bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ALTERNATIVE N FERTILIZATION STRATEGIES FOR PEARS
Authors: Khemira Habib , Righetti T. L. , Sugar David , Azarenko A. N. 
Published: February 2019

Current N fertilization practices, where high spring applications are utilized, may lead to excessive vegetative growth. However, high rates may not be required to maximize fruit yield and quality. Therefore, alternative strategies to minimize shoot growth while still providing the N needs of the tree were investigated. Mature `Comice' and `Bosc' pear trees were given one of the following treatments: a spring soil (SS) application of NH4NO3 nitrate at 112.5 kg/ha rate, a similar application in the fall after harvest (FS), a fall foliar (FF) spray of a 7.5% urea solution after harvest (FF), or no N (Control). Trees that received a FF application had the same leaf and fruit N content as control trees, but they yielded more fruit The SS application gave more vigorous trees than FF application. Yield, however, was not different.
A 15N enriched urea solution was applied at harvest as either a foliar spray, soil application, or combination of both treatments to mature `Comice' trees. Flower buds from trees that previously received a foliar treatment had 37% of their N derived from the foliar N application. No labeled N was detected in buds from the soil treatment These results indicate that vegetative and reproductive N requirements of fruit trees may be managed separately.
EFFECT OF THE GULF CRISIS ON THE GREENERY OF KUWAIT AND PLANS FOR ITS FURTHER ENHANCEMENT
Authors: Abdal Dr. Mahdi , Kater Mr. Dave 
Published: February 2019

The August 1990 invasion and subsequent occupation of Kuwait brought about approximately nine (9) months of “forced neglect”, resulting in losses of entire areas of greenery. In this study, random sites representative of 550 hectares of existing greenery were monitored to gather information on species susceptibility to “forced neglect” under harsh conditions. While the environment, water availability and sand movement have always been formidable obstacles to ornamental plant production here, they have greatly exaggerated the broad adverse impacts under these conditions of “forced neglect”. Nevertheless, certain genotypes from many of the ornamental species were found to exhibit substantial tolerance to drought and fluctuating temperatures.
At the time of the invasion, efforts had been under-way to develop an over-all Master Plan for beautifying the entire country. The impact of the crisis on the greening strategy, the plant pallette and the unique cultivars that will be needed will be discussed.
GA3—INDUCED FRUIT SET OF RABBITEYE BLUEBERRY
Authors: Cano—M Raguel , Darnell Rebecca L. 
Published: February 2019

The effects of different GA3 concentrations and application times on fruit set, fruit development period, and fruit quality in rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) were studied. Flower clusters were sprayed with 100 or 250 ppm GA3 at 90% full bloom and again 7 days later, or with 125 ppm GA3 at 90% full bloom and again 7, 21, and 42 days later, under greenhouse conditions. Fruit set was monitored every 10 days and fruit weight, fruit development period, soluble solids, and titratable acidity were measured at harvest.
Fruit set in GA3 treatments averaged 69 to 76% compared to an average of 43% for the pollinated control. Weight of GA3 treated berries averaged 1.2, g while that of pollinated berries averaged 2.0 g. However, calculated total yield was greater for the GA3 treatments compared to the pollinated control, averaging 244 and 206 g/treatment, respectively. GA3 increased the fruit development period by 2 to 11 days, depending on the treatment. Soluble solids and titratable acidity were not affected by any treatment.
EFFECT OF BAP SHOCK, EXPLANT TYPE, AND EXPLANT ORIENTATION ON REGENERATION OF SWINGLE CITRUMELO
Authors: Dias Kalyani M. , Rogers Suzanne M.D. 
Published: February 2019

