bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperglycaemia-Induced Impairment of the Autorhythmicity and Gap Junction Activity of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte-Like Cells
Authors: Menzele Amanda , Aboalgasm Hamida , Ballo Robea , Gwanyanya Asfree
Published: July 2022

Diabetes mellitus with hyperglycaemia is a major risk factor for malignant cardiac dysrhythmias. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, especially during the embryonic developmental phase of the heart. This study investigated the effect of hyperglycaemia on the pulsatile activity of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were differentiated into cardiac-like cells through embryoid body (EB) formation, in either baseline glucose or high glucose conditions. Action potentials (APs) were recorded using a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye and gap junction activity was evaluated using scrape-loading lucifer yellow dye transfer assay. Molecular components were detected using immunocytochemistry and immunoblot analyses. High glucose decreased the spontaneous beating rate of EBs and shortened the duration of onset of quinidine-induced asystole. Furthermore, it altered AP amplitude, but not AP duration, and had no impact on the expression of the hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated isoform 4 (HCN4) channel nor on the EB beating rate response to ivabradine nor isoprenaline. High glucose also decreased both the intercellular spread of lucifer yellow within an EB and the expression of the cardiac gap junction protein connexin 43 as well as upregulated the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and phosphorylated Smad3. High glucose suppressed the autorhythmicity and gap junction conduction of mESC-derived cardiomyocytes, via mechanisms probably involving TGFβ1/Smad3 signalling. The results allude to glucotoxicity related proarrhythmic effects, with potential clinical implications in foetal diabetic cardiac disease.
Experimental study on seepage and fracture development law of rainfall slope based on direct current electric method
Authors: KANG Ensheng , Zhexi ZHAO , MENG Haidong
Published: July 2022

In order to study the seepage law and fracture evolution characteristics of waste dump slope, a simulation test system for rainfall instability and failure evolution of large-scale waste dump slope is independently developed under the engineering background of waste dump slope under rainfall conditions. According to the seepage law and fracture evolution characteristics of the waste dump slope, the simulation test of the waste dump rainfall process monitored by the DC resistivity method is carried out. The research results show that there is an obvious negative correlation between the complete slope soil resistivity and the water content. The resistivity increases during the development of the slope fracture and decreases during the water infiltration; Under the influence of rainfall conditions, the internal resistivity value of the waste dump slope shows a downward trend during the 0-5th rainfall, shows a linear downward trend after the fluctuation rises to a gentle level during the 6-90th rainfall, and shows a sharp fluctuation during the 91-110th rainfall; The evolution process of waste dump slope fracture has experienced three stages: saturated water of slope soil, the initiation and expansion of capillary zone, the formation of dominant water channel, and the formation and expansion of waste dump slope fracture. The test results have certain guiding significance for the study of waste dump slope and disaster prevention.
C3aR in astrocytes mediates post-thoracotomy pain by inducing A1 astrocytes in male rats
Authors: Zhu Afang , Cui Huan , Su Wenliang , Liu Chaoqun , Yu Xuerong , Huang Yuguang
Published: July 2022

Background: Astrocytes activation, which is polarized into neurotoxic A1, neuroprotective A2, and classical A-pan, is thought to be involved in the transition from acute to chronic post-thoracotomy pain. The C3aR receptor associated with astrocyte-neuron and -microglia interactions is necessary for A1 astrocytes polarization. This study aimed to determine whether C3aR in astrocytes mediates post-thoracotomy pain by inducing A1 expression in rats thoracotomy pain model. Methods: Thoracotomy pain model was made in male rats, and mechanical withdraw threshold was measured to evaluate pain behavior. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intraperitoneally to induce A1 astrocytes. Intrathecal injection of AAV2/9-rC3ar1 shRNA-GFAP was used to knock down C3aR expression in astrocytes in vivo. The expression of associated phenotypic markers before and after intervention was assessed by RT-PCR, western blotting, co-immunofluorescence, and single-cell RNA sequencing. Results: We found that C3aR downregulation inhibited LPS-induced A1 astrocytes activation; decreased the expression of C3aR, C3, and GFAP, which were activated from acute to chronic pain; and alleviated the mechanical withdrawal threshold and incidence of chronic pain. In addition, more A2 astrocytes were activated in the model group that did not develop chronic pain; C3aR downregulation increased the number of A2 astrocytes upon LPS exposure. Knockdown of C3aR also decreased the activation of M1 microglia induced by LPS or thoracotomy. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that C3aR-induced A1 polarization contributed to chronic post-thoracotomy pain. Inhibition of A1 activation via C3aR downregulation increased anti-inflammatory A2 and decreased pro-inflammatory M1 activation, which may also be involved in the mechanism of chronic post-thoracotomy pain.
Integrating Local Science and School Science: The Benefits for the Preservation of Local Wisdom and Promoting Students’ Learning
Authors: Kasi Yohanes Freadyanus , Widodo Ari , Samsudin Achmad , Riandi Riandi
Published: July 2022

