Good Objective Measure Research Articles

Functionally relevant physical exercises as an objective measure of clinical improvement in pediatric chronic pain.

This exploratory study demonstrates the application of functionally relevant physical exercises (FRPE) to objectively assess physical functioning among children with chronic pain. Intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) focuses on functional improvements as a primary outcome. FRPEs aim to enhance clinical assessments and monitoring by providing relevant data for physical and occupational therapies. Children enrolled in three weeks of IIPT provided data for study. They completed two self-report measures of functioning (Lower Extremity Functioning Scale [LEFS] and Upper Extremity Functioning Index [UEFI]), measure of pain intensity, and six separate FRPEs (box carry, box lifts, floor to stand, sit to stand, step ups, and modified six-minute walk test). Data from 207 participants aged 8-20 years old were analyzed. Upon admission, over 91% of children could perform each FRPE at some level to provide clinicians with a baseline assessment of functional strength. Following IIPT, all children were able to complete FRPEs. Overall, children reported statistically significant gains in functioning on all subjective reports and FRPEs (p's < 0.001). Spearman correlations demonstrated that LEFS and UEFI were weakly to moderately correlated to all FRPEs at admission (r's between.43-.64, p's < 0.001 and.36-.50, p's < 0.01 respectively). Correlations between all subjective and objective measures were comparatively lower at discharge. FRPEs appear to serve as good objective measures of strength and mobility for children with chronic pain, measuring variability across patients and change over time, which is unique from subjective data gathered via self-report. Due to face validity and objective measurement of functioning, from a clinical practice perspective, FRPEs provide meaningful information to support initial assessment, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. This study offers initial support for a novel measurement method that is easily administered and replicated to effectively measure functional improvement in children with chronic pain.

ATP bioluminescence method as a rapid tool for assessment of cleanliness of commercial animal transport trailers

Animal transportation is widely recognized as a significant risk for disease transmission. At present, cleanliness of animal transport trailers is mostly assessed through subjective visual inspection (i.e., ‘white-glove’ test), which may sometimes be supplemented by microbiological testing with results obtained after at least 2-3 days. In this study, the feasibility of using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence method as a rapid tool for objectively assessing animal transport trailer cleanliness was investigated. Eighteen newly-cleaned transport trailers were tested using both ATP bioluminescence and microbiological techniques. In each trailer, six (6) locations including floors, walls, ramps, partitions and trailer exterior surfaces were sampled using an ATP meter, and MacConkey and R2A agar contact plates. From a total of more than 500 paired samples collected from all the sampled trailers, significant correlation was found between ATP bioluminescence method and standard microbiological technique using R2A agar (r = 0.206; p = 0.001) and MacConkey agar (r = 0.154; p = 0.002) plates. Using a threshold or ‘Pass’ limit of 390 RLU per 100 cm2 of trailer surface, ATP method was able to provide a good objective measure of the surface cleanliness, thus may be considered as an additional tool available for rapid and less costly assessment of trailer surface cleanliness.

Management of post appendicectomy intra-abdominal collections: A volumetric cut off for drainage?

BackgroundIntra-abdominal collections (IAC) are a common complication following appendicectomy, one of the most commonly performed emergency abdominal procedures in childhood. The option to drain a collection is frequently available but not always required. AimThe aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of medically and procedurally-managed post appendicectomy IACs and suggest a method of standardising the need for intervention. MethodsA single centre, retrospective review of children aged ≤ 16 years presenting between 2014 and 2019 was performed. Patient demographics, management, and outcome data were collected. IAC volume and surface area were calculated assuming a prolate spheroid or true ellipsoid depending on the number of dimensions reported. Results60 patients (18%) of 334 patients developed an IAC post appendicectomy. Medical management was undertaken in 44 (73%), drainage in 12 (20%), and surgical washout in 4 (7%). Collection size was associated with failure of medical management: maximum diameter (p = 0.028), volume (p = 0.002), and surface area (p = 0.001). Collections with a volume of 2 ml/kg were significantly less likely to fail medical management than larger collections (0/33 vs 6/11; p < 0.0001). DiscussionNot all post appendicectomy IACs require drainage. The relationship between collection volume and need for drainage is more closely assessed using a volume calculation rather than a single dimension measurement, particularly when adjusted for weight of the child. A cut off of 2 ml/kg appears to be a good objective measure for intervention and provides a communication tool for discussion amongst the multidisciplinary team. Prospectively collected multicentre data on this subject would be timely. Level of evidenceIII.

