bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evapotranspiração e produção do melão Gália irrigado com água de diferentes salinidades e adubação nitrogenada
Authors: Melo Talyana K. de , Medeiros José F. de , Espínola Sobrinho José , Figueirêdo Vladimir B. , Pereira Vagna da C. , Campos Marcos de S.
Published: December 2011

Este trabalho objetivou determinar a evapotranspiração e a produção do melão Gália irrigado com água de diferentes níveis de salinidade e doses de nitrogênio. Para tanto, conduziu-se um experimento no município de Mossoró, RN, no delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em parcelas subdivididas 5 x 3, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos dos níveis de salinidade: S1 = 0,65; S2 = 1,65; S3 = 2,83; S4 = 3,06 e S5 = 4,73 dS m-1 e das doses de nitrogênio aplicado em fertigação: N1 = 42,5; N2 = 85,0 e N3 = 127,5 kg ha-1. A evapotranspiração da cultura foi medida por lisímetros de pesagem, que representava uma área ocupada pelas plantas de 3,2 m² e se encontravam instalados nos níveis de salinidade S1 e S5 em duas repetições. Observou-se que a evapotranspiração da cultura diminuiu entre a água de irrigação S1 e S5, sendo o valor total encontrado durante o ciclo de 204,5 e 172,4 mm, respectivamente. Houve perda nas produtividades comercial e total de, respectivamente, 12, 19 e 15% e de 10, 16 e 13%, para os níveis de nitrogênio N1, N2 e N3, nesta ordem, por aumento unitário da salinidade da água de irrigação (CEa), tomando-se como referência a produção obtida com a água de menor salinidade.
Multiplicação de Bacillus subtilis em vinhaça e viabilidade no controle da meloidoginose, em cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Cardozo Rodrigo B. , Araújo Fabio F. de
Published: December 2011

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o controle da meloidoginose e o crescimento da cana-de-açúcar, em função da aplicação de Bacillus subtilis ao solo após multiplicação em vinhaça. Bioensaios foram conduzidos em laboratório com avaliação do crescimento de B. subtilis em meio líquido com interesse na melhor composição de meio de cultura, a partir da vinhaça. No experimento em casa de vegetação foi utilizado solo coletado em área de cultivo de cana com histórico de alta infestação com Meloidogyne spp. No solo acondicionado em vasos efetuou-se o plantio da variedade de cana-de-açúcar RB 72454, cujos tratamentos foram: controle; vinhaça pura (50 m³ ha-1); Bacillus subtilis em suspensão aquosa (50 m³ ha-1); B. subtilis multiplicado na vinhaça para 50 m³ ha-1 e 100 m³ ha-1. A multiplicação de Bacillus subtilis em meio de cultura à base de vinhaça (25%) foi significativamente superior em comparação com o meio de cultura caldo nutriente. A aplicação de B. subtilis em suspensão aquosa promoveu o crescimento e a redução da reprodução dos nematóides em cana-de-açúcar durante o experimento. A aplicação de B. subtilis multiplicado na vinhaça não proporcionou os benefícios de estímulo ao crescimento e controle da meloidoginose na cana-de-açúcar, encontrados com a aplicação apenas da bactéria no solo.
Application of the generalised scaling law to saturated ground
Authors: Tobita Tetsuo , Iai Susumu , von der Tann Loretta , Yaoi Yuji
Published: December 2011

To verify and find issues on the generalised scaling law for dynamic centrifuge tests, a series of centrifuge model tests are conducted under the scheme of the modelling of models technique. In a series of dynamic tests on a flat, saturated sand layer, four different centrifugal accelerations from 5 g to 70 g are applied to the scaled models for which the prototype is uniquely given. With the scaling law, the prototype is scaled down to 1/100. The models are exposed to sinusoidal input accelerations with 0·65 Hz and amplitudes of 2·1 m/s2 and 3·1 m/s2 in prototype scale. For response during shaking, nearly identical accelerations and excess pore-water pressure build-ups are recorded for all the cases in the prototype scale. Discrepancies are found on surface settlements and duration time for dissipation of excess pore-water pressure. The major cause of the discrepancy may be the small value of the shear modulus induced by the low confining stress in model ground under low centrifugal acceleration.
Time-dependent behaviour of concrete-filled steel tubular columns: analytical and comparative study
Authors: Geng Yue , Ranzi Gianluca , Wang Yuyin , Zhang Sumei
Published: December 2011

Concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) have become popular in both building and bridge applications over recent decades, and an accurate prediction of their time-dependent response is necessary. Different models are currently available to describe the time-dependent behaviour of concrete and these have been shown to lead to very different predictions. In the particular case of CFST members, there is no recommended method for service calculations for routine design. The particularity of the long-term behaviour of CFSTs relies on the fact that no moisture exchange occurs between the core concrete and the surrounding environment due to the presence of the steel section. In this context, this paper recommends a suitable concrete model using 81 tests for benchmarking purposes. An extensive parametric study is carried out to evaluate the influence of time effects for geometric cross-sections commonly used in real bridge applications. Finally, different algebraic methods suitable for design calculations are applied to the long-term modelling of CFST members and their accuracy is investigated based on the results obtained using the step-by-step procedure. The results indicate that, by considering a nil exposed perimeter, Eurocode 2 performs well in predicting the long-term behaviour of CFST members. The creep effect has a considerable influence on the static response of CFST members even when actions are applied at a very great concrete age, while shrinkage in the core concrete has a quite limited contribution to the overall deformation if the core concrete is of normal strength. The mean stress method is recommended for simple design calculations.
Manure Composition and Incorporation Effects on Phosphorus in Runoff Following Corn Biomass Removal
Authors: Yagüe María R. , Andraski Todd W. , Laboski Carrie A.M.
Published: December 2011

