Assessment of growth and yield performance of rubber tree clones of the IAC 500 series

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of 15 clones of the IAC 500 series of Hevea brasiliensis, developed at Instituto Agronômico (IAC), over a 12-year period, in the northwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil. The 15 new clones evaluated are primary clones obtained from selected ortets within half-sib progenies. The clone RRIM 600, of Malaysian origin, was used as the control. Dry rubber yield performance over a four-year period, mean girth at the tenth year, girth increment before and during tapping, thermal properties of the natural rubber produced and other characters of the laticiferous system were evaluated. Forty percent of the clones were superior in comparison to the control for yield. Clone IAC 500 recorded the highest yield (66.81 g per tree per tapping) over four years of tapping, followed by IAC 502 (62.37 g per tree per tapping), whereas the control recorded 48.71 g per tree per tapping. All selected clones were vigorous in growth. The natural rubber from this IAC clones showed thermal stability up to 300ºC. No differences were observed in the thermal behavior of rubber among the IAC series and the RRIM 600 clones. The clones IAC 500, IAC 501, IAC 502, IAC 503 and IAC 506 are the more promising for small-scale plantations, due to growth and yield potential.

Cinema and the Work of Doré

According to Ray Harryhausen, a special effects expert in the film industry, "Gustave Doré would have made a great director of photography . . . He saw things from the point of view of the camera." Doré's work has had a permanent impact on the imaginative realm of film since its very early days. In return, the silver screen has etched Doré into the 20th century imagination. Almost every film about the Bible since The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ produced by Pathé in 1902 refers to his illustrations, and every film adaptation of Dante or Don Quixote has used him as a model, from Georg Wilhelm Pabst and Orson Welles to Terry Gilliam. All films dealing with life in London in the Victorian era by directors ranging from David Lean, to Roman Polanski and Tim Burton draw on the visions in London: a pilgrimage for their sets. A large number of dream fantastical or phantasmagorical scenes take their inspiration from Doré's graphic world, beginning with Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon in 1902. In the realm of cartoons and animation, Walt Disney owes a huge debt to Doré. Doré primal forests, from Atala in particular, were also used in the various versions of King Kong from 1933 to the 2005 film by Peter Jackson, who had already drawn on Doré for The Lord of the Rings. Jean Cocteau was also indebted to the illustrations for Perrault's Fairy Tales for his Beauty and the Beast (1945), as was George Lucas for the character Chewbacca in Star Wars (1977) and even the Harry Potter film series. Through his influence on film history, Doré shaped the mass culture imagination.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis and proton pump inhibitor-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia have similar clinical, endoscopic and histological findings.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with a phenotypic appearance of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) respond histologically to PPI, and are described as having PPI-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE). It is unclear if PPI-REE is a GERD-related phenomenon, a subtype of EoE, or a completely unique entity. AIM: To compare demographic, clinical and histological features of EoE and PPI-REE. METHODS: Two databases were reviewed from the Walter Reed and Swiss EoE databases. Patients were stratified into two groups, EoE and PPI-REE, based on recent EoE consensus guidelines. Response to PPI was defined as achieving less than 15 eos/hpf and a 50% decrease from baseline following at least a 6-week course of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were identified (63 EoE and 40 PPI-REE; mean age 40.2 years, 75% male and 89% Caucasian). The two cohorts had similar dysphagia (97% vs. 100%, P = 0.520), food impaction (43% vs. 35%, P = 0.536), and heartburn (33% vs. 32%, P = 1.000) and a similar duration of symptoms (6.0 years vs. 5.8 years, P = 0.850). Endoscopic features were also similar between EoE and PPI-REE; rings (68% vs. 68%, P = 1.000), furrows (70% vs. 70%, P = 1.000), plaques (19% vs. 10%, P = 0.272), strictures (49% vs. 30%, P = 0.066). EoE and PPI-REE were similar in the number of proximal (39 eos/hpf vs. 38 eos/hpf, P = 0.919) and distal eosinophils (50 vs. 43 eos/hpf, P = 0.285). CONCLUSIONS: EoE and PPI-responsive oesophageal eosinophilia are similar in clinical, histological and endoscopic features and therefore are indistinguishable without a PPI trial. Further studies are needed to determine why a subset of patients with oesophageal eosinophilia respond to PPI.

Algoritmos genéticos para la anonimización de grafos

Peer-reviewed

Comparison of thermogenic effect of fructose and glucose in normal humans.

