bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metric and Bregman projections onto affine subspaces and their computation via sequential subspace optimization methods
Authors: Schöpfer F. , Schuster T. , Louis A. K.
Published: September 2008

In this article we investigate and prove relationships between metric and Bregman projections induced by powers of the norm of a Banach space. We consider Bregman projections onto affine subspaces of Banach spaces and deduce some interesting analogies to results which are well known for Hilbert spaces. Using these concepts as well as ideas from sequential subspace optimization techniques we construct efficient iterative methods to compute Bregman projections onto affine subspaces that are connected to linear, bounded operators between Banach spaces. Especially these methods can be used to compute minimum-norm solutions of linear operator equations or best approximations in the range of a linear operator. Numerical experiments illuminate the performance of our iterative algorithms and demonstrate a significant acceleration compared to the Landweber method.
Usability Engineering: A Consultant's View of Best Practices and Proven Results
Authors: Torres R. J. (Bob) , Heck Michael P. , Rudd James R. , Kelley John F. (Jeff)
Published: September 2008

( Part 1 of this three-part series on Best Practices appeared in the winter 2007 issue.) The IBM Global Services Usability Engineering National Practice (UENP) group has focused on the application of industry-based, user-centered design (UCD) best practice techniques and principles to solve user interface and usability problems in a variety of industry contexts. UCD techniques and principles have been applied across different industries, application domains, and user interface styles. We have learned valuable lessons with regard to consistent and effective use of a rigorous, proven, and repeatable design process in system and Internet projects. The use of our design process results in cost-effective solutions for satisfied customer users. Although the findings generally apply to many styles of user interfaces and systems, this article shares some of our lessons, experiences, best practices, and results with a focus on recent Web-based projects.
Cognition in the adult with childhood-onset GH deficiency
Authors: van Nieuwpoort I Caroline , Drent Madeleine L
Published: September 2008

The GH/IGF1 axis may play an important role in cognitive function. This theory is supported by the finding that both GH and IGF1 receptors are located in several brain areas such as the hippocampus, a brain area that is known to play an essential role in cognitive processes, especially memory and learning. However, the exact mechanism by which the GH/IGF1 axis influences the cognitive functions is still unknown. Furthermore, little is known about the cognition in adults with both childhood-onset and adult-onset GH deficiency (CO-GHD and AO-GHD). Recent data indicate that cognitive function, particularly attention and memory, in adults with GHD might be impaired. To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted to study the effects of GH replacement therapy on cognitive function in adults with GHD. In this paper, the results of studies on cognitive functioning in GHD patients, in particular the results of the studies performed in adults with CO-GHD, and the effects of GH replacement therapy in these patients, will be discussed.
Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia and primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Christensen Signe Engkjær , Nissen Peter H , Vestergaard Peter , Heickendorff Lene , Rejnmark Lars , Brixen Kim , Mosekilde Leif
Published: September 2008

Introduction

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a lifelong, benign, inherited condition caused by inactivating mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene. Both FHH and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are characterized by elevated P-calcium, normal or elevated plasma-parathyroid hormone (P-PTH), and typically normal renal function. In PHPT, vitamin D metabolism is typically characterized by low plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), and high plasma levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). In FHH, the vitamin D metabolism is not very well known.

Objective

To compare and evaluate plasma 25OHD, 1,25(OH)2D, and PTH in FHH and PHPT.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Materials

About 66 FHH patients with mutations in the CASR gene, 147 patients with surgically verified PHPT, and 46 controls matched to FHH patients according to age (±5 years), sex, and season. All patients had a P-creatinine <140 μmol/l.

Methods

We measured P-calcium, P-Ca2+, P-albumin, P-creatinine, P-phosphate, P-magnesium, and P-PTH by standard laboratory methods. P-25OHD and P-1,25(OH)2D were measured by RIA or enzyme immunoassay. In FHH, all protein-coding exons in the CASR gene were sequenced and aligned to GenBank reference sequence .

Results

PHPT patients had higher body mass index (2p<0.01), together with higher P-PTH (2p<0.01) and P-1,25(OH)2D (2p<0.01) compared with FHH patients. The groups had similar levels of P-Ca2+ and of P-25OHD. The phenotypic expression of the CASR mutations (as determined by the degree of hypercalcemia) did not influence the levels of P-1,25(OH)2D.

Conclusion

Even though P-calcium and P-25OHD were comparable, P-1,25(OH)2D and P-PTH differed between FHH and PHPT.
Cardiac manifestations of GH deficiency after treatment for acromegaly: a comparison to patients with biochemical remission and controls
Authors: van der Klaauw Agatha A , Bax Jeroen J , Bleeker Gabe B , Holman Eduard R , Delgado V , Smit Johannes W A , Romijn Johannes A , Pereira Alberto M
Published: September 2008

Objective

Both GH excess and GH deficiency (GHD) lead to specific cardiac pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac morphology and function in patients with GHD after treatment for acromegaly.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Patients and methods

Cardiac parameters were studied by conventional two-dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging in 53 patients with acromegaly (16 patients with GHD, 20 patients with biochemical remission, and 17 patients with active disease). Patients with GHD were also compared with age- and gender-matched controls.

