bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Response to Tillage and Soil Residual Nitrogen in a Continuous Rotation with Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Rainfed Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: López‐Bellido Rafael J. , López‐Bellido Luis , López‐Bellido Francisco J. , Castillo Juan E.
Published: July 2010

The present field study was undertaken to determine the effects of tillage systems on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield over 11 yr and the effects of tillage systems and residual N on faba bean yield, yield components, and N uptake over 4 yr in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–faba bean rotation under rainfed Mediterranean conditions. Tillage treatments included no‐tillage and conventional tillage. Nitrogen fertilizer rates were 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1, applied only to wheat. The weather had a marked influence on seed yield, which ranged from 587 to 2964 kg ha−1. Thousand‐seed weight rose with increasing seed yield and seeds per pod, seeds per pod decreased with increasing pods per square meter, and harvest index rose with increasing seeds per pod but decreased with rising pods per square meter. Over the 11‐yr study period, the tillage system did not significantly influence seed yield. However, in three rainy years, conventional tillage was more productive than no‐tillage. Seed yield, total dry matter, and N uptake were lower at 0 kg N ha−1, and no significant differences were recorded among other N rates. Total N uptake ranged from 50 to 127 kg N ha−1 while seed N uptake fluctuated between 34 and 107 kg N ha−1. Soil nitrate at wheat sowing after faba bean was not affected by the type of tillage system used while the effect of the N rates applied to wheat 2 yr before was very reduced due to N fixed by the faba bean crop.
DEVELOPMENT OF A RESISTANCE‐BASED SENSOR FOR DETECTION OF WETNESS AT THE SOIL–AIR INTERFACE
Authors: Osborne Lawrence E. , Jin Yue
Published: July 2010

Many microbes, including several fungal plant pathogens, often reside at or very near the soil surface. Survival, reproduction, and development of these pathogens are influenced by moisture in the environment. There are currently no efficient means to continuously monitor wetness conditions at the soil–air interface. A project was initiated to develop a sensor for continuous monitoring of soil–surface wetness and to be used in conjunction with data‐logging equipment. Sensors were developed and tested for consistency and durability through replicate trials conducted on synthetic sponges and on thin soil layers. Field trials were then conducted to test sensor durability and response to field environments. Under greenhouse conditions, sensors were calibrated against tactile estimates of wetness on thin layers of three soil textures (sandy loam, clay loam, and silt loam) over a range of known moisture levels. In laboratory tests, sensors were evaluated for uniformity of response. Sensors were shown to be uniform in response under laboratory and field conditions. They worked well to indicate wetting events in the field and allowed for determination of wetness duration, a parameter of great interest to plant pathologists. The sensors, in conjunction with automatic data‐logging devices, may be able to provide estimates of wetness duration for incorporation into disease predictive models.
Trends in Forage Yield and Nutritive Value of Hay‐Type Sorghum spp.
Authors: Moyer J. L. , Fritz J. O. , Higgins J. J.
Published: July 2010

Sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], other Sorghum spp., and sorghum–sudangrass hybrids are used extensively for hay on U.S. cropland because of their production potential. Performance evaluations have emphasized yield and other agronomic characteristics but seldom emphasized forage quality. Available hay‐type sorghum cultivars released over a period of four decades were grown in five trials over a 21‐yr period to evaluate trends in forage yield and nutritive value. First‐cut (boot stage to head emergence) forage was harvested for yield and subsampled for one or more quality components. The first trial in 1977 tested forage crude protein (CP), and subsequent trials included more quality traits. In 1993 and 1998, the traits measured included leaf/stem ratio and leaf and stem concentrations of CP, neutral‐detergent fiber (NDF), and acid‐detergent fiber (ADF). Pearson correlation coefficients by year and correlations pooled across trials by two methods indicated similar relationships between forage characteristics and year of cultivar release. Year of release was positively associated with forage yield in two of the five trials and for the pooled correlations. Forage CP and CP of leaf and stem fractions were negatively correlated with year of cultivar release for the pooled trials and in most individual trials. Leaf NDF and ADF were positively correlated with year of cultivar release in the pooled trials. Yield gains of about 0.5% per year were found, but concomitant relative reductions of 0.1% or more per year in forage CP and leaf NDF run counter to the perceived need for improved hay quality. These findings emphasize the need to locate and incorporate cost‐effective sources of germplasm to enhance nutritive value of forage in hay‐type Sorghum spp.
Soil Structural Disturbance Effects on Crop Yields and Soil Properties in a No‐Till Production System
Authors: Díaz‐Zorita M. , Grove J. H. , Murdock L. , Herbeck J. , Perfect E.
Published: July 2010