Association Between Pain Catastrophizing and Pain and Cardiovascular Changes During a Cold-Pressor Test in Athletes.

Athletes are often exposed to pain due to injury and competition. Using preliminary evidence, researchers have shown that cardiovascular measures could be an objective measure of pain, but the cardiovascular response can be influenced by psychological factors, such as catastrophizing. To use a painful cold-pressor test (CPT) to measure the relationship among catastrophizing, pain, and cardiovascular variables in athletes. Cohort study. Laboratory. A total of 36 male rugby athletes (age = 24.0 ± 4.6 years, height = 180.0 ± 6.1 cm, mass = 90.5 ± 13.8 kg). We measured catastrophizing using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and pain using a numeric pain rating scale. Cardiovascular measures were heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate variability. During the CPT, participants experienced increases in pain (from 0 to 4.1 ± 2.2), systolic blood pressure (from 126.7 ± 16.5 to 149.7 ± 23.4 mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (from 76.9 ± 8.3 to 91.9 ± 11.5 mm Hg), and heart rate variability (from 0.0164 ± 0.0121 to 0.0400 ± 0.0323 milliseconds; all P values < .001). In addition, we observed a decrease in heart rate after the CPT (P = .04). We found a correlation between athletes' pain catastrophizing and both pain intensity and change in heart rate during the CPT (P = .02 and P = .003, respectively). Linear regression indicated that pain and catastrophizing explained 29% of the variance in the change in heart rate (P = .003). Athletes who had catastrophizing thoughts were more likely to experience higher levels of pain and a greater cardiovascular response during a painful stimulus. The change in cardiovascular variables may be a good objective measure of pain in athletes in the future.

Physically active children with epilepsy have good objective sleep duration and efficiency despite subjective reports of fatigue and sleep problems

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to longitudinally characterize in children with epilepsy the objective and subjective sleep quality and the relationship between increased physical activity and sleep as well as measures of psychosocial well-being. MethodsBaseline physical activity and sleep were established in children with epilepsy over four weeks, prior to a 12-week exercise intervention (weekly meeting with exercise counselor). Participants continuously wore a wrist pedometer (Fitbit Flex®) to capture daily number of steps, sleep efficiency, and total sleep time. The Early Childhood Epilepsy Severity Scale (E-Chess) assessed baseline epilepsy severity. Subjective sleep quality (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, CSHQ), quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, PedsQL™, 4.0 Core), fatigue (PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale), depression (Children's Depression Inventory-Short), and anxiety (Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children) were assessed pre- and post-interventions. ResultsOur cohort of 22 children with epilepsy aged 8–14 years was similarly active to peers (11,271 ± 3189 mean steps per day) and displayed normal sleeping patterns (mean sleep efficiency: 87.4% ± 3.08 and mean total sleep time: 521 ± 30.4). Epilepsy severity assessed by E-Chess was low to moderate (median baseline E-Chess score of 6, interquartile range: 5–7). Study outcomes did not change with the intervention. Older children and those with lower baseline activity were more likely to increase their activity during the intervention. Changes in physical activity were not associated with changes in sleep outcomes when accounting for age, sex, and baseline E-Chess score. Subjective sleep quality marginally improved with the intervention (CSHQ total score: 44.5 ± 5.8 at baseline and 41.6 ± 7.2 at the end of study, p = 0.05). Quality of life, fatigue, depression, and anxiety did not change with the intervention (p = 0.55, 0.60, 0.12, and 0.69, respectively). SignificanceChildren with epilepsy who are as active as peers without epilepsy have good objective measures of sleep despite self-reported fatigue and parent-reported sleep problems. The physical activity of initially less active and older children with epilepsy may benefit from an exercise counseling intervention.

The test-retest reliability of fecal incontinence severity and quality-of-life assessment tools.

