bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Soil Moisture on Gas Exchange, Partitioning of Fed 14CO2 and Stable Carbon Isotope Composition (δ13C) of Leymus chinensis Under Two Different Diurnal Temperature Variations
Authors: Xu Z. Z. , Zhou G. S. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn a pot experiment under controlled condition, Leymus chinensis was grown at five soil water contents and two diurnal temperature variation levels. The leaf relative water content of L. chinensis decreased under soil drought conditions, and increased at high diurnal temperature variation (30/20 °C). Severe and very severe soil drought remarkably reduced photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water use efficiency (WUE), especially at the low temperature variation. Severe drought mainly increased the specific radioactivity of 14C of sheaths, roots and rhizomes, but significantly decreased that of fed leaves and the not fully expanded leaves. Root percentage of total radioactivity remaining in the whole plant increased from 15 % at 30/25 °C to 28 % at 30/20 °C. Leaf carbon stable isotope composition (δ13C) increased with soil drought, ranged from −26 ‰ of the well‐watered to −24 ‰ of severe drought treatments. High diurnal temperature variation improved leaf water status, and increased partitioning of carbon to root and δ13C values, especially under severe soil drought conditions. In conclusion, higher diurnal temperature variation enhanced the resistance of the plant to drought.
Relay Cropping of Sorghum and Legume Shrubs for Crop Yield Improvement and Striga Control in the Subsistence Agriculture Region of Tigray (Northern Ethiopia)
Authors: Reda F. , Verkleij J. A. C. , Ernst W. H. O. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract Striga hermonthica is a major constraint in the subsistence agriculture regions of northern Ethiopia. Low soil fertility and overall environmental degradation has contributed to the build up of the parasitic weed infestation. Improved cropping systems have to be introduced to address the interrelated problems of Striga and soil fertility decline. Thus, relay cropping of sorghum with legume shrubs was investigated at two locations representing different environments. Results showed that the output of the improved cropping system was dependent on ecological endowments. Relay cropping led to significant improvement in yield at Sheraro, at the site with relatively better weather and soil conditions. The legume shrubs resulted in significantly lower sorghum yield in a dryland location (Adibakel). Overall Striga infestation declined over the 3‐year period; however, treatment differences were not apparent. Among the two legume shrubs, Sesbania sesban was better adapted to the dryland areas. Relay cropping could provide a viable option for farmers in both types of environments that are characterized by accelerated decline in natural resource base. However, it could mean compromising the yield of non‐fertilized sorghum in the interest of long‐term benefits of low incidence of Striga and more rewarding crop enterprise in dry areas.
Weed Control in Sugar Beet using Genetically Modified Herbicide‐tolerant Varieties – A Review of the Economics for Cultivation in Europe
Authors: Märländer B. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractGenetically modified sugar beet varieties have been developed to be tolerant to glyphosate and glufosinate. To date, research regarding other active ingredients did not result in additional herbicide‐tolerant varieties and the approval of glufosinate‐tolerant varieties for market access has been withdrawn by the applicant. Therefore, only glyphosate‐tolerant varieties could be introduced for cultivation in the short run. Results concerning efficacy and cost of weed control using these varieties and the complementary herbicides were extensively reported in various contributions, mostly on a national level. Based on these results, the economics of weed control for sugar beet production in Europe were reviewed and aspects of integrated control, risk management, and issues of sustainable development of crop production are discussed. Efficient weed control is possible in almost any field situation with glyphosate at about 2 kg a.i. ha−1, compared with conventional herbicides at 6 kg ha−1 or higher, depending on weed infestation level. Cost savings for weed control with glyphosate would amount to an average of €150 ha−1, without any great deviation across different sites and states. A technology fee of about €40 ha−1 is assumed. The high selectivity of glyphosate may result in a 1–3 % higher yield performance of the crop. All assumptions being considered, total cost savings of €180 × 106 year−1 were calculated for the area of 1.7 × 106 ha in the main EU sugar beet‐growing countries. A risk management by implementing a monitoring programme is compulsory, and systems of identity preservation or quality assurance are needed in order to enable the production of conventional and genetically modified sugar beet in coexistence. To date, costs are unknown for these measures. Because of the favourable ecotoxicological behaviour of glyphosate and the possibility of threshold‐based weed control, this new technology could provide an excellent option towards sustainable development of the crop. However, political reasons and the lack of acceptance of genetically modified varieties by the consumer have prevented the market entry of GMHT sugar beet to date, so that conventional herbicides will continuously be used in the future.
