bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Simulated Defoliation on Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula)-Infested Rangeland
Authors: Kirby Donald R. , Hanson Thomas P. , Krabbenhoft Kelly D. , Kirby Matt M.
Published: March 2018

The effect of annual defoliation on leafy spurge-infested rangeland was investigated over a 5-yr period. Artificial defoliation was conducted once or twice annually at various phenological growth stages of leafy spurge to simulate grazing by herded Angora goats. Single defoliation treatments did not reduce total leafy spurge stem densities. Defoliation twice in a growing season for 4 consecutive yr reduced total leafy spurge stem densities by 55% over nondefoliated controls. Grass foliar cover and yield increased in all defoliation treatments. Despite the increased grass yield on single defoliation treatments, cattle use would likely be limited in these treatments due to the high density of leafy spurge stems. Stem densities of leafy spurge in twice-defoliated treatments should not deter cattle from grazing these sites, thereby increasing the available forage supply. The data suggest that repeated grazing of leafy spurge-infested rangeland within a growing season would be required to reduce stem densities adequately and increase cattle use and production from these sites.
Wild Oat (Avena fatua) Control in Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare) with Reduced Rates of Postemergence Herbicides
Authors: Spandl Eric , Durgan Beverly R. , Miller Douglas W.
Published: March 2018

Rates and application timings of postemergence herbicides for wild oat control in spring wheat and barley were evaluated at Crookston, MN, from 1994 to 1996. Diclofop, imazamethabenz, and fenoxaprop plus MCPA plus thifensulfuron plus tribenuron were applied to one- to three-leaf wild oat; and difenzoquat, imazamethabenz, fenoxaprop plus MCPA plus thifensulfuron plus tribenuron, and fenoxaprop plus 2,4-D plus MCPA were applied to four- to five-leaf wild oat at 1/2 ×, 3/4 ×, and 1 × rates. Wild oat response to herbicide rate and timing was similar in wheat and barley. Wild oat control with 1/2 × rates generally was less than that with 3/4 × rates, which was lower than or similar to that with 1 × rates. Wild oat biomass was often reduced less with 1/2 × rates than 1 × rates. However, reducing herbicide rates generally did not influence grain yields or net economic return. Grain yields and net economic return were generally greater in herbicide-treated plots than in the nontreated control.
A Pneumatic Spreader for Applying Herbicide Granules and Herbicide-Fertilizer Mixtures to Field Plots
Authors: Albright John W. , Harvey R. Gordon
Published: March 2018

A small -plot, pneumatic applicator was developed to apply either granular herbicide formulations or liquid herbicides impregnated on commercial dry fertilizer to field research plots. Pre-weighed herbicide samples poured into a stainless steel, motor-driven belt, cone seeder are automatically sput into four subsamples in a four-outlet rota seed distributor run by a 12-volt electric motor, and delivered to four plastic venturi chambers. A gasoline engine-powered leaf blower forces air through a 10-cm diam polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe to the input sides of the venturi chambers. The forced air stream carries the herbicide samples through 2.5-cm diam flexible plastic tubing to four deflector shields mounted 61 cm apart on a fiberglass boom. The applicator uniformly delivers granules up to 400 kg/ha in a 2.5-m wide swath.
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and Devil's-claw (Proboscidea louisianica) Control in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) with Pyrithiobac
Authors: Dotray Peter A. , Keeling J. Wayne , Henniger C. Gary , Abernathy John R.
Published: March 2018

Field experiments conducted in 1991, 1992, and 1993 evaluated Palmer amaranth and devil's-claw control and cotton injury with pyrithiobac applied PPI, PRE, or POST. Pyrithiobac at 36 or 71 g ae/ha applied PPI, PRE, or POST did not injure cotton. Pyrithiobac at 140 g/ha applied PPI or PRE injured cotton 9 to 11% 6 wk after treatment. Cotton recovered and no injury was observed 12 wk after treatment. Pyrithiobac applied PPI and PRE at 71 g/ha controlled Palmer amaranth at least 97% 6 wk after treatment. Palmer amaranth control with pyrithiobac applied POST was more variable and influenced by environmental conditions. Palmer amaranth control with 71 g/ha of pyrithiobac exceeded that with 36 g/ha. Devil's-claw control with pyrithiobac was better with POST applications than PPI or PRE applications. Pyrithiobac applied POST at 140 g/ha controlled devil's-claw 83–97%. These studies indicate that pyrithiobac can effectively control Palmer amaranth and devil's-claw in cotton on the Texas Southern High Plains when applied at appropriate rates and timings.
A Seed Bioassay to Identify Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Inhibitor Resistant Wild Oat (Avena fatua) Populations
Authors: Murray Bruce G. , Friesen Lyle F. , Beaulieu Kelly J. , Morrison Ian N.
Published: March 2018

