bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Cognitive Abilities and Community Occupational Skill Levels: Evidence from China
Authors: Tian Jun , Chen Zuopeng , Wang Yu , Zhu Yue
Published: March 2024

With the deepening of China’s housing market reform, the spatial agglomeration of resources has become prominent. The impact of this new form of neighborhood environment on adolescents’ cognitive abilities is often neglected in the current discussion. In this paper, we use the 2013–2014 China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) data to explain the neighborhood effect on adolescents’ early cognitive abilities from the perspective of community occupational skill levels. We also use the instrumental variable based on the three-level spatial structure of region-city-community to correct the endogenous problems. The results show that in the stage of junior high school education, higher community occupational skills and their diversity play a positive role in promoting adolescents’ cognitive abilities. The family and self-education expectations caused by the community role model effect play a role in the transmission mechanism. Adolescents’ individual characteristics, social interactions, and community resource hardware produce differentiated images of cognitive abilities. Public education resources and school life auxiliary investment can alleviate the negative effect of poor community occupational skills on adolescent cognitive abilities. This paper has important practical significance for the formulation of intervention policies for educational equity.
Plexin D1 emerges as a novel target in the development of neural lineage plasticity in treatment-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Chengfei , Chen Bo , Xu Pengfei , Yang Joy , Nip Christopher , Wang Leyi , Shen Yuqiu , Ning Shu , Shang Yufeng , Corey Eva , Gao Allen C. , Gestwicki Jason , Wei Qiang , Liu Liangren
Published: March 2024

Treatment-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC) often arises from adenocarcinoma via lineage plasticity in response to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors, such as enzalutamide. However, the specific regulators and targets involved in the transition to NEPC are not well understood. Plexin D1 (PLXND1) is a cellular receptor of the semaphorin (SEMA) family that plays important roles in modulating the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion. Here, we found that PLXND1 is highly expressed and positively correlated with neuroendocrine markers in patients with NEPC. High PLXND1 expression is associated with poorer prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Additionally, PLXND1 was upregulated and negatively regulated by androgen receptor signaling in enzalutamide-resistant cells. Knockdown or knockout of PLXND1 inhibit neural lineage pathways, suppressing NEPC cell proliferation, PDX tumor organoid viability, and xenograft tumor growth. Mechanistically, the chaperone protein HSP70 regulates PLXND1 protein stability through degradation, and inhibition of HSP70 decreases PLXND1 expression and NEPC organoid growth. In summary, our findings suggest that PLXND1 could be a new therapeutic target and molecular indicator for NEPC.
The importance of screening for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in older patients presenting to falls clinics
Authors: Maas Britta D. P. J. , Leeuwen Roeland B. van , Spies Petra E. , Schermer Tjard R. , Benthem Peter Paul G. van , Bruintjes Tjasse D.
Published: March 2024

Background
Fall incidents are a rising problem amongst older people and can have multiple causes. Vestibular disturbances such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are often not recognized as risk factors. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of BPPV in an older population referred to the geriatric falls clinic. Second, we aim to examine whether there is a reduction in the number of fall incidents and severity of fall incidents after a successful repositioning manoeuvre in patients with BPPV.
Methods
Dutch adults, aged ≥ 65 years, referred to the specialised falls clinic with an increased risk of falling were included. Patients with additional neuro-otologic disorders or with severe disability were excluded. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the number and severity of fall incidents before they were subjected to diagnostic manoeuvres to determine whether they suffered from BPPV. If positive, patients were treated with a canalith repositioning manoeuvre and were followed up according to regular care. After six months follow-up ended and we asked patients to complete the questionnaire again.
Results
A total of 79 (56%) out of 142 eligible subjects agreed to participate and were included. Fifty-eight (73%) were female and the median age was 82 years (± 6). We found a total of 15 patients (19%) with BPPV of whom 7 (47%) reported no complaints of BPPV. We found no differences in the number and severity of fall incidents between the groups in the 6 months prior to inclusion. We determined a significant reduction of the number of fall incidents 6 months after treatment within the BPPV group (p = 0.04).
Conclusion
Approximately one-fifth of geriatric patients appeared to suffer from BPPV and half of these patients reported no complaints of BPPV. BPPV seems to contribute to the risk of fall incidents in older people. Since treatment is easy to perform and likely to reduce fall incidents, we think it is of great importance to routinely check for BPPV in older patients with an increased risk of falling.
Trial registration
Approval by the medical ethics review board of Leiden University Medical Centre (September 28th 2018; trial number: P18.113) and the institutional review board of Gelre Hospitals (October 16th 2018, trial number: 18.39).
Discovering the diagnostic biomarkers underlying Type 1 diabetes and Celiac disease by integrating transcriptomics and machine learning
Authors: Selvam Prasanna Kumar , E Santhosh M , T DhanushKumar , C George Priya Doss , Vasudevan Karthick
Published: March 2024

