bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Proteins from Amyloid Plaque Fibers in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Selkoe Dennis J. , Abraham Carmela R. , Podlisny Marcia B. , Duffy Lawrence K.
Published: August 2010

During aging of the human brain, and particularly in Alzheimer's disease, progressive neuronal loss is accompanied by the formation of highly stable intra‐ and extraneuronal protein fibers. Using fluorescence‐activated particle sorting, a method has been developed for purifying essentially to homogeneity the extracellular amyloid fibers that form the cores of senile plaques. The purified plaque cores each contain 60–130 pg of protein. Their amino acid composition shows abundant glycine, trace proline, and ∼50% hydrophobic residues; it resembles that of enriched fractions of the paired helical filaments (PHF) that accumulate intraneuronally in Alzheimer's disease. Senile plaque amyloid fibers share with PHF insolubility in numerous protein denaturants and resistance to proteinases. However, treatment of either fiber preparation with concentrated (88%) formic acid or saturated (6.8 M) guanidine thiocyanate followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate causes disappearance of the fibers and releases proteins migrating at 5–7.000 and 11–15.000 Mr which appear to be dimerically related. Following their separation by size‐exclusion HPLC, the proteins solubilized from plaque amyloid and PHF‐enriched fractions have highly similar compositions and, on dialysis, readily aggregate into higher Mr polymers. Antibodies raised to the major low‐Mr protein selectively label both plaque cores and vascular amyloid deposits in Alzheimer brain but do not stain neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaque neurites, or any other neuronal structure. Thus, extraneuronal amyloid plaque filaments in Alzheimer's disease are composed of hydrophobic low‐Mr protein(s) which are also present in vascular amyloid deposits. Current evidence suggests that such protein(s) found in PHF‐enriched fractions may derive from copurifying amyloid filament srather than from PHF.
Epigenetic changes play critical role in age‐associated dysfunctions of the liver
Authors: Jin Jingling , Wang Guo‐Li , Iakova Polina , Shi Xiurong , Haefliger Simon , Finegold Milton , Timchenko Nikolai A.
Published: August 2010

CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Proteins family proteins are important regulators of liver functions. Here, we show the critical role of C/EBPα‐mediated chromatin remodeling in the age‐associated dysfunctions of the liver and in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Because ph‐S193 isoform of C/EBPα is increased in livers of old mice, we have generated C/EBPα‐S193D knockin mice, which mimic the ph‐S193 isoform of C/EBPα. Analyses of these mice showed that the S193D mutation causes chromatin remodeling leading to histological appearance of ‘foci‐like’ nodules, which are also observed in livers of old mice. These ‘foci‐like’ structures contain K9 trimethylated histone H3, a marker of heterochromatin. The increase of heterochromatin regions in S193D mice correlates with the elevation of S193D‐C/EBPα‐HDAC1 complexes and with dys‐regulation of gene expression including epigenetic silencing of cyclin D1 and D2 promoters and the inhibition of liver proliferation. The elimination of C/EBPα‐HDAC1 complexes in S193D mice by inhibition of HDAC1 corrects chromatin structure and normalizes expression of cyclin D1 and D2. We found that epigenetic dys‐regulation is also associated with the elevation of C/EBPβ and with the increase of C/EBPα/β heterodimers in S193D mice. The C/EBPα/β heterodimers activate transcription of Glut4 and increase the levels of Glut4. As the result, S193D livers have accelerated uptake of glucose and accumulation of glycogen in the liver. Thus, this study demonstrates that the phosphorylation of C/EBPα at S193 leads to the appearance of heterochromatin regions, which correlates with the development of age‐related dysfunctions of the liver.
Soil development on restored opencast coal sites with particular reference to organic matter and aggregate stability
Authors: Malik A. , Scullion J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Organic indices and aggregate stability were measured in soils of similar texture on two restored opencast coal sites and on adjacent, undisturbed land in South Wales, UK. The aim was to assess rates of soil change over time, to relate these changes to conditions in undisturbed land and to evaluate organic‐aggregation relationships across these range of soils. Several management factors were included in the comparisons.

Organic matter accumulated at the surface (0–7.5 cm) of restored soils, contents being greater than undisturbed soils after 21 years. However, this increase in total organic matter did not result in proportionate increases in carbohydrates and microbial biomass, nor did aggregate stability increase to the degree expected. Between 7.5 and 15 cm depth, rates of change were slower. Microbial metabolic quotient and respiration relative to total soil C were highest in recently (9 years) restored soils, intermediate in 21 year old restored soils and least for undisturbed soils.

Sewage (100t/ha) applied at reinstatement improved clay stability but had little effect on other parameters when measured 9 years later. Drainage of soils restored in 1972 reduced total organic content but its influence on other organic indices was more complex. Carbohydrate contents had the closest association with aggregate stability and microbial biomass.

