bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empirical and theoretical assessment of mechanical and injection cultivation methods to manage white grubs in turfgrass
Authors: McGraw Benjamin A. , Price Garrett , Simard Audrey , Trotta Kevin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhite grubs, or the larvae of scarab beetles, are widespread destructive pests of turfgrass systems around the world. We sought to determine if turfgrass cultivation machinery could reliably manage white grubs in turfgrass systems. Hollow‐tine aeration provided greater reductions in grub densities than solid‐vibratory tine and air/solid injection cultivation in field trials. In following studies, low to moderate reductions (0–53%) were observed with single hollow‐tine applications, though low grub densities encountered within field plots hindered the ability to detect statistical differences between cultivation treatments including tine diameter and tine spacing. Increasing aerification frequency on plots from one to two or more passes produced statistically significant reductions (>80% control) in both years of trials. To eliminate the variability observed in the field, a simulation model was constructed to determine the expected outcome of varying tine patterns have on increasing grub densities. Models suggests that expected mortality is likely to be minimal (<10%) in one‐time aerification events. In‐field simulations using templates overlaid on natural populations demonstrated two‐fold greater control than theoretical simulations. Differences in control between field studies and model simulation are likely caused by an over‐estimation of mortality when performing presence‐absence counts in field studies when grub densities are low. Although multiple aerification events will likely improve control, current cultivation practices are unlikely to achieve the level of control expected by turfgrass managers in intensely managed landscapes.
Utilizing organic amendments for general suppression of dollar spot on creeping bentgrass turf
Authors: Beckley Cody James , Roberts Joseph Anthony 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDollar spot (Clarireedia spp.) negatively impacts the aesthetic value and playability of golf course fairways. A 2‐yr field trial was conducted to examine organic amendment effect on dollar spot severity and on fungicide residual efficacy for dollar spot control on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. ‘007’). Treatments were arranged in a 7 × 5 split‐plot factorial measuring the effect of fertilizer source (soil incorporated organic biosolids compost, soil incorporated biochar, surface applied organic biosolids compost, surface applied biochar, vermicompost extract, standard fertilizer, or non‐treated) on control of dollar spot by five fungicide treatments (fluazinam 14 d, fluxapyroxad 14 d, fluazinam threshold, fluxapyroxad threshold, none) applied at product label rates. Nitrogen fertility levels for all treatments were standardized at ∼205 kg N ha–1 annually. Threshold fungicide treatments were applied when three or more infection centers per area were counted on two or more of four trial replicates. In 2017, all fertilizer treatments were significantly more effective at reducing disease than non‐treated, but were statistically similar. In 2018, biochar, vermicompost, and standard fertilizer treatments were significantly more effective than organic biosolids compost and non‐treated. Fungicides controlled dollar spot when applied every 14 d. In 2017, all fertilizer treatments reduced the number of threshold sprays compared to none, yet the same effects were not consistently observed in 2018. Study results illustrate the effectiveness of nitrogen application for mitigating dollar spot disease on creeping bentgrass during establishment compared to no fertilizer, potentially allowing for reduced fungicide use to control the disease.
A cross‐disciplinary forum promoting efficient biodiversity conservation in “new” grasslands in Sweden
Authors: Gylje Blank Sofia , Svensson Mikael , Strandberg Maria 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDue mainly to changes in land use, high nature value grasslands are becoming increasingly rare in agricultural areas. As a consequence, biodiversity is decreasing and many species are facing the risk of extinction. At the same time, the present‐day landscape contains many “new” grassland habitats, for example golf courses, roadside verges, power line corridors, and railway banks. These habitats are well distributed over the landscape with a potential to connect remnant patches of valuable grasslands. As all kinds of grasslands, they need appropriate management to preserve biodiversity. To achieve this, innovative solutions are needed. In order to exchange knowledge and experiences in this field, we established a cross‐disciplinary working group, with members from a large number of National authorities, Universities, power grid companies, and various other stakeholders such as the Swedish Golf Federation. This group has become an invaluable forum for project cooperation and discussions about practical management issues, monitoring, and research. After 10 years we are now approaching a common understanding on how infrastructure habitats can play an important role in nature conservation. At present, this has led to adaptive management of a large number of high value grasslands, for example in power line corridors, along roadside verges, and on golf courses. In addition, three landscape‐scale projects have been initiated with the long‐term aim to establish a green infrastructure.