Integrating local science in science learning is beneficial for students as well as for the culture. However, the teaching of science tends to focus only on the scientific content presented in the books but ignores the local culture. This paper explores local science in community cultural activities to be implemented in science learning to introduce students to cultural values following the concept of science. It identifies local science, describes the oral arguments produced by the tribal council, and analyzes the lesson plan by five science teachers in the Nagekeo district, East Nusa Tenggara. The data used in this analysis are observation and identification, interviews, and assessment sheets. The findings show that the local science in Nagekeo cultural activities that can be integrated into science learning includes the traditional unit and measurement systems, Newton's laws in their application to the traditional game, biodiversity in the hunt traditional, the concept of heat transfer, and its application in the construction of traditional houses, and vibrations, waves, and sounds in the traditional musical instrument. Recommendations from this research is embracing local science in science learning so that it can provide meaningful learning for students and preserve local culture for each generation in the future so that it does not become extinct.
Differential responses of growth, metals accumulation, oxidative stress and Osmo-compatible solutes in the Halophyte Tamarix gallica under Arsenic and Aluminum stress alone or combined with salt
Authors: SGHAIER Dhouha Belhadj , Duarte Bernardo , CAÇADOR Isabel , SLEIMI Noomene
Published: July 2022

In order to evaluate the ecological risk generated by the heavy metals cumulation in salt-affected soils. The research was carried out in the halophyte Tamarix gallica which is known to thrive under harsh environmental occurrences. The main aim of this work was to study the tolerance and accumulation capabilities of Tamarix gallica under Arsenic, Aluminium and salt stress. Plants were cultivated in the presence of increasing concentrations of Al and As alone (200, 500 and 800 µM), or mixed with NaCl (200 mM). The results revealed that both metals altered the growth and development of T.gallica. Finding showed that the metals’ accumulation was dependent on the concentrations of the metals in the medium. Interestingly, while salt reduced As uptake, an augmentation in Al accumulation was observed. In addition, T. gallica demonstrated that APX was the predominant enzyme to scavenge excess ROS. However, SOD and GPX were sensitive to the metal, showing different behaviour in metal stress alone or combined with salt. Proline accumulated in a dose-dependent manner under Al and As stress, rather than lower or unchanged levels of glycine betaine. We also noticed a diminution in proline content caused by NaCl application while an increase in glycine betaine was remarked. On the other hand, the combined stress enhanced proline whereas unchanged levels of glycine betaine were observed. Finally, T. gallica demonstrated its potential to grow under elevated concentrations of As/Al and could be considered a suitable candidate for phytostabilization/ phytoremediation approach.
Recursive Quality Optimization of a Smart Forming Tool under the use of Perception Based Hybrid Datasets for Training of a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Feldmann Sebastian , Schmiedt Michael , Schlosser Julian-Marc , Rimkus Wolfgang , Stempfle Tobias , Rathmann Christian
Published: July 2022

In industrial metal forming processes, the generation of datasets for inline and optical quality assessment is expensive and time-consuming. Within the research project SimKI, conventional metal forming plants were digitalized under the use of perception-based sensors in combination with a completely redesigned forming tool. The integration of optical quality observation methods connected with a retrofitting approach of the press tool provides the opportunity to generate an information-feedback loop that predicts part defects before their occurrence. Additionally, the SimKI-method combines conventional statistical measurement methods with AI-based defect detection algorithms that are trained by generic datasets of a finite-element simulation, real component images of a 3D imaging device, and a combination of both. The generated datasets are used to accelerate the training of a DNN-based algorithm to identify the position and deviation from the agreed quality. The high degree of innovation is based on obtaining real-time component quality information under the use of AI-based optical quality assessment, which in turn provides information to the control algorithm of the smart forming tool.
Genome-wide association analysis of chilling-tolerant germination in a new maize association mapping panel
Authors: Ma Yun , Yao Lan , Zhang Liwei , Su Aiguo , Wang Ronghuan , Song Wei , Li Zhaowei , Zhao Jiuran
Published: July 2022

Maize is a crop that is highly susceptible to the negative effects of low temperature. Low temperature can delay seed germination and cause a decrease in seed vigor, which seriously affects seedling emergence and yield. In this study, 190 maize accessions (inbred lines) with strong germination potential at normal temperature (25℃) were selected from more than 500 accessions to construct a new association mapping panel to further investigate germination under chilling stress (5℃). We re-sequenced the genomes of the 190 diverse accessions and obtained 4,886,919 high quality SNPs. We then used this data to analyze population structure, perform principal components analysis, and construct a phylogenetic tree of the new maize panel. The relative germination rate (RGR) and relative germination index (RGI) are two traits that are significantly related to chilling-tolerant germination. Genome-wide association analysis showed that RGR and RGI shared a major QTL, and they also shared the top SNP. There were a total of 26 significant SNPs in common. These SNPs hit directly or indirectly within 37 candidate genes. Among these 37 gene candidates are homologs of eight genes previously reported to be related to both germination and low temperature stress, and another 12 genes related to low temperature stress or other abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, oxidative, and high light stress. In addition, RGR and RGI had another 15 and 26 significant SNPs, respectively, which were associated with 17 and 92 candidate genes, respectively. Further qRT-PCR analysis using 26 chilling-tolerant and 22 chilling-sensitive accessions implied that Zm00001eb272370, Zm00001eb272390, and Zm00001eb272400 associated with the top SNP, may play different roles during cold-germination. Thus, our study not only established a new association mapping panel suitable for investigation of germination at low temperature, but also provided valuable genetic resources for future studies to improve chilling-tolerant maize varieties.
Surface curvature dominated guest-induced nonequilibrium deformations of single covalent organic framework-300 particles
Authors: Zhang Guihua , Zou Xinyi , Wang Qianxi , He Yi
Published: July 2022

