bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Relevance of Genome-Wide Polygenic Score may Be Less than Claimed
Authors: Curtis David
Published: December 2018

A recent study claimed that genome-wide polygenic scores (GPSs) for five common diseases could identify individuals with risk equivalent to monogenic mutations. Receiver operator curve analyses were reported to have areas under the curve (AUCs) ranging from 0.63 for inflammatory bowel disease up to 0.81 for coronary artery disease (CAD) but these models also included age and sex, themselves strong predictors of risk. The GPS for CAD identified 8% of the population at threefold increased risk, which it was claimed was comparable to the excess risk from monogenic mutations. In the present study attempts were made to model the distribution of the GPS for CAD to match the information provided. These models were based on the reported distribution of prevalence by centile of GPS and on the distribution of GPS in controls and cases and were fitted to the reported results using linear approximations to the distributions and using simulations of a liability-threshold model. It was impossible to produce a compatible model in which the GPS produced an AUC as high as 0.81 and the most plausible estimate was that the true AUC was only 0.65. The reported distributions of the GPS in cases and controls overlap so much that they are not compatible with an AUC of 0.7 or higher. The AUC of the GPS for these diseases is modest. Furthermore, the literature robustly demonstrates that true CAD risk associated with monogenic mutations is much higher than the threefold increase which is predicted by the GPS. Together, these findings cast doubt on the clinical utility of the GPS.
Genomic Characterization of an Echovirus 7 Isolate of South-East Asian Ancestry Recovered from a Child with AFP in Nigeria
Authors: Faleye Temitope , Adewumi Moses Olubusuyi , Adeniji Johnson Adekunle
Published: December 2018

Here we describe the genome of an Echovirus 7 isolate of South-East Asian ancestry recovered from a child with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Nigeria. The genome has 7,295nt and an open reading frame with 2,195 amino acids.
Computational Study of Chemical Reactions During Heat and Mass Transfer in in Magnetized Partially Ionized Nano-Liquid
Authors: Nawaz M. , Rana Shafia
Published: December 2018

Homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions in partially ionized magneto-nano-liquid are investigated theoretically using finite element method (FEM). The effects of ions and electrons collisions on the transport of heat and mass are analyzed for both the cases of heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions. The simultaneous effects of dispersion of nanosized particles in partially ionized nano-liquid in the presence of magnetic field are also investigated. Through numerical experiments, it is noted that the temperature of partially ionized nano-liquid increases when electrons collision rate and ion collisions are increased. The transport rate of reacting species decreases when heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions strengths are increased. It is also observed that the effect of electron collisions on the flow in y-direction is the same to that of ion collisions on the flow in y-direction. Homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions have similar effects on concentration of chemically reacting species in qualitative sense. However, in quantitative sense, homogeneous chemical reaction has more significant effect on the concentration reacting species as compared to heterogeneous chemical reaction.
Investigation of the Synergistic Toxicity of Binary Mixtures of Pesticides and Pharmaceuticals on Aliivibrio fischeri in Major River Basins in South Korea
Authors: Baek In-hyuk , Kim Youngjun , Baik Seungyun , Kim Jongwoon
Published: December 2018

This work introduced the potential synergistic toxicity of binary mixtures of pesticides and pharmaceuticals, which have been substantially detected in major river basins in South Korea. Different dose-response curve functions were employed in each experimental toxicity dataset for Aliivibrio fischeri. We tested the toxicity of 30 binary mixtures at two effect concentrations: high effect concentration [EC50] and low effect concentration [EC10] ranges. Thus, the toxicological interactions were evaluated at 60 effected concentration data points in total and based on model deviation ratios (MDRs) between predicted and observed toxicity values (e.g., three types of combined effects: synergistic (MDR > 2), additive (0.5 ≤ MDR ≤ 2), and antagonistic (MDR < 0.5)). From the 60 data points, MDRs could not be applied to 17 points, since their toxicities could not be measured. The result showed 48 %-additive (n = 20), 40 %-antagonistic (n = 17), and 12 %-synergistic (n = 6) toxicity effects from 43 binaries (excluding the 17 combinations without MDRs). In this study, EC10 ratio mixtures at a low overall effect range showed a general tendency to have more synergistic effects than the EC50 ratio mixtures at a high effect range. We also found an inversion phenomenon, which detected three binaries of the combination of synergism at low concentrations and additive antagonism at high concentrations.
Thinking Twice about the Evolution of Photosynthesis
Authors: Cardona Tanai
Published: December 2018

Sam Granick opened his seminal 1957 paper titled Speculations on the Origins and Evolution of Photosynthesis with the assertion that there is a constant urge in human beings to seek beginnings (I concur). This urge has led to an incessant stream of speculative ideas and debates on the evolution of photosynthesis that started in the first half of the twentieth century and shows no signs of abating. Some of these speculative ideas have become common place, are taken as fact, but find little support. Here I review and scrutinise three widely accepted ideas that underpin the current study of the evolution of photosynthesis: firstly, that the photochemical reaction centres used in anoxygenic photosynthesis are more primitive than those in oxygenic photosynthesis; secondly, that the probability of acquiring photosynthesis via horizontal gene transfer is greater than the loss of photosynthesis; and thirdly, and most importantly, that the origin of anoxygenic photosynthesis predates the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis. I shall attempt to demonstrate that these three ideas are often grounded on incorrect assumptions built on more assumptions with no experimental nor observational support. I hope that this brief review will not only serve as cautionary tale, but also that it will open new avenues of research aimed at disentangling the complex evolution of photosynthesis and its impact on the early history of life and the planet.
Optimization of Face Milling Parameters Considering Wear and Tool Life of Cutters to Improve the Quality, Cost and Power Consumption
Authors: Pimenov Danil Y. , Gupta Munish K. , Erdakov Ivan N. , Abbas Adel T. , Soliman Mahmoud S. , El Rayes Magdy M.
Published: December 2018

