bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Los animales como seres sintientes en el marco del principio alterum non laedere: algunos criterios interpretativos
Authors: Rincón Angarita Dubán Marcell
Published: September 2018

El tránsito del paradigma antropocentrista al paradigma biocentrista tiene como una de sus principales consecuencias el reconocimiento de los animales como seres sintientes. El artículo propone que desde esta perspectiva es posible aplicar el criterio de alterum non laedere -es decir, el principio de acuerdo con el cual no debe causarse daño a otro-, a los derechos de los animales, especialmente a partir del reconocimiento de sus derechos a la vida y a vivir una vida libre de sufrimiento innecesario. La relevancia de ello estriba en que tradicionalmente el principio alterum non laedere se ha aplicado respecto de los derechos de otras personas, pero comienza apenas a vislumbrarse su aplicación respecto de otros seres sintientes. Puesto que el mencionado principio tiene además un carácter abierto, el artículo propone tres criterios interpretativos respecto de los derechos de los animales: a) la posibilidad de sentir dolor, b) la adecuación social de las conductas, c) la protección de los recursos naturales, y d) prevalencia de la actividad judicial en la ampliación del marco normativo de los derechos de los animales
Empleo del paquete ExpRep para repetición de ensayos de Bernoulli en la enseñanza de las probabilidades
Authors: Zamora Larisa , Díaz Jorge
Published: September 2018

El paquete ExpRep permite calcular probabilidades de ocurrencia de un determinado evento en un gran número de repeticiones de un ensayo de tipo Bernoulli, mediante la aplicación de los teoremas local e integral de De Moivre-Laplace y el teorema de Poisson, dando la posibilidad de mostrar gráfica y analíticamente los resultados en aras de compararlos con aquellos alcanzados a partir de la aplicación directa de la fórmula binomial. Se presentan además tres aplicaciones del teorema integral de De Moivre-Laplace y la simulación del experimento de Buffon para cuatro valores diferentes del número de repeticiones del ensayo. El paquete fue desarrollado en el lenguaje de programación R y responde fundamentalmente a objetivos didácticos de la enseñanza de las Probabilidades para el nivel universitario de pregrado en Matemática.
Asociación del Razonamiento Cuantitativo con el Rendimiento Académico en Cursos Introductorios de Matemática de Carreras STEM
Authors: Rojas Torres Luis , Mora Badilla Mónica , Ordóñez Gutierrez Graciela
Published: September 2018

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo encontrar evidencia que respalde la hipótesis de que el razonamiento cuantitativo es un predictor relevante del rendimiento en cursos introductorios de matemática en carreras de Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemática (STEM por sus siglas en inglés) controlando variables relevantes en la predicción de este rendimiento. El estudio se realizó en grupos de carreras, determinados por el curso de matemática introductoria compartido: a. Física, Meteorología y Química (n=132), b. Estadística (n=64) y c. Matemática y Ciencias Actuariales (n=87); con n igual a la cantidad de estudiantes por grupo. En cada agrupación se estimó un modelo de regresión lineal con medidas remediales apropiadas para el cumplimiento de los supuestos; la variable dependiente de los modelos fue la nota en el curso introductorio de matemática y las variables independientes fueron: el nivel de razonamiento cuantitativo, un indicador de las notas de secundaria y el examen de admisión, el sexo y la dependencia del tipo de colegio. En todos los modelos se obtuvo que la variable más relevante fue el nivel de razonamiento cuantitativo. Los coeficientes de determinación de los modelos fueron relevantes, ya que fueron superiores a 0.20.
A Cognitive Behavioral Model of First Responder Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Cheng Michael Kin-Fun , Joseph Justine , Ferguson Donna
Published: September 2018

First responders face significant risks with respect to their mental health including exposure to traumatic events and subsequent development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are many established psychological treatment guidelines for PTSD, but there are reasons to believe that first responders differ significantly from the general population and would benefit from a targeted approach to treatment planning. The authors present a cognitive behavioral model of first responder PTSD, which integrates important factors related to this population as well as an illustrative case study. This model may be useful in identifying stuck points, maintenance factors, and targets for psychological treatment.
Identifying the “Therapy Targets” for Treating the Negative Symptoms of Psychosis Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Tomlinson Monica F. , Wright Joshua D.
Published: September 2018

The division of psychotic symptoms into positive and negative categories has largely divided the research on them. While the research on positive symptoms of psychosis has rapidly developed over the last three decades, the literature on negative symptoms has noticeably lagged behind. Negative symptoms have likely been ignored in the treatment literature because they were previously thought to remit following the treatment of positive symptoms. Recent evidence does not consistently support this theory and indicates that the different manifestations of negative symptoms require distinct approaches to treatment. The current review provides a re-evaluation of the theoretical literature on negative symptoms to inform and identify “treatment targets” to reduce them. The “treatment targets” are then translated into intervention strategies using a cognitive behavioral framework. A review of the empirical literature on cognitive behavior therapy for treating negative symptoms is then offered along with a critical discussion of where cognitive behavior therapy stands compared to other interventions and what research is still needed.
Case Report of the Incidence of Maternal Depression at a Community Level III, 39-Bed NICU
Authors: Hollen Robin , Smith-Gagen Julie , Olguin Sandra
Published: September 2018

