Guided bone regeneration with beta-tricalcium phosphate and poly L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone membrane in partial defects of canine humerus

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of beta-tricalcium phosphate and poly L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone (TCP/PLGC) membrane in the repair of partial bone defects in canine proximal humerus. Three adult mixed-breed dogs were used during the experimental period. The length of the defect was quarter of the full length of humerus, and width of the defect was quarter of middle diameter of the lateral aspect of humerus. The humeri of each dog were divided into treatment (TCP/PLGC) and control groups. The defect was covered with TCP/PLGC membrane in treatment group. To evaluate regeneration of the bone, computerized tomography (CT) and histopathologic examination were performed. The radiopaque lines were appeared at the original defect sites in TCP/PLGC group but below the original site in control at 4th week. Radiopacity and thickness of the defect sites, and radiopaque lines were more increased at 8th week than those of 4th week. Histopathologic findings revealed fibrous connective tissue migration into the defect and the migration inhibited the structure of new cortex to be placed in the original level in control whereas new cortex growth was found in the level of original line in TCP/PLGC group. However, the new cortical bone in the TCP/PLGC group was thinner and less organized than the adjacent intact cortex, and the amount of new cancellous bones were also scanty. The result suggested that TCP/PLGC membrane is a good guided bone regeneration material to restore the original morphology of humerus in partial defect.     

Immunohistochemical study of caveolin-1 and -2 in the rat retina

The expression of caveolin-1 and -2 in the retina was examined; Western blot analysis showed that both were present. Immunohistochemistry indicated that caveolin-1 was expressed in the majority of retinal layers, including the ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, outer plexiform layer, and in the vascular endothelial cells of the retina. Caveolin-2 was primarily immunostained in the vessels, but in a few other elements as well. This is the first demonstration of caveolin differential expression in the retina of rats, and suggests that caveolin plays an important role in signal transduction in glial cells and neuronal cells.     

Nutrient-flow wick culture system for potted plant production: System characteristics and plant growth

To compliment the current subirrigation systems used for production of potted plants, a nutrient-flow wick culture (NFW) system was developed and compared with other subirrigation systems, such as an ebb and flow culture (EBB) system and a nutrient-stagnant wick culture (NSW) system in relation to their system characteristics and plant growth. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana cv. New Alter) was cultivated in a 6 cm pot for 10 weeks in each subirrigation system. The water-absorption pattern of the medium, water content of the medium, water loss, algal growth, salt-buildup and plant growth under various culture systems were observed. The water contents of medium under the NFW and EBB systems showed fluctuations from 30 to 40% and from 50 to 60% (by volume), respectively, whereas the water content under the NSW system gradually increased to over 40% without fluctuation. Relative to other systems, the water loss in the NFW system was 50–70% due to the reduction in the evaporation from the surfaces of the trough and medium. Algae appeared in the NSW system because the nutrient solution was always stagnant in the trough, while it was not observed under the NFW system. The dissolved oxygen in the nutrient solution was the highest during the irrigation period and the salinity in the medium was the lowest in the NFW system. With regard to system characteristics, the NFW system was simple, water-saving and efficient. In addition, the growth of kalanchoes in the NFW system was similar to those in the NSW and EBB systems at an irrigation frequency of five times a day.     

Effect of soil water stress on the development of stone cells in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia cv. ‘Niitaka’) flesh

