bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Regulation with Lactofen Does Not Affect Seed Yield of Irrigated Soybean
Authors: Mangialardi J. Paul , Orlowski John M. , Lawrence Ben H. , Bond Jason A. , Golden Bobby R. , Catchot Angus , Peeples Jimmy D. , Eubank Thomas W.
Published: March 2016

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers have considered the use of lactofen herbicide (2‐ethoxy‐1‐methyl‐2‐oxoethyl 5‐[2‐chloro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]‐2‐nitrobenzoate) as a growth regulator part of management systems for high‐yielding soybean, believing that lactofen can reduce plant height and lodging or increase node number. Previous research on non‐irrigated soybean was largely unable to show significant benefits for lactofen applied during early vegetative growth (V1–V4) as a growth regulator. However, it is unclear how early‐season lactofen applications affect soybean growth and seed yield in high‐yielding, irrigated soybean management systems common in the midsouthern United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of early‐season lactofen application on soybean injury, stunting, plant height, node number, intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, lodging, and seed yield at multiple planting dates. Trials were established during the 2013 and 2014 growing season in Stoneville, MS. Soybean was planted at four planting dates: 15 April, 1 May, 15 May, and 1 June. Crop oil concentrate (COC) and lactofen plus COC were applied to soybean at the second trifoliate growth stage (V2). Lactofen plus COC application resulted in early‐season injury and stunting, but did not affect intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, plant height at harvest, lodging, or seed yield while, planting date affected soybean plant height, but did not affect seed yield. The findings of this study suggest that the use of lactofen as a growth regulator for irrigated soybean production in the midsouthern United States is not necessary.

Core Ideas

Early‐season lactofen application results in temporary injury and stunting in high‐yielding, irrigated soybean in the midsouthern United States.

Early‐season lactofen application does not affect soybean seed yield in high‐yield irrigated midsouthern U.S. environments.

Soybean planting date failed to affect soybean seed yield in growing seasons with above‐average precipitation.
A Simulation‐Based Approach for Evaluating the Efficiency of Multienvironment Trial Designs
Authors: Kleinknecht K. , Möhring J. , Laidig F. , Meyer U. , Piepho H.P.
Published: March 2016

Plant breeding and official variety testing involve the challenge to design multienvironmental trials in several years and locations. Several variables influence the performance and, therefore, the possible selection gain of such trials. We provide a simulation‐based approach using SAS to vary these variables and to allow a comparison of different scenarios for the design of series of trials regarding selection gain. Our approach builds on the FORTRAN software tool SELSYS. Three examples of its application are given.
Responses of Amino Acid Composition to Nitrogen Application in High‐ and Low‐Protein Wheat Cultivars at Two Planting Environments
Authors: Zhang Meiwei , Ma Dongyun , Wang Chenyang , Zhao Hong , Zhu Yunji , Guo Tiancai
Published: March 2016

Amino acid content and composition are important nutritional components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain. Field experiments were conducted with six high‐protein and four low‐protein cultivars (HPCs and LPCs), grown under four N application rates (0, 120, 225, and 330 kg ha−1) at two sites to understand the variations of amino acid composition in wheat grain and its responses to N fertilizer management. Amino acid composition was significantly influenced by site, cultivar, N rates, and their interactions. Planting site had the greatest effects on lysine, threonine, isoleucine, histidine, and total essential amino acids (EAA), while N fertilizer had the greatest effects on leucine, phenylalanine, total amino acid (TAA) and essential amino acids index (EAAI). In contrast, cultivars displayed relative low but stable effects on amino acid composition. High‐protein cultivars always obtained greater content of EAA compositions, while LPCs had higher N use efficiencies for EAA and lysine contents. Applied N significantly increased grain yield and contents of protein, EAA, TAA, and lysine at both sites, while it significantly decreased EAAI and protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) at Xinyang. The greater yield and lysine, EAA, and TAA content were optimized with the application of N rates of 225 kg ha−1 at Nanyang (wheat–maize [Zea mays L.] rotation system) and 120 to 225 kg ha−1 at Xinyang (wheat–rice [Oryza sativa L.] rotation system). It indicated that under rainfed and temperate environmental conditions, improving lysine, EAA, and TAA in wheat production could be achieved through combinations of cultivar selection and adoption of site‐specific nutrient management practices.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.
Authors: Tanaka Hidenori , Hirakawa Hideki , Muguerza Melody , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Tabata Satoshi , Akashi Ryo , Sato Shusei
Published: March 2016

