bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable quintet ultra-narrowband plasmonic filter based on metamaterial absorber
Authors: Cuhadar Sare Nur , Durmaz Habibe
Published: August 2022

In this article, a metamaterial multi-band perfect absorber with a Pi-inverted-Pi resonator is designed and investigated. It is observed that the metasurface with a typical metal-insulator-metal structure showed nearly perfect absorption in almost five narrow bands with the lowest 93.6% and the highest 99.7% absorption level, according to the full-wave simulation results. The tunability of the Pi-inverted-Pi resonator has been examined based on the geometrical parameters. The origin of the five resonance bands has been analyzed based on the electric field and charge distributions occurring at the metal-dielectric interface. These resonance peaks are located at 1817.52 nm, 1968.38 nm, 2721.31 nm, 3765.6 nm, 5740.63 nm wavelengths. The polarization dependence of the structure is investigated under TE and TM light, and our findings reveal that the Pi-inverted-Pi structure is partially polarization-dependent, which is a beneficial property for optical filtering. Compared to similar multi-band absorbers in the literature to the best of our knowledge, our proposed system offers a narrow band with high Q-factors of 118.7, 53, 32, 33, and 32 at each resonance wavelength. Therefore, our proposed design can be used in optical filters, Raman spectroscopy, bio-sensing, and many other applications, especially for the mid-infrared region's spectroscopic sensing and filtering applications.
Comparison of Different Insulation Materials with Thermal Conductivity Coefficients Based on Density and Temperature for Two Climate Zones
Authors: KAN Mehmet
Published: August 2022

The selection of the insulation material and the determination of the optimum insulation thickness are very important in terms of energy saving and providing thermal comfort conditions. There are many studies in the literature to determine the optimum insulation thickness. In these studies, the thermal conductivity coefficient (k) of the insulation material is taken directly from the standardized tables and the optimum insulation thickness calculation is made. In real applications, the k value of the insulation material varies depending on the production conditions, density and temperature. For this reason, the density of the insulation material and the operating temperature should be taken into account in determining the optimum insulation thickness. In this study, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extrude Polystyrene (XPS), glass wool and rock wool with different densities were used as insulation materials, coal and natural gas were used as fuel. A comparison was made for the provinces of Konya and Sivas, which are in the 3rd and 4th climate zones in Turkey, using the degree-day method depending on energy costs, and the insulation thicknesses were determined as a function of density and temperature. As a result of the calculations for the k, value of the insulating material for the province of Konya, which is in the 3rd climate zone, the optimum insulation thickness was established as 0,076 m for EPS with a density of 30 kg/m3, 0,037 m for XPS with a density of 30 kg/m3, 0,082 m for glass wool with a density of 100 kg/m3, 0,051 m for rock wool with a density of 150 kg/m3. Likewise, when coal is used as fuel, the optimum insulation thicknesses for EPS, XPS, glass wool and rock wool are 0,092, 0,061, 0,104, 0,078 respectively. As a result of the calculations for the k, value of the insulating material for the province of Sivas, which is in the 4th climate zone, the optimum insulation thickness was established as 0,086 m for EPS with a density of 30 kg/m3, 0,044 m for XPS with a density of 30 kg/m3, 0,092 m for glass wool with a density of 100 kg/m3, 0,058 m for rock wool with a density of 150 kg/m3. Likewise, when coal is used as fuel, the optimum insulation thicknesses for EPS, XPS, glass wool and rock wool are 0,098, 0,069, 0,106, 0,081 respectively. When the insulation materials are compared, although the unit price of XPS material is higher, its optimum thickness is lower than other insulation materials for all situations due to its low thermal conductivity.
Activation of primary hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis induced by targeting TGF-β1/Smads signaling in Schistosomiasis of mice
Authors: Huang Ping , Ma Huihui , Cao Yun , Zhan Tingzheng , Zhang Tingting , Wang Xinyi , Zhang Yanan , Xu Jing , Xia Chaoming
Published: August 2022

