bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exchangeable potassium and potassium balances in organic crop rotations on a coarse sand
Authors: Askegaard M. , Eriksen J. , Olesen J.E.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.Crops on sandy soils (<5% clay) are exposed to K deficiency due to the small release and high leaching losses of K. Reliable tools are needed to improve the K management in cropping systems with limited K input, such as organic farming where import of nutrients are restricted according to the EC regulations. We investigated K balances and exchangeable K (Kexch) changes in an organic crop rotation experiment. Potassium leaching decreased from 42 kg ha−1in 1998/99 to 21 kg ha−1in 2000/01 as an average of a crop rotation (spring barley, grass‐clover, winter wheat and pea/barley) with manure application and without catch crops. In the same period, spring Kexchdecreased from 5.0 to 3.0 mg K 100 g soil−1(0–20 cm). The retention of the straw K left in the field after harvest increased with decreasing levels of Kexch. The cereal crops did not respond to K application but in the pea/barley mixture the pea yield increased by 46%. The concordance between measured K balances and changes in Kexchwas weak. Exchangeable K is suitable as a tool for K management on a rotational basis, and a Kexchabove 3 mg 100 g soil−1in the autumn should be avoided to minimize K leaching.
Effects of five non‐agricultural organic wastes on soil composition, and on the yield and nitrogen recovery of Italian ryegrass
Authors: Douglas J.T. , Aitken M.N. , Smith C.A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. We studied the effects of five diverse non‐agricultural organic wastes on soil composition, grass yield and grass nitrogen use in a 3–year field experiment. The applied wastes were distillery pot ale, dairy salt whey, abattoir blood and gut contents, composted green waste (two annual applications each), and paper‐mill sludge (one annual application). With the exception of N immobilization in the paper‐mill sludge treatment, the wastes had no unfavourable effects on the soil. In the 2–year treatments, grass dry matter yields from the abattoir and distillery wastes (26.3 t ha−1) were larger than those from a NH4NO3 fertilizer treatment (24.3 t ha−1) and from the dairy waste (20.4 t ha−1) and composted waste (22.8 t ha−1). Yield and N recovery were impaired markedly after the single application of paper‐mill sludge, both in the year of application and in the following year. The results demonstrated clear differences in the ability of the applied wastes to provide crop‐available N. We conclude that in order to improve prediction of both the benefits and risks from waste recycling to land, more information should be gathered on soil/waste/crop interactions.
Phytoextraction of Cd and Zn with Thlaspi caerulescens in field trials
Authors: Hammer D. , Keller C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Phytoextraction is the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils using plants that take up metals. Hyperaccumulating plants such as Thlaspi caerulescens are often studied for their possible use for decontamination of Cd and Zn rich soils, but few field trials have been reported, although they are necessary to validate the results of hydroponic and pot studies. This article reports field data for T. caerulescens grown on a calcareous and an acidic soil, both contaminated 20 years ago by either atmospheric depositions or septic‐tank wastes. Accelerated cropping using transplants grown three times in eight months was compared to Thlaspi sown twice during the same period. Both were followed by one crop of sown Thlaspi. High Cd and Zn concentrations in the plant shoots compensated for the low biomass production. Annual metal exports with transplanted Thlaspi were 130 g Cd ha−1 and 3.7 kg Zn ha−1 on the calcareous soil and 540 g Cd ha−1 and 20 kg Zn ha−1 on the acidic soil. We concluded that within the framework of the Swiss legislation, remediation of Cd‐contaminated soils could be achieved within less than 10 years with one crop of Thlaspi per year, but differences in soil properties could affect the rate of phytoextraction significantly. Total Zn content in both soils was too high to be remediated by T. caerulescens in a realistic time span. Thlaspi did not decrease the NaNO3‐extractable fraction of Cd or Zn in either of the soils.
Simulation of nitrate leaching using a modelling system with automatic parameterization routines
Authors: Larsson M.H. , Johnsson H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. For an efficient abatement of diffuse N pollution from arable land, it is important to have practical and reliable tools that can quantify the effect of different management practices on leaching, and also analyse the effect of alternative management scenarios aimed at reducing leaching. We present here an application of soilndb, a management‐oriented model for quantifying nitrate leaching from arable land. Simulations with soilndb were compared with measurements of pipe‐drain discharge of nitrate taken in a 14‐year field experiment on a sandy loam soil in south‐west Sweden. Following adjustment of parameters connected to litter and faeces decomposition and mineralization, the model gave satisfactory predictions of nitrate leaching for all 10 treatments. The temporal pattern was generally well captured by the model, as was confirmed by high model efficiency values (average = 0.59). This application also supports the model's ability to simulate the long‐term influence of different crops and catch crops as well as different manure strategies on leaching. However, further studies should be done to evaluate the model under additional agro‐environmental conditions (e.g. soils, climates, and crops).
Mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions in spray‐irrigated grazed grassland by treating the soil with dicyandiamide, a nitrification inhibitor
Authors: Di H.J. , Cameron K.C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) from animal excreta in grazed pasture systems makes up a significant component (c. 10%) of New Zealand's total greenhouse gas inventory. We report an effective method to decrease N2O emissions from animal urine patches by treating the soil with the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD), in a simulated grazed dairy pasture system under spray irrigation. The soil was a free‐draining Lismore stony silt loam (Udic Haplustept loamy skeletal) and the pasture was a mixture of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens). By treating the soil with DCD, N2O emissions were decreased by 76% following urine application in the autumn, from 26.7 kg N2O‐N ha−1 without DCD to an average of 6.4 kg N2O‐N ha−1 with DCD over the 6‐month experimental period. N2O flux was decreased by 78% following urine application in the spring, from 18 kg N2O‐N ha−1 without DCD to 3.9 kg N2O‐N ha−1 with the application of DCD over the 3‐month period. A single application of DCD immediately after urine was sufficient to effectively mitigate N2O emissions from the urine. The results showed that repeated applications of DCD after urine application, or mixing DCD with urine, offered no advantage over a single application of DCD immediately after urine deposition.
Critical drainage and nitrate leaching losses from manures applied to freely draining soils in Great Britain
Authors: Smith K.A. , Anthony S.G. , Henderson D. , Jackson D.R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Pig slurry was applied by open‐slot injection to experimental plots on a sandy loam site at ADAS Gleadthorpe, Nottinghamshire. Volume and distribution of over‐winter drainage were adjusted through the use of rainfall exclusion covers or irrigation. The resultant slurry N leaching over the range of drainage values tested (up to 300 mm) could be satisfactorily described by curve‐fitting, using a quadratic or exponential function. Initial simulations of slurry N leaching using the manure nitrogen decision support system manner (v. 3.0) compared poorly with the experimental data, predicting both earlier and greater amounts of nitrate leaching. However, the lack of fit could be explained by consideration of the likely ammonia emissions following slurry injection, the actual volumetric soil moisture capacity at the experimental site and the likely time delay for the nitrification of slurry N following application. Good agreement between modelled and observed data was achieved when these factors were taken into account. The manner model was used to simulate nitrate leaching beyond the range of drainage treatments tested in the experiments and the anticipated sigmoidal relationship between nitrate leaching and drainage was observed. The model was then used to study the effects of manure application timing and the likely impact on nitrate leaching, across the range of rainfall conditions found in Great Britain. Simulations for a range of manure types were undertaken, with manures applied at rates up to the limit of permitted N loading on freely draining sandy loams. Rainfall inputs for these simulations were based on long‐term average climatic data. Results are presented for two contrasting manure types, cattle slurry and poultry manure, both of which are subject to controls in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) in Great Britain.
Sediment and phosphorus delivery from field to river via land drains in England and Wales. A risk assessment using field and national databases
Authors: Chapman A.S. , Foster I.D.L. , Lees J.A. , Hodgkinson R.J. , Jackson R.H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. As measures to reduce point source inputs of phosphorus (P) to water have been introduced, the effect of diffuse P has become more evident. Land drains can act as an effective conduit for transfer of sediment and sediment P from agricultural land to surface waters. This article describes the development of a national risk map, identifying areas of agricultural land in England and Wales that are most likely to be prone to such losses. The map is based on data obtained from a variety of sources, including field studies, laboratory‐based rainfall simulation experiments and secondary sources. From these studies, eight factors relating to soil HOST class, rainfall, soil moisture deficit, land use and the type and condition of land drains were identified as influential in the process of sediment and sediment P transfer. Each factor was weighted to provide an estimate of risk and the combined total was used to plot a national risk estimate at a resolution of 25 km2. The exercise suggests that large areas of England and Wales may be at risk of subsurface sediment and sediment P transfer from agricultural land to rivers. The scale of the map is insufficient for planning at the farm level, but further work incorporating similar data and principles could make it more applicable to potential end‐users on the ground.
Relative risk of surface water pollution by E. coli derived from faeces of grazing animals compared to slurry application
