bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple and rapid spectrophotometric assay of albendazole in pharmaceuticals using iodine and picric acid as CT complexing agents
Authors: Swamy Nagaraju , Basavaiah Kanakapura
Published: March 2015

Two simple, rapid and inexpensive spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of albendazole (ALB) in bulk drug and in tablets. The methods are based on charge-transfer (CT) complexation reaction involving ALB as n-donor and iodine as σ-acceptor (method A) in dichloromethane or picric acid (PA) as π-acceptor (method B) in chloroform. The absorbance of CT complexes was measured at 380 nm for method A, and 415 nm for method B. The optimization of the experimental conditions is described. Under optimum conditions, Beer's law obeyed over the concentration ranges 8.0-240 and 2.4-42 μg mL-1 for method A and method B, respectively. The apparent molar absorptivity of CT complexes at the respective λmax are calculated to be 1.17×103 and 5.22×103 L mol-1cm-1 respectively, and the corresponding Sandell sensitivity values are 0.2273 and 0.0509 ng cm-2. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) are calculated to be (0.69 and 2.08), and (0.10 and 0.30) μg mL-1 with method A, and method B, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy expressed as % RE and precision expressed as % RSD were less than 3%. The methods were applied to the determination of ALB in tablets.
Fabrication and in vitro characterization of polymeric nanoparticles for Parkinson's therapy: a novel approach
Authors: Gulati Neha , Nagaich Upendra , Saraf Shubhini
Published: March 2015

The objective of the research was to formulate and evaluate selegiline hydrochloride loaded chitosan nanoparticles for the Parkinson's therapy in order to improve its therapeutic effect and reducing dosing frequency. Taguchi method of design of experiments (L9 orthogonal array) was used to get optimized formulation. The selegiline hydrochloride loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SHPs) were prepared by ionic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions (TPP) and tween 80 as surfactant. The SHPs had a mean size of (303.39 ± 2.01) nm, a zeta potential of +32.50mV, and entrapment efficiency of SHPs was 86.200 ± 1.38%. The in vitro drug release of SHPs was evaluated in phosphate buffer saline (pH 5.5) using goat nasal mucosa and found to be 82.529% ± 1.308 up to 28 h. Release kinetics studies showed that the release of drug from nanoparticles was anomalous (non-fickian) diffusion indicating the drug release is controlled by more than one process i.e. superposition of both phenomenon, the diffusion controlled as well as swelling controlled release. SHPs showed good stability results as found during stability studies at different temperatures as mentioned in ICH guidelines. The results revealed that selegiline hydrochloride loaded chitosan nanoparticles are most suitable mode of delivery of drug for promising therapeutic action.
Identification of inappropriate prescribing in a Brazilian nursing home using STOPP/START screening tools and the Beers' Criteria
Authors: Nascimento Mariana Martins Gonzaga , Ribeiro Andréia Queiroz , Pereira Mariana Linhares , Soares Adriana Cristina , Loyola Filho Antônio Ignácio de , Dias-Junior Carlos Alan Candido
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) use and associated factors, as well as the prevalence of Prescribing Omissions (PO). A cross-sectional study was conducted in a philanthropic Brazilian nursing home involving 46 individuals aged 60 years or older. The following information was collected from medical records and drug prescriptions: gender, age, health conditions and drugs used in the past thirty days. PIM and PO were identified according to the Beers' Criteria and the STOPP/START screening tools. Over one third (37%) of the population used at least one PIM according to the Beers' Criteria (n=17) and 60.9% according to the STOPP tool. A significant association was found between polypharmacy (use of five or more drugs) and use of PIM according to the Beers' Criteria, but not according to the STOPP. Eight residents (17.4%) were exposed to eight PO. This study allowed the diagnosis of a concerning drug utilization profile with use of a high number of PIMs. Thus, there is an evident need to implement strategies for improving geriatric prescription.
Development of fast dispersing tablets of nebivolol: experimental and computational approaches to study formulation characteristics
Authors: Jayaramu Rajamma Abburu , Boregowda Sateesha Shivally , Varma Addanki Rahul Deva , Kalegowda Chandan
Published: March 2015

Formulation of FDT (fast dispersing tablets) of nebivolol was optimized and evaluated using simplex lattice design (SLD). The influence of type and concentration of three disintegrants viz.,Ac-Di-Sol, Primojel and Polyplasdone XL on hardness, friability and disintegration time of tablet was studied. Response surface plot and the polynomial equations were used to evaluate influence of polymer on the tablet properties. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, and a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results reveal that fibrous integrity and optimal degree of substitution in Primojel and Ac-Di-Sol are mainly responsible for the hardness of the tablet. Use of Polyplasdone in higher percentage in tablet formulation may result in high friability. Increase in concentration of Ac-Di-Sol increases the disintegration time but increased concentration of Primojel in the tablet formulation decreases the disintegration time. This is also evident from model terms for disintegration time with a high 'F' value of 14.69 and 'p' value of 0.0031 (<0.05). The reason could be that Primojel has higher swelling properties and an optimum hydration capacity, which favors fast disintegration of a tablet. In conclusion, careful selection of disintegrant for FDT could improve their properties. Use of Simplex Lattice Design for formulation development could simplify the formulation process and reduce the production cost.
Propagule Pressure and Disturbance Drive the Invasion of Perennial False-Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum)
Authors: Taylor Laura A. V. , Cruzan Mitchell B.
Published: March 2015