Face milling is a well known commercial process highly used in heavy industries that consumes high amount of power. Besides power issue, modern manufacturing industries are aiming for per part cost reduction keeping the product quality unimpaired. Unexpectedly if the part is rejected in any stage of manufacturing, the cost of manufacturing dramatically increases. Major cause of part rejection is excessive tool wear that imparts poor surface profile or catastrophic tool failure that causes adherence of broken tool debris onto machined surface. Furthermore, the tool wear is associated with sliding distance (frictional distance) and the tool life quantifies the cost of tools. As such, from the perspective of manufacturing industries it is imperative to optimize the surface quality parameter, cost of part, power consumption, and material removal – this is exactly what is accomplished here. By this work, it is possible to conserve power consumption, produce parts with lower cost, manufacture with uncompromising surface quality and enhanced material removal rate. Moreover, as intermediate factors of interest, the influences of sliding distance, tool life and tool flank wear on the overall machining performance are evaluated. The multi-objective optimization by Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) revealed that for improved product performance and fast manufacturing (case 1) optimum results are: feed per tooth fz = 0.25 mm/tooth, cutting speed vc = 392.6 m/min and cutting length l = 0.5 mm; for resource conservation (case 2) the optimum results are: feed per tooth fz = 0.125 mm/tooth, cutting speed vc = 392.6 m/min, cutting length l = 0.5 mm.
Semantic Segmentation on Remotely-Sensed Images Using Enhanced Global Convolutional Network with Channel Attention and Domain Specific Transfer Learning
Authors: Panboonyuen Teerapong , Jitkajornwanich Kulsawasd , Lawawirojwong Siam , Srestasathiern Panu , Vateekul Peerapon
Published: December 2018

In remote sensing domain, it is crucial to automatically annotate semantics, e.g., river, building, forest, etc, on the raster images. Deep Convolutional Encoder Decoder (DCED) network is the state-of-the-art semantic segmentation for remotely-sensed images. However, the accuracy is still limited, since the network is not designed for remotely sensed images and the training data in this domain is deficient. In this paper, we aim to propose a novel CNN network for semantic segmentation particularly for remote sensing corpora with three main contributions. First, we propose to apply a recent CNN network call ''Global Convolutional Network (GCN)'', since it can capture different resolutions by extracting multi-scale features from different stages of the network. Also, we further enhance the network by improving its backbone using larger numbers of layers, which is suitable for medium resolution remotely sensed images. Second, ''Channel Attention'' is presented into our network in order to select most discriminative filters (features). Third, ''Domain Specific Transfer Learning'' is introduced to alleviate the scarcity issue by utilizing other remotely sensed corpora with different resolutions as pre-trained data. The experiment was then conducted on two given data sets: ($i$) medium resolution data collected from Landsat-8 satellite and ($ii$) very high resolution data called ''ISPRS Vaihingen Challenge Data Set''. The results show that our networks outperformed DCED in terms of $F1$ for 17.48% and 2.49% on medium and very high resolution corpora, respectively.
Solar Power Interpolation and Analysis Using Spatial Autocorrelation
Authors: Gillani Syed Muhammad Ahsan
Published: December 2018

To reduce solar power production invariance, it is critical to study varying patterns of power production in the concerned region. Analyzing the patterns of past power production trends can help simulate power production scenarios for future. The current study area is around Amsterdam, located in Netherlands. PVoutput.org website is used to mine 6 months of solar power production data for 120 stations around Amsterdam city. FME Workbench software is used to actively fetch the data from the mentioned website and manage in a MySQL database. Solar attenuation maps created using ArcGIS, helped to graphically visualize the variations in solar power production at different times and locations. Further, spatial autocorrelation is checked between the stations using semi-variograms in geostatistical tool of ArcMap. This feature allows to check whether the stations located close to each other are more correlated to each other rather than stations which are far apart. The statistical data analysis of power production can aid solar power production companies to better interpolate and predict solar power in advance for the concerned study region.
A Comparative Study of the Negative Transfer of Mother Language in English Grammar Teaching
Authors: Dai-hong CHENG , Cui-qiong PAN
Published: December 2018

It is the normal phenomenon that Chinese students’ English grammar learning may badly be influenced by mother language transfer. Especially the negative transfer must hinder the students’ progress in English learning. How to overcome the negative transfer becomes very crucial. This paper analyzes the negative transfer effects on English grammar teaching from the comparative perspectives of part of speech and sentence structure between English and Chinese, which provides enlightenment for students' English grammar learning, and also provides feasible countermeasures for teachers’ English grammar teaching in such way as to promote students' comprehensive English ability.
Provision of Specialized Anti-Epidemic Teams (SAET) Modernization at the Present Stage
Authors: Onischenko G. G. , Kutyrev V. V. , Toporkov A. V. , Karnaukhov I. G. , Scherbakov D. A. , Kazakova E. S. , Scherbakova S. A.
Published: December 2018