After nutrient ingestion there is an increase in energy expenditure that has been referred to as dietary-induced thermogenesis. In the present study we have employed indirect calorimetry to compare the increment in energy expenditure after the ingestion of 75 g of glucose or fructose in 17 healthy volunteers. During the 4 h after glucose ingestion the plasma insulin concentration increased by 33 +/- 4 microU/ml and this was associated with a significant increase in carbohydrate oxidation and decrement in lipid oxidation. Energy expenditure increased by 0.08 +/- 0.01 kcal/min. When fructose was ingested, the plasma insulin concentration increased by only 8 +/- 2 microU/ml vs. glucose. Nonetheless, the increments in carbohydrate oxidation and decrement in lipid oxidation were significantly greater than with glucose. The increment in energy expenditure was also greater with fructose. When the mean increment in plasma insulin concentration after fructose was reproduced using the insulin clamp technique, the increase in carbohydrate oxidation and decrement in lipid oxidation were markedly reduced compared with the fructose-ingestion study; energy expenditure failed to increase above basal levels. To examine the role of the adrenergic nervous system in fructose-induced thermogenesis, fructose ingestion was also performed during beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol. The increase in energy expenditure during fructose plus propranolol was lower than with fructose ingestion alone. These results indicate that the stimulation of thermogenesis after carbohydrate ingestion is related to an augmentation of cellular metabolism and is not dependent on an increase in the plasma insulin concentration per se.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Computational and Experimental Analysis of Flow Field in the Diffusers of Centrifugal Compressors

Centrifugal compressors are widely used for example in process industry, oil and gas industry, in small gas turbines and turbochargers. In order to achieve lower consumption of energy and operation costs the efficiency of the compressor needs to be improve. In the present work different pinches and low solidity vaned diffusers were utilized in order to improve the efficiency of a medium size centrifugal compressor. In this study, pinch means the decrement of the diffuser flow passage height. First different geometries were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics. The flow solver Finflo was used to solve the flow field. Finflo is a Navier-Stokes solver. The solver is capable to solve compressible, incompressible, steady and unsteady flow fields. Chien's k-e turbulence model was used. One of the numerically investigated pinched diffuser and one low solidity vaned diffuser were studied experimentally. The overall performance of the compressor and the static pressure distribution before and after the diffuser were measured. The flow entering and leaving the diffuser was measured using a three-hole Cobra-probe and Kiel-probes. The pinch and the low solidity vaned diffuser increased the efficiency of the compressor. Highest isentropic efficiency increment obtained was 3\% of the design isentropic efficiency of the original geometry. It was noticed in the numerical results that the pinch made to the hub and the shroud wall was most beneficial to the operation of the compressor. Also the pinch made to the hub was better than the pinchmade to the shroud. The pinch did not affect the operation range of the compressor, but the low solidity vaned diffuser slightly decreased the operation range.The unsteady phenomena in the vaneless diffuser were studied experimentally andnumerically. The unsteady static pressure was measured at the diffuser inlet and outlet, and time-accurate numerical simulation was conducted. The unsteady static pressure showed that most of the pressure variations lay at the passing frequency of every second blade. The pressure variations did not vanish in the diffuser and were visible at the diffuser outlet. However, the amplitude of the pressure variations decreased in the diffuser. The time-accurate calculations showed quite a good agreement with the measured data. Agreement was very good at the design operation point, even though the computational grid was not dense enough inthe volute and in the exit cone. The time-accurate calculation over-predicted the amplitude of the pressure variations at high flow.

Performance of 'Rocha' and 'Santa Maria' pears as affected by planting density

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of 'Rocha' and 'Santa Maria' pears at two planting densities. The experiment was carried out during the 2011/2012, 2012/2013, and 2013/2014 growing seasons, in one-year-old orchards (2011/2012) of 'Rocha' and 'Santa Maria' pears, trained in a central-leader system and planted in two densities (2,000 and 4,000 trees per hectare). The assessed parameters were: production per hectare, production per tree, yield efficiency, number of fruit per tree, average fruit weight, trunk diameter increment, fruit firmness, and soluble solid contents. The cumulative yield of 'Rocha' is greater at the higher planting density, whereas the yield efficiency of 'Santa Maria' increases at the lower planting density, as the trees get more mature. Trunk diameter of 'Rocha' also increases at the lower planting density. However, fruit quality parameters in both cultivars are little affected by planting density.