This study was carried out to investigate the cause of stone cell formation in pear (Pyrus pyrifolia cv. ‘Niitaka’) flesh. Potted plants grown in a glass house were subjected to water stress conditions without irrigation for 30 days from 30 days before full bloom (BFB treatment), full bloom (FB treatment) and 30 days after full bloom (AFB treatment). Control plants were drip-irrigated daily maintaining a soil matrix potential around −40 ± 5 kPa. The formation of stone cells in pear flesh increased in the FB treatment and AFB treatment plants and this tendency was sustained until the harvest season. Root activity was investigated 60 days after full bloom (DAFB) and the triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction potential, the formazan content and leaf water potential were investigated 30, 45, and 60 DAFB. Root activity decreased progressively due to the effect of water stress. Also, the Ca content in leaf and flesh was lower. The peroxidase activity was high in the flesh at the early stages of fruit growth and decreased at the late stages of fruit growth, and then a higher increase of peroxidase activity was observed in water-stressed fruit. The reduction in calcium content of leaf and fruit in plants under water stress may be related to the reduction of root activity and leaf water potential. The increase in peroxidase activity under water stress may be due to limited calcium absorption. Higher peroxidase activity may induce the accumulation of lignin in the cell wall and promote the formation of stone cells in pear flesh. We conclude that water stress condition during the early stages of fruit growth is one of several factors that determine the formation of stone cells in pear flesh.     

Analysis and modeling of gas exchange processes in Scaevola aemula

Scaevola aemula is a popular ornamental crop cultivated as a bedding plant or for hanging baskets. We characterized gas exchange properties of S. aemula ‘New Wonder’ in response to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), carbon dioxide concentration, and leaf temperature. Net CO₂ assimilation rate (A) was responsive to CO₂, exhibiting a saturation when intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) was greater than 600 μmol mol⁻¹. Net CO₂ assimilation rate and dark respiration rate (R_d) were 23.1 and 2.3 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively, at 25 °C and PAR = 1500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Net CO₂ assimilation rates were similar at leaf temperatures between 20 and 30 °C but significantly reduced at 15 °C. These gas exchange results were used to test the extendibility of a coupled gas exchange model previously developed for cut-roses. Utilizing the gas exchange data measured at 25 °C leaf temperature, several model parameters were independently determined for S. aemula. Model predictions were then compared with observations at different leaf temperatures. The model predicted the rates of net CO₂ assimilation and transpiration of S. aemula reasonably well. Without additional calibration, the model was capable of predicting the temperature dependence of net CO₂ assimilation and transpiration rates. Applying the model to predict the effects of supplemental lighting and CO₂ enrichment on canopy photosynthesis and transpiration rates, we show that this model could be a useful tool for examining environmental control options for S. aemula production in the greenhouse.     

Growth and development of Lilium longiflorum ‘Nellie White’ during bulb production under controlled environments : II. Effects of shifting day/night temperature regimes on scale bulblets

One-year old scale bulblets of Lilium longiflorum Thunb. ‘Nellie White’ (Easter lily) were grown for 107 days during growth period 1 (GP-1) in six growth chambers under constant day/night temperature regimes of 30/26, 26/22, 22/18, 18/14, 14/10 and 10/6 °C. Subsequently, half of the plants in each temperature regime were transferred to 18/14 °C and the other half continued at the six constant temperature regimes. Both groups of plants were grown for an additional 89 days in growth period 2 (GP-2). Continuous temperatures of 26/22, 26/22–22/18 and 26/22–18/14 °C produced the greatest increase in basal bulb fresh weight (the main planted bulb), basal bulb circumference and stem bulb fresh weight, respectively. However, shifting these optimal temperatures to 18/14 °C during GP-2 resulted in a lower increase in basal bulb fresh weight and circumference. The optimum range for stem bulb production was expanded to 30/26–14/10 °C by shifting to 18/14 °C. The greatest increase for basal root growth occurred at 14/10–10/6 °C and for stem root growth at 14/10 °C. The temperature shift did not affect either root type. Maximum increase for stem length was at 26/22 and 22/18 °C and for stem plus leaf weight at 14/10 °C under constant temperature regimes. Transferring the plants from 10/6 to 18/14 °C resulted in the greatest increase in stem length and from 10/6 and 14/10 to 18/14 °C in the greatest increase in stem plus leaf weight. The greatest increase in the number of leaves occurred at 26/22 and 10/6 °C, but this growth parameter was unaffected by shifting to 18/14 °C, indicating that leaf number was determined in GP-1. Bulbils developed only when bulbs at high GP-1 temperature regimes (30/26 and 26/22 °C) were transferred to 18/14 °C during GP-2. Lower temperatures tended to favor an increase in flower bud production under continuous temperature regimes, while shifting to 18/14 °C increased flower bud production after initially high and low temperatures. Meristem abortion was greatest at 30/26 °C followed by 26/22 °C, but was not affected by temperature shifts in GP- 2. Thus, it is concluded that the abortion was induced or initiated during GP-1.     