Optimum Stand Height for Forage Brown Midrib Sorghum × Sudangrass in North‐eastern USA
Authors: Kilcer T. F. , Ketterings Q. M. , Cherney J. H. , Cerosaletti P. , Barney P. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBrown midrib sorghum × sudangrass is attracting attention in the north‐eastern USA because of its ability to produce acceptable forage yields on marginal corn ground. Other potential advantages include conservation of soil on highly erosive ground, the possibility to spread manure mid‐summer (after first cutting) when runoff risk is minimal, greatly reduced needs for herbicides and the potential to reduce the importation of phosphorus onto the farm. Best management practices need to be developed to take full advantage of the crop in the north‐east. Seven field studies were conducted from 2000 to 2002 in four different agricultural regions in New York to determine the time of harvest optimum for yield and quality in one‐ to three‐cut management systems. Yield, rather than a change in forage quality indicators, was the key determining factor for estimated milk production. However, to prevent the shift from vegetative to reproductive growth (and associated decline in quality) and to better manage the amount of water at harvest, we recommend that in the north‐eastern USA brown midrib sorghum sudangrass be managed using a two‐cut system with harvest taking place when stand heights are about 125 cm or less.
Difference in Allelopathic Potential as Influenced by Root Periderm Colour of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Chon S.‐U. , Boo H.‐O. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractLaboratory bioassay and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were conducted to determine the allelopathic potentials of aqueous or methanol extracts from three different coloured sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)] cultivars by plant part. The aqueous extracts applied on filter paper significantly inhibited root growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Aqueous leaf leachates at 40 g dry tissue l−1 (g l−1) from white sweet potato cultivar ‘Sinyulmi’ showed the highest inhibition against alfalfa, followed by yellow ‘Sinhwangmi’ and purple ‘Jami’. Alfalfa root growth was significantly inhibited by methanol extracts of the same plants as the concentration increased. Aqueous and methanol extracts from leaves showed the most inhibitory effect on alfalfa root growth followed by stems and roots. By means of HPLC analysis, leaf samples of sweet potato had the highest amount of phenolic compounds followed by stems and roots. Total content of these compounds was highest for leaf extracts (37.7 mg 100 g−1), detected in EtOAc fraction, especially trans‐cinnamic acid (20.9 mg 100 g−1). These results suggest that sweet potato plants are allelopathic and that their activities differ depending on plant part as well as root periderm colour.
Potassium Management for Brown Midrib Sorghum × Sudangrass as Replacement for Corn Silage in the North‐eastern USA
Authors: Ketterings Q. M. , Godwin G. , Cherney J. H. , Kilcer T. F. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in brown midrib (BMR) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) × sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) hybrids (SxS) as a replacement for silage corn (Zea mays L.) in the north‐eastern USA. Recent studies suggest it is suitable for both rotational grazing and as a hay crop and could compete with corn harvested for silage in years when wet spring conditions prevent the timely planting of corn. However, little is known about its suitability as forage for non‐lactating cows that require low potassium (K) forages to prevent health problems. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of K fertilizer management (0, 112 or 224 kg K2O ha−1 cut−1) under optimum N management (112–168 kg N ha−1 cut−1) on yield, quality and K concentrations of BMR SxS over a 2‐year period. Field trials were established on a fine loamy, mixed, active, mesic Aeric Fragiaquepts with medium K‐supplying capacity and characteristic of a large region in New York. Potassium application did not affect dry matter yields in either of the 2 years. Averaged over 2 years, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) significantly increased with K addition with similar but non‐significant trends observed in each of the years individually. The