bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomic patterns during respiratory suspensions: Possible markers of Transcendental Consciousness
Authors: TRAVIS FREDERICK , WALLACE R. KEITH 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn two experiments, we investigated physiological correlates of transcendental consciousness during Transcendental Meditation® sessions. In the first, experimenter‐initiated bells, based on observed physiological patterns, marked three phases during a Transcendental Meditation session in 16 individuals. Interrater reliability between participant and experimenter classification of experiences at each bell was quite good. During phases including transcendental consciousness experiences, skin conductance responses and heart rate deceleration occurred at the onset of respiratory suspensions or reductions in breath volume. In the second experiment, this autonomic pattern was compared with that during forced breath holding. Phasic autonomic activity was significantly higher at respiratory suspension onset than at breath holding onset. These easily measured markers could help focus research on the existence and characteristics of transcendental consciousness.
Effects of gypsum‐slotting on infiltration rates and moisture storage in a swelling clay soil
Authors: Jayawardane N.S. , Blackwell J. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract. Previous studies have shown marked increases in wheat yields on a swelling clay soil due to gypsumslotting compared to no‐gypsum and surface gypsum applications, largely through improved aeration in the surface layers. In the present study, steady infiltration rates indicated 2‐fold increases due to surface gypsum applications and 4‐ to 6‐fold increases due to slotted gypsum. This should provide increased moisture storage and reduced soil erosion hazards during prolonged heavy rainfall periods, provided that a crust does not form under the impact of raindrops. However, gypsum‐slotted lands should not be used in crop rotations which include ponded rice, due to increased potential water use and risk of rising watertables and salinization.The effect of the ‘throttle’ in the upper B horizon which restricts moisture storage in the lower soil layers during short‐term and prolonged ponding was reduced, but not eliminated, by surface and slotted gypsum applications. Thus the moisture contents of the lower depths in both the non‐ameliorated and ameliorated soils were less than the moisture content at saturation or at ‐10 kPa potential even after flooding for 11 days.
Use of soil and climatic data to predict hydraulic loading behaviour of Irish soils
Authors: Gardiner M. J. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to try to estimate from soil and climate data both absolute and temporal individual soil hydraulic loading limits under Irish conditions. The two concepts cumulative soil moisture deficit (CSMD) and winter rain acceptance potential were used.Cumulative soil moisture deficit (1956–75) ranged from 116 mm in the southeast to 2 mm in the northwest. Four regions were delineated with mean cumulative maximum deficits (mm) of 105.3, 57.7, 20.0, and 2.0 respectively. Consequently, except for Region 4, hydraulic overloading is unlikely to occur under normal farm practices during soil moisture deficit period. Soil moisture deficit was present in Region 1 from early April through October, in Region 2 from early May through September, in Region 3 from early May through August and in Region 4, only in July.The concept of winter rain acceptance potential (WRAP) has been used to assess the possibilities for farm effluent disposal outside of the SMD period. Some 49% of Irish soils have a very high to moderate WRAP, 36% have a low to very low WRAP. These latter categories are likely to exhibit problems if effluents are applied outside of the SMD period.Regional farm slurry storage duration requirements have been estimated from SMD and WRAP data. These are 11.3, 14.0, 16.7 and 20.0 weeks respectively for regions 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Salt‐affected soils in England and Wales
Authors: Loveland P.J. , Hazelden J. , Sturdy R.G. , Hodgson J.M. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract. Soils mainly in alluvial marine sediments around the coast of England and Wales, occupy about 6% of the agricultural land. The extent of salt‐affected soils within these parent materials is unknown, but is believed to be significant from the evidence of existing soil surveys.The principal salt is sodium chloride, and the degree of salinity depends on depth to saline groundwater, the intensity of leaching, and the frequency and severity of past marine flooding. Evidence suggests that while the effects of the flooding are obvious and immediate, long‐term salinity owes more to groundwater behaviour and chemistry.The amount of sodium in these soils, particularly the heavier‐textured ones, makes them structurally unstable, especially when wet. The instability in turn makes them difficult to drain. Ameliorative treatments are possible, but are expensive and slow to take effect.In their natural or semi‐natural state these soils form large areas of wetland or unimproved grassland, often of interest to conservationists. In spite of this, and their generally unfavourable properties for cultivation, extensive areas have become arable in recent years.Structural stability, salt content, and exchangeable sodium percentage are intimately linked and can be measured during soil survey, which then aids rational decisions about land use. Such a survey of the North Kent Marshes is presented as a case study.