An immune-mediated disease with a long latency period is type 1 diabetes (T1D). The beta cells in the pancreatic islets die due to antibody-mediated mechanisms in T1D. The most common chronic disorders are celiac disease (CD). A specific serum antibody response characterizes CD, a complicated systemic immune-mediated enteropathy. Due to the immunological driven nature of both CD and T1D, the risk factors are comparable. Both are increasing at a global rate, T1D screening is advised since CD and autoimmune diseases like T1D frequently co-occur. Based on a large number of research, even if the exact pathophysiology is yet unknown. Our understanding of one disease affects the way we treat as we discover about another, and vice versa. The goal of this study is to look at the connections between both conditions to identify biomarkers that could potentially utilized to diagnose the two. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) identified in the samples using a range of bioinformatics techniques and machine learning algorithms, built a network for the biological interactions, and discovered 3 potential diagnostic genes with statistical values (NAA15, RPL21, and HCLS1) as legitimate candidate genes as the biomarker for the diagnosis of T1D and CD.
Effect of activating fluxes on geometry, hardness, and microstructure of 316L stainless steel in GMAW
Authors: WANG HUIFENG , Klaric Stefanija
Published: March 2024

Activating fluxes (AF) can be applied in the welding process to improve the morphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties, such as hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, etc. In regard to published research on AF application in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, there are limited studies concerning the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. This gap in research has prompted investigations aimed at finding out the AF’s influence during the GMAW process. The purpose of this paper is to apply three AF (SiO2, TiO2, and CaCO3) in 316L stainless steel GMAW processing and to analyze their influence on weld bead geometry, hardness and microstructure. The results showed that the highest penetration and the smallest width can be obtained using TiO2 as AF, and the highest reinforcement can be obtained by CaCO3 as AF. They also indicated that AF addition could significantly increase after-welding hardness, which might be caused by the microstructure changes. The microstructure observation revealed that the welding area without AF was mainly composed of austenite, and due to the addition of AF increased the welding temperature, which caused the martensite structure to be found in these samples. The heat treatment was introduced to reduce the hardness since the too big and uneven hardness would bring negative consequences such as brittleness. The after-HT analysis showed that HT can reduce the hardness effectively and can improve the uniformity of whole weld bead. Additionally, it was found that samples with AF were more sensitive to HT. This study concludes that AF can be applied in GMAW welding process and can influence the weld bead significantly.
Hyperoxia-activated Nrf2 regulates ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells and intervenes in inflammatory reaction through COX-2/PGE2/EP2 pathway
Authors: Liu Yanping , Li Tianming , Niu Changping , Yuan Zhengwei , Sun Siyu , Liu Dongyan
Published: March 2024

The lack of knowledge about the mechanism of hyperoxia-induced intestinal injury has attracted considerable attention, due to the potential for this condition to cause neonatal complications. This study aimed to explore the relationship between hyperoxia-induced oxidative damage and ferroptosis in intestinal tissue and investigate the mechanism by which hyperoxia regulates inflammation through ferroptosis. The study systematically evaluated the effects of hyperoxia on oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, ferroptosis, and inflammation of intestinal epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that ferroptosis was involved in intestinal oxidative damage caused by hyperoxia and was regulated by Nrf2. Moreover, hyperoxia-induced oxidative damage regulated inflammation through ferroptosis by upregulating the COX-2/PGE2/EP2 signaling pathway. These findings have important implications for future clinical prevention and therapeutic approaches to neonatal organ injury caused by hyperoxia treatment.
Effects of toolpath on defect phenomena in the incremental forming of thin polycarbonate sheets
Authors: Formisano Antonio , Boccarusso Luca , De Fazio Dario , Durante Massimo
Published: March 2024

The incremental sheet forming has been largely investigating in the last two decades because of its versatility and cost-effectiveness which make this technology especially viable for manufacturing highly customized parts, as well as small and medium-sized batches. One of its main strengths is that it allows reaching greater formability, compared to conventional sheet forming processes; in contrast, defect phenomena like twisting and wrinkling occur frequently and strongly influence the geometric accuracy of the formed parts. All these aspects are dramatically accentuated when forming soft materials like thermoplastics. With these premises, the following research aims to investigate the effects of the toolpath strategy on the occurrence of failures and defects in the incremental sheet forming under very severe process conditions; thin polycarbonate sheets were formed to obtain cone frusta with a fixed wall angle, imposing four unidirectional helical trajectory-based toolpaths, one traditional and three stair strategies. The analysis of the forming force trends, the evaluation of the worked surface quality and the monitoring of the defectiveness highlight understanding the advantages of an appropriate toolpath strategy to improve the accuracy of the incremental sheet forming of thermoplastic parts.
A porcine model of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for ultra- low rectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Min-Wei , Ma Ji-Xin , Yan Zheng-Qing , Qiao Zheng-Dong , Li Zhen-Yang , Gu Xiao-Dong , Yan Sen , Zang Yi-Wen , Chen Zong-You , Zhou Yi-Ming , Ding Jian-Hua , Xiang Jian-Bin
Published: March 2024