Greater demand for corn (Zea mays L.) stover for bioenergy use may lead to increased corn production acreage with minimal surface residue cover, resulting in greater risk for soil erosion and phosphorus (P) losses in runoff. A rainfall simulation study was conducted to determine the effects of spring‐applied dairy cow (Bos taurus) manure (none, in‐barn composted, and exterior walled‐enclosure pit) with >200 g kg−1 organic solids content following fall corn biomass removal with and without incorporation (chisel plow [CP] and no‐till [NT]) on sediment and P in runoff. Runoff was collected from a 0.83‐m2 area for 60 min following the onset of rainfall simulation (76 mm h−1), once in spring and once in fall. Runoff dissolved reactive P (DRP) and dissolved organic P (DOP) concentrations were positively correlated with manure P rate and were higher in NT compared with CP. Conversely, sediment and particulate P (PP) concentrations in runoff were inversely correlated with manure P rate (and manure solids) and were higher in CP compared with NT. Runoff volume where no manure was applied was higher in NT than in CP in spring but similar in fall. The addition of manure reduced runoff volumes by an average of 82% in NT and 42% in CP over spring and fall. Results from this study indicate that surface application of dairy manure with relatively high solids content may reduce sediment and PP losses in runoff without increasing the risk of increased DRP and DOP losses in the year of application where corn biomass is harvested.
Dissipation of Atrazine, Enrofloxacin, and Sulfamethazine in Wood Chip Bioreactors and Impact on Denitrification
Authors: Ilhan Z. E. , Ong S. K. , Moorman T. B.
Published: December 2011

Wood chip bioreactors are receiving increasing attention as a means of reducing nitrate in subsurface tile drainage systems. Agrochemicals in tile drainage water entering wood chip bioreactors can be retained or degraded and may affect denitrification. The degradation of 5 mg L−1 atrazine, enrofloxacin, and sulfamethazine under denitrifying conditions in wood chips from an in situ reactor was determined. The impact of these chemicals on denitrifying microorganisms was assessed using the denitrification potential assay, most probable number (MPN), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting the nosZ gene of the denitrifiers. Initial half‐lives for these chemicals in the aqueous phase were 0.98 d for atrazine, 0.17 d for enrofloxacin, and 6.2 d for sulfamethazine. Similar rates of disappearance in autoclaved and nonautoclaved wood chip solutions during the first 48 h suggested sorption was the dominant mechanism. The presence of atrazine did not impair denitrification potential, the MPN, or the nosZ copy number. The denitrifier MPN and nosZ copy number in sulfamethazine‐ and enrofloxacin‐treated microcosms were less than the control within the first 5 d after chemical addition, whereas the denitrification potentials were not affected. However, after 45 d the denitrification rate, MPN and nosZ gene copy numbers for sulfamethazine and enrofloxacin were similar to that of the no‐chemical control, indicating that acclimation of the denitrifier population to the antibiotic or reduced bioavailability over time allowed recovery of the denitrifier population.
Denitrification in Suburban Lawn Soils
Authors: Raciti Steve M. , Burgin Amy J. , Groffman Peter M. , Lewis David N. , Fahey Timothy J.
Published: December 2011

There is great uncertainty about the fate of nitrogen (N) added to urban and suburban lawns. We used direct flux and in situ chamber methods to measure N2and N2O fluxes from lawns instrumented with soil O2sensors. We hypothesized that soil O2, moisture, and available NO3−were the most important controls on denitrification and that N2and N2O fluxes would be high following fertilizer addition and precipitation events. While our results support these hypotheses, the thresholds of soil O2, moisture, and NO3−availability required to see significant N2fluxes were greater than expected. Denitrification rates were high in saturated, fertilized soils, but low under all other conditions. Annual denitrification was calculated to be 14.0 ± 3.6 kg N ha−1yr−1, with 5% of the growing season accounting for >80% of the annual activity. Denitrification is thus an important means of removing reactive N in residential landscapes, but varies markedly in space, time, and with factors that affect soil saturation (texture, structure, compaction) and NO3−availability (fertilization). Rates of in situ N2O flux were low; however, when recently fertilized soils saturated with water were incubated in the laboratory, we saw extraordinarily high rates of N2O production for the first few hours of incubation, followed by rapid N2O consumption later in the experiment. These findings indicate a lag time between accelerated N2O production and counterbalancing increases in N2O consumption; thus, we cannot yet conclude that lawns are an insignificant source of N2O in our study area.
Genetic Resistance to Acetyl‐Coenzyme A Carboxylase‐Inhibiting Herbicides in Grain Sorghum
Authors: Kershner Kellan S. , Al‐Khatib Kassim , Krothapalli Kartikeya , Tuinstra Mitchell R.
Published: December 2011

