bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BBT improves glucose homeostasis by ameliorating β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Yao Xin-gang , Xu Xin , Wang Gai-hong , Lei Min , Quan Ling-ling , Cheng Yan-hua , Wan Ping , Zhou Jin-pei , Chen Jing , Hu Li-hong , Shen Xu
Published: January 2015

Impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and increasing β-cell death are two typical dysfunctions of pancreatic β-cells in individuals that are destined to develop type 2 diabetes, and improvement of β-cell function through GSIS enhancement and/or inhibition of β-cell death is a promising strategy for anti-diabetic therapy. In this study, we discovered that the small molecule,N-(2-benzoylphenyl)-5-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxamide (BBT), was effective in both potentiating GSIS and protecting β-cells from cytokine- or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced cell death. Results of further studies revealed that cAMP/PKA and long-lasting (L-type) voltage-dependent Ca2+channel/CaMK2 pathways were involved in the action of BBT against GSIS, and that the cAMP/PKA pathway was essential for the protective action of BBT on β-cells. An assay using the model of type 2 diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet combined with STZ (STZ/HFD) demonstrated that BBT administration efficiently restored β-cell functions as indicated by the increased plasma insulin level and decrease in the β-cell loss induced by STZ/HFD. Moreover, the results indicated that BBT treatment decreased fasting blood glucose and HbA1c and improved oral glucose tolerance further highlighting the potential of BBT in anti-hyperglycemia research.
Sex-Ratio Meiotic Drive and Y-Linked Resistance in Drosophila affinis
Authors: Unckless Robert L , Larracuente Amanda M , Clark Andrew G
Published: January 2015

Genetic elements that cheat Mendelian segregation by biasing transmission in their favor gain a significant fitness benefit. Several examples of sex-ratio meiotic drive, where one sex chromosome biases its own transmission at the cost of the opposite sex chromosome, exist in animals and plants. While the distorting sex chromosome gains a significant advantage by biasing sex ratio, the autosomes, and especially the opposite sex chromosome, experience strong selection to resist this transmission bias. In most well-studied sex-ratio meiotic drive systems, autosomal and/or Y-linked resistance has been identified. We specifically surveyed for Y-linked resistance to sex-ratio meiotic drive in Drosophila affinis by scoring the sex ratio of offspring sired by males with a driving X and one of several Y chromosomes. Two distinct types of resistance were identified: a restoration to 50/50 sex ratios and a complete reversal of sex ratio to all sons. We confirmed that fathers siring all sons lacked a Y chromosome, consistent with previously published work. Considerable variation in Y-chromosome morphology exists in D. affinis, but we showed that morphology does not appear to be associated with resistance to sex-ratio meiotic drive. We then used two X chromosomes (driving and standard) and three Y chromosomes (susceptible, resistant, and lacking) to examine fertility effects of all possible combinations. We find that both the driving X and resistant and lacking Y have significant fertility defects manifested in microscopic examination of testes and a 48-hr sperm depletion assay. Maintenance of variation in this sex-ratio meiotic drive system, including both the X-linked distorter and the Y-resistant effects, appear to be mediated by a complex interaction between fertility fitness and transmission dynamics.
Tissue distribution of indium after repeated intratracheal instillations of indium‐tin oxide into the lungs of hamsters
Authors: Tanaka Akiyo , Hirata Miyuki , Matsumura Nagisa , Kiyohara Yutaka
Published: January 2015

Tissue distribution of indium after repeated intratracheal instillations of indium‐tin oxide into the lungs of hamsters: Akiyo Tanaka, et al. Department of Environmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the tissue distribution of indium after intratracheally instilling indium‐tin oxide (ITO) into the lungs of hamsters.

Methods

Male Syrian hamsters received an intratracheal dose of 3 mg/kg or 6 mg/kg of ITO particles containing 2.2 mg/kg or 4.5 mg/kg of indium, twice weekly for 8 weeks. In parallel, control hamsters received only an intratracheal dose of distilled water. A subset of hamsters was euthanized periodically throughout the study from 8 up to 78 weeks after the final instillation. The distribution of indium in the lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen, as well as pathological changes in the liver, kidneys, and spleen, was determined.

Results

The contents of indium in the lungs in the two ITO groups gradually decreased over the 78‐week observation period, with elimination half‐lives of approximately 142 weeks for the 3 mg/kg ITO group and 124 weeks for the 6 mg/kg ITO. The indium concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and spleen gradually increased throughout the observation period. Although foci of the lesions were observed histopathologically in the extrapulmonary organs among the two ITO groups, the control group showed similar lesions.

