bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of mint species to nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Singh V. P. , Chatterjee B. N. , Singh D. V. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYHerbage and oil yields of Mentha arvensis (Japanese mint), M. piperita (peppermint) and M. spicata (spearmint) increased significantly with N fertilization up to 100 kg N/ha and those of M. citrata (bergamot mint) with up to 150 kg N/ha. Plant height, leaf: stem ratio and leaf area index increased with N application; and oil content decreased in all the species. Economic optimum doses of N for M. arvensis, M. piperita and M. spicata were 167, 153 and 145 kg N/ha, respectively and their oil yields expected from the response equation were 190, 103 and 50 kg/ha, respectively. The calculated optimum fertilizer rate for M. citrata was 225 kg N/ha, giving a yield of 193 kg oil/ha. Oil quality did not vary appreciably with N fertilization.
Relations of carbon isotope discrimination and other physiological traits to yield in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) under rainfed conditions
Authors: White J. W. , Castillo J. A. , Ehleringer J. R. , Garcia J. A. C. , Singh S. P. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYAlthough direct selection for seed yield under water deficit can result in genetic gains in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), progress could be enhanced through selection for additional traits that are related to underlying mechanisms of adaptation to water deficit. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has received considerable attention as an indicator of water use efficiency and adaptation to water deficit. To test the utility of Δ as a selection criterion, Δ and other traits were measured in F2 and F3 generations of a nine-parent diallel grown under rainfed conditions at two locations in Colombia with contrasting soil types. An irrigated trial was also conducted at one location. Significant (P 0·05) differences among parents, F2 and F3 were found for carbon isotope discrimination (Δ), leaf optical density (OD), leaf nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) concentrations, relative duration of pod-filling period (RDPF), shoot dry weight (SDW) and harvest index (HI). Effect of location and water regime and their interactions with genotype were also frequently significant. Heritability estimates, determined by regressing the F3 on the F2, ranged from 0·11±011 (S.E.) to 0·33 ±0·10 for OD, 0·22 ± 0·07 to 0·44±0·09 for N, 0·04±0·05 to 0·29±0·08 for K, 0·40 ± 0·08 to 0·43 ± 0·15 for RDPF and 0·30±0·22 to 1·00±0·24 for SDW. All values for Δ and HI did not differ significantly from zero. Correlations between seed yield and OD and RDPF were negative, whereas those with N, K, SDW, and HI were positive. For all traits, mean square values for general combining ability (GCA) were usuall significant and larger than those for specific combining ability (SCA). All significant GCA effects for Δ for ‘Rio Tibagi’, ‘San Cristobal 83’ and ‘Apetito’ were negative, while those for ‘Bayo Rio Grande’, ‘Bayo Criollo del Llano’, ‘Durango 222’ and BAT1224 were positive. Although Δappears unsuitable as an indirect criterion for selection for yield under water deficit, further study of genotypes exhibiting contrasting values of A might reveal differences in mechanisms of adaptation to water deficits, thus leading to other selection criteria or identification of valuable parental lines.
Nutritive value of pasture. V. Pasture grass conservation: the influence of artificial drying on the digestibility of pasture herbage
Authors: Woodman H. E. , Bee J. W. , Griffith G. 
Published: March 2009

The recognition of the protein-concentrated and highly digestible character of young leafy pasturage has led to proposals for conserving such herbage by artificial drying for feeding to farm animals during winter as a substitute for oil cakes. Before contemplating the adoption of such proposals on a commercial scale, however, it was necessary to demonstrate that young pasturage could be dried artificially without losing its highly digestible nature.That this is possible is clear from the results brought forward in this communication. It has been shown that young grass does not suffer any depression in respect of digestibility when it is dried (a) at the temperature of steam, or (b) by direct heat in a kiln.
