bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Course of Risk Factors in Cancer Etiology and Progression
Authors: Wei Esther K. , Wolin Kathleen Y. , Colditz Graham A.
Published: July 2010

Patients with cancer increasingly ask what they can do to change their lifestyles and improve outcomes. Risk factors for onset of cancer may differ substantially from those that modify survival with implications for counseling. This review focuses on recent data derived from population-based studies of causes of cancer and of patients with cancer to contrast risk factors for etiology with those that impact survival. For different cancer sites, the level of information to inform the timing of lifestyle exposures and risk of disease onset or progression after diagnosis is often limited. For breast cancer, timing of some exposures, such as radiation, is particularly important. For other exposures, such as physical activity, higher levels may prevent onset and also improve survival. For colon cancer, study of precursor polyps has provided additional insight to timing. Extensive data indicate that physical activity reduces risk of colon cancer, and more limited data suggest that exposure after diagnosis improves survival. Dietary factors including folate and calcium may also reduce risk of onset. More limited data on prostate cancer point to obesity increasing risk of aggressive or advanced disease. Timing of change in lifestyle for change in risk of onset and for survival is important but understudied among patients with cancer. Counseling patients with cancer to increase physical activity and avoid weight gain may improve outcomes. Advice to family members on lifestyle may become increasingly important for breast and other cancers where family history is a strong risk factor.
Weight, Physical Activity, Diet, and Prognosis in Breast and Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: McTiernan Anne , Irwin Melinda , VonGruenigen Vivian
Published: July 2010

Diet, physical activity, and weight may affect prognosis among women who are diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer. Observational studies show associations between being overweight or obese and weight gain with several measures of reduced prognosis in women with breast cancer and some suggestion of poor prognosis in underweight women. Observational studies have shown an association between higher levels of physical activity and improved breast cancer–specific and all-cause mortality, although a dose-response relationship has not been established. One large randomized controlled trial reported increased disease-free survival after a mean of 5 years in patients with breast cancer randomly assigned to a low-fat diet versus control. However, another trial of similar size found no effect from a high vegetable/fruit, low-fat diet on breast cancer prognosis. The few reported studies suggest that obesity negatively affects endometrial cancer survival, while the limited data are mixed for associations of weight with ovarian cancer prognosis. Insufficient data exist for assessing associations of weight, physical activity, or diet with prognosis in other gynecologic cancers. Associations of particular micronutrient intake and alcohol use with prognosis are not defined for any of these cancers. The effects of dietary weight loss and increase in physical activity on survival or recurrence in breast and gynecologic cancers are not yet established, and randomized controlled trials are needed for definitive data.
Absence of Biallelic TCRγ Deletion Predicts Early Treatment Failure in Pediatric T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Gutierrez Alejandro , Dahlberg Suzanne E. , Neuberg Donna S. , Zhang Jianhua , Grebliunaite Ruta , Sanda Takaomi , Protopopov Alexei , Tosello Valeria , Kutok Jeffery , Larson Richard S. , Borowitz Michael J. , Loh Mignon L. , Ferrando Adolfo A. , Winter Stuart S. , Mullighan Charles G. , Silverman Lewis B. , Chin Lynda , Hunger Stephen P. , Sallan Stephen E. , Look A. Thomas
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To identify children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) at high risk of induction chemotherapy failure by using DNA copy number analysis of leukemic cells collected at diagnosis.

Patients and Methods

Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was performed on genomic DNA extracted from diagnostic lymphoblasts from 47 children with T-ALL treated on Children's Oncology Group Study P9404 or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Protocol 00-01. These samples represented nine patients who did not achieve an initial complete remission, 13 who relapsed, and 25 who became long-term, event-free survivors. The findings were confirmed in an independent cohort of patients by quantitative DNA polymerase chain reaction (DNA-PCR), an assay that is well suited for clinical application.

Results

Analysis of the CGH findings in patients in whom induction chemotherapy failed compared with those in whom induction chemotherapy was successful identified the absence of biallelic TCRγ locus deletion (ABD), a characteristic of early thymocyte precursors before V(D)J recombination, as the most robust predictor of induction failure (P < .001). This feature was also associated with markedly inferior event-free (P = .002) and overall survival (P < .001) rates: 25% versus 58% and 25% versus 72%, respectively. Using a rapid and inexpensive quantitative DNA-PCR assay, we validated ABD as a predictor of a poor response to induction chemotherapy in an independent series of patients.

Conclusion

Lymphoblasts from children with T-ALL should be evaluated at diagnosis for deletion within the TCRγ locus. Patients lacking biallelic deletion, which confers a high probability of induction failure with contemporary therapy, should be assigned to alternative therapy in the context of a prospective clinical trial.
Bortezomib Plus Dexamethasone Induction Improves Outcome of Patients With t(4;14) Myeloma but Not Outcome of Patients With del(17p)
Authors: Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Leleu Xavier , Roussel Murielle , Moreau Philippe , Guerin-Charbonnel Catherine , Caillot Denis , Marit Gérald , Benboubker Lotfi , Voillat Laurent , Mathiot Claire , Kolb Brigitte , Macro Margaret , Campion Loïc , Wetterwald Marc , Stoppa Anne-Marie , Hulin Cyrille , Facon Thierry , Attal Michel , Minvielle Stéphane , Harousseau Jean-Luc
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Cytogenetics is an important prognostic parameter in multiple myeloma (MM). Patients presenting with either t(4;14) or del(17p) are known to have a short event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Some preliminary data suggest that bortezomib is able to overcome these prognostic parameters.

