bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of mowing height of cut and frequency for golf tournament preparation on putting green ball roll distance and turfgrass quality
Authors: Lulis Timothy T. , Kaminski John E.
Published: March 2021

In preparation for golf course tournaments, turfgrass managers often seek increased ball roll distances on putting greens. The objective of this study was to determine the effect mowing height and frequency had on ball roll distance during simulated tournament conditions. Two 14‐d field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 at the Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Center located in University Park, PA. Each study was conducted on a ‘Penn A‐4’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.; CBG) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.; ABG) putting green. Plots measured 1.5 m by 3.0 m and were arranged in a randomized complete block design with a 3 × 3 factorial treatment structure. For the main effect of height of cut (HOC), mowers were set to a bench height of 2.1 mm, 2.5 mm, and 2.9 mm. For mowing frequency (MF), plots were mowed once, twice, or four times per day. Single cut (SC) and double cut (DC) treatments were performed in the morning whereas double‐double cut (DD) treatments consisted of a DC in the morning and again in the afternoon. Ball roll distance (BRD) and turfgrass quality were assessed. Although a few interactions were present in the ABG study, the main effects of HOC and MF were significant on 79% and 82% rating dates, respectively. On CBG, the main effect of HOC and MF were significant on 89% and 86% of rating dates. For both species, turfgrass quality was reduced during the trial as HOC was reduced and MF was increased.
Comparison of mechanical removal of perennial ryegrass overseeding out of bermudagrass to chemical transitions
Authors: Dickson K. H. , Segars C. A. , Sorochan J. C. , Moss J. Quetone , Harris D. , Strunk W. D.
Published: March 2021

In the fall, bermudagrass athletic fields are overseeded with perennial ryegrass [Lolium perenne L.] to provide a uniform playing surface to slowed or dormant bermudagrass. Chemical techniques have been utilized for quick and efficient spring transition of perennial ryegrass. Fraise mowing has been identified as a tool that can aid in ryegrass transition in the spring. These studies were to determine the effectiveness of spring transition comparing mechanical removal of perennial ryegrass overseeding to traditional techniques on ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. In 2017, field studies were conducted at the University of Tennessee Center for Athletic Field Safety (Knoxville, TN) and the Oklahoma State University Turfgrass Research Center (Stillwater, OK). The seven treatments for the study were: fraise mow at 6.4 mm from the grass surface, fraise mow at 12.7 mm from the grass surface, fraise mow at 19.1 mm from the grass surface, spray application of trifloxysulfuron at the 27.8 g ha−1 with non‐ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v, spray application of foramsulfuron at the 28.9 g ha−1, scalping (19.1 mm) with a rotatory mower, and an untreated control. Treatments were initiated on 11 May 2017 in Stillwater, OK USA and 17 May 2017 in Knoxville, TN USA. Plots were monitored for six weeks following treatment application. Fraise mowing at 12.7 mm was identified as the optimum depth for perennial ryegrass transitioning in this study compared to chemical transitions. This study found that the fraise mowing at 12.7 mm removed more perennial ryegrass and maintained percent green turfgrass cover throughout the study. However, if time of use for the turfgrass area is not a primary concern then depths greater than 12.7 mm are effective at perennial ryegrass removal but delay spring green‐up.
Selective perennial ryegrass control in creeping bentgrass with flazasulfuron
Authors: Goddard Matthew J. R. , Gonçalves Clebson G. , Askew Shawn D.
Published: March 2021

Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) commonly contaminates Agrostis stolonifera L. (creeping bentgrass) on cool‐season golf courses. Currently, few herbicide options are available for the selective control of L. perenne in A. stolonifera. Previous studies have indicated that flazasulfuron could be a potential solution, so trials were conducted at three sites in Blacksburg, VA to evaluate flazasulfuron rates and sequential treatments for L. perenne control and A. stolonifera response. Flazasulfuron applied once at 8.8 g a.i. ha−1; twice at 1.1, 2.2, and 4.4 g a.i. ha−1; and three times at 1.1 and 2.2 g a.i. ha−1 completely controlled L. perenne by 5 weeks after initial treatment (WAIT). Sulfosulfuron and bispyribac‐sodium controlled L. perenne 68 and 35% 5 WAIT, respectively. All flazasulfuron treatments eliminated L. perenne cover, sulfofulfuron reduced cover from 34 to 11% at one site, and bispyribac‐sodium did not influence cover 9 WAIT. All treatments generally caused up to 10% A. stolonifera injury within one week of each treatment but only flazasulfuron at 4.4 g a.i. ha−1 and sulfosulfuron caused unacceptable and persistent injury. Flazasulfuron applied in sequence at rates of ≤2.2 g a.i. ha−1 causes mild and transient discoloration of A. stolonifera but completely controls L. perenne.
Seeking green grass: Strong sustainability for golf and turfgrass
Authors: Fitzpatrick Robbie , White Rehema , Matthews Iain
Published: March 2021