The development of well‐structured soils is a goal for achieving sustainable and productive agricultural systems. Nevertheless, the maintenance of soil structure in continuous no‐till (NT) soils has sometimes been thought to induce soil conditions that are detrimental to crop yields. The objectives of this research were to characterize the effects of periodic tillage disruption in otherwise NT systems on soil properties and the yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), double‐cropped soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and maize (Zea mays L.) in rotation and to determine if soil structural changes occurring in tilled soils are independent of changes in other soil properties. A field experiment was established in 1992 on a Huntington silt loam soil (Fluventic Hapludoll) at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton (KY) under a NT crop sequence with two seedbed preparation methods for winter wheat, (a) NT or (b) chisel plus disk tillage (Till). In fall 2000, similar soil chemical properties were observed between disrupted and continuous NT systems over the 0‐ to 20‐cm layer. The geometric mean diameter of dry fragments and the soil water content retained between 0.0003 and 0.03 MPa water potential was greater in NT soils than in soils tilled for winter wheat. Tillage for winter wheat enhanced winter wheat yields (4.2% increase), mostly under low‐yielding conditions, but it resulted in a reduction of subsequent summer crop yields (i.e., 3.7% for soybean and 7.0% for maize). The yields obtained in our study translate to an economic benefit for the continuous NT system. Net returns per hectare were estimated to be $73 higher for the winter wheat/double‐crop soybean–maize rotation under NT than under Till treatments. The differences in maize yields between NT and tilled treatments were attributed to a better water supply in NT soil due to the maintenance of a larger number of mesopores and a great hydraulic conductivity. In the absence of significant changes in other physicochemical properties, periodic tillage appears to disrupt soil structure, which negatively affects crop productivity.
Effects of a Grass‐Selective Herbicide in a Vetch–Rye Cover Crop System on Nitrogen Management
Authors: Clark A. J. , Meisinger J. J. , Decker A. M. , Mulford F. R.
Published: July 2010

Cover crop kill date affects N fixation by hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), N uptake by cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), residue C/N ratio, and subsequent N availability. Data are needed on spring management of vetch–rye cover crop mixtures, compared to pure stands, to estimate fertilizer nitrogen (FN) equivalents. A 2‐yr study evaluated spring management of hairy vetch (HV), pure rye, a vetch–rye mixture, and a no‐cover check on N accumulation and subsequent no‐till corn N uptake following corn FN rates of 0, 45, 90, 180, and 270 kg ha−1. A grass‐selective herbicide (GSH) was applied in late March to the pure rye and the vetch–rye mixture, leaving HV to accumulate N until early May. These treatments were compared to the same covers killed in early May. Cover crop N uptake was lowest for rye, intermediate for the mixtures, and highest for HV. The N content in the pure rye and vetch–rye mixture was significantly increased if the previous year's corn had received excess FN. The cover crop mixture produced greater rye growth if fall soil nitrate N was high, while low soil nitrate N resulted in greater yield of HV in the mixture. There was no difference in corn N uptake for the late‐ vs. early kill pure rye, or of the rye component in the vetch–rye mixture. A vetch–rye mixture functioned like a “dual purpose” cover by conserving fall residual N, producing a lower C/N ratio residue than pure rye, and supplying more N to the succeeding corn than pure rye, although the N supplied was still less than pure vetch.
Inositol Hexaphosphate: I. Quantitative Determination in Extracts of Soils and Manures
Authors: Caldwell A. G. , Black C. A.
Published: July 2010

A procedure was developed for the quantitative determination of inositol hexaphosphates in extracts of soils and manures. The inositol hexaphosphates were separated from other phosphorus compounds by anion‐exchange chromatography in a simplified adaptation of the technique developed originally by Smith and Clark. Dilute hydrochloric acid extracts of manures can be added directly to the exchange columns, but extracts of soils obtained by the usual acid‐alkali extraction procedure must be given a preliminary treatment to remove organic matter that otherwise would flocculate under the acid conditions in the exchange columns.
Applied and Residual Nitrate‐Nitrogen Effects on Irrigated Grain Sorghum Yield
Authors: Onken Arthur B. , Sunderman Herbert D.
Published: July 2010

Multirate nitrogen studies were conducted for a 3‐year period, on an irrigated clay loam soil at two locations, to determine the influence of applied and residual soil N on the yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Soil samples were taken prior to fertilizer application in depth increments of 0–15, 15–30, 30–61, and 61–91 cm and analyzed for nitrate. Applied and residual soil NO3‐‐N were found to influence grain yields. Regression analysis of the data showed highly significant relationships between (i) quantities of soil nitrates measured at upper depths to those measured at lower depths, and (ii) grain yield and applied N + residual NO3‐‐N. Best correlations were obtained when residual NO3‐‐N was included in the regression equation. Results indicated that soil samples taken to 15 or 30 cm would be sufficient for evaluation of residual nitrogen effects.
Relationships Between Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Morphometric Data of an Argillic Horizon
Authors: Anderson J. L. , Bouma J.
Published: July 2010

A method of calculating Ksat in pedal soil materials on the basis of morphometric data yielded reproducible results for seven soil peels sampled in the argillic horizon of a Batavia silt loam. Calculated values were reasonably close to those measured in situ with the double tube method. The method was also successfully applied to impregnated horizontal sections through soil cores. Dye studies demonstrated the validity of some of the underlying assumptions of the method, which predicts a strong relationship between core height and measured hydraulic conductivity in pedal soil materials. Experiments confirmed this relationship and a representative core size was defined for the studied horizon using the morphometric data.
Acidity and Aluminum Restraints on Nodulation, Nitrogen Fixation, and Growth of Phaseolus vulgaris in Solution Culture
Authors: Franco A. A. , Munns D. N.
Published: July 2010

The effects of acidity and aluminum (Al) on nodulation, nitrogen (N) fixation, and bean shoot and root growth were studied in solution and sand culture in greenhouse experiments to help explain the frequent failure of N2‐dependent bean in acid soils. Aluminum concentrations were maintained in solution by keeping low levels of phosphorus (P) at pH 4.5.