Objective.
To develop a porcine model for laparoscopic intersphincteric resection (ISR) targeting ultra-low rectal cancer.
Methods.
Six Bama mini-pigs underwent a standard laparoscopic ISR procedure: 1. High ligation and transection of the inferior mesenteric vessels; 2. Exposure and sparing of the pelvic autonomic nerves; 3. Dissection of the rectum down to the levator hiatus; 4. Dissection and transection of hiatal ligament and rectourethralis muscle; 5. Transanal full-thickness circumferential dissection of the anal canal at the level of intersphincteric groove (1cm distal to the dentate line), involving the rectal circular muscle and the conjoint longitudinal muscle; 6. Dissection of the intersphincteric space (ISS) until convergence with the laparoscopically dissected plane with resection of the distal rectum and internal sphincter muscles; 7. End-to-end handsewn coloanal anastomosis. Subsequent to the surgical procedure, ISR modeling was executed. Pathological evaluations were conducted to ascertain the precision of the ISR. Furthermore, postoperative fecal incontinence scores were systematically assessed on a weekly basis throughout a 12-week post-surgery follow-up period.
Results.
All six pigs survived surgery without conversion to an open approach. There were no occurrences of incisional infection or any surgical complications, including anastomotic leakage, anastomotic bleeding, or ileus. Postoperatively, one pig manifested constipation and three exhibited anal redness, both conditions ameliorating within a week. No erosive ulcers were detected. Notably, all animals exhibited fecal staining on their tails within the first two weeks post-surgery, transitioning to formed feces by the third week. Improvement in defecation frequency was observed after six weeks, with a noticeable reduction in defecation areas after one month. Incontinence scores, evaluated three months post ISR surgery, revealed no significant abnormalities in anal function compared to preoperative assessments.
Conclusions.
This study established a replicable porcine model for laparoscopic ISR, demonstrating its potential utility in clinical and fundamental research related to ultra-low rectal cancer treatment.
Expanded tumor-associated polymorphonuclear Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia display immune suppressive activity
Authors: Ansell Stephen , Bhardwaj Vaishali , Yang Zhi-Zhang , Jalali Shahrzad , Villasboas Jose , Mudappathi Rekha , Wang Junwen , Mukherjee Prithviraj , Paludo Jonas , Tang Xinyi , Kim Hyo Jin , Krull Jordon , Wenzl Kerstin , Novak Anne , Mondello Patrizia
Published: March 2024

The role of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in regulating the antitumor immune response in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) remains limited. Here we transcriptionally and phenotypically profiled non-malignant (CD19− CD138−) BM cells from WM patients with a focus on myeloid derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) to provide a deeper understanding of their role in WM. We found that HLA-DRlowCD11b+CD33+ MDSCs were significantly increased in WM patients as compared to normal controls, with an expansion of predominantly polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs. Single-cell immunogenomic profiling of WM MDSCs identified an immune-suppressive gene signature with upregulated inflammatory pathways associated with interferon and TNF signaling. Gene signatures associated with an inflammatory and immune suppressive environment were predominately expressed in PMN-MDSCs. In vitro WM PMN-MDSCs demonstrated robust T-cell suppression, and their viability and expansion was notably enhanced by G-CSF and TNFα. Furthermore, BM malignant B-cells attracted PMN-MDSCs to a greater degree than monocytic MDSCs. Collectively, these data suggest that malignant WM B cells actively recruit PMN-MDSCs which promote an immunosuppressive BM microenvironment through a direct T cell inhibition, while release of G-CSF/TNFα in the microenvironment further promotes PMN-MDSC expansion and in turn immune suppression. Targeting PMN-MDSCs may therefore represent a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with WM.
Construction and Validation of a Quality Evaluation Scale for Integrated Medical and Care Services in Elderly Care Institutions in Xiamen Region
Authors: Huang Shangmeng , Luo Wenting , Lan Wenbin , Yang Yixuan , Su Qiuxia , Chen Jinhan
Published: March 2024

Objective
This study aims to construct and validate a scale for evaluating the quality of integrated medical and care services in elderly care institutions in Xiamen region.
Methods
A preliminary scale was constructed through literature review, expert selection and evaluation, and pre-survey. From May to November 2022, a proportional sample of elderly individuals was surveyed in seven care institutions across four districts in Xiamen city (Siming, Huli, Jimei, and Tong'an). Statistical methods, including critical ratio analysis, reliability and validity analysis, difference testing, and correlation analysis, were used to refine the scale items and assess its reliability and validity.
Results
The final scale comprised six dimensions: Health Education (10 items), Medical and Basic Nursing Care (14 items), Rehabilitation Services (7 items), Psychological/Spiritual Support Services (5 items), Medical-Related Safety Protection (6 items), and Others (6 items). The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.991, and the α coefficients for the six dimensions were 0.974, 0.942, 0.951, 0.860, 0.901, and 0.930, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated good validity (KMO = 0.942, χ2 = 13957.791, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The constructed scale for evaluating the quality of integrated medical and care services in elderly care institutions in Xiamen demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity. It can serve as a practical tool for evaluating the quality of such services and contribute to the standardization and professionalization of integrated medical and care services in the region.
CNN-LSTM-Dense Hindi Sign Language Conversion System
Authors: Jain Vanshika , Gupta Shreya , Arora Megha , Raj Mihika , Jindal Shweta
Published: March 2024