This study reports some factors effecting rapid regeneration of Swingle Citrumelo (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata).
Inter-nodal stem and root sections from in vitro grown seedlings were shocked with 10, 6, 2 or 0 mg/l BAP for 48 h and then transferred to hormone-free Murashige and Tucker (1961) medium gelled with 2 g/l Gelrite. Explants were cultured horizontally or vertically to study the effect of orientation on shoot initiation.
BAP shock had a pronounced effect on shoot regeneration by root, but not by stem explants. Root explants shocked with 10 mg/l BAP had the highest regeneration frequency. Only vertically placed root and stem explants produced shoots. Shoot buds were first observed in root explants about 10 days after BAP shock. Stem cuttings were slow in producing shoot buds which were first seen after 25 days. A total of 53 shoots were regenerated from 48 root explants while the same number of stem cuttings produced only 11 shoots. When subcultured onto the same medium, more than 85% of the shoots rooted, and were recovered as plants. Explant type, explant orientation and cytokinin shock all influenced regeneration.
Border Patrol: Epicuticular Leaf Wax Mediates Resistance of Azalea Genotypes (Rhododendron spp.) to Azalea Lace Bug [Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott)]
Authors: Chappell Matthew , Robacker Carol , Baden Sherrod , Byous Allen 
Published: February 2019

Azalea lace bug (ALB) is a significant pest on azalea, with feeding injury causing speckling and discoloration on affected leaves. Feeding damage also results in a reduction of stomatal gas exchange and leaf chlorophyll content, postulated to diminish growth and flowering rates. In azalea, specific lipid components of the plant cuticle have been implicated in ALB resistance of R. canescens. In this study, epicuticular leaf wax was extracted from the leaves of four azalea genotypes, divided into two groups: a resistant group including R. periclymenoides and `Fourth of July' and a susceptible group including R. austrinum and `My Mary'. Leaf wax was extracted and resuspended in solution for application to all entries in a full diallel manner, including controls of solution only and no treatment. Each genotype–solution treatment included 10 replications. The leaf wax solution was applied to each replication (leaf) by painting the solution on one side of the midrib, yet on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Two leaves attached to a stem and four female adult ALB were placed in separate 32-mL sealed cups. Experimental conditions were 24 °C and 12-hour daylength for 96 h, at which time the number of live adults, frass spots, and eggs were counted. Data revealed that application of leaf wax solution had an impact on the level of frass and egg deposition by ALB in both resistant and susceptible genotypes. The effect was most pronounced when a solution of resistant genotypes was placed on susceptible genotypes, as the application resulted in lower numbers of frass spots and eggs compared to the nil control. However, an increase in frass and eggs was observed when extract of susceptible genotypes was applied to resistant genotypes.
Threshold Friction Velocity Influenced by the Crust Cover of Soils in the Columbia Plateau
Authors: Pi Huawei , Sharratt Brenton 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
Particulate emissions from agricultural lands threaten air quality.
Soil crusts reduce emissions by increasing threshold friction velocity.
Threshold friction velocity was determined from temporal variations in particle concentrations inside a wind tunnel.
Crust cover increased threshold friction velocity, particularly under 60 and 100% crust cover.
Soil crusts provide stability and protection against wind erosion from semiarid and arid lands. Although erosion is initiated when the friction velocity (U*) exceeds the threshold friction velocity (U*t) of soils, there is little information available on the effect of soil crust cover on U*t. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of soil crust cover on the U*t of five loessial soils of the Columbia Plateau, United States. Soil samples were sieved and the erodible fraction was placed in 1 by 0.2 by 0.015 m trays. Water drops 4.5 mm in diameter were applied to the soil surface at a known density, which, after drying, created various percentages of crust cover. The trays were placed inside a wind tunnel to assess U*t. which was determined by systematically wind speed until an increase was observed in total suspended particulate concentration inside the tunnel. No significant differences in U*t were found among 0, 15, and 30% cover but significant differences in U*t were found between 60 and 100% cover. The U*t of 100% crust cover was about twice that of 0% cover. Crust crushing energy, which influences abrasion, did not vary across crust cover treatments. The Single‐event Wind Erosion Evaluation Program (SWEEP) revealed the similar influence of crust cover on U*t. The SWEEP adequately simulated U*t for 0, 15, and 30% crust cover but overestimated U*t for 60 and 100% cover. These results suggest that crusts effectively protect the soil from wind erosion by increasing U*t.
Molecular characterization of nontuberculous mycobacteria in hospital waters: a two-year surveillance study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Moradi Somayeh , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Pourahmad Fazel , Darban-Sarokhalil Davood 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Microbiological control of hospital waters as one of the main sources of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is important for the prevention of NTM-associated illness. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NTM in the hospital water systems of Tehran, Iran. A total of 218 samples from different hospital waters (i.e., tap water and medical devices such as humidifying cup of oxygen manometer, dialysis devices, nebulizers, and dental units) were included in this study. Phenotypic and molecular tests were used to identify the isolated organisms to species level. Of 218, 85 (39.0%) samples at 37 °C and 87 (40.0%) samples at 25 °C were identified as NTM. Using hsp65-sequencing method, Mycobacterium lentiflavum was the most frequently encountered, followed by M. gordonae and M. paragordonae. No significant difference was seen in frequency and species in mycobacteria isolated at 37 °C and 25 °C temperatures. Humidifying cup of oxygen manometer had the most contaminated water among the investigated water distribution systems in hospitals. Isolation of NTM from hospital water sources is a serious public health problem in Iran and merits further attention by health authorities. Establishment of microbiological monitoring systems for hospital waters and expanding the number of facilitated laboratories are strongly recommended.
Clinical Implications of Methotrexate Pharmacogenetics in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Gervasini Guillermo , Mota-Zamorano Sonia 
Published: February 2019