The Comparative Anatomical Study of the Parietal Region of the Skull of the Korean Native Goat (Capra Hircus)

In the skull of the Korean native goat, the parietal region was classified into four types by the degree of the fusion of the bones, the os interparietale, the os parietale and the squama occipitalis of the os occipitale, and the structural variations of these fusions. The fusion appeared first in the sutura inter-parietoparietalis and that of the sutura sagittalis of both ossa parietalia was followed. There was no fusion between the os parietale and the squama occipitalis of the os occipitale. These results suggest that the os interparietale developed independently but fused to the os parietale after birth, and the os parietale were developed as paired bones in prenatal life and then fused together according to age.     

Papyriflavonol A, a new prenylated flavonol from Broussonetia papyrifera

A new prenylated flavonol, papyriflavonol A, was isolated from the root barks of Broussonetia papyrifera. The structure of this compound was elucidated as 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6,5'-di-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-flavonol (1) by spectroscopic analysis.     

Reckoning social forestry in Bangladesh: policy and plan versus implementation

The history of scientific forest management in Bangladesh datesback to the nineteenth century with defined forest policiesand laws. Due to various socio-economic and socio-politicalfactors, forest cover of the country reduced drastically andall such policy initiatives proved ineffective. Although traditionalforest management objectives covered a wide range from economicbenefit to ecological stability, these have never been attainedfully. Huge population and limited land area compelled policymakers to think about alternatives to traditional forest management.One alternative, social forestry, was introduced in Bangladeshin early 1980s and has proved to be extremely successful. Whiletraditional forest management resulted in a net loss of forestresource cover, social forestry on the other hand, is playinga vital role in the expansion of forest cover (40 387 ha ofnew forest cover and 48 420 km new strip plantation since themid-1980s) benefiting thousands of poor people. Results showthat during the last four years (2000–2003) more than23 000 individuals benefited from the final felling of differentsocial forestry plantations (woodlot, agroforestry and stripplantation). This generated a total income of US$ 5.6 millionfor the government and US$ 5.3 million for participants plusUS$ 1.2 million for the Tree Farming Fund – a 10 per centdepository reserve to sustain the practice in the long run.Although average individual final returns (US$ 223 person^–1)are not so attractive, some people got about US$ 5000 to US$8500 from final felling, sufficient to improve their standardof living and social position. Despite the success so far achieved,social forestry in Bangladesh still suffers from various institutionaldeficiencies like organization, skilled manpower, legitimateusufruct rights, peoples' participation from policy to implementationand clear budgetary arrangements. Besides, until now the roleof relevant actors is not well defined in all the steps of socialforestry practice in Bangladesh. Unless the participants aregiven clear legitimate usufruct rights, they will remain scepticaltowards this programme. They should have good and meaningfulaccess from planning to implementation. In the context of institutionaldevelopment, there are governmental policy guidelines and a20-year Master Plan for Bangladesh. Although some steps havebeen partially completed, there is still much to do to complywith forest policy guidelines and the Master Plan. It is shownthat in the last seven years (1995/96–2001/2002) onlyUS$ 15.41 million a^–1 has actually been spent againstan allocated sum of US$ 68.37 million a^–1. Therefore,if the intention is to institutionalize social forestry in Bangladesh,government and policy makers should actively come forward. Otherwisethe full potential of social forestry in Bangladesh will notbecome a reality.