Although the productivity of restored land may recover more quickly, findings suggest that rehabilitation of normal soil processes following surface mining may take much longer than the normal five year aftercare period.
Soil fertility under shifting and semi‐continuous cultivation in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sillitoe P. , Shiel R. S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. People in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea cultivate some land semi‐continuously within a regime of shifting cultivation; the staple crop is sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The fertility of Tropepts, variably affected by falls of volcanic ash, was investigated to give further understanding of how subsistence farmers avoid the soil constraints that commonly prompt abandonment. While organic matter, N and K all decrease significantly with time under cultivation, they do not reach critical levels. Phosphorus also decreases significantly over time, although contents are small throughout. Other nutrients show no significant variation with period of use or abandonment. These findings comply with the diversity of crops cultivated early in the life of ‘gardens’, followed by sweet potato, cultivated as a virtual monocrop in long established ‘gardens’. It continues yielding adequately regardless of decrease in nutrient availabilities, notably because nutrient ratios remain favourable for tuberisation and because of sweet potato's tolerance of small phosphorus concentrations. It appears that burning of vegetation significantly increases available minerals and helps maintain a supply which is adequate for longterm sweet potato monoculture. Similar situations are postulated for other areas of less‐weathered soils within the tropics.
Area of cultivated acid sulfate soils in Finland
Authors: Yli‐Halla M. , Puustinen M. , Koskiaho J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A database of 1065 fields in all parts of Finland, two soil profiles (augerhole borings) per field, was screened for acid sulfate (a.s.) soils. Each field represented 2100 14;ha of cultivated land. Soil pH and redox potential were determined in the field, at intervals of 10 14;cm, to a depth of 200 14;cm. Of the maximum of 124 profiles considered as a.s. soils according to the Soil Taxonomy and ILRI (International Institute of Land Reclamation and Improvement) systems, 46 profiles exhibited pH <3.5. These represented 48 14;000 14;ha of land. More than half of these severely acidic soils were associated with reduced subsoils and probably contained actively oxidizing sulfidic materials within 150 14;cm of the soil surface, while the remaining profiles were oxidized at least down to 150 14;cm. Using Soil Taxonomy criteria, the total area of cultivated a.s. soils was 67 14;000–130 14;000 14;ha. The minimum estimates exclude soils that may be leached or too low in sulfide to meet the criteria of a.s. soils. Application of the ILRI system produced an estimate of 61 14;000–130 14;000 14;ha. In the maximum estimate, 27% of the profiles were raw, 61% ripe and 12% potential a.s. soils. According to the FAO/UNESCO system, the area of cultivated a.s. soils (pH <3.5 or assumed sulfidic materials) is considerably less: 43 14;000–78 14;000 14;ha. All these estimates are only a fraction of the area considered to be covered by a.s. soils by established Finnish criteria. The choice of estimate has important economic implications for liming subsidies and planning regulations for the drainage of a.s. soils.
Uncertainty in simulated nitrate leaching due to uncertainty in input data. A case study
Authors: Hansen S. , Thorsen M. , Pebesma E.J. , Kleeschulte S. , Svendsen H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Deterministic leaching models are used to estimate regional losses of nitrate from agricultural land to the environment. The estimated leaching losses are associated with uncertainty arising from uncertainty in the input data used. In the present case study we have assessed this uncertainty by use of Monte Carlo analysis, using the Latin hypercube sampling technique. Input data have preferably been adopted from publicly available data. Data which could not be retrieved from the databases was assessed by guided estimates or based on local data. The estimated annual leaching loss from the study region was around 106 kg N ha−1, which is in agreement with previous findings. The uncertainty in the leaching expressed in terms of coefficients of variation (CV) depended on the agricultural practices. CV's for arable farm rotations, cattle farm rotations, and pig farm rotations were around 20, 30 and 40%, respectively. Breakdown of the total uncertainty into contributions of different error sources did not isolate one single all important source.
Potassium retention and leaching in an organic crop rotation on loamy sand as affected by contrasting potassium budgets
Authors: Askegaard M. , Eriksen J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.In organic farming, potassium (K) deficiency may become a significant problem due to nutrient import restrictions. Knowledge about potential K leaching in systems with different K budgets is therefore important for effective agricultural management. We investigated the effect of four organic farming systems (two livestock densities in combination with two types of organic manure) on crop yields, K leaching and K balances in a six course crop rotation from 1993/94 to 1997/98. Average K concentrations in soil water extracted by means of ceramic suction cups at 1 m depth were 0.6 mg K l−1corresponding to a K leaching loss of 1.5 kg ha−1 yr−1which was less than expected from values reported in the literature. Variation in K budgets from −12 to +30 kg ha−1 yr−1did not affect K leaching. In an additional experiment with application of 988 kg K ha−1as KCl, K leaching accounted for only 0.2% of the applied K although 40% of the accompanying Cl was leached. The main part of the applied K was retained in the topsoil. It was concluded that K leaching was a result of the fertilizer history rather than of the current K budget.
A GIS based approach to modelling the effects of land‐use change on soil erosion in New Zealand
Authors: Rodda H.J.E. , Stroud M.J. , Shankar U. , Thorrold B.S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The problem of soil erosion is particularly evident in New Zealand, given the combination of coarse‐textured soils, steep relief, high rainfall, and intensification of agriculture. A study was undertaken to assess the effects of land use change on soil erosion and sediment transport for the Ngongotaha catchment in New Zealand's North Island, using a GIS based decision support and modelling system. Model simulations considered the effect of increased catchment area under deer farming and forestry on the amount of sediment delivered to the catchment outlet, averaged over a period of six years. The simulations predicted that sediment loss from land under deer farming was considerably greater than from land under other livestock or forestry. Further model simulations testing best management practices demonstrated that sediment yield could be halved if deer farming was restricted to slopes under 20%.
A survey of the production and use of animal manures in England and Wales
