bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creation and preliminary characterization of a Tp53 knockout rat
Authors: McCoy Aaron , Besch-Williford Cynthia L. , Franklin Craig L. , Weinstein Edward J. , Cui Xiaoxia
Published: August 2012

The tumor suppressor TP53 plays a crucial role in cancer biology, and the TP53 gene is the most mutated gene in human cancer. Trp53 knockout mouse models have been widely used in cancer etiology studies and in search for a cure of cancer with some limitations that other model organisms might help overcome. Via pronuclear microinjection of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), we created a Tp53 knockout rat that contains an 11 bp deletion in exon 3, resulting in a frameshift and premature terminations in the open reading frame. In cohorts of 25 homozygous (Tp53Δ11/Δ11), 37 heterozygous (Tp53Δ11/+) and 30 wild type rats, the Tp53Δ11/Δ11 rats had an average life span of 126 daysbefore death or removal from study for clinical signs of abnormality or formation of tumors. Half of Tp53Δ11/+ were removed from study by one year of age because of tumor formation. Both Tp53Δ11/+ and Tp53Δ11/Δ11 rats developed a wide spectrum of tumors, most commonly sarcomas. Interestingly, there was a strikingly high incidence of brain lesions, especially in Tp53Δ11/Δ11 animals. We believe this mutant rat line will be useful in studying cancer types rarely observed in mice and in carcinogenicity assays for drug development.
Zebrafish glafenine-intestinal injury is ameliorated by mu-opioid signaling via enhancement of Atf6-dependent cellular stress responses
Authors: Goldsmith Jason R. , Cocchiaro Jordan L. , Rawls John F. , Jobin Christian
Published: August 2012

Beside their analgesic properties, opiates exert beneficial effects on the intestinal wound healing response. In this study, we investigated the role of mu-opioid receptor (MOR) signaling on the unfolded protein response (UPR) using a novel zebrafish model of NSAID-induced intestinal injury. The NSAID glafenine was administered to 5 days-post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae for up to 24h in the presence or absence of the MOR-specific agonist DALDA. By analysis with histology, transmission electron microscopy, and vital dye staining, glafenine-treated zebrafish showed evidence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial stress with disrupted intestinal architecture and halted cell stress responses, alongside accumulation of apoptotic intestinal epithelial cells in the lumen. While the early UPR marker BiP was induced with glafenine-injury, downstream atf6 and s-xbp1 expression were paradoxically not increased, explaining the halted cell stress responses. The mu-opioid agonist DALDA protected against glafenine-induced injury through induction of atf6-dependent UPR. Our findings show that DALDA prevents glafenine-induced epithelial damage through induction of effective UPR.
Adsorption State of Carbon Monoxide on a Structured Copper-based Catalyst Prepared by Electroless Plating for Low-temperature Water–Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Fukuhara Choji , Yamada Tomohiro , Ohkura Hiromichi , Watanabe Ryo
Published: August 2012

In the low-temperature water–gas shift reaction, the effect of the catalyst pretreatment conditions on the adsorption state of CO was investigated on a structured copper-based catalyst, which was prepared by electroless plating. The amount of CO adsorbed on the catalyst was higher due to the oxidation pretreatment than that by the reduction treatment. The CO adsorbed on the oxidized catalyst formed many carbonate and carboxylate species, which have a slightly weak adsorption. Such an adsorption state would enhance shift performance.
Photochemical Preparation of Methyl-terminated Si(111) Surface Using a Grignard Reagent
Authors: Herrera Marvin U , Ichii Takashi , Murase Kuniaki , Sugimura Hiroyuki
Published: August 2012

Methyl-terminated Si(111) surface was successfully fabricated using a photochemical grafting technique. This methylated surface was formed by illuminating visible light onto a hydrogen-terminated Si(111) surface that was immersed in a Grignard–tetrahydrofuran solution. It had an oxide-inhibiting property and atomically flat surface. In addition, the water contact angle improved with grafting parameters such as illumination time and light intensity and went as high as (89.0 ± 0.80)°. This improvement was associated with the increase in the fraction of the silicon surface grafted with methyl groups.
Sphenoid mucocele: an uncommon complication of a rare condition
Authors: Jolly K , Krishnasamy S , Buch V H , Buch H N , Mathews J
Published: August 2012

A 58-year-old white woman presented with sudden onset of diplopia, headache and vomiting with a history of tiredness and lethargy over the past four to six months. She had smooth, pale, hairless skin and on examination she was found to have left-sided third and sixth nerve palsy. Laboratory tests confirmed pan-anterior hypopituitarism. Computerized tomography scan of head and magnetic resonance imaging appearances were consistent with those of a sphenoid sinus mucocoele. Following adequate replacement with hydrocortisone and thyroxine she underwent sphenoid mucocoele drainage and endoscopic left sphenoethmoidectomy. Her symptoms were relieved over the next few days and she had a near-total recovery of ophthalmoplegia over the following three months. Pituitary function tests showed partial resolution of hypopituitarism with recovery of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and hydrocortisone therapy was withdrawn, but she continued to require thyroxine.
A simple and cheap alternative approach to administering continuous positive airway pressure in resource limited settings
Authors: Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun
Published: August 2012