digestibility of NDF was unaffected by K application. Crude protein (CP) concentrations showed a significant decrease with K application in 2002 and similar trends were observed in 2003, although differences were not significant at P ≤ 0.05. The changes in NDF and CP did not significantly impact forage quality expressed as milk production per megagram of silage. Potassium application increased forage K concentration up to 13 mg K kg−1 dry matter (in the first cut in 2003). Forage Ca and Mg concentrations decreased with K addition except for the first cut in 2002 where differences between 112 and 224 kg K2O ha−1 treatments were not significant. Without K addition in the 2‐year period, K concentrations in the forage decreased from 23 g kg−1 for the first cutting in 2002 to 15 g kg−1 for the second cut in 2003. Low K forage was obtained for all second‐cut forage unless 224 kg K2O ha−1 cut−1 had been added. First‐cut forage was suitable only when no additional K had been applied. These results suggest low K BMR SxS forage can be harvested from initially high K soils without loss in dry matter yield as long as no additional K is added.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α gene promoter polymorphism is not associated with smoking‐related COPD in Thailand
Authors: CHIERAKUL Nitipatana , WONGWISUTIKUL Praphat , VEJBAESYA Sasijit , CHOTVILAIWAN Kannikar 
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Susceptibility to COPD is, in part, genetically determined. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α gene promoter polymorphisms have been investigated in different populations with inconsistent results. This study aimed to determine the genetic predisposition in Thai smoking‐related COPD patients.Methodology:  The polymorphism at position −308 of the TNF‐α gene promoter was examined in 57 patients with smoking‐related COPD, 67 smoker control subjects, and 116 control anonymous blood donors. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes was used for genotypic analysis by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers.Results:  TNF‐α‐308*2 allele frequency was not significantly different between the population control subjects and the smoking‐related COPD patients (4.7% vs. 7.9%, P= 0.14). This allele frequency was also not significantly different between smokers with and without COPD (7.9% vs. 7.5%, P= 0.46).Conclusions:  Although it has been speculated that TNF‐α might have a causal relationship with COPD, a role for the TNF‐α gene promoter polymorphism in disease development in Thailand was not demonstrated.
Relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and atopy in Asian young adults
Authors: CHNG Seo Yi , VAN BEVER Hugo P , LIAN Derrick , LEE Shan Xian , XU Xin Ni , WANG Xiao Shan , GOH Daniel Yam Thiam 
Published: February 2005

Objectives:  The relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and atopy is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and atopy in Asian young adults.Methodology:  Subjects were assessed by: (i) the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire to differentiate asthmatic from nonasthmatic and rhinitis from non‐rhinitis subjects; (ii) skin prick testing to 10 allergens; and (iii) FENO measurements performed online at a flow rate of 50 mL/s.Results:  Complete results were available for 84 subjects. FENO values were highest in atopic asthmatics (n = 34; median FENO, 59.8 p.p.b.; interquartile range, 30.4–85.5 p.p.b), followed by atopic nonasthmatics (n = 34; median, 38.4 p.p.b.; range, 16.7–49.3 p.p.b), nonatopic asthmatics (n = 5; median, 19.1 p.p.b.; range, 17.9–33.4 p.p.b), and lowest in nonatopic nonasthmatics (n = 11; median, 15.7 p.p.b.; range, 11.5–21.7 p.p.b). FENO values were significantly higher in atopic (n = 68; median, 44.7 p.p.b.; range, 27.3–75.2 p.p.b) compared to nonatopic subjects (n = 16; median, 17.0 p.p.b.; range, 11.7–23.8 p.p.b.; P < 0.0001), regardless of asthma and rhinitis status. FENO levels correlated with the severity of atopy (wheal size) for both asthmatic (r = 0.44, P = 0.005) and nonasthmatic subjects (r = 0.48, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in FENO levels between nonatopic asthmatics and nonatopic nonasthmatic subjects (P = 0.25).Conclusions:  Increased FENO levels are more reflective of atopy rather than asthma, and increased nitric oxide production may be predominantly a feature of atopy in asthmatics.