An ecosystem's invasibility is influenced by changes in biotic and abiotic resistances, which often occur due to shifts in the prevailing disturbance regime. The susceptibility of a community to intrusion by nonnative species may interact with propagule pressure to determine the extent of a biological invasion. We examined how propagule pressure, forest community structure, and disturbance interact to influence the invasibility of temperate Pacific Northwest forests by the newly invasive grass, perennial false-brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum). Our goal was to identify factors enabling shifts from establishment to population growth in B. sylvaticum populations at the edge of its expanding range. Ecological sampling methods were used to identify patterns in B. sylvaticum habitat. An inverse relationship between the amount of B. sylvaticum and all perennial vegetation types and soil litter depth was found, suggesting that disturbance might play a role in B. sylvaticum population establishment or growth. An experimental study was then performed to test the effects of disturbance, propagule pressure, and habitat on B. sylvaticum seedling establishment in sites where B. sylvaticum was already naturalized. We found evidence that disturbance of the soil and vegetation led to increased B. sylvaticum seedling recruitment within naturalized sites, especially where conditions of high propagule pressure and deciduous forest canopy existed. In contrast, B. sylvaticum populations dominated by coniferous forest canopy were much more invasible than deciduous forests and did not show increased seedling recruitment in response to our disturbance treatments. Our study shows how propagule pressure and plant community dynamics interact to alter the invasibility of Pacific Northwest forests allowing B. sylvaticum to transition from establishment to population growth thus allowing this weed to cause greater negative impacts on the ecosystem.
Incipient Invasion of Urban and Forest Habitats in New Hampshire, USA, by the Nonnative Tree,Kalopanax septemlobus
Authors: Lee Thomas D. , Perkins Audrey L. , Campbell Andrew S. , Passero John S. , Roe Nathan A. , Shaw Caleb M. , Congalton Russell G.
Published: March 2015

We analyzed the recent (< 25 yr) spread in New Hampshire, USA, of the exotic treeKalopanax septemlobus, native to Asia. The invasion was likely initiated by a single tree planted ca. 1972. Our objective was to assess the viability of the invasion, especially in light of the small propagule size. We tallied, mapped, aged, and measured the height and growth ofK. septemlobusindividuals at two sites, the University of New Hampshire campus (UC) and Thompson Farm (TF), both in Durham. We found over 3,800 plants at UC and 270 at TF in < 120 ha (296 ac) total area. Plant age ranged from 0 to 22 yr, and UC plants were as far as 775 m (2,543 ft) from the purported parent tree. Annual height growth was comparable to midtolerant native trees. Plants occurred in both open and forested habitats, and the mean level of photosynthetically active radiation incident on understory plants was 4 to 6% of full sun. The large population size, shade tolerance, rapid height growth, and ability to sprout from damaged stems suggest potential forK. septemlobusto invade and persist in forests, the most common natural ecosystem in the northeastern United States. We further suggest that small propagule size, likely a single tree, has not preventedK. septemlobusfrom initiating a spatially extensive and vigorous population.Kalopanax septemlobushas been planted as an ornamental in the northeastern United States, and prevention of region-wide invasion might depend on removal of these trees, even when they occur as single individuals.
Grazing Vertebrates Promote Invasive Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) Abundance
Authors: Dean Clare E. , Day John , Gozlan Rodolphe E. , Diaz Anita
Published: March 2015

The macrophyte swamp stonecrop has invaded a wide range of wetland habitats across Europe. An experiment was conducted within an invaded fen habitat, which tested whether the presence of grazing disturbance affected the relative abundance of swamp stonecrop, and whether any detected effect was suppressive or facilitative. The abundance of swamp stonecrop and co-occurring resident plants was monitored within fenced grazing exclosures and in adjacent unfenced plots. Swamp stonecrop abundance was higher in the unfenced plots compared to the fenced exclosures (t(87) = 28.974, P < 0.001), whereas the abundance of co-occurring plants was higher in the fenced exclosures compared to the unfenced plots (t(87) = 6.264, P < 0.001). These results indicate that the presence of large vertebrates could facilitate a higher abundance of swamp stonecrop in situations where competitive resident plant species were selectively removed by these grazing animals.
The Role of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Weed Seed Consumption: A Review
Authors: Kulkarni Sharavari S. , Dosdall Lloyd M. , Willenborg Christian J.
Published: March 2015

Weed management is a challenge in all agroecosystems. Given the negative consequences associated with herbicide-based weed management, it is important to consider integrated weed management options with emphasis on strategies such as biological control. Postdispersal weed seed predation by granivorous and omnivorous carabid beetles results in substantial natural suppression of weed populations. Although the role of ground beetles as “generalist predators” in various agroecosystems is known, their contribution to weed management is not well recognized. In this context, this review presents an account of carabids and their granivorous nature, the importance of a seed diet in the life histories of different carabid groups, factors affecting granivory, and their potential role in weed seed management. Below, we discuss the interrelationships among various factors influencing weed seed consumption by carabids, its consequences for weed management, and the need for future research.
Dithiopyr Controls Common Lespedeza (Kummerowia striata) in Bermudagrass
Authors: de Barreda Diego Gómez , Singh Rashmi , Sidhu Sudeep S. , McCullough Patrick E.
Published: March 2015

