bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respons Jenis Perangsang Tumbuh Berbahan Alami dan Asal Setek Batang Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Tin (Ficus carica L.)
Authors: Marpaung Agustina E , Hutabarat Rina Christina
Published: September 2016

Perbanyakan tanaman tin pada umumnya dilakukan dengan setek batang. Penanaman setek batang tanpa perlakuan menghasilkan persentasi jadi bibit yang relatif rendah sehingga diperlukan suatu perlakuan yang tepat pada setek sebagai sumber bibit yang dapat meningkatkan persentase jadi bibit. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh jenis bahan alami dan asal setek batang terhadap pertumbuhan bibit tin. Penelitian dilakukan di Kebun Percobaan Berastagi dengan ketinggian tempat 1.340 m dpl. jenis tanah Andisol yang dilaksanakan dari bulan Juni sampai November 2011. Percobaan menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok (RAK) faktorial dengan dua ulangan. Sebagai faktor I adalah jenis bahan alami yang terdiri atas a0= air, a1=air kelapa 100%, a2= air kelapa 50%, a3= sari bawang merah 100%, a4= sari bawang merah 50%, dan a5= pembanding (Rootone-F 100 ppm), sedangkan faktor II adalah asal setek bibit yang terdiri atas i1 = pangkal batang, i2 = tengah batang, dan i3= ujung batang. Sumber bibit berasal dari satu pohon induk. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat pengaruh nyata perlakuan asal setek batang pada setiap parameter yang diamati, tidak terdapat interaksi antara jenis bahan alami dan asal setek tanaman bibit tin. Jenis bahan alami air kelapa 50% menghasilkan waktu bertunas lebih cepat, panjang tunas, jumlah daun, panjang, dan bobot basah akar yang tinggi. Bahan alami air kelapa 50% dapat menggantikan perangsang akar sintetis sebagai zat pengatur tumbuh pada setek batang tin. Hasil dari penelitian akan bermanfaat dalam meningkatkan persentase jadi perbanyakan bibit tin melalui setek batang dengan
menggunakan bahan alami sebagai perangsang tumbuh.
Karakterisasi Morfologi dan Evaluasi Daya Hasil Sayuran Polong Kecipir (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC)
Authors: Handayani Tri , Kusmana Kusmana , Lukman Liferdi , Hidayat Iteu M
Published: September 2016

ABSTRAK. Tanaman kecipir (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC) memiliki potensi yang besar untuk dikembangkan sebagai jenis sayuran polong. Selama ini, budidaya tanaman kecipir dilakukan secara tradisional sehingga informasi mengenai produksi dan keunggulannya masih sangat terbatas. Balai Penelitian Tanaman Sayuran memiliki koleksi kecipir yang memperlihatkan keragaman morfologi maupun produksi polongnya. Tujuan penelitian adalah memperoleh data karakterisasi tujuh nomor kecipir dan mendapatkan sedikitnya satu nomor kecipir yang berdaya hasil tinggi. Penelitian dilakukan dari bulan Mei sampai Oktober 2013 di Kebun Percobaan Margahayu,  Lembang (1.250 m dpl.). Tujuh nomor kecipir ditanam dengan rancangan acak kelompok lengkap, dengan lima ulangan. Karakterisasi dilakukan mengikuti AVRDC GRSU characterization data sheet. Hasil karakterisasi menunjukkan bahwa tujuh nomor kecipir seragam untuk karakter warna batang (hijau), warna daun (hijau), warna kaliks (hijau), warna bunga (ungu), dan bercak pada polong (tidak ada). Keragaman muncul pada karakter bentuk anak daun, bentuk polong, warna polong, dan warna sayap polong. Anak daun berbentuk ovate lanceolate (KCP A), ovate (KCP C dan KCP D), dan deltoid (KCP B, KCP E, KCP F, dan KCP G). Polong KCP C berbentuk semi datar, sedangkan enam nomor lainnya berbentuk rectangular. Produksi polong muda tertinggi dihasilkan oleh KCP C, yaitu jumlah polong per tanaman (62,84), berat polong per tanaman (800,04 g), dan berat polong per plot (7,82 kg). Keunggulan lain KCP C adalah kandungan serat polong mudanya tertinggi dibanding nomor lain, yaitu 2,89%.
Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Bawang Merah dengan Aplikasi Pupuk Organik dan Pupuk Hayati pada Tanah Alluvial
Authors: Firmansyah Imam , Lukman Liferdi , Khaririyatun Nur , Yufdy Muhammad Prama
Published: September 2016

