bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alexander Numan (1780-1852) en de veredeling van de Nederlandse schapenrassen
Authors: Oldenburger Jesper , Theunissen Bert
Published: October 2015

Alexander Numan and the improvement of the Dutch sheep breedsAlexander Numan’s life and work provide a splendid illustration of the early nineteenth-century Dutch scientist’s view of the role of science and scientists in society. As a professor at the Utrecht veterinary school he spent a substantial part of his time on a practical endeavour: the improvement of the wool quality of the Dutch sheep breeds. He did not confine his activities to the scientific aspects only, but aimed to obtain the active involvement of all relevant stakeholders in his project: the government, the sheep farmers and the wool industry.In the literature, Numan’s project is seen as a failure: the stakeholders were skeptical about his project from the beginning, as wool improvement was seen as a misguided aim. The Dutch wool industry was perfectly satisfied with the quality of the Dutch wool, and the trend among sheep breeders was to improve their sheeps’ meat meat quality rather than their wool. Eventually, the government withdrew its indispensable support.Nevertheless, Numan clung doggedly to the aim he had set himself, and the question we want to answer is this paper is why. We argue that the answer is to be found in Numan’s view of the role of science in society. His motives were not merely economic, but, first and foremost, of a moral nature. Wool quality, for him, was a measure of the level of civilization a country had reached. Social and cultural progress went hand in hand with the availability of higher quality clothing, the raw materials for which the Dutch sheep were as yet unable to provide. By providing these materials Numan was convinced to contribute directly to the well-being and cultural enhancement of the Dutch population, an objective that was characteristic of the self-fashioned private and public persona of the early nineteenth-century Dutch scientist.
Solide en Gedegen Onderwijs. Wiskunde- en natuurkunde onderwijsdiscussies in de jaren 1920 als monitor voor disciplinevorming
Authors: Tompitak Marco , Beckers Danny
Published: October 2015

Solid, high quality education. Debates on mathematics and physics education in the 1920s as monitor of discipline formationDutch secondary education in mathematics and physics during the first decades of the twentieth century offers a showcase in the growing apart of both the respective academic and teaching disciplines in these two subjects. Although there was one faculty of science at the universities, and all secondary school teachers were trained there both in mathematics and physics, there was a distinct feeling among teachers and academics that the two fields had grown apart.We illustrate this by investigating discussions among mathematics and physics teachers on both content and didactics of the curriculum. Mathematics had a clearly defined curriculum since 1863, mainly consisting of algebra and axiomatic Euclidean geometry. Supported by the fact that mathematics was regarded as the blissful road to certain knowledge and wisdom, this curriculum was fitted for up to eight hours per week. The physics curriculum had grown more organically; at the start of the new school system in the 1860s, secondary education in physics played a marginal role and was therefore endowed with only a few weekly lessons. By the 1920s, however, academic physics was highly regarded, and secondary education had grown both in enrolment and in its goals. Secondary education aimed no longer mainly to the preparation of the middle classes for their social function: it had also become a way of preparing for an academic or technical study.It turns out that mathematicians had much to lose in these developments and, in recognizing this fact, they stuck the more to old paradigms. In contrast, physics teachers and their academic colleagues were much more inclined to see opportunities in the changing educational environment. This is noticeable by diverging ideas about what ‘high quality’ education should be. Although mathematics had an old and highly regarded tradition in Dutch secondary education, early twentieth century discussions show that physics was gaining ground: both in a growing popularity of more intuitive ways of teaching physics – contrasting the formal Euclidean approach – and in a growing core physics curriculum.
‘Dutchman, lazier than any other race of mankind’. Joseph Banks bezoekt de Nederlandse Republiek (1773)
Authors: Schilling Renée
Published: October 2015

‘Dutchman, Lazier than any other race of mankind’: Joseph Banks in the Dutch Republic.In 1773, the British scientist and explorer Joseph Banks (1743-1820) visited the Dutch Republic for a short holiday. By request of his sister Sarah, Banks kept a journal in which he wrote about his experiences in the Republic. These descriptions are remarkably negative about the Dutch, their culture and their scientific knowledge. It also gives a good insight in Banks’s personality. This article tries to answer the question why Banks is having such a bad time in the Dutch Republic. The article contains a short summary of the journal, an account of Banks’s earlier journey to Batavia with James Cook and a comparative analysis of other British travel accounts of the Dutch Republic in the eighteenth century.
Social Media and Freedom of Speech and Expression: Legal Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Gupta Dr. Bhavish , Gupta Dr. Meenu
Published: October 2015

The term 'Media' is derived from medium/ which means carrier or mode. Media denotes an item specifically designed to reach a large audience or viewers. At first the term was used with the advent of newspapers, magazines, radio, television etc. However, with inventions from time to time, the term broadened to social media to include webbased and mobile technologies which used to turn communication into interactive dialogue. Social media comprises primarily internet and mobile phone based tools for sharing and discussing information. It blends technology, telecommunications, and social interaction and provides a platform to communicate through words, pictures, films, and music. The original idea behind the creation of various media means was to entertain masses. One of major duties of media today is to inform the people about the latest happening around them and the world. It is also considered as the overseer of the political system. As the power of media is so extensive and huge, it can be used to educate people with very little cost and if it plays its role honestly, it can be used as a great force in building the nation. The Conference paper will delve into the various legal issues in context to social media and freedom of speech and expression.
The Depository System In India- A Comparative Study Between NSDL& CDSL
Authors: Srivastava Dr. Anubha , Arora Rahul
Published: October 2015