Common lespedeza is a problematic summer annual weed in bermudagrass lawns, with limited PRE herbicides available for control. Dithiopyr is a pyridine herbicide primarily used for PRE grassy weed control but has shown potential efficacy for controlling annual legumes. The objectives of this research were to evaluate efficacy and behavior of dithiopyr in common lespedeza. In a 3-yr field experiment, sequential dithiopyr applications at 0.42 or 0.56 kg ai ha−1beginning in late winter and single applications of dithiopyr at 0.56 kg ai ha−1in spring controlled common lespedeza ≥ 88%. Single and sequential applications of indaziflam at 0.035 and 0.053 kg ai ha−1provided poor control (< 70%) of common lespedeza by late summer. In laboratory experiments, bermudagrass and common lespedeza had similar foliar absorption of14C-dithiopyr, averaging 10% of the14C applied, and both species retained > 80% of14C in the treated leaf at 72 h after treatment (HAT). Common lespedeza translocated 6 times more root-absorbed14C to shoots than bermudagrass and had 2.8 times greater absorption (Bq mg−1) at 72 HAT. In metabolism experiments, parent herbicide levels measured ≥ 84% of extracted14C in both species at 1, 3, and 7 d after treatment. Overall, dithiopyr effectively controls common lespedeza in bermudagrass as a PRE treatment in spring. Susceptibility of common lespedeza to dithiopyr is associated with acropetal translocation and greater herbicide concentrations compared with a tolerant species, bermudagrass.
Effects of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination and Emergence of Japanese Brome (Bromus japonicus)
Authors: Li Qi , Tan Jinni , Li Wei , Yuan Guohui , Du Long , Ma Shuang , Wang Jinxin
Published: March 2015

Japanese brome is a winter annual weed commonly found in wheat fields in China. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were carried out to determine the effect of temperature, light, pH, osmotic stress, salt stress, and burial depth on the germination and emergence of Japanese brome. Germination was greater than 98% under a wide temperature range of 5 to 30 C and onset of germination was shortened as temperature increased. Light was not required for germination to occur and pH values from 5 to 10 had insignificant effect on germination. Germination was reduced by osmotic stress or salt stress and no germination occurred at −1.3 MPa or 360 mM, suggesting that Japanese brome seed was quite tolerant to osmotic potential and salinity. Seedling emergence was greatest (98%) when seeds were placed on the soil surface but decreased with increasing of burial depth. Only 7% of seedlings emerged at a depth of 5 cm. The results of this study have contributed to our understanding of the germination and emergence of Japanese brome and should enhance our ability to develop better control strategies in wheat farming systems of the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China.
Primisulfuron-Methyl Efficacy and Fate in Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) and Kentucky Bluegrass
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Singh Rashmi , Czarnota Mark A. , Johnston Christopher R.
Published: March 2015

Annual bluegrass is a problematic weed of Kentucky bluegrass turf that can be selectively controlled with POST applications of primisulfuron-methyl. The objective of this research was to evaluate physiological behavior of primisulfuron-methyl attributed to selectivity in these species. In application placement experiments, annual bluegrass shoot weight reductions from the nontreated from high to low were treatments including: foliar + soil ≥ soil only ≥ foliar. Annual bluegrass averaged 33 and 52% shoot weight reductions from the nontreated after 4 wk from primisulfuron-methyl at 40 and 80 g ha−1, respectively. Kentucky bluegrass shoot weight was not reduced from the nontreated, and application placements were similar. From five harvests ranging 1 to 168 h after treatment (HAT), annual and Kentucky bluegrass absorbed up to 25 and 32% of foliar applied14C-primisulfuron-methyl, respectively. Both grasses distributed 15% of foliar absorbed14C to nontreated shoots with minimal translocation (≤ 2%) to roots after 168 h. Annual bluegrass translocated 2 times more root-absorbed14C to shoots than Kentucky bluegrass at 24, 72, and 168 HAT. From foliar uptake, the time required for annual and Kentucky bluegrass to degrade 50% of the absorbed herbicide to the major metabolite detected (Rf0.1) measured > 168 and 93 h, respectively. In root metabolism experiments, annual bluegrass had ≈ 3 times and 2 times more primisulfuron acid in roots and shoots, respectively, than Kentucky bluegrass at 24, 72, and 168 HAT. The isolated acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzymes from the two grasses were equally susceptible to inhibition by primisulfuron-methyl. Overall, selectivity of primisulfuron-methyl for annual bluegrass control in Kentucky bluegrass is attributed to differential translocation and metabolism between species.
Nontarget-Site Resistance to ALS Inhibitors in Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus)
Authors: Guo Jiaqi , Riggins Chance W. , Hausman Nicholas E. , Hager Aaron G. , Riechers Dean E. , Davis Adam S. , Tranel Patrick J.
Published: March 2015

