bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Household food insecurity and its association with childhood overweight and obesity
Authors: Ortiz-Marrón Honorato , Ortiz-Pinto Maira Alejandra , Lanza María Urtasun , Pujadas Gloria Cabañas , Pino Virginia Valero , Cortés Susana Belmonte , Gascón Tomás Gómez , Gavín María Ordobás
Published: August 2022

Background. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of household food insecurity (HFI), associated sociodemographic factors and their relationship with childhood overweight and obesity.Methods. The data come from 1,938 children aged 2 to 14 years who participated in the Malnutrition Study of the Community of Madrid. Weight and height were obtained through physical examination. Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, and for the definition of overweight and obesity, the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) were used. The parents of the participants answered a structured questionnaire about the diet, lifestyle (physical activity and use of TV and computer screens) and food insecurity. The diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) in Spain. The HFI was evaluated with the Household Food Insecurity Access (HFIAS) survey. Odds Ratios (ORs) and Relative Risk Ratios (RRRs) were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for confounding variables.Results. The prevalence of HFI was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.6-9.0). The prevalence was lower in children 2 to 4 years (5.7%, 95% CI: 4.0-8.1) and higher in households with low family purchasing power (37.3%; OR: 8.99 (95% CI: 5.5-14.6). Children who were at HFI had a lower diet quality and spent more time in front of screens, and had a higher prevalence of overweight (33.1%) and obesity (28.4%) than those who lived in household food security (HFS) (21.0% and 11.5%, respectively). Compared with children in HFS, those who lived in HFI had RRRs of overweight of 2.41 (95% CI: 1.5-4.0) and 1.99 (95% CI: 1.2-3.4) of obesity.Conclusions. HFI reaches a high prevalence among children, especially in households with low family purchasing power. HFI probably is associated with lower diet quality and an increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. Our results suggest the need to detect early, in paediatric services, at-risk households to avoid this double burden of child malnutrition.
Effectiveness of ACI-318 and TS-500 Codes on Nonlinear Seismic Analysis of RC structures: Force-Based Approach
Authors: KARATON MUHAMMET , OSMANLI Ömer Faruk , AWLA Halmat Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Different equations for the material properties of concrete are suggested in several national codes. The effectiveness of these equations on the nonlinear seismic analysis of RC structures for the material properties has been an important research subject. In this study, the effectiveness of ACI-318 and TS 500 design codes is investigated in the numerical modeling of RC structures. For this purpose, the seismic responses of two RC structures experimented in the laboratory are used. The first structure is a two-dimensional three-bay and four-story RC bare frame structure that was tested in European Laboratory for Structural Assessment. The second structure is an RC tall bridge pier that was tested at Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center. The numerical solutions are obtained by using the Force-based Fiber Element Approach. The experimental and numerical analysis results are compared in terms of top displacements and damage zones. The concrete material properties which provide the best approximation to the experimental results are investigated for both design codes. It is concluded that the material properties of RC structures determined according to the ACI-318 code can be used for the Force-based Fiber Element Approach with regard to displacement response and damage regions.
Digital map and probability compensation model for repeated positioning error of feed axis
Authors: Wu Huayang , Zuo Dunwen
Published: August 2022

The randomness of the repeated positioning error of feed shaft is the main reason for the difficulty to address this error. The previous repeated loading and unloading suppression methods will easily do damages to parts. This paper sets out to investigate the probability distribution of all possible error values while feed shaft is at different positions, and determine the maximum value of probability error from the random errors. With feed axis at a certain position, first of all, we count the probability of each error based on a large number of random errors. We also draw the digital map of the repeated positioning error of this error with the error of positive and negative stroke measurement as the x-axis and y-axis coordinates and the probability of each error value as the z-axis coordinates Secondly, based on the digital map of each position on the feed axis and combined with the dynamic optimization algorithm, we find the highest point on the map and take the coordinate point of this point as the starting point of each position compensation. Then, we set the error probability threshold to control the possibility of compensation errors and output the size and direction of the final compensation value. Finally, we start the compensation command and detect the compensated error. The error data that fail to meet the requirements will enter the probability statistics again, redraw the digital map and update the map. Through real-time detection and feedback, the digital map is dynamically improved to adapt to the changing environment. This probability compensation model of repeated positioning error can end the suppressing repeated positioning errors brought by repeatedly disassembling parts.
High mean platelet volume is associated with cerebral white matter hyperintensities in non-stroke individuals
Authors: Choi Jung-Won , Lee Kee Ook , Jang Ye-Ji , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Seo TaeHo , Roh Yoo Jeong , Choo Seung-Ook , Oh Seung-Hun
Published: August 2022

