bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Temperature Structural Dynamics of Isatin in Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Using
Authors: Kabara Komal , Karale Ravikant , Alwaleedy Suad , Roy Bunty Rani , Kumbharkhane Ashok C. , Sarode Arvind V.
Published: August 2022

Structural and dynamical properties of heterocyclic organic compound Isatin in the solution state with DMSO has been studied in the frequency region of 10 MHz to 50 GHz over the temperature range of 273.15 K-298.15 K with the help of Time domain Reflectometry. Some of the dielectric parameters like relaxation time (τi), static dielectric constant (εi), dipole moment (𝜇̂) , correlation factor (gi), number of irrotationaly bound DMSO molecule (Zib) and effective volume of rotation (Veff) has been evaluated and expressed in terms of molecular interaction and hydrogen bonding. Beside these thermodynamic parameters such as molar entropy of activation (Δ𝑆𝜏𝑖), molar enthalpy of activation (Δ𝐻𝜏𝑖), molar free energy of activation ( Δ𝐹𝜏𝑖 ) has also been calculated. The dielectric permittivity spectra and relaxation behaviour of Isatin at different DMSO concentrations was analyzed using Cole-Davidson model. Two relaxation peaks i.e. high frequency relaxation and low frequency relaxation has been observed for Isatin+DMSO. The low frequency relaxation peak observed in the range of about 4-5 GHz is attributed to the rotation of Isatin molecule while high frequency relaxation peak observed in the range of about 18-21 GHz is attributed to the reorientation of DMSO molecule. With increasing isatin concentration dielectric loss peaks shifted towards lower frequency side at all the studied temperature and concentrations. Dielectric constant was found to be increasing with increasing concentrations except at 0.2265M. For all the studied temperatures dielectric constant was found to be decreasing with temperature. Dipole moment calculated using Cavell’s equation was found to be decreasing with increasing concentrations, 𝜇̂ was found to be increasing towards lower temperature, whereas, the variation in the magnitude is very small towards higher concentration.
A comprehensive mHealth solution for OSA patient management
Authors: Joymangul Jensen Selwyn , Sekhari Aicha , Grasset Olivier , Moalla Nejib
Published: August 2022

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially fatal sleep disease that causes a variety of pathologies. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is the preferred treatment for OSA. Nonetheless, when compared to the other 17 therapies, the PAP therapy has one of the lowest levels of compliance. We present 2 novel mHealth solutions for improving this adherence level in CPAP therapy. The first application, Sleep.py Experts, provides a variety of decision support tools to enable tailored patient management for PAP treatment. The end-users for Sleep.py Experts are the multiple stakeholders that are involved in the PAP therapy like the pulmonologist, The second application, Sleep.py, delivers motivational, educational, diet, physical activity and stress management interventions directly to the patient suffering from OSA. We include an innovative serious game to increase the patient’s compliance with the application. Sleep.py provides the most comprehensive collection of personalized interventions for PAP therapy. Another core feature of these applications is to collect feedback from either the experts or the patients, In this research, we also present a framework for creating this feedback and propagating them across various machine learning models in a continuous learning process. This paradigm is adaptable enough to be used in different therapies or fields. To summarise, we offer a clear roadmap for implementing a continuous learning method based on expert-validated outcomes.
Therapeutic ultrasound ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD-mediated epithelial mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yang Jia-Chun , Xu Cheng , Kang Jian-Qiang , Yang Ling
Published: August 2022

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive pulmonary interstitial inflammatory disease with no effective treatment. Lung epithelial injury and dysfunction are the core of initiating the pathogenic process. Following injury to the lung epithelium, inflammatory cell recruitment, fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix expansion ultimately lead to tissue fibrosis. Chronic inflammatory microenvironment is closely related to the development of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, EMT may be the main source of pathogenic myofibroblasts in the process of pulmonary fibrosis. There is increasing evidence that therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) can alleviate the inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate that effects of TUS on EMT and fibrosis in bleomycin (BLM)-induced model.
Methods
Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The mice were treated with TUS for 14d. After the mice were sacrificed, lung tissues were collected for analysis. The lungs were analyzed histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. The fibrosis was characterized by hydroxyproline (Hyp) content, immunofluorescence and western blotting for α-SMA and Collagen I. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, and TGF-β) were measured with ELISA. The protein levels of Vimentin, E-cadherin, p-SMAD2, SMAD2, p-SMAD3, SMAD3 were examined by western blotting.
Results
Treatment with TUS attenuated the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, which downregulated the content of Hyp and the expression levels of α-SMA and Collagen I in lungs and reduced the inflammatory cytokines levels. TUS reversed mesenchymal-like changes in the BLM-induced mice. The results confirmed that the expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin, increased after TUS treatment, while expression of the mesenchymal markers, Vimentin, and α-SMA decreased after the treatment. Furthermore, TUS reduced expression of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3.
Conclusions
These findings suggested that TUS therapy had anti-fibrotic activity and could be used for IPF.
Managerial Practices and Performances of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: Evidence from Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Sugrinoma Aristide , Gansonré Soumaïla
Published: August 2022

