Aislamiento y caracterización de Metarhizium spp. de cultivos de caña de azúcar y su patogenicidad contra Mahanarva andigena (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)

Metarhizium anisopliae is one of the most commercialized entomopathogenic fungi for the regulation of insect pest populations. The native strains of this fungus play an important role in natural control. However, its effectiveness in the conditions of the Ecuadorian Amazon is unknown. Accordingly, this research aimed to isolate and characterize native strains of M. anisopliae with the potential to control Mahanarva andigena (Jacobi) in sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) crops. Collections were made for the isolation and characterization of the fungi, obtaining a total of 20 isolates (15 from soil samples and five from mycosed nymphs of M. andigena). All isolates were characterized based on their morphological and physiological characters. In ten of them, the pathogenicity against nymphs of M. andigena was assessed under laboratory conditions. Results obtained from the characterization of the isolates were variable, including the diameter and growth rate, conidia length and width, germination, sporulation, and corrected mortality. The analysis of these characteristics demonstrated that isolates DSA5401 and TI6301 showed the best values for most of the variables evaluated, especially diameter, growth rate, and conidia production. Regarding control effectiveness, isolates DAS5401, TI6301, TS6304, PS5003, SJS5104, and SJS5102 presented high corrected mortality. These results indicate the effectiveness of native M. anisopliae isolates for their use in biological control programs of M. andigena.Metarhizium anisopliae es uno de los hongos entomopatógenos más comercializados para la regulación de poblaciones de insectos plagas. Las cepas nativas de este hongo ejercen un importante rol en el control natural. Sin embargo, se desconoce su efectividad en condiciones amazónicas ecuatorianas. Es por ello que esta investigación tuvo como objetivos aislar y caracterizar cepas nativas de M. anisopliae con potencial para el control de Mahanarva andigena (Jacobi) en el cultivo de caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.). Se realizaron las colectas para el aislamiento y caracterización de los hongos, obteniendo un total de 20 aislados (quince de muestras de suelo y cinco de ninfas de M. andigena micosadas). Todos los aislados se caracterizaron con base en sus caracteres morfológicos y fisiológicos. En diez de ellos se evaluó la patogenicidad contra ninfas de M. andigena en condiciones de laboratorio. Los resultados obtenidos de la caracterización de los aislados fueron variables, tanto para el diámetro y tasa de crecimiento, como para el largo y ancho de conidios, germinación, esporulación y mortalidad corregida. El análisis de estas características demostró que los aislados DSA5401 y TI6301 presentaron los mejores valores para la mayoría de las variables evaluadas, en especial el diámetro, la tasa de crecimiento y la producción de conidios. Respecto a la efectividad en el control, los aislados DAS5401, TI6301, TS6304, PS5003, SJS5104 y SJS5102 presentaron una alta mortalidad corregida. Estos resultados indican la efectividad de aislados nativos de M. anisopliae para su uso en programas de control biológico de M. andigena

Centrality evolution of the charged-particle pseudorapidity density over a broad pseudorapidity range in Pb-Pb collisions at root s(NN)=2.76TeV

Peer reviewe

Evaluation of appendicitis risk prediction models in adults with suspected appendicitis

Background Appendicitis is the most common general surgical emergency worldwide, but its diagnosis remains challenging. The aim of this study was to determine whether existing risk prediction models can reliably identify patients presenting to hospital in the UK with acute right iliac fossa (RIF) pain who are at low risk of appendicitis. Methods A systematic search was completed to identify all existing appendicitis risk prediction models. Models were validated using UK data from an international prospective cohort study that captured consecutive patients aged 16–45 years presenting to hospital with acute RIF in March to June 2017. The main outcome was best achievable model specificity (proportion of patients who did not have appendicitis correctly classified as low risk) whilst maintaining a failure rate below 5 per cent (proportion of patients identified as low risk who actually had appendicitis). Results Some 5345 patients across 154 UK hospitals were identified, of which two‐thirds (3613 of 5345, 67·6 per cent) were women. Women were more than twice as likely to undergo surgery with removal of a histologically normal appendix (272 of 964, 28·2 per cent) than men (120 of 993, 12·1 per cent) (relative risk 2·33, 95 per cent c.i. 1·92 to 2·84; P < 0·001). Of 15 validated risk prediction models, the Adult Appendicitis Score performed best (cut‐off score 8 or less, specificity 63·1 per cent, failure rate 3·7 per cent). The Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Score performed best for men (cut‐off score 2 or less, specificity 24·7 per cent, failure rate 2·4 per cent). Conclusion Women in the UK had a disproportionate risk of admission without surgical intervention and had high rates of normal appendicectomy. Risk prediction models to support shared decision‐making by identifying adults in the UK at low risk of appendicitis were identified

