bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resiliencia de bosques de pino – encino en América: Una visión global del estado actual
Authors: Mora-Donjuán Carlos Alberto , Alanís-Rodríguez Eduardo
Published: October 2016

El término resiliencia es una forma de comprender las dinámicas no lineales, así como los procesos a través de los cuales los ecosistemas se auto-regulan, y persisten frente a perturbaciones y cambios. La resiliencia es una capacidad de los bosques para adaptarse a cualquier cambio natural o antropogénico. La resiliencia presenta tres características particulares: 1) la cantidad de cambios que un ecosistema por su complejidad puede soportar manteniendo las mismas propiedades funcionales y estructurales; 2) el nivel en el que el ecosistema puede auto-regularse; y 3) la habilidad del ecosistema para incrementar su capacidad de aprender, innovar y adaptarse. La resiliencia también puede ser un bioindicador que permite la identificación, monitoreo ambiental y el desarrollo de estrategias de manejo y conservación; refiriéndose con esto a la habilidad y capacidad que tienen los bosques de absorber, amortiguar y resistir los cambios bióticos y abióticos. Los ecosistemas pueden ser muy resilientes, pero poco resistentes. Los bosques primarios suelen ser tanto resilientes como resistentes a diferentes tipos y niveles de perturbación.
Árboles del Valle Central de Costa Rica: reproducción Dama (Citharexylum donnell–smithii Greenm.)
Authors: Rojas-Rodríguez Freddy , Torres-Córdoba Gustavo
Published: October 2016

Se presenta una breve descripción del árbol dama (Citharexylum donnell–smithii Greenm.), información sobre fenología como base para la recolección de frutos, el manejo de las semillas, la viverización y el proceso de germinación.
Oferta y demanda de estudios de equivalencia terapéutica (in vitro e in vivo) de medicamentos en Costa Rica
Authors: Pereira-Vega Zacarías
Published: October 2016

El continuo incremento del gasto en medicamentos a nivel mundial, íntimamente asociado al crecimiento poblacional y al aumento de la esperanza de vida de las personas, ha llevado en las últimas décadas a los gobiernos a buscar alternativas que contribuyan a reducir el impacto de este rubro en los presupuestos. Una alternativa es el uso de medicamentos genéricos, que son más baratos que los innovadores. Sin embargo, antes de ser registrado, el producto genérico debe demostrar su equivalencia terapéutica mediante ensayos in vitro y/o in vivo contra un medicamento de referencia, con el propósito de garantizar su calidad, seguridad y eficacia y, como consecuencia de ello, su intercambiabilidad. 

Mediante una encuesta online realizada en Costa Rica durante los meses de marzo y abril de 2013, se determinó que existía una demanda de 85 medicamentos fabricados en el país, que para ser registrados a nivel nacional requerían de la misma cantidad de estudios de equivalencia terapéutica, de los cuales 47 correspondían a ensayos in vitro y 38 a ensayos in vivo. Esta demanda provenía principalmente de cuatro laboratorios que fabrican medicamentos en Costa Rica, y aumenta si se consideran los medicamentos exportados. En cuanto a la oferta nacional de estos servicios (ensayos in vitro e in vivo) por parte de laboratorios ajenos a la casa fabricante, se sabe que es muy limitada, ya que solo había dos que los ofertaban y su labor se circunscribe, por ahora, a los ensayos in vitro. 
Evolución y tendencias de índices de confiabilidad en sistemas eléctricos de potencia
Authors: Gómez-Ramírez Gustavo Adolfo
Published: October 2016

La función básica de un sistema de potencia es abastecer de energía eléctrica a los clientes de forma económica y eficiente, así como proveer un servicio tan eficaz como sea posible. Sin embargo, existen ciertas restricciones que afectan de manera considerable el cumplimiento de estos objetivos. Algunas de ellas se relacionan directamente con la calidad del abastecimiento, como, por ejemplo, las variaciones en tensión de barras y de la frecuencia industrial. Los diseñadores, planificadores y operadores de los sistemas eléctricos de potencia han tomado en cuenta estos problemas. Muchas de las técnicas desarrolladas tienen el objetivo de atender y resolver el dilema, a pesar de las limitaciones económicas de operación y mantenimiento. Los índices de confiabilidad son una muestra de tales técnicas, diseñadas a través del tiempo con el fin de cuantificar los eventos relacionados tanto con su operación como los estados de mantenimiento y fallas, entre otros, en los diversos periodos del año, debido a la afectación para los clientes y especialmente por las pérdidas económicas que producen. En la siguiente nota técnica se analiza la evolución de los índices de confiabilidad y se explican las diversas técnicas de análisis. Asimismo, se desarrolla un ejemplo aplicado a un sistema de potencia eléctrica.
Potencial de fabricación de pellets de residuos forestales de Cupressus lusitanica y Tectona grandis en Costa Rica.
Authors: Tenorio-Monge Carolina , Moya-Roque Róger , Valaert Jorre , Tomazello-Filho Mario
Published: October 2016