Background: In mice, liver fibrosis is the most serious pathologic change during Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection. Schistosomiasis is mainly characterized by schistosome egg-induced granulomatous fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are mainly responsible for the net accumulation of collagens and fibrosis formation in the liver. Activated HSCs regulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling have emerged as the critical regulatory pathway in hepatitis virus or carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. However, the detailed mechanism of HSCs activation in schistosome-induced liver fibrosis remains not well-elucidated. Methods: S. japonicum-induced murine models and control group were generated by abdominal infecting with 15 (±1) cercariae. The purity of cultured primary HSCs was evaluated by immunocytochemistry. The histopathological changes of the liver in infected mice were estimated by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining. Dynamic expression of pro-fibrotic molecules and microRNAs were detected by quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Mainly members involved in TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway were examined via RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results: The egg-induced granulomatous inflammation formed at 4 weeks post-infection (wpi) and kept a progressive development. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 showed a significant increase in mRNA and protein expression compared with the control group at 7 weeks and 9 wpi, while observed an opposite effect on Smad7. In addition, the mRNA expression of microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) was significantly increased at 7 wpi, and the mRNA expression of miRNA-454 was decreased starting from 4 wpi.Conclusion: Our present findings uncovered that HSCs regulated by TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway play an important role in liver fibrosis of S. japonicum-infected mice, which may provide proof-of-concept for liver fibrosis in Schistosomiasis.
Evaluation of an open forecasting challenge to assess skill of West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease prediction
Authors: Holcomb Karen M , Mathis Sarabeth , Staples J Erin , Fischer Marc , Barker Christopher M , Beard Charles B , Nett Randall J , Keyel Alexander C , Marcantonio Matteo , Childs Marissa L , Gorris Morgan E , Rochlin Ilia , Hamins-Puértolas Marco , Ray Evan L , Uelmen Johnny A , DeFelice Nicholas , Freedman Andrew S , Hollingsworth Brandon D , Das Praachi , Osthus Dave , Humphreys John M , Nova Nicole , Mordecai Erin A , Cohnstaedt Lee W , Kirk Devin , Kramer Laura D , Harris Mallory J , Kain Morgan P , Reed Emily MX , Johansson Michael A
Published: August 2022

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States. WNV occurrence has high spatiotemporal variation and current approaches for targeted control of the virus are limited, making forecasting a public health priority. However, little research has been done to compare strengths and weaknesses of WNV disease forecasting approaches on the national scale. We used forecasts submitted to the 2020 WNV Forecasting Challenge, an open challenge organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to assess the status of WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND) prediction and identify avenues for improvement.Methods: We performed a multi-model comparative assessment of probabilistic forecasts submitted by 15 teams for annual WNND cases in US counties for 2020, and assessed forecast accuracy, calibration, and discriminatory power. In the evaluation, we included forecasts produced by comparison models of varying complexity as benchmarks of forecast performance. We also used regression analysis to identify modeling approaches and contextual factors that were associated with forecast skill.Results: Simple models based on historical WNND cases generally scored better than more complex models and combined higher discriminatory power with better calibration of uncertainty. Forecast skill improved across updated forecast submissions submitted during the 2020 season. Among models using additional data, inclusion of climate or human demographic data was associated with higher skill, while inclusion of mosquito or land use data was associated with lower skill. We also identified population size, extreme minimum winter temperature, and interannual variation in WNND cases as county-level characteristics associated with variation in forecast skill. Conclusions: Historical WNND cases were strong predictors of future cases with minimal increase in skill achieved by models that included other factors. Although opportunities might exist to specifically improve predictions for areas with large populations and low or high winter temperatures, areas with high case-count variability are intrinsically more difficult to predict. Also, the prediction of outbreaks, which are outliers relative to typical case numbers, remains difficult. Further improvements to prediction could be obtained with improved calibration of forecast uncertainty and access to real-time data streams (e.g., current weather and preliminary human cases).
The Effects of Check Dams on the Amount and Pattern of Flood using Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Amini Ata , Ahmed Kaywan Othman , Parvizi Yahya
Published: August 2022

In this study, field measurement, spatial information, and HEC-RAS modeling were used to determine changes in the amount and pattern of flow in a waterway due to the construction of check dams. The location map of the structures and their upstream area was prepared in the GIS environment. The flow rate with different return periods was calculated from empirical methods. To simulate the changes in the flow pattern, the HEC-RAS model was calibrated. Flows and corresponding water levels were measured and data at 70% and 30% ratios were used for calibration and validation, respectively. The accuracy of the hydrological model in predicting water elevation was assessed using statistical indicators. The effect of check dams on the flow pattern and time in different discharges was quantitatively calculated and compared with the conditions before construction. The simulation results by HEC-RAS model showed a high correlation between observed and calculated values of flow and water level in the waterway (R2 = 0.96 and RMSE = 0.029). In most structures, the flow velocity increased after passing the structures. In a 2-yr flood, the flow time increased by 82.8 minutes due to the check dams. This time is lower in floods with higher return periods.
Entanglement generation for non-local photonic Qubits using quantum dot within the optical micro-cavity
Authors: sharma amit kumar , Sharma Ritu , Sharma Shishir Kumar
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the analytical inquisition of photonic entanglement generation circuit (PEGC) for non local Qubits designed using quantum dot within the optical micro-cavity, considering practical environment. It is established that the concurrence of the PEGC is considerably contingent on the interplay between spin of quantum dot and photon within the optical micro-cavity. The maximum concurrence obtained is 61.24 at \(g/k=.3\) and \({k}_{s}/k=0.1\) and 90.11 at \(g/k=4\) and \({k}_{s}/k=0.1\) with and without noisy environment, respectively. Different quantum cryptography-based protocols may be implemented using reported work.
Knowledge of and Practices Around Zoonotic Diseases Amongst Actors in the Livestock Trade in the Lake Victoria Crescent Ecosystem in East Africa
Authors: Majiwa Hamilton , Bukachi Salome A. , Omia Dalmas , Fèvre Eric M.
Published: August 2022

