bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methiozolin Absorption and Translocation in Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)
Authors: Flessner Michael L. , Wehtje Glenn R. , McElroy J. Scott
Published: March 2013

Annual bluegrass is a problematic turfgrass weed. Methiozolin is a new, currently unregistered herbicide that selectively controls annual bluegrass in desirable turfgrasses. Studies were conducted to evaluate and compare annual bluegrass control from PRE-applied methiozolin as influenced by rate and soil type and from POST-applied methiozolin as influenced by rate, soil type, annual bluegrass growth stage, and treatment placement. Studies were also conducted to evaluate foliar and root absorption and subsequent translocation of methiozolin by annual bluegrass using radio-tracer techniques. PRE-applied methiozolin controlled annual bluegrass > 99%. POST-applied methiozolin resulted in < 80% control regardless of foliar versus root exposure. POST applications are more effective at higher rates and smaller growth stages. Foliar-plus-soil methiozolin application trended to result in the best control, compared to foliar-only and soil-only applications. Absorption and translocation data indicate that methiozolin is absorbed by both leaves and roots and moderately translocates upward in the plant toward the leaf tip with little to no basipetal translocation. Because control is limited from a single methiozolin application (as observed in POST experiments), successful field application of methiozolin requires multiple and timely applications directed toward the roots and/or foliage of annual bluegrass.
Selectivity of Methiozolin for Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) Control in Creeping Bentgrass as Influenced by Temperature and Application Timing
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , de Barreda Diego Gómez , Yu Jialin
Published: March 2013

Methiozolin controls annual bluegrass in creeping bentgrass but application timing and temperature could influence efficacy in turf. In field experiments, sequential methiozolin applications totaling 3.36 kg ai ha−1provided excellent (> 90%) annual bluegrass control at 8 wk after initial treatment when treatments were initiated in February/March or May but programs totaling 0.84 and 1.68 kg ha−1provided poor control (< 70%) at both timings. Methiozolin at all rates caused minimal turf injury (< 8%) but creeping bentgrass was only injured from February/March applications. In growth chamber experiments, creeping bentgrass injury from methiozolin at 10 C was 2 and 4 times greater than at 20 C and 30 C, respectively, while annual bluegrass injury was similar across temperatures. In laboratory experiments, annual bluegrass had more foliar absorption of14C-methiozolin than creeping bentgrass at 30/25 C (day/night), compared to 15/10 C, but translocation was similar at both temperatures as > 90% of absorbed14C remained in the treated leaf after 72 h. Annual bluegrass distributed and recovered more radioactivity to shoots from root-applied14C-methiozolin than creeping bentgrass while both species had about 2 times more distribution to shoots at 30/25 C than 15/10 C. Metabolites were not detected in annual bluegrass or creeping bentgrass at 1, 3, or 7 d after treatment when grown at 15/10 C or 30/25 C suggesting uptake and translocation contributes to methiozolin selectivity in turfgrass.
BAC Library Development and Clone Characterization for Dormancy-Responsive DREB4A, DAM, and FT from Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) Identifies Differential Splicing and Conserved Promoter Motifs
Authors: Horvath David P. , Kudrna David , Talag Jayson , Anderson James V. , Chao Wun S. , Wing Rod , Foley Michael E. , Doğramacı Münevver
Published: March 2013

We developed two leafy spurge bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries that together represent approximately 5× coverage of the leafy spurge genome. The BAC libraries have an average insert size of approximately 143 kb, and copies of the library and filters for hybridization-based screening are publicly available through the Arizona Genomics Institute. These libraries were used to clone full-length genomic copies of an AP2/ERF transcription factor of the A4 subfamily of DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEINS (DREB) known to be differentially expressed in crown buds of leafy spurge during endodormancy, a DORMANCY ASSOCIATED MADS-BOX (DAM) gene, and several FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) genes. Sequencing of these BAC clones revealed the presence of multiple FT genes in leafy spurge. Sequencing also provided evidence that two different DAM transcripts expressed in crown buds of leafy spurge during endo- and eco-dormancy result from alternate splicing of a single DAM gene. Sequence data from the FT promoters was used to identify several conserved elements previously recognized in Arabidopsis, as well as potential novel transcription factor binding sites that may regulate FT. These leafy spurge BAC libraries represent a new genomics-based tool that complements existing genomics resources for the study of plant growth and development in this model perennial weed. Furthermore, phylogenetic footprinting using genes identified with this resource demonstrate the usefulness of studying weedy species to further our general knowledge of agriculturally important genes.
Economic Impact of Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum) on Florida Cattle Production
Authors: Salaudeen Tajudeen , Thomas Michael , Harding David , Hight Stephen D.
Published: March 2013

