Soil Test,Aerial Image and Yield Data as Inputs for Site-specific Fertility and Hybrid Management Under Maize

Several potential sources of information exist to support precision management of crop inputs. This study evaluated soil test data, bare-soil remote sensing imagery and yield monitor information for their potential contributions to precision management of maize (Zea mays L.). Data were collected from five farmer-managed fields in Central New York in 1999, 2000, and 2001. Geostatistical techniques were used to analyze the spatial structure of soil fertility (pH, P, K, NO₃ and organic matter content) and yield variables (yield, hybrid response and N fertilization response), while remote sensing imagery was processed using principal component analysis. Geographic information system (GIS) spatial data processing and correlation analyses were used to evaluate relationships in the data. Organic matter content, pH, P, and K were highly consistent over time and showed high to moderate levels of spatial autocorrelation, suggesting that grid soil sampling at 2.5–5.5ha scale may be used as a basis for defining fertility management zones. Soil nitrate levels were strongly influenced by seasonal weather conditions and showed low potential for site-specific N management. Aerial image data were correlated to soil organic matter content and in some cases to yield, mainly through the effect of drainage patterns. Aerial image data were not well correlated with soil fertility indicators, and therefore were not useful for defining fertility management zones. Yield response to hybrid selection and nitrogen fertilization rates were highly variable among years, and showed little justification for site-specific management. In conclusion, we recommend grid-based management of lime, P, and K, but no justification existed within our limited study area for site-specific N or hybrid management.     

Lipophilic hydroxytyrosyl esters. Antioxidant activity in lipid matrices and biological systems

Antioxidant activities of lipophilic hydroxytyrosyl acetate, palmitate, oleate, and linoleate were compared with those of hydroxytyrosol, alpha-tocopherol, and butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) in both glyceridic matrix and biological systems. Aliquots of a glyceridic matrix spiked with various concentrations of antioxidant were subjected to accelerated oxidation in a Rancimat apparatus operated at 90 degrees C. The relationships between induction time (IT) and antioxidant concentration (mmol/kg) presented by hydroxytyrosol and hydroxytyrosyl acetate, palmitate, oleate, and linoleate were similar. Hydroxytyrosol and its esters showed greater antioxidant activity than alpha-tocopherol or BHT. We also evaluated the capacity of hydroxytyrosyl esters to protect proteins and lipids against oxidation caused by peroxyl radicals, using a brain homogenate as an ex vivo model. All tested compounds showed a protective effect in these systems, which was greater in preventing the generation of carbonyl groups in protein than of malondialdehyde in lipid. Inclusion of a lipophilic chain in the hydroxytyrosol molecule enhanced its antioxidant capacities in this biological model.     

Assessment of ketamine/medetomidine anaesthesia in the New Zealand White rabbit

Objective To compare the characteristics of anaesthesia induced with four dose combinations of ketamine/medetomidine. Design Prospective randomized study. Animals Five female New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits of approximately 2.3 kg. Methods Rabbits were given one of four drug combinations (25/0.25; 15/0.5; 15/0.25 and 10/0.5 mg kg^?1 IM) on four successive occasions with a four day interval. Response to injection and then arterial blood gas and cardiovascular parameters were recorded at predetermined time points. Toe and ear pinch reflexes gave measures of total duration of surgical anaesthesia and total sleep time. Analyses used repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Induction was smooth with little reaction to injection and intubation achieved easily. Two combinations (15/0.25, 10/0.5) produced moderate hypoxaemia (mean pO₂ < 8.0 kPa) and two (25/0.25, 15/0.5) very marked hypoxaemia (mean pO₂ < 5.3 kPa). This was reversed within 15 minutes of oxygen administration and all rabbits recovered uneventfully. Heart rates fell in all cases, with only minimal effects on arterial blood pressure and no cardiac arrhythmias. Mean duration of surgical anaesthesia was significantly longer for dose groups 25/0.25 (57 ± 12 minutes) and 15/0.5 (59 ± 17 minutes, p = 0.01) compared to dose group 15/0.25 (27 ± 8 minutes). Only three animals in the 10/0.5 mg kg^?1 group achieved surgical anaesthesia. Mean duration of loss of the ear pinch reflex was similar between doses, being, respectively, 64 ± 13, 81 ± 7, 60 ± 22 and 62 ± 24 minutes. Sleep time was significantly longer for the 15/0.5 dose (112 ± 10 minutes) compared to 15/0.25 (86 ± 22 minutes, p = 0.04). Sleep times for the 25/0.25 and 10/0.5 mg kg^?1 doses were, respectively, 103 ± 23 and 108 ± 12 minutes. Conclusions Ketamine/medetomidine reliably produces smooth induction and recovery in the NZW rabbit, but due to the degree of hypoxaemia produced, should only be used with simultaneous provision of oxygen. Clinical relevance Currently recommended dose rates of ketamine/medetomidine for minor procedures such as ovariohysterectomy in rabbits (25 mg/0.5 mg kg^?1) are unnecessarily high; a dose of 15/0.25 mg kg^?1 should be adequate for 15–30 minutes of surgical anaesthesia.     