Background:
Zoonotic diseases pose a direct threat to health and undercut livelihoods in the communities in which they occur. A combination of anthropogenic, animal and ecosystem activities drives the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases. Consequently, One health approaches are necessary to alleviate disease impacts. Livestock traders interact closely with livestock, which puts them at high risk of infection and creates conditions by which they may spread zoonotic. It is thus essential to examine practices among actors involved in the livestock trade to understand how well to mitigate these risks.
Methods:
A qualitative study was conducted among the actors in the livestock trade in Busia County on their knowledge, attitudes and practices that may contribute to the spread, control and prevention of zoonotic disease transmission. A thematic analysis framework was used to categorize and synthesize data from in-depth interviews (IDIs) and the key informant interviews ( KIIs).
Results:
Whereas participants could list livestock diseases, they could not identify them as zoonotic demonstrating insufficient knowledge of zoonosis. They identify sick animals by checking for dropped ears, mass mucus production; diarrhea; bloody urinal discharge; and general animal activity levels. To prevent the spread of these diseases, they wash their animals, isolate sick animals from the rest of the stock; vaccinate their animals. They seek help from animal health professionals for the sick animals as curative practices. The practices of skinning dead animals before burying them and the consumption of dead carcasses increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
Conclusions:
Livestock actors are critical in the prevention and elimination of zoonotic diseases, hence they need to be involved when developing intervention programs and policies for the animal health extension services. Training them as a continuum of animal health workers blends lay and professional knowledge, which alongside their intense contact with large numbers of animals becomes a critical disease surveillance tool. Increasing awareness on zoonoses by using multi-disciplinary teams with social scientists so that the risky but deeply rooted traditional practices can be minimized is needed urgently.
Estimation of the Mean Trace Length of Discontinuities in an Underground Drift using Laser Scanning Point Cloud Data
Authors: Yang Chengye , Li Jielin , Zhou Keping , Lin Yun
Published: August 2022

In the drift of underground metal mines, the extraction of rock mass discontinuity characteristics from point cloud models generated by laser scanning has become the main approach. However, the exposure of discontinuities is restricted in the drift, and the size of discontinuities cannot be measured directly. Therefore, it is necessary to use a reasonable sampling tool to estimate the mean trace length of discontinuities that are mapped in the point cloud model. In this paper, a method to estimate the mean trace length of discontinuities in three-dimensional (3D) models of drift (3DM) is proposed. Through the point cloud data of drift obtained by 3D laser scanning, the information of discontinuities in the surrounding rock is extracted, and then the mean trace length is estimated by using 3DEC to set sampling windows on the roof and sidewall of the 3DM. By analyzing the difference between the circular sampling window and the rectangular sampling window using simulated cases, the estimation results show that the mean trace length obtained by circular measuring windows in 3DM is closer to the true trace length. Finally, the method is used on a practical engineering case in Jianshan Iron Mine, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China.
A Global Analysis of the Effectiveness of Policy Responses to COVID-19
Authors: Agyapon-Ntra Kwadwo , McSharry Patrick
Published: August 2022

