Domestic timber harvesting affects wood quantities in Tasmanian dry eucalypt forests

Domestic fuelwood harvesters illegally reduced coarse (≥10-cm diameter) downed woody debris stocks in Tasmanian mature dry eucalypt forests, 27–34 m tall, by 96.9 m³ ha^?1 or 22.7 t ha^?1. There was no effect of domestic harvesting on quantities of dead trees or live trees. Few dead trees were encountered in natural (unharvested) sites. Domestic harvesters preferentially removed debris <70 cm in diameter, leaving domestically harvested sites with 40% less volume and biomass of downed woody debris than natural sites. Assuming domestic harvesting, at the measured intensity, extends 25 m into forests either side of the state forest road system that passes through the studied forest type, dead wood stocks in that forest type and tenure throughout the state have been reduced by 688?000 m³ or 161?000 t. Domestic harvesting potentially damages biodiversity values, diminishes habitat available for species dependent on fallen logs and reduces forest carbon stocks. Domestic harvesters are advised to obtain licences to collect fuelwood from areas with an appropriate forest practices plan.     

Biomass for aviation fuel production in the Fitzroy Basin,Queensland: a preliminary assessment of native and plantation forest potential

This scoping study assesses the contribution that woody biomass could make to feedstock supply for an aviation biofuel industry in Queensland. The inland 600–900 mm rainfall zone, including the Fitzroy Basin region, is identified as an area that is particularly worthy of closer study as it has potential for supply of woody biomass from existing native regrowth (brigalow and other species) as well as from new plantings. New analyses carried out for this study of Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata trials suggest biomass plantings could produce harvestable yield of aboveground dry mass of about 85 t ha^?1 over a 10-year rotation at relatively low-rainfall (600–750 mm mean annual precipitation) sites and about 115 t ha^?1 at medium-rainfall (750–900 mm) sites. Estimates of productivity for native regrowth suggest potential productivity should be around 40 t ha^?1 during the initial decade after clearing when systems are managed for bioenergy rather than grazing. In this paper, potential production systems are described, and sustainability issues are briefly considered. It is concluded that more detailed studies focused particularly on biomass production would be worthwhile, and further research requirements are briefly discussed.     

Effects of Resource Conservation Practices on Productivity,Profitability and Energy Budgeting in Maize–Wheat Cropping System of Indian Sub-Himalayas

Resource conservation issues have drawn the attention of scientists to devise innovative tillage and crop establishment techniques for higher productivity in small holder farming systems in the tropics but relatively less attention has been given in rainfed sloping lands of the Indian sub-Himalayan (sub-temperate) regions. To investigate these issues, an experiment was conducted on resource conservation practices under rainfed conditions for 5 years (June 2007–May 2012) at Dehradun, Uttarakhand in the Indian Himalayan region. Four treatments, 1. 100:60:40 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O + conventional tillage (CT) + chemical weeding + PANICUM vegetation strip (T₁); 2. FYM (5 t ha^?1) + minimum tillage (MT) + 1 weed mulch (30 DAS) @ 0.52 t ha^?1 + PALMAROSA vegetation strip (T₂); 3. FYM (5 t ha^?1) + vermi-compost (1.0 t ha^?1) + MT + 2 weed mulch (25 and 50 DAS) @ 1.47 t ha^?1 + PALMAROSA vegetation strip (T₃) and 4. FYM (5 t ha^?1) + vermi-compost (1.0 t ha^?1) + poultry manure (2.5 t ha^?1) + MT + 3 weed mulch (20, 40 and 60 DAS) @ 2.18 t ha^?1 + PALMAROSA vegetation strip (T₄). The results showed that resource conservation treatments (T₄, T₃ and T₂) had significant (P ≤ 0.05) multiple benefits as compared to traditional agriculture treatments (T₁). T₁ gives the highest yield of maize whereas T₄ gives highest yield of wheat. For the maize–wheat cropping system, mean wheat equivalent yield (WEY) was ~16 % higher in T₄ than T₁. Mean runoff was ~30 % lesser and mean soil loss was ~34 % lesser in T₄ as compared with T₁. Similarly, mean soil moisture conservation for rainfed wheat was ~31 % higher in T₄ than T₁. Mean carbon retention potential increased by ~53 % which subsequently increased mean soil quality index (SQI) by ~25 %. Mean energy productivity increased by ~70 % and mean energy intensiveness decreased by ~56 % in T₄ than T₁. Treatment T₁ (2,560 MJ^?1) emerged to be the most energy intensive system as compared to T₄ (1,113 MJ Rs.^?1). On an average, T₄ had 7 % higher net returns than T₁ and in terms of net returns per tonne of soil loss, T₄ was the best treatment (Rs. 4,907). Therefore, resource conservation system (PALMAROSA as a vegetation strip along with organic amendments, FYM, vermi-compost, poultry manure and weed mulch under minimum tillage) had significant positive impact on yield, resource conservation and energy saving and may be introduced as a substitute of conventional system in the Indian sub-Himalayas and under similar climatic and edaphic conditions.     

