bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Tillage, Cover Crop, and Nitrogen Rate Effects on Cotton: Yield and Fiber Properties
Authors: Boquet Donald J. , Hutchinson Robert L. , Breitenbeck Gary A.
Published: July 2010

Loess soils of the Midsouth USA are easily eroded, contain little organic matter, and are drought susceptible. Conservation tillage and cover crops may increase cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yields on these soils. A field study was conducted from 1995 through 2001 on Gigger silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, thermic Typic Fragiudalfs) to study effects of tillage, cover crops, and N rates on yield and fiber properties. Cotton was grown without tillage (no‐till) and with surface tillage (surface till) following annual winter cover crops of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), or volunteer winter vegetation (native) and with fertilizer N rates of 0, 39, 78, 118, or 159 kg ha−1. Tillage, cover crop, and N rate affected cotton yield. The till × N rate, till × cover crop, and cover crop × N rate interactions were significant. Yields of cotton receiving zero fertilizer N were 28 to 49% higher under surface till than under no‐till. In contrast, cotton receiving optimum N produced 5 to 11% higher yields with no‐till than with surface till. Following native cover, 118 kg N ha−1 optimized cotton lint yields under no‐till (1249 kg ha−1) whereas only 78 kg N ha−1 was necessary to optimize yields under surface till (1117 kg ha−1). Following wheat, 118 kg N ha−1 optimized lint yields under both no‐till (1246 kg ha−1) and surface till (1185 kg ha−1). Following hairy vetch, no fertilizer N was needed to optimize yields under no‐till (1238 kg ha−1) and surface till (1160 kg ha−1). Tillage, cover crop, and N rate did not appreciably compromise or improve fiber quality. After 7 yr, lint yields did not decrease in systems employing no‐till and cover crops, and combined with optimal fertilizer N, these conservation practices increased cotton yields.
Agronomic Potential of Narrow‐Leafed and White Lupins in the Inland Pacific Northwest
Authors: Payne W. A. , Chen C. , Ball D. A.
Published: July 2010

For economic and environmental reasons, there is need for alternative crops to rotate with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the inland Pacific Northwest (PNW). White (Lupinus albus L.) and narrow‐leafed (Lupinus angustifolius L.) lupins were evaluated as potential alternative grain crops under PNW conditions. Maximum grain yield of white lupin was 2128 kg ha−1; however, yields were unstable, and cultivars matured later and were more prone to disease than narrow‐leafed lupin. Narrow‐leafed lupin had a yield potential of >2000 kg ha−1. Early sowing was the most important agronomic factor tested for maximizing yield of narrow‐leafed lupin, with greatest yields associated with sowing during the third week of March. Yield loss due to delayed sowing ranged from 5.8 kg ha−1 d−1 under dry conditions to as much as 60 kg ha−1 d−1 in more favorable conditions. In 2000, delaying sowing from 21 March to 17 April coincided with a reduction in soil water storage of 5.3 cm in the upper 1 m soil layer. Most of this evaporative loss occurred in the upper 50 cm layer, considerably reducing crop water availability. Crude protein content of grain also declined with delayed sowing. Maximum water use efficiency for grain production under our conditions was 6 kg ha−1 grain mm−1 water use. Mean harvest loss ranged from 24 to 62% of hand‐harvested yields, suggesting this will be a potential production constraint. Our results suggest good agronomic potential for narrow‐leafed lupin in the PNW. Agronomic challenges and market potential are discussed.
Soil Physical Properties Web Database for GOSSYM and GLYCIM Crop Simulation Models
Authors: Ali Ishtiaq , Whisler Frank D. , Iqbal Javed , Jenkins Johnie N. , McKinion James M.
Published: July 2010

Knowledge of soil physical properties is needed for various kinds of environmental studies, including crop simulation where the intended users are agronomists, consultants, and growers. However, acquiring and tabulating a complete set of soils analysis data for a particular region is expensive and laborious. This paper describes the construction of a web‐based soil physical properties database to meet data requirements of users of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop simulation models (GOSSYM and GLYCIM, respectively) in addition to providing a generic data file of soil physical properties. The data are comprised of undisturbed samples of 1074 soil horizons (or about 300 sample sites) collected from farmers' fields using a tractor‐mounted hydraulic probe. Standard laboratory analyses were performed to determine the various soil physical properties. An Oracle8 relational database management system was designed and implemented to store and deliver the soil physical properties using a client/server approach. A Perl database interface was used for the server‐side database connectivity to build the soil files. The database accepts queries on several attributes, including sampling location, soil series name, state, county, farm, etc. This web‐based database of soil physical properties was successfully implemented and tested and is available online at www.msstate.edu/~ia3/ (verified 11 Aug. 2004) without any restriction of identification or password.
Row Configuration and Nitrogen Application for Barley–Pea Intercropping in Montana
Authors: Chen Chengci , Westcott Malvern , Neill Karnes , Wichman David , Knox Martha
Published: July 2010