Sign language is a vital form of communication since it provides an alternative to spoken language expression for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. People who use sign language still have restricted access to information and communication, especially in languages other than English. The primary purpose of this paper is focused on building the communication bridge for them. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN's) is a popular machine learning approach and has been taken advantage of in the current research to ease the translation of Hindi text and speech to Indian Sign Language (ISL). Along with CNNs the paper also contains Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and dense layers to increase the accuracy of the research. There are several potential uses for the proposed CNN-LSTM-Dense Sign Language Conversion System, including removing communication barriers in healthcare settings, educational settings, and everyday encounters. Its main objective is to improve the deaf and hard of hearing community's overall quality of life and social integration in India while fostering inclusion and equal opportunity. For the deaf and hard of hearing community in India, the Sign Language Conversion System for Hindi Language provided in this research article marks a big step forward in assuring information and communication accessibility. The system's ability to enable real-time translation of Hindi text and speech into ISL gestures, utilizing the CNN-LSTM-Dense architecture, holds great promise for promoting inclusivity and enhancing the quality of life for people who use sign language as their primary form of communication.
Inspection of Silk Cocoons using 3-DOF SCARA Robot for Quality Control
Authors: Kolanur C B , Tanvashi Shilpa , Asuti Pratham , K Shubham , H Dharshan , M Vaishnavi
Published: March 2024

In the dynamic landscape of silk production, integrating advanced robotics and artificial intelligence has emerged as a pivotal innovation. This paper delves into the application of a 3-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) SCARA robot with a gripper, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as deep learning, vision detection, and object detection. The aim is to revolutionize traditional pick-and-place operations with silk cocoons. Creating a seamless synergy between mechanical precision and intelligent automation strives to revolutionize standard pick-and-place operations with silk cocoons. Exploring the interaction of robotics and artificial intelligence can enhance efficiency, precision and overall silk production quality. In the delicate artistry of silk cocoon handling, the practical implications, solutions to challenges, and valuable insights to advance the use of advanced technologies.
Region of interest encryption algorithm for images based on lifting scheme and object detection
Authors: Wang Lujie , Chen Zhong , Sun Xiyu , He Chenchen
Published: March 2024

Securing image transmissions has become critical as the demand for image sharing and storage grows. In some commercial uses, in order to achieve a balance between encryption security and efficiency, some researchers have tried to encrypt only the region of interest of the user in the image. In order to accurately encrypt region of interest images, this paper proposed a region of interest image encryption algorithm based on lifting scheme and object detection. The algorithm automatically identifies the region of interest in the image and encrypts it securely and effectively. Firstly, the region of interest in the image is detected using the object detection model, where we modify the non-maximum suppression algorithm to address the problem that the detection box output from the object detection model does not completely contain the region of interest, avoiding the risk of privacy leakage. Then the existing pixel extraction method for region of interest images is improved to extract the pixels from the region of interest images at a faster speed, which improves the overall efficiency of the algorithm. Finally, based on the thought of wavelet lifting transform, a two-layer hybrid lifting scheme encryption algorithm is proposed to encrypt the extracted pixels. Experimental results and security analyses show that our proposed algorithm can effectively protect all objects at once with high security.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Footcare in Diabetic patients in Hammoud University Medical Center
Authors: Makari Reem Al , Saifeddine Lynn , Masri Nadia Al , Balhas Hassan , Sader Abbas , Aboulhosn Roy , Azakir Bilal , Dakdouki Ghenwa
Published: March 2024

Introduction and literature: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic heterogeneous disease that requires long-term management and is accompanied by several complications. Diabetic foot is one of the important complications encountered by diabetes. it arises to multiple vascular and neurological complications that diabetes results in. Patients need to be advised and follow the physicians' instructions to maintain the best outcomes. our study aims to tackle the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetics regarding diabetic foot care at Hamoud Unversity Medical Center.
Methods: a total of 108 patients in Hamoud University Medical Center were questioned after obtaining the hospital IRB approval. Results were entered and analyzed by Spss v23. quantitative data were analyzed as means and qualitative as frequencies and percentages. The scores were calculated into means, ANOVA, and t-tests were used to find correlations between scores and factors with significant p-values <0.05.
Results: The study included 108 participants of mean age was 60.14 ±15.3. The majority of participants are males 64.8% ( n=70), and 34.3% (n=37) are of university level. out of diabetic complications, most are hypertensive. Patients were found to have good knowledge responses, some were with positive attitudes, and all were with bad practices. As for correlations, no statistically significant result was found in the knowledge section. Several factors were found with a positive relation in the attitude section as level of education and type of occupation. Lastly, also positive correlations were found in practices between several factors as duration of diabetes, occupation, and marital status with p-values <0.05.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there is much more to learn and educate. Participants are aware of the dangers but do not follow proper health care services to prevent complications. Overall, the integration of both data sets reveals a multifaceted perspective among respondents, emphasizing the importance of tailored education, support, and interventions to promote adherence to foot care routines and optimize diabetes management outcomes.
Comparative Analysis of Dielectric Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Polyethylene
Authors: Javanbakht Taraneh
Published: March 2024