Sulphur uptake, yield responses and the interactions between nitrogen and sulphur in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: McGrath S. P. , Zhao F. J. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYField experiments were conducted to test the seed yield responses of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L., cvs Libravo or Falcon) to the addition of different rates of S fertilizer, at three N application rates, on a sandy loam at Woburn, Bedfordshire, in 1990/91, 1991/92 and 1993/94. Large increases in seed yields, ranging from 0·7 to 1·6 t/ha, or 42–267% on a relative scale, were obtained in response to the application of 40 kg S/ha with 180 and 230 kg N/ha treatments. The effects of S were highly significant in 1991/92 (P < 0·01) and 1993/94 (P < 0·001) and close to significant (P = 0·053) in 1990/91. The yield benefits were obtained mainly from the application of the first 10 kg S/ha and further yield increases were unlikely above 40 kg S/ha. Increasing N application from 180 to 230 kg/ha decreased seed yield in 1990/91 and 1993/94, when no S was applied. In contrast, seed yield was not increased by S at zero or low (50 or 100 kg/ha) N rates. The interactions between N and S on seed yield were significant (P < 0·05) in 1990/91 but not in the other two seasons. Application of S also increased seed oil content in 1993/94, when the degree of S deficiency was particularly severe. With an application of 230 kg N/ha, the crops took up 5–22 kg S/ha at maturity when no S was applied and 26–51 kg S/ha when 40 kg S/ha was applied. The utilization efficiency of the fertilizer S ranged from 50 to 73% in the three seasons. Although the concentrations of total N in plants were largely unaffected by S treatments, large amounts of NO3-N accumulated in the leaves of S-deficient plants in 1993/94. This indicates that N metabolism was disrupted by S deficiency. The concentrations of S and the N: S ratios in different tissues and the whole plant changed considerably with time. The concentration of S in leaves at early flowering was found to be the best index in predicting S deficiency in terms of seed yield, and a critical value of 3·8 mg/g was obtained. In comparison, the N: S ratio in leaves at early flowering was a much poorer predictor of S deficiency.
Factors affecting nitrate leaching from a calcareous loam in East Anglia
Authors: Davies D. B. , Garwood T. W. D. , Rochford A. D. H. 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe effects of overwinter cover cropping, delayed ploughing and method of straw disposal on the quantities of nitrate leached (averaged over three winters during 1989–93) from a chalk loam in Eastern England were examined. The recovery of ‘retained’ nitrogen (retained through cover crop uptake, delayed ploughing and immobilization by straw) in a following spring crop was also assessed. In the first two winters, the rye cover crop decreased nitrate leaching by > 90% (28 kg N/ha per year), as compared with bare fallow treatments. In 1992/93 this decrease was only 23% (10 kg/ha), due to the early onset of drainage before cover was well established. Delayed ploughing on bare treatments, to decrease autumn N mineralization and subsequent nitrate leaching, was ineffectual in 1989/90 but had substantial effects in 1990/91 and 1992/93; N mineralization, inferred from soil mineral nitrogen content, and nitrate leaching were decreased by 31 and 35% in 1990/91 and by 36 and 61% in 1992/93, respectively. Nitrate leaching (averaged over three winters) was unaffected by straw incorporation. There was no evidence of recovery of cover crop N in the spring sown test crops (barley or sugarbeet). In the low soil N input situation encountered in this experiment, it was unnecessary to sow cover crops before early September in years of average or below average rainfall to ensure that the average soil solution concentrations remained below the EU drinking water limit of 11 mg NO3-N/1. However, in wetter seasons substantial N leaching occurred before cover had taken up much N. In 1992/93 N retained against leaching by a rye cover crop in previous years was apparently being remobilized and lost through leaching, although if cover was grown again there was less leaching than from bare land. In the future, an increase in the extent of cover cropping might increase transpiration rates and therefore lead to a decrease in aquifer recharge.
Response to Webster and Lauber
Authors: Pitstick Alyssa Lyra 
Published: March 2009

Given the extent of agreement between Dr Webster and myself, his article suggests how this topic may promote ecumenical reappropriation of our common Christian heritage. Now if we can only get the Catholics to agree among themselves. . . Seriously, however, he has identified the fundamental questions of my book: what are our doctrinal commitments as Christians, and do we take them seriously enough to accept that not all positions are compatible with them? Are we consequently willing to set aside some propositions, or even adopt others?