En los procesos de transformación y aserrío de la madera se generan residuos que pueden usarse como fuentes de materia prima para la producción de pellets. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la eficiencia, la calidad por imágenes de rayos X y las propiedades energéticas, físicas y mecánicas de pellets fabricados con residuos obtenidos del procesamiento de trozas de Cupressus lusitanica y Tectona grandis. Los resultados indicaron un porcentaje de eficiencia bajo para ambas especies forestales, con 25% para C. lusitanica y 20% para T. grandis. En la evaluación de calidad, los pellets de C. lusitanica se caracterizaron por poseer zonas de mayor claridad y pocas fisuras de corto tamaño en su superficie, mientras que en los de T. grandis se presenta un mayor número de zonas de mayor claridad, además de mostrar fisuras de mayor profundidad y largo. En relación con las propiedades evaluadas, se encontró que los pellets de T. grandis tienen una menor densidad aparente, menor PC, menor resistencia a la compresión y menor uniformidad en la densidad de su superficie y un porcentaje de cenizas, CH y durabilidad mecánica mayor, al compararlos con los de C. lusitanica.
Diseño y validación de una herramienta tecnológica dirigida a pymes para realizar autodiagnósticos sobre el cumplimiento de requisitos de la Norma Pyme y la Norma Nacional para demostrar la carbono-neutralidad en Costa Rica.
Authors: Porras-Rozas Ariel , Salazar-Rojas Teresa
Published: October 2016

Las pymes de Costa Rica tienen dificultades para mejorar su competitividad según los estándares internacionales y participar en las iniciativas de Carbono-Neutralidad a nivel nacional. Para asistir a las pymes en temas de gestión ambiental se creó una Herramienta Tecnológica de Autodiagnóstico que contiene dos cuestionarios que determinan el porcentaje de cumplimiento de los requisitos de las normas Pyme y C-Neutralidad, los cuales fueron validados según los criterios de pertinencia y relevancia mediante una prueba de juicio de expertos y el método modificado de Lawshe para validez del contenido. La prueba aceptó todos los ítems del cuestionario sobre la norma Pyme, ya que todos tuvieron una Razón de Validez del Contenido (RVC´) mayor a 0,5823, que es el mínimo aceptable; sin embargo, ocho ítems fueron retirados del cuestionario de la C-Neutralidad. El Índice de Validez del contenido (IVC) para ambos cuestionarios fue mayor al aceptado, de 0,5823. La HTA está conformada por los dos cuestionarios validados y está disponible para las pymes en el sitio web http://gestionpymescr.com/.
Percepción comunitaria de los olores generados por la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales de El Roble-Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Authors: Sáenz Luz Elena , Zambrano Diana A. , Calvo Jorge A.
Published: October 2016

En Costa Rica existen numerosas plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) y estaciones de bombeo que impulsan el agua hacia ellas. Las aguas residuales, por las características de los componentes disueltos en ellas y los procesos a los que se da lugar, en general producen malos olores, que afectan el bienestar y la calidad de vida de las personas. No obstante, en el diseño y construcción no se han incluido medidas de mitigación apropiadas. Para evaluar las características de estos gases en el ambiente existen equipos de olfatometría, pero esta técnica resulta costosa. Considerando la capacidad sensorial, se desarrolló un método mediante encuestas para identificar el radio de influencia y otras características de los olores generados en la PTAR de El Roble de Puntarenas, la cual es un punto crítico por la influencia turística de la zona. En un radio de 800 m a la redonda se realizaron 256 encuestas, de éstas el 76% indica que si siente los olores emitidos por la PTAR cuyo radio de influencia es a los 600 m, el 57% indican que los olores son fuertes, el 83% os percibe como fecal. Las franjas horarias a los cuales se sienten más los olores son: 6:00 a 9:00, 15:00 a las 21:00, así como invierno es la época del año en la cual se perciben más los olores.
Biodigesters: chemical, physical and biological factors related to their productivity
Authors: Rivas-Solano Olga , Faith-Vargas Margie , Guillén-Watson Rossy
Published: October 2016

Biodigesters are designed to optimize biogas production using organic wastes, thereby attaining clean, low-cost renewable energy. In 2008, a group of ITCR researchers worked on developing a wireless electronic system for control and protection of biogas production. One of the specific objectives of this work was to find information about methods to increase biogas production. In this review we established the mathematical parameters related to biogas estimation of productivity. We then focused on the influence of chemical factors such as substrate composition, substrate combinations, addition of fat, and presence of inhibitors. We also studied the effect of physical factors such as temperature, solids removal, protein exclusion and phase separation during anaerobic digestion of organic matter. Finally we attempted to determine the role of biological factors such as the addition of thermophilic bacteria and the importance of methanogens. 
HidroEsta, software for hydrological calculations
Authors: Villón-Béjar Máximo
Published: October 2016

This investigation, “HidroEsta, software for Hydrological Calculations” is oriented towards the creation of a computing tool using Visual Basic intended to facilitate and simplify difficult calculations that must be carried out in hydrological studies. 

The software allows making calculations of statistical parameters, as well as linear and non-linear, simple and multiple regression calculations, and polynomial regressions. It is also useful for evaluating if a series of data can be fitted to a series of distributions, and calculating design events with a given probability of occurrence, based on a seasonal variation curve or a duration curve; analyzing a storm and calculating maximum intensities based on pluviograms data; calculating flow measurements taken with windmills or current meters; calculating maximum flows with empirical and statistical methods; calculating evapotranspiration and hydric balance. 

