Poucos estudos existem sobre o efeito de diferentes inóculos microbianos na produção de composto fermentado bokashi e seu efeito no solo em relação à disponibilidade de nitrogênio e fósforo. A farinha de penas é outro potencial adubo orgânico que é pouco explorado no Brasil. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito dos inóculos microbianos comercial e nativo, assim como da farinha de penas, na disponibilização de nitrogênio e fósforo, e sua interferência na nitrificação no solo. Os compostos bokashi foram feitos um com inóculo coletado em solo de área de preservação permanente misturado a solo de área de cultivo e outro com inóculo comercial. Os tratamentos: bokashi com inóculo comercial (BC), bokashi com inóculo nativo (BN), mistura de farelos com inóculo comercial (FC), mistura de farelos com inóculo nativo (FN), somente mistura de farelos (F), somente aplicação do inóculo comercial no solo (TC), farinha de penas (FP) e somente solo (T) foram misturados ao solo e incubados por 84 dias. Avaliações periódicas foram feitas dentro do período de incubação, as quais mensuraram a mineralização de nitrogênio, a nitrificação, a disponibilização de fósforo, a respiração basal, o carbono da biomassa microbiana, o coeficiente metabólico, o pH e o carbono e o nitrogênio total. O nitrogênio e o fósforo disponível foram avaliados nos compostos. O bokashi foi eficiente na disponibilização de fósforo no solo, assim como nitrogênio e fósforo no composto. A mineralização de nitrogênio foi reduzida quando os farelos passaram pelo processo de bokashi. A aplicação do bokashi não interferiu na nitrificação. O BC foi mais eficiente em disponibilizar fósforo e nitrogênio no composto e no solo que o BN. O FC apresentou uma atividade biológica de decomposição mais intensa, assim como maior mineralização de nitrogênio dos compostos quando comparado ao FN. O FN aumentou o nitrogênio orgânico no solo. Ambos inóculos demonstraram pouco efeito na nitrificação e na acidez do solo. A aplicação do FP no solo apresentou grande potencial para o suprimento de nitrogênio. / There is a reduced amount of studies on the different microbial inoculum effects in bokashi fermented compost and its effects related to soil nitrogen and phosphorus availability. The poultry feather manure is another potential fertilizer with little exploration in Brazil. The present study aim to evaluate the microbial inoculum effects, commercial and native, and the poultry feather manure, in soil nitrogen and phosphorus availability and nitrification interference. The bokashi composts were made one with collected inoculum in permanent preservation area mixed with crop soil and another with commercial inoculum. The treatments: commercial inoculum bokashi (BC), native inoculum bokashi (BN), commercial inoculum bran mixture (FC), native inoculum bran mixture (FN), bran mixture (F), just commercial inoculum in soil (TC), poultry feather manure (FP) and just soil (T) were mixed with a soil and incubated for 84 days. Periodic evaluations were made in incubation period, that one has assessed the nitrogen mineralization, the nitrification, the phosphorus availability, the basal respiration, the microbial biomass carbon, the metabolic coefficient, the pH and the total carbon and nitrogen. The nitrogen and phosphorus availability was evaluated in composts. The bokashi was efficient in soil phosphorus availability, like nitrogen and phosphorus in compost. The nitrogen mineralization was reduced with bokashi application. The bokashi application did not interfered in nitrification. The BC was more efficient in phosphorus and nitrogen availability in compost and in soil then the native inoculum bokashi. The FC show more biological decomposition activity, therefore with more nitrogen mineralization in relationship with FN. The FN increased the soil organic nitrogen. Both inoculum revealed little effect in nitrification and soil acidity. The FP application in soil demonstrated great potential in nitrogen supply.