Despite practical advances in many areas of sustainability, golf still faces a number of complex, interlinked challenges heading into the future. Using strong sustainability as a critical interpretive lens, this paper radically reimagines what golf is, what golf does, and what golf can be for current and future generations and identifies some possibilities to be found through the theory and practice of sustainable development. For the sake of current and future generations, golf must explore means of minimizing resource inputs, minimizing waste outputs, optimizing use of renewable energy and maximizing player participation and satisfaction. To do this, golf requires a paradigm shift from efficiency to sufficiency supported by big thinking, moral responsibility and radical renovations in its practices, technologies and values. Using the fundamental principles of sustainability, we begin to envision an overhaul of golf as part of broader societal transformations. In short, this paper poses a provocation for “thinking otherwise” about golf and sustainability and opens fertile ground for turfgrass practitioners and researchers to begin cultivating more resilient and sustainable fields of play.
Winter survival of experimental bermudagrasses in the upper transition zone of the U.S.
Authors: Xiang Mingying , Fry Jack , Wu Yanqi
Published: March 2021

Winter survival is the limiting factor in developing new bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) cultivars for use in the transition zone. Part of the turfgrass breeding focus at Oklahoma State University (OSU) for years has been working on the development of bermudagrasses with improved cold hardiness and turfgrass quality. The objective of this study was to compare new experimental bermudagrasses to commercial cultivars for winter survival in Manhattan, Kansas (39.1836 degrees north latitude). Sixty advanced breeding lines were maintained at a 12 mm mowing height to simulate golf and sports turf management conditions. Data were collected on spring green up, considered an indicator of winter injury, in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Eight experimental selections were in the top statistical group in 2018 and 2019. In each year, several experimental selections were superior in spring green up to all other improved cultivars, including ‘Latitude 36 Turf Bermudagrass’, ‘Northbridge Turf Bermudagrass’, and ‘DT‘1’ in spring green up. Breeding efforts at OSU continue to produce improved bermudagrasses; one or more elite selections may be released with improved cold hardiness.
Evaluating the use of the branched‐chain amino acids in combination with urea on creeping bentgrass at establishment
Authors: Mertz Isaac , Thoms Adam , Christians Nick
Published: March 2021

The branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine (L), isoleucine (IL), and valine (V) are synthesized in plants and essential to growth in most organisms. Research has shown that when foliarly applied, these compounds can be absorbed by the plant, however, plant catabolism of BCAA is not completely understood. A ratio of 4:1:1 (L:IL:V) applied at 3.4 kg‐nitrogen (N) ha−1 was identified as the optimal application ratio for increasing creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) shoot density, however, material incompatibility issues occurred when BCAA were applied at 8:1:1 and 12:1:1 in previous work. The objective of this study was to determine if shoot density could be further increased by using lower BCAA ratio rates in combination with urea and GreenNCrease to equalize N at establishment. Creeping bentgrass samples grown in sand‐filled pots were subjected to N application (3.4 kg‐N ha−1 application−1) using urea, GreenNCrease, BCAA 4:1:1, 8:1:1 and 12:1:1. The BCAA were also applied as 4:1:1+N, 8:1:1+N, and 12:1:1+N, which consisted of BCAA half‐rates (1.7 kg‐N ha−1) and urea‐N (1.7 kg‐N ha−1). At the end of the study, material incompatibility previously observed with 8:1:1 and 12:1:1 was alleviated through use of the BCAA half‐rates, however, 4:1:1 and 4:1:1+N led to a greater root weight compared to urea alone. After 10‐weeks, BCAA 4:1:1 and 4:1:1+N, increased shoot density by 54% and 49%, respectively, compared to equal urea N. This very low rate of nitrogen supplied by the urea applications was not enough to elicit the typical growth response that is seen from urea at higher levels. According to these results from creeping bentgrass grown in pots, using BCAA 4:1:1, either as a standalone N application or tank mixed with urea as a portion of the total applied N, will lead to best increases in shoot density and root weight compared to equal urea N.
Strategies for increasing ferrous sulfate efficacy against dollar spot of creeping bentgrass
Authors: Hutchens Wendell J. , Roberson Travis L. , Shelton Camden D. , Askew Shawn D. , McCall David S.
Published: March 2021

Dollar spot (Clarireedia spp.) is a damaging turfgrass disease. Ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) suppresses dollar spot with little risk of resistance. Optimizing FeSO4 applications is crucial for adequate dollar spot suppression. Supplementing FeSO4 applications with chlorothalonil fungicide could also increase efficacy against dollar spot and longevity of disease suppression. Four experiments were conducted to determine the 1) optimal water carrier volume for FeSO4, 2) proper nozzle selection for FeSO4 applications, 3) most efficacious rate combination of FeSO4 and chlorothalonil, and 4) longevity of chlorothalonil efficacy when applied in conjunction with FeSO4 for dollar spot suppression on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). These studies were conducted on either putting greens mown at 3.2 to 6.4 mm or fairways mown at 16.5 mm. The following carrier volumes were tested in Experiment 1: 281, 421, 842 and 1684 L ha–1. For Experiment 2, Turbo FloodJet (TF), Turbo TeeJet Induction (TTI), Air Induction Turbo TwinJet (AITTJ), and Extended Range Flat Fan (XRFF) nozzles were used to determine optimal nozzle type. In Experiment 3, chlorothalonil was applied at 0, 2.28, 4.57, 6.86 and 9.16 kg a.i. ha–1 with or without 48.8 kg ha–1 of FeSO4. In Experiment 4, 48.8 kg ha–1 of FeSO4 was applied biweekly and chlorothalonil was curatively applied at 8.2 kg a.i. ha–1 when infection centers per plot reached 30. Water carrier volume had no effect on dollar spot suppression, the AITTJ and XRFF nozzles provided the greatest disease suppression and turf quality, FeSO4 reduced effective chlorothalonil rates by up to 68.5% and FeSO4 increased longevity of chlorothalonil efficacy.
James B Beard: The father of contemporary turfgrass science
Authors: Stahnke Gwen K. , Rieke Paul E. , Cookingham Pete O. , Shearman Robert C. , Gaussoin Roch E. , Kopec David M.
Published: March 2021