Conclusions

The results clearly demonstrate that the clearance of indium from the body is extremely slow after intratracheal instillation in hamsters.
Gifted and Nongifted Students’ Perfectionism, School Motivation, Learning Styles and Academic Achievement
Authors: Altun Fatma , Yazici Hikmet
Published: January 2015

The main aim of this study was to investigate whether perfectionism, school motivation, learning styles and academic achievement predictors could distinguish gifted students from nongifted students. The sample of the study consists of 386 (Female=164, Male=222) gifted and 410 (Female=209, Male=201) nongifted upper primary students. Information Gathering Form, Positive-Negative Perfectionism, School Motivation and Learning Styles Scales were used as data gathering tools. Independent t- test, Pearson’s coefficient and discriminant analysis were used to analyse the data. The classification results show that the model correctly predicts 98.4% of gifted students and 81% of non-gifted students. This was also discussed with in the light of the current literature. Key words: Academic Achievement; Gifted; Learning Style; Perfectionism; School Motivation.
Using ICT to Support Alumni Data Collection in Higher Education / Upotreba IKT s ciljem pružanja potpore prikupljanju podataka o bivšim studentima u visokom obrazovanju
Authors: Mijić Danijel , Janković Dragan
Published: January 2015

AbstractGetting feedback from external stakeholders, especially alumni and employers, is a challenging task for higher education institutions. It is important for many reasons, such as providing information to policy makers, assessing quality of academic programmes, adapting academic programmes to labour market needs, and marketing purposes. Alumni and employer surveys are usually used as methods for collecting data from stakeholders. Research suggests that major problems in data collection are related to efficiency and effectiveness of data collection process. This paper presents a different method of data collection supported by ICT. A specially designed web portal equipped with advanced alumni tracking and communication features was developed and used for alumni data collection. The web portal was evaluated after a period of real operation by analyzing collected data and conducting an online survey. The evaluation results showed that the web portal could be used as effective, efficient, and useful tool for alumni data collection and communication between alumni and higher education institutions.Key words: academic quality; employment rate; feedback; graduate tracking; web portal---SažetakDobiti povratne informacije iz vanjskih izvora, osobito od diplomiranih studenata i poslodavaca, predstavlja izazov za visokoškolske institucije. Povratne su informacije korisne zbog nekoliko razloga, kao što su informiranje kreatora politike, vrednovanje kvalitete studijskih programa, prilagođavanje studijskih programa potrebama tržišta rada, marketing. Obično se bivši studenti i poslodavci anketiraju radi prikupljanja podataka. Iz istraživanja proizlazi da se glavni problemi u vezi s prikupljanjem podataka odnose na učinkovitost i djelotvornost procesa prikupljanja. Ovaj rad predstavlja drugačiju metodu prikupljanja podataka uz pomoć IKT jer je u njemu korišten posebno programiran web portal s mogućnostima naprednog praćenja bivših studenata i komunikacije. Web portal je vrednovan nakon određenog razdoblja primjene tako što su analizirani prikupljeni podaci i provedena internetska anketa. Rezultati vrednovanja pokazali su da se web portal može koristiti kao učinkovit i koristan alat za prikupljanje podataka o bivšim studentima i komunikaciju između njih i visokoškolskih institucija.  Ključne riječi: kvaliteta nastave; stopa zapošljavanja; povratna informacija; prikupljanje podataka o bivšim studentima; web-portal.
Student Participation in School Life: The “Student Voice” and Mitigated Democracy/Sudjelovanje učenika u životu škole: “učenički glas” i ublažena demokracija
Authors: Pereira Fátima , Mouraz Ana , Figueiredo Carla
Published: January 2015

AbstractStudent participation in school life may be considered from the points of view of diverse theoretical frameworks that question different educational aspects related to such social involvement. Issues such as the construction of a democratic school, education for citizenship, active learning and student-centred education may be addressed when the object of one's study focuses on student participation. In the present study, we sought to learn how student participation is promoted in a given set of schools, and what class representatives, students' legal representatives, have to say about it. Data collection was performed by means of a self-description guide characterizing school practices with regard to students' participation and a semi-structured questionnaire administered to the class representatives and vice representatives. The participation described in the guide we have analysed involves mostly one representative type and reveals what is statutorily established. According to the representatives who participated in the study, the role of a student representative is not yet sufficiently valued by the school and by educational actors, namely by their constituents. Hence, it may be concluded that there is mitigated democracy present in the current education system.Key words: democratic participation; school life; student voice---SažetakSudjelovanje učenika u životu škole može se razmotriti sa stajališta različitih teorijskih okvira kojima se propituju razni obrazovni aspekti, a koji se odnose na takvo društveno djelovanje. Kad je predmet izučavanja sudjelovanje učenika u životu škole, mogu se proučavati problemi kao što su izgradnja demokratske škole, građanski odgoj, aktivno učenje, odgoj i obrazovanje usmjereni na učenika. Cilj ovoga rada bio je istražiti kako se učeničko sudjelovanje potiče u uzorku škola i što predstavnici razreda koji pravno zastupaju svoje vršnjake u školskim strukturama imaju o tome reći. Podatci su prikupljeni uz pomoć vodiča za samoopisivanje kojim su okarakterizirani školski postupci koji se tiču sudjelovanja učenika i uz pomoć polustrukturiranoga upitnika koji je podijeljen predstavnicima i zamjenicima predstavnika razreda. Sudjelovanje opisano u vodiču koji smo analizirali odnosi se samo na jedan tip predstavnika i svjedoči o praksi utvrđenoj statutom. Predstavnici koji su sudjelovali u ovome istraživanju smatraju da se uloga razrednoga predstavnika u školi još dovoljno ne cijeni ni od sudionika obrazovnoga procesa. Stoga možemo zaključiti da je u sadašnjem obrazovnom sustavu na snazi demokracija u svom ublaženom obliku.Ključne riječi: demokratsko sudjelovanje; život škole; učenički glas
The social wasp community (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) and new distribution record of Polybia ruficeps in an area of Caatinga Biome, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Melo André Carneiro , Barbosa Bruno Corrêa , Castro Mariana Monteiro de , Santos Gilberto Marcos de Mendonça , Prezoto Fábio
Published: January 2015