Background: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is regarded as a marker for thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and inflammation in various vascular diseases including stroke. However, it is still unclear whether plasma MPV is associated with cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cerebral microvascular pathology in the elderly. Methods: We examined whether MPV level is associated with the presence of cerebral WMH on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from 870 non-stroke outpatient subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups according to the consecutive level of MPV (low T1, middle T2, and high T3 MPV tertile groups). Demographic data and laboratory data for vascular risk factors were evaluated.Results: Univariate analysis disclosed that old age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and low renal function were more prevalent in subjects with higher MPV level. In addition, cerebral WMH were more prevalent in subjects with higher MPV level. After adjusting confounding factors, moderate to severe cerebral WMH were significantly associated with high MPV tertile level. This association remained significant after adjusting for other cerebral vascular pathologies such as large artery atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries, displaying that subjects with middle MPV level (odds ratio (OR): 1.49, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.03-2.15) and those with high MPV level (OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.04-2.20) had cerebral WMH lesions more than those with low MPV level. Subjects with more severe cerebral WMH had higher plasma MPV levels than those without (p = 0.02). Conclusions: We found that high MPV level is independently associated with cerebral WMH. This result suggests that platelet activation plays a role in the development of cerebral WMH.
Bioinformatics analysis of long non-coding RNA-associated competing endogenous RNA network in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Ranjbari Haidar , Tezerjani Masoud Dehghan , Sabaghi Fatemeh , Dibaj Mohsen , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Kadhim Mustafa M. , Shams Zinat , Karimi Zeinab
Published: August 2022

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a common pediatric hepatic tumor. Occurrence and progression of various malignancies are enhanced by abnormal competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) axes. Although, ceRNAs can be considered effective prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic targets, it is poorly investigated in HB. An lncRNA-related ceRNA network is developed in the current study to clarify HB's underlying molecular regulatory mechanism. First, two microarray datasets regarding the liver specimens of HB patients and controls were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, which contained mRNAs, lncRNAs (GSE75271), and miRNAs (GSE75283) data. R software package limma was used to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), mRNAs (DEmRNAs), and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). Databases, miRTarBase and DIANA-LncBas, were applied to identify RNA interactions. The enrichment of pathways for DEmRNAs was done by Enrich tool. Cytoscape and STRING were utilized for the development of a protein-protein interaction network of DEmRNAs and the identification of the top five hub genes. Eventually, based on DElncRNA-miRNA-DEmRNA connections and co-expressions, the lncRNA-associated ceRNA axes were constructed. Results of the present study showed that 39 DEmRNAs (e.g., CDK4, CDK6, CCNA2, CCND2, and HMGA2) are involved in the HB ceRNA network. Furthermore, 27 DElncRNAs (e.g., CRNDE, GAS5, LINC00205, and ZFAS1) were identified as regulating the mentioned mRNAs through sponging eight DEmiRNAs (e.g., hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-29c-3p, hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-let-7g-5p). Analysis of pathway enrichment demonstrated the enrichment of DEmRNAs in "Pathways in cancer", "MicroRNAs in cancer", "Hippo signaling pathway", "Human papillomavirus infection", and "Cellular senescence". This study identified the ceRNAs networks important for the molecular mechanism of HB development.
Effect of H.pylori Infection on CD4+T Cell Count and Hiv Viral Load Among Art and Naïve Art Hiv Patients in Mekelle City, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Abadi Tesfay , Teklu Takele , Wondmagegn Tadelo , Alem Meseret , Desalegn Girmay , Demissie Tigistu
Published: August 2022

Background
A lower CD4 + T cell count and a higher viral load are associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The co-infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in HIV-positive patients may affect immune parameters of HIV-related disease progression. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of H. pylori co-infection on CD4 + T cell counts and HIV viral loads among HIV patients who are receiving ART (antiretroviral therapy) and HIV patients without ART
Method
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 264 individuals from June to September 2020 in Mekelle city, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. A mixed sampling technique was used. H. pylori was detected using stool antigen test; CD4 + T cell count was performed by the BD FACSPrestoTM Cartridge test; and viral load was analyzed by COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® TaqMan® HIV-1. The data was entered using EPi-data and analyzed using SPSS V.20 and graph pad prism software V.8. To assess the association, a one-way ANOVA, Mann Whitney test, and logistic regression were used.
Result
The study included 264 participants. A significant increase in CD4 + T cells was observed among ART-exposed participants with H pylori, compared with participants without H pylori with a mean ± SD of (487.5 ± 213.5 versus 395.9 ± 199.6, p = 0.004), and a decrease was observed among HIV negative controls (487.5 ± 213.5 versus 869.4 ± 123.9, P < 0.001). In ART-Naïve participants with H pylori, CD4 + T cell counts were significantly higher than in controls without H pylori (239.7 versus 115.1, P = 0.001) and considerably lower than in controls without H pylori (869.4 versus 123.9, P0.001). Participants with H pylori had significantly lower viral load levels compared to those without H pylori, with a median (IQR) of 5.13 (4.14–4.52), p = 0.031, respectively.
Conclusion
H. pylori/HIV co-infection resulted in increased CD4 + T cell counts and lower viral loads, but larger sample sizes and longitudinal cohort studies are needed to validate these results.
Comparison of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy and conventional discectomy for double- segmental lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective non- randomized study
Authors: Liu Zixiang , Qin Wanjin , Tang Yingchuang , Li Hanwen , Liu Hao , Yang Huilin , Mao Haiqing , Zhang Kai , Chen Kangwu
Published: August 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) with the conventional lumbar discectomy (CLD) for treatment of double-segmental lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods: This is a retrospective non-randomized study. Forty-six patients with double-segmental LDH were enrolled. The CLD group included 14 male and 8 female patients, with the mean age of 38.0 ± 9.2 year. All the demographic files were collected, with clinical outcomes evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the modified Macnab criteria. The operation time, intra-operation exposure time, postoperative bed-rest time, hospital-stay and complications were recorded at each follow-up point.Results: Data were evaluated with a minimum of 12 months follow-up period. In both groups, the VAS and ODI scores were significantly improved. The proportion of excellent or good outcome cases in each group was 91.7% and 86.4%, respectively. Two cases from PEID group and three cases from CLD group presented complications. The bed-rest time and hospital-stay period were significantly shortened (P < 0.05), while the operation time and intra-operation exposure time were longer in PEID group as compared to CLD group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Both PEID and CLD are safe and effective approaches for treatment of double-segmental LDH and the PEID technique is less invasive, which accelerates patients’ recovery after surgery.
A GIS-based Morphometric Prioritization of Watersheds for Soil Erosion Planning: A Case Study
Authors: Wagh Santosh , Manekar Vivek
Published: August 2022