The article presents a new comparative analysis of the dielectric properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene (PE) at different temperatures and their other physical properties. The characteristic peaks were observed in the FTIR spectra of the polymers. The amounts of carbon and oxygen on PVA’s surface differed from PE. It was hypothesized that these properties could be affected by the increase in temperature and difference in the chemical structures of the polymers. We investigated the dielectric properties of these polymers between 20 °C and 100 °C. Our results revealed that the dielectric properties of these polymers were not the same. The actual permittivity values of PVA at low temperatures were almost constant for all frequency values and increased at higher temperatures with the decrease in frequency. The same pattern concerning the increase of imaginary permittivity of this polymer was observed at low frequencies. The increase of the real and imaginary permittivity of the PVA accompanied the increase in temperature. The actual permittivity of PE was almost constant with the frequency at different temperatures. However, the imaginary permittivity of this polymer showed an increase at low frequencies. The increase in temperature accompanies the increase of the PE’s imaginary permittivity. As expected, the capacitance, like permittivity, changed differently for the polymers. Moreover, an increase in temperature had more effect on the conductivity of PVA than that of PE. The difference in these polymers’ dielectric properties could be due to their chemical structures. The results of this article can be used for further applications of PVA and PE in science and engineering.
Prediction Ability Analysis of Phenomenological Strength Criteria for Composites
Authors: Huang Tao
Published: March 2024

The article examines and assesses the phenomenological strength theory of composite materials. A comparative analysis of the theoretical envelopes was conducted for each criterion. A unified form of the phenomenological strength criterion was established. The study specifically examined the effects of altering the interaction parameter on the Tsai-Wu criterion’s theoretical envelope. Based on the available experimental data, the study plotted the failure envelopes of each strength criterion under planar composite stress states. The variation of these envelopes across various stress quadrants was highlighted. As a result of the examinations, four typical phenomenological strength criteria were chosen. The composites’ off-axis tensile and biaxial loading test data were used to evaluate the predictive power objectively. The results showed that not all stress states’ test results agreed with the predictions of the phenomenological strength theory. The criterion proposed by Norris and Tsai-Hill performed better at accounting for the material’s different compressive and tensile characteristics. The other criteria tended to be conservative under particular circumstances. Simultaneously, the Hoffman criterion matched the test data more closely over a broader range of stress states. Overall, this study clarified the limitations and applicability of various strength criteria in composite material strength prediction.
Factors Affecting Suppressiveness of Composts to Plant Diseases
Authors: Hoitink H.A.J. , Stone A.G.
Published: March 2024

Many factors affect the potential for composts to provide biological control of diseases caused by soilborne plant pathogens. Heat exposure during composting kills or inactivates pathogens and weed seeds if the process is monitored properly. Unfortunately, most beneficial microorganisms also are killed by this heat treatment. Conditions must be provided after peak heating that enhance natural recolonization of composts by biocontrol agents. The raw feedstock, the environment in which the compost is produced, as well as conditions during curing and utilization, determine the potential for recolonization by this microflora and the induction of disease suppression. Controlled inoculation of compost with biocontrol agents has proved necessary to induce consistent levels of suppression on a commercial scale. Compost stability is another important factor. Immature composts serve as food for pathogens and increase disease even when biocontrol agents are present. On the other hand, excessively stabilized organic amendments, such as highly decomposed peats, do not support the activity of biocontrol agents and disease therefore develops. Finally, salinity, C to N ratio, and other factors affect suppressiveness. Each of these factors will be discussed.
Mid-career and Senior Faculty: Maintaining Vitality and Productivity
Authors: Wheeler Daniel W.
Published: March 2024

Over the past 25 years, faculty and their work have been studied on an intensive level. In 1977, Sarason defined a “one life—one career” model, in which faculty are “called” to a profession. Numerous studies, beginning with Hodgekinson (1974) and Baldwin and Blackburn (1981), indicate that faculty as adult learners continue to explore new interests and redefine careers, particularly as age and experience increase. Although the institutional context is a mediating factor, a number of researchers, including Baldwin (1985), Creswell, et. al. (1990), Schuster and Wheeler (1990), Simpson (1990), and Sorcinelli and Austin (1992) have identified a range of faculty needs and strategies which can aid in meeting these needs. Department chairs and faculty colleagues are identified as crucial in encouraging changes to maintain faculty vitality, and to encourage preventative action rather than remediation. Such investments in human capital have both short-term and long-term payoffs [Simpson (1990) and Schuster and Wheeler (1990)].
Phylogenetic Studies on Prunus Species by DNA Fingerprints
Authors: Yoshida Masao , Shimada T. , Yanaguchi M.
Published: March 2024

Twenty-eight Prunus species were examined in order to survey their genetic diversity. Genomic DNA was extracted from 36 varieties and used for the template DNA of PCR. DNA fingerprints were generated by random primers or semi-random primers, some primers consensus to the repeated units as telomers, and three sets of sequence-tagged primers specific to domains of chloroplast DNA (psbA, rbcL-ORF106, atpB-rbcL). PCR products generated from these three domains were digested by 12 restriction enzymes. RFLPs were detected among varieties and subjected to the UPGMA. Thirty-six varieties were classified approximately into two groups: “Plum group” and “Cherry group.” It was inferred that these two groups were divided in old time. P. tomentosa, P. japonica, P. glandurosa, and P. besseyi, which are classified into the cherries, showed the same fingerprint patterns from chloroplast DNA of the plum group; plums and cherries have a large genetic diversity. It was supposed that the diversity of plums depended on nuclear DNA, besides the diversity of cherries on both nuclear and chloroplast DNA.
Effect of Lime, Irrigation Water Quality, and Water-soluble Fertilizer on pH and Macronutrient Management of Peat-based Root Media
Authors: Argo William R. , Biernbaum John A.
Published: March 2024