A unique, many-functional complex of mobile laboratories for SAET on the basis of cross-country chassis was created for the first time. The complex is designed for work in the areas of ES in the sphere of sanitary and epidemiologic welfare of the population. This unparalleled project was carried out in the course of step-by-step modernization of the specialized anti-epidemic teams (SAET) of the Rospotrebnadzor anti-plague institutes in the light of implementation of the conception of SAET modernization and main principles of SAET functioning. Presented are structural and functional characteristics of the complex of SAET mobile laboratories on the basis of cross-country chassis, and engineering and technical means used. Substantiated are relevant levels of biological safety provision for every laboratory. Qualitative advantages of the laboratories on the basis of cross-country chassis are marked, and algorithm of provision of constant readiness of SAET mobile complex is presented.
Mastering of Technology of Production of Brucellosis Diagnostic Bacteriophages
Authors: Lyapustina L. V. , Omelyanchuk P. A. , Lyamkin G. I. , Vilinskaya S. V. , Golovneva S. I. , Kogotkova O. I. , Budyka D. A. , Rusanova D. V. , Kulichenko A. N.
Published: December 2018

Presented are technologies of production of brucellosis diagnostic bacteriophages developed on the basis of determination of optimal conditions of the phages reproduction. Stability of the finished product was evaluated using Shuhard control charts.
Clinical-Epidemiological Features of Plague in Mongolia
Authors: Ad'yasuren Z. . , Tserennorov D. . , Otgonbaatar D. . , Balakhonov S. V. , Innokentyeva T. I. , Agiymaa Sh. . , Kosilko S. A.
Published: December 2018

The analysis of clinical-epidemiological features of plague in Mongolia in 1986-2009 demonstrated the decrease of the number of primary pulmonary plague cases, prevalence of bubonic plague, increase of the morbidity in women and children in the last decade. Considering the high epidemiologic potential of foci of the marmot's type, where the marmots are captured illegally by poachers, considerable probability of the bubonic plague being complicated with pneumonia or sepsis, it is necessary to improve plague epidemiologic surveillance in Mongolia.
Development of New Approaches of Obtaining the Hyperimmune Sera for Production of Medical Immunobiological Preparations
Authors: Afanasiev E. N. , Tyumentseva I. S. , Kogotkova O. I. , Lyapustina L. V. , Zharnikova I. V. , Savelyeva I. V. , Budyka D. A.
Published: December 2018

Developed were the new immunization schedules of obtaining plague, brucellar, anthrax, tularemia, cholera, leptospirosis, legionellosis and campilobacteriosis hyperimmune sera based on optimal combinations of specific protein antigenic complexes with immunomodulators, providing high specific immune response in 100 % of animals, significant reduction of immunization terms, material and labor input. Immune sera obtained are high quality biological material to be used for production of different diagnostic immunobiological preparations.
Intra-Species Differentiation and Determination of the Focal Belonging of Plague Microbe Strains Using Subtracted Restriction Fingerprinting
Authors: Gaeva A. V. , Bulgakova E. G. , Kireev M. N. , Anisimova L. V. , Novichkova L. A. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: December 2018

Plague microbe strains were typed using subtracted restriction fingerprinting (SRF). Intra-species differentiation and determination of the focal belonging of the studied plague microbe strains was demonstrated. Strains with different SRF patterns circulate in some foci suggesting the possibility to use this genetic typing method for local outbreaks investigation.
Propagation of Ornamental Ficus by Cuttings
Authors: Poole Richard T. , Conover Charles A.
Published: December 2018

Single node propagation of Ficus spp. produces many more plants per stock plant than the common method of air layering, but large leaves of some Ficus spp. require large propagation areas. Root grade was reduced when 50% or more of the leaf was removed or the entire leaf rolled. A 0.17% auxin application did not influence rooting, and soil mix had only a slight effect, with 2 Florida peat : 1 cypress shavings : 1 pine bark (v/v/v) performing better than a mix containing 100% Florida sedge peat.
‘White Cloud’ and ‘Green Cloud’ Cenizo
Authors: Simpson Benny J. , Maxwell N. P. , McWilliams E. L.
Published: December 2018

Texas silverleaf, cenizo, or purple sage [Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) l.M. Johnst.] is native to Texas in the Rio Grande Plains, southern Trans-Pecos and sparingly in the Edwards Plateau (1, 5, 7, 8). It is not a true sage (Salvia) but is in the same family (Scrophulariaceae) as penstemon, snapdragon, and Indian paintbrush. It is found in plant hardiness zones 10a, 9a, 9b, 8b, and 8a (6) as far north as London in Kimble County where it is most prevalent on south-facing slopes of caliche hills.
Effects of Fertilizer Rate and Form on Vegetative Growth and Yield of Southern Highbush Blueberry in Pine Bark Culture
Authors: Williamson J.G. , Miller E.P.
Published: December 2018