Concentrations of Al up to 83 µM did not affect root dry weight, nodule growth, and nitrogenase activity of either bean cultivar tested. Low levels of Al (19 µM) increased taproot elongation but decreased total root length; at higher Al concentrations, the taproot also became stunted. Increasing CaCl2 from 0.2 to 2 mM in solution suppressed Al toxicity. Shoot growth was significantly decreased by 19 µM Al in P. vulgaris cv. Carioca but not in cv. Venezuela 350. Root colonization and/or infection by Rhizobium was reduced by Al concentrations >33 µM but was less sensitive than total root elongation or shoot growth.

Solution culture pH in the range 4.5 to 5.5 did not affect nodule growth and nitrogenase activity, but a decrease in pH from 5.5 to 5.0 decreased number of nodules formed per plant from 60 to 10, indicating that pH can be a major limiting factor of early nodulation with the cultivars and Rhizobium strains tested.
Evolution of Dinitrogen and Nitrous Oxide from Nitrogen‐15 Fertilized Soil Cores Subjected to Wetting and Drying Cycles
Authors: Mulvaney R. L. , Kurtz L. T.
Published: July 2010

A laboratory study was conducted to establish trends in evolution of dinitrogen (N2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) associated with the wetting and drying of soils and to assess the relative significance of nitrification and denitrification as sources of the N2O evolved from NH+4‐fertilized soils. Mass spectrometric procedures were used to analyze atmospheric samples collected each day during a 6‐week period from intact soil cores treated with 15N‐labeled KNO3 (65.5 atom % 15N) or (NH4)2SO4 (81.4 atom % 15N) at a rate equivalent to 100 kg N ha−1 and periodically treated with water to simulate rainfall. Data reported show that N2 and N2O were evolved only if enough water was applied to increase the soil moisture content to a level above the 0.03‐MPa moisture percentage, that these gases were evolved concurrently, that maximal evolution occurred 2 to 9 d after the water had been applied, and that more N2 was usually evolved than N2O. Calculations to determine the origin of the N2 and N2O evolved from the soil cores showed that most (usually 60–80%) of this N2 and N2O was derived from the fertilizer applied, that the percentage of fertilizer‐derived N2 and N2O was greater for the NO‐3‐treated cores than for the NH+4‐treated cores, and that the 15N enrichment of the N2O often exceeded that of the N2. The work reported provides support for the usual assumption that N2 and N2O evolved from NH+4‐, as well as NO‐3, fertilized soils originate largely, if not entirely, through denitrification of NO‐3 under anaerobic conditions, and it suggests that evolution of these gases follows an over‐all cycle associated with wetting and drying of the soil. Very little, if any, N2 and N2O appears to be evolved when the soil moisture content is well below field capacity. Evolution virtually ceases when the soil is saturated by rainfall, and it subsequently increases as the soil dries, with maximal evolution occurring several days after the rainfall. Evolution then decreases and eventually ceases.
Single Waterdrop Splash Detachment and Mechanical Properties of Soils
Authors: Nearing M. A. , Bradford J. M.
Published: July 2010

This study was an assessment of the use of soil mechanical properties to predict soil detachment by single waterdrop impact. Soil mechanical properties were measured on four soils with a triaxial consolidated‐undrained compression test and a Swedish fall‐cone device. The weight of soil detached was measured for 5.7‐mm diameter drops falling a distance of 13 m. The results indicated that strength and pre‐failure deformational properties, as measured by the triaxial test alone, were not good predictors of soil resistance to splash. As previously reported, soil splash weight was a linear function of the ratio of waterdrop kinetic energy to fall‐cone strength on a per soil basis, but the slope of the line differed among soils. The slopes were, however, greater for soils with greater consolidated, undrained friction angles as determined in the triaxial test and expressed in terms of total stresses. Therefore, the fall‐cone strength term was reduced as a function of the triaxial friction angle, and detachment was plotted versus the ratio of raindrop kinetic energy to the corrected fall‐cone strength term. The resultant relationship was linear with the same slope for all four soils. This result was explained in terms of our current understanding of the soil splash mechanism. The fall‐cone alone predicts the initial splash phase of cavity formation upon impact, but overpredicts the resistance of the soil to subsequent lateral jetting of water.
Multifractal Characterization of Soil Pore Systems
Authors: Posadas Adolfo N. D. , Giménez Daniel , Quiroz Roberto , Protz Richard
Published: July 2010

Spatial arrangement of soil pores determines soil structure and is important to model soil processes. Geometric properties of individual pores can be estimated from thin sections, but there is no satisfactory method to quantify the complexity of their spatial arrangement. The objective of this work was to apply a multifractal technique to quantify properties of ten contrasting soil pore systems. Binary images (500 by 750 pixels, 74.2 μm pixel−1) were obtained from thin sections and analyzed to obtain f(α) spectra. Pore area and pore perimeter were measured from each image and used to estimate a shape factor for pores with area larger than 0.27 × 106 μm2 Mean area of the lower (MAL) and upper (MAU) one‐half of cumulative pore area distributions were calculated. Pore structures with large (MAU > 10 × 106 μm2) and elongated pores exhibited “flat” f(α)‐spectra typical of homogenous systems (three soils). Massive type structure with small (MAU < 1 × 106 μm2) rounded and irregular pores resulted in asymmetric f(α)‐spectra (two soils). Well defined and symmetric f(α)‐spectra were obtained with soil structures having elongated pores of intermediate size (1 × 106 < MAU < 10 × 106 μm2) clustered around relatively small structural units (five soils). Multifractal parameters defining the maximum of the f(α)‐spectra were correlated to total porosity (P < 0.001), and silt content (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that the spatial arrangement of contrasting soil structures can be quantified and separated by the properties of their f(α)‐spectra. Multifractal parameters quantifying spatial arrangement of soil pores could be used to improve classifications of soil structure.
Root Growth Responses of Melilotis indicus (L.) All. to Air Pollution
Authors: Saquib Mohammad
Published: July 2010