Intercropping barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L. Poir) may increase the use efficiencies of growth resources and reduce fertilizer N requirements. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) row configuration and (ii) fertilizer N effects on yield, protein content, and the land equivalent ratio (LER) of barley–pea intercropping systems. A 3‐yr barley–pea intercropping study was conducted at the Western and Central Agricultural Research Centers (WARC and CARC) of Montana State University from 2000 to 2002 with three row configurations (4 rows barley × 4 rows pea, 2 rows barley × 2 rows pea, and barley–pea mixed within rows) and three N application treatments (0, 67, and 134 kg N ha−1). Barley biomass production increased 41% at WARC and CARC, whereas pea biomass production decreased 34% at WARC and 46% at CARC with the row configuration changing from the 4 × 4 to the mixed configuration. The LER ranged from 1.05 to 1.24 on a biomass basis and from 1.05 to 1.26 on a protein basis, indicating a production advantage of intercropping. Barley is a more competitive component than pea. Separated row arrangements are advantageous where the desired outcome is a greater pea component in the harvested forage, but the mixed arrangement has a greater total biomass yield and LER. Fertilizer N increased total biomass yield and protein level in barley–pea intercrops, but high N rates could decrease the LER and result in toxic levels of nitrate in the forage.
Hard Red Winter Wheat Cultivar Responses to a pH and Aluminum Concentration Gradient
Authors: Kariuki S. K. , Zhang H. , Schroder J. L. , Edwards J. , Payton M. , Carver B. F. , Raun W. R. , Krenzer E. G.
Published: July 2010

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major yield‐limiting factor in winter wheat production in many parts of the world. The use of Al‐tolerant cultivars reduces the impact of this problem and is common to the southern Great Plains where wheat is managed as a dual‐purpose crop. However, no quantitative data exist on the Al tolerance ranking of winter wheat cultivars often grown in a dual‐purpose management system. This study was established to classify on a field scale the Al tolerance of common winter wheat cultivars (Ok101, Ok102, 2137, 2174, Jagger, Jagalene, Custer, and AP502CL). Fall forage yield of each cultivar was harvested by hand clipping. Soil samples were collected at the same time and analyzed for pH and Al saturation (Alsat). Grain was hand‐harvested in June of each year from the same rows harvested for forage. Cultivar differences (P < 0.1) were found in forage and grain yields for the Alsat > 30% range. Al tolerance based on grain yield ranked as follows: 2137 > Jagalene = Ok101 > Jagger = 2174 ≥ Ok102 > Custer = AP502CL. Al tolerance based on forage yield ranking was similar to that of grain: 2137 > Ok101 = Jagalene = Jagger > 2174 = Ok102 > Custer = AP502CL. Grain yield seemed to be less affected by Alsat than forage yields. The use of Al‐tolerant winter wheat cultivars may minimize producers' risk of crop loss; therefore, this ranking of Al tolerance should help winter wheat producers make informed decisions if they have acid soils with high Al content and no other remedies available.
Effect of 39 Years of Cropping Practices on Wind Erodibility and Related Properties of an Irrigated Chestnut Soil
Authors: Mazurak A. P. , Zingg A. W. , Chepil W. S.
Published: July 2010

In April 1951, a portable wind tunnel was set up at the Scotts Bluff Substation on plots that were planted to sugar beets and potatoes. The soil losses from wind under controlled conditions were measured on manured and non‐manured plots from (i) a 3‐year rotation of barley, potatoes and sugar beets and (ii) a 6‐year rotation of barley with alfalfa, alfalfa 3‐years, potatoes and sugar beets. On these and other plots, size‐fractions of air‐dried clods from the surface 2‐inches of soil were separated by means of rotary sieves. Each size‐fraction was analyzed for the apparent density of clods, total nitrogen content, and moisture content at 15‐atmosphere tension.

The cropping and manurial practices showed a marked effect on the soil losses from wind. Alfalfa in the rotation was superior to manure application in reducing soil losses. Application of 12 tons of barnyard manure on potato plots in a 3‐year rotation reduced the soil loss from 74,500 pounds per acre to 2,720. The soil loss on non‐manured plots in the 6‐year rotation was 970 pounds per acre. The beet plots, in a cropping system and manurial application similar to potato plots showed a smaller regimen of soil losses.

Mechanical stability of clods was determined by their resistance to break‐down as a result of resieving. It was greatest in plots cropped to continuous barley, followed in order by beets, corn, and potatoes. Mechanical stability was greater in manured plots than in non‐manured.

The application of manure or growing of alfalfa in the rotation effected a marked reduction in the apparent density of clods and increased the total nitrogen content and the moisture content at 15‐atmosphere tension. Alfalfa was superior to manure in effecting these changes in soil properties.
Effect of Autoclaving on X‐Ray Characteristics of Clay Minerals
Authors: Stotzky G. , DeMumbrum L. E.
Published: July 2010

A variety of tropical and temperate zone soils differing in clay mineral composition and moisture content were autoclaved for 1 hour at 121 C, 15 psi, and fast exhaust. Various purified clay minerals were similarly autoclaved for 15 min in a nutrient medium used for the culture of microorganisms. Autoclaving did not significantly alter the diagnostic d values of the clay minerals contained in either the soils or the nutrient medium, regardless of the moisture content (from oven‐dry to saturation) of the soils at the time of autoclaving.
A Plinthaquult of the Aripo Savannas, North Trinidad II. Mineralogy and Genesis
Authors: Ahmad N. , Jones Robert L.
Published: July 2010