Patients and Methods

A series of 507 patients with newly diagnosed MM who received four cycles of bortezomib-dexamethasone induction therapy before high-dose melphalan were analyzed for both t(4;14) and del(17p).

Results

We found that both t(4;14) and del(17p) remain prognostic parameters, even in the context of bortezomib treatment. However, it is important to note that bortezomib significantly improves the prognosis (in terms of both EFS and OS) of patients with t(4;14), compared with patients treated with vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone induction therapy. In contrast, no improvement was observed for del(17p) patients.

Conclusion

Short-term bortezomib induction improves outcome of patients with t(4;14) but not the outcome of patients with del(17p). However, both abnormalities remain prognostic factors predicting both EFS and OS despite bortezomib induction.
Performance analysis of a combined cooling, heating, and power system driven by a waste biomass fired Stirling engine
Authors: Harrod J , Mago P J
Published: July 2010

Due to the soaring costs and demand of energy in recent years, combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems have arisen as an alternative to conventional power generation based on their potential to provide reductions in cost, primary energy consumption, and emissions. However, the application of these systems is commonly limited to internal combustion engine prime movers that use natural gas as the primary fuel source. Investigation of more efficient prime movers and renewable fuel applications is an integral part of improving CCHP technology. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the performance of a CCHP system driven by a biomass fired Stirling engine. The study is carried out by considering an hour-by-hour CCHP simulation for a small office building located in Atlanta, Georgia. The hourly thermal and electrical demands for the building were obtained using the EnergyPlus software. Results for burning waste wood chip biomass are compared to results obtained burning natural gas to illustrate the effects of fuel choice and prime mover power output on the overall CCHP system performance. Based on the specified utility rates and including excess production buyback, the results suggest that fuel prices of less than $23/MWh must be maintained for savings in cost compared to the conventional case. In addition, the performance of the CCHP system using the Stirling engine is compared with the conventional system performance. This comparison is based on operational cost and primary energy consumption. When electricity can be sold back to the grid, results indicate that a wood chip fired system yields a potential cost savings of up to 50 per cent and a 20 per cent increase in primary energy consumption as compared with the conventional system. On the other hand, a natural gas fired system is shown to be ineffective for cost and primary energy consumption savings with increases of up to 85 per cent and 24 per cent compared to the conventional case, respectively. The variations in the operational cost and primary energy consumption are also shown to be sensitive to the electricity excess production and buyback rate.
Stability analysis of an electrically actuated microbeam using the Melnikov theorem and Poincaré mapping
Authors: Zamanian M , Khadem S E
Published: July 2010

In this article, the stability of a microbeam under an electric actuation is studied. The electric actuation is induced by applying a voltage between the microbeam and an electrode plate that lies at the opposite side of the microbeam. In microswitches, the electric actuation is applied as a DC voltage, and in microresonators it is applied as a combination of AC—DC voltages. It is assumed that the midplane of the microbeam is stretched when it is deflected. It is also shown that by the altering DC electric actuation as a control parameter in a microswitch system, a stable and an unstable branches of equilibrium solution is observed, which meet each other at a saddle-node bifurcation point. The stability of a microresonator is studied using the phase plane diagram and Poincaré mapping. It is shown that depending on the value of damping factor, AC and DC electric voltages, and other parameters of the microresonator, a periodic solution, a quasi periodic, or a pull-in instability may be realized. The prediction of possible chaotic behaviour for microresonator is studied using the Melnikov theorem. It is shown that although for selected domain of system parameters the Melnikov function is satisfied for occurrence of chaotic behaviour, for theses parameter values the pull-in instability occurs before going into the chaotic behaviour. Briefly, the system does not realize any chaotic behaviour.
Numerical study of the fin effect on mixed convection heat transfer in a lid-driven cavity
Authors: Darzi A A R , Farhadi M , Sedighi K
Published: July 2010

In this study, the mixed convective heat transfer in a lid-driven cavity was investigated numerically. The finite volume discritization method was used to solve the momentum and energy equations by using the classic Boussinesq incompressible approximation. The cavity vertical walls are insulated whereas the bottom (hot wall) and top (cold wall) surface are maintained at a uniform temperature and fins are located on bottom wall. The effect of fin numbers over the flow field and heat transfer was investigated at various Richardson numbers. Study was carried out for Richardson numbers ranging from 0.01 to 10, fin numbers between 1 and 7, fin height ratio change from 0.05 to 0.3, and thermal conductivity ratio (fin to fluid) from 10 to 104, respectively. The results are presented in the form of streamlines, temperature contours, and Nusselt number distributions. The results show that the Nusselt number increases when the number of fin and fin height decrease. In addition, in all cases an increasing Richardson number caused increasing the relative Nusselt number ( Nu / Nu0). The heat transfer enhancement was observed at low fin numbers (1 and 3) and high Richardson number in comparison with the cavity without fins.
Finite-element modelling of two-disc shrink fit assembly and an evaluation of material pairs of discs
Authors: Ozturk F
Published: July 2010

