bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partisan Bias in Fund Portfolios
Authors: Wintoki M. Babajide , Xi Yaoyi
Published: May 2019

We document that fund managers are more likely to allocate assets to firms managed by executives and directors with whom they share a similar political partisan affiliation. We find that this bias is not associated with improved fund performance. Funds with more partisan bias suffer from higher levels of idiosyncratic volatility than those with less bias. Partisan bias is more evident when fund managers are less experienced, in more informationally opaque firms, and when the U.S. president comes from fund managers’ own party. These findings suggest that political partisan bias among fund managers may be due to in-group favoritism.
Dinoflagellates, Sporomorphs, and Other Palynomorphs from the Upper Pliocene St. Erth Beds of Cornwall, Southwestern England
Authors: Head Martin J.
Published: May 2019

Palynological analysis of the highly fossiliferous marine clays of the St. Erth Beds of Cornwall has revealed the presence of dinoflagellates, acritarchs and prasinophytes, scolecodonts, microforaminiferal linings, freshwater? invertebrates, freshwater algal spores, embryophyte spores and pollen, fungal spores, and plant cuticles. These groups are documented here and several, including the dinoflagellates, are reported from the St. Erth Beds for the first time.

The marine clays were deposited in warm, shallow waters of an inlet or embayment during a probable high stand in sea level. They are generally held to be of late Pliocene age, planktonic foraminiferal evidence placing them at between 1.9 and 2.1 Ma (late late Pliocene). Dinoflagellates are consistent with a late Pliocene age. Spores and pollen, if not reworked, suggest placement no higher than the lower part of the Tiglian Stage (upper Pliocene) of The Netherlands.

Analysis of all palynological groups permits terrestrial and marine climates to be evaluated independently. The spore-pollen assemblage has some thermophilic elements but mainly reflects a cool-temperate terrestrial climate. In contrast, dinoflagellates—dominated by gymnodinialean? and protoperidinioid cysts—indicate warm inner neritic waters and present some evidence for subtropical to tropical conditions with winter sea-surface temperatures above 15°. Increased influence of the Gulf Stream during the late Pliocene, perhaps superimposed upon a phase of global warming, is hypothesized to explain these differentially elevated marine temperatures.

The St. Erth inlet was not markedly brackish or hypersaline judging from the dinoflagellates, but rare freshwater algal spores attest either to some freshwater input or redeposition from sandy soils during marine incursion. High abundance of scolecodonts, about 1,500 to 2,000 per gram dry weight of sediment, allows speculation that the inlet hosted a thriving association of latest Pliocene marine annelid worms.

A species of algae incertae sedis,Halodinium scopaeum, and three species of dinoflagellate,Algidasphaeridium?euaxum, Sumatradinium pliocenicum, andTrinovantedinium sterthense, are proposed as new. The dinoflagellate genusSelenopemphixBenedek, 1972, is emended herein.QuinquecuspisHarland, 1977, is now validated by the transfer ofTrinovantedinium concretumReid, 1978, toQuinquecuspisHarland, 1977, asQ. concretan. comb.
Upper Triassic Invertebrates from the Antimonio Formation, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Stanley George D. , González-León Carlos , Sandy Michael R. , Senowbari-Daryan Baba , Doyle Peter , Tamura Minoru , Erwin Douglas H.
Published: May 2019

A diverse Upper Triassic tropical marine fauna from northwestern Sonora, Mexico, includes 31 taxa of tropical invertebrates including scleractinian corals, spongiomorphs, disjectoporoids, “hydrozoans,” thalamid and nonthalamid sponges, spiriferid and terebratulid brachiopods, gastropods, bivalves, coleoids, and anomuran microcoprolites. They occur within the late Karnian to Norian part of the Antimonio Formation (Antimonio terrane), which is juxtaposed against a fragmented portion of the North American craton. Most of the fauna is also known from the Tethys region. Sixteen Sonoran taxa co-occur in the western Tethys and five have never been known outside this region. Four additional taxa (one identified only at genus level) are geographically widespread. Some taxa occur in displaced terranes of North America, especially in west-central Nevada (Luning Formation). A weak link exists with the California Eastern Klamath terrane but stronger ties exist with Peru. Among Sonoran sponges,Nevadathalamia polystomawas previously recognized only from the Luning Formation, western Nevada. SpongesCinnabaria expansa, Nevadathalamia cylindrica, and a coral,Astraeomorpha sonorensisn. sp., are also known from Nevada. The coralsDistichomeandra austriaca, Chondrocoenia waltheri, Pamiroseris rectilamellosa, andAlpinophyllia flexuosaco-occur in central Europe. Two new taxa, a spongiomorph hydrozoan,Stromatoporidium lamellatumn. sp., and a disjectoporoid,Pamiropora sonorensisn. sp., have distinct affinities with the Tethys. The geographically widespread North American brachiopod,Spondylospira lewesensis, andPseudorhaetina antimoniensisn. gen. and sp. are among the Sonoran fauna. The Sonoran coleoid (aulacocerid)Dictyoconites(Dictyoconites) cf.D. reticulatumoccurs in the Tethys realm andCalliconitescf.C. drakeiis comparable with a species from the Eastern Klamath terrane.Calliconites millerin. sp. is the first occurrence of the genus outside Sicily. The bivalvesMyophorigonia jaworskii, M. salasi, andPalaeocardita peruvianaare known from Sonora and Peru. Eight gastropod taxa includeGuidoniacf.G. intermediaandG.cf.G. parvula, both previously known from Peru, andEucycloscala subbisertusfrom the western Tethys. The gastropods are unlike those already known from other North American terranes.
Influence of Nitrogen Rates and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Cultivars on Weed Control
Authors: Valenti Stephen A. , Wicks Gail A.
Published: May 2019

Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of nitrogen (N) fertility and winter wheat cultivars on weed infestations in a winter wheat-ecofallow sorghum-fallow rotation near North Platte, NE. Centurk 78 and Lancota winter wheat suppressed density and growth of barnyardgrass and green foxtail significantly more than Eagle winter wheat before and after wheat harvest. Increasing N rates applied to winter wheat decreased annual grass weed population and weed yields. However, 67 and 101 kg N ha−1reduced winter wheat grain yields compared to 34 kg N ha−1. Plots treated at 2.8 plus 0.3 kg ai ha−1of atrazine plus paraquat 31 d after wheat harvest had more barnyardgrass before grain sorghum planting in 1983 than plots treated 17 d after wheat harvest but the reverse was true for green foxtail after grain sorghum emergence in 1984. Increasing N rates from 34 kg ha−1to 67 and 101 kg ha−1in the previous wheat crop decreased weed density before and after grain sorghum planting. There was no advantage in weed control in the grain sorghum from applying N to winter wheat in the fall vs. spring.
Soil Degradation of Metazachlor in Agronomic and Vegetable Crop Fields
Authors: Rouchaud Jean , Metsue Marc , Van Himme Michel , Bulcke Robert , Gillet Joel , Vanparys Luc
Published: May 2019

Metazachlor degradation in soil was studied in fields of spring barley, turnips, brussels sprouts, and leeks. Metazachlor in soil was transformed into 2-hydroxy-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl methyl)-acetamide (compound 2), 2-chloro-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-acetamide (compound 3), and 4,4′-methylenebis-(2,6-dimethylbenzenamine) (compound 4). Soil concentrations of compound 4 were always lower than 0.1 ppm. The half-life of metazachlor in the 0- to 10-cm soil layer was 1 to 3 mo. Metazachlor and compounds 2, 3, and 4 were not detected in the 10- to 20- and 20- to 30-cm soil layers. Metazachlor and metabolites (compounds) 2, 3, and 4 were not detected in barley grain or in the edible part of the vegetables. The sensitivity limit for these compounds was 0.02 ppm.
Physiological Basis for Differential Bentazon Susceptibility Among Corn (Zea mays) Inbreds
Authors: Bradshaw Laura D. , Barrett Michael , Poneleit Charles G.
Published: May 2019

Experiments were conducted to confirm the bentazon susceptibility of corn inbred GA209 and determine the physiological basis of this susceptibility. Bentazon (1.1 to 4.4 kg ha-1) plus crop oil concentrate (1% by vol) did not cause visible injury or dry weight loss of corn inbred B73 but caused 66 to 89% visual injury and 62 to 70% dry weight reduction of GA209 1 wk after treatment. Bentazon (2.2 kg ha-1) inhibited variable chlorophyll fluorescence decay in GA209 and B73 8 h after treatment. Variable fluorescence decay recovered in B73, but not in GA209, 96 h after treatment. Absorption and translocation of14C from14C-bentazon was greater in GA209 than B73 during a 48-h time course. Both inbreds converted bentazon to a polar metabolite which formed 6-hydroxybentazon upon hydrolysis with β-glucosidase. However, 63% of absorbed14C from14C-bentazon remained in the parent form in GA209 compared to 25% in B73 over a 72-h time course. A decreased ability of GA209 to metabolize bentazon may explain bentazon sensitivity of this inbred compared to B73.
Sampling Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) Populations
Authors: Lemieux Claudel , Cloutier Daniel C. , Leroux Gilles D.
Published: May 2019

This work was initiated to develop a method of sampling quackgrass populations. Shoot and bud distribution of 36 field populations was obtained. The results demonstrated that shoot count was inappropriate in assessing quackgrass bud populations and that bud sampling depth should be at least 20 cm if an accurate estimate is required. When shoot count is the only possibility, quadrat size should be as large as possible to minimize the error. Descriptive statistics of the field populations were used to generate a series of 24 simulated quackgrass bud populations. The field and simulated data were computer sampled with a program designed to compare the effects of varying sample size (number of quadrats) and sample shape (quadrat size and form). The intensity of sampling must be a function of resources and cost, since sampling precision increased linearly with sample size. Precision of sampling was generally higher when a large number of small quadrats were used compared to a small number of large quadrats. Sampling intensity per unit area must be increased when bud density increases to maintain a given degree of precision, but it can be decreased when plot size increases.
Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) Control by Synergistic Action of Clopyralid: Triclopyr Mixtures
Authors: Bovey Rodney W. , Whisenant Steven G.
Published: May 2019