Nitrogen mineralization in loamy arable soils after increasing the ploughing depth and ploughing grasslands
Authors: Richter G.M. , Hoffmann A. , Nieder R. , Richter J. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract.Increasing the ploughing depth and ploughing in grassland has been common in Germany during the past 20 years. Incubation studies were conducted with topsoils from luvisols and gleysols at different times after change of management in order to assess its influence on nitrogen mineralization and its kinetic parameters.The results show that deep ploughing slows the mineralization of nitrogen. The difference between earlier (1967–72) and more recently (1980–82) deepened topsoil has become smaller after a further three years of cultivation, however. The preceding crops (wheat or sugar beet), the amount of N fertilizer as well as clay and nitrogen contents cause a variation in N mineralization. The results indicate a continuing approach of an‘equilibrium’organic matter and nitrogen content. The enrichment capacity of intensively managed soils may be replenished within 10 years.Gleysols formerly under grass mineralize more nitrogen than‘traditionally’ploughed soils, even 27 years after the ploughing‐in. While nitrogen from easily decomposable materials decreases within the first 10 years, the resistant fraction is a long‐lasting determinant for N mineralization. Both processes need to be considered when applying fertilizer to minimize nitrate leaching.
Atmospheric ammonia in relation to grassland agriculture and livestock production
Authors: Whitehead D.C. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract. Farm livestock typically retain 5–23% of dietary nitrogen, and consequently excrete large amounts of nitrogen, mainly in urine. Areas affected by cattle urine may receive the equivalent of several hundred kg nitrogen per hectare. Urea is usually hydrolysed to ammonium carbonate within a few days. This increases the soil pH and thereby assists volatilization of ammonia. Volatilization is also increased by soil warmth and by small soil cation exchange capacities. Over the grazing season in lowland UK about 15% of the nitrogen in urine is likely to be volatilized as ammonia, but only 1–5% of the nitrogen in dung is lost in this way.Substantial volatilization of ammonia probably occurs from animal houses and after spreading of slurry in the field. About 3–4% of fertilizer nitrogen used in the UK is lost as gaseous ammonia. Cut grass herbage also loses ammonia by volatilization, if allowed to remain in the field in wet conditions. Total annual emissions of nitrogen as ammonia from grassland and livestock in UK are probably 320 000–420 000 tonnes.
Effect of urease inhibitors on denitrification in soil
Authors: Zhengping Wang , Liantie Li , Van Cleemput O. , Baert L. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract.The influence of three urease inhibitors, hydroquinone (HQ), phenyl phosphorodiamidate (PPDA) and N‐(n‐butyl) phosphorothioic triamide (NBPT) on denitrification of nitrate in soil was studied in an incubation experiment under waterlogged conditions, at 25°C and in the presence of increasing amounts (0.0, 0.1 and 1 %) of ground barley straw. Two hundred milligrams of nitrate‐N (as potassium nitrate) was added with the respective urease inhibitors.Addition of barley straw increased the denitrification rate in the soil. Within 2 days the added nitrate‐N was completely reduced. This result was confirmed by the measurement of nitrous oxide. HQ decreased gaseous nitrogen loss by decreasing the activity of the denitrifiers in the soil. The inhibitory effect was increased by adding increasing amounts of HQ. Because denitrification is stimulated by readily decomposable organic matter, the retardation seems to be a short‐term effect. The other urease inhibitors, PPDA and NBPT, had no significant influence on the denitrification process when they were applied at the rate of 4 mg per kilogram of soil.