A seed bioassay was developed and tested for the rapid identification of aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) and cyclohexanedione (CHD) resistance in wild oat. Two susceptible (S) genotypes, UM5 and Dumont, were treated with fenoxaprop-P and sethoxydim over a range of dosages on filter paper and agar. The former is a wild oat line and the latter a tame oat cultivar. Within 5 d, shoot and root development of both genotypes were completely inhibited by 10 μM fenoxaprop-P and 5 μM sethoxydim. These dosages were then tested to determine if they were suitable for distinguishing between resistant (R) and susceptible (S) plants. Agar medium was preferred over filter paper because of the ease of preparation and maintenance. Four known R wild oat populations were included in the tests. Those with high levels of resistance produced significantly longer coleoptiles and roots than S genotypes, but those with moderate or low levels of resistance could not be separated statistically from S biotypes based on quantitative measurements. However, after exposing the germinating, treated seeds to light for 24 to 48 h, all the R populations produced green coleoptiles and initiated a first leaf, unlike the S genotypes which did not turn green or produce any new growth. This procedure proved useful in discriminating between R and S genotypes and in ranking populations in terms of relative levels of resistance.
Preemergence and Postemergence Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) Control with MON 12000 in Nursery Crops
Authors: Derr Jeffrey F. , Chandran Rakesh S. , Ward William D.
Published: March 2018

Yellow nutsedge is a common and troublesome weed in the nursery industry. A selective postemergence herbicide is not available for yellow nutsedge control in most nursery crops. The effectiveness of MON 12000 for PRE and POST control of yellow nutsedge was evaluated in selected field-grown nursery crops. Preemergence control of yellow nutsedge 4 weeks after treatment (WAT) increased from 68% to 95% as MON 12000 rate increased from 0.03 to 0.28 kg ai/ha. At 9 WAT, control ranged from 16 to 73%. MON 12000 at 0.14 kg/ha provided similar PRE control of yellow nutsedge as metolachlor at 2.2 kg/ha. Four WAT, MON 12000 applied POST at 0.03 kg/ha controlled 73% and controlled 86% with the 0.28 kg/ha rate. MON 12000 at 0.14 and 0.28 kg/ha applied POST controlled yellow nutsedge better than bentazon at 1.12, chlorimuron at 0.01, imazaquin at 0.14, or glyphosate at 3.33 kg/ha. MON 12000 injured the foliage of azalea, crape myrtle, cotoneaster, and Japanese holly. Injury was most severe to cotoneaster. MON 12000 reduced azalea, cotoneaster, and crape myrtle shoot fresh weight compared to hand-weeded plots in at least one study. Metolachlor at 2.2 and 4.5 kg/ha caused little injury to the nursery species tested.
Safeners Reduce Corn (Zea mays) Chloroacetanilide and Dicamba Injury Under Different Soil Temperatures
Authors: Kunkel Daniel L. , Bellinder Robin R. , Steffens John C.
Published: March 2018

The results of two experiments involving the effects of safeners on chloroacetanilide and dicamba injury in corn are reported here. The first experiment was conducted to determine whether MON-4660, CGA-154281, dichlormid, and MON-13900 would increase corn tolerance to alachlor, metolachlor, and acetochlor, respectively, over a range of soil temperatures (12 to 37 C). All three herbicides, particularly acetochlor, reduced corn shoot lengths at temperatures less than 32 C. The safeners effectively increased corn tolerance to their respective chloroacetanilide herbicide at all soil temperatures. However, acetochlor injury was not completely overcome by dichlormid or MON-13900 when temperatures were less than 27 C. The second experiment was conducted to determine whether these safeners would alleviate injury caused by chloroacetanilides applied with dicamba in sensitive (Pioneer 3320) and tolerant (Cargill 7567) corn hybrids at soil temperatures ranging from 17 to 27 C. Chloroacetanilides (4.5 kg ai/ha) plus dicamba (0.6 kg ae/ha) reduced shoot lengths in both hybrids, with acetochlor/dicamba combinations causing the greatest reductions. All four safeners increased corn tolerance to chloroacetanilide/dicamba tank-mixtures equally.
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) Control as Influenced by Timing of Asulam and Fertilizer/Cultivation Applications
Authors: Bruff Stacey A. , Griffin James L. , Richard Edward P.
Published: March 2018

Field studies were conducted over 3 yr to evaluate rhizome johnsongrass control with asulam applied POST at 3.7 kg ai/ha 3 d before fertilization (DBF) or 0, 3, 7, 10, or 14 d after fertilization (DAF). Liquid fertilizer (18-6-12) was applied with injector knives at 0, 112, or 224 kg N/ha 5 cm on each side of a 60-cm line of rhizome johnsongrass present on 1.8-m-wide conventional sugarcane beds. Johnsongrass response to timing of asulam application after fertilization varied among years but was not affected by fertilizer rate. Johnsongrass control with asulam applied 3 DBF was greater than applications made 0, 3, or 7 DAF. With one exception, differences in johnsongrass control following fertilization and asulam application times were also reflected in the biomass of treated johnsongrass and its regrowth harvested 6 and 10 wk after asulam application, respectively. Reduced johnsongrass control associated with asulam application following fertilization was related to stress from root/rhizome injury during fertilizer placement rather than the quantity of fertilizer applied.
Carryover Potential of Pyrithiobac to Rotational Crops on a Mississippi Black Belt Region Clay Soil
Authors: Webster Eric P. , Shaw David R.
Published: March 2018