Localization and Broadband Follow-up of the Gravitational-wave Transient GW150914

A gravitational-wave (GW) transient was identified in data recorded by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors on 2015 September 14. The event, initially designated G184098 and later given the name GW150914, is described in detail elsewhere. By prior arrangement, preliminary estimates of the time, significance, and sky location of the event were shared with 63 teams of observers covering radio, optical, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths with ground- and space-based facilities. In this Letter we describe the low-latency analysis of the GW data and present the sky localization of the first observed compact binary merger. We summarize the follow-up observations reported by 25 teams via private Gamma-ray Coordinates Network circulars, giving an overview of the participating facilities, the GW sky localization coverage, the timeline, and depth of the observations. As this event turned out to be a binary black hole merger, there is little expectation of a detectable electromagnetic (EM) signature. Nevertheless, this first broadband campaign to search for a counterpart of an Advanced LIGO source represents a milestone and highlights the broad capabilities of the transient astronomy community and the observing strategies that have been developed to pursue neutron star binary merger events. Detailed investigations of the EM data and results of the EM follow-up campaign are being disseminated in papers by the individual teams. </p

Localization and broadband follow-up of the gravitational-wave transient GW150914

A gravitational-wave transient was identified in data recorded by the Advanced LIGO detectors on 2015 September 14. The event candidate, initially designated G184098 and later given the name GW150914, is described in detail elsewhere. By prior arrangement, preliminary estimates of the time, significance, and sky location of the event were shared with 63 teams of observers covering radio, optical, near-infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths with ground- and space-based facilities. In this Letter we describe the low-latency analysis of the gravitational wave data and present the sky localization of the first observed compact binary merger. We summarize the follow-up observations reported by 25 teams via private Gamma-ray Coordinates Network Circulars, giving an overview of the participating facilities, the gravitational wave sky localization coverage, the timeline and depth of the observations. As this event turned out to be a binary black hole merger, there is little expectation of a detectable electromagnetic signature. Nevertheless, this first broadband campaign to search for a counterpart of an Advanced LIGO source represents a milestone and highlights the broad capabilities of the transient astronomy community and the observing strategies that have been developed to pursue neutron star binary merger events. Detailed investigations of the electromagnetic data and results of the electromagnetic follow-up campaign will be disseminated in the papers of the individual teams

Degradación de los recursos hídricos en un ambiente semiárido. Las lagunas de Bustillos y de los Mexicanos (Chihuahua, México)

The lagoons de Bustillos, and de los Mexicanos are located in the center of the state of Chihuahua (Mexico). These wetlands of special environmental interest are endangered by severe pressure from human activities. These wetlands of environmental relevance are endangered by severe pressure from human activities. This study has raised a series of chemical, physical and microbiological analyzes, which determine high rates of contamination in these aquatic habitats. The results showed in water low levels of dissolved oxygen and high concentrations of nitrate and coliform bacteria. Has been detected the main sources of pollution of these water resources are caused by agricultural activities, wastewater discharges from urban areas and industrial waste.En la parte central del estado de Chihuahua (México) se encuentra la cuenca de drenaje que alimenta las lagunas endorreicas de Bustillos, y de los Mexicanos. Estos humedales de especial interés ambiental, se encuentran amenazados por una fuerte presión de actividades humanas. Para este trabajo se han planteado una serie de análisis químicos, físicos y microbiológicos, que determinan unos elevados índices de contaminación en estos hábitats acuáticos. Los resultados han mostrado bajos índices de oxígeno disuelto y elevadas concentraciones en nitratos y bacterias coliformes en el agua. Se ha detectado que las principales fuentes de contaminación de estos recursos hídricos son las actividades agropecuarias, los vertidos de aguas residuales de las áreas urbanas y, en mayor medida, por los desechos de los tratamientos industriales