This study prioritized sub-watersheds in the Upper Bhima Basin based on their need for proper water resource planning and management. Morphometric analysis is essential for determining soil erosion-prone areas. Some uncertainty was observed with morphometric variables of watersheds in previous prioritization methods. A geographic information system (GIS) tool was used to identify critical sub-watersheds in the study area. A Weighted Sum Approach (WSA) technique was developed to rank each sub-watershed based on weightages derived from morphometric parameters. The WSA approach classified watersheds into five categories based on their Final Priority Ranking (FPR): very high, high, medium, low, and very low. According to the findings of this analysis, 30.00% of the total area is highly vulnerable with sub-watersheds (4D7H4, 4D7H5, 4D7H7, 4D7G4, 4D7G7) require immediate attention to provide soil and water conservation measures. This study proposed morphometric analysis with a GIS tool and the novel WSA technique to help decision-makers make technically and economically effective decisions.
bupivacaine , pethidine and sole pethidine on the hemodynamic status and duration of sensory and motor block: A randomized clinical trial in iran
Authors: MojaverAghili SeyedBabak , Halakou Solmaz , Talebi Fatemeh , Mehrbakhsh Zahra , shahini najmeh
Published: August 2022

BackgroundManagement of analgesia and hemodynamic status is essential for orthopedic surgery patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of intrathecal (bupivacaine + magnesium sulfate) versus (pethidine + magnesium sulfate) and sole pethidine on the hemodynamic status and onset and duration of sensory/motor block in patients with lower limb fractures.MethodsThis double-blind randomized clinical trial was done between October 2020 and August 2021 in the Gorgan 5thAzar, Hospital, northeastern Iran and included 120 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery with spinal anesthesia and divided them in four groups of A: bupivacaine (10 mg), B: (pethidine 1 mg / kg), C: (bupivacaine 10 mg + magnesium sulfate 100 mg), and D: (pethidine 1 ‌mg / kg + magnesium sulfate 100 mg). The recorded parameters were hemodynamic parameters, time of onset, and duration of sensory/motor block.ResultsThere were no clinically significant differences in hemodynamic parameters between the groups. The onset of sensory block (P = 0.235), the onset of motor block (P = 0.097), and the duration of motor block (P = 0.135) were not statistically different between the groups; however, there was a significant difference in the duration of sensory block between the groups (P = 0.035). Magnesium sulfate increased the duration of motor block in the pethidine group C (80.93 ± 30.28) and decreased it in the bupivacaine group D (75.23 ± 38.56).ConclusionsThe intrathecal drugs used in the study did not cause any specific side effects. Therefore, these drugs can be used interchangeably. Magnesium sulfate, in combination with bupivacaine reduced the duration of sensory/motor block. While in the pethidine group, it acted as suitable analgesia by increasing the duration of sensory block. Therefore, magnesium can be considered a suitable additive for intrathecal pethidine.Trial registration: Iran clinical trial register: (IRCT20170413033408N3) Registration date: 2020-06-11
Rational construction of NH2-UiO-66/Bi2MoO6 nanocomposite with accelerating charge transfer for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Hu Qingsong , Wang Zhixin , Zhou Ting , Wang Zhenxing , Dong Jintao , Zhu Xingwang , Yi Jianjian , Xu Yiqun
Published: August 2022