It took one year of collaborative efforts to develop vaccines for the SARS-Cov-2 virus at the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, governments implemented many mitigation policies in an effort to curb the spread of the virus with varying results. In this paper, using country-level daily time series from Our World in Data, we undertake a global analysis of the propagation of the virus, policy responses to the pandemic, human mobility patterns, and inferred compliance levels. Publicly available datasets provide an opportunity to study how the virus, rules, and vaccines influenced human behaviour, highlighting the effects of high death counts and mortality ratios on people’s willingness to comply with policies and demonstrating evidence of long-term fatigue. Compliance was quantified as the correlation between the stringency of government policies and willingness to stay at home. Compliance dropped from over 85% in the first half of 2020 to less than 40% at the start of 2021, driven by various factors including economic necessity and optimism coinciding with the rollout of vaccines. A variety of policies were implemented worldwide in response to COVID-19 ranging from facial coverings to restrictions on mobility and these are compared using an empirical assessment of their impact on the growth rate of case numbers. Our analysis makes a strong case for masks as the most cost-effective non-pharmaceutical intervention currently available. Specifically, masks were strongly correlated with declining cases, four times more impactful than school closures, and approximately double that of other mobility restrictions (workplace closures, cancellation of public events, and stay-at-home requirements). Gathering restrictions were the second most effective, delivering declines over two weeks versus the one-month timescale for masks. International Travel Controls and Public Information Campaigns had negligible effects. We also assess how socioeconomic factors explain compliance with “lockdown-style” policies and establish that literacy rates and income support played key roles in maintaining compliance and enabling citizens to cope during the pandemic. A 10% increase in a country’s literacy rate was associated with a 3.2% increase in compliance, while income support of greater than half of previous earnings was found to deliver up to 4.76% more compliance.
Laparoscopic bile duct exploration during pregnancy: a multi-centre case series and literature review
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Víctor , Navaratne Lalin , Ferreras David , Gil Pedro Jose , Bansal Virinder K , Mattila Anne , Parra-Membrives Pablo , Marco Tania Gaspar , Ruiz Juan Jose , Nassar Ahmad H M , Sánchez-Bueno Francisco , Robles-Campos Ricardo , Martinez-Isla Alberto
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe physiological changes of pregnancy increase the risk of gallstone formation and choledocholithiasis. Traditionally, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the main approach for managing choledocholithiasis during pregnancy, but recent progress in laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) has demonstrated this technique as a safe and effective alternative option.MethodsA retrospective multicenter study of all patients who underwent LBDE during pregnancy from five centers with proven experience in LBDE between January 2010 and June 2020 was performed. The primary endpoint was to analyze the role of LBDE during pregnancy and to further characterize its position as a safe and effective alternative for the management of choledocholithiasis. A systematic review of the published literature relating to LBDE during pregnancy until February 2022 was also performed.ResultsFive from 17 centers, with a total of 3950 LBDEs reported performing LBDE during pregnancy with a cumulative experience of eight patients (0.2%). Median surgical time was 75 minutes (range: 60-140 minutes). The bile duct was cleared successfully in all patients and the median hospital stay was 2 days (range: 1-3 days). The literature review identified a total of seven patients with a successful CBD clearance rate of 86%. There were no major maternal, fetal or pregnancy-related complications in any of the total 15 patients included.ConclusionThe limited available data suggests that LBDE during pregnancy is a safe and effective. More evidence reporting outcomes of LBDE during pregnancy is needed before any strong recommendations can be made.
Identification and Experimental Verification of a Cuproptosis-Associated Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tu Hengjia , Zhang Qingling , Wen Junjie , Bao Junrong , Zhang Xintian
Published: August 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous disease, which makes the prognostic prediction challenging. Cuproptosis, a recently discovered mode of regulated cell death (RCD), may be associated with the development of multiple diseases. However, the prognostic value of cuproptosis-related genes in NSCLC remains uncertain. In this study, we obtained the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of NSCLC patients online and made some analysis. Our results showed that 16 cuproptosis-related genes were differentially expressed between NSCLC and normal tissues. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in cellular energy metabolism-related pathways. According to the survival analysis of these 16 genes, the up-regulation of 13 genes predicted a poor overall survival (OS) rate in patients with NSCLC. Then, A 13-genes signature model was built to distinguish the patients into two risk groups. Patients in the high-risk group showed significantly a poor OS rate compared with patients in the low-risk group (P < 0.001 in the TCGA cohort). The tumor grade, tumor stage, and tumor vascular invasion also differ in two groups (P < 0.01 in the TCGA cohort). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis proved the model's predictive capacity. The same model was used in the ICGC cohort and similar results were confirmed. Finally, we verified the differential expression of several genes in our model between NSCLC and normal tissues. By detecting intracellular Cu2+ levels before and after gene knockdown, we found that four genes may affect the progression of NSCLC by regulating cuproptosis. In conclusion, a novel cuproptosis-related gene signature can predict the prognostic of NSCLC. Targeting cuproptosis may be a therapeutic approach for NSCLC.
Evidence for possible systematic underestimation of uncertainties in extragalactic distances and its cosmological implications
Authors: Singh Ritesh
Published: August 2022

We analyze 91,742 reported extragalactic distance moduli and their one sigma uncertainties for 14,560 galaxies with multiple reported distances in the NED Redshift-Independent Distances database. For every ordered pair of distance moduli measurements 1 and 2 for each galaxy, we define Δ(σ)[1, 2], a measure for how different measurement 2 is in relation to measurement 1, as a multiple of the reported one sigma uncertainty in measurement 1. For a given set of distance moduli measurements, we take a mean of all such Δ(σ)[1, 2] to determine the average separation between distance moduli of any galaxy in the set as a multiple of the reported uncertainty. For normally distributed measurements, the expected value of mean Δ(σ) is 0.79. Our results are as follows. The mean Δ(σ) of 1,239,062 ordered pairs of extragalactic distance moduli for 14,560 galaxies is 2.07 corresponding to a p-value of 3.85%. This indicates a possible systematic underestimation of uncertainties in extragalactic distances. We also find that the mean reported one sigma uncertainty decreased and the mean Δ(σ) increased from 2004 to 2018. This points to increased underestimation of uncertainties with time. For the latest period from 2014 to 2018 with 14,580 reported extragalactic distance moduli for 5,406 galaxies, the mean Δ(σ) of 40,462 ordered pairs is 3.00 corresponding to a p-value of 0.27%. For 14,888 extragalactic distance moduli of 2,518 galaxies measured using Type Ia Supernovae, the mean Δ(σ) for 124,016 ordered pairs is 2.85 corresponding to a p-value of 0.44%. These results may have some implications for our confidence in cosmological parameters and models. We conclude that more liberal estimation of uncertainties in future reported extragalactic distances should be considered. The results also give a possible way out of the Hubble-Lemaitre tension by advocating for increasing the error bars on Hubble-Lemaitre constant measured via distance ladders of standard candles and rulers.
Tomato Transplant Research Workshop Held in Georgia
Authors: Jaworski C. A. , McCarter S. M. , Webb R. E.
Published: August 2022