Field studies were conducted on a Black Belt region clay soil to evaluate pyrithiobac injury to cotton and potential carryover to grain sorghum, soybean, and wheat. Pyrithiobac was applied PPI, PRE, POST at pinhead square, or POST at first bloom at rates of 70, 140, or 280 g ai/ha to cotton. Cotton injury was 7% or less at all rates and application timings. Cotton yield was not reduced by any treatment. The PRE application to cotton, averaged over rates, reduced yield of wheat planted in the fall compared to the POST pinhead square application or the nontreated check. Pyrithiobac at 140 g/ha applied PPI to cotton the previous year reduced soybean yield; at all other rates and timings no soybean yield reduction occurred compared to the nontreated check. Pyrithiobac at all rates applied PPI to cotton caused grain sorghum injury the following year. The 280 g/ha PPI application delayed grain sorghum maturity; however, this did not translate into a yield reduction.
Design and Interpretation of Herbicide Anaerobic Aquatic Metabolism Studies
Authors: Zabik Susan Erhardt , Wolt Jeff D.
Published: March 2018

Herbicides may be exposed to a broad range of anaerobic conditions in the environment. This range can extend from weakly reducing conditions within typically aerobic compartments to stable, strongly reducing conditions in sites well removed from oxidative conditions. Currently, Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulatory guidelines specify the design criteria for guideline studies that frequently result in highly stable, strongly reducing test systems. These test systems do not simulate environments where herbicides are likely to occur. Design criteria for anaerobic aquatic test systems can influence the nature of the results of anaerobic aquatic metabolism studies as well as the relevance of these results to natural environmental processes. Design criteria which should be considered are the effects of sediment to water ratio, establishment of an anaerobic system, monitoring the reducing potential (Eh) of the system and the system Eh-pH relationship. These criteria influence how results are interpreted and the extrapolation of data to field environments where herbicides are likely to occur.
Field Extraction of Large Intact Soil Cores for Leaching Studies in the Laboratory
Authors: Chong She-Kong , Zhao Suling , Klubek Brian P.
Published: March 2018

Various samplers have been developed for taking intact soil cores. Very often, the sampler was used once or twice to take only a few soil cores then it became either obsolete or a burden for maintenance and storage. An economic portable hand-operated soil core sampler was developed to obtain large soil cores with a diameter of 19 cm and a length of 120 cm. The quality of large soil cores was evaluated and compared with that obtained from short cores from each soil horizon. In addition, the large intact column was used to evaluate atrazine transport under the saturated condition. Results showed that the hydraulic conductivity of the large cores were of the same magnitude as that of short cores, except for the A horizon; the hydraulic conductivity of the large cores was about 10 times greater than the short cores. Even though the sampling procedure is labor intensive, the soil sampler has the flexibility to collect different size soil cores and can be constructed at a very low cost (less than $200 including labor). Lastly, the sampler is maintenance free and can be stored easily in a limited space.
Cyperus entrerianus: A Little Known Aggressive Sedge in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Carter Richard , Bryson Charles T.
Published: March 2018

Four of the world's worst weeds are in the genus Cyperus. These are smallflower umbrella sedge (C. difformis L.), yellow nutsedge (C. esculentus L.), riceflatsedge (C. iria L.), and the world's worst weed, purple nutsedge (C. rotundus L.) (7). Fourteen additional Cyperus species are listed in the Composite List of Weeds1. Cyperus is in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) which consists of about 600 species found mostly in tropical to warm-temperate regions around the world (9). Cyperus entrerianus Böckeler is an aggressive, robust, fast growing, tenacious pest that produces large numbers of seeds (4). Apparently, it was introduced into the southeastern United States from temperate South America or Mexico (2). Presently, it is found in the southeastern United States from southeastern Texas to southern Georgia (4). The senior author has observed severe infestations of this weed in ditches, pastures, and fallow fields in southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas. Our objectives are to alert weed scientists, agronomists, and others concerned to the potential of this species and to discuss its biology, distribution, ecology, and taxonomy.
Weed Management in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) with Diclosulam Preemergence
Authors: Bailey William A. , Wilcut John W. , Jordan David L. , Swann Charles W. , Langston Vernon B.
Published: March 2018

Field studies were conducted at five locations in North Carolina and Virginia in 1996 and 1997 to evaluate weed control and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) response to diclosulam that was applied preemergence (PRE) and in systems with commercial standards. All plots received a preplant incorporated (PPI) treatment of ethalfluralin at 840 g ai/ha. Diclosulam controlled common lambsquarters (Chenopodium albumL.), eclipta (Eclipta prostrataL.), entireleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederaceavar.integriusculaGray), ivyleaf morningglory [Ipomoea hederacea(L.) Jacq.], pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosaL.), and prickly sida (Sida spinosaL.) as well as and frequently better than the commercial standards of acifluorfen plus bentazon applied postemergence (POST), paraquat plus bentazon early POST followed by (fb) imazapic POST, or imazapic POST. Systems with ethalfluralin PPI plus diclosulam PRE at 26 g ai/ha fb acifluorfen plus bentazon POST controlled a broader spectrum of weeds and yielded greater than systems of ethalfluralin PPI fb imazapic POST or ethalfluralin PPI fb acifluorfen plus bentazon POST. Peanut exhibited excellent tolerance to diclosulam PRE at 17, 26, or 35 g/ha.
Managing Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Populations Utilizing Herbicide Strategies and Crop Rotation Sequences
Authors: Warren Leon S. , Coble Harold D.
Published: March 2018