Social wasps are broadly distributed in Brazil, and their distribution is closely related to local plant composition. However, only a few studies on the diversity of these insects have been carried out in northeastern Brazil, and in Caatinga Biome the diversity is probably underestimated due to the lack of inventories for the region. Aiming at advancing the knowledge about the wasp fauna, we carried out this study from October 2005 to September 2006 in Ibipeba, northeastern Brazil. We collected 172 wasps of five genera and eight species, and recorded Polybia ruficeps Schrottky, 1902 for the first time in the state of Bahia. The most abundant species was Polybia ignobilis (Haliday, 1836) (n = 69), and the least abundant were Brachygastra lecheguana (Latreille, 1824) (n = 2) and Polistes canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (n = 2). The present study inventory focused exclusively on the diversity of social wasps in an area of Caatinga, which contributes to advance the local fauna knowledge.
First records of the invasive spider Badumna longinqua (L. Koch) (Desidae) in southern Brazil with notes on the habitats and the species’ dispersion
Authors: Simó Miguel , Laborda Álvaro , Núñez Martín , Brescovit Antonio D.
Published: January 2015

The invasive species Badumna longinqua and the family Desidae are recorded for the first time for Brazil. The spiders were collected in urban habitats of two cities from the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Specimens and their webs were found in public parks, window frames and in a cemetery. The absence of this species along a national highway route and its dispersion in Brazil are discussed.
Non-native and invasive alien plants on fluvial islands in the São Francisco River, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Fabricante Juliano Ricardo , Ziller Sílvia Renate , Araújo Kelianne Carolina Targino de , Furtado Marilia Das Dores Genovez , Basso Fabiana De Arantes
Published: January 2015

This paper is the result of a survey of the alien flora present on fluvial islands in the São Francisco River, northeastern Brazil. The floristic similarities between the islands wereassessed, as well as the relationship between area size and species richness. The study covered eight islands in the São Francisco River Valley and was carried out in a period of eight months. Thirty one alien species were registered, six of them (Amaranthus viridis, Calotropis procera, Cenchrus ciliaris, Enneapogon cenchroides, Prosopis pallida and Ricinus communis) present on all islands. The highest number of invasive alien species (26) was recorded on Massangano Island. The floristic similarity between the islands varied between medium and very high, while the number of alien species present was positively correlated with area size. The study demonstrates that the biodiversity on these eight fluvial islands is endangered, especially due to the presence of alien species capable of invading natural areas.
First records of the Chihuahuan Black-headed Snake, Tantilla wilcoxi Stejneger, 1902 (Squamata: Colubridae), in the Mexican state of Jalisco
Authors: Carbajal-Márquez Rubén A. , Arenas-Monroy José C. , Quintero-Díaz Gustavo E. , González-Saucedo Zaira Y. , García-Balderas Christian M.
Published: January 2015

Based on three specimens, we document the occurrence of Tantilla wilcoxi in the Mexican state of Jalisco. This species was found at two localities, 2.9 km apart, both in the ecotone between xerophytic scrub and oak forest in the arid plains of the municipality of Ojuelos de Jalisco in the northeastern portion of the state.
New distribution record for Chelyocarpus ulei Dammer (Arecales: Arecaceae) in Colombia
Authors: Calderón William Trujillo , Trujillo Edwin Trujillo , Perdomo Oscar
Published: January 2015

The known range of Chelyocarpus ulei is extended 430 km to the north, in Caquetá, Colombia. The new locality represents the northwestern most limit of the species’ range, collected at the municipalities of Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia.
Photoluminescence of Cu(In1-X, GaX)Se2 Epitaxial Thin Films Grown by MOVPE
Authors: Rega N. , Siebentritt S. , Albert J. , Lux M.
Published: January 2015

To study the intrinsic defect structure, detailed photoluminescence (PL) measurements of epitaxial Cu-rich Cu(In1-X, GaX)Se2 grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) were performed. Distinct emissions appear at an energy position 80-150meV below the bandgap. Excitation-power-dependent measurements showed blue shifts up to 18meV/decade for these emissions. The temperature dependent PL results in a defect energy for this emission of 50-80meV due to a free-to-bound (FB) transition. This indicates that the emissions of this material are controlled by fluctuating potentials due to high compensation or compositional inhomogeneity. The compositional inhomogeneity is detected by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and occurs especially for epitaxial layers grown at 570°C.
Aryloxyalkanoate Dioxygenase-12 Soybean Protein Expression
Authors: Robinson Andrew P. , Simpson D. M. , Yau Kerrm , Canada Sarah , Johnson William G.
Published: January 2015