James B Beard (24 Sept. 1935 to 8 May 2018) can rightly be considered the “Father” of contemporary turfgrass science. During his career, he was known for setting a standard that provided the foundation for turfgrass science through his thorough approach to research, teaching, mentoring and communications. The books he published outlined a vision for an evolving scientific discipline. He trained and mentored >45 domestic and international doctoral and master students and numerous post‐doctoral trainees, who in turn continued to raise the quality of contemporary turfgrass science in the USA and internationally. He led the effort to change the name of Division C‐5 of the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) from Turfgrass to Turfgrass Science, making C‐5 an important and a vital part of the society. His subsequent rigorous education and mentoring of others continued to strengthen the division. He recognized the importance of quality, peer‐reviewed science and the need for C‐5 to be represented on the Crop Science Journal (CSJ) Editorial Board to expedite this goal. His leadership and encouragement led to the creation of a C‐5 Technical Editor position on the CSJ Editorial Board in 2002. Beard provided the vision and worked with other leaders worldwide to develop the International Turfgrass Society (ITS) and the ITS Research Journal. The ITS and its leaders and members have been instrumental in enhancing turfgrass science internationally. Beard's leadership, along with others in turfgrass academia and industry, resulted in the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program that provides a competitive grant‐fund source for turfgrass research. Beard appreciated and vigorously studied history and contributions to turfgrass science by those who went before us. He leaves behind a legacy in science that deserves recognition and respect. It is our hope that this synopsis of Beard's career accomplishments will inspire present and future turfgrass scientists to follow in his footsteps.
Golf Course 2030: Implementing UN sustainable development goals to identify industry and research needs for greater resiliency in golf course playability
Authors: Isaac Steve
Published: March 2021

To achieve maximum impact from the golf sector's sustainability work in the future, international interdisciplinary collaborations to identify related industry and research needs must be established, where all stakeholders cooperate and align their resources and efforts. The United Nations’ Agenda 2030 can be used as a global steering document. As part of this cooperation (SDG 17), in 2018 The R&A initiated Golf Course 2030. Its main objective is for industry stakeholders to agree on a roadmap that secures optimal golf course condition and playability for current and future generations by addressing challenges from, and taking opportunities presented by, the changing climate (SDG 13), resource constraints (SDGs 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 15) and regulation (SDGs 6 and 12). The roadmap also needs to highlight any impact of outcomes on biodiversity (SDGs 14 and 15), the multi‐functional capacity of the green space and the local community (SDGs 3, 11, 14 and 15).
Detection of cyanotoxins in irrigation water and potential impact on putting green health
Authors: Rushford Clayton A. , North Rebecca L. , Miller Gerald L.
Published: March 2021

Creeping bentgrass putting greens require frequent irrigation during summer months to meet evapotranspiration requirements. Golf courses that utilize local water bodies for irrigation may potentially spread phytopathogenic waterborne microbes, or toxins they produce, to putting greens. Cyanobacteria associated with yellow spot and black layer have been detected in water bodies and are known to produce cyanotoxins that may hinder plant growth at high concentrations. Water samples were collected from irrigation heads, irrigation intakes, and the epilimnion of exposed water sources. Anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin concentrations were analyzed using ELISA kits. Microcystin and saxitoxin were detected in irrigation systems that utilize surface water sources. Anatoxin was detected in every irrigation system, regardless of water source. Cylindrospermopsin was only detected in one system that utilized a local water body as a water source. Only two samples from one site contained cyanotoxin (microcystin) concentrations that exceeded the recommended threshold for recreational water use.
Turfgrass response to flazasulfuron and trifloxysulfuron sodium deposited by runoff water
Authors: Jester Jennifer L. , Gonçalves Clebson G. , Willis John B. , Askew Shawn D.
Published: March 2021