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a valuable tool in managing infants requiring respiratory support. This article highlights a simple and economical alternative model to administer nasal CPAP using an infant feeding tube.
Performance of Reinforced Concrete Columns Impacted by Water-Borne Shipping Containers
Authors: Madurapperuma M.A.K.M. , Wijeyewickrema Anil C.
Published: August 2012

Numerous buildings have been severely damaged during hurricanes and tsunamis due to impact of water-borne massive objects such as barges, boats, heavy vehicles, and shipping containers. Failure of columns which are the primary load-carrying members of a building due to such impact loads, could significantly affect the performance of a building. This paper reports the results of the numerical investigation of reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to impact loads from water-borne shipping containers which have been dislodged during tsunamis. Existing methods to estimate peak impact force on structures due to tsunami water-borne massive objects are reviewed and their limitations are discussed. High-fidelity numerical simulation of the shipping container-column impact is carried out using the nonlinear finite element code LS-DYNA. The container model includes all significant structural elements and associated details. Typical RC columns having square and circular cross-sections are considered to investigate the damage to the container and column, and it is shown that the shape of the column cross-section significantly affects the peak impact force. The effects of container specific parameters such as velocity, height above ground level, and container orientation on peak impact force are studied. A series of RC columns is considered to investigate effects of transverse reinforcement ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, column section size, and axial load ratio on peak impact force; and formulae to estimate the peak impact force on RC columns are obtained. Damage to the column is presented in terms of the damage index characterized by degradation of axial load carrying capacity and results will be useful for improving impact resistance of RC columns in buildings located in tsunami inundation zones.
Evaluation of Seismic Performance of Moment Resisting Frames considering Vertical Component of Ground Motion
Authors: Asgarian Behrouz , Norouzi Anahita , Alanjari Pejman , Mirtaheri Masoud
Published: August 2012

The design of structures to withstand seismic loading is primarily governed by horizontal ground motion, and the effects of vertical ground motion have long been deemed unimportant or secondary. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests that vertical ground motions have great destructive potential, especially for certain site conditions.

Using nonlinear dynamic analyses, the seismic performance of frames is evaluated by simultaneously applying the horizontal and vertical components of earthquake motion. Three special moment frames are subjected to 15 recorded near-field earthquake motions and the results of the analyses are used for performance evaluations, based on FEMA 350 guideline. It is found that, within the elastic range of response, considering the vertical component of ground motion, does not alter the dynamic structural response significantly, however, some tangible differences emerge in nonlinear range of response once the horizontal component of ground motion is accompanied by the vertical component.
Development of Fiber Optic Acoustic Emission Sensors for Applications in Civil Infrastructures
Authors: Xiong Wen , Cai C.S.
Published: August 2012

Recent developments of fiber optic acoustic emission sensors (FOAESs) have provided an excellent choice for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of structures in civil engineering. FOAESs have the advantages of small dimensions, good embeddability within structures, as well as immunity to electric and electromagnetic fields. They can be serially multiplexed along a single fiber to make distributed measurements. Besides, acoustic emission (AE) is an excellent indication signal for real-time long-term damage detection systems. These advantages make FOAESs a better method than other traditional monitoring methods and devices to some extent. This paper provides a review of recent developments in FOAESs as well as some practical and laboratory applications of FOAESs to the heath condition monitoring of civil infrastructures. Existing problems of FOAESs with their applications to heath condition monitoring of civil infrastructures are also discussed.
Brazilian laboratory indicators program
Authors: Shcolnik Wilson , de Oliveira Carla Albuquerque , de São José Adriana Sá , de Oliveira Galoro César Alex , Plebani Mario , Burnett David
Published: August 2012

Background: This paper describes the evolution, structure, operation and some outcomes of the Brazilian Laboratory Indicators Program created by the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial, or SBPC/ML), in partnership with ControlLab, a Brazilian Company that provides services for proficiency testing, internal control, calibration, and training indicators for clinical laboratories.

Methods: This web-based program is confidential for all participants. It contains 61 indicators categorized into three groups. Program operation and data analysis methods are described and indicators are reported in box plot format, with grouping varying in accordance with the profiles of the participating laboratories. Three indicators were selected as examples of program effectiveness in 2011: hemolysis, blood re-collection and productivity.

Results: Participants profile, examples of three indicators for the year 2011 (hemolysis, blood re-collection and productivity) and exploratory research conducted in 2012 on the implementation of the program are presented. Data related to laboratories participating in the program from 2006 to 2011 were collected and graphically represented.

