bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Biomass Yield in Lowland Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)
Authors: Bhandari H. S. , Saha M. C. , Fasoula V. A. , Bouton J. H.
Published: June 2011

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is an important herbaceous species for use in biofuel production. Genetic improvement of biomass yield and related traits of switchgrass will help ensure efficient feedstock production. To understand the genetics of biomass yield and related traits, 46 full‐sib families, including 30 derived using a nested design, were evaluated during 2008 and 2009 in spaced‐plant nurseries at Ardmore and Burneyville, OK, following a honeycomb design. Parental genotypes were evaluated adjacent to the family nurseries at Ardmore. Mean biomass yields of full‐sib families ranged from 1.32 to 2.18 kg plant−1. One family outperformed checks, while 16 other families performed as well as checks. Results showed a preponderance of additive genes in controlling biomass yield, tillering ability, and spring regrowth. Narrow‐sense heritabilities for biomass yield were estimated to be 0.17, 0.14, and 0.24, based on half‐sib families, full‐sib/half‐sib families, and midparent–progeny regression, respectively. Tillering abilities showed similar heritability estimates (0.20–0.24) using either method. For heading and flowering and spring regrowth, the heritability estimates were larger using midparent–progeny regression than using variation among half‐sib or full‐sib/half‐sib families. Heritability for plant height and stem thickness were larger when estimated using half‐sib families than full‐sib/half‐sib families, while the reverse held true for plant spread. Rigorous family evaluation and use of tillering ability, plant height, and stem thickness could be helpful in improving biomass yield in switchgrass.
Comparison of Conventional, Modified Single Seed Descent, and Doubled Haploid Breeding Methods for Maize Inbred Line Development Using Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Breeding Crosses
Authors: Jumbo McDonald , Weldekidan Teclemariam , Holland James B. , Hawk James A.
Published: June 2011

Breeding crosses from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project between exotic accessions and elite Corn Belt Dent inbreds provide a unique opportunity for broadening the genetic base of the U.S. maize (Zea mays L.) crop by incorporating favorable exotic alleles in elite genetic backgrounds. Genetic gains in the GEM program could be enhanced by identifying more efficient breeding procedures for this purpose. We compared four breeding methods, conventional Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (CG), conventional mass (CM), modified single seed descent (MSSD), and doubled haploid (DH) methods, for their relative capacity to produce superior maize inbred lines and hybrids from three GEM breeding crosses: (ANTIG01 × N16) × DE4, (AR16035 × S02) × S09, and (DKXL212 × S09) × S43b. Testcross evaluations of 50 selected lines from each combination of cross and breeding method were conducted across multiple environments, generally revealing no differences among breeding methods. The MSSD and CM methods had higher proportions of the top 10 lines for grain yield and yield:moisture ratio in the second year testcross reevaluations of about the top 28% of lines. Hybrids from MSSD lines tended to have higher grain moisture, but MSSD hybrids with high yield:moisture ratio could still be identified. The MSSD method may be an effective and efficient alternative to both pedigree and DH methods for developing high performing lines from the GEM breeding crosses as it requires relatively fewer resources.
Divot Resistance Varies among Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Cultivars
Authors: Trappe Jon M. , Karcher Douglas E. , Richardson Michael D. , Patton Aaron J.
Published: June 2011

Divots created by a golf stroke are a natural occurrence on golf courses and the resistance of turf to divot injury is an important factor that should be considered when selecting a turfgrass. Therefore, the primary objective of this experiment was to quantify the divot resistance for various bermudagrass (Cynodon spp. Rich.) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.) cultivars in a field experiment, with a secondary objective to compare evaluation methods for quantifying divot resistance. This study was conducted in Fayetteville, AR. Divot type, severity, and volume as well as a Turfgrass Shear Tester were used to determine divot resistance. ‘Riviera’ bermudagrass had the largest volume per divot (70 cm3), while the smallest divots (<28 cm3) were observed with ‘Cavalier’, ‘Diamond’, and ‘Zorro’ zoysiagrass. More force was required to displace divots from Diamond zoysiagrass than from Riviera, ‘Patriot’, or ‘Princess 77’ bermduagrass. Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. consistently demonstrated greater divot resistance than Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. The four methods for evaluating divot resistance provided similar findings for divot resistance for the cultivars and species tested. These results provide researchers methods for evaluating divot resistance and will allow golf course superintendents to better select cultivars and species that will improve playing conditions and reduce divot injury.
A Novel Approach to Grass–Legume Management
Authors: Solomon Juan K. Q. , Macoon Bisoondat , Lang David J. , Parish Jane A. , Vann Rhonda C.
Published: June 2011