Soil vulnerability to pollution in Europe
Authors: Batjes N. H. , Bridges E. M. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract.Pollution by inorganic and organic substances is increasingly disrupting the natural functions of soils. Some soils seem capable of receiving and holding chemical compounds, at the same time retaining their ecological flexibility, but others are readily damaged and should be regarded as vulnerable to particular pollution scenarios.At the request of the Chemical Time Bombs (CTB) Project, the International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC) organized an international workshop to assess the feasibility of increasing awareness of ‘soil vulnerability’ by a mapping exercise for Europe (SOVEUR), at a scale of 1:5 M, with reference to selected organic and inorganic contaminants. The workshop participants outlined procedures for a GIS‐based approach to determining areas where vulnerable soils occur, and formulated proposals for the implementation phase of the SOVEUR programme. Funding is now sought for continuation of the work outlined in this paper.
Understanding the soil nitrogen cycle
Authors: Powlson D. S. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract. A quantitative knowledge of nitrogen cycle processes is required to design strategies for decreasing leakage of N from agriculture to the wider environment. However, it is remarkably difficult to make reliable measurements of many of the key processes under realistic field conditions. In impermeable soils hydrologically separated plots provide an invaluable method of measuring leaching and runoff. Estimates of nitrate leaching using porous ceramic cups agree well with lysimeter measurements on sandy soil but are suspect on more structured soils. Estimates of N2O flux from soil are subject to great spatial heterogeneity; developing long path‐length measuring techniques may overcome this problem. 15N labelling is valuable for assessing fertilizer N loss, forms of N left in soil and the fate of N from crop residues. The combination of experimental and modelling approaches can provide insights that are otherwise unattainable, including a basis for more precise advice on N fertilization.Mineralization of soil organic matter and crop or animal residues provides much of the nitrate leached during winter under the climatic conditions of north‐west Europe, because mineralization is poorly synchronized with crop N uptake. Maintenance of crop cover during winter can greatly decrease leaching but the long‐term effects on the N cycle of winter cover crops or incorporating cereal straw are not yet clear.
Soil respiration and carbon inputs from crops in a wheat—soyabean rotation under different tillage systems
Authors: Alvarez R. , Santanatoglia O.J. , García R. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract.The production of CO2in the field and the contribution of carbon from crops to the soil were evaluated for the double crop wheat‐soyabean rotation on a typical soil of the Rolling Pampa to assess the effects of two tillage systems, mouldboard ploughing and shallow discing, on the soil carbon balance. Microbial biomass and respiration under controlled conditions were also determined.No differences in soil microbial biomass contents were detected between tillage systems after two years, but the biological activity of incubated soils and the mineralized fraction of organic carbon were greater (P= 0.05) at the 0–5 cm depth in disc tillage. This suggested an increase in the labile fraction of organic matter in that layer, though the total carbon content of the soil did not vary significantly.Soil moisture was not a limiting factor at any time of the year and production of CO2in the field was regulated by temperature (r> 0.89,P= 0.01). There were no differences between tillage systems in the emission of CO2to the atmosphere, which was estimated at 11.6 t C/ha/yr. The contribution in dry matter from the crops ranged from 15.3 to 17.0 t/ha/yr, and the carbon input was approximately 7.0 t/ha/yr. Consequently, the soil lost carbon with the wheat—soyabean rotation but tillage systems did not affect carbon inputs and losses from the agrosystem.