Management practices are seen as key explaining factors of the productivity differences across firms but generally considered as unobserved and assimilated to firms' individual fixed effects. Using survey data collected in Burkina Faso over 800 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), this study examines the relationship between management and the performances. Observed factors categorized in thee components that are monitoring, target settings, and incentive schemes are used to compute a management practices score. Considering the management skills as technology that can be adopted, the empirical results show a positive and significant association between management practices and firms' performances measured by the sale value, profit and value added. The relationship is particularly strong between the incentive component of management and performances. The estimation by firms' size also finds that the link between management score and performances' indicators is stronger for larger firms. We draw recommendations to inform policies that aim at promoting SMEs governance and growth in developing countries.
A Distributed B+Tree Indexing Method for Processing Range Queries over Streaming Data
Authors: Safaee Shahab , Mirabi Meghdad , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Safaei Aliasghar
Published: August 2022

A data stream exhibits as a massive unbounded sequence of data elements continuously generated at a high rate. Stream databases raise new challenges for query processing due to both the streaming nature of data which constantly changes over time and the wider range of queries submitted by the user when compared with the traditional databases. In this paper, we propose a system architecture which includes components for both distributed indexing of streaming data and distributed processing of range queries over streaming data. By exploiting the proposed system architecture, the process of indexing of streaming data and the process of querying over streaming data can be done in a distributed fashion. We also design a distributed B + Tree indexing method using the map-reduce programming model of the Apache Spark framework which creates small B + Tree indexes on the machines of a Spark cluster instead of using a large and centralized B + Tree index structure. Moreover, we propose a distributed range search algorithm to process range queries in distributed and parallel form using the set of small B + Tree indexes. By performing several experiments, we demonstrate that our proposed distributed B + Tree indexing method is scalable and efficient compared to the existing indexing methods and therefore, it can be used for applications involving data streams with a large volume of data elements and a large number of range queries.
Heterologous biosynthesis of isobavachalcone in tobacco based on in planta screening of prenyltransferases
Authors: Guo Lirong , Zhao Wei , Wang Yan , Yang Yu , Wei Cuimei , Guo Jian , Dai Jianye , Hirai Masami Yokota , Bao Aike , Yang Zhigang , Chen Haijuan , Li Yimeng
Published: August 2022

Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a prenylated chalcone mainly distributed in some Fabaceae and Moraceae species. IBC exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. In this study, we attempted to construct the heterologous biosynthesis pathway of IBC in tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ). Four previously reported prenyltransferases, including GuILDT from Glycyrrhiza uralensis , HlPT1 from Humulus lupulus , and SfILDT and SfFPT from Sophora flavescens , were subjected to an in planta screening to verify their activities for the biosynthesis of IBC, by using tobacco transient expression with exogenous isoliquiritigenin as the substrate. Only SfFPT and HlPT1 could convert isoliquiritigenin to IBC, and the activity of SfFPT was higher than that of HlPT1. By co-expression of GmCHS8 and GmCHR5 from Glycine max, endogenous isoliquiritigenin was generated in tobacco leaves (21.0 mg/g dry weight). After transformation with a multigene vector carrying GmCHS8 , GmCHR5 , and SfFPT , de novo biosynthesis of IBC was achieved in tobacco calluses (0.46 mg/g dry weight). The yield of IBC in calluses was nearly equal to that in SfFPT transient expression experiments, in which substrate supplement was sufficient, indicating that low IBC yield was caused by the low activity of SfFPT. Our research provided a prospect to produce valuable prenylflavonoids using plant-based metabolic engineering.
Identification of novel long noncoding RNA with distinct expression patterns in different subtypes of multiple myeloma
Authors: Elsayed Dina , Ashby Cody , Wardell Christopher P , Rhee Frits , Ussery David W , Zhan Fenghuang , Bauer Michael A
Published: August 2022

Evidence has accumulated regarding the association of some types of long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) with severity and progression of multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we explore the expression of novel lncRNA in different molecular subtypes of MM and examine their correlation with the prognosis of the patient. Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing of 643 newly diagnosed MM samples was performed. De novo and reference guided transcript assembly pipelines were used for RNA-seq data processing and discovery of novel lncRNAs in MM. We identified 8,556 potentially novel lncRNA transcripts expressed in patients with MM. Of these, 1,264 novel transcripts showed significant differential expression between the different molecular subtypes of MM. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identify their potential targets and roles in MM. Functional enrichment analysis of nearby coexpressed genes was used to predict involved pathways. The function was also inferred by comparing the k-mer content with known lncRNAs. Two of the novel lncRNAs had a significant association with progression free survival and/or overall survival. In conclusion, we identified many novel lncRNAs, describe their expression pattern among different genetic subtypes of MM and provide evidence of their potential role in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of the disease.
Determinants of Household Dietary Diversity in Rural Ethiopia: A Household Panel Study
Authors: Kabeta Teshome , Holst Renè , Wondafrash Beyene , Frigessi Arnoldo , Gebremariam Mekdes Kebede
Published: August 2022