Conclusions: The Brazilian Laboratory Indicators Program brings important benefits for participants, contributing to the improvement of existing health systems in Brazil.
BSDE and generalized Dirichlet forms: The infinite dimensional case
Authors: Zhu Rong-Chan
Published: August 2012

We consider the following
quasi-linear parabolic system of backward partial differential equations on a Banach space E:
(∂
t
+ L)u + f(·,·,u, A
1/2∇ u) = 0 on [0,T] × E, uT
= φ,
where L is a possibly degenerate second-order differential operator with merely measurable coefficients. We solve this system in the framework of generalized Dirichlet forms and employ the stochastic calculus
associated to the Markov process with generator L to obtain a probabilistic representation of the solution u by solving the corresponding backward stochastic differential equation.
The solution satisfies the corresponding mild equation which is equivalent to being a generalized solution to the PDE. A further main result is the generalization of the martingale representation theorem in infinite dimension using the stochastic calculus associated to the generalized Dirichlet form given by L. The non-linear term f satisfies a monotonicity condition with respect to u and a Lipschitz condition with respect to ∇u.
Alternative experimental method to evaluate moment-carrying capacity of traditional wood-to-wood joint with small scale experiment
Authors: Pang Sung-Jun , Oh Jung-Kwon , Lee Jun-Jae
Published: August 2012

The effect of scale ratio was investigated on a traditional dovetail post-beam joint with dimensional analysis. The dimensionless parameters for moment (M) are modulus of elasticity (E) and length (L), and the moment of a small-scale model is equal to the value calculated by dividing the moment of a full-scale structure by the cubed ratio. The theoretical results of moment resistance were checked among dovetail post-beam joints of different sizes. The average maximum and yield moment resistance increased as the scale ratio increased. However, when both moment values were divided by the cube of the scale ratio, the values were similar among the different scale ratio joints. This result shows that the moment resistance was satisfied with the dimensional analysis within the tested scale ratio and it would be possible to predict the structural characteristics by testing specimens with other scales.
Prolactinomas resistant to standard doses of cabergoline: a multicenter study of 92 patients
Authors: Vroonen Laurent , Jaffrain-Rea Marie-Lise , Petrossians Patrick , Tamagno Gianluca , Chanson Philippe , Vilar Lucio , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Naves Luciana A , Brue Thierry , Gatta Blandine , Delemer Brigitte , Ciccarelli Enrica , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Caron Philippe , Daly Adrian F , Beckers Albert
Published: August 2012

Background

Dopamine agonist resistance in prolactinoma is an infrequent phenomenon. Doses of cabergoline (CAB) of up to 2.0 mg/week are usually effective in controlling prolactin (PRL) secretion and reducing tumor size in prolactinomas. The clinical presentation, management, and outcome of patients that are not well controlled by such commonly used doses of CAB-resistant patients are poorly understood.

Design and methods

A multicenter retrospective study was designed to collect a large series of resistant prolactinoma patients, defined by uncontrolled hyperprolactinemia on CAB ≥2.0 mg weekly.

Results

Ninety-two patients (50 F, 42 M) were analyzed. At diagnosis, most had macroprolactinomas (82.6%); males were significantly older than females (P=0.0003) and presented with a more aggressive disease. A genetic basis was identified in 12 patients. Thirty-six patients (39.1%) received only medical therapy, most underwent surgery (60.9%, including multiple interventions in 10.9%), and 14.1% received postoperative radiotherapy. Eight patients developed late CAB resistance (8.7%). The median maximal weekly dose of CAB (CABmax/w) was 3.5 mg (2.0–10.5). Despite a higher CABmax/w in patients treated with multimodal therapy (P=0.003 vs exclusive pharmacological treatment), a debulking effect of surgery was shown in 14 patients, with a higher rate of PRL control (P=0.006) and a significant reduction in CABmax/w (P=0.001) postoperatively. At last follow-up (median 88 months), PRL normalization and tumor disappearance were achieved in 28 and 19.9% of the patients respectively, with no significant sex-related difference observed in CABmax/w or disease control. Mortality was 4.8%, with four patients developing aggressive tumors (4.3%) and three a pituitary carcinoma (3.3%).

Conclusion

CAB-resistant prolactinomas remain a serious concern. Surgical debulking, newer therapeutic strategies, and early diagnosis of genetic forms could help to improve their outcome.
FOXM1 is a molecular determinant of the mitogenic and invasive phenotype of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Bellelli Roberto , Castellone Maria Domenica , Garcia-Rostan Ginesa , Ugolini Clara , Nucera Carmelo , Sadow Peter M , Nappi Tito Claudio , Salerno Paolo , Cantisani Maria Carmela , Basolo Fulvio , Gago Tomas Alvarez , Salvatore Giuliana , Santoro Massimo
Published: August 2012