A waterhemp population (MCR) previously characterized as resistant to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase and photosystem II inhibitors demonstrated both moderate and high levels of resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. Plants from the MCR population exhibiting high resistance to ALS inhibitors contained the commonly found Trp574Leu ALS amino acid substitution, whereas plants with only moderate resistance did not have this substitution. A subpopulation (JG11) was derived from the MCR population in which the moderate-resistance trait was isolated from the Trp574Leu mutation. Results from DNA sequencing and ALS enzyme assays demonstrated that resistance to ALS inhibitors in the JG11 population was not due to an altered site of action. This nontarget-site ALS-inhibitor resistance was characterized with whole-plant dose–response experiments using herbicides from each of the five commercialized families of ALS-inhibiting herbicides. Resistance ratios ranging from 3 to 90 were obtained from the seven herbicides evaluated. Nontarget-site resistance to ALS has been rarely documented in eudicot weeds, and adds to the growing list of resistance traits evolved in waterhemp.
Glyphosate-Resistant Kochia (Kochia scoparia) in Kansas: EPSPS Gene Copy Number in Relation to Resistance Levels
Authors: Godar Amar S. , Stahlman Phillip W. , Jugulam Mithila , Dille J. Anita
Published: March 2015

Reports of kochia control failure with glyphosate in western Kansas increased dramatically in the years following confirmed presence of glyphosate-resistant (GR) populations in 2007. In this study, progeny from 8 of 16 geographically dispersed kochia populations in western Kansas (seed collected in 2010) were confirmed to be resistant to glyphosate by conducting whole-plant dose-response (in greenhouse and/or outdoor environments) and shikimate-accumulation assays. Additionally, the relationship between 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene copy number and glyphosate resistance levels was investigated. A known glyphosate-susceptible (GS) kochia population from Ellis County, Kansas was used for comparison in all studies. Based on the herbicide rate that caused 50% reduction in biomass compared to untreated control (GR50) values, the 8 GR kochia populations were 4 to 11 times more resistant to glyphosate compared to the GS population. The GR50values of kochia populations were 1.58 to 1.85 times higher under an outdoor environment compared to when grown in the greenhouse. Glyphosate-treated leaf discs of the GS kochia plants accumulated consistently higher amounts of shikimate than those of the GR plants. Additionally, the GR plants with higher levels of resistance to glyphosate had higher EPSPS : acetolactate synthase (ALS) relative gene copy number compared to those with low levels of resistance.
ALS-Resistant Smallflower Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus difformis) in Arkansas Rice: Physiological and Molecular Basis of Resistance
Authors: Tehranchian Parsa , Riar Dilpreet S. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Nandula Vijay , McElroy Scott , Chen Shu , Scott Robert C.
Published: March 2015

Smallflower umbrella sedge is a problematic weed in direct-seeded rice in the midsouthern United States. It recently has evolved resistance to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) –inhibiting herbicide halosulfuron in Arkansas rice. Studies were conducted (1) to determine if the resistant biotype is cross resistant to other ALS-inhibiting herbicides, (2) to evaluate alternative herbicide control options, and (3) to determine the mechanism of resistance. Whole-plant bioassay revealed that halosulfuron-resistant plants were not controlled by bispyribac–sodium, imazamox, and penoxsulam at the labeled field rate of each herbicide. The level of resistance to these herbicides, based on the lethal dose needed to kill 50% of plants (LD50) was ≥ 15-fold compared to a susceptible biotype. Both biotypes were controlled >96% with bentazon and propanil and ≤ 23% with quinclorac, thiobencarb, and 2,4-D. Hence, effective control measures exist; albeit, the number of herbicide options appear limited. Based on in vitro ALS enzyme assays, altered target site is the mechanism of resistance to halosulfuron and imazamox. Massively parallel sequencing with the use of the Illumina HiSeq detected an amino acid substitution of Pro197-to-His in the resistant biotype that is consistent with ALS-inhibiting herbicide resistance in other weed species.
Target-Site Resistance to Nicosulfuron in Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) from Chilean Corn Fields
Authors: Hernández María J. , León Rocío , Fischer Albert J. , Gebauer Marlene , Galdames Rafael , Figueroa Rodrigo
Published: March 2015

Johnsongrass is a common weed of corn in Chile, which is most often controlled by nicosulfuron, an acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS)-inhibiting herbicide. Recurrent nicosulfuron use has resulted in selection for resistant johnsongrass biotypes. We conducted studies to determine nicosulfuron resistance levels in two johnsongrass biotypes from Chile and to investigate if this resistance was target-site mediated. Whole-plant resistance to nicosulfuron was 33 and 46 times higher in resistant (R) than in susceptible (S) plants grown from seed and rhizomes, respectively. The nicosulfuron concentrations for 50% inhibition of AHAS enzyme activity in vitro were more than 11 times higher in R than in S plants. Sequencing analysis of theAHAScoding sequence revealed a Trp-574-Leu substitution in both R biotypes. This study shows that resistance to nicosulfuron in the two R biotypes is conferred by an altered target site. We also report the first consensus sequence of the johnsongrassAHASgene corresponding to the known mutation sites conferring resistance to AHAS-inhibiting herbicides.
Characterization and Modeling of Itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) Biphasic Seedling Emergence Patterns in the Tropics
Authors: Leon Ramon G. , Izquierdo Jordi , González-Andújar∗ José Luis
Published: March 2015