Spatially separated monoculture grasses and legumes within the same paddock (SS) may help alleviate constraints to the widespread adoption of legumes in pastures. A grazing study conducted during the winter–spring seasons of 2008 (steers, initial body weight [BW] = 236 ± 24 kg) and 2009 (heifers, initial BW = 245 ± 40 kg) at Raymond, MS, evaluated four forage systems (FS) at two stocking rates (SR; 3 or 6 animals ha−1). Using ‘Marshall’ annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and ‘Durana’ white clover (Trifolium repens L.), FS treatments were SS, monoculture grass (MG), monoculture legume (ML), and a binary mixture of grass and legume (MIX). Herbage mass was similar among FS at the high SR (1.9 Mg ha−1), but herbage mass at low SR was greater in MG, MIX, and the grass component of SS than ML and the legume component of SS (2.9 vs. 2.0 Mg ha−1). Among legume plots, SR did not affect herbage mass (1.9 Mg ha−1), but on grass plots, herbage mass was greater at low than high SR (2.9 vs. 2.0 Mg ha−1). Herbage accumulation was greater on grass than on legume plots (32 vs.13 kg ha−1 d−1), but there was no difference among FS within these two forage species. Low SR had greater herbage accumulation (27 kg ha−1 d−1) than high SR (21 kg ha−1 d−1). Average daily gain was greater on SS (1.12 kg) than on ML (0.97 kg), but neither was different from MG (1.08 kg) or MIX (1.00 kg), and greater on low SR than on high SR (1.09 vs. 0.99 kg). These results suggest that a SS system may be an option to enhance adoption of legumes in pastures.
Breeding Potential of Semidwarf Corn for Grain and Forage in the Northern U.S. Corn Belt
Authors: Schaefer Christopher M. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Bernardo Rex
Published: June 2011

Conventional, nondwarf corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown in the northern U.S. Corn Belt are typically >2 m tall and have a 75‐ to 100‐d relative maturity (RM). Our objectives were to assess the potential of open‐pollinated COPOP1 semidwarf corn for grain and forage production, estimate genetic variances and heritability in COPOP1, and develop COPOP1 subpopulations that exhibit heterosis. In 2005 and 2006, we evaluated COPOP1 with four commercial, nondwarf hybrids at three plant population densities. Grain yield of open‐pollinated COPOP1 was about half of the mean yield of the conventional hybrids. However, COPOP1 had lower grain moisture (equivalent to 62 d RM) and better forage quality than the commercial hybrids. In 2007, COPOP1 was evaluated for performance when crossed to two divergent inbred testers, LH227 and LH295. Heritability was significant for grain moisture, plant height, and ear height in testcrosses to both testers but was significant for grain yield only in testcrosses to LH227. In 2009, bulk Cycle 0 (i.e., original COPOP1) and Cycle 1 testcrosses, nine semidwarf hybrids, COPOP1, and three commercial hybrids were evaluated at two plant population densities. Grain yield and most agronomic and forage traits did not improve between Cycle 0 and Cycle 1 in either testcross population. None of the semidwarf hybrids had higher grain yields than COPOP1. While semidwarf COPOP1 can serve as a source of useful variation for improving elite germplasm in the northern U.S. Corn Belt, further selection in COPOP1 must be done to develop improved semidwarf populations.
Fitness Evaluation of Rcg1, a Locus that Confers Resistance to Colletotrichum graminicola (Ces.) G.W. Wils. Using Near‐Isogenic Maize Hybrids
Authors: Frey T. J. , Weldekidan T. , Colbert T. , Wolters P.J.C.C. , Hawk J.A.
Published: June 2011

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum graminicola (Ces.) G.W. Wils. is an important stalk rot disease in maize (Zea mays L.). The impact of genetic resistance to plant pathogens is extremely important from both economic and environmental standpoints. The objectives of this study were to determine if any fitness costs were associated with the Rcg1 locus that confers resistance to C. graminicola in maize and to determine the effect of Rcg1 on grain yield in the presence of disease. Near‐isogenic hybrids (NIHs), created by crossing B73Ht and Mo17Ht with near‐isogenic lines (NILs) DE811 and DE811ASR(BC5), were evaluated under three treatment regimes: inoculation with C. graminicola, inoculation with water (wounding), and no inoculation. The experiment was conducted in a replicated split‐split‐plot design at six locations. Results indicate that the NIL DE811ASR(BC5) does not cause significant negative effects in hybrid combinations for most agronomic traits compared to hybrids made with the recurrent parent, DE811, and that there was no apparent fitness cost associated with Rcg1 in uninoculated or wounded treatments. The presence of Rcg1 reduced the overall yield impact incurred by infection in inoculated plots by almost three fold in comparison to the NIHs that lack the gene. These results, in addition to the asexual life cycle and limited variability of C. graminicola, imply that Rcg1 may be a durable resistance locus.
Molecular Characterization of the Mutant fap3(A22) Allele for Reduced Palmitate Concentration in Soybean
Authors: De Vries Brian D. , Fehr Walter R. , Welke Grace A. , Dewey Ralph E.
Published: June 2011

Reduction of the palmitate concentration in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] oil is desirable for reducing the amount of saturated fat in the human diet. Chemical mutagenesis was used to develop the line A22 with the mutant allele designated fap3(A22) that reduces palmitate concentration in the seed oil. The objective of our study was to determine the molecular basis of the fap3(A22) mutation and develop a corresponding molecular marker to assist in future efforts for developing soybean cultivars with low saturated fat. DNA sequence analysis of the GmFATB1a gene of soybean revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) resulting in a nonconservative amino acid substitution that was likely to be detrimental to the function of the 16:0–acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) enzyme. An association analysis was conducted using F2–derived lines from a cross between the cultivar Archer (Fap3Fap3) and A22 (fap3fap3) that had been analyzed for their palmitate concentration by gas chromatography. Molecular genotyping of these lines established a perfect correlation between lines phenotypically classified as homozygous for the Fap3 allele or homozygous for the fap3(A22) allele based on their palmitate concentration. The polymorphism in the GmFATB1a gene was used to develop a functional, codominant marker that could be used to distinguish the Fap3 and fap3(A22) alleles in segregating populations. This marker will be useful for breeders who are developing low‐saturate cultivars with the fap3(A22) allele.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Elite Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] Germplasm in China
Authors: Liu Zhengli , Bai Guihua , Zhang Dadong , Zhu Chengsong , Xia Xueyan , Cheng Ruhong , Shi Zhigang
Published: June 2011