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a very aggressive thyroid cancer. forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is a member of the forkhead box family of transcription factors involved in control of cell proliferation, chromosomal stability, angiogenesis, and invasion. Here, we show that FOXM1 is significantly increased in ATCs compared with normal thyroid, well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas (papillary and/or follicular), and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (P=0.000002). Upregulation of FOXM1 levels in ATC cells was mechanistically linked to loss-of-function of p53 and to the hyperactivation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/FOXO3a pathway. Knockdown of FOXM1 by RNA interference inhibited cell proliferation by arresting cells in G2/M and reduced cell invasion and motility. This phenotype was associated with decreased expression of FOXM1 target genes, like cyclin B1 (CCNB1), polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), Aurora B (AURKB), S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2), and plasminogen activator, urokinase: uPA (PLAU). Pharmacological inhibition of FOXM1 in an orthotopic mouse model of ATC reduced tumor burden and metastasization. All together, these findings suggest that FOXM1 represents an important player in thyroid cancer progression to the anaplastic phenotype and a potential therapeutic target for this fatal cancer.
Surgical Myocardial Revascularization versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Drug-Eluting Stents in Octogenarian Patients
Authors: Ben-Gal Yanai , Finkelstein Ariel , Banai Shmuel , Medalion Benjamin , Weisz Giora , Genereux Philippe , Moshe Shelly , Pevni Dmitry , Aviram Galit , Uretzky Gideon
Published: August 2012

Objective: Our goal was to compare the clinical outcomes of octogenarian (or older) patients who are referred for either surgical or percutaneous coronary revascularization.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of all patients 80 years of age who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with an internal mammary artery or had undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a sirolimus-eluting stent to the left anterior descending artery in our center between May 2002 and December 2006.

Results: Of the 301 patients, 120 underwent a PCI, and 181 underwent CABG. Surgical patients had higher rates of left main disease, triple-vessel disease, peripheral vascular disease, emergent procedures, and previous myocardial infarctions (39.7% versus 3.3% [P = .001], 76.1% versus 28.3% [P = .0001], 19.6% versus 7.5% [P = .004], 15.8% versus 2.5% [P = .0001], and 35.9% versus 25% [P = .04], respectively). CABG patients had a higher early mortality rate (9.9% versus 2.5%, P = .01). There were no differences in 1- and 4-year actuarial survival rates, with rates of 90% and 68%, respectively, for the PCI group and 85% and 71% for the CABG group (P = .85). The rates of actuarial freedom from major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 1 and 4 years were 83% and 75%, respectively, for the PCI group, and 86% and 78% for the CABG group (P = .33). The respective rates of freedom from reintervention were 87% and 83% for the PCI group, versus 99% and 97% for the CABG group (P < .001). The 4-year rate of freedom from recurring angina was 58% for the PCI group, versus 88% for CABG patients (P < .001). Revascularization strategy was not a predictor of adverse outcome in a multivariable analysis.

Conclusion: Octogenarian CABG patients were sicker and experienced a higher rate of early mortality. The 2 strategies had similar rates of late mortality and MACEs, with fewer reinterventions and recurring angina occurring following surgery.
Resection of Lambl's Excrescence on the Aortic Valve in a Patient with Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease and a Left Atrial Thrombus
Authors: Morgan Jeffrey A. , Paone Gaetano
Published: August 2012

Lambl's excrescences (LEs) are filiform strands that form on heart valves and are associated with an increased risk of stroke due to embolization. Although resection of these strands is generally recommended in patients who present with a stroke and no other identifiable cause, the management of incidentally discovered LEs in patients without an adverse cardioembolic event is less clear. We report a case of a patient with severe mitral valve stenosis from rheumatic heart disease and a large left atrial thrombus who was incidentally found to have multiple LEs on her aortic valve. In addition to replacing her mitral valve and removing the left atrial thrombi, we resected the LEs from her aortic valve due to their potential to cause a stroke and the relatively low associated morbidity in resecting them while keeping the aortic valve leaflets and valve function intact.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections: Three Case Reports and Review of Literature
Authors: Farsak Bora , Oc Mehmet , Oc Bahar , Simsek Murat , Akbayrak Hakan , Avcı Ahmet
Published: August 2012

Primary spontaneous coronary artery dissection is one of the rare causes of acute myocardial infarction and is mostly fatal. Previous studies report that it is mostly seen in middle-aged women in the last trimester of pregnancy and early postpartum period. Clinical presentation of the disease is variable in pattern, and its severity is related to extent and development rate of dissection. Herein we present three cases of primary spontaneous left main coronary artery dissection. Two of the patients are men and the third patient is a non-pregnant 69-year-old woman. The cases were presented and discussed with review of the pertinent literature.
Differences in the Therapeutic Approach to Colorectal Cancer in Young and Elderly Patients
Authors: Serra-Rexach José A. , Jimenez Ana B. , García-Alhambra María A. , Pla Rosa , Vidán Maite , Rodríguez Paz , Ortiz Javier , García-Alfonso Pilar , Martín Miguel
Published: August 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Use patient age as only one consideration, along with tumor status and comorbidities, in deciding on treatment strategies for elderly colorectal cancer patients.Obtain and apply information regarding the medical, functional, mental, and social status of colorectal cancer elderly patients in order to make appropriate therapeutic decisions.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Purpose.

To analyze differences in the therapeutic approach to and tumor-related mortality of young and elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Patients and Methods.

This was a descriptive study of a retrospective cohort, based on administrative databases, of all patients with CRC diagnosed or treated in our institution. We extracted data on sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity, type of cancer, type of treatment received, survival time, and cause of death. We compared differences between a young group (YG) (age <75 years) and an older group (OG) (age ≥75 years) and assessed the variables associated with receiving different therapeutic options (multivariate analysis) and with survival time (Cox proportional hazards models).