Field experiments were conducted in North Carolina from 1994 through 1998 to evaluate the effects of five weed management strategies and four corn (Zeamays)–peanut (Arachis hypogaea) rotation sequences on purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) population development. Effects of these weed management programs on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and peanut production in following years were also investigated. Herbicide programs included a nontreated control, a carbamothioate preplant incorporated (PPI) combination treatment utilizing vernolate in peanut and butylate in corn, an early postemergence (EPOST) acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor combination treatment utilizing imazapic in peanut and halosulfuron in corn, and EPOST treatments of imazapic and imazethapyr in both peanut and imidazolinone-resistant corn. Crop rotation sequences for the 3 yr included continuous corn (CCC), corn–peanut–corn (CPC), peanut–corn–peanut (PCP), and continuous peanut (PPP). The imazapic and ALS inhibitor combination treatments both provided excellent shoot and tuber control. After 3 yr, imazapic and the ALS inhibitor combination treatment reduced shoot and tuber population densities to less than 10% of the nontreated control. Imazethapyr provided variable but better control than the carbamothioate treatment with tuber densities (measured from 0 to 15 cm soil depth) and shoot densities increasing from 733 to 2,901 tubers/m3of soil and 16 to 43 shoots/m2, respectively, after 3 yr. Tuber densities increased in the nontreated control from 626 to 9,145 tubers/m3of soil and from 962 to 5,466 tubers/m3of soil in the carbamothioate treatment during this same period. Also, shoot densities increased in the nontreated control from 22 to 159 shoots/m2and from 8 to 92 shoots/m2in the carbamothioate treatment. There was a 31% peanut yield reduction from 1994 to 1996 when peanut was continuously planted or rotated to corn for only 1 yr. Herbicide carryover effects were not observed in cotton during 1997.
Survey of Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Resistance to Imazethapyr and Chlorimuron in Northeast Kansas
Authors: Baumgartner Jolene R. , Al-Khatib Kassim , Currie Randall S.
Published: March 2018

Imazethapyr resistance in common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) was confirmed in 1996 in a field near Rossville, KS. In 1997, common sunflower achenes were collected within a 20-km radius of the field with known resistance to determine if resistance was present in nearby fields or if resistance had spread to the native population on the roadside. Collections were made from 14 soybean (Glycine max) fields, one corn (Zea mays) field, and 11 roadsides. Achenes from Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, a prairie that had received no herbicide applications in the past 25 yr, served as the susceptible control. Common sunflower seedlings were treated in a greenhouse with 71 g ai/ha imazethapyr and 11 g ai/ha chlorimuron. In all 15 fields sampled, at least 1% of the common sunflower exhibited an intermediate response to imazethapyr or chlorimuron. In 13 fields, at least 1% of the plants were resistant to imazethapyr, and in all 15 fields, at least 1% of the plants were resistant to chlorimuron. Ten roadsides had common sunflower that showed intermediate response to imazethapyr or chlorimuron. At least 1% of the plants from seven roadsides were resistant to imazethapyr or chlorimuron. Common sunflower collected from fields with repeated applications of imazethapyr showed more resistance to imazethapyr than to chlorimuron.
Use of Seedling Growth Parameters to Classify Soybean (Glycine max) Cultivar Sensitivity to Sulfentrazone
Authors: Li Zhaohu , Walker Robert H. , Wehtje Glenn , Hancock H. Gary
Published: March 2018

Hypocotyl and root length reduction of soybean (Glycine max) seedlings when seeds were exposed to sulfentrazone during germination were used as indices to classify cultivar response to soil-applied sulfentrazone. Seeds of ‘Stonewall’ (sulfentrazone tolerant) and ‘Asgrow 6785’ (sulfentrazone sensitive) were imbibed and allowed to germinate in 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 ppm aqueous sulfentrazone solutions for 4 d. Hypocotyl and root lengths were reduced in both cultivars, but the reductions were greater for Asgrow 6785 than for Stonewall. Subsequently, the relative sensitivity of 28 cultivars to sulfentrazone was independently determined by two variations of the hypocotyl reduction method (both conducted in the laboratory) and by traditional full-season field evaluation. Results from laboratory and field studies were in agreement for cultivars distinctly sensitive or tolerant to sulfentrazone. However, cultivars with intermediate tolerance in laboratory studies produced variable responses in the field.
Comparison of PRZM and GLEAMS Computer Model Predictions with Field Data for Fluometuron and Norflurazon Behavior in Soil
Authors: Willian William T. , Mueller Thomas C. , Hayes Robert M. , Bridges David C. , Snipes Charles E.
Published: March 2018

The ability of the pesticide root zone model (PRZM) and the groundwater-loading effects of agricultural management systems (GLEAMS) model to predict movement of two herbicides in soil was evaluated using site-specific environmental data from sites in three states. Predictions of herbicide movement with site-specific data were compared to predictions using more generalized database soil and pesticide data within each model. Field experiments examined fluometuron and norflurazon movement in three soils representative of the cotton-growing regions of the southeastern United States. In comparing the use of site-specific vs. database values, the small increase in accuracy using site-specific inputs would not justify the large cost to obtain the data. The databases for each model gave predictions similar to those using the site-specific numbers. Both the PRZM and the GLEAMS model had similar accuracy levels in predicting the presence of fluometuron or norflurazon present in three surface soils, although each model tended to overpredict movement and total herbicide concentration, especially at lower herbicide concentrations. At higher herbicide concentrations, prediction accuracy was less than that probably needed to predict agronomically relevant herbicide concentrations in surface soils.
Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba) Management with Imazethapyr
Authors: Stougaard Robert N. , Stivers Jack I. , Holen Doug L.
Published: March 2018