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a vastly undetected, underdiagnosed, and untreated mental health concern for all mothers with infants. Having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has an even higher impact on mothers’ mental health, predisposing them to a higher rate of PPD. The aim of this project was to identify the incidence of PPD in a Level III NICU to determine appropriate intervention strategies. All mothers with NICU infants 14 to 20 days were invited to complete the 10-question Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening (EPDS). The EPDS was scored, and a NICU social worker discussed the results and offered resources for those with scores of ≥10. The incidence of positive screens at our institution was 71.9% for an EPDS score with a cutoff ≥10, and 50% for an EPDS score with a cutoff ≥13. Simple strategies, including routine screening, PPD groups, and NICU support groups, were implemented. All NICUs should know the incidence of mothers’ PPD. Acting on this information flows downstream to improving the health of the infant and family.
Concept Analysis
Authors: Waddill Colette B. , Arnold Tracy
Published: September 2018

The literature is replete with references to the concept of breastfeeding self-efficacy. This concept is relevant to the nursing and lactation disciplines and requires analysis to gain a mutual understanding of the term. Clarification of the concept of self-efficacy as it relates to breastfeeding will standardize the use of this terminology in professional practice and research. The authors conducted a review of recent literature to identify the attributes, definition, antecedents, and consequences of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Model, related, borderline, and contrary cases further illustrate the concept. Several empirical referents for breastfeeding self-efficacy are identified and analyzed for validity, reliability, and adaptability.
Mother in the Tilt-a-Whirl Bed
Authors: Auer Chris
Published: September 2018

Pulmonary hypertension is an often fatal condition that can strike women immediately after giving birth. Can a mother breastfeed after experiencing such a serious complication? In this vignette, the author describes her work with a mother who experienced pulmonary hypertension and was unconscious in the intensive care unit for several days. The woman’s husband knew how important breastfeeding was to this patient and asked for help in maintaining her supply.
Experiential Counselor Supervision for Rehabilitation Counselors-in-Training
Authors: Ososkie Joseph , Sabella Scott
Published: September 2018

Background:

Preprofessional training for rehabilitation counselors necessarily includes experiential components designed to develop the clinical skills of trainees. Though there are a broad range of supervision models and modes of delivery available, thorough descriptions of supervisory practices are rare, particularly for existential and experiential approaches.

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to describe an approach to experiential rehabilitation counselor supervision (ERCS) which orients counselors-in-training toward heightened awareness of the clinical environment and being fully present within their counselor–client interactions. Within this existential approach, the depth of focus on the interpersonal counseling experience is offered as a counterbalance to an overemphasis on technical proficiency and procedural fidelity.

Framework:

The ERCS process exposes students to counseling and supervision in intensified experiential forms within: (a) the counseling session, (b) individual supervision, and (c) group supervision. The supervision format and mode of trainee observation of the counseling session may vary, though in each case, the focus is on awareness and presence above techniques. During individual supervision, the emphasis on awareness is maintained, though precedence is given to supervisee anxiety, supervisee countertransference, and parallel process. In group supervision, trainee and group process dynamics may initially escalate anxieties, but this format opens opportunities for insight through sharing of experiences, facilitated feedback, and activation of therapeutic factors.

Conclusion:

The ERCS approach is intended to emphasize the primacy of relational components of counseling and to promote interpersonal learning that will be useful for trainees in their direct client work in internship and future employment.
Examining Gender Differences in Rehabilitation Counseling Publication: 1990–2015
Authors: Pebdani Roxanna , Black Keith , Peloquin Mathieu
Published: September 2018

Background:

Many studies have shown gender differences in publishing rates over the years, however a comprehensive exploration of trends of gender differences in publishing in rehabilitation counseling has not been conducted.

Objectives:

This article examines gender differences in publication in rehabilitation counseling over the course of 25 years.

Methods:

The gender of each author in every article published in five major rehabilitation counseling journals from 1990 to 2015 was analyzed to identify how gender differences have changed over time, in terms of authorship, sole authorship, and lead authorship.

Findings:

Results showed that overall, men published more than women (in any author position, as lead author, and as sole author). However, when exploring trends in publishing over the course of 25 years, the gender differences changed. More recent data show that women published more than men, and women were more likely to be lead authors. However, these changes did not extend to sole authorship.

