bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Advance Ant Bait in Turf; 1997
Authors: Swier Stanley R. , Rollins Alan , Lamarche Rachel , Hodgson Meggan
Published: December 2017

This trial was conducted at White Mountain Country Club, Ashland, NH. Five replications of 3 treatments were applied on 24 Jul on a bluegrass fairway. Each plot was 140 ft2, separated by 5-ft buffers on all sides; the plots were arranged in a RCB design. The ant bait was distributed evenly onto each plot using a commercial salt shaker. Dursban was applied using a 2-wheel bicycle-type boom sprayer equipped with 4 spray heads; each head was fitted with an 8005 flat fan-type nozzle and a 50-mesh strainer. The volume of water and Dursban mix per plot was 2 gal/1000 ft2, using CO2 as a pressure source at 40 psi. Weather conditions were as follows: air temp, 70°F; sky, cloudy; wind, 5-10 mph. Soils conditions were as follows: surface temp, 76°F; at 1-inch, 78°F; at 2-inches, 78°F; texture, loam; sand, 44%; silt, 42%; clay, 14%; moisture, 20%; organic matter, 6.3%; pH, 5.2. All active anthills per plot were counted prior to spraying and then every 7 days for 4 weeks after treatment.
Effect of Spinosad Formulations and Other Miticides on Twospotted Spider Mite, 1995
Authors: Cowles Richard S.
Published: December 2017

A trial was conducted in a commercial nursery with overhead irrigation in East Granby, CT. This experiment was conducted as a 10 (treatments) X 2 (one or two application) factorial RCB experiment (6 single-plant replicates) with spinosad (NAF-coded formulations), plus four positive controls and an untreated check. All surfaces of leaves were sprayed to run-off with a CO2-pressurized sprayer using 35 psi and a TeeJet 8002 flat fan nozzle. All plants were sprayed 1 Aug, with 95°F and 10 mph winds; the second treatment was 8 Aug, with 0-5-mph wind and 78°F. Leaf samples for mite counts were taken on 1 Aug (immediately prior to the first spray), and on 4, 7, 11, 14, and 21 Aug. One leaf was pulled from each plant, enclosed in aplastic bag, then immediately refrigerated (3-8 d). Mites on leaves were first evaluated under a dissecting microscope; when there were 30 or less mobile mites, then counts of mites were made directly. More heavily infested leaves were brushed onto an oiled glass plate and the number of mites estimated by subsampling the plate. Sections of a plate were counted until a minimum of 30 eggs or mobile stage mites were found. The number of mites on the entire plate was then determined by proportions. The leaf length and area were also recorded so that mites per unit area could be calculated. Data (mites per 10 cm2) required logarithmic transformation for analysis.
Control of Flower Thrips on English Daisy, 1997
Authors: Gerace Dan , Cranshaw Whitney S.
Published: December 2017

Trials were conducted on English daisy grown in 4.5-inch pots. Individual plots consisted of two pots. Experimental design was CRB with 4 replications. Treatments were applied 1 Mar as a coarse spray. Evaluations were made by harvesting 4 blossoms in each plot and extracting the thrips in an ethanol wash.
Control of Brown Soft Scale on Ficus Under Greenhouse Conditions, Winter 1997
Authors: Redak R. A. , Bethke J. A.
Published: December 2017

Ficus cuttings were rooted in 15-cm pots and allowed one yr growth (40-50 cm tall) before use. The plants were fertilized with Osmocote (14-14-14) four wks prior to use and irrigated every other d for 3 min by drip system. By the time we conducted the trial, the plants were moderately infested with brown soft scale. Single terminals (10 cm of new growth) were arbitrarily selected to monitor the efficacy of selected pesticides. The number of live brown soft scale on the leaves and stem recorded. A pre-treatment count was taken on 13 Jan (wk 0) and was followed by a single treatment application. Post-treatment counts of live scales were taken in wk 2. A second treatment was applied on 30 Jan (wk 2) and post-treatment counts were continued on wks 4 and 5. Spray treatments were applied using a backpack sprayer at approximately 25 psi. A RCB design was used with 3 replicate-blocks per treatment. ANOVA was performed on the data set, and LSD was used to separate the means. Data were transformed (log +1) prior to analysis to satisfy the assumptions of ANOVA.
Control of Silverleaf Whitefly on Poinsettia Under Greenhouse Conditions, Summer 1997
Authors: Redak R. A. , Bethke J. A. , Costa H. S.
Published: December 2017

Poinsettias, ob tained as rooted cuttings, were potted in 15-cm pots and allowed 8-wk growth (15-20 cm tall) before use. The plants were fertilized once with Osmocote (14-14-14) and irrigated every d for three minby overhead misters. On day (0), ten whiteflies were caged on the 5th (counting from top leaf of about 1 cm2 down), and a 2.5-cm-diam circle was drawn on the leaf around the cage perimeter. Twenty-four h later the adult whiteflies were removed. After egg eclosion (10 Jul), a pre-treatment count of the no. of nymphs was taken, and it was followed by treatment application. Post-treatment counts of live nymphs were taken weekly for two wks. Treatments were applied using a backpack sprayer at approximately 25 psi. A RCB design was used with five replicates per treatment. Data were transformed log10 + 1 prior to analysis to satisfy the assumptions of the analysis of variance, and LSD (P = 0.05) was used to separate the means.
Efficacy of Halofenozide and Imidacloprid Treatments, Applied One Month Prior to Oviposition, to Suppress White Grubs, 1997
Authors: Heller P. R. , Walker R.
Published: December 2017