Weed management is one of the most important considerations impacting sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production in the United States today. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the level of resistance, type of inheritance, and causal mutation of wild sorghum accessions that are resistant to acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides compared to susceptible grain sorghum seed parents. Acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase‐inhibiting herbicides used in this study were fluazifop‐P and quizalofop‐P from the aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) family and clethodim and sethoxydim from the cyclohexanedione (CHD) family. Dose–response studies indicated the level of resistance was very high for APP herbicides but low to nonexistent for CHD herbicides. Estimates of the resistance factors to APP herbicides based on herbicide rate required for 50% growth reduction (GR50) were 54 to 64 for homozygous plants and 9 to 19 for heterozygous plants. Resistance to CHD herbicides was very low with resistance factors ranging from one to about five. Genetic segregation studies indicated a single gene is the cause of resistance to APP herbicides. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons from the carboxyl transferase (CT) domain of the chloroplast directed ACCase gene were sequenced and a single point mutation that results in a cysteine replacing tryptophan (conversion from tryptophan at amino acid position 2027 to cysteine [Trp‐2027‐Cys]) was discovered. Given the high level of herbicide resistance and simple inheritance, these sources of APP resistance may provide useful herbicide resistance traits for use in sorghum.
Factors Controlling Self‐Fertility in Sunflower: The Role of GCA/SCA Effects, S Alleles, and Floret Characteristics
Authors: Sun Yue , Godwin Ian D. , Arief Vivi N. , Delacy Ian H. , Jackway Paul T. , Lambrides Christopher J.
Published: December 2011

Self‐fertility (SF) is an essential trait that contributes to yield stability in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), particularly in the absence of pollinating insects. We used a full‐diallel design with 12 sunflower parents, including confectionary and nonconfectionary types, to assess (i) combining ability for SF, (ii) the relationship between SF and other traits, and (iii) microsatellite markers for tracking self‐incompatible S alleles. Twelve parents and their 132 F1s were evaluated for SF in two environments. Self‐fertility was correlated with final seed length (r = −0.57, P < 0.01), suggesting that SF was possibly influenced by floret characteristics. A genetic analysis of SF showed that both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant, although after seed length was used as a covariate, the contribution of SCA effects increased to 65% of the variance and narrow‐sense heritability was almost zero. The SCA effects were in part explained by the interaction of various combinations of S alleles. These results suggest that for programs targeting high‐SF confectionary sunflower it would be difficult to predict the SF of hybrids based on the performance of their parents; therefore, F1 hybrid evaluation would be necessary. Our study suggested that factors controlling SF included GCA/SCA effects, S alleles, and floret characteristics. It also demonstrated the value of combining molecular and quantitative genetics for elucidating the inheritance of a complex trait.
Tetraploid Tunisian Wheat Germplasm as a New Source of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance
Authors: Huhn Melissa R. , Elias Elias M. , Ghavami Farhad , Kianian Shahryar F. , Chao Shiaoman , Zhong Shaobin , Alamri Mohammed S. , Yahyaoui Amor , Mergoum Mohamed
Published: December 2011

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe causes extensive losses in durum wheat [Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.]. The only verified resistance contributed by a tetraploid wheat species comes from T. turgidum L. subsp. dicoccoides (Körn. ex Asch. & Graebn.) Thell. This research was conducted to determine whether five Tunisian durum lines exhibiting Type II FHB resistance carry the same resistance alleles as the hexaploid wheat ‘Frontana’, ‘Sumai 3’, and ‘Wangshuibai’ and subsp. dicoccoides genotype (Israel A). One hundred thirty‐one polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based markers were used to determine the genetic similarity among 20 genotypes including resistant and susceptible Tunisian lines and adapted tetraploid and hexaploid cultivars. Phenotypic evaluation was conducted in two greenhouse seasons. Cluster analysis of the Tunisian lines based on the genetic markers showed they are genetically distant from known sources of resistance. Tunisian 7, the most resistant line in this study, was distinctly placed on a separate branch from all the other Tunisian lines, indicating the presence of some genetic diversity. Nineteen of the genotypes were haplotyped with PCR‐based markers for nine loci on six chromosomes associated with known Type II FHB resistance. The Tunisian lines amplified different fragment sizes from the known resistant hexaploid wheat cultivars and subsp. dicoccoides. Results from this study indicate that these Tunisian lines may contain a novel source of Type II FHB resistance.
The Late and Persistent Pathogenic Effects of Cadmium at Very Low Levels on the Kidney of Rats
Authors: Wang Bo , Luo Qi , Shao Chen , Li Xin , Li Feng , Liu Yanan , Sun Liankun , Li Yang , Cai Lu
Published: December 2011

Cadmium (Cd) is an important nephrotoxic pollutant. To examine late effects on the kidney of individuals previously exposed to chronic Cd at very low levels, male Wistar rats were given 20 nmol/kg i.p. injections of Cd every other day for 4 weeks. At the 20th, 28th, 36th, 44th and 52nd week of the study, renal metal accumulation, morphology and function were examined. Immunochemical staining was performed to detect renal 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) accumulation, metallothionein (MT) expression, cell proliferation and global DNA methylation. Results showed that renal Cd concentration and MT expression along with 3-NT accumulation were significantly higher in the Cd group than that in the control. Histopathologically renal tubule damage at the early stage and hyperplasia at the late stage were observed in the Cd group. Renal fibrosis in glomeruli was evident in the Cd group, particularly at the late stage of the study. Immunoreactivity of global DNA methylation was markedly diminished in the Cd group at both 20th and 52nd weeks. These results suggest that previous exposure to chronic Cd at very low level induced persistent damaging effects on the kidney along with increases in cell proliferation and global DNA hypomethylation.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Mupirocin and Polysporin Triple Ointments in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: McQuillan Rory F. , Chiu Ernest , Nessim Sharon , Lok Charmaine E. , Roscoe Janet M. , Tam Paul , Jassal Sarbjit Vanita
Published: December 2011