Results

Left ventricular (LV) dimensions, wall thickness, and mass did not differ between the three groups, or between the patients with GHD and healthy controls. Systolic function, assessed by LV ejection fraction, tended to be lower in patients with GHD compared with patients with biochemical remission (65.9±7.3% vs 72.4±8.5%, P=0.070), but was higher when compared with active acromegaly (58.8±9.3%, P=0.047). No differences were found with healthy controls. Diastolic function, measured with early diastolic velocity (E′), was lower in patients with GHD when compared with both patients with biochemical remission (6.0±2.1 cm/s vs 8.3±1.5 cm/s, P=0.005) and healthy controls (8.1±1.9 cm/s, P=0.006).

Conclusion

GHD after acromegaly results in a specific decrease in diastolic function compared with patients with biochemical remission of acromegaly and healthy controls. In addition, systolic function tends to be decreased in patients with GHD compared with patients with biochemical remission, but was higher than that in patients with active acromegaly.
In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of the Use of Some Medicinal Herbals against the Pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila in Goldfish
Authors: Harikrishnan Ramasamy , Balasundaram Chellam
Published: September 2008

Aeromonas hydrophila is a ubiquitous and opportunistic bacterial pathogen that produces ulcerative dermatitis under stress conditions and inflicts severe losses on global fisheries and fish culture. This study evaluates the antimicrobial potency of aqueous and ethanolic decoction (individual extract) and concoction (mixed extract) of three common medicinal herbs, turmeric Curcuma longa, Tulsi plant Ocimum sanctum, and neem Azadirachta indica, against the in vitro growth of A. hydrophila. Among the decoctions, A. indica exhibited the most potent antibacterial property (P < 0.05) against A. hydrophila. Among the concoctions, both the aqueous and ethanolic triherbal extracts mixed in the ratio of 1:1:1 had higher antibacterial activity (P < 0.05) than the other concoctions and decoctions. Goldfish Carassius auratus (10 ± 2 g) were challenged with A. hydrophila intramuscularly in the caudal region with two separate doses (days 1 and 3) of 50 μL/fish (1.8 × 103 colony-forming units per milliliter). On days 9 (early) and 15 (late) of infection, fish were held in a net and dip treated for 5 min daily in a 1-L solution of 1% aqueous triherbal concoction. Red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels of the infected group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control group. In the early treated group, all of the affected profile values returned to near normal, while the late-treated group registered a partial recovery, such as improved RBC count. The derived hematological values, such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, of the early and late-treated groups also significantly declined (P < 0.05) but were restored to near normal (P > 0.05) only in the early treated group. The results suggest that dip treatment of A. hydrophila-infected goldfish in an aqueous triherbal concoction had a synergistic restorative effect on the hematological variables.
Comparison of Female Reproductive Traits and Progeny of First‐Generation Hatchery and Wild Upper Yakima River Spring Chinook Salmon
Authors: Knudsen Curtis M. , Schroder Steve L. , Busack Craig , Johnston Mark V. , Pearsons Todd N. , Strom Charles R.
Published: September 2008

Hatchery and wild female spring Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha from the upper Yakima River were compared to determine whether their reproductive traits had diverged after a single generation of artificial propagation. Fecundity, relative fecundity, individual egg mass, and total gamete mass were all significantly correlated with body length, while reproductive effort (gonadosomatic index) was not. Regressions of trait versus body length often differed significantly among brood years. Hatchery spring Chinook salmon were significantly smaller than wild females over the four brood years examined. After brood year and body length (when necessary) were accounted for, wild females had an average of 8.8% more total gamete mass, 0.8% more individual egg mass, 7.7% greater fecundity, and 0.8% greater reproductive effort than hatchery females. Relative fecundity (the number of eggs per centimeter of body length) was on average 1.3% greater in hatchery females. We also compared body size at yolk absorption and egg‐to‐fry survival of the progeny from hatchery‐by‐hatchery and wild‐by‐wild matings. After differences in egg size were accounted for, hatchery fry were on average 1.0% heavier than wild fry. Egg‐to‐fry survival rates varied among years, with no consistent difference between hatchery and wild fry. The relationships between reproductive traits and body length were not significantly altered by a single generation of hatchery exposure. However, because hatchery females had smaller body sizes, the distributions of linked traits, such as total gamete mass and fecundity, differed by as much as 0.6 SD, probably resulting in some fitness loss. Our data support the idea that a single generation of state‐of‐the‐art conservation hatchery propagation can produce fish with reproductive traits similar to those of wild fish, given comparable body size.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Children with Craniofacial Conditions
Authors: Geels L. M. , Kieffer J. M. , Hoogstraten Joh , Prahl-Andersen B.
Published: September 2008

Objective:

Evaluation of the Dutch Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), assessing the level of concordance between parents and children. The internal consistency and the predictive validity of the COHIP for self-reported general health were examined.