A depository can be compared to a bank. A depository holds securities (like shares, debentures, bonds, Government Securities, units etc.) of investors in electronic form. Besides holding securities, a depository also provides services related to transactions in securities. NSDL and CDSL has a wide network of DPs, operating from over 6000 sites, across the country, offering convenience for an investor to select a DP based on his location. This research paper is based on the performance evaluation of Depositories in India. The research emphasizes on the comparative study of NSDL and CDSL. This research, basically, is helpful to the Depositories to enhance their profitability and use the tools which raise their Income and reduce the expenses. Here, analysis has been done by establishing correlation and doing hypothesis testing to check their financial performance& business performance of NSDL & CDSL during the study period i.e. from year 2008 to the year 2013. The results of the research gives the broad perspective in the field of Investment in the Equity market. In this paper comparative analysis has been done which can be very helpful to both the Depositories in the efforts to increase the financial & business performance.
Studies on Performance Evaluation of Homeopathic Treatment for Essential Hypertension using Principle Component Analysis
Authors: Mondal A. C. , Ray Sumanta , Dey Kaberi , Neogi A.
Published: October 2015

Hypertension is one of the common diseases among people all over the world. Clinical Medicine Hypertension is mainly of two types-Essential Hypertension and Secondary or Systemic Hypertension. Here, we are working with Essential Hypertension. There are more than 200 remedies found under the rubric Hypertension in the latest homeopathic repertory but all of them are not equally important. Even some of them are not well, proved. drugs. For this reason we have chosen some most important polychrest (most commonly used broad spectrum homeopathic remedies) as well as the medicines that have effective role in controlling Hypertension in daily practice. In this paper, we will develop a computational model that retrieve more important and less important symptoms to assess a Hypertension patient. We also rank the medicines, used for Essential Hypertension as per importance by using Principal Component Analysis.
Role of Social Media in Disaster Management
Authors: Gupta Dr. Alok
Published: October 2015

It is a well known fact that natural disasters strikes countries, both developed and developing, causing enormous destruction and creating human sufferings and producing negative impacts on national economies. Due to diverse geo-climatic conditions prevalent in different parts of the globe, different types of natural disasters like floods, droughts, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, volcanoes, etc. strikes according to the vulnerability of the area. India is considered as the world's most disaster prone country. It has witnessed devastating natural disasters in recent past like droughts, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, etc. Social media is strongly influencing our life. There are several social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and types of communication technologies are constantly changing our habits of communication. We do not only share information in face to face contacts, but also via a multitude of new forms of social media. New technologies like smart phones comprise diverse sensors, such as cameras, microphones and GPS, which enable a new level of information distribution. This new technology combined with social media allows the user to share information with a huge and growing community. There is not just the information we knowingly share, but also metadata about location, time and so forth. Within these new forms of communication and hidden data lies a big opportunity for crisis mapping and disaster management. These new types of information-usage and new technology can be useful for situational awareness, the distribution of alerts and further functions of disaster management. In this paper an attempt has been made to throw light on some aspect of social media in creating awareness related to the disaster among the masses. Moreover, use of social media during a disaster or emergency management is an entirely new outlook..
A Study of Business Performance Measurement of Third Party Logistics (3PL) Organizations in the Indian Logistics Industry
Authors: Asthana Smriti , Bhat Hamlata
Published: October 2015

The Indian logistics industry is growing rapidly. It is the interchange of infrastructure, technology and new types of service providers that define whether the industry is able to help its customers reduce their logistics costs and provide effective services. Logistics services are the backbone of an economy, providing the efficient, cost effective flow of goods and services on which other commercial sectors are dependent. The logistics companies work as the outsourced or third party service providers (3PL) and support the organizations logistics functions. This study of business performance measurement of 3PL organizations or logistics outsourcing in Indian logistics industry explores the relationship between 3PL service providers and supply chain partners (both upstream and downstream). The researchers have made an attempt to determine the relationship on the basis of the performance variables such as Service Quality (SQ), Organisational Effectiveness (OE) and Relationship Management (RM) and there effect on the performance of the third party service provider(s).
Deconstructing Gender in Cartoon Programming on Children’s Television Channels in India – A Textual Analysis
Authors: Jaggi Ruchi
Published: October 2015

