bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Biology ofSphaerobolus stellatusas a Causal Agent of Thatch Collapse in Golf Turfs
Authors: Baetsen‐Young Amy M. , Kaminski John E. , Kasson Matthew T. , Davis Donald D. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTSymptoms consistent with thatch collapse have been observed on golf courses in New Zealand and the United States. Symptoms include circular patches ranging from 8 to 46 cm in diameter, which result in a depression in golf turf stands of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), annual bluegrass (Poa annua), and browntop bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris). Commonly associated with the thatch degradation wasSphaerobolus stellatus, an agaricomycete not previously reported within turfgrass stands. The primary objectives of this study were to confirmS.stellatusas a causal agent of thatch collapse; to morphologically compare isolates; and to determine cardinal temperatures for isolate growth and glebae production. Isolates were obtained from symptomatic turf from five golf courses in the United States and two golf courses in New Zealand. Colonies were creamy white, and mycelia were either appressed, stringy, or aerial. Mycelia growth increased with increasing temperature from 5 to 25°C, and more glebae were produced at 10, 15, and 20°C than at 25°C. Amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) with primer set ITS4/ITS5 resulted in 695 to 724 bp sequences from all isolates that had 98 to 99% similarity to known isolates ofS. stellatus. Thatch degrading ability ofS. stellatuswas determined using the loss on ignition method and by direct measurements of thatch depth. When compared with the noninfested control, plugs infested withS. stellatusexhibited a 20 and 25% decrease of organic matter and thatch depth, respectively. Koch's postulates were fulfilled, confirming thatS. stellatusis a causal agent for organic matter degradation resulting in thatch collapse on golf turfgrass.
Assessing Genetic Variability for Root Traits and Identification of Trait‐Specific Germplasm in Chickpea Reference Set
Authors: Lalitha N. , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Krishnamurthy L. , Kashiwagi J. , Kavikishor P.B. , Singh S. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major grain legume cultivated largely on residual soil moisture in the arid and semiarid regions of the world. Terminal drought stress is one of the major causes of yield loss, and a deep root system has been recognized as one of the most important traits for enhancing drought adaptability. To diversify the current genetic base of root traits, the present study explored the variation for root traits in the reference set of chickpea (n = 300) germplasm. Genetic variability for root traits at 35 d after sowing was assessed using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinder culture system in two postrainy seasons. Largest genetic variability was observed for dry weights of shoot (broad‐sense heritability [h2] = 0.69–0.74) and root (h2 = 0.52–0.70). For root‐length density (h2 = 0.42–0.43) and root/total‐plant dry‐weight ratio (h2 = 0.32–0.54), h2 values were moderate but the variation was large, indicating scope for selection. The performance of the reference set accessions was identified for each of key traits. Accessions with the best root‐length densities along with root and shoot dry weights were found to originate from the Mediterranean region and western Asia emphasizing the importance of whole collection from these regions for superior root traits. This study identified 23 new accessions for widening the parental base in further drought tolerance breeding efforts and identified superior traits in already adapted genetic backgrounds.
Grazing Systems Research and Impact of Stocking Strategies on Pasture–Animal Production Efficiencies
Authors: Rouquette F. M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTGrazing systems research includes a wide array of component experimentation to assess plant–animal responses on pastures during short‐term, seasonal, and long‐term periods. Pasture‐animal experiments seek to assess forage growth responses to grazing and to quantify relationships between forage growth and nutritive value to gains per animal and per hectare. These experiments have used fixed and variable stocking rate management, continuous or rotational methods of stocking, and other stocking strategies to evaluate levels of production efficiencies. Stocking strategies require the integration of periodic and total forage mass, associated nutritive attributes, specific defoliation regimen responses, and incorporation of weather conditions to meet end‐point objectives. The flexible integration processes includes forage–animal databases, availability of land resources, and intuitive experience to accommodate erratic weather conditions. Scientists have the opportunity to develop and validate stocking strategies through long‐term, site‐specific grazing systems research as well as collaborative, ecoregion research efforts. Documenting the influence of stocking density on nutrient cycling, stand maintenance, ecotype diversity, and watersheds will further define soil–forage–animal responses and impacts. Management prerequisites for application of stocking strategies includes foundational forage–animal interface relationships, land resource limitations, animal husbandry behavior awareness, initiation and termination of stocking sequences, projections and expectations for climatic changes, and biological and economic risk–reward expectations. Scientists involved in grazing system research are challenged to integrate soil, forage, and animal databases to discover and document production efficiencies and stocking strategies for implementation by scientists, students, and stakeholders.