Methods:

Sample size was 35 pairs of parents and children age 11 to 14 with craniofacial conditions. Cronbach alphas were calculated and the level of concordance between parents and children was studied using t tests and intraclass correlations. Predictive validity was assessed using Pearson correlations and linear regression analyses.

Results:

The COHIP and its subscales, except for one, had satisfactory to high Cronbach alphas (.59 to .94). Parents and children did not differ significantly. Correlations between parents and children were high (.62 to .91). Only “Oral symptoms” proved to be a significant predictor of general health, but only in the parent sample.

Conclusions:

In spite of the high level of concordance found, proxy reports have to be considered complementary to the reports of the children themselves. The Dutch version of the COHIP performs adequately, but could use some further psychometric evaluation and revision. It does not seem advisable to use the subscales separately as predictors in the same regression model, since they are strongly intercorrelated. For use in craniofacial patients, further validation is needed on a larger sample and some items need to be revised or removed. Finally, given the small number of cases, conclusions must be drawn with caution.
Clinical Outcomes of the Furlow Z-Plasty for Primary Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Khosla Rohit K. , Mabry Kelly , Castiglione Charles L.
Published: September 2008

Objective:

To review the clinical outcomes following the Furlow Z-plasty for primary cleft palate repair. The primary objective was to determine if the presence of an associated sequence or syndrome (i.e., Pierre Robin sequence), age at palate repair, cleft type, or surgeon experience influenced speech outcomes after a Furlow Z-plasty.

Design:

The outcomes of 140 patients who underwent palate repair were analyzed retrospectively. Speech evaluations were performed to score the severity of hypernasality, nasal escape, articulation errors, and velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Results:

The mean age at latest evaluation was 4 years 9 months (age range 2 years old to 12 years old and 4 months). Of the 140 patients, 83% had no evidence of hypernasality, 91% had no presence of nasal escape, and 69% had no articulation errors. Overall, 84% of patients had no evidence of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Secondary posterior pharyngeal flap to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency was required in only 2.1% of patients. The formation of an oronasal fistula occurred in only 3.6% of patients. Nonsyndromic patients with Pierre Robin sequence and syndromic patients did just as well as purely nonsyndromic patients in terms of velopharyngeal insufficiency, hypernasality, and nasal escape. Syndromic patients were more likely to make mild-to-moderate articulation errors. In addition, age at palate repair, cleft type, and surgeon experience had no statistically significant effect on speech results.

Conclusions:

The Furlow Z-plasty yielded excellent speech results in our patient population with minimal and acceptable rates of fistula formation, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and the need for additional corrective surgery.
Treatment of a Patient with Cleft Lip and Palate Using an Internal Distraction Device
Authors: Sari Emel , Ucar Cihan , Türk Oytun , Kurtulmus Huseyin , Ayberk Altug H. , Pocan Suheyl
Published: September 2008

A 24-year-old man with a bilateral cleft lip and palate was treated by a multidisciplinary team composed of an orthodontist, plastic surgeon, and prosthodontist with assistance from an engineer. Before treatment, clinical photographs, dental casts, lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms, periapical and panoramic radiographs, and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) images were obtained. He presented with a narrow and retrognathic maxilla with a 23-mm anterior open bite. Following maxillary expansion with rapid palatal expansion, a Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy was performed, and an internal distractor was placed. After a 5-day latency period, internal maxillary distraction was performed at a rate of 1 mm/day achieved by two activations per day. Cephalometric analysis showed a 7-mm maxillary advancement. Mandibular bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was also performed to close the open bite following maxillary distraction and a 3-month stabilization period. Finally, the treatment was completed with prosthetic rehabilitation. The changes in speech production were evaluated using an automatic speech recognition system.
Comparison of Short-Term and Long-Term Variability in Nasalance Scores
Authors: Lewis Kerry E. , Watterson Thomas , Blanton Ann
Published: September 2008

Objective:

To evaluate long-term nasalance score variability while accounting for short-term variation associated with subject performance and headgear change variability.

Stimuli:

Turtle and Mouse Passages.

Design:

Short-term immediate test-retest nasalance score variability was assessed with no headgear change (NCHG) and with change of headgear (CHG). Long-term variability was assessed with scores obtained in the morning and afternoon of the same day, 1 day apart, and 1 week apart. Scores from the long-term conditions necessarily reflect variability associated with headgear change plus variability, which may be attributed to time.

Participants:

Twenty-six adults (19 to 70 years of age) with normal speech and resonance.

Main Outcome Measures:

Forty-six nasalance scores per subject.

Results:

Mean nasalance difference scores across conditions were compared. Three contrasts were significantly different, each involving comparison of nasalance difference scores in the NCHG condition to difference scores from a CHG condition. Overall, long-term variability was slightly greater than short-term variability. For the Turtle Passage, in the short-term CHG condition, 92% of repeated scores were within five points. In the long-term conditions, 83% to 89% of scores were within five points. For the Mouse Passage, 88% of repeated scores in the CHG condition were within five points. In the long-term conditions, 81% to 83% of scores were within five points.