Flazasulfuron is a selective herbicide registered for use in warm‐season turfgrass. Concerns have been raised over its mobility in surface water runoff. Studies were conducted in Blacksburg, VA and Charlottesville, VA to evaluate injury to Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) downslope of plots treated with transition‐assisting herbicides, including flazasulfuron, pronamide, and trifloxysulfuron sodium. Flazasulfuron (52 g a.i. ha–1) and pronamide (1120 g a.i. ha–1) consistently injured L. perenne greater than trifloxysulfuron sodium (17 g a.i. ha–1) or lower rates of flazasulfuron (9 and 26 g a.i. ha–1). At Charlottesville, soil was more saturated, and a natural rainfall increased the rate of runoff and severity of L. perenne injury below treated plots. At this site, flazasulfuron (52 g a.i. ha–1) and pronamide (1120 g a.i. ha–1) caused visible injury to L. perenne 10 to 16 m below treated plots. Based on L. perenne injury, flazasulfuron mobility at the rates tested can be considered equivalent or greater than trifloxysulfuron sodium, and equivalent or less than pronamide when subjected to excessive irrigation or rainfall soon after application to saturated soils. Precautions should be taken to avoid application of these herbicides to saturated soils and apply when rainfall is not expected for sufficient time to rinse turfgrass foliage and incorporate nonabsorbed herbicide into soil via light irrigation.
Field evaluations and in vitro sensitivity of Microdochium nivale to succinate dehydrogenase (SDHI) fungicides
Authors: Hockemeyer Kurt , Koch Paul L.
Published: March 2021

Microdochium patch is a destructive disease of amenity turfgrass caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale (Fries) Samuels & I.C. Hallett. The succinate dehydrogenase (SDHI) class of fungicides is a relatively new class and their efficacy against M. nivale remains unclear. Fluxapyroxad (3‐(difluoromethyl)‐1‐methyl‐N‐[2‐(3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl)phenyl]pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide), penthiopyrad (1‐methyl‐N‐[2‐(4‐methylpentan‐2‐yl)thiophen‐3‐yl]‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide), and pydiflumetofen (3‐(difluoromethyl)‐N‐methoxy‐1‐methyl‐N‐[(2R)‐1‐(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)propan‐2‐yl]pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide) were evaluated for their field and in vitro efficacy against M. nivale during the winter of 2019–2020 in Madison, WI. The field plots were inoculated with M. nivale following treatment application to encourage fungal infection. The in vitro efficacy of each compound against M. nivale was conducted by determining radial growth inhibition on potato dextrose agar at two different temperatures (10 and 20 °C). In the field study, disease pressure was high and none of the fungicides reduced disease severity relative to the non‐treated control, including the positive control fungicide treatment. For the in vitro study, pydiflumetofen consistently reduced relative colony growth the most regardless of incubation temperature and penthiopyrad was the least potent. This research indicates that certain SDHI fungicides are highly potent against M. nivale in vitro, but additional factors such as environmental degradation and/or variable fungal uptake may decrease their efficacy in the field.
Effect of hollow‐tine cultivation on crabgrass infestation in cool‐season turf
Authors: Elmore Matthew T. , Tuck Daniel P.
Published: March 2021

Hollow‐tine cultivation is a common management practice in cool‐season turfgrass lawns. Research examining the effect of hollow‐tine cultivation on annual crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) infestations in the absence of preemergence herbicides is limited. Multi‐year experiments were conducted on Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] monostands at the Rutgers University Horticulture Research Farm No. 2 in North Brunswick, NJ to evaluate the effect of hollow‐tine cultivation in early spring, late spring, and autumn on crabgrass infestations. Herbicides to control crabgrass were not applied at any time during the experiments. These monostands were maintained as simulated lawns; mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, fungicide, and insecticide inputs were provided to maintain high turfgrass density. Crabgrass cover was evaluated in late summer each year. In the tall fescue experiment, hollow‐tine cultivation treatments did not affect crabgrass cover. However, in the third year of the tall fescue experiment, a non‐significant trend (P = .08) emerged in which early and late spring cultivation treatments resulted in more crabgrass cover (30 and 35%, respectively) than autumn (24%) and no cultivation (26%). A similar non‐significant trend (P = .056) was observed only during the first year the Kentucky bluegrass experiment as both spring cultivation treatments increased crabgrass cover. This research indicates hollow‐tine cultivation in the springtime does not appreciably increase crabgrass infestations in Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue in the absence of preemergence herbicides.
Tracking the turfgrass literature: Growth and evolution
Authors: Lundeen Andrew , Cookingham Peter O.
Published: March 2021

Beginning in the late 19th century the literature of turfgrass science and management began to grow, paralleling the rise of scientific reporting beginning around the turn of the century. While most of the literature produced prior to the 1920s was monographic in nature, the 1921 introduction of the Bulletin of the Green Section of the U.S. Golf Association coincided with an explosion in the serial literature, which has dominated the subsequent century of published communications. Slowdowns and declines due to the Great Depression and Second World War were followed by the rapid expansion of print reporting, with specific categories such as conference proceedings rising and then falling in significance. Other types of publications have followed different patterns of growth, such as turfgrass theses and dissertations, which appear to be fairly stable as a percentage of the total literature since the 1960s. An era of explosive growth, particularly within the trade and professional literature, began in the late 1980s and peaked around 2010, followed by a substantial decline in reporting that appears to be continuing.
An evaluation of mat hybrid turfgrass systems under simulated traffic
Authors: Thoms Adam W. , Bearss Ryan , Rogers John N. , Sorochan John C.
Published: March 2021