Zoysia Willd. include one of the best‐known turfgrasses worldwide owing to its adaptability in a wide range of environments and its tolerance to abiotic stresses including soil salinity, soil acidity, cold, drought, and heat. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. obtained by a combination of 454 pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing platforms. The entire chloroplast genome of Zoysia maps as a circular molecule of 135,810 bp built with a quadripartite organization: two inverted repeats (IRs) of 20,960 bp separated by a large single copy (LSC) sequence of 81,306 bp and a small single copy (SSC) sequence of 12,584 bp. The genome contains 131 unique genes, of which 20 are duplicated in the IRs. We identified a total of 42 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers with ≥10 repeated nucleotides. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between Zoysia and Neyraudia. This study identified genes, insertion–deletion (InDel), and SSR markers that may be useful in inferring evolutionary relationships at both the intra‐ and interspecific levels. Moreover, the Zoysia chloroplast genome sequence will be helpful in understanding phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships with other species in the Poaceae family and the Chloridoideae subfamily and will be valuable for biogenetic engineering, plant breeding, and ecological conservation.
Use of Abamectin and Azoxystrobin for Managing Stubby‐Root Nematode(Trichodorus obtusus Cobb) Damage to Zoysiagrass
Authors: Shaver Bradly R. , Agudelo Paula , Martin S. Bruce
Published: March 2016

Non‐fumigant nematicides currently available for turfgrass have provided inconsistent nematode suppression and turf quality improvement. New products and management strategies are being evaluated to find alternatives to these chemistries. Field, greenhouse, and in vitro studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of abamectin and azoxystrobin for mitigating damage to ‘Empire’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud) turf caused by a stubby‐root nematode (Trichodorus obtusus Cobb, 1913). Three years of data from greenhouse trials showed differences among treatments that were not observed in field trials. Combining azoxystrobin with abamectin formulations resulted in the highest root weights of any treatment for two out of three years, increasing root weights as much as threefold relative to the control. Differences in root weights for treatments containing abamectin were seen in all 3 yr. Data from the toxicity experiments show differences among formulations of abamectin. The commercial formulation of abamectin consistently immobilized a higher percentage of T. obtusus at all concentrations and evaluation periods compared to other treatments. Results indicate abamectin and azoxystrobin are useful for managing T. obtusus on zoysiagrass.
Factors influencing water-use security among smallholder irrigating farmers in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal Province
Authors: Sharaunga S. , Mudhara M.
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the physical, socio-economic and institutional factors affecting water-use security among irrigating smallholder farmers in Msinga Local Municipality to recommend policy. Cluster analysis was used to classify farmers according to their water-use security status. The logit model was then used to investigate the socio-economic factors influencing farmers' water-use security status. It was found that the water-use security status of farmers was highly influenced by the irrigation scheme in which they were operating. Across the schemes, farmers in the head-end of the irrigation canal were more water-use secure than those in the tail-end. Older farmers and those with larger-sized farming land were more likely to be water-use secure. Those who had spent more years in the irrigation scheme and members of water users associations perceived themselves to be more water-use insecure. The poor monitoring and sanctioning, coupled with the ‘soft state’ environment, where unruly elements of society are not reprimanded, have failed agriculture in the survey areas as in most South African irrigation schemes. Thus, mere provision of water alone is not a sufficient condition for farmers to successfully farm on irrigation schemes. Instead, government supervision and law enforcement is also required to allow equitable access to water among irrigators.
Changes in vegetation cover on Stara planina: Towards sustainable management of ski resorts in sensitive areas
Authors: Potic Ivan , Joksimovic Marko , Golic Rajko
Published: March 2016

Tourism is an indicator and the consequence of the development of many
countries. Among the priority areas of the tourism strategy are high mountain
areas with complex ecosystems. Mountain tourism in Serbia, as well as
continental country is one of the leading forms of tourism through various
projects stimulated by the state. In the last ten years, build up and expand
the ski slopes of Stara planina in eastern Serbia, leading to various, mostly
negative changes in the environment. This paper analyzes the changes in the
forest areas of the site Babin Zub in years 2000 and 2013, using satellite
imagery (Landsat 7 and Landsat 8) and remote sensing software. We used
unsupervised multispectral analysis resolution 30 m and obtained data on
forest areas. The aim is to draw attention to the change of vegetation cover
and degradation of forest areas. Following to the experiences of the world's
ski resorts, the paper presents the opportunities and examples of restoration
of ski runs, and sustainable forest management in the studied highland area.
The Serbian Danube region as tourist destination
Authors: Lukic Dobrila
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to show the advantages and disadvantages of the
Serbian Danube Region as a tourist destination. Tasks to be completed in
order to achieve the set aim include: determining the position of the Serbian
Danube Region from the perspective of transportation geography, identifying
its natural and anthropogenic tourism assets, its tourism infrastructure, as
well as the types of tourism that can develop there based on the above. The
methods used in this paper comprise: the cartographic method; a statistical
method used for determining monthly and annual mean values of the Danube
water level, water temperature and climatic elements for the period
1991-2010, the number of tourists and overnights in the Danube Region in
2012, as well as the number of accommodation facilities and their comparison
for the years 2010 and 2012; the analytic and synthetic method; the fieldwork
method combined with the photographic method, etc. The only conclusion that
can be drawn is that the potentials of the Serbian Danube Region for tourism
development have not been sufficiently valorised or realised except in
Belgrade and Novi Sad. Therefore, taking action and measures in connection
with sustainable development of tourism would favour economic development
outside major cities, advance the spatial distribution of population and
improve the overall social situation.
The quality analyses of olive cake fuel pellets - mathematical approach
Authors: Brlek Tea , Pezo Lato , Voca Neven , Vukmirovic Djuro , Colovic Radmilo , Kis Darko , Brkljaca Jovana
Published: March 2016