The Fourth Annual Tomato Transplant Research Workshop was held at the Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Georgia, on December 1, 1966. The 52 participants came from 11 states and the District of Columbia, and represented various areas of research, production (canning industry and transplant growers), extension, regulatory, and administration. The research participants included horticulturists, plant physiologists, geneticists, plant pathologists, nematologists, soil scientists, and agricultural engineers. The main topics discussed during the workshop were disease and nematode control, and management practices needed to facilitate mechanization of the transplant harvest.
Why Store Genetic Stocks?
Authors: James Edwin
Published: August 2022

One of the functions of the National Seed Storage Laboratory is the preservation of genetic stocks. The 52,000 accessions now in storage include only 932 lots of seed which fall into this category. These are: 310 barley lines, 112 tomato mutants, 110 red pericarp lines of corn, and 400 radiation-induced mutants of oats. In the near future we should receive for storage 150 translocation stocks of barley. These total only a small fraction of such materials held at various locations throughout the country.
The Relation of Fruit Retention Force to the Mechanical Harvesting Efficiency of Montmorency Cherries1
Authors: Cain John C.
Published: August 2022

In the mechanical harvesting of sour cherries suitable attention has been given to the rate of harvest (1,2,8), the relative cost (8) and to varying mechanical (4,5,6,8) and to cultural (2,3,7) aspects related to the physical condition of the harvested fruit. Another factor in the mechanical harvesting efficiency which is of considerable importance to the grower is the percentage of the crop borne by the tree that is removed in the harvesting process. Claypool (3) has indicated that for many species of fruit, current mechanical harvesting techniques may remove fruit within 5% of that achieved by hand-picking. Cain (1) has shown variations from 70 to 96% of crop removal for sour cherries depending on the stage of maturity and the level of nitrogen fertility. The latter figure is comparable to average hand-picking. Since the fruit left on the tree after shaking are a total loss (8) and represent a proportionate share of the total cost of production up to harvest time, the achievement of maximum crop removal is of importance in any harvesting operation.
Controlling Peach Yellows in a Peach Breeding Program
Authors: Oberle G. D. , Wingard S. A.
Published: August 2022

Peach yellows, a virus disease of peaches, was recognized as an abnormal condition in this fruit soon after the beginning of peach culture in Massachusetts in 1960 or so, according to Cochran and Reeves (2).
Burrowing Nematodes May Survive on Variants of ‘Milam’ Lemon
Authors: Ford H. W. , Hutchins P. C.
Published: August 2022

‘Milam’ is a lemon-type citrus rootstock of unknown parentage considered resistant to the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne. R. similis causes a serious disease of citrus in Florida called spreading decline. ‘Milam’ was found in 1954 as the noninfected rootstock of a ‘Parson Brown’ orange tree in a burrowing nematode infested grove. In greenhouse tests of 9 months duration, ‘Milam’ consistently eliminated burrowing nematode populations from containers of infested soil by preventing the development of nematode eggs in the root cortex (3). After eight years in a rootstock trial planted in an infested site, no burowing nematodes were found in feeder roots of ‘Milam’ although nematodes were present in roots of adjacent rough lemon and sweet orange rootstocks (2). ‘Milam’ has also been tested as a biological barrier for four years in a soil tank 25 feet in length. Burrowing nematodes multiplied in one end of the tank have not migrated beyond the first ‘Milam’—a distance of two feet. Burrowing nematodes migrated 12 feet per year in a similar soil tank when susceptible rootstocks were used (1).
Preventing Fruit Formation on Landscape Trees1
Authors: Lumis Glen P. , Davidson Harold
Published: August 2022

Preventing fruit formation may be desirable for several reasons: they may retard tree growth and development, present unpleasant odors, make mowing and maintenance difficult, clog drains, attract undesirable birds and insects, stain cars and patios, or be aesthetically unattractive.
Frozen Storage of Watermelon Tissue1
Authors: Woolsey Mary E. , Tinklin Gwendolyn L. , Hall Charles V.
Published: August 2022

Watermelon tissue was frozen in an effort to obtain an edible and acceptable product when defrosted. Crimson Sweet, Charleston Gray and Shipper varieties, field grown in the area of Manhattan, Kansas, were harvested and held at 2°C for one to three days before being processed for freezing. A completely randomized block design, with eight replications, was used to process samples and to evaluate data. Balls of Us inch diameter were cut, avoiding seeds as much as possible. Ten balls per polyethylene bag were packaged in a single layer to allow for even defrosting. After freezing 24 hrs, the packages were stored at -1 5 (±5)°C until evaluated. Evaluation occurred prior to freezing and after 10 days, 6 and 12 weeks of frozen storage. Packages were defrosted at 20°C for 90 minutes.
A Spinning Device Used in Measuring the Skin Color of Apples
Authors: Rogers Ewell A.
Published: August 2022