The addition of synthetic fibers to natural grass athletic fields forms a hybrid turf system, and this system claims to increase traffic tolerance and playability. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the physical effects of simulated traffic on two hybrid, carpet‐based mat systems (Eclipse and Hero) with Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), compared to a non‐hybrid control (100% Kentucky bluegrass). Field research was conducted in 2018 at Michigan State University (MSU), Iowa State University (ISU) and the University of Tennessee (UT) to evaluate the percent green cover, surface hardness, and shear resistance under 25 simulated traffic events (STE). Percent green cover across all treatments was reduced after 25 STE. After 25 STE the hybrid systems had greater percent green cover (Eclipse 49% and Hero 48%) than the non‐hybrid control (33%) at the ISU location. Surface hardness values differed between treatments on many rating dates. The hybrid systems reported higher surface hardness values, but these values were never above 100 Gmax. These results indicate that the Eclipse and Hero systems can offer a safe and stable surface even if turfgrass cover is reduced.
Use of rapid light curves to evaluate photosynthetic changes in turfgrasses exposed to low‐light conditions
Authors: Jespersen David , Xiao Bo
Published: March 2021

Shade is a widespread issue for turf areas that reduces turf quality, and the lack of light to drive photosynthetic processes is one major factor responsible for these declines. Maintaining a positive carbon balance is essential for plant survival under low‐light conditions, but large‐scale screening for photosynthetic performance can be a difficult task. Chlorophyll fluorescence rapid light curves (RLC) were used to understand difference in photosynthetic processes of hybrid bermudagrass ‘Tifway’ (Cynodon dactylon (L,) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) and Japanese lawngrass ‘El Toro’ (Zoysia japonica Steud.) to high‐light (800 µmol m–2 s–1) and low‐light (200 µmol m–2 s–1) treatments in controlled environment studies. Measurement of maximum potential quantum yield (Fv/Fm) did not change over the course of the study but were significantly greater in El Toro. Tifway grown under high‐light treatment had greater maximum photosynthesis, and dark respiration rates compared to El Toro. The RLCs demonstrated that compared to hybrid bermudagrass in the low‐light treatment, Japanese lawngrass was more efficient at harvesting light at lower irradiance levels, but also reached saturation of light harvesting at lower irradiance levels. Differences in rapid light curves among plants grown under high‐light or low‐light treatments may be due to differences in photoacclimation. While rapid light curves should not be seen as a replacement for traditional light response curves based on CO2 flux, they did provide valuable information about acclimation of photosynthetic systems and warrant further testing in real‐world conditions.
Assessment of children's and caregivers' preferences for treatments for escape‐maintained problem behavior
Authors: Owen Todd M. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Rodriguez Nicole M. , Fisher Wayne W.
Published: March 2021

This study assessed children's and caregivers' preferences for various arrangements of negative reinforcement, including differential negative reinforcement of an alternative behavior (DNRA), noncontingent escape (NCE), and escape extinction. In the first treatment comparison, the DNRA and NCE treatments similarly decreased problem behavior, but all 3 children preferred DNRA. By contrast, 3 of 4 caregivers preferred escape extinction, likely due to increased compliance in this condition. In a second treatment comparision with 1 child, a multiple schedule and then a chained schedule were introduced to increase the practically of the initial DNRA treatment. The child continued to prefer the treatment with contingent reinforcement in both comparisons, and his caregivers preferred the chained schedule. Results further support the selection of treatments that include contingent reinforcement, and the evaluation serves as a model for progressing through treatment options until child and caregiver preferences align.
Urine analysis using FTIR spectroscopy: A study on healthy adults and children
Authors: Sarigul Neslihan , Kurultak İlhan , Uslu Gökceoğlu Arife , Korkmaz Filiz
Published: March 2021

Urine spectra from 108 healthy volunteers are studied by attenuated total refraction‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. The spectral features are correlated with observable urine components. The variation of spectra within a healthy population is quantified and a library of reference spectra is constructed. Using the band assignments, these spectra are compared with both age‐wise and gender‐wise. Children show the least intensity variations compared to both adult groups. Young adults show the highest variation, particularly in the 1650 to 1400 cm−1 and 1200 to 900 cm−1 regions. These results indicate the importance of the size of the control group in comparative studies utilizing FTIR. Age‐wise comparisons reveal that phosphate and sulfate excretion decreases with age, and that the variance of phosphate among individuals is higher with adults. As for gender‐wise comparisons, females show a slightly higher citrate content at 1390 cm−1 regardless of the age and they show a higher variance in the 1200 to 1000 cm−1 region when compared to men.
Use of Three‐Dimensional Arterial Spin Labeling to Evaluate Renal Perfusion in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lu Fang , Yang Jing , Yang Shuohui , Bernd Kuehn , Fu Caixia , Yang Chenyao , Xu Huihui , Liu Mengxiao , Zhan Songhua , Wang Chen , Guo Rongfang , Wu Yu
Published: March 2021

Background

A noninvasive method for evaluating renal blood flow (RBF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may have clinical value in disease staging, management, and prognostication.

Purpose

To evaluate effectiveness of three‐dimensional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) and pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) in assessment of cortex and outer medulla (cortex/OM) RBF in CKD patients and healthy volunteers (HVs).

Study Type

Prospective, in a single institution.

