bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What’s happening in the kitchen? The influence of nutritional knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and kitchen characteristics on women's dietary quality in Ethiopia
Authors: Yalew Temesgen Awoke , Tessema Masresha , Lahiff Edward
Published: April 2024

Background
Low diet quality significantly contributes to public health risks in low-income countries. This situation is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, such as women and children, who are at increased risk of malnutrition due to inadequate access to proper nutrition.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the influence of nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and kitchen characteristics on women's dietary quality in Ethiopia.
Method
A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to September 2022 in five regions and two city administrations in Ethiopia. A multistage stratified cluster sampling method was employed. From ninety-nine enumeration areas, twenty eligible households were selected. A total of 1,980 women aged 15–49 years were included in this survey. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 16 computer software. The determinants of diet quality were identified using Poisson, logistic, and ordinary least square regression analyses. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
The results showed that the average dietary diversity score for women was 3.4. Only 21.5% of the participants achieved the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W), and the mean adequacy ratio for nutrients was 61.6%. The participants’ average nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores were 63%, 39%, and 23%, respectively. The regression analysis showed a positive association between knowledge and attitude, on the one hand, and dietary diversity and the mean nutrient adequacy ratio, on the other hand, which were significant at P < 0.01. Cooking time and propensity to prepare new food were also positively associated with dietary diversity and with minimum dietary diversity, again significant at P < 0.01.
Conclusion
Our study showed that improved nutrition-related knowledge and a positive attitude toward nutrition significantly influence dietary quality. Additionally, cooking time and the propensity to prepare new foods positively influence diet quality.
Morphological Features as Prognostic Indicators in Brain Metastases
Authors: Ocaña-Tienda Beatriz , Pérez-Beteta Julián , Mendivil Ana Ortiz , Asenjo Beatriz , Albillo David , Pérez-Romasanta Luís A. , Llorente Manuel , Carballo Natalia , Arana Estanislao , Pérez-García Víctor M.
Published: April 2024

Background. Stereotactic radiotherapy is the preferred treatment for managing patients with fewer than five brain metastases (BMs). However, some lesions recur after irradiation. The purpose of this study was to identify patients who are at a higher risk of failure, which can help in adjusting treatments and preventing recurrence.
Methods. In this retrospective multicenter study, we analyzed the predictive significance of a set of interpretable morphological features derived from T1-weighted MR images, as imaging biomarkers, using Kaplan-Meier estimators. The feature set studied included the total and necrotic volumes, the surface regularity and the CE rim width. Additionally, we evaluated other non-morphological variables and performed multivariate cox analysis.
Results. A total of 183 lesions in 128 patients were included (median age 61 [31-95], 64 men and 64 women). None of the studied variables measured at diagnosis were found to have prognostic value. However, the total and necrotic volumes and the CE rim width measured at the first follow-up after treatment and the change in volumes due to irradiation can be used as biomarkers for recurrence. Optimal classification was achieved when combining volume changes before and after treatment with the presence or absence of necrosis (p<<0.001).
Conclusion. This study demonstrates the prognostic significance of interpretable morphological features extracted from routine clinical MR imaging following irradiation in brain metastases, offering valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies.
Artificial intelligence-based parametrization of Michaelis–Menten maximal velocity: Toward in silico New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
Authors: Karakoltzidis Achilleas , Karakitsios Spyros P. , Sarigiannis Dimosthenis Α.
Published: April 2024

The development of mechanistic systems biology models necessitates the utilization of numerous kinetic parameters once the enzymatic mode of action has been identified. Moreover, wet lab experimentation is associated with particularly high costs, does not adhere to the principle of reducing the number of animal tests, and is a time-consuming procedure. Alternatively, an artificial intelligence-based method is proposed that utilizes enzyme amino acid structures as input data. This method combines NLP techniques with molecular fingerprints of the catalyzed reaction to determine Michaelis–Menten maximal velocities (Vmax). The molecular fingerprints employed include RCDK standard fingerprints (1024 bits), MACCS keys (166 bits), PubChem fingerprints (881 bits), and E-States fingerprints (79 bits). These were integrated to produce reaction fingerprints. The data were sourced from SABIO RK, providing a concrete framework to support training procedures. After the data preprocessing stage, the dataset was randomly split into a training set (70%), a validation set (10%), and a test set (20%), ensuring unique amino acid sequences for each subset. The data points with structures similar to those used to train the model as well as uncommon reactions were employed to test the model further. The developed models were optimized during training to predict Vmax values efficiently and reliably. By utilizing a fully connected neural network, these models can be applied to all organisms. The amino acid proportions of enzymes were also tested, which revealed that the amino acid content was an unreliable predictor of the Vmax. During testing, the model demonstrated better performance on known structures than on unseen data. In the given use case, the model trained solely on enzyme representations achieved an R-squared of 0.45 on unseen data and 0.70 on known structures. When enzyme representations were integrated with RCDK fingerprints, the model achieved an R-squared of 0.46 for unseen data and 0.62 for known structures.
Stabilization of two coupled wave equations with a localized singular Kelvin-Voigt damping
Authors: Ammari Kaïs , Hassine Fathi , Harouna Souleymane Kadri , Tebou Louis
Published: April 2024