The Aripo Savanna Fine Sand, a Plinthaquult, has developed on water‐transported erosion products derived from the Northern Range in Trinidad. The profile consists of a surface‐bleached layer of 25 cm thickness composed of silt and fine sand, underlain by an intensely red‐ and yellow‐mottled argillic layer. The first 10 cm of this layer has ochreous diffuse mottling and is very rich in Fe. Deeper, the mottles are more distinct and red in color on an almost grey matrix. On exposure, these mottles (plinthite) harden irreversibly to nodules. Chemical and mineralogical properties of nodular material thus formed ranging from 1 to 30 years of age were examined. With time, the nodules become firmer and richer in Fe. The intensity of red coloration within the nodules is directly related to the amount of Fe present. All nodules are very low in Mn; Ti is inversely related to Fe but Ca is evenly distributed throughout all nodular materials regardless of age. No crystalline Fe minerals occur, but lepidocrocite and goethite are present in the ochreous mottles in a thin horizon above the nodule‐producing layer.

The soil is derived from micaceous (muscovite) parent materials, but mica content is low; kaolinite derived from mica weathering is the dominant mineral. There are also identifiable amounts of montmorillonite or vermiculite‐type mineral thought to be derived from weathering of mica and representing intermediates in the formation of kaolinite. Cation exchange capacity and surface area values are in accordance with this mineral assemblage. The silt and sand fractions are almost pure quartz. Absence of feldspars in the silt fraction is confirmed by only trace amounts of Ca and Na found by chemical analysis. The data indicate that this soil is perhaps the most weathered of Trinidadian soils.
Soil‐Water Regimes in Brookston and Crosby Soils
Authors: Harlan P. W. , Franzmeier D. P.
Published: July 2010

Hydraulic conductivity and seasonal patterns of water content were measured and related to soil formation in associated very poorly drained Brookston soils (Typic Argiaquolls) and somewhat poorly drained Crosby soils (Aeric Ochraqualfs) in central Indiana. In the Brookston soil the water table was near the surface for only a short time during periods of heavy rainfall in the winter and spring. The water table then stabilized near 125 cm deep, where it was controlled by tile drains. In Crosby, also tile‐drained, the water table stayed near the surface longer in the spring, then became deeper than in Brookston. The hydraulic conductivity is relatively high in the Brookston B and C and Crosby B horizons but very low in the Crosby C horizon, compact glacial till. Since downward movement is restricted in the Crosby C horizon, water tends to move laterally through the B horizon into the Brookston soil where the tile are in more permeable horizons than they are in Crosby.

Available water capacities of soils can be estimated by measuring the field water contents in a profile at the beginning of the growing season and during dry periods for several years using a soil under perennial vegetation. In these two soils, however, it appears that water movement from Crosby to Brookston and the profile storage capacity are both important in determining the water‐supplying capacity of the soils.
Effect of Soil Acidity Factors on Yields and Foliar Composition of Tropical Root Crops
Authors: Abruña‐Rodríguez Fernando , Vicente‐Chandler José , Rivera Edmundo , Rodríguez José
Published: July 2010

Tropical root crops, a major source of food for subsistence farmers, varied in their sensitivity to soil acidity factors. Tolerance to soil acidity is an important characteristic of crops for the humid tropics where soils are often very acid and lime‐scarce and expensive. Experiments on two Ultisols and an Oxisol showed that three tropical root crops differed markedly in sensitivity to soil acidity factors. Yams (Dioscorea alata L.) were very sensitive to soil acidity with yields on a Ultisol decreasing from 70% of maximum when Al saturation of the effective cation exchange capacity of the soil was 10 to 25% of maximum when Al saturation was 40%. On the other hand, Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) was very tolerant to high levels of soil acidity, yielding about 85% of maximum with 60% Al saturation. Taniers (Xanthosoma sp.) were intermediate between yams and cassava in their tolerance to soil acidity yielding about 60% of maximum with 50% Al saturation of the soil. Foliar composition of cassava was not affected by soil acidity levels and that of yams and taniers was also unaffected except for Ca content which decreased with decreasing soil pH and increasing Al saturation. Response of these tropical root crops to soil acidity components was far more striking on Ultisols than on the Oxisol. For yams, soils should be limed to about pH 5.5 with essentially no exchangeable Al3+ present whereas high yields of taniers can be obtained at about pH 4.8 with 20% exchangeable Al3+ and of cassava at pH as low as 4.5 with 60% exchangeable Al3+.
A Chemical Model of Phosphate Adsorption by Soils: I. Reference Oxide Minerals
Authors: Goldberg Sabine , Sposito Garrison
Published: July 2010

The Constant Capacitance model is shown to provide a quantitative description of o‐phosphate adsorption by a variety of aluminum and iron hydrous oxides, including the effect of varying pH values. This model, based on a ligand exchange mechanism for o‐phosphate adsorption, comprises six adjustable parameters: two surface protonation‐dissociation constants, three o‐phosphate surface complexation constants, and a capacitance density parameter. The five surface equilibrium constants can be obtained from potentiometric titration data and o‐phosphate adsorption data. These constants are independent of pH but, in principle, can depend on the composition of the background electrolyte solution. The capacitance density parameter cannot be obtained directly from experiment. A working value can be chosen on the basis of previous applications of the Constant Capacitance model and other model parameters are not sensitive to this choice.
Joint Frequency Distributions for Use in Erosion Research
Authors: Istok J. D. , Boersma L.
Published: July 2010