Common snook fed in alternate and continuous regimens with diet supplemented with Bacillus subtilis probiotic

The objective of this work was to evaluate the addition of Bacillus subtilis probiotic to the feed of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) fingerlings, in alternate and continuous regimens. Six hundred and sixty fish, with average length of 5.90±0.88 cm and weight of 1.92±0.28 g, were stocked in 12 cages of 1.0 m3, with 55 fish each. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments and four replicates. The treatments consisted of diet with the addition of probiotic, provided in alternate regimen for 7 days and in continuous regimen; besides a control without probiotic in the feed. Zootechnical performance, body composition, immune response, and blood parameters were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in zootechnical performance indexes and in body composition of fish treated with probiotic, when compared to the control. Fish from the alternate regimen showed an increment in respiratory burst and a lower total erythrocyte count than fish from the continuous regimen and the control. Fish from the continuous regimen did not differ from those of the control. The addition of Bacillus subtilis does not increase growth rates of common snook fingerlings; however, it has an immunostimulant action when supplied in alternate regimen.

Girona, una ciutat amb turistes

Article que estudia el perquè de l'increment del nombre de turistes que visiten la ciutat de Girona

Sähkönjakeluverkon ja sähköasemien kehittämissuunnitelma

Tämän työn tavoitteena on tarkastella keskijänniteverkonja sähköasemien kehittämistarpeita kahdella kohdealueella Kymenlaakson Sähköverkko Oy:n verkossa. Tarkastelun pohjatiedoiksi selvitettiin verkon sähköinen nykytila, luotettavuus, verkon topologia, kuormitusten jakautuminen ja muodostettiintulevaisuuden kuormitusennusteet. Lisäksi tarkasteltiin sähköasemien korvattavuus. Keskeiseksi työn sisällöksi muodostui kevytsähköasemien eri sijoituspaikkojen kannattavuustarkastelut, ottaen huomioon uuden keskijännitesyöttöpisteen vaikutukset keskijänniteverkon vahvistustarpeisiin, häviöihin ja käyttövarmuuteen. Laskelmat suoritettiin elinkaarikustannusperiaatteella huomioiden investointien, keskeytyksestä aiheutuneen haitan, häviöiden, kunnossapidon javiankorjauksen kustannukset. Työn tuloksena saatiin investointistrategiaehdotukset, joiden pohjalta verkkoyhtiö voi tehdä lähitulevaisuuden ratkaisuja sekä valmistautua tuleviin investointeihin.

Color of berry and juice of 'Isabel' grape treated with abscisic acid in different ripening stages

Abstract : The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of (S)-cis-abscisic acid (S-ABA) application at different ripening stages, in increasing phenolic compounds and color of berry and juice of 'Isabel' grape (Vitis labrusca). The evaluated treatments were: control, without S-ABA application; 400 mg L-1S-ABA applied 7 days before veraison (DBV) + 400 mg L-1S-ABA at 35 days after first application (DAFA); 400 mg L-1S-ABA applied at veraison (V) + 400 mg L-1S-ABA at 35 DAFA; and 400 mg L-1S-ABA applied 7 days after veraison (DAV) + 400 mg L-1S-ABA at 35 DAFA. There was no difference among treatments regarding the physical characteristics of berries and clusters, as well as total polyphenols in berry and juice. However, there was an increase in total anthocyanins in berry and juice with S-ABA application. Colorimetric variables indicated the increase in color of berry treated with S-ABA. Juices produced from grapes treated with S-ABA were more appreciated by tasters. The treatments with 400 mg L-1S-ABA applied 7 days before, during, or 7 days after veraison, combined with an additional application 35 days after the first one, increment total anthocyanin concentration and color of berry and juice of 'Isabel' grape, with better juice acceptance, without affecting total polyphenol concentration.

Business Plan: proyecto de venta online de productos españoles para residentes en el extranjero

Es presenta un model de negoci de venda per Internet d’ aliments típics espanyols orientat principalment a les persones que han emigrat del nostre país. El motiu que dona lloc a aquest projecte no es altre que el constant increment de espanyols que decideixen buscar oportunitats fora del país, cosa que suposa una oportunitat de negoci. Per comprovar la sostenibilitat del projecte, es realitzarà un anàlisi de totes aquelles variables externes que pugin intervenir i afectar al desenvolupament de la activitat així com un estudi de mercat, un pla estratègic i un estudi financer que serveixi per assentar les bases d’un negoci que sens dubte està ple d’oportunitats.

Contributions of the peroxisome and β-oxidation cycle to biotin synthesis in fungi.