Agricultural soils as a sink to mitigate CO2emissions
Authors: Paustian K. , Andrén O. , Janzen H. H. , Lal R. , Smith P. , Tian G. , Tiessen H. , Van Noordwijk M. , Woomer P. L. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract.Agricultural soils, having been depleted of much of their native carbon stocks, have a significant CO2sink capacity. Global estimates of this sink capacity are in the order of 20‐30 Pg C over the next 50‐100 years. Management practices to build up soil C must increase the input of organic matter to soil and/or decrease soil organic matter decomposition rates. The most appropriate management practices to increase soil C vary regionally, dependent on both environmental and socioeconomic factors.In temperate regions, key strategies involve increasing cropping frequency and reducing bare fallow, increasing the use of perennial forages (including N‐fixing species) in crop rotations, retaining crop residues and reducing or eliminating tillage (i.e. no‐till). In North America and Europe, conversion of marginal arable land to permanent perennial vegetation, to protect fragile soils and landscapes and/or reduce agricultural surpluses, provides additional opportunities for C sequestration.In the tropics, increasing C inputs to soil through improving the fertility and productivity of cropland and pastures is essential. In extensive systems with vegetated fallow periods (e.g. shifting cultivation), planted fallows and cover crops can increase C levels over the cropping cycle. Use of no‐till, green manures and agroforestry are other beneficial practices. Overall, improving the productivity and sustainability of existing agricultural lands is crucial to help reduce the rate of new land clearing, from which large amounts of CO2from biomass and soil are emitted to the atmosphere.Some regional analyses of soil C sequestration and sequestration potential have been performed, mainly for temperate industrialized countries. More are needed, especially for the tropics, to capture region‐specific interactions between climate, soil and management resources that are lost in global level assessments.By itself, C sequestration in agricultural soils can make only modest contributions (e.g. 3‐6% of total fossil C emissions) to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, effective mitigation policies will not be based on any single ‘magic bullet’ solutions, but rather on many modest reductions which are economically efficient and which confer additional benefits to society. In this context, soil C sequestration is a significant mitigation option. Additional advantages of pursuing strategies to increase soil C are the added benefits of improved soil quality for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Emissions of N2O and NO associated with nitrogen fertilization in intensive agriculture, and the potential for mitigation
Authors: Smith K. A. , McTaggart I. P. , Tsuruta H. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract. Increases in the atmospheric concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O) contribute to global warming and to ozone depletion in the stratosphere. Nitric oxide (NO) is a cause of acid rain and tropospheric ozone. The use of N fertilizers in agriculture has direct and indirect effects on the emissions of both these gases, which are the result of microbial nitrification and denitrification in the soil, and which are controlled principally by soil water and mineral N contents, temperature and labile organic matter.The global emission of N2O from cultivated land is now estimated at 3.5 TgN annually, of which 1.5 Tg has been directly attributed to synthetic N fertilizers, out of a total quantity applied in 1990 of about 77Tg N. This amount was 150% above the 1970 figure. The total fertilizer‐induced emissions of NO are somewhere in the range 0.5‐5 Tg N. Mineral N fertilizers can also be indirect as well as direct sources of N2O and NO emissions, via deposition of volatilized NH3 on natural ecosystems and denitrification of leached nitrate in subsoils, waters and sediments.IPCC currently assume an N2O emission factor of 1.25 ± 1.0% of fertilizer N applied. No allowance is made for different fertilizer types, on the basis that soil management and cropping systems, and unpredictable rainfall inputs, are more important variables. However, recent results show substantial reductions in emissions from grassland by matching fertilizer type to environmental conditions, and in arable systems by using controlled release fertilizers and nitrification inhibitors. Also, better timing and placement of N, application of the minimum amount of N to achieve satisfactory yield, and optimization of soil physical conditions, particularly avoidance of excessive wetness and compaction, would be expected to reduce the average emission factor for N2O. Some of these adjustments would also reduce NO emissions. However, increasing global fertilizer use is likely to cause an upward trend in total emissions even if these mitigating practices become widely adopted.
Good manufacturing practices production of natural killer cells for immunotherapy: a six‐year single‐institution experience
Authors: McKenna David H. , Sumstad Darin , Bostrom Nancy , Kadidlo Diane M. , Fautsch Susan , McNearney Sarah , DeWaard Rose , McGlave Philip B. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Wagner John E. , McCullough Jeffrey , Miller Jeffrey S. 