Authors: Vinten A.J.A. , Douglas J.T. , Lewis D.R. , Aitken M.N. , Fenlon D.R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. This article examines some of the factors that influence the relative risk of Escherichia coli pollution of surface waters from grazing animals compared to cattle slurry application. Drainage water from pipe‐drained plots grazed with sheep (16 sheep + lambs per hectare) from 29 May to 17 July 2002 had average E. coli counts of 11 c.f.u. mL−1 or 0.4% of estimated E. coli inputs over the grazing period. Drainage water from plots on the same site treated with cattle slurry (36 m3ha−1 on 29 May 2002) had lower average E. coli counts of 5 c.f.u. mL−1 or 0.03% of estimated faecal input. Sheep (16 lambs per hectare) grazing under cooler, moister conditions from 24 September to 3 December 2001 gave drainage water with much higher average E. coli counts of 282 c.f.u. mL−1 or 8.2% of estimated input, which is more than twice the average E. coli counts previously reported under such conditions (Vinten et al. 2002 Soil Use and Management 18, 1–9). Laboratory studies of runoff from soil slabs after slurry application showed that the mobility of E. coli in surface soil decreased with time, suggesting that increased attachment to soil or migration to ‘immobile’ water also provides at least part of the physical explanation for the relatively higher risk of pollution from grazing animals compared with slurry. Sampling for E. coli in field drainflow and in streamwater during a storm event in the predominantly dairy Cessnock Water catchment, Ayrshire, Scotland supported the hypothesis that E. coli transport is linked to grazing animals. For a 7‐mm rainfall event, roughly 14% of the estimated daily input from grazing livestock was transported to the river, even though little slurry spreading had occurred in the catchment in the previous month. Spot sampling of field drains in grazed fields and silage fields in the same catchment also showed that grazing animals were the principal source of E. coli and faecal streptococci.
The impact of water harvesting on soil properties in the island of Fuerteventura, Spain
Authors: Jiménez C. , Tejedor M. , Díaz F.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. In the extremely arid island of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain), a traditional water harvesting practice has evolved in slightly sloping areas, which receive runoff water from time to time. The system is particularly effective in the rehabilitation of saline–sodic soils where the improved fertility allows certain crops to be grown, which would not be possible without water harvesting. The influence of the water harvesting on soil fertility was investigated by comparing the properties of the cultivated soils receiving periodic runoff with those of natural control soils that did not receive runoff. The saline–sodic characteristics of the four uncultivated soils were absent from the four cultivated soils which, on average, contained only one quarter of the exchangeable sodium and more than twice the exchangeable calcium content. The clay and silt content of all four of the cultivated soils had been substantially enhanced relative to the control soils, by sediment contained in the runoff.
Calibration equations for Diviner 2000 capacitance measurements of volumetric soil water content of six soils
Authors: Groves S.J. , Rose S.C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Calibration coefficients for a Diviner 2000 capacitance sensor were developed under laboratory conditions for soils of six textures. The calibration equations, derived by regression analysis, significantly (P <0.001) related Diviner 2000 measurements of scaled frequency (SF) with volumetric soil water content of the soil. In all cases the calibration accounted for >93% of the variation (R2 adjusted) with the volumetric water content of the soil.
Carbon cycling and sequestration opportunities in South America: the case of Brazil
Authors: Cerri C.C. , Bernoux M. , Cerri C.E.P. , Feller C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A carbon emission inventory of the Brazilian agricultural sector was used to compare greenhouse gas emissions with estimated carbon offsets promoted by two main changes in agricultural management: the replacement of conventional tillage by no‐tillage and the cessation of annual burning in sugar cane production. Using the IPCC revised 1996 guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories, we estimate that 12.65 Mt C are emitted annually from agricultural land in Brazil. Ongoing conversion of conventionally tilled land to no‐tillage currently accumulates 9 Mt C yr−1. Industrial by‐products like alcohol and bagasse from sugar cane processing substitute fossil fuel for transportation and power generation offsetting 10 and 8 Mt C yr−1, respectively. An additional opportunity for 0.53 Mt C yr−1 sequestration is presented by avoiding burning before harvesting of sugar cane. These data show that there could be almost full compensation between sources and sinks/offsets in the agricultural carbon cycle. There is a great opportunity to achieve this mitigation benefit because the adoption of new technologies is increasing rapidly.
Movement of suspended matter and a bromide tracer to field drains in tilled and untilled soil
Authors: Petersen C.T. , Hansen S. , Jensen H.E. , Holm J. , Koch C. Bender
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Drainage water was sampled intensively during a four‐year field experiment on a sandy loam soil subjected to four unreplicated tillage treatments: (1) harrowing with a springtine harrow, drilling; (2) direct drilling; (3) ploughing with light subsurface compaction, one pass with a PTO‐driven rotary harrow, drilling; (4) ploughing, one pass with a springtine harrow, drilling. In all years, the losses of suspended matter with drainage water (0.1–4.3 kg ha−1 yr−1) were smaller by a factor of 1.9 or more from direct drilled plots than from plots subjected to the other tillage treatments, strongly suggesting that tillage increased the losses. Annual bromide losses were governed by the amount of drainage water rather than by the tillage treatments. However, after one drainage season, more bromide was left in the soil at 0–100 cm depth with ploughless tillage than with ploughing, thus indicating more bypass flow without ploughing. The study demonstrated very changeable patterns of suspended matter and bromide concentrations in drainage water sampled from large field plots, and questions the representativeness of drainage water samples for water reaching the subsoil or shallow groundwater.
Amelioration of a highly alkaline soil by trees in northern India
Authors: Mishra A. , Sharma S.D. , Pandey R. , Mishra L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A study was carried out to compare the impact of 6‐year‐old plantations of Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) D.C., Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Ex. D.C. and Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. on the physical and chemical properties of sodic soil in the Indo‐Gangetic alluvial plains of Uttar Pradesh, India. Soil properties under the three tree species showed significant improvement through a reduction in the pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium percentage, CaCO3 and gypsum requirement, and by increase in organic C, total N, and available P and K. The six years of reclamation had achieved a marked reduction in exchangeable sodium (from 11.5 to 4.5 cmolc kg−1) to a depth of 1.5 m in the soil profile, whereas the levels of exchangeable calcium, magnesium and potassium had increased. There was also a significant reduction in soil bulk density (from 1.66 to 1.24 g cm−3) and increases in porosity, water holding capacity, field capacity, permeability and infiltration rate. The equilibrium infiltration rate after 455 min increased from 0.03 cm h−1 in the control to 0.13 cm h−1 under P juliflora and D. sissoo and 0.10 cm h−1 under E. tereticornis. It is concluded that salt‐tolerant tree species have a significant impact on soil properties, which could help to rehabilitate the sodic wastelands in the region.
Can tree shelterbelts on agricultural land reduce flood risk?
Authors: Carroll Z.L. , Bird S.B. , Emmett B.A. , Reynolds B. , Sinclair F.L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Agricultural practices in the UK have come under increased scrutiny since the heavy and widespread flooding of 2000 and 2001. Although the impact of land use on runoff and flood risk is of growing concern, there are few quantitative data available. A preliminary study was undertaken in the Nant Pontbren catchment, mid‐Wales. Experimental tree shelterbelts were established in selected pastures of land used for sheep grazing. Water infiltration rates were up to 60 times higher in areas planted with young trees than in adjacent grazed pastures. This demonstrates that farm trees could represent a key landscape feature, reducing run‐off even when only present as a small proportion of the land cover. This is likely to be just one of the environmental and economic benefits of planting trees to re‐create a more diverse agricultural landscape.
Definition of sustainable and unsustainable issues in nutrient management of modern agriculture
Authors: Bergström L. , Bowman B.T. , Sims J.T.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Sustainable management of nutrients in agricultural systems is critical for sufficient production of nutritious foods and to minimize environmental pollution. In this overview, we discuss some of the most important factors influencing nutrient cycling, and how practices for sustainable nutrient management can be optimized. In most cases, problems are associated with excessive use of nutrients (manures, other organic amendments, and inorganic fertilizers). Options for dealing with such problems at the farm level include: reducing nutrient inputs to balance exports, increasing the land area on which manures are applied, and export of excess nutrients from the farm in the form of value‐added products. These strategies can be used singly, or in combination. Nutrients in the human food chain are often not recycled back to primary crop production. To manage such issues, and avoid regional nutrient accumulations, we need to develop a better understanding of large‐scale nutrient flows, and develop policies to manage them. We stress the importance of scale when considering nutrient management in the future.
Phosphorus management in balanced agricultural systems
Authors: Djodjic F. , Bergström L. , Grant C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The practice of large phosphorus (P) additions to agricultural land has resulted in an increased depletion of limited mineable rock phosphate resources, P accumulation in soils with an increased risk for P losses, and intensified eutrophication and deterioration of water quality in recipient water bodies. A number of measures have been used to reach balance between P inputs and outputs in agricultural systems, with the goal of achieving improved P use efficiency, sustained high crop yields and reduced P losses. This paper discusses how this goal may be achieved. Results from a Swedish long‐term fertility experiment combined with results of a P leaching study using a selection of soils from the fertility experiment are used to evaluate the effects of a balanced P system on yields, soil P levels and P leaching. Three P fertilizer application strategies are compared (zero P, replacement P, and a treatment where surplus P fertilization was used to achieve a rapid increase in the soil P status). The replacement P strategy appeared to be the most sustainable system but P fixation in this system must be accounted for. When surplus P rates were applied, increased crop yields were counterbalanced by poorer use efficiency and P accumulation in soil. Topsoil P content was a poor predictor of P leaching. Instead, balancing P inputs and outputs represents a first step in the management of P losses, but additional, site‐specific measures are required to counteract site‐specific factors responsible for P losses.
Soil information for agricultural decision making: a New Zealand perspective
Authors: Manderson A. , Palmer A.
Published: August 2010