Growth and yield of ‘Misty’ and ‘Star’ southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum hybrid) plants that were grown in pine bark culture were evaluated under several rates of granular or liquid fertilizers. Granular fertilizer resulted in larger canopy volumes and slightly greater annual fruit yield than liquid fertilizer. In 2003 and 2004, canopy growth increased linearly as fertilizer rate increased up to the highest rate tested [81 g nitrogen (N), 11.8 g phosphorus (P), and 44.6 g potassium (K) per plant per year]. Similarly, a positive relationship was found for fruit yield and fertilizer rate during all 3 years. Berry yield was positively correlated with canopy size, and there was no relationship between fertilizer rate and berry yield per canopy volume, indicating that yield and canopy volume increased proportionally with increased fertilizer rate. Mean ‘Star’ berry weight was greater for granular fertilizer treatments than for liquid fertilizer treatments, but mean berry weight of ‘Misty’ was unaffected by fertilizer form. At the end of the experiment, visual examination of eight plants excavated by hand indicated that root systems of blueberry plants were primarily located in the pine bark layer with very few roots penetrating into the underlying soil. Limited water and nutrient holding capacities of pine bark, coupled with frequent irrigations to the shallow root systems in pine bark culture, probably resulted in considerable nutrient leaching and a high fertilizer requirement.
Terminology for the Description of Developmental Stages of Horticultural Crops
Authors: Watada A. E. , Herner R. C. , Kader A. A. , Romani R. J. , Staby G. L.
Published: December 2018

Terms describing or identifying developmental stages of horticultural crops are not used consistently, thus the meaning of each term becomes ambiguous. The cause for this discrepancy is speculative; however, the discrepancy could be minimized if a set of widely applicable definitions were available as guides in selecting the appropriate terms. Lott (2) recommended definitions for the terms “mature” and “ripening” and their derivatives. However, his definitions of the term “mature” and its derivatives were restricted to fruit while it is still attached to the plant, and the definitions of the term “ripe” and its derivatives were restricted to physiological changes and conditions which occur in fruit following harvest, which limit the use of terms only to specific fruits and exclude any of those ripening prior to harvest.
Small Fruit Production in High Tunnels
Authors: Demchak Kathleen
Published: December 2018

High tunnels are a relatively economical form of protected culture, and offer cultural advantages such as protection from the elements and an extended production season. Interest in high tunnels for small fruit production has been increasing in North America. Growers in the United States and Canada are using multi-bay and single-bay high tunnels for production of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis), blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus), strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa), and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.). Research trials using high tunnels are being conducted in numerous places across the United States. In most instances, high tunnels increased yields of berry crops, improved quality, and decreased the incidence of most diseases compared with field production, powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis) being a notable exception. The insect and mite complex encountered in tunnels when growing berry crops has changed markedly, often becoming similar to that which might have been expected in greenhouses, with numbers of two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), whitefly (Aleyrodidae), and thrips (Frankliniella spp.) reaching high levels without control measures. In studies at The Pennsylvania State University, primocane-bearing cultivars of red raspberry plants produced at least two to three times as much marketable fruit in tunnels as in a previous field study, with substantial summer and fall crops obtained. ‘Triple Crown’ thornless blackberry produced very high marketable yields in the tunnels, even though winter injury historically resulted in a lack of blackberry production in the field. Strawberry production in a plasticulture system using short-day or day-neutral cultivars was found to be viable; however, the primary benefit of high tunnels for strawberry may have been reliability of production rather than a yield increase. Potential reasons for improvements in productivity and quality are numerous and warrant further attention.
The Effects of Glyphosate, Auxin, and Cytokinin Combinations on in Vitro Development of Cranberry Node Explants
Authors: Scorza Ralph , Welker W. V. , Dunn L. J.
Published: December 2018

Axillary shoot proliferation from cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) nodes in vitro was correlated positively with glyphosate [(N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine,(Gly)] and isopentenyladenine (2iP) concentrations. Maximum proliferation was caused by 3.7 × 10−3 m Gly or 1.5 × 10−4 m 2iP. Shoot proliferation was reduced when combined at levels above 1.9 × 10−3 m Gly and 7.4 × 10−5 m 2iP. Gly and 2iP reduced shoot and root dry weight. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) did not significantly affect shoot proliferation or shoot and root growth at concentrations of 5.7 × 10−6 m and 5.7 × 10−5 m. Gly induced basal swelling of shoots and reduced leaf size. These characteristic Gly effects were not altered by 2iP or IAA. Gly may be a useful addendum for in vitro shoot proliferation and a tool for the investigation of meristem initiation and development.
Effect of Indoor Exposure on the Cold Hardiness and Physiology of Containerized Christmas Trees
Authors: Gooch N.J. , Nzokou Pascal , Cregg Bert M.
Published: December 2018