The Biological and Agronomic (Non) Sense of Ex‐Ante Coexistence Measures
Authors: Beckie Hugh J. , Hall Linda M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe biological and agronomic sensibility of ex‐ante coexistence measures used in different parts of the world is reviewed. These measures need to be commensurate with the biology of the crop and the genetically modified (GM) adventitious presence (AP) labeling thresholds imposed by government or industry. Excessive and inflexible measures or establishment of artificially low thresholds are not consistent with the intent of recommendations, namely to provide growers and consumers with practical choices. In the case study of Portugal, few ex‐post liability claims have been made and GM thresholds have rarely exceeded 0.9%. Giving farmers more flexibility or decision‐making ability in the ‘who, what, where, and how’ of implementing coexistence measures has been successful. Knowledge and experience gained in coexistence worldwide should inform and strengthen future measures or policies. As such, regular monitoring, analysis, and reporting of the efficiency and effectiveness of coexistence measures worldwide would be a useful mechanism for iterative learning and adaptation. Excessive and scientifically unjustifiable measures need to be weeded out.
Conservation Breeding of Elite Cultivars
Authors: Tokatlidis Ioannis S. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTIt is now well known that the genome is more flexible and plastic than previously assumed and undergoes constant remodeling and restructuring. Residual heterozygosity and molecular mechanisms that generate de novo variation may result in considerable intracultivar variation. In the long term, cultivars adopted and widely grown by farmers may lose their identity and healthiness. Nevertheless, longevity of elite cultivars is of paramount importance due to time‐consuming and costly endeavors to breed them. Therefore, an appropriate continuous intracultivar selection might be necessary to treat the breeder seed in a sustainable manner. An ultra‐spaced nursery to exclude plant‐to‐plant interference for resources (nil competition) constitutes ideal conditions for two reasons. Nil competition boosts the phenotypic expression of genetic differences so as to make selection applicable within a narrow gene pool. It also erases the masking effects in recognition of the desirable genotypes induced by the negative relationship between yielding and competitive ability. Relevant investigations into several crops have encouraged intense selection at nil competition as a useful technique either to upgrade or to avoid gradual degradation of the genetic background to maintain uniformity and secure optimal quality of breeder seed over longer periods of time. A conservation breeding strategy is presented, comprising a periodical selection round to secure breeder seed devoid of harmful alterations and consecutive selection rounds to produce prebasic seed of high quality. Beyond uniformity and sanitary status, conservation breeding will help to enhance cultivar longevity through adaptation to a continuously changing environment.
Evaluation of the Radiopacities of Bulk-fill RestorativesUsing Two Digital Radiography Systems
Authors: Yasa E , Yasa B , Aglarci OS , Ertas ET 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARY
This study investigated the radiopacity values of bulk-fill restoratives by using two digital radiography systems. Nine bulk-fill restoratives and a conventional composite were used in the study. Six disc-shaped specimens were prepared from each of these materials, three each at thicknesses of 1 mm and 2 mm, and tooth slices with these same thicknesses were obtained. As a control, an aluminum step wedge varying in thickness from 0.5 to 10 mm in was used. Three specimens of each of the materials, together with the tooth slice and the aluminum step wedge, were placed over a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a storage photostimulable phosphor (PPS) plate system and exposed using a dental x-ray unit. The images were analyzed using a software program to measure the mean gray values (MGVs). Five measurements were obtained from each of the restorative materials, the enamel, the dentin, and the stepwedge. The MGVs were converted to the equivalent aluminum thicknesses. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significance of the differences among the groups. A Tukey test was applied for pairwise comparisons (p&lt;0.05). All composite-based restoratives were found to have greater radiopacities than enamel or dentin. Equia Fil had the lowest radiopacity value. Radiopacity increased as the thicknesses of the restorative material increased. The CMOS system showed significantly higher radiopacity values than the PSP system. In conclusion, all investigated bulk-fill restoratives passed the International Organization for Standardization and American National Standard Institute/American Dental Association requirements for radiopacity values when evaluated with the two digital radiography systems.