Tanah Alluvial mempunyai kadar bahan organik dan N-total yang tergolong sangat rendah sehingga penggunaan pupuk organik dan pupuk hayati dengan dosis yang cukup diharapkan dapat memperbaiki sifat fisik dan sifat kimia tanah serta meningkatkan hasil bawang merah. Bawang merah merupakan komoditas sayuran penting yang biasa tumbuh di tanah Entisol. Penelitian bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh pemberian pupuk organik dan pupuk hayati terhadap dosis optimal dan produktivitas tanaman bawang merah pada tanah Alluvial. Percobaan lapangan dilakukan di Brebes, Jawa Tengah pada bulan Mei – Agustus 2013. Rancangan percobaan yang digunakan adalah rancangan acak kelompok dengan tiga ulangan dan 10 kombinasi perlakuan dosis pupuk organik dan pupuk hayati, aplikasi perlakuan dilakukan dengan cara ditabur. Parameter pengamatan meliputi tinggi tanaman, jumlah anakan, jumlah daun, hasil panen segar, bobot kering eskip, serapan hara tanaman, dan analisis kimia tanah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian pupuk organik dan pupuk hayati tidak berpengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan tanaman bawang merah, tetapi berpengaruh terhadap hasil umbi bawang merah. Dosis 3.000 kg/ha pupuk organik + 50 kg/ha pupuk hayati memberikan hasil bobot umbi kering eskip bawang merah paling tinggi, yaitu sebesar 23,22 kg/15 m2. Implikasi dari hasil penelitian ini bahwa penggunaan pupuk organik dan pupuk hayati dapat dilakukan sebagai cara untuk mengurangi ketergantungan terhadap pupuk kimia.
Evaluasi Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Beberapa Pepaya Hibrida di Wilayah Pengembangan Bogor
Authors: Sunyoto Sunyoto , Oktariana L , Fatria D , Hendri Hendri , Kuswandi Kuswandi
Published: September 2016

Keragaan pertumbuhan dan perkembangan tanaman merupakan hasil interaksi antara potensi genetik tanaman dengan lingkungan tempat tumbuhnya. Untuk mengetahui tanggapan genotipe terhadap lingkungan perlu dilakukan evaluasi dengan menanam berbagai varietas tanaman di wilayah pengembangan. Tanaman yang mempunyai penampilan fenotipe unggul dan adaptif di wilayah pengembangan akan dipilih menjadi kandidat varietas unggul. Tujuan penelitian adalah mendapatkan pepaya hibrida yang mempunyai penampilan fenotipik terbaik. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kecamatan Dramaga, Bogor (Jawa Barat) pada bulan Januari sampai Desember 2012. Penelitian dilaksanakan dengan menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok dengan sembilan perlakuan dan tiga ulangan. Setiap unit perlakuan terdiri atas lima tanaman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hibrida P 24 mempunyai karakter unggul paling banyak (lima karakter), yaitu tinggi tanaman paling rendah, diameter batang lebih besar, jumlah buah lebih banyak, ukuran buah kecil, dan padatan total terlarut cukup tinggi. Hibrida P 21 dan P 31 mempunyai keunggulan jumlah buah cukup banyak, ukuran buah sedang, daging buah agak tebal dan keras. Beberapa dari hibrida F terpilih terbukti memiliki keunggulan karakter morfologi sehingga potensial dikembangkan sebagai komoditas unggul di tanah air.
Precooling dan Konsentrasi Etilen dalam Degreening untuk Membentuk Warna Jingga Kulit Buah Jeruk Siam
Authors: Arzam Taruna Shafa , Hidayati I , Poerwanto Roedhy , Purwanto Y A
Published: September 2016

Degreening pada buah jeruk tropika dataran rendah seringkali gagal menghasilkan buah jeruk berwarna jingga, tetapi kuning. Warna jingga terbentuk dari campuran dua pigmen kulit jeruk, yaitu β-cryptoxanthin (kuning) dan ß-citraurin (kuning kemerahan). ß-citraurin sering kali tidak terbentuk pada buah jeruk tropika dataran rendah karena pembentukannya terjadi apabila buah terpapar suhu rendah saat pertumbuhannya. Precooling buah jeruk tropika dataran rendah diharapkan dapat mendorong pembentukan ß-citraurin karena jeruk yang sudah dipanen masih melakukan metabolisme. Konsentrasi etilen adalah salah satu faktor pembatas keberhasilan degradasi klorofil dalam degreening. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh precooling sebelum degreening dan konsentrasi etilen terbaik pada degreening buah jeruk siam. Buah dipetik di kebun jeruk rakyat di Jember dan perlakuan degreening dilaksanakan di Laboratorium Pascapanen, Pusat Kajian Hortikultura Tropika, Institut Pertanian Bogor pada bulan Februari 2014. Penelitian menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok dua faktor. Faktor pertama adalah perlakuan precooling (dengan precooling dan tanpa precooling). Faktor kedua adalah konsentrasi etilen (0, 100, 200, 300 ppm). Perlakuan degreening buah jeruk siam asal Jember yang diawali dengan perlakuan precooling pada suhu 5oC menghasilkan jeruk berwarna jingga, sedangkan yang tanpa precooling menghasilkan warna kuning. Etilen 100 ppm adalah konsentrasi terbaik dalam degradasi klorofil. Perlakuan precooling dan degreening tidak berpengaruh buruk pada kandungan asam dan gula buah jeruk.
DIGITAL FILTERS IMPLEMENTATION IN MICROPROCESSOR-BASED RELAY PROTECTION
Authors: Rumiantsev Yu. V. , Romaniuk F. A. , Rumiantsev V. Yu. , Novash I. V.
Published: September 2016