Results.

The study included 503 patients (YG, 320; OG, 183), with mean ages of 63.1 years in the YG and 81.8 years in the OG. No differences were observed between the groups in degree of differentiation, extension, tumor stage, or comorbidity. After adjustment for gender, comorbidity, and tumor localization and extension, YG patients were more likely than OG patients to receive surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy and less likely to receive palliative care. After a median follow-up of 36.5 months, YG patients had a longer tumor-specific survival time than OG patients (36.41 months vs 26.05 months). After further adjustment, the YG had a lower tumor-specific mortality risk (hazard ratio, 0.66) than the OG.

Conclusion.

In comparison with younger patients, elderly CRC patients are undertreated, mainly because of their age and not because of their tumor type or comorbidity. Elderly patients have a significantly shorter tumor-specific survival time, partially because of this undertreatment.
rgpA DNA Vaccine Induces Antibody Response and Prevents Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Fan Xin , Wang Zhifeng , Ji Ping , Bian Yuanyuan , Lan Jing
Published: August 2012

Background: Peri‐implantitis is one of many reasons for dental implant failure. This study is designed to prevent experimental peri‐implantitis by arginine‐specific gingipain A (rgpA) DNA vaccine.

Methods: The bilateral mandibular second and third premolars from 15 male beagle dogs were extracted, and 60 implants were immediately implanted. Three months after implantation, the animals were randomly divided into groups A, B, and C and immunized with plasmid vector–rgpA, heat‐killed Porphyromonas gingivalis, and plasmid vector, respectively. Cotton ligatures infiltrated with P. gingivalis were placed in the submarginal position around the neck of the implants to induce peri‐implantitis. Clinical measurements, including probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing, were recorded every 2 weeks postoperatively, and P. gingivalis–specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum and secretory IgA (sIgA) in saliva were quantitatively analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at the same time. Animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks, 50‐μm undecalcified histologic sections were prepared using methylene blue dye, and bone loss around implants was measured.

Results: Higher levels of IgG in serum and sIgA in saliva could be measured in groups A and B but not in group C after immunization. There were statistical differences (P <0.05) between, before, and after immunization, but no difference was found between groups A and B (P >0.05). Both peri‐implant PD and bone loss in group A were significantly less than in groups B and C.

Conclusions: IgG and sIgA could be generated by immunization with rgpA DNA vaccine, which could significantly slow down bone loss in the experimental peri‐implantitis canine model.
Water Use Efficiency, Transpiration Efficiency, and Uptake Efficiency of Wheat during Drought
Authors: Siahpoosh Mohammad Reza , Dehghanian Ebrahim
Published: August 2012

Improving grain performance under water‐limited conditions essentially depends on the knowledge of water–yield relationships. The current project was set up to make a field evaluation of relations among grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and its components, i.e., transpiration efficiency (TE), uptake efficiency (UE), and harvest index (HI) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. Eight bread wheat genotypes and four water levels (WLs) based on evapotranspiration (ET; WL1, supplying 100% of ET water, to WL4, supplying 25% of ET water) were included in 3‐yr experiments. The experiments were conducted under a line‐source sprinkler irrigation system. The results of regression analysis revealed that grain yield, WUE, HI, TE, and UE showed linear regression lines against ET. These regression lines ascended for grain yield, WUE, HI, and UE but descended for TE. The best‐fit model between WUE and its components was linear and showed an ascending trend for HI and UE but descending trend for TE. The results of this experiment showed that an increase in TE could improve the WUE in wheat genotypes considering that HI is high. That is, applying selection for both TE and HI under water‐stress conditions might give the best results to improve WUE in breeding programs.
Soybean Yield and Chemical Composition in Response to Phosphorus–Potassium Nutrition in Kashmir
Authors: Abbasi M. Kaleem , Tahir Majid Mahmood , Azam Waleed , Abbas Zaheer , Rahim Nasir
Published: August 2012

