bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One‐Time Fertilizer Briquettes Application for Maize Production in Savanna Agroecologies of Ghana
Authors: Adu‐Gyamfi Raphael , Agyin‐Birikorang Sampson , Tindjina Ignatius , Ahmed Shafik Mohammed , Twumasi Ama Duoduaa , Avornyo Vincent Kodjo , Singh Upendra 
Published: October 2019

Declining maize yields in the Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Ghana call for effective nutrient management strategies that increase maize productivity and profitability among smallholder farmers. Field trials were conducted during 2016 and 2017 in three locations in northern Ghana to evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of one‐time application of multi‐nutrient fertilizer briquettes for maize production. The treatments were: (i) farmer practice (FP); (ii) NPK fertilizer briquettes applied at the recommended N, P, and K rates (100%‐Briquette); (iii) 75%‐Briquette; (iv) modified farmer practice (MFP) with N, P, and K applied at the recommended rate (100%‐MFP); (v) 75%‐MFP; and (vi) control, with no fertilizer applied. The farmer practice involved surface broadcasting the granular N, P, and K fertilizer at the recommended rate. The MFP involved subsurface incorporation of the granular fertilizer into the soil. Across all three locations and in both years, maize grain yield resulting from the treatments followed this order: 100%‐Briquette > 100%‐MFP = 75%‐Briquette > 75%‐MFP > FP > control. Despite the greatest grain yields resulting from the 100%‐Briquette treatment, the greatest gross profit margin of 0.46 was obtained with the 75%‐Briquette treatment, followed by the 100%‐Briquette treatment (∼0.43), 100%‐MFP (∼0.39), 75%‐MFP (∼0.24), and FP (0.03). From the combined results, we conclude that the one‐time application of multi‐nutrient fertilizer briquettes could be an efficient fertilizer management strategy to increase maize yields and profitability for smallholder farmers in the Guinea Savanna zone. This presents a real strategy for improved productivity across diverse agroecologies for food security among smallholder farmers.Core IdeasOne‐time application of multi‐nutrient fertilizer briquettes increased maize grain yields.High nutrient recovery efficiency of fertilizer briquettes resulted in a 25% reduction in application rates.Application of fertilizer briquettes resulted in the greatest gross profit margin of 46%.The traditional farmers’ practice of surface broadcast resulted in lowest gross profit margin of only 3%.Incorporation of fertilizers into the soil resulted in an increase of gross profit margin to 39%.
Selection of Aluminum‐Resistant Wheat Genotypes Using Multienvironment and Multivariate Indices
Authors: Aguilera Jorge González , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , da Silva José Pereira , Pereira Jorge Fernando , Zuffo Alan Mario , Consoli Luciano 
Published: October 2019

A gain in association was obtained by using a new multivariate index with alleles of TaALMT1 and TaMATE1B genes compared with a previously published index. Wheat is among the major grain crops. Its growth can be affected by aluminum toxicity, an important stress factor that limits plant productivity. Thus, an efficient means to select wheat genotypes that are resistant to this stress is required. Here, 172 wheat cultivars and 23 synthetic hexaploid wheat plants showing different alleles for TaALMT1 and TaMATE1B and different levels of Al resistance in field conditions (phenotyped in two crop seasons) were studied. The modified Lin and Binns method was applied to obtain the phenotype data in a multivariate manner aiming at a general identification of genotypes based on the multiple traits evaluated. The genotype × year interaction was significant for all traits that were evaluated in three growth stages (tillering, silking, and maturation). The top 20 Al‐resistant genotypes obtained by the multivariate method were highlighted as having the best combination of the main desirable traits. Correlation analysis showed a gain in the association of the multivariate index with alleles of TaALMT1 and TaMATE1B genes compared with a previously published index. The superior TaMATE1B allele (having an insertion in the promoter region) contributed a greater Al resistance independent of the TaALMT1 allele. The higher association with Al resistance qualifies the selection index described in this study to be used for wheat breeding programs with the aim of improving the performance of wheat when grown under Al stress.Core Ideas

Wheat is among the major grain crops.