New trait technology incorporating 2,4-D resistance in soybean is dependent upon the ability of the plant to metabolize 2,4-D by the aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase-12 protein (AAD-12). Our objectives were to determine AAD-12 expression during the daytime, throughout the leaf canopy, and before and after 2,4-D treatment for the events DAS-68416-4 and DAS-21606-3. Field experiments were conducted near Wanatah, IN in 2009 and Fowler, IN in 2009, 2010, and 2011. During the daytime, total AAD-12 expression was lowest between 12:30 and 15:30, averaging 161 ng cm−2, as compared to an average of 245 ng cm−2 in the morning and 243 ng cm−2 in the evening. The youngest fully emerged trifoliate in the DAS-68416-4 event had the highest AAD-12 expression, with means ranging from 369 to 390 ng cm−2, while the older leaves maintained a lower level of expression, 171 to 211 ng cm−2. The youngest leaves of event DAS-21606-3 had the highest level of AAD-12 expression (205 to 225 ng cm−2), while the level of AAD-12 was lower in older leaves (71 to 149 ng cm−2). In general, 2,4-D treatments did not reduce AAD-12 expression at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment; however, in a few instances AAD-12 expression was increased or decreased by 8 to 11% after 2,4-D treatment. Expression of AAD-12 was between 152 to 390 ng cm−2 for DAS-68416-4 and from 71 to 244 ng cm−2 for DAS-21606-3.
Noncompetitive Growth and Fecundity of Wisconsin Giant Ragweed Resistant to Glyphosate
Authors: Glettner Courtney E. , Stoltenberg David E.
Published: January 2015

Glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed has been confirmed in several Midwestern states. In some cases, weed resistance to glyphosate has been shown to carry a fitness penalty. Previous research has found that a glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed biotype from Indiana with a rapid necrosis response to glyphosate displayed early, rapid growth in the absence of glyphosate, flowered earlier, but produced 25% less seed than a sensitive biotype, suggesting that there may be a fitness penalty associated with the rapid necrosis resistance trait. In Wisconsin, we have recently identified a giant ragweed accession with a 6.5-fold level of resistance to glyphosate that does not demonstrate the rapid necrosis response. Our objective was to determine the noncompetitive growth and fecundity of the resistant accession in the absence of glyphosate, relative to a sensitive accession from a nearby field border population. In greenhouse experiments, plant height, leaf area, and dry shoot biomass were similar between the resistant and sensitive accessions during vegetative growth to the onset of flowering. The instantaneous relative growth rate, instantaneous net assimilation rate, and instantaneous leaf area ratio also did not differ between accessions. However, fecundity of resistant plants (812 seeds plant−1) was greater (P = 0.008) than sensitive plants (425 seeds plant−1). The percentage of intact viable seeds, intact nonviable seeds, and empty involucres did not differ between resistant and sensitive accessions. These results indicate that resistance of this accession of giant ragweed to glyphosate has not affected its growth and development relative to a sensitive accession. The greater fecundity and similar viability of resistant plants relative to sensitive plants suggests that in the absence of selection by glyphosate, the frequency of the resistance trait for glyphosate may increase in the giant ragweed field population over time.
Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Morphology, Growth, and Seed Production in Georgia
Authors: Webster Theodore M. , Grey Timothy L.
Published: January 2015

Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth has become the most economically detrimental weed of cotton in the southeast United States. With the continual marginalization of potential herbicide tools, research has expanded to include alternative means of affecting future Palmer amaranth populations by altering safe sites and reducing inputs to the seedbank population. The influence of delayed Palmer amaranth establishment on seed production potential has not been investigated in the southeast United States. Studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of time of Palmer amaranth establishment on morphology, growth, and seed production. The experiment was a factorial, with five levels of Palmer amaranth transplanting (0 to 12 wk after cotton planting) and two levels of crop type (cotton and noncrop). In the absence of crop competition, the first cohort of Palmer amaranth produced 446,000 seeds per plant. This potential seed production was reduced 50% when Palmer amaranth plants were established nearly 6 wk later. In contrast, the first Palmer amaranth cohort growing in competition with cotton produced 312,000 seeds, 30% less than was produced in the absence of competition. Interference from cotton shifted time to 50% seed production to nearly 4 wk earlier in the growing season, relative to plants without crop competition. Delayed establishment of Palmer amaranth simulates premature loss of herbicide efficacy and alters the competitive balance between cotton and Palmer amaranth. Although the planting time that resulted in 50% reduction in Palmer amaranth plant height at the end of the season was not affected by the presence of cotton, 50% reduction in plant width and biomass occurred within the first 3.8 wk of the growing season when growing with cotton, more than 4 wk earlier than Palmer amaranth growing without a crop. This suggests that early season weed control programs will have a large effect on Palmer amaranth potential growth and seed production, as well as crop yield. To implement soil seedbank reduction strategies effectively, information on mechanisms that regulate Palmer amaranth persistence in the soil seedbank is needed.
Cover-Crop Species as Distinct Biotic Filters in Weed Community Assembly
Authors: Smith Richard G. , Atwood Lesley W. , Pollnac Fredric W. , Warren Nicholas D.
Published: January 2015