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to evaluate clopyralid formulations and triclopyr ester alone and in mixtures for control of honey mesquite. In the greenhouse the butoxyethyl ester of triclopyr enhanced activity of the monoethanolamine salt of clopyralid when applied as mixtures for total rates of 210 to 630 g ae ha-1. Greenhouse activity of triclopyr was not enhanced with the addition of clopyralid. In the field, 1989 applications of these same formulations, mixtures, and rates were usually synergistic, with each mixture killing more plants than the combined effect of either herbicide applied alone. For example, clopyralid plus triclopyr at 140 plus 140 g ae ha-1killed 87% of the plants. When applied alone at 140 g ha-1neither herbicide killed >27% of the plants. Honey mesquite response to the potassium or oleylamine salt of clopyralid was similar to the monoethanolamine salt when applied alone or in mixtures with triclopyr ester. Effectiveness of these mixtures in 1990 was similar to the 1988 and 1989 applications except that two to three times more herbicide was required for high mortality in 1990 because of unfavorable environment and plant growth prior to treatment.
Spray Droplet Residual of Glyphosate in Various Carriers
Authors: Nalewaja John D. , Matysiak Robert , Freeman Thomas P.
Published: May 2019

Scanning electron micrographs of spray droplet residual on wheat, sunflower, and kochia indicated that salts and various adjuvants applied with glyphosate affected deposit crystal content, thickness, and contact with the leaf surface. Spray deposits of glyphosate applied with diammonium sulfate contained distinct crystals, which related to enhanced toxicity of glyphosate applied alone, or to overcoming antagonism of glyphosate toxicity by calcium chloride, when applied to wheat. In general, glyphosate applied with antagonistic calcium chloride salt formed spray deposits that were amorphous, thick, and without crystals. Glyphosate sprayed with nonantagonistic diammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride salts had deposits with crystals and an evenly spread residue beneath the crystals. The various micrographs indicate that the antagonism of glyphosate phytotoxicity by salts may be in part from physical entrapment of glyphosate in the spray deposit. Glyphosate spray droplet residue contact with wheat, sunflower, and kochia surfaces related to observed differences in glyphosate toxicity to these species.
Weed Seedbanks of the U.S. Corn Belt: Magnitude, Variation, Emergence, and Application
Authors: Forcella Frank , Wilson Robert G. , Renner Karen A. , Dekker Jack , Harvey Robert G. , Alm David A. , Buhler Douglas D. , Cardina John
Published: May 2019

Seedbanks and seedling emergence of annual weeds were examined in arable fields at eight locations in the Corn Belt. Seed densities were estimated by direct seed extraction from each of several soil cores in each sampled plot. Average total seedbank densities ranged from 600 to 162 000 viable seed m-2among locations. Coefficients of variation (CV) typically exceeded 50%. CV for seed densities of individual species usually exceeded 100%, indicating strongly aggregated distributions. CV were lower for species with dense seed populations than those with sparse seed populations. Variance of total seedbank densities was unstable when < 10 cores were examined per plot, but stabilized at all locations when ≥ 15 cores were analyzed, despite a 12-fold difference in plot size and 270-fold difference in seed density among locations. Percentage viable seed that emerged as seedlings in field plots ranged from < 1% for yellow rocket to 30% for giant foxtail. Redroot pigweed and common lambsquarters were the most frequently encountered species. Emergence percentages of these species were related inversely to rainfall or air temperatures in April or May, presumably because anoxia and/or high temperatures induced secondary dormancy in nondormant seed. From 50 to 90% of total seed in the seedbank were dead. This information can be employed by bioeconomic weed management models, which currently use coarse estimates of emergence percentages to customize recommendations for weed control.
Weed Seedbank Response to Tillage, Herbicides, and Crop Rotation Sequence
Authors: Ball Daniel A.
Published: May 2019

Changes in the weed seedbank due to crop production practices are an important determinant of subsequent weed problems. Research was conducted to evaluate effects of primary tillage (moldboard plowing and chisel plowing), secondary tillage (row cultivation), and herbicides on weed species changes in the soil seedbank in three irrigated row crop rotational sequences over a 3-yr period. The cropping sequences consisted of continuous corn for 3 yr, continuous pinto beans for 3 yr, or sugarbeets for 2 yr followed by corn in the third year. Cropping sequence was the most dominant factor influencing species composition in the seedbank. This was partly due to herbicide use in each cropping sequence producing a shift in the weed seedbank in favor of species less susceptible to applied herbicides. A comparison between moldboard and chisel plowing indicated that weed seed of predominant species were more prevalent near the soil surface after chisel plowing. The number of predominant annual weed seed over the 3-yr period increased more rapidly in the seedbank after chisel plowing compared to moldboard plowing unless effective weed control could be maintained to produce a decline in seedbank number. In this case, seedbank decline was generally more rapid after moldboard plowing. Row cultivation generally reduced seedbanks of most species compared to uncultivated plots in the pinto bean and sugarbeet sequences. A simple model was developed to validate the observation that rate of change in the weed seedbank is influenced by type of tillage and weed control effectiveness.
Effect of Paraquat on Dark-GrownPhaseolus vulgarisCells
Authors: Zer Hagit , Chevion Mordechai , Goldberg Israel
Published: May 2019

Paraquat is known to affect all green plants and other eukaryotic organisms including mammalian cells. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of paraquat toxicity in nonphotosynthetic plant cells using dark-grown kidney bean cells in tissue culture. It is shown that uptake of paraquat is an active process, and that paraquat inhibits cell growth, reduces DNA synthesis, and inhibits the activity of hydroxypyruvate reductase while enhancing the activity of glutathione reductase which is involved in cellular defense against oxidant stress. Additionally, it is demonstrated that iron ions are involved in paraquat toxicity. We conclude that uptake of paraquat into cells is via polyamine channels and that the deleterious effects of paraquat on these nonphotosynthetic cells are mediated by iron.
Population Dynamics of Crenate Broomrape (Orobanche crenata) in Faba Bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Lopez-Granados Francisca , Garcia-Torres Luis
Published: May 2019