Understanding the dynamic deformation process of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) during the inclusion of guest molecules is vitally important to further increase their stimulus-response performances. Although some techniques have captured the equilibrium deformation structures of COFs, the methods for directly observing transient intermediate structures are still lacking. Here we report on the dark-field microscopic (DFM) imaging approach to in situ monitor the guest-induced deformation evolution of individual COF-300 crystals in real time. We observe not only transient and nonequilibrium intermediate deformation states but also local surface curvature-driven diverse adsorption behaviors of single COF-300 particles for dichloromethane at a relatively high pressure, undergoing one, two, and multiple expansion-contraction deformations as well as contraction-to-expansion transition. With the ability of DFM to offer spatiotemporally resolved reaction information on single COF-300, the origin of surface curvature dominated deformations of COF-300 is ascribed to the significant differences in the adsorption capacity for dichloromethane at the curved tip and flat side regions. Both operando DFM imaging and theoretical calculation reveal that dichloromethane can be adsorbed preferentially by curved tip regions of COF-300, initiating the surface curvature dominated nonequilibrium deformations.
Advanced Conditional Variational Autoencoders (A-CVAE): Towards interpreting open-domain conversation generation via disentangling latent feature representation
Authors: Wang Ye , Liao Jingbo , Yu* Hong , Wang Guoyin , Zhang Xiaoxia , Liu Li
Published: July 2022

Currently end-to-end deep learning based open-domain dialogue systems remain black box models, making it easy to generate irrelevant contents with data-driven models. Specifically, latent variables are highly entangled with different semantics in the latent space due to the lack of priori knowledge to guide the training. To address this problem, this paper proposes to harness the generative model with a priori knowledge through a cognitive approach involving mesoscopic scale feature disentanglement. Particularly, the model integrates the macro-level guided-category knowledge and micro-level open-domain dialogue data for the training, leveraging the priori knowledge into the latent space, which enables the model to disentangle the latent variables within the mesoscopic scale. Besides, we propose a new metric for open-domain dialogues, which can objectively evaluate the interpretability of the latent space distribution. Finally, we validate our model on different datasets and experimentally demonstrate that our model is able to generate higher quality and more interpretable dialogues than other models.
Correlation between corneal deformation parameters and other ocular biometric parameters in patients with different degrees of simple myopia evaluated by Corvis ST
Authors: Li Changjin , Yang Cui , Lu Qiang
Published: July 2022

Purpose To provide reference for preoperative screening of refractive surgery, this prospective study utilized Corvis ST to evaluate the correlation of corneal deformation parameters with other ocular biological parameters in patients with different degrees of myopia.Methods 190 myopic patients (190 right eyes) who were candidates for refractive surgery were included, which were divided into low myopia group (SE ≥ -3.00 D), moderate myopia group (-6.00D ≤ SE < -3.00D) and high myopia group (-6.00D > SE) according to SE. The related parameters were collected using Corvis ST and Pentacam, and the parameters were analyzed statistically. Results Low myopia group: SE was related to A2V and PD, AL was related to A1V, HCT and DA 2 ratio, CCT was related to corneal deformation parameters except A1T, A2T and HCT, Km was related to HCT, HCR, DA 2 ratio and ARTh, CD was related to IR, TBI and ARTh; Moderate myopia group: Age was related to A1T, A1L, A1V, HCT, PD, DA, DA 2 ratio, IR and SP-A1, AL was related to A1T, A1L, A1V, A2T, DA 2 ratio, IR, CBI, ARTh and SP-A1, CCT was related to parameters except A2T, A2V, HCT, PD and DA, Km was related to A1L, A1V, DA 2 ratio, IR, CBI and ARTh, CD was related to CBI and ARTh; High myopia group: SE was related to CBI and ARTh, Al was related to PD, DA, CBI, TBI and ARTh, CCT was related to parameters except A2T, A2L, A2V, HCT, PD and DA, Km was related to A1T, HCR, PD, IR and TBI, CD was related to CBI, TBI and ARTh.Conclusion There were different degrees of correlation between corneal deformation parameters and other ocular biological parameters among groups with different degrees of myopia, which should be given comprehensive consideration in clinical applications.
Development of Agrobacterium tumefaciens- mediated transformation of Solanum nigrum and expression of AcMYB110 in S. nigrum
Authors: Peng Wentao , Wang Xiuyuan , Wei Huitian , Zhang Zunmian , Teng Chong , Li Qianqian , Lyu Kaidi , Lyu Shanhua , Fan Yinglun
Published: July 2022