Several numeric methods were used to solve the equations, selecting the most appropriate one for each case. The results of this work provide civil, agricultural engineers, and agronomists, hydrologists and other specialists who work in this field with a tool that enableZs them to carry out calculations, rapid simulations, and determine flow or precipitation for designs. 
Optimización multiobjetivo con funciones de alto costo computacional. Revisión del estado del arte
Authors: Calderón-Arce Cindy , Alvarado-Moya Pablo
Published: October 2016

La optimización multiobjetivo es un proceso complejo, más aún cuando las funciones objetivo que definen los problemas no están bien condicionadas o no cumplen con los requisitos mínimos para garantizar la convergencia de algoritmos clásicos, como convexidad, continuidad y diferenciabilidad. La literatura, entonces, se enfoca en el estudio de técnicas de optimización para problemas definidos por funciones con características particulares, por ejemplo, que el costo de su evaluación sea elevado, no convexas o no diferenciables. Este artículo hace una revisión general de las técnicas predominantes en problemas este tipo de funciones. 
Gliocladium sp., agente biocontrolador con aplicaciones prometedoras.
Authors: Castillo Humberto , Rojas Randall , Villalta Manuel
Published: October 2016

La mayoría de estudios relacionados con Gliocladium se han enfocado en su potente capacidad como agente biocontrolador, principalmente de hongos fitopatógenos. Sin embargo, las aplicaciones potenciales de este género de hongos abarcan numerosos productos obtenidos a partir de su metabolismo, capaz de generar una gran variedad de compuestos químicos. Cabe destacar también que es un organismo endófito que, además, de proveer beneficios a un amplio rango de plantas hospederas, puede imitar con éxito su comportamiento químico. Entre las aplicaciones más novedosas destaca su potencial para la producción de compuestos asociados con biocombustibles y su capacidad bioabsorbente de metales pesados. Esta investigación describe y ejemplifica estas aplicaciones y muestra a este género de hongos como una prometedora herramienta biotecnológica.
Hirsutella, agente biocontrolador de ácaros e insectos de importancia agronómica.
Authors: Quesada-Sojo Kevin Asdrúbal , Rivera-Méndez William
Published: October 2016

El manejo integrado de plagas constituye una solución integral a los procesos de producción agrícola, en especial cuando integran mecanismos biológicos ecoamigables. Las especies de hongos pertenecientes al género Hirsutella son capaces de infectar y parasitar gran variedad de invertebrados patógenos. Su desarrollo sobre el hospedero produce un micelio amarillento grisáceo con porcentajes bajos en formación de conidios. La caracterización morfogenética de Hirsutella se ha realizado utilizando regiones conservadas de ARNr denominadas ITS, lo que ha permitido develar homologías con géneros biocontroladores importantes como Beauveria o Cordyceps.
Las propiedades biocontroladoras del hongo actúan sobre diversas especies de ácaros e insectos que ocasionan enfermedades en cultivos de importancia agronómica. En ácaros se ha registrado la capacidad de colonizar y controlar especies como Aceria guerreronis (daños en frutos del cocotero), Acalitus vaccinii (ácaro del brote del arándano), Tetranychus urticae y Calacarus heveae (patógeno del árbol de caucho). En insectos, esa capacidad se ha demostrado en especies como Diaphorina citri, transmisor de la bacteria Candidatus liberibacter; Homalodisca vitripennis, transmisor de la bacteria fitopatogénica Xylella fastidiosa; y Delphacodes kuscheli, transmisor del virus Mal de Río Cuarto (MRCV). Se ha detectado que la patogenicidad de Hirsutella se debe a toxinas metabólicas complejas que se desarrollan durante la fase vegetativa, como lo son las hirsutellinas en H. thompsonii.
La revisión bibliográfica que se presenta en este artículo tiene como objetivo ilustrar los beneficios de utilizar hongos con potencial biocontrolador como Hirsutella, lo que constituye un mecanismo alternativo al uso de productos químicos para el control de plagas.
Certain Applications of Fuzzy Parameterized Fuzzy Soft Sets in Decision-Making Problems
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Hashmi Masooma Raza
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we present certain applications of fuzzy parameterized fuzzy soft sets (FPFS-sets) in decision-making problems. We define AND and OR operations for FPFS-sets. We study aggregation operator, reduct and comparison tables for FPFS-set. We present our methods in the form of some algorithms with the help of
examples.
Windings of Planar Processes and Applications to the Pricing of Asian Options
Authors: Vakeroudis Stavros
Published: October 2016

Motivated by a common Mathematical Finance topic, this paper surveys several results concerning windings of 2-dimensional processes, including planar Brownian motion, complex-valued Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes and planar stable processes. In particular, we present Spitzer's asymptotic Theorem for each case. We also relate this study to the pricing of Asian options.
The Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Domain (BET) Family: Functional Anatomy of BET Paralogous Proteins
Authors: Taniguchi Yasushi
Published: October 2016