We consider two wave equations coupled through a singular Kelvin-Voigt damping mechanism in a bounded domain. We are interested in investigating stability issues for this system.We prove the polynomial stability of the semigroup if the damping region is big enough, and logarithmic stability of the semigroup if the damping region is an arbitrarily small nonempty open subset of the domain under consideration. The main features of our proofs: i) frequency domain approach and, ii) flow multipliers combined with extra auxiliary elliptic systems in the case of polynomial stability, or iii) Carleman estimate in the case of logarithmic stability. A numerical analysis of the spectrum of the one dimensional space semi-discretized system using mixed finite element method indicates that uniform (with respect to the mesh size) exponential decay is not to be expected. This latter result leads us to conjecture that our first polynomial stability result cannot be improved to an exponential stability one.
WITHDRAWN: Suicide or self-preservation：C2H2 Zinc Finger Protein ZNF775 inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell migration by downregulating Wnt5a
Authors: Zhu Xin , Gong Wei , Zhang Wenwu , Song Xiaoyu , Hu Junjie , Xu Weihua , Ma Zhichao , Xiao Bin , Li Linhai , Chen Xinping
Published: April 2024

C2H2 zinc finger protein is widely involved in the occurrence and development of cancer. However, the function and mechanism of most C2H2 zinc finger proteins in breast caner (BC) remains unclear. Here, we reported the expression prognosis of C2H2 type zinc finger protein ZNF775 in BC patients and its possible biological mechanism. First, multiple public databases showed that ZNF775 was significantly overexpressed in BC tissues and cells. Interestingly, high expression of ZNF775 was significantly associated with a better prognosis. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used for verification, and the expression of ZNF775 was consistent with the databases. In vitro overexpression experiments showed that overexpression of ZNF775 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 BC cell. We further combined RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and CUT & Tag, and found that overexpression of ZNF775 can down-regulate the expression of most genes in the Wnt signaling pathway. The cBioportal database showed that ZNF775 was negatively correlated with the expression of Wnt5a, suggesting that its downstream target was likely Wnt5a. Finally, we discovered that Wnt5a could partially reverse the inhibitory effect of ZNF775 on MCF-7 BC cell migration through transwell migration experiments. In conclusion, our findings will provide new ideas for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis assessment of BC in the future.
Persistent Impact of Antenatal Maternal Anaemia on Child Brain Structure at 6-7 Years of Age: A South African Child Health Study
Authors: Ringshaw Jessica E. , Hendrikse Chanelle , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Bradford Layla E. , Williams Simone R. , Nyakonda Charmaine N. , Subramoney Sivenesi , Lake Marilyn T. , Burd Tiffany , Hoffman Nadia , Roos Annerine , Narr Katherine L. , Joshi Shantanu H. , Williams Steven C.R. , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: April 2024

Background
The study aim was to determine whether associations of antenatal maternal anaemia with smaller corpus callosum, putamen, and caudate nucleus volumes previously described in children at age 2–3 years persist to age 6-7 years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS).
Methods
This neuroimaging sub-study was nested within the DCHS, a South African population-based birth cohort. Pregnant women were enrolled (2012-2015) and mother-child dyads were followed prospectively. A sub-group of children had magnetic resonance imaging at 6-7 years of age (2018-2022). Mothers had haemoglobin measurements during pregnancy and a proportion of children were tested postnatally. Maternal anaemia (haemoglobin<11g/dL) and child anaemia were classified using WHO and local guidelines. Linear modeling was used to investigate associations between antenatal maternal anaemia status, maternal haemoglobin concentrations, and regional child brain volumes. Models included potential confounders and were conducted with and without child anaemia to assess the relative roles of antenatal versus postnatal anaemia.
Results
Overall, 157 children (Mean [SD] age of 75.54 [4.77] months; 84 [53.50%] male) were born to mothers with antenatal haemoglobin data. The prevalence of maternal anaemia during pregnancy was 31.85% (50/157). In adjusted models, maternal anaemia status was associated with smaller volumes of the total corpus callosum (adjusted percentage difference, -6.77%; p=0.003), left caudate nucleus (adjusted percentage difference, -5.98%, p=0.005), and right caudate nucleus (adjusted percentage difference, -6.12%; p=0.003). Continuous maternal haemoglobin was positively associated with total corpus callosum (β=0.239 [CI: 0.10 to 0.38]; p<0.001) and caudate nucleus (β=0.165 [CI: 0.02 to 0.31]; p=0.027) volumes. In a sub-group (n=89) with child haemoglobin data (Mean [SD] age of 76.06[4.84]), the prevalence of antenatal maternal anaemia and postnatal child anaemia was 38.20% (34/89) and 47.19% (42/89), respectively. There was no association between maternal and child anaemia (c2 = 0.799; p=0.372), and child anaemia did not contribute to regional brain volume differences associated with maternal anaemia.
Conclusions
Associations between maternal anaemia and regional child brain volumes previously reported at 2-3 years of age were consistent and persisted to 6-7 years of age. Findings support the importance of optimizing antenatal maternal health and reinforce these brain regions as a future research focus on intervention outcomes.
Hybrid motility mechanism of sperm at viscoelastic-solid interface
Authors: Unnikrishnan Shobitha , Scott Robert , Ogundele Emmanuel , Azad Mohammad , Ishimoto Kenta , Suarez Susan , Tung Chih Kuan
Published: April 2024