Plant growth regulator effects on winter hardiness of annual bluegrass putting green turf
Authors: DaCosta Michelle , Ebdon J. Scott , Miele Kevin , Bernstein Rachael P. , Inguagiato John C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCold deacclimation sensitivity has been cited as an important factor associated with winterkill susceptibility of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). Increased potential for deacclimation for this species has been attributed to higher metabolic activities in response to warm winter temperatures. We hypothesized that using plant growth regulators to inhibit turfgrass growth and metabolism during winter months could potentially suppress premature deacclimation and increase survival of annual bluegrass. The specific objectives of this study were to examine the effects of varying rates of autumn‐applied trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) and prohexadione‐Ca (PC) on winter hardiness and spring recovery of an annual bluegrass putting green. The study was conducted over the winters of 2015–2016 and 2016–2017. Treatments included an untreated control and four rates of TE (0.05, 0.10, 0.2, and 0.4 kg a.i. ha–1) and PC (0.06, 0.12, 0.25, and 0.50 kg a.i. ha–1). Freezing tolerance was assessed based on controlled freeze tests to estimate the lethal temperature resulting in 50% regrowth (LT50). General turfgrass health was also assessed based on visual turf quality and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Late‐autumn PGR applications impacted the freezing tolerance of annual bluegrass during Year 1, but no treatment effects were detected in Year 2. Plant growth regulator treated turf, pooled over chemicals and rates, exhibited lower freezing tolerance (Year 1), turf quality, and NDVI (Years 1 and 2) compared to untreated turf particularly at the higher application rates. By the end of May in both years, all treatments recovered to the same levels.
Comparison of adsorption behaviors of selected endocrine‐disrupting compounds in soil
Authors: Rivas Chen Fritzie , Chefetz Benny , Thompson Michael L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBisphenol‐A (BPA), 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), and 4‐nonylphenol (4NP) are endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are useful models for studying the potential fate and transport of EDCs in soil and water environments. Two alluvial soils with contrasting physicochemical properties were used as adsorbents for this study. The Zook soil material had more organic matter and clay than the sandy loam Hanlon soil material. Batch equilibrium experiments were performed to generate adsorption isotherms, to determine the adsorption parameters, and to assess desorption hysteresis. Adsorption of BPA to both soils followed an L‐type isotherm, and 4NP adsorbed to both Hanlon and Zook soils exhibited S‐shape isotherms. EE2 adsorbed to the Zook soil also followed an S‐shaped isotherm, but EE2 adsorbed to the Hanlon soil showed an H‐type isotherm. Overall, the Sips model fit the data well, with standard errors of prediction generally ≤6%. The adsorption affinity (KLF) values were highest for 4NP, and BPA had the lowest hysteresis indices. The data suggest that BPA was most likely adsorbed by soil organic matter via hydrogen bonding involving its two phenolic groups. In contrast, isotherm shape, model affinity indices, lack of desorption, and molecular‐scale characteristics led us to infer that 4NP was adsorbed largely by the retention of molecular clusters, perhaps in clay nanopores. Finally, the adsorption of EE2 exhibited different isotherm shapes for the two soils as well as intermediate affinity and desorption indices, suggesting that EE2 molecules could be retained both by soil organic matter and by clay.