China is among the countries that have the most severe water deficiency. Due to its excellent drought tolerance, foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] has become one of the important cereal crops in China. Information on genetic diversity and population structure of foxtail millet may facilitate effective use of limited genetic resources in breeding programs. In this study, a selected panel of 128 accessions was screened with 79 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to investigate genetic diversity and population structure of foxtail millet. The panel was selected from 3356 germplasm collections from three major ecological areas of China: North, Northwest, and Northeast China. The mean genetic diversity was 0.75 and the mean polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.72, indicating a high level of genetic diversity across the panel. Structure analysis identified six groups, which matches with their pedigree information, in general, but not with their geographic origins. Germplasm in Group 2 (G2) have unique geographic origins and pedigrees, which is different from other five groups; thus, crosses of accessions in this group to accessions from other groups are more likely to generate expected recombination for developing both conventional and hybrid cultivars.
A Developmental Genetic Basis for Defining Root Classes
Authors: Zobel Richard W.
Published: June 2011

Root class nomenclature has not been standardized across species and groups (families). This has lead to a lack of transferability of conclusions from one species to another. The International Society for Root Research (ISRR) has approved a four class nomenclature for roots (Zobel and Waisel, 2010). A review of literature that has not been routinely cited by plant anatomists suggests that there are at least four classes and eight subclasses of root, based on developmental genetic characteristics across eudicots and monocots. The use of this classification scheme to develop research on specific classes of root may suggest a far more simple genetic basis than that suggested by current molecular and proteomic research.
Allelic Variants at the TaZds‐D1 Locus on Wheat Chromosome 2DL and their Association with Yellow Pigment Content
Authors: Zhang Caiying , Dong Changhai , He Xinyao , Zhang Liping , Xia Xianchun , He Zhonghu
Published: June 2011

Zeta (ζ)‐carotene desaturase (ZDS) is a key enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, which determines the yellow pigment (YP) content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains. In the present study, the full‐length DNA sequence of a ZDS gene on wheat chromosome 2DL, designated TaZds‐D1, was characterized. The TaZds‐D1 gene has an open reading frame of 1707 bp, including 13 introns and 14 exons, and a deduced peptide containing 568 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 62.5 kDa. The TaZds‐D1 gene was located on chromosome 2DL based on polymerase chain reaction amplifications of Chinese Spring nullisomic‐tetrasomic lines, Langdon–Chinese Spring D‐genome chromosome disomic substitution lines, and Rusty D‐genome chromosome disomic substitution lines as well as linkage analysis. Two allelic variants, TaZds‐D1a and TaZds‐D1b, were detected in Chinese wheat cultivars, and a functional marker, YP2D‐1, was developed based on the sequence polymorphism between TaZds‐D1a and TaZds‐D1b. A major quantitative trait locus, located at the TaZds‐D1 region in the marker interval of YP2D‐1 and Xgwm157 on chromosome 2DL, explained 18.4% of the phenotypic variance for YP content in a doubled haploid population derived from the cross Zhongyou 9507/CA 9632. This confirmed the association between allelic variation at the TaZds‐D1 locus and YP content.
Constraints on Asparagus Production: The Association of Ophiomyia simplex (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and Fusarium spp.
Authors: Morrison William R. , Tuell Julianna K. , Hausbeck Mary K. , Szendrei Zsofia
Published: June 2011

Production of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is globally constrained by the “early decline” syndrome. The primary causal agents of early decline include Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, F. oxysporum Wollenw. f. sp. asparagi S.I. Cohen, and F. subglutinans Wollenw. & Reinking. These pathogens together contribute to Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR). Damage to asparagus stems, especially by the asparagus miner (Ophiomyia simplex Loew [Diptera: Agromyzidae]), has been associated with and shown to exacerbate FCRR. This review synthesizes the current information on this tripartite interaction, describes management strategies and their efficacy, and highlights needed research. Opportunities for future control of the asparagus miner and associated FCRR are presented. Research areas of interest include investigating the role of semiochemicals in the asparagus miner–Fusarium spp. interaction, identifying effective biological controls for the asparagus miner, and determining source populations of asparagus miner in new asparagus plantings.
Vertical-flow constructed wetlands as an emerging solution for faecal sludge dewatering in developing countries
Authors: Kengne I. M. , Kengne E. Soh , Akoa Amougou , Bemmo N. , Dodane P.-H. , Koné D.
Published: June 2011