Highest rates of soil erosion are often associated with specific climatic and soil conditions, e.g., rainfall on a frozen soil surface or on a saturated soil. Development of methods for computing the frequency of occurrence of these conditions using historical precipitation and air temperature data is reported. The methods are based on dividing hourly precipitation and air temperature data into precipitation events, freezing events, and event clusters. Precipitation events are defined as “wet” hours separated by “dry” hours. Freezing events are defined as periods of consecutive “cold” hours (air temperatures <0°C) separated by periods of consecutive “warm” hours (air temperatures >0°C). Event clusters are defined as over‐lapping precipitation and freezing events. Sets of characteristics are defined for each type of event and for event clusters, e.g., duration and amount of precipitation for precipitation events, and freeze index and minimum temperature for freezing events. Joint frequency distributions for event and cluster characteristics are obtained, and examples show how to use these to predict frequency of occurrence of climatic conditions known to result in high rates of soil erosion. Application of joint frequency distributions to the Soil Conservation Service's curve number method for predicting watershed runoff is discussed, and it is shown how joint frequency distributions for precipitation amount and freeze index can be combined with the results of discriminant analysis for the occurrence of soil frost to compute the frequency of occurrence of rainfall on a frozen soil surface.
Calciustolls in Central Texas: I. Parent Material Uniformity and Hillslope Effects on Carbonate‐Enriched Horizons
Authors: West L. T. , Wilding L. P. , Stahnke C. R. , Hallmark C. T.
Published: July 2010

Most soils associated with soft, Cretaceous limestones in Texas occupy moderately to strongly sloping erosional landforms and are underlain by interbedded weakly to strongly indurated limestone. Fourteen pedons from four hillslopes in these landscapes were sampled to evaluate soil parent materials and the effect of hillslope position on genesis of the soils and carbonate‐enriched horizons. Clay‐free, carbonate‐free particle size distribution and elemental analysis of the residue silt fraction indicate that the soils had developed from stratified parent materials. Calcareous microfossils observed in thin section and siliceous microfossils observed with scanning electron microscopy indicate the soil parent materials to be primarily limestone of composition similar to that underlying the soils. Dust is being added to the soil surface at a rate of 1 to 2 mm/100 yr but has not been an important parent material amendment. The primary effect of hillslope position on genesis of soils and carbonate‐enriched horizons is through site stability. No consistent relationships were observed between soils on backslope and summit positions, and expression of carbonate‐enriched horizons.
Cropping System and Nitrogen Effects on Mollisol Organic Carbon
Authors: Robinson C. A. , Cruse R. M. , Ghaffarzadeh M.
Published: July 2010

Time, fertilizer, tillage, and cropping systems may alter soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. Our objective was to determine the effect of long‐term cropping systems and fertility treatments on SOC. Five rotations and two N fertility levels at three Iowa sites (Kanawha, Nashua, and Sutherland) maintained for 12 to 36 yr were evaluated. A 75‐yr continuous corn (Zea mays L.) site (Ames) with a 40‐yr N‐P‐K rate study also was evaluated. Soils were Typic and Aquic Hapludolls and Typic Haplaquolls. Four‐year rotations consisting of corn, oat (Avena sativa L.), and meadow (alfalfa [Medicago sativa L.], or alfalfa and red clover [Trifolium pratense L.]) had the highest SOC (Kanawha, 32.1 g/kg; Nashua, 21.9 g/kg; Sutherland, 27.9 g/kg). Corn silage treatments (Nashua, ≤ 18.9 g/kg; Sutherland, ≤23.2 g/kg) and no‐fertilizer treatments (Kanawha, 25.3 g/kg; Nashua, ≤20.9 g/kg; Sutherland, ≤23.5 g/kg) had the lowest SOC. A corn‐oat‐meadow‐meadow rotation maintained initial SOC (27.9 g/kg) after 34 yr at Sutherland. Continuous corn resulted in loss of 30% of SOC during 35 yr of manure and lime treatments. SOC increased 22% when N‐P‐K treatments were imposed. Fertilizer N, initial SOC levels, and previous management affected current SOC levels. Residue additions were linearly related to SOC (Ames, r2 = 0.40; Nashua, r2 = 0.82; Sutherland, r2 = 0.89). All systems had 22 to 49% less SOC than adjacent fence rows. Changing cropping systems to those that conserve SOC could sequester as much as 30% of C released since cropping began, thereby increasing SOC.
Rietveld Estimates of Mineral Percentages to Predict Phosphate Sorption by Selected Hawaiian Soils
Authors: Jackman J. M. , Jones R. C. , Yost R. S. , Babcock C. J.
Published: July 2010