This article investigates the effect of processing parameters (conditioning
temperature and binder content), on final quality of produced agro-pellets
for heat energy generation, obtained from four different olive cultivars
using different technological parameters. Technological, physical and
chemical properties of pellets (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur
content, particle density, abrasion length, moisture, ash content, higher and
lower heating values, fixed carbon and volatile matter content) have been
determined to assess their quality. The performance of Artificial Neural
Network (ANN) was compared with the performance of second order polynomial
(SOP) model, as well as with the obtained experimental data in order to
develop rapid and accurate mathematical model for prediction of final quality
parameters of agro-pellets. SOP model showed high coefficients of
determination (r2), between 0.692 and 0.955, while ANN model showed high
prediction accuracy with r2 between 0.544 and 0.994.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Care and Impact of Vendor-Based Disease Management Programs
Authors: Meng Ying-Ying , Diamant Allison , Jones Jenna , Lin Wenjiao , Chen Xiao , Wu Shang-Hua , Pourat Nadereh , Roby Dylan , Kominski Gerald F.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

We examined the existence of disparities in receipt of appropriate diabetes care among California’s fee-for-service Medicaid beneficiaries and the effectiveness of a telephonic-based disease management program delivered by a disease management vendor on the reduction of racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted an intervention-control cohort study to test the effectiveness of a 3-year-long disease management program delivered to Medicaid fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 22 to 75 with a diagnosis of diabetes in Los Angeles and Alameda counties. The outcome measures were the receipt of at least one hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, LDL cholesterol test, and retinal examination each year. We used generalized estimating equations models with logit link to analyze the claims data for a cohort of beneficiaries in two intervention counties (n = 2,933) and eight control counties (n = 2,988) from September 2005 through August 2010.

RESULTS

Racial/ethnic disparities existed in the receipt of all three types of testing in the intervention counties before the program. African Americans (0.66; 95% CI 0.62–0.70) and Latinos (0.77; 95% CI 0.74–0.80) had lower rates of receipt for HbA1c testing than whites (0.83; 95% CI 0.81–0.85) in the intervention counties. After the intervention, the disparity among African Americans and Latinos compared with whites persisted in the intervention counties. For Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the disparity in testing rates decreased. We did not find similar disparities in the control counties.

CONCLUSIONS

This disease management program was not effective in reducing racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes care in the most racially/ethnically diverse counties in California.
Variations in Diabetes Prevalence in Low-, Middle-, and High-Income Countries: Results From the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological Study
Authors: Dagenais Gilles R. , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Zhang Xiaohe , McQueen Matthew , Lear Scott , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Mohan Viswanathan , Mony Prem , Gupta Rajeev , Kutty V. Raman , Kumar Rajesh , Rahman Omar , Yusoff Khalid , Zatonska Katarzyna , Oguz Aytekin , Rosengren Annika , Kelishadi Roya , Yusufali Afzalhussein , Diaz Rafael , Avezum Alvaro , Lanas Fernando , Kruger Annamarie , Peer Nasheeta , Chifamba Jephat , Iqbal Romaina , Ismail Noorhassim , Xiulin Bai , Jiankang Liu , Wenqing Deng , Gejie Yue , Rangarajan Sumathy , Teo Koon , Yusuf Salim
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess whether diabetes prevalence varies by countries at different economic levels and whether this can be explained by known risk factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The prevalence of diabetes, defined as self-reported or fasting glycemia ≥7 mmol/L, was documented in 119,666 adults from three high-income (HIC), seven upper-middle-income (UMIC), four lower-middle-income (LMIC), and four low-income (LIC) countries. Relationships between diabetes and its risk factors within these country groupings were assessed using multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Age- and sex-adjusted diabetes prevalences were highest in the poorer countries and lowest in the wealthiest countries (LIC 12.3%, UMIC 11.1%, LMIC 8.7%, and HIC 6.6%; P < 0.0001). In the overall population, diabetes risk was higher with a 5-year increase in age (odds ratio 1.29 [95% CI 1.28–1.31]), male sex (1.19 [1.13–1.25]), urban residency (1.24 [1.11–1.38]), low versus high education level (1.10 [1.02–1.19]), low versus high physical activity (1.28 [1.20–1.38]), family history of diabetes (3.15 [3.00–3.31]), higher waist-to-hip ratio (highest vs. lowest quartile; 3.63 [3.33–3.96]), and BMI (≥35 vs. <25 kg/m2; 2.76 [2.52–3.03]). The relationship between diabetes prevalence and both BMI and family history of diabetes differed in higher- versus lower-income country groups (P for interaction < 0.0001). After adjustment for all risk factors and ethnicity, diabetes prevalences continued to show a gradient (LIC 14.0%, LMIC 10.1%, UMIC 10.9%, and HIC 5.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional risk factors do not fully account for the higher prevalence of diabetes in LIC countries. These findings suggest that other factors are responsible for the higher prevalence of diabetes in LIC countries.
Effect of the Pores in Porous Rubber on Water Flow at the Contact Area
Authors: Komiyama Takumi , Iwai Tomoaki , Shoukaku Yutaka
Published: March 2016