Solanum nigrum L. is an annual herb of Solanaceae and Solanum genus. S. nigrum produces a small, spherical, black, highly nutritious edible fruit and is an orphan crop. To realize the potential of large-scale production of S. nigrum fruits, it is necessary to improve undesirable characteristics, such as tiny fruits, by using available methods of genetic engineering and gene editing. The genetic transformation system of S. nigrum is the basis for genetic improvement through transgenic and gene-editing technology. In this study, an efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation method was established. The R2R3-MYB transcription factor AcMYB110 from kiwifruit was used as a foreign gene to transform S. nigrum . The results showed that anthocyanin accumulation was accumulated in the transformed cells and tissues, which could visually track and monitor each stage of the transformation process. AcMYB110 could be used as a reporter gene in the genetic transformation of S. nigrum . The petals of AcMYB110 transgenic S. nigrum plants are pink, and anthocyanins were accumulated in the pericarp from young fruit to maturity, especially in the central part of the flesh of the S. nigrum fruit. The phenotype produced by overexpression of AcMYB110 in kiwi and S. nigrum is consistent. It indicates that AcMYB110 is relatively conservative in regulating plant anthocyanin synthesis.
Blood Pressure Measurement Based on the Camera and Inertial Measurement Unit of a Smartphone
Authors: Yoon Yong-Hoon , Kim Jongin , Lee Kwang Jin , Cho Dongrae , Oh Jin Kyung , Kim Min Su , Roh Jae-Hyung , Park Hyun-Woong , Lee Jae-Hwan
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThis study assessed the accuracy of AlwaysBP (test) in blood pressure (BP) measurement compared with the standard cuff-based manual method of brachial BP measurement (reference). AlwaysBP is a smartphone software that estimates systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) based on the pulse transit time (PTT). The PTT was calculated from the finger photoplethysmogram using the camera and from seismocardiogram using the inertial measurement unit sensor of a commercially available smartphone.MethodsA total of 87 participants without known cardiovascular disease were enrolled in the study. The primary analysis aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the test method compared with the reference method in the entire study population. The secondary analysis was performed to confirm the stability of the test method for up to 4 weeks in 15 subjects. At enrollment, the gender, arm circumference, and BP distribution were considered according to the current guidelines.ResultsAmong the study subjects, 45 (51.7%) individuals were male and the average age was 35.6 ± 10.4 years. Hypertension was diagnosed in 14 subjects (16.1%) prior to the study. The mean test and reference SBP were 120.0 ± 18.8 and 118.7 ± 20.2 mmHg, respectively, and the difference was 1.2 ± 7.1 mmHg (r = 0.935, P < 0.001). The mean test and reference DBP were 80.1 ± 12.6 and 81.1 ± 14.4 mmHg, respectively, and the difference was −1.0 ± 6.0 mmHg (r = 0.911, P < 0.001). At the 4-week time point, the differences between SBP and DBP were 0.1 ± 8.8 and −2.4 ± 7.6 mmHg.ConclusionsThe AlwaysBP software exhibited acceptable accuracy regarding SBP and DBP measurement compared with the standard BP measurement method. This technology can be easily applied in everyday life and may improve the general population’s awareness of hypertension, thus helping to control it.
Similarity Mapping of National Drug Code Formulary Systems Between Nations
Authors: Butler Joshua , Zand Martin
Published: July 2022

Background: A fundamental problem in international health care research is comparing national prescribing practices and drug formularies between nations that use inconsistent drug naming, dosages, and packaging sizes. However, there is currently a lack of quality mapping between different ontology systems. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of automated mapping by drug names using similarity measure algorithms. The motivating example was cross-mapping between the British National Formulary (BNF) and the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) drug classification systems. Method: We used edit-based, token-based, and hybrid similarity algorithms to match the drug’s active pharmaceutical ingredients between classification systems. Results: A variety of similarity measures were also compared. We found a substantial trade-off between optimizing matching and false positives for the cross-mapping of drug datasets. Conclusion: In general, edit-based algorithms with a pre-processing step to remove stop words had a consistently good performance by recall, precision, and F1 scoring.
Tumor-derived membrane vesicles from the IL-2 overexpression melanoma cells affect on the expression of surface markers of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro
Authors: Filin Ivan Y. , Kitaeva Kristina V. , Chulpanova Daria S. , Rizvanov Albert A. , Akhmetzyanova Elvira R. , Solovyeva Valeriya V.
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, immunotherapy, in particular immunotherapeutic vaccines, is a promising approach in the treatment of cancer which has already demonstrated its effectiveness. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are capable of delivering biologically active agents to the cells, can be a promising candidate for such vaccines. M-14 human melanoma cells were transduced with lentivirus encoding interleukin (IL)-2. Membrane vesicles from M-14 cells expressing IL-2 were isolated using cytochalasin B. The interaction of membrane vesicles with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been analysed. Activation of T-cells was shown, as well as a decrease in the number of NK cells, after cultivation with tumor-derived vesicles. However, no cytotoxic activity of T-cells after cultivation with tumor-derived vesicles was observed, which can be explained by their immunosuppressive properties. On the other hand, such vesicles can be a promising source of tumor-specific antigens for dendritic vaccines. Therefore, further studies are required in view of the possible use of tumor-derived vesicles as a target antigen for dendritic cells.
The Investigation of The Missing Link Between Transformational Leadership and Motivation
Authors: Shvindina Hanna O. , Balahurovska Inna O. , Kursenko Anastasiia V. , Rekunenko Igor I. , Elgabsy Yonatan
Published: July 2022