The root length, root biomass and net primary productivity of Melilotus indicus were studied at the monthly intervals from a wheat cropland, growing at the four selected sites situated at 0.5, 2, 4 and 20 km leeward from the source of pollution caused by coal burning of a thermal power plant of Kasimpur (U.P, India). Root growth varied with the level of pollution, age of the stand and the coal consumption rate as well as the release of major gases from the power plant. The data indicate that the degree of response increased with decreasing distance from the source of pollution. The root length and root biomass were affected significantly at the 0.5 and 2 km. respectively in the seedling stage, while in the middle and old stages the loss significantly increased up to 4 km in comparison to the reference site situated at 20 km away from the source of pollution. The percent loss in the root growth of M. indicus increased from seedling to middle stage and decline at the old stage. Root length, root biomass and net primary productivity suffered greater in the middle stage, may be due to high coal consumption and greater release of gaseous pollutants from the power plant. The root length and root biomass showed a significant positive relationship with the distance from the source.Key words: Air pollution, root growth, Melilotus indicus, wheat cropland, biomass. DOI: 10.3126/eco.v16i0.3470ECOPRINT 16: 29-34, 2009
Land Use Change in Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal between 1978 and 1999
Authors: Baidya N. G. , Bhuju D. R. , Kandel P.
Published: July 2010

Land use dynamics in the Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park was assessed by integrated use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System covering 1978, 1992 and 1999. Among all land-use type, forest was the most dominating land-use in 1978 covering 45.33% of total study area. However, the agricultural land became the most dominating land-use since 1992. The study found that since 1978 to 1999 there was increase in agricultural land by 67.28 km2, built-up area by 0.81 km2 and shrub-land by 7.68 km2. Whereas, the forest decreased by 62.23 km2, grassland by 11.38 km2 and water bodies by 2.16 km2. Vegetation density analysis using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) revealed that the densely vegetated area decreased by 5.03 km2 in a time-span of less than 10 years. Despite the successful community forest management in the BZ of CNP, this study showed a decline in densely forested area. Key words: GIS, Land use types, management, Remote sensing, Vegetation. DOI: 10.3126/eco.v16i0.3478ECOPRINT 16: 79-86, 2009
John White A.M., M.D., F.LS. (c. 1756–1832), Surgeon-General of New South Wales: a new biography of the messenger of the echidna and waratah
Authors: NELSON E. CHARLES
Published: July 2010

John White, Surgeon-General of New South Wales, is best remembered for his handsome book Journal of a voyage to new South Wales published in London during 1790. He was a native of County Fermanagh in northwestern Ireland. He became a naval surgeon and in this capacity was appointed to serve as surgeon on the First Fleet which left England for New South Wales (Australia) in 1787. While living in New South Wales, White adopted Nanberree, an aboriginal boy, and fathered a son by Rachel Turner, a convict, who later married Thomas Moore. John White returned to England in 1795, became a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London and was granted the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Master of Arts by the University of St Andrews. White was married twice, and was survived by his second wife and his four children, including his illegitimate, Australian-born son, Captain Andrew Douglas White. Dr John White died in 1832 aged 75 and is buried in Worthing, Sussex, England.

While serving as Surgeon-General at Sydney Cove, New South Wales, between 1788 and 1794 John White collected natural history specimens and assembled a series of paintings of plants and animals. After returning to England, White lent these paintings to botanists and zoologists, and permitted copies to be made. Thus, he contributed substantially to European knowledge of the indigenous flora and fauna of Australia.
Conrad Gessner on the spelling of his name
Authors: PYLE CYNTHIA M.
Published: July 2010

For 250 years, the vernacular spelling of the family name of the polymath Conrad Gessner of Zurich (1516–1565) has been in doubt, owing to an erroneous analogy with the Latin spelling, which does not require a double s. The history of this error is presented, followed by an examination of Gessner's own usage throughout his life, as it appears in autograph documents and works printed under his direction. Posthumous evidence and evidence from other members of the family and the community are also adduced to demonstrate consistency in the vernacular spelling of Gessner's name.
A scientific libel: John Lubbock's attack upon Sir Charles Lyell
Authors: WILSON LEONARD G.
Published: July 2010