Background and objectives

Infectious complications remain a significant cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique failure. Topical ointments seem to reduce peritonitis; however, concerns over resistance have led to a quest for alternative agents. This study examined the effectiveness of applying topical Polysporin Triple ointment (P3) against mupirocin in a multi-centered, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

PD patients routinely applied either P3 or mupirocin ointment to their exit site. Patients were followed for 18 months or until death or catheter removal. The primary study outcome was a composite endpoint of exit-site infection (ESI), tunnel infection, or peritonitis.

Results

Seventy-five of 201 randomized patients experienced a primary outcome event (51 peritonitis episodes, 24 ESIs). No difference was seen in the time to first event for P3 (13.2 months; 95% confidence interval, 11.9–14.5) and mupirocin (14.0 months; 95% confidence interval, 12.7–15.4) (P=0.41). Twice as many patients reported redness at the exit site in the P3 group (14 versus 6, P=0.10). Over the complete study period, a higher rate per year of fungal ESIs was seen in patients using P3 (0.07 versus 0.01; P=0.02) with a corresponding increase in fungal peritonitis (0.04 versus 0.00, respectively; P<0.05).

Conclusions

This study shows that P3 is not superior to mupirocin in the prophylaxis of PD-related infections. Colonization of the exit site with fungal organisms is of concern and warrants further study. As such, the use of P3 over mupirocin is not advocated in the prophylaxis of PD-related infections.
Effect of different parameters on sonochemical synthesized nanocrystalline TiO2 particles
Authors: Abedini Reza , Mousavi Mahmoud
Published: December 2011

An ultrasonic-assisted method to directly prepare nanocrystalline TiO2 has
been used. TiO2 was synthesized by the hydrolysis of Tetraisopropyl titanate
(TIPT) in the presence of de-ionized water and ethanol under high-intensity
ultrasonic irradiation (24 KHz, 300 W/cm2) at different conditions. The
effect of water content, water-to-TIPT ratio, water-to-ethanol ratio and
sonication time on the particle size of TiO2 has been investigated by using
design of experiment (DOE). The water content, water-to-TIPT ratio,
water-to-ethanol ratio and sonication time were varied in the range 100-150
ml, 50-75 v/v, 20-30 v/v and 3-4 hr, respectively. Particle size of TiO2 was
characterized using particle size analyzer. The results of DOE show that
water content has the greatest effect on the particle size of TiO2.
Transesterification of linoleic and oleic sunflower oils to biodiesel using CaO as a solid base catalyst
Authors: Predojevic Zlatica , Skrbic Biljana , Djurisic-Mladenovic Natasa
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this work is to characterize biodiesel (i.e. methyl esters,
MEs) produced from linoleic and oleic sunflower oils (LSO and OSO,
respectively) by alkali transesterification with methanol and CaO as a
heterogeneous catalyst under different reaction parameters. The parameters
investigated were the methanol/oil molar ratio (4.5:1, 6:1, 7.5:1, 9:1 and
12:1) and the mass ratio of CaO to oil (2% and 3%). The physical and
chemical properties of the feedstocks and MEs, like density at 15oC,
kinematic viscosity at 40oC, acid value, iodine value, saponification value,
cetane index, fatty acid (methyl ester) composition, were determined in
order to investigate the effects of LSO and OSO properties and reaction
parameters on the product characteristics, yields and purity. The properties
of feedstock had decisive effect on the physical and chemical properties of
MEs as majority of them did not differ significantly under studied reaction
conditions. The MEs produced generally met the criteria required for
commercial biodiesel; in fact, the only exception was in the case of iodine
value of ME produced from LSO. The product yields only slightly changed with
the applied conditions; the highest yield (99.22%) was obtained for ME-LSO
produced at 6 mol% methanol to oil ratio, while the lowest one (93.20%) was
for ME-OSO produced under the lowest methanol/oil molar ratio (4.5:1). The
applied catalyst amounts had similar influence on the oil conversion to
biodiesel. The yields of ME-LSOs were in general somewhat higher than those
obtained for ME-OSOs under the same conditions, which was attributed to the
influence of the respective feedstocks' acid value and viscosity.
Calculations of optical rotation: Influence of molecular structure
Authors: Yu Jia , Cao Yu , Song Hang , Wang Xianlong , Yao Shun
Published: December 2011

Ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) method and Density Functional Theory (DFT) were
used to calculate the optical rotation of 26 chiral compounds. The effects
of theory and basis sets used for calculation, solvents influence on the
geometry and values of calculated optical rotation were all discussed. The
polarizable continuum model, included in the calculation, did not improve
the accuracy effectively, but it was superior to ?s. Optical rotation of
five or sixmembered of cyclic compound has been calculated and 17
pyrrolidine or piperidine derivatives which were calculated by HF and DFT
methods gave acceptable predictions. The nitrogen atom affects the
calculation results dramatically, and it is necessary in the molecular
structure in order to get an accurate computation result. Namely, when the
nitrogen atom was substituted by oxygen atom in the ring, the calculation
result deteriorated.
Photoluminescence of bis(8-hydroxyquinoline) zinc (Znq2) and magnesium (Mgq2)
Authors: Tsuboi Taiju , Nakai Yosuke , Torii Yasuko
Published: December 2011

Absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, PL quantum efficiency, and PL lifetime have been investigated on bis(8-hydroxyquinoline) zinc (Znq2) and magnesium (Mgq2) in solutions and powder. Znq2 and Mgq2 have the lowest-energy absorption band at 376 and 396 nm in acetonitrile solution, respectively, and emission band with peak at 555 and 480 nm. The PL quantum efficiency is 0.03 and 0.45 for Znq2 and Mgq2 in the solution, respectively, while 0.45 and 0.36 in powder. Unlike the case of powders, two PL lifetimes are obtained in solutions. The longer lifetime is attributed to molecule having interaction with its neighboring molecule, while the shorter one to the isolated single molecule.
Executive Function and Type 2 Diabetes: Putting the Pieces Together
Authors: Rucker Jason L. , McDowd Joan M. , Kluding Patricia M.
Published: December 2011

The devastating impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) on vascular, renal, retinal, and peripheral nerve functions has been well documented. However, there is also evidence that older adults with this disease exhibit impairments in the planning, coordinating, sequencing, and monitoring of cognitive operations, collectively known as executive function. Although poorly understood, disturbances in executive function, particularly within the dimension of time sharing, may contribute to the gait abnormalities and increased risk for falls, functional impairments, and disabilities associated with type 2 DM. However, the relationships between executive function and functional abilities remain poorly understood in this population. Current neuropsychological research regarding the concept of executive function is presented here as a framework upon which to examine the integrity of this critical cognitive entity in adults with type 2 DM. The pathophysiological mechanisms thought to underlie diabetes-related executive dysfunction are explored, and the possible contributions of executive deficits to impairments in gait and function observed in older people with type 2 DM are summarized. Finally, a brief discussion of dual-task assessment and intervention strategies that may facilitate the care and rehabilitation of the growing population of patients with type 2 DM is provided.
All-Purpose Veterinary Education:A Personal Perspective
Authors: Eyre Peter
Published: December 2011

The Recognition Lecture is an annual honor awarded by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) to an individual whose leadership and vision have made significant contributions to academic veterinary medicine and the veterinary profession. In 2011, this prestigious honor was awarded to Dr. Peter Eyre, Dean Emeritus of the Virginia–Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM). Dr. Eyre is a fierce advocate for veterinary medical education, with a clear vision of its value in ensuring that veterinarians are well positioned to meet societal needs. Dr. Eyre possesses an international perspective regarding the challenges and problems facing veterinary medical education and has a keen eye for getting to the heart of these challenges. He is known to ask hard questions and propose difficult choices. Dr. Eyre received his undergraduate veterinary degree (BVMS), bachelor of science degree, and PhD from the University of Edinburgh. He was Lecturer in Pharmacology at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies for seven years before joining the faculty of the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College, where he was Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Associate Director of the Canadian Centre for Toxicology. Dr. Eyre was appointed Dean of the VMRCVM in 1985, where he established the Center for Government and Corporate Veterinary Medicine in 1989. After retiring in 2003, he was named Interim Dean of the University of Calgary's new veterinary school. Among his many awards are the Norden Distinguished Teacher Award and the Sigma Psi Excellence in Research Award. In 2008 the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) honored him with the President's Award, and in 2010 the University of Edinburgh awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. The Peter Eyre Student Leadership Award at the VMRCVM and the Peter Eyre Prize in Pharmacology at the University of Guelph are both named in his honor. He is a past president of the AAVMC, a fellow and former board member of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and a former member of the AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee. In the following article, Dr. Eyre offers his insights on the current debate about the future of veterinary medical education.
Adjacent-level biomechanics after single versus multilevel cervical spine fusion
Authors: Prasarn Mark L. , Baria Dinah , Milne Edward , Latta Loren , Sukovich William
Published: December 2011

Object

Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with spinal fusion are at greater risk for adjacent-segment disease and require additional surgery. It has been postulated that excessive motion of a given motion segment unit (MSU) leads to an increased risk of disc degeneration. It is the authors' hypothesis that a greater increase in adjacent-segment motion will be observed following a 2-level versus a single-level anterior cervical discectomy and instrumented fusion (ACDF). Therefore, they undertook this study to determine the effect of single-level versus 2-level ACDF on the biomechanics of adjacent MSUs.

Methods

Ten fresh-frozen human cervical spines were used in this study. The specimens were potted at C-4 and T-1 and tested in flexion and extension. Range of motion (ROM) was 30° of flexion and 15° of extension at a maximum load of 50 N. The specimens were tested intact and then were randomized into 2 groups of 5 specimens each. Group 1 underwent a single-level ACDF at the C5–6 level first, and Group 2 underwent the procedure at the C6–7 level. After testing, both groups had the fusion extended to include the C5–7 levels, and the testing was repeated. Changes in overall ROM, stiffness, and segmental motion were calculated and statistically analyzed using a paired Student t-test.