Progression of crenate broomrape population density (PD, number of emerged plants m-2) in faba bean was studied over 8 yr in Spain. Spatial dispersion and effect of climatic conditions on parasite population growth rate (PGR) also were studied. With repeated cropping of faba bean, infestations of crenate broomrape increased from an initial PD of 0.15 to an average of 26, with a maximum of about 40 to 45. The average population growth rate (PGR, ratio between the PD of any 2 consecutive years) was approximately 3. However, this figure varied widely among localities and years, from 0.8 to 7.7. A highly significant relationship (P = 0.01) was found between PGR and rainfall and soil temperatures during December to February, months of crop vegetative growth. Dispersion of crenate broomrape infestations mainly followed direction of crop rows, most likely due to the effect of tillage and harvesting operations, which were the same direction as sowing.
Effect of Commonly used Turfgrass Herbicides on Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Root Growth
Authors: Fishel Frederick M. , Coats G. Euel
Published: May 2019

Experiments were conducted in 1990 and 1991 to determine bioavailability of PRE herbicides at three soil profile depths and two soil types in established common bermudagrass sods. Prodiamine and oryzalin reduced ‘Tifgreen’ bermudagrass root growth in the 5- to 7.5-cm layer of a Bosket very fine sandy loam soil at 2 and 4 wk after treatment in 1991. These herbicides decreased bermudagrass root weight in both the Bosket and Marietta sandy clay loam both years in samples taken from the 2.5- to 5-cm depth layer. In the 0- to 2.5-cm soil layer, all herbicides reduced root weight in 1990. In a bioassay, prodiamine caused decreased Tifgreen bermudagrass root growth at concentrations as low as 4 ppb by wt in the very fine sandy loam soil, while 8 ppb was necessary in the sandy clay loam soil. Prodiamine was detected in the very fine sandy loam at 4 wk after treatment at all depths in 1991 (65, 45, and 39 ppb in the 0- to 2.5-, 2.5- to 5-, and 5- to 7.5-cm soil layers, respectively). Oryzalin was also detected at all depths in 1991 when sampled at 2 and 4 wk after treatment in the very fine sandy loam. Pendimethalin was present in concentrations of 38, 39, and 37 ppb in the sandy clay loam at 2 wk after treatment in the 0- to 2.5-, 2.5- to 5-, and the 5- to 7.5-cm soil layers, respectively. Pendimethalin was also detected in the very fine sandy loam at 2 wk after treatment at concentrations of 55, 69, and 36 ppb in the 0- to 2.5-, 2.5- to 5-, and 5- to 7.5-cm soil layers, respectively.
The Influence of Terbufos on Primisulfuron Absorption and Fate in Corn (Zea mays)
Authors: Frazier Todd L. , Nissen Scott J. , Mortensen David A. , Meinke Lance J.
Published: May 2019

Terbufos and primisulfuron interactions were evaluated under growth chamber conditions using a sand culture system. Terbufos was applied to transplanted corn seedlings, followed in 5 d by foliar applications of primisulfuron plus nonionic surfactant. Primisulfuron and terbufos alone did not cause corn injury; however, shoot dry weight and shoot length were reduced 28 and 36% in terbufos treatments 96 h after primisulfuron application. Primisulfuron absorption and translocation were not affected by terbufos, but the half-life of primisulfuron increased from 2 to 3.5 h in terbufos treatments. Terbufos did not affect primisulfuron metabolite profiles. The basis for increased primisulfuron phytotoxicity in terbufos treatments appeared to result from reduced primisulfuron metabolism.
Host Range Alteration of the Bioherbicidal FungusAlternaria crassawith Fruit Pectin and Bant Filtrates
Authors: Boyette C. Douglas , Abbas Hamed K.
Published: May 2019

In greenhouse tests, the host specificity ofAlternaria crassa(Sacc.) Rands, a mycoherbicide for jimsonweed was altered by the addition of water-soluble filtrates of jimsonweed and hemp sesbania or fruit pectin to fungal conidia suspensions. Several crop and weed species that were resistant to the fungus alone exhibited various degrees of susceptibility following these amendments, with 100% mortality occurring to the weeds hemp sesbania, showy crotalaria, and eastern black nightshade when treated with the fungus/pectin mixture. Nonhost plants that were inoculated with conidial mixtures amended with sucrose or cellulose were not affected. Modification of host specificity of this pathogen could have an influence on its bioherbiddal potential
Pendimethalin Efficacy and Dissipation in Turfgrass as Influenced by Rainfall Incorporation
Authors: Gasper John J. , Street John R. , Harrison S. Kent , Pound William E.
Published: May 2019