Itchgrass is an aggressive weed species in tropical agroecosystems. Because of phytosanitary restrictions to exports, pineapple producers must use a zero tolerance level for this species. An understanding of itchgrass seedling emergence would help producers to better time POST control. The objective of the present study was to characterize itchgrass seedling emergence patterns and develop a predictive model. Multiple field experiments were conducted in four agricultural fields in Costa Rica between 2010 and 2011 for a total of 9 site-years. Itchgrass consistently showed a biphasic emergence pattern, with a first emergence phase that was faster and more consistent across site-years than the second one. Weibull + logistic models based on chronological time (R2adj= 0.92) and thermal time withTbase= 20 C (R2adj= 0.92) provided the best fit for the combined emergence data for two experimental locations in 2010. Both models predicted itchgrass seedling emergence adequately for most site-years, but the thermal-time model was more accurate (R2adj= 0.64 to 0.86) than the chronological model (R2adj= 0.31 to 0.74), especially when temperatures were high. Both models showed high accuracy in the first emergence phase but tended to underestimate emergence rate during the second phase. The models predicted 50% emergence at 14 d or 80 growing degree days and the stabilization of the first emergence phase at approximately 25 d or 200 growing degree days. Thus, these models can be used to properly time itchgrass POST control. More research is needed to understand the regulatory mechanisms responsible for the variability of the second emergence phase.
Tank Mixing Pendimethalin with Pyroxasulfone and Chloroacetamide Herbicides Enhances In-Season Residual Weed Control in Corn
Authors: Jha Prashant , Kumar Vipan , Garcia Josefina , Reichard Nicholas
Published: March 2015

Kochia, common lambsquarters, and wild buckwheat are major problem weeds in glyphosate-resistant corn production in the northern Great Plains of the United States. Field research was conducted in 2011 and 2012 near Huntley, MT to investigate effective PRE herbicides applied alone or in premixes with or without tank-mixed pendimethalin for extended in-season residual control of the selected broadleaf weeds in glyphosate-resistant corn. Control of kochia, common lambsquarters, and wild buckwheat with recently registered herbicide premixes, including saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P andS-metolachlor + mesotrione, was as high as 95 and 90% at 21 and 63 d after treatment (DAT), and mostly similar to the standard atrazine treatment. Residual control of common lambsquarters and wild buckwheat from pyroxasulfone was higher at 298 compared with 149 g ai ha−1rate. Pyroxasulfone and other chloroacetamide herbicides (acetochlor or dimethenamid-P) applied alone failed to provide greater than 79, 70, and 54% residual control at 21, 35, and 63 DAT, respectively, of the weed species investigated. Residual weed control throughout the growing season was significantly improved with the addition of pendimethalin to pyroxasulfone (149 g ha−1), acetochlor, or dimethenamid-P when compared with any of the three herbicides applied alone. Kochia control by pyroxasulfone, acetochlor, or dimethenamid-P tank mixed with pendimethalin was as high as 94, 92, and 81% at 21, 35, and 63 DAT, respectively. Control of common lambsquarters with the addition of pendimethalin to pyroxasulfone or acetochlor was improved to 94, 89, and 81% at 21, 35, and 63 DAT, respectively. Similarly, wild buckwheat control with acetochlor plus pendimethalin was improved to 87, 85, and 82% at 21, 35, and 63 DAT, respectively. Consistent with the extended in-season (up to 9 wk) residual weed control, pyroxasulfone, acetochlor, or dimethenamid-P treatments when tank mixed with pendimethalin had higher corn yields compared with the herbicides applied alone. The investigation on residual herbicides that provide extended in-season weed control should be continued as an important aspect of glyphosate stewardship and to mitigate the occurrence of glyphosate-resistant weed populations in grower fields.
Field Evaluation of Auxin Herbicide Volatility Using Cotton and Tomato as Bioassay Crops
Authors: Bauerle Matthew J. , Griffin James L. , Alford Jason L. , Curry Albert B. , Kenty Michael M.
Published: March 2015

Research was conducted to compare cotton and tomato response to volatility of 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr formulations. Herbicide treatments were applied to tilled soil during August and September, and potted plants were placed in the center of treated strips. To quantify injury, leaf cupping/crinkling/drooping; leaf rolling/strapping; stem epinasty; and stem swelling/cracking were each visually rated on an injury scale of 0 to 5 (0 = none, 1 = slight, 2 = slight to moderate, 3 = moderate, 4 = moderate to severe, and 5 = severe). Leaf cupping/crinkling/drooping injury averaged across herbicide treatments at 1× rates was 1.0 for cotton and 2.0 for tomato 14 d after treatment (DAT). Averaged across crops, leaf cupping/crinkling/drooping injury for the 1× rates 14 DAT was equivalent for the 2,4-D dimethylamine (DMA) salt, 2,4-D acid, dicamba DMA salt, dicamba diglycolamine (DGA) salt, dicamba acid, and triclopyr acid formulations and ranged from 1.1 to 1.8. For tomato, the only herbicide treatments with injury 14 DAT no greater than for the nontreated were 1× rates of 2,4-D DMA and 2,4-D acid for leaf rolling/strapping (1.0); 2,4-D acid, dicamba DMA, dicamba acid, and triclopyr acid for stem epinasty (0.3 to 0.7); and 2,4-D DMA, 2,4-D acid, dicamba DMA, dicamba DGA, dicamba acid, and triclopyr acid for stem swelling/cracking (0.1 to 0.2). A weighted factor assigned to each injury criterion provided an overall total injury estimate of 0 to 100%. When applied at 1× rates, total injury for 2,4-D isooctyl ester was 10% for cotton and 36% for tomato and for triclopyr butoxyethyl ester was 11% for cotton and 50% for tomato. For the 2,4-D DMA, 2,4-D acid, dicamba DMA, dicamba DGA, dicamba acid, and triclopyr acid formulations, total injury was 4 to 8% for cotton and 20 to 24% for tomato, and for both crops, injury was no greater than for the nontreated.
Response of Seeded Miscanthus × giganteus to PRE and POST Herbicides
Authors: Anderson Eric K. , Hager Aaron G. , Lee DoKyoung , Allen Damian J. , Voigt Thomas B.
Published: March 2015