Predicting P sorption by weathered soils in order to manage soil, crop, and natural resources has been an important but elusive goal of soil science for decades. This study evaluated several soil properties, including mineralogy, of weathered Hawaiian soils in terms of their utility as predictors of P sorption. Chemical and physical properties associated with P sorption were measured and correlated. In addition, a theoretical quantity, potential P‐sorption sites, was estimated from the mineralogical characteristics of the clay fraction. Rietveld refinement was used to determine the quantity of soil minerals. Crystallite size was determined by curve‐fitting of selected x‐ray diffraction peaks. These parameters were then used to predict the soil P‐sorption potential by estimating the density of A‐hydroxyl sites per gram of soil. This estimate of potential P‐sorption sites provided the best correlation (R2 = 0.94) with measured P‐sorption capacity in 0.001 M CaCl2, which varied from 79 to 3280 mg P kg−1 soil at an equilibrium solution‐P concentration of 0.2 mg P L−1. Other bulk soil properties such as the moisture content at 1.5 MPa, specific surface area (glycerol retention), and the amount of amorphous (i.e., oxalate extractable) soil material, also correlated well with P sorption but yielded lower R2 values. Clay content and soil chemical properties alone were not good predictors of P‐sorption capacity across the full range of soils. Better estimates of the quantity of sorption sites, especially those contributed by amorphous oxides, would yield further improvements in this approach.
Delineation of Soil Variability Using Geostatistics and Fuzzy Clustering Analyses of Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Ahn C.‐W. , Baumgardner M. F. , Biehl L. L.
Published: July 2010

A soil map is one of the key data layers for developing a robust global model and evaluating land quality and use. A current soil map produced by conventional soil survey is the major source of soil information. However, such a map may not provide the desired accuracy in terms of scale and cartographic quality as a digital format for geographic information system (GIS) modeling applications. This study was designed to introduce and test the procedures for improving the objectivity and accuracy in the delineation of soil patterns with the use of hyperspectral imagery. These hyperspectral data were analyzed through different models including the linear mixture model, block‐kriging interpolation, and fuzzy‐c‐means (FCM) algorithms. Hyperspectral remote sensing data, having very good spectral and spatial resolution, were used for quantifying soil patterns and conditions. A linear spectral mixing model was effectively used not only for reducing dimensionality but also for removing vegetation effects for studying soil patterns from a single soil map layer derived from hyperspectral remote sensing data. Block kriging interpolation based on a semivariogram fitted with the isotropic exponential model represented soil patterns very well beyond the limitation of the size of pixel. Fuzzy‐c‐means clustering analysis showed clear membership patterns and segmented soil patterns effectively, although this is not a soil map in the conventional sense.
First‐Rotation Changes in Soil Carbon and Nitrogen in a Eucalyptus Plantation in Hawaii
Authors: Binkley Dan , Kaye Jason , Barry Matthew , Ryan Michael G.
Published: July 2010

We measured soil changes through a full rotation of a Eucalyptus saligna (Sm.) plantation. We hypothesized that accretion of C from Eucalyptus trees (C3–derived carbon, C3–C) would be balanced by an equal loss of older soil C derived from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) agriculture (C4–derived C, C4–C). We also hypothesized that large additions of N‐containing fertilizer would increase C accretion by increasing the rate of C addition and decreasing the rate of C loss. The low spatial variability of the soil and the intensive sampling design provided precise tests of these hypotheses. Soil C averaged 13.8 kg m−2 for the O horizon plus the 0‐ to 45‐cm depth mineral soil, with no change through the rotation [95% confidence interval (CI) ±0.057 kg m−2 yr−1], supporting the first hypothesis. Significant gains of C3–C (0.136 kg m−2 yr−1) balanced the losses of C4–C (0.144 kg m−2 yr−1). The second hypothesis was tested in the field using three levels of repeated, complete fertilization (including N at rates of 300, 700, and 1600 kg N ha−1), and in laboratory incubations with N addition. Addition of N had no effect on the accumulation of soil N and C3–C, nor on the rate of loss of older C4–C, refuting the second hypothesis. This first‐rotation forest plantation was not able to increase soil C, even with heavy fertilization. These results contrast markedly from the soil changes under the influence of N‐fixing trees, indicating that the effect of N fixation on soil C derives from factors other than N supply.
Some aspects of the work of Robert Brown and the Investigatornaturalists in Madeira during August 1801
Authors: MOORE D. T.
Published: July 2010

Robert Brown is best known for his Australian botanical work of 1801-1805 and for his activity as an early taxonomist and microscopist. However, he made botanical collections and observations on the Atlantic island of Madeira in August 1801 while on his way to Australia on Investigator. As the bicentenary of the voyage is now being celebrated this aspect of Brown's botanical career, and its aftermath, is examined. Some of his Madeiran collection –rass specimens – survive today in the Herbarium of the Natural History Museum, London (BM).
Some notes about the publishing history of Oronzo Gabriele Costa's Fauna del Regno di Napoli
Authors: RUGGIERO L.
Published: July 2010

Analysis of a set of unbound pages and comparison of papers by Sherborn (1937), D'Erasmo (1949) and Baker (1994), yield new observations about the well-known problems, not yet solved, of the dates of publication and the structure of O. G. Costa's Fauna del Regno di Napoli (1829–1886).
Reporting on the museum: the annual reports of the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art
Authors: SWINNEY G. N.
Published: July 2010

The production, in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth century, of the annual reports of the government-funded museum in Edinburgh in several different formats has led to problems in citing these documents in bibliographies. A brief history of the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art and its method of accountability from its foundation in 1854 to 1905 (the period during which it was administered by the Department of Science and Art and the years immediately following the handover to the Committee of the Council on Education in Scotland) is presented along with a concordance table for the different forms of the reports.
Practical stabilizability of dyadic homogeneous bilinear systems
Authors: Tadi M.
Published: July 2010