Currently, there are no effective herbicides registered for the control of hoary cress (Cardaria draba) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) or alfalfa/grass mixtures. Due to this lack of control options, field experiments were conducted near St. Ignatius, MT, from 1995 through 1997 to determine the optimum imazethapyr rate and adjuvant combination for hoary cress control in alfalfa/orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) pastures. Imazethapyr was applied in the spring to rosette stage hoary cress plants at 33, 67, and 100 g ai/ha with either a nonionic surfactant or methylated seed oil alone or combined with 28% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) liquid fertilizer. Hoary cress control was poorest when imazethapyr was applied at 33 g/ha, yet provided a minimum of 80% control. Imazethapyr applied at 67 and 100 g/ha provided greater than 90% control during the year of application regardless of surfactant or UAN additions. None of the treatments controlled hoary cress the year following application. Alfalfa yield was unaffected by imazethapyr applications. First-cutting orchardgrass yield decreased as imazethapyr rate increased, but total seasonal forage yield was unaffected.
Genetic Aspects of Herbicide-Resistant Weed Management
Authors: Christoffers Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Weed populations develop herbicide resistance when they evolve due to selection pressure. Mutations and gene flow contribute to genetic variability and provide resistant alleles. The speed of resistance gene frequency increase is determined by the inheritance of resistance alleles relative to wild-type susceptibility and is influenced by the interaction between gene expression and selection. The goal of herbicide resistance management is to minimize selection pressure while maintaining adequate weed control. However, the specific nature of each herbicide, weed, and resistance combination determines the practices that optimize undesirable selection pressure. Therefore, generalized management strategies should be recommended with caution and must not be mandated without thorough evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
The Effect of Labeling Herbicides with Their Mode of Action: A European Perspective
Authors: Orson James H.
Published: March 2018

The arguments for and against placing a symbol containing a letter to denote the mode of action on herbicide labels in Europe are reviewed. There is no clear view within and between the organizations that may influence the decision. However, it is generally accepted that such an initiative only should be part of an integrated approach to prevent the development of herbicide resistance in weeds.
Impact of Labeling Herbicides by Site of Action: A University View
Authors: Mallory-Smith Carol
Published: March 2018

One of the most consistent recommendations, from both the private and public sectors, for the prevention and management of herbicide-resistant weeds is to rotate herbicides with different sites of action. Therefore, it is imperative that those who make herbicide recommendations and those who apply herbicides know which herbicides have the same or different sites of action. An herbicide's site of action is not obvious from its trade, common, or chemical name, and it is not possible to determine from the label if it has the same site of action as another herbicide.
The Legal Implications Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) of Labeling Herbicides with Their Site of Action
Authors: Carrato J. Thomas
Published: March 2018

The North American Herbicide Resistance Working Group (NAHRWG), an organization to facilitate the effective management of herbicide resistance by fostering understanding among manufacturers and distributors, academics, consultants, government, and end users requested I speak with you on the legal ramifications of placing resistance information on the herbicide label. As an Assistant General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs with Monsanto Company, my practice is devoted to agricultural biotechnology, crop chemical regulatory matters, and to a large extent, the proper stewardship of Monsanto's agricultural products.
Core beliefs in healthy youth and youth at ultra high-risk for psychosis: Dimensionality and links to depression, anxiety, and attenuated psychotic symptoms
Authors: Cowan Henry R. , McAdams Dan P. , Mittal Vijay A.
Published: March 2018

Cognitive theory posits that core beliefs play an active role in developing and maintaining symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosis. This study sought to comprehensively examine core beliefs, their dimensionality, and their relationships to depression, anxiety, and attenuated psychotic symptoms in two groups of community youth: a group at ultrahigh risk for psychosis (UHR; n = 73, M age = 18.7) and a matched healthy comparison group (HC; n = 73, M age = 18.1). UHR youth reported significantly more negative beliefs about self and others, and significantly less positive beliefs about self and others. HC youth rarely endorsed negative self-beliefs. Exploratory factor analyses found that HC negative self-beliefs did not cohere as a single factor. We hypothesized specific links between core beliefs and symptoms based on cognitive models of each disorder, and tested these links through regression analyses. The results in the HC group were consistent with the proposed models of depression and anxiety. The results in the UHR group were consistent with proposed models of depression and negative psychotic symptoms, somewhat consistent with a proposed model of positive psychotic symptoms, and not at all consistent with a proposed model of anxiety. These findings add to a growing developmental literature on core beliefs and psychopathology, with important clinical implications.
Infusing an HtDP-based CS1 with distributed programming using functional video games
Authors: MORAZÁN MARCO T.
Published: March 2018