The turfgrass area, located in University Park, PA, consisted primarily of perennial ryegrass (100%). Treatment plots were 8 X 6 ft, arranged in a RCB design and replicated 3 times. Liquid formulations were applied by using a CO2 sprayer with 4 8002VS TeeJet nozzles mounted on a 6-ft boom, operating at 28 psi, and applied in 727 ml of water/48 ft2 or delivering 4 gal/1000 ft2. Granular formulations were applied with a hand-held shaker and mixed with fine top dressing sand to facilitate product distribution. Three white PVC cylinders (8-inch diam X 6-inch height) were placed on each replicate and secured in place. Twenty-five adult Japanese beetles were placed within each chamber and maintained inside by covering individual cylinders with white shade cloth. The latter procedure allowed for oviposition by adult females. PVC cylinders were removed following death of adult beetles. At treatment time (5 Jun), the following soil and environmental conditions existed: air temperature, 76° F; soil temperature at 1 -inch depth, 77° F; soil temperature at 2 inch, 69° F; RH, 78%; amount of thatch, 0.0624-0.125 inch; soil textural class, silty clay loam; soil particle size analysis: 8.5% sand, 58.9% silt, 32.6% clay; organic matter, 6.4%; soil percent water content (percent by weight), 24.7; water pH, 7.0; soil pH, 6.6; treatments were applied in mid-afternoon; and partly sunny skies. The experimental area was irrigated with 0.1 inch of water after treatments had dried. The area received extensive post irrigation watering because of the extremely dry weather conditions with 5.5 inches applied from Jul 2 through Jul 17. Additional irrigation was applied on an as needed basis. Post-treatment counts were completed on 22 Sep. Three ft2 sod samples were randomly taken from each replicate, and the total number of Japanese beetle grubs/ft2 was recorded.
Laboratory Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of Tarnished Plant Bugs in Mississippi, 1997
Authors: Howell Michael S. , Reed Jack T.
Published: December 2017

Insec ticides were evaluated at the Plant Science Research Farm, Mississippi State, MS, in a RCB design with 4 replications. Plot size was 2 rows wide by 50 feet long with 4 unsprayed buffer rows between plots and 10 feet of unsprayed cotton at the end of each plot. Insecticides were applied on 19 Jun with s high-clearance spray tractor equipped with two Sprayings Systems TX4 hollow cone nozzles per row spaced at 19 inches and calibrated for 5 gpa at a pressure of 38 psi and a speed of 4 mph. Carrier of the insecticide was water. Plots were treated and allowed to dry for 15 minutes. Terminals were then removed from four plants per plot and immediately placed into a test tube filled with water. Terminals were returned to the lab where they were infested with five plant bugs per terminal. Plant bugs were caged on the terminals by enclosing them in a small plastic cup with a lid. Plant bugs were collected the morning of application by sweeping wild flowers with a 15-inch-diameter sweep net. Twenty-four hours after infestation, insect mortality was determined. Insects failing to move when prodded were classified as dead.
Peach, Green Peach Aphid and Oriental Fruit Moth Control, 1997
Authors: Hull Larry A. , Krawczyk Grzegorz
Published: December 2017

Experimental treatments were applied to single-tree plots in a randomized block design consisting of 2 replicates of ‘Cresthaven’, 2 replicates of ‘Redhaven’, and 2 replicates of ‘Sunhigh’. The trees were planted to a spacing of 20 X 30 ft and were 13 years old. All treatments were applied with a Myers Mity Mist sprayer calibrated to deliver 75 gpa, driven at 2.4 mph. Spray dates can be found in the first table. All plots received a regular maintenance schedule of fungicides (Indar 75 WSP and sulfur). GPA was sampled approximately weekly by counting the number of new colonies found in a 3-min examination of each plot tree. Each new colony was tagged, up to 10 colonies per tree, with ribbon and the number of leaves infested with one or more live aphids in each of the 10 colonies was then determined on each subsequent count. OFM shoot injury was assessed by determining the number of injured shoots per tree in a 3-min examination on 16 and 24 Jun and on 28 Jul and 15 Aug. Effectiveness of chemicals on fruit feeders was assessed by scoring for injury 75 mature peaches from each tree. The sampling date for the various cultivars was as follows: 6 Aug (‘Redhaven’), 18 Aug (‘Sunhigh’), and 3 Sep (‘Cresthaven’). Note the sampling dates as related to the various dates of application. Pest pressure was high throughout the season.
Spanworm Control, 1997
Authors: Collins J. A. , Drummond F. A.
Published: December 2017