The BET family of proteins is characterized by the presence of two tandem bromodomains and an extra-terminal domain. The mammalian BET family of proteins comprises Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt, which are encoded by paralogous genes that may have been generated by repeated duplication of an ancestral gene during evolution. Bromodomains that can specifically bind acetylated lysine residues in histones serve as chromatin-targeting modules that decipher the histone acetylation code. BET proteins play a crucial role in regulating gene transcription through epigenetic interactions between bromodomains and acetylated histones during cellular proliferation and differentiation processes. On the other hand, BET proteins have been reported to mediate latent viral infection in host cells and be involved in oncogenesis. Human BRD4 is involved in multiple processes of the DNA virus life cycle, including viral replication, genome maintenance, and gene transcription through interaction with viral proteins. Aberrant BRD4 expression contributes to carcinogenesis by mediating hyperacetylation of the chromatin containing the cell proliferation-promoting genes. BET bromodomain blockade using small-molecule inhibitors gives rise to selective repression of the transcriptional network driven by c-Myc. These inhibitors are expected to be potential therapeutic drugs for a wide range of cancers. This review presents an overview of the basic roles of BET proteins and highlights the pathological functions of BET and the recent developments in cancer therapy targeting BET proteins in animal models.
The Effects of Asthma Medications on Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Human Monocytes
Authors: Tsai Ming-Kai , Lin Yi-Ching , Lin Ching-Hsiung , Huang Ming-Yii , Lee Min-Sheng , Kuo Chang-Hung , Hung Chih-Hsing , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: October 2016

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease induced by many environmental factors. The inhalation of allergens and pollutants promote the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production leading to airway inflammation, hyper-responsiveness and remodeling in allergic asthma. The effects of asthma medications on ROS production are unclear. The present study investigated the anti-ROS effects of current asthma medications including inhaled corticosteroid (ICS; budesonide and fluticasone), leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA; montelukast), long acting β2 agonists (LABAs; salmeterol and formoterol) and a new extra-LABA (indacaterol). The human monocyte cell line THP-1 cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of the asthma medications at different time-points after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulation. H2O2 production was measured with DCFH-DA by flow cytometry. Montelukast, fluticasone and salmeterol suppressed H2O2-induced ROS production. Indacaterol enhanced H2O2-induced ROS production. Budesonide and formoterol alone had no anti-ROS effects, but the combination of these two drugs significantly suppressed H2O2-induced ROS production. Different asthma medications have different anti-ROS effects on monocytes. The combination therapy with LABA and ICS seemed not be the only choice for asthma control. Montelukast may be also a good supplemental treatment for the poorly-controlled asthma because of its powerful anti-ROS effects. Our findings provide a novel therapeutic view in asthma.
Spatial Distribution of Soil Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Stocks in Moso bamboo Forests in Subtropical China
Authors: Tang Xiaolu , Xia Mingpeng , Guan Fengying , Fan Shaohui
Published: October 2016

Moso bamboo is famous for fast growing and biomass accumulation, as well as high annual output for timber and bamboo shoots. These high outputs require high nutrient inputs to maintain and improve stand productivity. Soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are important micronutrients for plant growth and productivity. Due to high variability of soils, analysing spatial patterns of soil N, P and K stocks is necessary for scientific nutrient management in Moso bamboo forests. In this study, soils were sampled from 138 locations across Yong’an City and ordinary kriging was applied for spatial interpolation of soil N, P and K stocks. Soil N stock showed a strong spatial dependence while soil N and P stocks presented a moderate spatial dependence, indicating soil N was mainly controlled by intrinsic factors while soil N and P stocks were controlled by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Different spatial patterns were observed for soil N, P and K stocks across the whole study area, indicating that fertilizations with different ratios of N:P:K should be applied for different sites to maintain and improve stand productivity. The total soil N, P and K stocks within 0-60 cm were 0.624, 0.020 and 0.583 Tg, respectively.
ALTERNATIVE TREE CROPS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE POST-TSUNAMI IN THE COASTAL AREAS OF ACEH BARAT DISTRICT
Authors: Wahyunto Wahyunto , Ritung Sofyan , Wahdini Wahyu , Agus Fahmuddin
Published: October 2016

Tree farming such as coconut, cocoa, coffee, rubber, and rambutan was dominant in the west coast of Aceh prior to tsunami. The farming is not only important for sustainable livelihood, but also for superior environmental protection. During the tsunami, considerable portion of this ‘green infrastructure’ was devastated. Therefore, a scientifically based land suitability evaluation is needed for supporting the redesign and  reconstruction of the tree-based farming. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the current physical condition of the area and develop recommendation of land suitability for tree crops farming in the area. Field survey for inventory and evaluation of land characteristics was conducted in 2006, 15 months after the tsunami. Land suitability evaluation was conducted by matching field survey data and soil sample analyses in every mapping unit with crop growth requirements. The land suitability map was further matched with the district development plan, existing land uses and land status. The resulted land use recommendation map showed that the marine ecosystem along the coastal line was most suitable for coconut, cacao, coffee, and casuarinas. The recommended tree crops for the ancient sandy beach were areca nut, coconut, rambutan, mango, rubber and oil palm; and for the alluvial ecosystem were coconut, cacao, areca nut, mango, and bread fruit. Peatland of less than 3 m thick was marginally suitable for oil palm and rubber, while those thicker than 3 m were recommended for conservation due to its fragile ecosystem. In the undulating tectonic plain, the suitable tree crops were rubber, oil palm, coconut, and rambutan.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPOSTED BIO-TOILET RESIDUE AND ITS POTENTIAL USE AS A SOIL CONDITIONER
Authors: Triastuti Jovita , Sintawardani Neni , Irie Mitsuteru
Published: October 2016