Authors: Smith K. A. , Brewer A. J. , Crabb J. , Dauven A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A survey of manure management practice was undertaken in 1996, by postal questionnaire submitted to a stratified sample of egg and broiler producers in England and Wales. Out of a target of 500 laying hen and 500 broiler (chickens produced for meat) production units in the survey sample, 356 (36%) returned questionnaires. The survey provided information on amount and type of manure production, manure storage and land application strategies (timing, techniques and awareness of nutrient content). Within the survey, no attempt was made to differentiate between organic and conventional production systems. About 45% of manure production was estimated to come from layer holdings, 55% from broiler litter. It was estimated that 70% of the national manure production is litter‐based and about 30% are droppings collected without litter. Sawdust/shavings are the most popular bedding material, with an average final depth of 100 mm for broilers and 140 mm on litter‐based layer units. Commonly, storage is available within housing for at least the length of the cropping cycle (6 weeks in broiler production, or 12 months in deep pit laying houses), around 60% of poultry manure is stored for a period following removal from the house, most commonly for 3‐6 months. Overall, autumn was the peak period for manure spreading, with over 40% of laying hen manure and 50% of broiler manure applied at that time. On grassland, spreading was reasonably evenly distributed throughout the year but autumn application was favoured for arable crops, especially before the establishment of cereals and root crops, overall, almost 50% of layer and broiler manure was applied in the autumn. In the survey, up to 10% of manures were claimed to be incorporated within a day of application and about 60% within a week of application, presumably because of concern about odour nuisance. Around 25% of poultry manure was applied by contractors. A high proportion of farmers (c. 40% with layers, c. 60% with broilers) exported manures from their holdings, the proportion removed amounting to almost 90% on these farms. Although evidence elsewhere indicates that farmers make little allowance for manures in planning crop fertilizer inputs, the survey responses suggested that farmers do make an effort to allow for manures but that their confidence in the advice available to them is lacking, or they may have other technical reasons for not taking advantage of the manurial value. Information provided by the survey is of significant importance to policy makers (e.g. for the construction of environmental emissions inventories), researchers, consultants and farmers.
The long‐term effect of tillage on soil displacement of hilly areas used for growing wheat in Greece
Authors: Tsara M. , Gerontidis S. , Marathianou M. , Kosmas C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Tillage displaces large amounts of soil from upper slopes and deposits soil in lower landscape positions, greatly affecting productivity in these areas. The long‐term effect of tillage on soil erosion was studied in four field sites growing mainly rainfed wheat. The soil loss from landscape positions with slopes, ranging from 3 to 28%, was estimated by: (a) comparing data of horizon thickness described at the same position at different times; and (b) using soil movement tracers added to the soil. Existing empirical relationships were used for estimating soil loss by tillage and runoff water, and loss in wheat biomass production. The experimental data showed soil losses of 0.4 to 1.4 cm yr–1 depending on slope gradient, plough depth, and tillage direction. In two of the sites, soil depth has been reduced by 24–30 cm in a period of 63 years. The mean soil displacement of the plough layer (30 cm thick), measured by soil movement tracers, ranged from 31 to 95 cm yr–1 depending mainly on slope gradient, corresponding to a rate of soil loss of 0.3 cm to 1.4 cm yr–1. Soil eroded from the upper slopes was deposited on the lower slopes increasing soil thickness by 0.4 cm to 1.4 cm yr–1. The application of empirical relationships, estimating soil loss by tillage and water runoff, showed that soil erosion at the field sites can be mainly attributed to tillage. The loss in wheat biomass production due to erosion was estimated at 26% on upper slopes for a period of 63 years, while a 14.5% increase in wheat production was estimated due to deposition of soil material in the lower landscape.
Exploring the spatial relations between cereal yield and soil chemical properties and the implications for sampling
Authors: Frogbrook Z.L. , Oliver M.A. , Salahi M. , Ellis R.H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. In general, agricultural management has focused on differences between fields or on the gross differences within them. Recent developments in agricultural technology, yield mapping, Global Positioning Systems and variable rate applications, have made it possible to consider managing the considerable variation in soil and other properties within fields. This system is known as precision agriculture. More precise management of fields depends on a better understanding of the factors that affect crop input decisions. This paper examines the spatial variation in crop yield, soil nutrient status and soil pH within two agricultural fields using geostatistics. The observed properties vary considerably within each field. The relation between yield and the measured soil properties appears to be weak in general. However, the range of spatial correlation for yield, shown by the variogram, is similar to that of the soil chemical properties. In addition the latter changed little over two years. This suggests that information on the scale of variation of soil chemical properties can be derived from yield maps, which can also be used as a guide to a suitable sampling interval for soil properties.
Assessing Passive Capillary‐Wick Samplers for monitoring resident nitrate concentration in real field
Authors: Brahy V. , Henao‐Toro M‐C. , Goor F. , Ledent J‐F. , Delvaux B.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. We evaluated the effectiveness of capillary‐wick samplers (PCAPS) for continuous monitoring of resident nitrate concentration in three ‘soil‐crop‐climate’ systems differing in soil type, land use and climate. These systems involved: (i) acid silty soils under a beech‐oak forest affected by heavy N‐NH4+ deposition in Belgium; (ii) silty soils under wheat cropping and a short rotation willow coppice plantation (SRC) in Belgium; and (iii) volcanic ash soils under plantain cultivation with and without urea fertilization in Colombia. The PCAPS continuously applied a suction of 0 to 5.4 kPa to the soil water below the effective rooting zone without the need for an auxiliary vacuum source. The nitrate concentrations showed large variations over time and ranged between 6–192 mg l–1 under forest, 19–143 mg l–1 under wheat, 11–47 mg l–1 under SRC and 3–138 mg l–1 under fertilized plantain. The analysis of the soil leachates collected with PCAPS confirms previous results dealing with leaching of nitrate and alkaline and alkaline‐earth cations in similar ‘soil‐crop‐climate’ systems. It was concluded that PCAPS was a suitable tool to collect soil solutions and that it could help to assess nitrate leaching losses in various ecological or cropping conditions.
Subsidence rates and carbon loss in peat soils following conversion to pasture in the Waikato Region, New Zealand