Materials were applied on 1 Jun (Test 1), and 30 May and 6 Jun to 20- by 20-ft plots in a bearing blueberry field at Jonesboro, Maine. There were 4 replications of each treatment and a minimum 5-ft untreated buffer strip around each plot. Treatments were blocked according to prespray population levels. Insecticides were applied at a rate of 25 gpa using a CO2-propelled 80-inch boom sprayer, with 4, flat-spray 80002VS TeeJet® nozzles operating at 35 psi. At treatment, larvae were first to third instar and plants were 5-10% bloom (Test 1). For Test 2, plants were < 5% bloom on 30 May and 35-40% bloom on 6 Jun. On sample dates indicated in the table, 10 sweeps with a standard 12-inch sweep-net were taken systematically through the center area of each plot avoiding plot boundaries. Any SW larvae were counted and then distributed back into the same plot. For Test 2, on each of 3 dates (30 May, 3 Jun, and 8 Jun), SW larvae were collected from a plot which had been treated with Mycotrol ES. The larvae were surface disinfected with zephiran chloride, maintained in the laboratory, and observed for sporulation of Beauveria bassiana. The only significant rainfall during the trial occurred on 4 Jun when 1.02 inches of rain was recorded.
Asana, Impact on Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees and Other Pollinators, 1997
Authors: Stubbs C. S. , Drummond F. A. , Collins J. A.
Published: December 2017

Alfalfa leafcutting bees, Megachile rotundata Fabricus, were reared to adults and established in bee shelters housed in 20- by 6- by 6-ft flight screen cages set out in a lowbush blueberry field at Blueberry Hill Farm, Jonesboro, ME. Each cage contained a wooden bee domicile and one polisurround® as nest material. Stocking density per cage was 0.1 gal loose leaf cells (0.1 gal = ca. 1,000 bees). On 26 May, 3 field cages were sprayed with Asana (esfenvalerate) at the label recommended rate of 4.8 oz form/acre. Also, an open field application of Asana was made to a 20- by 6-ft plot to determine the effects of Asana on native pollinators and honey bees. Three additional cages and one open-field plot were designated as untreated checks. During bloom, all cages, open field plots, and the untreated checks were monitored periodically to assess bee foraging. Numbers of nesting female alfalfa leafcutting bees were counted periodically to provide a measure of bee mortality, if any. Nest construction was measured at the end of bloom. After bloom, all alfalfa leafcutting bees were moved to 2 new forage areas (one area for the treated and one for the untreated check cages) which had similar abundance of blooming wild flowers. Bees were provided with new nesting materials and allowed to forage until mid-Jul, just prior to onset of second generation bee emergence. The new nesting materials were stripped of leaf cells. Screen cages were removed from the field, but the corner stakes delimiting individual treatment plots remained so that yield could be assessed (an indirect measure of pollinator activity). Bee abundance, bee mortality, and reproductive success were compared using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine if Asana can be applied during bloom without detrimental effects to pollinators. Berries in all plots were hand raked and weighed on 4 Aug. Loose, leaf bee cells produced in 1997 were incubated according to standard rearing procedures and the number of healthy bees recorded.
Evaluation of Insecticides Against Blackheaded Fireworm in Cranberries, 1997
Authors: Polavarapu S. , Peng H.
Published: December 2017

This trial was conducted on a bed of ‘Earlyblacks’ at the Rutgers Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center, Chatsworth, NJ. Treatment plots were arranged in a RCB design with 4 replications. Plots were 10 X 6.5 ft, separated by buffers of 5-ft strips of cranberries within and between blocks. Each treatment, except Confirm 70 WP, was applied twice on 24 June and 5 July. Confirm 70 WP was applied only once on June 24. The first insecticide treatment was targeted approximately at 30-40% of BHFW egg hatch. Insecticides were applied with a CO2 pressurized Model T backpack sprayer (R & D sprayers) equipped with a single Conejet nozzle (TXVS-2) calibrated to deliver 30 gal/acre of finished spray at 40 PSI. Latron B-1956 at 0.12% vol/vol was included in Confirm and Emamectin benzoate treatments as an adjuvant. In all other treatments Nu-Film 17 at 4 oz/acre was included. BHFW larval populations were assessed by examining all uprights in five randomly selected 15X15 inches areas per replicate. Pre-treatment larval estimates were made on 23 Jun and post-treatment counts on 2 Jul and 15 Jul.
Evaluation of Acaricides for Control of Spider Mites on Almonds and Impact on Two Beneficial Arthropods, 1997
Authors: Fouche Calvin , Verdegaal Paul , Duncan Roger , Cutter Dawn
Published: December 2017

Twenty treatments were evaluated in an orchard near Modesto, CA, to determine their ability to control spider mites and to assess their impact on two beneficial arthropods. The experimental design was a RCB with 4 replications. Trees were in the ground for three years and were approximately 7 ft in diameter and 10 ft tall. Sprays were applied with a 5-hp backpack mist blower on 8 July in 100 gallons of water per acre. Although this was a concentrate application, coverage was excellent due to the small size of the trees and the directed application. Prior to the research application, the grower had applied a field rate of Ambush for worm control with a commercial speed sprayer. Spider mites were monitored by removing 50 leaves per tree, brushing onto glass plates and counting pests and beneficials with a binocular dissecting microscope at 15X.
Citrus Leafminer Control on Texas Citrus, 1997
Authors: French J. Victor , Villarreal Santiago
Published: December 2017