An In Vitro Comparison of Hollow Ground and Trocar Points on Threaded Positive-Profile External Skeletal Fixation Pins in Canine Cadaveric Bone

OBJECTIVE: To compare the microstructural damage created in bone by pins with lathe-cut and rolled-on threads, and to determine the peak tip temperature and damage created by positive-profile external fixator pins with either hollow ground (HG) or trocar (T) tips during insertion. STUDY DESIGN: An acute, in vitro biomechanical evaluation. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-seven canine tibiae. METHODS: Lathe-cut thread design with T point (LT-T), rolled-on thread design with T point (RT-T), and rolled-on thread design with HG point (RT-HG) pins were evaluated. Twenty pins of each type were inserted under constant drilling pressure into 12 canine tibiae (12 diaphyseal and 8 metaphyseal sites per pin type). Peak pin tip temperature, drilling energy, end-insertional pin torque, and pullout force were measured for each pin. For the histologic study, five pins of each type were inserted into cortical and cancellous sites in 15 additional tibiae. Entry and exit damage, and thread quality were assessed from 100 micron histologic sections by using computer-interfaced videomicroscopy. RESULTS: T-tipped pins reached higher tip temperature in both diaphyseal and metaphyseal bone compared with HG-tipped pins. RT-T pins had higher pullout strength (diaphyseal) and end-insertional torque compared with other combinations. No differences in drilling energy or insertional bone damage was found between the three pin types (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: T-tipped pins mechanically outperformed HG-tipped pins. Pin tip and thread design did not significantly influence the degree of insertional bone damage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: T-tipped pins may provide the best compromise between thermal damage and interface friction for maximizing performance of threaded external fixator pins.     

Combined use of hyperspectral VNIR reflectance spectroscopy and kriging to predict soil variables spatially

Hyperspectral visible near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VNIRRS) and geostatistical methods are considered for precision soil mapping. This study evaluated whether VNIR or geostatistics, or their combined use, could provide efficient approaches for assessing the soil spatially and associated reductions in sample size using soil samples from a 32 ha area (800 × 400 m) in northern Turkey. Soil variables considered were CaCO₃, organic matter, clay, sand and silt contents, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, Na and K). Cross-validation was used to compare the two approaches using all grid data (n = 512), systematic selections of 13, 25 and 50% of the data and random selections of 13 and 25% for calibration; the remaining data were used for validation. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis was used for calibrating soil properties from first derivative VNIR reflectance spectra (VNIRRS), whereas ordinary-, co- and regression-kriging were used for spatial prediction. The VNIRRS-PLSR method provided better prediction results than ordinary kriging for soil organic matter, clay and sand contents, (R ² values of 0.56–0.73, 0.79–0.85, 0.65–0.79, respectively) and smaller root mean squared errors of prediction (values of 2.7–4.1, 37.4–43, 46.9–61, respectively). The EC, pH, Na, K and silt content were predicted poorly by both approaches because either the variables showed little variation or the data were not spatially correlated. Overall, the prediction accuracy of VNIRRS-PLSR was not affected by sample size as much as it was for ordinary kriging. Cokriging (COK) and regression kriging (RK) were applied to a combination of values predicted by VNIR reflectance spectroscopy and measured in the laboratory to improve the accuracy of prediction of the soil properties. The results showed that both COK and RK with VNIRRS estimates improved the predictions of soil variables compared to VNIRRS and OK. The combined use of VNIRRS and multivariate geostatistics results in better spatial prediction of soil properties and enables a reduction in sampling and laboratory analyses.     