Developing high activity photocatalyst with rapid charge separation and transfer is still challenging. Hence, a type-II heterojunction is constructed at NH2-UiO-66/Bi2MoO6 nanocomposite employing a facile ionothermal synthesis. The interaction between NH2-UiO-66 and Bi2MoO6 will help induce the spatial isolation of photogenerated carriers. Additionally, the increasing specific surface area benefits for the enrichment of organic contaminants. Consequently, the nanocomposite display preferable catalytic performance towards the removal of rhodamine B and tetracycline under visible light irradiation. And the optimal loading capacity of NH2-UiO-66 is about 5 wt%. Superoxide free radical and holes are involved into the degradation of contaminants on account of free radical trapping test and electron spin resonance analysis. Besides, a feasible photocatalytic mechanism is presented. The research may shed light on the development of MOFs/bismuth catalyst with obvious enhancement of photocatalytic activity in the field of environmental remediation.
In locally advanced low rectal cancer with anal canal invasion, should elective inguinal irradiation be performed?
Authors: Wong Hiu Sang , Choi Wesley Yuen Lum , Yuen Kam Tong
Published: August 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether omitting elective inguinal irradiation during neoadjuvant or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy is feasible for patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer (LALRC) with anal canal invasion (ACI).
Study design: A total of 90 LALRC patients with ACI who underwent neoadjuvant or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy between 2011 and 2021 were recruited. Inguinal lymph node (ILN) was clinically negative on presentation. Failure pattern, ILN recurrence rate, survival data and prognostic factors were analysed.
Results: The 3-year ILN failure rate was 4.94%. 1 patient developed isolated ILN failure, which was successfully salvaged by surgery. The 3-year locoregional disease free survival (LRFS), distant metastatic recurrence free survival (DMRFS), and overall survival (OS) were 81.1%, 77.0%, and 86.8% respectively. In multivariate cox regression analysis, positive pathological lymph node after neoadjuvant treatment predicted worse LRFS (odd ratio [OR] 10.57, P= 0.00001), DMRFS (OR 9.17, P= 0.0002), and OS (OR 12.92, P= 0.0005). Positive tumour resection margin correlated with worse LRFS (OR 23.53, P= 0.001), DMRFS (OR 12.62, P= 0.002) and OS (OR 47.24, P= 0.002). Concurrent chemotherapy to RT was associated with better LRFS (OR 28.32, P= 0.002). ≥ Grade 3 acute and chronic toxicities occurred in 44.4% and 11.1% respectively in patients with elective inguinal radiation compared with 19.8% and 11.1% respectively in patients who did not receive it.
Conclusion: Omission of elective inguinal irradiation was associated with a low inguinal failure rate for LALRC with ACI. It can spare patients from unnecessary acute radiotherapy toxicities.
Study of Thermodynamic Properties of L-serine and L-threonine in Aqueous Solutions of 1- (2-carboxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride [HOOCEMIM][Cl]
Authors: Asadzadeh Behnaz , Majdan-Cegincara Roghayeh , Zafarani-Moattar Mohammed Taghi
Published: August 2022

The stability of amino acids in solutions containing electrolytes and the effect of ambient pH on their biological activity is one of the new research areas. In this research work, the volumetric and transport properties of ionic liquid (IL) aqueous solution with special performance of 1- (2-carboxyethyl) -3-methylimidazolium chloride ([HOOCEMIM][Cl]) were studied. The selected IL acts as an electrolyte with minimal toxicity and also allows the study of systems containing amino acids at acidic pH. In this work, the density, speed of sound and viscosity of binary and ternary solutions of IL in aqueous solution of amino acids in the structure of proteins, namely L-serine and L-threonine within IL molality range of (0.05, 0.07 and 0.09 mol kg-1) were measured at 298.15 K. From these quantities, apparent molar volume, limiting apparent molar volume, apparent molar isentropic compression, limiting apparent molar isentropic compression, transfer standard volumes for amino acids from water to the aqueous IL solutions and viscosity B-coefficients were calculated using the equations of Redlich–Meyer and Jones–Dole. Close examination of literature indicates that there is no data for water activity for solution of L-serine + H2O at 308.15 and 318.15 K. In this way water activity, osmotic coefficient and vapor pressure were measured and using the interaction parameters of Wilson, NRTL, NRF-NRTL and UNIQUAC models, activity coefficient values of L-serine calculated.
Coastline change rate estimation on the southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, India using the multi temporal Google Earth images and GIS based statistical approach
Authors: Morris Daswin Ebenezer , Madhu Kumar
Published: August 2022

Coastal erosion is the process of wearing away material from the coastal profile due to an imbalance in the supply and export of material from a particular section of the coast which cause property damage, and the loss of land. This study investigates the rate of erosion and accretion along the southern coast of Tamil Nadu which was exposed to a lot of tourism and development activities. The shorelines were delineated for the years 2000,2005,2010,2015 and 2020 on the high-resolution multi-temporal satellite images in the Google Earth Pro software by visual interpretation. The long-term and short-term changes were studied by three statistical parameters functionalized in DSAS v 5.0 tool in ArcGIS 10.6 software such as endpoint rate, net shoreline movement and linear regression rate (Cenci, Luca et al., 2018). The positions of the shoreline in 2030 and 2040 are forecasted using the Kalman filter-based forecast tool in DSAS and the changes were analysed. During the study period, the average rate of changes in Kanyakumari is -1.26 m/year, Tirunelveli is -1.01 m/year and Tuticorin is -1.09 m/year. the transects showed significant erosion along 19.54% of Kanyakumari, 3.79% of Tirunelveli, and 17.81% of Tuticorin coasts, and significant accretion is observed in 1.31% of Kanyakumari, 1.07% of Tirunelveli and 3.02% of Tuticorin coasts. The outcome of shows that erosion is prevailing on the Kanyakumari coast and erosion is prevailing in Tuticorin.
Prescription days offered for childhood infections by residents and pediatricians in Ethiopia vary from internationally recognized guidelines: Indifference to duration recommendations promotes sub-optimal patient outcomes and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Alemayehu Tinsae , Getinet Tewodros , Weldetsadik Abate Yeshidinber , Alghounaim Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is leading health care in developing countries into a down-ward spiral. Scarcities in clinical microbiology laboratories compounded by lack of awareness on antimicrobial stewardship and unregulated durations of antimicrobial use are leading to sub-optimal clinical outcomes. The objective of the study was to assess recommendations for duration of antimicrobial treatment suggested by pediatric residents and pediatricians in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in comparison with guidelines published by internationally recognized bodies.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 1st February and 31st July, 2020. Data on durations of antimicrobial prescriptions suggested for infectious syndromes were collected from pediatricians and pediatric residents working and training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Responses on deficiencies and excesses in recommendations for durations of treatment were summarized using descriptive quantitative analysis and their conformity to practice recommended by internationally recognized guidelines was evaluated. Differences between sub-groups was determined by the Mann-Whitney U test (SPSS 25.0). Analyses were done using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and significant differences ascertained at p-value < 0.05. Results: A total of 88 respondents participated in the study: 48 residents and 40 pediatricians. Many respondents suggested prescription days exceeding guideline recommendations for common pediatric infections; notably for bacterial conjunctivitis, cystitis, cellulitis and lower respiratory infections. Antimicrobial therapy durations often came short of standard recommendations for tonsillopharyngitis, amebiasis and pyomyositis. Pediatricians favored less prescription days for bacterial endocarditis, hospital acquired pneumonia, cystitis and bacterial conjunctivitis. Inter-group differences were significant in prescribing for meningococcal meningitis, otitis media, Candida central line blood stream infections and non-gonococcal septic arthritis. Overall, respondents suggested 11,828.6 prescription days in excess of guideline recommendations.Conclusions: We found prescription days offered by pediatric residents and pediatricians practicing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to be beyond or less than durations of therapy recommended by guidelines for most childhood infections. Observance of evidence-based antimicrobial guidelines leads to favorable patient outcomes, fewer drug-related toxicities and prevention of antimicrobial resistance.
Raptor conservation experts’ viewpoints about raptors’ contribution to people: a “broken phone game”?
Authors: Zuluaga Santiago , Vargas F. Hernán , Grande Juan M.
Published: August 2022