This paper considers a class of homogeneous bilinear systems in which the rank of the B matrix is equal to one. It uses a transformation to convert the system into a form similar to the companion from. It then considers feedback control laws in the form of variable structure. Results indicate that it is possible to obtain practical stability for a class of dyadic systems. The results are particularly useful for low dimensional systems.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
An algorithm for direct identification of passive transfer matrices with positive real fractions via convex programming
Authors: De Tommasi L. , de Magistris M. , Deschrijver D. , Dhaene T.
Published: July 2010

The paper presents a new algorithm for the identification of a positive real rational transfer matrix of a multi‐input–multi‐output system from frequency domain data samples. It is based on the combination of least‐squares pole identification by the Vector Fitting algorithm and residue identification based on frequency‐independent passivity constraints by convex programming. Such an approach enables the identification ofa prioriguaranteed passive lumped models, so avoids the passivity check and subsequent (perturbative) passivity enforcement as required by most of the other available algorithms. As a case study, the algorithm is successfully applied to the macro‐modeling of a twisted cable pair, and the results compared with a passive identification performed with an algorithm based on quadratic programming (QPpassive), highlighting the advantages of the proposed formulation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Midbrain SERT in degenerative parkinsonisms: A 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT study
Authors: Roselli Francesco , Pisciotta Nicola M. , Pennelli Michele , Aniello Maria S. , Gigante Angelo , De Caro Maria F. , Ferrannini Ermanno , Tartaglione Bruno , Niccoli‐Asabella Artor , Defazio Giovanni , Livrea Paolo , Rubini Giuseppe
Published: July 2010

SPECT imaging is widely used for the differential diagnosis of degenerative parkinsonisms by exploiting the high affinitiy of the radiotracer 123I‐FP‐CIT for the dopamine transporter. Reduced levels of DAT are found in Parkinson Disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) compared to in Essential Tremor (ET) and Healthy Controls (HC). However, the extent of the neurodegenerative process may extend beyond nigrostriatal system. We have exploited the affinity of the same radiotracer 123I‐FP‐CIT for the serotonin transporter to investigate SERT levels in the midbrain of patients with PD, DLB, PSP, and ET compared to HC. Using MRI images as anatomical templates for midbrain uptake quantification, we found a mild decrease in SERT levels in PD compared to ET and HC, with marked inter‐individual variability; on the other side, PSP and DLB patients displayed markedly reduced to undetectable levels of SERT, respectively. These findings show that the neurodegenerative process affects serotoninergic neurons in parkinsonisms, with much more severe involvement in DLB than in PD patients, despite the comparable loss of striatal DAT. SERT‐dependent 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake may allow a more comprehensive assessment of neurochemical disturbances in degenerative parkinsonisms and may have a value for differential diagnosis. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Chemoprevention with Aqueous Extract of Butea monosperma flowers results in normalization of nuclear morphometry and inhibition of a proliferation marker in liver tumors
Authors: Mathan G. , Fatima G. , Saxena A. K. , Chandan B. K. , Jaggi B. S. , Gupta B. D. , Qazi G. N. , Balasundaram C. , Anand Rajan K. D. , Kumar V. L. , Kumar V.
Published: July 2010

Butea monosperma (Lam.) (family: Fabaceae) popularly known as ‘Palas’ or ‘fire of forest’ has been used traditionally as a hepatoprotective agent. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antitumorigenic properties of the aqueous extract and butanol fractions of B. monosperma flowers in animal models. Dried flowers of B. monosperma were extracted with water and fractionated further using n‐butanol. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract was initially confirmed in a carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver damage model of rats. Oral administration of the aqueous extract produced a strong hepatoprotective effect similar to silymarin and normalized the serum levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin and triglyceride in rats. However, it did not affect the levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde which are oxidative stress markers in liver. Intraperitoneal administration of the aqueous extract in the X15‐myc oncomice not only maintained liver architecture and nuclear morphometry but also down‐regulated the serum VEGF levels. Immunohistochemical staining of liver sections with anti‐Ribosomal protein S27a antibody showed post‐treatment abolition of this proliferation marker from the tumor tissue. The butanol fractions, however, did not show antitumorigenic activity. Thus, the aqueous extract of B. monosperma flowers is not only hepatoprotective but also antitumorigenic by preserving the nuclear morphometry of the liver. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anomalies postnatales du développement de la spermatogenèse associées aux troubles de la migration testiculaire
Authors: Mieusset R.
Published: July 2010

La cryptorchidie, testicule non descendu dans sa position normale intrascrotale, est l’une des anomalies congénitales les plus fréquentes du système génital masculin. Le mécanisme de cette migration est un processus complexe encore mal connu. Plusieurs hypothèses étiologiques ont été avancées pour tenter d’expliquer la survenue de la cryptorchidie. L’existence d’une anomalie de la descente testiculaire, même traitée dans l’enfance, est un facteur de risque de cancer du testicule. Mais elle peut aussi se traduire à l’âge adulte par des anomalies des paramètres spermatiques et une atteinte de la fertilité. Dans la présente revue sont rassemblées les données concernant les anomalies du développement postnatal de la spermatogenèse observées en cas de troubles isolés de la migration du testicule et leurs conséquences à l’âge adulte sur les paramètres de la fertilité.
Fluctuating dynamics of nematic liquid crystals using the stochastic method of lines
Authors: Bhattacharjee A. K. , Menon Gautam I. , Adhikari R.
Published: July 2010