Conclusion:

Implications for rehabilitation counseling researchers are discussed.
Budaya Tutur dalam Tafsir Melayu (Studi Wacana Peribahasa Melayu dalam Tafsir Al-Azhar Karya Hamka)
Authors: Hakim Lukmanul
Published: September 2018

Peribahasa Melayu berupa pepatah, perumpamaan, pemeo dan pantun atau sajak dalam Tafsir Al-Azhar karya Hamka sebagai wacana budaya, politik dan agama, dapat dipahami dengan baik melalui metode pendekatan analisis wacana kritis (AWK). Pendekatan ini dapat dengan jelas mengungkapkan hubungan antara wacana (discourse), kekuasaan, dominasi, ketidaksetaraan sosial yang berkembang mengiringi hadirnya wacana tersebut dengan memfokuskan pada bahasa yang digunakan, wacana yang dibangun, interaksi verbal dalam kegiatan komunikasi. Dilihat dari analisis wacana kritis, peribahasa Melayu yang dibawakan Hamka dalam Tafsir al-Azhar memperlihatkan adanya tiga aspek produksi makna dalam kehidupan sosial yang menyiratkan adanya kepentingan, maksud dan tujuan tertentu, atau bahkan nilai yang disembunyikan di balik peribahasa Melayu yang digunakan oleh Hamka, yakni aspek budaya, politik dan agama.
Mean-Field Type Games between Two Players Driven by Backward Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Aurell Alexander
Published: September 2018

In this paper, mean-field type games between two players with backward stochastic dynamics are defined and studied. They make up a class of non-zero-sum differential games where the players' state dynamics solve backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) that depend on the marginal distributions of player states. Players try to minimize their individual cost functionals, also depending on the marginal state distributions. Under some regularity conditions, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of Nash equilibria. Player behavior is illustrated by numerical examples, and is compared to a centrally planned solution where the social cost, the sum of player costs, is minimized. The inefficiency of a Nash equilibrium, compared to socially optimal behavior, is quantified by the so-called price of anarchy. Numerical simulations of the price of anarchy indicate how the improvement in social cost achievable by a central planner depends on problem parameters.
Cassava Waste Management and Biogas Generation Potential in Selected Local Governments Areas in Ogun State Nigeria
Authors: Olukanni David O. , Olatunji Tope O.
Published: September 2018

Agricultural product like cassava produces huge amounts of waste when processed to consumable goods. The waste generated is generally considered to contribute largely to environmental pollution. This study therefore investigates the waste management practice that is adopted by cassava processors in Ogun State, Nigeria. Five (5) Local Government Areas (LGAs) dominant in processing cassava were selected for the study on the basis of spatial location distribution; landmass and population. The survey involved the use of structured questionnaires administered to cassava processors of the selected LGAs. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software application and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results of the analysis show that majority (70%) of the cassava processors are females. Cassava peel constitutes 10% of the waste produced, of which 91% are heaped at refuse dump in most communities. Results also reveal that 86.3% of cassava residues are used for animal feeds. Other findings show that the peels when dried are used as bio-fuel for cooking and there is a significant potential for biogas production. From the data captured from respondent during the study, most processors are willing to pay for an improved waste management system. The study therefore suggests proper waste management of cassava waste to minimize environmental pollution.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Recursive Partitioning Analysis Class II / III Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastases in the Modern Treatment Era
Authors: Ha In Bong , Song Jin Ho , Jeong Bae Kwon , Jeong Hojin , Lee Yun Hee , Choi Hoon Sik , Kang Ki Mun
Published: September 2018

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is considered the initial treatment for lung cancer patients with small-sized and limited number of brain metastases. The objective of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of SRS treatment using CyberKnife (CK) for recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class II/III patients with one to three brain metastases from lung cancer and identify which patients in the high RPA class could benefit from SRS. A total of 48 lung cancer patients who received CK-based SRS for their metastatic brain lesions from 2010 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Radiographic response was evaluated during follow-up period. Overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (IPFS) were calculated and prognostic variables associated with OS and IPFS were evaluated. Median follow-up time was 6.6 months. Local control rates at 6 months and 1-year following SRS were 98% and 92%, respectively. The median OS of all patients was 8 months. One-year and 2-year OS rates were 40.8% and 20.9%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, uncontrolled primary disease (p = 0.008) and ECOG performance status of 2 or 3 (p = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for inferior OS. These two factors were also significantly associated with inferior IPFS. In subgroup analysis according to RPA class, primary disease status was the only prognostic factor, showing statistically significant OS differences in both RPA class II and III (controlled vs. uncontrolled: 41.1 vs. 12.3 months in RPA class II, p = 0.031; 26.9 vs. 4.1 months in RPA class III, p = 0.011). Our results indicated that SRS could be an effective treatment option for RPA class II/III patients with brain metastases from lung cancer in the modern treatment era. SRS might be particularly considered for patients with controlled primary disease.
Photodynamic Inactivation of Herpes Simplex Viruses
Authors: Monjo Andrea L.-A. , Pringle Eric S. , Thornbury Mackenzie , Duguay Brett A. , Monro Susan M. A. , Hetu Marc , Knight Danika , Cameron Colin G. , McFarland Sherri , McCormick Craig
Published: September 2018