Porous rubber has a higher coefficient of friction on ice than nonporous rubber. Therefore, it is used as the tread rubber for studless winter tires. There are two reasons why porous rubber demonstrates a high coefficient of friction: (1) the modulus of rubber is low at cold temperatures, and (2) the pores that exist on the rubber surface increase the real contact area to absorb water. We have already reported water flow over pore with a diameter of about 1 mm. However, it is said that the smaller the pore diameter, the larger the influence of capillary force.

The influence of capillary force in small pore size is investigated. Furthermore, the pores were made by drilling on the surface of rubber for the frictional experiment. This pore diameter mimicked the pores of porous rubber. Visualization of water flow at these pores and at those of the surface of porous rubber is conducted by “particle tracking velocimetry method.” The total internal reflection method is performed. The contact area is determined by using the difference of the critical angle of each substance: rubber, air, and water.

As a result, it is found that the pores included air at the water lubrication contact area. The absorption of water in the pores is observed in this experiment. The influence of capillary force is also investigated.
Simulation of Rolling Noise Based on the Mixed Lagrangian–Eulerian Method
Authors: Wei Yintao , Feng Xijin , Fuqiang Zhou , Xiang Dabing
Published: March 2016

This article presents a new method for predicting rolling noise, which is an increasingly important subject not only for roads but also for the railway transportation industry and has attracted an increasing amount of attention. Unfortunately, there are no effective numerical methods to analyze and predict rolling noise because of the required solution accuracy. For example, tires are often simplified as shells or rings in rolling noise modelling, lacking the pattern information, and leading to low accuracy. The new method presented in this article is based on the mixed Lagrangian–Eulerian method, which can be used to analyze the velocity field, acceleration field, and contact deformation of rolling contact structures with large deformations. First, two kinds of tire meshes are developed: a Lagrangian mesh for the rolling tire and an Eulerian mesh that is fixed in space and that will be used in the noise simulation. A nonrotational acceleration field is constructed by mapping the acceleration of the Lagrangian mesh onto the Eulerian mesh. Then, using that acceleration field as the acoustic source, the rolling noise can be predicted numerically using the boundary element method. Comparison between the test and simulation results shows that this method provides reasonable predications. The case studies demonstrate that the rolling noise of a tire with a block pattern is mostly caused by the impact vibration of the tire pattern. The method provides a powerful tool for investigating rolling noise, especially for patterned tires.
Zika virus detection in urine from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome on Martinique, January 2016
Authors: Rozé Benoît , Najioullah Fatiha , Fergé Jean-Louis , Apetse Kossivi , Brouste Yannick , Cesaire Raymond , Fagour Cédric , Fagour Laurence , Hochedez Patrick , Jeannin Séverine , Joux Julien , Mehdaoui Hossein , Valentino Ruddy , Signate Aïssatou , Cabié André ,   on behalf of the GBS Zika Working Group
Published: March 2016

We report two cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome who had concomitant Zika virus viruria. This viruria persisted for longer than 15 days after symptom onset. The cases occurred on Martinique in January 2016, at the beginning of the Zika virus outbreak. Awareness of this possible neurological complication of ZikV infection is needed.
It’s the Quality Not the Quantity of Ties That Matters
Authors: Siciliano Michael D.
Published: March 2016

This study explores the role of knowledge access and peer influence as mechanisms by which networks may shape teacher self-efficacy. The basic premise is twofold: (a) that peer interaction provides opportunities to access teaching relevant knowledge and thus may reduce uncertainty and (b) that self-efficacy beliefs may be shaped by the efficacy beliefs of the peers one is directly connected to in the advice network. The results suggest that both mechanisms may shape teacher self-efficacy and that the quality of ties, rather than the quantity, may have a stronger influence on self-efficacy. These findings offer new insight into the potential ways in which social networks and collegial interaction influence teacher beliefs.
Evaluation of a Communication Skills Training Program for Companion-Animal Veterinarians: A Pilot Study Using RIAS Coding
Authors: McArthur Michelle , Fitzgerald Jennifer
Published: March 2016