The post-liberalization era impacted Indian media significantly. Indian television in particular was a major beneficiary of this change. The programming content, technique, reach and reception got significantly reconfigured. The evolution of exclusive children’s television channels was a major development in this scenario. The last fifteen years have witnessed the rise of many 24-hour children’s television channels in India. The myriad content (Western, Japanese and indigenous) on children’s television channels is redefining the social and cultural construction of childhood. However academic research studies that articulate this are very few and far between in the Indian context. The role of television in developing ideas on gender roles and identities has been researched in different global contexts. This paper would endeavour to build a critical narrative on the representation of gender (masculine, feminine and others) in cartoon shows on children’s television channels in India. In this research, the textual analysis of the narrative of four most popular cartoon shows on children’s television channels as demonstrated by the television ratings has been conducted. The messages being delivered through television programming have been analyzed by examining the gender roles fulfilled by different cartoon characters – feminine, masculine or others – and how gender stereotypes are propagated or challenged. The weekend episodes of the top four shows for three months (March – May 2014) are the sample for textual analysis. The research has been contextualized in the feminist theory paradigm and uses Stuart Hall’s theorizing of ‘representation’/ ‘encoding’ and ‘decoding’ for the narrative analysis of these televisions shows (texts and visuals).
Αξιολόγηση του βαθμού συμμόρφωσης σχετικά με το πρωτόκολλο για την πρόληψη της πνευμονίας συνδεόμενης με τον αναπνευστήρα
Authors: Ρεβενιώτη Αικατερίνη , Καδδά Όλγα , Αργυρίου Γιώργος , Βασιλόπουλος Γεώργιος , Μαρβάκη Αικατερίνη , Τουλιά Γεωργία
Published: October 2015

Η ενδονοσοκομειακή πνευμονία είναι η πιο συχνή αιτία θανάτου και σχετίζεται με ποσοστά θνητότητας έως και 30%. Σκοπός: Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν η διερεύνηση του βαθμού συμμόρφωσης σχετικά με το πρωτόκολλο για την πρόληψη της πνευμονίας συνδεόμενης με τον αναπνευστήρα από τους νοσηλευτές στις ΜΕΘ. Υλικό-Μέθοδος: Το δείγμα της μελέτης αποτέλεσαν 164 νοσηλευτές (ποσοστό απόκρισης 76,6%) που εργάζονταν σε ΜΕΘ εννέα (9) νοσοκομείων της Αττικής. Για τη συλλογή των δεδομένων χρησιμοποιήθηκε ειδικό ερωτηματολόγιο 27 ερωτήσεων κλειστού τύπου. Για την επεξεργασία των δεδομένων, χρησιμοποιήθηκε το στατιστικό πακέτο SPSS ver. 15. Αποτελέσματα: Το 25,6% (n=42) του δείγματος ήταν άνδρες. Το 43,9% (n=72) είχε προυπηρεσία στη ΜΕΘ <5 έτη, το 30,5% (n=50) 6-10 έτη και το 25,6% (n=42) 11-15 έτη. Το ποσοστό συμμόρφωσης του δείγματος με τις οδηγίες του πρωτοκόλλου σχετικά με την πρόληψη της VAP ήταν 69.3±17.2%. Οι άνδρες συμμορφώνονταν σημαντικά περισσότερο (69.3±17.2%) σε σχέση με τις γυναίκες (68.5±18.2%), (ρ<0.001). Οι νοσηλευτές με μικρότερη προϋπηρεσία σε ΜΕΘ συμμορφωνόνταν σημαντικά λιγότερο σε σχέση με τους υπόλοιπους, (ρ<0.001). Η συμμόρφωση των νοσηλευτών στις αναπνευστικές ΜΕΘ ήταν σημαντικά μεγαλύτερη σε σχέση με τις υπόλοιπες ΜΕΘ, (ρ<0.001). Συμπεράσματα: Το ποσοστό συμμόρφωσης των νοσηλευτών ΜΕΘ με τα πρωτόκολλα πρόληψης της πνευμονίας συνδεόμενης με τον αναπνευστήρα είναι ικανοποιητικό. Ο ρόλος των νοσηλευτών στην πρόληψη της πνευμονίας συνδεόμενης με τον αναπνευστήρα είναι πολύ σημαντικός καθώς μπορεί να συντελέσει στην μείωση της νοσηρότητας, της θνησιμότητας, της διάρκειας παραμονής του ασθενή στο νοσοκομείο καθώς και στη μείωση του κόστους νοσηλείας.
Characterization and validation of point mutation in exon 19 of CACNA2D1 gene in Karan Fries (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) cattle
Authors: Magotra Ankit , Gupta* I.D. , Verma Archana , Chaudhari M.V. , Arya Ashwani , Vineeth M.R. , Kumar Rakesh , Selvan A. Sakthivel
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to characterize and validate the candidate point mutation in Calcium channel, voltage-dependent, alpha-2/ delta subunit 1 (CACNA2D1) gene in Karan Fries (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) cattle. The CACNA2D1 gene reported as one of the potential candidate gene influencing Somatic cell Score and Mastitis. A PCR product of 249 bp amplifying the exon 19 and partial 18 and 19 intronic region of CACNA2D1 gene was digested with Hae III restriction enzyme to screen the reported point mutation. A monomorphic banding pattern with genotype AA was found in Karan Fries cattle. Sequencing was also carried out to characterize and explore insilico screened mutation in the nucleotide sequence of a particular region. The result indicates highly conserved sequence in Karan Fries cattle. The Phylogenetic tree revealed that Karan Fries cattle were closer to Bos taurus cattle, Bos mutus (Yak), and Bison bison (American buffalo) compared to other species.
Comparative performance of Ghungroo and Large Black pig at organized institutional farm conditions
Authors: Patra Manas Kumar , Kent Yhuntilo , Ngullie Lily , Das R. K. , Deka Bidyut C.
Published: October 2015