To fertilize eggs, sperm must pass through narrow, complex channels filled with viscoelastic fluids in the female reproductive tract. While it is known that the topography of the surfaces plays a role in guiding sperm movement, sperm have been thought of as swimmers, i.e., their motility comes solely from sperm interaction with the surrounding fluid, and therefore, the surfaces have no direct role in the motility mechanism itself. Here, we examined the role of solid surfaces in the movement of sperm in a highly viscoelastic medium. By visualizing the flagellum interaction with surfaces in a microfluidic device, we found that the flagellum stays close to the surface while the kinetic friction between the flagellum and the surface is in the direction of sperm movement, providing thrust. Additionally, the flow field generated by sperm suggests slippage between the viscoelastic fluid and the solid surface, deviating from the no-slip boundary typically used in standard fluid dynamics models. These observations point to hybrid motility mechanisms in sperm involving direct flagellum-surface interaction in addition to flagellum pushing the fluid. This finding signifies an evolutionary strategy of mammalian sperm crucial for their efficient migration through narrow, mucus-filled passages of the female reproductive tract.
Real-world data to improve Organ and Tissue Donation Policies: Lessons learned from the Tissue and Organ Donor Epidemiology Study
Authors: Greenwald Melissa A. , Ezzeldin Hussein , Blumberg Emily A. , Whitaker Barbee I , Forshee Richard A
Published: April 2024

Background: The transplantation of human organs, and some human tissues, is often the only life-saving therapy available for serious and life-threatening congenital, inherited, or acquired diseases. However, it is associated with a risk of transmission of communicable diseases from donor to recipient. It is imperative to understand the characteristics of the donor population to inform policies that protect recipient safety. The Tissue and Organ Donor Epidemiology Study (TODES) was a pilot project designed to identify and collect standardized information on deceased persons referred for organ, tissue, and/or eye donation, and to estimate (to the extent possible) infectious disease prevalence and incidence of HIV, HBV, and/or HCV in this population. TODES is summarized here to shed light on addressable limitations on accessing data needed for transplant recipient safety. Limitations, future research needs, and potential pathways to solve the remaining data needs are explored.
Methods: Retrospective data for all deceased donors during a 5-year period from 2009 to 2013 were obtained from participating organ procurement organizations (OPOs), tissue establishments, and eye banks. These decedent data on actual donors and potential donors were used to ascertain whether the available real-world data (RWD) could be used to inform donor screening and testing policy.
Results: The TODES database contains 291,848 records received from nine OPOs and 42,451 records received from four eye banks. Data were analyzed from deceased donors with at least one organ, tissue, or ocular tissue recovered with the intent to transplant. Results for potential donors were not analyzed. Available RWD at the time of the TODES study were not fit-for-purpose to help characterize the organ- and tissue eye donor populations and/or to inform donor screening policy.
Conclusions: Recent advances in electronic data collection systems make it more realistic to now collect fit-for-purpose RWD that address the research needed to improve transplant safety.
Unsupervised feature selection based on the hidden knowledge of the Two-Dimensional Principal Component Analysis feature extraction method
Authors: Beiranvand Firoozeh , Mehrdad Vahid , Dowlatshahi Mohammad Bagher
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we proposed a new matrix-based feature selection method that used the hidden knowledge in the orthogonal features obtained from the two-dimensional principal component analysis feature extraction method with transfer learning to perform highly accurate unsupervised feature selection. We briefly named it the UFS2DPCA algorithm. In general, features can be classified as redundant, irrelevant, and relevant. Correlation is another concept of redundancy and perfectly correlated features are redundant. Accordingly, we first use the 2DPCA approach to directly extract the uncorrelated and orthogonal features from the 2-D image dataset. Uncorrelated and orthogonal features are among the best features. Next, we compute the correlation similarity between the main and extracted features. Finally, we make a weighted bipartite graph using two sets of features and the similarities between them, then we select the best features of the primary using the fast LAPJV algorithm. We evaluate the performance of the proposed UFS2DPCA algorithm on four well-known image datasets using K- Nearest Neighbor classifier. Results of comparative experiments between the proposed UFS2DPCA algorithm and eight state-of-the-art unsupervised feature selection algorithms show that the UFS2DPCA method outperforms other methods.
Class A1 scavenger receptor mediates macrophage polarization and gut microbial alteration in a murine dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis
Authors: Su Jingling , Liu Lupeng , Ren Yandan , Gan Yutong , Lin Yumei , Xie Chenxi
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether class A1 scavenger receptor (SR-A1) regulated macrophage polarization and gut microbial alteration during intestinal inflammation of colitis. A murine colitis model was established by feeding with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and treatment groups were injected intravenously with SR-A1 antibody. Results showed a preventive effect on colitis symptoms and fewer inflammatory cell infiltrates in treatment groups. Down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine related to macrophages were seen in murine PBMC and LPMC after injected with SR-A1 antibody. The percentage of M2 macrophages was also elevated in treatment groups. In addition, SR-A1 antibody treatment resulted in the decreased apoptosis and increased proliferation of colonic epithelial cells. Other findings indicated that SR-A1 injection could mediate its anti-inflammatory effect via inhibiting TLR4-MyD88-NF-kB signaling pathway and alterating the gut microbiota composition. Our research identified SR-A1 as a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Advancement of the Healthcare Economy in Iran
Authors: monfared zeinab
Published: April 2024