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can be treated with direct acting antivirals like acyclovir and foscarnet, but long-term use can lead to drug resistance, which motivates research into broadly-acting antivirals that can provide a greater genetic barrier to resistance. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) employs a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen to create a local burst of reactive oxygen species that inactivate microorganisms. The botanical plant extract OrthoquinTM is a powerful photosensitizer with antimicrobial properties. Here we report that Orthoquin also has antiviral properties. Photoactivated Orthoquin inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection of target cells in a dose-dependent manner, across a broad range of sub-cytotoxic concentrations. HSV inactivation required direct contact between Orthoquin and the inoculum, whereas pre-treatment of target cells had no effect. Orthoquin did not cause appreciable damage to viral capsids or pre-mature release of viral genomes as measured by qPCR for the HSV-1 genome. By contrast, immunoblotting for HSV-1 antigens in purified virion preparations suggested that higher doses of Orthoquin had a physical impact on certain HSV-1 proteins that altered protein mobility or antigen detection. Orthoquin PDI also inhibited the non-enveloped adenovirus (AdV) in a dose-dependent manner, whereas Orthoquin-mediated inhibition of the enveloped vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was light-independent. Together, these findings suggest that broad antiviral effects of Orthoquin-mediated PDI may stem from damage to viral attachment proteins.
Genetic Diversity Patterns among Phytophthora Resistant Soybean Plant Introductions Based on SSR Markers
Authors: Burnham K. D. , Francis D. M. , Dorrance A. E. , Fioritto R. J. , St. Martin S. K.
Published: September 2018

Genetic diversity is low among elite Northern American soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeding populations. Fewer than 20 soybean cultivars are responsible for 80% of the genes in public soybean cultivars released in recent years. Diversifying the soybean germplasm base could introduce new genes for agronomic diversity as well. Recently, soybean plant introductions (PIs) have been identified as additional sources of both partial and specific resistance to Phytophthora sojae M.J. Kaufmann & J.W. Gerdemann (syn. P megasperma Drechs. f. sp. glycinea T. Kuan & D.C. Erwin). The objective of this study was to compare the genetic diversity present among soybean PIs resistant to P sojae in relation to cultivars and breeding lines that represent U.S. breeding germplasm, and to develop guidelines for the genetic study and practical use of these resistant resources in applied breeding. Ninety‐three accessions from South Korea, China, and Japan and 15 genotypes from the USA were evaluated for 52 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs. The South Korean material included 32 P sojae resistant, 49 partially resistant, and 7 susceptible accessions. The SSR data were used to compute Nei's distance estimates. Clustering and multivariate analysis of Nei's distance estimates demonstrated that accessions from South Korea are genetically different from U.S. germplasm. These results indicate that the South Korean germplasm may contain alleles not present in U.S. cultivars, such as new alleles for P sojae resistance. Additionally, this study identifies SSR markers that can be used to begin mapping P sojae resistance alleles in South Korean germplasm.
Genetic Variation of RAPD Markers for North American White Clover Collections and Cultivars
Authors: Gustine David L. , Voigt Paul W. , Brummer E. Charles , Papadopoulos Yousef A.
Published: September 2018

New white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivars with improved winter hardiness and persistence are needed for pasture‐based cropping systems in temperate regions of North America. This study evaluated, quantified, and compared genetic variation of populations developed from five recently collected germplasms from Georgia (GA), Iowa (IA), Pennsylvania (PA), West Virginia (WV), and Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, and three improved cultivars (‘Regal’, ‘Sacramento’, and ‘Will’). ‘Aurora’ alsike clover (T. hybridum L.) was included for comparison. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles of these populations were compared. Euclidean metric distance matrices were calculated for all possible pairwise combinations and were evaluated by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). An interpopulation distance matrix [Φst, an analog of F as described by Excoffier et al. (1992)] for the nine populations was used to calculate a dendrogram based on the unweighted paired group method of arithmetic averages. As anticipated, alsike clover was separated from white clover. At a higher level of similarity, the white clovers were separated into only two groups. One group consisted of GA, IA, PA, and PEI germplasms collected from long‐established pastures. The second group included Regal, Sacramento, and Will cultivars and the WV collection. Although Will was originally derived from pasture collections, it has a larger leaf size than any of the five white clover collections. The surprising genetic similarities of eight populations derived from different climates and geographic regions of the continent may indicate a common European origin for much of the naturalized white clover in North American pastures.
Dollar Spot Severity, Tissue Nitrogen, and Soil Microbial Activity in Bentgrass as Influenced by Nitrogen Source
Authors: Davis J. Graham , Dernoeden Peter H.
Published: September 2018