Present study was conducted to compare the production and reproduction performance of Ghungroo and Large Black breeds maintained at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Nagaland. The birth weight (1.09 vs. 0.96 kg), pre-weaning growth rate (174.90 vs. 141.40 g/day) and matured body weight at 7 months (64.74 kg vs. 53.13 kg) were significantly higher (p. 9.96 kg) and weaning (47.35 vs. 52.50 kg) were recorded in Ghungroo and Large Black, respectively. The pre-weaning mortality was higher in Ghungroo (2.64) due to lower birth weight and larger litter compared to the Large Black (1.47, py breed not by parities. Thus, from this study it is concluded that the Ghungroo breed matured early, produce more litter and performs similar to the popular Large Black breed under organized farm condition.
Detection of polymorphism of Calgranulin A gene in Indian Murrah Buffalo
Authors: Sulabh* Sourabh , Verma Archana , Gupta I.D. , Kumar S. Rajesh
Published: October 2015

Calgranulin A (S100A8) gene is one of the important candidate genes, which affects the host disease resistance by enhancing the immune system. Present study was undertaken with the objectives to identify polymorphism in Calgranulin A gene and to associate identified genetic variants with the incidence of clinical mastitis in Murrah buffalo. Genomic DNA was isolated from 100 randomly selected lactating Murrah. Two sets of primers were designed to amplify targeted regions of the gene. PCR products were obtained at annealing temperature of 63.8oC and were of 449 and 489 bp for respective primer set. PCR-RFLP analysis was carried out using HinfI for contig I and AluI and MboII restriction endonucleases for contig II. Both the contigs revealed monomorphism with frequency of the only prevailing A allele as 1.00. It was not feasible to analyze association with the incidence of mastitis, as no genetic variants were observed in the animals studied.
Studies on body weight, body measurements and scrotal morphology in local Pantja goats
Authors: Patni M. , Singh S. K. , Singh D. V. , Palod J. , Kumar A. , Singh* M. K. , Sathapathy1 S.
Published: October 2015

The present study was carried out on Pantja bucks divided into four age groups viz. Group A (3-6 months), B(6-12 months), C (12-24 months) and D ( greater than 24 months) respectively. The study revealed that the size of the testes varied in different age groups. The testicular length (TL) of group A, B, C and D was 3.77±0.09, 5.76±0.12, 6.47±0.16, 6.80±0.07 cm, respectively. The right testicular width (RTW) of groups A, B, C, D were 2.02±0.19, 3.58±0.11, 4.28±0.19, 4.46±0.09 cm, respectively and the left testicular width (LTW) was found relatively lower than the right of similar age group, but the difference was statistically non-significant. The mean testicular thickness was 1.63±0.18, 3.44±0.07, 3.91±0.07, 4.06±0.04 cm in group A, B, C and D. Further, the left testicular thickness (LTT) was relatively lower than the right of similar age group, but the difference was statistically non-significant. The scrotal volume in groups A, B, C and D were 23.40±3.19, 101.7±5.43, 162.86±17.55, 210.0±8.78 ml respectively. The testicular volume was highest in group D followed by group C, B and A. The increment in volume was lowest between group C and D and highest between group A and B. Scrotal surface temperature was found in the range of 93.8 - 96.2°F with an average of 95.2±0.30, 94.6±0.25, 94.6±0.22, 95.3±0.10°F in group A, B, C and D respectively while rectal temperature was found 102.8± 0.13, 101.6 ±0.41, 102.3± 0.32, 102.3± 0.5°F, respectively. The proportion of testicular weight to body weight was found as 0.002±0.0003, 0.005±0.0002, 0.005±0.0004 and 0.004±0.0002 in group A, B, C and D respectively. Scrotal neck width and scrotal neck thickness of group A, B, C and D was found as 2.31±0.08, 4.13±0.19, 4.31±0.46, 4.77±0.76 and 1.37±0.21, 1.52±0.15, 1.86±0.24, 2.28±0.08 cm, respectively. It can be concluded that the body weight has positive and significant (P
Pulse Oximetric and ECG changes during continuous infusion of propofol in medetomidine – pentazocine and midazolam – pentazocine premedicated buffalo calves
Authors: Saibaba* M. , Veena P. , Lakshmi N. Dhana , Bramhaiah K.Veera
Published: October 2015