Containerized conifers are increasingly marketed and used as live Christmas trees worldwide. However, prolonged exposure to indoor conditions may reduce cold hardiness. We examined physiological and morphological changes of three species black hills spruce (Picea glauca), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) subjected to in-home conditions for 10 and 20 days. Shoot cuttings were subjected to artificial freeze testing (AFT) and the physiological and morphological changes were evaluated by chlorophyll fluorescence, bud mortality, and needle damage. After 7 days indoors, bud temperature at 50% lethality (LT50) was −24.5 °C for douglas fir, −23.5 °C for black hills spruce, and −22.5 °C for balsam fir. After 20 days indoors, bud LT50 increased to −18 °C for black hills spruce and balsam fir, and −21 °C for douglas fir. The effect of the indoors exposure on needle damage was very limited for black hills spruce and balsam fir; however, severe needle damage was apparent on douglas fir even at just 3 days of indoor exposure (LT50 = −21 °C). This negative impact worsened with indoor exposure time with LT50 for after 20 days of indoor exposure at −7 °C. Chlorophyll fluorescence values followed a similar trend with needle damage with black hills spruce and balsam fir showing no difference, while douglas fir values were significantly affected. These results confirm the hypothesis that live trees kept indoors for extended periods progressively deharden and become very sensitive to cold damage when moved outdoors following the indoor exposure. However, whole plant survival after transplantation in the field did not corroborate results obtained from the AFT. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential causes of the high transplantation mortality following the display treatments.
Gibberellin-like Substances in Pistachio as Related to Inflorescence Bud Abscission
Authors: Lin Tzong-Shyan , Crane Julian C. , Ryugo Kay
Published: December 2018

The levels of gibberellin-like substances in developing fruits and in developing inflorescence buds appear to have no relationship to abscission of the latter and consequent alternate bearing in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.).
Cowpeat as a Substitute for Peat in Container Substrates for Foliage Plant Propagation
Authors: Li Qiansheng , Chen Jianjun , Caldwell Russell D. , Deng Min
Published: December 2018

This study evaluated the potential for using cowpeat, a composted dairy manure, as a component of container substrates for foliage plant propagation. Using a commercial formulation (20% perlite and 20% vermiculite with 60% Canadian or Florida peat based on volume) as controls, peat was replaced by cowpeat at 10% increments up to 60%, which resulted in a total of 14 substrates. Physical and chemical properties such as air space, bulk density, container capacity, total porosity, pH, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and cation exchange capacity of the cowpeat-substituted substrates were largely similar to those of the respective control. However, the electrical conductivity (EC) increased with the increased volume of cowpeat. The 14 substrates were used for rooting single-node cuttings of golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens ssp. oxycardium) and three-node cuttings of ‘Florida Spire’ fig (Ficus benjamina) and germinating seeds of sprenger asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus) in a shaded greenhouse. All cuttings rooted in the 14 substrates, and the resultant shoot and root dry weights of golden pothos and ‘Florida Spire’ fig 2 months after rooting did not significantly vary across seven Canadian peat- or Florida peat-based substrates. Shoot dry weights of heartleaf philodendron were also similar across substrates, but the root dry weight produced in the Canadian peat-based control substrate was much greater than that produced in the substrate containing 60% cowpeat. Root dry weight and root length produced in the Florida peat-based control substrate were also significantly greater than those produced in substrates substituted by 60% cowpeat. These results may indicate that cuttings of golden pothos and ‘Florida Spire’ fig are more tolerant of higher EC than those of heartleaf philodendron, as the substrate with 60% cowpeat had EC ≥ 4.16 dS·m−1. Seed germination rates of sprenger asparagus from cowpeat-substituted Canadian peat-based substrates were greater than or comparable to those of the control substrate. Seed germination rates were similar across the seven Florida peat-based substrates. The root-to-shoot ratios of seedlings germinated from both control substrates were significantly greater than those germinated from substrates substituted by cowpeat. This difference could be partially explained by the higher nutrient content in cowpeat-substituted substrates where shoot growth was favored over root growth. Propagation is a critical stage in commercial production of containerized plants. The success in using up to 60% cowpeat in rooting and seed germination substrates may suggest that cowpeat could be an alternative to peat for foliage plant propagation.
Profitability of Mechanical Fruit Thinning of ‘Sumner’ and ‘Cape Fear’ Pecan
Authors: Wells M. Lenny , Carlson D. Scott , Edwards R. Philip
Published: December 2018

The effects of mechanical fruit thinning on pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] yield, nut quality, and profitability were assessed using ‘Sumner’ and ‘Cape Fear’ pecan trees cultivated in a commercial orchard. The moderate to light production year (OFF year) return crop and return crop value of ‘Cape Fear’ and ‘Sumner’ was increased by mechanical thinning in the year of high production (ON year). This enhanced the 2-year total value and 2-year average value of both cultivars. Increased profitability of these cultivars with mechanical fruit thinning results primarily from higher yields and prices in the OFF year of production, which offset any loss in yield and/or crop value generated by fruit thinning in the ON year. Premature germination of ‘Cape Fear’ pecans was reduced from 34% to 4% with mechanical fruit thinning. Mechanical fruit thinning appears to be a highly valuable practice, leading to increased profit potential for ‘Cape Fear’ and ‘Sumner’ pecan.
Tolerance of Selected Bedding Plants to Four Herbicides in Irrigation Water
Authors: Gettys Lyn A. , Haller William T.
Published: December 2018