There is increasing interest in the use of bio‐organic nitrogen (N) sources to suppress turfgrass diseases. The objectives of this field study were to evaluate nine N‐sources for their effects on dollar spot (caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F. T. Bennett) severity; to elucidate the relationship among N‐sources, tissue N, soil microbial activity, and the severity of dollar spot; and to evaluate N‐source effects on thatch and soil organic matter levels, and plant parasitic nematodes. Nitrogen sources included urea, sulfur‐coated urea (SCU), Milorganite (Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Milwaukee, WI), Sustane Medium (Sustane Corporation, Chaska, MN), Earthgro 1881 Select (Earthgro Inc., Lebanon, CT), Earthgro Dehydrated Manure, Ringer Lawn Restore (Ringer LR, Ringer Corporation, Minneapolis, MN), Com‐Pro (Blue Plains Sanitation Commission, Silver Spring, MD), and Scotts All Natural Turf Builder (Scotts ANTB, Scotts Company, Marysville, OH). The N was applied annually at a rate of 200 kg N ha−1 yr−1 between 1994 and 2000 to a stand of fairway height ‘Southshore’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). Data were collected between 1998 and 2000. Ringer Lawn Restore (all 3 yr) and urea (1999 and 2000) delayed dollar spot to within an acceptable threshold from May to early or mid‐June, when disease pressure was low to moderately severe. Com‐Pro (all 3 yr), however, enhanced dollar spot. No N‐source reduced dollar spot when data were averaged over‐the‐season. No N‐source was consistently associated with higher levels of soil microbial activity. There was a weak negative correlation between soil microbial activity and dollar spot on one date in 2000, when disease pressure was low. When disease pressure was moderately severe, there was a strong negative correlation between the amount of foliar N and dollar spot severity in June 1999, but no correlation was found in 2000. Only Sustane Medium‐treated plots had higher organic matter levels in the upper 2.5 cm of soil on all rating dates, but there was no increase in soil organic matter in the 2.6 to 5.0 cm soil zone with any N‐source.
Patterns of Variation in Poa annua Populations as Revealed by Canonical Discriminant Analysis of Life History Traits
Authors: McElroy J. Scott , Walker Robert H. , van Santen Edzard
Published: September 2018

Infestation of southern golf courses with weedy annual bluegrass can be a serious problem and chemical control is less than fully effective. Researchers have classified Poa annua L. into an annual var. annua and a perennial var. reptans Field and laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate eight P. annua ecotypes: ‘Augusta 4’, ‘Augusta 8’, ‘Augusta 14’, ‘Augusta 17’, ‘Auburn’, ‘Birmingham’, ‘Columbia’, and ‘Purchased’, the latter established from seed grown in Oregon. Observations were taken on seedling and reproductive traits, regrowth potential of clones in early summer, and germination of freshly harvested seed to evaluate variability among the selected ecotypes. Only the Birmingham ecotype represented var. reptans, whereas the other seven represented var. annua The Birmingham population had smaller flag leaves than the Augusta populations (21 vs. 26 mm), fewer panicles at the end of the study (46 vs. 128 panicles plant−1), and a higher germination percentage of freshly harvested seed (50 vs. 22%). The Birmingham population was the only one of the eight studied which had significant regrowth of clones harvested after completion of the annual life cycle in early June. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed that the cluster of Augusta ecotypes was fairly homogeneous and quite similar to the Purchased check population. The Auburn, Birmingham, and Columbia populations were quite distinct from one another as well as the Augusta–Purchased group. The similarity between the Augusta populations and the Purchased check suggests that the Augusta populations may have been established originally from a similar source of Oregon‐grown material; however, similar turfgrass management practices could account for apparent similarities between the Augusta and Purchased populations.
Simulation Experiments on Efficiencies of Gene Introgression by Backcrossing
Authors: Ribaut J.‐M. , Jiang C. , Hoisington D.
Published: September 2018

Designing a highly efficient backcross (BC) marker‐assisted selection (MAS) experiment is not a straightforward exercise, efficiency being defined here as the ratio between the resources that need to be invested at each generation and the number of generations required to achieve the selection. This paper presents results of simulations conducted for different strategies, using the maize genome as a model, to compare allelic introgression with DNA markers through BCs. Simulation results indicate that the selection response in the BC1 could be increased significantly when the selectable population size (Nsl) is <50, and that a diminished return is observed when this number >100. Selectable population size is defined as the number of individuals with favorable alleles at the target loci from which selection with markers can be carried out on the rest of the genome at nontarget loci, simulations considered the allelic introgression at one to five target loci, with different population sizes, changes in the recombination frequency between target loci and flanking markers, and different numbers of genotypes selected at each generation. For an introgression at one target locus in a partial line conversion, and using MAS at nontarget loci only at one generation, a selection at BC3 would be more efficient than a selection at BC1 or BC2, due to the increase over generations of the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean of the donor genome contribution. With selection only for the presence of a donor allele at one locus in BC1 and BC2, and MAS at BC3, lines with <5% of the donor genome can be obtained with a Nsl of 10 in BC1 and BC2, and 100 in BC3 These results are critical in the application of molecular markers to introgress elite alleles as part of plant improvement programs.
Turf area mapping using vehicle‐mounted optical sensors
Authors: Bell G. E. , Martin D. L. , Stone M. L. , Solie J. B. , Johnson G. V.
Published: September 2018