The southeastern part of the Black Pine Mountains is located in the southeastern part of Cassia County, southern Idaho. The Utah-Idaho state line is three miles south of the studied area and the Cassia-Oneida county line bounds it on the east. The area is nearly square and encompasses about 30 square miles. Devonian, Mississippian, Pennsylvanian, Permian, Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks are exposed within the area. Limestone, dolomitic limestime, quartzite, and beeded chert represent the Jefferson Formation of Devonian age. It is 400 feet thick, however, the base is not exposed. The Milligen Formation is Early Mississippian in age and is black argillite with interbedded orthoquartzite. The Milligen is about 1,850 feed thick. The Late Mississippian White Knob Formation is 2,400 feet thick and has two members. The lower member is limestone interbedded with calcareous siltstone. Massive blue-gray limestone with some chert nodules characterizes the upper member. The undifferentiated Pennsylvanian-Permian unit is 1,800 feet of mostly sandy limestone. Quartzite and calcareous sandstone are also present. Tertiary rocks are present in the form of an orangish-white tuff which is considered part of the Salt Lake Formation. Lake Bonneville Group, alluvial, and landslide deposits represent the Quaternary System. Most of these are unconsolidated silt, sand, and gravel deposits. However, the Lake bonneville Group displays a tightly cemented shore-line deposit in places. The effects of metamorphism are common in the area. The Milligen shows signs of contact and tectonic metamorphism. In places it has been bleached or altered to slate and phyllite. The White Knob Formation has been marblized at several locations. Igneous activity has emplaced two small dikes on the eastern flank of the Black Pine Mountains. Although they are highly altered, the original rock was apparently a diabase. The structure of the area is complex. Three low-angle thrust faults are present which are generally situated along bedding planes. The lower thrust fault separates the Jefferson and Milligen formations. The middle thrust fault intervenes at the Milligen-White Knob contact, Locally, this thrust fault has cut out the lower member of the White Knob. The upper thrust fault is present at the base of the undifferentiated Pennsylvanian-Permian strata. The upper thrust fault overlies the White Knob and, locally, the Milligen. Several high-angle faults are present which displace the low-angle thrust faults. A major range-front fault is present on the southeastern side of the range. Displacement on it may be as much as 6,500 feet. Mineralization in the area occurred during two episodes. The first was guided by fractures related to Laramide structure. This episode was characterized by mesothermal deposits of sphalerite, tetrahedrite, and jamesonite. Following the first mineral deposition Basin-.and-Range faulting began. New fract!lres provided a locus for mesothermal and epithermal deposits of the second episode. Calcite, barite, and gold were deposited at this time. Emplantation of the dikes probably accompanied this episode. (81 pages)

Pulse crops have been long associated with biological dinitrogen fixation and therefore improve the sustainability of cropping systems when included in rotation. However, studies indicate there may be additional benefits of including pulse crops in rotation. To quantify these potential benefits, soil processes and properties related to nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling were examined in five crop rotations with and without field pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) in Scott, Saskatchewan. Gross mineralization and nitrification rates were determined using the 15N isotope dilution technique in intact soil cores. To estimate the proportion of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions derived from nitrification related processes rather than denitrification processes tracer techniques using 15N were used. Field incubations were performed in 2008 at seeding (May 13), anthesis (July 8) and just after harvest (October 8). Mean mineralization and nitrification rates were not significantly different among rotations on any date and there was no significant difference in mean N2O emissions among rotations. From labeled 15NO3- cores, it was determined that nitrification-related processes were the major contributors to N2O emissions. There was no difference among the rotations in microbial biomass carbon (MB-C) or microbial biomass N (MB-N) with the exception of MB-C in the continuous field pea (FP) and the canola (<i>Brassica napus</i> L.)-wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)-field pea (CNL-W-FP) rotation at anthesis. There was no effect of rotation on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and only seasonal differences were observed with DOC levels being lower before seeding than at anthesis and post-harvest. Based on the results obtained from a single growing season, our results show that N benefits of including field pea in rotation, beyond dinitrigen fixation, were not detectable and that the immediate N benefit of including field pea in rotation may be due simply to the direct effects of biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation. However, there have been reports of pulse crop benefits to succeeding crops in rotation. As a result, we investigated both the quantity and quality of crop residues, which can have an impact on soil properties and processes. Plants enriched with isotopic tracers can be used to trace crop residue decomposition to various C pools but only if the tracer is homogeneously distributed throughout the plant. In order to determine if repeat-pulse labeling could be used to trace crop residue decomposition, this method was followed using 13CO2 to enrich plant material of field pea and canola plants in a controlled environment. The distribution of 13C throughout the plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, and pod) and biochemical fractions [acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)] were determined. It was found that 13C was not homogeneously distributed throughout the plant parts or biochemical fractions. The pod fraction in particular was much less enriched in comparison to the other fractions. The ADL fraction was less enriched than the ADF fraction. Because of the heterogeneity of the label throughout the plant, modifications of the method are needed and 13C distribution through out the plant needs to be assessed before the repeat-pulse method can be used to trace C residue through various C pools. Nevertheless, root contributions to below-ground C were successfully determined from the enriched root material and the resulting enriched soil. It was found that canola contributed more above- and below-ground residues than field pea, however canola was also higher in ADF and ADL fractions indicating a more recalcitrant residue. Research should continue to better define the impact of pulse crop residues on C and N cycling and subsequent crops in rotation.