Authors: Schipper L.A. , McLeod M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Drainage of peat soils for agriculture can lead to large carbon losses due to oxidation of peat. We estimated peat subsidence rates and total carbon losses, due to 40 years of dairy farming on a former peat bog, by measuring the thickness of peat and total carbon of farmland and of an adjacent unmodified peat bog above a marker tephra layer that was deposited about 200 AD. Subsidence rates averaged 3.4 cm yr–1 (95% confidence interval of 3.2 to 3.5 cm yr–1) and carbon loss averaged 3.7 t ha–1 yr–1 (95% confidence interval of 2.5 to 5.0 t ha–1 yr–1). On average, 63% of the subsidence was due to consolidation, with the remainder (37%) attributed to losses of organic matter due to peat mineralization.
Rural land use in England and Wales and the delivery to the adjacent seas of nitrogen, phosphorus and atrazine
Authors: Evans R.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. In an exploratory study land use in 27 catchments covering most of England and Wales was assessed (using the land use classification devised by the then Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, now a part of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology) and related to loads and concentrations of total nitrogen, phosphorus (mainly as orthophosphate (Op)) and some pesticides in river flows reaching the surrounding seas in the years 1990–1993. There are good correlations between seven land use types and the concentrations of total nitrogen (r=0.83) and Op (r=0.73) entering the seas. The correlations for individual land use types are best for arable land: total nitrogen, r=0.77; Op, r=0.65; and are positive. However, except for the mixed arable and grassland, the relationships between the other five land use types (improved grassland, upland grassland, upland moorland, upland mixed, and afforested and upland) and contaminant concentrations are negative. If data from the Mersey catchment are discarded, on the grounds that contaminant concentrations in the river seem unduly high, correlations between land use and contaminant concentrations reaching the seas are improved for all land uses: total nitrogen, r=0.89; Op, r=0.83; and atrazine, r=0.78. Loads and concentrations of pollutants in rivers entering the sea could be used to validate models of losses from catchments. Models may need to take greater account of runoff and transport of soil particles than they do presently.
Nitrous oxide emissions after application of inorganic fertilizer and incorporation of green manure residues
Authors: Sarkodie‐Addo J. , Lee H.C. , Baggs E.M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Emissions of N2O were measured after application of NH4NO3 fertilizer and incorporation of winter wheat and rye green manures in two field experiments in southeast England. Incorporation of green manure alone resulted in temporary immobilization of soil N, small N2O emissions and also low availability of N for the following crop. Emissions were increased after application of inorganic fertilizer, and were further increased from integrated management treatments whereby green manure residues were incorporated after fertilizer application. The highest emission was from the incorporated winter wheat green manure plus fertilizer treatment, with 1.5 kg N2O‐N ha−1 (0.6% of N applied) being emitted over the first 55 days after incorporation. This high emission was attributed to the supply of C in the residues providing the energy for denitrification in the presence of large amounts of mineral N and the creation of anaerobic microsites during microbial respiration.
Increasing the relevance of scientific information in hillside environments through understanding of local soil management in a small watershed of the Colombian Andes
Authors: Oberthür T. , Barrios E. , Cook S. , Usma H. , Escobar G.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.This article explores the question of how scientific information can improve local agronomic management using concepts of uncertainty classification and uncertainty management. Information and data on local management of soil fertility based on a local classification system of soil quality were collected from a small watershed in Cauca (Colombia). The analyses suggest that farmers hold local knowledge about soils at two levels. The first is based on empirical observations and refers to local knowledge about soils and landscape, which shows that the classes identified in the local soil quality classification are consistent with results obtained using measured soil parameters. At the second level, farmers have some awareness of ecological processes and the appropriate use of relationships between key soil characteristics and management options. It is argued that local knowledge is not sufficient to cope with uncertainty introduced by a rapidly changing agriculture, including, for example, increasing land pressure, unpredictable market forces and climate change. We have suggested how scientific knowledge can contribute to the solution, based on an analysis that relates Cohen's (Heuristic reasoning about uncertainty: an artificial intelligence approach. Pitman London, 1985) and Rowe's (Risk Analysis14, 743–750, 1994) uncertainty concepts to local knowledge.
Three‐dimensional mapping of salt stores in the southeast Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Cresswell R.G. , Dent D.L. , Jones G.L. , Galloway D.S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. An airborne electromagnetic survey yields a three‐dimensional map of ground electrical conductivity. The remotely sensed data are translated into salt load by field and laboratory calibration: drilling, measurement of borehole conductivity, electrical conductivity of 1:5 soil–water extracts (EC1:5) and chemical analysis of pore fluids. Using these field measurements, the conductivity map is calibrated by constraining model parameters within limits defined by the measured values. Once the airborne data is calibrated, we can derive a regional constant (Ksalt) by comparing total ground conductivity with the mass of salt measured in bore samples. Pore fluid chemistry provides a definitive measure of salt, but EC1:5 values may be used, provided that the procedure ensures complete dispersal of clay aggregates to release all the salt. Maps of salt load can be generated from the conductance (total conductivity) maps using a geographical information system. Without calibration, airborne electromagnetic surveying is misleading. Properly calibrated, it provides a detailed, semi‐quantitative, three‐dimensional map of the distribution of salt in the landscape: a prerequisite for the effective management of salinity. Salt appearing at the surface and in streams is the result of processes operating throughout entire catenas and groundwater flow systems. Across the southeastern catchments of the Murray–Darling Basin, we found that salt is stored predominantly in thick clay horizons within the regolith (encompassing the soil cover, weathered parent material and unlithified sediments down to unweathered basement). Coarse materials, for example in prior stream channels, may serve as conduits for salt transport to rivers and the land surface.
Factors affecting potassium leaching in different soils