A written survey administered to 3,500 Florida cattle producers in 2006 documented tropical soda apple as the most common pasture weed across the state of Florida. Over 80% of the survey respondents reported tropical soda apple on their ranches, and over 65% declared the plant to be a major problem for their cattle operation. On ranches that reported tropical soda apple infestations, the level of pastures infested with this weed ranged from a low of 4% in north Florida to a high of 12% in central Florida. The cattle producers' most common strategies to tropical soda apple were herbicide application and mowing. These strategies were used by 32% of respondents in north Florida, 75% in central Florida, and 76% in south Florida. On a statewide basis, 20% of cattle producers used herbicides alone, 7% used mowing alone, and 20% used both methods. Some cattle producers reduced the cattle stocking rate as a consequence of tropical soda apple infestations. This negative impact was reported by only 2% of cattle producers in north Florida, 6% in central Florida, and 7% in south Florida. With the use of the economic input/output model IMPLAN, tropical soda apple control costs resulted in economic losses throughout Florida of $15 million annually in 2006 to cattle producers and their supporting business sectors.
Methiozolin Efficacy for Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) Control on Sand- and Soil-Based Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens
Authors: Brosnan James T. , Henry Gerald M. , Breeden Gregory K. , Cooper Tyler , Serensits Thomas J.
Published: March 2013

Methiozolin is a new isoxazoline herbicide being investigated for selective POST annual bluegrass control in creeping bentgrass putting greens. Glasshouse and field research was conducted from 2010 to 2012 in Tennessee and Texas to evaluate annual bluegrass control efficacy with methiozolin. Application placement experiments in the glasshouse illustrated that root absorption was required for POST annual bluegrass control with methiozolin at 1,000 g ai ha−1. Soil-plus-foliar and soil-only applications of methiozolin reduced annual bluegrass biomass greater than treatments applied foliar-only. Field experiments evaluated annual bluegrass control efficacy with two application rates (500 and 1,000 g ha−1) and six application regimes (October, November, December, October followed by [fb] November, November fb December, and October fb November fb December) on sand- and soil-based putting greens. Annual bluegrass control with methiozolin at 1,000 g ha−1on sand-based greens ranged from 70 to 72% compared to 87 to 89% on soil-based greens. Treatment at 500 g ha−1controlled annual bluegrass 57 to 64% on sand-based greens compared to 72 to 80% on soil-based greens. Most sequential methiozolin application regimes controlled annual bluegrass more than single applications. On sand-based greens, sequential application programs controlled annual bluegrass 70 to 79% compared to 85 to 92% on soil-based greens. Responses indicate that methiozolin is a root-absorbed herbicide with efficacy for selective control of annual bluegrass in both sand- and soil-based creeping bentgrass putting greens.
Influence of Deep Tillage, a Rye Cover Crop, and Various Soybean Production Systems on Palmer Amaranth Emergence in Soybean
Authors: DeVore Justin D. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Brye Kristofor R.
Published: March 2013

Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth has become a major threat to soybean production in the southern United States. Arkansas soybean producers rely heavily on glyphosate-resistant soybean; hence, an alternative solution for controlling resistant Palmer amaranth is needed. A field experiment was conducted at Marianna, AR, during 2009 and 2010 in which soybean production systems were tested in combination with deep tillage and no tillage to determine the impact on Palmer amaranth emergence. To establish a baseline population, 250,000 glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth seeds were placed in a 1-m2area in the middle of each plot and incorporated in the soil, and emergence was evaluated five times during the season. Production systems of full-season soybean with a rye cover crop or soybean double-cropped with wheat, which had high amounts of plant residue on the soil surface reduced Palmer amaranth emergence more than systems without deep tillage and a cover crop or wheat. When used in combination with deep tillage, these systems reduced Palmer amaranth emergence by 98 and 97%, respectively, in 2009 and by 73 and 82%, respectively, in 2010. Deep tillage alone caused an 81% reduction in emergence averaged over both years. Soybean double-cropped with wheat used in combination with deep tillage provided a 95% reduction in Palmer amaranth emergence over the 2-yr period. This research shows that deep tillage in combination with soybean production systems that have high amounts of residue on the soil surface are alternative means for providing a high level of control of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth and could lessen the dependence on chemical weed control.
Effect of Ambient Moisture on Aminocyclopyrachlor Efficacy
Authors: Lewis Dustin F. , Jeffries Matthew D. , Strek Harry J. , Richardson Robert J. , Yelverton Fred H.
Published: March 2013

Aminocyclopyrachlor (AMCP) is a newly developed synthetic auxin herbicide for broadleaf weed control in turfgrass systems. AMCP has been observed to undergo rapid photodecomposition in shallow water when exposed to sunlight. Most herbicide applications on golf courses occur during the morning when dew is still present on the turfgrass canopy. These conditions could result in efficacy loss if photolysis occurred while AMCP is suspended in dew droplets. Research was conducted to determine the effect of ambient moisture on AMCP efficacy. AMCP (79 and 105 g ae ha−1), aminopyralid (280 g ae ha−1), and two AMCP granular formulations (84 g ha−1) were applied to dew-covered (WET) and dew-excluded (DRY) ‘Tifway' bermudagrass plots. Herbicide treatments applied to WET plots had greater visually rated bermudagrass injury than respective treatments applied to DRY plots at 7 and 21 d after treatment (DAT), with the exception of aminopyralid at 21 DAT. Normalized difference vegetative index on turfgrass quality complemented visual ratings, indicating greater turfgrass quality reductions when applied to WET vs. DRY plots. These results indicate that AMCP applications made to dew-covered turfgrass can increase herbicidal efficacy, and no significant losses due to photodegradation were observed.
Testing Control Options for Western Salsify (Tragopogon dubius) on Conservation Reserve Program Lands
Authors: Mangold Jane M. , Lansverk Allison L.
Published: March 2013