Environmental concerns require turf managers to minimize the amount of nutrients and pesticides used for turf maintenance. Vehicle‐mounted optical sensing (VMOS) measures spectral reflectance from a turf canopy that can be converted to normalized difference vegetative indices (NDVI). Normalized difference vegetative index maps may provide opportunities for early detection of potential turf problems, economic savings for fertilizers and pesticides, and improvements in turf appearance and functional quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of VMOS for mapping large turf areas. Sensor equipment was used to map a creeping bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds. = A. stolonifera var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.] putting green weekly for 8 wk. Normalized difference vegetative index maps constructed from VMOS measurements compared closely with turf response to N fertility and turf cover during grow‐in. Sensor results were highly correlated (r2 = 0.98) with replicated plots fertilized with six different N rates. VMOS maps clearly indicated areas of poor nutrition, sparse turf cover, and some irrigation patterns.
Anaerobic conditions improve germination of a gibberellic acid deficient rice
Authors: Frantz Jonathan M. , Bugbee Bruce
Published: September 2018

Dwarf plants are useful in research because multiple plants can be grown in a small area. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is especially important since its relatively simple genome has recently been sequenced. We are characterizing a gibberellic acid (GA) mutant of rice (japonica cv. ‘Shiokari,’ line N‐71) that is extremely dwarf (20 cm tall). Unfortunately, this GA mutation is associated with poor germination (70%) under aerobic conditions. Neither exogenous GA nor a dormancy‐breaking heat treatment improved germination. However, 95% germination was achieved by germinating the seeds anaerobically, either in a pure N2 environment or submerged in unstirred tap water. The anaerobic conditions appear to break a mild post‐harvest dormancy in this rice cultivar.
Sensitivity of Wheat and Rice to Low Levels of Atmospheric Ethylene
Authors: Klassen Stephen P. , Bugbee Bruce
Published: September 2018

Ethylene (C2H4) gas is produced throughout the life cycle of plants and can accumulate in closed growth chambers to levels 100 times higher than in outside environments. Elevated atmospheric C2H4 can cause a variety of abnormal responses, but the sensitivity to elevated C2H4 is not well characterized. We evaluated the C2H4 sensitivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) in five studies. The first three studies compared the effects of continuous C2H4 levels ranging from 0 to 1000 nmol mol−1 (ppb) in a growth chamber throughout the life cycle of the plants. A short‐term 1000 nmol mol−1 treatment was included in which exposure was stopped at anthesis. Yield was reduced by 36% in wheat and 63% in rice at 50 nmol mol−1 and both species were virtually sterile when continuously exposed to 1000 nmol mol−1 However, the yield reductions were much less with exposure that stopped at anthesis, suggesting the detrimental effect of C2H4 on yield was greatest around the time of seed set. Two additional studies evaluated the differential sensitivity of two wheat cultivars (Super Dwarf and USU‐Apogee) to 50 nmol mol−1 C2H4 at three CO2 levels [350, 1200, 5000 μmol mol−1 (ppm)] in a greenhouse. Yield of USU‐Apogee was not significantly reduced by C2H4 but the yield of Super Dwarf was reduced by 60%. Elevated CO2 did not influence the sensitivity to C2H4 A difference in the C2H4 sensitivity of USU‐Apogee between greenhouse and growth chamber trials suggests that C2H4 sensitivity is dependent on the environment. Collectively, the data suggest that relatively low levels of C2H4 could induce anomalous plant responses by accumulation in greenhouses and growth chambers with inadequate ventilation. The data also suggest that C2H4 sensitivity can be reduced by both genetic and environmental manipulations.
Maize Kernel Composition and Post‐Flowering Source‐Sink Ratio
Authors: Borrás Lucas , Curá José A. , Otegui María E.
Published: September 2018

In maize (Zea mays L.), there is little information on how the availability of assimilates during the effective grain‐filling period affect final kernel quality. The objective of our research was to analyze the response of kernel starch, protein, and oil to changes in the post‐flowering source‐sink ratio (i.e., post‐flowering shoot biomass increase per kernel). Two commercial hybrids of different kernel weight (KW) and protein content were grown at two stand densities (3 and 9 plants m−2) during 1998‐1999 and 1999‐2000. Pollination treatments were used to modify kernel number per plant (KNP). As KNP increased, starch, protein and oil yield per plant increased, but yield per kernel decreased (P < 0.05) in all treatment combinations. In both genotypes, starch, protein, and oil content per kernel varied between 114 to 238, 15 to 48, and 7 to 17 mg kernel−1, respectively, and concentrations varied between 650 to 700, 80 to 140, and 40 to 60 g kg−1 dry weight, respectively. Within each hybrid, the post‐flowering source‐sink ratio explained (P < 0.01) the response of each kernel component content to modifications in KNP and stand density. In both genotypes, kernel starch, protein, and oil content were all maximized at the same post‐flowering source‐sink ratio (∼420 and 570 mg kernel−1 in DK664 and DK752, respectively). A decrease in the source‐sink ratio beyond a specific threshold promoted a decrease in the relative protein content and an increase in the relative starch content. Limitations other than assimilates seem to govern the relative oil content of kernels, as no relation with the post‐flowering source‐sink ratio was found.
Heat Stress during Flowering in Summer Brassica
Authors: Morrison Malcolm J. , Stewart Doug W.
Published: September 2018

