Effect of a commercial root growth enhancer on the turfgrass species "Lolium perenne" and the weed "Poa annua"

Se pretende comprobar si la aplicación de un enraizante durante la resiembra otoñal de la cespitosa “Lolium perenne” sobre las calles de los campos de golf conformados por “Cynodon dactylon”, favoreciese la competencia de “L. perenne” frente a Poa annua, mala hierba que germina precisamente en esta época. Se realizaron 2 ensayos iguales en cámara de crecimiento aplicando 10 dosis distintas del enraizante en ambas especies y se determinó al final del ensayo, tanto el crecimiento como el peso seco de la parte aérea y radical de ambas especies. Tan sólo en uno de los 2 ensayos el enraizante parece favorecer a la cespitosa frente a “P. annua” por lo que no puede concluirse categóricamente que el enraizante pueda ser un medio de control efectivo frente a la mala hierba.It is intended to check the performance of a root growth enhancer in order to promote “Lolium perenne” competiveness over “Poa annua”, during the overseeding cultural practice on “Cynodon dactylon” golf course fairway, as “P. annua” naturally germinates at the same time. Two equal laboratory experiments were conducted testing 10 doses of the root enhancer in both species. At the end of the experiments seedling growth and root and leaf dry weight were determined for both species. The tested product only promotes “L. perenne” competiveness in one experiment, therefore it cannot be concluded the root enhancer could be an effective weed control method

An investigation into the feasibility of neutron activating holmium-loaded, polymeric microspheres in the thermal column of a TRIGA reactor using MCNP5 simulation models

In intra-arterial radioembolization, nano- and micro-scaled carriers are used in patients with liver tumors that cannot be removed by surgery to deliver various radioisotopes with the aim of improving the outcome of tumor radiotherapy, of minimizing dose to healthy tissue, and of improving the quality of the diagnosis and imaging. In this technique, radioisotopes are incorporated in either nanospheres or microspheres for delivery. The synthesis of these maybe performed either using the isotope in its radioactive form or nonradioative form; however, if the synthesis is performed using non-radioactive isotopes, a subsequent activation by neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor is required. This investigation focused on neutron-activation simulations using computer models of microspheres loaded with holmium acetylacetonate (HoAcAc) complex in a polymeric matrix that are used for intra-arerial radioembolization therapy of liver cancer. The polymer matrix is made of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) which is both biodegradable and biocompatible. In addition, as a requirement for therapeutic applications of these microspheres, not only their diameter must be within a range between 20 and 50 micrometers, but also before administration to a patient, they must be neutron-activated by turning holmium-165 into holmium-166. The main objective of this investigation was to minimize the energy deposited by neutrons and gammas produced by fission and neutron activation reactions that would result in damages to both the microsphere's polymeric matrix and holmium complex. To accomplish this objective, Monte Carlo N-Particle models were created to perform the following simulations: (1) microspheres loaded with a HoAcAc complex in a polymeric matrix were exposed to a neutron flux in the thermal column of a TRIGA reactor while arranged in a sheet-shaped packing configuration, and, similarly, (2) while arranged in a pile-shaped packing configuration, microspheres also loaded with a HoAcAc complex in a polymeric matrix were also exposed to the same neutron flux in the thermal column. Then, results from both types of simulations were analyzed and were compared

Why does pollen morphology vary? Evolutionary dynamics and morphospace occupation in the largest angiosperm order (Asterales)

Morphological diversity (disparity) is a key component of biodiversity and increasingly a focus of botanical research. Despite the wide range of morphologies represented by pollen grains, to date there are few studies focused on the controls on pollen disparity and morphospace occupation, and fewer still considering these parameters in a phylogenetic framework. Here, we analyse morphospace occupation, disparity and rates of morphological evolution in Asterales pollen, in a phylogenetic context. We use a dataset comprising 113 taxa from across the Asterales phylogeny, with pollen morphology described using 28 discrete characters. The Asterales pollen morphospace is phylogenetically structured around groups of related taxa, consistent with punctuated bursts of morphological evolution at key points in the Asterales phylogeny. There is no substantial difference in disparity among these groups of taxa, despite large differences in species richness and biogeographic range. There is also mixed evidence for whole-genome duplication as a driver of Asterales pollen morphological evolution. Our results highlight the importance of evolutionary history for structuring pollen morphospace. Our study is consistent with others that have shown a decoupling of biodiversity parameters, and reinforces the need to focus on disparity as a key botanical metric in its own right.Fil: Jardine, Phillip E.. University Of Munster; AlemaniaFil: Palazzesi, Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Tellería, María Cristina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Barreda, Viviana Dora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; Argentin