Long‐Term Outcome after Arthroscopic Debridement of Distal Phalanx Extensor Process Fragmentation in 13 Horses

Objective— To report long-term outcome after arthroscopic removal of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in horses.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Adult horses (n=13).
Methods— Medical records (2003–2004) of horses that had arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included: lameness localized to the foot, fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx debrided arthroscopically, and a follow-up period of ≥4 years.
Results— Of the 13 horses, lameness was resolved in 11 (85%) initially but distal interphalangeal joint pain recurred in 2 (15%) within 1 year of surgery. Three (23%) other horses were retired because of lameness at other sites during the follow-up period resulting in 46% (6/13) being not lame and in full work after 4 years. Substantial changes were identified at surgery in the contralateral joint of 7 horses, even when fragments were only present unilaterally.
Conclusions— Arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the forelimb distal phalanx has a good short-term prognosis for resolution of lameness and return to work but a more guarded prognosis for long-term soundness.
Clinical Relevance— These results allow for more accurate prognostication preoperatively and may support early debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx.     

The influence of growth regulators GA3, ABA,kinetin and IAA on sprout and root growth and plant development using excised potato buds

Summary In a potato bud bioassay GA₃ appeared to stimulate sprout growth and to inhibit root development. The inhibition of root growth retarded the development of the sprouts into plants. Kinetin and IAA stimulated root development. ABA has an initially retarding effect on sprout growth. But during prolongation of the experiment this delay becomes less, and at low concentrations turns into a stimulating effect. During the subsequent development into plants, there is again a stimulating effect of ABA at the higher concentrations.

---

Zusammenfassung Pflanzenhormone spielen eine wichtige Rolle in dem Ph?nomen der Keimruhe und der Keimung. Der Einfluss dieser Stoffe auf die Keimung, die Wurzelbildung und die Pflanzenentwicklung wurde mit Hilfe eines bereits früher beschriebenen Biotests mit ausgeschnittenen Augen untersucht (van Es & Hartmans, 1969). In diesem Versuch wurden nur die Seitenknospen nahe des apikalen Auges benutzt, da die Keimf?higkeit von der Lage der Augen auf der Kartoffelknolle abh?ngig ist (Abb. 1). Das wiederum ist eine Folge der unterschiedlichen chemischen Zusammensetzung des die Augen umgebenden Knollengewebes. W?hrend der Keimungsversuche lagen die ausgeschnittenen Augen st?ndig in der Testl?sung. Mit Ausnahme in den Abb. 1, 11 und 12 wurde der Prozentsatz Hemmung oder F?rderung auf die Wasserkontrolle berechnet. Die Keimruhe schien von keiner der getesteten Substanzen beeinflusst zu sein, was durch das Brechen der Keimruhe durch den nach dem Schneiden erh?hten GA-Gehalt verursacht sein kann. Wir fanden, dass der Einfluss auf das Keim- und das Wurzelwachstum entweder hemmend oder f?rdernd war, abh?ngig vom physiologischen Zustand des Materials, der Konzentration der zugesetzen Chemikalien und der Versuchsdauer. Hohe Konzentrationen hemmten das Wachstum, wahrscheinlich ein toxischer Effekt. GA₃, IES und Kinetin f?rderten das L?ngenwachstum der Keime w?hrend ABA hemmte (Abb. 2, 3, 4). Die Hemmung durch ABA nahm jedoch nach wenigen Tagen ab und in geringen Konzentrationen trat sogar eine f?rdernde Wirkung auf (Abb. 5), vielleicht verursacht durch eine Induktion der GA-Synthese durch ABA. Die Wurzelbildung wurde durch GA₃, gehemmt (Abb. 7) und stark gef?rdert durch IES und Kinetin in geringen Konzentrationen (Abb. 8 und 9). ABA hemmte die Wurzelbildung bei hohen und niedrigen Konzentrationen (Abb. 10). Der letztere Effekt kann durch einen Anstieg des GA-Gehaltes verursacht sein, induziert durch ABA. der über die ABA letztlich dominiert. Pflanzen, entstanden aus mit GA₃ behandelten Augen, wuchsen langsam (Abb. 11b), eine Folge der verz?gerten Wurzelentwicklung. Andererseits zeigte mit ABA behandeltes Material ein beschleunigtes Wachstum, das mit den zugeführten Konzentrationen positiv korreliert war (Abb. 12b). Dieser Effekt ist auch durch eine von ABA induzierte Aktivit?t der GA verursacht und ist offensichtlich ein indirekter Effekt.