Background:In the past two decades, a great body of research has been published regarding the effects of genetic polymorphisms on methotrexate (MTX)-induced toxicity and efficacy. Of particular interest is the role of this compound in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), where it is a pivotal drug in the different treatment protocols, both at low and high doses. MTX acts on a variety of target enzymes in the folates cycle, as well as being transported out and into of the cell by several transmembrane proteins.Methods:We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature using a focused review question.Results:This review has intended to summarize the current knowledge concerning the clinical impact of polymorphisms in enzymes and transporters involved in MTX disposition and mechanism of action on paediatric patients with ALL.Conclusion:In this work, we describe why, in spite of the significant research efforts, pharmacogenetics findings in this setting have not yet found their way into routine clinical practice.
Inhibition of Autophagy Potentiated Hippocampal Cell Death Induced by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and its Activation by Trehalose Failed to be Neuroprotective
Authors: Halbe Luisa , Rami Abdelhaq 
Published: February 2019

Introduction:
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced the mobilization of two protein
breakdown routes, the proteasomal- and autophagy-associated degradation. During ERassociated
degradation, unfolded ER proteins are translocated to the cytosol where they are
cleaved by the proteasome. When the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins excels the
ER capacity, autophagy can be activated in order to undertake the degradative machinery and to
attenuate the ER stress. Autophagy is a mechanism by which macromolecules and defective organelles
are included in autophagosomes and delivered to lysosomes for degradation and recycling
of bioenergetics substrate.

Materials and Methods:
Autophagy upon ER stress serves initially as a protective mechanism,
however when the stress is more pronounced the autophagic response will trigger cell death. Because
autophagy could function as a double edged sword in cell viability, we examined the effects
autophagy modulation on ER stress-induced cell death in HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal
cells. We investigated the effects of both autophagy-inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and
autophagy-activation by trehalose on ER-stress induced damage in hippocampal HT22 neurons.
We evaluated the expression of ER stress- and autophagy-sensors as well as the neuronal viability.

Results and Conclusion:
Based on our findings, we conclude that under ER-stress conditions, inhibition
of autophagy exacerbates cell damage and induction of autophagy by trehalose failed to be
neuroprotective.
Design, Synthesis, Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Docking Studies of New Thiazole-based Chalcones
Authors: Tratrat Christophe , Haroun Michelyne , Xenikakis Iakovos , Liaras Konstantinos , Tsolaki Evangelia , Eleftheriou Phaedra , Petrou Anthi , Aldhubiab Bandar , Attimarad Mahesh , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Harsha Sree , Elsewedy Heba S. , Geronikaki Athina , Soković Marina 
Published: February 2019