Efficient Nitrogen and Water Management for the Soybean–Wheat System of Madhya Pradesh,Central India,Assessed Using APSIM Model

A series of long-term simulations were carried out to investigate alternative management practices to increase grain yields of soybean and wheat by optimizing sowing dates, nitrogen (N) and water requirements, along with complimenting farmyard manure (FYM) as a N source in the soybean–wheat cropping system of Madhya Pradesh. The APSIM simulation study showed that the mean soybean yield ranged from 1.0 to 1.6 t ha^?1 for the different dates of sowing. The average wheat grain yield was 3.2–3.9 t ha^?1, whereas, the crop sown on 15 November gave the highest yield. In this region, there is a potential to increase soybean and wheat yields by 0.6 and 2.2 t ha^?1, respectively. Among the various irrigation practices simulated, five irrigations of 60 mm at 20 days interval was the best option for wheat. Application of 16 t FYM ha^?1 to soybean produced 50 % higher wheat yield than the same amount of FYM applied to wheat. The wheat yield obtained from inorganic application of N was at par with that obtained from the application of integrated and organic sources. However, the amount of N loss from the integrated use of fertilizer N was lower than that from the current recommended practice for the region. Application of FYM alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer maintained higher soil organic carbon concentration as compared to the application of inorganic fertilizer alone. Thus, the model provided a mean of evaluating alternative crop N and water management options for effectively managing the soybean–wheat cropping system.     

Effects of Tillage and Residue Management Practices on Soil and Root Parameters in Soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis>)–Wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis>) Cropping System

A field study was conducted during 2009–2011 to investigate the effect of tillage, crop establishment and residue management practices on soil and root parameters in soybean-wheat cropping system. The experiment was conducted with 4 main plot treatments of tillage and crop establishment techniques as conventional tillage-flat (CT-F), zero tillage-flat (ZT-F), conventional tillage-bed (CT-B) and zero tillage-bed (ZT-B); and 4 sub plot treatments of residue application as control, wheat residue (3 t ha^?1), soybean residue (3 t ha^?1) and soybean + wheat residue (3 t ha^?1 each). The infiltration rate was significantly higher with ZT-F (1.22 cm h^?1) and wheat + soybean residue application (1.16 cm h^?1). ZT-F and ZT-B recorded higher mean weight diameter and geometric mean diameter at 0–10 cm than that of CT-F and CT-B. The percentage of micro-aggregate was higher with CT-F and CT-B at all depths while the macro-aggregate was high with ZT-F and ZT-B up to 30 cm soil depth. The microbial biomass carbon in ZT-F and ZT-B was 216.3 and 214.6 µg g^?1 of soil, respectively which was significantly higher than that of CT-F and CT-B. The wheat + soybean residue application recorded 19.6 % higher MBC than the control. Among the tillage treatments, ZT-F performed well with regard to root length density as 2.38 and 1.11 cm cm^?3, root surface area as 0.67 and 0.36 cm² cm^?3, root volume density as 19.22 and 8.26 × 10^?3 cm³ cm^?3 and average root diameter as 1.06 and 0.81 mm by soybean and wheat, respectively. Similarly, wheat + soybean residue also performed better than the no residue treatment.     