Effective veterinarian communication skills training and the related key outcomes provided the impetus for this study. We implemented a pre-experimental pre-test/post-test single-group design with a sample of 13 veterinarians and their 71 clients to evaluate the effects of a 6.5-hour communication skills intervention for veterinarians. Consultations were audiotaped and analyzed with the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Clients completed the Consultation and Relational Care Measure, a global satisfaction scale, a Parent Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale, and the Adherence Intent measure. Veterinarians completed a communication confidence measure and a workshop satisfaction scale. Contrary to expectation, neither veterinarian communication skills nor their confidence improved post-training. Despite client satisfaction and perceptions of veterinarians' relational communication skills not increasing, clients nevertheless reported an increased intent to adhere to veterinarian recommendations. This result is important because client adherence is critical to managing and enhancing the health and well-being of animals. The results of the study suggest that while the workshop was highly regarded, either the duration of the training or practice opportunities were insufficient or a booster session was required to increase veterinarian confidence and integration of new skills. Future research should utilize a randomized control study design to investigate the appropriate intervention with which to achieve change in veterinarian communication skills. Such change could translate to more effective interactions in veterinarians' daily lives.
Novel Card Games for Learning Radiographic Image Quality and Urologic Imaging in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Ober Christopher P.
Published: March 2016

Second-year veterinary students are often challenged by concepts in veterinary radiology, including the fundamentals of image quality and generation of differential lists. Four card games were developed to provide veterinary students with a supplemental means of learning about radiographic image quality and differential diagnoses in urogenital imaging. Students played these games and completed assessments of their subject knowledge before and after playing. The hypothesis was that playing each game would improve students' understanding of the topic area. For each game, students who played the game performed better on the post-test than students who did not play that game (all p<.01). For three of the four games, students who played each respective game demonstrated significant improvement in scores between the pre-test and the post-test (p<.002). The majority of students expressed that the games were both helpful and enjoyable. Educationally focused games can help students learn classroom and laboratory material. However, game design is important, as the game using the most passive learning process also demonstrated the weakest results. In addition, based on participants' comments, the games were very useful in improving student engagement in the learning process. Thus, use of games in the classroom and laboratory setting seems to benefit the learning process.
A prospective time-series quality improvement trial of a standardized analgesia protocol to reduce postoperative pain among neurosurgery patients
Authors: Titsworth W. Lee , Abram Justine , Guin Peggy , Herman Mary A. , West Jennifer , Davis Nicolle W. , Bushwitz Jennifer , Hurley Robert W. , Seubert Christoph N.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The inclusion of the pain management domain in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey now ties patients' perceptions of pain and analgesia to financial reimbursement for inpatient stays. Therefore, the authors wanted to determine if a quality improvement initiative centered on a standardized analgesia protocol could significantly reduce postoperative pain among neurosurgery patients.

METHODS

The authors implemented a 10-month, prospective, interrupted time-series trial of a quality improvement initiative. The intervention consisted of a multimodal, interdepartmental, standardized analgesia protocol with process improvements from preadmission to discharge. All neurosurgical-floor patients participated in the quality improvement intervention, with data collected on a systematically randomly sampled subset of 96 patients for detailed analysis. Patient-reported numeric rating scale pain on the first postoperative day (POD) served as the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Implementation of the analgesia protocol resulted in improved preoperative and postoperative documentation of pain (p < 0.001) and improved use of multimodal analgesia, including use of NSAIDs (p < 0.009) and gabapentin (p < 0.027). This intervention also correlated with a 32% reduction in reported pain on the 1st POD for all neurosurgical patients (mean pain scale scores 4.31 vs 2.94; p = 0.000) and a 43% reduction among spinal surgery patients (mean pain scale scores 5.45 vs 3.10; p = 0.036). After controlling for covariates, implementation of the protocol was a significant predictor of lowered postoperative pain (p = 0.05) on the 1st POD. This reduction in pain correlated with protocol compliance (p = 0.028), and a significant decrease in the monthly number of naloxone doses suggests improved safety (mean dose ± SD 1.5 ± 1.0 vs 0.33 ± 0.5; p = 0.04). Furthermore, a significant and persistent reduction in the pain management component of the HCAHPS scores suggests a durability of results extending beyond the life of the study (72.1% vs 82.0%; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a standardized analgesia protocol can significantly reduce postoperative pain among neurosurgical patients while increasing safety. Given the current climate of patient-centered outcomes, this study has broad implications for the continuum of care model proposed in the Affordable Care Act.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01693588 (clincaltrials.gov)
History of the current understanding and management of tethered spinal cord
Authors: Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Mapstone Timothy B. , Archer Jacob B. , Wilson Christopher , Theodore Nicholas , Spetzler Robert F. , Preul Mark C.
Published: March 2016

An understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) and modern management strategies have only developed within the past few decades. Current understanding of this entity first began with the understanding and management of spina bifida; this later led to the gradual recognition of spina bifida occulta and the symptoms associated with tethering of the filum terminale. In the 17th century, Dutch anatomists provided the first descriptions and initiated surgical management efforts for spina bifida. In the 19th century, the term “spina bifida occulta” was coined and various presentations of spinal dysraphism were appreciated. The association of urinary, cutaneous, and skeletal abnormalities with spinal dysraphism was recognized in the 20th century. Early in the 20th century, some physicians began to suspect that traction on the conus medullaris caused myelodysplasia-related symptoms and that prophylactic surgical management could prevent the occurrence of clinical manifestations. It was not, however, until later in the 20th century that the term “tethered spinal cord” and the modern management of TCS were introduced. This gradual advancement in understanding at a time before the development of modern imaging modalities illustrates how, over the centuries, anatomists, pathologists, neurologists, and surgeons used clinical examination, a high level of suspicion, and interest in the subtle and overt clinical appearances of spinal dysraphism and TCS to advance understanding of pathophysiology, clinical appearance, and treatment of this entity. With the availability of modern imaging, spinal dysraphism can now be diagnosed and treated as early as the intrauterine stage.
A comparison of commercially available demineralized bone matrices with and without human mesenchymal stem cells in a rodent spinal fusion model
Authors: Hayashi Tetsuo , Lord Elizabeth L. , Suzuki Akinobu , Takahashi Shinji , Scott Trevor P. , Phan Kevin , Tian Haijun , Daubs Michael D. , Shiba Keiichiro , Wang Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of some demineralized bone matrix (DBM) substances has been demonstrated in the spinal fusion of rats; however, no previous comparative study has reported the efficacy of DBM with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). There is an added cost to the products with stem cells, which should be justified by improved osteogenic potential. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the fusion rates of 3 different commercially available DBM substances, both with and without hMSCs.

METHODS

Posterolateral fusion was performed in 32 mature athymic nude rats. Three groups of 8 rats were implanted with 1 of 3 DBMs: Trinity Evolution (DBM with stem cells), Grafton (DBM without stem cells), or DBX (DBM without stem cells). A fourth group with no implanted material was used as a control group. Radiographs were obtained at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The rats were euthanized at 8 weeks. Overall fusion was determined by manual palpation and micro-CT.

RESULTS

The fusion rates at 8 weeks on the radiographs for Trinity Evolution, Grafton, and DBX were 8 of 8 rats, 3 of 8 rats, and 5 of 8 rats, respectively. A significant difference was found between Trinity Evolution and Grafton (p = 0.01). The overall fusion rates as determined by micro-CT and manual palpation for Trinity Evolution, Grafton, and DBX were 4 of 8 rats, 3 of 8 rats, and 3 of 8 rats, respectively. The Trinity Evolution substance had the highest overall fusion rate, however no significant difference was found between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacies of these DBM substances are demonstrated; however, the advantage of DBM with hMSCs could not be found in terms of posterolateral fusion. When evaluating spinal fusion using DBM substances, CT analysis is necessary in order to not overestimate fusion.
Impact of acute stress on psychomotor bimanual performance during a simulated tumor resection task
Authors: Bajunaid Khalid , Mullah Muhammad Abu Shadeque , Winkler-Schwartz Alexander , Alotaibi Fahad E. , Fares Jawad , Baggiani Marta , Azarnoush Hamed , Christie Sommer , Al-Zhrani Gmaan , Marwa Ibrahim , Sabbagh Abdulrahman Jafar , Werthner Penny , Del Maestro Rolando F.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Severe bleeding during neurosurgical operations can result in acute stress affecting the bimanual psychomotor performance of the operator, leading to surgical error and an adverse patient outcome. Objective methods to assess the influence of acute stress on neurosurgical bimanual psychomotor performance have not been developed. Virtual reality simulators, such as NeuroTouch, allow the testing of acute stress on psychomotor performance in risk-free environments. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a simulated stressful virtual reality tumor resection scenario by utilizing NeuroTouch to answer 2 questions: 1) What is the impact of acute stress on bimanual psychomotor performance during the resection of simulated tumors? 2) Does acute stress influence bimanual psychomotor performance immediately following the stressful episode?

METHODS

Study participants included 6 neurosurgeons, 6 senior and 6 junior neurosurgical residents, and 6 medical students. Participants resected a total of 6 simulated tumors, 1 of which (Tumor 4) involved uncontrollable “intraoperative” bleeding resulting in simulated cardiac arrest and thus providing the acute stress scenario. Tier 1 metrics included extent of blood loss, percentage of tumor resected, and “normal” brain tissue volume removed. Tier 2 metrics included simulated suction device (sucker) and ultrasonic aspirator total tip path length, as well as the sum and maximum forces applied in using these instruments. Advanced Tier 2 metrics included efficiency index, coordination index, ultrasonic aspirator path length index, and ultrasonic aspirator bimanual forces ratio. All metrics were assessed before, during, and after the stressful scenario.