German Conservatism at the Crossroads: Count Kuno von Westarp and the Struggle for Control of the DNVP, 1928–30
Authors: JONES LARRY EUGENE 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe years from 1928 to 1930 witnessed a bitter struggle for the control of the German National People's Party (DNVP), the bastion of German conservatism in the Weimar Republic. One of the principal protagonists in this conflict was Count Kuno von Westarp, chairman of the DNVP from 1926 to 1928 and of the DNVP delegation to the Reichstag from 1924 to 1929. Westarp struggle with great determination to preserve the unity of the party in the face of a concerted effort from the radical Pan-German nationalists around the newly elected party chairman, film and press magnate Alfred Hugenberg. But Westarp's efforts on behalf of party unity ultimately failed as the moderates who stood on the DNVP's left wing abandoned the party in two secessions, the first in December 1929 and the second in July 1930. In the second of these Westarp himself left the party. In the meantime the DNVP had been transformed from a conservativeSammelparteiinto an instrument of the radical right.
Housing and Citizenship: Building Social Rights in Twentieth-Century Portugal
Authors: PINTO PEDRO RAMOS 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article investigates the origins of modern citizenship in Portugal through the example of the historical construction of housing as a social right. It argues this process owes much to the centralisation and strengthening of the state undertaken by Salazar's ‘New State’ (1933–74), whose transformative project changed the nature of the relationship between the governing and the governed, making political claims based on social rights plausible. The ensuing political dynamic changed the nature of the social contract in Portugal, tying the legitimacy of the state to the provision of social rights, a factor which eventually contributed to the dictatorship's demise.
Screening for Down's syndrome in the first trimester: Combined risk calculation, methodology, and validation of a web‐based system
Authors: KUBLICKAS MARIUS , CROSSLEY JENNIFER , AITKEN DAVID 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective. To provide the necessary mathematical formulae to construct a risk calculation package for Down's syndrome using maternal serum free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin, pregnancy associated plasma protein A, and ultrasound nuchal translucency(NT) measurements in the first trimester for use in a web‐based system. Setting. Swedish antenatal screening program. Population. Swedish women choosing to have first trimester screening for Down's syndrome. Methods. A standard Gaussian approach to calculation of likelihood ratios for each marker value was used following conversion of analyte concentrations and NT measurements to multiples of the normal gestational median (MoM). Validation of the algorithm was carried out on a study group of 3,900 pregnancies (including 29 cases of Down's syndrome). Predicted detection and screen positive rates were compared with an alternative calculation package. Main outcome measures. Sensitivity and specificity of screening delivered by risk calculation package. Results. A cut‐off risk of 1 in 200 produced a detection rate of 90% at a 4.7% false‐positive rate. In addition, use of the calculation package in a web‐based system proved efficient in routine practice, providing rapid access by individual centers to results and easy central monitoring and auditing of the program. Conclusions. The system described here fulfills the requirement for an appropriately validated risk calculation package, is fully user configurable with easy access through a web‐based system allowing extension of the screening program to multiple centers.