In this study, a two-disc shrink fit assembly was modelled in two dimension using ABAQUS/Standard to determine the interfacial pressures with respect to the interferences. Steel—steel and steel—aluminium material pairs were considered. Inner disc of the assembly was considered as hollow and solid shafts, respectively. The results indicate that the finite-element results were in good agreement with the analytical results. In the hollow shaft assembly, both the hollow shaft and the outer disc had non-uniform stress distribution. In the solid shaft assembly, uniform stress distribution for the solid shaft and non-uniform stress distribution for the outer disc were determined. It was pointed out that same pressure can be obtained by different interference with different material pairs. If the assembly has complex shapes, the finite-element method gives more comprehensive and accurate results than the analytical method.
Non-Linear Analysis of Disc Brake-Induced Vibrations for Railway Vehicles
Authors: Zeng J , Luo R
Published: July 2010

In this article, a two-degree-of-freedom model for the disc brake system is set up by considering the vertical motion of the brake unit and the pitch motion of the bogie frame, and the sliding friction interface between the brake lining and disc is included in the model. Using the Hurwitz determinants, an algebraic criterion for determining the Hopf bifurcation point of the system is proposed. The vehicle speed at the Hopf bifurcation point is defined as the critical speed where the equilibrium position of the disc brake system loses stability and the limit cycle emerges. In order to investigate the stability of the disc brake system, parametric studies are undertaken. It is shown that the mass of brake unit, vertical damping of primary suspension, friction coefficient, and brake normal force between the lining and disc have significant influences on the critical speed. The instability of the system may not occur if the parameters are properly designed. The limit cycle arisen due to the loss of stability of the equilibrium position is studied using the numerical integration method. It is found that once the brake system loses its stability at a certain speed, the stick—slip motion occurs and the limit cycle oscillation will last until the vehicle comes to a standstill. It is also known that the frequency of limit cycle is significantly affected by the mass and suspended stiffness of the brake unit but is not related to the vehicle speed in the braking process.
Iodine intake in Portuguese pregnant women: results of a countrywide study
Authors: Limbert E , Prazeres S , São Pedro M , Madureira D , Miranda A , Ribeiro M , Jacome de Castro J , Carrilho F , Oliveira M J , Reguengo H , Borges F , _ _
Published: July 2010

Background

Iodine is the key element for thyroid hormone synthesis, and its deficiency, even moderate, is harmful in pregnancy, when needs are increased, because of its potential deleterious effects on fetal brain development. In Portugal, no recent data on iodine intake exists. The objective of this countrywide study was to analyze iodine status in pregnant Portuguese women in order to propose adequate measures to the health authorities.

Subjects and methods

Using a fast colorimetric method, urine iodine concentration (UIC) was evaluated in 3631 pregnant women followed in 17 maternity hospitals from hinterland and coastal areas in Continental Portugal and the Portuguese islands of Açores and Madeira.

Results

Median UIC value was 84.9 μg/l (range 67.6–124.1) in Continental Portugal, 69.5 μg/l in Madeira, and 50.0 μg/l in Açores. The percentage of satisfactory values (>150 μg/l) was 16.8, ranging from 8.8 to 34.1 in the Continent, and being 8.2 in Madeira and 2.3 in Açores. The percentage of values below 50 μg/l was 23.7, ranging from 14.0 to 37.4 in the Continent, 33.7 in Madeira, and 50.0 in Açores.

Conclusions

Our results point to an inadequate iodine intake in pregnant women assisted in most Portuguese maternity hospitals. Considering the potential deleterious effects of inadequate iodine supply in pregnancy, iodine supplementation is strongly recommended in this period of life.
Lack of Association Between Acellular Pertussis Vaccine and Seizures in Early Childhood
Authors: Huang Wan-Ting , Gargiullo Paul M. , Broder Karen R. , Weintraub Eric S. , Iskander John K. , Klein Nicola P. , Baggs James M. ,   for the Vaccine Safety Datalink Team
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Receipt of diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus toxoids-pertussis [DTP]) is associated with seizures. Limited population-based studies have been conducted on the risk for seizures after receipt of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis [DTaP]).

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective study from 1997 through 2006 by using risk-interval cohort and self-controlled case series (SCCS) analyses on automated data at 7 managed care organizations that participate in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). Eligible children included the 1997–2006 VSD cohort of patients who were aged 6 weeks to 23 months and had not received DTP during the study period. A seizure event (febrile or afebrile) was defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnoses assigned to an inpatient or emergency department setting. The exposed period was composed of a predefined 4 person-days after each DTaP dose. All of the remaining observation periods outside the exposed periods were categorized as unexposed. The risk-interval cohort method compared the incidence of seizures between the exposed and unexposed cohorts. In the SCCS method, the comparison was performed between the same patient's exposed and unexposed period.