Its growth can be affected by aluminum toxicity.
Genotypes with high adaptability and stability were identified.
A new multivariate index allowed greater association with Al resistance.
Environmental Influences on the Relationship between Fall and Spring Vigor in Hairy Vetch
Authors: Kucek Lisa Kissing , Riday Heathcliffe , Ehlke Nancy , Reberg‐Horton Chris , Maul Jude , Mirsky Steven B. , Pelzer Chris J. , Poskaitis Megan , Ryan Matthew R. , Seehaver Sarah , Wayman Sandra , Wiering Nicholas 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTHairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is a commonly grown legume cover crop in the United States. Critical breeding goals for the species include increasing early fall vigor and spring biomass production. To ascertain genetic improvement for these traits, we explored the relationship between fall and spring vigor. Moreover, we evaluated the variation in genotypic performance across multiple environments and assessed how weather variables affected germplasm performance. The relationship between fall and spring vigor differed by winter weather conditions. In warmer locations, top‐performing genotypes in the fall were the top performers in the spring, allowing simultaneous selection for both traits of interest. Environments with colder winter conditions, however, did not show linear relationships between fall and spring vigor. At cold sites, the most and least vigorous plants in the fall tended to underperform in the spring. Results suggest that fall vigor is not a linear predictor of spring vigor in cold environments, and consequently, breeding programs should screen and select for both traits in cold climates. Genotype × environment interaction (GE) heavily contributed to spring vigor performance. In our dataset, days below freezing without snow cover, days below freezing, minimum daily temperature, and freezing degree days were related to the signal in GE. As a result, breeding programs would benefit from dividing selection sites according to the severity of winter conditions.
Evaluation of Soybean Greenness from Ground and Aerial Platforms and the Association with Leaf Nitrogen Concentration in Response to Drought
Authors: Bai Hua , Purcell Larry C. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTEarly senescence has been noted for soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) exposed to drought. This research quantified the greenness of soybean canopy using digital image analysis throughout seedfilling for drought and well‐irrigated treatments. Five genotypes ranging from maturity groups (MGs) 2 to 5 were sown in field experiments for 3 yr. Leaf nitrogen (N) concentration decreased steadily throughout seedfill for all genotypes. The Dark Green Color Index (DGCI), which was determined from pictures taken from the ground, also decreased throughout the seedfill period for all genotypes, but did not indicate treatment differences between drought and well‐irrigated treatments. Aerial photographs taken from a height of 50 to 75 m also showed a progressive decline in DGCI values for all genotypes during seedfill, and also indicated that DGCI decreased faster and/or earlier in the season for the drought treatment than for the well‐irrigated treatment. The results demonstrated that aerial DGCI measurements have the promise to detect early senescence associated with drought, which may have applications in evaluating differences in sensitivity to drought among soybean genotypes.
Evaluation of Elite Maize Inbred Lines for ReducedAspergillus flavusInfection, Aflatoxin Accumulation, and Agronomic Traits
Authors: Pekar Jacob J. , Murray Seth C. , Isakeit Thomas S. , Scully Brian T. , Guo Baozhu , Knoll Joseph E. , Ni Xinzhi , Abbas Hamed K. , Williams Paul , Xu Wenwei 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTMycotoxins produced by the fungusAspergillus flavusare harmful to humans and animals and result in large economic losses. Developing and disseminating resistant germplasm is a critical component to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of pre‐harvest aflatoxins in maize (Zea maysL.). Ninety‐three different inbred lines were evaluated for seven standard agronomic traits during the years of 2012 to 2016 in two locations (nine environments), and inoculated withA. flavus. Multiple inbreds were both lower accumulating for aflatoxins and higher yielding than aflatoxin tolerant and high yielding checks. The top seven inbred lines on average had an aflatoxin value of 14.1 ng g−1and an average yield of 3.2 Mg ha−1, while the susceptible checks were 185.9 ng g−1and 2.5 Mg ha−1, respectively. Several inbred lines evaluated in this study have high potential utility in future maize improvement research, such as breeding for resistance, segregating populations for genetic mapping as well as in direct use in hybrids with genetically improved resistance to A. flavus.