An objective method of measuring the amount of red color in the skin of apples is an advantage over the subjective methods (1). Tristimulus colorimetry is well established as an objective method of measuring color in agricultural products (2,3,4). Attachments used with the Hunter Color and Color Difference Meters in the past for apple skin color measurements were those in which the apples turned at approximately 200 rpm in a stationarv position over the Hunter Meter (1). The meter is adjusted to the rotating apple by moving the Hunter Meter up and down. In Figure I is a device in which the rotating apple is moved up and down for the adjustment instead of the Gardner Color Difference Meter. The attachment consists of two shafts to rotate an apple over the exposure head of the measuring instrument. The right hand shaft operates against a thrust bearing and can be moved to the light to allow the apple to be placed between two rubber suction cups. A pin, through the shaft, holding a spring against the thrust bearing, can be positioned to van7 the pressure which keeps the apple in place. A Sunbeam Master Mixer switch can be adjusted so that the apple turns at approximately 200 rpm. The master mixer and its attachments are moved up and down on a shaft. This shaft is attached to a stand which is separate from the meter stand. The spinning device stand consists of a base plate and veitical pipe. The vertical pipe is so constructed that it can be adjusted for height. Since the distance between the rotating apple and the exposure head is critical, one must be able to adjust the apple so that it just clears the exposure.
Growth Response of Several Rootstocks to Soil Water1
Authors: Carlson R. F.
Published: August 2022

Eleven apple clones and a seedling source of Red Delicious (Malus sylvestris Mill.) were grown in one-gallon containers in the greenhouse to evaluate growth responses to soil water. All clones and seedlings were nongrafted and these are listed in Table 1.
Vegetable Seed Industry and Government Research Cooperation
Authors: Corbett L. W.
Published: August 2022

We in the American Seed Trade Association have a very excellent relationship with our federal and state research people, and of this we are very proud.
The Relation Of Seed Associations To Horticulture
Authors: Harris Joseph
Published: August 2022

I greatly appreciate and welcome the opportunity to develop, with my colleagues, some of the story of the American seed industry. As industries go, we are not a large one, but we feel we are successfully performing an essential function and we enjoy discussing how it works.
Response of ‘Jerseyland’ Peach Trees to Three Consecutive Yearly Herbicide Applications of Simazine and Dalapon Alone and in Combination1
Authors: Lord W. J. , Vlach E. F. , Damon R. A.
Published: August 2022

Response of ‘Jerseyland’ peach trees to 3 consecutive yearly herbicide applications of 2-chloro-4,6 bis (ethylamino)-s-triazine (simazine) and sodium salt of 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (dalapon) alone and in combination was determined. The data included weed control, tree growth, fruit size, yield and leaf N, K, Ca and Mg content. The herbicide combination of dalapon at 4.25 lb ai/acre and simazine at 3.2 lb ai/acre gave the best weed control. The partial reduction in weed population was of no benefit to tree growth, fruit size, yield and nutrition. Simazine did not alter the chemical composition of the leaf or affect growth, fruit size and yield, as compared with either dalapon or the mowed control.
Chemical and Non-Chemical Control of Anjou Scald
Authors: Pierson C. F. , Schomer H. A.
Published: August 2022

Anjou scald, a physiological disease, produces a brown discoloration of the skin of Anjou pears after several months in cold storage. Only small amounts of the disease may be evident when the fruit is removed from the cold, but large amounts may develop within a few days at room temperature. Although the fruit is not seriously damaged by the disease, the discolored skin detracts from its appearence, and reduces its value in the market. Like storage scald of apples, the incidence of this disease can be reduced with oiled paper wraps (8). The use of polyethylene box liners prolongs the storage life of Anjou pears (4), but increases the tendency of the fruit to scald even in oiled wraps. Similarities in the responses of apples and pears to oiled paper suggested that the antioxidants used to control scald of apples might also be useful in the control of Anjou scald.
Anatomical Studies of Ammonium-Induced Stem Lesions in Tomato1
Authors: Barker A. V. , Lachman W. H. , Maynard D. N. , Puritch G. S.
Published: August 2022

Tomato plants develop dark, pitted stem lesions when grown on ammonium nutrition in soil culture with insufficient potassium, (1,4,5). Ammonium utilization by plants requires a higher potassium level than nitrate utilization (10). Furthermore, when ammonium salt solutions are applied to soils, potassium may be fixed in the clay lattices by ammonium ions (2). Hence, the potassium supplying power of the soil is lowered, and plants are unable to obtain enough potassium to meet their needs. In sand culture, stem lesions occur only when potassium salts are excluded from the nutrient solution with ammonium as the sole nitrogen source (1). Lesions do not develop during potassium deficiency with nitrate sources of nitrogen.
A Simplified Method for Measuring the Carbon Dioxide Content of Field Air Samples
Authors: Hopen H. J.
Published: August 2022