Temperatures greater than 27°C, in a growth cabinet, have resulted in floral sterility and yield loss in Brassica napus L. Maximum daily temperatures often exceed this in the major canola growing regions. Our objective was to examine the effects of heat stress during flowering on yield and yield components of B. napus, B. rapa L., and B. juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson. Cultivars of the three Brassica species were grown in a split‐plot design in the field for 3 yr at Ottawa, Canada. Three seeding dates were used each year to obtain different levels of heat stress during flowering. The number of flowers on the main raceme and the first and second branch racemes were counted at anthesis, from 10 plants per plot. At maturity, pods from the sampled plants were counted and seed numbers and weight determined. Two rows of the remainder of each plot was harvested for seed yield. A heat stress index was developed on the basis of the accumulation of daily maximum temperatures greater than a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature during flowering, which resulted in seed yield losses, was 29.5°C for all Brassica species. High mean maximum temperature during vegetative development resulted in a reduction in flower number for all Brassica species. Seed yield decreased as heat stress during flowering increased. The reduction in seed yield was primarily due to a reduction in flower number and in the number and size of the seeds produced per flower. Plant breeders should actively select for heat stress tolerance in future canola cultivars.
Spatial Variability of Soybean Quality Data as a Function of Field Topography
Authors: Kravchenko A. N. , Bullock D. G.
Published: September 2018

Analysis and quantitative characterization of the spatial variability of soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] protein and oil concentrations is an important task for site‐specific soybean management. The objectives of this study were to spatially characterize the variability of soybean protein and oil concentrations in five fields of central Illinois, and to determine the influence of field topographical features, such as elevation range, terrain slope, and terrain curvature, on soybean protein and oil concentrations and their distributions within the studied fields. More than 200 samples for soybean quality analysis were collected from each of the three studied fields in fall of 1998, and from each of the two fields in fall of 1999. Dense elevation measurements were taken on each of the fields and topographical features, such as slope and curvature, were derived from the elevation data using the geographic information system (GIS). Both protein and oil concentrations were spatially correlated in all the studied fields as indicated by variograms. Field topography strongly affected soybean quality; however, its influence depended on the weather conditions during the growing seasons. Higher protein was observed at higher elevation sites, as well as at sites with higher slopes and convex curvatures during growing seasons with sufficient or excessive precipitation, while lower proteins were observed at such topographical conditions when the growing season was dry. Ranges of spatial cross‐correlation between protein concentrations and elevation were related to the ranges and changes in shape of the elevation variograms, suggesting that spatial variability of field elevation can be used as an indicator of the spatial distribution of high protein or oil soybeans.
Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivar Root and Top Growth Responses When Grown in Hydroponics
Authors: Erusha K. S. , Shearman R. C. , Riordan T. P. , Wit L. A.
Published: September 2018

The fine texture and fibrous nature of turfgrass root systems make it difficult, tedious, and time consuming to measure root production, distribution, and plasticity. Timely, labor‐efficient methods for turfgrass root assessment would be helpful. The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars and experimental lines for root production, depth, and distribution in hydroponics; (ii) determine ability to redistribute roots as solution levels decline; and (iii) assess production of clipping yield, verdure, and top growth. Fifteen Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and one experimental line were studied in hydroponics experiments. ‘Georgetown’ produced the most root mass at 1460 mg, while ‘Kenblue’ and NE 80‐88 had the least production at 1122 and 1099 mg, respectively. Total root production varied by 25% among entries. Root production was greatest for all cultivars in the range of 0 to 300 mm, declining with depth, but all entries produced roots at depths >600 mm. NE 80‐88 had 90% of its root growth in this range, while ‘Touchdown’ had 71%. Root production declined considerably at depths >450 mm. ‘Birka’, ‘Dormie’, ‘Eclipse’, and Touchdown had the greatest roots, while ‘Aspen’, Georgetown, NE 80‐88, and ‘Park’ had the least. Touchdown had the most roots (i.e., 27% of root mass) remaining in the hydroponic solution at the end of each experiment, while NE 80‐88 had the least at 8.7%. Total top growth varied among the Kentucky bluegrass cultivars by 42%. ‘America’ produced the most total top growth at 9.2 g, while Kenblue had the least at 5.4 g. Aspen produced the most clippings with a yield of 3.7 g, while ‘Challenger’ and Eclipse had the lowest production at 2.1 g. Results from these experiments indicate hydroponic systems can be used to effectively separate Kentucky bluegrass genotypes for rooting and top growth responses. Furthermore, these results support the potential to select Kentucky bluegrass genotypes with improved rooting characteristics, such as root distribution and plasticity. Additional research is needed to relate results developed from hydroponics studies with field conditions.
Temperature and Trinexapac‐Ethyl Effects on Bermudagrass Growth, Dormancy, and Freezing Tolerance
Authors: Fagerness Matthew J. , Yelverton Fred H. , Livingston David P. , Rufty Thomas W.
Published: September 2018