Authors: Alfaro M.A. , Jarvis S.C. , Gregory P.J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A set of lysimeter based experiments was carried out during 2000/01 to evaluate the impact of soil type and grassland management on potassium (K) leaching. The effects of (1) four soil textures (sand, loam, loam over chalk and clay), (2) grazing and cutting (with farmyard manure application), and (3) K applied as inorganic fertilizer, dairy slurry or a mixture of both sources were tested. Total K losses in the clay soil were more than twice those in the sand soil (13 and 6 kg K ha−1, respectively) because of the development of preferential flow in the clay soil. They were also greater in the cut treatment than in the grazed treatment (82 and 51 kg K ha−1, respectively; P 0.01), associated with a 63% increase of K concentration in the leachates from the former (6.7 ± 0.28 and 4.1 ± 0.22 mg K L−1 for cut and grazed, respectively; P 0.01) because of the K input from the farmyard manure. The source of fertilizer did not affect total K losses or the average K concentration in the leachates (P > 0.05), but it changed the pattern of these over time.
The effects of minimal tillage and contour cultivation on surface runoff, soil loss and crop yield in the long‐term Woburn Erosion Reference Experiment on sandy soil at Woburn, England
Authors: Quinton J.N. , Catt J.A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Over a 10‐year period, runoff and soil erosion on the plots of the Woburn Erosion Reference Experiment were concentrated in periods with sparse vegetation cover: in winter after the late planting of cereals; in spring after the planting of beets; or when soils were bare after harvest. The mean event runoff of 1.32 mm from plots cultivated up‐and‐downslope was significantly greater (P<0.05) than that from plots cultivated across‐slope (0.82 mm). However, mean event soil loss was not significantly different between the two cultivation directions. No significant differences were found between minimal and standard cultivations. Mean event runoff from the across‐slope/minimal tillage treatment combination (0.58 mm) was significantly less (P<0.01) than from the up‐and‐downslope/minimal tillage (1.41 mm), up‐and‐downslope/standard tillage (1.24 mm), and across‐slope/standard tillage (1.07 mm) treatment combinations. Runoff from the across‐slope/standard treatment combination was significantly (P<0.05) less than from the up‐and‐downslope/minimal tillage treatment. The across‐slope/minimal tillage treatment combination had a significantly smaller (P<0.05) event soil loss (67 kg ha−1) than the up‐and‐downslope/standard tillage (278 kg ha−1) and up‐and‐downslope/minimal tillage (245 kg ha−1) combinations. Crop yields were significantly (P<0.05) higher on across‐slope plots in 1988, 1996 and 1997 than on up‐and‐downslope plots, and were also higher (but not significantly) on the across‐slope plots in 7 of the 8 remaining years. Minimal cultivation decreased yield compared with standard cultivation in one year only. We recommend that across‐slope cultivation combined with minimal tillage be investigated at field scale to assess its suitability for incorporation into UK farming systems.
Amelioration of saline–sodic soil with mildly saline water in the Songnen Plain, northeast China
Authors: Li Q.S. , Willardson L.S. , Li L.X. , Liu C.J. , Wu L.Z.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The saline–sodic soils of the dryland Songnen Plain in northeast China are only slowly permeable to fresh water because of their large content of montmorillinite clay and sodium bicarbonate. Use of slightly saline groundwater containing adequate dissolved calcium and magnesium for leaching and reclamation can potentially prevent dispersion of the clay soil particles during treatment. Amelioration was evaluated using shallow, mildly saline groundwater to irrigate sorghum–corn rotations in a two‐year field experiment. After two growing seasons during which a total of 400 mm of leaching water was applied, in addition to some supplemental irrigation water, the average electrical conductivity (ECe) of the top 1.2 m of the soil profile decreased from 14.5±3.5 to 2.7±0.2 dS m−1, and the sodium absorption ratio (SARe) decreased from 35.3±4.1 to 10.1±2.5 (meq L−1)0.5. The soil physical properties were improved: infiltration rate with mildly saline groundwater increased from 12.1 to 42 mm h−1. Salinity changes in the top 1.2 m of soil layers after 700 mm of leaching produced no further improvement. Crop yields produced on plots undergoing amelioration increased by 64–562% compared with the rainfed control. The improved soil conditions after leaching resulted in 59–548% greater crop yields.
Long‐term effects of lantana residue additions on water retention and transmission properties of a medium‐textured soil under rice–wheat cropping in northwest India
Authors: Bhushan L. , Sharma P.K.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Hydraulic properties of soils after rice cropping are generally unfavourable for wheat cultivation. Poor drainage, delayed planting and oxygen stress in the root zone may adversely affect the wheat crop after lowland rice cultivation. We studied long‐term effects of lantana (Lantana spp. L.) residue additions at 10, 20 and 30 t ha−1 yr−1 (fresh biomass) on physical properties of a silty clay loam soil under rice–wheat cropping in northwest India. At the end of ten cropping cycles, soil water retention, infiltration rate, saturated hydraulic conductivity and drying rate of soil increased significantly with lantana additions. The available water capacity (AWC), on volume basis, declined at rice harvest (from 22.0 to 18.8–20.9%), but increased at wheat harvest (from 12.9 to 13.4–15.0%) after lantana treatment. The volumes of water transmission (>50 μm) and storage pores (0.5–50 μm) were greater, while the volume of residual pores (<0.5 μm) was smaller in lantana‐treated plots than in controls at both rice and wheat harvest. Infiltration rate in the lantana‐treated soil was 1.6–7.9 times that of the control (61 mm d−1) at rice harvest, and 2–4.1 times that of the control (1879 mm d−1) at wheat harvest. Thus lantana addition improved soil hydraulic properties to the benefit of the wheat crop in a rice–wheat cropping sequence.
Perspectives on nutrient management in arable farming systems
Authors: Wivstad M. , Dahlin A.S. , Grant C.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Sustainable nutrient management includes economizing on finite natural resources such as fossil energy and limited phosphorus (P) resources. Arable farms with exclusively crop production are characterized by large nutrient export in farm products. In the long term, nutrient export from soils and losses must be balanced by adequate inputs of fertilizers, biological N2 fixation or recycled products from the human food system. Critical issues associated in particular with arable systems discussed in this paper include organic matter depletion and lack of synchronization between nitrogen (N) release from organic N pools (such as plant residues and green manures) and crop demand, leading to N losses and/or N deficiency. Further critical issues identified include efficient use of indigenous soil P and applied P fertilizers and, especially in organic systems, risk of depletion of P and K, which if realized reduce soil fertility and limit production. The risk of enrichment of trace elements to levels toxic to soil microbes, plants, animals or man is also discussed. Suggested measures for managing these critical issues include choice of crop rotation, residue and green manure management.
Total Quality Management and Performance in Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Authors: Fields Dail , Roman Paul M.
Published: August 2010