John Lubbock's charge that Sir Charles Lyell's discussion of Danish shell mounds in Antiquity of man (1863) was derived from Lubbock's 1861 article on the same subject was assumed by Lubbock's associates to have a basis in fact. In the preface to Pre-historic times (1865), Lubbock said that Lyell had made much use of his article without acknowledgement. The charge was untrue. In correcting proofs, Lyell had inadvertently used two sentences from Lubbock's article. The rest of his discussion was his own. The similarity between Lyell's and Lubbock's treatments of Danish archaeology resulted from their common use of Adolphe Morlot's 1860 article on the subject. Before publication, Morlot had sent proofs to Lyell for his use in writing Antiquity of man. After Morlot's article appeared. Lubbock used it extensively and followed it closely in writing his 1861 article. Although Lubbock continued to insist privately that Lyell had used his article, he did not admit his own copying from Morlot. Lubbock removed the reference to Lyell from his preface. For his part, Lyell altered the preface of Antiquity to describe how he had used Lubbock's article in revising proofs.
Some More Observations on the Unique Electrochemical Properties of Electrode–Monolayer–Nanoparticle Constructs
Authors: Dyne Jonathan , Lin Yu‐Shan , Lai Leo M. H. , Ginges Joshua Z. , Luais Erwann , Peterson Joshua R. , Goon Ian Y. , Amal Rose , Gooding J. Justin
Published: July 2010

Physical and electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticle‐based electrodes are highlighted. Polycrystalline gold electrodes are passivated by a self‐assembled monolayer, then the immobilization of gold nanoparticles “switch on” the electrochemical reactivity of ruthenium. Herein, gap‐mode Raman studies show that the location of the nanoparticles is on the top of the monolayer, meaning that the “switching on” cannot be attributed to a direct electrical contact between nanoparticles and the gold support. This “switching on” feature is also not affected by the size of the gold nanoparticles with a range of diameters between 4 and 67 nm. Further, the charge of the nanoparticles is investigated by grafting chemical groups onto the nanoparticles which is observed to alter the electron‐transfer kinetics. The variation in rate constant however is insufficient to attribute the “switching on” phenomenon to a possible adsorption of the redox species onto the nanoparticles.
Structure of an atypical Tudor domain in the Drosophila Polycomblike protein
Authors: Friberg Anders , Oddone Anna , Klymenko Tetyana , Müller Jürg , Sattler Michael
Published: July 2010

Post‐translational modifications of histone tails are among the most prominent epigenetic marks and play a critical role in transcriptional control at the level of chromatin. The Polycomblike (Pcl) protein is part of a histone methyltransferase complex (Pcl‐PRC2) responsible for high levels of histone H3 K27 trimethylation. Studies in Drosophila larvae suggest that Pcl is required for anchoring Pcl‐PRC2 at target genes, but how this is achieved is unknown. Pcl comprises a Tudor domain and two PHD fingers. These domains are known to recognize methylated lysine or arginine residues and could contribute to targeting of Pcl‐PRC2. Here, we report an NMR structure of the Tudor domain from Drosophila Pcl (Pcl‐Tudor) and binding studies with putative ligands. Pcl‐Tudor contains an atypical, incomplete aromatic cage that does not interact with known Tudor domain ligands, such as methylated lysines or arginines. Interestingly, human Pcl orthologs exhibit a complete aromatic cage, suggesting that they may recognize methylated lysines. Structural comparison with other Tudor domains suggests that Pcl‐Tudor may engage in intra‐ or intermolecular interactions through an exposed hydrophobic surface patch.
Regulatory Function of Histone Modifications in Controlling Rice Gene Expression and Plant Growth
Authors: Zhou Dao-Xiu , Hu Yongfeng
Published: July 2010

Histone modifications play pivotal roles in chromatin remodeling and gene regulation. Rice genome possesses multiple genes encoding different classes of histone modification enzymes. Specific histone modification patterns in rice are associated with either heterochromatic or euchromatic regions or related to gene expression. Functional studies of several rice genes encoding histone deacetylases and histone methyltransferases and demethylases reveal specific regulators involved in transposon repression, development regulation, and responses to environmental conditions. Functional interplay between rice histone modification regulators in gene regulation and transposon silencing and their implication in rice epigenetic variation are discussed.
Maintenance of red blood cell integrity by AMP‐activated protein kinase α1 catalytic subunit
Authors: Foretz Marc , Guihard Soizic , Leclerc Jocelyne , Fauveau Véronique , Couty Jean-Pierre , Andris Fabienne , Gaudry Murielle , Andreelli Fabrizio , Vaulont Sophie , Viollet Benoit
Published: July 2010

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular energy metabolism. We previously showed that AMPKα1−/− mice develop moderate anemia associated with splenomegaly and high reticulocytosis. Here, we report that splenectomy of AMPKα1−/− mice worsened anemia supporting evidence that AMPKα1−/− mice developed a compensatory response through extramedullary erythropoiesis in the spleen. Transplantation of bone marrow from AMPKα1−/− mice into wild‐type recipients recapitulated the hematologic phenotype. Further, AMPKα1−/− red blood cells (RBC) showed less deformability in response to shear stress limiting their membrane flexibility. Thus, our results highlight the crucial role of AMPK to preserve RBC integrity.
Entropic potential field formed for a linear-motor protein near a filament: Statistical-mechanical analyses using simple models
Authors: Amano Ken-ichi , Yoshidome Takashi , Iwaki Mitsuhiro , Suzuki Makoto , Kinoshita Masahiro
Published: July 2010