Análisis de la calidad del agua en las lagunas de Bustillos y de los Mexicanos (Chihuahua, México)

En la parte central del estado de Chihuahua (México) se encuentra la cuenca de drenaje que alimenta las lagunas endorreicas de Bustillos, y de los Mexicanos. Estos humedales de especial interés ambiental, se encuentran amenazados por una fuerte presión de actividades humanas. Para este trabajo se han planteado una serie de análisis químicos, físicos y microbiológicos, que determinan unos elevados índices de contaminación en estos hábitats acuáticos. Los resultados han mostrado bajos índices de oxígeno disuelto y elevadas concentraciones en nitratos y bacterias coliformes en el agua. Se ha detectado que las principales fuentes de contaminación de estos recursos hídricos son las actividades agropecuarias, los vertidos de aguas residuales de las áreas urbanas y, en mayor medida, por los desechos de los tratamientos industriales.The lagoons de Bustillos, and de los Mexicanos are located in the center of the state of Chihuahua (Mexico). These wetlands of special environmental interest are endangered by severe pressure from human activities. These wetlands of environmental relevance are endangered by severe pressure from human activities. This study has raised a series of chemical, physical and microbiological analyzes, which determine high rates of contamination in these aquatic habitats. The results showed in water low levels of dissolved oxygen and high concentrations of nitrate and coliform bacteria. Has been detected the main sources of pollution of these water resources are caused by agricultural activities, wastewater discharges from urban areas and industrial waste

Models for irrigation timing and optimization in oats for forage

La avena como forraje es un cultivo de riego importante para la industria pecuaria en zonas áridas y semiáridas. Sin embargo, hay poca información sobre la relación del rendimiento de materia seca con la evapotranspiración real del cultivo o demanda hídrica, por lo que el objetivo del estudio fue generar modelos para describir el rendimiento de forraje y la productividad del agua al variar el aporte de agua de riego. Al aplicar 610.13 mm se logró el máximo (P<0.05) rendimiento (12.78 t ha-1) y la máxima (P<0.05) eficiencia del uso del agua (2.36 kg de forraje m-3) fue al aplicar 463.64 mm y con rendimiento de 11.22 t ha-1, cosechando a grano lechoso-masoso (155 días después de la siembra o 1,291.5 grados días de desarrollo). El modelo cúbico ajustó mejor las características del cultivo y los efectos promedios de la evaporación del suelo (Kc) en función de los grados días de desarrollo. Con dichos modelos y la evapotranspiración potencial, es posible representar la demanda hídrica diaria del cultivo con un modelo matemático y concluir, que la demanda máxima es de 7.15 mm dia-1 y la demanda óptima sin poner en riesgo el rendimiento es de 5.8 mm dia-1.  Estos modelos constituyen una herramienta útil para optimizar la producción de forraje con avena de riego con base en la aplicación oportuna y cantidad adecuada de agua de riego.Irrigated oats is an important forage-crop for livestock industry in arid and semi-arid zones; however, there is a lack of information regarding the relationship of dry matter yield and crop actual evapotranspiration or water demand; then the objective of the study was  to develop mathematical models to describe yield and water use efficiency at different levels of irrigation water added. Maximum (P<0.05) yield (12.78 t ha-1)  was found when 610.13 mm of water was applied, highest (P<0.05) water use efficiency was  2.36 kg of forage m-3 with463.64 mm water applied and yielded 11.22 t ha-1, harvesting at the milky-dough stage (155 d after sowing or 1,291.5 degree days). Crop characteristics and mean effect of the soil evaporation (Kc), in function of the degree days, were better described by a cubic model. Using these models, in addition with the potential evapotranspiration, it is possible to estimate daily water demand, and it can be concluded that 7.15 mm d-1 is the maximum demand while 5.8 mm d-1 is the optimal demand without compromising yield. These models are a useful tool to optimize forage production from irrigated oats based on time and amount of water to be applied