Two rates of Confirm 2°F tank mixed with NR 435 Oil, and Micromite 25 W alone and + NR 435 Oil, were compared with the standard Agri-Mek EC + NR 435 Oil treatment for efficacy against CLM. Treatments were randomized and replicated 4 times on single-tree plots in a block of 4-yr-old orange trees planted on a spacing of 14 X 24 ft. Treatment sprays were applied on 13 Jun and carefully timed to the appearance of CLM eggs and emerging 1st stage larvae on new flush leaves. A HyPro 5200 handgun sprayer with pressure set at 150 psi was used and sprays applied to foliar run-off. At each pre- and post-spray count date, 4 new flush terminals (each with 6-8 leaves) were randomly collected per replicate and taken to the laboratory. All live and dead CLM 1 st-4th stage larvae and pupae were counted on each terminal. CLM were recorded as dead by lack of movement and/or evidence of dessication when examined microscopically at 20X. Percent mortality of all CLM immature stages was determined for each treatment.
Evaluation of Insecticide Efficacy for Control of Pecan Spittlebug in Louisiana, 1997
Authors: Hall Michael , Shelton Richard
Published: December 2017

An efficacy trial for 1 control of pecan spittlebug was conducted on 60-year-old pecan trees of the ‘Success’ cultivar at Greensleeves Plantation in south Caddo Parish, Louisiana. ; bsecticides evaluated included Provado 1.6°F at 4 oz product/100 gal, Imidan 70 WP at 0.5 and 1.0 lb product/100 gal, Lorsban 50 W at 1.0 lb product/100 gal, and Lorsban 4 E at 16 oz product/100 gal. The experimental design was a RCB with 4 replications. On each of the four trees, six spittlebug-infested ; limbs corresponding to each of the treatments were selected. From each limb 10 spittlebug-infested terminals were selected and tagged (40 infested ter minals/treatment). The tagging was done on 11 Apr. Treatments were applied on 14 Apr using a 3-gal, hand-held compressed air sprayer. The check was sprayed with water. Each of the limbs containing tagged terminals was sprayed to the point of runoff. The size of the spittle masses at the time of treatment ranged from 0.2-0.4 inches in dia. Post-treatment counts were made on 21 Apr.
Control of Lepidoptera on Cabbage with Spintor and Warrior, 1997
Authors: Shelton A. M. , Wilsey W. T.
Published: December 2017

Cabbage was transplanted on 11 Jun at the Vegetable Crops Research Farm near Geneva, NY. Plots consisted of two 10-ft rows on 36-inch centers with 18-inch plant spacing. Treatments were replicated 4 times in an RCB design. A CO2 backpack sprayer with a one-row boom, having 3 nozzles per row (one over the top and one drop nozzle on each side) with TXVS-8 hollow cone tips and delivering 31 gal/acre at 40 psi and 2 mph, was used to apply a single application of each treatment. Silwet L-77 spray adjuvant was applied at 0.1 % v/v with all treatments. Treatments were applied on 22 Jul and evaluated 28 Jul. Evaluations were done by selecting three plants per plot, removing all leaves, and counting the number of live larvae. A two-way ANOVA using replicate totals was used for analysis of Lepidoptera.
Control of Thrips Tabaci on Cabbage, 1997
Authors: Shelton A. M. , Wilsey W. T.
Published: December 2017

Cabbage was transplanted on 1 Jul at the Vegetable Crops Research Farm near Geneva, NY. To increase populations of thrips, a 5-ft strip of oats was planted along the length of each side of the experimental area. Plots consisted of one 10-ft row with 18-inch plant spacing. Treatments were replicated 4 times in an RCB design. A CO2 backpack sprayer with a one-row boom, having 3 nozzles per row (one over the top and one drop nozzle on each side) with TXVS-8 hollow cone tips, and delivering 31 gpa at 40 psi and 2 mph, was used to apply applications of each treatment. Javelin WG at 1.0 lb/acre was added to Admire and the check treatments to control Lepidoptera and insure readable plants at harvest. Silwet L-77 spray adjuvant was applied at 0.1% v/v with all foliar treatments. Admire (3 week post-transplant) was applied only on 22 Jul. Admire (5 week post-transplant) was applied only on 5 Aug. Metasystox-R and Warrior treatments were applied only on 14, 20, and 27 Aug. Warrior fortnightly treatments were applied only on 6, 20 Aug, 5, 15, 28 Sep, and 13 Oct. Other treatments were applied on 6, 14, 20, 27 Aug, 5, 15, 22, 28 Sep, 6 and 13 Oct. Harvest evaluations for thrips were done on 20 Oct. Evaluations for thrips damage were done by randomly selecting 2 mature heads per plot, cutting them in half along the core, and peeling back 10 layers. Each layer was assessed for the presence of thrips injury. To compare treatments, we used the average number of layers per two plants in a replicate and then analyzed these averages. Data were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA.
Cholesterol Esterification Enzyme Inhibition Enhances Antitumor Effects of Human Chimeric Antigen Receptors Modified T Cells
Authors: Zhao Lei , Li Jun , Liu Yang , Kang Liqing , Chen Huinan , Jin Ye , Zhao Fuya , Feng Jing , Fang Chengyuan , Zhu Biqiang , Ding Shuo , Yu Lei , Wei Yunwei , Zhou Jin
Published: December 2017

Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell (CART) therapy has been demonstrated to have significant effect on hematologic tumor in patients. However, many persistent obstacles and challenges still limit the application. It is known that CD8+ T cells are a key component of antitumor immunity. An avasimibe-induced inhibition of cholesterol esterification has been shown to improve the antitumor response of CD8+ T cells in mice. In this study, using human CD19-directed CART cells as effector cells and CD19-overexpressing K562 cells as target cells, we detected whether cholesterol acyltransferase inhibition by avasimibe can enhance the antitumor effect of human CART cells. After avasimibe treatment, the infection rate was dropped by up to 50% (P<0.05). The cytotoxic effect of CART cells was significantly increased than the control group in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the level of secreted interferon-γ increased in almost half of the cases (P<0.05); the ratio of CD8+CD4− T cells was increased among the total T cells and the CART cells in some of cases (P<0.05). Our study suggests that inhibition of cholesterol acyltransferase can promote the antitumor effect of CART cells, and provides a new option for a combination therapy by regulating T-cell metabolism to enhance antitumor effects.
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Motor Cortex in Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol
Authors: de Almeida Carvalho Duarte Natália , Collange Grecco Luanda André , Delasta Lazzari Roberta , Pasini Neto Hugo , Galli Manuela , Santos Oliveira Claudia
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

To assess the best electrode position of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with treadmill training in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Methods:

Thirty children with cerebral palsy were randomly allocated to 3 groups: (1) treadmill training combined with anodal electrode positioned over the primary motor cortex in the region of the dominant hemisphere and the cathode positioned in the supraorbital region contralateral to anode; (2) sham anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex and sham cathode over the contralateral supraorbital region combined with treadmill training; (3) treadmill training combined with the anodal electrode positioned over the primary motor cortex in the region of the injured hemisphere and the cathode positioned contralateral to anode over the primary motor cortex. Evaluations of gait, balance, quality of life, and electromyographic activity were performed.

Discussion:

This is the protocol for an intervention study investigating electrode position to achieve improved function.
Whole genome data reveal the complex history of a diverse ecological community
Authors: Bunnefeld Lynsey , Hearn Jack , Stone Graham , Lohse Konrad
Published: December 2017

How widespread ecological communities assemble remains a key question in ecology. Trophic interactions between widespread species may reflect a shared population history, or ecological sorting of local pools of species with very different population histories. Which scenario applies is central to the stability of trophic associations, and the potential for coevolution between species. Here we show how alternative community assembly hypotheses can be discriminated using whole genome data for component species, and provide a novel likelihood framework that overcomes current limitations in formal comparison of multispecies histories. We illustrate our approach by inferring the assembly history of a Western Palaearctic community of insect herbivores and parasitoid natural enemies, trophic groups that together comprise 50% of terrestrial species. We reject models of co-dispersal from a shared origin, and of delayed enemy pursuit of their herbivore hosts, arguing against herbivore attainment of ‘enemy-free space’. The community-wide distribution of species expansion times is also incompatible with a random, neutral model of assembly. Instead, we reveal a complex assembly history of single- and multi-species range expansions through the Pleistocene from different directions and over a range of timescales. Our results suggest substantial turnover in species associations, and argue against tight coevolution in this system. The approach we illustrate is widely applicable to natural communities of non-model species, and makes it possible to reveal the historical backdrop against which selection acts.
Awareness of the Outcome of Self-Initiated Pointing Actions
Authors: Gorea Andrei , Granjon Lionel , Sagi Dov
Published: December 2017

Are we aware of the outcome of our actions? The participants pointed rapidly at a screen location marked by a transient visual target (T), with and without seeing their hand, and were asked to estimate (E) their landing location (L) using the same finger but without time constraints. We found that L and E are systematically and idiosyncratically shifted away from their corresponding targets (T, L), suggesting unawareness. Moreover, E was biased away from L, toward T (21% and 37%, with and without visual feedback), in line with a putative Bayesian account of the results, assuming a strong prior in the absence of vision. However, L (the assumed prior) and E (the assumed posterior) precisions were practically identical, arguing against such an account of the results. Instead, the results are well accounted for by a simple model positing that the participants’ E is set to the planned rather than the actual L. When asked to estimate their landing location, participants appeared to reenact their original motor plan.
Trait components of whole plant water use efficiency are defined by unique, environmentally responsive genetic signatures in the model C4grassSetaria
Authors: Feldman Max J. , Ellsworth Patrick Z. , Fahlgren Noah , Gehan Malia A. , Cousins Asaph B. , Baxter Ivan
Published: December 2017

Plant growth and water use are interrelated processes influenced by the genetic control of both plant morphological and biochemical characteristics. Improving plant water use efficiency (WUE) to sustain growth in different environments is an important breeding objective that can improve crop yields and enhance agricultural sustainability. However, genetic improvements of WUE using traditional methods have proven difficult due to low throughput and environmental heterogeneity encountered in field settings. To overcome these limitations the study presented here utilizes a high-throughput phenotyping platform to quantify plant size and water use of an interspecificSetaria italicaxSetaria viridisrecombinant inbred line population at daily intervals in both well-watered and water-limited conditions. Our findings indicate that measurements of plant size and water use in this system are strongly correlated; therefore, a linear modeling approach was used to partition this relationship into predicted values of plant size given water use and deviations from this relationship at the genotype level. The resulting traits describing plant size, water use and WUE were all heritable and responsive to soil water availability, allowing for a genetic dissection of the components of plant WUE under different watering treatments. Linkage mapping identified major loci underlying two different pleiotropic components of WUE. This study indicates that alleles controlling WUE derived from both wild and domesticated accessions of the model C4speciesSetariacan be utilized to predictably modulate trait values given a specified precipitation regime.
H2AFX and MDC1 Protect Genomic Integrity in Male Germ Cells by Promoting Recombination and Activation of the Recombination-Dependent Checkpoint
Authors: Testa Erika , Nardozi Daniela , Antinozzi Cristina , Faieta Monica , Di Cecca Stefano , Caggiano Cinzia , Fukuda Tomoyuki , Bonanno Elena , Zenkun Lou , Maldonado Andros , Roig Ignasi , Di Giacomo Monica , Barchi Marco
Published: December 2017