‘Cocktail Whiskey’ begonia (Begonia semperflorens), ‘Sun Devil Extreme’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus), ‘Million Gold’ melampodium (Melampodium paludosum), and ‘Super Elfin’ impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) plants were irrigated with water treated with quinclorac, topramezone, imazamox, and penoxsulam to identify herbicide concentrations that cause phytotoxic effects. Plants were irrigated four times over a 10-day period with the equivalent of 0.5 inch of treated water during each irrigation and were then irrigated with tap water until they were harvested 28 days after the first herbicide treatment. Visual quality and dry weight data revealed that melampodium was the most sensitive of the bedding plants to quinclorac, imazamox, and penoxsulam, whereas vinca was the most sensitive species to topramezone. Noticeable reductions in visual quality and dry weight of melampodium were evident after exposure to 240, 580, and 10 ppb of quinclorac, imazamox, and penoxsulam, respectively, while dry weight of vinca was reduced after exposure to 110 ppb of topramezone. Current irrigation restrictions on imazamox, penoxsulam, and topramezone are adequate to minimize damage to these bedding plants if herbicide-treated waters are used for four irrigation events. However, irrigation restrictions should be established for quinclorac to prevent damage to sensitive bedding plants such as melampodium.
Employer Attitudes and Perceptions of Job Preparedness of Recent Iowa State University Horticulture Graduates
Authors: VanDerZanden Ann Marie , Reinert Michael
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of employers who have recently hired Iowa State University (ISU) Department of Horticulture graduates in regard to the graduates' preparedness when entering the workforce and their abilities to complete job responsibilities. A 70-question survey instrument was distributed electronically to 107 employers who hired ISU Department of Horticulture students who graduated from spring semester 2004 through summer session 2007. A majority of the survey questions was directly related to expected learner outcomes from the undergraduate curriculum. These outcomes related to abilities in professional skills (19 questions) and general horticulture (six questions). Twenty-four questions asked employers to rank the importance of skills in the areas of general horticulture and business, at 12 questions each. A final set of nine questions asked employers to rank the importance of work experience, attitude, and job preparedness. The response rate was 45.8%. Results showed that 52.5% of employers felt graduates were more than adequately to exceptionally well prepared for the position for which they were hired, and another 42.5% felt students were adequately prepared. Overall, employers ranked graduates abilities in general horticulture (4.22) and professional skills (4.24) as good to excellent on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = very poor, 2 = poor, 3 = fair, 4 = good, 5 = excellent). Employers ranked all 12 of the general horticulture skills with an average to above average importance (4.26), and the 12 business skills with a slightly lower average ranking (3.84) on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = not important, 2 = below average importance, 3 = average importance, 4 = above average importance, 5 = very important). In the final group of questions related to work experience, attitude, and job preparedness, employers ranked “good work ethic” as the most important skill, giving it an 4.97 on a 1 to 5 scale (1 = not important, 5 = very important). The remaining eight questions averaged 3.83 on the 1 to 5 scale. Results from this research will be used to modify the existing curriculum and expected learner outcomes to better prepare ISU horticulture graduates entering the workforce.
Palm Nutrition and Fertilization
Authors: Broschat Timothy K.
Published: December 2018

Palms (Arecaceae) growing in containers have similar nutritional requirements as other tropical ornamental plants and grow well with fertilizers having an elemental ratio of 3N:0.4P:1.7K. However, palms growing in the landscape or field nurseries have very different nutritional requirements from dicotyledonous plants. Whereas nitrogen (N) is the primary limiting nutrient element in container production, potassium (K), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), and iron (Fe) deficiencies are more widespread than N deficiency in most landscape soils. Because palms have a single apical meristem, deficiencies of K, Mn, or B can be fatal. In addition to insufficient nutrients in the soil, palm nutrient deficiencies can be caused by high soil pH, certain types of organic matter, deep planting, poor soil aeration, cold soil temperatures, and nutrient imbalances. Correction of nutritional deficiencies in palms can take up to 2 years or longer and therefore prevention of deficiencies by proper fertilization is important. Research has shown that high N:K ratio fertilizers applied directly, or indirectly via application to adjacent turfgrass in a landscape, can exacerbate K and Mg deficiencies in palms, sometimes fatally. For sandy Atlantic coastal plain soils in the southeastern United States, an analysis of 8N–0.9P–10K–4Mg plus micronutrients has been recommended.
Emerging Palm Diseases in Florida
Authors: Elliott Monica L.
Published: December 2018