Genetic and Physiological Aspects of Drought Tolerance in Smooth Bromegrass
Authors: Abtahi Mozhgan , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Saeidnia F. , Bahrami Sajed , Mirlohi Aghafakhr 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTThe genetic basis of physiological traits and their association with forage yield and drought tolerance is poorly understood in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss). In this study, half‐sib families from a polycross population were evaluated in the field under normal and water deficit conditions during 2012 and 2013. Water deficit greatly influenced physiological traits and forage production. Under water deficit conditions, most of physiological traits decreased, whereas carotenoid content, proline content, and ratio of chlorophyll a/ chlorophyll b increased. Moderate to high estimates of heritability and genetic variation for yield and physiological traits indicated that selection in this germplasm would be useful in achieving genetic progress. Heritability estimates were slightly decreased for agromorphological traits under water deficit conditions, but the heritability of physiological traits increased in response to water deficit conditions. Significant associations between drought tolerance index and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, carotenoids, and proline content showed the importance of these traits to confer drought tolerance in smooth bromegrass. Several genotypes with relatively higher tolerance and forage yield were identified under both moisture regimes that can be used in further breeding programs of smooth bromegrass.
Evaluation of a Chromosome Segment from Gossypium barbadense Harboring the Fiber Length QTL qFL‐Chr.25 in Four Diverse Upland Cotton Genetic Backgrounds
Authors: Brown Nino , Kumar Pawan , Singh Rippy , Lubbers Ed , Campbell B. Todd , Myers Gerald O. , Wright Robert J. , Subramani Jay , Jones Don , Paterson Andrew H. , Chee Peng W. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTCompetition with manmade fibers has increased focus on upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber quality, especially upper half mean length (FL), for industry stakeholders and breeders. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of qFL‐Chr.25, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) introgressed from G. barbadense L. originally identified in ‘Sealand 883’. The QTL was deployed within four genetic backgrounds: Acala SJ4, Paymaster HS26, Deltapine 50 (DP 50), and Georgia 2004089 (GA089), each representing the gene pools of the major US cotton‐growing regions: the US Southwest, Texas High Plains, Mississippi Delta, and US Southeast, respectively. In highly related bulked sister lines (BSLs), the effect of qFL‐Chr.25 was significant in the DP 50 (1.4 mm) and GA089 (1 mm) backgrounds in trials grown in Tifton, GA, in 2014 and 2015. In multilocation trials planted across the Cotton Belt in 2011 of 25 lines from each of the four backgrounds carrying the G. barbadense allele and 25 without the introgressed allele, FL of the QTL(+) lines were numerically higher than the QTL(−) lines by 0.9 mm, though not statistically significant. Recombinant genotypes recovered from the Paymaster HS26 and GA089 backgrounds, and development of additional simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers within the QTL region, allowed further refinement of the qFL‐Chr.25 region's boundaries from ∼2.2 to 0.8 Mb. Although variable effects were seen from this QTL, observation in a more isogenic state such as the BSLs and recombinant lines made the effect of the QTL more apparent. Incorporation of this QTL into breeding programs aided by these newly developed SSR markers should help in the utilization of this introgression to improve cotton fiber quality.