A Computer Science introduction course ought to focus on exciting students about the subject matter and on problem solving through the methodical design of programs. An effective way to achieve both is through the development of functional video games. As most students are interested in video games, their development adds an exciting domain to any introduction to programming. This article advocates that an exciting crowning achievement for students in such a course is the design and implementation of a multiplayer distributed video game. By exploiting a domain that is popular with students, they are taught about design principles, communication protocols, and pitfalls in distributed programming. This article puts forth a successfully used design recipe that places distributed programming well within the reach of beginning students and outlines the use of this design recipe in the classroom. For those teaching beginners, this article presents a model for developing their own distributed programming module. The success of the presented methodology is measured through student feedback on their distributed programming experience. The empirical results suggest that the design and implementation of distributed functional video games is effective and well-received by students. Furthermore, the data suggests that the presented methodology fails to exhibit the gender gap common in Computer Science and is effective regardless of the programming experience CS1 students bring to the classroom.
Doctrines and Dimensions of Justice: Their Historical Backgrounds and Ideological Underpinnings
Authors: HÄYRY MATTI
Published: March 2018

Justice can be approached from many angles in ethical and political debates, including those involving healthcare, biomedical research, and well-being. The main doctrines of justice are liberal egalitarianism, libertarianism, luck egalitarianism, socialism, utilitarianism, capability approach, communitarianism, and care ethics. These can be further elaborated in the light of traditional moral and social theories, values, ideals, and interests, and there are distinct dimensions of justice that are captured better by some tactics than by others. In this article, questions surrounding these matters are approached with the hermeneutic idea of a distinction between “American” and “European” ways of thinking.
Genetics and Justice: Must One Theory Fit All Contexts?
Authors: GUNSON DARRYL
Published: March 2018

Appeals to social justice that argue medicine and healthcare should have certain priorities and not others are common. It is an obvious question to ask: What does social justice demand of the new genetic technologies? However, it is important to note that there are many theories and sub-theories of justice. There are utilitarian theories, libertarian theories, and egalitarian theories. There are so-called luck egalitarians, equality-as-fairness thinkers, and capability theorists, with each having his or her own distinctive approach to the distribution of medical goods and technologies, and to healthcare priorities. This article argues that the discussion surrounding this question is potentially hampered by an implicit assumption that if one theory of justice is applicable in one context, then it must also be applicable in others. Instead, it is proposed that one adopt the stance, influenced by Michael Waltzer, that different theories with their opposing principles may be applicable to different questions regarding justice and genetics. The specific view advanced is that to answer questions about what justice requires regarding the therapeutic and enhancement use of genetic techniques, a method of reflective equilibrium can show how intuitions, in context, may support different theories of justice. When particular pre-theoretic ethical judgments are balanced against the theories that might explain or justify them, and are in accord with what seems emotionally acceptable, then it can be seen how different general theories may be applicable in the different contexts in which questions of justice and genetics arise.
Controlling Healthcare Costs: Just Cost Effectiveness or “Just” Cost Effectiveness?
Authors: FLECK LEONARD M.
Published: March 2018

Meeting healthcare needs is a matter of social justice. Healthcare needs are virtually limitless; however, resources, such as money, for meeting those needs, are limited. How then should we (just and caring citizens and policymakers in such a society) decide which needs must be met as a matter of justice with those limited resources? One reasonable response would be that we should use cost effectiveness as our primary criterion for making those choices. This article argues instead that cost-effectiveness considerations must be constrained by considerations of healthcare justice. The goal of this article will be to provide a preliminary account of how we might distinguish just from unjust or insufficiently just applications of cost-effectiveness analysis to some healthcare rationing problems; specifically, problems related to extraordinarily expensive targeted cancer therapies. Unconstrained compassionate appeals for resources for the medically least well-off cancer patients will be neither just nor cost effective.
Perchance to Dream: Pathology, Pharmacology, and Politics in a 24-Hour Economy
Authors: BRASSINGTON IAIN
Published: March 2018

The lack of sleep is a significant problem in the modern world. The structure of the economy means that 24 hour working is required from some of us, sometimes because we are expected to be able to respond to share-price fluctuations on the other side of the planet, sometimes because we are expected to serve kebabs to people leaving nightclubs, and sometimes because lives depend on it. The immediate effect is that we feel groggy; but there may be much more sinister long-term effects of persistent sleep deprivation and disruption, the evidence for which is significant, and worth taking seriously. If sleeplessness has a serious impact on health, it represents a notable public health problem. In this article, I sketch that problem, and look at how exploiting the pharmacopoeia (or a possible future pharmacopoeia) might allow us to tackle it. I also suggest that using drugs to mitigate or militate against sleeplessness is potentially morally and politically fraught, with implications for social justice. Hence, whatever reasons we have to use drugs to deal with the problems of sleeplessness, we ought to be careful.
Cost-effectiveness of digoxin, pacing, and direct current cardioversion for conversion of atrial flutter in neonates
Authors: Prasad Deepa , Steinberg Joni , Snyder Christopher
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Newborn atrial flutter can be treated by medications, pacing, or direct current cardioversion. The purpose is to compare the cost-effectiveness of digoxin, pacing, and direct current cardioversion for the treatment of atrial flutter in neonates.