Background
Diet diversification ensures nutritional security and hence helps to realize human nutrient requirements. Despite its importance, diet diversification remains a challenge especially for rural communities of the developing countries. This study was aimed to identify the determinants of diet diversity in Oromia, and in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples regions of Ethiopia.
Methods
The agriculture-nutrition household panel data, called Ag-Nutrition, is used in this paper. The study collected data in 1200 households twice a year for two years in two kebeles in each of ten woredas (districts). We used the previously introduced Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). In addition to several potential demographic, social, economic and geographic determinants of diet diversity, we defined a new empowerment score of women in nutritional household decisions. Mixed effect truncated Poisson regression was fitted to determine possible determinants of diet diversity at household level.
Result
The value of the HDDS ranged from 1 to 10 with mean 5.52 and standard deviation (SD) 1.54. One unit increment in variety of crop production gave a 3.37% increase in HDDS (95% CI [1.93%, 4.88%]). A one-birr increase in income generated from livestock products resulted in 2.62% increase of HDDS ([1.54%, 3.72%]). The post harvesting season contributed with a 6.43% increase in HDDS relative to the pre-harvesting season ([3.61, 9.33]). Households headed by a woman were lower by 92.34% of HDDS relative to a man-led household ([87.46, 96.70]). An additional year of education of the household head resulted in 1.19% increase of HDDS ([0.73,1.66]. As the mean empowerment score of women increased by one score point, the increment in HDDS increased by 3.80% ([1.13, 6.39]). We found no significant effect of the vicinity of the households to local markets on the HDDS.
Conclusion
This study has identified economic, educational, social and seasonal factors associated with HDDS, which need to be taken into consideration when planning interventions aimed at improving HDDS in rural Ethiopia and possibly in other similar regions.
Clinical parameters to predict adverse outcomes in patients with parallel circulation with a Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt
Authors: Sheth Saloni P. , Loomba Rohit S.
Published: August 2022

Introduction
In patients with parallel circulation, early risk factor identification for adverse outcome can facilitate prevention. This retrospective study compares vital sign parameters, near infrared spectroscopy, central venous pressure, hemoglobin, serum lactate, and vasoinotrope score in the first 48 hours between those with parallel circulation with and without a composite adverse outcome after Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt placement.
Methods
Hemodynamic variables were collected at the following postoperative timepoints: admission to the cardiac intensive care unit, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after. Outcomes of interest included cardiopulmonary arrest, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or inpatient mortality during the admission.
Results
Of the 39 neonates in the study, 10 experienced the composite outcome. Four variables had a receiver operator curve analysis area under the curve of > 0.60. The resulting risk score was as follows, with 1 point being assigned for a central venous pressure greater than 7.8, 1 point for a serum lactate greater than 1.8, renal oxygen extraction ratio of greater than 32, and vasoinotrope score of greater than 8.7. A score of 0 was associated with a 0% risk of the composite outcome, a score of 1 or 2 a 15% risk, and a score of 3 or 4 a 60% risk.
Conclusion
A combination of increased central venous pressure, increased serum lactate, increased renal oxygen extraction ratio, and increased vasoinotrope score are highly accurately associated with risk of cardiopulmonary arrest, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or inpatient mortality after a Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt in patients with parallel circulation.
Heart Rate Variability predicts the Subject-Driven Cognitive States
Authors: Farfán Carlos Enrique Paucar , Guzman Grover Enrique Castro , Bruel Pedro , Goldman Alfredo , Takahashi Daniel Yasumasa , Fujita Andre
Published: August 2022

Methods for controlling machines using physiological signals have been the focus of much research over the last decades. One natural approach is to use brain signals for decoding subject-driven cognitive states. However, brain-based decoding approaches often require costly, challenging to handle, and uncomfortable devices inadequate for daily use. We propose an alternative method to decode cognitive states based on heart rate (HR). Although HR is capable of classifying general physiological conditions (e.g., level of physical activities, stress, some diseases), it is less clear if HR signals can discriminate cognitive states. To answer this question, we submitted 25 subjects (mean age +- standard deviation, 30.2+- 4.9 y.o.) to four cognitive tasks: (i) resting quietly, (ii) remembering their day's events, (iii) singing lyrics, and (iv) subtracting numbers. We collected the electrocardiogram twice for each individual, separated by approximately one week. We used an inexpensive commercially available chest sensor band to collect the HR. We trained a support vector machine to classify the cognitive tasks using data collected on day one. Then we validated it in the dataset collected on day two. Our results show classification accuracy higher than expected at random (p < 0.001). Therefore, we conclude that we can use HR to help decode cognitive states. Because we can easily monitor the HR using a wearable sensor, HR is potentially helpful for human-machine interface applications in daily conditions.
Optogenetic activation of dorsal raphe serotonin neurons induces a brain-wide response in reward network
Authors: Hamada Hiro Taiyo , Abe Yoshifumi , Takata Norio , Taira Masakazu , Tanaka Kenji F. , Doya Kenji
Published: August 2022

Serotonin is a neuromodulator that affects multiple behavioral and cognitive functions. Nonetheless, how serotonin causes such a variety of effects through its brain-wide projections and variety of receptors remains unclear. Here we measured the brain-wide response to optogenetic stimulation of serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) by functional MRI using an 11.7T scanner with a cryoprobe. Transient activation of DRN serotonin neurons caused wide-spread activation of reward-related brain areas. The same stimulation under anesthesia with isoflurane decreased activation of those reward-related areas and the hippocampal complex. These brain-wide response patterns can be explained by DRN serotonergic projection topography and serotonin receptor expression profiles, with enhanced weights on 5-HT1 type receptors. The primarily facilitatory effect on reward-related brain areas by DRN serotonergic activation is consistent with recent discoveries of its roles in reward-oriented behaviors and demands reconsideration of inhibitory view due to the result under anesthesia.
Denials of coverage for evidence-based cancer survivorship care services
Authors: Blaes Anne H. , Abu-Khalaf Maysa M. , Bender Catherine M. , Dent Susan F. , Fung Chunkit , Smith Sophia K. , Watson Samantha , Katta Sweatha , Merrill Janette K. , Hudson Shawna V.
Published: August 2022