We report a new progress in elucidating the mechanism of the unidirectional movement of a linear-motor protein (e.g., myosin) along a filament (e.g., F-actin). The basic concept emphasized here is that a potential field is entropically formed for the protein on the filament immersed in solvent due to the effect of the translational displacement of solvent molecules. The entropic potential field is strongly dependent on geometric features of the protein and the filament, their overall shapes as well as details of the polyatomic structures. The features and the corresponding field are judiciously adjusted by the binding of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the protein, hydrolysis of ATP into adenosine diphosphate (ADP)+Pi, and release of Pi and ADP. As the first step, we propose the following physical picture: The potential field formed along the filament for the protein without the binding of ATP or ADP+Pi to it is largely different from that for the protein with the binding, and the directed movement is realized by repeated switches from one of the fields to the other. To illustrate the picture, we analyze the spatial distribution of the entropic potential between a large solute and a large body using the three-dimensional integral equation theory. The solute is modeled as a large hard sphere. Two model filaments are considered as the body: model 1 is a set of one-dimensionally connected large hard spheres and model 2 is a double helical structure formed by two sets of connected large hard spheres. The solute and the filament are immersed in small hard spheres forming the solvent. The major findings are as follows. The solute is strongly confined within a narrow space in contact with the filament. Within the space there are locations with sharply deep local potential minima along the filament, and the distance between two adjacent locations is equal to the diameter of the large spheres constituting the filament. The potential minima form a ringlike domain in model 1 while they form a pointlike one in model 2. We then examine the effects of geometric features of the solute on the amplitudes and asymmetry of the entropic potential field acting on the solute along the filament. A large aspherical solute with a cleft near the solute-filament interface, which mimics the myosin motor domain, is considered in the examination. Thus, the two fields in our physical picture described above are qualitatively reproduced. The factors to be taken into account in further studies are also discussed.
Intra‐industry Adjustment to Import Competition: Theory and Application to the German Clothing Industry
Authors: Raff Horst , Wagner Joachim
Published: July 2010

This paper uses an oligopoly model with heterogeneous firms to examine how an industry adjusts to rising import competition. The model predicts that in the short run the least efficient firms in the industry become inactive, surviving firms face a fall in output, mark‐ups and profits, and average industry productivity increases due to a selection effect. These pro‐competitive effects of import penetration on the domestic industry disappear in the long run. The predictions for the short run are confirmed in an empirical study of the German clothing industry.
Deficient recognition of emotional prosody in primary focal dystonia
Authors: Nikolova Z. T. , Fellbrich A. , Born J. , Dengler R. , Schröder C.
Published: July 2010

Background:  Primary dystonia is a movement disorder attributed mainly to basal ganglia dysfunction. Besides motor control, striatopallidal structures are known to implement also non‐motor functions including processing of cognitive and emotional information. Previous research has already demonstrated deficient recognition of emotional faces in patients with primary focal dystonia. However, it remains elusive if emotional prosody processing in dystonia is also affected.

Methods:  In this study, 30 patients with primary cervical dystonia (CD) and 30 healthy control subjects (HC) had to classify auditory presented words according to their emotional prosody (angry, happy, relaxed, sad).

Results:  Analysis of hit rates and reaction times revealed a significantly poorer performance of patients with CD in judging angrily intonated words. Additional psychological assessment (SCL‐90 R) demonstrated a higher level of psychological distress in patients with CD who displayed symptoms of somatization, anxiety and depression.

Conclusions:  Together these findings bring further insight into the basal ganglia involvement in processing of emotional prosody and emphasize the importance to identify the psychopathological symptoms in patients with CD as complementary to the motor deficit.
Fate of Cyclic Nucleotides in PC12 Cell Cultures: Uptake, Metabolism, and Effects of Metabolites on Nerve Growth Factor‐Induced Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: Braumann Thomas , Jastorff Bernd , Richter‐Landsberg Christiane
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The fate of cyclic AMP (cAMP), dibutyryl‐cAMP (Bt2‐cAMP), and the (Sp)‐isomer of adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphorothioate [(Sp)‐cAMPS] was studied in the PC12 culture medium by means of HPLC. In the absence of PC12 cells, cAMP and Bt2‐cAMP were rapidly degraded by nonspecific esterases and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase both originating from the serum commonly used as a culture medium ingredient, whereas (Sp)‐cAMPS was completely stable. Since 5′‐AMP, adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine appeared in the culture medium after incubation with cAMP or Bt2‐cAMP, we have determined their effect on nerve growth factor (NGF)‐induced neurite outgrowth. 5′‐AMP, adenosine, and inosine were indeed potent agents in producing a potentiating effect on NGF‐induced early neurite outgrowth at a concentration of 1 mM. Thus, cAMP metabolites had the capacity to induce an effect that has been described as cAMP‐specific. In serum‐free culture medium and in the presence of cells, all cyclic nucleotides were taken up by PC12 cells. Uptake was highly correlated with the hydrophobic nature of the compounds, and was accompanied by a simultaneous excretion of metabolites. On incubation with cAMP, NGF had a pronounced effect on the metabolic pattern found in the culture medium. In particular, dephosphorylation of 5′‐AMP was specifically enhanced. This effect of NGF on the degradation of cAMP was also apparent when cAMP metabolites were incubated with PC12 cells. Whereas 5′‐AMP degradation was greatly increased, NGF had no effect on the metabolism of the other purine compounds.
Insufficient control of morning home blood pressure in Japanese patients with hypertension associated with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Uchida Haruhito A. , Nakamura Yoshio , Norii Hisanao , Kaihara Masanobu , Hanayama Yoshihisa , Sada Ken‐Ei , Wada Jun , Shikata Kenichi , Makino Hirofumi
Published: July 2010

Aims/Introduction:  The combination of hypertension with diabetes mellitus (DM) has been recognized as a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients with DM (HDM patients) compared with those without DM (HnDM patients). Furthermore, we examined the effect of risk factors, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and stroke, on the management of both office blood pressure (OBP) and morning home blood pressure (MHBP).