High-Value Crops’ Imbedded Intensive Cropping Systems for Enhanced Productivity,Resource-Use-Efficiency,Energetics and Soil-Health in Indo-Gangetic Plains

An investigation was undertaken at New Delhi, India during 2011–2013 to assess the agro-economic potentiality of four promising high-value crops’ imbedded diversified intensive cropping systems (DICS) in order to diversify the cereal–cereal based rotations and owning maximum profitability in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGPR) production systems. Cowpea–potato–mungbean (C–P–M_b) system proved as best viable option in realizing highest system-productivity in terms of mungbean-equivalent-yield (MEY), water-productivity and energy-relationships besides enhancing soil physico-chemical and microbiological properties; followed by Kharif onion–wheat–mungbean (O–W–M_b) system. C–P–M_b system also observed significantly highest net-returns, production and monetary-efficiencies. Application of 75 % recommended NPK (RDF) + vermicompost (VC) @ 5 t ha^?1 registered highest system-productivity (MEY) and production-efficiency followed by 100 % RDF, respectively. Application of 75 % RDF + VC @ 5 t ha^?1 also registered higher available N, P, soil–organic–carbon and DTPA-extractable micro-nutrients, besides enhanced microbial–biomass–carbon, respiratory and dehydrogenase activities. Overall, C–P–M_b and O–W–M_b systems supplied with 75 % RDF + VC @ 5 t ha^?1 may prove as viable alternative DICSs for enhanced system-productivity, profitability, water-productivity, energetics, and soil-health under irrigated IGPR.     

Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrients on Tuber Bulking Rate,Grades and Specific Gravity of Potato Tubers

A field experiment was conducted during 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 to investigate the effect of organic sources of nutrients on tuber bulking rate, grades and specific gravity of potato tubers. The experiment consisted 24 treatment combinations with 8 treatment in popcorn [control, recommended dose of fertilizers (N₁₂₀P₂₅K₃₅ kg ha^?1), farmyard manure equivalent to 120 kg N ha^?1, leaf compost equivalent to 120 kg N ha^?1, vermicompost equivalent to 120 kg N ha^?1, farmyard manure equivalent to 90 kg N ha^?1, leaf compost equivalent to 90 kg N ha^?1 vermicompost equivalent to 90 kg N ha^?1 in succeeding crop of potato, three treatments [control, farmyard manure equivalent to 60 kg N ha^?1 and farmyard manure equivalent to 90 kg N ha^?1] were superimposed on the different treatments of pop corn. It was found that the application of farmyard manure equivalent to120 kg N ha^?1 to pop corn and farmyard manure equivalent in 90 kg N ha^?1 in potato gave the highest values of tuber bulking rate, specific gravity, number of large–sized (A–grade) and medium–sized tubers (B–grade) and total tuber yield followed by vermicompost equivalent to to 120 kg N ha^?1. Farmyard manure equivalent to 90 kg N ha^?1 to potato also recorded the higher bulking rate, tuber yield, specific gravity and a number of large sized tubers (A– grade and B–grade) as compared to the farmyard manure equivalent to 60 kg N ha^?1. The available N, P, and K in soil also improved with the application of organic manures.     

REVIEWS

Over a wide range of conditions fine fuel re-accumulation after fire in eucalypt forests is well described by equations of the form X_t = X_ss (l-e^?kt)

where X_t is the weight (t ha^?1) of litter accumulated at time t(yr), X_ss is the weight of accumulated litter under steady-state conditions, and k is a decomposition rate constant (yr^?1). Decomposition constants ranged from 0.11 to 0.31 yr^?1, and steady- state litter accumulations varied between 11.1 and 29.4 t ha^?1.

In many types of eucalypt forest, litter re-accumulates to dangerous (from a fire control point of view) weights in 3–6 years, thus severely limiting the period during which prescribed burning provides protection from wildfire. The rapid rate of litter re-accumulation is mostly due to a marked decrease in the total amount of litter decomposing (relative to rates of litter input), rather than to any fire-induced reduction in the rate of decomposition. The implications of these findings for fire management in eucalypt forests are briefly discussed.

More quantitative information on the relationships between fuel mass (and other fuel characteristics) and fire behaviour under high to very high fire danger conditions is required to enable better evaluation of the effectiveness of low intensity prescribed burning for fire control. The ecological impacts of prescribed burning regimes, which also need to be considered when devising burning programs, are briefly discussed.     