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has increasing nutritional, commercial, and economical value, and P and K nutrition may be needed to increase yield and profit. A 2‐yr (2008–2009) field experiment with rainfed soybean was conducted in the hilly region of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), at Rawalakot, Pakistan. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of P–K fertilization on soybean root nodulation, seed yield, seed composition and N, P, and K uptake. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included three levels of P (60, 90, and 120 kg P2O5 ha−1), two levels of K (40 and 80 kg K2O ha−1), and a control, represented as P0, P60, P90, P120 and K0, K40, and K80, respectively. Results indicated that number of root nodules increased with P–K fertilization to 75 and 136 compared with 68 in the control. Yield responses to P–K fertilization occurred to all rates, and the highest yield was observed in the combined treatment of P120K40. Total N, P, and K uptake in the plant (shoot + seed) tended to follow yield responses, while seed protein was increased by 8 to 13% due to P and 11 to 19% due to K. Application of P or K alone or in combination significantly increased oil content. This study demonstrates that P‐ and K‐deficient soils are likely to produce crops with low yields and low seed oil levels, and appropriate P–K management could be an effective approach to increase and sustain soybean production in the mountain ecosystems.
Net Return Risk for Malting Barley Production in Western Canada as Influenced by Production Strategies
Authors: Smith E. G. , O'Donovan J. T. , Henderson W. J. , Turkington T. K. , McKenzie R. H. , Harker K. N. , Clayton G. W. , Juskiw P. E. , Lafond G. P. , Grant C. A. , Brandt S. , Edney M. J. , Johnson E. N. , May W. E.
Published: August 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of agronomic practices on net return (NR) risk for malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production. This study used data from two field experiments conducted from 2005 to 2008 at eight rainfed locations in western Canada. The first part of this study included 30 production strategies of barley type, seeding rate, and N rate for four regions. The second part of this study included 10 production strategies of seeding date and seeding rate for four regions. A stochastic simulation model was specified to compute the NR. Yield, protein, plumpness, and price were random in the model, drawn from multivariate distributions based on field data and historical price data. The malting cultivar CDC Copeland had higher NR than AC Metcalfe or feed barley. Seeding early at a rate of 200 to 300 seeds m−2 had higher NR than late seeding or higher seeding rates. A fertilizer rate of 60 to 90 kg N ha−1 had higher NR. A producer with high risk aversion preferred strategies that were less risky including: less N fertilizer, growing feed barley in regions that have high protein and smaller price premiums for malting, and seeding later.
Assessing the Uncertainty when Using a Model to Compare Irrigation Strategies
Authors: Wallach Daniel , Keussayan Nathalie , Brun François , Lacroix Bernard , Bergez Jacques-Eric
Published: August 2012

A major use of crop models is to evaluate management strategies. An important question is how accurate models are for such evaluations. The purpose of this study was to determine how to use a combined crop and decision model to evaluate irrigation strategies for corn (maize, Zea mays L.) and to estimate the uncertainty in the criteria used for evaluation. The uncertainty estimation has three steps. First, the sources of uncertainty are identified. We considered uncertainty in the model parameters and model residual error. Second, the uncertainty in each source is quantified. We used a Bayesian approach to obtain a posterior distribution of the model parameters and variances of residual error. Finally, the uncertainties are propagated through to the quantities of interest. In our case, this included calculations for observed quantities—these posterior predictive checks allowed us to verify that our uncertainty estimates were reliable—and predictions of the criteria used to evaluate the irrigation strategies. We considered several criteria including multiyear average yield and interannual yield variability. The uncertainty in average yield was quite small (standard deviation of about 0.2Mg/ha). This is due to the fact that much of the error in yield prediction cancels out when looking at average yield. Three major conclusions are that this model can be a powerful tool for evaluating irrigation strategies, that prediction of average yield can have much less uncertainty than prediction of yearly yield, and that it is essential to verify the reliability of uncertainty estimates using data.
Green Leaf Area Index Estimation in Maize and Soybean: Combining Vegetation Indices to Achieve Maximal Sensitivity
Authors: Nguy-Robertson Anthony , Gitelson Anatoly , Peng Yi , Viña Andrés , Arkebauer Timothy , Rundquist Donald
Published: August 2012

Vegetation indices (VIs), traditionally used for estimation of green leaf area index (gLAI), have different sensitivities along the range of gLAI variability. The goals of this study were to: (i) test 12 VIs for estimating gLAI in maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]; (ii) estimate gLAI in both crops without the need to reparameterize the algorithms for different crops; and (iii) devise a combined VI that is maximally sensitive to gLAI along its entire range of variability. The study was performed for eight growing seasons (2001–2008) in one irrigated and one rainfed field under a maize–soybean rotation and one irrigated field under continuous maize in eastern Nebraska for a total of 24 field‐years. The gLAI ranged from 0 to 6.5 m2/m2 in maize and 0 to 5.5 m2/m2 in soybean. Normalized difference indices, e.g., the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were most sensitive to gLAI below 2 m2/m2, while ratio indices, e.g., simple ratio (SR) and chlorophyll indices (CIs), were most sensitive to gLAI above 2 m2/m2. For the crops evaluated, relationships between gLAI and the VIs were species specific with the exception of the red‐edge NDVI and the CIred‐edge. To benefit from the different sensitivities of VIs along the entire gLAI range, we suggest combining VIs. For sensors with spectral bands in the red and near‐infrared regions, the best combination was NDVI and SR (maize: coefficient of variation [CV] = 20%; soybean: CV = 23%); however, this combined index is species specific. For sensors with bands in the red‐edge and near‐infrared regions, the best combination was red‐edge NDVI and CIred‐edge, which was capable of accurately estimating gLAI in both crops with a CV < 20% and with no reparameterization.
Temporal and Spatial Influence of Perennial Upland Buffers on Corn and Soybean Yields
Authors: Senaviratne G. M. M. M. Anomaa , Udawatta Ranjith P. , Nelson Kelly A. , Shannon Kent , Jose Shibu
Published: August 2012