Twelve buffalo calves of either sex presented to the clinic with surgical conditions like umbilical hernia, urolithiasis and fractures were utilized to study the effect of continuous intravenous infusion of propofol after premedication with medetomidine – pentazocine and midazolam – pentazocine. The animals were divided into two groups of six animals each. Medetomidine (@ 2.5 µg/kg b.wt.) – pentazocine (@ 0.5 mg/kg b.wt.) and midazolam (@ 0.25 mg/kg b.wt.) – pentazocine (@ 0.5 mg/kg b.wt.) was given intravenously in group I and II respectively. Propofol was given intravenously (@ 4 mg/kg b.wt.) after pre-medication and maintained by continuous intravenous infusion of propofol (@ 0.4 mg/kg b.wt.) in 5 % dextrose normal saline in both groups. Pulse oximetric and electrocardographic changes were recorded at 0, 5,10,15,30 and 60 min. Saturation of oxygen percentage of haemoglobin showed significant (P £ 0.05) difference in both groups but the changes were within the normal range. Electrocardiographic studies did not reveal any abnormalities except slight variations in the amplitude of P wave, T wave and QRS complex in both groups. It is concluded that both anaesthetic drug combinations can be used safely in buffaloes as they did not alter the pulse oximetry and ECG values.
Diprosopus condition in a newborn calf
Authors: Sumena* K. B. , Lucy K. M.
Published: October 2015

Diprosopus is the condition of occurrence of a single body and neck with a duplication of the structures of the face. In the present case, the calf had four eyes, two oral cavities, but only two ears. The duplication was physically evident from the cranio-facial junction up to the maxillary lip and measured about 9 cm. Just above the eye level the head was united, but cranial width between the lateral borders (in line with lateral canthi) was found to be 34 cm, the value is almost the double as that of a normal calf. This indicates that the separation of the monozygotic twinning got arrested at this position and caudal to the area of frontal bones, there was no signs of twinning, indicated by normal inter-auricular distance.
Case History of Drillstem Failures Offshore West Africa
Authors: Sweet R. G.
Published: October 2015

From 1987 through early 1988, Conoco Inc. was involved in several exploration drilling programs offshore West Africa. During these operations, an abnormally high incidence of drill stem (drill string) failures was recorded. These failures were analyzed as fatigue and corrosion related.

While planning the second exploration campaign for this area, Conoco investigated these failures to identify the most likely problem areas and to determine corrective action. Improved practices in drill stem design, corrosion control, and inspection resulted from this study. This paper summarizes that effort.

Introduction

A total of five vertical wells were drilled off the coasts of Gabon, Angola, and the Congo using four different drilling contractors. The well depths ranged from 8, 500 to 13,000 ft. [2,591 - 3962 m]. All wells were drilled with a saltwater polymer mud system. Packed hole assemblies were generally used to drill these wells. Drilling conditions varied: abnormal pressures, some hard rock sections, and small amounts of hydrogen sulfide were occasionally encountered.

A data-base of the drill stem failures was assembled from information in the daily drilling reports. A summary of this information is shown in Table 1. Figures 1 - 3 illustrate this data. A total of 66 failures was recorded for the five wells, or an incidence of 13. 2 per well. The average cost per failure was $20,000 U.S. dollars.

The failure data was reviewed by staff drilling engineering and operations personnel to obtain ideas about the problems, causes, and possible solutions. Advice was also obtained from several recognized authorities in the service and manufacturing sectors of the drilling industry. Several practical recommendations were developed which could be implemented at the discretion of the local drilling manager. Many of the recommendations are simply reinforcements of existing industry practice which sometimes become neglected with the passing of time.

Single well, frontier exploration operations are often made difficult because of economic constraints which limit the availability of local equipment inventory and accessibility to qualified services. Furthermore, present economic conditions in the industry are forcing drilling contractors to deplete their existing drill string inventories, which increases the chance for unqualified pipe to be left in service.
Comparison of Germination and Seedling Characteristics of Wheat Varieties from China and Sudan under Salt Stress
Authors: Ibrahim Muhi Eldeen Hussien , Zhu Xinkai , Zhou Guisheng , Nimir Nimir Eltyb Ahmed
Published: October 2015

The seeds of six wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties from China (Xumai 30, Yang 10‐13, and Yang 11‐10) and Sudan (Argine, Buahin, and Elnilein) were cultured in NaCl solution containing (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM NaCl). Germination and early growth were determined. There were significant differences among salinity levels for water uptake, germination percentage, shoot and root length, dry weight, and salt tolerance index. At all salinity levels, the six varieties showed similar salt resistance, but each variety had different degrees of salt resistance. Argine had the highest germination percentage and germination index, and Yang 11‐10 had the highest reduction of total dry weight. Elnilein had a better salt tolerance index than the other varieties. Elnilein is recommended for saline soils. We suggest that a simple germination test would be a useful selection tool to use in developing new wheat lines for production on saline soils.
Productivity, Botanical Composition, and Nutritive Value of Commercial Pasture Mixtures
Authors: Sanderson Matt A. , Stout Robert , Brink Geoffrey
Published: October 2015

