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Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a specie cultivated in Mauritania. The present study is focused on the potential of the aqueous extract of the Pergularia tomentosa L., as biological control agent against Fusarium brachygibbosum, the main agent of the date palm stipe rot disease in Mauritania. Fungal pathogen was isolated from symptomatic date palm stipe rot disease in Mauritania. The morphological characterization and the molecular identification by sequencing ITS1, ITS2 5.8 RNAr region showed homology of 98% with Fusarium brachygibbosum strain UOA/HCPF 16982 s during in vitro tests on leaves performed to verify its phytopathogenicity. The inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of Pergularia tomentosa L. on the phytopathogenic isolate (Fusarium brachygibbosum) of date palm, on mycelial growth and spore germination was observed. In fact, in vitro on PDA, mycelial growth ranged from 39.23 to 67.7%, depending on the concentration of the aqueous extract of P. tomentosa. The aqueous extract showed a reduction of spore germination varying from 5.3 to 23.8%. The minimum inhibitory concentrations varied from 1 to 100 mg/ml. The various extracts give high antioxidant activities exhibited by DPPH assay. Multivariant analysis by PCA plot and the heatmap were done, to evaluate the correlation between the tested parameters. These results suggest the use of Pergularia tomentosa L., extract as a biological agent to control and reduce damage caused by Fusarium brachygibbosum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of safety aspects in IFMIF-DONES design is a main objective of EUROfusion and European Commission projects. IFMIF-DONES will be a radioactive facility of the first category, and stringent safety objectives must be achieved and demonstrated. A very low acceptable risk for the worker, the public and the environment is the main principle in the design phase. The progress of safety activities is performed iteratively as detailed engineering develops, taking into account the uniqueness of the facility: a high-power deuterons accelerator (125 mA, 40 MeV), a target of flowing liquid lithium, traps for activation products, a dedicated-design module for irradiated samples, a massive shielding cooled room with confinement function, and a number of conventional systems with safety functions. Several phases are developed: (i) identification of sources and materials at risk, radioactive and nonradioactive, subject to potential mobilization, (ii) failure mode analysis and effects of systems, starting at the functional level, and support with probabilistic analysis, (iii) identification of scenarios leading to unacceptable risk if unmitigated, (iv) proposal of layers of defense by means of safety-credited components and design features, (v) deterministic analysis of scenarios in support of requirements, and (vi) definition and demonstration of safety requirements charged to components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical radiation portal monitor systems, RPM, deployed to detect illicit trafficking of radioactive materials include a set of gamma-ray detectors and neutron detectors. Usually the employed neutron detectors are pressurized 3He-based neutron detectors tubes. Due the shortage of 3He reported since 2009, the amount of 3He available for use in gas proportional counter neutron detectors has become limited, while the demand has significantly increased, especially for homeland security applications. For this reason, many different alternatives are being investigated for its use in RPM systems. The aim of this work is to study a scintillation detector ZnS(Ag) mixed with highly enriched 10B, 10B+ZnS(Ag). Using Monte Carlo methods, MCNPX code, the response of two neutron detectors based on 10B+ZnS(Ag), manufactured by BridgePort Instruments LLC with different geometries, were estimated by calculating the number of 10B(n,α)7 Li reactions for 29 monoenergetic neutron sources. Measurements and models were made, and both detectors were compared. The importance of the distance with respect to the ground was studied. The response with a 252Cf moderated neutron source (0.5 cm lead and 2.5 cm polyethylene) was calculated in order to compare with other studied alternatives in the USA by Pacific National Northwest Laboratory, PNNL. With these results we conclude that neutron detectors using 10B+ZnS(Ag) are an interesting alternative for replacing 3He detectors. From the analysis with MCNPX we propose an improvement in the detector design.