Western salsify has recently formed dense stands in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in north-central Montana. Our objective was to test the effects of various herbicide treatments and mowing on western salsify and associated vegetation in CRP lands. Six herbicide treatments and one mowing treatment were applied at three sites in 2010. Herbicide treatments included combinations of glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba, and/or metsulfuron-methyl applied when western salsify was either in the rosette or early flowering stage. Mowing was applied at the early flowering stage. Herbicide treatments reduced western salsify and increased perennial grass at one of the three sites, which was the site most dominated by western salsify. When dicamba (0.14 kg ae ha−1) plus 2,4-D (0.48 kg ae ha−1) was applied at the rosette stage, western salsify adult plant density and biomass were reduced to zero and perennial grass biomass increased by 108% in 2010. In 2011, western salsify adult plant density was lower across all herbicide treatments compared to the mowed and nontreated plots. Annual grass density increased by up to 400% when herbicide applications including metsulfuron-methyl were applied at the early flowering stage. Mowing did not control western salsify. Results suggest dicamba plus 2,4-D applied at the rosette stage can provide effective control of western salsify and increase perennial grasses without stimulating the emergence of annual grasses.
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Control by Glufosinate plus Fluometuron Applied Postemergence to WideStrike®Cotton
Authors: Barnett Kelly A. , Culpepper A. Stanley , York Alan C. , Steckel Lawrence E.
Published: March 2013

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds, especially GR Palmer amaranth, are very problematic for cotton growers in the Southeast and Midsouth regions of the United States. Glufosinate can control GR Palmer amaranth, and growers are transitioning to glufosinate-based systems. Palmer amaranth must be small for consistently effective control by glufosinate. Because this weed grows rapidly, growers are not always timely with applications. With widespread resistance to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides, growers have few herbicide options to mix with glufosinate to improve control of larger weeds. In a field study using a WideStrike®cotton cultivar, we evaluated fluometuron at 140 to 1,120 g ai ha−1mixed with the ammonium salt of glufosinate at 485 g ae ha−1for control of GR Palmer amaranth 13 and 26 cm tall. Standard PRE- and POST-directed herbicides were included in the systems. Glufosinate alone injured the WideStrike® cotton less than 10%. Fluometuron increased injury up to 25% but did not adversely affect yield. Glufosinate controlled 13-cm Palmer amaranth at least 90%, and there was no improvement in weed control nor a cotton yield response to fluometuron mixed with glufosinate. Palmer amaranth 26 cm tall was controlled only 59% by glufosinate. Fluometuron mixed with glufosinate increased control of the larger weeds up to 28% and there was a trend for greater yields. However, delaying applications until weeds were 26 cm reduced yield 22% relative to timely application. Our results suggest fluometuron mixed with glufosinate may be of some benefit when attempting to control large Palmer amaranth. However, mixing fluometuron with glufosinate is not a substitute for a timely glufosinate application.
Targeting Weed Seeds In-Crop: A New Weed Control Paradigm for Global Agriculture
Authors: Walsh Michael , Newman Peter , Powles Stephen
Published: March 2013

The widespread evolution of multiple herbicide resistance in the most serious annual weeds infesting Australian cropping fields has forced the development of alternative, non-chemical weed control strategies, especially new techniques at grain harvest. Harvest weed seed control (HWSC) systems target weed seed during commercial grain harvest operations and act to minimize fresh seed inputs to the seedbank. These systems exploit two key biological weaknesses of targeted annual weed species: seed retention at maturity and a short-lived seedbank. HWSC systems, including chaff carts, narrow windrow burning, bale direct, and the Harrington Seed Destructor, target the weed seed bearing chaff material during commercial grain harvest. The destruction of these weed seeds at or after grain harvest facilitates weed seedbank decline, and when combined with conventional herbicide use, can drive weed populations to very low levels. Very low weed populations are key to sustainability of weed control practices. Here we introduce HWSC as a new paradigm for global agriculture and discuss how these techniques have aided Australian grain cropping and their potential utility in global agriculture.
Performance of Different Herbicides in a Dry-Seeded Rice System in Sri Lanka
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath S. , Abeysekara Anuruddika S.K. , Kulatunga Sakinda D. , Wickrama Upali B.
Published: March 2013