Impatiens were planted into peat-based media containing two dolomitic liming materials [Ca(OH)2·Mg(OH)2 at 1.8 kg·m–3 or CaCO3·MgCO3 at 8.4 kg·m–3] and subirrigated for 17 weeks using four irrigation water qualities (IWQ) with varied alkalinity, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO4-S content and three water-soluble fertilizers (WSF) with varied NH4:NO3 ratio, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO4-S content. After 8 weeks, medium pH ranged from 4.5 to 8.5. Lime type did not affect the long-term increase in medium pH, Ca2+, and Mg2+ concentrations with IWQ/WSF solutions containing low NH4-N and high Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations. The carbonate lime did buffer the medium pH, Ca2+, and Mg2+ concentrations with IWQ/WSF solutions containing high NH4-N and low Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations. With both lime types, there was a linear increase in tissue Ca and Mg as the applied concentrations increased from 0.5 to 4.0 mol·m–3 Ca2+ and 0.3 to 3.0 mol·m–3 Mg2+ with the various IWQ/WSF. The relationship was similar for both lime types up to week 8, after which tissue Ca and Mg decreased with the hydrated lime and low solution Ca2+ and Mg2+. Relationships were also developed between the applied SO4-S concentration and tissue S and medium pH and tissue P.
Improving Fruit Firmness and Reducing the Need for Hand-thinning in Peach by using Sprays of Release® LC
Authors: Southwick Stephen M. , Yeager James T. , Weis Kitren G.
Published: March 2024

`Loadel' cling peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] trees were sprayed with Release® LC (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Ill.) in 1993. Preharvest (harvested 16 July) sprays of 50, 75, 100, and 120 ppm applied on 15 June improved fruit firmness without altering fruit maturity (flesh color by commercial standards) in 1993. In the following 1994 season, flower number per centimeter of shoot length was reduced by sprays ranging from 50 to 120 ppm applied on 15 June and 9 July. No hand-thinning was required on trees treated on 15 June. Trees treated 9 July had 50% fewer fruit removed than on untreated trees, where more than 3000 fruit were removed by hand-thinning. Salable yield was higher than untreated control trees where Release® LC had been applied at 50 ppm on 15 June and 9 July. Fruit size equaled those of hand-thinned controls. As concentration increased on 15 June, salable yield decreased linearly. Fruit size (diameter and individual weight) increased with reductions in salable yield. Interestingly, fruit were evenly distributed along shoots after Release® LC treatment, similar to those found after hand-thinning. Release® LC will be available for commercial chemical thinning of stone fruit in California during 1995. Additional results from peach and other stone fruit will be presented.
Selection of the Best Pollinizer for Late-flowering Almond Varieties
Authors: Talaei Ali Reza , Imani Ali
Published: March 2024

In order to select the best pollinizer for late-flowering varieties of Azar (A.H.50), Shokoufeh (AH.3) Sahand (L-62), and Feragues, a range of studies were carried out at Azar-Shahr Horticultural Research Station (Tabriz, Iran) and actions undertaken for introduction of the best pollinizers for these varieties under both laboratory and orchard conditions by a Dactroil Statistical Plan with a completely random base plan. Seven types of pollens from Shokoufes (AH.3), Azar (A.H.50), Sahand (L-62), Ferragnos (Fer), Neplus Ultra (N.P.U.), None Paril (N.P.), and Harir (A.H.25) were selected and the pollen prepared. Pollen was collected from the experimental grounds. Hand-pollination was repeated in three stages for 3 days. Honeybees and other insects were controlled before and after artificial pollination to not interfere with the experiment. Percent fruiting was recorded twice 1 month after pollination (1 June) and again 1 July and analyzed statistically. Average fruiting for female flowers (pollen receivers) was from 0% to 47%. Thus, all varieties could not produce fruit (control). Average fruiting from other pollens with different ratios were significant from 1% to 5%. The almond varieties Azar, Shokoufeh, Sahand, and Ferragnos are self-incompatible and there is no need to emasculate pollen in pollination programs. However, Azar and Harir are incompatible with each other. Pollination efficiency of late-flowering almond varieties depends on the pollinizers and the compatibility with the cultivars, provided that pollination is carried out only by insects, particularly honeybees. The effect of wind on pollination in our almond orchards appeared to be insignificant.
Poinsettia Bract Edge Burn: Potential Causes and Role of Calcium Sprays and Botrytis
Authors: Barrett J.E. , Nell T.A. , Blom T.J. , Hammer P.A.
Published: March 2024