Bio-toilet is a dry toilet where human excreta is trapped in a lignocelluloses soil matrix such as wood sawdust, then it is decomposed by aerobic  bacteria to organic compost rich in minerals such as N, P, and K. The study aimed to characterize the bio-toilet residue and its potential use as a soil conditioner for Jatropha curcas. The study was conducted in a private school of Daarut Tauhid in Bandung West Java. A bio-toilet S-50 type of Japan was constructed consisting of a composting chamber, mixer, heater, exhaust fan, and closet. The composting chamber was filled with 63 kg of Albizzia sawdust. Feces and urine was loaded daily by 54 students for 122-day observation. At the end of observation, the decomposed bio-toilet residue was evaluated for its physical properties such as bulk density (rb), porosity (%), and water retention (WR). Chemical properties such as pH, C/N ratio, N, P, and K, as well as microbiological properties such as numbers of bacteria, fungi, and worm eggs were evaluated at 14 and 122 days of decomposition process. Effect of the composted bio-toilet residue as plant growth media was evaluated using J. curcass as a plant indicator. Before it was used as a growth media, the composted bio-toilet residue was dried in a room temperature for 30 days. The experiment was designed in a completely randomized design 2 x 4 factorial with three replications. The first factor was the rate of composted biotoilet residue, i.e., 0, 20, 40, and 60% based on weight of the growth media mixture (1500 g pot-1), and the second was NPK fertilizer addition at 0 and 2 g pot-1. Each pot was planted with 2-month old of J. curcas seedlings. Parameters evaluated were leaf number, leaf area, stem height, and stem diameter measured at 12 weeks after planting. The results showed that the biotoilet residue was suitable as soil conditioner because it had high porosity (76%), low bulk density (0.19 g cm-3), high water retention (2.6 ml g-1 DM), neutral pH (6.9), C/N ratio 27, and contained N, P, K, and Na of 1.73, 1.15, 1.03, and 0.88%, respectively. Its microbial count showed only two kinds of bacteria, i.e., Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli, detected at 14 and 122 days of bio-toilet usage. The composted bio-toilet residue improved vegetative performances of J. curcas as indicated by increasing leaf number, leaf area, stem height, and stem diameter.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF FIVE SPECIES OF ANCHOVIES (ENGRAULIDAE) FROM BIMA BAY, SUMBAWA, NUSA TENGGARA
Authors: Andamari Retno , Milton David , Zubaidi Thohir
Published: October 2016

The reproductive biology of five species of anchovies (Encrasicholina and Stolephorus) in Bima Bay, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia was examined and  compared with previous studies of the same species in Bacan, Maluku and other parts of Indonesia. Fish and plankton sampling was conducted in February and April 2000. The length and weight relationship of five species of anchovies had a slope (b) that ranged from 2.71 to 3.74. These values were less than those found in Bacan for the same species. All species were multiple spawner and the mean batch fecundity ranged between 1226 (Encrasicholina devisi) and 2470 (E. punctifer). Relative fecundity varied among the species inversely with size, being lower in the larger species. Age at first spawning varied from 67 to 141 days for all five species and was higher in Stolephorus species. Lifetime egg production was less than that found in Bacan for the same species, but similar to that found in similar habitats elsewhere in the tropical Indo-Pacific. These results suggest that anchovy egg production is higher, but more variable in open oceanic environments compared with the more stable, coastal bays.
EFFECT OF PHOSPHATE ON NODULE PRIMORDIA OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max Merrill) IN ACID SOILS IN RHIZOTRON EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Waluyo Setiyo Hadi , Lie Tek An , Mannetje Leendert ’t
Published: October 2016

To clarify whether P had a direct or indirect effect on the nodulation  process of soybean grown in acid soils from Sitiung, West Sumatra, Indonesia, a series of rhizotron experiments, with special attention given to formation of nodule primordia, was conducted at Laboratory of  Microbiology, Wageningen University in 1998-2000. It was shown that Ca and P were essential nutrients for root growth, nodule formation, and growth of soybean in the acid soils (Oxisols). Ca increased root growth, number of nodule primordia, nodules, and growth of the soybean plant. This positive effect of Ca was increased considerably by the application of P. Ca and P have a synergistic effect on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of soybean in acid soils. Ca is important for the establishment of nodules, whilst P is essential for the development and function of the formed nodules. P increased number of nodule primordia, thus it also has an important role in the initiation of nodule formation. From this study, it can be concluded that Ca and P are the most limiting nutrients for BNF of soybean in the acid soils of Sitiung, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONGST 10 Durio SPECIES BASED ON PCR-RFLP ANALYSIS OF TWO CHLOROPLAST GENES
Authors: Santoso Panca J. , Saleh Ghizan B. , Saleh Norihan M. , Napis Suhaimi
Published: October 2016

Twenty seven species of Durio have been identified in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia, but their relationships have not been studied. This study was conducted to analyse phylogenetic relationships amongst 10 Durio species in Malaysia using PCR-RFLP on two chloroplast DNA genes, i.e. ndhC-trnV and rbcL. DNAs were extracted from young leaves of 11 accessions from 10 Durio species collected from the Tenom Agriculture Research Station, Sabah, and University Agriculture Park, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Two pairs of oligonucleotide primers, N1-N2 and rbcL1-rbcL2, were used to flank the target regions ndhC-trnV and rbcL. Eight restriction enzymes, HindIII, BsuRI, PstI, TaqI, MspI, SmaI, BshNI, and EcoR130I, were used to digest the amplicons. Based on the results of PCR-RFLP on ndhC-trnV gene, the 10 Durio species were grouped into five distinct clusters, and the accessions generally showed high variations. However, based on the results of PCR-RFLP on the rbcL gene, the species were grouped into three distinct clusters, and generally showed low variations. This means that ndhC-trnV gene is more reliable for phylogenetic analysis in lower taxonomic level of Durio species or for diversity analysis, while rbcL gene is reliable marker for phylogenetic analysis at higher taxonomic level. PCR-RFLP on the ndhC-trnV and rbcL genes could therefore be considered as useful markers to phylogenetic analysis amongst Durio species. These finding might be used for further molecular marker assisted in Durio breeding program.
ROLE OF POLYAMINES IN INHIBITION OF ETHYLENE BIOSYNTHESIS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON RICE ANTHER CULTURE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Dewi Iswari S. , Purwoko Bambang S.
Published: October 2016