This article presents the implementation of digital filters used in digital relay protection current measuring elements. Mathematical descriptions of the considered digital filters as well as the computer programs for their coefficients calculation are described. It has been shown that in order to reliable estimate the digital filter performance its input signals waveforms must be close to the actual secondary current waveform of the current transformer to which the digital protection with the estimated digital filter is connected. For these purposes in MatLab–Simulink dynamic simulation environment the power system and the current measuring element models were developed. Performed calculations allowed to reveal that the exponentially decaying DC component which in some cases contains in primary fault current drives the current transformer core into saturation even when its nominal parameters are not exceeded. This results in distortion of the current transformer secondary current which in this case contains higher and inter-harmonics. Moreover, such harmonic content is not completely taking into account during coefficients calculation of the considered digital filters what results in signal magnitude estimation inaccuracy. Comparison of the digital filters response to the above-mentioned input signals allowed to find out such digital filter implementations which enable signal magnitude estimation with a minimum error. Ways of filtering quality improvement concerned with the window functions are proposed. Thus, the joint usage of digital filter and Hamming window allows to achieve the zero value of the signal magnitude gain factor in high-frequency range and substantially suppress all spectral components above 100 Hz. The increasing of the signal magnitude settling time in this case can be reduced by choosing the most optimal parameters of the all components of the current measuring element.
A Model–Data Fusion Approach for Predicting Cover Crop Nitrogen Supply to Corn
Authors: White Charles M. , Finney Denise M. , Kemanian Armen R. , Kaye Jason P.
Published: September 2016

One potential benefit of cover crops (CCs) is that N mineralization from decomposing CC residues may reduce the N fertilizer requirement of a subsequent crop, but predicting this credit remains a significant challenge. This study used a model–data fusion approach to calibrate a model of CC residue N mineralization and pre‐emptive competition for soil NO3− that occurs during CC growth to predict the yield response of an unfertilized corn (Zea mays L.) crop. The model was calibrated with a data set of 199 observations from four CC experiments in central Pennsylvania. The most parsimonious model explained 82% of the variation in corn yield response. Parameters representing the C humification coefficients for decomposed residues from winterkilled (εwk = 0.00) and winter‐hardy (εwh = 0.40) CCs suggest that all winterkilled CCs resulted in net N mineralization, probably due to the longer period of time for decomposition of winterkilled residues. However, the yield response per unit of potentially mineralized N was greater for winter‐hardy CCs (αwh = 0.034 with tillage, αwh = 0.020 with no‐till) than for winterkilled CCs (αwk = 0.0084), probably due to the improved synchrony between corn N demand and the decomposition of winter‐hardy CC residues relative to winterkilled residues. Pre‐emptive competition for soil NO3− led to a reduction in the corn yield response. Because the model is based on ecological processes and can be calibrated with data sets from simple field experiments, the model–data fusion approach could be widely used to guide adaptive management of CCs and N fertilizer applications in a subsequent corn crop.

Core Ideas

A simple model predicts how cover crops affect N availability to the next corn crop.

The model highlights the ecological controls on N supply from cover crops.

Site‐specific cover crop measurements can guide adaptive N management using the model.

Regional model calibration could be achieved with easily collected data.
Visualization of Colloid Transport Pathways in Mineral Soils Using Titanium(IV) Oxide as a Tracer
Authors: Koch Stefan , Kahle Petra , Lennartz Bernd
Published: September 2016

In soils, colloidal transport has been identified as the most important pathway for strong adsorbing, environmental contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and phosphorus. We conducted a comparative dye tracer experiment using a Brilliant Blue (BB) solution and a Titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2) colloid suspension (average particle size 0.3 μm), aiming to visualize and quantify colloid pathways in soils. Both dye tracers showed comparable general flow patterns with preferred transport over the deepest part of the soil profile, independent of clay content. The stained area was generally smaller for TiO2 than for BB by a factor of ten, however, and there was no TiO2 to be found at all in the low clay content soil. The travel distance was almost identical for the solution and the suspension (0.7 m) giving evidence that environmentally critical compounds bound to microparticles may be vertically transported over longer distances in soils, even within single rainfall events. The spatial variability of the dye patterns was large on a small scale with a range of 0.35 m for TiO2 in the horizontal plane, which was taken as a general proof for a pronounced preferential transport situation. The study indicates that TiO2 is transported exclusively through singular macropores of biogenetic nature, while BB passes also through the soil matrix of coarse‐bedded soils, the secondary pore system or interaggregate pore space. The results emphasize the general suitability of TiO2 for the visualization of colloid transport pathways in soils, opening up new research opportunities for contaminant transport in soils.

Core Ideas

Colloidal transport is the most important pathway for strong adsorbing contaminants in soils.

TiO2 is a suitable tracer to visualize colloid pathways in mineral soils.

The distribution of colloid dye tracer can be explained as a function of clay and silt content.

TiO2 is exclusively transported in singular macropores rather than along soil ped interfaces.
How Ionic Polarization Affects Stern Potential: An Insight into Hofmeister Effects
Authors: Liu Xinmin , Ding Wuquan , Tian Rui , Li Rui , Li Hang
Published: September 2016

Core Ideas

A novel model is presented that estimates Stern potential at the solid–liquid interface.

The strong polarization of ions is an important factor in Stern potential decrease.

This strong polarization is an important origin of Hofmeister effects.