Bract edge burn (BEB) is a serious commercial problem, and a cooperative trial with six cultivars was conducted at the above research locations and in commercial greenhouses in the respective areas. `Success' and `21-91' had less BEB than `Celebrate 2', `V-14 Glory', or `Supjibi'. BEB symptoms increased with time during postproduction. Number of bracts with BEB spots on `V-14 Glory' at boxing, unboxing, 7 and 14 days were 1, 3, 6, and 10, respectively. Weekly Ca sprays (400 ppm at start of color) reduced or prevented BEB in the greenhouse at all locations where BEB developed and reduced the development in BEB during postproduction. BEB increased with fertilizer level and was higher in plants with elevated potassium or ammonium. These effects were reversed by Ca sprays. BEB was increased by boxing wet plants or inoculating plants with Botrytis. BEB was reduced by boxing dry plants, fungicide treatment, or terminating fertilization. BEB symptoms for different cultivars will be presented.
Nitrate-N Distribution Pattern in Ground Water under a Florida Citrus Grove
Authors: Wutscher Heinz K.
Published: March 2024

An 8-ha block of 9-year-old Valencia orange trees, surrounded on three sides by drainage ditches, was divided into four equal-sized plots. A 4-m deep sampling well was drilled in the middle of each plot and a short piece of perforated pipe was placed above the water level in the bank of one of the drainage ditches to intercept seepage water. Water from the well in the third plot and the corresponding seepage pipe contained consistently NO3-N in the 20-ppm range, in contrast to the other sampling points, ranging from 0.1 to 9 ppm. Electrical conductivity was higher in plots 3 and 4, downstream from plots 1 and 2, in the ground water flow. Sodium in the water followed the same pattern P and K were the same, and pH was higher in plots 1 and 2 than in 3 and 4. Soil pH (5.2–5.8) and water-extractable NO3-N showed no patterns, organic matter (0.79% to 0.12%) and soil moisture (5.5% to 6.3%) were higher in plots 3 and 4. Leaf nitrogen (2.60% to 2.90%) was highest in the high-nitrate plot 3. The soil on the east side of this plot showed a higher nitrate-holding capacity compared to the other plots in an anion-exchange capacity procedure.
Effects of Continuous Lighting and Light Spectral Composition on Photosynthesis and Related Processes of Greenhousegrown Tomato and Pepper Plants
Authors: Demers Dominique-André , Dubé Sylvain , Yelle Serge , Gosselin André
Published: March 2024

Growing tomato and pepper plants under continuous light causes negative effects such as leaf chlorosis and deformities, and decreased growth and yield. Such effects are more pronounced on tomato plants. Our general objectives are to identify the physiological process(es) responsible for these negative effects and to explain the difference in sensitivity of tomato and pepper plants to continuous light. The specific objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of continuous light and light spectral composition on photosynthesis and related processes of tomato and pepper plants. Tomato and pepper plants were place on 7 June 1994 in growth chambers under photoperiod treatments of 12 h [high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps], 24 h (HPS lamps), and 24 h [metal halide (MH) lamps]. For all treatments, FPP was 350 μmol·m–2·s–1, temperatures were 21C (day) and 17C (night), and RH was 70%. Every 2 weeks (7 June until 2 Aug.), tomato and pepper leaf samples were harvested and frozen in liquid nitrogen for subsequent measurements of starch content (Robinson et al, 1988, Plant Physiol.), sucrose phosphate synthase activities (Dali et al., 1992, Plant Physiol.) and chlorophyll and carotenoid content (determination on HPLC). A system that measured gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence of fresh leaf samples was used to determine the photosynthetic rate and quantum yield of CO2 fixation and electron transport. Development of the negative effects of continuous light on plants was monitored. Light spectral composition of the two types of lamps was measured using a spectroradiometer. Results show that, under continuous light, pepper plants were less-efficient than tomato plants in using light for CO2 fixation, but were more efficient in dissipating the extra energy received. This may explain why pepper plants are less sensitive to continuous light than tomato plants. MH lamps caused more-severe chloroses on tomato leaves than HPS plants. We believe that the higher proportion of UV-light provided by MH lamps may be related to this effect. Detailed results will be presented.
Influence of Rootstock on Bloomtime Petiole Analyses of Selected Grape Cultivars
Authors: Wolpert J. , Weber E. , Duncan R. , Hirschfelt D. , Anderson M.
Published: March 2024

Petioles were gathered at bloomtime in four trials, one each of `Chardonnay and `Zinfadel' and two of `Cabernet Sauvignon' over 2 years, 1993 and 1994. In each trial, scions were grafted onto 12 to 14 rootstocks. Petioles were analyzed for NO3-nitrogen, NH4-N, K, P, and Mg. NO3-N levels differed among rootstocks by as much as 16-fold (126 to 2064 μg·g–1), NH4-N by as much as 4-fold (253 to 1-28 μg·g–1), K, P, and Mg by about 3-fold (9.7 to 30.6 mg·g–1, 1.8 to 6.3 mg·g–1, and 2.9 to 7.5 mg·g–1, respectively). `Freedom' had the highest levels of NO3-N. `Salt Creek' had moderate levels of NO3-N, but had the highest levels of NH4-N. The rootstock 420A Mgt was consistently low in NO3-N, NH4-N, and K. Freedom was among the highest in K content. The rootstock 44-53 Malègue' had high levels of K and low Mg. Implications for vineyard fertilization programs will be discussed.
Evaluation of Four Herbaceous Perennials under Increasing Levels of Drought Stress
Authors: Hillock David , Klett James E.
Published: March 2024