Results

An increase in sagittal ROM of 31.30% above (p = 0.012) and 33.88% below (p = 0.066) the fused MSU was found comparing a 2-level with a 1-level ACDF. The overall stiffness of the entire spinal construct increased 37.34% (p = 0.051) in extension and 30.59% (p = 0.013) in flexion as the second fusion level was added. As expected, the overall sagittal ROM of the entire spinal construct decreased by 13.68% (p = 0.0014) with a 2-level compared with a 1-level fusion.

Conclusions

This study has shown that the biomechanics at adjacent levels to a cervical spine fusion are altered and that there is increased adjacent-segment motion at the levels above and below, after a 2-level compared with a 1-level ACDF.
Validation of a simple computerized tool for measuring spinal and pelvic parameters
Authors: Kim Chi Heon , Chung Chun Kee , Hong Hee Suk , Kim Eun Hyun , Kim Min Jung , Park Byung Joo
Published: December 2011

Object

Recent studies have emphasized measuring the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and pelvic parameters (pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt) when evaluating spinal disorders. An accurate and reproducible measurement is important for a reliable result. Although computerized measurement is more consistent than manual measurement, computerized measurement requires an expensive software program, the need to transfer images to a workstation, and additional education for users. An inexpensive and convenient computerized measurement program is desirable and necessary. The object of this study was to propose a computerized tool for measuring spinal and pelvic parameters and to evaluate the efficacy of this new tool compared with manual measurement.

Methods

The authors devised a tool that provides computerized measurements of the SVA and pelvic parameters in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) without transferring images to another program. This tool was created by merging functions in the PACS. The resulting tool is easy to implement by merging functions (indicate the center of 2 points, plot a vertical and a horizontal line from a point, and measure the angles between lines) in any image viewer. The tool was made into icons on a toolbar in the PACS. Measurements of distance and angle were computerized by identifying crucial points after selecting the icon. For SVA, 4 points were identified around each corner of the C-7 body and a fifth point at the superior/posterior corner of the S-1 body. For pelvic parameters, 4 points were identified at the centers of each femoral head and at the anterior/superior and posterior/superior corners of S-1. Thirty-three whole-spine lateral radiographs were randomly selected from the radiographic database. To evaluate inter- and intraobserver variability between observers and method, skilled (2 years of experience) and unskilled (1 week of experience) observers measured SVA and pelvic parameters 3 times with a 7-day interval between each time using both computerized and manual measurement methods. The reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

The computerized method showed better congruity than the manual method in both skilled and unskilled observers (p < 0.05), and the intraclass correlation coefficients were > 0.9. The skilled observer showed better agreement than the unskilled observer with both computerized and manual methods, and this difference was prominent in measuring pelvic parameters (p < 0.05). The computerized method required less time than the manual method, especially for the unskilled observer (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A computerized measurement of pelvic parameters may be a more reliable and efficacious approach than manual measurements. This benefit is more prominent in the unskilled observer, and adding this simple function to an image viewer may be recommended in future studies.
A Facile N-monoalkylation of Aminopyridines
Authors: Tian Zhongzhen , Li Dongmei , Jiang Zhaoxing , Li Zhong
Published: December 2011

The N-monoalkylation of 2- or 3-aminopyridines by a carboxylic acid and sodium borohydride afforded the corresponding alkylaminopyridine under mild conditions in good yields. N-Alkylaminopyridines are important intermediate for preparing N-containing heterocycles, such as “flytrap” aminopyridinium-based anion hosts and pharmaceuticals.
Registration of TARS‐MST1 and SB‐DT1 Multiple‐Stress‐Tolerant Black Bean Germplasm
Authors: Porch Timothy G. , Urrea Carlos A. , Beaver James S. , Valentin Suheidy , Peña Pamela A. , Smith James R.
Published: December 2011

High‐ambient‐temperature stress, drought stress, root rot disease, and common bacterial blight [CBB; caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Smith) Dye] cause widespread yield reductions in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) worldwide. TARS‐MST1 (Reg. No. GP‐284, PI 661512) and SB‐DT1 (Reg. No. GP‐283, PI 661970) were developed by the USDA‐ARS, the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research Division, and the University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station. These black bean lines were selected for tolerance to multiple stresses, including tolerance to high ambient temperature and drought. Specifically, both lines showed significantly higher yields under heat stress compared with the local check and had comparable yields to both heat‐ and drought‐tolerant controls under those stress conditions. TARS‐MST1 possesses resistance to CBB, and both lines are tolerant to root rot diseases. They incorporate exotic sources of stress tolerance, thus serving to diversify U.S. common bean germplasm. The lines were characterized for markers related to Bean common mosaic virus and CBB, and both lines carry the I gene, while TARS‐MST1 was positive for the presence of two CBB SCAR markers, SU91 and SAP6. The use of this germplasm in breeding programs can serve to improve the yield and stress tolerance of common bean.
Registration of ‘TAM 401’ Wheat
Authors: Rudd Jackie C. , Devkota Ravindra N. , Fritz Allan K. , Baker Jason A. , Obert Don E. , Worrall David , Sutton Russell , Rooney Lloyd W. , Nelson Lloyd R. , Weng Yiqun , Morgan Gaylon D. , Bean Brent , Ibrahim Amir M. , Klatt Arthur R. , Bowden Robert L. , Graybosch Robert A. , Jin Yue , Seabourn Brad W.
Published: December 2011