Background: The American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Survivorship Committee established a task force to determine which survivorship care services were being denied by public and private payers for coverage and reimbursement. Methods: A quantitative survey instrument was developed to determine the clinical practice-reported rates of coverage denials for evidence-based cancer survivorship care services. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted to understand whether coverage denials were based on payer policies, cost-sharing, or prior authorization. Results: Of 122 respondents from 50 states, respondents reported that coverage denials were common (“always”, “most of the time,” or “some of the time”) for maintenance therapies, screening for new primary cancers or cancer recurrence. Respondents reported that denials in coverage for maintenance therapies were highest for immunotherapy (51.29%) and maintenance chemotherapy (48.72%). Coverage denials for new primary cancer screenings were highest for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors needing a PET/CT scan (57.69%) and breast cancer survivors at a high-risk of recurrence who needed an MRI (61.61%), respectively. More than half of survey respondents reported denials for symptom management and supportive care services. Fertility services, dental services when indicated, and mental health services were denied “always” or “most of the time” 23.1%, 22.5%, and 12.8%, respectively. Respondents reported they often had a process in place to automatically appeal denials for evidence-based services. The denial process, however, resulted in greater stress for the patient and provider. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that additional advocacy with payers is needed to ensure that reimbursement policies are consistent with evidence-based survivorship care services.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in tandem with Anti-CD30 CAR T-cell infusion in relapsed/refractory CD30 + lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Peiling , Yang Xiuxiu , Cao Yang , Wang Jue , Zhou Mi , Chen Liting , Wei Jia , Mao Zekai , Wang Di , Xiao Yi , Zhu Haichuan , Zhang Shangkun , Zhang Tongcun , Zhang Yicheng , Zhou Jianfeng , Huang Liang
Published: August 2022

Background: Long-term outcome is unfavourable for relapsed/refractory (r/r) lymphoma patients who are resistant to salvage chemotherapy, even after subsequent autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Although anti-CD30 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR30) T-cell therapy induces high response rates in these patients, the duration of response is relatively limited. Methods: This open-label, single-center and single-arm pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of ASCT in tandem with CAR30 T-cell infusion in r/r CD30+ lymphoma. The primary endpoint was safety and key secondary endpoint was overall response rate, overall survival, progression-free survival, and duration of response. Results: Five classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) patients and 1 anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) patient were enrolled. The median age was 24 years. No patient had prior ASCT. Three patients (50.0%) relapsed for ≥ 2 times and 3 patients (50.0%) had primary refractory diseases. All had a Deauville score of 4 or 5, and 5 patients (83.3%) had a stable or progressive disease (SD/PD) at enrollment. All patients received myeloablative chemotherapy and infused CD34-positive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and CAR30 T cells in tandem, with a median dose of 3.9 ×106/kg and 7.6 ×106/kg, respectively. Five paitents presented with cytokine release syndrome (CRS), all of which were grade 1. No neurotoxicity was observed. All patients had successful HSCs engraftment and reached an objective response, including 5 (4 cHL and 1 ALCL, 83.3%) with a complete response (CR) and 1 with a partial response (PR). With a median follow-up of 20.4 (range, 12.1-34.4) months, all remained alive and maintained their responses.Conclusion: Our work demonstrates the combined administration of ASCT and CAR30 T-cell therapy is well-tolerate and highly effective in r/r cHL and ALCL, even in PET-positive or chemorefractory patients who are expected to have inferior outcome after ASCT, although further large-scaled validation in prospective clinical trial is warranted. Trial registration: The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR, number ChiCTR2100053662).
Monkeypox Viral Detection In Semen Specimens of Confirmed Cases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sah Ranjit , Abdelaal Abdelaziz , Reda Abdullah , Brakat Aml , Lashin Basant , Abdelazeem Basel , Mohanty Aroop , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso
Published: August 2022