Analysis of Acyl Fluxes through Multiple Pathways of Triacylglycerol Synthesis in Developing Soybean Embryos
Authors: Bates Philip D. , Durrett Timothy P. , Ohlrogge John B. , Pollard Mike 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The reactions leading to triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis in oilseeds have been well characterized. However, quantitative analyses of acyl group and glycerol backbone fluxes that comprise extraplastidic phospholipid and TAG synthesis, including acyl editing and phosphatidylcholine-diacylglycerol interconversion, are lacking. To investigate these fluxes, we rapidly labeled developing soybean (Glycine max) embryos with [14C]acetate and [14C]glycerol. Cultured intact embryos that mimic in planta growth were used. The initial kinetics of newly synthesized acyl chain and glycerol backbone incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (PC), 1,2-sn-diacylglycerol (DAG), and TAG were analyzed along with their initial labeled molecular species and positional distributions. Almost 60% of the newly synthesized fatty acids first enter glycerolipids through PC acyl editing, largely at the sn-2 position. This flux, mostly of oleate, was over three times the flux of nascent [14C]fatty acids incorporated into the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of DAG through glycerol-3-phosphate acylation. Furthermore, the total flux for PC acyl editing, which includes both nascent and preexisting fatty acids, was estimated to be 1.5 to 5 times the flux of fatty acid synthesis. Thus, recycled acyl groups (16:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3) in the acyl-coenzyme A pool provide most of the acyl chains for de novo glycerol-3-phosphate acylation. Our results also show kinetically distinct DAG pools. DAG used for TAG synthesis is mostly derived from PC, whereas de novo synthesized DAG is mostly used for PC synthesis. In addition, two kinetically distinct sn-3 acylations of DAG were observed, providing TAG molecular species enriched in saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Update in understanding common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVIDs) and the management of patients with these conditions
Authors: Chapel Helen , Cunningham‐Rundles Charlotte 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe common variable immunodeficiency disorders are a mixed group of heterogeneous conditions linked by lack of immunoglobulin production and primary antibody failure. This variability results in difficulty in making coherent sense of either immunopathogenesis or the role of various genetic abnormalities reported in the literature. The recent attempt to collate the varied complications in these conditions and to define particular clinical phenotypes has improved our understanding of these diseases. Once refined and confirmed by other studies, these definitions will facilitate improved accuracy of prognosis and better management of clinical complication. They may also provide a method of analysing outcomes as related to new immunopathological and genetic findings.
Iodine sources and iodine levels in pregnant women from an area without known iodine deficiency
Authors: Alvarez‐Pedrerol Mar , Ribas‐Fitó Núria , García‐Esteban Raquel , Rodriguez Àgueda , Soriano Dolors , Guxens Mònica , Mendez Michelle , Sunyer Jordi 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjective  An adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is essential for normal development of the foetus. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in a population of pregnant women should range between 150 and 249 μg/l. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine status and to examine the main sources of iodine in pregnant women from an apparently iodine‐sufficient area.Methods  Six hundred pregnant women in the third trimester completed a food frequency questionnaire, and iodine was measured in urine samples. Urinary iodine concentrations were described in the whole population and in subgroups according to their frequency of intake of milk, fish, eggs, bread and iodized salt, as iodine supplements.Results  The median UIC was 104 μg/l (n = 600), however, the median was higher among women who had a high milk intake (117 μg/l), used iodized salt (117 μg/l) or who were supplemented with iodine (141 μg/l). Women receiving iodine supplementation who also consumed more than one cup of milk per day had median UIC higher than 150 μg/l. In multivariate models, women with moderate and high milk intake had lower risk of having UIC below 150 μg/l [OR (95% CI): 0·42 (0·22–0·82) and 0·29 (0·15–0·55) respectively], after adjustment for potential confounders.Conclusions  On the basis of WHO criteria, the iodine status of pregnant women was inadequate in this area. Milk was the most important dietary source of iodine, and iodine supplementation was also an important source of iodine, although not enough to reach the current recommendations.
The impact of blood glucose levels on stimulated adrenocorticotropin hormone and growth hormone release in healthy subjects
Authors: Jakobsdóttir S. , Twisk J. W. R. , Drent M. L. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjective  In studies investigating the influence of glucose levels on the pituitary function the methods used have been variable and mainly focused on the change in function as a reaction to unphysiological low or high blood glucose levels. In the present study the impact of physiological and elevated blood glucose levels on adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and growth hormone release are investigated.Design  The euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic clamp techniques were used to reach stable levels of 4, 8 and 12 mmol/l blood glucose levels. After a stabilization phase of 2 h, a corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) or a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulation test was performed.Subjects  Seven and eight healthy male volunteers, belonging to two groups, participated in this study.Measurements  The area under the curve (AUC), peak values and time to peak of ACTH, cortisol and growth hormone were calculated to evaluate the response to the CRH and GHRH stimulation test.Results  The peak values of ACTH, cortisol and growth hormone seemed to be the highest during the 4 mmol/l clamp sessions, compared with the 8 and 12 mmol/l clamps, although the differences were not statistically significant when analysed for every subject individually. The AUC and time to peak measurements were comparable during the three clamp procedures.Conclusion  The pituitary reaction on CRH and GHRH was not significantly changed by various blood glucose levels.