Recently, new types of leadership have emerged, a new generation of leaders designed and developed new types of organizations. The best practices became the evidence of poor knowledge about the leadership phenomenon. In the paper, the authors made an attempt to synthesize the interpretations of the man key terms in motivation theory and to find the missing link between motivation and leadership. The motivation as system of components is in the centre of current research, namely needs, drive, aspirations. The traditional division in extrinsic and intrinsic motivation is complicated by tangible and intangible motivation. Some studies highlighted the importance of intangible motivation, and therefore new findings in this sphere are in focus of current research. The authors presented an overview of the key terms and their interpretations by the main contributors in motivation theory. The study of Nanus and Bennis is the main seminal work that introduced the Wallenda factor as a term to the world of leaders and strategists. Four strategies for leadership were analysed in this paper with specific emphasis on the Wallenda factor as the link between motivation and leadership. The strategies include managing through vision, creating of meaning via communication, positioning, and deployment of self through positive self-regard and the Wallenda factor. The observations prove that optimistic expectations may become a powerful driver of changes and increment innovations in the organization. The Wallenda factor of a leader might be a significant factor in setting challenging goals and motivating employees to achieve them. In contrast, the fear of failure may stop the innovation and ruin the organization that depends on the business environment. It is recommended to include positive thinking (or Wallenda factor) into the list of intangible factors of motivation at an organization.
The Influence of Weather on the Response of Potato Cultivars to Metribuzin1
Authors: Freeman Jack A.
Published: July 2022

The response of 11 cultivars of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to preemergence, preemergence + postemergence, and early postemergence applications of metribuzin [4-amino-6-ferf-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazin-5 (4H)-one] was studied over a 5-year period (1973–1977). Postemergence sprays applied at temperatures over 21°C increased injury and decreased yields. ‘Belleisle’, ‘Early Rose’, ‘Kennebec’, ‘Netted Gem’, ‘Red La Soda’, ‘Red Pontiac’ and ‘White Rose’ were more sensitive to metribuzin at these temperatures than ‘Epicure’, ‘Norgold Russet’, ‘Norland’, and ‘Warba’. Cultivars responded to the amount of sunshine before, during, and after spraying with metribuzin. When the weather was very cloudy on the 3 days before and on the day of spraying and then sunny for the next 3 days, metribuzin injured ‘Belleisle’, ‘Netted Gem’, ‘Red Pontiac’, and ‘Warba’. ‘Belleisle’, ‘Epicure’, ‘Norland’, ‘Red La Soda’, ‘Red Pontiac’ and ‘White Rose’ when grown under stress caused by lack of water, were more sensitive to the herbicide than the other cultivars under test. ‘Epicure’, ‘Netted Gem’, ‘Norgold Russet’, ‘Norland’ and ‘Warba’ grown in wet soil were more sensitive to preemergence applications than other cultivars. Cultivars differed in their tolerance to metribuzin and were classified as follows: ‘Norgold Russet’ and ‘Epicure’, most tolerant; ‘Kennebec’, ‘Early Rose’, ‘Netted Gem’, ‘Red La Soda’ and ‘Norland’, intermediate; and ‘Belleisle’, ‘Red Pontiac’, ‘Warba’ and ‘White Rose’, most susceptible.
Effect of Duration of Soil Saturation on Ethanol Concentration and Storage Loss of Sweet Potato Roots1
Authors: Corey K.A. , Collins W. W. , Pharr D. M.
Published: July 2022

The effect of 24, 48, and 72 hours of soil saturation on the ethanol concentration of roots at harvest and on postharvest storage loss was investigated for sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. cvs. Jewel and Centennial]. Ethanol accumulated rapidly with increasing time of soil saturation for both cultivars. Ethanol concentration was greater in roots taken from soil with slow drainage rates following saturation than from roots grown in soil with a fast drainage rate. The ethanol concentration in ‘Centennial’ roots did not increase beyond 48 hour saturation in soil with good drainage following saturation, while ethanol accumulated in ‘Jewel’ roots up to 72 hours. Weight loss in storage due to shrinkage and rotting was greatest for Jewel when subjected to 72 hours of continuous saturation followed by poor drainage, but as little as 24 hours of soil saturation followed by poor drainage caused significant storage losses.
Effect of Cultivar, Strain, and Growth Regulator Treatments on Shoot Development and Ethylene Evolution in Apple Trees1
Authors: Walsh Christopher S. , Kender Walter J.
Published: July 2022