The changing face of healthcare worker perceptions on powered air‐purifying respirators during the SARS outbreak
Authors: KHOO Kay‐Leong , LENG Poh‐Hock , IBRAHIM Irwani Bte , LIM TK 
Published: February 2005

Objectives:  Before the advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), use of the powered air‐purifying respirator (PAPR) in the setting of pulmonary tuberculosis has been controversial. Data regarding health care worker (HCW) perceptions and problems encountered with the use of the PAPRs were lacking.Methodology:  A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted of HCWs who had used the PAPR in clinical practice during the SARS outbreak, when use of the PAPR was mandatory and widespread. Evaluations of the question of whether HCWs were receptive to the use of the PAPR and their perceptions of common problems that were encountered were made. Perceptions of comfort, ease of use, visual, hearing, breathing and speech impairment, perceived protection against SARS and usage preferences were recorded.Results:  Only a minority of respondents found the PAPR uncomfortable, despite some interference with communication. Despite its much higher cost, the majority (84%) preferred to use the PAPR rather than the N‐95 respirator when treating suspected SARS patients. However, opinions were equally divided regarding its use when treating patients with pulmonary tuberculosis; with 51% being in favour.Conclusions:  With the advent of highly contagious diseases that pose a major occupational hazard to HCWs, the use of the PAPR has become more acceptable in clinical practice.
Prediction of patient discomfort during fibreoptic bronchoscopy
Authors: MITSUMUNE Tadahiko , SENOH Etsuo , ADACHI Michifumi 
Published: February 2005

Objective:  This study investigated the potential for predicting which patients would have a negative emotional reaction to bronchoscopy.Methodology:  A questionnaire was distributed to 120 patients who had undergone diagnostic fibreoptic bronchoscopy. A visual analog scale to evaluate the patient's discomfort was adopted. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine factors significantly influencing discomfort. The regression model included the following variables: age, gender, symptoms, smoking habits, proximal bronchial brushing, distal bronchial brushing, bronchial washing, proximal transbronchial biopsy, transbronchial lung biopsy, examination time, the bronchoscopist's experience, and the patient's anxiety level.Results:  The bronchoscopist's experience (P = 0.001) and the patient's anxiety level (P < 0.001) were variables that significantly influenced discomfort. These results suggest that discomfort decreased with the bronchoscopist's experience and increased with the patient's anxiety regarding bronchoscopy.Conclusions:  The results suggest that subjective discomfort can be predicted both by the bronchoscopist's experience and by a questionnaire about the patient's anxiety level before bronchoscopy. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient's anxiety level be determined through the use of a questionnaire before bronchoscopy, and that more experienced bronchoscopists should take charge if the patient is judged as being excessively anxious. If experienced bronchoscopists are unavailable, the more anxious patient should receive more sedatives.
Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in pN2 non‐small cell lung cancer: Lack of prognostic value
Authors: TOMITA Masaki , MATSUZAKI Yasunori , SHIMIZU Tetsuya , HARA Masaki , AYABE Takanori , ONITSUKA Toshio 
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Although several previous studies have investigated the prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in non‐small cell lung (NSCL) cancer, no previous study has concentrated on NSCL cancer with pathologically abnormal mediastinal nodes (pN2).Methodology:  A total of 60 patients with pN2 NSCL cancer who had undergone a complete resection with a systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection were reviewed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical examination, using antibodies against VEGF, was conducted. The prognostic significance of VEGF expression and clinicopathological factors were analysed.Results:  The overall 5‐year survival rate was 21.7%. With respect to clinicopathological factors, single N2 involvement and skip metastasis were significantly associated with patients’ survival. Expression of VEGF was found in 35/60 (58.3%) patients. VEGF expression was not related to the clinicopathological parameters examined. There was no relationship between survival rates and patients positive and negative for VEGF. Multivariate analysis showed that single N2 disease was an independent prognostic factor, while VEGF expression was not.Conclusions:  Although VEGF expression might be important for tumour development and maintenance, no prognostic significance of VEGF expression in pN2 NSCL cancer was found.
Predictors of success in smoking cessation among hospitalized patients
Authors: ONG K.C. , CHEONG G.N. , PRABHAKARAN L. , EARNEST A. 