Conservation of predators and scavengers should take advantage of the application of interdisciplinary approaches that connect both ecosystem processes/services and conflicts/disservices. Despite this, there is an overall lack of interdisciplinary research on ecosystem processes/services and conflicts/disservices provided by aerial predators and scavengers like raptors. Our specific goals here are:i) to assess the experts’ viewpoints on ecosystem processes/services and conflicts/disservices provided by raptors to people andii) to know the main intervention strategies that experts consider effective for managing raptor populations. Through an online survey we obtained 87 surveys for four raptor groups:hawks and eagles(40%),vultures(29%),owls(16%), andfalcons(15%). Experts agreed that many ecosystem processes/services and only a few conflicts/disservices are provided by raptors to society. Experts indicated that four ecosystem processes/services were provided by all raptor groups (i.e.,vultures,falcons,hawks and eagles, andowls), and another one was provided by all the predator groups (i.e., all butvultures). In contrast, no conflict/disservice was considered to be produced by all groups of raptors. According to experts,hawks and eagleswere involved in only three conflicts/disservices,vultures andowlsin one, andfalconsin none. Experts agreed that five strategies are effective for raptor management. Raptor conservation experts’ viewpoints were mismatched with evidence from raptor literature and, as we expected, this mismatch was higher when considering conflicts/disservices produced than ecosystem processes/services provided by raptors to people. To successfully promote policies and practices for raptors conservation, experts need to base their viewpoints on raptor literature.
Screening and characterization of Lipopeptide Biosurfactant Producing Paenibacilus Dendritiformis and its applicability for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Nayarisseri Anuraj , Khandelwal Ravina , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: August 2022

The biosurfactants produced by microorganisms have high demand from microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) and they have focused on a chemical surfactant for the past few decades for degrading petro-based pollutants and oil spills due to its non-toxicity and increasing bioavailability. The study aims to identify and screen potential lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Paenibacillus species employing a design experiment based on RSM. The bacterial culture was isolated from Chilika Lake, India. The data generated from the biosurfactant stability experiments were used to fit a regression model using the parameters such as ph, temp, and salinity to predict the E24 index. R-squared value 0.91 obtained from the ANOVA model explains that the regression model was significant, and the model p-value obtained was < 0.05 and was also statistically significant. Therefore the statistical regression model obtained in the present investigation can predict the E24 index by using any combination of ph, temp, and salinity parameters. The novel isolates obtained in this research were further named Paenibacillus dendritiformis ANSKLAB02 and deposited in GenBank with accession number KU518891. The growth of this species under controlled conditions has a high potential to help in environmental clean-up and is suitable for use in MEOR applications.
Ist Suizidhilfe für Gesunde mittels Natrium-Pentobarbital strafbar?
Authors: Rütsche Bernhard , Hürlimann Daniel , Thommen Marc
Published: August 2022

Mit Urteil 6B_646/2020 vom 9. Dezember 2021 hat das Bundesgericht entschieden, dass die Verschreibung von Natrium-Pentobarbital (NaP) für eine suizidwillige gesunde Person nicht nach Heilmittelgesetz, sondern nach den strengeren Regeln des Betäubungsmittelgesetzes zu beurteilen ist. Das nicht zur Publikation in der amtlichen Sammlung vorgesehene Urteil hat für die Frage der Zulässigkeit der Suizidhilfe wegweisenden Charakter, lässt aber die zentrale Frage offen, ob und inwieweit die Verschreibung von NaP im Rahmen der Suizidhilfe strafbar ist. Die Autoren zeigen auf, dass in diesen Fällen eine Bestrafung nach Betäubungsmittelgesetz ausgeschlossen ist. Ärztinnen und Ärzte ausgerechnet dann zu bestrafen, wenn sie das anerkanntermassen wirksamste und sicherste Suizidmittel verschreiben, wäre zudem wertungswidersprüchlich.