Since the mid-1990s, several new pathogens and diseases have emerged on palms (Arecaceae) growing in Florida. These include two formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum, with f. sp. canariensis causing fusarium wilt of canary island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) and a new forma specialis causing Fusarium wilt of queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta). The texas phoenix palm decline phytoplasma (‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae’ subgroup 16SrIV-D), which causes a lethal yellowing-type disease, has been detected in date palms (Phoenix spp.), queen palm, and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). New rachis (petiole) blight pathogens include Cocoicola californica on mexican fan palm and Serenomyces species on several palm species.
The Influence of Harvest Time on Sensory Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Sweet Cherries
Authors: Chauvin Maite A. , Whiting Matthew , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to identify the influence of harvest time on sensory attributes of sweet cherries (Prunus avium) as evaluated by a trained and consumer panel. Over three separate panel days, trained and consumer panelists evaluated ‘Sweetheart’ cherries that were harvested 3 days before commercial maturity (early harvest), at commercial maturity (midharvest), and 3 days postcommercial maturity (late harvest). Fruit attributes from each harvest time were characterized empirically by quantifying soluble solids concentration, exocarp color, and firmness. A sensory panel (n = 12), trained to recognize and evaluate the attributes of cherry appearance (color intensity), texture (flesh firmness and juiciness), and flavor/taste (sweetness, sourness, and cherry flavor intensity), evaluated the fruit. Fruit were then evaluated by a consumer panel for purchase intent, overall acceptance, appearance, flavor, and texture. From the trained panel results, late-harvest cherries were higher in color and flavor intensity. Midharvest cherries were highest in firmness, while early-harvest cherries were lowest in color intensity and sweetness. Consumer panel results indicated midharvest and late-harvest cherries had the highest overall acceptance, and midharvest cherries had the highest acceptance for appearance. Overall acceptance was strongly correlated to flavor acceptance (r = 0.94). These results indicated that cherries harvested at midharvest were the most preferred of the harvest times despite not having the highest intensities of color, sweetness, or flavor. This indicated the importance of color, sweetness, and flavor of cherries on the overall acceptance and the possible interaction of these attributes in consumer acceptance. Furthermore, the results suggest that standard harvest maturity indicator (i.e., red coloration of exocarp) was appropriate for optimum consumer acceptance of ‘Sweetheart’. More broadly, these results suggest that there is some flexibility for the grower with regards to ‘Sweetheart’ cherry harvest and acceptable sensory properties.
Posttransplant Growth of Container-grown Wild Coffee, Copperleaf, and Orange Jasmine Is Affected by Irrigation Frequency
Authors: Moore Kimberly A. , Shober Amy L. , Gilman Edward F. , Wiese Christine , Scheiber S. Michelle , Paz Maria , Brennan Meghan M.
Published: December 2018

The survival of shrubs planted into the landscape depends on sufficient irrigation during the establishment period. Few studies have investigated the effect of irrigation frequency on the posttransplant growth of landscape shrubs. We conducted two studies in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone 10b over a 2-year period in which we compared canopy growth index (GI), root extension to canopy spread ratio, canopy dry weight, and root dry weight of shrubs irrigated at different frequencies. In the first experiment, wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) and ‘Lakeview’ orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) shrubs were planted in Sept. 2004, Dec. 2004, Mar. 2005, and June 2005 and irrigated for 28 weeks after planting (WAP) every 2, 4, or 8 days with 3 L of water per irrigation event. In the second experiment, ‘Macafeeana’ copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) and orange jasmine shrubs were planted in Sept. 2005, Dec. 2005, Mar. 2006, and June 2006 and irrigated for 28 WAP every 1, 2, or 4 days with 3 L of water per irrigation event. Canopy GI and root extension to canopy spread ratio were determined at 28, 52, and 104 WAP. The entire canopy and roots were harvested 52 and 104 WAP to determine dry weight. In Expt. 1, wild coffee and orange jasmine plants irrigated every 2 days had greater GI than plants irrigated every 8 days at 28 WAP, but GI was not different at 52 or 104 WAP. Canopy dry weight at 52 WAP was greater for plants irrigated every 2 days than every 8 days, but there was no difference at 104 WAP. There was no difference in wild coffee or orange jasmine root dry weight or root extension to canopy spread ratio among the irrigation frequencies. In Expt. 2, there were no differences in GI, canopy dry weight, root dry weight, or root extension to canopy spread ratio of copperleaf or orange jasmine irrigated everyday compared with plants irrigated every 2 or 4 days. From the data collected in these studies, it appears that irrigating wild coffee or orange jasmine every 8 days during the first 28 WAP limited canopy growth but not root development. However, after 52 WAP, rainfall events appeared to be sufficient to eliminate any initial effects from irrigation frequency. Our data suggest that wild coffee, orange jasmine, and copperleaf from 3-gal containers can be successfully established in the landscape when irrigated with 3 L of water every 4 days for the first 28 WAP.
Bloom and Harvest Dates, Fruit Quality Attributes, and Yield of Modern Peach Cultivars in the Intermountain Western United States
Authors: Fallahi Esmaeil , Fallahi Bahar , Shafii Bahman , Amiri Mohammad E.
Published: December 2018