Background The current literature shows increasing concerns about potential seminal transmission of monkeypox virus (MPV). Accordingly, we aimed to understand better the potential presence of MPV in the seminal fluids and others specimens obtained from monkeypox (MPX) cases. Methods On June 26, 2022, a systematic search of the literature was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, EBSCOHost-Academic Search Complete, and Google Scholar to find articles that examine the presence of MPV in seminal fluid of confirmed cases . The search was updated on August 12 to include newly published articles. The prevalence of MPV DNA presence in the seminal fluid and other specimens was pooled in a meta-analysis and results were presented as effect sizes and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of included articles was assessed using the National Institute of Health tool. Results Eight articles (including 585 MPX-confirmed patients) were included. Only four studies were eligible for a meta-analysis, and the individual positivity rate of MPV DNA in semen specimens ranged from 61.11% to as high as 90.62%, while the pooled rate was 78% (95% CI: 62-93%; I2=61.93%) among 91 examined patients. Moreover, the pooled positive rate of MPV DNA was the highest in rectal samples (100%; 95%CI: 94-100%), followed by urinary (31%; 95%CI: 1-61%), nasopharyngeal (28%; 95%CI: 24-32%), and blood/plasma (8%; 95%CI: 6-10%) samples, respectively. Furthermore, two articles also investigated the infectivity of MPV particles detected in seminal specimens by testing their replication competence. Culturing MPV was successful in one out of three patients included in these studies. Also, based on available evidence, the positivity of MPV in semen specimens can be observed early and up to 19 days after symptoms onset. Conclusions MPV is highly prevalent in seminal specimens of MPX cases, further corroborating the role of sexual transmission of the disease. However, further evidence is still needed to shed more light on the replication competence of these particles.
Rationale and design for the Shea lubricant, 2% Lidocaine gel non-inferiority trial
Authors: Adanu Kekeli Kodjo , Amegan-Aho Kokou , Iroko Davidson , Adedia David , Ndudiri Orish Verner
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Medical lubricants are indispensable in the care process. Several products are used as lubricants in the medical industry including lidocaine gel. However in Ghana, procurement delays and high cost means the product is not always available. Physicians therefore resort to the usage of inappropriate materials with attendant complications. Shea butter which is locally produced and widely available, when adequately processed may serve as a non-inferior substitute. However data on its use as a medical lubricant is lacking Objective: To compare the effectiveness, complications and ease of use of shea butter to 2lidocaine gel as a surgical lubricant for digital rectal examination. Outcomes: Primary outcome: the primary end point is mean difference in pain perception with a non-inferiority limit set at − 0.72. Secondary outcome: differences in complication rates including discomfort, urinary urgency, bowel urgency and perianal pruritus. The ease of use and lubricating associated with the use of the lubricant will also be assessed. Methods: This is a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial comparing the effectiveness of shea lubricant to lidocaine gel for digital rectal examination. A total of 152 patients will be randomized. The data will be collected at the Surgical, Urology and Emergency units of the Ho Teaching Hospital. The study will estimate the differences in pain perception using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with a non-inferiority limit set at − 0.72. The ease of use of the lubricants will be assessed using a Likert scale. Similarly, associated complications such as discomfort, urinary urgency, bowel urgency and perianal pruritus will be ascertained using Likert scales. Discussion: Lidocaine gels are essential but expensive lubricants. The cost of 2% Lidocaine gel has been estimated to be at least three times that of plain gel in some jurisdictions. Significant cost savings could be made if the Shea lubricant can be substituted for the 2% Lidocaine gel in Ghana since the main raw material can be locally sourced. A non-inferiority testing is best suited for this comparative study since the 2% Lidocaine gel is a standardized lubricant which has been used frequently in trials. Despite limitations, we believe the SHEA-LIDO trial is well designed and will yield important results
Exogenous Gibberellic Acid and the Cytokinin Isopentenyladenine Retardants of Senescence in Romaine Lettuce1
Authors: Aharoni N. , Back A. , Ben-Yehoshua S. , Richmond A. E.
Published: August 2022

A single preharvest spray of gibberellic acid (GA3), alone or with the cytokinin, isopentenyladenine (IPA), retarded leaf yellowing, and, to a lesser extent, leaf rot of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. ‘Hazera Yellow’). The most effective spray was 10 ppm GA3 plus 0.1 ppm IPA. Effects of 1 ppm GA3 together with 0.1 ppm IPA were similar to those of 25 ppm GA3 and were always superior to the controls (water-sprayed). Lettuce sprayed by the hormones and packed in polyethylene (PE) liners remained green and sound longer than that either sprayed or packaged.
Effectiveness of Five Vision-Lighting Sources on Photo-Regulation of 22 Species of Ornamental Plants1
Authors: Cathey Henry M. , Campbell Lowell E.
Published: August 2022

When compared at a level of 1 ft-c for 16 hours at a night temperature of 20°C, light from 5 types of sources delayed flowering of short-day plants (Chrysanthemum, marigold, Rieger begonia), promoted vegetative growth of 2 species of Ulmus, 2 each of Acer, and 1 of Koelreuteria, Rhododendron, Rhus, and Zelkova, and promoted flowering of long-day plants (carnation, marguerite daisy, Petunia) in the order from most to least effective: incandescent (INC) > high-pressure sodium (HPS) > > metal halide (MH) = cool white fluorescent (F) > > clear mercury (Hg). Poinsettia, Betula, Catalpa, Platanus, and Tilia continued to grow vegetatively in response to all sources. Ilex and 2 species of Pinus did not respond. Foot candles of light from HPS lamps had to be increased at least 4- to 8-fold to regulate vegetative growth of long-day plants and delay flowering of short-day plants in comparison to INC lamps. High-pressure sodium lamps were ineffective in promoting early flowering of long-day plants, regardless of intensity or duration.
Resistance in Eggplant, Solanum melongena L., and Nontuber-Bearing Solanum Species to Carmine Spider Mite1
Authors: Schalk J. M. , Stoner A. K. , Webb Ralph E. , Winters H. F.
Published: August 2022