The polyamines such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were reported to increase green plant regeneration in rice anther culture. Low response of anther culture of rice sub-species indica may be improved with the addition of putrescine in the culture media. Four experiments were conducted to study the role of polyamines in inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis and their effects on rice anther culture development. Anthers of two subspecies of rice, indica (IR64, Krowal, Jatiluhur) and japonica (Taipei 309) were cultured onto media supplemented with putrescine (N6P) and without putrescine (N6). Young
panicles containing the anthers at mid-to-late nucleate microspores were cold pretreated at 5 + 2°C and incubated in the dark for 8 days before the anthers were cultured. Results
showed that medium without putrescine produced an earlier senescence of indica rice anther than that of japonica. The addition of 10-3 M putrescine into the culture media inhibited ethylene biosynthesis as anther senescence delayed, increased the three polyamines contents, and decreased the ACC content as well as ACC oxydase activity in anther-derived calli. In the anther and anther-derived calli of subspecies indica, the total
polyamines content was lower (10.14 nM g-1 anther and 8.48 nM g-1 calli) than that of subspecies japonica (12.61 nM g-1 anther and 10.16 nM g-1 calli), whereas the ethylene production was higher (32.31 nM g-1 anther and 2.48 nM g-1 calli) than the japonica (31.68 nM g-1 anther and 1.76 nM g-1 calli). This study suggests that application of 10-3 M putrescine in anther culture of rice subspecies indica improves androgenesis by inhibiting
early senescence of cultured anthers and enhancing embryo or callus formation from microspores.
STRATEGI PENINGKATAN KOMPETENSI DAN PROFESIONALISME PUSTAKAWAN DI PERPUSTAKAAN KHUSUS
Authors: Nashihuddin Wahid , Aulianto Dwi Ridho
Published: October 2016

Pustakawan dituntut untuk senantiasa meningkatkan kompetensi dan profesionalisme dalam melaksanakan tugas dan fungsinya. Hal tersebut dimaksudkan agar pustakawan dapat berkompetisi dan berkolaborasi dengan profesi informasi yang lain, khususnya untuk memajukan dunia kepustakawanan. Kompetensi dan profesionalisme menjadi hal terpenting bagi pustakawan di perpustakaan khusus dalam menjaga dan meningkatkan eksistensi mereka di lingkungan pekerjaannya. Dengan kompetensi yang memadai dan bekerja secara profesional, citra pustakawan dapat diubah menjadi lebih baik karena selama ini masyarakat masih menganggap pustakawan hanya sebagai tenaga teknis dan administrasi perpustakaan. Melalui peningkatan kompetensi dan profesionalisme, pustakawan dapat meningkatkan derajatnya sebagai tenaga profesional perpustakaan yang mampu berperan aktif dalam setiap aktivitas lembaga induknya. Untuk mewujudkan hal tersebut, diperlukan beberapa strategi yang tepat, yaitu (1) meningkatkan kinerja secara berkesinambungan, (2) membangun komunikasi internal secara efektif, (3) menggagas ide-ide inovatif perpustakaan, (4) mengikuti program sertifikasi pustakawan, dan (5) melakukan pengembangan karier profesional.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Mowing Height, and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Effects on Red Fescue and Mixed Fescue–Bentgrass Putting Greens
Authors: Calvache Sara , Espevig Tatsiana , Andersen Tina E. , Joner Erik J. , Kvalbein Agnar , Pettersen Trond , Aamlid Trygve S.
Published: October 2016

Red fescue (RF, Festuca rubra L.) is used on golf putting greens in the Nordic region due to its high disease resistance and low requirements for nitrogen (N) and water, but low density and growth rate makes RF susceptible to annual bluegrass (AB, Poa annua L.) invasion. Putting greens seeded with RF + bentgrass (Agrostis sp.) may be more competitive with AB but also have different playing characteristics. Our objective was to compare RF, RF + colonial bentgrass (CB, Agrostis capillaris L.), and RF + velvet bentgrass (VB, Agrostis canina L.) putting greens at two mowing heights (4.0 or 5.5 mm), three N rates (5, 10, or 15 g N m−2 yr−1), and three phosphorus (P)–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi treatments (0 and 1.8 g P m−2yr−1 without inoculation and 0 g P m−2yr−1 with inoculation). The four‐factorial experiment was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at Landvik, Norway. Red fescue provided lower visual quality and density and less competition against AB than RF + bentgrass combinations. Increasing the N rate from 5 to 15 g N m−2yr−1 increased the proportion of bentgrass tillers from 53 to 64% in RF + CB and from 86 to 92% in RF + VB. Surface hardness increased in the order RF + VB < RF + CB < RF turfs. Ball‐roll distance decreased with increasing N rate and was longer with RF and RF + VB than with RF + CB. The main effects of N and mowing height on AB invasion were not significant, but lower mowing increased AB competition in RF. Mycorrhiza colonization of roots was not significantly affected by any practice, and neither P nor arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi influenced the competition against AB.
Do More Seeds per Panicle Improve Grain Sorghum Yield?
Authors: Tolk Judy A. , Schwartz Robert C.
Published: October 2016