In somatic cells,H2afxandMdc1are close functional partners in DNA repair and damage response. However, it is not known whether they are also involved in the maintenance of genome integrity in meiosis. By analyzing chromosome dynamics inH2afx-/-spermatocytes, we found that synapsis of the autosomes and X-Y chromosomes were impaired in a relevant fraction of cells. Such defect correlated with an abnormal recombination profile. Conversely,Mdc1was dispensable for the synapsis of the autosomes, and only played a minor role in X-Y synapsis, relatively toH2afx. This suggested that those genes have non-overlapping functions in chromosome synapsis. However, we observed that both genes play a similar role in the assembly of MLH3 onto chromosomes, a key step in crossover formation. Moreover, we showed thatH2afxandMdc1cooperate in promoting the activation of the recombination-dependent checkpoint, a mechanism that restrains the differentiation of cells with unrepaired DSBs. This occurs by a mechanism that involves P53. Overall, our data showed that, in male germ cells,H2afxandMdc1promote the maintenance of genome integrity.
Is it cost‐effective to provide internet‐based interventions to complement the current provision of smoking cessation services in the Netherlands? An analysis based on the EQUIPTMOD
Authors: Cheung Kei‐Long , Wijnen Ben F. M. , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Coyle Kathryn , Coyle Doug , Pokhrel Subhash , de Vries Hein , Präger Maximilian , Evers Silvia M. A. A.
Published: December 2017

Background and aim

The cost‐effectiveness of internet‐based smoking cessation interventions is difficult to determine when they are provided as a complement to current smoking cessation services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of such an alternate package compared with existing smoking cessation services alone (current package).

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify internet‐based smoking cessation interventions in the Netherlands. A meta‐analysis was then performed to determine the pooled effectiveness of a (web‐based) computer‐tailored intervention. The mean cost of implementing internet based interventions was calculated using available information, while intervention reach was sourced from an English study. We used EQUIPTMOD, a Markov‐based state‐transition model, to calculate the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios [expressed as cost per quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained] for different time horizons to assess the value of providing internet‐based interventions to complement the current package.). Deterministic sensitivity analyses tested the uncertainty around intervention costs per smoker, relative risks, and the intervention reach.

Results

Internet‐based interventions had an estimated pooled relative risk of 1.40; average costs per smoker of €2.71; and a reach of 0.41% of all smokers. The alternate package (i.e. provision of internet‐based intervention to the current package) was dominant (cost‐saving) compared with the current package alone (0.14 QALY gained per 1000 smokers; reduced health‐care costs of €602.91 per 1000 smokers for the life‐time horizon). The alternate package remained dominant in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Providing internet‐based smoking cessation interventions to complement the current provision of smoking cessation services could be a cost‐saving policy option in the Netherlands.
PRESUMPTIVE 1/29 AUTOSOMAL TRANSLOCATION IN AUSTRALIAN CATTLE
Authors: POTTER W. L. , UPTON P. C. , BLACKSHAW A. W.
Published: December 2017

A cytogenetical study was made of 9 descendants of a Charolais bull, heterozygous for a presumptive 1/29 translocation, three of the dams of some of these descendants, and three unrelated bulls which were mated to some of the descendants. Photographic karyotypes of Giemsa stained and C‐banded chromosomes were prepared for each animal.

The dams of the progeny showed no chromosomal abnormalities indicating that translocations were inherited from the sire. Three daughters of the Charolais bull and two of his grand daughters were heterozygous for the translocation, with a modal chromosomal number of 59, while the remaining three daughters and their progeny possessed normal karyotypes.

No phenotypic abnormalities were observed in the animals examined. Measurements of the arms of the chromosomes suggested that the translocation chromosome (a large submetacentric) contained chromosomes 1 and 29. The submetacentric translocation chromosome had a single C‐band, the two submetacentric X chromosomes showed no C‐bands and each acrocentric autosome had a single C‐band.

All cattle heterozygous for the translocation showed normal fertility.
CHANGES IN PHYSICAL CONDITION AND EJACULATE CHARACTERISTICS IN PADDOCK‐MATED RAMS
Authors: SIMPSON H. , EDEY T. N.
Published: December 2017

Eight Merino rams were joined for 8 weeks to 400 Merino ewes in a 31 ha paddock during April–June. Six of the rams were monitored for body weight, body condition, testicular volume and semen characteristics before, during and after the joining period. The day before joining, at 2‐weekly intervals through joining, and 2 weeks after the end of the joining period 6 collections were made from each ram using an artificial vagina. The semen was evaluated for volume, density, wave motion and morphology.