The Agricultural Research Service collection of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and related Solanum species from throughout the world was screened for resistance to the carmine spider mite Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval). Tolerance to mite feeding damage was found in S. melongena (P.I. 269663 and 269660), and antibiosis was found in S. mammosum L. (P.I. 245968), S. sisymbrifolium Lam. (P.I. 337597), and S. pseudocapsicum L. (P.I. 368425). P.I. accessions 245968, 368425, 269663, and 269660 were least preferred for feeding and oviposition.
Relation of Quality Indices of Individual Blueberries to Photoelectric Measurement of Anthocyanin Content1
Authors: Kushman L. J. , Ballinger W. E.
Published: August 2022

Individual fruit pH, total acidity (AC as %), soluble solids (SS as %), and SS/AC ratios correlated significantly with anthocyanin contents of ‘Wolcott’, ‘Morrow’, ‘Jersey’, and ‘Tifblue’ blueberries as measured by light transmission (ΔOD740-800 nm). Fruit orientation with respect to the light path influenced readings. The relationships of the light transmission values to the quality indices differed among cultivars.
The Response of Fruit Trees to Injection of Nitrogen through a Trickle Irrigation System1
Authors: Smith Michael W. , Kenworthy A. L. , Bedford C. L.
Published: August 2022

Nitrogen was applied as a ground application at the recommended rate based on leaf analysis, or at 25, 50 or 100% of that rate injected through a trickle irrigation system in combination with 3 rates of water. Leaf N was not influenced by treatment. Fruit yield resulting from the ground application or the 100% and 50% injection treatments were equal, whereas the 25% injection rate gave variable results. Injection treatments had no marked effect on fruit size or fruit quality. N distribution within the tree was uniform where the trickle irrigation rate was 7.6 liters per hour. N levels in the leaves were lower at 15.2 liters per hour.
Effect of Soil Compaction on Carrot Roots1
Authors: Strandberg J. O. , White J. M.
Published: August 2022

Effects of soil compaction on early root growth of carrot (Daucus carota L.) growing in organic soil contained in specially constructed pots were studied under controlled environmental conditions. Screened and steamed mucky peat soil was artificially compacted with an applied pressure of 0.45 — 2.23 bars to produce soil densities of 0.7 — 1.1 g/cm3. Soil strength, measured as penetrometer resistance was directly related to applied compacting pressure and highly dependent upon soil moisture. Highest soil strengths were produced when the soil contained 52-58% moisture. Taproot lengths 16 days after seeding were significantly shorter at each increase in soil strength produced by applied compacting pressures of 0.45, 1.12, 1.51, and 2.23 bars. Rates of early taproot growth measured at 2-day intervals for 18 days were similarly decreased with increasing soil strength. Young taproots grew normally through compaction zones produced by 0.45 bars but were severely impeded when compaction zones produced by 1.12, 1.51, and 2.23 bars were encountered. Roots impeded by high soil strength were frequently thickened and convoluted with increased branching but no significant differences between treatments could be detected. Effects of soil compaction on mature roots were evidenced by abnormally short, blunt, and abruptly tapered roots. Mature root weight, diameter, and length decreased with increasing soil compaction.
Epicuticular Wax Formation on Carnation Plantlets Regenerated from Shoot Tip Culture1
Authors: Sutter Ellen , Langhans R. W.
Published: August 2022

Epicuticular wax fine structure on leaves from carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) grown in the greenhouse or regenerated from shoot tip culture was compared by scanning electron microscopy. Wax rods densely covered the glaucous leaf surface of greenhouse-grown plants. Irregularly-shaped wax plates were observed on leaves of glaucous plantlets, but no structured wax was seen on non-glaucous plantlets, which comprised the majority of plantlets. During 2½ weeks in the greenhouse, increasing amounts of structured epicuticular wax developed on leaves of glaucous plantlets but not of non-glaucous plantlets. The low survival rate of carnation plantlets regenerated in vitro may be explained by their lack of epicuticular wax structure which results in excess desiccation when they are transferred from in vitro conditions to the greenhouse.
Nutrition of Japanese Holly during Propagation and Production1
Authors: Ward James D. , Whitcomb Carl E.
Published: August 2022

Slow-release nutrient sources produced larger, higher quality Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Hetzi’ plants than liquid fertilization at the same rates. Salable quality plants were produced in one growing season by using Osmocote in the propagation medium and incorporating isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) and fritted potassium (K-frit) or Osmocote plus dolomite, single-superphosphate, and micronutrients into the container-growing medium prior to transplanting liners. A wide range of IBDU,K-frit gave satisfactory results. Nutrition during propagation was essential for best growth and utilization of subsequent container nutrition. Cuttings from plants grown with IBDU, K-frit rooted better than those grown with Osmocote or liquid fertilizer.
Effect of Selected Dormant Pruning Techniques in a Hedgerow Apple Orchard1
Authors: Ferree D. C. , Lakso A. N.
Published: August 2022