The Stern potential of nano‐colloidal particles in aqueous solution has significant effects on chemical, physical, and biological processes. In this study, a modified theory for the Stern potential considering ionic polarization was established, and then the contributions of the ionic polarization to the Stern potential were quantified. The ionic polarization was strongly enhanced by the strong electric field from the surface charges of nano‐colloidal particles. The polarization energy (depending on the structure of the electron cloud) could even be comparable with the Coulomb energy; the ratio of polarization to Coulomb effect is 11.0% for Na+, 69.9% for K+, 34.0% for Mg2+ and 103.4% for Ca2+. The ionic polarization at solid–liquid interfaces dramatically decreased the Stern potential. An important origin of Hofmeister effects was found and successfully verified by experiments.
O DESAPARECIMENTO FORÇADO E A ABERTURA PARA A DEMOCRACIA NA AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Reis da Silva Douglas Tarcisio
Published: September 2016

O presente estudo se volta ao fenômeno do desaparecimento forçado de  pessoas e a sua relação com o processo de abertura para a democracia nos países latino-americanos.  Objetiva-se entender o papel da referida prática dentro do aparelho repressivo dos Estados totalitários, bem como identificar as vítimas de tal violação. Após isso, analisam-se os desafios enfrentados pelos organismos internacionais para a erradicação do desaparecimento forçado dentro dos três momentos históricos: ditaduras, transição para a democracia e consolidação das democracias recentes. Dessa forma, busca-se um melhor entendimento sobre o fenômeno do desaparecimento forçado na América Latina, bem como a relação entre a sua erradicação e o processo de abertura e consolidação das democracias na região.

 
O aluno de pós-graduação stricto sensu no Brasil: revisão da literatura dos últimos 20 anos
Authors: Caetano Silva Talita , Patta Bardagi Marúcia
Published: September 2016

O crescimento da pós-graduação no Brasil e a procura de pós-graduandos por intervenções de carreira ampliaram o interesse em se compreenderem as escolhas, as expectativas e as dificuldades desses estudantes. Esta revisão de literatura descreve os estudos brasileiros sobre os alunos de pós-graduação stricto sensu publicados nos últimos 20 anos para verificar os principais aspectos investigados sobre essa população. Por meio de pesquisas em bases de dados (SciELO, BDTD, Lilacs e BVS), foram identificadas e analisadas 35 publicações. Constatou-se que há concentração de publicações na área da Saúde, equilíbrio entre estudos qualitativos e quantitativos, além do foco na avaliação do aluno sobre os processos de ensino e aprendizagem na pós-graduação. Há necessidade de estudos que investiguem o desenvolvimento de carreiras e a adaptação acadêmica dos pós-graduandos. Ainda, devido à especificidade da formação, é preciso diversificar as áreas nas futuras investigações acerca do tema.
Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 in Patients with Nodular Goiter and Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Sheremet M. I. , Shidlovskyy V. O. , Sydorchuk L. P. , Sydorchuk R. I.
Published: September 2016

The article presents results of the comparative analysis of peroxidation process activity of caspase-3 and caspase-8 in patients with thyroid adenoma (TA) and nodular goiter with autoimmune thyroiditis (NGAIT). Studying peroxidation processes in the tissue of the thyroid gland abnormal tissue was detected to be characterized by increase in of protein oxidative modification (POM) indices at the same time, the antioxidant enzymes activity (AEA) was significantly reduced and was more likely in patients with NGAIT. Significant increase in activity of both caspase 3 and 8 was shown in patients with NGAIT compared to macroscopically unchanged tissue and thyroid adenoma. Possible mechanisms of the detected disorders were discussed.
Dutch Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Lysholm Score and Tegner Activity Scale for Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: Eshuis Rienk , Lentjes Gijsbertus Wilhelmus , Tegner Yelverton , Wolterbeek Nienke , Veen Maurits Remmelt
Published: September 2016

Study Design

Clinical measurement.

Background

The Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale are frequently used patient-reported instruments to determine the functional status and activity level after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Objectives

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale for use in the Dutch population and to evaluate the reliability and validity of these questionnaires in individuals after ACL reconstruction.

Methods

The translation and adaptation were conducted in several steps according to the guidelines in the literature. The measurement properties of the Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale (internal consistency, construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects) were tested in 96 patients. Reproducibility was tested in 69 patients with ACL injuries. On the first occasion, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC) and RAND 36-Item Health Survey (RAND-36) were also administered.

Results

The Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale showed good test-retest reliability between repeated measures (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93 and 0.97, respectively) and reasonable to good internal consistency (Cronbach α = .70–.83). The Lysholm score had a very strong correlation with the IKDC (r = 0.83, P<.01) and moderate correlation with the RAND-36 (r = 0.55, P<.01). The Tegner activity scale had moderate correlations with both the IKDC (r = 0.42, P<.01) and RAND-36 (r = 0.48, P<.01).

Conclusion

The psychometric performance of the Lysholm score and the Tegner activity scale as outcome measures for Dutch patients after ACL reconstruction is acceptable. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):976–983. Epub 28 Sep 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6566
A Standardized “Rescue” Exercise Program for Symptomatic Flare-up of Knee Osteoarthritis: Description and Safety Considerations
Authors: Bartholdy Cecilie , Klokker Louise , Bandak Elisabeth , Bliddal Henning , Henriksen Marius
Published: September 2016

Study Design

Secondary analysis of clinical trial data.

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) management has changed significantly over recent decades toward nonpharmacological treatments, particularly exercise. However, the optimal exercise program remains to be established.

Objective

To describe the implementation of standardized rescue exercises for patients with pain exacerbations and to assess whether performing these benefit or further worsen symptoms in patients with exacerbated symptoms of knee OA.

Methods

The data from 2 randomized controlled studies of exercise in patients with knee OA were used. A supervised, standard exercise program that included standardized “rescue” exercises to be performed in the event of symptomatic exacerbation, defined as knee pain of greater than 5 on a 0-to-10 numeric pain-rating scale, was conducted for 12 weeks at 3 sessions per week. Pain ratings were obtained before and after each exercise session.