Conclusions:

Nasalance scores obtained over time showed slightly greater variability than scores obtained in immediate test-retest conditions; however, variability did not increase as the length of time between measures increased.
Morphological Comparison of Morningglory (IpomoeaandJacquemontiaspp.) Populations from the Southeastern United States
Authors: Bryson Charles T. , Reddy Krishna N. , Burke Ian C.
Published: September 2008

Morningglories are troublesome weeds in row crops and other agricultural areas throughout the United States. Plants of pitted morningglory, sharppod morningglory, and a fertile “hybrid” between pitted and sharppod morningglory (hybrid morningglory), were compared with cypressvine, ivyleaf, palmleaf, purple moonflower, red, and smallflower morningglories in greenhouse studies at Stoneville, MS. Plants from each of 76 accessions were studied for number of nodes to first internode elongation; stem color and pubescence; leaf area and dry weight of first four full expanded leaves; leaf blade pubescence on abaxial and adaxial surfaces and margins; leaf color, shape, and lobing; petiole length, color, and pubescence; sepal length, color, and pubescence; and corolla color, diameter, and length. Among these morningglories, the most diverse traits were pubescence and flower characteristics. Greatest morphological diversity was among hybrid morningglory accessions because characteristics were intermediate to pitted morningglory and sharppod morningglory accessions. Sharppod morningglory had five nodes to first internode elongation compared to three nodes in pitted and hybrid morningglory. Corolla color was white (90%) or white with faint pink veins (10%) in pitted morningglory, lavender (100%) in sharppod morningglory, and varied from pinkish lavender (45%), lavender (38%), white (12%), to white with pink veins (5%) in hybrid morningglory accessions. Pitted, red, and smallflower morningglory corolla diameters were not only smaller, but less variable in size than cypressvine, hybrid, ivyleaf, palmleaf, purple moonflower, and sharppod morningglories. Corolla diameter and lengths were most variable in sharppod morningglory accessions when compared to other morningglory accessions. The sepal tip shape was broader (broadly acute to obtuse) in palmleaf and sharppod than in hybrid, pitted, or other morningglories (acute to narrowly acute). In future studies, these morphological traits will be compared to determine if any are correlated with glyphosate sensitivity.
Seed Germination Ecology of Purple-Leaf Button Weed (Borreria ocymoides) and Indian Heliotrope (Heliotropium indicum): Two Common Weeds of Rain-Fed Rice
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath S. , Johnson David E.
Published: September 2008

Purple-leaf button weed and Indian heliotrope are widespread and common weed species of rain-fed rice in many tropical countries. The influence of various environmental factors on seed germination of these species was studied. Seeds of both species germinated at a range of alternating temperatures (25/15, 30/20, and 35/25 C day/night). Germination of purple-leaf button weed was similar among light conditions after an after-ripening period of 3 mo, whereas germination of Indian heliotrope was always greater in light. Seed germination of both species was not affected by a high level of salt and a range of pH between 5 and 9, but was sensitive to high degrees of water stress. Seed burial strongly inhibited germination and emergence of these species. Seedling emergence of purple-leaf button weed (82 to 86%) and Indian heliotrope (70%) was optimal when seeds were sown in the top 0.2-cm soil layer. A burial depth of 2 cm completely inhibited emergence of Indian heliotrope, whereas, for purple-leaf button weed, this depth was 5 cm. Most of these seeds germinated, however, when brought to the soil surface. The information gained from this study would help in predicting the potential of these species for spreading into new areas, and could contribute to their control.
Temperature Response of Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis): Implications for Geographic Range
Authors: Sermons Shannon M. , Burton Michael G. , Rufty Thomas W.
Published: September 2008

The noxious weed Benghal dayflower has become a severely troublesome agricultural weed in Georgia in the southeastern Unite States, and there are indications that it is moving northward. Benghal dayflower is glyphosate tolerant and possesses a high degree of reproductive elasticity, making it a formidable threat in many crop systems. The purpose of these experiments was to develop the first temperature response profiles for Benghal dayflower, and use them to evaluate whether temperature might limit its northward invasion into North Carolina and adjacent states on the U.S. east coast. Experiments focused on vegetative and early reproductive growth, stages considered crucial for establishment and competitiveness. Exposure to a range of aerial temperatures revealed that Benghal dayflower growth and production of aerial and subterranean reproductive structures were maximized at 30 C, with sharp declines occurring at cooler temperatures. When exposed to differing root temperatures in hydroponics, with a constant aerial temperature, Benghal dayflower growth did not show the same cool temperature sensitivity, but reproductive performance declined when temperatures decreased below about 29 C. The root temperature responses of several other weed species known to thrive in the climate of this geographic area also were determined. Growth of sicklepod, hemp sesbania, and jimsonweed was more sensitive than Benghal dayflower to cool temperatures, whereas the growth response of velvetleaf was similar. Based on the comparison of the Benghal dayflower temperature responses in controlled environments to (1) seasonal air and soil temperatures in the field, and (2) the temperature responses of agronomic weeds known to thrive in the region, it is concluded that cool temperatures will not restrain the northward spread of Benghal dayflower into North Carolina.
Germination Ecology of Goosegrass (Eleusine indica): An Important Grass Weed of Rainfed Rice
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath S. , Johnson David E.
Published: September 2008