Understanding of the soil resource is pivotal to our ability to use, manage and modify soils effectively and responsibly. Yet those who make the most decisions concerning soil use and management – farmers and landholders – rarely have access to reliable soil information at scales suitable for farm decision making. By default, many rely on limited local soil knowledge when making decisions that determine farm performance and environmental impact. Providing detailed nationwide soil information that is appropriate for farm decision making is feasible, as demonstrated by the achievements of several European countries and the USA. For New Zealand, a stratified programme at scales of 1:10 000 for versatile land; 1:25 000 for other agricultural land; and 1:50 000 for non‐domesticated land, would cost NZD $280 million, or NZD $11.2 million per year if spread over the useful life of the information. This investment is small relative to the economic value of agriculture, and necessary if New Zealand is to make meaningful advances in reducing current agri‐environmental trends.
Cigarette smoke exposure up‐regulates endothelin receptor B in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells: molecular and functional consequences
Authors: Milara J , Ortiz JL , Juan G , Guijarro R , Almudever P , Martorell M , Morcillo EJ , Cortijo J
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pulmonary arteries from smokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients show abnormal endothelium‐dependent vascular reactivity. We studied the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on endothelin receptor B (ETB) expression in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) and its role in endothelial dysfunction.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH ETB receptor expression was measured by real time RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence. Cell contraction, intracellular Ca2+, F/G‐actin, RhoA activity, myosin light chain phosphorylation, ET, NO, thromboxane (Tx)A2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by traction microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, phalloidin fluorescence, colorimetric assay, Western blot, elisa and DCFDA fluorescence respectively.