Pastures in the northeastern United States are often planted to mixtures of grasses and legumes. We evaluated several commercial seed mixtures to determine if the number of species in mixture affected yield and botanical composition in central Pennsylvania. Three replicate plots of 25 mixtures, five each of two, three, four, five, and six species of grasses and legumes were planted in August 2007 near State College, PA. Plots were grazed by beef cows for 3 yr. Dry matter (DM) yield was determined at each of the six harvests in each year. Botanical composition was measured at the first, third, and last harvest each year. Annual DM yield was positively related to the number of species planted (r2 = 0.15, 0.18, and 0.26 for 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively). Mixtures within groups of similar species richness, however, varied in yield. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) did not establish or persist well in mixture with taller grasses [e.g., orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.)]. The short‐lived species festulolium (X Festulolium Asch. & Graebn.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) contributed significantly to production during the first year and were replaced by longer‐lived species such as orchardgrass and white clover (T. repens L.). Forage nutritive value was related to the botanical composition but not the number of species in mixture. Results suggest that a strategy of planting mixtures with a combination of fast‐ and slow‐establishing species can be effective for multispecies pastures in central Pennsylvania.
Adapting the CROPGRO Model to Simulate Growth and Yield of Spring Safflower in Semiarid Conditions
Authors: Singh Sukhbir , Boote Kenneth J. , Angadi Sangamesh V. , Grover Kulbhushan , Begna Sultan , Auld Dick
Published: October 2015

The importance of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is increasing as a low input, stress‐tolerant oilseed crop around the world. Adapting a crop growth model for safflower will help to assess the feasibility of this crop under diverse environmental conditions with relatively limited field experimentation. The objective of the project was to adapt the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) Cropping System Model (CSM‐CROPGRO) to simulate growth and seed yield of spring safflower. The CROPGRO template approach was used, and parameters in species and cultivar files were developed based on safflower literature and calibration to field data. The entered base temperatures for photosynthetic, vegetative, and reproductive processes of safflower ranged from 0 to 5°C while corresponding optimum temperatures varied from 19 to 40°C. Simulated results were compared with observed data collected from field experiments conducted at Clovis, NM, during 2013 and 2014. The model predicted the crop life cycle (anthesis and harvest maturity date) with relative root mean square error (RRMSE) of 0.07. Average plant biomass, head mass, head number and seed number were satisfactorily simulated when compared to observed values. Seed yield, averaged over irrigation treatments and years, was predicted as 1963 kg ha−1 compared to measured value of 1902 kg ha−1 with RRMSE of 0.12. Reasonable prediction of phenology, growth, and yield by the model adapted for safflower suggested that the CROPGRO‐safflower model is promising to simulate safflower production in semiarid climates. However, further testing of the CROPGRO‐safflower model under different environments is needed.
Agronomic and Physiological Performance of Rice under Integrative Crop Management
Authors: Chu Guang , Wang Zhiqin , Zhang Hao , Yang Jianchang , Zhang Jianhua
Published: October 2015

Agronomic and physiological performances of a crop are closely associated with the yield and resource use efficiency. This study investigated if an integrative crop management (ICM) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) could improve agronomic and physiological performances and, consequently, increase grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and water use efficiency (WUE). A japonica hybrid rice cultivar was field‐grown in 2012 and 2013. Three treatments were conducted: no N application, local high‐yielding cultivation method (LHY), and ICM. The ICM consisted of the adoption of three practices: increased plant density, optimized N management, and an irrigation regime of alternate wetting and moderate soil drying. The ICM substantially increased sink size (total number of spikelets per m2), percentage of productive tillers, root oxidation activity, leaf area duration, non‐structural carbohydrate accumulation in the stem, and zeatin (Z) and zeatin riboside (ZR) content in roots and leaves. On average, the ICM increased grain yield by 18 to 19%, agronomic NUE (kg grain yield increase per kg N applied) by 67 to 70%, and WUE (grain yield per unit water consumed) by 27 to 28% over the LHY. The results suggest that the ICM could achieve the dual goals of increasing grain yield and resource use efficiency, and improved agronomic and physiological performances, especially increased sink size and enhanced root and shoot activities during the middle and late growth periods, contributed to high grain yield, NUE, and WUE in rice.
Response of Forage Chicory to Various Herbicides
Authors: Pittman Jeremy J. , Interrante Sindy M. , Butler Twain J.
Published: October 2015

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a short‐lived perennial warm‐season forb in the Asteraceae family. Although its use is predominantly as a wildlife food plot component in the Unites States, it is widely used in countries such as New Zealand as alternative forage for livestock. There is potential for utilizing chicory in mixtures with perennial pasture species such as tall fescue {Festuca arundinacea Schreb. [syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort]} and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The objectives of these field experiments were to determine the effects of various herbicides on the percent injury and forage yield of (i) established chicory treated in the spring and (ii) newly‐planted chicory treated in autumn. Pendimethalin, imazethapyr, and flumetsulam alone or with 0.5% methylated seed oil (MSO) were safe to apply regardless of season. Bromoxynil and flumioxazin alone or with 2,4‐DB were most injurious to chicory regardless of season. In all instances, chicory sufficiently recovered from injury and there were no differences in forage yield among herbicide treatments compared to the untreated controls. Even though chicory injury responses to herbicides were no longer apparent at forage harvest, it is recommended that herbicides that are least injurious to chicory that also provide greatest weed control be used to reduce the risk of chicory stand failure.
Corn Hybrid, Row Spacing, and Seeding Rate Effects on Yield in Upstate Missouri
Authors: Nelson Kelly A. , Dudenhoeffer Christopher J. , Nelson Scott , Harder Dana
Published: October 2015