Cover crops represent a potentially important biological filter during weed community assembly in agroecosystems. This filtering could be considered directional if different cover-crop species result in weed communities with predictably different species composition. We examined the following four questions related to the potential filtering effects of cover crops in a field experiment involving five cover crops grown in monoculture and mixture: (1) Do cover crops differ in their effect on weed community composition? (2) Is competition more intense between cover crops and weeds that are in the same family or functional group? (3) Is competition more intense across weed functional types in a cover-crop mixture compared with cover crops grown in monocultures? (4) Within a cover-crop mixture, is a higher seeding rate associated with more effective biotic filtering of the weed community? We found some evidence that cover crops differentially filtered weed communities and that at least some of these filtering effects were due to differential biomass production across cover-crop species. Monocultures of buckwheat and sorghum–sudangrass reduced the number of weed species relative to the no-cover-crop control by an average of 36 and 59% (buckwheat) and 25 and 40% (sorghum–sudangrass) in 2011 and 2012, respectively. We found little evidence that competition intensity was dependent upon the family or functional classification of the cover crop or weeds, or that cover-crop mixtures were stronger assembly filters than the most effective monocultures. Although our results do not suggest that annual cover crops exert strong directional filtering during weed community assembly, our methodological framework for detecting such effects could be applied to similar future studies that incorporate a greater number of cover-crop species and are conducted under a greater range of cover-cropping conditions.
Influence of a Rye Cover Crop on the Critical Period for Weed Control in Cotton
Authors: Korres Nicholas E. , Norsworthy Jason K.
Published: January 2015

Cover crops are becoming increasingly common in cotton as a result of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth; hence, a field experiment was conducted in 2009 and 2010 in Marianna, AR, with a rye cover crop used to determine its effects on the critical period for weed control in cotton. Throughout most of the growing season, weed biomass in the presence of a rye cover crop was lesser than that in the absence of a rye cover crop. In 2009, in weeks 2 through 7 after planting, weed biomass was reduced at least twofold in the presence of a rye cover compared with the absence of rye. In 2009, in both presence and absence of a rye cover crop, weed removal needed to begin before weed biomass was 150 g m−2, or approximately 4 wk after planting, to prevent yield loss > 5%. Weed density was less in 2010 than in 2009, so weed removal was not required until 7 wk after planting, at which point weed biomass values were 175 and 385 g m−2in the presence and absence of a cover crop, respectively.
Weed Control in Soybean with Imazethapyr Applied Alone or in Tank Mix with Saflufenacil/Dimethenamid-P
Authors: Walsh Kimberly D. , Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: January 2015

Saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P is a relatively new prepackaged herbicide mixture that has the potential to provide enhanced weed control in soybean when tank-mixed with reduced doses of imazethapyr. Six field experiments were conducted over a 3-yr period (2011, 2012, and 2013) near Ridgetown and Exeter, Ontario, Canada, to determine the dose of imazethapyr, applied PRE, that must be added to saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P (245 g ai ha−1) to provide effective weed control in soybean. The predicted dose of imazethapyr PRE for 80% control of common lambsquarters, common ragweed, green foxtail, and velvetleaf 8 wk after soybean emergence (WAE) was 66, 180, 137, and 48 g ai ha−1, respectively. In contrast, when tank-mixed with saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P (245 g ha−1), the dose of imazethapyr PRE needed for 80% control of common lambsquarters, common ragweed, green foxtail, and velvetleaf was reduced to 11, 80, 48, and 18 g ha−1, respectively. The control of common lambsquarters, common ragweed, green foxtail, and velvetleaf was improved by 21, 23, 34, and 27%, respectively when saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P (245 g ha−1) was added to imazethapyr PRE. Imazethapyr at 104 g ha−1resulted in soybean yield that was 95% of the weed-free control; however, when tank-mixed with saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P (245 g ha−1) only 54 g ha−1of imazethapyr was required for the same yield level. Based on this study, PRE application of saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P with reduced doses of imazethapyr has the potential to improve soybean yield and provide acceptable weed control (≥ 80%); however, the extent that imazethapyr dose can be reduced is dependent upon weed community composition.
A Biotype of Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) in Tennessee Is Resistant to Inhibitors of ALS and Photosystem II
Authors: Brosnan James T. , Breeden Gregory K. , Vargas Jose J. , Grier Logan
Published: January 2015