Miscanthus × giganteus cv. Illinois is a high-yielding perennial grass crop being developed for cellulosic biomass production in the United States. It is a sterile cultivar and must be established using plantlets or rhizomes; this asexual propagation is relatively expensive, thereby limiting more widespread acceptance. Perennial, tetraploid, seeded types of M. × giganteus have been developed that could reduce establishment costs, while producing high biomass yields. Weed control during the year of establishment is essential because this grass crop does not compete well with weeds in the establishment year. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to identify PRE and POST herbicides that would not adversely affect seeded M. × giganteus emergence or growth. Imazethapyr and quinclorac applied PRE had no negative affect on M. × giganteus growth in the greenhouse with respect to seedling emergence, plant height, observed injury symptoms, or fresh weight. In the field, plant emergence was significantly higher with quinclorac plus atrazine than the nontreated control, and emergence with isoxaflutole plus atrazine was not significantly different from the control. Six herbicides applied POST in the greenhouse showed little or no negative effect on miscanthus growth. In the field, several PRE plus POST herbicide combinations did not negatively affect M. × giganteus growth; however, none of these provided adequate weed control under irrigated conditions. Further evaluation of PRE and POST herbicides is needed to identify robust weed control options that are safe on seeded M. × giganteus.
Performance of Postemergence Herbicides Applied at Different Carrier Volume Rates
Authors: Creech Cody F. , Henry Ryan S. , Werle Rafael , Sandell Lowell D. , Hewitt Andrew J. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: March 2015

POST weed control in soybean in the United States is difficult because weed resistance to herbicides has become more prominent. Herbicide applicators have grown accustomed to low carrier volume rates that are typical with glyphosate applications. These low carrier volumes are efficient for glyphosate applications and allow applicators to treat a large number of hectares in a timely manner. Alternative modes of action can require greater carrier volumes to effectively control weeds. Glyphosate, glufosinate, lactofen, fluazifop-P, and 2,4-D were evaluated in field and greenhouse studies using 47, 70, 94, 140, 187, and 281 L ha−1carrier volumes. Spray droplet size spectra for each herbicide and carrier volume combination were also measured and used to determine their impact on herbicide efficacy. Glyphosate efficacy was maximized using 70 to 94 L ha−1carrier volumes using droplets classified as medium. Glufosinate efficacy was maximized at 140 L ha−1and decreased as droplet diameter decreased. For 2,4-D applications, efficacy increased when using carrier volumes equal to or greater than 94 L ha−1. Lactofen was most responsive to changes in carrier volume and performed best when applied in carrier volumes of at least 187 L ha−1. Carrier volume had little impact on fluazifop-P efficacy in this study and efficacy decreased when used on taller plants. Based on these data, applicators should use greater carrier volumes when using contact herbicides in order to maximize herbicide efficacy.
Sequential Sulfometuron Methyl Applications inEucalyptus benthamiiPlantations
Authors: Osiecka Anna , Minogue Patrick J.
Published: March 2015

A study was conducted to refine herbicide rates for sequential applications of sulfometuron methyl over newly plantedEucalyptus benthamiiseedlings in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. Container-grown, 6-wk-old seedlings were planted in July 2011 on a nonbedded agricultural site in Quincy, FL and on a bedded forestry site in Wing, AL. Treatments included a single sulfometuron application at 13, 26, 39, or 52 g ha−1, 2 wk after planting; sequential applications at the same rates, 2 and 8 wk after planting; and a nontreated check. All sulfometuron treatments provided effective control of all vegetation groups at both sites, with the exception of 13 g ha−1for forbs in Quincy. Sparse weed cover in Wing was eliminated by any sulfometuron treatment. In Quincy, two applications provided better weed control than a single one, resulting in more bare ground and less grass and vines. Bare ground increased with increasing sulfometuron rate from 0 to 26 g ha−1. The 26 g ha−1rate resulted in 95 and 88% bare ground 6 and 12 wk after the first application, respectively, compared to 62 and 51%, respectively for the nontreated check. All sulfometuron treatments had a small positive effect onEucalyptusseedling growth at the Quincy site, resulting in greater stem diameter (6.0 to 6.7 mm) than the nontreated check (5.0 mm), despite slight foliar necrosis. At the Wing site, in addition to slight foliar necrosis, sulfometuron decreased final seedling survival, height, and stem diameter (48 to 68%, 77.8 to 81.6 cm, and 8.7 to 9.2 mm, respectively), compared to the nontreated check (99%, 88.3 cm and 11.2 mm, respectively). Two sulfometuron applications at 13 to 26 g ha−1provided selective weed control at both sites, but further refinement is needed for variousEucalyptusgenotypes, soil, and vegetation types.
Biochar Decreases Atrazine and Pendimethalin Preemergence Herbicidal Activity
Authors: Soni Neeta , Leon Ramon G. , Erickson John E. , Ferrell Jason A. , Silveira Maria L.
Published: March 2015