Yard-scale experiments aiming at assessing the suitability of vertical-flow constructed wetlands to dewater faecal sludge (FS) were conducted in Yaoundé (Cameroon). During 6 months, beds vegetated either with Cyperus papyrus L. or Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase were fed under constant solids loading rates (SLR) of 100, 200 and 300 kg TS (total solids) m−2/year. Physicochemical parameters of raw FS and percolate as well as the dewatering efficiency of each bed unit were monitored weekly. Results showed that, despite the high loading rates, the beds' pollutant removal efficiencies were more than 78% for the parameters considered and were not affected by the SLR or the macrophyte types. Beds loaded at 100 kg TS m−2/year rarely clogged with an average dry matter content ≥ 30%. However at SLR ≥ 200 kg TS m−2/year, the occurrence of clogging was higher in the papyrus beds than those of E. pyramidalis. Approximately 30–40 cm/year of sludge will be accumulated in beds loaded at the lowest SLR against 50–70 cm/year at 200 kg TS m−2/year and more than 80 cm/year at 300 kg TS m−2/year. These promising findings suggest the system as adequate for further investigation at real scale for FS dewatering in the context of developing countries.
The sanitation ladder – a need for a revamp?
Authors: Kvarnström E. , McConville J. , Bracken P. , Johansson M. , Fogde M.
Published: June 2011

The sanitation ladder is a useful tool that is being used to monitor progress towards the sanitation target of the MDGs. This tool could be even more useful if it can be refined to be based on the functions of sanitation systems rather than on a hierarchy of predefined sanitation technologies. This paper presents a seven-rung function-based sanitation ladder where the functions can be broadly divided into health functions and environmental functions. The proposed ladder is intended as an inspiration for nations, and the JMP, to move towards a function-based rather than technology-based monitoring of sanitation progress. A functional approach to monitoring of e.g. the sanitation target of the MDGs would require some major shifts in the monitoring methods used but it is argued that such an approach would: (i) actually monitor the public good, which is desired from a sanitation system; (ii) stimulate donors, governments and municipalities to think beyond the provision of certain sanitation technologies; (iii) allow for local solutions to the sanitation problem to be developed; and (iv) spur innovation within the sector.
Comparison and verification of four field-based microbiological tests: H2S test, Easygel®, Colilert®, Petrifilm™
Authors: Chuang Patty , Trottier Stephanie , Murcott Susan
Published: June 2011

The UN defines water supplies as ‘improved’ or ‘unimproved.’ These indicators are easy to measure, but do not reflect water quality, which requires laboratory or field tests. Laboratory and test availability, expense and technical capacity are obstacles for developing countries.

This research compares and verifies four low-cost, field-based microbiological tests: the EC-Kit (Colilert® and Petrifilm™ tests), the H2S bacteria test, and Easygel®, against a standard method (Quanti-Tray®). The objectives are to: (1) verify the accuracy of the four field-based tests, (2) study the accuracy of these tests as a function of improved and unimproved sources; (3) recommend a single microbiological test, if appropriate, based on accuracy and cost, and/or (4) recommend a testing combination, if appropriate, based on accuracy and cost.

The tests of 500+ total water samples from Capiz Province, Philippines and Cambridge, MA indicate that two-tests systems gave better results than a single test. Both the 100-mL H2S test + Petrifilm™ and the 20-mL H2S test + Easygel® combinations yield promising results, in addition to being inexpensive. None of the field-based tests should be used on their own. We recommend further verification of a larger sample size and scale be undertaken before these testing combinations are recommended for wider use.
Impact of a natural coagulant pretreatment for colour removal on solar water disinfection (SODIS)
Authors: Wilson Sarah A. , Andrews Susan A.
Published: June 2011

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is the process of treating microbiologically contaminated water in clear plastic bottles through exposure to sunlight. One of the major limiting factors of this treatment is source water quality. This work investigates the impact of source water colour on SODIS efficiency and evaluates a natural coagulant for colour removal. The ability of Moringa oleifera seed emulsion to both clarify and decolourize source waters was investigated as a coagulation pretreatment for SODIS. This coagulant reduced the colour by more than two-thirds and achieved up to 1-log10 bacterial removal (90%). The combined Moringa oleifera coagulation-SODIS treatment sequence was tested in highly coloured natural source water and was found to reduce the sunlight exposure time required by up to 2 hours. However, despite being an effective clarification and decolouring process, the pretreatment may not shorten the overall treatment time because of its own labour and time requirements, potentially decreasing the treatment compliance rates. In addition, while total coliform and heterotrophic bacteria regrowth was observed during overnight storage of the treated water, no Escherichia coli regrowth was found to occur.
Heat Transfer Studies in Coiled Agitated Vessel with Varying Heat Input
Authors: Perarasu V T , Arivazhagan M , Sivashanmugam P
Published: June 2011

Heat transfer studies in a coiled agitated vessel with varying heat input is presented using two agitators namely propeller and disk turbine. Heat transfer rate increases with agitator speed for both the agitators for a given heat input. The heat transfer coefficient also increases with heat input for a given agitator speed for turbine agitator for all the heat inputs, whereas for propeller it is increasing up to a certain value and then decreases. The heat transfer coefficient (heat transfer rate) for turbine agitator is higher than that for propeller for all heat inputs. Empirical correlations separately were formed for each agitator and found to fit the experimental values within range of ±15% for both the agitators.
Does Glucose Variability Influence the Relationship Between Mean Plasma Glucose and HbA1c Levels in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients?
Authors: Kuenen Judith C. , Borg Rikke , Kuik Dirk J. , Zheng Hui , Schoenfeld David , Diamant Michaela , Nathan David M. , Heine Robert J. ,   on behalf of the ADAG Study Group
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE

The A1C-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) study demonstrated a linear relationship between HbA1c and mean plasma glucose (MPG). As glucose variability (GV) may contribute to glycation, we examined the association of several glucose variability indices and the MPG-HbA1c relationship.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Analyses included 268 patients with type 1 diabetes and 159 with type 2 diabetes. MPG during 3 months was calculated from 7-point self-monitored plasma glucose and continuous glucose monitoring. We calculated three different measures of GV and used a multiple-step regression model to determine the contribution of the respective GV measures to the MPG-HbA1c relationship.

RESULTS

GV, as reflected by SD and continuous overlapping net glycemic action, had a significant effect on the MPG-HbA1c relationship in type 1 diabetic patients so that high GV led to a higher HbA1c level for the same MPG. In type 1 diabetes, the impact of confounding and effect modification of a low versus high SD at an MPG level of 160 mg/dL on the HbA1c level is 7.02 vs. 7.43 and 6.96 vs. 7.41. All GV measures showed the same tendency.

CONCLUSIONS

In only type 1 diabetic patients, GV shows a significant interaction with MPG in the association with HbA1c. This effect is more pronounced at higher HbA1c levels. However, the impact of GV on the HbA1c level in type 1 diabetes is modest, particularly when HbA1c is close to the treatment target of 7%.
Galois theory and Lubin-Tate cochains on classifying spaces
Authors: Baker Andrew , Richter Birgit
Published: June 2011

We consider brave new cochain extensions F(BG
+,R) → F(EG
+,R), where R is either a Lubin-Tate spectrum E
n or the related 2-periodic Morava K-theory K
n, and G is a finite group. When R is an Eilenberg-Mac Lane spectrum, in some good cases such an extension is a G-Galois extension in the sense of John Rognes, but not always faithful. We prove that for E
n and K
n these extensions are always faithful in the K
n local category. However, for a cyclic p-group $C_{p^r } $, the cochain extension $F(BC_{p^r + } ,E_n ) \to F(EC_{p^r + } ,E_n )$ is not a Galois extension because it ramifies. As a consequence, it follows that the E
n-theory Eilenberg-Moore spectral sequence for G and BGdoes not always converge to its expected target.
Resilient critical infrastructure management with a service oriented architecture: A test case using airport collaborative decision making
Authors: Hall-May Martin , Surridge Mike , Nossal-Tüyeni Roman
Published: June 2011

Resilient critical infrastructure management with a service oriented architecture: A test case using airport collaborative decision making

The SERSCIS approach aims to support the use of interconnected systems of services in Critical Infrastructure (CI) applications. The problem of system interconnectedness is aptly demonstrated by ‘Airport Collaborative Decision Making’ (A-CDM). Failure or underperformance of any of the interlinked ICT systems may compromise the ability of airports to plan their use of resources to sustain high levels of air traffic, or to provide accurate aircraft movement forecasts to the wider European air traffic management systems. The proposed solution is to introduce further SERSCIS ICT components to manage dependability and interdependency. These use semantic models of the critical infrastructure, including its ICT services, to identify faults and potential risks and to increase human awareness of them. Semantics allow information and services to be described in a way that makes them understandable to computers. Thus when a failure (or a threat of it) is detected, SERSCIS components can take action to manage the consequences, including changing the interdependency relationships between services. In some cases, the components will be able to take action autonomously, e.g., to manage ‘local’ issues such as the allocation of CPU time to maintain service performance, or the selection of services where there are redundant sources available. In other cases the components will alert human operators so they can take action instead. The goal of this paper is to describe a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) that can be used to address the management of ICT components and interdependencies in critical infrastructure systems.
Performance evaluation of MapReduce using full virtualisation on a departmental cloud
Authors: González-Vélez Horacio , Kontagora Maryam
Published: June 2011

Performance evaluation of MapReduce using full virtualisation on a departmental cloud

This work analyses the performance of Hadoop, an implementation of the MapReduce programming model for distributed parallel computing, executing on a virtualisation environment comprised of 1+16 nodes running the VMWare workstation software. A set of experiments using the standard Hadoop benchmarks has been designed in order to determine whether or not significant reductions in the execution time of computations are experienced when using Hadoop on this virtualisation platform on a departmental cloud. Our findings indicate that a significant decrease in computing times is observed under these conditions. They also highlight how overheads and virtualisation in a distributed environment hinder the possibility of achieving the maximum (peak) performance.
Constrained controllability of nonlinear stochastic impulsive systems
Authors: Karthikeyan Shanmugasundaram , Balachandran Krishnan
Published: June 2011

Constrained controllability of nonlinear stochastic impulsive systems

This paper is concerned with complete controllability of a class of nonlinear stochastic systems involving impulsive effects in a finite time interval by means of controls whose initial and final values can be assigned in advance. The result is achieved by using a fixed-point argument.
A study on new right/left inverses of nonsquare polynomial matrices
Authors: Hunek Wojciech , Latawiec Krzysztof
Published: June 2011