RESULTS:

We identified 7191 seizure events among 433654 children. The adjusted incidence rate ratio of seizures across all doses was 0.87 in cohort analysis and 0.91 in SCCS analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

We did not observe an increased risk for seizures after DTaP vaccination among children who were aged 6 weeks to 23 months. These findings provide reassuring evidence on the safety of DTaP with respect to seizures.
National Hospitalization Trends for Pediatric Pneumonia and Associated Complications
Authors: Lee Grace E. , Lorch Scott A. , Sheffler-Collins Seth , Kronman Matthew P. , Shah Samir S.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To determine current rates of and trends in hospitalizations for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and CAP-associated complications among children.

METHODS:

We performed a cross-sectional, retrospective, cohort study by using the 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database. National estimates for CAP and CAP-associated local and systemic complication rates were calculated for children ≤18 years of age. Patients with comorbid conditions or in-hospital birth status were excluded. Percentage changes were calculated by using 1997 (before heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV7]) and 2006 (after PCV7) data.

RESULTS:

There were a total of 619 102 CAP discharges for 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006, after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall rates of CAP discharges did not change substantially between 1997 and 2006, but stratification according to age revealed a 22% decrease for children <1 year of age, minimal change for children 1 to 5 years of age, and increases for children 6 to 12 years (22%) and ≥13 years (41%) of age. Systemic complication rates were highest among children <1 year of age but decreased by 36%. In all other age groups, systemic complication rates remained stable. Local complication rates increased 78% overall. Children 1 to 5 years of age had the highest local complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS:

After the introduction of PCV7 in 2000, rates of CAP-associated systemic complications decreased only for children <1 year of age. Rates of pediatric CAP-associated local complications are increasing in all age groups.
Risk for PHACE Syndrome in Infants With Large Facial Hemangiomas
Authors: Haggstrom Anita N. , Garzon Maria C. , Baselga Eulalia , Chamlin Sarah L. , Frieden Ilona J. , Holland Kristen , Maguiness Sheilagh , Mancini Anthony J. , McCuaig Catherine , Metry Denise W. , Morel Kimberly , Powell Julie , Perkins Susan M. , Siegel Dawn , Drolet Beth A.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES:

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of posterior fossae of the brain, arterial anomalies, cardiac anomalies, and eye anomalies (PHACE) in infants with large facial hemangiomas. The extracutaneous manifestations of PHACE may be associated with significant morbidity, and the prevalence of PHACE in patients with facial hemangiomas has not previously been reported.

METHODS:

A multicenter prospective study was conducted with 108 infants who had large facial hemangiomas and were systematically evaluated for manifestations of PHACE. The prevalence of PHACE and its extracutaneous manifestations in this cohort was calculated. The relationship between hemangioma distribution and the manifestations of PHACE was analyzed.

RESULTS:

Thirty-three (31%) of 108 had PHACE. Thirty of the 33 patients with PHACE had >1 extracutaneous finding. The risk for PHACE syndrome was higher in infants with larger hemangiomas and in those with hemangiomas that encompassed >1 facial segment. The most common extracutaneous anomalies observed in infants with PHACE were of the arteries of the cerebrovasculature (91%) and cardiac anomalies (67%). Upper face (frontotemporal and frontonasal) hemangiomas were commonly observed in infants with PHACE; isolated maxillary hemangiomas were rarely associated with PHACE.

CONCLUSIONS:

In infants with large facial hemangiomas, one-third have extracutaneous manifestations consistent with the diagnosis of PHACE syndrome, most commonly cerebrovascular and cardiovascular anomalies. The high prevalence of arterial anomalies in this cohort has implications for clinical management and future research regarding the pathophysiology of PHACE.
Prevalence and Complications of Single-Gene and Chromosomal Disorders in Craniosynostosis
Authors: Wilkie Andrew O. M. , Byren Jo C. , Hurst Jane A. , Jayamohan Jayaratnam , Johnson David , Knight Samantha J. L. , Lester Tracy , Richards Peter G. , Twigg Stephen R. F. , Wall Steven A.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES:

We describe the first cohort-based analysis of the impact of genetic disorders in craniosynostosis. We aimed to refine the understanding of prognoses and pathogenesis and to provide rational criteria for clinical genetic testing.

METHODS:

We undertook targeted molecular genetic and cytogenetic testing for 326 children who required surgery because of craniosynostosis, were born in 1993–2002, presented to a single craniofacial unit, and were monitored until the end of 2007.

RESULTS:

Eighty-four children (and 64 relatives) had pathologic genetic alterations (86% single-gene mutations and 14% chromosomal abnormalities). The FGFR3 P250R mutation was the single largest contributor (24%) to the genetic group. Genetic diagnoses accounted for 21% of all craniosynostosis cases and were associated with increased rates of many complications. Children with an initial clinical diagnosis of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis were more likely to have a causative mutation if the synostoses were unicoronal or bicoronal (10 of 48 cases) than if they were sagittal or metopic (0 of 55 cases; P = .0003). Repeat craniofacial surgery was required for 58% of children with single-gene mutations but only 17% of those with chromosomal abnormalities (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinical genetic assessment is critical for the treatment of children with craniosynostosis. Genetic testing of nonsyndromic cases (at least for FGFR3 P250R and FGFR2 exons IIIa/c) should be targeted to patients with coronal or multisuture synostoses. Single-gene disorders that disrupt physiologic signaling in the cranial sutures often require reoperation, whereas chromosomal abnormalities follow a more-indolent course, which suggests a different, secondary origin of the associated craniosynostosis.
Development of Crop Resistance to Diseases and Nematodes
Authors: Johnson Herbert W.
Published: July 2010

Attention is given to the scope of the problem involved in breeding for disease resistance, past accomplishments, and problems and challenges of the future.