Annual bluegrass resistance to inhibitors of acetolactate synthase (ALS) and photosystem II (PSII) in managed turf has been confirmed in the southeastern United States. A biotype of annual bluegrass that had developed resistance (R) to the PSII inhibitor simazine was not controlled by POST applications of foramsulfuron or trifloxysulfuron in 2011 or 2012. In whole plant dose-response experiments, trifloxysulfuron, simazine, and indaziflam controlled a susceptible (S) population of annual bluegrass > 91% when applied POST to nontillering plants. However, trifloxysulfuron applications at 3.5 to 223 g ai ha−1only controlled R annual bluegrass ≤ 40%. Similarly, simazine at 140 to 9,000 g ai ha−1only controlled R annual bluegrass ≤ 20%. R annual bluegrass plants were more tolerant to indaziflam applied POST to leaf stage plants prior to tillering, as rates > 100 g ai ha−1were needed to control R annual bluegrass ≥ 96%. No differences in the activity of ALS in R and S plants exposed to increasing foramsulfuron concentrations from 0 to 100 µM were detected suggesting that nontarget mechanisms could explain reduced efficacy of POST herbicide applications in whole plant dose-response experiments. Applications of indaziflam (35 to 70 g ha−1) and oxadiazon (2,240 to 4,500 g ai ha−1) effectively controlled R annual bluegrass when applied PRE. This biotype of R annual bluegrass is the first reported instance of a weed developing resistance to multiple modes of action in managed turf. Education is needed among turf managers regarding the consequences of exclusive use of the same herbicides for annual bluegrass control leading to the onset of herbicide resistance.
Guided Tissue Regeneration to Treat Mucogingival Defects Using a Collagen Sponge as a Space‐Filler Material for Cell Proliferation: Clinical Case Reports With Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Carnio João , Ribas Josimara T. , Lipton David , Brown Jeffrey
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) protocols for root coverage have proposed space‐filler artifacts to create an area between the membrane and the root surface to provide adequate space for cell migration. Extensive instrumentation of the root to obtain a concave shape, suturing of the membrane to keep it convex, or the use of titanium‐reinforced membranes are some of the most common techniques for creating the space needed for regeneration. The primary objective of these case reports is to show the clinical application of collagen sponge as a space‐filler material in cases in which GTR procedures were used to treat marginal tissue recession.

Case Presentation: These case reports describe the results obtained with root‐coverage procedures of a Miller Class I defect on the buccal surface of tooth #11 in two patients. Bioabsorbable polyglactin 910 and non‐absorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene barrier membranes were used along with a collagen sponge interposed on the root surface. It should be emphasized that the use of the collagen sponge was to create a biologic space and thereby induce cellular proliferation at the site of the recession. Three years after surgery, the treated areas showed complete root coverage with an increase of keratinized and attached gingiva with appropriate contour and thickness.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate the possibility of using a collagen sponge as a space‐filler material in cases in which the principles of GTR are used in the successful treatment of root recession.
Complete Coverage of a Class III (RT2) Gingival Recession With the Combination of a Free Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft and a Laterally Positioned Flap
Authors: Ioannou Andreas L. , Kotsakis Georgios A. , Kamintzi Georgia I.
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Gingival recession (GR) presents a major concern for patients, especially when associated with tooth sensitivity or esthetic concerns.

Case Presentation: This report describes the complete coverage of a Class III GR with the combination of a free subepithelial connective tissue graft and a laterally positioned flap. After treatment for GR of the mandibular right canine with 12 mm of clinical attachment loss, there was complete coverage and an increase in keratinized gingiva.

Conclusion: A promising technique is presented that yielded 100% defect coverage and gingival tissue enhancement.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Tax Avoidance, and Earnings Performance
Authors: Watson Luke
Published: January 2015

I investigate the influence of pretax earnings performance on the relation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and tax avoidance. Prior studies of the relation between CSR and tax avoidance find mixed results. Based on slack resource theory (Penrose 1959), I predict and find that the relation between CSR and tax avoidance is moderated by earnings performance. The evidence shows that a lack of social responsibility is positively associated with tax avoidance in firms with low current or future earnings performance, but this effect is diminished when current or future earnings performance is high. There is some evidence that corporate social responsibility is positively associated with tax avoidance when current or future earnings performance is low but, again, the effect disappears when current or future earnings performance is high. Overall, my results suggest that attention to the demands of non-shareholder stakeholders is curtailed when firms face scarce resources.
Glycemic Variability Is Associated With Reduced Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Women With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fleischer Jesper , Lebech Cichosz Simon , Hoeyem Pernille , Laugesen Esben , Loegstrup Poulsen Per , Sandahl Christiansen Jens , Tarnow Lise , Krarup Hansen Troels
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the sex differences in cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and to determine whether cardiac autonomic modulation is associated with glycemic variability.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated a cohort consisting of 48 men and 39 women with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes and a known duration of diabetes <5 years. All patients were equipped with a continuous glucose monitoring sensor for 3 days, and the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) was calculated to obtain individual glycemic variability. Cardiac autonomic modulation was quantified by analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in time and frequency domains and during cardiovascular reflex tests (response to standing [RS], deep breathing [expiration–inspiration], and Valsalva maneuver).