A study on new right/left inverses of nonsquare polynomial matrices

This paper presents several new results on the inversion of full normal rank nonsquare polynomial matrices. New analytical right/left inverses of polynomial matrices are introduced, including the so-called τ-inverses, σ-inverses and, in particular,S-inverses, the latter providing the most general tool for the design of various polynomial matrix inverses. The applicationoriented problem of selecting stable inverses is also solved. Applications in inverse-model control, in particular robust minimum variance control, are exploited, and possible applications in signal transmission/recovery in various types of MIMO channels are indicated.
Convergence method, properties and computational complexity for Lyapunov games
Authors: Clempner Julio , Poznyak Alexander
Published: June 2011

Convergence method, properties and computational complexity for Lyapunov games

We introduce the concept of a Lyapunov game as a subclass of strictly dominated games and potential games. The advantage of this approach is that every ergodic system (repeated game) can be represented by a Lyapunov-like function. A direct acyclic graph is associated with a game. The graph structure represents the dependencies existing between the strategy profiles. By definition, a Lyapunov-like function monotonically decreases and converges to a single Lyapunov equilibrium point identified by the sink of the game graph. It is important to note that in previous works this convergence has not been guaranteed even if the Nash equilibrium point exists. The best reply dynamics result in a natural implementation of the behavior of a Lyapunov-like function. Therefore, a Lyapunov game has also the benefit that it is common knowledge of the players that only best replies are chosen. By the natural evolution of a Lyapunov-like function, no matter what, a strategy played once is not played again. As a construction example, we show that, for repeated games with bounded nonnegative cost functions within the class of differentiable vector functions whose derivatives satisfy the Lipschitz condition, a complex vector-function can be built, where each component is a function of the corresponding cost value and satisfies the condition of the Lyapunov-like function. The resulting vector Lyapunov-like function is a monotonic function which can only decrease over time. Then, a repeated game can be represented by a one-shot game. The functionality of the suggested method is successfully demonstrated by a simulated experiment.
Supporting locomotive functions of a six-legged walking robot
Authors: Walas Krzysztof , Belter Dominik
Published: June 2011

Supporting locomotive functions of a six-legged walking robot

This paper presents a method for building a foothold selection module as well as methods for the stability check for a multi-legged walking robot. The foothold selection decision maker is shaped automatically, without expert knowledge. The robot learns how to select appropriate footholds by walking on rough terrain or by testing ground primitives. The gathered knowledge is then used to find a relation between slippages and the obtained local shape of the terrain, which is further employed to assess potential footholds. A new approach to function approximation is proposed. It uses the least-squares fitting method, the Kolmogorov theorem and population-based optimization algorithms. A strategy for re-learning is proposed. The role of the decision support unit in the control system of the robot is presented. The importance of the stability check procedure is shown. A method of finding the stability region is described. Further improvements in the stability check procedure due to taking into account kinematic correction are reported. A description of the system for calculating static stability on-line is given. Methods for measuring stance forces are described. The measurement of stance forces facilitates the extended stability check procedure. The correctness of the method is proved by results obtained in a real environment on a real robot.
Singular fractional linear systems and electrical circuits
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: June 2011

Singular fractional linear systems and electrical circuits

A new class of singular fractional linear systems and electrical circuits is introduced. Using the Caputo definition of the fractional derivative, the Weierstrass regular pencil decomposition and the Laplace transformation, the solution to the state equation of singular fractional linear systems is derived. It is shown that every electrical circuit is a singular fractional system if it contains at least one mesh consisting of branches only with an ideal supercapacitor and voltage sources or at least one node with branches with supercoils.
Energy characteristic of a processor allocator and a network-on-chip
Authors: Zydek Dawid , Selvaraj Henry , Borowik Grzegorz , Łuba Tadeusz
Published: June 2011

Energy characteristic of a processor allocator and a network-on-chip

Energy consumption in a Chip MultiProcessor (CMP) is one of the most important costs. It is related to design aspects such as thermal and power constrains. Besides efficient on-chip processing elements, a well-designed Processor Allocator (PA) and a Network-on-Chip (NoC) are also important factors in the energy budget of novel CMPs. In this paper, the authors propose an energy model for NoCs with 2D-mesh and 2D-torus topologies. All important NoC architectures are described and discussed. Energy estimation is presented for PAs. The estimation is based on synthesis results for PAs targeting FPGA. The PAs are driven by allocation algorithms that are studied as well. The proposed energy model is employed in a simulation environment, where exhaustive experiments are performed. Simulation results show that a PA with an IFF allocation algorithm for mesh systems and a torus-based NoC with express-virtual-channel flow control are very energy efficient. Combination of these two solutions is a clear choice for modern CMPs.
Design of microprogrammed controllers to be implemented in FPGAs
Authors: Wiśniewski Remigiusz , Barkalov Alexander , Titarenko Larisa , Halang Wolfgang
Published: June 2011