The scope of the problem is outlined in terms of the number of crop species, the number of crop diseases, and the vast acreage devoted to crops. All crop species are assumed to have a minimum of one disease that must be controlled by resistant varieties or by chemicals.

Past accomplishments are illustrated with data demonstrating that chemicals are used to control diseases on only a small percentage of the high‐acreage field crops. Varieties resistant to important diseases are responsible for the limited use of chemicals on these crops. The extensive use of chemicals to control diseases of fruits and vegetables, and the possible consequences in man's food chain, are noted.

Problems identified as needing increased attention in the 1970's include the allocation of resources, cooperative approaches to disease control, generalized sources of resistance, genetic diversity and non‐nuclear inheritance, diseases caused by deficiencies or excesses of minerals, and biological control of seedling diseases.
Use of Organisms to Control Insect Pests
Authors: Knipling E. F.
Published: July 2010

Living organisms or products derived from living organisms offer the means of dealing with many insect pest problems. The well‐known method of importing insect parasites or insect predators of alien pests has been successful to partially successful for controlling a wide range of pests. The possibility of making natural biotic agents more effective and dependable by making periodic releases of insect parasites, insect predators, and insect diseases is receiving more attention in view of great strides in the development of mass rearing methods for insects. The use of insects for their own destruction by employing sterilized or genetically altered insects is a new technique employed successfully against the screwworm and tropical fruit flies. The technique is offering promise for other major agricultural pests and disease vectors including the boll weevil, pink bollworm, codling moth, and tsetse flies. The use of pheromones derived from insects, a highly selective chemical approach to insect population management, is another promising approach receiving increased attention in research. Much research remains to be done to fully develop the use of organisms for managing insect pests. Conventional chemicals will remain the chief means of insect pest control for the foreseeable future but biological organisms in one or more ways should eventually play a prominent role in pest management systems.
Edaphic Aspects of the Disposal of Unused Pesticides, Pesticide Wastes, and Pesticide Containers
Authors: Stojanovic B. J. , Kennedy M. V. , Shuman F. L.
Published: July 2010

With a view toward the disposal of large quantities of pesticides in the soil, the biodegradation and the effects on the soil microflora of 20 single analytical grade and formulated pesticides and 7 mixtures of formulations were investigated in a calcareous West Point loam. The soil was amended with 11,227 kg/ha (5 tons/acre) of the respective active ingredient(s) and subsequently incubated for 56 days. The extent of biodegradation was estimated from the CO2 evolved during the incubation and the effects on the microbial populations were determined from plate counts of the incubated samples. Four of the standards and eight of the formulations apparently were partly degraded. Single pesticides severely inhibited bacterial growth but affected streptomyces and fungi much less drastically. Mixtures of formulations seemed to be more biodegradable than the single pesticides provided that at least one or two pesticides in a mixture were relatively rapidly biodegraded. The mixtures severely reduced the numbers of bacteria but in general favored growth of streptomyces and fungi. Incineration of liquid formulations at 900C produced little ash. The incineration of solids, however, yielded substantial amounts of incombustible residues. Analysis of the ash from the solids indicated in several cases the presence of toxic elements such as Br, As, Zn, etc.
Animal Waste Management—Problems and Guidelines for Solutions
Authors: Loehr Raymond C.
Published: July 2010

Changes in animal production have occurred in response to the need for greater production efficiency and to the changes in per capita consumption. These changes include confinement feeding of livestock and increased animals per production unit. The accumulated wastes at these confined feeding operations have become point sources of potential pollution more amenable to both environmental complaints and regulation, and to better waste management and control. Solutions for satisfactory animal waste treatment and disposal will not be direct extensions of approaches that have been successful for industries and municipalities. Although no one treatment or disposal system will be the solution for all operations, there are a number of approaches that can minimize flagrant pollution problems. The most satisfactory solutions for animal wastes include some type of initial treatment followed by disposal on the land. Possible initial treatment methods include aerated liquid systems, natural drying systems, runoff control measures, and waste holding units. For over‐all animal waste management, all aspects of the production scheme should be evaluated for interactions and tradeoffs so that an acceptable environment for the public and an adequate profit for the producers can be obtained. Interdisciplinary approaches are required for successful methods of animal waste management. The paper discusses feasible technical approaches and suggests interdisciplinary approaches that may be desirable.
Urban Wastes Management
Authors: Besley Harry E. , Reed Charles H.
Published: July 2010

A role for agriculture in the management of urban wastes is presented. The point of view is that of agricultural engineers who would endeavor to gainfully utilize all wastes as a conservation measure, giving particular attention to utilizing bio‐degradable solid wastes in the soil.