Bio-efficacy of Herbicides on Performance of Mustard, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica juncea</Emphasis> (L.) and Population Dynamics of Agriculturally Important Bacteria

The bio-efficacy of different herbicide treatments on the performance of mustard crop and its effect on population dynamics of beneficial soil microorganisms like Azotobacter (aerobic and free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria), Bacillus and Pseudomonas (phosphate solubilisation and biocontrol agents) were studied. Higher doses of pendimethalin (@1.0 kg ha^?1) and isoproturon (@1.0 kg ha^?1) had toxic effect on the germination (13.33 and 17.33 m^?2) and emergence of mustard crop and resulted in significantly lower plant population. These treatments resulted in reduction of plant population to the tune of 47.92 and 31.48 % at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and 47.06 and 27.96 % at harvest. Weed free treatment recorded significantly higher seed yield (2781 kg ha^?1) which was about 99 % more than the weedy check. The increase in seed yield with different herbicides was to the tune of 27–73 % over weedy check, except pendimethalin @1.0 kg ha^?1 as pre-emergence (PE). The weedy check plot showed highest population of Azotobacter, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas throughout the observation period. However, among different herbicide treatments, the highest population of Azotobacter and Bacillus was observed with pendimethalin 0.5 kg ha^?1 as PE and that of Pseudomonas with isoproturon 1.0 kg ha^?1 30 DAS at harvest stage.     

Managing wood production from small grower acacia hybrid plantations on eroded soils in central Vietnam

An experiment in a second rotation acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × A. auriculiformis) clonal plantation in central Vietnam examined factors determining total wood production and its apportionment to sawlog and pulpwood. Growth and stand characteristics were compared with those in nearby plantations owned by small growers. The experimental site was on sloping land damaged and eroded by war and previous land use. The soil was shallow, with 20–30% laterised stones by volume and had lost part of the A horizon. Mean annual increment (MAI, in standing merchantable volume over bark) of the first rotation at age 8.8 years was 17 m³ ha^?1 y^?1. In the second rotation at age 7.6 years it was 20 m³ ha^?1 y^?1. Application of P fertiliser at three rates ranging from 14 to 86 kg ha^?1 increased stem diameter over the second rotation although stand volume response to P was not significant by rotation end. Potassium (14 kg ha^?1) gave no growth response. Growth rate was similar under weed control by herbicide and manual means. MAI increased progressively from 16.5 m³ ha^?1 y^?1 at the hilltop to 25.0 m³ ha^?1 y^?1 at the lowest part of the experiment; slope position influenced growth more than management practices. Key soil properties, pH, N, Bray-1 P and organic C were maintained from the first to the second rotation. With simple management practices including conservation of site organic matter and early stand management, appropriate for local small growers, the second rotation yielded 46% of harvested volume as sawlogs and the balance as pulpwood. Although small growers achieved similar growth rates, their current management regime does not yield sawlogs. They can influence the log categories produced and stand value through changes to stocking rate, stand management and rotation age.     

Physiological Indices,Phenological Characteristics and Trait Evaluation of Canola Genotypes Response to Different Planting Dates

To manage planting date based on optimal compatibility to the environmental condition a split plot experiment based Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was carried out. Four planting dates (November 6th and 21st, December 6th and 21st) in main plots and four genotypes (Hyola401, PP401, RGS003 and Option500) in subplots were studied. According to analysis of variance results, grain yield, yield components and biological yield were significantly affected by planting date, genotypes and interaction effect. The first planting date (November 6th) had maximum grain yield (2611.6 t ha^?1) and after it another planting date showed decrease in amount (13.74, 31.36 and 41.97 % respectively). First planting date was superior in physiological index as compared to the other planting dates. Hyola401 hybrid, due to the fact that it had a higher leaf area index (3.51), total dry matter (1248.91 g m^?2), crop growth rate (21 g m^?2 day^?1), net assimilation rate (7 g m^?2 day^?1), relative growth rate (0.064 g g^?1 day^?1) and maximum grain yield, was seen to be the most adaptable genotype. Hyola401 hybrid at first planting date germinated in shortest time (5.8 day) had the highest flowering duration (24.0 day) and long days to ripening (154.0 day). Finally according to the results of the present work, sowing of Hyola401 hybrid on 6th November was recommended as suitable planting date.     