‘Miller Sturdeespur Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees made less extension growth than ‘Imperial Red Delicious’ (non-spur) under controlled conditions. No differences in extension growth were measured between ‘MacSpur’ and ‘Imperial McIntosh’ (non-spur) trees. Development of the spur-type morphology was determined by the number of lateral buds which grew into spurs during the second growing season. Application of (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) alone, or in combination with butanedioic acid mono-(2, 2-dimethylhydrazide) (daminozide) decreased extension growth and increased shoot ethylene evolution in growth chamber studies, and promoted flowering in the field. Application of daminozide plus ethephon was more effective than ethephon alone. Daminozide alone did not affect shoot ethylene. No change in ethylene evolution or shoot development was detected following applications of gibberellin 4/7 (GA) or 2, 3, 5-triiodo benzoic acid (TIBA) to spur or non-spur type trees. Bark scoring had no effect on shoot ethylene. However, this treatment also promoted flowering of young trees in the field. It is suggested that while some manipulations can increase shoot ethylene evolution and also promote flowering, the ethylene evolved following treatment operates indirectly by retarding growth, rather than by directly stimulating flower bud initiation.
The Carbohydrate Balance of Alternate-bearing Citrus Trees and the Significance of Reserves for Flowering and Fruiting1
Authors: Goldschmidt Eliezer E. , Golomb Avinoam
Published: July 2022

Two alternate bearing ‘Wilking’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) trees, an “on” and an “off” tree were uprooted and dissected into 11 organ types. Starch and soluble sugar concentrations were determined for each organ. Starch concentrations were 3.6 (leaves) to 17.4 (medium roots) times higher in the “off” tree. Soluble sugar concentrations were 1.5 (leaves) to 1.9 (medium roots) times higher in the “off” tree. A total dry matter, starch and soluble sugar balance was compiled for each tree. The “off” tree contained 13.26 kg starch and 10.66 kg soluble sugars; as against 2.95 kg starch and 6.75 kg soluble sugars in the “on” tree (excluding the fruit). The majority of this reserve pool would presumably be recycled and used for next year’s crop. Removal of fruit by mid-summer permitted reasonable flower bud differentiation the following year, connected with a build up of the starch reserve levels.
Mobilization and Metabolism of Protein and Soluble Nitrogen during Spring Growth of Apple Trees
Authors: Kang Seong-Mo , Ko Kwang-Chool , Titus John S.
Published: July 2022

The extractable protein in bark tissue of 1-year-old shoots of apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Golden Delicious on Mailing (M) 26 rootstocks) declined dramatically during spring growth, while amino acids increased. Extensive degradation of protein was first visible at the silver-tip stage of growth. Prior to this period, some redistribution of nitrogenous compounds was indicated by the increase in amino acids while protein remained unchanged. Total extractable nitrogen declined during spring growth, indicating that it was mobilized to developing tissues. In vitro activity of an acid endoprotease increased rapidly upon regrowth, but its increase preceded the in vitro decline in proteins. The autolytic activity, however, did not change in the early growth stage, and protein had already declined 50% when this activity significantly increased. Electrophoretic separation of intact proteins indicated a substantial shift in relative mobility from higher to lower molecular weights as the season advanced. However, the majority of proteins showed little evidence of net breakdown during early spring growth. Two polypeptides of 38,000 and 56,000 daltons which were present up until mid-April were not detected in extracts of shoots collected in May. The 65% decline in total protein observed by May 10, however, could not be accounted for by the loss of these 2 peptides. It is thus concluded that the immediate requirement of nitrogen at the early stage of growth (up to silver-tip) is met by the transport of soluble nitrogen present in adjacent bark and that redistributed from the wood. The large requirement of nitrogen after silver-tip stage of growth is then met by massive breakdown of storage proteins.
The Influence of Medium Heterogeneity and Three Rootstocks on Growth and Nutrient Levels of Greenhouse-grown ‘Valencia’ Orange Trees1
Authors: Wutscher Heinz K.
Published: July 2022

One-year-old ‘Valencia’ orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] trees on rough lemon (C. limon Burm. f.), Carrizo citrange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. × C. sinensis], and sour orange [C. aurantium (L.)] rootstocks were transplanted into 4 soil media and grown in the greenhouse for 2 years. Treatments were 1) the entire pot filled with 2 sand: 1 sphagnum peatmoss: 1 perlite (v/v/v); 2) the entire pot filled with 3 red clay: 1 sand (v/v); 3) the lower half of the pot filled with sand: sphagnum peatmoss: perlite and the upper half with clay: sand; 4) the lower half of the pot filled with clay: sand and the upper half with sand: sphagnum peatmoss: perlite. The trees were grown from February to October 1979 when the tops were cut off. A single shoot was allowed to regrow and the trees were harvested again in October 1980. The largest trees were on rough lemon rootstock; trees on Carrizo were slightly smaller, those on sour orange distinctly smaller. Trees on sour orange grew very poorly in treatments 1 and 4 when the whole medium or the upper layer was sand: sphagnum peatmoss: perlite. Trees on all rootstocks grew best in clay-sand over sand-sphagnum peatmoss-perlite. Rootstocks induced significant differences in 12 elements, the media in 10 of 14 elements determined in the leaves. They also affected K, Mg, Zn and water-soluble phenolics in wood and bark. There were rootstocks × medium interactions for growth, 13 elements in the leaves, and the 3 elements and phenolics in the wood and bark.
The Interaction of Temperature on Flowering of Alstroemeria ‘Regina’1
Authors: Healy W. E. , Wilkins H. F.
Published: July 2022