The measurement of carbon dioxide under field conditions is difficult by alkali titration (5) and colorimetric methods (2,4). Static absorption by alkali can be utilized for inplace measurements but is dependent on ambient turbulence. The common colorimetric method (2) is temperature dependent and requires a constant temperature for absorption.
Undesirable Features of Accreditation and Standards for Horticulture
Authors: Batcheller O. A.
Published: August 2022

My inquiries into accreditation for horticulture indicate that there is no unanimity of thought regarding the matter. Horticultural departments are beset with problems that need solving. Accreditation and standards have been suggested as a solution. We must know 1) exactly what we want to do by accreditation; 2) what it is we are going to accredit; 3) how we are going to apply accreditation procedure to the many types of institutions; 4) who will administer the accreditation; and 5) most important, how will the accreditation accomplish oui original objectives?
Differential Response of Stylar Elongation in Tomatoes to Soil Moisture Levels1
Authors: Coyne Dermot P.
Published: August 2022

Abnormal elongation of styles of tomato flowers in hot dry weather has been observed by some workers (5, 6, 7). This has been found to cause poor pollination and reduction in fruit set. The exposed stigmas may also dry up in hot dry weather resulting in failure of fertilization and blossom drop (57). Tomato styles were also observed to elongate abnormally under conditions of low soil moisture (5). A differential response of style elongation to length of photoperiod for 2 greenhouse tomato varieties was observed by Burk (1). Howlett (2) reported that the maximum length of pistil in relation to the stamens was obtained when the plants were growing during a period of relativelv short day, under light of low intensity, and with an abundance of readily available nitrogen. The author has found no reports on the differential response of style elongation of tomato varieties grown under different soil moisture levels.
Effects of Post-harvest Defoliation on Strawberry Yields and Fruit Size1
Authors: Moore J. N.
Published: August 2022

The destruction of strawberry foliage following harvest has long been a standard renovation practice in many of the strawberry producing areas of the United States. The practice of postharvest mowing of leaves is widely recommended (2,3,8,10) although there is some disagreement as to the value of this practice (1).
Feasibility of Use of Pariffin Oil for Purification of Storage Atmosphere1
Authors: Dostal H. C. , Hoff J. E.
Published: August 2022

Aroma transfer is a problem common to both mixed and unmixed storage of agricultural commodities. The deleterious effect on palatability of certain fatty products by such materials as apples is well documented. Too, certain apple varieties may suffer physiological stress due to emanations by other varieties of apples. A number of methods for removal of objectionable odors in storage have been suggested in past years. Each of these systems has distinct advantages; yet, none is universally effective.
Effect of Ethylene on Production of Volatiles by Lemons
Authors: Norman Shirley , Craft C. C.
Published: August 2022

Ethylene is known to accelerate the respiration and to hasten the loss of chlorophyll from lemons (3). In addition, ethylene-treated lemons, are more subject to decay than untreated fruit and, as a consequence, show a shortened storage life (1). Fruits exhibiting a respiratory climacteric typically show a concomitant increase in volatile production, including ethvlene (4). The present paper reports the effect of added ethylene on volatile production by lemons, a non-climacteric fruit (2). Although sound lemons have little or no odor, no previous study has been made of the volatile production of lemons.
Fungi from Floral Parts of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)1
Authors: Jones Alfred , Jackson C. R.
Published: August 2022

Sweetpotato breeders are confronted with the problem of extremely low seed set. Based on counts made of seed set in tagged flowers, only about 2 or 3% of the potential seed production is realized (2). This problem is compounded by the occurrence of flower bud abscission prior to opening. Although low seed set may be primarily due to genetic incompatibility, sterility or physiological disharmony in developing seed, insect or disease damage could also be involved. This study provides information on the fungi of sweetpotato floral parts and preliminary results of their effect on seed set.
Progress with Persistent-Green Color and Green Seed-Coat in Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for Commercial Processing1
Authors: Dean Leslie L.
Published: August 2022

Persistent-green color has been incorporated into curly top and common beanmosaic virus resistant snap beans. Cooperative observation and processing trials throughout the United States indicate wide adaptability and good commercial potential for several lines. Release, during 1968, of one or more of these snap beans, to commercial seedsmen for seed increase is anticipated.
Mitotic Periodicity in Vanda ‘Miss Joachim’
Authors: Wilfret Gary J.
Published: August 2022

The concept of periodicity in the frequency of dividing cells has previously been reported for certain plants. Lewis (5) found that in roots of onion bulbs (Allium cepa) grown under natural environmental conditions there was a peak in the frequency of dividing cells about midnight, with a slight rise at noon. In 1904 Kellicott (4), using diurnal light and temperature on onion bulbs, found two maxima, 11:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M.
Organisms Found Growing under Nutrient Mist Propagation1
Authors: Coorts G. D. , Sorenson C. C.
Published: August 2022