KEY RESULTS Cigarette smoke extract dose‐dependently increased ETB receptor expression in HPAECs after 24 h incubation. CSE‐induced ETB expression was attenuated by bosentan, the ETB receptor antagonist BQ788, the Rho kinase antagonist Y27632 and the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine. A monoclonal antibody to ET‐1 prevented CSE‐induced ETB receptor overexpression. Twenty‐four hour exposure to ET‐1 dose‐dependently increased ETB receptor expression, mimicking the effect of CSE. CSE‐induced ETB receptor overexpression caused greater cell contraction; increased intracellular Ca2+; increased F/G‐actin and RhoA activity; increased myosin light chain phosphorylation; augmented TxA2 and ROS production; and decreased NO after acute ET‐1 (10 nM). These effects were attenuated by bosentan, BQ788, Y27632 and N‐acetylcysteine.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION Cigarette smoke extract induced ETB receptor overexpression by a feed forward mechanism mediated partly by ET release, promoting HPAEC dysfunction and attenuated by ETB receptor blockade, Rho kinase and ROS inhibition. These results provide support for the use of bosentan in CS‐related endothelial dysfunction.
Astrology in the Middle Ages
Authors: Carey Hilary M.
Published: August 2010

The article reviews the history of astrology in the middle ages including its classical inheritance, ascendancy under Byzantium and Islam, and development in the Latin west. Mediaeval astrology was a part of learned, scientific culture. However, the translation movement in the high middle ages brought challenges of integration to the Latin west, reflected in condemnations and anxieties about the orthodoxy and morality of astrological judgements. It was not until relatively late that astrology was practised on a large scale in mediaeval courts and it never achieved the same level of prominence as it did under Islam. The final section considers new work on the history of astrology, including astrology and medicine and astrology and the court. The article considers major figures, including Claudius Ptolemaeus (Ptolemy), Isidore of Seville (c. 600ad), Māshā’allāh (Messahallah) (c. 735–815), Abū Ma’shar (Albumasar), Ahmad ibn Yūsuf (870–904), John of Seville (fl. 1135–1153), Alfonso X (El Sabio) of Castile (1221–1284), Albertus Magnus (1206–1280), and the fifteenth‐century astrologer historian, Simon de Phares. It is argued that astrology was an integral part of the mediaeval world view and it is impossible to understand mediaeval culture without taking it into account.
Revisiting the American Revolution
Authors: Cogliano Francis D.
Published: August 2010