RESULTS

Sex differences in age- and heart rate–adjusted HRV measures were observed in both active and passive tests. Low frequency (LF; P = 0.036), LF/high frequency (HF; P < 0.001), and RS (P = 0.006) were higher in men, whereas expiration–inspiration (P < 0.001), but not HF, was higher in women. In women, reduced cardiac autonomic modulation as assessed by the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (P = 0.001), the root mean square of successive differences (P = 0.018), LF (P < 0.001), HF (P = 0.005), total power (P = 0.008), RS ratio (P = 0.027), and expiration-to-inspiration ratio (P = 0.006) was significantly associated with increased glycemic variability as assessed by MAGE. This was not the case in men. The association in women persisted in a multivariate regression analysis controlling for weight, mean heart rate, blood pressure (systolic), and triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with newly diagnosed and well-controlled type 2 diabetes, increased glycemic variability was associated with reduced cardiac autonomic modulation in women but not in men.
Decrease in Circulating Concentrations of Soluble Receptors for Advanced Glycation End Products at the Time of Seroconversion to Autoantibody Positivity in Children With Prediabetes
Authors: Salonen Kirsi M. , Ryhänen Samppa J. , Forbes Josephine M. , Borg Danielle J. , Härkönen Taina , Ilonen Jorma , Simell Olli , Veijola Riitta , Groop Per-Henrik , Knip Mikael
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their interactions with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) may play a role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. This study set out to assess whether there is any association of circulating concentrations of soluble RAGE (sRAGE), AGEs, and their ratio with the appearance of diabetes-associated autoantibodies in children progressing to clinical diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum concentrations of sRAGE, N-ε(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) adducts, and the sRAGE/CML ratio were analyzed in children who progressed to type 1 diabetes. The samples were taken at four time points: before seroconversion, at the time of the first autoantibody-positive sample, at the time of the first sample positive for multiple (>2) autoantibodies, and close to the disease diagnosis. Samples of autoantibody-negative controls matched for age, sex, and HLA-conferred diabetes risk were analyzed at corresponding time points.

RESULTS

The prediabetic children had higher sRAGE concentrations before seroconversion (Pc = 0.03), at the appearance of multiple autoantibodies (Pc = 0.008), and close to diagnosis (Pc = 0.04). Close to diagnosis, the cases had lower CML concentrations than the controls (Pc = 0.004). Prediabetic children had a higher sRAGE/CML ratio than the controls before seroconversion (Pc = 0.008) and at diagnosis (Pc < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prediabetic children have higher concentrations of sRAGE and a higher sRAGE/CML ratio than healthy controls. Circulating sRAGE concentrations seem to decline with the appearance of diabetes-predictive autoantibodies in children progressing to type 1 diabetes. The higher sRAGE/CML ratio in prediabetic children may reflect a higher AGE scavenger capacity.
Insulin Cessation and Diabetes Remission After Bariatric Surgery in Adults With Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ardestani Ali , Rhoads David , Tavakkoli Ali
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

The impact of bariatric surgeries on insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (I-T2D) in the general population is largely undocumented. We assessed changes in insulin treatment after bariatric surgery in a large cohort of I-T2D patients, comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), controlling for differences in weight loss between procedures.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Of 113,638 adult surgical patients in the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database (BOLD), 10% had I-T2D. Analysis was restricted to 5,225 patients with I-T2D and at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. Regression models were used to identify factors that predict cessation of insulin therapy. To control for differences in weight loss patterns between RYGB and LAGB, a case-matched analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Of I-T2D patients who underwent RYGB (n = 3,318), 62% were off insulin at 12 months compared with 34% (n = 1,907) after LAGB (P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that RYGB strongly predicted insulin cessation at both 1 and 12 months postoperatively. In the case-matched analysis at 3 months, the proportion of insulin cessation was significantly higher in the RYGB group than in the LAGB group (P = 0.03), and the diabetes remission rate was higher at all time points after this surgery. RYGB was a weight-independent predictor of insulin therapy cessation early after surgery, whereas insulin cessation after LAGB was linked to weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

I-T2D patients have a greater probability of stopping insulin after RYGB than after LAGB (62% vs. 34%, respectively, at 1 year), with weight-independent effects in the early months after surgery. These findings support RYGB as the procedure of choice for reversing I-T2D.
Risk and Recurrence of Serious Adverse Outcomes in the First and Second Pregnancies of Women With Preexisting Diabetes
Authors: Tennant Peter W.G. , Bilous Rudy W. , Prathapan Shamini , Bell Ruth
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Women with preexisting (type 1 or type 2) diabetes experience an increased risk of serious adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is not known, however, how these risks change between the first and second pregnancy and whether there is an increased risk of recurrence. This study describes the absolute risks and recurrence of serious adverse pregnancy outcomes in 220 women with preexisting diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 440 pregnancies occurring in 220 women with preexisting diabetes who delivered successive singleton pregnancies in the North of England during 1996–2008 were identified from the Northern Diabetes in Pregnancy Survey (NorDIP). Predictors of serious adverse outcome were estimated by competing-risks regression.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven first pregnancies (30.5%) ended in serious adverse outcome, including 14 (6.4%) with congenital anomalies and 53 (24.1%) additional fetal or infant deaths. Thirty-seven second pregnancies (16.8%) ended in serious adverse outcome—half the rate among first pregnancies (P = 0.0004)—including 21 (9.5%) with congenital anomalies and 16 (7.3%) additional fetal or infant deaths. Serious adverse outcomes in the second pregnancy occurred twice as frequently in women who experienced a previous adverse outcome than in those who did not (26.9% vs. 12.4%, P = 0.004), but previous adverse outcome was not associated with preparation for the following pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Serious adverse outcomes are less common in the second pregnancies of women with preexisting diabetes, although the risk is comparable in those whose first pregnancy ends in adverse outcome. Reducing the risk of recurrence may require more support in the immediate period after an adverse pregnancy outcome.
n-3 Fatty Acids Attenuate the Risk of Diabetes Associated With Elevated Serum Nonesterified Fatty Acids: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Steffen Brian T. , Steffen Lyn M. , Zhou Xia , Ouyang Pamela , Weir Natalie L. , Tsai Michael Y.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Chronically high nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are a marker of metabolic dysfunction and likely increase risk of type 2 diabetes. By comparison, n-3 fatty acids (FAs) have been shown to have various health benefits and may protect against disease development. In 5,697 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), we examined whether serum levels of NEFAs relate to risk of incident type 2 diabetes and further tested whether plasma n-3 FA levels may interact with this relation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