A 2-yr field study was conducted to determine effects of posttreatment irrigation timing on pendimethalin efficacy and dissipation in turfgrass. Factors investigated included herbicide rate, formulation, and the interval between pendimethalin application and the initial posttreatment irrigation. Plots received an initial posttreatment irrigation of 1.25 cm 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d after treatment. Pendimethalin efficacy on smooth crabgrass was evaluated, and turfgrass foliage and the upper 2.5-cm layer of soil were periodically assayed for pendimethalin residues. Pendimethalin 1.71% granular provided better weed control than pendimethalin 60% wettable powder at all rates, irrigation events, and years. Efficacy of granular pendimethalin was not affected by a delay in posttreatment irrigation, whereas efficacy of pendimethalin in the wettable powder formulation was reduced when irrigation was applied later than the day of treatment. Chromatographic analyses indicated that an average of 54% of the applied pendimethalin (wettable powder formulation) was retained on turfgrass foliage immediately after treatment, compared to 9% for the granular formulation. Soil residue analyses confirmed that a greater proportion of applied pendimethalin reached the soil surface immediately after treatment in the granular formulation than in the wettable power formulation.
Impact of Agronomic Practices on Weed Communities: Fallow Within Tillage Systems
Authors: Derksen Douglas A. , Thomas A. Gordon , Lafond Guy P. , Loeppky Heather A. , Swanton Clarence J.
Published: May 2019

Continuous-cropping conservation tillage systems may provide a viable alternative to the practice of summer fallow; however, concerns have been raised regarding potentially negative changes in weed communities in continuous cropping. Field experiments were established in Saskatchewan at three locations to determine the nature of weed community differences between a crop sequence with and without fallow in zero-, minimum-, and conventional-tillage systems from 1986 to 1990. Weed communities in continuous-cropping treatments tended to have greater total densities and were more similar in composition than crop-fallow treatments. Inclusion or exclusion of fallow within the rotation had a greater impact on weed community composition than did tillage system at Ituna and Waldron, but the reverse was true at Tadmore due to poor crop growth in all tillage systems. Differences in weed community composition were generally characterized by fluctuational changes in species associations. Volunteers of summer-annual crops, such as canola, flax, and barley, were associated with continuous cropping, but other species including perennial weeds, such as Canada thistle, perennial sowthistle, and quackgrass, were not strongly associated with the presence or absence of fallow. The practice of fallowing land to manage weeds may not be necessary.
Basis for the Differential Response of Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) Biotypes to Primisulfuron
Authors: Gillespie Greg R.
Published: May 2019

Factors accounting for the differential response of five quackgrass biotypes to primisulfuron were compared. Previous field and greenhouse experiments had identified a biotype from Montpelier, OH, as being less susceptible to primisulfuron than biotypes from Amherst, MA; Mahnomen, MN; Fargo, ND; and State College, PA. Differences in shoot, root, and rhizome fresh weights and rhizome bud numbers did not account for the reduced susceptibility of the Montpelier, OH, biotype to primisulfuron. Spray retention was lower in biotypes from OH and MA compared to the others. Absorption of14C following14C-primisulfuron application was greater in the Amherst, MA, biotype compared to the others. Only 29% of absorbed14C was present as primisulfuron in the Montpelier, OH, biotype versus 41 to 45% in the other biotypes 72 h after application. The amount of primisulfuron present in the Montpelier, OH, biotype 72 h after application was less than half the amount present in the other four biotypes due to reduced spray retention and faster metabolism. These factors combined explain lower susceptibility of the Montpelier, OH, biotype to primisulfuron.
Host Specificity and Environmental Impact of the WeevilHylobius transversovittatus, a Biological Control Agent of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Authors: Blossey Bernd , Schroeder Dieter , Hight Stephen D. , Malecki Richard A.
Published: May 2019

Introduction of purple loosestrife into North America and its spread into wetlands has led to the degradation of these important habitats for wildlife. Conventional control efforts are unsuccessful in providing long-term control. A classical biological control program offers the best chance for reducing the numbers of this invasive plant and improving regeneration of the native flora and fauna. European studies demonstrated that the root boring weevil Hylobius transversovittatus is highly host specific to the target weed. Attack of two test plant species (winged lythrum and swamp loosestrife) during host range screening was most likely due to artificial test conditions. An environmental assessment of the potential effects of the release of the purple loosestrife borer in North America indicated that benefits outweigh any potential negative impact Therefore its field release was approved in 1992.
DECLINO E INNOVAZIONE POLITICA NEL PARTITO LABURISTA INGLESE
Authors: Massari Oreste
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