Goosegrass is considered one of the most important grassy weeds of rice, particularly in rain-fed environments. Experiments were conducted in laboratory, screenhouse, and field to study the germination ecology of goosegrass seeds. In the laboratory, germination was greater at higher alternating temperatures (30/20 and 35/25 C) than at the lowest alternating temperatures (25/15 C). An after-ripening period of at least 3 mo was required to improve the germination of goosegrass. Germination was tolerant of salt stress but sensitive to a high degree of water stress. A pH range of 5 to 10 did not influence seed germination (92 to 95%). In the screenhouse study, seedling emergence of goosegrass was greatest (82%) for seeds placed on the soil surface, but decreased exponentially after that, no seedlings emerged at a burial depth of 8 cm. Seedling emergence and seedling dry matter declined markedly with the addition of crop residue to the soil surface at rates equivalent to 4 to 6 ton (t) ha−1. In the field, seedling emergence of goosegrass was greater under zero-till (ZT; 16 to 18%) than under minimum tillage (MINT; 8 to 11%). Because seedling emergence was greater from surface-sown seeds and emergence was favored by ZT, this species is likely to become a problematic weed in ZT systems. The information gained from this study could be used in developing effective weed management strategies.
Response and Survival of Rosette-Stage Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) after Exposure to 2,4-D
Authors: Kruger Greg R. , Davis Vince M. , Weller Stephen C. , Johnson William G.
Published: September 2008

2,4-D is often used as a preplant burndown herbicide to help control horseweed and other broadleaf weeds before planting in no-till corn and soybean production. Isolated instances of poor horseweed control have occurred in production fields. The objective of this research was to evaluate the response of various horseweed populations to 2,4-D. In the first study, 478 horseweed populations from Indiana were subjected to 280 g ae ha−1of 2,4-D amine in the greenhouse. This rate of 2,4-D caused visible injury and prevented all biotypes from forming new leaves for 28 days. There were specific populations where all plants sprayed were alive at 28 days after treatment (DAT), and approximately 10% of all populations had a least one plant that survived 280 g ae ha−12,4-D, resumed growth, and produced seed. In a dose-response study, we observed populations with three-fold more tolerance to 2,4-D. The most tolerant population had a GR90of 513 g ae ha−1and the most susceptible population had a GR90of 121 g ae ha−1based on dry weights. Growth suppression with 2,4-D was not affected by rosette size for rosettes between 0.5 and 10 cm in width.
Carrier Volume Affects Wheat Response to Simulated Glyphosate Drift
Authors: Roider Christopher A. , Griffin James L. , Harrison Stephen A. , Jones Curtis A.
Published: September 2008

The influence of carrier volume was evaluated in field experiments for glyphosate applied to wheat at rates representing 12.5 and 6.3% of the usage rate of 1,120 g ai/ha (140 and 70 g/ha, respectively). Wheat at first node and at heading was exposed to glyphosate applied in a constant carrier volume of 234 L/ha, where herbicide concentration declined with reduction in dosage, and in proportional carrier volumes of 30 L/ha for the 12.5% rate and 15 L/ha for the 6.3% rate, where herbicide concentration remained constant. At 28 d after treatment, glyphosate applied at first node in proportional carrier volume (an average for 30 and 15 L/ha adjusted proportionally to glyphosate rate) reduced wheat height 42% compared with 15% when glyphosate was applied in 234 L/ha. Height reduction was no more than 15% when glyphosate was applied at heading in 234 L/ha or in the proportional carrier volumes and at first node in 234 L/ha. Wheat yield was reduced 42% when glyphosate at 140 g/ha was applied in 234 L/ha but was reduced 54% for the same rate applied in proportional carrier volume. For 70 g/ha glyphosate, wheat yield was reduced 11% when applied in 234 L/ha, but was reduced 42% when the same rate was applied in proportional carrier volume. Wheat yield reduction was equivalent when glyphosate was applied in 234 L/ha at first node and at heading (29 and 24%, respectively), but yield reductions of 60% for first node application and 36% for heading application were observed when glyphosate was applied in a proportional carrier volume. When averaged across carrier volumes and glyphosate rates, the greater yield loss from application at first node was attributed to decreased number of spikelets per spike and seed weight per spike.
Diuron Reduces Absorption and Translocation of Glyphosate in Sharppod Morningglory (Ipomoea Cordatotriloba)
Authors: Steele G.L. , Senseman S.A. , Sciumbato A.S. , Chandler J.M.
Published: September 2008