The St. Mark's score and Cleveland Clinic score are widely used for assessing the severity of fecal incontinence, whereas the Rockwood quality of life scale is used to evaluate the impact on the quality of life of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability of these assessment tools. All patients were recruited prospectively. To assess intraobserver reliability each patient was asked to complete 4 assessments (the St. Mark's and Cleveland Clinic scores, the Rockwood scale, and a visual analog scale) at 2 time points: initially at recruitment (P1) and then 6 weeks later (P2). No alteration to medications or treatment occurred during this interval. For interobserver reliability, the St. Mark's and Cleveland Clinic scores were also completed by a physician (time point P1) and a nurse (time point P2). Intra- and interobserver reliability were determined by using an intraclass correlation coefficient. An intraclass correlation coefficient value of less than 0.40 indicates poor reliability, values in the range 0.40 to 0.75 indicate fair to good reliability, and a value of greater than 0.75 shows excellent reliability. Thirty-nine patients (34 female) with a median age of 65 years were studied. The intraclass correlation coefficient for intraobserver reliability for the Cleveland Clinic score at time points P1 and P2 was 0.858 (95% CI, 0.611-0.940); and for St. Mark's score, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.823 (95% CI, 0.556-0.922). The intraclass correlation coefficients for the quality-of-life domains ranged between 0.864 and 0.938, whereas the intraclass correlation coefficient for the visual analog scale was 0.958 (95% CI, 0.906-0.982). The interobserver reliability ranged from 0.795 to 0.945 for the Cleveland Clinic score and from 0.793 to 0.939 for the St. Mark's score. Of the 39 patients recruited, only 31 patients completed the second assessment at time point P2. This increases the risk of nonresponse error in this study, which is a recognized limitation of mail-mode surveys. Current assessment tools for the severity of fecal incontinence and its impact on quality of life have an excellent intra- and interobserver reliability and remain a good objective measure of patients' symptoms (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A135).

A SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AUDIT OF FAMPRIDINE USE IN MS

BackgroundImpairment of walking and the resultant reduction in physical function together with pathological fatigue are major concerns for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Patients are in need of interventions to...

Phenotyping of Tomato for SolCAP and Onward into the Void

Standardized phenotyping is being used in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (S. tuberosum) as part of the USDA-funded Solanaceae coordinated agricultural project (SolCAP). In tomato, a panel of 480 lines, 144 fresh market, 144 processing, 44 vintage lines, 48 landraces, and 101 related Solanum species accessions, are being grown over two seasons at multiple locations. These tomato genotypes will also be screened for over 7600 single nucleotide polymorphism markers that are being developed. Characters being phenotyped are hypocotyl color, plant habit, inflorescence (simple or compound), flower fasciation, flowering time, time to maturity, size of blossom scar, and pedicel type (jointless or jointed). Transverse and equatorial cross-sections of fruit are also being scanned to obtain measures of fruit shape and color by tomato analyzer computer software. Other fruit characters being measured are pH, titratable acidity, and soluble solids. Some useful information may come from this phenotyping and genotyping effort. However, in this author's opinion, the value of measuring some of the traits is very limited in the face of much more important breeding traits that are difficult to fit into a standardized phenotyping format. For instance, proper assessment of several fruit disorders is not being attempted, but such data might yield some invaluable marker information. Part of this is the result of funding limitations for the phenotyping effort. However, a major benefit of the SolCAP analysis will be the development of markers that will differentiate the lines being studied, because there is a present lack of polymorphisms in tomato germplasm where wild species introgressions are minimal or distant in time. This will allow breeders to proactively select for recurrent parent backgrounds in backcrossing projects and may aid in the identification of associations of markers with important characteristics. As one looks to the future of standardized phenotyping, there are some important traits that will be difficult to phenotype such as tomato flavor, which is quite subjective and for which there are no good objective measures.