Long‐term outcomes of anti‐tumor necrosis factor therapy and surgery in nonperianal fistulizing Crohn's disease
Authors: Vuyyuru Sudheer K , Desai Devendra , Kedia Saurabh , Dhoble Pavan , Sahu Pabitra , Kante Bhaskar , Agarwal Samagra , Bopanna Sawan , Dhingra Rajan , Venigalla Pratap Mouli , Sharma Raju , Gupta Siddhartha Datta , Makharia Govind , Sahni Peush , Ahuja Vineet 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundUnlike perianal fistula, long‐term outcomes of nonperianal fistulae (NPF) in Crohn's disease (CD) are not clear. We aimed to compare the outcomes of medical and surgical therapies in patients with NPF.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of patients of CD with NPF who were prospectively followed from January 2005 to December 2018.ResultsOf the 53 patients with NPF [mean age at presentation:29 ± 14 years; 54.7% male; median duration of follow‐up: 47 months (interquartile range [IQR]:26–76 months)], enteroenteric fistula (37.8%) was the most common presentation. Of 22 patients treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, complete response was achieved in 40.9% (n = 9). Overall probability of maintaining response was similar between the anti‐TNF and surgical groups (95.2% vs 82.4%; 71% vs 76%; and 63% vs 69%% [P = 0.8] at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively), with only 13.6% of patients treated with biologicals requiring surgery over 56 months. Twenty‐one patients required upfront surgery (small bowel or ileocolonic resection with/without diversion; 28.5% emergent), with 47.6% postoperative recurrence over 36 months, of which nine patients required biologicals (77.7% response to anti‐TNF therapy). Long‐term outcome was comparable between medically and surgically treated patients; 6.4% developed tuberculosis on anti‐TNF therapy. Two patients (3.7%) developed malignancy (one ‐ enteroenteric, one ‐ colovesical).ConclusionAnti‐TNF therapy appears to be as effective as surgery in this retrospective analysis of patients with NPFCD, and it may be indicated in the absence of abscess and other complications. These patients are at higher risk of fistula‐associated malignancy, which requires a lower threshold for suspicion, especially over the long term in the presence of nonresponse to medical therapy.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Vietnamese patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Authors: Quach Duc T , Pham Quyen T T , Tran Truc L T , Vu Nhu T H , Le Quang D , Nguyen Doan T N , Dang Ngoc L B , Le Huy M , Le Nhan Q 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe risk factors associated with the increase in prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are not consistent across countries and there have been few studies in Asia in the past 10 years. This study was conducted to assess the features and risk factors of GERD in Vietnamese patients.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 1947 out‐patients ≥18 years of age who were presented with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Reflux esophagitis was graded according to the Los Angeles classification. Endoscopically suspected Barrett's esophagus (BE) was recorded according to the Prague C and M criteria and biopsy was taken for histologic examination.ResultsThere were 511 (26.2%) patients with GERD, 242 (47.4%) with nonerosive reflux disease, and 269 (52.6%) with reflux esophagitis and/or BE. Epigastric pain, regurgitation, and heartburn were the chief complaints in 36.8%, 27.0%, and 9.2% of patients, respectively. Most of the patients with mucosal injury had reflux esophagitis in mild grade and BE in the form of C0M ≤2 (99.6%, 231/232 and 97.8%, 46/47, respectively). In multivariate analysis, hiatal hernia, male gender, waist‐to‐hip ratio (independent from general obesity), and smoking were risk factors for GERD while Helicobacter pylori infection was negatively associated with GERD.ConclusionsThe majority of GERD patients had none or mild mucosal injury. Typical reflux symptoms, however, may not be the chief complaints. Central obesity would be more important than general obesity as a risk factor, while H. pylori infection was a “protective” factor for GERD in Vietnamese patients.