NEFAs were measured in fasting serum using an enzymatic colorimetric assay and phospholipid n-3 FAs eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were determined in plasma through gas chromatography-flame ionization detection in 5,697 MESA participants. Cox proportional hazards regression evaluated the association between NEFA levels and incident type 2 diabetes and whether plasma n-3 FAs modified this association adjusting for age, sex, race, education, field center, smoking, and alcohol use.

RESULTS

Over a mean 11.4 years of the study period, higher diabetes incidence was found across successive NEFA quartiles (Q) (hazard ratio [95% CI]): Q1, 1.0; Q2, 1.35 (1.07, 1.71); Q3, 1.58 (1.24, 2.00); and Q4, 1.86 (1.45, 2.38) (Ptrend < 0.001). A significant interaction of n-3 FAs on the relation between NEFAs and type 2 diabetes was also observed (Pinteraction = 0.03). For individuals with lower n-3 levels (<75th percentile), a higher risk of type 2 diabetes was observed across quartiles of NEFAs: Q1, 1.0; Q2, 1.41 (1.07, 1.84); Q3, 1.77 (1.35, 2.31); and Q4, 2.18 (1.65, 2.88) (Ptrend < 0.001). No significant associations were observed in those with n-3 FAs ≥75th percentile (Ptrend = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

NEFAs are a marker of type 2 diabetes and may have clinical utility for detecting risk of its development. The modifying influence of n-3 FAs suggests a protective effect against disease and/or metabolic dysfunction related to NEFAs and requires further study.
Maxillary and Mandibular Rehabilitation in the Esthetic Zone Using a Digital Impression Technique and CAD/CAM-fabricated Prostheses: A Multidisciplinary Clinical Report
Authors: Abdel-Azim T , Zandinejad A , Metz M , Morton D
Published: January 2015

Interdisciplinary treatment planning is necessary in certain clinical situations to optimize esthetic treatment outcomes. Patients presenting with severe wear of their anterior teeth from iatrogenic influences pose a particularly difficult problem in terms of esthetic treatment planning. Collaboration of practitioners from the disciplines of orthodontics, periodontics, and restorative dentistry is essential for the treatment of patients with complex esthetic dental needs. Careful assessment of clinical situations and corresponding specialty consultations are of utmost importance to achieve more predictable and esthetic treatment outcomes. The purpose of this clinical case is to report to the readership a novel digital fabrication of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing milled acrylic provisional restorations and final lithium disilicate definitive restorations after orthodontic and periodontal therapy with virtual master impressions, casts, and articulation.
Enamel Bond Strength of New Universal Adhesive Bonding Agents
Authors: McLean DE , Meyers EJ , Guillory VL , Vandewalle KS
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Universal bonding agents have been introduced for use as self-etch or etch-and-rinse adhesives depending on the dental substrate and clinician's preference. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite to enamel using universal adhesives compared to a self-etch adhesive when applied in self-etch and etch-and-rinse modes over time.

Methods and Materials

Extracted human third molars were used to create 120 enamel specimens. The specimens were ground flat and randomly divided into three groups: two universal adhesives and one self-etch adhesive. Each group was then subdivided, with half the specimens bonded in self-etch mode and half in etch-and-rinse mode. The adhesives were applied as per manufacturers' instructions, and composite was bonded using a standardized mold and cured incrementally. The groups were further divided into two subgroups with 10 specimens each. One subgroup was stored for 24 hours and the second for six months in 37°C distilled water and tested in shear. Failure mode was also determined for each specimen.

Results

A three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) found a significant difference between groups based on bonding agent (p<0.001) and surface treatment (p<0.001) but not on time (p=0.943), with no significant interaction (p>0.05). Clearfil SE in etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes had more mixed fractures than either universal adhesive in either mode.

Conclusions

Etching enamel significantly increased the SBS of composite to enamel. Clearfil SE had significantly greater bond strength to enamel than either universal adhesive, which were not significantly different from each other.