Cross-comparisons of trending accuracies of continuous cardiac-output measurements: pulse contour analysis,bioreactance, and pulmonary-artery catheter

We compared the similarity of cardiac-output (CO) estimates between available bolus thermodilution pulmonary-artery catheters (PAC), arterial pulse-contour analysis (LiDCOplus^?, FloTrac^? and PiCCOplus^?), and bioreactance (NICOM^?). Repetitive simultaneous estimates of CO obtained from the above devices were compared in 21 cardiac-surgery patients during the first 2 h post-surgery. Mean and absolute values for CO across the devices were compared by ANOVA, Bland–Altman, Pearson moment, and linear-regression analyses. Twenty-one simultaneous CO measurements were made before and after therapeutic interventions. Mean PAC CO (5.7?±?1.5 L min) was similar to LiDCO^?, FloTrac^?, PiCCO^?, and NICOM^? CO (6.0?±?1.9, 5.9?±?1.0, 5.7?±?1.8, 5.3?±?1.0 L min, respectively). Mean CO bias between each paired method was ?0.10 (PAC–LiDCO), 0.18 (PAC–PiCCO), ?0.40 (PAC–FloTrac), ?0.71 (PAC–NICOM), 0.28 (LiDCO–PiCCO), 0.39 (LiDCO–FloTrac), ?0.97 (NICOM–LiDCO), 0.61 (PiCCO–FloTrac), ?1.0 (NICOM–FloTrac), ?0.73 (NICOM–PiCCO) L/min, with limits of agreement (1.96 SD, ±95% CI) of ±?2.01, ±2.35, ±2.27, ±2.70, ±1.97, ±2.17, ±3.51, ±2.87, ±2.40, and ±?3.14 L min, respectively, and the percentage error for each of the paired devices was 35, 41, 40, 47, 33, 36, 59, 50, 42, and 55%, respectively. From Pearson moment analysis, dynamic changes in CO, estimated by each device, showed good cross-correlations. Although all devices studied recorded similar mean CO values, which dynamically changed in similar directions, they have markedly different bias and precision values relative to each other. Thus, results from prior studies that have used one device to estimate CO cannot be used to validate others devices.     

Evaluation of myocardial strain and artery elasticity using speckle tracking echocardiography and high-resolution ultrasound in patients with bicuspid aortic valve

Reduced artery elasticity and reduced myocardial strain were present in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Their relation to dilation of proximal aorta is unclear. We aimed to study their relation to dilation of proximal aorta. We studied 57 BAV patients categorized into 2 subgroup according to proximal ascending aortic dimensions (nondilated <35 mm and dilated ≥35 mm). Twenty-nine healthy subjects were recruited as control. Aortic and carotid strain, distensibility and stiffness index were derived. Left ventricular myocardial strain were acquired with speckle-tracking echocardiography. BAV patients with dilation of proximal ascending aorta had lower aortic strain (4.1?±?4.2?% vs. 7.1?±?3.5?%) and carotid strain (4.8?±?1.9?% vs. 10.6?±?4.2?%), lower aortic distensibility (1.4?±?1.5 cm² dyn^?1 10^?6 vs. 2.5?±?1.5 cm² dyn^?1 10^?6) and carotid distensibility (1.6?±?0.7 cm² dyn^?1 10^?6 vs. 3.9?±?2.4 cm² dyn^?1 10^?6), higher aortic stiffness index (19.7?±?14.1 vs. 8.3?±?4.9) and carotid stiffness index (12.2?±?8.5 vs. 5.0?±?2.2), and lower global circumferential (?15.9?±?5.8?% vs. ?19.1?±?4.1?%), radial (19.3?±?11.6?% vs. 29.8?±?14.9?%) and longitudinal (?15.7?±?3.4?% vs. ?18.4?±?3.4?%) compared with those without dilation of proximal ascending aorta. All mean values are different to p?<?0.05. Dilation of proximal ascending aorta is associated with more advanced reduction of aortic and carotid elasticity and myocardial strain in BAV patients, supporting the need for detailed and extensive vascular and cardiac surveillance in BAV patients.     