Approach to urban living

Thesis (M. Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1993.Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-86).The city provides work as well as housing to a great number of individuals, couples and families who are dependent on the urban environment for employment or education. Unfortunately urban living in today's cities has become disconnected. The dwelling is not a part of the surrounding community but rather a island in an anonymous environment. As a result, urban communities have deteriorated and become a transient location for people who move on after a short period of time. The community no longer has the commonality of understanding needed for a functioning living environment. To revitalize the city and make it more attractive to a larger variety of people there needs to be a more connected community which provides opportunities to encounter the life and activity in the public realm. There also needs to be a more secluded realm which makes life in the city not only a public experience but also provides the opportunity to retreat from it. This thesis concentrates on creating the connection between the public and the private realm. In addition it addresses the connection to a community courtyard within an urban city block. Exploring these issues in architectural form is an attempt to address the problem. The thesis provides a proposal for an alternative urban living environment which does not represent a complete solution but an investigation of the elements crucial to an urban living environment.by Angela E. Barreda.M.Arch

Recent disruptions in the timing and intensity of precipitation in Calakmul, Mexico

This study addresses changes in the timing and intensity of precipitation from 1982 to 2016 from three meteorological stations around Calakmul, Mexico, a landscape balancing biodiversity conservation and smallholder agricultural production. Five methods were used to assess changes in precipitation: the Mann-Kendall test of annual and wet season trends; a fuzzy-logic approach to determine the onset of the rainy season; the Gini Index and Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) to evaluate the temporal distribution of precipitation; Simple Precipitation Intensity Index (SDII) to evaluate precipitation intensity; and the Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) to identify the deficit or surplus of rainfall compared to the long-term mean. Overall, rainfall trends in Calakmul over this period indicate a slight increase, though results of the indices (Gini, SDII, PCI) all indicate that rainfall has become more intense and more unevenly distributed throughout the year. There was no significant trend in the onset date of rainfall or the RAI overall, though there were more pronounced crests and troughs from 2004 to 2016. Higher interannual variability and more pronounced rainfall anomalies, both positive and negative, suggest that rainfall in the Calakmul region has become more extreme. This research informs for management and livelihood strategies in the local region and offers insights for analyses of regional patterns of seasonal precipitation events in tropical landscapes worldwide

Delineating limits: Confronting predicted climatic suitability to field performance in mistletoe populations

1. Biotic stressors such as hemiparasites have a profound impact on forest functioning. However, predicting the future incidence of these stressors on forests remains challenging because climate-based distribution does not consider tree-hemiparasite interactions or the impacts of extreme climate events on stressors'' performance. 2. We use species distribution models (SDMs) and ecophysiological and demographic field data to assess whether climatic suitability is a proxy for the performance of the hemiparasite mistletoe (Viscum album) in two forests with contrasting climatic conditions. Two host tree species representing wet-cold (Scots pine) and dry-warm (Aleppo pine) conditions were selected. We fitted SDMs based on climate variables, and measured different ecophysiological variables capturing cold- (photoinhibition) and drought tolerance (intrinsic water-use efficiency, iWUE). We also assessed demographic variables related to seed germination and establishment rates of mistletoe through a translocation experiment. 3. Species distribution models showed a high climatic suitability of mistletoe in both forests. Mistletoes living in the Scots pines site presented a higher cold tolerance, while those inhabiting the Aleppo pine site showed a higher iWUE. Seedlings coming from local seeds showed a lower mortality than seedlings coming from translocated seeds. Germination and seedling establishment showed temporal mismatches when comparing local and translocated seeds. 4. Synthesis. Habitat suitability predicted by SDMs based on climate data and field performance were related in this mistletoe species. However, ecophysiological and demographic variables indicated a lower fitness of mistletoe in the dry-warm site associated with drought stress. In conclusion, predicted climate suitability based on SDMs forecasts should be refined using field data on actual performance and considering plant-to-plant interactions and extreme climate events

Interventions to improve immigrant health. A scoping review.