Background:
Iran's healthcare economy has undergone significant advancements in recent years, driven by various reforms and investments. Understanding the trajectory of this progress is essential for policymakers and stakeholders to ensure continued growth and improvement in healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Objective:
This study aims to assess the advancement of the healthcare economy in Iran, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for further development.
Methods:
A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data from government reports, academic publications, and expert interviews were analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of Iran's healthcare system evolution, infrastructure, service accessibility, and technological advancements.
Results:
The analysis revealed notable progress in Iran's healthcare economy, including improvements in infrastructure, expanded access to services, and adoption of advanced medical technologies. However, challenges persist, particularly in healthcare financing and workforce capacity, hindering optimal healthcare delivery.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that while Iran has made significant strides in advancing its healthcare economy, there is a need for continued investment and strategic planning to address existing challenges and sustain progress. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare financing mechanisms, strengthening workforce capacity, and optimizing resource allocation to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
Medical students’ journey towards Cultural Humility – navigating diverse others and systems with extreme inequity
Authors: Botha Gertruida Catherina , Frambach Jannecke , Krumeich Anja , Mokgatle Mathildah
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Cultural humility (CH) is a vital journey for addressing diversity, but its application remains elusive. While existing literature covers cultural humility’s why and what mainly in the context of western countries, the holistic development of its parts during medical training remains underexplored. Given the foundational role of interactions in cultural humility, this study explores its development during various interactions with peers, teachers, patients and researchers across a diversity of education and clinical health care settings marked by inherent power imbalance and inequity.
Methods: An interpretivist qualitative case study approach was employed, involving purposive sampling of diverse medical students from one medical school in a country with one of the highest inequity coefficients in the world. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical clearance and participant consent was obtained.
Results: Interactions between actors unfolded in multiple dimensions and layers. Findings were classified into four themes i.e. journeying from feeling like an outsider to embracing interactions, from absolute truth to questioning perceptions, journeying within power imbalance; and embracing future roles through introspection. For participants two fundamental dilemmas remained, i.e. whether to navigate social relations and how to navigate intergroup conflict.
Discussion: This study argues that the development of CH is context based and dynamic; however, it’s development should not be assumed but should be considered as multifaceted and layered, where the individual process is significantly influenced by past contexts as well as enhancing interactions with peers, teachers, patients and researchers both formally and informally.
Clinical outcome of adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: chen li , zhang tao
Published: April 2024

Objective: To explore the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 360 newly diagnosed patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. One group received adjuvant chemotherapy after radical treatment, and the other group did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Radical treatment included radical surgery and radical radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), the Cox proportional risk model was used to study the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients, and the patients were divided into radical radiotherapy group/chemoradiotherapy group, and radical surgery group (simple radical surgery, surgery + radiotherapy, surgery + concurrent chemoradiotherapy) according to whether the surgery was performed.
Results: Among 360 patients, the median survival time was （3138） days in the adjuvant chemotherapy group and （2212d） in the non-adjuvant chemotherapy group (P=0.02). In the radical radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy group, the median survival time was （1974）days in the adjuvant chemotherapy group and（635）days in the non-adjuvant chemotherapy group, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.005). In the radical surgery group, adjuvant chemotherapy did not prolong patients' OS but had certain benefits in EFS. The median event-free survival in the adjuvant chemotherapy group versus the non-adjuvant chemotherapy group was （3138）days vs （2019）days, P=0.038.
Conclusion: Adjuvant chemotherapy may be valuable in patients with high-risk pathological factors after radical radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy and radical surgery. Conclusions： Adjuvant chemotherapy may be valuable in patients with high-risk pathologic factors after radical surgery and after radical radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy
VOLUME OF SPRAY AND PLANT AGE INFLUENCE EFFICACY OF UNICONAZOLE ON GERANIUMS AND PETUNIAS
Authors: Edstrom Mikael O. , Barrett James E. , Nell Terril A.
Published: April 2024