Results

Of 131 participants included, 2 never commenced the exercise program, leaving 129 to be included in the analysis. The analysis was observational and thus had no comparison group. During the program, 36 participants (28%) were referred to the rescue exercises. In 63% of the rescue sessions, the participants experienced decreased pain intensity (average ± SD, −2.6 ± 2.3), 27% reported no change in pain, and 10% reported increased pain intensity (average ± SD, 1.3 ± 0.5).

Conclusion

Having a predefined and standardized rescue exercise option appears beneficial, and did not result in further worsening of exacerbated knee OA symptoms. The intervention may be particularly relevant for patients with knee OA who have more severe symptoms.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b. Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01545258 and NCT01945749). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):942–946. Epub 28 Sep 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6908
Developing a multifunctional bio-ceramics composite based on β-tricalcium phosphate working as a single carrier for calcium supplement and low-dose drugs
Authors: Morsy Reda
Published: September 2016

The aim of this work is to develop a multifunctional composite based on β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) working as a single carrier that has a therapeutic function, as a calcium supplement, together with the capability for carrying low-dose drugs. The composite was prepared by blending synthetic β-TCP powder, sodium silicate, and citric acid. The synthetic β-TCP and its composite were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Mechanical testing and in-vitro drug release testing, using atenolol, of the fabricated tablets was conducted. The results revealed the synthesis of pure β-TCP powder and fabrication of optimal dense β-TCP-based composite. The β-TCP-based composite exhibited an optimal release behavior of atenolol together with releasing of synthetic β-TCP particles, a calcium supplement.
Dislocation dynamics modeling of plastic deformation in single-crystal copper at high strain rates
Authors: Delandar Arash Hosseinzadeh , Haghighat Seyed Masood Hafez , Korzhavyi Pavel , Sandström Rolf
Published: September 2016

Tensile deformation of single-crystal copper along [001] orientation is modeled. Single crystal is deformed at three sets of high strain rates, ranging from 103to 105s−1, using the three-dimensional dislocation dynamics technique to simulate dislocation microstructure evolution and the resultant macroscopic response. Two initial dislocation configurations consisting of straight dislocations and Frank–Read sources are randomly distributed over the simulation volume with an edge length of 1 μm. For both initial setups, the mechanical response of the single crystal to the external loading demonstrates a considerable effect of strain rate. In addition, strain rate influences dislocation density evolution and consequently development of the dislocation microstructure. At all applied strain rates for both initial dislocation setups, dislocations evolve into a heterogeneous microstructure and this heterogeneity increases with plastic strain and strain rate.
Ophthalmic Parameters of Blue-and-yellow Macaws (Ara Ararauna) and Lear's Macaws (Anodorhynchus Leari)
Authors: Monção-Silva Renata M. , Ofri Ron , Raposo Ana Cláudia S. , Libório Fernanda A. , Estrela-Lima Alessandra , Oriá Arianne P.
Published: September 2016

Our aim was to determine the ophthalmic parameters and describe the eye histology of Blue-and-yellow Macaws ( Ara ararauna) and Lear's Macaws ( Anodorhynchus leari) kept at the Triage Center for Wild Animals (CETAS) and in Getulio Vargas Zoobotanic Park (Salvador, northeastern Brazil), respectively. Thirty four clinically healthy macaws (28 Blue-and-yellow Macaws and six Lear's Macaws) were studied. The investigation included culture of the conjunctival bacterial flora, evaluation of tear production by endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT) and phenol red thread test (PRTT), measurement of palpebral fissure length (PFL), corneal touch threshold (CTT) and intraocular pressure (IOP), as well as characterisation of conjunctival cytology samples, B-mode ultrasonography, and eye histology of one Blue-and-yellow Macaw. There was a predominance of Gram-positive bacteria in the samples analysed and the microorganism colonies were resistant to tetracycline and oxacillin. Blue-and-yellow Macaws had significantly higher EAPPTT than Lear's Macaws, but there were no differences in PFL and IOP. Conjunctival cytology revealed predominance of squamous and columnar epithelial cells. The pecten, a pleated structure located on the optic nerve and projecting into the vitreous, was composed of several large blood vessels and capillaries. The ophthalmic parameters determined in this study may help in the diagnosis of ocular diseases in Blue-and-yellow and Lear's Macaws.
Anatomy and Histology of the Gastrointestinal Tract of European Starlings (Sturnus Vulgaris)
Authors: North Michelle A. , Movassaghi Ahmad R. , Smits Judit E.G.
Published: September 2016

There is a dearth of published data related to, or describing, the detailed anatomy and histology of the avian gut from oesophagus to cloaca, apart from that relating to commercial poultry. Without an accepted description of normal anatomy it is difficult for researchers to know whether observations in a specific population are normal or not, or for veterinarians to know what to expect during surgery or necropsy, and impedes the understanding of the remarkable adaptations among or within species. Also, as interest in the physiological role played by gut microbiota increases in avian studies, knowledge of species-specific gastrointestinal anatomy is essential. European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris) are a prolific, well-studied invasive species across much of the world, and yet there is no information describing the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, or how it compares to similar species. Here, we describe the anatomy, histology and histochemistry of gastrointestinal tracts from 15 day old starlings from the proximal oesophagus to distal cloaca in order to facilitate comparison among species and different populations of the same species.
Registration of ‘Boyero UNNE’ Bahiagrass
Authors: Urbani M. H. , Acuña C. A. , Doval D. W. , Sartor M. E. , Galdeano F. , Blount A. R. , Quesenberry K. H. , Mackowiak C. L. , Quarin C. L.
Published: September 2016