Experiments were conducted to evaluate sharppod morningglory control with postemergence herbicides used in cotton and to determine the influence of diuron on glyphosate efficacy. Glyphosate plus diuron was one of the most efficacious herbicide treatments in the field experiment, providing up to 78% control of 10- to 20-cm stem length sharppod morningglory. In growth-chamber experiments, mixtures of either 420 or 840 g ai/ha diuron plus glyphosate potassium salt at 840 g ae/ha were needed to significantly reduce sharppod morningglory biomass. Compared to published results with otherIpomoeaspp. and field bindweed, sharppod morningglory absorbed more and translocated less glyphosate after 72 h. Retention of glyphosate in treated leaves increased when the glyphosate was mixed with 420 g/ha diuron. Mixture with 420 or 840 g/ha diuron reduced the concentration of glyphosate in roots; however, only 2% of glyphosate alone was translocated to the roots. These results indicate that the combination of glyphosate with diuron improves aboveground sharppod morningglory desiccation, but limits glyphosate translocation.
Mesotrione Combinations with Atrazine and Bentazon for Yellow and Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus EsculentusandC. Rotundus) Control in Corn
Authors: Armel Gregory R. , Wilson Henry P. , Richardson Robert J. , Whaley Cory M. , Hines Thomas E.
Published: September 2008

Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate mesotrione alone and in combinations with low rates of atrazine and bentazon for control of yellow and purple nutsedge. Mesotrione alone at rates of 105 to 210 g ai/ha controlled yellow nutsedge 43 to 70%. Mixtures of mesotrione with atrazine at 280 g ai/ha did not always improve yellow nutsedge control over that by mesotrione alone, but increasing atrazine to 560 g ai/ha in these mixtures generally provided more consistent control of yellow nutsedge. Mesotrione at 105 g ai/ha mixed with bentazon at 280 or 560 g ai/ha controlled yellow nutsedge 88% or greater which was similar to control from the standard halosulfuron at 36 g ai/ha. Mesotrione, atrazine, and bentazon alone did not control purple nutsedge. Mixtures of mesotrione plus bentazon, however, did improve control of purple nutsedge over either herbicide applied alone, but this control was not considered commercially acceptable.
Planting Date and Preplant Weed Management Influence Yield, Water Use, and Weed Seed Production in Herbicide-Free Forage Barley
Authors: Lenssen Andrew W.
Published: September 2008

In the semiarid northern Great Plains, the adoption of zero tillage improves soil water conservation, allowing for increased crop intensification and diversification. Zero-tillage crop production relies heavily on herbicides for weed management, particularly the herbicide glyphosate, increasing selection pressure for herbicide-resistant weeds. Barley is well adapted to the northern Great Plains, and may be a suitable herbicide-free forage crop in zero-tillage systems. A 2-yr field study was conducted to determine if planting date influenced crop and weed biomass, water use (WU), and water-use efficiency (WUE) of barley and weed seed production in three preplant weed management systems: (1) conventional preplant tillage with a field cultivator (TILL); (2) zero tillage with preemergence glyphosate application (ZTPRE); and (3) zero tillage without preemergence glyphosate (ZT). None of the systems included an in-crop herbicide. Planting dates were mid-April (early), late May (mid), and mid-June (delayed). Early planting of ZT barley resulted in excellent forage yields (7,228 kg/ha), similar to those from TILL and ZTPRE. Early planting resulted in a small accumulation of weed biomass, averaging 76 kg/ha, and no weed seed production regardless of preplant weed management system. Early planting resulted in higher WU than delayed planting, averaging 289 and 221 mm, respectively, across management systems and years. The WUE of crop and total biomass did not differ among preplant weed management systems at harvest from the early planting date. Delayed planting resulted in decreased forage yield with high amounts of weed biomass and seed production, especially in ZT. A pre-emergence glyphosate application was not necessary for early-planted ZT forage barley. Early planting of herbicide-free barley for forage can be an excellent addition to northern Great Plains cropping systems as part of a multitactic approach for improved weed and water management.
Combinatorial Incorporation of Enhancer-Blocking Components of the Chicken β-Globin 5′HS4 and Human T-Cell Receptor α/δ BEAD-1 Insulators in Self-Inactivating Retroviral Vectors Reduces Their Genotoxic Potential
Authors: Ramezani Ali , Hawley Teresa S. , Hawley Robert G.
Published: September 2008

Insertional mutagenesis by retroviral vectors has emerged as a serious impediment to the widespread application of hematopoietic stem cell gene transfer for the treatment of hematologic diseases. Here we report the development of a 77-base pair element, FII/BEAD-A (FB), which contains the minimal enhancer-blocking components of the chicken β-globin 5′HS4 insulator and a homologous region from the human T-cell receptor α/δ BEAD-1 insulator. With a new flow cytometry-based assay, we show that the FB element is as effective in enhancer-blocking activity as the prototypical 1.2-kilobase 5′HS4 insulator fragment. When incorporated into the residual U3 region of the 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR) of a self-inactivating (SIN) gammaretroviral vector, the FB element was stably transferred to the 5′ LTR during reverse transcription, flanking the integrated transgene expression cassette. Notably, using a recently established in vitro insertional mutagenesis assay involving primary murine hematopoietic cells, we found that SIN gammaretroviral vectors, as well as SIN lentiviral vectors, containing the FB element exhibited greatly reduced transforming potential—to background levels under the experimental conditions used—compared with their unshielded counterparts. These results suggest that the FB element-mediated enhancer-blocking modification is a promising approach to dramatically improve the safety of retroviral vectors for therapeutic gene transfer.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Activation of CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein α or PU.1 in Hematopoietic Stem Cells Leads to Their Reduced Self-Renewal and Proliferation
Authors: Fukuchi Yumi , Ito Miyuki , Shibata Fumi , Kitamura Toshio , Nakajima Hideaki
Published: September 2008