Subjects

A total of 48 CKD patients (stage 1, 2, 3, and 4–5:N = 11, 12, 13, and 12, respectively) and 18HVs

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, pCASL, and PASL with a three‐dimensional hybrid gradient echo/spin echo sequence.

Assessment

Quality of RBF images derived from pCASL and PASL were evaluated and RBF in cortex/OM measured. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded.

Statistical Tests

Image quality differences between pCASL and PASL were evaluated with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. For both methods, analysis of variance, followed by Fisher's LSD‐ttest, was used to determine whether RBF differed between CKD stages and HVs. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess strength of relationships between cortex/OM RBF and data from clinical and laboratory tests.

Results

Image quality differences were significantly higher in pCASL than PASL in both patients and HVs (bothP < 0.05). For pCASL, cortex/OM RBF of patients were significantly lower than those of HVs (P < 0.05). Cortex/OM RBF were higher in S1 and S2 patients than those in S3 and S4–5 (P < 0.05). For PASL, only RBF in cortex of S1 and S2 patients were significantly higher than those of S4–5 (P < 0.05). Good correlations between pCASL RBF and estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) were found in cortex/OM of patients (rho = 0.796 and 0.798, respectively, bothP < 0.05), higher than those between PASL RBF and eGFR (rho = 0.430 and 0.374, respectively, bothP < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Three‐dimensional pCASL may potentially be a noninvasive technique to assess renal perfusion in CKD patients in different stages.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Higher Energy, Lipid, and Carbohydrate Provision to Very Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants Is Differentially Associated With Neurodevelopment at 18 Months, Despite Consistent Improvements in Weight Gain
Authors: Bishara Rosine , Asbury Michelle R. , Ng Dawn V. Y. , Bando Nicole , Ng Eugene , Unger Sharon , O'Connor Deborah L. ,   for the GTA‐DoMINO Feeding Group
Published: March 2021

Background

The impact of suboptimal intakes on neurodevelopment of very low‐birth‐weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants, particularly those born small for gestational age, <26 weeks, <1000 g, or with morbidities is not well defined. We investigated how macronutrient/energy intakes are associated with growth and neurodevelopment among VLBW infants, adjusted for the aforementioned vulnerabilities. Our hypothesis was that higher nutrient intakes would be positively associated with weight gain and neurodevelopment.

Methods

Daily macronutrient/energy intakes and weekly weights from birth until 36+0 weeks were collected prospectively from VLBW infants (n = 302) enrolled in a previous trial (ISRCTN35317141). Neurodevelopment was assessed by the Bayley‐III at 18 months’ corrected gestational age. Relationships between quartiles of macronutrient/energy intakes, growth, and neurodevelopment were assessed.

Results

Infants born <1000 g, <26 weeks, or with morbidities had lower nutrient intakes and slower growth than infants born ≥1000 g, ≥26 weeks, or with no morbidities, respectively (P < 0.05). Higher quartiles of energy, lipid, and carbohydrate intakes were positively associated with growth velocity (P = <0.0001–0.007); no association was observed for protein intake. Energy, protein‐to‐energy ratio and lipid intakes were associated with cognitive scores (P = 0.001–0.004); however, intakes within the second and third quartiles were generally associated with the highest cognitive scores. No nutrient intakes were associated with language or motor scores across the entire study period.

Conclusion

Smaller, more immature VLBW infants and those with morbidity have the greatest risk of poor nutrition and growth. Increasing macronutrient/energy intakes are generally associated with improved weight gain, but not necessarily improved neurodevelopment.
Individualization of the infusion rate of a soybean oil–based intravenous lipid emulsion for inpatients, based on baseline triglyceride concentrations: A population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Fukushima Keizo , Omura Kenji , Goshi Satoshi , Okada Akira , Tanaka Motomu , Tsujimoto Takae , Iriyama Keiji , Sugioka Nobuyuki
Published: March 2021

Background

A rapid infusion rate for intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) can cause adverse effects; therefore, safe and efficient infusion rates are desired. This study aimed to develop a triglyceride (TG) kinetic model after soybean oil–based ILE (SO‐ILE) administration and individualize the infusion rate via a population pharmacokinetic approach.

Methods

Eighty‐three inpatients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. A TG kinetic model was applied to the observations based on population pharmacokinetics using a nonlinear mixed‐effect model. The patients’ characteristics and laboratory parameters were evaluated to identify predictors of TG kinetics, and the maximum acceptable infusion rate was defined as that for which the maximum TG concentration did not exceed 400 mg/dl in 90% of patients.

Results

No adverse events associated with SO‐ILE administration were observed. The developed TG kinetic model explained the observed TG concentrations and identified the baseline TG concentration and body weight as predictors of TG kinetics. The estimated maximum acceptable infusion rates greatly varied among individuals, ranging from <0.01 to 0.3 g/kg/h.

Conclusion

The present study suggested the necessity and demonstrated the feasibility of individualizing the infusion rates of SO‐ILE, using a population pharmacokinetic approach.
Determining treatment choices after the cochlear implant evaluation process
Authors: Redmann Andrew J. , Tawfik Kareem , Hammer Theresa , Wenstrup Lisa , Stevens Shawn , Breen Joseph T. , Samy Ravi N.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Determine the proportion of patients starting the cochlear implant evaluation (CIE) process proceeding to cochlear implantation.