Materials and methods

A decision tree model was developed comparing the efficacy and cost of digoxin, pacing, and direct current cardioversion based on a meta-analysis of published studies of success rates of cardioversion of neonatal atrial flutter (age<2 months). Patients who failed initial attempt at cardioversion progressed to the next methodology until successful. Data were analysed to assess the cost-effectiveness of these methods with cost estimates obtained from 2015 Medicare reimbursement rates.

Results

The cost analysis for cardioversion of atrial flutter found the most efficient method to be direct current cardioversion at a cost of $10 304, pacing was next at $11 086, and the least cost-effective was digoxin at $14 374. The majority of additional cost, regardless of method, was from additional neonatal ICU day either owing to digoxin loading or failure to covert. Direct current cardioversion remains the most cost-effective strategy by sensitivity analyses performed on pacing conversion rate and the cost of the neonatal ICU/day. Direct current cardioversion remains cost-effective until the assumed conversion rate is below 64.6%.

Conclusion

The most cost-efficient method of cardioverting a neonate with atrial flutter is direct current cardioversion. It has the highest success rates based on the meta-analysis, shorter length of stay in the neonatal ICU owing to its success, and results in cost-savings ranging from $800 to $4000 when compared with alternative approaches.
Feasibility and relative validity of a digital photo-based dietary assessment: results from the Nutris-Phone study
Authors: Prinz Nicole , Bohn Barbara , Kern Annamarie , Püngel Deborah , Pollatos Olga , Holl Reinhard W
Published: March 2018

Objective

For dietary assessment, mobile devices with a camera can be used as an alternative to hand-written paper records. The Nutritional Tracking Information Smartphone (Nutris-Phone) study aimed to examine relative validity and feasibility of a photo-based dietary record in everyday life.

Design

Parallel to the photo-based technique, a weighed record was performed. Participant satisfaction was assessed by questionnaire. A trained nutrition scientist evaluated portion sizes and nutrient content was calculated (DGExpert). Spearman correlation and Bland–Altman analyses were applied.

Setting

Healthy, non-pregnant volunteers (≥18 years) without intent to lose weight recruited at Ulm University, Germany.

Subjects

Sixty-six participants (36 % males, median age 22·0 (interquartile range 20·0–25·0) years) took pictures of foods and beverages consumed with a commercially available mobile phone.

Results

Significant correlation between the photo-based and weighed record was observed: energy (r=0·991), carbohydrate (r=0·980), fat (r=0·972), protein (r=0·988), fibre (r=0·941). Bland–Altman analyses indicated comparable means and acceptable 95 % limits of agreement (energy: −345·2 to 302·9 kJ (−82·5 to 72·4 kcal); carbohydrate: −15·2 to 13·1 g; fat: −6·4 to 6·4 g; protein: −5·9 to 5·6 g; fibre: −2·7 to 2·5 g). However, with increasing intake level, underestimation by the digital method was present (except for fat, all P<0·01). Over 80 % of participants were satisfied with the photo-based record. In nearly 90 %, technical implementation was without major problems.

Conclusions

Compared with a weighed record, the photo-based dietary record seems to be valid, feasible and user-friendly to estimate energy, macronutrient and fibre intakes, although a systematic bias with increasing levels of intake should be kept in mind.
Associations of vegetable and fruit consumption with metabolic syndrome. A meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Dian-zhong
Published: March 2018

Objective

To examine the associations of vegetable and/or fruit consumption with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Design

Meta-analysis of observational studies.

Setting

The electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched up to September 2017 for observational studies concerning the associations of vegetable and/or fruit consumption with MetS. The pooled relative risk (RR) of MetS for the highestv.the lowest category of vegetable and/or fruit consumption, as well as their corresponding 95 % CI, were calculated.

Results

A total of twenty-six observational studies (twenty cross-sectional, one case–control and five cohort studies) were included in the meta-analysis. Specifically, sixteen studies were related to vegetable consumption and the overall multivariable-adjusted RR evidenced a negative association between vegetable consumption and MetS (RR=0·89, 95 % CI 0·85, 0·93;P<0·001). For fruit consumption, sixteen studies were included and the overall multivariable-adjusted RR demonstrated that fruit consumption was inversely associated with MetS (RR=0·81, 95 % CI 0·75, 0·88;P<0·001). For vegetable and fruit consumption, eight studies were included; the overall multivariable-adjusted RR showed that vegetable and fruit consumption was also negatively associated with MetS (RR=0·75, 95 % CI 0·63, 0·90;P=0·002).

Conclusions

The existing evidence suggests that vegetable and/or fruit consumption is negatively associated with MetS. More well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed to elaborate the concerned issues further.
Development of the core collection through advanced maximization strategy with heuristic approach in cashew (Anacardium occidentaleL.)
Authors: Mohana G. S. , Nayak M. G.
Published: March 2018

ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research is the nodal agency for conducting cashew research and manages the largest field gene bank in India. Cashew is a perennial tree and needs more land and other resources to maintain accessions. Conservation through seeds is not feasible because of cross-pollination. Tissue culture efforts to regenerate plants from mature explants are not successful. Therefore, efficient management of the filed gene bank particularly utilization requires designation of the core collection representing the spectrum of diversity present in the entire collection. In this study, a relatively new technique, the advanced M strategy with heuristic approach was deployed to develop the core collection. Sixty-eight morphometric characters of 478 accessions were subjected to analysis resulting in the core collection of 49 accessions. Further, another core collection of same number was constituted byK-Means clustering to compare the efficiency of two approaches. The validation parameters like mean difference, variance difference, coincidence rate, variable rate and class coverage among others were employed for comparative analysis. The results of these parameters revealed that the core collection designated by heuristic approach was better able to efficiently represent and retain the diversity of the entire collection compared with the core identified by clustering approach. Future conservation and breeding efforts will be focused on establishing a separate block in the field gene bank having 49 accessions of cashew core collection.
Newborn electroencephalographic correlates of maternal prenatal depressive symptoms
Authors: Gustafsson H. C. , Grieve P. G. , Werner E. A. , Desai P. , Monk C.
Published: March 2018

Maternal perinatal depression exerts pervasive effects on the developing brain, as evidenced by electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns that differ between children of women who do and do not meet DSM or ICD diagnostic criteria. However, little research has examined if the same EEG pattern of right-frontal alpha asymmetry exists in newborns and thus originates in utero independent of postnatal influences, and if depressive symptoms are associated with this neural signature. Utilizing 125-lead EEG (n=18), this study considered clinician-rated maternal prenatal depressive symptoms in relation to newborn EEG. Maternal depressive symptomatology was associated with greater relative right-frontal alpha asymmetry during quiet sleep. These results suggest that even subclinical levels of maternal depression may influence infant brain development, and further support the role of the prenatal environment in shaping children’s future neurobehavioral trajectories.
Toward a Satellite-Based Monitoring System for Water Quality
Authors: Pahlevan Nima , Ackleson Steve , Shaeffer Blake
Published: March 2018

Water Quality Workshop for End Users; Greenbelt, Maryland, 27 September 2017
CoA synthase regulates mitotic fidelity via CBP-mediated acetylation
Authors: Lin Chao-Chieh , Kitagawa Mayumi , Tang Xiaohu , Hou Ming-Hsin , Wu Jianli , Qu Dan Chen , Srinivas Vinayaka , Liu Xiaojing , Thompson J. Will , Mathey-Prevot Bernard , Yao Tso-Pang , Lee Sang Hyun , Chi Jen-Tsan
Published: March 2018

The temporal activation of kinases and timely ubiquitin-mediated degradation is central to faithful mitosis. Here we present evidence that acetylation controlled by Coenzyme A synthase (COASY) and acetyltransferase CBP constitutes a novel mechanism that ensures faithful mitosis. We found that COASY knockdown triggers prolonged mitosis and multinucleation. Acetylome analysis reveals that COASY inactivation leads to hyper-acetylation of proteins associated with mitosis, including CBP and an Aurora A kinase activator, TPX2. During early mitosis, a transient CBP-mediated TPX2 acetylation is associated with TPX2 accumulation and Aurora A activation. The recruitment of COASY inhibits CBP-mediated TPX2 acetylation, promoting TPX2 degradation for mitotic exit. Consistently, we detected a stage-specific COASY–CBP–TPX2 association during mitosis. Remarkably, pharmacological and genetic inactivation of CBP effectively rescued the mitotic defects caused by COASY knockdown. Together, our findings uncover a novel mitotic regulation wherein COASY and CBP coordinate an acetylation network to enforce productive mitosis.
Vesicular glutamate release from central axons contributes to myelin damage
Authors: Doyle Sean , Hansen Daniel Bloch , Vella Jasmine , Bond Peter , Harper Glenn , Zammit Christian , Valentino Mario , Fern Robert
Published: March 2018

The axon myelin sheath is prone to injury associated with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor activation but the source of glutamate in this context is unknown. Myelin damage results in permanent action potential loss and severe functional deficit in the white matter of the CNS, for example in ischemic stroke. Here, we show that in rats and mice, ischemic conditions trigger activation of myelinic NMDA receptors incorporating GluN2C/D subunits following release of axonal vesicular glutamate into the peri-axonal space under the myelin sheath. Glial sources of glutamate such as reverse transport did not contribute significantly to this phenomenon. We demonstrate selective myelin uptake and retention of a GluN2C/D NMDA receptor negative allosteric modulator that shields myelin from ischemic injury. The findings potentially support a rational approach toward a low-impact prophylactic therapy to protect patients at risk of stroke and other forms of excitotoxic injury.
Structural basis for the recognition of LDL-receptor family members by VSV glycoprotein
Authors: Nikolic Jovan , Belot Laura , Raux Hélène , Legrand Pierre , Gaudin Yves , A. Albertini Aurélie
Published: March 2018

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an oncolytic rhabdovirus and its glycoprotein G is widely used to pseudotype other viruses for gene therapy. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) serves as a major entry receptor for VSV. Here we report two crystal structures of VSV G in complex with two distinct cysteine-rich domains (CR2 and CR3) of LDL-R, showing that their binding sites on G are identical. We identify two basic residues on G, which are essential for its interaction with CR2 and CR3. Mutating these residues abolishes VSV infectivity even though VSV can use alternative receptors, indicating that all VSV receptors are members of the LDL-R family. Collectively, our data suggest that VSV G has specifically evolved to interact with receptor CR domains. These structural insights into the interaction between VSV G and host cell receptors provide a basis for the design of recombinant viruses with an altered tropism.