In a factorial experiment with uniconazole, paclobutrazol, and daminozide applied to petunia `Midnight Madness' in 10-cm pots using spray volumes of 0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 ml*m-2, the chemical*volume interaction was significant. The decrease in plant size with greater volumes was greatest for uniconazole and least for daminozide. In another factorial study, there was an interaction between uniconazole concentration, time of application and spray volume. Volume of spray had more effect on young plants than on older ones, and for the youngest plants the volume response was linear at 20 ppm and quadratic at 40 ppm. On seed geranium `Bandit Salmon', there was also an interaction between uniconazole concentration, time of application, and volume of spray. The volume effect was greatest on young plants, and response for both 2 and 4 ppm was quadratic. On older plants there was no volume effect at 2 ppm, and response was linear at 4 ppm.
GROWTH AND GAS EXCHANGE FOR TISSUE-CULTURED VERSUS BUDDED TREES FOR TWO CULTIVARS OF RED MAPLE (ACER RUBRUM L.)
Authors: Sibley Jeff L. , Eakes D. Joseph , Gilliam Charles H. , Dozier William A.
Published: April 2024

Growth of budded red maples `Franksred' (Red Sunset TM) and `October Glory' was compared to the same cultivar from tissue culture. Similar size trees, from a single nursery source, were container grown under standard nursery practices for 18 months. In March 1990, trees were field planted in central Alabama. Drip irrigation has been provided for each tree. Height and caliper measurements have been taken annually. Gas-exchange measurements were taken to evaluate net photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance capacities with a portable photosynthesis system for these red maple selections. No differences in growth and gas-exchange between the budded trees and their tissue culture counterparts are evident following three years in the field.
RESTRICTION FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM IN CARROT
Authors: Sampath Vivek , Simon Philipp
Published: April 2024

Studies of genetic variation at the DNA level in the genus Daucus have been very limited. Recently, molecular markers based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) have been shown to be highly useful and efficient gene markers in other plant and animal species.

We have used a total of 40 carrot strains (inbreds, varieties, species) for this study. Genomic DNA probes cloned in pGEM (Promega) plasmid of Escherichia coli were hybridized with genomic DNA of restriction enzymes. We have found RFLP variation to be extensive in Daucus, even among related cultivation genetic stocks. The implications of these results in the germplasm diversity in Daucus will be discussed.
STOMATAL ACRILIC MICRO-REPLICATIONS TO DIFFERENTIATE DIPLOID AND TETRAPLOID WATERMELONS (Citrullus lanatus)
Authors: Moreno-Salazar Sergio F. , Martinez-Tellez Jaime J.
Published: April 2024

Early discrimination of diploids on breeding for seedless watermelon is time saving and economically important. The common method is pollen microscopic observation, it is time consuming and can not be executed on early stage. The objective was to prove the use of stomatal size and density to differentiate ploidy on plantlets. “Charleston Grey” and “Sugar Baby” diploids and colchicine-induced tetraploids of the same varieties were used. Stomata micro-replication made with acrilic varnish were used for measurements and correlated with individual ploidy. Significative differences were found on both size and density. “Charleston Grey” had larger stomata than “Sugar Baby”. Tetraploids had larger stomata and lower density regardless of genotype. Stomata micro-replications is time saving and non destructive method to differentiate ploidy on early stages.
POLLEN-STIGMA INTERACTIONS IN HAZELNUT
Authors: Hampson Cheryl R. , Azarenko Anita N. , Soeldner A.
Published: April 2024

Although genetic studies have demonstrated that hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) possesses sporophytic self-incompatibility, the pollen of this woody species is bicellular and potentially long-lived, a feature more typical of gametophytic self-incompatibility. Reports of the behavior of incompatible pollen on stigmatic surfaces conflict. Our objective was to better characterize pollen-stigma interactions in this species. Female flowers were left unpollinated, or pollinated with compatible or incompatible pollen, fixed at time intervals up to 24 hrs., and then examined using scanning electron microscopy. The stigmatic surface was of the “dry” type. Emerged styles were completely covered with elongate, rounded stigmatic papillae. Compatible pollen hydrated within 2 hrs. of pollination, and started to germinate after 4 hrs. Penetration of the stigma was intracellular in some cases. Although compatible pollen also hydrated within 2 hrs., many grains never germinated. When germination did occur, pollen tube emergence was delayed until at least 8 hrs. Incompatible pollen tubes were distorted and did not penetrate the stigmatic surface.
INDUCED MICRONUTRIENT TOXICITY IN KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
Authors: Jackson Marcus B. , Lee Chiwon W.
Published: April 2024

Growth responses of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) `Touch Down' to elevated levels of micronutrients were investigated. Plants established in peat-lite mix in 10-cm pots were constantly fed with fertilizer solutions containing 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 mM of boron (B), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), or zinc (Zn) for 7 weeks. The control solution had (in μM): 20 B, 0.5 Cu, 40 Fe, 10 Mn, 0.5 Mo, and 4 Zn. All treatment solutions had a standard macronutrient concentration. Foliar toxicity symptoms developed first in B treatments followed by Mo treatments. The lowest microelement concentrations that showed visual toxicity symptoms were: 0.5 mM B, 12 mM Cl, 1 mM Cu, 2 mM Fe, 0.5 mM Mo, and 1 mM Zn. A reduction in dry matter yield was evident when the nutrient solution contained 2 mM B, 4 mM Cu, 12 mM Fe, 2 mM Mo, or 4 mM Zn. Chloride and Mn did not alter biomass yield in the concentration range tested. Both the chlorophyll-a and -b contents decreased as B levels in the fertilizer solution increased. Chlorophyll contents increased with elevated levels of Fe in the fertilizer solution.
COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS ARE AN IMPORTANT SEGMENT OF THE RETAIL FLORIST MARKET
Authors: Anderson L.J. , Behe B.K. , Deneke C.F. , Sanderson K.C.
Published: April 2024