We construct Langevin equations describing the fluctuations of the tensor order parameter Qαβ in nematic liquid crystals by adding noise terms to time-dependent variational equations that follow from the Ginzburg–Landau–de Gennes free energy. The noise is required to preserve the symmetry and tracelessness of the tensor order parameter and must satisfy a fluctuation-dissipation relation at thermal equilibrium. We construct a noise with these properties in a basis of symmetric traceless matrices and show that the Langevin equations can be solved numerically in this basis using a stochastic version of the method of lines. The numerical method is validated by comparing equilibrium probability distributions, structure factors, and dynamic correlations obtained from these numerical solutions with analytic predictions. We demonstrate excellent agreement between numerics and theory. This methodology can be applied to the study of phenomena where fluctuations in both the magnitude and direction of nematic order are important, as for instance, in the nematic swarms which produce enhanced opalescence near the isotropic-nematic transition or the problem of nucleation of the nematic from the isotropic phase.
Estimating Herd Prevalence on the Basis of Aggregate Testing of Animals
Authors: Faes Christel , Aerts Marc , Litière Saskia , Méroc Estelle , Van der Stede Yves , Mintiens Koen
Published: July 2010

It is common practice that some or all animals in a group of animals, e.g. a herd, are tested for their health status by using a diagnostic test to investigate whether the herd is infected by a disease. Several obstacles complicate the estimation of herd prevalence on the basis of test results of the animals. First, diagnostic tests are often imperfect, resulting in a misclassification of the animal’s disease status. It is well known how to correct the animal’s apparent prevalence by using the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the animal test, but the effects on herd prevalence are less clear. Second, in practice, a herd is often defined as positive when at least one sampled animal tested positively. This definition is ambiguous and is also different from the herd prevalence that is based on having at least one diseased animal in the herd. The paper provides a discussion of these aspects and proposes a method to estimate the true herd prevalence on the basis of the health status of (all or a sample of) animals within a herd corrected for the sensitivity and specificity of the individual test, the number of animals that are tested in the herd and the uncertainty of the diagnostic test characteristics.
Comparison of tretinoin 0.05% cream and 3% alcohol‐based salicylic acid preparation in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Babayeva L , Akarsu S , Fetil E , Güneş AT
Published: July 2010

Background  No single effective topical treatment is available for treating all pathogenic factors causing acne vulgaris (AV). Salicylic acid (SA), tretinoin (all‐TRA) and clindamycin phosphate (CDP) are known to to be effective agents depending on their comedolytic and anti‐inflammatory properties.

Objective  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of SA and CDP combination (SA + CDP) with all‐TRA and CDP (all‐TRA + CDP) in patients with mild to moderate facial AV.

Methods  Forty‐six patients aged between 18 and 35 years were enrolled in a 12‐week prospective, single‐blind, randomized and comparative clinical study. Efficacy was assessed by lesion counts, global improvement, quality of life index and measurement of skin barrier functions. Local side effects were also evaluated.

Results  Both combinations were effective in reducing total lesion (TL), inflammatory lesion (IL) and non‐inflammatory lesion (NIL) counts and showed significant global improvement as evaluated by the investigator. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of all lesion counts. In addition, TL counts decreased faster in the all‐TRA + CDP group compared with those in the SA + CDP group, with a significant difference between the two groups occurring as early as 2 weeks. Safety evaluations demonstrated that the incidence of mild to moderate side effects generally peaked at week 2 and declined gradually thereafter. Both combinations did not have an effect on stratum corneum hydration, although skin sebum values decreased with SA + CDP treatment.