Background:Thiazole derivates as well as chalcones, are very important scaffold for medicinal chemistry. Literature survey revealed that they possess wide spectrum of biological activities among which are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.Objectives:The current studies describe the synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of twenty eight novel thiazole-based chalcones.Methods:The designed compounds were synthesized using classical methods of organic synthesis. The in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial activity was performed by microdilution method.Results:All compounds have shown antibacterial properties better than that of ampicillin and in many cases better than streptomycin. As far as the antifungal activity is concerned, all compounds possess much higher activity than reference drugs bifonazole and ketoconazole. The most sensitive bacterial species was B. cereus (MIC 6.5-28.4 µmol × 10-2/mL and MBC 14.2-105.0 µmol × 10-2/mL) while the most resistant ones were L. monocytogenes (MIC 21.4-113.6 µmol × 10-2/mL) and E. coli (MIC 10.7- 113.6 µmol × 10-2/mL) and MBC at 42.7-358.6 µmol × 10-2/mL and 21.4-247.2 µmol × 10-2/mL, respectively. All the compounds exhibited antibacterial activity against the three resistant strains, MRSA, P. aeruginosa and E.coli. with MIC and MBC in the range of 0.65-11.00 µmol/mL × 10-2 and 1.30-16.50 µmol/mL × 10-2. Docking studies were performed.Conclusion:Twenty-eight novel thiazole-based chalcones were designed, synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The results showed that these derivatives could be lead compounds in search of new potent antimicrobial agents. Docking studies indicated that DNA gyrase, GyrB and MurA inhibition may explain the antibacterial activity.
Functional Evaluation of an Ectopic Supernumerary Kidney in Pelvis
Authors: Akbulut Aylin , Kalayci Suleyman , Koca Gokhan , Korkmaz Meliha 
Published: February 2019

Background:
Supernumerary kidney is an accessory organ with its own encapsulated
parenchyma, blood vessels and ureters, either separated from the normal kidney or connected to it
via fibrous tissue and ectopic kidney is a migration abnormality of the kidney. Here, we have
evaluated a rare case of the supernumerary and ectopic kidney with DMSA, MAG3 and also CT
fusion of the images.

Methods:
The absolute divided renal function was calculated for each kidney by DMSA. The
MAG3 scintigraphy showed no obstruction in the ureteropelvic junction. Furthermore, the
renogram curve and Tmax and time to ½ values were assessed. Two months after the conventional
scintigraphies, the patient was referred to a CT scan and the fusion of DMSA SPECT and CT data
was generated on a workstation.

Results:
The ectopic supernumerary kidney was functioning very well except a small hypoactive
area, visible on DMSA, which was possibly a minimal pelvicalyceal dilatation. However, consequent
CT scan did not show any pathology.

Conclusion:
It is important to evaluate particularly complicated or rare cases with multimodality
systems with 3D or fusion techniques for the accurate diagnosis.
Spark Plasma Sintering of Hybrid Nanocomposites of Hydroxyapatite Reinforced with CNTs and SS316L for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Asif , Maqbool Adnan , Hakeem Abbas Saeed , Khalid Fazal Ahmad , Rafiq Muhammad Asif , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Abidi Irfan Haider , Bakhsh Nabi 
Published: February 2019

Background:
The development of new bioimplants with enhanced mechanical and biomedical
properties have great impetus for researchers in the field of biomaterials. Metallic materials
such as stainless steel 316L (SS316L), applied for bioimplants are compatible to the human osteoblast
cells and bear good toughness. However, they suffer by corrosion and their elastic moduli
are very high than the application where they need to be used. On the other hand, ceramics such as
hydroxyapatite (HAP), is biocompatible as well as bioactive material and helps in bone grafting during
the course of bone recovery, it has the inherent brittle nature and low fracture toughness. Therefore,
to overcome these issues, a hybrid combination of HAP, SS316L and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
has been synthesized and characterized in the present investigation.

Methods:
CNTs were acid treated to functionalize their surface and cleaned prior their addition to the
composites. The mixing of nano-hydroxyapatite (HAPn), SS316L and CNTs was carried out by nitrogen
gas purging followed by the ball milling to insure the homogeneous mixing of the powders. In
three compositions, monolithic HAPn, nanocomposites of CNTs reinforced HAPn, and hybrid nanocomposites
of CNTs and SS316L reinforced HAPn has been fabricated by spark plasma sintering
(SPS) technique.

Results:
SEM analysis of SPS samples showed enhanced sintering of HAP-CNT nanocomposites,
which also showed significant sintering behavior when combined with SS316L. Good densification
was achieved in the nanocomposites. No phase change was observed for HAP at relatively higher
sintering temperatures (1100°C) of SPS and tricalcium phosphate phase was not detected by XRD
analysis. This represents the characteristic advantage with enhanced sintering behavior by SPS technique.
Fracture toughness was found to increase with the addition of CNTs and SS316L in HAPn,
while hardness initially enhanced with the addition of nonreinforcement (CNTs) in HAPn and then
decrease for HAPn-CNT-SS316L hybrid nanocomposites due to presence of SS316L.