Contour perennial buffers within cropland reduce pollutants from watersheds, but may interfere and affect crop yields at the crop‐buffer interface. The objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal and spatial effects of agroforestry (AGF) and contour grass (CGS) buffers on no‐till corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields in the claypan region of Missouri. The CGS buffers (4.5‐m width) contained redtop (Agrostis gigantean Roth), brome grass (Bromus spp.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), established at 35 m spacings. The AGF buffers contained, a single row of pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.), swamp white oak (Q. bicolor Willd.), and bur oak (Q. macrocarpa Michx.) trees planted at 3‐m spacings in the middle of grass strips. Mean yields of corn in 2004, 2006, and 2008 and soybean in 2005, 2007, and 2009 at distances 0 to 5 m, 5 to 10 m, 10 to 15 m, and 15 to 20 m from AGF and CGS buffers were determined using geo‐referenced yield maps and ArcGIS software. Corn yield reductions at 0 to 5 m from buffers, ranged from 22 to 49% in AGF and 15 to 32% in CGS watersheds, compared to the yield at 15 to 20 m during 2004 and 2006. This reduction may have been enhanced from soil moisture stress, late planting, and different hybrids between study years. Soybean yields were not affected by buffers. Reduction of corn yields could be potentially minimized with early planting, drought‐tolerant varieties and reduction of buffers root competition with pruning or barriers.
Performance of Dry Bean Genotypes Grown under Organic and Conventional Production Systems in Michigan
Authors: Heilig James A. , Kelly James D.
Published: August 2012

The lack of data on the performance of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars grown under organic management systems in Michigan prompted the evaluation of 32 diverse dry bean genotypes in side‐by‐side trials under organic and conventional production systems. Trial sites were located in grower fields in Gratiot County, in 2007 and 2008 and in Tuscola County in 2009 and at the Kellogg Biological Station in Kalamazoo County, in all 3 yr. The conventional plots were treated following standard acceptable management practices including application of granular fertilizer at planting and use of chemical seed treatments and foliar sprays to control pests. For the organic treatments certified organic land was used and only approved methods for organic production were followed. Rhizobium inoculant was applied to seeds in the organic treatment before planting. Yields were 20% higher in conventional systems than in the organic systems over all locations. Seed classes that yielded well in the organic system included pink‐, small red‐, and black‐seeded genotypes and these classes also had the highest accumulation of seed N (36%). Some genotypes appear better suited to organic production than others; however, those genotypes performing poorly under the organic system also performed poorly under conventional system. Overall genotypes of Andean origin performed 25% lower than genotypes of Middle American origin in either organic or conventional systems. Older cultivars, such as the heirloom navy bean Michelite, commonly believed to be better suited to organic production, did not perform as well as modern commercial cultivars.
Decreasing Nitrogen Leaching and Increasing Canola Forage Yield in a Sandy Soil by Application of Natural Zeolite
Authors: Gholamhoseini Majid , AghaAlikhani Majid , Dolatabadian Aria , Khodaei-Joghan Aydin , Zakikhani Hamed
Published: August 2012

Selection of an appropriate forage species is an important first step in successful forage production. Among forage species, canola (Brassica napus L.) can be cut for hay or silage to cover certain costs of growing the crop. Because forage production is largely controlled by the environment and management, this experiment was conducted in a semiarid region of Iran during the 2006–2007 and 2008–2009 growing seasons to investigate whether canola forage yield and its nutritive value affected by different rates of N and natural zeolite. The experimental treatments were arranged in randomized complete blocks with three replications and comprised a factorial combination of three N levels (90, 180, and 270 kg N ha−1) and four zeolite rates (0, 3, 6, and 9 t zeolite ha−1). The results showed that the enhanced N application from 90 to 270 kg N ha−1 resulted in a 49% rise in forage yield for the first year and a 39% increase for the second year. The converse effects from N and zeolite yielded a significant interaction on the forage nitrogen concentration (FNC) so that the N and zeolite application enhancement led to an increase and decrease, respectively, in the FNC. The integration of the minimum N level with the maximum zeolite application generated the highest forage calcium concentration (FCC) (1.13% in dry matter). In contrast, N270Z0 treatment yielded the lowest FCC (0.54% in dry matter). There was a linear response between N application rate and its leaching loss whereas in the zeolite treatments, minimum N leaching was observed after the Z9 treatment. A combined application of zeolite and chemical N for canola production in a poor sandy soil is recommended to ensure an acceptable forage yield and for soil protection from excess N leaching loss.
Optimizing Cover Crop Benefits with Diverse Mixtures and an Alternative Termination Method
Authors: Wortman Sam E. , Francis Charles A. , Bernards Mark L. , Drijber Rhae A. , Lindquist John L.
Published: August 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated benefits of individual cover crop species, but the value of diverse cover crop mixtures has received less attention. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of spring‐sown cover crop mixture diversity and mechanical cover crop termination method on cover crop and/or cash crop productivity, soil moisture and N, and profitability in an organic cropping system. An experiment was conducted between 2009 and 2011 near Mead, NE, where mixtures of two (2CC), four (4CC), six (6CC), and eight (8CC) cover crop species, or a summer annual weed mixture were included in a sunflower–soybean–corn rotation. Cover crops were terminated in late May using a field disk or sweep plow undercutter. Undercutting cover crops increased soil NO3–N (0–20 cm) by 1.0 and 1.8 mg NO3–N kg−1 relative to disk incorporation in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Cover crop mixtures often reduced soil moisture (0–8 cm) before main crop planting, though cover crop termination with the undercutter increased soil moisture content by as much as 0.024 cm3 cm−3 compared to termination with the disk during early main crop growth. Crop yields were not influenced by cover crop mixture, but termination with the undercutter increased corn and soybean yield by as much as 1.40 and 0.88 Mg ha−1, respectively. Despite differences in productivity between spring cover crop mixtures and weed communities, crop yield was not different among these treatments; thus, profitability of the weed mixture–undercutter treatment combination was greatest due to reduced input costs.
10-Years Hospital Experience in Pseudomonas stutzeri and Literature
Review
Authors: Bisharat Naiel , Gorlachev Tatiana , Keness Yoram
Published: August 2012