Dry-seeded rice systems are an emerging production technology in many Asian countries. A field study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at the farm of the Rice Research and Development Institute, Batalagoda, Sri Lanka, to evaluate the performance of different herbicides in a dry-seeded rice system. Weed control treatments were nontreated (weedy), pretilachlor plus pyribenzoxim, cyhalofop-butyl, thiobencarb plus propanil, propanil, and bispyribac-sodium plus metamifop. All these POST herbicides were applied at 8 d after sowing, followed by an MCPA spray at 20 d after sowing. The dominant weeds in the study were barnyardgrass, Chinese sprangletop, and knotgrass. All herbicide treatments provided similar weed control, which ranged from 82 to 99%. Weeds in the nontreated plots reduced rice grain yield by 58 to 79% compared with the herbicide-treated plots. All herbicide-treated plots, except cyhalofop-butyl-treated ones, produced similar grain yield, which ranged from 3.7 to 4.2 t ha−1 in 2011 and from 6.0 to 7.0 t ha−1 in 2012. The results of our study suggest that different herbicides provided similar weed control and therefore different herbicides can be rotated in different seasons to reduce selection pressure on weeds.
Soybean Seedlings Tolerate Abrasion from Air-Propelled Grit
Authors: Forcella Frank
Published: March 2013

New tools for controlling weeds would be useful for soybean production in organic systems. Air-propelled abrasive grit is one such tool that performs well for in-row weed control in corn, but crop safety in soybean is unknown. Responses to abrasion by corn-cob grit of soybean seedlings were examined at VE, VC, VU, V1, V2 (emergence, cotyledon, unifoliate, first trifoliate, and second trifoliate, respectively) and combinations of these growth stages, in both greenhouse and field settings. Seedling leaf areas and dry weights in greenhouse experiments were reduced by treatments that included abrasion at VC, with the primary effect expressed through reductions in the size of the unifoliate leaf. In the field, soybean stand also was reduced by grit applications at VC, especially if followed by a second application at VU or V1. However, soybean yield was not reduced by grit applied at any soybean stage of growth. End-of-season weed dry weights did not differ from hand-weeded checks, and weeds did not impact soybean yields. Thus, abrasive grit for in-row weed control can be applied at least twice at VE through V2 growth stages without lowering soybean yield, but applications at VC probably should be avoided.
Effect of Reed-Sedge Peat Moss on Hybrid Bermudagrass Injury with Indaziflam and Prodiamine in Sand-Based Root Zones
Authors: Jones Patrick A. , Brosnan James T. , Kopsell Dean A. , Breeden Greg K.
Published: March 2013

PRE herbicides have been reported to injure both the foliage and roots of hybrid bermudagrass turf established in sand culture. Research was conducted to evaluate the influence of reed-sedge peat moss (RSPM) on hybrid bermudagrass injury following PRE herbicide applications to plants established in sand culture. Washed sod plugs were established in mini-rhizotrons constructed with sand root-zones varying in organic carbon content (0.000, 0.003, 0.007, and 0.012 kg kg−1). Herbicide treatments included indaziflam (35 and 52.5 g ai ha−1) and prodiamine (840 g ai ha−1). Significant foliar injury was only observed with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha−1. When applied to plants in sand with no detectable (0.000 kg kg−1) organic carbon, foliar injury measured 61% by 6 wk after treatment. Comparatively, injury with indaziflam at 52.5 g ha−1was reduced by 40% with applications to plants established in sand with 0.007 kg kg−1organic carbon. Root length, root length density, and root surface area were greatest in sand-based root zones with ≥ 0.007 kg kg−1organic carbon regardless of herbicide treatment; however, only indaziflam (52.5 g ha−1) and prodiamine-treated plants exhibited diminished root parameters relative to the nontreated check. Data in the current study illustrate that RSPM can affect above- and belowground injury following PRE herbicide applications to hybrid bermudagrass in sand root-zones.
Microbial Efflux Systems and Inhibitors: Approaches to Drug Discovery and the Challenge of Clinical Implementation
Authors: Kourtesi Christina , Ball Anthony R , Huang Ying-Ying , Jachak Sanjay M , Vera D Mariano A , Khondkar Proma , Gibbons Simon , Hamblin Michael R , Tegos George P
Published: March 2013

Conventional antimicrobials are increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of multidrug-resistance among pathogenic microorganisms. The need to overcome these deficiencies has triggered exploration for novel and unconventional approaches to controlling microbial infections. Multidrug efflux systems (MES) have been a profound obstacle in the successful deployment of antimicrobials. The discovery of small molecule efflux system blockers has been an active and rapidly expanding research discipline. A major theme in this platform involves efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) from natural sources. The discovery methodologies and the available number of natural EPI-chemotypes are increasing. Advances in our understanding of microbial physiology have shed light on a series of pathways and phenotypes where the role of efflux systems is pivotal. Complementing existing antimicrobial discovery platforms such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) with efflux inhibition is a subject under investigation. This core information is a stepping stone in the challenge of highlighting an effective drug development path for EPIs since the puzzle of clinical implementation remains unsolved. This review summarizes advances in the path of EPI discovery, discusses potential avenues of EPI implementation and development, and underlines the need for highly informative and comprehensive translational approaches.
A Simple Method for Assessment of MDR Bacteria for Over-Expressed Efflux Pumps
Authors: Martins Marta , McCusker Matthew P , Viveiros Miguel , Couto Isabel , Fanning Séamus , Pagès Jean-Marie , Amaral Leonard
Published: March 2013

It is known that bacteria showing a multi-drug resistance phenotype use several mechanisms to overcome the action of antibiotics. As a result, this phenotype can be a result of several mechanisms or a combination of thereof. The main mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are: mutations in target genes (such as DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV); over-expression of efflux pumps; changes in the cell envelope; down regulation of membrane porins, and modified lipopolysaccharide component of the outer cell membrane (in the case of Gram-negative bacteria). In addition, adaptation to the environment, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation can also contribute to bacterial persistence. Due to the rapid emergence and spread of bacterial isolates showing resistance to several classes of antibiotics, methods that can rapidly and efficiently identify isolates whose resistance is due to active efflux have been developed. However, there is still a need for faster and more accurate methodologies. Conventional methods that evaluate bacterial efflux pump activity in liquid systems are available. However, these methods usually use common efflux pump substrates, such as ethidium bromide or radioactive antibiotics and therefore, require specialized instrumentation, which is not available in all laboratories.