Three hand pruning systems (annual, biennial, and triennial) and 2 combinations of mechanical hedging and hand pruning were compared on 6 cultivars of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) on Mailing (M) 26 planted in 1968 at a spacing of 3.6 × 6 m. In general cultivars responded similarly to the pruning treatments. After 6 years the pruning treatments had no apparent influence on trunk circumference and tree height, but hedging decreased tree spread. There were similar light levels with all pruning treatments. Inserting limb spreaders and pruning annually had the highest labor requirements and was among the better treatments in inducing larger fruit size, accumulated yield/tree, yield/trunk cross sectional area and revenue/tree. Hedging plus biennial pruning had a smaller labor requirement and was equivalent to annual pruning in fruit size, accumulated yield/tree, yield/trunk cross sectional area and revenue/tree. Hedging followed by annual pruning resulted in the lowest number of fruit/tree, accumulated yield/tree and yield/trunk cross section and was considered the least desirable treatment.
Ultrastructure and Chemistry of Cuticular Waxes of Developing Citrus Leaves and Fruits1
Authors: Freeman B. , Albrigo L. G. , Biggs R. H.
Published: August 2022

The ultrastructure of leaf and fruit surface waxes of citrus developed similarly. The wax layers of immature leaves and fruits were initially amorphous. Small protrusions and isolated regions of upright platelets then developed. All surfaces eventually cracked and uplifted to form large flat irregular plates. Epicuticular wax concentrations (μg/cm2) of new spring flush leaves were initially high, declined rapidly in March-April, and increased to June maxima after which levels declined slightly. Fruit epicuticular wax concentration generally declined in May-June and then increased into November. Secondary alcohols dominated citrus leaf waxes in March-April but quickly decreased or were diluted to trace levels. Overall, the major citrus leaf wax fractions were primary alcohols, with paraffins 2nd in importance. Aldehydes and fatty acids were dominant in citrus fruit waxes. For each cultivar, the relative proportions of individual wax fractions changed during the year. The intracuticular waxes were mainly fatty acids. The relationships between wax ultrastructure and chemistry in developing leaves and fruits are discussed.
The Influence of Auxin, Catechol and Methanolic Tissue Extracts on Root Initiation in Aseptically Cultured Shoot Apices of the Juvenile and Adult Forms of Hedera helix1
Authors: Hackett Wesley P.
Published: August 2022

There is very little rooting response of juvenile shoot apices to indole-acetic acid (IAA) at concentrations from 1 to 50 mg/liter when the light intensity is 400–500 ft-c. Naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA), however, promotes rooting very markedly with an optimum at 5 to 10 mg/1. There is a strong synergism between IAA at 10 mg/1 and catechol at 5 × 10−5M which results in a rooting response equal to that obtained with NAA at its optimum concentration. In low intensity light (50 ft-c) IAA is nearly as effective as IAA + catechol in high light. Rooting of adult apices in high intensity light is essentially zero using IAA, NAA or combinations of these auxins with catechol. In low intensity light rooting occurs using 10 mg/1 IAA and there is a marked synergism between IAA and catechol. The rooting response of adult tips in low intensity light is very similar to that of juvenile shoot tips in high intensity light. Three fractions of methanolic extracts of adult and juvenile shoot tissue promote rooting of juvenile shoot apices in high intensity light. Rooting of adult apices is not affected by these or other fractions.
Effects of Inherited Differences in Growth Habit on Fruit Size and Soluble Solids in Tomato1
Authors: Emery George C. , Munger Henry M.
Published: August 2022

Different growth habits in the same genetic background were produced by backcross programs to obtain determinate, sp, indeterminate, sp+, jointless, j, and dwarf, d, forms of each of 3 varieties, ‘Gardener,’ ‘Fireball,’ and ‘Cornell 54-149.’ Compared at 2 spacings, 6 × 1.5 ft and 6 × 0.5 ft, indeterminate and jointless plants had larger fruit and higher soluble solids than determinate plants in all varietal backgrounds and at both spacings. The magnitude of the differences varied with varietal background. Dwarf plants produced smaller fruit than non-dwarf plants but with no difference in soluble solids. Closer plant spacings within the row resulted in both smaller size and decreased soluble solids of fruit.
Linkage of Turnip Mosaic Virus Susceptibility and Downy Mildew, Bremia lactucae, Resistance in Lettuce1
Authors: Zink F. W. , Duffus James E.
Published: August 2022

Data for resistance in Lactuca sativa L. to turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) and downy mildew were obtained from 8 F2 progenies of crosses between TuMV-susceptible, mildew-resistant, and TuMV-resistant, mildew-susceptible parents. The F1 progeny were TuMV and mildew resistant. Of 3,682 F2 plants assayed 2,773 were TuMV resistant and 909 TuMV susceptible. A total of 2,788 mildew-resistant plants were observed, and 904 mildew susceptible. Resistance to TuMV and mildew are each controlled by a single dominant gene, designated herein as Tu and Dm. The TuMV-susceptible gene, tu, is linked with the mildew-resistant gene, Dm. In the repulsion phase, the cross-over value was 12.5% ± 1.6.
Inheritance of Resistance to Curly Top Virus in the Tomato Line C51
Authors: Martin Mark W.
Published: August 2022

The inheritance of resistance to curly top virus in the tomato breeding line C5 was studied in 5 field trials and a greenhouse seedling test. Comparisons in curly top incidence were made between susceptible commercial parents, the resistant parent C5, and F1, F2, backcross-resistant, and backcross-susceptible progenies. Results suggest that resistance in C5 is controlled by 2 duplicate, incompletely dominant genes probably with modifiers. Plants that contain both genes have the ability to escape infection with CTV until harvest 70 to 100% of the time, depending on the severity of curly top exposure.
Effects of Gibberellic Acid and Indoleacetic Acid on Shoot Growth and Xylem Differentiation and Development in the Olive, Oha europaea L.1
Authors: Badr Sayed A. , Bradley Muriel V. , Hartmann Hudson T.
Published: August 2022

Gibberellic acid (GA) applied as an aqueous spray to 4-year-old ‘Ascolano’ olive trees at concentrations of 250 or 500 ppm promoted shoot growth, mainly through internode elongation. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) at the same concentrations caused curling of young leaves and suppressed terminal bud growth for 10 to 14 days. Shoot growth promotion by GA was counteracted by IAA.