Businesses purchase products and services like consumers, yet commercial floral purchases are undocumented. The purpose of this study was determine how businesses purchase flowers and the importance of commercial accounts to the retail florist. Two surveys were conducted in 1992; one was directed to retail florists and the other was directed to commercial businesses. The florist-directed survey addressed questions pertaining to general characteristics of the florist and their commercial accounts. The business-directed survey addressed questions pertaining to their firms's floral purchases. An average 31% of 1991 retail florist gross sales was accounted for by commercial accounts. Florists spent an average three hours weekly recruiting commercial accounts. Fifty seven percent of commercial purchases were fresh flowers. Commercial purchases of flowers are an important segment of the retail florist market.
DECISION CASES ENRICH LEARNING FOR STUDENTS AND GROWERS
Authors: Hoover Emily , Foulk Doug , Stanford Melvin
Published: April 2024

Decision cases have been used as an instructional tool in business education and are now being written for agricultural disciplines. Students are placed as the decision maker to solve managerial problems without having to experience the situation first-hand. In the assignment, the decision maker has to distinguish germane from unimportant facts, identify alternatives among several issues, and formulate strategies and solutions either individually or as a group. Decision cases allow students to become actively engaged in the analysis of the facts and details of the case, the selection of a strategy, and the refinement and justification of the chosen strategy. A sample case will be presented where an orchard manager must decide on a pest management strategy for an apple orchard. This case will be used to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the case approach.
WINTER COVER CROPS INFLUENCE YIELDS, NEMATODES, AND SOIL-BORNE PATHOGENS IN SUSTAINABLE CANTALOUPE PRODUCTION
Authors: Brunson Kathryn E. , Phatak Sharad C. , Danny Gay J. , Sumner Donald R.
Published: April 2024

Winter cover crops were evaluated to determine their influence on yield, nematodes, and soil-borne pathogens in sustainable cantaloupe production during a two year period. Six cover-cropping regimes, including a weedy fallow control, were tested in a replicated trial. Pesticide and commercial fertilizer inputs were significantly reduced in the cover crop treatments. No insecticides were needed throughout the study due to high populations of beneficial insects. Fertilizer inputs were only one-fourth the recommended rate used for conventional cantaloupe production. Populations of southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and soil-borne pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp. were significantly higher in crimson clover and subterranean clover cover crops, yet yields were greater following crimson clover. Lowest yields and highest number of worm-damaged fruit occurred in the weedy control.
SEEDLESSNESS IN GRAPES: A MODEL FOR ITS INHERITANCE
Authors: Ledbetter Craig A. , Burgos Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

F1 populations of Vitis vinifera L. obtained from seeded by seedless crosses were studied to establish a model for the inheritance of the seedless triat. Two distinct types of stenospermic parents were used. Males were either obtained from seeded by seedless progenies, or obtained though in ovulo embryo cultures of seedless by seedless hybridizations. Based on the segregation ratios of progeny populations, which did not fit expected ratios for hypotheses previously proposed, an inheritance model for the stenospermic trait is proposed consisting of three dominant complementary factors. Three independently inherited genes are necessary to produce a seedless phenotype. A homozygous recessive condition at any of the three loci would produce a seeded phenotype. A high percentage of seedless progeny (36%-78%) was obtained when the male parents were selected from seedless by seedless progenies, which suggests that these males are homozygous for one or more dominant seedless alleles.
PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED PEACH ROOTSTOCKS ON A SEVERE PEACH TREE SHORT LIFE SITE
Authors: Reighard Gregory L. , Newall William C. , Okie William R. , Beckman Thomas G.
Published: April 2024

Two peach cultivars were budded in 1988 to seedlings from 10 open-pollinated peach and plum lines selected from a 7-year-old peach tree short life (PTSL) field test. Lovell and Nemaguard seedling rootstocks were also budded as controls. The trees were planted in 1989 on a non-fumigated PTSL site near Columbia. South Carolina. Highly significant differences in bloom date, trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), suckering, bacterial canker infection, and PTSL death were found among the rootstock/scion combinations after four years. Bloom dates when compared to trees on Lovell were advanced by 1-6 days with trees on Blue Goose and BY7446 plums blooming the earliest. Scion TCSA on BY520-8 and BY520-9 peach rootstocks was significantly greater than on Lovell. The plum rootstocks BY7446, Blue Goose, and Edible Sloe had the smallest TCSA. Nemaguard, BY7446, and Edible Sloe had significantly more suckers per tree than Lovell. BY520-9 and Edible Sloe trees had significantly less bacterial canker infection than Lovell. BY520-9, BY7446, and Edible Sloe had the lowest PTSL mortality, and thus hold the most promise as potential rootstocks to replace Lovell on PTSL sites.
EVALUATION OF VIGNA UNGUICULATA GERMPLASM FOR INSECT RESISTANCE
Authors: Chambliss Oyette L. , Hunter A. Gene
Published: April 2024