Materials and Methods:  OBP and MHBP were evaluated in 1230 essential hypertensive patients in 30 institutions. Among them, 366 (30%) were complicated with DM.

Results:  The ratio of masked hypertensives whose systolic OBP was <140 mmHg and systolic MHBP was more than 135 mmHg in HDM patients was significantly higher than that in HnDM patients (P < 0.02). HDM patients had significantly lower systolic and diastolic OBP and diastolic MHBP than HnDM patients (P < 0.05, respectively). However, systolic MHBP in HDM patients tended to be higher compared with HnDM patients (P = 0.0623). A stratified analysis showed that HDM patients with CKD or stroke had significantly higher systolic MHBP than others (P < 0.05, respectively). The adjusted odds ratio for morning hypertension defined by a systolic MHBP more than 135 mmHg was significantly higher in the HDM patients with CKD (1.98) compared with HnDM patients without CKD (reference).

Conclusions:  Diabetes, CKD and stroke are risk factors for MHBP. More intensive treatment is needed to achieve the thera‐peutic goal for systolic MHBP in HDM patients, especially those who are complicated with CKD or stroke. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00056.x, 2010).
Real-time monitoring of the evolving morphology and molecular structure at an organic-inorganic semiconductor interface: SnPc on GaAs(001)
Authors: Evans D. A. , Vearey-Roberts A. R. , Roberts O. R. , Brieva A. C. , Bushell A. , Williams G. T. , Langstaff D. P. , Cabailh G. , McGovern I. T.
Published: July 2010

An organic-III-V hybrid semiconductor interface has been studied using real-time photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy to reveal the evolving morphology and molecular structure within the organic layer during thin film growth. This new approach to in situ characterization has been enabled by electron detection using a direct electron-counting array detector coupled to a hemispherical electron analyzer. The nonplanar tin phthalocyanine (SnPc) molecules initially form a uniform layer within which they have a distinct molecular orientation relative to the S-passivated gallium arsenide substrate surface [GaAs:S(001)]. The critical thickness of 0.9 nm that marks the transition between layered and clustered growth, determined from the photoemission measurements, corresponds to a single molecular layer with the molecules oriented at an angle of (39±2)° to the substrate plane. This value is confirmed by angle-resolved near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure measurements in the same experimental environment. However, the angle is less for the thicker films as the molecule-molecule interaction dominates over the molecule-substrate interaction and the structure is close to that of the bulk triclinic SnPc crystal.
A CONSISTENT ESTIMATE FOR THE IMPACT OF SINGAPORE'S EXCHANGE RATE ON COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: THIA JANG PING
Published: July 2010

Services form a larger part of the Singapore economy. However, it is difficult to analyze the exchange rate impact on services due to the lack of price data. Regression of output or export on exchange rate, while highly intuitive, is likely to suffer from the endogeneity problem since Singapore's exchange rate is used as a counter-cyclical policy tool. This results in inconsistent estimates. I propose a novel approach to overcome these limitations by using Hong Kong as a control for Singapore's economy to implement a pseudo "difference-in-difference" method, exploiting time variation in output, to achieve consistent estimates.
CHARGE DENSITY INFLUENCE ON MACROSCOPIC DEFORMATION ENERGY
Authors: GHERGHESCU R. A. , POENARU D. N. , RAPORTARU M. , POPOVICI B. , GREINER W.
Published: July 2010

A formula describing the proton density dependence on macroscopic deformation energy for different fusion-like shape configurations is derived. As a consequence, the influence of intermediary atomic numbers of fusioning nuclei on the macroscopic deformation-dependent terms of the potential energy in the Yukawa-plus-exponential model is studied. For the same target–projectile pair, at the same distance between their centers, macroscopic fusion barriers differ by energy amounts up to 5 MeV.
MYOSITIS OSSIFICANS OF THE SUPINATOR MUSCLE CAUSING POSTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS NERVE PALSY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Kitagawa Yasuyuki , Sawaizumi Takuya , Ito Hiromoto
Published: July 2010

Some tumors or tumorous conditions causing posterior interosseous nerve palsy are well documented, but myositis ossificans causing the palsy of this nerve has not been described. We present a case of posterior interosseous nerve palsy caused by myositis ossificans of the supinator muscle.
The Human WRN and BLM RecQ Helicases Differentially Regulate Cell Proliferation and Survival after Chemotherapeutic DNA Damage
Authors: Mao Frances J. , Sidorova Julia M. , Lauper Julia M. , Emond Mary J. , Monnat Raymond J.
Published: July 2010