Conclusions  Combination of SA + CDP and all‐TRA + CDP was effective in decreasing lesion counts and well tolerated with minimal local cutaneous reactions in patients with mild to moderate AV.
Iron Deficiency Alters Discrete Proteins in Rat Caudate Nucleus and Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Youdim M. B. H. , Sills Matthew A. , Heydorn William E. , Creed G. Joseph , Jacobowitz David M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:Young rats (21 days old) made nutritionally iron deficient, by feeding them a semisynthetic diet containing skimmed milk for 5 weeks, had significantly lowered hemoglobin levels (5.2 ± 4 g/100 ml). The nonheme iron content in caudate nucleus was decreased by 47%. The behavioral response of iron‐deficient rats to apomorphine (2 mg/kg) and the density of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) D2receptors, as measured by [3H]spiperone binding in caudate nucleus, were significantly reduced by 70 and 53%, respectively. The possibility that nutritional iron deficiency may affect protein content in brain was investigated by measuring the apparent concentration of proteins in caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens from iron‐deficient and control animals using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. The data indicate that iron deficiency can affect content in these two brain regions. Significant changes in the content of 10 proteins were noted in the caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens in iron‐deficient rats. The albumin level was significantly increased in both regions studied, whereas the neuron‐specific enolase level was increased in the nucleus accumbens and the glial fibrillary acidic protein level was reduced in the caudate nucleus. The significance of these protein content changes, as well as a reduction in content of a 94‐kilodalton protein (a molecular size similar to that of the D2dopamine receptor), remains to be established.
Expression of Microtubule‐Associated Proteins During the Early Stages of Neurite Extension by Brain Neurons Cultured in a Defined Medium
Authors: Couchie D. , Faivre‐Bauman A. , Puymirat J. , Guilleminot J. , Tixier‐Vidal A. , Nunez J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract Immunoblotting analysis was used to identify the microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) present in cultures of mouse brain neurons. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the two main adult brain MAPs, i.e., MAP2 (300 kDa) and τ (60–70 kDa). Whatever the stage of the culture, which was performed in a defined medium (3 or 6 days), the anti‐MAP2 serum detected several high‐molecular‐weight components (including MAP2) and an entity with 62–65 kDa. Anti‐τ revealed essentially a major peak of 48 kDa (young τ) but also slightly cross‐reacted with the 62–65 kDa entity. During the culture period (0–6 days) the cells developed progressively a dense neuritic network; the concentration of the different MAPs increased in parallel but at different rates depending on the different species. The in crease in concentration of the high‐molecular‐weight components occurred before that of 48‐kDa τ. This suggests that high‐molecular‐weight MAPs and 48‐kDa τ might be involved respectively in the initiation and elongation of neu‐rites. In contrast, and since the main developmental changes in τ composition seen in vivo did not occur during the time course of the culture, this transition might be related to later events of neuronal differentiation.
Retracted: Melatonin stimulates the growth of new bone around implants in the tibia of rabbits
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José L. , Ramírez‐Fernández María P. , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Maté‐Sánchez José E. , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael , Guardia Javier , López‐Marí Laura , Barone Antonio , Ortiz‐Ruiz Antonio J. , Martínez‐González José M. , Bravo Luis A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  This study evaluated the effect of the topical application of melatonin in accelerating bone formation associated with implants 2 months after their application to the tibiae of rabbits. Twenty New Zealand rabbits were used. Twenty implants treated with melatonin and 20 control implants without melatonin were placed in the proximal metaphyseal area of each tibia. Studies of new bone formation were subsequently made at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. Cortical width and cortical length of new bone formation were measured. Following implantation, an anteroposterior and lateral radiologic study was carried out. Collected samples were sectioned at 5 μm and stained using hematoxylin–eosin, Masson’s trichromic and Gordon‐Switt reticulin stains. After a 60 day treatment period, melatonin increased the length of cortical bone (95.13 ± 0.42%) versus that around control implants (62.91 ± 1.45%). Related to the perimeter of cortical bone of the tibiae, melatonin induced new bone 88.35 ± 1.56% versus 60.20 ± 1.67% in the control implants. Melatonin regenerated the width and length of cortical bone around implants in tibiae of rabbits more quickly than around control implants without the addition of melatonin.
The consensus motif for N‐myristoylation of plant proteins in a wheat germ cell‐free translation system
Authors: Yamauchi Seiji , Fusada Naoki , Hayashi Hidenori , Utsumi Toshihiko , Uozumi Nobuyuki , Endo Yaeta , Tozawa Yuzuru
Published: July 2010

Protein N‐myristoylation plays key roles in various cellular functions in eukaryotic organisms. To clarify the relationship between the efficiency of protein N‐myristoylation and the amino acid sequence of the substrate in plants, we have applied a wheat germ cell‐free translation system with high protein productivity to examine the N‐myristoylation of various wild‐type and mutant forms of Arabidopsis thaliana proteins. Evaluation of the relationship between removal of the initiating Met and subsequent N‐myristoylation revealed that constructs containing Pro at position 3 do not undergo N‐myristoylation, primarily because of an inhibitory effect of this amino acid on elimination of the initiating Met by methionyl aminopeptidase. Our analysis of the consensus sequence for N‐myristoylation in plants focused on the variability of amino acids at positions 3, 6 and 7 of the motif. We found that not only Ser at position 6 but also Lys at position 7 affects the selectivity for the amino acid at position 3. The results of our analyses allowed us to identify several A. thaliana proteins as substrates for N‐myristoylation that had previously been predicted not to be candidates for such modification with a prediction program. We have thus shown that a wheat germ cell‐free system is a useful tool for plant N‐myristoylome analysis. This in vitro approach will facilitate comprehensive determination of N‐myristoylated proteins in plants.
THE GLOBAL CREDIT CRISIS AND CHINA'S EXCHANGE RATE
Authors: MCKINNON RONALD , LEE BRIAN , WANG YI DAVID
Published: July 2010

The case for stabilizing China's exchange rate against the dollar is strong. Before 2005 when the yuan/dollar rate was credibly fixed, it helped anchor China's domestic price level. But gradual RMB appreciation from July 2005 to July 2008 created a "one-way-bet" that disordered China's financial markets in two respects: (i) no private capital outflows to finance China's huge trade surplus leading to an undue build up of official exchange reserves and erosion of monetary control, and (ii) a breakdown of the forward exchange market in 2007–2008 so that exporters could no longer get trade credit — probably worsening the severe slump in Chinese exports. But after July 2008, the credit crunch induced an unexpected unwinding of the dollar carry trade leading to a sharp appreciation in the dollar's effective exchange rate. The People's Bank of China (PBC) then stopped RMB appreciation against the dollar. China's forward exchange market was restored and monetary control regained. Now the PBC can better support the fiscal stimulus by promoting a parallel expansion of bank credit. But, since March 2009, the fall in the dollar (with the RMB tied to it) again threatens to undermine the yuan/dollar rate and China's monetary stability.