Effect of Photoactivation Timing on the Mechanical Properties of Resin Cements and Bond Strength of Fiberglass Post to Root Dentin
Authors: Pereira RD , Valdívia ADCM , Bicalho AA , Franco SD , Tantbirojn D , Versluis A , Soares CJ 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARY

Objectives
This study tested the hypothesis that photoactivation timing and resin cement affect mechanical properties and bond strength of fiberglass posts to root dentin at different depths.

Methods
Fiberglass posts (Exacto, Angelus) were luted with RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE), Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray), or RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) using three photoactivation timings: light curing immediately, after three minutes, or after five minutes. Push-out bonding strength, PBS (n=10) was measured on each root region (coronal, middle, apical). The elastic modulus (E) and Vickers hardness (VHN) of the cement layer along the root canal were determined using dynamic indentation (n=5). A strain-gauge test was used to measure post-gel shrinkage of each cement (n=10). Residual shrinkage stress was assessed with finite element analysis. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance in a split-plot arrangement and a Tukey test (α=0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the influence of study factors.

Results
The five-minute delay photoactivation timing significantly increased the PBS for all resin cements evaluated. The PBS decreased significantly from coronal to apical root canal regions. The mean values for E and VHN increased significantly with the delayed photoactivation for RelyX Unicem and decreased from coronal to apical root regions for all resin cements with the immediate-curing timing.

Conclusions
The PBS of fiber posts to root dentin, E, and VHN values were affected by the root canal region, photoactivation timing, and resin cement type. Shrinkage stress values decreased gradually with delayed photoactivation for all the cements.
Effect of High Irradiance on Depth of Cure of a Conventional and a Bulk Fill Resin-based Composite
Authors: AlQahtani MQ , Michaud PL , Sullivan B , Labrie D , AlShaafi MM , Price RB 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARY

Objectives
This study evaluated the effect of using three commercial light curing units (LCUs) delivering a range of irradiance values, but delivering similar radiant exposures on the depth of cure of two different resin-based composites (RBCs).

Methods
A conventional hybrid RBC (Z100 shade A2, 3M ESPE) or a bulk fill RBC (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill shade IVA, Ivoclar Vivadent) was packed into a 10-mm deep semicircular metal mold with a 2-mm internal radius. The RBC was exposed to light from a plasma-arc-curing (PAC) light (Sapphire Plus, DenMat) for five seconds, a quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light (Optilux 501, Kerr) for 40 seconds, or a light-emitting-diode (LED) light (S10, 3M ESPE) for 20 seconds and 40 seconds (control). The Knoop microhardness was then measured as soon as possible at the top surface and at three points every 0.5 mm down from the surface. For each RBC, a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to predict the Knoop hardness in a manner analogous to a standard regression model. This predicted value was used to determine at what depth the RBC reached 80% of the mean hardness achieved at the top surface with any light.

Results
The PAC light delivered an irradiance and radiant exposure of 7328 mW/cm2 and 36.6 J/cm2, respectively, to the RBCs; the QTH light delivered 936 mW/cm2 and 37.4 J/cm2 and in 20 seconds the LED light delivered 1825 mW/cm2 and 36.5 J/cm2. In 40 seconds, the control LED light delivered a radiant exposure of 73.0 J/cm2. For Z100, using 80% of the maximum hardness at the top surface as the criteria for adequate curing, all light exposure conditions achieved the 2.0-mm depth of cure claimed by the manufacturer. The LED light used for 40 seconds achieved the greatest depth of cure (5.0 mm), and the PAC light used for five seconds, the least (2.5 mm). Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill achieved a 3.5-mm depth of cure when the broad-spectrum QTH light was used for 40 seconds delivering 37.4 J/cm2. It required a 40-second exposure time with the narrow-spectrum LED, delivering approximately 73 J/cm2 to reach a depth of cure of 4 mm.