Objective. To examine the relationship of organizational characteristics of substance abuse treatment centers with their use of quality management practices (total quality management [TQM]) and the contribution of TQM use to a center's provision of comprehensive care and to use of evidence‐based treatment practices.

Data Sources. Data were collected from a national sample of over 700 private and public substance abuse treatment centers in the National Treatment Center Study.

Study Design. The design was a cross‐sectional field study. The key variables were three TQM practices, the provision of comprehensive treatment services, and the implementation of evidence‐based treatment practices. Numerous organizational characteristics were controlled.

Data Collection. The data were obtained through interviews with administrative directors and clinical directors of the treatment centers in 2002–2004.

Principal Findings. In multivariate models, TQM practices were positively related to provision of comprehensive care and use of evidence‐based practices. A limited set of organizational characteristics predicted the use of TQM practices.

Conclusions. Substance abuse treatment centers' implementation of TQM processes may be positively related to the quality and cost‐effectiveness of care provided.
Consumers' Use of HCAHPS Ratings and Word‐of‐Mouth in Hospital Choice
Authors: Huppertz John W. , Carlson Jay P.
Published: August 2010

Objective. To investigate the impact of the HCAHPS report of patient experiences and word‐of‐mouth narratives on consumers' hospital choice.

Data Sources. Online consumer research panel of U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

Study Design/Data Collection/Extraction Methods. In an experiment, 309 consumers were randomly assigned to see positive or negative information about a hospital in two modalities: HCAHPS graphs and a relative's narrative e‐mail. Then they indicated their intentions to choose the hospital for elective surgery.

Principal Findings. A simple, one‐paragraph e‐mail and 10 HCAHPS graphs had similar impacts on consumers' hospital choice. When information was inconsistent between the HCAHPS data and e‐mail narrative, one modality attenuated the other's effect on hospital choice.