Methods or techniques now widely used for the disposal of urban wastes are ocean dumping, land filling, incineration, composting, and reclamation and salvage. However, some restriction or even outright prohibition is being applied to several of these techniques.

Therefore, in order to effectively manage urban solid wastes with the ultimate objective of maximum recovery of resources, it is considered essential that land utilization be added to the techniques presently used. This paper details the incorporation of wastes directly into the soil, and describes the equipment necessary to do this successfully.
Lead Uptake and Corn Growth with Soil‐Applied Lead
Authors: Baumhardt G. R. , Welch L. F.
Published: July 2010

Corn (Zea mays L.) was grown in the field where lead acetate had been soil‐applied at 8 rates ranging from 0 to 3,200 kg/ha of lead. Emergence, plant height, and grain yield were not affected by added lead. Neither were any morphological, color, maturity, or other growth differences visually observed during the 2‐year study. Added lead increased the lead content of stover. Lead content (ppm) of the stover for the 0 and 3,200 kg/ha treatments were: 2.4 and 37.8 for young whole plants, 3.6 and 27.6 for leaves at tasselling, and 4.2 and 20.4 for whole plants at grain harvest. Lead content of grain averaged 0.4 ppm lead and was not affected by added lead.
Ozone Injury to Soybean Cotyledonary Leaves
Authors: Howell Robert K. , Kremer Diane F.
Published: July 2010

Ozone effects stomatal closure, but injury to the palisade cells in soybean (Glycine max L.) cotyledons also occurs. The visible and anatomical injury resembles that on other leaves. Cotyledons and primary leaves were most sensitive to ozone 6 to 7 and 13 to 14 days after seeding, respectively. The upper epidermis and 3 to 4 layers of palisade cells can be easily separated from the remaining tissue, thereby providing a good source of plant material to study the uptake, translocation, and metabolism of phytotoxicants and to study the chemical nature of air pollution injury to stomata and to palisade cells. Extent of injury on cotyledons and primary leaves of each variety was similar; thus, the use of cotyledons to study the relative sensitivity of plant varieties to ozone is proposed.
Nitrate in Deep Soil Profiles in Relation to Fertilizer Rates and Leaching Volume
Authors: Pratt P. F. , Jones W. W. , Hunsaker V. E.
Published: July 2010

The NO3‐‐N concentration in saturation extracts and soil solutions was determined in 30‐m profiles in six treatments of a longterm fertility trial with citrus and in four commercial citrus groves in which the depth of sampling was 15 m or to the top of the water table.

Drainage volumes and excess N in the soil, calculated as N input minus crop removal, provided a reasonable estimate of the NO3‐ concentration of water in the unsaturated zone in open‐porous soils when inputs were about 150 kg/ha per year. However, at higher rates of inputs to porous soils or at low rates with soils with profiles which had textural discontinuities, denitrification had to be assumed to obtain a reasonable N balance. Calculated transit times for water to move 30 m in the unsaturated zone varied from 12 to 49 years.
Directed Mass Selection for Developing Multiple Pest Resistance and Conserving Germplasm in Alfalfa
Authors: Hanson C. H. , Busbice T. H. , Hill R. R. , Hunt O. J. , Oakes A. J.
Published: July 2010

Recurrent phenotypic selection, a form of mass selection, proved effective for developing resistance in two populations of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to the following (i) diseases: rust, common leafspot, bacterial wilt, and anthracnose, caused by Uromyces striatus Schroet. var. medicaginis (Pass.) Arth., Pseudopeziza medicaginis (Lib.) Sacc., Corynebacterium insidiosum (McCull.) H. L. Jens., and Colletotrichum trifolii Bain and Essary, respectively; and (ii) insect pests: spotted alfalfa aphid [Therioaphis maculata (Buckton)] and potato leafhopper [Empoasca fabae (Harris)]. The general vigor of the populations also increased in generations of selection conducted in the field.

The success of mass selection in alfalfa prompted us to suggest ways in which this breeding method could be used to conserve genetic diversity still available in alfalfa, develop combined resistance to disease and insect pests, and reduce dependence on pesticides. We propose an integrated program of worldwide collection, recombination, and mild selection to conserve and improve alfalfa germplasm resources. The key feature of the program is the development of seven gene pools by mass selection, representing seven geographic regions and a wide range of environments, to provide improved source material for breeding regionally adapted, multiple pest‐resistant varieties. Resistant varieties developed by recurrent mass selection can be expected to be less vulnerable to attack by mutant forms of the pathogen or insect than varieties developed by breeding procedures which give more attention to genetic uniformity.
Agriculture's Contributions to the Nation's Water Resources and Flood Control
Authors: Glymph Louis M.
Published: July 2010

The nation's water resources—in amount, in quality, and in the form of damaging floods—are shown to be intimately related to the practices of agriculture and forestry on the USA landscape. Pathways of waterflow in the land phase of the hydrologic cycle are discussed and some impacts of their modifications upon streamflow are given. The magnitude of annual flood damage is cited, and the potentials for reducing annual flood losses and creating other water resource values by project‐type activities in upstream watersheds are indicated. Agriculture's contributions and potentials for the preservation of water quality are pointed out in discussions of its interface in the areas of sediment control, pesticides, plant nutrients, animal wastes, salinity, wastes from processing of food and other agricultural products, and land disposal of sewage effluents.
Potential for Controlling Quality of Irrigation Return Flows
Authors: Law James P. , Skogerboe Gaylord V.
Published: July 2010