Molecular Analysis of Two Novel Missense Mutations in the Sg‐1 Gene Associated with Group A Saponin Biosynthesis in Soybean
Authors: Sundaramoorthy Jagadeesh , Park Gyu Tae , Son Hae Reon , Tsukamoto Chigen , Lee Jeong‐Dong , Seo Hak Soo , Song Jong Tae 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accumulates several different types of saponins, including the Aa and Ab series of saponins, which contribute to the bitter and astringent aftertaste in soy food products. Modification of the soybean genome is being applied to develop bitter‐free soybean cultivars. In this study, two new ethyl‐methanesulfonate (EMS)‐induced mutants, PE937 and PE1015, were characterized for their ability to accumulate the bitter‐free A0‐αg saponin and low level of the bitter Ab‐series saponins compared with the wild cultivar. These phenotypes resemble that of previously reported sg‐1° mutants that accumulate A0‐αg and no Ab‐series saponins, which are controlled by the Sg‐1b (Glyma.07G254600) gene. Sequence analysis of Sg‐1b in PE937 and PE1015 revealed that each mutant has a single‐nucleotide polymorphism that causes an amino acid change from Gly349 to Asp349 and from Gly241 to Asp241 in the Sg‐1b proteins. We therefore designated these mutations as alleles sg‐1b1 and sg‐1b2, respectively. Multiple alignment analysis showed that the Gly349 and Gly241 are highly conserved among the UDP‐dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) proteins. In light of the above results, the fact that there are low levels of Ab‐series saponins in both of the mutants indicates that these mutations may reduce the UGT activity of Sg‐1b proteins in the biosynthesis of Ab‐series saponins. Cosegregation analysis revealed that the novel sg‐1b1 and sg‐1b2 variants are recessive to Sg‐1b and are tightly linked to A0‐αg saponin accumulation.
Capacity and Distribution of Water Stored in the Vadose Zone of the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhu Yuanjun , Jia Xiaoxu , Qiao Jiangbo , Binley Andrew , Horton Robert , Hu Wei , Wang Yunqiang , Shao Ming'an 
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas
Vadose zone water is up to 3.1 × 1012 m3 in the Chinese Loess Plateau.
The deep vadose zone (below 5 m) stores 92.4% of the total vadose zone water.
Vadose zone water distribution is uneven, depending on loess thickness and precipitation.
Vadose zone water accounts for 42.1% of water resources in the Chinese Loess Plateau.
Water stored in the vadose (unsaturated) zone provides the majority of water required by plants and buffers water resources; thus, it is central to understanding ecological and hydrological processes in the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) with its thick loess deposits. We used multisource data on soil water content (SWC) and vadose zone thickness, combined with a spatial interpolation method, to quantify the vadose zone water and further deduce the water resource composition in the CLP. Vadose zone water is approximately 3.1 × 1012 m3 (±27.5%) in the CLP, 92.4% of which is stored in the deep vadose zone (>5 m and above the groundwater table). The water resources composition of the CLP comprises precipitation, river water, vadose zone water, and the saturated zone water (shallow groundwater), accounting for 2.1, 0.1, 42.1, and 55.7%, respectively. Although a large amount of water exists in the vadose zone, the SWCs in the upper (<5 m) and deep vadose zones are 47.4 and 65.3%, respectively, of the mean field capacity, both being at a low level. Our findings bridge the knowledge gaps on the deep vadose zone water and water resources composition in the CLP, providing the basis for decision‐making on balancing revegetation and water resources conservation.
Sequential Green Extraction of Caffeine and Catechins from Green Tea
Authors: SERDAR Gönül , DEMİR Ezgi , SÖKMEN Münevver 
Published: October 2019

Separation
of caffeine and catechins from tea extracts usually requires conventional
liquid-liquid extraction employing chloroform.
This work was planned to improve a green extraction technique to
distunguish these important chemicals from green tea. Extraction of caffeine and catechins from Turkish green tea firstly employing MAE, and then to
separate these compounds from each other using a SFE method were purpose of this study. Microwave assisted extraction was applied to
extract tea components from green tea then i)
conventional liquid-liquid extraction or ii)
supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SFE) method was charged with the
effective separation of caffeine and catechins. Initially, an ethanol: water mixture was used in a close
microwave system under the particuler extraction situations of green tea
samples (fresh, frozen or dried) picked up in three collection periods (first, second and third collection periods). MAE of tea samples was
exerted under a controlled 600 W microwave power for 4 min irradiation time at
80 oC temperature. Then MAE crude aqueous extract was divided in
to two portions. The first portion was fractionated first with chloroform to
distunguish caffeine then ethyl acetate for catechins. Caffeine and
catechins were successfully separated. Second portion was freeze-dried and
obtained lyophilized solid was used for SFE. Caffeine (3.68% extract
yield) was successfully separated from
catechins with SFE at 250 bar and 60°C for 180 min. Constituents of the
extracts were determined (caffeine and four catechins namely EGC, EC, C, EGCG)
by HPLC to evaluate the effectiveness of the separation.