Atomic and radiological crises can be caused by accidents, military activities, terrorist assaults involving atomic installations, the explosion of nuclear devices, or the utilization of concealed radiation exposure devices. Direct damage is caused when radiation interacts directly with cellular components. Indirect effects are mainly caused by the generation of reactive oxygen species due to radiolysis of water molecules. Acute and persistent oxidative stress associates to radiation-induced biological damages. Biological impacts of atomic radiation exposure can be deterministic (in a period range a posteriori of the event and because of destructive tissue/organ harm) or stochastic (irregular, for example cell mutation related pathologies and heritable infections). Potential countermeasures according to a specific scenario require considering basic issues, e.g., the type of radiation, people directly affected and first responders, range of doses received and whether the exposure or contamination has affected the total body or is partial. This review focuses on available medical countermeasures (radioprotectors, radiomitigators, radionuclide scavengers), biodosimetry (biological and biophysical techniques that can be quantitatively correlated with the magnitude of the radiation dose received), and strategies to implement the response to an accidental radiation exposure. In the case of large-scale atomic or radiological events, the most ideal choice for triage, dose assessment and victim classification, is the utilization of global biodosimetry networks, in combination with the automation of strategies based on modular platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In living kidney transplantation there are two different individuals, a healthy donor and a renal transplant recipient. This is an excellent human model to study factors that influence kidney function in the context of reduced renal mass and the adaptation of two comparable kidneys to different metabolic demands. Methods We analyzed the changes in measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR, iohexol) from pretransplantation to 12 months after transplantation in 30 donor–recipient pairs. Each donor was compared with his/her recipient. We defined a priori three different groups based on GFR differences at 12 months: donor > recipient (Group A; 78 ± 8 versus 57 ± 8 mL/min), donor < recipient (Group B; 65 ± 11 versus 79 ± 11 mL/min) and donor ≈ recipient (Group C; 66 ± 7 versus 67 ± 7 mL/min). Other factors like donor/recipient mismatches in body mass index (BMI), surface area and gender were evaluated. Results In Group A donors were mostly male and recipients were female (75% each). Donors had a higher baseline weight than their recipients. During follow-up, weight remained stable in donors but increased 7% in recipients. In Group B donors were mostly female (60%) and recipients male. At baseline, donors had a lower weight than recipients. At 12 months, weight was stable in donors but increased in recipients. In Group C donors were mostly (75%) female and recipients male. At baseline, donors had a higher BMI than their recipients. At 12 months, BMI was stable in donors but increased 14% in recipients. In multivariable analysis, higher GFR at 12 months was associated with higher baseline weight and GFR in donors and with male gender and higher baseline weight in recipients. Conclusions Kidneys from living donors are more 'plastic' than originally thought and respond to metabolic demands and weight changes of their new host. These changes should be taken into account when assessing GFR outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A special session was held in the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) Congress to address the particular challenges facing developing countries regarding radiation protection infrastructure. The objective was to identify and share the key challenges facing developing countries regarding the ability to introduce and establish effective radiation protection programmes. The experiences of key international organisations (International Atomic Energy Agency, Pan American Health Organisation and World Health Organisation) that have support programmes were discussed, along with a perspective from several countries with developing programmes. The key common challenges include: governmental commitment at senior levels, with provision of the necessary resources: establishment of an independent regulatory body and related infrastructure: appropriate numbers of qualified staff in all necessary fields, including their education and training: supporting physical infrastructure, such as dosimetry and measurement equipment including calibration laboratories. In addressing these challenges the importance of support from the key international organisations was emphasised. More emphasis should be given to the application of the graded approach. The establishment of support networks at a national or regional level that allow for the sharing of experiences and resources, and that support the wellbeing of isolated professionals, is also crucial. In this aspect the support from wider professional bodies such as IRPA and established national radiation protection societies can also play a key role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was inspired by the growing international interest in the study of natural products of plant origin with bioactive properties that can replace synthetic chemical pesticides in the control of pathogens. The aim of this study was to explore the in vitro activity of Lanvandula dentata L. essential oil (EO) on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL), a dangerous fungal plant pathogen, causal agent of tomato crown and root rot. Initially, we proceeded to identify the forma specialis