Loss-of-function mutations in the human RecQ helicase genes WRN and BLM respectively cause the genetic instability/cancer predisposition syndromes Werner syndrome and Bloom syndrome. To identify common and unique functions of WRN and BLM, we systematically analyzed cell proliferation, cell survival, and genomic damage in isogenic cell lines depleted of WRN, BLM, or both proteins. Cell proliferation and survival were assessed before and after treatment with camptothecin, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), hydroxyurea, or 5-fluorouracil. Genomic damage was assessed, before and after replication arrest, by γ-H2AX staining, which was quantified at the single-cell level by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was affected strongly by the extent of WRN and/or BLM depletion, and more strongly by BLM than by WRN depletion (P = 0.005). The proliferation of WRN/BLM-codepleted cells, in contrast, did not differ from BLM-depleted cells (P = 0.34). BLM-depleted and WRN/BLM-codepleted cells had comparably impaired survival after DNA damage, whereas WRN-depleted cells displayed a distinct pattern of sensitivity to DNA damage. BLM-depleted and WRN/BLM-codepleted cells had similar, significantly higher γ-H2AX induction levels than did WRN-depleted cells. Our results provide new information on the role of WRN and BLM in determining cell proliferation, cell survival, and genomic damage after chemotherapeutic DNA damage or replication arrest. We also provide new information on functional redundancy between WRN and BLM. These results provide a strong rationale for further developing WRN and BLM as biomarkers of tumor chemotherapeutic responsiveness. Cancer Res; 70(16); 6548–55. ©2010 AACR.
Deficient Counseling on Physical Activity among Nephrologists
Authors: Delgado Cynthia , Johansen Kirsten L.
Published: July 2010

Background: An evaluation of exercise counseling practices among nephrologists in 2001 demonstrated few clinicians assessing patients’ levels of physical activity (PA) and counseling to increase activity. Recent Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) cardiovascular guidelines recommended that nephrologists counsel patients to increase PA. Our objective was to ascertain whether nephrologists’ counseling practices have changed. Methods: We administered a 30-item survey regarding exercise counseling to nephrologists attending the ASN meeting in 2007. Some questions were adapted from a prior survey administered in 2001 to assess differences in practice patterns compared to 6 years earlier. Results: Participants answered questions regarding opinions and practices relevant to PA (n = 198), KDOQI guidelines, self-reported PA, and demographic information (n = 173). Participants were 44 ± 11 years of age, 48% practicing in the USA, and 76% male. In multivariate analysis, older nephrologists (OR; 95% CI) (3.3; 1.2–9.0) and those more physically active (5.5; 2.0–14) were more likely to ask and counsel patients about PA. Opinions associated with less counseling behavior included lack of confidence in ability to discuss PA (0.2; 0.05–0.5). Multivariate comparison to previous respondents (n = 503) showed current nephrologists were not asking and counseling more (1.2; 0.81–1.8). Conclusion: Despite new guidelines, counseling behavior has not increased. Published guidelines are insufficient to reach younger nephrologists.
Synthesis and crystal structure of Cu6[Ge6O18] · 6H2O, a dioptase-type cyclo-germanate
Authors: Brandt H.-J. , Otto H. H.
Published: July 2010

Cu
Sulfur Removed from Soils by Field Crops1
Authors: Kamprath E. J. , Nelson W. L. , Fitts J. W.
Published: July 2010

Sypnosis

More organic sulfur than inorganic sulfate was contained in the surface horizons of a Durham and Marlboro soil. In the lower horizons there was an accumulation of sulfate in both soils. On the Durham soil sulfur deficiencies were exhibited. by cotton and tobacco early in the growing season. Only cotton gave a response to additions of gypsum. Cotton and soybeans removed considerably more sulfur than tobacco or corn. Availability of soil sulfur was evaluated by use of yield of sulfur Curves.
Effect of Foliar Spraying of Pawnee Wheat With Urea Solutions on Yield, Protein Content, and Protein Quality1
Authors: Finney K. F. , Meyer J. W. , Smith F. W. , Fryer H. C.
Published: July 2010

Synopsis

A new approach to studying protein quality is suggested by the capability of the wheat plant to take up, translocate, and synthesize gluten protein from the urea nitrogen sprayed on the leaves. Data show the effect of time of spraying, number of sprayings, and concentration of urea on wheat yield, test weight, and protein content and quality.
Studies on the Importance of the Yellow‐dwarf Virus1
Authors: Suneson C. A. , Ramage R. T.
Published: July 2010

Synopsis

California's commercial varieties of barley, oats, and wheat showed similar yield reductions from yellow‐dwarf virus for which there is no universal diagnostic symptom. American barley varieties in general were more susceptible than California's. Since significant yield reductions were common, and reductions above 70% not unusual for susceptible varieties, yellow dwarf must be ranked as a major cereal crops disease.
Zinc Levels in Relation to Zinc Content and Growth of Corn1
Authors: Hiatt A. J. , Massey H. F.
Published: July 2010

Synopsis

The zinc concentration in corn was related to its available supply. Plants showing severe deficiency symptoms were stunted and had a relatively high zinc concentration; lowest zinc concentration occurred when deficiency symptoms were mild and growth better. Two possible explanations for these anomalous results are discussed.
Nitrate Accumulation in Everglades Forages1
Authors: Kretschmer Albert E.
Published: July 2010

Synopsis

Oats and Italian ryegrass accumulate large quantities of nitrate but permanent pasture grasses and legumes do not. Oat stems contained more nitrate than leaves. Winter forages following summer clean fallow contained more nitrate than those following weeds. Time of season, daily low temperatures, and variations between daily low and high temperatures also affected nitrate contents.