‘Boyero UNNE’ (Reg. No. CV‐5, PI 676021) bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) was registered with the National Register of Plant Cultivars and the National Register of Property for Plant Cultivars, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Exploitations, and Fisheries of Argentina, Resolution no. 276 in August 2012 (Reg. No. 3213) and released by the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FCA), Corrientes, Argentina. Boyero UNNE is a tetraploid, highly apomictic F1 hybrid developed between an experimentally obtained female parent, reproducing sexually, and an apomictic, wild bahiagrass genotype. It is the first registered cultivar of a tetraploid apomictic P. notatum developed by breeding through a sexual × apomictic hybridization scheme, exploiting apomixis and plant selection in the F1 progeny. The new cultivar has a more upright growing habit than tetraploid bahiagrass cultivars currently in use or wild tetraploid biotypes. It can produce approximately 19% more forage dry matter than its apomictic male parent, largely exceeding (20–51%) the wild bahiagrass type currently found in natural pasturelands of northeastern Argentina, and it produced 4 to 26% more than the cultivar Argentine at three locations in Florida, USA.
Registration of ‘CL153’ Rice
Authors: Famoso Adam N. , Oard James H. , Harrell Dustin L. , Groth Donald E. , Bearb Karen F. , White Lawrence M. , Zaunbrecher Richard E. , Linscombe Steven D.
Published: September 2016

‘CL153’ (Reg. No. CV‐148, PI 677005), a Clearfield (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany) long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, was developed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station (RRS) near Crowley, LA, and approved for release by the Director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station in 2015. CL153 was derived from the cross 9502008‐A//AR‐1188/‘Cocodrie’/3/CFX26/9702128/4/‘Cheniere’ that was made in 2011 at the RRS and advanced in 2013 as an F3 row selection based on agronomic characteristics. Testing in the Clearfield preliminary yield trials in 2013 indicated high yield potential and favorable agronomic characteristics. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, CL153 was evaluated in 23 replicated trials across six locations in Louisiana. Three high‐yielding, long‐grain, commercial cultivars, ‘CL111’, ‘CL151’, and ‘CL152’, were included as checks. Grain yield of CL153 was 9.1 t ha−1 compared with 8.5 t ha−1 for CL111, 9.4 t ha−1 for CL151, and 8.4 t ha−1 for CL152. Plant height for CL153 was 97 cm, which is equal to CL111 and CL151 and 2 cm shorter than CL152. CL153 reached 50% heading in 86 d, which was 4 d later than CL111, 1 d later that CL151, and 1 d earlier than CL152. The leaves, lemma, and palea of CL153 are glabrous, and the spikelet and apiculus are straw‐colored. CL153 is susceptible to sheath blight, moderately susceptible to bacterial panicle blight, Cercospora, and straighthead, and moderately resistant to blast.
Registration of Arkot 0502ne, Arkot 0504ne, Arkot 0506ne, and Arkot 0517HG Germplasm Lines of Cotton
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: September 2016

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production may be enhanced by incorporating host plant resistance traits into improved lines. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station has released four germplasm lines of upland cotton, designated as Arkot 0502ne (Reg. No. GP‐1007, PI 677330), Arkot 0504ne (Reg. No. GP‐1008, PI 677331), Arkot 0506ne (Reg. No. GP‐1009, PI 677332), and Arkot 0517HG (Reg. No. GP‐1010, PI 667333), which were bred to improve the efficiency of yield production. Arkot 0502ne, Arkot 0504ne, and Arkot 0506ne are nectariless lines that were derived from crossing Arkot 9608ne with JAJO 1145ne, Arkot 9314, and Arkot 9513, respectively. Arkot 0517HG, derived from a cross of Arkot 9304b with Arkot 9513, possesses the high‐glanding trait. The nectariless trait infers some resistance to tarnished plant bugs, while the high‐glanding trait infers some resistance to lepidopterous insect pests. All four lines were compared to ‘DP 393’ and ‘UA48’ over 5 yr and four test sites in Arkansas. Over all test sites, lint yields of the four lines were equal to DP 393 and exceeded UA48. The lines differed with respect to yield components and other morphological traits. All four lines displayed high resistance to bacterial blight and were equal to or more resistant to Verticillium wilt and tarnished plant bug than check cultivars. Fiber quality scores of all four lines exceeded that of DP 393 but were lower than UA48. All four lines generally displayed high yielding ability, specific host plant resistance traits, early maturity, and acceptable fiber quality.
Weed Suppression and Performance of Grain Legumes Following an Irrigated Rice Crop in Southern Australia
Authors: Haque K. M. Shamsul , Dunn Brian , Beecher Geoff , Eberbach Philip , Dyall-Smith Mike , Howitt Julia , Weston Leslie
Published: September 2016