Acoustic Analysis in Asthmatics and the Influence of Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy

The impact of sustained inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy on the larynx and pharynx was assessed using a prospective, cross-sectional, and investigator-blinded study conducted at the University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, UK. Forty-six adults recruited from two local general practices and from general ENT clinics at our University hospital were investigated for the study. Patients were allocated to three groups according to ICS use. Laryngeal effects were measured by correlating the results of a vocal performance questionnaire, a respiratory symptom questionnaire, and measurements obtained by computerized speech analysis. Sustained vowels and connected speech were analyzed in normal and asthmatic subjects. Acoustic analysis was correlated with cellular markers of inflammation after biopsy. Regular ICS users had significantly more pharyngeal inflammation and throat discomfort (P<0.0001). Vocal performance was also worse in this group (P<0.0001). They were more likely to have hoarseness, weakness of voice, aphonia, sore throat, throat irritation, and cough (P<0.0001). All these variables were directly related to one another (P<0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that jitter was a good objective measure of hoarseness (P<0.05). Regular ICS users were significantly more likely to have abnormal jitter, shimmer, and closed-phase quotient scores (P<0.0001). There was no difference between the groups in the observed parameters of inflammation (P>0.01). A higher pharyngitis score did not correlate with any of the histological markers of inflammation (P>0.01). Local side effects are more common in asthmatics that use ICS regularly. Measures of laryngeal function are significantly worse in regular ICS users. However, histological markers and oropharyngeal redness are not reliable measures of inflammation.

Development of the Video Assessment of Propensity to Use Emergency Restraints Scale (VAPERS): Results of the VAPERS Study Group

Emergency physicians (EPs) may disagree on when or whether patients need restraints. There is no good objective measure of the likelihood of EPs to restrain patients. To 1) develop a scale to determine the likelihood that an EP would restrain a patient, 2) develop subscale scoring, and 3) determine a shortened version that correlates highly with the full scale. This was a prospective cross sectional study. The Video Assessment of Propensity to use Emergency Restraints Scale (VAPERS), consisting of 17 scenarios utilizing actors, was videotaped to produce a research video assessment tool. The VAPERS was designed by development experts to reflect the spectrum of patients who are considered for restraint in an emergency department. The VAPERS was piloted among a 22-member pilot panel of EPs (faculty and residents). The pilot panel was asked to determine the degree to which each video patient possessed the following patient characteristics: medical instability, trauma, belligerence, agitation, and altered mental status. Each "degree of characteristic" was measured on a separate 100-mm visual analog scale. Participants were then asked whether or not they would restrain each patient and whether the patient exhibited the potential to harm him- or herself or others. VAPERS subscales were developed for the likelihood to restrain patients with each of the patient characteristics. Spearman correlations were used for all comparisons. Linear regression was used to determine which patient characteristics were most related to likelihood to restrain and to develop a reduced scale to predict the overall likelihood to restrain. The overall VAPERS score ranged from 0 to 100, with a median of 50 (interquartile range [IQR], 24-88). The visual analog scale results of how likely each video patient possessed specific characteristics were as follows: medical instability ranged from 0 to 100 (median, 32; IQR, 12-64), trauma ranged from 0 to 69 (median, 0; IQR, 0-31), belligerence ranged from 20 to 93 (median, 28; IQR, 14-63), agitation ranged from 3 to 84 (median, 52; IQR, 23-72), and altered mental status ranged from 1 to 93 (median, 29; IQR, 16-69). Linear regression indicated that two characteristic variables (danger to self and degree of agitation) in the video scenarios were highly correlated (0.87) with overall likelihood to restrain. Based on the results, the authors developed a shortened video assessment tool consisting of five of the original videos that were highly correlated (R = 0.94) with the full VAPERS scale on overall likelihood to restrain. The VAPERS scale covers a wide range of important variables in emergency situations. It successfully measured likelihood to restrain in this pilot study for overall situations, and for subgroups, based on patient characteristics. A shortened five-video VAPERS also successfully measured the overall likelihood to restrain.

Three-dimensional simulations of the upper radiation-convection transition layer in subgiant stars

This paper describes three-dimensional (3D) large eddy simulations of stellar surface convection using realistic model physics. The simulations include the present Sun, a subgiant of one solar mass and a lower-gravity subgiant, also of one solar mass. We examine the thermal structure (superadiabaticity) after modification by 3D turbulence, the overshoot of convective motions into the radiative atmosphere and the range of convection cell sizes. Differences between models based on the mixing length theory (MLT) and the simulations are found to increase significantly in the more evolved stages as the surface gravity decreases. We find that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the turbulent vertical velocity correlation provides a good objective measure of the vertical size of the convective cells. Just below the convection surface, the FWHM is close to the mean vertical size of the granules and 2 × FWHM is close to the mean horizontal diameter of the granules. For the Sun, 2 × FWHM = 1200 km, a value close to the observed mean granule size. For all the simulations, the mean horizontal diameter is close to 10 times the pressure scaleheight at the photospheric surface, in agreement with previous work.