BOOK REVIEWS

After clearfeliing and removal of sawlogs and waste wood from a 33-year-old crop of radiata pine, a site on the central tablelands of New South Wales contained an estimated 222 kg ha ' of nitrogen in above-ground litter and logging slash, and 8746 kg ha^?1 in the soil. Broadcast burning of the litter and slash removed 139 kg ha^?1 of nitrogen, but had no measurable effect on the organic matter content of the soil. Hand raking removed 212 kg ha^?1 of nitrogen from the litter and slash, as well as approximately 1 cm of topsoil, containing at least 124 kg ha^?1 nitrogen.

It was concluded that on this site the commonly used technique of windrow raking of logging slash and litter before replanting was likely to have a greater effect on site nutrient capital than broadcast burning. Neither practice had an appreciable impact on total site reserves of nitrogen, since very large quantities are contained in the mineral soil. However, since little is known of the availability of these soil reserves to the replanted crop, it would be prudent to modify existing techniques so as to minimise their impact on the above-ground nutrient capital. It is suggested that a raking operation which removed only the woody debris would probably allow sufficient access for replanting, and would leave most of the nutrient-rich fine litter and topsoil intact.     

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Corn (Zea mays L.) Hybrids Under Irrigated Conditions

In order to study the effect of nitrogen rates on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids, a field experiment was conducted in south-western Iran during 2011–2012. The experiment was split-plot with RCBD arrangement in three replications. Main plots consisted of four nitrogen rates (0, 90, 180 and 260 kg N ha^?1) and four corn hybrids (Sc.704, Sc.640, Mobeen and DKC6589) were placed in sub-plots. Results indicated that the effect of nitrogen, hybrids and their interaction on corn grain yield was significant. Increase in nitrogen rates from 0 to 90, 180 and 260 kg N ha^?1 increased the mean grain yield studied hybrids by 42.6, 55 and 58 %, respectively. DKC6589 hybrid and Mobeen had the highest and lowest grain yield among studied hybrids. Higher grain yield in DKC6589 was due to higher number of grains per ear and 100-grain weight. The results of step-wise regression coefficients also indicated that number of grains had the maximum contribution in grain yield. As compared to grain yield of Mobeen and Sc.640 hybrids at the levels of 180 and 260 kg N ha^?1, DKC6589 hybrid yield was more in the treatment of no nitrogen. The maximum grain yield was obtained in DKC6589 hybrid and 180 kg N ha^?1. Increase of nitrogen up to 260 kg N ha^?1 led to the significant increase in grain yield of 640 hybrid, but in other hybrids, increase of nitrogen up to more than 180 kg N ha^?1, slightly decreased the grain yield. There was genetic variation for nitrogen use efficiency. It is possible to select hybrids with higher nitrogen use efficiency to reduce the fertilization. Positive and significant relation between grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency was marked. DKC6589 hybrids as compared to other hybrids had more nitrogen use efficiency and agronomic nitrogen use efficiency in lower amount of fertilizer. Generally, it seemed that DKC6589 hybrid had all ideal traits of implantation in the region as the potential of its grain yield was very high.     

Pilot Study of a Novel 18F-labeled FSHR Probe for Tumor Imaging

Purpose

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is overexpressed in primary and metastatic tumor. Molecular imaging of FSHR is beneficial for prognosis and therapy of cancer. FSHβ(33–53) (YTRDLVYKDPARPKIQKTCTF), denoted as FSH1, is a FSHR antagonist. In the present study, maleimide-NOTA conjugate of FSH1 (NOTA-MAL-FSH1) was designed and labeled with [¹⁸F] aluminum fluoride. The resulting tracer, ¹⁸F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1, was preliminarily evaluated in PET imaging of FSHR-positive tumor.

Procedures

NOTA-MAL-FSH1 was synthesized and radiolabeled with Al¹⁸F complex. The tumor-targeting potential and pharmacokinetic profile of the ¹⁸F-labeled compound were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using a PC3 human prostate tumor model.