RESULTS

The stress scenario caused expected significant increases in blood loss in all participant groups. Extent of tumor resected and brain volume removed decreased in the junior resident and medical student groups. Sucker total tip path length increased in the neurosurgeon group, whereas sucker forces increased in the senior resident group. Psychomotor performance on advanced Tier 2 metrics was altered during the stress scenario in all participant groups. Performance on all advanced Tier 2 metrics returned to pre-stress levels in the post–stress scenario tumor resections.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrated that acute stress initiated by simulated severe intraoperative bleeding significantly decreases bimanual psychomotor performance during the acute stressful episode. The simulated intraoperative bleeding event had no significant influence on the advanced Tier 2 metrics monitored during the immediate post-stress operative performance.
Impact of the 2006 Massachusetts health care insurance reform on neurosurgical procedures and patient insurance status
Authors: Villelli Nicolas W. , Das Rohit , Yan Hong , Huff Wei , Zou Jian , Barbaro Nicholas M.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The Massachusetts health care insurance reform law passed in 2006 has many similarities to the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). To address concerns that the ACA might negatively impact case volume and reimbursement for physicians, the authors analyzed trends in the number of neurosurgical procedures by type and patient insurance status in Massachusetts before and after the implementation of the state's health care insurance reform. The results can provide insight into the future of neurosurgery in the American health care system.

METHODS

The authors analyzed data from the Massachusetts State Inpatient Database on patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures in Massachusetts from 2001 through 2012. These data included patients' insurance status (insured or uninsured) and the numbers of procedures performed classified by neurosurgical procedural codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). Each neurosurgical procedure was grouped into 1 of 4 categories based on ICD-9-CM codes: 1) tumor, 2) other cranial/vascular, 3) shunts, and 4) spine. Comparisons were performed of the numbers of procedures performed and uninsured patients, before and after the implementation of the reform law. Data from the state of New York were used as a control. All data were controlled for population differences.

RESULTS

After 2008, there were declines in the numbers of uninsured patients who underwent neurosurgical procedures in Massachusetts in all 4 categories. The number of procedures performed for tumor and spine were unchanged, whereas other cranial/vascular procedures increased. Shunt procedures decreased after implementation of the reform law but exhibited a similar trend to the control group. In New York, the number of spine surgeries increased, as did the percentage of procedures performed on uninsured patients. Other cranial/vascular procedures decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

After the Massachusetts health care insurance reform, the number of uninsured individuals undergoing neurosurgical procedures significantly decreased for all categories, but more importantly, the total number of surgeries performed did not change dramatically. To the extent that trends in Massachusetts can predict the overall US experience, we can expect that some aspects of reimbursement may be positively impacted by the ACA. Neurosurgeons, who often treat patients with urgent conditions, may be affected differently than other specialists.
Registration of NFTW6001 Tall Wheatgrass Germplasm
Authors: Trammell Michael A. , Butler Twain J. , Word Kenny M. , Hopkins Andrew A. , Brummer E. Charles
Published: March 2016

NFTW6001 (Reg. No. GP‐99; PI 676025) tall wheatgrass [Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] germplasm, also tested under the designation Jose HDMD C2, was developed by the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and released in 2014. Selections were made from ‘Jose’ in north Texas for persistence and digestibility, followed by a second cycle of selection in southern Oklahoma emphasizing digestibility. The heading date of NFTW6001 in Ardmore, OK, is on average 7 d earlier than Jose. Persistence was improved by selection, based on greater stands of NFTW6001 (72%) compared with Jose (17%) at Vernon, TX. Total forage yield of NFTW6001 has equaled or exceeded (up to 607 kg ha− 1) the yield of Jose in Oklahoma. Despite its earlier maturity, digestibility and crude protein concentration of NFTW6001 in summer is equal to Jose. The digestibility and crude protein of NFTW6001 and Jose are similar in fall. NFTW6001 was released by the Noble Foundation's plant materials release committee due to its earlier maturity, improved forage yield, and persistence relative to Jose.
On eigenvalue asymptotics for strong δ-interactions supported by surfaces with boundaries
Authors: Dittrich Jaroslav , Exner Pavel , Kühn Christian , Pankrashkin Konstantin
Published: March 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a [Formula: see text]-smooth relatively compact orientable surface with a sufficiently regular boundary. For [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the jth negative eigenvalue of the operator associated with the quadratic form [Formula: see text] where σ is the two-dimensional Hausdorff measure on S. We show that for each fixed j one has the asymptotic expansion [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the jth eigenvalue of the operator [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text], in which K and M are the Gauss and mean curvatures, respectively, and [Formula: see text] is the Laplace–Beltrami operator with the Dirichlet condition at the boundary of S. If, in addition, the boundary of S is [Formula: see text]-smooth, then the remainder estimate can be improved to [Formula: see text].
Schrödinger operators on half-line with shrinking potentials at the origin
Authors: Dell’Antonio Gianfausto , Michelangeli Alessandro
Published: March 2016