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Dans l'arrêt 6B_646/2020 du 9 décembre 2021, le Tribunal fédéral a décidé que la prescription de natrium pentobarbital (NAP) à une personne en bonne santé souhaitant se suicider ne devait pas être jugée selon la loi sur les produits thérapeutiques, mais selon les règles plus strictes de la loi sur les stupéfiants. Cet arrêt, qui n'est pas destiné à être publié dans le recueil officiel, a un caractère fondateur pour la question de l'admissibilité de l'assistance au suicide, mais laisse ouverte la question centrale de savoir si et dans quelle mesure la prescription de NAP dans le cadre de l'assistance au suicide est punissable. Les auteurs montrent que dans ces cas, une sanction selon la loi sur les stupéfiants est exclue. Punir les médecins précisément lorsqu'ils prescrivent le moyen de suicide le plus efficace et le plus sûr reconnu serait pour le moins contradictoire.
Colonization of Almond by Aspergillus flavus1
Authors: Phillips Douglas J. , Uota M. , Monticelli D. , Curtis C.
Published: August 2022

The Aspergillus flavus group was associated with both sound and insect damaged kernels of almond Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb during 1972 and 1973. About 1 of 2,000 sound kernels and 1 of 200 insect damaged kernels were colonized. Surface contamination was common on sound and damaged kernels. In orchard plots, spores inoculated on the fruit colonized hulls, shells, and kernels of maturing almonds. Aflatoxins were detected in harvested kernels and hulls. Almond fruits were susceptible to colonization from the time of hull-split, when rapid drying of the fruit began, until after harvest when moisture of the kernel dropped below about 5% based on the fresh weight of the kernel. Infestations by the navel orangeworm, Paramyelois transitella (Walker), increased colonization of the kernels by A. flavus from experimental plots.
Relationship Between Genetically Controlled Ozone Sensitivity and Gas Exchange Rate in Petunia hybrida Vilm1
Authors: Thorne Linda , Hanson George P.
Published: August 2022

The relative ozone sensitivities of a 7-parent diallel set of petunia hybrids were compared with their rates of ozone absorption, rates of transpiration, ascorbic acid concentrations, and shoot and root weights. Ozone sensitivity was highly correlated with both ozone and water vapor diffusion resistance, but not with ascorbic acid concentration or shoot-root ratio.
A Bioassay Differentiates Resistance to the Colorado Potato Beetle on Tomatoes1
Authors: Schalk James M. , Stoner Allan K.
Published: August 2022

Leaf disks of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, and L. hirsutum C. H. Mull, subjected to feeding by the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), were altered by insect age, sex, moisture level, and plant age. Feeding response was altered by temperatures of 21.1°C or 26.7° in young adult beetles, but not in larvae or older adults. Resistance to feeding by the insect was found with L. hirsutum lines PI 134417 and PI 134418.
Contribution of Components of Tomato Fruit Alcohol Insoluble Solids to Genotypic Variation in Viscosity1
Authors: Stevens M. Allen , Paulson K. N.
Published: August 2022

Three tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) lines with divergent viscosities and their F1, BCP1, BCP2, and F2 progeny were analyzed for serum viscosity, gross viscosity, and five alcohol insoluble solids (AIS) components. The components were water soluble polysaccharides and polygalacturonides, water-insoluble polysaccharides and polygalacturonides, and acid-hydrolyzed polysaccharides. Stepwise regression analysis of data from parents and progeny was used to establish the relationships between a change in composition and a change in viscosity. The polygalacturonides accounted for most of the variation in gross viscosity among the parental lines. The data indicate that water-insoluble, pectinol-solubilized polysaccharides have the potential for making a large contribution to viscosity at higher concn. The water-soluble polysaccharides and complex polysaccharides (solublized in H2SO4) contributed little to gross viscosity. The sugars identified in the AIS were arabinose, ribose, xylose, mannose, galactose, and glucose. Galacturonic acid was the only organic acid detected. Concentration of the compounds varied among the fractions and among the parental lines.
Trickle Irrigation of Shade Trees Growing in the Nursery: I. Influence on Growth1
Authors: Ponder H. G. , Kenworthy A. L.
Published: August 2022

The effect of trickle irrigation on trunk diameter increase was studied with 4 shade tree species in 1973 and 1974. Irrigation treatments consisted of 5.7 liters per hour (2 gal/hr) and no supplemental water on sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.). White ash (Fraxinus americana L. cv. Autumn Purple) treatments were no water, 1.4 liters per hour, and 2.8 liters per hour. Irrigated pin oak (Quercus palustris Muench.) trees received 5.7 liters per day at application rates of 5.7, 2.8, and 1.4 liters per hour and application time per day was 1, 2, and 4 hours respectively. Leaf analysis was performed each year.