Conclusion:
A homogeneous distribution of CNTs and SPS technique resulted in the improved
mechanical properties for HAPn-CNT-SS316L hybrid nanocomposites than other composites and
suggested their application as bioimplant materials.
Infantile GM1-Gangliosidosis Revealed by Slate-Grey Mongolian Spots
Authors: Draïss Ghizlane , Fouad Adil , Rada Nourddine , Hocar Ouafa , Fdil Naima , Bouskraoui Mohamed 
Published: February 2019

Introduction:
GM1-gangliosidosis is an inherited metabolic disease caused by mutations in the GLB1 gene resulting in deficiency of β-galactosidase. Three forms have been identified: Infantile, juvenile, and adult. The infantile type progresses rapidly and aggressively and a delayed diagnosis hampers the prevention of many neurological deficits. This delay in diagnosis may be due to the variability of clinical expression of the disorder.

Hypothesis:
Extensive Mongolian or slate-grey spots deserve special attention as possible indications of associated inborn errors of metabolism, especially GM1-gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis. Only symptomatic treatments are available for GM1-gangliosidosis; research is underway.

Observation:
In this article, we report a case of infantile GM1-gangliosidosis revealed by slate-grey Mongolian spots, a rare condition in Morocco, and a review of the literature.

Conclusion:
The finding of persistent and extensive slate-grey mongolian spots in infant could lead to early detection of GM1-gangliosidosis before irreversible organ damage occurs.
Analysis of the Ruff 2 & 7 Test of Attention with the Rasch Poisson Counts Model
Authors: Nadri Mahsa , Baghaei Purya , Zohoorian Zahra 
Published: February 2019

Background:Attention is a basic neurocognitive function which is a prerequisite for performance on more complex cognitive tasks. The Ruff 2 & 7 test is a well-known measure of attention with a well-supported theoretical and empirical underpinnings.Objective:The Ruff 2 & 7 test, has not been subjected to rigorous item response theory analysis yet. The purpose of this research was to examine the fit of the Ruff 2 & 7 test to the Rasch Poisson Counts Model (RPCM).Methods:Responses of 138 nonclinical subjects to the Ruff 2 & 7 test were analyzed with the RPCM measurement model using ‘lme4’ package in R. The fit of the individual items (blocks) and the overall test to the model were examined.Results:Findings showed that three out of seven scoring techniques fit the Rasch model. The scoring techniques which fitted the model were total number of characters cancelled, total number of characters correctly cancelled, and total number of characters correctly cancelled minus errors of commission.Conclusion:Three of the scoring techniques fit the RPCM which support the internal validity of the test when these scoring procedures were employed. Therefore, the Ruff 2 & 7 test is psychometrically uni-dimensional when these three scores are computed.
Threats and Vision for the Conservation of Galápagos Birds
Authors: Jiménez-Uzcátegui Gustavo , Wiedenfeld David , Valle Carlos A. , Vargas Hernán , Piedrahita Paolo , Muñoz-Abril Laia J. , Alava Juan José 
Published: February 2019

Introduction:Threats that affect the avian diversity on the Galápagos Islands are increasing. We evaluated threats such as climate change and severe weather, human intrusions and disturbance, biological resource use, invasive and other problematic species, genes and diseases, pollution, geological events and loss of genetic diversity in relation with avian species enlisted in both the international and national (Ecuador) IUCN Red List, which can be used as sentinel species of the ecosystem. Here, the status of the threatened species for the next ten years (present time up to 2028), under two scenarios, including thestatus quoand theavian diversity visionfor the species’ conservation, was assessed.Methods:The conceptual framework of the assessment was envisioned within the existing knowledge and projections of present and future threats to revisit current conservation efforts. Based on this evaluation, a set of management actions coupled with mitigation strategies to address new anthropogenic threats affecting the long-term survival of species in the face of global and regional environmental changes are recommended. Alternative strategies for species conservation, mainly when declining avian populations are susceptible to demographic bottlenecks or risk of extinction and when natural disasters affect ecosystem stability, are also considered.Results:These results should be envisioned as a guide for the evaluation and management of the avian species in the future to be replicated every decade.