Perhaps the most important development in the historiography of the American Revolution over the past generation has been the emergence of Atlantic history. Atlantic historians – often specialists in geographic areas outside of North America – have approached the American Revolution from a broad perspective, transforming our understanding of the broader causes and consequences of the Revolution while placing these in the context of the development of the British Empire during the 18th century. In so doing, they have helped to reintegrate the historiographies of the American Revolution and the British Empire. While Atlantic history has done much to invigorate the study of the American Revolution, it may be reaching the limits of its usefulness for historians of the Revolution. Many leading practitioners of oceanic history are moving beyond the Atlantic and argue that it is necessary to take a global approach to the study of the past. Such an approach is well suited to the study of transnational enterprises and activities like empires and trade, but less well suited for appreciating revolutionary upheaval and the emergence of nation states. This article reviews these historiographical developments. It argues that best way to retain the benefits of Atlantic history while avoiding its pitfalls is for historians of the American Revolution to adopt a comparative hemispheric perspective.
Re‐Forging the ‘Age of Iron’ Part I: The Tenth Century as the End of the Ancient World?
Authors: Howe John
Published: August 2010

The tenth century, once dimissed as an unpleasant ‘Age of Iron’, now receives increased attention as an important age of transition. Historians are attempting to understand how it fits into the broader narrative of Western Civilization. Some have identified it as the last act of the post‐Roman world. They identify its economy and social structures as Late Antique – at least until a ‘feudal revolution’ around the year 1000 suddenly swept them away. More professional soldiers based in new forts are said to mark the sudden advent of a new, more chaotic order. Church and state, rebuilding together after the invasions and civil wars of the late ninth century, self‐consciously attempted, with varying degrees of success, to model themselves on Roman precedents. This movement culminated in the reign of Emperor Otto III (983–1002), who relocated the capital to Rome and dedicated himself ‘to renew the ancient customs of the Romans’. The points of tangency cited between the Later Roman world and the tenth century are impressive, but a definitive judgement also requires that the century’s novel aspects be considered.
The Making of ‘African Sexuality’: Early Sources, Current Debates
Authors: Epprecht Marc
Published: August 2010