When Alstroemeria ‘Regina’ plants were programmed to flower after 6 or 8 weeks at 5°C treatments, flowering was hastened by forcing plants at 18° vs. 13° greenhouse night air temperature. However, the 18° forcing temperature reduced flower production, flowers per shoot and shoot grade when compared to 13° forcing temperatures. Due to the decrease in flower production observed at 18° forcing temperature, a 13° temperature is recommended. When plants were grown for 16 weeks at 13°, an inductive temperature, or for 16 weeks at 21°, a non-inductive temperature, prior to the 5° inductive treatments, the 13° pretreatment without a 5° treatment was as effective as 8 weeks at 5° following the initial 21° pretreatment when forced at 18°. Thus, the cold requirement can be fulfilled either at 5° for a short period of time (6 to 8 weeks) or at 13° over an extended time span (16 weeks). Total shoot production during the flowering span decreased as the duration of the 5° treatment increased.
Effects of Initial Oxygen Stress Treatments in Low Oxygen Modified Atmosphere Storage of ‘Granny Smith’ Apples1
Authors: Little C. R. , Faragher J. D. , Taylor H. J.
Published: July 2022

‘Granny Smith’ apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) harvested over 7 weeks were not affected by alcoholic taints and were firmer, greener and less susceptible to scald and core flush following storage in 1.0% CO2 and 1.5% O2 (1.0:1.5) at −0.5°C as compared to present commercial modified atmosphere (MA) storage at 3.5% CO2:3.5% O2. Storage response was optimized by harvesting fruit with a starch-iodine maturity index of 5 to 6. With lower starch-iodine indices the incidence of core flush was increased, and at higher indices the potential for scald development increased substantially. Exposure of fruit to an initial O2 stress at or below 0.5% for 9 days gave additional benefits in scald control, fruit firmness and color over continuous storage at 1.0:1.5. If O2 was totally excluded by a 14-day treatment with continuous flow-through of O2-free nitrogen, core flush and alcoholic tainting increased, but scald decreased. Core flush following initial flow-through nitrogen treatments was also significantly increased by the effect of postharvest diphenylamine calcium chloride treatment or by an increase in storage temperature from 0° to 4°.
“I WANT TO GO HOME, BUT I CAN’T LEAVE”: NARRATIVES OF THE SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA IN BRUNEI DURING COVID-19
Authors:   Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE1410 Brunei Darussalam, Kumpoh Asiyah
Published: July 2022

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused unforgiving circumstances, compromising the socioeconomic well-being of migrant workers. In this context, drawing upon qualitative interviews with South Asian male migrant workers in elementary occupations and sales and service roles in Brunei Darussalam, this paper investigates their lived experiences in the country during the pandemic. This paper employs the conceptual lens of diaspora and moral economy, specifically moral remittance, to reveal their connection to their homeland and the ways they demonstrate their responsibility and obligation to their families. Twenty-three research participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques, and the interview data were audio-recorded and transcribed before the data analysis. Adopting Clarke and Braun’s (2013) phases of thematic analysis, the interview data were rigorously analysed through the meaning-making process and to explore new themes that underscore the distinctive contribution of the local environment to the lived experiences of the participants. Three prominent themes that capture their experience during the pandemic were identified: employment security, concern for oneself and family, and the responsibility to provide care and protection, which were manifested through remittance and continuing engagement with their families. The subsequent data analysis also reveals that these themes are indeed conscious expressions of responsibility and moral obligation due to the deteriorating pandemic situation in their home country that exacerbated their families’ economic vulnerability and challenging livelihood.
COVID-19 AND THE MIGRANT POPULATION: THE RESILIENCE OF SOUTH ASIANS
Authors:   Department of Public Administration, Comilla University, Kotbari, 3506 Cumilla, Bangladesh, Ferdous Jannatul , Ullah AKM Ahsan ,   Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, BE1410 Brunei Darussalam
Published: July 2022

Migration has appeared as a constitutive aspect of global reality today. While the COVID-19 pandemic has spared no single community, the migrant population has been the hardest hit. The woes of this population have been exacerbated by imposed immobility, restrictions, xenophobic treatment, residential status, poor living conditions, and limited access to health and protection. Millions of jobs have vanished. Millions of migrants got stranded either in their destination or origin countries and are unsure if they can return to their work. Against this backdrop, they try to stand up by seeking resilience. This study looks into how migrants in varying situations—those who returned home, those trapped in transit, and those who remained in the host nations—gain stability in the devastating pandemic. While a wealth of literature has been generated, the issue of migrants’ resilience has received little attention. This article employs content analysis to examine the gravity of the impact of the pandemic on the migrants and the process of developing their resilience. This article contributes to the broader debate about the dynamics of migration, COVID-19, and resilience. This research has implications for the policymakers of both the receiving and sending countries.
Effect of Fungicides, Herbicides and Combinations on Root Growth of Cotton1
Authors: Kappelman A. J. , Buchanan G. A. , Lund Z. F.
Published: July 2022