Pulse crops have been long associated with biological dinitrogen fixation and therefore improve the sustainability of cropping systems when included in rotation. However, studies indicate there may be additional benefits of including pulse crops in rotation. To quantify these potential benefits, soil processes and properties related to nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling were examined in five crop rotations with and without field pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) in Scott, Saskatchewan. Gross mineralization and nitrification rates were determined using the 15N isotope dilution technique in intact soil cores. To estimate the proportion of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions derived from nitrification related processes rather than denitrification processes tracer techniques using 15N were used. Field incubations were performed in 2008 at seeding (May 13), anthesis (July 8) and just after harvest (October 8). Mean mineralization and nitrification rates were not significantly different among rotations on any date and there was no significant difference in mean N2O emissions among rotations. From labeled 15NO3- cores, it was determined that nitrification-related processes were the major contributors to N2O emissions. There was no difference among the rotations in microbial biomass carbon (MB-C) or microbial biomass N (MB-N) with the exception of MB-C in the continuous field pea (FP) and the canola (<i>Brassica napus</i> L.)-wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)-field pea (CNL-W-FP) rotation at anthesis. There was no effect of rotation on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and only seasonal differences were observed with DOC levels being lower before seeding than at anthesis and post-harvest. Based on the results obtained from a single growing season, our results show that N benefits of including field pea in rotation, beyond dinitrigen fixation, were not detectable and that the immediate N benefit of including field pea in rotation may be due simply to the direct effects of biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation. However, there have been reports of pulse crop benefits to succeeding crops in rotation. As a result, we investigated both the quantity and quality of crop residues, which can have an impact on soil properties and processes. Plants enriched with isotopic tracers can be used to trace crop residue decomposition to various C pools but only if the tracer is homogeneously distributed throughout the plant. In order to determine if repeat-pulse labeling could be used to trace crop residue decomposition, this method was followed using 13CO2 to enrich plant material of field pea and canola plants in a controlled environment. The distribution of 13C throughout the plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, and pod) and biochemical fractions [acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)] were determined. It was found that 13C was not homogeneously distributed throughout the plant parts or biochemical fractions. The pod fraction in particular was much less enriched in comparison to the other fractions. The ADL fraction was less enriched than the ADF fraction. Because of the heterogeneity of the label throughout the plant, modifications of the method are needed and 13C distribution through out the plant needs to be assessed before the repeat-pulse method can be used to trace C residue through various C pools. Nevertheless, root contributions to below-ground C were successfully determined from the enriched root material and the resulting enriched soil. It was found that canola contributed more above- and below-ground residues than field pea, however canola was also higher in ADF and ADL fractions indicating a more recalcitrant residue. Research should continue to better define the impact of pulse crop residues on C and N cycling and subsequent crops in rotation.

Bone tissue engineering strategies are currently being developed as alternative mechanisms to address the clinical demand for bioactive and biomechanical graft material. To date, these efforts have been largely restricted by inadequate supply of committed osteoprogenitor cells and loss of osteoblastic phenotype expression following in vitro culture and expansion. The objective of this thesis research was to address the cell sourcing limitations of tissue-engineered bone grafts through constitutive and sustained overexpression of the osteoblast-specific transcriptional activator Runx2/Cbfa1 in osteogenic marrow-derived stromal cells using retroviral gene delivery. Runx2 overexpression enhanced expression of multiple osteoblastic genes proteins and, more importantly, significantly up-regulated matrix mineralization in both monolayer culture and following cell seeding in 3-D polymeric scaffolds. To evaluate in vivo performance, Runx2-expressing cells were seeded into 3-D constructs and implanted both subcutaneously and in a critical size craniotomy bone defect model. Notably, in vitro pre-culture of Runx2-transduced cell-seeded constructs prior to implantation significantly enhanced their capacity to form mineralized tissue in the subcutaneous space and induce new bone formation in the critical size defect model compared to control cells. The described series of analyses provided a novel combination of tissue and genetic engineering techniques toward the development of a Runx2-modified stromal cell/polymeric scaffold composite tissue-engineered bone graft substitute.

Seven novel, amphiphilic AApeptides were prepared. Two cationic, lipo-α-AApeptides, NA-75 and NA-77 were found to possess potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with almost no hemolytic activity. In addition to NA-75 and 77, four amphiphilic, γ-AApeptides, NA-133, 135, 137, and 139, and one anionic lipo-α-AApeptide, NA-81, were prepared for molecular self-assembly studies, with several interesting nanostructures observed by TEM. Mineralization of calcium carbonate from gaseous CO2 and Ca2+ in the presence of the 7 AApeptide amphiphiles was also observed by optical microscopy. Several AApeptides were found to be able to influence CaCO3 crystal morphology. Another α-AApeptide, NA-63, was synthesized by a novel, alternative method, which has several potential advantages over the previous synthesis methods.