Water quality problems associated with irrigation return flows are difficult to assess accurately and to control effectively. They include salinity increase, nutrient loss, sediment transport, and pesticide residue. The effects of these on the quality of receiving waters are discussed. Potential control measures that may prove effective in alleviating the detrimental effects of irrigation return flows are suggested. These may involve physical changes in the system, improvements in present management and cultural practices, or changes in the institutional influences upon the system. The potentials for improving the quality of return flows through changes in the water delivery system, farm water management practices, and water removal system are outlined and discussed. Research investigations will be required to further evaluate the effectiveness of many of the controls suggested.
Gas Production in Sediments of Lake Mendota, Wisconsin
Authors: Chen R. L. , Keeney D. R. , Konrad J. G. , Holding A. J. , Graetz D. A.
Published: July 2010

Nitrate added to Lake Mendota sediment samples incubated under anoxic conditions disappeared rapidly. When 15NO3 was added, 15N2 appeared in the atmosphere within 24 hours. Gas collected from sediments in situ contained from 24 to 50% N2 and from 45 to 75% CH4. Sediment samples from three sites in the lake varying in depth of water column were incubated under He in the laboratory. Production of N2 and CH4 increased with time at a low (2 ppm) level of NO3‐N addition, but CH4 production was inhibited for at least 27 days by addition of 100 to 1000 ppm NO3‐N. Production of N2 was less at 1000 than at 500 ppm NO3‐N added, probably due to suppression of the nitric oxide reductase enzyme system. Evidence was obtained that the denitrification pathway in lake sediments is the same as that reported for submerged soils. namely: NO3− → NO2− →→ N2O → N2.
Waste Water Renovation in Connecticut Soils
Authors: Hill D. E.
Published: July 2010

To determine the waste water renovation potential by ion removal of diverse Connecticut soils, 2.54 cm (1 in) of a synthetic sewage effluent was applied semiweekly for 2 years to undisturbed cores, 30 cm diameter and 100 cm deep. Chemical analysis of the leachate revealed that virtually all PO4 was removed from the effluent by the A horizon of all acid soils. All soils except the sandy Merrimac soil and the calcareous Stockbridge soil removed greater than 85% K, 75% Ca and Mg, but less than 10% Na. The Stockbridge soil, containing abundant dolomitic limestone particles removed less than 50% Ca and released three times the Mg added in the effluent for 21 months. The source of the Mg was readily available Mg associated with the weathered dolomite. Sulfate was partially removed for 1 year in all acid soils. After 1 year sulfate passed through the column. Nitrate and chloride passed through the cores from the start. Estimates of the total cation exchange in the columns and the amount of cations sorbed after 2 years indicates that the longevity of the soil systems studied will vary between 10 and 13 years. Since each soil varies in permeability and its capacity to remove ions, each soil must be examined to determine safe loading rates.
Losses of Atrazine in Runoff Water and Soil Sediment
Authors: Hall J. K. , Pawlus M. , Higgins E. R.
Published: July 2010

Atrazine losses in runoff water and soil sediment were determined in 1967 and 1968 after seven rates (0, 0.6, 1.1, 2.2, 4.5, 6.7, and 9.0 kg/ha) of atrazine were applied pre‐emergent to corn (Zea mays L.) seeded on field plots of Hagerstown silty clay loam (14% slope). Average losses for all rates in 1967 in runoff water and soil sediment equaled 2.4% and 0.16% of the total applied, respectively. In 1967, at the recommended rate (2.2 kg/ha) for pre‐emergence applications to Pennsylvania soils, composite losses were 2.5% of the applied or approximately 0.05 kg/ha. In 1968, one year after atrazine application, the average loss over all rates for the combined substrates was 0.01%.

Analyses of soil core samples taken from all plots in 1967 revealed that 1 month after atrazine application an average of 67.9% remained in the soil, and 3 months later recoveries had decreased to 21.4% of that applied. The following year atrazine remaining in the soil had decreased to 15.9% in April and to 5.4% in September. At the recommended rate of application, recoveries decreased from 39% of that applied to 9% for the same time period in 1967. In 1969, typical atrazine toxicity symptoms were found in oats growing on plots which had received 6.7 and 9.0 kg/ha of atrazine in 1967. Damage was confined to the uppermost parts of the slope on these treatments.
Volatilization of Dieldrin from Fallow Soil as Affected by Different Soil Water Regimes
Authors: Willis G. H. , Parr J. F. , Smith S. , Carroll B. R.
Published: July 2010