of two strains of F. oxyporum by PCR based on the differences in the genes responsible for the synthesis of endo-polygalacturonases (pg1) and exo-polygalacturonases (pgx4) and then tested the activity of the EO on these strains by the direct contact method at different concentrations. The results showed that increasing the concentration of EO had a significant inhibitory effect, with a minimum inhibition rate of 49.3±2.2% and 21.8±4.2 for the strains IB19501 and IB19502 respectively at the 0.25 μL/mL concentration and reaching 100±0.0 at the 1 μL/mL concentration for both strains. The data of this study reveal an important antifungal activity of the EO of L. dentata, these effects further validate the interest of our study and the traditional use of this plant, while indicating the possibilities of its potential use as a natural alternative to pesticides for the control of pathogenic fungi and thus preserve human health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bayoud disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (FOA) poses a major problem to date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Northern Africa. To solve this issue, biocontrol agents and chemicals inducers were used to trigger defense reactions. The present study indicates the direct effect of two antagonistic fungi, Trichoderma harzianum (TH) and Clonostachys rosea (CR), and salicylic acid (SA) application (1 mM, 1.5 mM) in date palm against FOA. Date palm plants were infected by FOA, inoculated with TH or CR, 3 days earlier, or immersed at two SA concentrations (1 mM, 1,5 mM), daily for 3 days. Plants were harvested and examined 3 days after FOA inoculation with pathogen. FOA alone treated plants were led to strong induction of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POX), all biocontrol treatments showed an increase in chitinase (CHI) and glucanase (GLU) activities. SA 1mM treated plants also showed high levels of lipoxygenase (LOX), SA 1,5 mM treated plants were increased in POX. Histochemical localization of POX activity and lignin content showed that high POX activity was already observed in plants treated with TH and CR. These findings support are useful in understanding the role of two antagonists and inducer abiotic to trigger defense related enzymes in imparting resistance to date palm against FOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency preparedness and response (EP&R) to radiological or nuclear accidents depends on many different stakeholder groups: nuclear and radiological regulators and authorities; institutions and ministries concerned by health, environment and consumption; first-line responders including the police, military, firefighters and health workers; as well as local authorities and nuclear industries. Stakeholders also include the general public, such as people living near NPPs8 or affected by previous nuclear or radiological accidents and incidents. Teachers and journalists, bloggers and other social media figures would play a key role in effective dissemination of knowledge and information. NGOs9 or civil associations/societies can also be involved in radiation monitoring and protection. The present study describes the role of different research institutions (such as CIEMAT10, UPM11 and ISGlobal12) and of the Spanish Society of Radiological Protection (SEPR) in bringing together the above-listed stakeholders in Spain to discuss EP&R and identify benefits and challenges of working together. Stakeholder opinions on EP&R, collected mainly in the framework of several European-funded projects, are provided. Remaining barriers and examples of good practices in radiation protection are discussed, as well as recommendations for improving nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness in Spain. The conclusions may be useful for other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey conducted from 2013-2014, in order to determine the fungal agents of wilt and dieback of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from Ghardaia province in Southern Algeria, two Fusarium species; Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium proliferatum and Thielaviopsis sp were identified based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Fusarium proliferatum (Matsush.) Nirenberg ex Gerlach & Nirenberg was isolated and identified, and Koch's postulates were completed. Morphological identification was based on morphological characteristics on PDA and SNA culture media, and it was confirmed molecularly using ribosomal DNA sequence. Data comparison of the sequence (KR 856363) at GenBank revealed 100 % similarity to this fungal species. A phytopathogenicity test was carried out with 3 months old plants, and they were inoculated by dipping the roots into a fungal conidial suspension and also compared with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Kill. & Maire) Malençon, known causal agent of date palm Fusarium wilt (Bayoud disease). After 90 days, disease incidence was eventually 76.66 % and 80 % for F. proliferatum and F. oxysporum, respectively, and the calculus of the index shows that this fungus would be a very serious threat to date palm. Microscopic observation of the roots provided confirmatory evidence that F proliferatum is causing a vascular disease on date palm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a unified approach that encompasses some integral formulas for functions of the visual angle of a compact convex set due to Crofton, Hurwitz and Masotti. The basic tool is an integral formula that also allows us to integrate new functions of the visual angle. Also, we establish some upper and lower bounds for the considered integrals, generalizing, in particular, those obtained by Santaló for Masotti's integral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]