Seed number, rather than seed mass, is largely considered to be the most important yield component of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. An experimental sorghum mutant line with enhanced seed number (tri‐seed) was grown at the Soil–Plant–Environment Research (SPER) facility, USDA–ARS, Bushland, TX, in 2014 and 2015 to provide field validation of the tri‐seed line's ability to increase yield. The SPER facility had a rain shelter to control the soil‐water balance. The parent inbred line BTx623 and the tri‐seed line MSD‐P5, which originated as a mutant of BTx623, were grown in weighing lysimeters with undisturbed soil profiles of four agriculturally productive soils (Pullman clay loam, Ulysses silt loam, Amarillo sandy loam, and Vingo fine sand) of the US Great Plains. Planting density was 16 plants m−2 and the crops received either 18 or 36 mm of irrigation weekly. The tri‐seed line produced significantly smaller grain yield, seed mass, and total biomass compared with the parent line. The mass per panicle was similar between lines, but a significantly larger proportion of the tri‐seed line panicle was non‐grain panicle mass compared with the parent line. Both hybrids exhibited some plasticity in seed mass to accommodate assimilate as it became available, but increased seed mass, along with increased seed number, also did not result in a significant increase in harvest index for the tri‐seed line compared with the parent line. The increase in seed number by the tri‐seed line did not compensate for the decreased seed mass, which consequently failed to increase grain yield or harvest index.
Genetic Diversity of Chinese and Global Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Collections
Authors: Wu Xingbo , Li Nana , Hao Junjie , Hu Jinguo , Zhang Xiaoyan , Blair Matthew W.
Published: October 2016

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important food and feed legume grown across many temperate regions of the world, especially from Asia to Europe and North America. The goal of this study was to use 30 informative pea microsatellite markers to compare genetic diversity in a global core from the USDA and a core collection from the National Genebank of China (NGC). The Chinese and global collections had 295 and 305 accessions, respectively. A total of 259 alleles were detected in the full 600 accessions, with a mean of 8.7 alleles per locus. Given the range of countries represented, the global collection was found to be more diverse than the Chinese core. However, the Chinese accessions still formed two distinct groups. The first group had 90.6% spring‐planted peas from northern China. The second group had 65.9% winter‐planted peas from southern China. An outlier group included wild peas from the P. sativum elatius and asiaticum subspecies. In conclusion, the USDA collection had slightly more overall diversity than the NGC collection given its global nature, but the Chinese accessions represented a considerable fraction of overall diversity, with accessions representing spring and winter pea types from northern and southern China, respectively, that are only weakly represented in the USDA core. The origin of Chinese peas is likely to be from the region of domestication in the Middle East through an ancient route of dissemination through southern Asia, where some genetically similar peas are grown.
Gains in Maize Genetic Improvement in Eastern and Southern Africa: I. CIMMYT Hybrid Breeding Pipeline
Authors: Masuka Benhilda , Atlin Gary N. , Olsen Mike , Magorokosho Cosmos , Labuschagne Maryke , Crossa Jose , Bänziger Marianne , Pixley Kevin V. , Vivek Bindiganavile S. , von Biljon Angela , Macrobert John , Alvarado Gregorio , Prasanna B.M. , Makumbi Dan , Tarekegne Amsal , Das Bish , Zaman‐Allah Mainassara , Cairns Jill E.
Published: October 2016

Monitoring of genetic gain in crop genetic improvement programs is necessary to measure the efficiency of the program. Periodic measurement of genetic gain also allows the efficiency of new technologies incorporated into a program to be quantified. Genetic gain within the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) breeding program for eastern and southern Africa were estimated using time series of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. A total of 67 of the best‐performing hybrids from regional trials from 2000 to 2010 were selected to form an era panel and evaluated in 32 trials in eight locations across six countries in eastern and southern Africa. Treatments included optimal management, managed and random drought stress, low‐nitrogen (N) stress and maize streak virus (MSV) infestation. Genetic gain was estimated as the slope of the regression of grain yield on the year of hybrid release. Genetic gain under optimal conditions, managed drought, random drought, low N, and MSV were estimated to have increased by 109.4, 32.5, 22.7, 20.9 and 141.3 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. These results are comparable with genetic gain in maize yields in other regions of the world. New technologies to further increase the rate of genetic gain in maize breeding for eastern and southern Africa are also discussed.
Biosolids as an Alternative Fertilizer for Kentucky Bluegrass Sod Production in Wisconsin
Authors: Griffith Shane , Bero Nicholas , Stier John , Obear Glen , Ruis Sabrina , Soldat Douglas
Published: October 2016