Post-rice irrigated soils offer several potential advantages for the growth of subsequent crops, but Australian producers have often been reluctant to grow grain legumes immediately following a rice crop due to physico-chemical constraints. A field experiment was thus conducted to explore the potential for producing grain legumes following rice in comparison to those following a fallow during 2012 and 2013. Two grain legumes, field pea and faba bean, were sown 5, 7 and 12 weeks after rice harvest in 2013 at Yanco, NSW, and plant growth indicators and grain yield were compared. Early sowing of field pea following rice gave the best outcome, with plants flowering three weeks earlier and yielding 1330 kg·ha−1 more grain than after fallow. In contrast, faba bean yield was 35 kg·ha−1 less after rice than after fallow across the three sowing dates. Higher pea yield was consistent with the early emergence of seedlings, higher light interception and overall greater plant growth following rice. Post-rice crops also had 10-fold less weed infestation than crops in a similarly-established fallow treatment and, thus, required far less weed management. Legume crops sown at the later seeding date had significantly reduced (~50%–60%) yields compared to those of the first two sowings; this is most likely a reflection of reduced temperatures and day lengths experienced during vegetative and reproductive growth phases.
Anodized Aluminum Oxide Supported NiO-CeO2 Catalyst for Dry Reforming of Propane
Authors: Karuppiah Jaya , Linga Reddy Enakonda , Mok Young
Published: September 2016

Nano-porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) supported Ni-Ce mixed metal oxide catalysts were prepared and tested for dry reforming of propane to produce synthesis gas. The presence of Ce efficiently suppressed the nickel particle sintering and improved the reducibility of nickel oxide supported on the AAO. The prepared NiO-CeO2/AAO catalyst was highly efficient for the dry reforming of propane (DRP) with CO2 over a temperature range of 480–580 °C. The catalyst achieved the best reforming performance of 90%–97%, and a H2/CO ratio close to 1.37 at 580 °C. The AAO supported NiO-CeO2 catalyst can be a promising catalytic system for DRP.
Putting Soil Security on the Policy Agenda: Need for a Familiar Framework
Authors: Yawson David , Adu Michael , Ason Benjamin , Armah Frederick , Yengoh Genesis
Published: September 2016

Soils generate agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic benefits that are vital to human life. The enormity of threats to global soil stocks raises the imperative for securing this vital resource. To contribute to the security framing and advancement of the soil security concept and discourse, this paper provides a working definition and proposes dimensions that can underpin the conceptualization of soil security. In this paper, soil security refers to safeguarding and improving the quality, quantity and functionality of soil stocks from critical and pervasive threats in order to guarantee the availability, access, and utilization of soils to sustainably generate productive goods and ecosystem services. The dimensions proposed are availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability, which are obviously similar to the dimensions of food security. Availability refers to the quality and spatial distribution of soils of a given category. Accessibility relates to the conditions or mechanisms by which actors negotiate and gain entitlements to occupy and use a given soil. Utilization deals with the use or purpose to which a given soil is put and the capacity to manage and generate optimal private and public benefits from the soil. Finally, stability refers to the governance mechanisms that safeguard and improve the first three dimensions. These dimensions, their interactions, and how they can be operationalized in a strategy to secure soils are presented and discussed.
SNiPhunter: A SNP-Based Search Engine
Authors: Veldsman Werner , Christoffels Alan
Published: September 2016

Procuring biomedical literature is a time-consuming process. The genomic sciences software solution described here indexes literature from Pubmed Central’s open access initiative, and makes it available as a web application and through an application programming interface (API). The purpose of this tertiary data artifact—called SNiPhunter—is to assist researchers in finding articles relevant to a reference single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identifier of interest. A novel feature of this NoSQL (not only structured query language) database search engine is that it returns results to the user ordered according to the amount of times a refSNP has appeared in an article, thereby allowing the user to make a quantitative estimate as to the relevance of an article. Queries can also be launched using author-defined keywords. Additional features include a variant call format (VCF) file parser and a multiple query file upload service. Software implementation in this project relied on Python and the NodeJS interpreter, as well as third party libraries retrieved from Github.
Has China’s Natural Forest Protection Program Protected Forests?—Heilongjiang’s Experience
Authors: Shi Miaoying , Qi Jiaguo , Yin Runsheng
Published: September 2016

Since the late 1990s, China has been implementing one of the largest ecological restoration initiatives in not only the country but also the world—the Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP). An overarching question is how severe the regional deforestation had become before the NFPP was initiated and whether the forest condition in the protected area has significantly improved afterwards. The goal of this study was to assess the land use and land cover changes (LULCC) and the interplays between different land uses in northeast China from the late 1970s to 2013. Classification results were validated through accuracy assessments using the rule-based rationality evaluation scheme and the spatially balanced sampling method. It was found that the regional forestland suffered significant and persistent decline, about 20.4% loss, before 2000 when the NFPP was launched; thereafter, however, the forestland became gradually stabilized and reforestation became more prevalent. Further examination based on extended conversion matrixes revealed that the largest proportional decline came from wetland, instead of forestland, due to farmland encroachment.
Autonomic Semantic-Based Context-Aware Platform for Mobile Applications in Pervasive Environments
Authors: Alti Adel , Lakehal Abderrahim , Laborie Sébastien , Roose Philippe
Published: September 2016