Germplasm accessions and advanced lines were evaluated for resistance to cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus, southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula, and leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus phyllopus, in a field planting in southeastern Alabama. A total of 300 entries were chosen based on reported resistance to these and other insects and diseases. Among six check lines with known curculio resistance, our best line, AU85-CCR-20, ranked in the top 1%, `Freezegreen' ranked in the top 8%, and four of the six lines ranked in the top 17% of lines with no more than 2.0, 3.8, 5.5 larval exit holes/25 pods, respectively. Entries with less exit holes than AU85-CCR-20 were UCR191, PI 170859, and PI 218122 with 1.0, 1.0, and 1.3 holes, respectively. Eight lines with pod resistance to cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, (92.3 to 99.9% larval mortality) were evaluated for curculio resistance, and four ranked in the top 32% with 7.0 or less exit holes/25 pods. Among curculio resistant lines, PI's 142779, 175959, 293468 and UCR168 had 10% or less of their pods destroyed by pod bugs.
INHERITANCE OF THE GREEN COTYLEDON TRAIT IN SOUTHERNPEA [VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.]
Authors: Fery R. L. , Dukes P. D.
Published: April 2024

The recently released cream-type southernpea cultivar Bettergreen exhibits a unique green cotyledon trait that allows harvest at the near-dry seed stage of maturity without loss of the seed's fresh green color. Progeny tests of plants from the parental, F1, F2, and backcross populations of the crosses `Bettergreen' × `Carolina Cream' and `Bettergreen' × `Kiawah' indicate that the green cotyledon trait is conditioned by a single recessive gene. The results of an allelism test indicate that this recessive gene is not allelic to the gt gene that conditions the green testa trait in the cream-type cultivar Freezegreen. We propose that the new gene be designated green cotyledon and symbolised gc. Seeds containing embryos homozygous for the green cotyledon gene are easily identified. This ability to select in the seed stage should greatly facilitate efforts to backcross the green cotyledon gene into cream-, pinkeye-, and blackeye-type cultivars.
MULTIPLE-DISEASE-RESISTANT LONG GREEN/RED CHILE.
Authors: villalon B.
Published: April 2024

Long green/red peppers (chile), one of about 20 different domesticated Capsicum annuum L. types, has for many years been associated with the green fresh market, processing and dehydrated red chile Industry in the southwest. Increased demand for green chile and for high red color chile powder, high vitamin C, and low caloric pepper product has stimulated production in Texas and other areas throughout the world. All known commercial long green/red chile are susceptible to viral, fungal and bacterial diseases. These pathogens are limiting factors in most pepper production areas throughout the world. The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at Weslaco has developed several hundred mildly pungent, high red color inbred lines with resistance to tobacco etch virus, pepper mottle virus, potato virus Y, tobacco mosaic virus, tobacco ringspot virus, cucumber mosaic virus and Phytophthora capsici. Disease resistant lines of mildly pungent long fruited, medium thick wall chile are being advanced to cultivar status.
EVALUATION OF RESISTANCE TO ANTHRACNOSE IN CAPSICUM ANNUUM
Authors: Liu Jian Hua , Liu Y. , Yang Y. H.
Published: April 2024

Pepper seedlings in 4- or 5-leaf stage were inoculated by spraying the mixture of spore suspension (approximate 1X106 spores/ml) of both Colletotrichum coccodes and C. capsici. They were then kept wet and incubated in greenhouse under 27-28C. Every plant was respectively examined and recorded for symptoms on leaves and stem on the 7th and 14th day after inoculation. Various varieties of pepper were finally compared in their disease indexes. 1,015 varieties of pepper were evaluated for their resistance to anthracnose. The results showed that 91 varieties (8.96%) were resistant, 174 (17.14%) tolerant, 582 (57.33%) susceptible and 168 (16.55%) highly susceptible. Some resistant varieties showed relative resistance to TMV and CMV as well.
MODIFICATION OF MECHANICAL STRESS EFFECTS ON ELONGATION OF DARK-GROWN SOYBEAN BY Ca2+ AND K+
Authors: Myers Patricia N. , Mitchell Cary A.
Published: April 2024

A single episode of thigmic (contact rubbing) stress applied to the apical hook of a dark-grown soybean hypocotyl results in a two-phase response: an initial rapid (s) cessation of elongation followed by a long (h) recovery. Increased Ca2+ in the growth matrix from 1 to 5 mM increased the average pre-stress elongation rate from 22 μm min-1 to 40 μm min-1 further increases in Ca2+ did not further enhance elongation rate, There was no effect of nutritional status on the initial rapid response to a single episode of thigmic stress; all seedlings stopped elongating within seconds regardless of nutrient status. However, seedlings cultured with higher levels of Ca2+ recovered their pre-stress rate more quickly. Correlation of enhanced recovery with enhanced root development was observed for seedlings grown in 5 mM Ca2+. Inclusion of 1.5, or 10 mM K+ in the growth matrix further reduced recovery time from ≥6 h to ≤3h. K+ effects may be due to the ability of seedlings to adjust osmotically. It previously has been shown that seedlings have significantly less K+ in their elongation zone following stress, and the osmotic potential of the expressed sap is lower than that of controls. Physiological and biophysical changes that occur in response to mechanical perturbations have potential for modification by nutritional status.