‘TAM 401’ (Reg. No. CV‐1056, PI 658500), a hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar with the experimental designation TX03M1096, was developed and released by Texas AgriLife Research in 2008. TAM 401 is an F4‐derived line from the cross ‘Mason’ (PI 594044)/‘Jagger’ (PI 593688) made at College Station, TX in the fall of 1997. Mason is a soft red winter wheat cultivar released by AgriPro in 1996, and Jagger is a hard red winter wheat cultivar developed and released by Kansas State University in 1996. TAM 401 is an early maturing, apically awnletted wheat suitable for grain‐only, dual‐purpose, and graze‐out systems. TAM 401 was released primarily for its excellent grain yield potential across a wide range of environments in Texas; good fall and early winter forage potential; resistance to leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and stripe rust (caused by P. striiformis Westend.); and acceptable hard red winter wheat end‐use quality. The proposed primary area of adaptation for TAM 401 will be the warmer and more humid areas such as South Texas, the Blacklands, and the Rolling Plains of Texas, where awnletted or apically awnletted hard red winter wheat cultivars with resistance to leaf rust and stripe rust are very limited.
Registration of ‘CL162’ Long‐Grain Rice
Authors: Solomon Walter L. , Kanter Dwight G. , Walker Timothy W. , Baird George E. , Lanford Leland S. , Shaifer Sanfrid , Fitts Paxton W.
Published: December 2011

‘CL162’ (CV‐135, PI 661110), a Clearfield long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar was developed by Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS, and jointly approved for release by Mississippi State University and BASF in 2011. The population from which CL162 was derived began as a single cross of CFX‐18 (‘CL161’)/‘Priscilla’ (PVP 9800212) made in 2001. CFX‐18, later named CL161, contains the gene for resistance to imazethapyr and imazamox, which are used in the Clearfield rice production system. CL162 was tested at 14 locations in Mississippi in 2008–2010 and in the Uniform Regional Rice Nursery conducted in 2010 Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, and Mississippi, where it had an average grain yield of 9.9 t ha−1 compared with 10.0, 8.9, and 10.7 t ha−1for the comparison cultivars ‘Cocodrie’, ‘CL131’, and ‘CL151’, respectively. Its consistency in grain yield across production sites and years can be attributed, in part, to its excellent straw strength, as shown by a lodging incidence of 3% over the same number of test locations and years, compared with 17% for CL151 and 4% for CL131. CL162 averaged 84 d to 50% heading and 120 d to maturity over all tests from 2008 to 2010 compared with Cocodrie, which averaged 85 d to 50% heading and 119 d to maturity. CL162 is rated as susceptible to sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn); moderately susceptible to bacterial panicle blight (caused by Burkholderia glumae), rotten neck blast (caused by Pyricularia grisea Sacc.), and straighthead disorder; and moderately resistant to leaf blast (caused by Pyricularia grisea Sacc.).
Registration of ‘L 03‐371’ Sugarcane
Authors: Gravois K. A. , Bischoff K. P. , Hoy J. W. , Reagan T. E. , Pontif M. J. , Kimbeng C. A. , Hawkins G. L. , Fontenot D. P. , Sexton D. R. , Orgeron A. O.
Published: December 2011

‘L 01‐371’ (Reg. No. CV‐147, PI 660126) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum officinarum L., S. barberi Jeswiet, S. spontaneum L., and S. sinense Roxb. amend. Jeswiet) was released on 5 May 2010 by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in cooperation with the USDA‐ARS and the American Sugarcane League, Inc. L 03‐371 was released because of its high sugar and cane yields, good ratooning ability, and disease resistance. The cross (XL98‐282) for L 03‐371 was made on 9 Oct. 1998, which had CP 83‐644 as the female parent and ‘LCP 82‐89’ as the male parent. Clonal selection in the early stages of the program was done as single stools in 2000 followed by selection in the first‐clonal‐line trial stage in 2001, selection in the second‐clonal‐line trial stage in 2002, and permanent cultivar assignment in 2003. Testing in replicated yield trials was conducted throughout the sugarcane growing area in south Louisiana from 2004 to 2009. Cumulative data indicated that L 03‐371 produced 9% higher sugar yield, 4% higher cane yield, and 5% higher sucrose content than HoCP 96‐540 when averaged across all crops. The new cultivar is resistant to brown rust disease (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Sydow), smut (caused by Ustilago scitaminea Sydow & P. Sydow), leaf scald [caused by Xanthomonas albilineans (Ashby) Dowson], and strains of Sorghum mosaic virus and is susceptible to the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis F.).
Defect Scheelite-Type Lanthanoid(III) Ortho-Oxomolybdates(VI) Ln0.667[MoO4] (Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm) and Their Relationship to Zircon and the NaTl-Type Structure
Authors: Schustereit Tanja , Müller Sabine L. , Schleid Thomas , Hartenbach Ingo
Published: December 2011