Impact of climate change on the hydrology of Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia: a review
Authors: Gelete Gebre , Gokcekus Huseyin , Gichamo Tagesse 
Published: October 2019

AbstractClimate change alters the spacial and temporal availability of water resources by affecting the hydrologic cycle. The main objective of this paper is to review the climate change effect on the water resources of the Blue Nile River, Ethiopia. The impact of climate change on water resources is highly significant as all natural ecosystems and humans are heavily dependent on water. It alters precipitation, temperature, and streamflow of the Blue Nile river basin which is threatening the lives and livelihoods of people and life-supporting systems. Rainfall within the Blue Nile river basin is highly erratic and seasonal due to it being located in the inter-tropical convergent zone. The temperature and sediment load are shown to increase in the future while the rainfall and streamflow are decreasing. The Blue Nile basin is characterized by highly erosive rainfall, erodible soil, and shrinking forest cover. Therefore, mitigation and adaptation measures should be applied by considering these characteristics of the basin. Watershed management methods like afforestation and water conservation are recommended to reduce the impact on the Blue Nile basin.
Probabilistic and fuzzy approaches for uncertainty consideration in water distribution networks – a review
Authors: Pandey Prerna , Dongre Shilpa , Gupta Rajesh 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The performance of a water distribution system of providing a required flow rate at all the nodes with required pressure heads throughout its design life is affected by uncertainties associated with different parameters such as future water demands, pipe roughness coefficient values, required pressure heads at nodes, etc. The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive review on the nature of uncertainties (random or fuzzy), various models and methods used for their quantification, and different ways of handling them in the design of water distribution networks. While probabilistic based approaches are used for handling uncertainty of random type, the possibilistic based approach considers uncertainty of fuzzy nature. Some key issues and serious limitations of the existing approaches for modeling uncertain parameters related to water distribution networks are identified. The uncertainty in water demands is due to both their random nature and lack of information about their values. Therefore, a combination of both types of approaches, called the fuzzy random approach, is found to be more effective. The fuzzy random approach can provide optimal design solutions that are not only cost-effective but also has higher reliability to cope with severe future uncertainties.
Chemokines: A Potential Therapeutic Target to Suppress Autoimmune Arthritis
Authors: Khan Mahmood A. , Khurana Nikhil , Ahmed Rafat S. , Umar Sadiq , Md. G. Sarwar Abu H. , Alam Qamre , Kamal Mohammad A. , Ashraf Ghulam Md 
Published: October 2019

Background::Chemokines are a family of low molecular weight proteins that induce chemotaxis of inflammatory cells, which mainly depends on the recognition of a chemo-attractant gradient and interaction with the substratum. In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), abundant chemokines are expressed in synovial tissue, cause inflammatory cells migration into the inflamed joint that necessitates the formation of new blood vessels i.e. angiogenesis. Over the decades, studies showed that continuous inflammation may lead to the loss of tissue architecture and function, causing severe disability and cartilage destruction. In spite of the advancement of modern drug therapy, thousands of arthritic patients suffer mortality and morbidity globally. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of RA.Methods::This review is carried out throughout a non-systematic search of the accessible literature, will provide an overview of the current information of chemokine in RA and also exploring the future perspective of the vital role of targeting chemokine in RA treatment.Results::Since, chemokines are associated with inflammatory cells/leucocyte migration at the site of inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases and hence, blockade or interference with chemokines activity showing a potential approach for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents. Currently, results obtained from both preclinical and clinical studies showed significant improvement in arthritis.Conclusion::This review summarizes the role of chemokines and their receptors in the pathogenesis of RA and also indicates possible interactions of chemokines/receptors with various synthetic and natural compounds that may be used as a potential therapeutic target in the future for the treatment of RA.