Pseudomonas stutzeri is infrequently isolated from clinical material and rarely associated with invasive
infections in human. During the past decade we have witnessed a significant increase in the number of P. stutzeri
isolations from clinical material. Review of the hospital's experience revealed 93 isolations, the vast majority were from
wounds and urine. Eighteen patients suffered from Pseudomonas stutzeri bacteremia. Ten patients died (10.8%) from
whom only in two cases, death could be directly attributed to the infection. Despite the significant increase in P. stutzeri
isolation from clinical material, it's still rarely associated with adverse clinical outcome and usually represents
colonization rather than infection.
Obstetric Nephrology
Authors: Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Ringholm Lene , Feldt-Rasmussen Bo , Clausen Peter , Damm Peter
Published: August 2012

This review highlights factors of importance for the clinical care of pregnant women with pregestational diabetes and microalbuminuria or diabetic nephropathy with particular focus on the role of intensive antihypertensive treatment during pregnancy. Most information in the literature comes from women with type 1 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy, but this is probably also valid for women with type 2 diabetes. Careful counseling of women with diabetic nephropathy before pregnancy with estimation of the risk for the mother and fetus is important. Pregnancy does not result in worsening of kidney function in women with diabetic nephropathy and normal serum creatinine, but pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and preterm delivery are common. Intensive metabolic control before and during pregnancy, low-dose aspirin from 12 gestational weeks onward, and intensive antihypertensive treatment are important. Methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine are regarded safe in pregnancy, whereas angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, AngII antagonists, or statins should be paused before pregnancy. Case series and pathophysiological studies support the use of a stringent goal for BP and albumin excretion in pregnant women with diabetic nephropathy. Screening for diabetic retinopathy before and during pregnancy is mandatory and laser treatment should be performed if indicated. Pregnancy outcome in women with diabetic nephropathy has improved considerably with a take-home-baby rate of approximately 95%. Further research on the benefits and risks of intensive antihypertensive treatment in this population is needed.
An efficient General Variable Neighborhood Search for large Travelling Salesman Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Mladenovic Nenad , Todosijevic Raca , Urosevic Dragan
Published: August 2012

General Variable Neighborhood Search (GVNS) is shown to be a powerful and
robust methodology for solving travelling salesman and vehicle routing
problems. However, its efficient implementation may play a significant role
in solving large size instances. In this paper we suggest new GVNS heuristic
for solving Travelling salesman problem with time windows. It uses different
set of neighborhoods, new feasibility checking procedure and a more
efficient data structure than the recent GVNS method that can be considered
as a state-of-the-art heuristic. As a result, our GVNS is much faster and
more effective than the previous GVNS. It is able to improve 14 out of 25
best known solutions for large test instances from the literature.
The Effect of the Social Mismatch between Staff Auditors and Client Management on the Collection of Audit Evidence
Authors: Bennett G. Bradley , Hatfield Richard C.
Published: August 2012

This study provides both survey and experimental evidence to consider how social interactions between staff-level auditors and client management may affect staff auditors' perceptions and influence their decisions regarding the collection of audit evidence. During fieldwork, staff-level auditors have extensive interaction with client management. Survey evidence suggests that these staff-level auditors are often “mismatched” with client management, in terms of their experience, age, and accounting knowledge. Experimental results indicate that staff-level auditors may reduce the extent to which they collect evidence to avoid these interactions. Finally, the use of email communication with client management helped to mitigate the reduction in evidence collected caused by avoiding in-person interactions. Interestingly, when not collecting all the evidence, approximately half of the participants documented their findings in a vague or inappropriate manner, which would likely reduce the likelihood that reviewing auditors would identify a problem. Given the extent of audit evidence collected by young staff auditors, these findings have direct implications for workpaper and audit quality.

Data Availability: Data and materials used in this study are available upon request.