We studied the effect of soil‐applied herbicides and fungicides on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) root growth under ambient greenhouse conditions. Root growth of cotton was not affected by soil treatment with the fungicides 1‐Chloro‐2‐Nitropropane (Lanstan)3 or Pentachloronitrobenzen+ e 5‐Ethoxy‐3‐trichloromethyl‐l‐l‐l,2,4‐thiadiazole (Terraclor Super X)3. Trifluralin (α,α,α, trifluoro‐ 2,6‐dinitro‐N,N‐dipropyl‐p‐toluidine) applied at 0.84 kg/ha did not affect cotton roots when applied preplant and incorporated; however, the higher rate (1.68 kg/ha) significantly reduced total root growth. Fluometuron [l,l‐dimethyl‐3‐(α,α,α,‐trifluoro‐m‐tolyl)urea] was not injurious to cotton at the rate evaluated. Root growth of cotton was significantly reduced by treatment with 3.36 kg/ha of prometryne [2‐4‐bis(isopropylamino)‐6‐(methylthio)‐s‐triazine] applied as a preemergence spray. There were no significant interactions between fungicides and herbicides; however, interaction as evidenced by a reduction in total growth did occur between trifluralin and prometryne. Based on pesticides evaluated in this series of experiments, deleterious interactions as have been reported by other researchers to occur between herbicides and insecticides do not occur.
Thatch Accumulation in Bermudagrass Turf in Relation to Management1
Authors: Meinhold V. H. , Duble R. L. , Weaver R. W. , Holt E. C.
Published: July 2022

Thatch accumulation and decomposition in a ‘Tifgreen’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] putting green was studied in relation to fertility, fungicides, and clipping management. The effects of these practices were evaluated by measuring total thatch accumulation, lignin content of thatch, and soil microbial activity.

Two sources of N, (NH4)2SO4 and activated sewage sludge (Milorganite), were applied at rates 0.25 and 0.75 kg/100 m2 every 2 weeks. Potassium was applied at two rates, 0 and 0.75 kg/100 m2, to each N treatment at 4‐week intervals. Fungicide treatments consisted of 0.18 kg/100 m2 of Manganese ethylene bisdithiocarbamate (Fore) and 0.12 kg/100 m2 of Tetramethythiuram disulfide (Tersan OM) applied alternately at 2‐week intervals. For the clipping management treatments, grass clippings were collected from some plots and left on others during each mowing.

The high level of N increased thatch accumulation 30% and lignin content 15% and decreased microbial activity 6% as compared to the low level of N. The Milorganite treatments decreased thatch accumulation and lignin 12% and increased microbial activity 3% as compared to the (NH4)2SO4 treatments. Differences may largely explained by influence of N on growth rates. Application of K had no influence on any of the parameters measured. Fungicide treatments decreased thatch accumulation 16% and lignin content 20% and increased microbial activity 30%; these treatments may have inhibited plant growth. Clipping residue treatments increased lignin 7% and decreased microbial activity 7% as compared to a control. This study suggests that the use of a slow‐release N fertilizer applied at a level that maintains acceptable aesthetic turf quality may reduce thatch accumulation, whereas high rates of soluble N fertilizers accelerate thatch accumulation.
A Portable Chamber for Rapid Evapotranspiration Measurements on Field Plots1
Authors: Reicosky D. C. , Peters D. B.
Published: July 2022

The increased importance of water‐use efficiency in agricultural production has prompted the need for new techniques to measure evapotranspiration (ET) on field plots to evaluate the effects of new soil and water management practices on plant‐water use and stress. This note describes the design and performance of an inexpensive, portable chamber for rapid field measurement of ET. This chamber was constructed from aluminum conduit covered with Mylar film and mounted on a farm tractor for portability. The air within the chamber was mixed continuously with four strategically located fans. The ET rate was calculated from the air and wet‐bulb temperatures of a thermistor psychrometer before the chamber was lowered on the plot and 1 min later. The psychrometer's accuracy was checked by measuring the transpiration from a solution‐absorption system that accurately measured the change in solution level using an LVDT‐float system. When microclimatological conditions were changing slowly, transpiration was assumed to be equal to the absorption. The high correlation between measured absorption and transpiration rates indicated reasonable accuracy. The chamber's accuracy and rapidity of the measurement, portability, and relatively low cost makes it a useful tool in measuring ET under field conditions.
Timing Nitrogen Application to Enhance Spring Wheat Yields in a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Mossedaq F. , Smith D. H.
Published: July 2022

Information on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) response to variation in timing of N fertilizer application is lacking. Our objective was to determine the response of autumn‐sown spring wheat in a typical Mediterranean climate to application of N at selected stages of development. For two growing seasons and two cultivars, N fertilizer was applied at 0 kg N ha−1 or a seasonal total of 120 kg ha−1 in split applications, starting with 40 kg N ha−1 at floral initiation; the remainder was applied (i) at the onset of stem elongation, (ii) at anthesis, or (iii) in equal parts at the two stages. During both seasons, total dry matter and grain yields of the two cultivars were increased by N application. The greatest response occurred when the final increment of N was applied just prior to stem elongation; the lowest responses occurred when N was withheld at the onset of stem elongation and the final increment was applied at anthesis. Increases in grain yields caused by N application were associated with increased kernel number production per unit area. The kernel number response was accounted for by increased numbers of spikes produced per unit area, increased kernel numbers per spike, or both. Spring wheats grown under these conditions responded to variation in timing of N application in a manner similar to that observed in winter wheats in continental climates. The response to N fertilization was maximized with application just prior to the stage of growth when N demand by the crop was greatest.