The rare-earth metal(III) ortho-oxomolybdates with the formula Ln0.667[MoO4] (Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm) and defect scheelite-type structure crystallize in the tetragonal space group I41/a (a = 533–525, c = 1183–1158 pm) with four formula units per unit cell. The Ln3+ cations at Wyckoff position 4b exhibit a coordination sphere of eight oxygen atoms in the shape of a trigonal dodecahedron. The same site symmetry (..) is observed for the tetrahedral oxomolybdate(VI) entities [MoO4]2–, since their central Mo6+ cation is situated at the 4a position. Due to this equal site multiplicity, the lanthanoid(III) cations have to be statistically under-occupied to maintain electroneutrality, thus a defect scheelite structure emerges. The partial structure of both the Ln3+ cations and the [MoO4]2– anions (if shrunk to their centers of gravity) can be best described as distorted diamond-like arrangements. Therefore, these two interpenetrating partial structures exhibit a similar setup as found in the zircon-type as well as in the NaTl-type structure.
An Ecosystem Approach to Recreation Location Quotients
Authors: Oftedal Andrew , Davenport Mae , Schneider Ingrid E. , Zerger Cindy , Schreurs Brian , Vogel Mary
Published: December 2011

Despite the widespread agreement on the importance of preserving ecological integrity in conservation and outdoor recreation decision-making processes, traditional metrics analyzing the supply of and demand for conservation and recreation resources have focused on geographical and population-centric units of measurement rather than ecological ones. One tool past researchers have used to inform recreation resource planning is the recreation location quotient (RLQ). While simple park-to-population ratios or acres-per-capita metrics provide a base measure of carrying capacity and are often useful to set broad recreation supply standards, the RLQ offers a more nuanced snapshot of supply and demand by comparing regional ratios to a standardized reference region. The RLQ is thus able to provide a statistic or quotient that highlights regions where recreation resources are particularly abundant and/or scarce relative to a reference area. This project expands the past RLQ analyses by investigating the distribution of recreation resources across the 10 ecological sections found within the US state of Minnesota. RLQs were calculated using recreation trail mileage, natural resource and recreation area acreage data, and recreation facility data from federal, state, and local agencies. Results found notable differences in supply of recreation resources across ecological sections. Some sections were considerably underrepresented in recreation resources-per area (e.g., Red River Valley and North Central Glaciated Plains) while others were underrepresented in recreation resources-per capita (e.g., Minnesota and Northeast Iowa Morainal). The RLQ statistics and resulting maps illustrating relative surplus or deficiencies can inform future land acquisition decisions and highlight the need for cross-jurisdictional planning in order to ensure outdoor recreation systems are ecologically representative. Possible implications and recommendations for future planning decisions are discussed.
Compositional Studies: Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew
Authors: Zia-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Ćavar Sanja , Qayum Mughal , Imran Imran , Feo Vincenzo de
Published: December 2011

Capparis decidua is one of the traditional remedies used for various medicinal treatments in Pakistan. This study presents the determination of proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols, glucosinolate and phenolic content in extracts obtained from different aerial parts of C. decidua, as well as their antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. All examined extracts were prominently rich in phenolics and glucosinates, and they showed potent antidiabetic and antihemolytic activity. The present study could be helpful in developing medicinal preparations for the treatment of diabetes and related symptoms.
Manouèl Kydônès (vers 1300-1341), diplomate byzantin, père de Dèmètrios Kydônès
Authors: Saint-Guillain Guillaume
Published: December 2011

An unedited Latin source reveals that the father of Demetrios Kydones was called Manuel Kydones. Though anonymous until now, this personage was known to have gone on a diplomatic mission to the Golden Horde at the end of the reign of Andronicus III. Moreover, the date of his death should be placed several months later than usually thought, in summer rather than spring of 1341. This would have been the reason for his son’s visit, probably in September, to Cantacuzenus just before his accession to power.
Microsatellite primers for the narrowly endemic shrub Eriogonum giganteum (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Riley Lynn , McGlaughlin Mitchell E. , Helenurm Kaius
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were designed for Eriogonum giganteum var. formosum, an endemic shrub of San Clemente Island, to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and demographic history.

• Methods and Results: Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the California Channel Island endemic Eriogonum and were screened for variability. The primers amplified one to eight alleles in the target taxon. Many primers also amplified in conspecific and congeneric (E. arborescens, E. fasciculatum, E. grande, E. latifolium, and E. parvifolium) taxa and in the closely related Chorizanthe valida. The total number of alleles per locus for all taxa screened ranged from three to 24.

• Conclusions: These primers will be useful for conservation genetic and evolutionary studies within the California Channel Island endemic Eriogonum.
Natural product biosyntheses in cyanobacteria: A treasure trove of unique enzymes
Authors: Kehr Jan-Christoph , Gatte Picchi Douglas , Dittmann Elke
Published: December 2011

Cyanobacteria are prolific producers of natural products. Investigations into the biochemistry responsible for the formation of these compounds have revealed fascinating mechanisms that are not, or only rarely, found in other microorganisms. In this article, we survey the biosynthetic pathways of cyanobacteria isolated from freshwater, marine and terrestrial habitats. We especially emphasize modular nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and polyketide synthase (PKS) pathways and highlight the unique enzyme mechanisms that were elucidated or can be anticipated for the individual products. We further include ribosomal natural products and UV-absorbing pigments from cyanobacteria. Mechanistic insights obtained from the biochemical studies of cyanobacterial pathways can inspire the development of concepts for the design of bioactive compounds by synthetic-biology approaches in the future.