The Batopilas Mining District was a major silver producer, with estimated historic production of more than 300 million ounces. Orebodies consist of high-grade silver in the forms of native silver, acanthite and proustite hosted dominantly in calcite veins. Recent exploration has facilitated the reexamination of the geologic features and origin of the enigmatic native silver district. Sulfur, lead, and strontium isotopic studies have been conducted to constrain the fluid and metal sourcing. [delta]³⁴SvCDT isotope signatures for galena, sphalerite and pyrite range from -8 to -2, -6 to 0, and -5 to 3°/₀₀, respectively. A fractionation temperature of 227±25 °C can be obtained using average sulfur isotope values for galena and sphalerite. Galena lead isotopic values show two distinct signatures. Samples of massive-replacement style mineralization have ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of 18.742 and 18.747, 15.611 and 15.618, and 38.512 and 38.535, respectively. For vein samples, the corresponding values range from 18.799 to 18.817, 15.623 to 15.639, and 38.603 to 38.655. The lead isotopic signatures for vein galena have lower thorogenic lead content than other ore deposits in the Sierra Madre Occidental, suggesting a different source of metals. Vein calcite samples have ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotopic compositions ranging from 0.707551 to 0.70590 (±0.000009) and Sr concentrations ranging from 51 to 246 ppm. These vein components may reflect mixed deep-marine sedimentary and Precambrian basement sources. A reconnaissance fluid inclusion study was conducted to better constrain fluid temperature and composition. The minerals studied included quartz, fluorite, and two types of sphalerite. The average eutectic temperatures obtained are -38°C, -31°C, and -43°C, respectively, indicating a complex mineralizing brine. Homogenization temperatures averaged 143°C, 165°C, and 174°C, and the NaCl equivalent weight percents averaged 4, 7, and 17, respectively. Fluids involved in vein mineralization are different from those typical of epithermal vein Ag-Au deposits, and may represent sedimentary brines that have circulated through the underlying basement. / text

No description available.

Agricultural intensification to increase food, feed, and fibre production has also resulted in environmental degradation, including poorer soil quality and high emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like nitrous oxide (N2O). Intercropping, an agroecosystem management practice where more than one crop is planted on the same plot of land at the same time, promotes the complementary use of soil nutrients, and may improve soil quality and increase the retention of inorganic nitrogen (N) in the soil, thereby reducing N2O emissions. An experiment was conducted in Balcarce, Argentina to determine the impact of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), (either 1:2 or 2:3 rows of maize to soybean) on soil quality and soil N transformations after six cropping seasons. It was found that intercropping significantly improved soil quality over a six year period, as indicated by the soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (TN), soil light fraction organic matter (LF), and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMB-C). However, the soil quality also significantly improved in the sole crops over this time, and in 2012, only SMB-C was significantly (p<0.05) greater in the 2:3 intercrop than in the sole crops. Intercropping resulted in higher rates of gross nitrogen (N) mineralization than the sole crops, and the 2:3 intercrop resulted in higher rates of gross N immobilization than in the other treatments. However, the high rate of gross N mineralization resulted in a low relative NH4+ immobilization in both intercrops, signifying a lower potential for reducing soil NH4+ concentrations than in the sole crop treatments. Net N immobilization occurred in all treatment plots, which was desired at the end of the fallow period to reduce N losses from the soil. The 2:3 intercrop appeared to perform better than the 1:2 intercrop. However, further research needs to be conducted to determine the seasonal variations in N mineralization and immobilization, and to further examine the intercrop spatial arrangements to increase crop residue yield.

Bioactive glasses are a type of ceramic material designed to be used as bioresorbable therapeutic bone implants. Thermal treatment of bioactive glass ceramics dictates many important features such as microstructure, degree of crystallinity, mechanical properties, and mineralization. This study investigates the effects of temperature, time, and heating rates on the crystallization kinetics of melt cast bioactive glass 45S5. Bulk crystallization (three dimensional crystallite formation) was found to always occur in bulk bioactive glass 45S5 irrespective of the processing conditions. A comparative study of crack paths in amorphous and crystalline phases of bioactive glass 45S5 revealed crack deflections and higher fracture resistance in partially crystallized bioactive glass. Such toughening is likely attributed to different crystallographic orientations of crystals or residual thermal mismatch strains. Furthermore, in vitro immersion testing of partially crystalline glass ceramic revealed higher adhesion capabilities of the mineralized layer formed on amorphous regions as compared to its crystalline counterpart. / Materials Engineering