Intermittent mist is widely used by plant propagators in the rooting of cuttings. However, it has been demonstrated that under this method of propagation nutrients are leached from cuttings. Recent work (1, 2, 3) has shown that by adding fertilizer to mist during the propagation of cuttings, the nutrient content of the cuttings may be replenished. Due to the length of time in the propagation bench, sanitation is much more critical when propagating woody ornamental plants under a nutrient mist than when propagating herbaceous plants.
Characteristics and Propagation of Rootstocks for Deciduous Fruits in the North Central Region, 1966-67
Authors: Simons R. K. , Carlson R. F.
Published: August 2022

The North Central Regional Committee “Stock Scion Relationships in Horticultural Plants” (NC 78) undertook, in 1966-67, a survey of rootstock production of deciduous fruits. The committee representative from each state ! contacted the nurserymen of his own state1. These data have been compiled for the purpose of implementing and coordinating future research concerning the problems of stock-scion relationships such as incompatibilities and failure of anticipated tree and fruit responses under different climatic and environmental conditions.
IR-2, A Germ Plasm Bank of Virus-Free Fruit Tree Clones
Authors: Fridlund Paul R.
Published: August 2022

It is desirable to review periodically the accomplishments of a project having the scope of Interregional Project IR-2, because of its inter-disciplinary relationships among horticulturists, entomologists, plant pathologists and other biologists. The main objectives of the project are to assemble selections of desirable species and varieties of deciduous fruit trees, verify their freedom from infecting viruses, maintain virus-free individuals in repositories, and distribute virus-free propagating materials to cooperating investigators for research or as foundation stock for release to industry.
Propagating Pecan (Carya illinoensis Wag. K. Koch) with Pre-Cut Scions
Authors: Madden George
Published: August 2022

Since there are numerous stands of native pecan timber in the pecan belt, and since growers are continually changing large trees of older unprofitable varieties to more profitable varieties, topworking is necessary.
Field Plot Technique for the Evaluation of Strawberry Cultivars1
Authors: Aalders L. E. , Craig D. L. , Cannon H. B.
Published: August 2022

Size and number of plots is an important consideration for strawberry breeders and other researchers engaged in the evaluation of strawberry cultivars. Edgar (2) found at East Mailing that plots of about 50 plants planted on the square were best, but Taylor (3) considered the variability in Edgar’s plots to be abnormally low, and advocated plots of 24 plants arranged in a twin row. He considered that seven replicates were necessary to measure a 20 percent difference at the 5 percent level of probability. Baker and Voth (1) in California considered 3 plots of 50 plants or 8 of 25 plants necessary to reduce heterogeneity to an acceptable level for scoring clones for resistance to Verticillium wilt in a “wilt nursery.” All of these researchers were working with strawberries on the hill system, whereas the matted row system is standard in Eastern North America.
Implications of the New Genetics in Horticultural Plant Breeding
Authors: Craig Richard
Published: August 2022

This is an age of transition for horticultural plant breeding. The recent developments in physiological and biochemical genetics and their application to plant breeding signify only the beginning of this new era. To define the term New Genetics is extremely difficult especially when it is applied to horticultural plant breeding. For the purpose of this paper New Genetics will mean all of. those methods, machines, ideas and information that can assist in the future breeding of better horticultural plants.
The Challenging Situation in Developing Superior Fruit Cultivars
Authors: Spangelo Lloyd P. S.
Published: August 2022

It is apparent that many regard fruit crops like the apple, peach, pear, raspberry and strawberry as luxury crops, their value being largely that of providing variety rather than the basic dietary needs. In a period when emphasis is placed on the need for greater production of the basic foods, surely we must be concerned about, and be certain that, our research objectives are realistic.
Reciprocal Benefits of Coordinated Research in Physiological Genetics and Plant Breeding
Authors: Gabelman W. H.
Published: August 2022

Most biologists agree that the genetic composition of the plant determines the potential response of the plant. Against this genetic background, the environment exerts its effect by enhancing or limiting the myriad of potential biochemical sequences that reside in the plant genotype.
Current Developments in the Breeding of Woody Ornamentals
Authors: Egolf Donald R.
Published: August 2022

Man for centuries has had an appreciation of flowers made use of native plants, cultivated and selected more ornamental and exotic types, and improved food plants. But he has devoted relatively little research to the production of woody ornamentals -- trees and shrubs that have woody stems. The breeding of woody ornamentals, however, has gained momentum as a result of accelerated emphasis on beautification due to the population explosion and the aesthetic needs or urban sprawl.
Unstable Gene Systems in Vegetable Crops and Implications for Selection1
Authors: Pearson O. H.
Published: August 2022

The mutation rate in higher plants depends on the gene considered; some change more easily than others. Stadler, as summarized by Srb (34), reported in corn a range from 492 per million gametes to less than one, according to the gene involved; most of them averaged about two per million (2 × 10-6). In man (34) the rate is about 2 × 10-5. This speaks well for the stability of the gene replicating system. With present understanding of the replicating mechanism involved -- DNA serving as a template for the RNA synthesis, or collection of the required bases and their arrangement in proper order - DNA serving as a template for the RNA sequence or other chromosome aberrations, often associated with reduced fertility. In any case the result is most commonly a block in the complex metabolic pathway leading to the phenotypic expression of the character.