La vicenda del Labour Party degli anni ottanta costituisce un caso altamente paradigmatico, al di là della peculiarità della sua forma organizzativa (partito confederato e indiretto) e del contesto politico-istituzionale in cui opera (Allum 1988), di molteplici problemi che la scienza politica ha sollevato negli ultimi decenni circa la prospettiva del partito di massa e di quello specificamente ad origine di classe. Le tesi del declino del partito di classe e dell'esaurirsi dell'opposizione politico-parlamentare (Massari 1990a) sembravano calzare perfettamente alla parabola sempre più declinante del Labour Party a partire dalla metà degli anni settanta fino a culminare nel quasi collasso dei primi anni ottanta. Nel 1981 il partito subisce una pesante scissione alla sua destra, con la formazione dell'SDP, che con i liberali formerà l'Alliance elettorale. Nelle elezioni del 1983 il partito rischiò seriamente di essere scavalcato dall'Alliance finendo al terzo posto e di perdere il ruolo di opposizione ufficiale. Il suo voto si restrinse, infatti, a solo 8 milioni e mezzo (27,6%, il più basso risultato della sua storia elettorale dal 1918) a fronte di 7 milioni e ottocentomila voti dati all'Alliance (25,4%) e a fronte di una sostanziale stabilità del voto conservatore (42,4%). Il 1983 sembrò, difatti, un punto di svolta sia riguardo al futuro del Labour sia riguardo alla natura del sistema partitico. Occorre guardare alla geografia elettorale per comprendere appieno la portata della trasformazione. Se a livello parlamentare il sistema bipartitico ancora reggeva - avendo ottenuto conservatori e laburisti assieme 606 dei 650 seggi, grazie agli effetti disproporzionali del sistema elettorale - ciò non era più vero al livello dei collegi. A questo livello, il sistema bipartitico sembrava definitivamente rotto. Occorre avere presente che nella competizione maggioritaria ad un turno l'interesse va rivolto non solo, ovviamente, al partito che è arrivato primo alla conquista del seggio, ma anche a chi è arrivato secondo, perché è questo che presumibilmente avrà le chances dell'alternanza al secondo round elettorale. L'Alliance, pur avendo ottenuto solo 23 seggi - e da questo punto di vista il Parlamento formatosi nel 1983 è risultato il meno «proporzionale» del mondo democratico (McLean 1988) - è arrivata seconda in 312 collegi, ossia in più della metà del totale. Il Labour arrivò primo in 209, secondo in 132, ma terzo (o anche peggio) in 292 collegi, corrispondenti a quasi metà dei seggi della Gran Bretagna.
LE TIPOLOGIE DELLE POLITICHE PUBBLICHE: UNA STRADA SENZA USCITA?
Authors: Capano Giliberto
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Come è stato recentemente sottolineato, l'analisi delle politiche pubbliche costituisce, insieme al filone dellapolitical economy, «il campo d'indagine che ha registrato l'espansione forse più impetuosa nelle scienze sociali dell'ultimo ventennio» (Ferrera 1989, 241). Questo grande sviluppo dell'analisi delle politiche pubbliche pone una serie di problemi concernenti, oltre che il rapporto con la scienza della politica nel suo complesso, gli stessi assetti interni di questo campo di studi. Questioni che nascono soprattutto dal carattere intrinsecamente interdisciplinare dell'analisi delle politiche pubbliche, oltre che dalla problematicità dell'unità di analisi. Nel coacervo di questioni teorico-metodologiche che sorgono, nel momento in cui si intende porre al centro della ricerca empirica lapolicy, una di quelle più intriganti è costituita dal problema della classificazione delle politiche pubbliche. D'altra parte, il trattamento classificatorio dei concetti occupa un posto fondamentale nel processo di ricerca, costituendo altresì una condizione necessaria, pur se non sufficiente, per procedere in modo adeguato nell'analisi empirica e teorica del fenomeno politico (McKinney 1966, 1970; Tiryakian 1968; Sartori 1979; Oppenheim 1975; Marradi 1990). La questione assume, peraltro, una rilevanza assolutamente imprescindibile all'interno di un magmatico e frammentato campo di studi, quale è quello deipolicy studies, laddove, pur esistendo una notevole tradizione classificatoria - anzi, nella sua espressione più rilevante, tipologica - la diversità delle proposte elaborate (numerose, spesso assolutamente non confrontabili) ha condotto a non soddisfare le attese riposte in tale strumento metodologico per ordinare e guidare la prodigiosa produzione di ricerca (soprattutto a carattere idiografico) sviluppata negli ultimi trent'anni.
Micromorphological report on Chalton B Layer 3
Authors: Macphail Richard
Published: May 2019

Layer 3 was examined in the fiela and provisionally interpreted as a Bt horizon. A sample (locaxion shown on fig.5) was examined in thin section in order to throw further light on how the layer had formed. It can be described as follows using the method and terminology of Brewer 1964, Bullock and Murphy 1979:- Homogeneous; well developed fine and meciium subangular blocky; total macrovoids (> 20 μm) 13.1%; smoothed orthovughs and channels occur intrapedally; silt-size mineral grains dominantly quartz; includes fine gravel-size flint; coarse grains angular; small grains moderately rounded; many fine void argillans (few medium); few compound ferri-argillans; few embedded argillans; common to many fine to medium matrans and matri-argillans; common to many irregular, and linear intrapedal clay concentrations; few fine to medium distinct ferromanganiferous nodules; finely mixed organic matter and medium organic matter fragments in matrix; fine organic matter and charcoal fragments in matrans; silt layers within compound matrans ana matri-argillans; silasepic; porphyroskelic.
Appendix V: Report on the Thin-Sections of Pottery and Clay from Sarn-Y-Bryn-Caled and Coed-Y-Dinas
Authors: Vince A.
Published: May 2019

Samples of fired clay (L595), Peterborough Ware (L596. LS97, L598) and Beaker pottery (L599-602) were submitted for examination. They were studied using a x20 binocular microscope and in thin-section. The thin-sections were prepared using Dickson’s Method of saining, which distinguishes various types of carbonaie, although in this case none of the samples contained calcareous inclusions.

The dun sections were examined using a standardised procedure and die abundance, maximum size and any relevant comments were recorded for the following inclusion types:
Romano-British features and material
Introduction
Authors: Butcher S A , Cameron F , Curnow P E , Pengelly H
Published: May 2019

A quantity of Romano-British material was found in the course of excavation
and although most of this was from disturbed contexts an attempt was made to
define the nature and period of occupation which it represents.