---

Résumé Les hormones des plants jouent un r?le important en ce qui concerne les phénomènes de dormance et de germination. Les effets de ces composés sur la germination, la formation des racines et le dévelopement des plantes ont été examinés au préalable par bio-essai sur des bourgeons excisés (van Es & Hartmans, 1969). Dans cette expérimentation, seuls les bourgeons latéraux situés près du bourgeon apical ont été utilisés, puisque la capacité de germination est dépendante de la localisation des bourgeons sur le tubercule (fig. 1). Ceci est une conséquence de la différence de composition chimique des tissus, environnant les bourgeons. Durant les essais sur la germination, les bourgeons excisés étaient continuellement en contact avec la solution test. Les pourcentages d'inhibition ou de stimulation, (sauf pour les fig. 1, 11 et 12) ont été calculés par rapport au témoin eau. Aucun des composés expérimentés n'a semblé avoir une influence quelconque sur la dormance, laquelle pouvait être due à la rupture de dormance occasionnée par exemple par l'augmentation du taux d'acide gibberellique après blessure. Dépendamment de l'état physiologique du matériel, de la concentration des produits chimiques appliqués et de la durée de l'expérimentation, nous avons, trouvé que l'effet sur la croissance des germes et celle des racines était soit inhibiteur, soit stimulateur. De hautes concentrations ont inhibé la croissance, probablement est-ce le résultat des effets toxiques. L'acide gibberellique, l'acide indol-acétique et la kinétine ont favorisé l'élongation des germes tandis que l'acide abscissique l'a inhibé (fig. 2, 3 et 4). Cependant, l'inhibition due à l'acide abscissique déclinait après quelques jours et pouvait même se transformer en stimulation à basse concentration (fig. 5): peut-être était-ce d? à la synthèse de l'acide gibberellique induite par l'acide abscissique. La formation des racines était inhibée par l'acide gibberellique (fig. 7) et fortement stimuléc par l'acide indol-acétique et la kinétine à basse concentration (fig. 8 et 9). Les plantes issues de bourgeons excisés traités à l'acide gibberellique poussaient lentement (fig. 11b) en conséquence du développement retardé des racines. Le matériel traité à l'acide abscissique présentait une croissance accélérée qui était positivement en corrélation avee les concentrations appliquées (fig. 12b). Cet effet est aussi attribué à l'acide abscissique induit, à l'activité de l'acide gibberellique et est manifestement un effet indirect.

---

---

GA₃=gibberellic acid; ABA=abscisic, acid; IAA=indolacetic acid; kinetin=6-furfuryl-amino-purine.     

Changes in the content of L-ascorbic acid,glucose, fructose,sucrose and total glycoalkaloids in potatoes (cv. Bintje) stored at 7, 16 and 28°C

Summary We investigated the changes in the content of L-ascorbic acid (L-AA), glucose, fructose, surose and total glycoalkaloids (TGA) during storage of potatoes, cv. Bintje, for 12 weeks at 7,16 and 28°C. The initial amount of L-AA was 8.2 mg/100g fresh weight; after 12 weeks' storage at 7°C it had decreased, while at 16 and 28°C it had increased. The sugar content went up most in potatoes stored at 28°C, but remained below the level at which potatoes taste sweet. The sugar content rose slightly at 16°C, while it decreased in tubers stored at 7°C. The initial TGA content, in equivalent amounts of α-solanine, was 3.6 mg/100 g fresh weight; after 12 weeks' storage it had decreased slightly at all three storage temperatures.