Conclusions. The findings illustrate the power of anecdotal narratives, suggesting that policy makers should consider how HCAHPS data can be affected by word‐of‐mouth communication.
Twelfth‐ and Thirteenth‐Century Cistercian Exempla Collections: Role, Diffusion, and Evolution
Authors: Mula Stefano
Published: August 2010

The second half of the 12th century witnessed the creation of a number of collections of exempla. The collectors were Cistercian monks, and the most productive of them were either in the monastery of Clairvaux in Burgundy or in one of the monasteries in Clairvaux’s filiation. This article discusses the origin, diffusion and evolution of the early collections (ca. 1160–1225), and analyzes the role of the exemplum inside the Cistercian Order, but also its place in the tradition of short narrative texts. The Cistercian exempla were meant for internal consumption, in order to create a common and shared memory for the members of the order. The success of the exempla was such that the preaching orders saw their potential and created their own collections as tools for preachers in the 13th century.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Haddad Yvonne Y.
Published: August 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Political Islām: Religion and Politics in the Arab World. By Nazih Ayubi.

Egypt from Nāsser to Mubāak: A Flawed Revolution. By Anthony McDermott.

The Gulf War: The Origins and Implications of the Iraq‐Iran Conflict. By Majid Khadduri

The Making of Iran's Islamic Revolution: From Monarchy to Islamic Republic. By Mohsen M. Milani

Workers on the Nile: Nationalism. Communism, Islam and the Egyptian Working Class, 1882–1954. By Joel Beinin and Zachary Lockman.

A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period. By Jamil M. Abun‐Nasr.

Historical Dictionary of Tunisia. By Kenneth J. Perkins.

Community and Consensus in Islam. Muslim Representation in British India, 1860–1947. By Farzana Shaikh.

Islam in Java: Normative Piety and Mysticism in the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. By Mark R. Woodward.

La géographie humaine du monde musulman jusq'au milieu du lie sièc?e. Tome 4. Les travaux et les jours. By André Miquel.

Blindness and Autobiography: Al‐Ayyam of Taha Husayn. By Fedwa Malti‐Douglas.

The Tragedy of Sohrab and Rostam, from the Persian National Epic, the Shahname of Abol‐Qasem Ferdowsi. Translated by Jerome W. Clinton.

A Compassionate Peace: A Future For Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East, revised edition. By Everett Mendelsohn.

The Arab World Today. William R. Polk.

Toward an Islamic Reformation: Civil Liberties, Human Rights and International Law. By Abdullahi Ahmed An‐N'im.

Jam't al‐Ikhwān al Muslim?n fi'l Urdun wa Filist?n: afabāt Tārikhiyya. By 'Awni J. al‐ābaydi

Athar al Jamāt al islāmiyya al maydani Khil?l al qarn al 'ihr?n. By Dr. Mahmud Salim

Images of the West: Third World Perspectives. By David C. Gordon.

Intellectual Studies on Islam: Essays Written in Honor of Martin B. Dixon. Edited by Michel M. Mazzaoui and Vera B. Moreen.

The Middle East: A History. By Sydney Nettleton Fisher and William Ochsenwald.

The Longest war: The Iran‐Iraq Military Conflict. By Dilip Hiro.

The History of Modern Egypt from Muhammad Ali to Mubarak. By P. J. Vatikiotis.

Commandments by God in Qur'ān. Compiled by Ch. Nazar Mohammad. Lahore: The author, n. d. xx + 775. n. p.
The Manufacture of Coated Fabrics The Processes used and their Bearing on the Choice of Pigments
Authors: Shepherd H.
Published: August 2010

Methods and processes used in the coating of fabrics with linseed oil, india‐rubber, nitrocellulose, and vinyl resin compositions are described. The preparation of the base cloths and the compounding of the coating media are described, together with spreading and calendering techniques of application. Embossing and decorative finishing are outlined, and recommendations on the choice of colouring matters are given.
Investigations into the Continuous Dyeing of Wool
Authors: Milligan B.
Published: August 2010

A method of dyeing wool at room temperature has been studied, and adapted to the continuous dyeing of slubbing. Formic acid is used as the dye solvent. The method causes negligible fibre damage, and dye penetration and fastness of the dyeings are satisfactory. However, most dyes give skittery dyeings under the conditions used, and satisfactory fixation is obtained only in pale to medium shades. Methods of recovery of the dye solvent are described, and the cost of dyeing is estimated.
Some Bleaching Problems and Developments associated with Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Sodium Chlorite
Authors: Chesner L.
Published: August 2010

Recent developments in bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and sodium chlorite are discussed against the background of current bleaching problems. A comparison of the properties and behaviour of the bleaching agents is given. Methods of desizing with persulphates are described, as well as a new process for bleaching cotton at a pH below 7 with a dilute solution of peracetic acid. The use of a commercially available concentrated solution of sodium chlorite is described.
Acid‐catalysed Hydrolysis of Type 3 Dye‐Fibre Bonds between Cellulose and Triazinyl Reactive Dyes
Authors: PIERCE J. H. , RATTEE I. D.
Published: August 2010