In this review, we will report the results obtained with the Ethidium Bromide-agar Cartwheel method. This is an easy, instrument-free, agar based method that has been modified to afford the simultaneous evaluation of as many as twelve bacterial strains. Due to its simplicity it can be applied to large collections of bacteria to rapidly screen for multi-drug resistant isolates that show an over-expression of their efflux systems. The principle of the method is simple and relies on the ability of the bacteria to expel a fluorescent molecule that is substrate for most efflux pumps, ethidium bromide. In this approach, the higher the concentration of ethidium bromide required to produce fluorescence of the bacterial mass, the greater the efflux capacity of the bacterial cells. We have tested and applied this method to a large number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to detect efflux activity among these multi-drug resistant isolates. The presumptive efflux activity detected by the Ethidium Bromide-agar Cartwheel method was subsequently confirmed by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration for several antibiotics in the presence and absence of known efflux pump inhibitors.
Teenagers' Use of Tobacco and Their Perceptions of Tobacco Control Initiatives
Authors: Brewer Hannah J. , Kulik Keri S. , Klingaman Linda , Deutschlander Sharon , Black Christine
Published: March 2013

Background:

Tobacco use leads to more deaths each year than any other single factor. This research examined teenagers' perceptions of anti-tobacco messages to determine which campaigns and educational approaches were most effective in preventing tobacco use among youth.

Methods:

Students from five rural high schools in western Pennsylvania were included in this survey-based study ( N = 204).

Results:

A total of 30% of the study population reported current tobacco use. Tobacco users held more negative perceptions of anti-tobacco messages than non-users. A majority of students held supportive views about anti-tobacco education programs that were facilitated by peer leaders.

Conclusions:

Existing anti-tobacco campaigns and education are essential components of tobacco control initiatives. Students' perspectives provide novel insights that educators and campaign designers should consider as they develop anti-tobacco programs.
Inactivation of cholinesterases by silver and gold ions in vitro
Authors: Vrček Ivana , Šinko Goran
Published: March 2013

The main goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of silver and gold ions on cholinesterases (ChEs) activity due to increasing application of these metals in a wide variety of nanomaterials. A chromogenic assay using the substrate o-nitrophenyl acetate/butyrate made it possible to conclude unmistakably that both metals inhibit ChEs. Addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) indicates that binding of metal ions to albumin could serve to scavenge metals and consequently reduce their amount for reaction with ChEs. The effects of metal ions on ChE should be taken into consideration when using this enzyme as an environmental biomarker.
Preparation of low initial expansion temperature expandable graphite and its flame retardancy for LLDPE
Authors: Pang Xiuyan , Tian Yu , Duan Mingwei , Zhai Meng
Published: March 2013

To get expandable graphite (EG) flame retardant for Liner Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) with low initial expansion temperature and high dilatability, the effects of various factors on dilatability were investigated including the dosages of oxidant KMnO4, intercalating reagent H2SO4, assistant intercalating reagent acetic acid (HAc) and reaction temperature. Feasible conditions were obtained according to the results of L9 (34) experiments and single factor experiments. EG with an initial expansion temperature of 160°C and expansion volume of 460 mL g−1 could be prepared according to the mass ratio of material graphite C: KMnO4: 100% H2SO4: HAc = 1.0: 0.4: 5.0: 1.0 (H2SO4 should be diluted to the mass concentration of 75% before the intercalation reaction); the reaction time was 1.0 hour at 25°C. It was found that reaction temperature and H2SO4 dosage were the most important influence factors for dilatability. The limiting oxygen index could be improved to 28.1% by adding 30% of the prepared EG to LLDPE, and the synergistic anti-flame capability of 20% EG with 10% Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) (I) can reach to 33.9%. According to thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis results, 70% LLDPE /10% APP (I) /20% EG synergistic anti-flame system shows higher residual carbon and thermal stability.
Synthesis and gas-sensing properties of phenylhydrazine-functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix
Authors: Paabo Kertriin , Avarmaa Tea , Jaaniso Raivo , Kodu Margus , Mäeorg Uno , Saar Agu
Published: March 2013