Prospective randomized controlled trial of omental roll‐up technique on pancreatojejunostomy anastomosis for reducing perioperative complication in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Tangtawee Pongsatorn , Mingphruedhi Somkit , Rungsakulkij Narongsak , Suragul Wikran , Vassanasiri Watoo , Muangkaew Paramin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundWrapping pancreatojejunal anastomosis with omentum to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) has only been reported in non‐randomized, controlled trials. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a randomized, controlled trial to compare outcomes between omental roll‐up and non‐omental roll‐up in pancreatojejunal anastomosis.MethodsThis single‐center, randomized, two‐arm trail (Clinical Trials Register: NCT03083938) was conducted between February 2017 and February 2019. We studied 34 patients in the omental roll‐up group and 34 patients in the non‐omental roll‐up group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of clinically relevant POPF. Thirty‐day mortality and morbidity were recorded.ResultsPatients’ demographic data were not significantly different between the two groups, except for histological diagnosis, with a significantly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer in the omental roll‐up group (n = 15, 44.1%) than in the non‐omental roll‐up group (n = 9, 26.4%) (P = 0.042). There was one death in the non‐omental roll‐up group due to myocardial infarction. The incidence of POPF was not different between the omental roll‐up group (n = 5, 14.7%) and non‐omental roll‐up group (n = 7, 20.6%) (P = 0.525). No differences were found in postoperative hemorrhage after pancreatectomy, delayed gastric emptying, and chyle leakage between the groups.ConclusionThis study shows that omental roll‐up does not decrease the incidence of POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy.
Reevaluation of lymphovascular invasion in gastric cancer using endothelial markers D2‐40 and EVG: Enhanced detection, better predictor of lymph node metastasis and biological aggressiveness
Authors: Liu Jingdong , Li Haojie , Zhou Peng , Cai Tianyi , Tang Zhaoqing , Wang Yan , Cui Yuehong , Sun Yihong , Wang Xuefei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe diagnosis of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is often inaccurate with routine histology. This study aimed to evaluate the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in detecting LVI and reevaluate the clinical implications of LVI in gastric cancer.MethodsThis prospective unrandomized cohort study analyzed the rates of LVI positivity and its relevance with other clinicopathologic features.ResultsBetween November 2017 and April 2018, 558 patients undergoing curative gastrectomy were enrolled and assigned to the IHC group (n = 285) and hematoxylin–eosin group (n = 273). The use of IHC increased the rates of LVI positivity (60.8% vs. 43.3%, p < .001) and decreased the rates of undetermined LVI subtype (7.7% vs. 27.1%, p < .001). The LVI‐negative patients identified by IHC had fewer lymph node metastases (16.8% vs. 34.6%, p = .002) and earlier pathological stage (p = .004) than those identified by routine histology. The LVI‐positive patients identified by IHC had a higher percentage of perineural invasion (p = .019).ConclusionsThe use of endothelial markers significantly enhanced the detection of LVI. The LVI detected by IHC could be a better predictor of lymph node metastasis and biological aggressiveness in gastric cancer.
Pressmud alleviates soil sodicity stress in a rice–wheat rotation: Effects on soil properties, physiological adaptation and yield‐related traits
Authors: Sheoran Parvender , Kumar Arvind , Singh Anshuman , Kumar Ashwani , Parjapat Kailash , Sharma Raman , Singh Ranjay K. , Yadav Rajender Kumar , Dang Yash P. , Sharma Parbodh C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe assessed the improvement potential of pressmud – a sugar industry waste – on soil properties, physiological adaptation and yield‐related traits in a rice–wheat rotation in sodicity‐affected Ghaghar basin of Haryana, India. Large‐scale (0.2–0.4 ha) participatory trials comprising two treatments, with (+PM) and without (–PM) pressmud, were conducted on 125 farmers' fields covering non‐sodic (NS), slightly sodic (SS) and moderately sodic (MS) soils. Pressmud application (10 Mg ha−1) led to appreciable reductions in soil pH (1.6–3.6%) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP; 10.4–20.1%) with concomitant improvements in plant physiological and yield‐related traits across different soil alkali classes, albeit to a greater extent in SS and MS soils than in NS soils. Compared to prevailing farmers' practices (–PM), transformative improvements in mean leaf relative water content (RWC) (4 and 7%), membrane injury (MII) (−12 and −14%), photosynthetic rate (Pn) (21 and 25%), stomatal conductance (gS) (26 and 21%), transpiration rate (E) (38 and 22%), proline (P) (−19 and −20%) and Na+/K+accumulation in shoot (NaK_S) (−24 and −22%) and root (NaK_R) (−23 and −27%) were observed in both rice and wheat grown under PM ameliorated soils. On an average, rice and wheat yields were increased by 15.8 and 14.6% in SS and 18.9 and 16.7% in MS soils, respectively, with pressmud application. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed significant correlations among highly weighted variables including physiological and yield‐related traits to influence the rice–wheat productivity with PM addition in SS and MS soils. Sustained use of this organic waste in agricultural lands seems to be an affordable solution for overcoming sodicity‐induced land degradation, and achieving developmental goals of environmental and livelihood security.