Determine which patient factors are associated with undergoing cochlear implantation

Methods

Retrospective case series of all patients scheduled for a CIE within a tertiary academic neurotology practice between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2016. Management pathways of patients undergoing CIE were examined.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐seven adult patients were scheduled for CIE during the study period. Two hundred twenty‐six patients started the evaluation process, and 203 patients completed full evaluation. Of patients that completed CIE, 166/203 (82%) met criteria for implantation and 37/203 (18%) did not meet criteria. Fifty‐nine patients out of 166 patients (36%) meeting criteria did not receive implants and 107/166 (64%) underwent implantation, yielding an overall implantation rate of 47% (107/226) among patients scheduled for CIE. Common reasons for deferring CI among candidates included failure to show up for preoperative appointment (24%), choosing hearing aids as an alternative (22%), patient refusal (21%) and insurance issues (17%). Overall, CIE led to a new adjunctive hearing device (CI or hearing aid) in 113 (113/203, 56%) cases.

Conclusion

Fifty‐six (113/203) percent of patients who underwent CIE at an academic medical center underwent CI surgery or received an adjunctive hearing device, but 36% (59/166) of candidates did not receive a CI. Patients who forewent CI despite meeting candidacy criteria did so due to cost/insurance issues, or due to preference for auditory amplification rather than CI.

Level of evidence

4.
Analysis of fractional COVID‐19 epidemic model under Caputo operator
Authors: Zarin Rahat , Khan Amir , Yusuf Abdullahi , Abdel‐Khalek Sayed , Inc Mustafa
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the analysis of the fractional COVID‐19 epidemic model (FCEM) with a convex incidence rate. Keeping in view the fading memory and crossover behavior found in many biological phenomena, we study the coronavirus disease by using the noninteger Caputo derivative (CD). Under the Caputo operator (CO), existence and uniqueness for the solutions of the FCEM have been analyzed using fixed point theorems. We study all the basic properties and results including local and global stability. We show the global stability of disease‐free equilibrium using the method of Castillo‐Chavez, while for disease endemic, we use the method of geometrical approach. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to highlight the most sensitive parameters corresponding to basic reproduction number. Simulations are performed via first‐order convergent numerical technique to determine how changes in parameters affect the dynamical behavior of the system.
Technical Note: Three‐dimensional QA of simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy treatments by a dose‐volume histogram methodology and its comparison with 3D gamma results
Authors: Acurio Erick Sebastian Rundo , Lizar Jéssica Caroline , Arruda Gustavo Viani , Pavoni Juliana Fernandes
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) presents several attractive advantages to be employed in clinical practice. Its secure application demands a rigorous quality assurance (QA) procedure, ideal for three‐dimensional (3D) dose distribution measurements. Thus, a gel dosimetry methodology to evaluate the dose delivery of SIB treatments is presented and compared to conventional gamma evaluation.

Methods

MAGIC‐f gel dosimeter with magnetic resonance images for dose reading were used following its standard procedures. Four SIB QA plans created in gel dosimeter phantoms were used. The gel measured and treatment planning system (TPS) calculated doses were compared using 3D gamma analyses (3%/3mm/15% threshold). Two structures were artificially on the TPS dose distribution expected on the phantom by converting the 1.7 and 2.0 Gy isodose levels into structures to represent the treatment. The gel and TPS dose‐volume histogram (DVH) were compared based on five dose points: D95%, D90%, D50%, D10%, and D5%.

Results

Approvals of 93%, 96%, 98%, and 92% were achieved in the 3D gamma analyses for the plans QA 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the DVH analyses, QA plan 1 measured and expected curves showed a good agreement. QA plan 2 showed deviations in the highest doses for both structures with a maximum deviation (Δmáx) of 8.0%. QA plans 3 and 4 showed the highest dose variation between the gel and TPS in the smaller doses of the DVH (Δmáx of 7.2% and −8.9%, respectively). For QA plan 4, the curves of the 1.7 Gy structure presented a good agreement, but deviations in the smaller dose region of the DVH occurred for the 2 Gy structure (Δmáx of 7.7%).

Conclusions

A methodology for 3D dose evaluation of complex SIB treatments was proposed. It provided an important overview of the dose distributions. Their results significantly complemented the usual gamma analysis results.
Flexible pressure sensors with microstructures
Authors: Tang Ruitao , Lu Fangyuan , Liu Lanlan , Yan Yu , Du Qifeng , Zhang Bocheng , Zhou Tao , Fu Haoran
Published: March 2021

Microstructured flexible pressure sensors featured with good mechanical properties, boosting a variety of sophisticated application scenarios, including electronic skin (e‐skin), soft robotics, wearable electronics, etc. This review is very focusing on the recent research progress of microstructured flexible pressure sensors. For better understanding the corresponding devices, different mechanisms, materials, preparation methods are briefly introduced at the beginning. And with highlighting the significance of microstructure for device performance, the microstructures of different configurations (e.g., pyramid, pillar, hemisphere) are introduced and discussed in detail through analyzing the influence of configuration characteristics and material properties. Finally, according to the existing problems in the application, the research directions of flexible pressure sensor are prospected. Currently, catering to the explosive and ineluctable growth of this intelligent world, considerable microstructured flexible pressure sensors have emerged but their development is still at very first stage. In this review, some guidelines and tunable methods are suggested for the microstructured flexible pressure sensors of wide practical use in the future.
Ultrasonics induced variations in molecular structure and tensile properties of silk fibers in a chemical free environment
Authors: Wang Wuchao , Long Haofan , Chen Lei , Liu Yuqing , Li Qing
Published: March 2021