Gas sensor material was prepared by encapsulation of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) into a gas-permeable polymer poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP). A phenylhydrazino group was used for the functionalization of SWCNTs to improve their solubility and compatibility with polymers. Syntheses were carried out in aqueous surfactant solutions and in pure phenylhydrazine without surfactant. Two different temperatures (24 and 50°C) and two surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate and tricaprylmethylammonium chloride — Aliquat®336) were compared. Functionalized SWCNTs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron (XPS), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analyses showed that the synthesis at higher temperature in pure phenylhydrazine resulted in the highest functionalization yield. Phenylhydrazine itself proved to be a good solvent for SWCNTs. The functionalized nanotubes were soluble in organic solvents that under the same conditions were appropriate solvents for polymers. The sensitivity of functionalized SWCNT-PTMSP thin film composite to NO2 gas at room temperature was significantly higher than that of the similar sensor material containing the pristine SWCNTs.
Reaction of barbituric acid with organic azides and phosphonium ylides
Authors: Lebedyeva Iryna , Sileno Sean , Patel Kunal , Ghiviriga Ion , Steel Peter , Katritzky Alan
Published: March 2013

Amination by organic azides has been carried out to provide aminobarbiturates by fusion of a triazole ring to the 5,6-positions of barbituric acid followed by cleavage and thermal elimination of nitrogen, whereas aza-Wittig reaction gave phosphoranylidene barbituric acid salts.
Classification of p-adic 6-dimensional filiform Leibniz algebras by solutions of x
q = a
Authors: Ladra Manuel , Omirov Bakhrom , Rozikov Utkir
Published: March 2013

We study the p-adic equation x
q = a over the field of p-adic numbers. We construct an algorithm which gives a solvability criteria in the case of q = p
m and present a computer program to compute the criteria for any fixed value of m ≤ p − 1. Moreover, using this solvability criteria for q = 2; 3; 4; 5; 6, we classify p-adic 6-dimensional filiform Leibniz algebras.
Deforming metrics of foliations
Authors: Rovenski Vladimir , Wolak Robert
Published: March 2013

Let M be a Riemannian manifold equipped with two complementary orthogonal distributions D and D
⊥. We introduce the conformal flow of the metric restricted to D with the speed proportional to the divergence of the mean curvature vector H, and study the question: When the metrics converge to one for which D enjoys a given geometric property, e.g., is harmonic, or totally geodesic? Our main observation is that this flow is equivalent to the heat flow of the 1-form dual to H, provided the initial 1-form is D
⊥-closed. Assuming that D
⊥ is integrable with compact and orientable leaves, we use known long-time existence results for the heat flow to show that our flow has a solution converging to a metric for which H = 0; actually, under some topological assumptions we can prescribe the mean curvature H.
Stability of the S-essential spectra on a Banach space
Authors: Abdmouleh Faiçal , Ammar Aymen , Jeribi Aref
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we give the characterization of S-essential spectra, we define the S-Riesz projection and we investigate the S-Browder resolvent. Finally, we study the S-essential spectra of sum of two bounded linear operators acting on a Banach space.
Current state of research on Slavic literatures in Slovakia
Authors: Hučková Dana
Published: March 2013

In Slovakia Slavic literary studies can be found at the institutes of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) and at university departments. The only SAS institute to truly focus on Slavic studies is the Ján Stanislav Institute of Slavistics. Other SAS institutes that deal with Slavic studies to a lesser extent are the Institute of Slovak Literature and the Institute of World Literature. There are also Slavic-oriented academic initiatives involving short-term projects. Considering this situation, there is a need to prepare a programme for Slavic literary studies in Slovakia so that a framework can be created outlining a new, systematic approach.
Buttoning up the gold collar — The child in neoliberal visions of early education and care
Authors: Kaščák Ondrej , Pupala Branislav
Published: March 2013