The principal features dated to this period by material from primary
positions are a number of long straight ditches, F138, F225, F225a and F255,
running roughly north-east to south-west, and an irregular D-shaped
enclosure, F170 (Fig 12). It is suggested that the ditches form the
boundaries of a fairly large-scale layout of fields. From the discrepancies
of alignment in ditches lying close together it appears that the boundaries
silted and were re-cut without much exactitude. Very little stratified
pottery could be associated with these ditches: a Flavian sherd from F138
and late Roman wares from F255.
Balneaves: Post-Medieval Pottery
Authors: Hall Derek W
Published: May 2019

Bodysherd of pottery from Pit 15

This sherd of pottery is of a thin red brown fabric with small quartz inclusions. Its internal surface has a thin white slip which gives it the impression of being very well made. It does not fît into any medieval fabric type known by the writer. On balance it seems likely that this sherd is from a vessel of eighteenth or nineteenth century date suggesting a fairly modern date for the feature concerned.
Images of Indonesia in the Dutch Press 1950-1962. Characteristics of an Imperial Hangover
Authors: Meijer Hans
Published: May 2019

This article will analyze some of the images of Indonesia as expressed in the Dutch press in the period between December 1949 and August 1962 from the granting of independence to the handing over of die last remnant of the former colony, Western New Guinea. It will focus on two aspects. First, how did the press report about Indonesia and second, what role did it play in the deterioration of the Dutch-Indonesian relationship? To what extent can the press be held responsible for the negative image of the Dutch with regard to Indonesia after 1949?
Design and Manufacturing of Tendon-Driven Soft Foam Robots
Authors: Kastor Nikolas , Mukherjee Ritwika , Cohen Eliad , Vikas Vishesh , Trimmer Barry A. , White Robert D.
Published: May 2019

A design and manufacturing method is described for creating a motor tendon–actuated soft foam robot. The method uses a castable, light, and easily compressible open-cell polyurethane foam, producing a structure capable of large (~70% strain) deformations while requiring low torques to operate (<0.2 N·m). The soft robot can change shape, by compressing and folding, allowing for complex locomotion with only two actuators. Achievable motions include forward locomotion at 13 mm/s (4.3% of body length per second), turning at 9◦/s, and end-over-end flipping. Hard components, such as motors, are loosely sutured into cavities after molding. This reduces unwanted stiffening of the soft body. This work is the first demonstration of a soft open-cell foam robot locomoting with motor tendon actuators. The manufacturing method is rapid (~30 min per mold), inexpensive (under $3 per robot for the structural foam), and flexible, and will allow a variety of soft foam robotic devices to be produced.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease: Phylogenetic Disorders of the Human Neocortex Sharing Many Characteristics
Authors: Eisen Andrew , Calne Donald
Published: May 2019

Features common to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are reviewed. Shared epidemiological aspects include an increasing frequency which is proportional for each disease. We draw attention to geographic non-uniform distribution which, for ALS and PD, correlates positively with latitude. Clinical and pathological overlap occurs in the same patients, and in members of the same family. A high early morning plasma cysteine/sulphate ratio possibly related to the development of proteinacious inclusions, as well as ubiquinated neuronal inclusions, characterize ALS, PD and AD. HLA-DR (the human group II major histocompatibility class) staining is marked in ALS, PD and AD and may represent autoimmunity-incited by-products of neuronal degeneration. Based upon demonstrated glutaminergic connections between the neocortex and anterior horn cells, the entorhinal cortex and the basal ganglia we hypothesize that ALS, AD and PD are phylogenetic disturbances of the neocortical cell. The postsynaptic neuron may degenerate secondarily to anterograde effects of deranged glutamate metabolism. Future therapeutic strategies should be directed to agents that decrease transmission induced by excitatory amino-acids.
Stiff-Person Syndrome
Authors: Jog Mandar S. , Lambert Colin D. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: May 2019

The stiff-person syndrome is a disorder of persistent, painful muscle contractions predominately affecting the axial musculature. We describe a patient with this disorder and review its pathophysiology. Molecular biologic and immunologic techniques have recently added to the understanding of the mechanism of this disorder. Association with diseases such as diabetes, vitiligo and hypothyroidism have strengthened the auto-immune nature of this syndrome. Auto-antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), an intraneuronal enzyme, have been implicated in the etiology of this unique disease. Therapeutic intervention with agents such as benzodiazepines that modify central GABAergic activity have demonstrated significant benefit in patients with stiff-person syndrome.
Forearm P-31 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Studies in Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Zochodne Douglas W. , Koopman Wilma J. , Witt Norbert J. , Thompson Terry , Driedger Albert A. , Gravelle Dennis , Bolton Charles F.
Published: May 2019

Five siblings with autosomal dominant oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) underwent P-31 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy studies of forearm flexor muscles. Mean values of PCr/(PCr + Pi) in the patients were reduced (p = 0.01) and pH elevated (p = 0.02) in resting muscle when compared to controls. During exercise PCr/(PCr + Pi) fell quickly to values less than controls (p < 0.0001) despite submaximal exercise output and developed exercise-induced acidosis which exceeded that of controls (p = 0.05). Acidosis recovered slowly despite relatively normal recovery of PCr/(PCr + Pi) following exercise. Within the patient group, however, one member had normal resting, exercise and recovery values. The studies suggest that OPMD is a more widespread disorder of striated muscle than clinically appreciated. The pattern of findings observed in OPMD differs from those identified in denervation, disuse and mitochondrial myopathy.
The Insular Cortex and the Pathophysiology of Stroke-Induced Cardiac Changes
Authors: Oppenheimer Stephen
Published: May 2019