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells, a subset of lymphocytes and part of the innate immune system, play a crucial role in defense against cancer and viral infection. Herein is a report on the experience of clinical‐scale, good manufacturing practices (GMPs) production of NK cells to treat advanced cancer.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two types of NK cell enrichments were performed on nonmobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cell apheresis collections with a cell selection system (CliniMACS, Miltenyi): CD3 cell depletion to enrich for NK cells and CD3 cell depletion followed by CD56 cell selection to obtain a more pure NK cell product. After overnight incubation with interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), cells were washed, resuspended in 5 percent human serum albumin, and then released for infusion.RESULTS: A total of 70 NK cell therapy products have been manufactured for patient infusion since 2000. For the CD3 cell–depleted NK cell products, the mean purity, recovery, and viability were 38, 79, and 86 percent, respectively. For the CD3 cell–depleted/CD56 cell–enriched NK cell products, the mean purity, recovery, and viability were 90, 19, and 85 percent, respectively. Gram stain, sterility, and endotoxin testing were all within acceptable limits for established lot release. Compared to the resting processed cells, IL‐2 activation significantly increased the function of cells in cytotoxicity assays.CONCLUSION: Clinical‐scale production of NK cells is efficient and can be performed under GMPs. The purified NK cell product results in high NK cell purity with minimal contamination by T cells, monocytes, and B cells, but it requires more time for processing and results in a lower NK cell recovery when compared to NK cell enrichment with CD3 cell depletion alone. Additional laboratory studies and results from clinical trials will identify the best source and type of NK cell product.
Transfusion‐acquired Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Young Carolyn , Losikoff Phyllis , Chawla Anjulika , Glasser Lewis , Forman Edwin 
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND: A 3½‐year‐old girl with Stage 4 neuroblastoma received multiple blood components and was subsequently diagnosed with Chagas disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All blood donors of the units that were transfused were requested to return to the collection facility for a blood sample to be tested for antibodies to T. cruzi.RESULTS: One first‐time donor was found to be positive for the presence of T. cruzi antibodies. This donor was originally from Bolivia and immigrated to the United States 17 years previously. She had not returned to her native country since her emigration.CONCLUSIONS: This is the seventh reported case of Chagas disease transmission by blood transfusion in the United States and Canada. Although this would not be expected to occur in New England, it did, and this case demonstrates the significance of the immune status of patients as it relates to transfusion‐acquired infections, the impact of geographic mobility in disease transmission, and the need for a licensed screening test for Chagas disease for the US blood supply.
Stenting of Unprotected Distal Left Main Coronary Artery Bifurcation Stenoses Using Modified Crush Technique with Double Kissing Balloon Inflation (Sleeve Technique): Immediate Procedure Result and Early Clinical Outcome
Authors: JIM MAN‐HONG , CHOW WING‐HING , HO HEE‐HWA 
Published: February 2007

Background: Sleeve technique is a modified version of the crush technique. It is specifically designed to increase the success rate of final kissing balloon inflation, which used to be a major limitation of the latter.
Objective:This study sought to look at the feasibility, safety, and early clinical outcome of sleeve technique in stenting of unprotected distal left main coronary artery (LMCA) bifurcation stenoses.
Methods: From August 2005 to April 2006, 12 consecutive patients with symptomatic distal LMCA bifurcation stenoses of diameter narrowing ≥50%, who refused coronary artery bypass graft surgery, were treated with two‐stent strategy using the sleeve technique.
Results: Eleven patients (91.7%) were male, with a mean age of 64.4 ± 9.3 years. Intravenous abciximab was given to 10 patients (83.3%). The baseline reference vessel diameters of the main vessel and side branch were 3.32 ± 0.44 and 3.00 ± 0.58 mm, respectively. After intervention, the minimal luminal diameter was increased from 0.99 ± 0.46 to 3.26 ± 0.28 mm and 1.43 ± 0.71 to 2.93 ± 0.45 mm in the main vessel and side branch, respectively. The intervention procedure was successful in all patients with 100% final kissing balloon inflation rate. The average procedure time was 58.6 ± 20.5 minutes. Two patients had a small non‐Q myocardial infarction postprocedure. The resultant major adverse cardiac event rate was 16.7% at 30 days after the procedure.
Conclusions: Sleeve technique is a safe and feasible approach in the stenting of distal LMCA bifurcation stenoses.