This study refers to the discursive transformation in perceptions of preschool age children generated by central European Union policy on early childhood education and care. This policy is representative of the pervasion of contemporary entrepreneurial culture and curricula within preschool education. At the same time, the field is also starting to become subordinated to the neoliberal trend of economising the social. This study highlights the fact that, within discourses on the child, these trends are encouraging a particular conception of childhood and of developmental theories. This conception is also enabling entrepreneurial logic to be applied to the preschool education sector via the use of theoretical tools. Consequently, children are being shaped into so-called knowledge-workers, or gold-collar workers, as they are referred to in current employment discourse. Even authorised preschool education documents (e.g. NAEYS’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice etc.) are responding to this transformation by introducing a new type of normality into this sphere, as can be seen in the Slovak state education programme for preschool education.
Comparison of the corneal curvatures obtained from three different keratometers
Authors: Magar JB Ale
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Keratometry forms an important component of the biometry for a calculation of the intraocular lens power and selecting a contact lens’ parameters. Objective: To investigate the agreement between three different keratometers commonly used in an ophthalmology clinic. Materials and methods: In this prospective study, keratometry was performed using an IOL Master (IM), a manual keratometer (Man) and a autokeratometer (Top) in twenty five eyes of thirteen volunteer subjects. The average keratometry values and corneal astigmatism (J180 and J45 components) were computed and compared. The agreements between the instruments were analysed using the Bland Altman statistical method. The main outcome measures are average keratometry values and corneal astigmatism. Results: The mean of average keratometry values obtained from the IOL Master, manual keratometry and autokeratometry were 44.388 ± 1.430, 44.297 ± 1.425 and 44.220 ± 1.497 D, respectively. The mean difference in the average keratometry between the instruments were 0.31 ± 0.09 for IM and Man (p = 0.012), 0.14 ± 0.17 for IM and Top (p = < 0.001) and 0.29 ± 0.77 for Man and Top (p = 0.26). The mean differences in the J180 component of astigmatism were: 0.02 ± 0.11 for IM and Man, 0.02 ± 0.09 for IM and Top, and - 0.01 ± 0.11 for Man and Top. Similarly, for the J45 component, the mean differences were 0.02 ± 0.12 for IM and Man, 0.01 ± 0.13 for IM and Top and - 0.02 ± 0.10 for Man and Top. Conclusion: Average keratometry values obtained from different instruments vary significantly. The IOL Master consistently over-estimated the corneal power compared to the manual and the autokeratometer. All three instruments provided similar estimation of the corneal astigmatism. Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(9):9-15 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i1.7815
Agriculture related corneal injuries
Authors: Goel Ruchl , Malik KPS , Goel A , Sharma N , Aggarwal A
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Agricultural workers are predisposed to corneal injuries, which, if neglected, can lead to corneal blindness. Objective: To study the prevalence and mode of agriculturerelated corneal injuries in the village of Badkali, MuzaffarNagar, Western Uttar Pradesh, India in 2005 – 2006. Subjects and methods: Adult population of village Badkali, MuzaffarNagar, Uttar Pradesh. A door-to-door survey was carried out by paramedical ophthalmic assistants in October and November 2007. The main outcome measure was occurrence of corneal trauma in the fields from January 2005 until December 2006, its mode of injury, symptoms, treatment taken and outcome. Results: The study area comprised of 718 people, of whom 584 were engaged in agricultural activities and 481 were male. While working on the fields, 221 persons sustained corneal injuries and out of them four were injured more than once. The number of injuries caused due to sugarcane leaves, wheat , cattle tail/ ear, ‘cheri leaves’ and others were 83(36.7 %), 24(10.6 %), 60(25.5 %), 31(13.7 % )and 28(12.4 %) respectively. All were closed globe injuries except for two. Out of the 221 injured, 117 (51.7 %) took treatment and 95(42.2 %) had a best corrected visual acuity < 6/18. Conclusion: The majority of the population in Badkali were employed in farming. Logistic regression shows that the occurrence of injuries was more in those engaged in farming and related activities as compared to other occupations (OR = 0.012, p = 0.000, 95 % CI = 0.02, 0.09) and the maximum number of injuries being caused by sugar cane leaves followed by cattle tails. Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(9):45-49 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i1.7821
Vitreo-retinal disorders at high altitude in Nepal
Authors: Thapa R , Paudyal G , Crandall AS , Tabin G
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Nepal has many mountains including the highest one in the world. People living in high altitude are often involved in climbing mountains. Objective: To explore the pattern of vitreo-retinal disorders at high altitude in Nepal. Materials and methods: Consecutive patients aged 40 years and older who presented at the micro-surgical eye camp at Lukla of Solukhumbu district (2,860 metres) were included. Detailed ocular and systemic histories and ocular examination including dilated fundus evaluation were done. Results: There were a total 81 patients with the mean age of 56.7 years (S.D 11.15). Females (51.9 %) outnumbered males. Sherpa comprised of 76.5 % followed by Rai (9.8 %). The main occupation was agriculture (51.9 %) followed by mountain trekking (28.4 %). Smokers comprised of 13.5 %. Hypertension was the predominant systemic problem (28 %). The best corrected visual acuity of 6/18 and better was found in 86.4 % of cases and less than 3/ 60 in 3.6 % of cases. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was found in 19.6 % of cases with a predominant mild AMD (16 %), hypertensive retinopathy in 12.2 %, with grade I hypertensive change in 8.6 %, retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in 7.1 % of cases and with a branch RVO in 4.9 %. Dilated and tortuous retinal vessels were present in 25.9 % of cases; out of this, 9.8 % of the cases had concurrent AMD and/or hypertensive retinopathy. Other retinal problems were macular hole (2.46 %), solar retinopathy (2.46 %) and choroidal tear (1.2 %). Conclusion: AMD, hypertensive retinopathy, and RVO are the main vitreo-retinal disorders besides the dilated and tortuous retinal vessels in people living at high altitude in Nepal. Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(9):57-62 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i1.7823
Results of the Bhaktapur Glaucoma Study, Nepal
Authors: Thapa SS , Paudyal I , Khanal S , Van Rens G
Published: March 2013