Applications of the plant growth regulator (PGR) trinexapac‐ethyl [4‐(cyclopropyl‐α‐hydroxymethylene)‐3,5‐dioxocyclohexane carboxylic acid ethylester] (TE) can delay winter dormancy in ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon), which suggests a response to TE when temperatures are suboptimum for bermudagrass growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactive role of temperature and TE in bermudagrass growth responses, dormancy, and freezing tolerance. Trinexapac‐ethyl (0.11 kg a.i. ha−1) was applied in two growth chamber experiments, and across a 2‐yr period in the field. Results indicated that TE reduced vertical shoot growth and increased stolon production, turf density, and quality when applied at high temperatures (35–36°C). While TE effectively reduced vertical shoot growth at low (20–22°C) temperatures, little impact on stolon development was observed under these conditions. Autumn applications of TE when temperatures were cool (≈25°C) at the time of application led to decreased turfgrass density and quality. These responses may explain the effectiveness of using TE to aid in bermudagrass transition to overseeded cool‐season grasses and were probably due to the limited ability of bermudagrass to recover from initial post‐application growth reduction and observed leaf chlorosis. Observed delayed autumn dormancy due to summer applications of TE and accelerated dormancy due to late‐season applications did not conclusively relate to the freezing tolerance of bermudagrass.
Development and Characterization of Microsatellite and RFLP‐Derived PCR Markers in Oat
Authors: Pal Narinder , Sandhu Jagdeep S. , Domier Leslie L. , Kolb Frederic L.
Published: September 2018

Two sources were evaluated for the production of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers for oat (Avena spp.). First, nucleotide sequences were determined for 250 unique clones from oat microsatellite‐enriched genomic libraries. Forty‐four of the 63 primer pairs designed were functional, of which 18 (41%) were polymorphic among 13 Avena species and six (14%) were polymorphic between oat cultivars Kanota and Ogle. Second, primers were designed from the sequences of six cDNA fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes. Primer pairs from all six cDNA clones were polymorphic among the 13 Avena species, three were polymorphic between Kanota and Ogle, but only one was polymorphic directly between ‘Clintland 64’ and IL86‐5698. However, by cloning and sequencing the PCR products from Clintland 64 and IL86‐5698, it was possible to identify nucleotide sequence differences at restriction enzyme cutting sites in DNA fragments from two other primer pairs. Using the two types of markers, we placed nine loci on the hexaploid oat restriction RFLP map. The RFLP‐derived markers often mapped to the same or similar positions as the corresponding RFLP markers within and between mapping populations. The sequence analysis also revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) not at restriction enzyme cutting sites. Since multiple SNPs could be detected even within genes and the techniques for the development of SNPs and microsatellites are similar, it may be possible to identify more informative SNP markers than microsatellites from the same type of analysis.
Determination of the Paternity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) × Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host) BC1 Plants by Using Genomic In Situ Hybridization (GISH) Technique
Authors: Wang Zhining , Zemetra Robert S. , Hansen Jennifer , Hang An , Mallory‐Smith Carol A. , Burton Charlotte
Published: September 2018

The release of herbicide resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) raises concerns with gene flow between wheat and jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host). Hybrids between the two species and backcrosses with either species have been observed in the field. Gene flow is dependent on jointed goatgrass being the paternal parent of the BC1 generation. Differences in the genomes of wheat (AABBDD) and jointed goatgrass (CCDD) could be used to determine the paternity of the BC1 generation. Twenty BC1 plants (10 of each paternal type) were used to determine if the number of C genome chromosomes based on genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) could be used to determine BC1 paternity. Differences between the two BC1 paternal types for number of C genome chromosomes indicates that C genome chromosome counts could be used to determine the paternity BC1 plants providing a more accurate estimate of the potential for gene flow between the two species.
Good management or good finances? An agent-based study on the causes of bank failure
Authors: Polyzos Stathis , Abdulrahman Khadija , Christopoulos Apostolos
Published: September 2018

The recent series of banking crises in the United States and in the Eurozone has resulted in numerous bank failures. In this paper, an agent-based model is employed to test for factors that determine bank viability in times of distress, focusing mainly on the endogenous risk of financial institutions. The authors test for the effects of both management and financial factors on the institutions’ ability to weather the storm during times when the banking system experiences distress. The agent-based simulation process is split into a setup period, when the simulation builds the structural characteristics of each bank, and a testing period, where these characteristics are tested against the final result, which is the bank’s viability. A risk estimation model is built and it is found that the proposed model is successful in predicting whether a particular bank can endure a stress testing situation. The empirical results confirm the relevant literature and put further emphasis on the policy implications regarding banking supervision and regulation, particularly in context of the Eurozone banking union.