The kinetics of the acid hydrolysis of Type 3 dyeings produced by the reaction of dichlorotriazinyl aminoazo dyes with cellulose have been studied at 40Â°C. A marked effect has been observed owing to what are believed to be localised pH effects, i.e. a non‐uniform distribution of hydrogen ions within the fibre phase owing to the localised charges on the dye molecules attached to the fibre. Variation of the ionic strength in the reaction medium does not affect the bimolecular rate constants for the hydrolysis, but brings about changes that can also be ascribed to pH effects in the fibre phase. There is evidence for two kinds of Type 3 dye‐fibre bonding, giving a very rapidly hydrolysed species, present in relatively low concentration, and a more stable species.
Water Pollution and Control
Authors: BEST GERALD A.
Published: August 2010

The demand for clean water for industry and for domestic supply is increasing yearly. Many readily accessible supplies are fuh'y exploited and water authorities are now having to consider hitherto‐polluted rivers as possible sources for future demand. To meet the demand for clean water and for cleaner rivers which receive the waste from the consumers, a massive amount of expenditure will be required from central and local government and from industry for new water‐treatment plants. The legislation covering river pollution and waste‐water disposal in Scotland is described, and the particular problem of effluents from the textile industry is discussed. Many workers have demonstrated that waste water from the textile industry can be treated using conventional biological treatment and other techniques and be purified sufficiently to meet the standards imposed by the local authority for discharge into the sewerage system, or by the river purification board for discharge into the rivers or the sea.
The Dyeing and Printing of Polyester for Carpets
Authors: DAWSON T. L. , ROBERTS B. P.
Published: August 2010

The economics of polymer production suggest that polyester may in future compete increasingly with nylon for the production of floorcoverings. Its advantages and disadvantages are discussed with respect to wear performance and ease of coloration. A selection of modified polyester fibres, which are more easily dyed and printed than standard polyester, has been investigated and their commercial availability should accelerate the wider adoption of polyester carpets.
The crystal ball: computer‐controlled dyehouse of the future?
Authors: Syson Eric
Published: August 2010

One of the main benefits to be derived from environmental legislation for manufacturers is a greater awareness of energy consumption. Eric Syson highlights the scope for reducing energy costs through improvements to hardware and underlines a ‘green’ facet of the modern dyeing machine…it can be recycled.
Ion absorption by acrylic fibres. Part 2 — the absorption of ions in pairs
Authors: Alberti Guido , Loi Aldo , Rosa Marcello Di
Published: August 2010

The absorption equilibria and kinetics of pairs of alkaline‐alkaline, alkaline‐organic and organic‐organic ions on acrylic fibres deprived of their ionic content have been studied. The kinetic and absorption equilibrium behaviour of a given ion in the presence of a second ion was found to be modified in way that depended on the affinities and/or rate constants of both.
Colour and constitution of 4‐chlorothiazole azo dyes: application of PPP method
Authors: Bello Kasali A
Published: August 2010

Electronic absorption spectral data for a series of monoazo dyes derived from 2‐amino‐4‐chloro‐5‐formylthiazole have been calculated without the inclusion of the 3d atomic orbitals on the sulphur atom by the PPP molecular orbital method. Optimal agreement between experimental and calculated results was achieved by adopting the parameters used by Hallas and Marsden for heterocyclic ring systems. These parameters permit satisfactory prediction of μmax values for the derived dyes. The relative intensities of the dyes containing a range of complex acceptors are also reasonably well accounted for by the PPP method.
Autologous platelet‐rich fibrin matrix as cell therapy in the healing of chronic lower‐extremity ulcers
Authors: O'Connell Sean M. , Impeduglia Theresa , Hessler Karen , Wang Xiu‐Jie , Carroll Richard J. , Dardik Herbert
Published: August 2010

A novel autologous platelet‐rich fibrin matrix membrane (PRFM) was assessed for the ability to facilitate healing in patients with chronic lower‐extremity ulcers. Preliminary data are presented from a prospective trial (n=21). Twelve patients were identified with 17 venous leg ulcers (VLU) and nine bearing 13 nonvenous lower‐extremity ulcers. Before enrollment, the patients were evaluated for vascular status and received appropriate surgical intervention to optimize arterial and venous circulatory status. None of the ulcers had responded to a variety of standard treatments from 4 months to 53 years. Initial ulcer size ranged from 0.7 to 65 cm2 (mean, 11.2 cm2). Each PRFM‐treated patient received up to three applications of either a 35 or 50 mm fenestrated membrane, depending on initial ulcer size. The primary endpoints were percent and rate of complete closure as measured by digital photography, computerized planimetery, and clinical examination. Patients were followed weekly for 12 weeks with a follow‐up visit at 16 weeks. At each 4‐week interval, the extent of healing was assessed, and those patients with >50% reduction in wound area were allowed to continue to complete closure. Patients with <50% closure received repeated applications. Complete closure was achieved in 66.7% of the VLU patients (64.7% of treated ulcers) in 7.1 weeks (median, 6 weeks) with an average of two applications per patient. Forty‐four percent complete closure was seen with non‐VLU patients (31% of treated ulcers). From the results of this small‐scale pilot study, PRFM shows significant potential for closing of chronic leg ulcers.