Introduction: The Bhaktapur Glaucoma Study is a population-based, cross-sectional and longitudinal study undertaken in one of the districts of Nepal. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of glaucoma in Bhaktapur district, Nepal. Materials and methods: Thirty clusters were randomly selected and a door-to-door census was conducted to identify citizens 40 years of age and older. Four thousand eight hundred individuals fulfilling the eligibility criteria were referred to the base hospital in Kathmandu for a detailed clinical examination. The diagnosis of glaucoma was based upon criteria described by the International Society for Geographic and Epidemiological Ophthalmology (ISGEO). Results: Complete data was available on 3991 subjects (response rate 83.15 %). The mean IOP was 13.3 mm Hg (97.5th and 99.5th percentiles, 18 and 20 mm Hg, respectively) and mean VCDR 0.26 (97.5th and 99.5th percentiles, 0.6 and 0.8 mm Hg, respectively). Seventy-five subjects had glaucoma, an age-sex-standardized prevalence of 1.80 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.68 - 1.92). The age-and sex-standardized prevalence of POAG was 1.24 % (CI, 1.14 - 1.34), PACG 0.39 % (CI, 0.34 - 0.45) and secondary glaucoma 0.15 % (CI, 0.07-0.36). The prevalence of glaucoma increased with increase in age and there was no significant difference in gender. Nine eyes were blind and two subjects bilaterally blind from glaucoma. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of glaucoma was 1.9 %. POAG was the most common form of glaucoma. Visual morbidity from PACG, however, was higher. A large majority of the subjects with POAG had not been previously diagnosed and had intraocular pressure within the normal range. Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(9):81-93 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i1.7832
Long term effects of anti-VEGF agents: patho-physiological perspectives
Authors: Gupta M , Gupta Y , Phougat A
Published: March 2013

Monoclonal antibodies directed against different targets have become a new tool for the treatment of various disorders. More than 20 monoclonal antibody-based therapies have been approved in the USA and hundreds more are in development. Some of these therapies are finding applications in ocular disorders. The role of anti-VEGF in the treatment of wet ARMD is now well known. Anti-VEGF, which were initially discovered to treat carcinomas like bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal carcinoma, have now found place in ophthalmology to treat disorders where neovascularization/angiogenesis leads to blindnes. Nepal J Ophthalmol 2013; 5(9):100-105 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v5i1.7834
Analyzing Economic Effects of September 11 and Other Extreme Events Using Debit and Payments System Data
Authors: Galbraith John W. , Tkacz Greg
Published: March 2013

Les décideurs politiques font parfois face à des événements extrêmes et imprévus qui peuvent influencer l’économie d’un pays et avoir des impacts négatifs par exemple sur l’emploi, les recettes fiscales et les cibles d’inflation. Dans certaines de ces situations, ils tentent de neutraliser ces effets en utilisant des outils monétaires ou budgétaires. Toutefois, pour établir la solution appropriée à adopter, il faut mesurer en temps réel la gravité des événements en question. Or, dans le cas d’événements momentanés, les données trimestrielles des bureaux de statistiques gouvernementaux sont peu utiles, puisqu’elles ne sont disponibles qu’après un décalage dans le temps par rapport aux événements, et que les effets de ceuxci, de courte durée, peuvent être masqués par la nature cumulative des données dans le temps. Cependant, grâce à des progrès technologiques des dernières années, on a maintenant accès à des sources de données sur l’activité économique qui sont beaucoup plus précises et à jour. Ainsi, dans cet article, nous montrons qu’il aurait été possible d’utiliser les données portant sur le volume de transactions par carte de débit et sur le volume et la valeur des opérations de débit et par chèques effectuées les jours ouvrables pour analyser l’impact sur les dépenses des consommateurs canadiens des attaques terroristes du 11 septembre 2001, de l’épidémie de SRAS du printemps 2003 et de la grande panne d’électricité d’août 2003. Nos résultats montrent que, contrairement à ce qu’on a pu croire sur le moment, les effets de ces événements ont été de courte durée et peu importants.
ESL Policy Reform and Student Academic Achievement
Authors: Dooley Martin , Furtado Cesar
Published: March 2013

En 1999, la Colombie-Britannique a limité la durée du financement supplémentaire alloué à l’enseignement de l’anglais langue seconde (ALS) à cinq années par élève, mais en a augmenté le montant. Dans cet article, nous évaluons l’impact de cette réforme en analysant les résultats de tests normalisés d’arithmétique et de lecture d’élèves de 7e année de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver. Notre recherche a été faite à partir de cohortes, pour que nous puissions bien distinguer l’effet de chacun des deux éléments de la réforme. Nos évaluations indiquent que, après une période initiale d’ajustement, il n’y a aucun changement dans les résultats des tests d’arithmétique et une légère amélioration des résultats des tests de lecture des élèves inscrits en ALS par rapport aux autres élèves. Nos évaluations montrent également que la réforme a entraîné une réduction des coûts globaux de l’enseignement de l’ALS.
‘Up Above the River Jordan’: Hymns and Historical Consciousness in the Cherubim and Seraphim Churches of Nigeria
Authors: Brennan Vicki L.
Published: March 2013

Bringing together historical and ethnographic materials, this article analyses how members of the Cherubim and Seraphim churches of Nigeria engage with and remember the history of the church through singing hymns, which thus serves as a mode of historical consciousness. In their performance of hymns church members articulate a conception of the relationship between musical practice and spiritual healing in Cherubim and Seraphim worship that draws on a particular conception of the past in order to legitimate certain worship practices. In doing so church members are able to attract God's power and to localise it in a particular space. Because of this hymns continue to be an important spiritual healing practice for church members.