Body weight and condition and testicular volume of the rams increased prior to joining. Body weight and condition decreased markedly until the sixth week of the mating period, after which there was some recovery. Testicular volume, on the other hand, declined steadily through the mating period and showed no recovery during the post‐mating period. Amongst the semen characteristics, ejaculate volume, wave motion score, sperm density and percentage of live sperm all fell significantly during the first 2 weeks of mating but there was a steady recovery through the remainder of the mating period and in the 2 weeks after ram removal. The percentage of abnormal sperm increased significantly throughout the joining period but showed a slight decline in the post‐mating period.

The results emphasise the extent of the decline in ejaculate characters, and to a lesser extent, in physical characters which can occur during the first cycle of joining in paddock‐mated rams.
Diabetes and chronic kidney disease: an increasingly common multi‐morbid disease in need of a paradigm shift in care
Authors: Winocour P. H.
Published: December 2017

Diabetes is considered the commonest cause of end‐stage renal disease. The increasing incidence of obesity and an ageing population, together, will lead to a greater number of people with diabetes associated with chronic kidney disease that could either be secondary to diabetic nephropathy or of different aetiology. Ageing and obesity influence approaches to the management of diabetes and accurate assessment of kidney disease. People with diabetes and chronic kidney disease consume a disproportionate component of expenditure on medical care. Guidelines on managing diabetes and kidney disease do not recognize the complex multi‐morbid nature of the process. In addition to managing glycaemia and monitoring renal function, the assessment and management of cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiovascular disease itself need to be factored into care. People with diabetes and diabetic nephropathy are more vulnerable to retinopathy and foot complications requiring coordinated care. People with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are more prone to anaemia and metabolic bone disease than those without diabetes at similar stages of chronic kidney disease, further increasing their vulnerability to acute complications from cardiovascular disease, foot emergencies and fractures. People with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are also more prone to hospitalization with infections and acute kidney injury. Given the 30–40% prevalence of kidney disease amongst people with diabetes, potentially >2% of the adult population would fit into this category, making it vital that new surveillance models of supported care are provided for those living with diabetes and kidney disease and for primary care teams who manage the vast majority of such people.
European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) clinical practice recommendations for the management of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: evaluation of their application in people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sberna A. L. , Bouillet B. , Rouland A. , Brindisi M. C. , Nguyen A. , Mouillot T. , Duvillard L. , Denimal D. , Loffroy R. , Vergès B. , Hillon P. , Petit J. M.
Published: December 2017

Aims

To evaluate the application of the recently proposed recommendations by the European Association for the Study of the Liver, European Association for the Study of Diabetes and European Association for the Study of Obesity for the diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 179 people with Type 2 diabetes were included in this study. Liver fat content (assessed using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy), fatty liver index score, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score, and SteatoTest and FibroTest scores were determined.

Results

According to proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 68.7% of participants had steatosis (liver fat content >5.5%). The application of the guidelines using several combinations (fatty liver index + non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis scores, Steatotest + FibroTest scores, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy + non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy + FibroTest) resulted in a referral to a liver clinic for 33.5–84.9% people with Type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

The application of these new algorithms for the diagnosis, and follow‐up of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease would lead to an excessive number of people with Type 2 diabetes being referred to a liver clinic. We suggest that new clinical and/or biological biomarkers of steatosis and fibrosis be specifically validated in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Psychosocial impacts of hybrid closed‐loop systems in the management of diabetes: a review
Authors: Farrington C.
Published: December 2017

There is a pressing need for new treatment regimens that enable improved glycaemic control and reduced diabetes self‐management burdens. Closed‐loop, or artificial pancreas, systems represent one of the most promising avenues in this regard. Closed‐loop systems connect wearable continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors to smartphone‐ or tablet‐mounted algorithms that process and model CGM data to deliver precise and frequently updated doses of fast‐acting insulin (and glucagon in dual‐hormone systems) to users via wearable pumps. Recent studies have demonstrated that closed‐loop systems offer significant benefit in terms of improved glycaemic control. However, less attention has been paid to the psychosocial impact on users of closed‐loop systems. This article reviews recent research on psychosocial aspects of closed‐loop usage in light of preceding research on user experience of currently available technologies such as insulin pumps and CGM sensors. The small, but growing body of research in this field reports generally positive user experience and a number of experienced benefits including: reassurance and reduced anxiety, improved sleep and confidence, and ‘time off’ from diabetes demands. However, these benefits are counterbalanced by important challenges, ranging from variable levels of trust to concerns about physical bulk, technical glitches and difficulties incorporating closed‐loop systems into everyday life. Future research should explore psychosocial aspects of closed‐loop usage in more diverse groups and with regard to clinicians, as well as users, to ensure that the clinical benefits of closed‐loop systems are realized at scale in routine medical care.
Best friend or spy: a qualitative meta‐synthesis on the impact of continuous glucose monitoring on life with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Messer L. H. , Johnson R. , Driscoll K. A. , Jones J.
Published: December 2017

Aims

This is a meta‐synthesis of extant qualitative literature related to impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). CGM has been available for a decade for the management of Type 1 diabetes and is the lynchpin of future artificial pancreas technologies. Clinical uptake of CGM is an important area of inquiry. The purpose of this meta‐synthesis is to understand the impact of CGM on individuals with Type 1 diabetes and others (parents, significant others, providers) in order to design appropriate clinical interventions for adherence.