Results

¹⁸F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 can be efficiently produced within 30 min with a non-decay-corrected yield of 48.6?±?2.1 % and a radiochemical purity of more than 95 %. The specific activity was at least 30 GBq/μmol. The radiotracer was stable in phosphate-buffered saline and human serum for at least 2 h. The IC₅₀ values of displacement ¹⁸F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 with FSH1 were 252?±?1.12 nM. The PC3 human prostate tumor xenografts were clearly visible with high contrast after injection of ¹⁸F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 via microPET. At 30, 60 and 120 min postinjection, the tumor uptakes were 2.98?±?0.29 % injected dose (ID)/g, 2.53?±?0.20 %ID/g and 1.36?±?0.12 %ID/g, respectively. Dynamic PET scanning showed that tumor uptake reached a plateau by about 6 min. Heart peaked earlier and then cleared quickly. Biodistribution studies confirmed that the normal organs except kidney uptakes were all below 1 %ID/g at 1 h p.i. The tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratio at 10 min, 0.5, 1, and 2 h after injection were 1.64?±?0.36, 2.97?±?0.40, 9.31?±?1.06, and 13.59?±?2.33 and 7.05?±?1.10, 10.10?±?1.48, 16.17?±?3.29, and 30.88?±?4.67, respectively. The tracer was excreted mainly through the renal system, as evidenced by high levels of radioactivity in the kidneys. FSHR-binding specificity was also demonstrated by reduced tumor uptake of ¹⁸F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 after coinjection with an excess of unlabeled FSH1 peptide.

Conclusion

NOTA-MAL-FSH1 could be labeled rapidly and efficiently with ¹⁸F using one step method. Favorable preclinical data suggest that ¹⁸F-Al-NOTA-MAL-FSH1 may be a suitable radiotracer for the non-invasive visualization of FSHR positive tumor in vivo.     

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of timber harvesting residues: a case study of a balsa plantation in Papua New Guinea

The quantity and quality of the harvesting residues in a balsa plantation in East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea are reported in this paper. The plantation was harvested manually with a chainsaw and manpower to extract the industrial wood at age 6 years. A modified standard harvesting residue assessment method using plots on line transects was applied. The total weight of the harvest residues remaining on the site after wood extraction was 211.7 t_GREEN ha^?1 (tonnes (green) per hectare). The major component was un-merchantable stem wood (121.3 t_GREEN ha^?1; 57.3%), followed by bark (59.3 t_GREEN ha^?1; 28.0%). This level of harvest residue was relatively greater than that reported in other studies, reflecting the combination of the log specification applied and the nature of the stem defects in balsa trees. The level of residues indicates the possibility of additional woody material recovery for bioenergy after consideration of sustainability issues.

The average moisture content of the wood components of the residues was determined over two days. The average moisture content on the first day after harvesting was 50%, falling in the following day to about 48%. The abundance of five elements in the harvest residues was estimated using data from a single sample tree; of the elements assessed potassium was the most abundant while calcium was the least.     

Effect of Nitrogen and Defoliation on Assimilate Redistribution and Grain Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Subtropical Conditions

In order to study the effects of nitrogen levels and defoliation on grain yield, yield components, and assimilate redistribution in maize (single cross 704), a field experiment was conducted in south-west of Iran in 2010–2011. The experiment was split-plot in the form of randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots consisted of four nitrogen rates (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg N ha^?1) and elimination of some physiological resources including defoliation of upper and lower leaves of the canopy at anthesis stage and control (un-manipulated) were placed in sub-plots. Results indicated that the effect of nitrogen fertilizers and defoliation on grain yield was significant (P < 1 %), but the effect of nitrogen and defoliation interaction on this trait was not. The lowest and the highest grain yield belonged to 0 and 240 kg N ha^?1, respectively. As compared to the un-manipulated treatment, grain yield was 22.2 and 4.2 % lower in defoliation of upper and lower leaves, respectively. Grain yield reduction in defoliation of upper leaves was due to significant reduction of the number of grains and their weight. As the nitrogen rates increased to 160 and 240 kg ha^?1, stem assimilate redistribution increased and somewhat compensated for the effect of defoliation of lower leaves of the maize on its grain yield.     