The first step in the synthesis of the bicyclic rings of D-biotin is mediated by 8-amino-7-oxononanoate (AON) synthase, which catalyzes the decarboxylative condensation of l-alanine and pimelate thioester. We found that the Aspergillus nidulans AON synthase, encoded by the bioF gene, is a peroxisomal enzyme with a type 1 peroxisomal targeting sequence (PTS1). Localization of AON to the peroxisome was essential for biotin synthesis because expression of a cytosolic AON variant or deletion of pexE, encoding the PTS1 receptor, rendered A. nidulans a biotin auxotroph. AON synthases with PTS1 are found throughout the fungal kingdom, in ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, and members of basal fungal lineages but not in representatives of the Saccharomyces species complex, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A. nidulans mutants defective in the peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase AoxA or the multifunctional protein FoxA showed a strong decrease in colonial growth rate in biotin-deficient medium, whereas partial growth recovery occurred with pimelic acid supplementation. These results indicate that pimeloyl-CoA is the in vivo substrate of AON synthase and that it is generated in the peroxisome via the β-oxidation cycle in A. nidulans and probably in a broad range of fungi. However, the β-oxidation cycle is not essential for biotin synthesis in S. cerevisiae or Escherichia coli. These results suggest that alternative pathways for synthesis of the pimelate intermediate exist in bacteria and eukaryotes and that Saccharomyces species use a pathway different from that used by the majority of fungi.

Trends in risk factors, patterns and causes in hospitalized strokes over 25 years: The Lausanne Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Lausanne Stroke Registry includes, from 1979, all patients admitted to the department of Neurology of the Lausanne University Hospital with the diagnosis of first clinical stroke. Using the Lausanne Stroke Registry, we aimed to determine trends in risk factors, causes, localization and inhospital mortality over 25 years in hospitalized stroke patients. METHODS: We assessed temporal trends in stroke patients characteristics through the following consecutive periods: 1979-1987, 1988-1995 and 1996-2003. Age-adjusted cardiovascular risk factors, etiologies, stroke localizations and mortality were compared between the three periods. RESULTS: Overall, 5,759 patients were included. Age was significantly different among the analyzed periods (p < 0.001), showing an increment in older patients throughout time. After adjustment for age, hypercholesterolemia increased (p < 0.001), as opposed to cigarette smoking (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001) and diabetes and hyperglycemia (p < 0.001). In patients with ischemic strokes, there were significant changes in the distribution of causes with an increase in cardioembolic strokes (p < 0.001), and in the localization of strokes with an increase in entire middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior circulation strokes together with a decrease in superficial middle cerebral artery stroke (p < 0.001). In patients with hemorrhagic strokes, the thalamic localizations increased, whereas the proportion of striatocapsular hemorrhage decreased (p = 0.022). Except in the older patient group, the mortality rate decreased. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows major trends in the characteristics of stroke patients admitted to a department of neurology over a 25-year time span, which may result from referral biases, development of acute stroke management and possibly from the evolution of cerebrovascular risk factors.

Fruitone CPA para retardar la maduración en piña Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., cv. Cayena Lisa, cosechada en primavera

El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de dosis y número de aplicaciones de Fruitone CPA (ácido 2-3 clorofenoxi-propiónico) en el retraso de la maduración, rendimiento y calidad del fruto de piña en el periodo de primavera. El experimento se llevó al cabo en el Campo Experimental Papaloapan, del INIFAP, en Veracruz, México. Se estableció con el cv. Cayena Lisa de México, en un diseño de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones; los tratamientos fueron nueve, incluido el testigo sin aplicación, 300, 600, 900 y 1200 mL por hectárea en una aplicación y 600, 900, 1500 y 2100 mL por hectárea divididas en dos aplicaciones iguales, espaciadas ocho días, de Fruitone CPA; los tratamientos se establecieron a los 135 días después de la inducción floral, a 65 días antes de la cosecha del testigo. Los resultados muestran un alto y significativo efecto del Fruitone en el peso de la fruta, aunque no hubo diferencias entre el número de aplicaciones; el contenido de ácido cítrico y los sólidos solubles totales se incrementaron con la aplicación del Fruitone. No se presentaron frutos agrietados ni con Mancha Café interna en ningún tratamiento. El retraso de la cosecha con respecto al testigo varió desde los seis hasta los 21 días, en función de la dosis. Se concluye que el mejor tratamiento fue el de 900 mL de Fruitone CPA por hectárea, en una sola aplicación, el cual incrementó el peso del fruto en un 14% y retrasó la cosecha 19 días.