Over the past fifty years considerable clinical evidence has accrued to demonstrate involvement of the cerebral cortex in cardiac function. Hemispheric stroke is often associated with electrocardiographic (ECG) evidence of cardiac repolarisation abnormalities. In addition strokes of all types are associated with specific pathological changes in the ventricular myocardium (myocytolysis). These effects are not attributable to concomitant cardiac ischemic disease in the majority of cases. The insular cortex has recently been shown to contain a site of cardiac representation. Prolonged stimulation of this region in the rat produces ECG and cardiac pathological changes similar to those observed after human stroke. It is suggested that middle cerebral artery stroke in certain cases either directly or indirectly leads to insular disinhibition, and increased autonomic activity represented by cardiac changes which significantly influence prognosis.
English Legal History in the Age of Mansfield: Three Perspectives
Authors: Grossberg Michael
Published: May 2019

The recent publication of James Oldham's monumental The Mansfield Manuscripts and the Growth English Law in the Eighteenth Century prompted Georgetown University Law Center to stage a symposium on legal history in early modern England. Oldham, Susan Staves, and James Cockburn presented papers at the March 1993 conference. Their subtle and innovative essays have been revised and reprinted in this issue of the Review to make them available to a larger audience.
Consumer Perceptions and Attitudes towards Bovine Somatotropin
Authors: Kaiser Harry M. , Scherer Clifford W. , Barbano David M.
Published: May 2019

This article investigates the possible negative effects of bovine somatotropin (bST) and antibiotic use in cows on fluid-milk consumption in New York State. Based on data from a consumer survey, the potential change in milk consumption due to bST and antibiotic use is estimated. In addition, the current perceptions of consumers about bST and antibiotics are measured, and the significant socioeconomic, demographic, and attitudinal characteristics of consumers that are related to their milk-consumption response to bST are identified.
A Brief Overview of Nonparametric Methods in Economics
Authors: Hallam Arne
Published: May 2019

The concept of nonparametric analysis, estimation, and inference has a long and storied existence in the annals of economic measurement. At least four rather distinct types of analysis are lumped under the broad heading of nonparametrics. The oldest, and perhaps most common, is that associated with distribution-free methods and order statistics. Similar in spirit, but different in emphasis, is nonparametric density estimation, such as the currently popular kernel estimator for regression. Semi-parametric or semi-nonparametric estimation combines parametric analysis of portions of the problem with nonparametric specification for the remainder, such as the specification of a specific functional form for a regression function with a nonparametric representation of the error distribution. The final type of nonparametrics is that associated with data envelopment analysis and revealed preference, although the use of the term nonparametrics for this research is perhaps a misnomer. This paper will briefly review each of the four types of analysis, leaning heavily on other published work for more detailed exposition. The paper will then discuss in more detail the application of the revealed-preference approach to four specific economic problems: efficiency, the structure of technology or preferences, technical or taste change, and risky choice. The paper is not complete, exhaustive, or detailed. The primary purpose is to expose the reader to a variety of techniques and provide ample reference to the relevant literature.
Consumer Demand Analysis According to GARP
Authors: Alston Julian M. , Chalfant James A.
Published: May 2019

The nonparametric approach to consumer-demand analysis—based on revealed-preference axioms—is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to questions of size and power of tests for consistency of data with the existence of a stable, well-behaved utility function that could have generated the data. An application to Australian meat demand is used to show how these notions can be quantified and how prior information about elasticities, following Sakong and Hayes, may be used to increase the power of the approach.
Estimation of Firm-Varying, Input-Specific Efficiencies in Dairy Production
Authors: Lass Daniel A. , Gempesaw Conrado M.
Published: May 2019

Firm-varying production technologies were estimated using random coefficients regression methods for a sample of Massachusetts dairy farms. Results were compared to OLS Cobb-Douglas production function estimates. The random coefficients regression model was found to virtually eliminate conventionally measured firm technical inefficiencies by estimating individual firm technologies and ascribing remaining inefficiencies to specific inputs. Input-specific measures of firm inefficiencies showed hired labor, land, and machinery inputs to be used in excess of efficient levels. Livestock supplies were underutilized by all farms. Efficiencies of feed, crop materials, fuels, and utilities varied, although estimated means were closer to optimal levels.
LONG-RUN TAX INCIDENCE IN A HUMAN-CAPITAL-BASED ENDOGENOUS GROWTH MODEL WITH LABOR-MARKET FRICTIONS
Authors: Chen Been-Lon , Chen Hung-Ju , Wang Ping
Published: May 2019

In a second-best optimal growth setup with only factor taxes, it is in general optimal to fully replace capital by labor income taxation in the long run. We revisit this important issue by developing a human-capital-based endogenous growth model with frictional labor search, allowing each firm to create multiple vacancies and each worker to determine market participation. We find that the conventional efficient bargaining condition is necessary but not sufficient for achieving constrained social optimality. We then conduct tax incidence exercises in balanced growth by calibrating to the U.S. economy with a preexisting 20% flat tax on capital and labor income. Our quantitative results suggest that, due to a dominant channel via the interactions between vacancy creation and market participation, it is optimal to switch only partially from capital to labor taxation in a benchmark economy where human-capital formation depends on both physical and human-capital stocks. This main finding is robust even along the transition with time-varying factor tax rates. Moreover, our quantitative analysis under alternative setups suggests that while endogenous human capital and labor-market frictions are essential for obtaining a positive optimal capital tax, endogenous leisure, nonlinear human-capital accumulation and endogenous growth are not crucial.