Previous studies using loss-of-function mutants revealed that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and PU.1 are potential regulators for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). To gain further insight into the HSC regulation by C/EBPα or PU.1, we used transgenic mice expressing conditional forms of these transcription factors to examine whether their activation alone is sufficient for modulating HSC functions. The activation of C/EBPα or PU.1 in HSCs in vitro or in vivo led to their suppression of growth, decreased mixed colony formation, and impaired competitive repopulating activities because of their defective self-renewal. These effects were more prominently observed when C/EBPα was activated, and the differentiation capacity to megakaryocytic lineage was selectively impaired upon C/EBPα activation. Unexpectedly, the expression of Bmi-1 and HoxB4, well-known regulators for self-renewal of HSCs, was not affected by the activation of C/EBPα or PU.1, suggesting that they regulate HSC function through an as yet unknown mechanism. Our data suggest that the activation of C/EBPα or PU.1 is sufficient to repress stem cell capacities in HSCs, and their fine-tuned regulation is critical for HSC homeostasis.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Inhibition of toll-like receptor 2 expression improves insulin sensitivity and signaling in muscle and white adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Caricilli Andréa M , Nascimento Paula H , Pauli José R , Tsukumo Daniela M L , Velloso Lício A , Carvalheira José B , Saad Mário J A
Published: September 2008

The aims of the present study were to investigate the expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in muscle and white adipose tissue (WAT) of diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice, and also the effects of its inhibition, with the use of TLR2 antisense oligonucleotide (ASON), on insulin sensitivity and signaling. The expression of TLR2 was increased in muscle and WAT of DIO mice, compared with those that received standard chow. Inhibition of TLR2 in DIO mice, by TLR2 ASON, improved insulin sensitivity and signaling in muscle and WAT. In addition, data show that the inhibition of TLR2 expression prevents the activation of IKBKB, MAPK8, and serine phosphorylation of IRS1 in DIO mice, suggesting that TLR2 is a key modulator of the crosstalk between inflammatory and metabolic pathways. We, therefore, suggest that a selective interference with TLR2 presents an attractive opportunity for the treatment of insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Simplified approach for assessing seismic displacements of soil-retaining walls. Part II: Geosynthetic-reinforced walls with rigid panel facing
Authors: Huang C.-C. , Wu S.-H.
Published: September 2008

Critical seismic coefficient ([Formula: see text]) and seismic displacement of some idealized geosynthetic-reinforced walls with full-height rigid panel facing (GRS-FHR walls) were calculated using a pseudo-static-based multi-wedge method in association with Newmark's sliding block theory. The proposed method uses experimentally verified lateral earth pressure coefficients to evaluate connection force at the facing/reinforcement interface subjected to various input seismic loadings. It was found that the values of critical seismic coefficient, [Formula: see text], can be expressed as linear functions of some dominant factors, such as the internal friction angle of backfill (ϕs) and the ratio between reinforcement length (L) and wall height (Ht). Empirical equations for the values of [Formula: see text] as functions of ϕs, L/Ht and other factors were established, and these equations were used in conjunction with seismic displacement evaluation methods proposed in this study. Based on the result of seismic displacement evaluations on a well-documented GRS-FHR wall that experienced the 1995 Hyogoken-Nambu earthquake, the effectiveness of the simplified approach for assessing seismic displacement of GRS-FHR walls was verified. These results were also compared with those calculated for some geosynthetic-reinforced walls with modular block facing that have been reported in a companion paper.
Sensor selection, installation, and survivability in a geosynthetic-reinforced flexible pavement
Authors: Warren K. A. , Howard I. L.
Published: September 2008

Seventeen instrumented test sections were constructed on a geosynthetic-reinforced flexible pavement in Arkansas to determine the benefits of geosynthetic inclusions and collect dynamic response data from traffic loads to support a mechanistic-empirical pavement design procedure. A total of 129 sensors were installed to acquire dynamic measurements of stress and strain as well as static measurements of moisture content, pore pressure, temperature, and precipitation. Approximately 94% of the structural gages survived the construction phase, but 82% were still functional by the end of the test interval. Over 5000 m of cable and 370 m of protective conduit were installed. The purpose of this paper is to: (1) summarize the selection and installation criteria for the sensors and data acquisition system; (2) describe the construction procedure and modifications associated with each instrumented pavement layer; (3) detail the construction sequence of the protective pipe network; (4) discuss gage survivability and signal filtering; and (5) display typical response curves. This paper will provide sufficient detail and discuss specific recommendations that can be used by others in future full-scale field studies. While the initial testing program has been completed, the overall results and analysis from this project are beyond the scope of this paper.
Impacts of multiple stressors on growth and metabolic rate ofMalaclemys terrapin
Authors: Holliday Dawn K. , Elskus Adria A. , Roosenburg Willem M.
Published: September 2008