Models for irrigation timing and optimization in oats for forage

Irrigated oats is an important forage-crop for livestock industry in arid and semi-arid zones; however, there is a lack of information regarding the relationship of dry matter yield and crop actual evapotranspiration or water demand; then the objective of the study was to develop mathematical models to describe yield and water use efficiency at different levels of irrigation water added. Maximum (P<0.05) yield (12.78 t ha-1) was found when 610.13 mm of water was applied, highest (P<0.05) water use efficiency was 2.36 kg of forage m-3 with 463.64 mm water applied and yielded 11.22 t ha-1, harvesting at the milky-dough stage (155 d after sowing or 1,291.5 degree days). Crop characteristics and mean effect of the soil evaporation (Kc), in function of the degree days, were better described by a cubic model. Using these models, in addition with the potential evapotranspiration, it is possible to estimate daily water demand, and it can be concluded that 7.15 mm d-1 is the maximum demand while 5.8 mm d-1 is the optimal demand without compromising yield. These models are a useful tool to optimize forage production from irrigated oats based on time and amount of water to be applied.La avena como forraje es un cultivo de riego importante para la industria pecuaria en zonas áridas y semiáridas. Sin embargo, hay poca información sobre la relación del rendimiento de materia seca con la evapotranspiración real del cultivo o demanda hídrica, por lo que el objetivo del estudio fue generar modelos para describir el rendimiento de forraje y la productividad del agua al variar el aporte de agua de riego. Al aplicar 610.13 mm se logró el máximo (P<0.05) rendimiento (12.78 t ha-1) y la máxima (P<0.05) eficiencia del uso del agua (2.36 kg de forraje m-3) fue al aplicar 463.64 mm y con rendimiento de 11.22 t ha-1, cosechando a grano lechoso-masoso (155 días después de la siembra o 1,291.5 grados días de desarrollo). El modelo cúbico ajustó mejor las características del cultivo y los efectos promedios de la evaporación del suelo (Kc) en función de los grados días de desarrollo. Con dichos modelos y la evapotranspiración potencial, es posible representar la demanda hídrica diaria del cultivo con un modelo matemático y concluir, que la demanda máxima es de 7.15 mm dia-1 y la demanda óptima sin poner en riesgo el rendimiento es de 5.8 mm dia-1. Estos modelos constituyen una herramienta útil para optimizar la producción de forraje con avena de riego con base en la aplicación oportuna y cantidad adecuada de agua de riego

Inheritance of the Resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say.) in a Heterogeneous Inbred Families Population of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The bean weevil Acanthoscelides obtectus is one of the world&rsquo;s main pests of stored beans. The heterogeneous inbred family (HIF) population of near-isogenic lines (NILs) could be an exceptional strategy to study the inheritance of the resistance against A. obtectus. We developed a HIF population of 148 NILs of R-bufa-80-12. The objectives of this research were as follows: (1) to study and understand the genetics of the attack resistance to A. obtectus in a HIF population and (2) to identify the best lines to provide weevil resistance. The pure lines of the HIF population showed a great variability for all the analyzed traits. The traits studied in this research have a normal distribution showing continuous variation, so they are considered to be quantitatively inherited. The heritabilities for resistance traits were low and very low, ranging from 0.09 to 0.17. The heritability for 100 seed weight was the highest, with a significant value of 0.90. The best lines of the HIF population for resistance to A. obtectus comprised Line-45, Line-129, Line-124, Line-142 and Line-47. In general, these lines presented lower preference of adults, and lower consumption in grams and in percentages. However, lines 45 and 129 are the most interesting from a commercial point of view because they combine resistance and seed weight