habitat Usage of Shrubland Birds
Authors: SCHLOSSBERG SCOTT , KING DAVID I.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT In the first decades after logging, the vegetation structure of harvested areas changes rapidly due to succession. For shrubland birds, many of which specialize on regeneration of specific ages, the changing vegetation structure makes determining how much habitat is available for individual species difficult. We conducted a meta‐analysis to determine how populations of shrubland birds in the eastern United States and Canada respond to succession in the first 20 years after timber harvest. Based on those results, we used the area under the abundance‐time regression curves to estimate the proportion of regenerating forest actually used by each bird species. Of the 28 species for which we had sufficient data, 14 showed significant changes in abundance over time. For 6 species, abundance was highest immediately after logging and decreased thereafter. Abundances of 7 other species were initially low, peaked roughly 10 years after harvest, and declined thereafter. Based on these results, shrubland birds would be expected to occupy a mean of just 53% (SD = 17%) of regenerating forests up to 20 years old. Thus, current estimates of habitat availability for shrubland birds may be too high by a factor of 2. Our findings also suggest that managed openings should be maintained on longer rotations than are currently used, providing habitat for birds that prefer older regeneration.