Validity and reliability of a postoperative quality of recovery score: the QoR-40

Quality of recovery after anaesthesia is an important measure of the early postoperative health status of patients. We attempted to develop a valid, reliable and responsive measure of quality of recovery after anaesthesia and surgery. We studied 160 patients and asked them to rate postoperative recovery using three methods: a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS), a nine-item questionnaire and a 50-item questionnaire; the questionnaires were repeated later on the same day. From these results, we developed a 40-item questionnaire as a measure of quality of recovery (QoR-40; maximum score 200). We found good convergent validity between QoR-40 and VAS (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). Construct validity was supported by a negative correlation with duration of hospital stay (rho = -0.24, P < 0.001) and a lower mean QoR-40 score in women (162 (SD 26)) compared with men (173 (17)) (P = 0.002). There was also good test-retest reliability (intra-class ri = 0.92, P < 0.001), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93, P < 0.001) and split-half coefficient (alpha = 0.83, P < 0.001). The standardized response mean, a measure of responsiveness, was 0.65. The QoR-40 was completed in less than 6.3 (4.9) min. We believe that the QoR-40 is a good objective measure of quality of recovery after anaesthesia and surgery. It would be a useful end-point in perioperative clinical studies.

Racial differences in prostate‐specific antigen levels in patients with local‐regional prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a good objective measure of tumor cell burden or virulence of disease, or both, in prostate cancer. Many differences between whites and African Americans (AA) have been noted in prostate cancer in the United States, including a poorer outcome in African Americans. To study whether AAs present with more tumor cell burden or more virulent disease, or both, at presentation, serum PSA levels between whites and African Americans are compared. METHODS Ninety-two patients were seen during April 1988–August 1993 at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia; these patients were identified from computer registration records in 1994. Fifty-five patients were AAs and 37 were whites: 14, 55, 15, and 8 had stage A, B, C, or D1 disease, respectively, and 29, 45, and 17 had grade 1, 2, or 3 tumors. Because of positive skewing of actual PSA values, logarithmic transformation was used in statistical analysis. Two sample t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used as appropriate. RESULTS In univariate analysis, stage (P = 0.043), grade (P = 0.03), and race (P = 0.029) were correlated with the PSA levels; higher-stage and -grade patients and those of African American ethnicity had higher mean PSA levels; type of biopsy and age did not influence PSA levels. On multivariate analysis, race retained its statistical significance (P = 0.05), whereas other factors lost their significance. White patients had 0.51 times lower PSA levels than those of African Americans with comparable stage and grade tumors. Using ANOVA, an average white patient with stage B, grade 1 tumor is likely to have a PSA value of 7.92 ng/ml, compared to 13.9 ng/ml in an African American of similar stage and grade tumor. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study confirm previously reported, similar findings in the greater Chicago area. The causes of such racial differences are unknown and require study with individual-level socioeconomic status adjustments, although preliminary studies suggest sociological causes. An ongoing Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) study will determine whether such differences exist at the national level and will adjust for individual levels of socioeconomic status. Prostate 31:42–46, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

RNA loop structure prediction via bond scaling and relaxation

We have developed a method for predicting the structure of small RNA loops that can be used to augment already existing RNA modeling techniques. The method requires no input constraints on loop configuration other than end-to-end distance. Initial loop structures are generated by randomizing the torsion angles, beginning at one end of the polynucleotide chain and correlating each successive angle with the previous. The bond lengths of these structures are then scaled to fit within the known end constraints and the equilibrium bond lengths of the potential energy function are scaled accordingly. Through a series of rescaling and minimization steps the structures are allowed to relax to lower energy configurations with standard bond lengths and reduced van der Waals clashes. This algorithm has been tested on the variable loops of yeast tRNA-Asp and yeast tRNA-Phe, as well as the sarcin-ricin tetraloop and the anticodon loop of yeast tRNA-Phe. The results indicate good correlation between potential energy and the loop structure predictions that are closest to the variable loop crystal structures, but poorer correlation for the more isolated stem loops. The number of stacking interactions has proven to be a good objective measure of the best loop predictions. Selecting on the basis of energy and stacking, we obtain two structures with 0.65 and 0.75 A all-atom rms deviations (RMSD) from the crystal structure for the tRNA-Asp variable loop. The best structure prediction for the tRNA-Phe variable loop has an all-atom RMSD of 2.2 A and a backbone RMSD of 1.6 A, with a single base responsible for most of the deviation. For the sarcin-ricin loop from 28S ribosomal RNA, the predicted structure's all-atom RMSD from the nmr structure is 1.0 A. We obtain a 1.8 A RMSD structure for the tRNA-Phe anticodon loop.