Four herbaceous perennials Aquilegia caerulea `McKana's Giant', Gaillardia aristata, Gypsophila paniculata `Fairy's Pink', and Callirhoe involucrata were subjected to increasing levels of drought stress and evaluated for ornamental quality and performance in the landscape. Drought stress was imposed by irrigation treatments of 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in 1994. Irrigation treatments resulted in Aquilegia exhibiting a decline in plant growth and appearance below the 50% ET0 treatment. Callirhoe grown at the 100% ET0 irrigation treatment were larger than the plants in any other treatment. Gaillardia receiving some irrigation (25% to 100% ET0) were generally larger than those that received no supplemental irrigation (0% ET0). A decline in plant appearance and growth was observed with Gypsophila with lowering irrigation treatments.
Effects of Nutrient and Growth Regulator Treatments on Growth and Development of Zinnias
Authors: Clardy Arvazena E. , Garton Stephen
Published: March 2024

Two cultivars of Zinnia elegans, `Big Red' and `Sunrise Red', were grown hydroponically in two different nutrient solutions. The experiment was implemented in the greenhouse to assess affects of growth regulator treatments on growth and development of the plants. Heights of seedlings germinated in peat pellets were measured prior to placement in the hydroponic units. Plants were sprayed with five rates of either paclobutrazol or uniconazole. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete-block design with four replicates of the treatments, which were factorial combinations of variables. Days to first flower were recorded for each plant. After 90 days, measurements were made of plant heights, flower bud numbers, and dry weights of shoot and root systems. Nutrient treatments affected all parameters observed. Growth regulator treatments affected plant heights. `Sunrise Red' produced more flower buds and earlier flowers than `Big Red'.
A Genetic Model for Resistance to Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood) in Carrot (Daucus carota L.)
Authors: Wang Min , Goldman I.L.
Published: March 2024

The genetics of resistance to root-knot nematode (M. hapla Chitwood) was studied in crosses of three carrot inbred genotypes, two resistant genotypes (R1 and R2) and one susceptible genotype (S1) identified in previous screening tests. Seedlings of three parental genotypes, six F1 crosses including three reciprocal crosses, two BC1 populations, and three F2 populations were evaluated for their resistance and susceptibility to infestation of M. hapla Chitwood based on gall number per root, gall rating per root, and root rating per root in a greenhouse experiment carried out in 1994. All six F1 plants were susceptible, which indicated a lack of heterosis for resistance in these F1s. The R1 × S1 cross segregated 3 susceptible: 1 resistant in the F2, 1 susceptible: 1 resistant in the BC1R1, and did not segregate in the BC1S1. The R1 × R2 cross yielded 44 susceptible: 36 resistant seedlings in the F2 (R1R2), and 48 susceptible: 32 resistant in the reciprocal cross of R1 and R2, both of which closely fit a 9: 7 ratio (P ≤ 0.001). These results indicate these two resistant genotypes carry two different homozygous recessive genes conditioning root-knot nematode resistance. We propose a model of duplicate recessive epistasis control the reactions of host plants and nematode in these crosses.
Modeling the Accumulation of Volatiles in the Interstices of Fruit Interiors and the Fruit Cuticle
Authors: Beaudry Randolph M.
Published: March 2024

A theoretical model was developed that predicts how volatiles synthesized by fruit accumulate in the fruit interior and the fruit cuticle. Model inputs include temperature, rates of volatile synthesis, solubility of the volatile in the cuticular material, and the permeability of the volatile through the cuticle. The model indicated that the accumulation of volatiles was highly temperature-dependent and dependent upon the nature of the interaction between the volatile and the cuticle. For volatiles whose cuticular permeability declined rapidly with temperature, the concentration in the fruit and fruit cuticle tended to increase with decreasing temperature. This accumulation of volatiles in the fruit and fruit cuticle with decreasing temperature was enhanced by a decrease in the heat of solution (i.e., temperature sensitivity of solubility) and diminished by an increase in the Q10 Of the rate of volatile synthesis (i.e., the temperature sensitivity of the rate of synthesis). The model suggests that storage temperature can influence volatile retention and, hence, the volatile profile.
Horticultural Crops Germplasm in the S-9 Plant Germplasm Collection
Authors: Jarret R.L. , Lovell G. , Spinks M.
Published: March 2024

The S-9 Plant Germplasm Collection maintains and distributes germplasm of various horticultural crops, including pepper (Capsicum spp.), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), okra (Abelmoschus spp.), eggplant (Solanum melongena), miscellaneous Solanum spp., sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas spp.), luffa (Luffa spp.), gourds (Lagenaria and Momordica spp.), squash (Curcurbita moschata), pumpkin (Curcurbita maxima), marigold (Tagetes spp.), Stokes' aster (Stokesia laevis), hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.), Engelman daisy (Engelmannia pinnatifolia), pampasgrass (Cortaderia selloana), ornamental bamboo (Bambusa spp.), and other ornamental grasses. Seed or other propagules of these plant materials are available for research purposes. Detailed information on individual collections and general information on the USDA National Plant Germplasm System will be presented.