Conclusions
When delivering a similar radiant exposure of 37 J/cm2, the QTH (40 seconds) and LED (20 seconds) units achieved a greater depth of cure than the PAC (five seconds) light. For both resins, the greatest depth of cure was achieved when the LED light was used for 40 seconds delivering 73 J/cm2 (p&lt;0.05).
Microleakage of Class I and II Composite Resin Restorations Using a Sonic-resin Placement System
Authors: Kalmowicz J , Phebus JG , Owens BM , Johnson WW , King GT 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYObjectivesTo determine microleakage of posterior Class I and II restorations using the SonicFill composite resin system.Methods and MaterialsEighty previously extracted third molars were randomly assigned to four preparation/restoration groups (n=20): Group A: Class I preparations restored with SonicFill system/bulk fill; Group B: Class II preparations restored with SonicFill system/bulk fill; Group C: Class I preparations restored with Herculite Ultra composite resin/incremental technique; and Group D: Class II preparations restored with Herculite Ultra composite resin/incremental technique. Class I preparations were approximately 3.0 mm in width buccolingually and 3.0 mm in depth. Class II preparations were approximately 3.0 mm in width buccolingually, 1.5 mm in axial depth, and 4.0 mm in gingival depth. In all groups, the enamel and dentin surfaces were conditioned with Kerr 37.5% phosphoric acid, followed by application of Optibond Solo Plus adhesive system. Following restoration, the specimens were thermocycled, immersed in methylene blue dye, and embedded in acrylic resin. Specimen blocks were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction, with marginal dye penetration (microleakage) examined using a 20× binocular microscope. Class I and II restoration microleakage was scored separately using a 0-3 ordinal ranking system. Statistical analyses were conducted using nonparametric testing at the p &lt; 0.05 level of significance.ResultsSignificantly less microleakage was associated with both Class I restorative groups (A and C), SonicFill bulk fill and Herculite Ultra incremental fill, compared to the Class II restorative groups (B and D), SonicFill/bulk fill and Herculite Ultra/incremental fill.ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, the materials (SonicFill vs Herculite Ultra), C-factors, and insertion techniques (bulk vs incremental) did not appear to be significant influences with regard to marginal microleakage; however, the type of preparation cavity (Class I vs Class II) and the subsequent bonding surface (enamel vs dentin [cementum]) proved to be significant factors.
Incidence of Hypertension in the Nepalese Army selected for United Nation's Mission.
Authors: Khatri Devendra , Khatri Ratna , Yadav Binita , Rayamajhi Helina , Rana Kishor Jung , Pandey Rajiv 
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Hypertension is an important public health challenge in the developing and the developed world alike. However, hospital-based studies on cardiovascular diseases including hypertension in a developing country like Nepal have been limited. The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence of hypertension in the troops selected for mission.Method: We did medical check-up of 850 soldiers selected for UNIFIL mission from January 2014 to March 2014 at Shree Birendra Hospital Chhauni, Kathmandu. Age ranged from 29 years to 55 years was included in the group. Various parameters like history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, smoking, alcohol, family history, measurement of blood pressure, body mass index, lipid profile and number of people who has to take antihypertensive medicines were studied.Results: Out of 850 military personnel 48 found to have high blood pressure. Maximum candidates belonged to young age group 29-35years of age. 22 were overweight and 6 were obese and having higher blood pressure levels. 66% were habituated to alcohol intake minimum 60 ml up to 160 ml. Most of them were occasional drinker. 31 candidates constituting 64.58% had to be put on antihypertensive that were newly diagnosed. 3 persons had past history of hypertension and were already on antihypertensive.Conclusions: The study highlights the prevalence of various risk factors for coronary artery disease in the army.Since majority of risk factors are modifiable, timely intervention can help in reducing morbidity and mortality.
Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior and Myth towards Epilepsy among Community People
Authors: Gupta Bimala Shah , Laxmi BK 
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Epilepsy represents one of the major brain disorders worldwide. Living in the society is more challenging than epilepsy itself. The main objective of the study was to find out knowledge, attitude, behavior and myth towards epilepsy among community people.Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted with the systematic random sampling. A structured, pretested interview questionnaire was used to collect data and analyzed by using descriptive statistics.Results: Of the 50 respondents. With regards to knowledge, attitude, behavior and myth towards epilepsy, 100% correctly thought that epilepsy is a brain disorder while 70% believed it to be a psychiatric disorder and an inherited disorder (70%). Most of them thought that epilepsy can be cured (90%). Similarly 94% viewed that a person with epilepsy takes up a job. About 78% of the respondents would throw the water on the person and 50% would make the person smell a shoe during seizure. Similarly 14% would take the person to the Dhami/Jhankri. Myths found to be prevalent were epilepsy is transmitted by eating non vegetarian diet (18%), caused by an evil/supernatural power (26%) and can be treated by spiritual healer (18%). Conclusions: Although majority of the respondents had heard of epilepsy. False attitude, behavior and myth about the condition still prevail in a community. It may be worthwhile including awareness programs about epilepsy by community education/ local health organization in order to dispel the false attitude, behavior and manage the person with epilepsy in community as well.
Synthesis of ultrafine powder of vanadium carbide V8C7 by microwave heating
Authors: Nikolaenko Irina , Krasovskaya Anastasiya , Kedin Nikolay , Shveikin Gennadii 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
In this article a new method of synthesizing ultrafine powder of vanadium carbide V8C7 by a combination of classic liquid-phase precipitation on a carbon support and low-temperature microwave heat treatment is proposed. An entire spectrum of intermediates obtained during thermolysis, reduction, and carbidization of precursors to the final product has been presented. The structure, morphology and distribution according to the particle size, phase structure and specific surface area of samples has been shown.
Electrochemical behaviour of stainless steel in acidic fluoride media
Authors: Martinović Ivana , Pilić Zora , Dragičević Ivan , Višekruna Antonija 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe growth mechanism and electrochemical properties of an oxide film on AISI 304 grade stainless steel were studied in 0.01 and 0.1 mol L−1fluoride solutions with differentpHvalues (4.5, 5.5, 6.5) by means of electrochemical techniques. The anodic growth and stability of the oxide film on the stainless steel were characterized using cyclic voltammetry. Potentiodynamic analysis suggests that the oxide film growth occurs according to the high-field mechanism. Electric field strength, high-field growth exponential law constants, ionic conductivity through the film and half jump distance were determined. The electrochemical properties of the oxide film, formed spontaneously at the open circuit potential, were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the fluoride concentration has more considerable influence on the dissolution rate and the resistance of the oxide film than thepH.
Nanocomposite based on polyaniline emeraldine-base and α-Al2O3: A structural characterization
Authors: Sanches Edgar A. , de Souza Sérgio M. , Carvalho Ana Paola L. , Trovati Graziella , Fernandes Edson G. R. , Mascarenhas Yvonne P. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
A ceramic-matrix nanocomposite based on polyaniline emeraldine base and aluminum oxide (PANI-EB/α-Al2O3) was obtained by in-situ polymerization. X-ray diffraction pattern presented peaks related to both materials. The level of crystallinity was estimated at about 53%. The average crystallite sizes of PANI-EB and α-Al2O3 were found to be ∼40 Å and 570 Å, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed polymerization over ceramic particles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy suggested physical deposition. The electrical conductivity of the PANI-EB/α-Al2O3 nanocomposite was decreased by a factor of 80 when compared with that of pure PANI-EB. Therefore, the polymeric reinforcement and the ceramic matrix maintained their original structural features, but the electrical conductivity in the nanocomposite was reduced.