Currently, the field of smart-* (home, city, health, tourism, etc.) is naturally heterogeneous and multimedia oriented. In such a domain, there is an increasing usage of heterogeneous mobile devices, as well as captors transmitting data (IoT). They are highly connected and can be used for many different services, such as to monitor, to analyze and to display information to users. In this context, data management and adaptation in real time are becoming a challenging task. More precisely, at one time, it is necessary to handle in a dynamic, intelligent and transparent framework various data provided by multiple devices with several modalities. This paper presents a Kali-Smart platform, which is an autonomic semantic-based context-aware platform. It is based on semantic web technologies and a middleware providing autonomy and reasoning facilities. Moreover, Kali-Smart is generic and, as a consequence, offers to users a flexible infrastructure where they can easily control various interaction modalities of their own situations. An experimental study has been made to evaluate the performance and feasibility of the proposed platform.
Cloning and Expression Analysis of MEP Pathway Enzyme-encoding Genes in Osmanthus fragrans
Authors: Xu Chen , Li Huogen , Yang Xiulian , Gu Chunsun , Mu Hongna , Yue Yuanzheng , Wang Lianggui
Published: September 2016

The 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway is responsible for the biosynthesis of many crucial secondary metabolites, such as carotenoids, monoterpenes, plastoquinone, and tocopherols. In this study, we isolated and identified 10 MEP pathway genes in the important aromatic plant sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans). Multiple sequence alignments revealed that 10 MEP pathway genes shared high identities with other reported proteins. The genes showed distinctive expression profiles in various tissues, or at different flower stages and diel time points. The qRT-PCR results demonstrated that these genes were highly expressed in inflorescences, which suggested a tissue-specific transcript pattern. Our results also showed that OfDXS1, OfDXS2, and OfHDR1 had a clear diurnal oscillation pattern. The isolation and expression analysis provides a strong foundation for further research on the MEP pathway involved in gene function and molecular evolution, and improves our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying this pathway in plants.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization and Expression Profiling of ADF Family Genes in Solanum lycopersicum L.
Authors: Khatun Khadiza , Robin Arif , Park Jong-In , Kim Chang , Lim Ki-Byung , Kim Min-Bae , Lee Do-Jin , Nou Ill , Chung Mi-Young
Published: September 2016

The actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) proteins have growth, development, defense-related and growth regulatory functions in plants. The present study used genome-wide analysis to investigate ADF family genes in tomato. Eleven tomato ADF genes were identified and differential expression patterns were found in different organs. SlADF6 was preferentially expressed in roots, suggesting its function in root development. SlADF1, SlADF3 and SlADF10 were predominately expressed in the flowers compared to the other organs and specifically in the stamen compared to other flower parts, indicating their potential roles in pollen development. The comparatively higher expression of SlADF3 and SlADF11 at early fruit developmental stages might implicate them in determining final fruit size. SlADF5 and SlADF8 had relatively higher levels of expression five days after the breaker stage of fruit development, suggesting their possible role in fruit ripening. Notably, six genes were induced by cold and heat, seven by drought, five by NaCl, and four each by abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA) and wounding treatments. The differential expression patterns of the SlADF genes under different types of stresses suggested their function in stress tolerance in tomato plants. Our results will be helpful for the functional characterization of ADF genes during organ and fruit development of tomato under different stresses.
Consensus Modeling for Prediction of Estrogenic Activity of Ingredients Commonly Used in Sunscreen Products
Authors: Hong Huixiao , Rua Diego , Sakkiah Sugunadevi , Selvaraj Chandrabose , Ge Weigong , Tong Weida
Published: September 2016

Sunscreen products are predominantly regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the US FDA. The “active” ingredients function as ultraviolet filters. Once a sunscreen product is generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) via an OTC drug review process, new formulations using these ingredients do not require FDA review and approval, however, the majority of ingredients have never been tested to uncover any potential endocrine activity and their ability to interact with the estrogen receptor (ER) is unknown, despite the fact that this is a very extensively studied target related to endocrine activity. Consequently, we have developed an in silico model to prioritize single ingredient estrogen receptor activity for use when actual animal data are inadequate, equivocal, or absent. It relies on consensus modeling to qualitatively and quantitatively predict ER binding activity. As proof of concept, the model was applied to ingredients commonly used in sunscreen products worldwide and a few reference chemicals. Of the 32 chemicals with unknown ER binding activity that were evaluated, seven were predicted to be active estrogenic compounds. Five of the seven were confirmed by the published data. Further experimental data is needed to confirm the other two predictions.
Aquaporin-4: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Cerebral Edema
Authors: Tang Guanghui , Yang Guo-Yuan
Published: September 2016

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a family member of water-channel proteins and is dominantly expressed in the foot process of glial cells surrounding capillaries. The predominant expression at the boundaries between cerebral parenchyma and major fluid compartments suggests the function of aquaporin-4 in water transfer into and out of the brain parenchyma. Accumulating evidences have suggested that the dysregulation of aquaporin-4 relates to the brain edema resulting from a variety of neuro-disorders, such as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, trauma, etc. During edema formation in the brain, aquaporin-4 has been shown to contribute to the astrocytic swelling, while in the resolution phase, it has been seen to facilitate the reabsorption of extracellular fluid. In addition, aquaporin-4-deficient mice are protected from cytotoxic edema produced by water intoxication and brain ischemia. However, aquaporin-4 deletion exacerbates vasogenic edema in the brain of different pathological disorders. Recently, our published data showed that the upregulation of aquaporin-4 in astrocytes probably contributes to the transition from cytotoxic edema to vasogenic edema. In this review, apart from the traditional knowledge, we also introduce our latest findings about the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and microRNA-29b on aquaporin-4, which could provide powerful intervention tools targeting aquaporin-4.