Published: February 2005

Objective:  To determine the predictors of continued smoking abstinence in patients receiving smoking cessation intervention during and following hospital admission.Methodology:  A prospective cohort study was conducted in a university‐affiliated hospital. A total of 248 smokers admitted with primary cardiac and respiratory conditions received verbal advice (lasting about 1 h) and standard booklets on smoking cessation from a dedicated nurse counsellor. After discharge, participants received follow‐up telephone counselling calls every 2 weeks from the same smoking counsellor. The main outcome measure was continued abstinence at 2 months after hospital discharge, as determined by self‐reporting and carbon monoxide breath testing. The following groups of covariates were analysed to determine the possible factors associated with smoking abstinence: demographics, smoking history, readiness to quit, and medical history.Results:  At 2 months post‐discharge, 108 (43.5%) patients remained abstinent. Low nicotine dependence score (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.25–4.26; P = 0.008), decision to quit by sudden cessation as compared to reduction of smoking (odds ratio, 7.19; 95% CI, 1.56–33.06; P = 0.011), and initial hospitalization for their medical condition (odds ratio, 6.37; 95% CI, 1.33–30.44; P = 0.020) were the main independent predictors for positive outcome.Conclusion:  Among this cohort of hospitalized patients receiving smoking cessation intervention, low dependence on tobacco, motivation to quit by sudden cessation, and initial hospitalization were the main independent predictors of smoking abstinence after discharge from hospital.
Inhaled mannitol for the treatment of mucociliary dysfunction in patients with bronchiectasis: Effect on lung function, health status and sputum
Authors: DAVISKAS Evangelia , ANDERSON Sandra D. , GOMES Kerry , BRIFFA Peter , COCHRANE Belinda , CHAN H.‐Kim , YOUNG Iven H. , RUBIN Bruce K. 
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Inhaled mannitol increases mucus clearance in patients with bronchiectasis by an unclear mechanism. The effect of mannitol on lung function, health status and sputum properties was investigated.Methodology:  Nine patients with bronchiectasis inhaled 400 mg of mannitol once daily for 12 days. Health status was assessed using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Sputum was analysed for viscosity, elasticity, spinnability, surface tension, contact angle, solids, mucociliary transportability (MCTR) on a frog palate, and cough transportability (CTR) on a simulated cough machine.Results:  Lung function was unchanged with treatment (baseline FEV1 82.0 ± 16.2%) apart from an improvement in FEF from 85.4 ± 13% (baseline) to 90.7 ± 14.4% (P < 0.05; 12th treatment; visit 7). The total SGRQ score (mean ± SD) of 49.3 ± 13.8 at baseline, decreased by 12.4 ± 10.2 (P < 0.01; visit 7) and 10.1 ± 9.4 units (P < 0.02) 6–10 days after treatment cessation. The baseline subscores for symptoms (72.9 ± 11.8), activity (44.7 ± 20.9) and impact (44.4 ± 14.3) were reduced by 0.8 ± 9.1 (P > 0.7), 8.4 ± 16.0 (P > 0.1) and 19.2 ± 13.7 (P < 0.005) units, respectively (visit 7). Mannitol reduced the baseline (mean ± SE) surface tension from 94.5 ± 1.4 to 84.7 ± 2.1 mN/m (P < 0.0001), contact angle from 51.1 ± 2.8 to 33.2 ± 2.4 degrees (P < 0.0001), spinnability from 11.6 ± 0.4 to 10.0 ± 0.2 mm (P < 0.005), and solids from 5.7 ± 0.4 to 4.3 ± 0.7% (P < 0.02), acutely (visit 7). Viscosity, elasticity and MCTR did not change significantly, while CTR was increased from 25.8 ± 1.0 to 34.1 ± 2.7 mm (P < 0.003).Conclusion:  Mannitol significantly improved the health status over 12 days and this improvement was maintained for 6–10 days after cessation of treatment. In addition, mannitol reduced the tenacity, increased the hydration of mucus acutely and improved cough clearability in patients with bronchiectasis.