In 1973 there was a doubling in increase in diameter of irrigated pin oak, white ash, and sugar maple with the higher flow rate per hour over that of checks. Irrigated honey locust trunk diameter increase was greater than checks. In 1974, 1 hr and 2 hr irrigated pin oak and irrigated white ash again outgrew checks but irrigated honey locust and sugar maple did not.

Leaf N and K were the only elements to show consistent changes with all species. Leaf N was lower in 1974 compared to 1973 while K was higher. Trickle irrigation did not promote any consistent significant change in nutrient composition of leaves.
Soil Temperature Effects on Cyclamen Flowering1
Authors: Stephens L. C. , Widmer R. E.
Published: August 2022

Six-week treatment at a 13°C soil temperature initiated at the 4- and 6-leaf stages most effectively advanced flowering of Cyclamen persicum Mill. cvs. Mayer Reinweiss and Rosa von Zehlendorf-Tas. Stage of flower bud development immediately after treatment of 13°, 18.5, 24.0 and 29.5°C soil temperatures was more advanced, and mean flower bud number increased with each decrease of 5.5°C in soil temperature. At age 9 months, mean days to flower was lower and mean number of flowers per plant was higher with each decrease of 5.5°C in soil temperature. Plants treated at the 6-leaf stage flowered earlier and produced more flowers than those treated at the 4-leaf stage. The 9-month-old plants which had been treated at the 6-leaf stage were generally more advanced vegetatively than those treated at the 4-leaf stage, but the effect of soil temperature treatment on vegetative growth was negligible.
Performance of ‘Marrs’ Early Orange on Eleven Rootstocks in South Texas1
Authors: Wutscher H. K. , Shull A. V.
Published: August 2022

‘Marrs’ early orange trees, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, on Swingle citrumelo rootstock were more productive than trees on Texas sour orange, Cleopatra mandarin, and 8 other rootstocks. Fruit from trees on Swingle was large, but had a Brix 0.8% lower than fruit from trees on Texas sour orange, while the acid content was similar. Leaf concentration of 12 elements was affected by rootstocks, especially by Chinese box-orange.
Flavonoid Composition of Aechmea and Billbergia: Two Closely Allied Ornamental Bromeliads
Authors: Ashtakala Syamala S.
Published: August 2022

In the paper by Syamala S. Ashtakala, J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 100(5):546-551, 1975, the caption for Table 3 is in error. The corrected version of the top horizontal column of this table appears below
Effect of Nitrogen Source and the Presence or Absence of Aluminum on the Growth and Calcium Nutrition of Apple Seedlings1
Authors: Kotze W. A. G. , Shear C. B. , Faust M.
Published: August 2022

Open pollinated ‘York Imperial’ apple seedlings (Malus domestica Borkh) were grown in an acid soil at 2 liming rates or in nutrient solution with or without added aluminum, with either NH4+ or NH3- at various rates as N source. High and equal Ca levels were maintained for the different Al treatments. Growth of seedlings and Ca-uptake in the soil were much less at pH 4.7 than at 5.1, and seedlings responded better to liming when NH4+ was the N source. With either N source, best growth was obtained at a rate of 100 ppm N, whereas growth was lower at 50 and at 200 or 400 ppm N. In nutrient solution, the efficiency of Ca-uptake by roots and of Ca-transport was decreased by the presence of Al. This decrease was the greatest when NH3-, rather than NH4+, was the N source. The findings suggest interference by Al in nitrate metabolism. Al is toxic to apple seedlings at chemical activity in the order of 6.5 × 10—6M.
A Ten-parent Diallel Cross to Evaluate Inbred Line Performance and Combining Ability in Onions1
Authors: Hosfield George L. , Vest Grant , Peterson C. E.
Published: August 2022

The diallel cross technique was used to evaluate the performance of onion (Allium cepa L.) inbred lines in F1 combinations and to estimate combining ability of several traits. All possible crosses, including reciprocals, among 10 inbred lines of diverse origin and known horticultural performance were tested at 3 locations in 1973. Cytoplasmic male-sterility was used to insure that all seed from maternal plants was hybrid. Cross variances were highly significant for all traits at all locations. General combining ability effects accounted for most of these differences. Specific combining ability effects were significant at all locations for yield, weight/bulb, firmness, and percent of storage loss. In all instances variance components of general combining ability were larger than those of specific combining ability. Specific rankings of the best and poorest lines for the traits measured according to the effects of their general combining ability were not identical at each location, but the same inbreds were generally in the same positive or negative grouping. Inbreds M728 and M2399 transmitted substantial yield and bulb weight to their progeny, while la163 consistently depressed these traits in the F1's. These results confirm the contribution that inbreds M728, M2399, and la163 make to a hybrid. Significant mean squares for reciprocal effects were apparent at all locations for only yield and maturity. Maternal effects per se influenced reciprocal variation, but were, generally, less important than nonmaternal reciprocal causes.
Changes in Glycoalkaloid Content following Mechanical Injuries to Potato Tubers1
Authors: Wu M. T. , Salunkhe D. K.
Published: August 2022