Ultrasonics can be used as an alternative energy supply for a green silk wet processing and for enhancement of some chemical/physical properties of bio‐polymers. In this work, ultrasonically treated silk fabric were compared with that of untreated and were investigated for the changes in fiber conformation structure and subsequent tensile property. Experiments were conducted under different time duration in a chemical free environment. Fiber surface energy distribution and transformation of silk secondary structure were analyzed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FITR). Results showed that subject to treatment time, a surface oxidation effect and a light transformation of random coil to β‐sheet can be induced from ultrasonic irradiation. Tensile testing showed that under certain treatment time, ultrasonics can lead to silk fibers with a slightly increased strength and reduced extensibility, as a result of the transition of fiber secondary structure.
Determinants and impact of the time to perform clean intermittent self‐catheterization on patient adherence and quality of life: A prospective observational study
Authors: Leroux Camille , Turmel Nicolas , Chesnel Camille , Grasland Matthieu , Le Breton Frédérique , Amarenco Gérard , Hentzen Claire
Published: March 2021

Aims

To measure the time required to perform clean intermittent self‐catheterization (CISC) in daily life and to assess its impact on adherence and quality of life.

Methods

Patients performing CISC for more than 1 month were invited to participate. At home, patients were asked to complete a 1‐day diary to assess the specific duration of the CISC (time from when the equipment and environment are brought together to perform CISC) and the next day to complete a second diary for the total duration of the CISC (starting when the patient intent to self‐catheterize to the return to the initial activity, including the displacement, and gathering the required device). Adherence, difficulties with CISC, and quality of life were measured with validated questionnaires: Intermittent Catheterization Satisfaction Questionnaire, Intermittent Catheterization Difficulty Questionnaire, Intermittent Catheterization Adherence Scale, and SF Qualiveen Questionnaire.

Results

Thirty‐six patients agreed to participate but only 25 patients completed the entire protocol. The participants performed CISC for an average of 7 years. The median specific duration of CISC was 2 min and 23 s (ranging from 47'' to 11'50''). The median total duration of CISC was 3 min and 40 s (1'35''; 18'47''). No significant correlation was found between the duration of CISC and patient characteristics, adherence, difficulty to self‐catheterize, or quality of life.

Conclusion

The time to perform CISC was brief, and less than 2–3 min on average. The impact on adherence and quality of life should be assessed in a larger cohort.
Electrotherapy for urethral modulation: Are extracellular matrix molecules and growth factors potential targets?
Authors: Feitosa Suellen M. , Bortolini Maria A. T. , Salerno Gisela R. F. , Bilhar Andreisa P. M. , Ihara Silvia S. M. , Simões Manuel J. , Castro Rodrigo A.
Published: March 2021

Aims

To evaluate the expression of genes and proteins involved in the urethral components: vessels, nerves, and extracellular matrix, in female rats after trauma by vaginal distension (VD) and after electrical stimulation therapy (electrotherapy).

Methods

We analyzed the urethras of three groups of 18 female rats 30 days posttrauma by VD: control (no interventions); trauma (animals that had VD); and electrotherapy group (those that had VD and were treated with electrical stimulation). We compared the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), collagen types I and III (COL1a1 and COL3a1), and lysyl‐oxidase like 1 (LOXL1) among the groups. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used for molecule quantification. We used the Kruskal–Wallis test and analysis of variance for statistical analyses with p < 0.05 for significance.

Results

The COL1a1 gene expression was higher in the electrotherapy group than the trauma group (p = 0.036). COL3a1, VEGF, NGF, LOXL1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression did not differ among the groups (p ≥ 0.05). COL1a1, COL3a1, VEGF, NGF, LOXL1 protein levels did not significantly differ among the groups (p ≥ 0.05) in Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry assays.

Conclusions

Electrotherapy caused a long‐term increase in the COL1a1 mRNA level but did not change COL1a1 protein expression or VEGF, NGF, COL3a1, and LOXL1 genes and proteins in the urethras of rats after trauma by VD.
Preference heterogeneity and its equilibrium path
Authors: Peng Ling , Kloeden Peter E.
Published: March 2021

This article develops a general framework for preference heterogeneity. This framework includes a discount function, a nonstandard Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation (HJB) and a behavioral equation. When controlling parameters, our discount function and its HJB can reduce to those in Marín‐Solano and Patxot (2012) and among many others. In various fields, our framework can find equilibrium path in the coexistence of present bias, preference heterogeneity, and time‐inconsistency. As an example, the present paper quantifies the impact of preference heterogeneity on household financial decision‐making. It has been proven that our nonstandard HJB yields sophisticated solution (i.e., equilibrium path ), while our behavioral equation brings about naive solution and precommitted solution.