Dieldrin was surface applied at a rate of 782 g/plot to 3 15.2‐ by 22.9‐m plots [10 ppm based on a 2 × 106 lb soil/acre 15.2 cm (6 inches)]. Immediately after application, 1 of 3 soil water regimes (flooded, moist, nonflooded) was imposed on each plot. An air sampling system was used to measure the atmospheric concentration gradient of dieldrin between 10 and 30 cm above each plot. Calculations based on the aerodynamic method indicated that approximately 18% of the applied dieldrin volatilized from the moist plot in 5 months, whereas only 2 and 7% volatilized from the flooded and nonflooded plots, respectively. Multiple regression analysis indicated that of the climatic variables measured, temperature had the greatest effect on dieldrin volatilization. There was no apparent dieldrin degradation in any of the plots.
Nitrogen and Sulfur in Precipitation and Sulfur Dioxide in the Atmosphere in Wisconsin
Authors: Hoeft R. G. , Keeney D. R. , Walsh L. M.
Published: July 2010

A monitoring program to determine the seasonal distribution of sulfur and nitrogen from the atmosphere and a greenhouse experiment to evaluate the absorption of atmospheric SO2 by alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was conducted. Atmospheric SO2 levels at all rural and urban locations were low in the summer months and increased markedly in the winter months and, on the average, the values in urban areas were about twice those in rural areas. The SO2 collected 2 km from an industrial location was 10 to 15 times as high as the urban locations. At a distance of 5 km this value dropped to levels comparable to urban areas and to rural levels at 10 km. Sulfur (as SO4) in precipitation followed the same seasonal and location trends as did SO2 with 16, 42, and 168 kg of S/ha per yr being deposited in rural, urban and industrial locations, respectively. An overall state average of 30 kg S/ha per yr was estimated. Sulfur‐deficient alfalfa plants grown in a greenhouse at Madison from January to May obtained as much as 73% of their S from the atmosphere. The amount of NH4‐N and organic N deposited by precipitation was highest during the spring months and lowest during the winter months. Both NH4‐N and organic‐N were higher in areas adjacent to barnyards than in areas removed from the barnyard. However, NO3‐N deposition was relatively constant for all locations and was slightly lower in the winter months. Total N additions ranged from 13 to 30 kg/ha per yr, and an overall state average of about 20 kg/ha per yr was estimated.
Techniques in the Evaluation and Development of Host‐Plant Resistance
Authors: Dahms R. G.
Published: July 2010

A thorough knowledge of both insect and plant and their inter‐relationship is required to evaluate cultivars for insect resistance. Cultivars from all possible sources are obtained and subjected to an adequate and uniform insect infestation. Resistance may be measured by (i) visual observation, (ii) the effect of insects on plants, (iii) the effect of plants on insects, or (iv) indirect methods. Resistance may be transferred to usable cultivars by grafting, selection, or hybridization. Germ plasm obtained from a wide genetic base will help to insure a more permanent resistance.
Genetic Interrelationships Between Host Plants and Insects
Authors: Gallun R. L.
Published: July 2010

Growing plant varieties that are resistant to insects is the ideal way to protect the crop against insect losses and at the same time prevent pollution of the environment. Resistance to insects is genetically controlled and expressed as antibiosis, nonpreference, and tolerance. The ability of the insect to attack the plant is also genetically controlled and expresses itself in the form of insect variants called biotypes. Biotypes develop because of selection pressure from resistant varieties and are able to survive, interbreed and develop into epidemic numbers. The genetic interrelationship that exists between the host plant and insect has been studied for some insects and has resulted in a better understanding of how to control insects by resistant varieties. Dynamic plant breeding programs can utilize insect biotypes for locating new sources of resistance, distinguishing between sources of resistance, and determining the inheritance of resistance. In some cases, biotypes having genes that are dominant for avirulence can be systematically released in populations of insects having recessive genes for virulence, resulting in genetic control of the insect after a few generations of release.
Arsenic Interference in the Determination of Inorganic Phosphate in Lake Sediments
Authors: Shukla S. S. , Syers J. K. , Armstrong D. E.
Published: July 2010

The interference from As in the colorimetric determination of inorganic P by the method of Murphy and Riley was evaluated in water and sediment extract systems. Whereas up to 20 µg As/ml as arsenite (AsIII) did not interfere, arsenate (AsV) showed a positive interference and the extent of interference was independent of the level of inorganic P in both systems. On a weight basis, 1.0 µg of As is equivalent to 0.33 µg of “apparent inorganic P.” The amounts of As extractable by 3N HCl from nine surficial Wisconsin lake sediments ranged from <0.1 to 45 µg/g. The overestimation of inorganic P in 3N HCl extracts due to the positive interference from As was less than 1% in all cases. Calculations indicate that the maximum possible interference from As in a variety of extracts of these sediments is less than 2%, even if all of the As exists as arsenate, which is unlikely in reduced sediments. Arsenic was concentrated in the most recent sediments in a core from a Wisconsin lake, indicating that As interference in the determination of inorganic P in the older sediments is also not significant in view of the very low levels of As relative to inorganic P.
Photooxidative Approach to Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Straw Modification with Corresponding Increases in Microbial Response
Authors: Park J. E. , Rockhill R. C. , Klein D. A.
Published: July 2010

The biodegradability of cereal straw in soil is low because of lignin and lignin‐cellulose complexes in their structure. Photooxidation prior to soil incorporation was evaluated as a means of modifying these structures to improve biodegradability. Microbial activity increased significantly when an annual ryegrass straw was photooxidized as a 0.5% w/v mixture in water by ultraviolet light in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.