This project was supported in part by NASA grant NAG10-0093.
SWEETPOTATO CANOPY GEOMETRY
Authors: McLaurin Wayne J. , Kays Stanley J.
Published: April 2024

The sweetpotato, unlike most vegetable crops, exhibits a vining growth habit where vertical development is sacrificed for rapid radial expansion. Considerable genetic diversity is present in vine length within the sweetpotato genepool. To test the relationship between the degree of vining (land area covered during the growing season) and yield, 5 vine length types (dwarf, bunch, normal, long and very long) were grafted on the same root stock (`Jewel'). At harvest, canopy diameter and area, root fwt and number, total vine length, and number of vines, leaves, missing leaves, nodes and flowers were determined as well as root, vine, leaf, petiole and flower dwt. Individual parameters were related to storage root development and harvest index. Total vine length ranged from 5.0m to 73.8m/plant, while vine number varied from 12.6 to 117.8 vines/plant. The total number of leaves/plant varied from 595 to 2680 while the percent leaf loss ranged from 17 to 38%. Root yield (fwt) was lowest for the dwarf vine type (593 g/plant) alnd highest for the longest vine type (2716 g/plant).
INFLUENCE OF EVAPORATIVE COOLING AND HYDROGEN CYANAMIDE ON BUDBREAK, YIELD AND FRUIT MATURATION RATE OF PERLETTE GRAPEVINES
Authors: Neja R. , Dokoozlian N. , Williams L. , Walker E.
Published: April 2024

A 3 × 2 factorial experiment was initiated in the fall of 1990 to study the interaction between evaporative cooling and hydrogen cyanamide on the budbreak, yield, and fruit maturation rate of Perlette grapevines grown in the Coachella Valley of California. Main plots consisted of evaporative cooling treatments [water applied continuously via overhead sprinklers for 0, 10, or 24 hours per day], and split plots consisted of hydrogen cyanamide applications [0 or 2% (v/v)]. Hydrogen cyanamide was more effective for the advancement of budbreak and fruit maturation than evaporative cooling in both 1991 and 1992. No additional advancement of budbreak and fruit maturation was observed when evaporative cooling and hydrogen cyanamide were combined compared to when hydrogen cyanamide was applied alone. Packable, unpackable, and cull yield per vine did not differ significantly among the treatments in 1991, while both evaporative cooling and hydrogen cyanamide reduced cluster number per vine and fruit yield in 1992.
EFFECT OF CLOPYRALID HERBICIDE ON YIELD AND FRUIT SHAPE OF `EARLIGLOW' AND `ALL STAR' STRAWBERRIES
Authors: Funt Richard C.
Published: April 2024

Clopyralid (Stinger) herbicide was applied at two different times and at two different rates to two June-bearing cultivars of strawberries in 1990 and 1991. The effect of clopyralid on yield, berry size and shape was recorded. The effect of clopyralid plus 2, 4-D at renovation was observed for two seasons as well. The results of this herbicide alone and in combination with other herbicides will also be discussed.
“COMPUTER-AIDED” LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURE
Authors: Fischer Brian , Zajicek Jayne M.
Published: April 2024

In designing a functional landscape, designers use visual aids to relay information and communicate with the client. Landscape horticulturists are now experiencing an age that is characterized by “computer aided”. This includes plant selection, design, image processing, and presentation. As competition becomes more and more fierce in the landscape field, the firms with the best presentations will win the most clients. Techniques for assembling a professional design project with the aid of both Macintosh® and IBM® computers will be presented. This will include landscape design with MacDraft® plant selection with PlantStax™, and perspective visualization with the New Image Design System®.
EFFECTS OF SURFACE DISINFECTANTS ON MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION AND ENZYME ACTIVITY IN INCUBATING WHEAT HALF-SEEDS
Authors: Slaymaker David H.
Published: April 2024

The effects of three disinfectants were compared in controlling microbial contamination of incubated, de-embryonated wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum cv. `Karl') and in their effects on the activity of two enzymes. Half-seeds were treated with mercuric chloride (0.02%), hydrogen peroxide (3.0%) and sodium hypochlorite (0.8%) for 10 min, rinsed with sterile, distilled water and incubated with 10-5 M GA at 26°C for 48 hr. Amylase and o-diphenolase activities were determined from half-seed extracts and the residual incubation media (RIM). Colony counts were made using an aliquot of the RIM. HgCl2 was most effective in controlling microbial contamination with NaOCl doing slightly better than H2O2. The effects of surface disinfectants on half-seed enzyme activity and the significance of microbial enzyme activity will be discussed.