Mechanical injuries of tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) such as brushing, cutting, dropping, puncturing, and hammering greatly stimulated glycoalkaloid synthesis in both peel and flesh of tubers. The extent of glycoalkaloid formation depended on cultivar, type of mechanical injury, storage temperature, and duration of storage. High temperature storage stimulated more glycoalkaloid formation than that of low temperature. Most of the injury-stimulated glycoalkaloid formation occurred within 15 days after treatments. Mechanical injury caused by cutting of tubers resulted in the highest contents of glycoalkaloids both in flesh and peel.
Organic Acid Accumulation in Attached and Detached Tomato Fruits1
Authors: Sakiyama Ryozo , Allen Stevens M.
Published: August 2022

Changes in acid content in fruits of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) left on the vine compared with those of fruits removed from the vine at one stage each of development and ripening. Developing fruits detached 28 days after anthesis had an increase in total acidity attributable to increased malic and citric acid concentrations. Detached developing fruits accumulated organic acids more rapidly than attached fruits. Mature fruits detached at the breaker stage decreased more in total acidity than attached fruits which was reflected in a decrease in malic and citric acids, with a greater decrease in malic acid. The data indicate that organic acid accumulation in detached fruits is determined by metabolism at the time of detachment.
Firmness of Peaches Measured Nondestructively1
Authors: Watada Alley E. , Abbott Judith A. , Finney Essex E.
Published: August 2022

Light absorbance and random vibration techniques for estimating firmness of fruit of 4 cultivars of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) nondestructively were evaluated. The correlation between the Magness-Taylor probe pressure-test and the difference in light absorbance at 690 and 740 nm was significant for ‘Early Redhaven’, ‘Garnet Beauty’, and ‘Rio Oso Gem’. The correlation between pressure-test and random vibration data was significant for ‘Redhaven’ and ‘Garnet Beauty’. The linear regression equations differed with cultivar for both systems, but either system could be used to estimate firmness.
Rate of Metabolite Accumulation into Latex of Lettuce and Proposed Association with Tipburn Injury1
Authors: Tibbitts T. W. , Read Michael
Published: August 2022

Lettuce plants, Lactuca sativa L. cv. Meikoningen, grown in growth chambers and exposed to 14CO2 for 15 minutes in light of 21.5 klx accumulated measurable amounts of labeled metabolites within the lacticifers within 1 hour and a maximum amount within 48 hours. Latex in the outer leaves, inner heart leaves and roots was uniformly labeled at all time periods studied. A significantly greater amount of labeled metabolites accumulated under a light level of 21.5 klx following the initial assimilation period, than under a light level of 10.75 klx or under darkness. This research indicates that with high light conditions accumulation of metabolites in the latex is increased and this could be significant in encouraging tipburn, a physiological injury of lettuce.
Net Morphogenesis and Characteristics of the Surface of Muskmelon Fruit1
Authors: Webster Barbara D. , Craig Mary E.
Published: August 2022

The surface meshwork of tissue, commonly referred to as the “net,” of fruit of Cucumis melo L. cv. PMR-45 is an elaborate system of lenticels. Lenticellar tissue is derived from a subepidermal periderm. Cork cells, which comprise the complementary tissue of lenticels, protrude through the surface fissures which develop as the fruit enlarges. It is suggested that cork cells of the net and of the periderm contribute to resistance to mechanical injury of the fruit; that gaseous exchange is facilitated by lenticellar net development; and that resistance to disease is enhanced by the presence of a surface cuticle and by the development of cork cells with suberized walls.
Effects of the Bi Locus in Cucumber on Reproduction, Attraction, and Response of the Plant to Infection by the Southern Root-knot Nematode1
Authors: Haynes Robert L. , Jones C. M.
Published: August 2022

The southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid and White (Chitwood), damaged bitter (Bi-) and non-bitter (bibi) plants of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cvs. Tablegreen 65 and Marketmore 70) to the same extent in greenhouse tests as shown by their root-knot index and general plant vigor. However, a significantly greater number of root-knot nematode larvae developed in the non-bitter root tissue and nematodes were significantly more attracted to non-bitter than to bitter excised root pieces on both water agar and in sand. Purified extract discs from bitter cucumber in 2% water agar repelled root-knot nematodes.
Fruit Growth and Cracking in Nectarines1
Authors: Fogle Harold W. , Faust Miklos
Published: August 2022

The growth curves of eastern-grown nectarines (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) do not follow closely the three-phase sigmoid curve established for peaches. All clones completed phase I at the same time. However, many clones did not have a well-defined ‘final swell’ and several showed gradual increases in growth through phases II and III. Percentages of final fruit size attained during the final few weeks of growth or percentages of calcium in leaves, fruits or peels were not closely associated with cracking of fruits. Slower growth rate appears linked to the nectarine character, although the linkage seems to have been partially broken in some clones. Growth rates of 41 nectarine clones were not closely associated with field cracking or minor surface cracking.
Effects of Weed Control Method and Rootstock on Flowering, Growth and Yield of Apple1
Authors: Crabtree G. D. , Westwood M. N.
Published: August 2022

A 10-year study of 4 vegetation management regimes in an apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard showed that a mowed sod ground cover resulted in less efficient trees than those with cultivation, residual or nonresidual herbicides. Considerable differences were found among treatments in the kind and population density of orchard weeds. Of the 6 rootstocks tested, seedlings produced the largest but least efficient trees. Trees on Mailing (M) 4, M 1 and M 7 rootstocks gave the greatest yield efficiency during the 10-year period. No interactions were found between rootstock and orchard floor management practices.