Corn (Zea mays L.) growers continue to show interest in identifying hybrids that offer high yields in narrow rows (<30 inches). Research evaluated the response of 10 phenotypically different hybrids planted at 30,000 and 36,000 seeds/acre in 15‐ and 30‐inch rows from 2011 to 2013 under dry growing conditions in Missouri. Precipitation was up to 35% less (2012) than the 10‐year average in the region during this research. Grain yields were 2.7% greater in 15‐inch rows than in 30‐inch rows when averaged over seeding rate and hybrid, with four of the 10 hybrids having greater yields in narrower rows. Drought affected overall yields, though an early‐maturing hybrid (P0461HR) and a drought‐tolerant hybrid (P1151AM) yielded more than the others. The higher‐yielding hybrids showed no yield difference based on row spacing. In 15‐inch rows, high ear placement and short plants of an early‐maturing hybrid (P0461HR) with average drought tolerance and a late‐maturing hybrid (33T57) with above‐average drought tolerance yielded more than a hybrid (P0621HR) with average drought tolerance and low ear placement, but yields were similar in 30‐inch rows. However, with both row spacings, late‐maturing, drought‐tolerant hybrids yielded more than hybrids with below‐average drought tolerance. Corn seeded at 30,000 seeds/acre (27,900 plants/acre at harvest) yielded 25% more in an extreme drought year (2012) than corn seeded at 36,000 seeds/acre (32,600 plants/acre at harvest), but no yield difference appeared in 2011 and 2013. Our study indicates that appropriate plant densities and hybrid selection were needed to successfully integrate narrow‐row corn into drought‐prone claypan soils.
Characterization of a New Allele of the Saponin‐Synthesizing Gene Sg‐1 in Soybean
Authors: Park Jiho , Kim Jeong Hwa , Krishnamurthy Panneerselvam , Tsukamoto Chigen , Song Jong Tae , Chung Gyuwha , Shannon J. Grover , Lee Jeong‐Dong
Published: October 2015

Saponins are major components of secondary metabolites in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed that have been broadly studied for their beneficial effects on human health. In soybean, group A acetylsaponins can be classified into two types: Aa‐ and Ab‐series, both of which cause bitter and astringent aftertaste. Therefore, group A acetylsaponin‐deficient cultivars can solve a problem that has inhibited the broader use of soybean in the food industry. The objective of this study was to investigate a group A acetylsaponin‐deficient soybean mutant (PE1515) generated from the cultivar Pungsannamul (containing Ab‐series saponins) by ethyl methanesulfonate treatment. The phenotypic and genotypic variation was investigated for the mutant PE1515. Our analyses showed that in soybean line PE1515, the Ab‐series saponins were absent and A0‐αg saponin accumulated as the major saponin. PE1515 had a single base substitution from G to A at 1004 bp of the Sg‐1 gene, which introduced a premature stop codon in the Sg‐1 gene. A DNA marker to detect the single nucleotide substitution was developed for breeding purposes. Based on this genetic marker, the association of the sg‐1 allele in PE1515 was tested using 120 F2 progeny of a cross Pungsannamul × PE1515. The results showed that the mutation of the Sg‐1 gene in PE1515 contributed to the lack of Ab‐series saponins in the seed hypocotyl. The soybean line PE1515, which does not produce detectable Ab‐series saponins, would be a good genetic resource to improve soybean for wider use in foods.
Markovian inventory model with two parallel queues, jockeying and impatient customers
Authors: Jeganathan K. , Sumathi J. , Mahalakshmi G.
Published: October 2015

This article presents a perishable stochastic inventory system under continuous review at a service facility consisting of two parallel queues with jockeying. Each server has its own queue, and jockeying among the queues is permitted. The capacity of each queue is of finite size L. The inventory is replenished according to an (s; S) inventory policy and the replenishing times are assumed to be exponentially distributed. The individual customer is issued a demanded item after a random service time, which is distributed as negative exponential. The life time of each item is assumed to be exponential. Customers arrive according to a Poisson process and on arrival; they join the shortest feasible queue. Moreover, if the inventory level is more than one and one queue is empty while in the other queue, more than one customer are waiting, then the customer who has to be received after the customer being served in that queue is transferred to the empty queue. This will prevent one server from being idle while the customers are waiting in the other queue. The waiting customer independently reneges the system after an exponentially distributed amount of time. The joint probability distribution of the inventory level, the number of customers in both queues, and the status of the server are obtained in the steady state. Some important system performance measures in the steady state are derived, so as the long-run total expected cost rate.
In Vivo Platelet Activation and Aspirin Responsiveness in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zaccardi Francesco , Rizzi Alessandro , Petrucci Giovanna , Ciaffardini Flavia , Tanese Luigi , Pagliaccia Francesca , Cavalca Viviana , Ciminello Angela , Habib Aida , Squellerio Isabella , Rizzo Paola , Tremoli Elena , Rocca Bianca , Pitocco Dario , Patrono Carlo
Published: October 2015