Background: Disparities in health between immigrants and their host populations have been described across countries and continents. Hence, interventions for improving health targeting general populations are not necessarily effective for immigrants. Aims: To conduct a systematic search of the literature evaluating health interventions for immigrants; to map the characteristics of identified studies including range of interventions, immigrant populations and their host countries, clinical areas targeted and reported evaluations, challenges and limitations of the interventions identified. Following the results, to develop recommendations for research in the field. Methods: A scoping review approach was chosen to provide an overview of the type, extent and quantity of research available. Studies were included if they empirically evaluated health interventions targeting immigrants and/or their descendants, included a control group, and were published in English (PubMed and Embase from 1990 to 2015). Results: Most of the 83 studies included were conducted in the USA, encompassed few immigrant groups and used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or cluster RCT design. Most interventions addressed chronic and non-communicable diseases and attendance at cancer screening services, used individual targeted approaches, targeted adult women and recruited participants from health centres. Outcome measures were often subjective, with the exception of interventions for cardiovascular risk and diabetes. Generally, authors claimed that interventions were beneficial, despite a number of reported limitations. Conclusions: Recommendations for enhancing interventions to improve immigrant health are provided to help researchers, funders and health care commissioners when deciding upon the scope, nature and design of future research in this area

Cobalt oxide nanomaterials prepared by CVD as negative electrodes in lithium batteries

III Encuentro sobre Nanociencia y Nanotecnología de Investigadores y Tecnólogos Andaluce

Differences in temperature sensitivity and drought recovery between natural stands and plantations of conifers are species-specific

Forests are being impacted by climate and land-use changes which have altered their productivity and growth. Understanding how tree growth responds to climate in natural and planted stands may provide valuable information to prepare management in sight of climate change. Plantations are expected to show higher sensitivity to climate and lower post-drought resilience than natural stands, due to their lower compositional and structural diversity. We reconstructed and compared the radial growth of six conifers with contrasting ecological and climatic niches (Abies pinsapo, Cedrus atlantica, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra, Pinus pinea, Pinus pinaster) in natural and planted stands subjected to seasonal drought in 40 sites. We quantified the relationships between individual growth variability and climate variables (temperature, precipitation and the SPEI drought index), as well as post-drought resilience. Elevated precipitation during the previous autumn-winter and current spring to early summer enhanced growth in both natural and planted stands of all species. Temperature effects on growth were less consistent: only plantations of A. pinsapo, C. atlantica, P. nigra, P. pinea, P. sylvetris and a natural stand of P. nigra showed negative impacts of summer temperature on growth. Drought reduced growth of all species in both plantations and natural stands, with variations in the temporal scale of the response. Drought constrained growth more severely in natural stands than in plantations of C. atlantica, P. pinaster and P. nigra, whereas the inverse pattern was found for A. pinsapo. Resilience to drought varied between species: natural stands of A. pinsapo, C. atlantica and P. pinaster recovered faster than plantations, while P. pinea plantations recovered faster than natural stands. Overall, plantations did not consistently show a higher sensitivity to climate and a lower capacity to recover after drought. Therefore, plantations are potential tools for mitigating climate warming. © 2021 The AuthorsThis study was supported by project FORMAL ( RTI2018-096884-B-C31 ) from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities . GS-B was supported by a Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness Postdoctoral grant ( IJC2019-040571-I ; FEDER funds)

Structural and functional findings in patients with moderate diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate structural and functional ocular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and moderate diabetic retinopathy (DR) without apparent diabetic macular edema (DME) assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry. Methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional descriptive study for which 75 healthy controls and 48 DM2 patients with moderate DR were included after applying exclusion criteria (one eye per patient was included). All eyes underwent a complete ophthalmic examination (axial length, macular imaging with swept-source OCT, and MAIA microperimetry). Macular thicknesses, ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses, and central retinal sensitivity were compared between groups, and the relationships between the OCT and microperimetry parameters were evaluated. Results: Macular thickness was similar in both groups (242.17 ± 35.0 in the DM2 group vs 260.64 ± 73.9 in the control group). There was a diminution in the parafoveal area thickness in the DM2 group in the GCC complex. Retinal sensitivity was reduced in all sectors in the DM2 group. The central global value was 24.01 ± 5.7 in the DM2 group and 27.31 ± 2.7 in the control group (p < 0.001). Macular integrity was 80.89 ± 26.4 vs 64.70 ± 28.3 (p < 0.001) and total mean threshold was 23.90 ± 4.9 vs 26.48 ± 2.6 (p < 0.001) in the DM2 and control group, respectively. Moderate correlations were detected between the central sector of MAIA microperimetry and retina total central thickness (- 0.347; p = 0.0035). Age, visual acuity, and hemoglobin A1c levels also correlated with retinal sensitivity. Conclusion: Macular GCC thickness and central retinal sensitivity were reduced in patients with moderate DR without DME, suggesting the presence of macular neurodegeneration.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2021, The Author(s)