Biochar and vinasse are by-products of biofuel production that can be used as soil amendments. However, their addition to the soil might affect PRE herbicide activity. Although studies have shown that biochar has a high herbicide adsorption capacity, there is little information available about biochar effect on weed control especially under field conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the influence of biochar and vinasse application on atrazine and pendimethalin availability and herbicide activity underin vitroand field conditions.In vitroatrazine and pendimethalin herbicidal activities were not influenced by vinasse addition, but biochar application reduced atrazine and pendimethalin injury for all evaluated species. A sorption experiment confirmed high affinity of biochar for atrazine and pendimethalin. Linear regression analysis showed that the slope for atrazine and pendimethalin adsorption was 16 and 4 times higher in soil with biochar than in soil alone. Under field conditions, biochar at 0.5 kg m−2reduced atrazine and pendimethalin weed control 75% and 60%, respectively. These results suggested that the use of biochar as a soil amendment in cropping system could decrease PRE herbicide efficacy. Therefore, mitigating practices such as the use of higher rates or reliance on POST herbicides and cultivation might be necessary to ensure proper weed control.
Integration of Weed Management and Tillage Practices in Spring Barley Production
Authors: Lyon Drew J. , Young Frank L.
Published: March 2015

Spring barley can be used to diversify and intensify winter wheat-based production systems in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The objective of this study was to describe the effects of tillage system and weed management level (WML) on weed control and spring barley grain yield when grown in a winter wheat-spring barley-spring dry pea rotation. A long-term integrated pest management field study examined the effects of three WMLs (minimum, moderate, and maximum) and two tillage systems (conservation and conventional) on weed control and barley grain yield. Total weed biomass at harvest was 8.0 and 59.7 g m−2for the maximum and minimum WMLs, respectively, in the conservation tillage system, but was similar and averaged 12.2 g m−2for all three WMLs in the conventional tillage system. Despite greater weed biomass with minimum weed management in the conservation tillage system, barley grain yields averaged 5,060 and 4,780 kg ha−1for the conservation tillage and conventional tillage systems, respectively. The benefits of conservation tillage require adequate herbicide inputs.
Identifying and modelling permit trucks for bridge loading
Authors: Enright Bernard , OBrien Eugene J. , Leahy Cathal
Published: March 2015

Accurate estimates of characteristic traffic load effects are essential in order to optimise bridge safety assessment. Permit trucks dominate the extreme upper tail of the truck loading distribution and as a result need careful examination. This paper proposes rules for filtering these trucks from weigh-in-motion data for both the USA and Europe. The importance of these trucks in critical bridge loading events is then examined for both regions. A Monte Carlo traffic simulation model is developed, which focuses on the accurate simulation of permit trucks.
How Animals Find Their Way in Space. Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Kazanovich Ya.B. , Mysin I.E.
Published: March 2015

We describe different components of brain's space representation system, such as place cells, grid cells, time cells, and head-direction cells and review
the models that suggest and test neural mechanisms on how this system can be used by an animal during navigation.
For a comparative history of Alsace and Transylvania
Authors: Trifescu Valentin
Published: March 2015

Alsace and Transylvania are two historical border provinces which have been intensely debated throughout history and which have always been interrelated with each other in discourses of politicians as well as of intellectuals and of historians. By our study we would like to set forth a plea for a comparative history of Alsace and Transylvania (as two border provinces) and to yield a first set of arguments in favour of such a scientific endeavour. Once established the advantages and the methods upon which an inquiry of comparative history rests, we could better understand the particular identity and the ways in which these two sideline provinces have related to their centres of power. Thus the monolithic and exclusive national history may be replaced by a fragmentary and/or peripheral standpoint which would bring to light different aspects concerning local or regional history, regionalism or the relationship between the centre and its periphery.
Are there Slavonic features in the syntax of Romanian? Two case studies
Authors: Dragomirescu Adina
Published: March 2015

The present paper discusses the issue of the Old Church Slavonic influence on the syntax of (old) Romanian. The starting point is the hypothesis that many of the syntactic features of Romanian previously explained by postulating the influence of (Old Church) Slavonic (especially in studies strongly influenced by ideological issues, published during the Communist period) are actually either regular transformations which occurred in the transition from Latin to Romanian, common to the other Romance languages as well, or the output of more general tendencies manifested in the history of Indo-European languages. In order to check the role of the Slavonic influence in the syntax of Romanian, we have established a working algorithm, which is applied to two phenomena from old Romanian: (i) the position of relative adjectives, and (ii) scrambling in compound verbal forms in correlation with auxiliary inversion.
Conventional vs unconventional linguistic means of address. (Old and new greetings in Romanian)
Authors: Felecan Daiana
Published: March 2015

Among the linguistic mechanisms that individuals employ in the process of communication, one can also find means of address. Of these, an important role is played by greetings.