We discuss the general model of a Schrödinger quantum particle constrained on a straight half-line with given self-adjoint boundary condition at the origin and an interaction potential supported around the origin. We study the limit when the range of the potential scales to zero and its magnitude blows up. We show that in the limit the dynamics is generated by a self-adjoint negative Laplacian on the half-line, with a possible preservation or modification of the boundary condition at the origin, depending on the magnitude of the scaling and of the strength of the potential.
Corrigendum: Investigating the contribution of physician assistants to primary care in England: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Drennan Vari M , Halter Mary , Brearley Sally , Carneiro Wilfred , Gabe Jonathan , Gage Heather , Grant Robert , Joly Louise , de Lusignan Simon
Published: March 2016

Correction to the table footnote in Table 28.
Acupuncture compares with Western medicine for climacteric depression
Authors: Hong Quan Xiao , Hong Ma , Ying Li , Cai Wu , Hua Chen Xiu
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for climacteric depression. Two reviewers searched major databases independently. The quality assessment and data analysis were evaluated by Cochrane reviews 5.3.0. Seventeen clinical trials were included, contained 1,369 cases. Meta-analysis of acupuncture comparing with medicine showed that: a) Affective rate: [OR = 1.44, 95% CI (1.02, 2.04)], the difference had statistically significance; b) HAMA score : [MD = -2.12, 95% CI (-2.85, -1.40)], the difference had statistically significance; c) HAMD score: The difference of the 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week, 8th week, or 12th week was not statistically significant; d) Kupperman score: [MD = -5.05, 95% CI (-11.94, 1.84)] showed no statistical significance; e) Incidence of adverse events of acupuncture (2.7%) was significantly less than the control group (20%). In conclusion acupuncture will help to improve depressive symptoms of climacteric and decrease adverse reactions.
Salter-Harris type II metacarpal and metatarsal fracture in three foals
Authors: Fürst Anton , Kircher Patrick , Kluge Katharina , Kummer Martin , Klopfenstein Bregger Micaël
Published: March 2016

Objectives: To describe minimally-invasive lag screw osteosynthesis combined with external coaptation for the treatment of Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal and third metatarsal bone fractures.

Methods: Three foals aged two weeks to four months with a Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal or third metatarsal fracture. Surgery was carried out under general anaesthesia in lateral recumbency. After fracture reduction, the metaphyseal fragment was stabilized with two cortical screws placed in lag fashion under fluoroscopic control. A cast was applied for at least two weeks.

Results: All foals had a good outcome with complete fracture healing and return to complete soundness without any angular limb deformity. All foals had moderate transient digital hyperextension after cast removal.

Clinical significance: Internal fixation of Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal or third metatarsal fractures with two cortical screws in lag fashion, combined with external coaptation provided good stabilization and preserved the longitudinal growth potential of the injured physis.
Copper-mediated arylation with arylboronic acids: Facile and modular synthesis of triarylmethanes
Authors: Rao H Surya Prakash , Rao A Veera Bhadra
Published: March 2016

A facile and modular synthesis of triarylmethanes was achieved in good yield via a two-step sequence in which the final step is the copper(II)-catalyzed arylation of diarylmethanols with arylboronic acids. By using this protocol a variety of symmetrical and unsymmetrical triarylmethanes were synthesized. As an application of the newly developed methodology, we demonstrate a high-yielding synthesis of the triarylmethane intermediate towards an anti-breast-cancer drug candidate.
Genome‐Wide Association Studies of Grain Yield Components in Diverse Sorghum Germplasm
Authors: Boyles Richard E. , Cooper Elizabeth A. , Myers Matthew T. , Brenton Zachary , Rauh Bradley L. , Morris Geoffrey P. , Kresovich Stephen
Published: March 2016

Grain yield and its primary determinants, grain number and weight, are important traits in cereal crops that have been well studied; however, the genetic basis of and interactions between these traits remain poorly understood. Characterization of grain yield per primary panicle (YPP), grain number per primary panicle (GNP), and 1000‐grain weight (TGW) in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], a hardy C4 cereal with a genome size of ∼730 Mb, was implemented in a diversity panel containing 390 accessions. These accessions were genotyped to obtain 268,830 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) were performed to identify loci associated with each grain yield component and understand the genetic interactions between these traits. Genome‐wide association studies identified associations across the genome with YPP, GNP, and TGW that were located within previously mapped sorghum QTL for panicle weight, grain yield, and seed size, respectively. There were no significant associations between GNP and TGW that were within 100 kb, much greater than the average linkage disequilibrium (LD) in sorghum. The identification of nonoverlapping loci for grain number and weight suggests these traits may be manipulated independently to increase the grain yield of sorghum. Following GWAS, genomic regions surrounding each associated SNP were mined for candidate genes. Previously published expression data indicated several TGW candidate genes, including an ethylene receptor homolog, were primarily expressed within developing seed tissues to support GWAS. Furthermore, maize (Zea mays L.) homologs of identified TGW candidates were differentially expressed within the seed between small‐ and large‐kernel lines from a segregating maize population.