Cortisol response to general anaesthesia for medical imaging in children
Authors: Rains Phillipa C. , Rampersad Neeta , De Lima Jonathan , Murrell David , Kinchington David , Lee Jennifer W. , Maguire Ann M. , Donaghue Kim C. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjective  The cortisol response to surgical stress has been frequently studied, and recommendations developed for steroid replacement in adrenally insufficient patients. There are currently no guidelines, however, for adrenal hormone replacement during anaesthesia alone. The objective of this study was to characterize the normal cortisol response to general anaesthesia in the absence of a surgical procedure in children.Design  Prospective observational study.Patients  Thirty‐seven children (aged 0.5–7 years) without known endocrine disease or cranial neoplasms undergoing outpatient magnetic resonance imaging, under general anaesthesia for investigation of nonacute problems in a tertiary referral paediatric hospital.Measurements  Serum cortisol and salivary cortisol were measured before and after anaesthesia and during recovery.Results  The mean cortisol level was 303 (±117) nmol/l at induction, 396 (±241) nmol/l at emergence from anaesthesia and 584 (±218) nmol/l during recovery. A stress response (increase in serum cortisol >550 nmol/l) occurred in 23% of children at emergence and in 52% of children at recovery. Eight children (31%) actually demonstrated a decrease in cortisol levels during anaesthesia, without an increase in complications. Mean salivary cortisol levels were 6.5 ± 4.8 nmol/l before induction, 23.5 ± 13.8 nmol/l at emergence from anaesthesia and 26.9 ± 21.6 nmol/l during recovery. A stress response (an increase in salivary cortisol greater than seven‐fold) occurred in 26% of children during the study.Conclusions  While some children demonstrated a rise in their cortisol levels in response to anaesthesia without surgery, the response was variable and often more pronounced during recovery. There was consistently no classic stress response.
Influence of hydrocortisone dosage scheme on health‐related quality of life in patients with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Bleicken Benjamin , Hahner Stefanie , Loeffler Melanie , Ventz Manfred , Decker Oliver , Allolio Bruno , Quinkler Marcus 
Published: March 2009

SummaryContext  Recent studies suggest that current glucocorticoid replacement therapies fail to completely restore well‐being in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI).Objective  The objective of this study was to investigate health‐related quality of life (QoL) in patients with AI depending on dose and frequency of daily intake of hydrocortisone (HC).Design and patients  In a cross‐sectional study, primary and secondary AI patients were contacted and asked to complete three validated self‐assessment questionnaires [Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), Giessen Complaint List (GBB‐24), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)]. HC doses were corrected for body surface area. Results were compared with sex‐ and age‐matched controls drawn from the questionnaire‐specific reference cohort.Results  Completed questionnaire sets were available from 334 patients on HC (primary AI n = 194; secondary AI n = 140). Patients on higher doses of HC (>30 mg/day) showed significantly impaired subjective health status in two of eight SF‐36 dimensions, and three of five GBB‐24 scales compared with those on lower HC doses. No significant differences in QoL were found between lower HC doses (15–30 mg/day) or between primary or secondary AI. Patients on HC with thrice daily intake showed significantly impaired QoL in one of eight SF‐36 dimensions (15–20 mg/day, 20–25 mg/day), in one of five GBB‐24 scales (15–20 mg/day), as well as higher anxiety scores.Conclusions  Health‐related QoL was impaired in patients with primary and secondary AI. HC doses above 30 mg/day were associated with a worse health status. Thrice daily intake of HC was not superior to twice daily intake. Our data support the perception that current replacement strategies are still insufficient to fully restore well‐being and daily performance.