This study is aimed at identifying a series of forms / formulas of greeting used in contemporary Romanian public space and analysing them from a structural and functional perspective (with reference to their contextual pragmatic values). Alongside established (grammaticalised / clichéd) units, other forms will be recorded, conveying new semantic values that are determined by situational constraints.

Thus, a distinction will be made between two linguistic means of greeting: conventional ones (stylistically neutral and used by the entire community of locutors) and unconventional ones (recent imports, mostly in English, calques, which recreate the original pattern or are borrowed from the source language without any changes and are employed with an ironic or persuasive intention).

The corpus will be taken from the Internet.

Methodologically, the study will use the theoretical apparatus pertaining to psycho- and sociolinguistics, pragmatics, ethnology, and anthropology.
The development of adjective and adverb grading in Romanian
Authors: Găitănaru Ștefan
Published: March 2015

The comparison of adjectives and adverbs has been described following the directions of evolution in Vulgar Latin, as well as the integrative trends in the context of the Romance languages, but without a detailed analysis. Leaving apart the theoretical goals, the present study is based on an updated understanding of the concepts involved in the category of grading, according to which it describes language constructions in the first three centuries texts. The main goal was giving examples of language constructions for the following types and subtypes of structures and elements: degrees of intensity (positive, intensive and absolute superlative), degrees of comparison (comparative of equality, comparative of superiority, comparative of inferiority and relative superlative); comparative semi-adverbs and means of expressing the comparative adverbial, as well as the extension of this syntactic position at the complex sentence level. After pointing out some regressive experiments, we tried to make a detailed and thorough correlation between the norms in the periods that were studied and the norm of contemporary standard Romanian.
Parallel corpora. A real-time approach to the study of language change in progress
Authors: Mair Christian
Published: March 2015

The paper draws data from four matching one-million word corpora, namely Brown (US, 1961), LOB (GB, 1961), Frown (US, 1992) and FLOB (GB, 1991), in order to provide an integrated description of synchronic (regional and stylistic) variation and short-term diachronic change in written Standard English. The analysis of a fairly large number of morphosyntactic variables shows that instances of direct structural change are rather rare in the period under review. Nevertheless there are numerous statistically significant diachronic developments which, taken together, provide evidence for a coherent discourse-pragmatic trend, the ‘colloquialisation’ of the norms of written English. This linguistic development is argued to be driven by a more general sociocultural trend, the shift of public taste towards greater informality.
Corpusurile paralele. O modalitate de cercetare în timp real a schimbării lingvistice în curs de realizare
Authors: Mair Christian
Published: March 2015

Lucrarea valorifică date din patru corpusuri corespondente de cîte un milion de cuvinte, Brown (Engleză americană, 1961), LOB (Engleză britanică, 1961), Frown (Engleză americană, 1992) și FLOB (Engleză britanică, 1991) pentru a oferi o descriere integrată a variației sincronice (regionale și stilistice) și a schimbărilor diacronice pe termen scurt din engleza literară scrisă. Analiza unui număr relativ mare de variabile morfosintactice arată că schimbările structurale directe sînt mai degrabă rare în perioada avută în vedere. Cu toate acestea, există numeroase evoluții diacronice semnificative sub aspect statistic care, considerate împreună, oferă dovezi ce atestă o tendință discursiv-pragmatică unitară, și anume, „colocvializarea” normelor limbii engleze scrise. Se consideră că această evoluție lingvistică este motivată de un curent socio-cultural mai larg, deplasarea gustului public către o exprimare informală din ce în ce mai pregnantă.
Functions of style in St. Augustine’s Christian rhetoric
Authors: Milică Ioan
Published: March 2015

The spread of Christianity determined major cultural changes all over Europe as well as in the entire world. Without further dwelling on the relationships between the new religion and the classical culture, we will show that, in the art of eloquence, the perspective of the fathers of the Christian Church favoured, on the one hand, the survival of some of the Ancient rhetorical works and led to the introduction of a religious rhetoric that gradually departed from the influence of the old models, on the other. This paper aims at synthetically and systematically describing St. Augustine's view on the importance and functions of elocution, in order to reveal the innovations brought by this scholar to the classical rhetorical canon.
Funcțiile stilului în retorica creștină a Sf. Augustin
Authors: Milică Ioan
Published: March 2015

Răspîndirea creștinismului a determinat schimbări culturale majore în Europa și în întreaga lume. Fără a insista asupra relațiilor dintre noua religie și cultura clasică, este suficient să arătăm că, în planul artei de a vorbi convingător, perspectiva asumată de părinții Bisericii creștine a favorizat, pe de o parte, supraviețuirea unora dintre lucrările de elocință ale Antichității, și, pe de altă parte, a condus la instaurarea unei retorici religioase care s-a desprins treptat de sub tutela vechilor modele. Lucrarea de față are ca obiectiv de bază prezentarea sintetică și sistematică a concepției Sf. Augustin asupra importanței și funcțiilor elocuției, pentru a reliefa inovațiile pe care acest gînditor le aduce canonului retoric clasic.