The notion that Africans share a common sexual culture distinct from people elsewhere in the world has for many years been a staple of popular culture, health, academic, and political discourse in the West as well as in Africa. Sometimes overtly racist (Black Peril) but sometimes intended to combat patronizing or colonialist stereotypes, the idea of a singular African sexuality remains an obstacle to the development of sexual rights and effective sexual health interventions. Where did the idea come from, and how has it become so embedded in our imaginations right across the political spectrum? This article traces the idea back in time to its earliest articulations by explorers, ethnographers, and psychiatrists, as well as to contestations of the idea in scholarship, fiction, and film influenced by Africa’s emerging gay rights movement. It asks, what can we learn about the making of ‘African sexuality’ as an idea in the past that may suggest ways to challenge its enduring, harmful impacts in the present?
Material Histories in Australia and New Zealand: Interweaving Distinct Material and Social Domains
Authors: Labrum Bronwyn
Published: August 2010

Many scholars have observed that we have recently witnessed a ‘material turn’, a term which acknowledges the broad interest over a range of social science and humanities disciplines in material culture, objects or stuff, however it is named. This article asks whether there has been a comparable material turn in Australia and New Zealand historical studies. It chart the contours of that scholarship, drawing on the author’s own work and selected studies by Australasian historians. Noting that there is a bifurcation between object‐focussed and object‐driven researches, the article concludes with suggestions for future directions in research, drawing on the wider interdisciplinary work in this area.
Equilibrium Adsorption Values of Leuco Vat Dyes on Cotton
Authors: PETERS R. H. , SUMNER H. H.
Published: August 2010

The equilibrium adsorption of a series of leuco vat dyes on cotton has been measured in various concentrations of sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide. From the results the thermodynamic affinities have been calculated. Deviations from theory are observed in so far as the affinities are not constant, but show a regular drift as the concentration of electrolyte is changed. This drift is more apparent when the added electrolyte is sodium chloride than when it is sodium hydroxide. Two explanations for these deviations from theory are proposed and discussed— either the theory is inadequate to account for the facts, or the leuco solutions of the dyes are not true solutions but are in fact aggregated.
Identification of Application Classes of Dyes on Man–made Fibres
Authors: SUBRAMANIAN R. V. R. , TARAPOREWALA K. S.
Published: August 2010

A scheme for the rapid identification of the application class of dyes on man–made fibres is presented. This scheme obviates the need to identify the classes of fibres present in a sample, except with regard to protein fibres, as well as the need to identify the dyes present on each class of fibre separately.
The Dyeing of Dacron 84 and its Blends with Wool
Authors: Park Jim , Davis W. Sylvia
Published: August 2010

Dacron 84, a modified basic‐dyeable polyester fibre, can be dyed satisfactorily only with a limited range of basic and disperse dyes. A dye‐screening procedure is described, and a dye selection is given. Various carriers have been assessed. The costs of different dyeing processes are compared. The dyeing of Dacron 84‐wool blends is described, and the effect of processing on the properties of the cloth is mentioned.
Single Number Shade Passing in Yarn Package Dyeing
Authors: Park J. , Thompson T. M.
Published: August 2010

In a modern yarn package dyeing operation, where blind—dyeing techniques are extensively used, an effective, but critical, system of quality control is necessary so that dyelots are examined before they are unloaded from the dyeing frames for subsequent processing. This quality control system depends on sampling a number of packages throughout the dyelot and comparing these against the standard for shade and levelness. With the installation of a colour physics package, the examination of these swatches can be carried out instrumentalfy rather than by visual means.

The work described was carried out on an I. C. S. Colour Physics package using theJPC 1979 formula [2] as the pass/ fail program. The outstanding feature of this program is that it does not require tolerances to be set out for individual colour centres. Instrumental and visual assessments on a large number of shades for various end—uses have been compared and good agreement between the two methods has been obtained. It has been possible to set up a pass/fail colour tolerance for a number of end—uses based on a single number, i. e. ΔE.

It is likely that instrumental methods will eventually replace completely the current visual shade passing of package—dyed yarn. The use of non‐physical standards is also being investigated.
New methods for improving the dyeability of cellulose fibres with reactive dyes*
Authors: Lewis D M , Lei X P
Published: August 2010

Cellulose fibres may be dyed with reactive dyes in the absence of added electrolyte under neutral to slightly acidic conditions provided the fibre is modified to include cationic sites. The effect of amine substitution has been examined in detail using the activated substrate prepared by the reaction of cotton with N‐methylolacrylamide. Dyes containing pendant aliphatic amino groups were also prepared and their reactivity towards the pre‐activated cotton substrate assessed.
The effect of sputter etching on the surface characteristics of black‐dyed polyamide fabrics
Authors: Ryu Jangmi , Dai Jinjin , Koo Kang , Wakida Tomiji
Published: August 2010

Wool, silk, nylon 6 and Chinon (promix fibre) fabrics dyed with Cl Acid Black 155 were subjected to sputter etching and also exposed to a low‐temperature argon plasma. Many microcraters were formed on the fibre surface by the sputter etching technique and the depth of shade of the fabrics increased considerably. Neither of these effects was observed following argon plasma treatment.
Interneuron subtype specific activation of mGluR1/5 during epileptiform activity in hippocampus
Authors: Sanon Nathalie T , Pelletier Joe Guillaume , Carmant Lionel , Lacaille Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2010

Purpose:  Specific inhibitory interneurons in area CA1 of the hippocampus, notably those located in stratum oriens–alveus (O/A‐INs), are selectively vulnerable in patients and animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The excitotoxic mechanisms underlying the selective vulnerability of interneurons have not been identified but could involve group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes (mGluR1/5), which have generally proconvulsive actions and activate prominent cationic currents and calcium responses specifically in O/A‐INs.