Methods

Studies published in English between 2007 and 2017 were included, reflecting commercial CGM availability. PubMed, PsychINFO, CINALH, Web of Science and EMBASE databases were queried using search terms related to CGM, qualitative, experience and Type 1 diabetes. Included articles contained original qualitative or mixed‐method research on CGM, sensor‐augmented pump or closed‐loop therapies. Articles underwent quality appraisal and thematic interpretive integration by a multidisciplinary team.

Results

Nine articles (343 participants) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis. Six novel themes emerged: interacting with CGM, burden of living with CGM, feeling different from others, feeling empowered, interacting with glucose information and impact on relationships.

Conclusion

CGM affects physical, emotional and relational aspects of life. Clinicians can help minimize the burden of CGM with carefully delivered education and expectation‐setting with individuals. Empowerment and relational partnerships in diabetes care can be explored to maximize satisfaction with CGM. Systematic interpretive synthesis of qualitative studies provides a comprehensive, contextual understanding of the impact of CGM on daily life and relationships.
Maternal group participation and child nutritional status in Peru
Authors: Favara Marta
Published: December 2017

Using data from the Peruvian sample of the Young Lives study, this paper investigates the association between maternal group participation and child nutritional status at the ages of 1 and 5 years. This study finds that the relationship between child nutrition and maternal group participation depends on the level of maternal education. In fact, maternal group participation is positively associated with child height‐for‐age when children were 1 year old, for those children whose mothers had had no formal education. This same association fades at 5 years of age. Maternal group participation may affect child nutrition through a number of mechanisms. This paper provides suggestive evidence on the positive role that this participation might play in promoting better breastfeeding practice and a more secure mother–child bond and in easing mothers’ access to additional resources and support.
Public firms' merger, employment, and welfare in developing countries: A general equilibrium analysis
Authors: Chao Chi‐Chur , Ee Mong Shan , Wang Leonard F. S.
Published: December 2017

This paper examines the effect of a merger of state‐owned firms on wage gap, employment, and social welfare in a general equilibrium setting. For a developing economy with state‐owned firms in the urban sector, a merger via a reduction in the number of the urban state‐owned firms can reduce the cost of capital. It then lowers the skilled wage rate through the factor‐substitution effect, while it raises the unskilled wage by the inflow of capital to the rural sector and hence lowers urban unemployment. In addition, the reduction in the number of the urban state‐owned firms can yield a scale effect to the firms. The beneficial effects on higher urban output and less urban unemployment can improve social welfare of the developing economy.
Fighting Corruption and Embezzlement in Third World Countries
Authors: Fantaye Dawit Kiros
Published: December 2017

Economic crime is one of the most serious crimes endangering the national security and public safety of any country. It is directly associated with legal, political, social, human rights and development issues. In particular, economic crime harms Third World countries such as Ethiopia where poverty is prevalent and the economy is poor and supported by foreign aid and loans. White-collar employees like higher government officials and businessmen play a key role in creating and increasing economic crimes, namely corruption, embezzlement and fraud, all over the world. It is therefore important that any form of economic crime is identified and punished severely, by appropriate prison terms according to the seriousness of the offence. By applying these kinds of penalties to economic criminals, the rate and frequency of economic crime can be minimised and, simultaneously, pave a way to the fundamental practices of democracy, government transparency and the dominance of the rule of law in the country. The main purpose of this article is to explain the effect of corruption in Third World countries and ways in which it can be combated, in particular by the imposition of heavy penalties on those who choose to commit economic crimes in Third World countries. It is argued that this must be done to protect human rights, to bring about political and social stabilisation, to ensure effective and even distribution of national wealth and, eventually, to secure democracy and sustainable development in the Third World countries.
Notes on Gerald Friedman
Authors: DeLong J. Bradford
Published: December 2017

Since 2010, fiscal policy austerity has been a disaster for both Europe and the United States. But how much better could things be? How much good could be done by a restoration of a sensible fiscal policy? I take a sensible fiscal policy to be one that, in the words of Abba Lerner, recognizes the first principle of functional finance.
Setting up and running the radioactive iodine unit
Authors: Bell Ruby
Published: December 2017

Feline hyperthyroidism commonly affects cats in the UK within the senior to geriatric age range. There are various treatment options available however the disease can still be difficult to manage. Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) is classed as the ‘gold standard’ option for controlling this disease, with a success rate of around 95%. It is very effective but not all veterinary practices are able to offer this treatment. This article will look into what is required to successfully run a radioactive iodine unit.
Dentistry treatments for gingivitis and periodontal disease
Authors: Bloor Claire
Published: December 2017

Many cats and dogs present to the veterinary practice with established gingivitis, which may or may not have progressed to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a condition that can be reversed, whereas periodontal disease cannot be reversed. It is the veterinary professional's responsibility to be examining all patient's oral cavities to identify signs of these inflammatory and disease processes, before advising the client about the best course of action to restore optimal oral health in their pet. This article aims to recap what periodontal disease is and how it develops from gingivitis due to the presence of plaque, before considering the treatment options for both gingivitis and periodontal disease.