pH‐Sensitive Polycations for siRNA Delivery: Effect of Asymmetric Structures of Tertiary Amine Groups
Authors: Yang Qinping , Dong Yanliang , Wang Xuanyu , Lin Zhihao , Yan Mingyu , Wang Weiwei , Dong Anjie , Zhang Jianhua , Huang Pingsheng , Wang Changrong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractpH‐sensitive polyelectrolytes provide enormous opportunity for siRNA delivery. Especially, their tertiary amine structures can not only bind genes but also act as pH‐sensitive hydrophobic structure to control genes release. However, the influence of molecular structures on siRNA delivery still remains elusive, especially for the asymmetric alkyl substituents of the tertiary amine groups. Herein, a library of N‐methyl‐N‐alkyl aminoethyl methacrylate monomers (MsAM) with asymmetric alkyl substituents on the tertiary amine group is synthesized and used to prepare a series of tri‐block polycationic copolymers poly(aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly (N‐methyl‐N‐alkyl aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate) (PAMA‐PMsMA‐PEG). And the properties of these polycations and their self‐assembled micelles are characterized, including molecular structure, proton buffering capacity, pH‐sensitivity, size, and zeta potential. With the length increase of one alkyl substituent, the proton buffering capacity of both monomers and polycations is demonstrated to be narrowed down. The siRNA delivery efficiency and cytotoxicity of these micelles are also evaluated on HepG2 cells. In particular, poly(aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(N‐methyl‐N‐ethyl aminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate) (PAMA‐PMEMA‐PEG) elicited the best luciferase knockdown efficiency and low cytotoxicity. Besides, PAMA‐PMEMA‐PEG/siRRM2 also induced significant anti‐tumor activity in vitro. These results indicated PAMA‐PMEMA‐PEG has potential for further use in the design of gene vehicles with the improved efficiency of siRNA delivery.
Extensions of the dynamic Newmark method for seismic stability analysis of a rock block
Authors: Fu Xiaodong , Du Wenjie , Sheng Qian , Chen Jian , Fang Qiang , Zhou Yongqiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Newmark sliding block method combined with block theory (referred to as the dynamic Newmark method) can be used to calculate the dynamic safety factor and the permanent displacement, which provides a quantitative tool to evaluate the dynamic stability of a rock block under seismic action. Frequent changes in the position of a rock block under seismic action may lead to the changes in contact areas and modes of contact between sliding faces. These problems that are not considered in the original dynamic Newmark method are solved to extend the dynamic Newmark method. First, the loop analysis method is introduced to obtain the contact polygonal faces of a sliding surface, and the simplex integration method is used to calculate the contact areas. Second, the reference point method is defined to identify the mode of contact between a structural plane and the surrounding rock mass, and the possible mode of motion of the rock block is determined. Based on these extensions of the dynamic Newmark method, an Extended Newmark Method (ENM) program is developed, and a verification example, three comparison cases, and an application are used to validate the correctness and effectiveness of the extended method. The results show that the ENM program can be used to calculate the effects of the change in contact areas and modes of contact on block motion, which better reflects the dynamic response of a rock block under seismic action compared with the original dynamic Newmark method.