Coastal species encounter numerous physiological stressors ranging from daily fluctuations in salinity and temperature to anthropogenic contaminants, yet the effects of such stressor combinations on aquatic organisms remain largely unknown. Exposure to environmental contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), can disrupt physiological processes, and while physiological responses to salinity change are well understood, the combined effects of salinity change and contaminants on these processes are unknown. Marine and brackish water turtles are often simultaneously exposed to both stressors. We exposed male, eight-month-old diamondback terrapins to one of four salinity treatments (0, 10, 20, and 30 parts per thousand) in the presence and absence of the anthropogenic stressor 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126, 20 μg/g via intraperitoneal injection) and monitored growth (carapace length and mass) and metabolic rate for six months. Exposure to PCB 126 significantly reduced growth (p < 0.0001), lowered standard metabolic rates (SMRs; p < 0.0001), and altered respiratory pattern (p < 0.0001). Salinity stress reduced growth (p < 0.0001) and altered the respiratory pattern (p < 0.0001) but had no overall effect on metabolic rate (p = 0.33). No interactive effects of PCBs and salinity were seen on either growth or metabolic rate. Our data indicate terrapins may be able to cope with some effects of salinity change through physiological adjustments but are less able to cope with PCBs. We show that PCB 126 disrupts the ecophysiological mechanisms that affect life history traits and thus ultimately could alter population structure and dynamics. The present study enriches our understanding of the environmental toxicology of reptiles and aids in the interpretation of health conditions documented in field-collected turtles contaminated with PCBs.
Comparative hepatic activity of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and concentrations of organohalogens and their hydroxylated analogues in captive greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Verreault Jonathan , Maisonneuve France , Dietz Rune , Sonne Christian , Letcher Robert J.
Published: September 2008

A captive study was performed with Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) fed a naturally organohalogen-contaminated diet (Greenland minke whale [Balaenoptera acutorostrata] blubber; exposed group) or a control diet (pork fat; control group). The catalytic activity of major xenobiotic-metabolizing phase I and II hepatic microsomal enzymes was assessed. Relative to control dogs, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in exposed dogs was twofold higher (p = 0.001). Testosterone hydroxylation yielded 6β- and 16β-hydroxy (OH) testosterone and androstenedione, with higher rates of production (23–27%; p ≤ 0.03) in the exposed individuals. In the exposed dogs, epoxide hydrolase (EH) activity was 31% higher (p = 0.02) relative to the control dogs, whereas uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT) activity was not different (p = 0.62). When the exposed and control dogs were combined, the summed (Σ) plasma concentrations of OH-polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were predicted by plasma ΣPCB concentrations and EROD activity (p ≤ 0.04), whereas testosterone hydroxylase, EH, and UDPGT activities were not significant predictors of these concentrations. Consistent results were found for individual OH-PCB congeners and their theoretical precursor PCBs (e.g., 4-OH-CB-187 and CB-183, and 4-OH-CB-146 and CB-146) and for EROD activity. No association was found between ΣOH–polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and ΣPBDE plasma concentrations, or between potential precursor-metabolite pairs, and the enzyme activities. The present results suggest that liver microsomal EROD activity and plasma PCB concentrations have a greater (e.g., relative to EH activity) predictive power for the occurrence of plasma OH-PCB residues in sledge dogs. These results also suggest that plasma OH-PBDEs likely are not products of cytochrome P450-mediated transformation but, rather, are accumulated via the diet.
Congenitally Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava without other Features of the Heterotaxy Syndrome: Report of Five Cases and Characterization of a Rare Entity
Authors: Bartram Ulrike , Fischer Gunther , Kramer Hans H.
Published: September 2008

Congenital interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC) due to absence of its hepatic segment is usually found in patients with polysplenia. The occurrence without other features of the heterotaxy syndrome is rare, and the frequency of associated additional vascular and cardiac anomalies in these patients is not well known. We reviewed the literature and present 5 of our own patients to characterize this entity. All but 1 of the 67 known cases had visceroatrial situs solitus. There was 1 patient with interruption of the IVC in complete situs inversus. The interrupted IVC typically continued via the azygos system into the superior vena cava, but there were 4 cases without a direct connection between the infrahepatic IVC and the azygos system. Additional venous abnormalities or cardiac malformations were present in 47.8% and 31.4%, respectively. In contrast to the classical heterotaxy syndrome, heart defects with interrupted IVC and normal situs did not involve inversion of cardiac segments. The diagnosis can readily be made by echocardiography or magnetic resonance imaging. Failure to recognize this anomaly can result in various problems during invasive medical or surgical procedures. In our own patients, interventional procedures failed, necessitating an operation in all 5 cases. Careful analysis of systemic venous drainage should be performed in all patients prior to cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation, or surgery, even if the visceroatrial situs is normal.