Platelet activation is persistently enhanced, and its inhibition by low-dose aspirin is impaired in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We investigated in vivo thromboxane (TX) and prostacyclin (PGI2) biosynthesis and their determinants, as well as aspirin responsiveness, in young adult subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) without overt cardiovascular disease and stable glycemic control. The biosynthesis of TXA2 was persistently increased in subjects with T1DM versus matched healthy subjects, with females showing higher urinary TX metabolite (TXM) excretion than male subjects with T1DM. Microalbuminuria and urinary 8-iso-PGF2α, an index of in vivo oxidative stress, independently predicted TXM excretion in T1DM. No homeostatic increase in PGI2 biosynthesis was detected. Platelet COX-1 suppression by low-dose aspirin and the kinetics of its recovery after drug withdrawal were similar in patients and control subjects and were unaffected by glucose variability. We conclude that patients with T1DM and stable glycemic control display enhanced platelet activation correlating with female sex and microvascular and oxidative damages. Moreover, aspirin responsiveness is unimpaired in T1DM, suggesting that the metabolic disturbance per se is unrelated to altered pharmacodynamics. The efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin in T1DM warrant further clinical investigation.
Annexin A1 Is a Key Modulator of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell–Mediated Improvements in Islet Function
Authors: Rackham Chloe L. , Vargas Andreia E. , Hawkes Ross G. , Amisten Stefan , Persaud Shanta J. , Austin Amazon L.F. , King Aileen J.F. , Jones Peter M.
Published: October 2015

We have previously demonstrated that coculture of islets with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) enhanced islet insulin secretory capacity in vitro, correlating with improved graft function in vivo. To identify factors that contribute to MSC-mediated improvements in islet function, we have used an unbiased quantitative RT-PCR screening approach to identify MSC-derived peptide ligands of G-protein–coupled receptors that are expressed by islets cells. We demonstrated high expression of annexin A1 (ANXA1) mRNA by MSCs and confirmed expression at the protein level in lysates and MSC-conditioned media by Western blot analysis and ELISA. Preculturing islets with exogenous ANXA1 enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), thereby mimicking the beneficial influence of MSC preculture in vitro. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of ANXA1 in MSCs reduced their capacity to potentiate GSIS. MSCs derived from ANXA1−/− mice had no functional capacity to enhance GSIS, in contrast to wild-type controls. Preculturing islets with ANXA1 had modest effects on their capacity to regulate blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, indicating that additional MSC-derived factors are required to fully mimic the beneficial effects of MSC preculture in vivo. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of harnessing the MSC secretome as a defined, noncellular strategy to improve the efficiency of clinical islet transplantation protocols.
Determination of the Cutoff Threshold on the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire–20 Form B: A Study of 560 Young Adults
Authors: Loas Gwenolé , Braun Stéphanie , Linkowski Paul , Luminet Olivier
Published: October 2015

The aim of the study was to calculate the cutoff scores on the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire-20 Form B. 560 students completed the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire-20 Form B and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Using cutoff scores of the French or the original version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale as the standard, the participants were divided into alexithymic and non-alexithymic groups. The Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire-20 Form B cutoff scores selection was based on the sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and the analyses of the clinical data. The most appropriate cutoff scores for determining the absence and presence of alexithymia ranged from 43 to 45 and from 50 to 53, respectively.
Suicide as a Staged Performance
Authors: Lester David
Published: October 2015

This article proposes that suicide can be viewed as a staged performance in which suicidal individuals create a dramatic event by the choices that they make for their suicidal act, such as which method to use, which location, what to wear, and what communications to leave for others. The choices that they make have psychodynamic significance and may, in some cases, provide clues to their impending act.
Location of Body Fat among Women Who Accurately Or Inaccurately Perceive Their Weight Status
Authors: Rote Aubrianne E. , Klos Lori A. , Swartz Ann M.
Published: October 2015

This cross-sectional study investigated location of body fat, with specific focus on abdominal fat, among normal weight and overweight women who accurately or inaccurately perceived their weight status. Young, adult women ( N = 120; M age = 19.5 yr., SD = 1.2) were asked to classify their weight status using the Self-Classified Weight subscale from the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire. Actual weight status was operationalized via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Overweight women who thought they were normal weight had an average of 19 pounds more fat than normal weight women with 1.5 pounds of excess abdominal fat. Interventions to raise awareness among overweight women unaware of their fat level are warranted. However, these interventions should balance consideration of potential detriments to body image among these women.
Does Dyslexia Develop from Left-Eye Dominance?
Authors: Mather David S. , Milford Todd M. , McRae Lona M.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this theoretical analysis and synthesis is to indicate how left-eye sighting dominance may lead to reading failure through dysfunctional right hemisphere letter encoding. Differing compensatory strategies are postulated to lead to outcomes that include the development of the phonologically impaired and phonologically proficient subtypes of dyslexia as well as specific spelling disability. Evidence is presented indicating that these disorders might be prevented by delaying the introduction of letter writing until the age of 8 years. Early childhood speech categorization in children genetically at-risk of developing dyslexia is also considered from this perspective. Convergent support for this premature writing hypothesis is provided by a comparison with the development of the left-hand inverted writing posture.