Land application of biosolids holds the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for synthetic fertilizer applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic impacts of using biosolids to produce Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) sod on a silt loam soil in Wisconsin. Anaerobically digested biosolids cake and biosolids cake mixed with sand and sawdust in a 2:1:1 ratio by volume (MetroMixTM) were produced by and obtained from the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District. Each material was applied at three rates based on their estimated supply of plant‐available nitrogen (PAN). The control treatment mimicked conventional sod maintenance techniques using synthetic fertilizer applied at 309 kg N ha−1 over the 20‐mo production cycle. All biosolids treatments improved or exhibited similar establishment cover compared with the conventional practice. However, generally the lowest rate of cake and the two lowest rates of the MetroMix underperformed the conventional production in terms of visual quality throughout harvest and into transplanting. Cake had superior visual quality compared with MetroMix when applied at equivalent PAN rates. Optimization modeling determined that a biosolids cake application rate of 425 kg PAN ha−1 would likely meet agronomic standards (quality, color, sod strength, etc.) of the conventional practice. Repeated applications decreased the optimized biosolids rate to from 425 to 325 and 285 kg PAN ha−1, depending on number of previous applications. These results suggest that biosolids‐based sod production has the potential to replace or supplement traditional fertilization practices to meet current agronomic goals for sod production in Wisconsin.
Effects of Trinexapac‐Ethyl and Daconil Action (Acibenzolar‐S‐Methyl and Chlorothalonil) on Heat and Drought Tolerance of Creeping Bentgrass
Authors: Jespersen David , Huang Bingru
Published: October 2016

The plant growth regulator trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) is known for its effects of suppressing shoot vertical growth. Some fungicides are claimed to promote the physiological health of plants in the absence of diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (one of the active ingredients in Daconil Action), TE alone, or the combination of the two may be most effective in promoting creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) tolerance to heat and drought stress under field conditions. Daconil Action and TE were foliar applied alone or in combination to creeping bentgrass managed under fairway conditions at Rutgers University in 2014 and 2015. Stress tolerance was measured by evaluating turf quality, leaf membrane stability, relative water content, and canopy characteristics estimated by multispectral radiometry. Foliar application of either Daconil Action or TE alone improved heat and drought tolerance, and the positive effects were more pronounced and consistent during the stress periods with the combined treatment than either treatment alone. The beneficial effects of these compounds were most pronounced during periods of drought or heat when stress induced the most severe physiological damages. Foliar application of these compounds may help creeping bentgrass maintain better quality turf during hot or dry periods in warm climate conditions with limited water resources for irrigation.
A case of syncope and ventricular asystole triggered by postoperative nausea and vomiting
Authors: Sakai Michihiro , Terahata Akihiro , Goto Takahisa , Kaneko Mitsuhisa
Published: October 2016

A 67‐year‐old, otherwise healthy female, developed recurrent syncope and ventricular asystole immediately after an uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty. The syncope was preceded by postoperative nausea and vomiting. The ECG findings during these episodes revealed high‐degree atrioventricular block followed by ventricular pauses, making it impossible to rule out a serious atrioventricular conduction abnormality. Further electrophysiological evaluation revealed that the cardiac conducting system was normal. Vagal dependence could not be confirmed; however a hypersensitive vagal response to postoperative nausea and vomiting appeared to be the most likely explanation.
A severe postoperative dystonic reaction to ondansetron
Authors: Kulkarni Rucha
Published: October 2016

A 48 year old female underwent an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia in the day surgery unit. She received 4mg ondansetron intravenously before emergence from anaesthesia. Thirty minutes later, in the recovery room, she developed a severe dystonic reaction, which was attributed to ondansetron. She showed improvement with 20mg procyclidine and 2 mg midazolam given intravenously and was discharged home without any neurological sequelae on the third day. This reaction caused significant distress to the patient, increased hospital stay and associated expense. Measures were taken to prevent recurrence; the reaction was highlighted on the electronic patient record system and the patient's GP informed of this and other potential triggering agents.
Tension pneumothorax presenting during upper GI endoscopy due to a chest drain in the oesophagus
Authors: Iles Lindsey , Tallach Rosel
Published: October 2016

Discovery of a chest drain in the oesophagus is a rare occurrence [1]. We describe the case of a 74‐year‐old female who developed a tension pneumothorax secondary to a chest drain that had entered the oesophagus and that was found during an oesophageal stent change. She was managed with retraction of the chest drain and further stent placement. A brief review of the management and imaging findings is discussed.
The use of nasal high flow oxygen to aid the management of respiratory failure and obesity in a district general maternity unit
Authors: McGovern Christopher , Soosay Alvin , Edwards Jennifer , Williamson Roy , Burns Fergal , Chaudhri Sofia
Published: October 2016

Nasal high flow (NHFTM) oxygen using the OptiflowTM system (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand) is frequently used in our hospital in the management of type one respiratory failure. We present two cases where we have used NHFTM in our maternity unit. In the first case, this was used in the management of respiratory failure and as an adjunct at induction of general anaesthesia, and in the second, to facilitate safe neuraxial anaesthesia in a morbidly obese patient. Our experience of this equipment has prompted our department to consider its use beyond managing respiratory failure in critical care but also an adjunct for use in the operating theatres and maternity unit.
Ultrasound‐guided sciatic nerve catheter placement in a patient with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Mathers Jonathan , Li Melinda , Hamdy Ahmed
Published: October 2016

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth is the commonest inherited peripheral neuropathy but the reported use of perineural infusions is limited. Use of a nerve stimulator has been questioned in the context of preexisting motor neuropathy. We describe the use of ultrasound to enable safe placement of a distal sciatic perineural catheter for postoperative pain control following ankle arthroplasty.