GA at 100, 250 or 500 ppm significantly promoted xylem differentiation and development in newly developed regions of olive shoots. GA + IAA, both at 250 or 500 ppm, had a synergistic effect. IAA at all concentrations had no effect in this respect. Xylem lignification was normal in all treated shoots. It is suggested that the endogenous gibberellin level was the limiting factor for xylem development and that a certain balance between auxin and gibberellin is required to stimulate cambial activity with subsequent xylem development. Secondary phloem development was not influenced by IAA and/or GA. GA alone or in combination with IAA stimulated precocious periderm formation
The Use of 2-Chloroethylphosphonic Acid and Succinamic Acid 2,2-Dimethyl Hydrazide to Aid in Mechanical Shaking of Sour Cherries1
Authors: Looney N. E. , McMechan A. D.
Published: August 2022

Both 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (Ethrel) and succinamic acid 2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (Alar) aided machine harvesting and improved quality of mechanically harvested sour cherries, Prunus cerasus L., cv. ‘Montmorency’ in a two year experiment. Alar applied two weeks after bloom at 2000 ppm reduced fruit acid levels, reduced the force required for fruit removal, and advanced red color development, but when used alone did not reduce fruit removal force enough to make shake and catch harvesting economic. Ethrel at 500 ppm applied one week prior to harvest on trees previously treated with Alar (2000 ppm) proved to be the best treatment each season on trees tested in both years. This combination resulted in adequate fruit removal coupled with better fruit quality than was attainable with Ethrel alone. Ethrel at 250 or 500 ppm specifically and effectively enhanced fruit removal but was phytotoxic at 1000 ppm as evidenced by gumming and leaf removal.
The Effect of Delayed Pollination on Yield of Cucumbers Grown for Machine Harvests1
Authors: Connor Lawrence J. , Martin E. C.
Published: August 2022

Preventing the pollination of cucumber flowers for periods up to 11 days after the appearance of the first pistillate flowers resulted in higher yields of greater dollar value, when compared to yields obtained by pollination of the first pistillate flowers. Following such a delay, an exposure period of 6 days to active honey bee pollination was sufficient for optimum single harvest yields. These results have particular application to the production of gynoecious F1 hybrid cultivars for machine harvesting.
Relationship Between Polyene-Carotene Content and Volatile Compound Composition of Tomatoes1
Authors: Stevens M. Allen
Published: August 2022

Investigation of the polyene-carotene and volatile compound content of tomatoes showed that there is a high correlation between the following relationships: Geranylacetone and farnesal with phytofluene plus 2 ζ-carotene plus neurosporene: 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one and citral with neurosporene plus 2 lycopene plus 2 prolycopene plus γ-carotene plus δ-carotene: β-ionone with γ-carotene plus 2 β-carotene plus α-carotene; α-ionone with δ-carotene plus α-carotene. Also, there appears to be a relationship between farnesylacetone and 2 phytoene plus phytofluene. The basis for establishing these relationships was oxidation of the polyene-carotenes at the first conjugated diene bonds. These relationships may exist because the volatile compounds result from oxidation of the polyene-carotenes.
Measurement and Partial Characterization of Pectinesterase in Apple Fruits1
Authors: Lee Y. S. , Wiley R. C.
Published: August 2022

Pectinesterase (PE) assay of apple tissue was accomplished by using a dialysis cell containing a Visking (cellulose) membrane. Production and separation of methanol from the pectin substrate occurred during the dialysis. Agitation was needed for best separation of methanol from the reaction mixture. Microquantities of methanol were detected subsequently by direct injection into a gas-liquid Chromatograph equipped with a flame-ionization detector.

Apple PE, prepared as an acetone powder, exhibited the characteristics of optimal pH between 6.5 and 7.5, an optimal reaction temperature at 55°C, and an activation energy of 5800 calories. The enzyme was completely inactivated at 80° for 10 min or 90° for 5 min. About 40% of the natural PE activity was inhibited in the presence of 15% sucrose.
Tomato Anthracnose: Inheritance of Reaction to Colletotrichum coccodes in Lycopersicon spp.1
Authors: Robbins M. LeRon , Angell Fred F.
Published: August 2022

Resistant plant introduction (P.I.) 129027 was hybridized with susceptible ‘Roma’ and ‘Heinz 1350’, and P.I. 127833 was hybridized with ‘Heinz 1350’. Plants of 6 populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, B1P1, and B1P2) of each of 3 crosses (127833 × ‘Roma’, 127833 × ‘H-1350’, 129027 × ‘Roma’) were field-grown and fruits were inoculated in a laboratory. Genetic analysis indicated presence of a leading factor and that 6 genes might be involved in anthracnose reaction. Resistance was partially dominant to susceptibility, and genetic variance was non-additive.