Herbicides for use in management of certified Pinus radiata plantations in New Zealand

Post-planting vegetation control in commercial Pinus radiata D.Don forests within New Zealand almost exclusively uses a mixture of the two triazine herbicides, terbuthylazine and hexazinone. However, neither of these herbicides is endorsed for use on land certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), based on criteria relating to their persistence or toxicity in the environment. This is a problem for the forest industry as these herbicides are inexpensive, are not phytotoxic to P. radiata, and their residual action enables continued control of competing vegetation for up to a year following application. Using measurements obtained from three short-term field trials where herbicides were applied as pre- and post-emergent, post-planting treatments to a wide range of competitive vegetation species, the efficacy of alternative mixes of herbicides was compared to the triazine mix (the current industry standard). As the restrictions on the use of terbuthylazine by FSC may be lifted, this herbicide was also trialled in mixes with herbicides other than hexazinone. Tree growth was quantified one year after herbicide application using a biomass index. Results from all three trials showed that the triazine mix provided the greatest level of vegetation control, with the trees in this treatment attaining the highest biomass index. Where herbicide mixes were applied as pre-emergent treatments, the best alternative herbicide, as assessed by tree growth at one year, was indaziflam applied at 300 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha^–1. Compared to the triazine mix, the biomass index for this treatment was reduced by <1%. Where herbicides were applied as post-emergent treatments, the best alternatives to the triazine mix were very similar across trials and included treatments where terbuthylazine (at 7000 g a.i. ha^–1) had been applied in combination with one of either mesotrione (at 150 g a.i. ha^–1; 300 g a.i. ha^–1), triclopyr (at 113 g a.i. ha^–1), or clopyralid (at 1500 g a.i. ha^–1) or where a mixture of clopyralid, triclopyr and haloxyfop (1125 g a.i. ha^–1, 113 g a.i. ha^–1 and 250 g a.i. ha^–1) was used. Reductions in biomass index at one year in these five treatments, relative to the triazine mix, ranged between 5% and 35%, with smallest reductions being recorded for terbuthylazine used in combination with either clopyralid or mesotrione.     

Comparing hemodynamic effects with three different measurement devices, of two methods of external leg compression versus passive leg raising in patients after cardiac surgery

External leg compression (ELC) may increase cardiac output (CO) in fluid-responsive patients like passive leg raising (PLR). We compared the hemodynamic effects of two methods of ELC and PLR measured by thermodilution (COtd), pressure curve analysis Modelflow? (COmf) and ultra-sound HemoSonic? (COhs), to evaluate the method with the greatest hemodynamic effect and the most accurate less invasive method to measure that effect. We compared hemodynamic effects of two different ELC methods (circular, A (n = 16), vs. wide, B (n = 13), bandages inflated to 30 cm H₂O for 15 min) with PLR prior to each ELC method, in 29 post-operative cardiac surgical patients. Hemodynamic responses were measured with COtd, COmf and COhs. PLR A increased COtd from 6.1 ± 1.7 to 6.3 ± 1.8 L·min^?1 (P = 0.016), and increased COhs from 4.9 ± 1.5 to 5.3 ± 1.6 L·min^?1 (P = 0.001), but did not increase COmf. ELC A increased COtd from 6.4 ± 1.8 to 6.7 ± 1.9 L·min^?1 (P = 0.001) and COmf from 6.9 ± 1.7 to 7.1 ± 1.8 L·min^?1 (P = 0.021), but did not increase COhs. ELC A increased COtd and COmf as in PLR A. PLR B increased COtd from 5.4 ± 1.3 to 5.8 ± 1.4 L·min^?1 (P < 0.001), and COhs from 5.0 ± 1.0 to 5.4 ± 1.0 L·min^?1 (P = 0.013), but not COmf. ELC B increased COtd from 5.2 ± 1.2 to 5.4 ± 1.1 L·min^?1 (P = 0.003), but less than during PLR B (P = 0.012), while COmf and COhs did not change. Bland–Altman and polar plots showed lower limits of agreement with changes in COtd for COmf than for COhs. The circular leg compression increases CO more than bandage compression, and is able to increase CO as in PLR. The less invasive Modelflow? can detect these changes reasonably well.