Methods:  In this study, we examine the role of mGluR1/5 in interneurons during epileptiform activity using whole‐cell recordings from CA1 O/A‐INs and selective antagonists of mGluR1α (LY367385) and mGluR5 (MPEP) in a disinhibited rat hippocampal slice model of epileptiform activity.

Results:  Our data indicate more prominent epileptiform burst discharges and paroxysmal depolarizations (PDs) in O/A‐INs than in interneurons located at the border of strata radiatum and lacunosum/moleculare (R/LM‐INs). In addition, mGluR1 and mGluR5 significantly contributed to epileptiform responses in O/A‐INs but not in R/LM‐INs. Epileptiform burst discharges in O/A‐INs were partly dependent on mGluR5. PDs and associated postsynaptic currents were dependent on both mGluR1α and mGluR5. These receptors contributed differently to postsynaptic currents underlying PDs, with mGluR5 contributing to the fast and slow components and mGluR1α to the slow component.

Discussion:  These findings support interneuron subtype‐specific activation and differential contributions of mGluR1α and mGluR5 to epileptiform activity in O/A‐INs, which could be important for their selective vulnerability in TLE.
Examining the Diversity of Prosocial Behavior: Helping, Sharing, and Comforting in Infancy
Authors: Dunfield Kristen , Kuhlmeier Valerie A. , O’Connell Laura , Kelley Elizabeth
Published: August 2010

Prosocial behaviors are a diverse group of actions that are integral to human social life. In this study, we examined the ability of 18‐ and 24‐month‐old infants to engage in three types of other‐oriented behaviors, specifically helping, sharing, and comforting. Infants in both age groups engaged in more prosocial behavior on trials in which an unfamiliar adult experimenter required aid (experimental conditions) than on those in which she did not (control conditions) across two of the three prosocial tasks (i.e., helping and sharing). The infants engaged in these behaviors with similar frequency; however, there was no correlation between the tasks. The implications for the construct of prosocial behavior and the presence of a prosocial disposition are discussed.
Donor and Nondonor Motivations
Authors: Leibrecht B. C. , Hogan J. M. , Luz G. A. , Tobias K. I.
Published: August 2010

In an attempt to gain insight into the motivations of blood donors and nondonors, two paper and pencil questionnaires were developed and mailed to approximately 7,000 individuals. In response, 1,429 nondonors and 200 donors completed and returned usable questionnaires. Among donors, awareness of the need for blood, altruism, and investment for the future (blood credit) were the chief motivating factors. Among nondonors the major deterrent was belief in medical disqualification. Of the 33 per cent who claimed medical disqualification, 40 per cent gave clearly invalid or questionable reasons. Fear, while a substantial factor among nondonors, was not as great a deterrent to blood donation as had been previously thought. A dimension focusing upon failure to confront the issue of donating was derived and found to equal or exceed fear in importance. The influence of such items as sex, age, number of donations, and number of children on reasons expressed was examined. The major results were compared with the findings of previous studies. An approach‐avoidance model of blood donation was outlined, and implications for donor recruitment are discussed.
Books Received
Authors: Schorr Julian B.
Published: August 2010

Hematology: Physiopathologic Basis for Clinical Practice. Paul R. Reich

Hematology for Practitioners. Marshall A. Licht‐man, Ed.

Overview of Blood—1978. C. Bishop, Ed.

The Physiology of Adequate Perfusion. Edward C. Berger. St. Louis, C. V. Mosby
Book Review
Authors: Perkins Herbert A.
Published: August 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

AIDS. A Basic Guide for Clinicians. Edited by Peter Ebbesen, Robert J. Biggar, and Mads Melbye.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA screening of blood donations in minipools with the COBAS AmpliScreen HBV test
Authors: Kleinman S.H. , Strong D.M. , Tegtmeier G.G.E. , Holland P.V. , Gorlin J.B. , Cousins C. , Chiacchierini R.P , Pietrelli L.A.
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: The risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission by blood transfusion (estimated at 1 in 63,000‐1 in 205,000 units in the United States) exceeds that of hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Reduction of window‐period HBV transmissions through detection of HBV DNA–positive units by minipool nucleic acid testing (MP  NAT) would be expected to decrease this risk.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A large multicenter study of the COBAS AmpliScreen HBV test (Roche Molecular Systems) was conducted on minipools of 24 blood donation specimens. The yield of HBV DNA–positive, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative window‐period donations was determined relative to current and newly licensed HBsAg assays. Donors with selected HBV DNA, HBsAg, and anti‐hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) results were further evaluated.