Production of peaches (Prunus persica) in southwestern Idaho and other states in the intermountain western United States has increased during recent years, requiring information on the performance of modern cultivars in the region. Thus, a long-term project was conducted to investigate bloom date, harvest date, cumulative growing degree-days, fruit quality, and yield of various yellow- and white-fleshed peaches under conditions of southwestern Idaho during 2003 to 2007. The analysis of average response over these years indicated that ‘Snow Giant’, ‘Jupiter’, ‘Yuko King’, ‘Burpeach Six’, ‘Fairtime’, ‘Coral Star’, ‘July Sun’, and ‘Zee Lady’ bloomed earlier (5–7 Apr.), while ‘Sierra Gem’, ‘Fancy Lady’, and ‘Red Star’ bloomed later (11–12 Apr.) than other cultivars. ‘Crimson Lady’, ‘May Sun’, and ‘Sierra Gem’ were the earliest cultivars, had smaller fruit, and on average were harvested on 11, 13, and 24 July and needed 94, 96, and 103 days from full bloom to harvest, respectively. ‘Opal Moncav’, ‘August Flame’, ‘August Lady’, ‘Ryan Sun’, ‘September Snow’, ‘Yukon King’, and ‘Fairtime’ were harvested during the second half of September. The periods between bloom and harvest for these cultivars on average were 160, 163, 163, 168, 171, 173, and 177 days, respectively, and these cultivars often had greater soluble solids concentrations than other cultivars. ‘PF12B’ and ‘PF15A’ were “mid-season,” but ‘PF 20–007’ and ‘PF 24–007’ were “late-season” cultivars. ‘PF12B’, ‘PF15A’, ‘PF 20–007’, ‘Star Fire’, ‘Burapeach Six’, ‘Coral Star’, ‘All Star’, and ‘Zee Lady’ had higher yield than many of the other cultivars. While the “early-season” cultivars can be planted for regional and local market, the “mid-season” and “late-season” peaches are excellent choices for marketing during September and early October when production of the similar cultivars are already completed in warmer regions. Overall, ‘Sweet Dream’, ‘August Lady’, ‘Zee Lady’, ‘August Flame’, ‘Snow Giant’, ‘Saturn’, ‘Jupiter’, and ‘PF24–007’ showed satisfactory to great performance in this long-term evaluation.
A Twin-head “V” High-wire Greenhouse Cucumber Production System for Reducing Crop Start-up Costs
Authors: Hao Xiuming , Wen Guang , Papadopoulos Athanasios P. , Khosla Shalin
Published: December 2018

A high-wire system, in which the plant is trained into a single stem, is gaining popularity in year-round greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus) production, especially with supplemental lighting, as it allows for uniform foliar and light distribution and higher yield and quality. However, this system requires much higher plant densities than the conventional umbrella system, resulting in increased crop start-up costs. A technique for raising twin-head transplants and a twin-head “V” high-wire cucumber system were developed to address this issue. The twin-head transplants were raised by topping the seedlings after the appearance of the fourth true leaf and then two strong lateral shoots were allowed to develop and be trained into a “V” system after planting. The twin-head system achieved similar plant growth and fruit yield as the conventional single-head system on two long English seedless cucumber cultivars (Bodega and Myrthos) and two breeding lines (2005A and 24–119) tested over 2 years. The twin-head system also improved the fruit grades in ‘Bodega’ by increasing the percentage of fruit in medium size while reducing the percentage of fruit in small size. Because the twin-head system achieved the same fruit yield as the conventional single-head system while using only half the number of transplants, we can conclude that the twin-head “V” high-wire system is a more cost-effective high-wire system for year-round greenhouse cucumber production.
Performance of Primocane-fruiting Experimental Blackberry Cultivars in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Fernandez Gina E. , Ballington James R.
Published: December 2018

Yield performance of primocane-fruiting experimental blackberry (Rubus spp.) cultivars from two breeding programs were evaluated in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The trial consisted of the nine experimental cultivars: NC 533, NC 534, NC 535, NC 537, NC 538, NC 539, APF-27, APF-46, and Prime-Jim®. In addition, rowcovers were applied to split plots in the spring to determine if harvest dates could be advanced. In 2007, five experimental cultivars had comparable high total yields (APF-27, APF-46, NC 535, NC 537, and NC 539), yet only three of these had comparable marketable yields (APF 27, APF-46, and NC 537). In 2008, APF-27 and APF-46 had significantly higher total yield (2234.5 and 2257.3 g/plant, respectively) and marketable yield (1611.2 and 1654.2 g/plant, respectively) than all other experimental cultivars. Rowcover treatments did not increase or decrease either total or marketable yield in any of the experimental cultivars in either year. In addition, rowcovers did not advance the date of 5% or 50% harvest in either year. On the basis of the conditions imposed in these studies, we determined that “APF” selections evaluated in this trial have higher second-year yield than “NC” selections, primocane-fruiting experimental cultivar yields are lower than yields commonly found with floricane-fruiting blackberries, and rowcovers as applied in this study are not a viable option for advancing harvest season of primocane-fruiting blackberries in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Horticultural Crop Sales and Participation in Rural Farmed Markets
Authors: Lindgren D.T.
Published: December 2018

Thirteen farmers' markets have been established in west-central Nebraska with varying degrees of success. Sales and seller participation in the active markets have varied from year to year. Farmers' markets in small communities, as well as in larger metropolitan areas, can be successful.
Environmental Control of a Single-cluster Greenhouse Tomato Crop
Authors: Janes Harry W. , McAvoy Richard J.
Published: December 2018

In this paper we review our research of light effects on tomato production. It was demonstrated that, during the production of greenhouse tomatoes, the total fruit yield, as well as time of harvest, was related to light. The date of harvest was inversely correlated with the amount of light the crop received during the seedling phase of growth, while fruit weight was positively correlated with light during the production phase. Additionally, we present information that shows that light was most effective in promoting fruit development between 15 and 45 days after flowering. Some of these relationships were quantified and used to develop a predictive model to help a grower plan a tomato crop to meet market demand. The concept of the Single-cluster Tomato Production System was developed, and the rewards of using our understanding of plant-environment interactions to control plant growth and, therefore maxim&profits were shown. Furthermore, the need to create a more dynamic model and the methods for doing so were discussed.