Extracorporeal Photopheresis and Recombinant Interferon Alfa 2b in Sezary Syndrome

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the role of recombinant interferon alfa 2b (rIFN-a) as adjunct immunomodulatory therapy in patients with Sezary syndrome who were considered unlikely to respond to ExP alone. Six patients were treated with rIFN-a in doses ranging from 3 to 20 million units three times weekly in addition to two consecutive photopheresis treatments every 4 weeks. In addition, to better measure the effect of treatment on circulating neoplastic T-cells, cryopreserved lymphocytes were studied by two-color immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, using anti-CD4 combined with anti-CD29, anti-CD45RA, or anti-CD7. Minimal clinical improvement was observed in 4 patients treated with low doses of rIFN-a (3 to 5 million units TIW), and the response was sustained in only 1 patient. However, a clinically significant and sustained improvement did occur in 1 patient after the dose of rIFN-a was increased (20 million units TIW). Although the encountered toxicity profile from combined ExP/rIFN-a therapy was similar to that expected for ExP or comparable doses of rIFN-a given separately, treatment was discontinued in 2 patients because of adverse effects. Three antibody pairs, i.e., CD4+CD7-, CD4+CD29+, and CD4+CD45RA- subsets, appeared to be useful to monitor changes in blood Sezary cells during treatment. We conclude that the combination of ExP and low doses of rIFN-a does not appear to be effective for patients with advanced Sezary syndrome in this small patient series. However, escalation of interferon dose may be beneficial as shown in one patient, but it cannot be discerned whether the response was due to a combination of therapies, or whether the same therapeutic response would have been achieved with the higher doses of rIFN-a alone. Moreover, while none of the antibody pairs is unique for Sezary cells, the CD4+CD7- subset in appropriate patients provided a good objective measure of response and correlated well with visual Sezary cell counts.

Overcrowding in the Household: An Analysis of Determinants and Effects.

This study based on interviews from a large stratified probability sample of households in Chicago investigates the effect of household crowding. It focuses on the interpersonal dynamics found in the home and how such dynamics are affected by the spatial and social characteristics of a The authors first establish that the number of persons per room is a good objective measure of household crowding. They also establish that the availability of rooms plays a critical role in determining the nature of interaction that occurs in the household. The study demonstrates that household crowding at levels that are common in the United States can have a substantial negative impact on mental health physical health and child care. It also shows the need to focus on the subjective experience of crowding as measured by the level of privacy and social demands experienced as well as on objective measures such as number of persons per room. Consideration is given to the effects of crowding on fertility ethnicity and household composition of persons living in crowded conditions. (EXCERPT)

Measuring Uniformity of Peach Maturity1

Abstract ‘Elberta’ peach trees were given a once-over harvest to determine uniformity of fruit maturity within trees. Harvests were made at each of 3 dates to detect changes in uniformity as the crop matured. Flesh color (Hunter “a” value) and Magness-Taylor firmness were used as maturity indices for each individual fruit. Standard deviations reflecting flesh color and firmness variances among fruit on the same tree were good objective measures of uniformity of maturity. Fruit firmness and flesh color both became less uniform as the fruit matured to a certain stage, beyond which uniformity increased.

Sensationalism: Some Objective Message Correlates

The authors describe an effort to isolate and identify one or more key message attribute clusters which relate to the judgment of sensationalism, as the latter is indexed by their Sendex technique. Their aim is to find a good objective measure for the study of sensationalistic journalism.