RESULTS: The detection rate of window‐period units was 1 in 352,451 (95% confidence interval, 1 in 2,941,176‐1 in 97,561). Assay specificity was high (99.9964%). HBV DNA was detected in 84 percent of HBsAg‐positive, anti‐HBc–positive donations by MP NAT and in 94 percent when individual‐donation (ID) NAT was added. HBV DNA was detected in 0.03 percent of HBsAg‐negative, anti‐HBc–positive donations by MP NAT and in 0.41 percent when ID NAT was added.

CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of HBV MP NAT will provide an increment in safety relative to HBV serologic screening, similar to that for HCV and in excess of that for HIV. Our data indicate that the implementation of HBV MP NAT would likely interdict 39 HBV window‐period units and prevent 56 cases of transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection annually. The current data indicate that HBV MP NAT should not lead to discontinuation of anti‐HBc testing but that discontinuation of HBsAg testing with retention of anti‐HBc testing may be possible.
Nondeletional ABO*O alleles frequently cause blood donor typing problems
Authors: Wagner Franz F. , Blasczyk Rainer , Seltsam Axel
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: Difficulties in the demonstration of expected isoagglutinins is a common problem in ABO reverse typing. Some nondeletional ABO*O alleles have been shown to encode for the expression of minimal amounts of A antigen, resulting in very weak anti‐A activity in some cases. It is unknown whether minor problems with ABO reverse typing are related to specific ABO*O alleles.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Among 2196 blood group O red cell (RBC) donations, the ABO alleles of those donations in which the isoagglutinins were incorrectly identified were analyzed with an autoanalyzer. The presence of nondeletional ABO alleles was determined by sequence‐specific priming and sequencing.

RESULTS: Fifty (2.3%) of the group O RBC donations tested had to be typed manually because of isoagglutinin detection problems in automated typing: reduced anti‐A activity was observed in 45 cases, reduced anti‐B activity in 4 cases, and variably reduced isoagglutinin activity in 1 case. The nondeletional ABO*O alleles ABO*O03 and ABO*Aw08 were implicated in 38 of these 50 cases (1.7% of all blood group O donors). The remaining samples, including those with reduced anti‐B activities, were homozygous for deletional ABO*O alleles.

CONCLUSION: Nondeletional ABO*O alleles are the most frequent cause of isoagglutinin detection problems in blood group O donors.
Hemolysis during percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy can mimic a hemolytic transfusion reaction
Authors: Mair D.C. , Eastlund T. , Rosen G. , Covin R. , Harmon J.V. , Menser M. , Carr R. , Shrwany S.
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: Interventional radiologists have developed percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) devices to remove intravascular thrombi. Hemolysis, secondary to thrombus destruction from these devices, has been described in radiology journals, but similar reports appear to be lacking in the transfusion medicine literature. Two cases of hemolysis after PMT are described that involved the transfusion service, one of which was reported as a hemolytic transfusion reaction.

CASE REPORTS: The first patient received 4 units of red cells (RBCs) during a thrombectomy and subsequent placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The patient developed hemoglobinuria, and it was reported to the blood bank as a possible hemolytic transfusion reaction. After RBC mismatch and bacterial contamination were excluded, the hemolysis was attributed to thrombectomy‐related mechanical hemolysis. In the second case, a hemolyzed sample was sent to the blood bank for a type and cross‐match. Upon requesting that the sample be redrawn, it was learned that the sample was obtained after PMT.

CONCLUSION: Patients who have undergone PMT can have clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of hemolytic transfusion reactions. Although interventional radiologists are familiar with these side effects, the blood bank profession needs to be aware that these procedures cause nonimmune hemolysis and must consider this possibility when evaluating transfusion reactions in these patients.
Cytomegalovirus Encephalitis Occurring after Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Cordonnier C. , Feuilhade F. , Vernant J. P. , Marsault C. , Rodet M. , Rochant H.
Published: August 2010

4 months after a bone marrow transplantation performed for acute lymphocytic leukaemia, a 28‐year‐old man had encephalitis. A brain CT scan revealed bilateral and symmetrical temporal hypodense areas. Serological studies revealed a recent CMV conversion in serum and a higher conversion in cerebral spinal fluid. All other viral antibodies remained at low levels, especially for herpes simplex virus. Because of a high incidence of CMV infection after bone marrow transplantation, the responsability of CMV as the cause of the encephalitis is discussed.
Why Concentration of Serum Ferritin does not in All Circumstances Reflect Storage Iron but is Still of Value in its Estimation
Authors: Rajantie J. , Siimes M. A.
Published: August 2010

We describe a 10‐year‐old girl with familial haemochromatosis which is associated with a normal concentration of S‐ferritin, myocardial disease and diabetes mellitus. We speculate that iron is accumulated primarily in the heart and pancreas as such isoferritins are not detected by the routine assay of serum ferritin based on antispleen or placenta ferritin. Further, this condition is compared with lysinuric protein intolerance, an inborn error of diamino‐acid transport where an opposite discrepancy between S‐ferritin and storage iron is seen.