Design of microprogrammed controllers to be implemented in FPGAs

In the article we propose a new design method for microprogrammed controllers. The traditional structure is improved by modifying internal modules and connections. Such a solution allows reducing the total number of logic elements needed for implementation in programmable structures, especially Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Detailed results of experiments show that on the average the application of the proposed methods yields up to 30% savings as far as the destination device is considered.
Redshirting, Compulsory Schooling Laws, and Educational Attainment
Authors: Aliprantis Dionissi
Published: June 2011

A wide literature uses date of birth as an instrument to study the causal effects of educational attainment. This paper shows how parents delaying their children’s initial enrollment in kindergarten, a practice known as redshirting, can make estimates obtained through this identification framework all but impossible to interpret. A latent index model is used to illustrate how the monotonicity assumption in this framework is violated if redshirting decisions are made in a setting of essential heterogeneity. Empirical evidence is presented from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class (ECLS-K) data set that favors this scenario; redshirting is common and heterogeneity in the treatment effect of educational attainment is likely a factor in parents' redshirting decisions.
La question morale dans le marxisme
Authors: Quiniou Yvon
Published: June 2011

Si Marx entendait dépasser toute morale en politique, il n 'a cessé, sans l'admettre et de façon peu visible, d'engager des jugements de valeur. L'article tente d'éclaircir cette question.
Sur Marx et la recomposition du monde
Authors: Touraine Alain , Lafitte Maria
Published: June 2011

Si l'on considère que persiste la logique de domination inhérente à la logique marchande, que s'est renforcée l'aliénation du travailleur dans son incapacité à maîtriser sa production, que le social semble de plus en plus subordonné à l'économique, pourquoi une critique formulée à partir des catégories marxistes ne trouverait-elle pas aujourd'hui sa pertinence ? Alain Touraine en explique à la fois l'opportunité et l' obsolescence.
De quelques pathologies sociales de l'individualité numérique
Authors: Granjon Fabien
Published: June 2011

Résumé Les usages des sites de réseaux sociaux peuvent supporter des relations pratiques à soi habilitantes ou, au contraire, déboucher sur des expériences déstabilisantes conduisant à une fragilisation du sujet. Dans le cadre du présent article, nous voudrions explorer ces aspects contradictoires des activités de recherche de reconnaissance sur les SRS. Mobilisant une approche intégrative mêlant la problématique du lien social sur réseaux à celle de la construction identitaire, nous souhaitons aborder la question des pathologies sociales et des logiques de réification telle qu’elle a été récemment reposée par Axel Honneth.
L'éleveur, le vautour et le journaliste
Authors: Daniel François-Joseph
Published: June 2011

Résumé Les « fausses » alertes sont parfois riches d’enseignement. Elles mettent en lumière des éléments explicatifs essentiels qui structurent profondément les contraintes qui pèsent sur leurs conditions de réussite. Cet article propose l’examen d’une alerte avortée portant sur des cas d’attaques de Vautours Fauves sur des animaux d’élevage vivant dans le département des Pyrénées Orientales. Il montre que la mise en échec de cette alerte est en partie le fait du format journalistique qui a prévalu à sa médiatisation. S’il est certain que l’une des causes de l’échec du lancement de l’alerte est liée à la forte emprise des savoirs naturalistes sur les représentations du vautour, cette étude de cas montre que la nature du média a également contribué à décrédibiliser la parole du lanceur d’alerte. Le fait divers n’a pas été propice au déclenchement de l’alerte car l’intentionnalité communicationnelle qui encadre les interactions entre l’éleveur, le journaliste et les lecteurs n’est pas parvenue à rendre vraisemblable l’existence d’un risque avéré.
Quand un produit culturel industriel est-il une « œuvre politique » ?
Authors: Esquenazi Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2011

Résumé L’auteur rappelle d’abord la barrière qui a longtemps séparé les arts légitimes et les arts industriels : elle a empêché que l’on pose la question du politique aux produits de ces derniers. Aujourd’hui l’étude des « médiacultures » semble arriver à maturité et de nouvelles interrogations introduisent de nouvelles problématiques, notamment celui du rôle politique que des séries télévisées, des artistes de variété, etc. sont susceptibles de jouer. En s’inspirant de Stuart Hall, Stanley Fish, Judith Butler, l’article propose alors de considérer qu’un objet culturel ne joue de rôle politique que si une communauté interprétative lui attribue ce rôle dans un contexte social déterminé.
The Novel Costimulatory Programmed Death Ligand 1/B7.1 Pathway Is Functional in Inhibiting Alloimmune Responses In Vivo
Authors: Yang Jun , Riella Leonardo V. , Chock Susanne , Liu Tao , Zhao Xiaozhi , Yuan Xueli , Paterson Alison M. , Watanabe Toshihiko , Vanguri Vijay , Yagita Hideo , Azuma Miyuki , Blazar Bruce R. , Freeman Gordon J. , Rodig Scott J. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Chandraker Anil , Sayegh Mohamed H.
Published: June 2011

The programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1)/programmed death 1 (PD1) costimulatory pathway plays an important role in the inhibition of alloimmune responses as well as in the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. It has been demonstrated recently that PDL1 also can bind B7.1 to inhibit T cell responses in vitro. Using the bm12 into B6 heart transplant model, we investigated the functional significance of this interaction in alloimmune responses in vivo. PD1 blockade unlike PDL1 blockade failed to accelerate bm12 allograft rejection, suggesting a role for an additional binding partner for PDL1 other than PD1 in transplant rejection. PDL1 blockade was able to accelerate allograft rejection in B7.2-deficient recipients but not B7.1-deficient recipients, indicating that PDL1 interaction with B7.1 was important in inhibiting rejection. Administration of the novel 2H11 anti-PDL1 mAb, which only blocks the PDL1–B7.1 interaction, aggravated chronic injury of bm12 allografts in B6 recipients. Aggravated chronic injury was associated with an increased frequency of alloreactive IFN-γ–, IL-4–, and IL-6–producing splenocytes and a decreased percentage of regulatory T cells in the recipients. Using an in vitro cell culture assay, blockade of the interaction of PDL1 on dendritic cells with B7.1 on T cells increased IFN-γ production from alloreactive CD4+ T cells, whereas blockade of dendritic cell B7.1 interaction with T cell PDL1 did not. These data indicate that PDL1 interaction with B7.1 plays an important role in the inhibition of alloimmune responses in vivo and suggests a dominant direction for PDL1 and B7.1 interaction.
P2X7 Receptor-Dependent Intestinal Afferent Hypersensitivity in a Mouse Model of Postinfectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Keating Christopher , Pelegrin Pablo , Martínez Carlos M. , Grundy David
Published: June 2011

The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) was shown to be an important mediator of inflammation and inflammatory pain through its regulation of IL-1β processing and release. Trichinella spiralis-infected mice develop a postinflammatory visceral hypersensitivity that is reminiscent of the clinical features associated with postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. In this study, we used P2X7R knockout mice (P2X7R−/−) to investigate the role of P2X7R activation in the in vivo production of IL-1β and the development of postinflammatory visceral hypersensitivity in the T. spiralis-infected mouse. During acute nematode infection, IL-1β–containing cells and P2X7R expression were increased in the jejunum of wild-type (WT) mice. Peritoneal and serum IL-1β levels were also increased, which was indicative of elevated IL-1β release. However, in the P2X7R−/− animals, we found that infection had no effect upon intracellular, plasma, or peritoneal IL-1β levels. Conversely, infection augmented peritoneal TNF-α levels in both WT and P2X7R−/− animals. Infection was also associated with a P2X7R-dependent increase in extracellular peritoneal lactate dehydrogenase, and it triggered immunological changes in both strains. Jejunal afferent fiber mechanosensitivity was assessed in uninfected and postinfected WT and P2X7R−/− animals. Postinfected WT animals developed an augmented afferent fiber response to mechanical stimuli; however, this did not develop in postinfected P2X7R−/− animals. Therefore, our results demonstrated that P2X7Rs play a pivotal role in intestinal inflammation and are a trigger for the development of visceral hypersensitivity.
Atypical Presentations of Retroperitoneal Giant Schwannomas
Authors: Ozbir Sait , Girgin Mehmet Cengiz , Kara Cengiz , Dincel Cetin
Published: June 2011

Schwannomas are usually benign rare tumors that originating from Schwann cells of peripheral nerve sheaths. Presentation is generally varied and changed in a non-specific range from abdominal mass, flank pain to incidental findings. Herein we report 2 cases of retroperitoneal giant schwannomas with different clinical presentations, of whom one presented with vague abdominal pain, palpable abdominal mass for 4 years, swelling and bilateral hydronephrosis that caused by giant abdominal mass; the other one presented with right flank pain, rectal hemorrhage and lower extremities edema. Two patients were treated by complete surgical excision of masses. The histological and immunohistochemical diagnosis was reported as benign schwannoma. Both of patients are doing well and had no recurrence in 9 years and 28 months follow-up, respectively.
Dry imaging cameras
Authors: Indrajit IK , Alam Aftab , Sahni Hirdesh , Bhatia Mukul , Sahu Samaresh
Published: June 2011

Dry imaging cameras are important hard copy devices in radiology. Using dry imaging camera, multiformat images of digital modalities in radiology are created from a sealed unit of unexposed films. The functioning of a modern dry camera, involves a blend of concurrent processes, in areas of diverse sciences like computers, mechanics, thermal, optics, electricity and radiography. Broadly, hard copy devices are classified as laser and non laser based technology. When compared with the working knowledge and technical awareness of different modalities in radiology, the understanding of a dry imaging camera is often superficial and neglected. To fill this void, this article outlines the key features of a modern dry camera and its important issues that impact radiology workflow.
Applications of 3D CISS sequence for problem solving in neuroimaging
Authors: Hingwala Divyata , Chatterjee Somnath , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan , Thomas Bejoy , Kapilamoorthy Tirur Raman
Published: June 2011

Three-dimensional (3D) constructive interference in steady state (CISS) is a gradient-echo MRI sequence that is used to investigate a wide range of pathologies when routine MRI sequences do not provide the desired anatomic information. The increased sensitivity of the 3D CISS sequence is an outcome of the accentuation of the T2 values between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pathological structures. Apart from its well-recognized applications in the evaluation of the cranial nerves, CSF rhinorrhea and aqueduct stenosis, we have found the CISS sequence to be useful for the cisternal spaces, cavernous sinuses and the ventricular system, where it is useful for detecting subtle CSF-intensity lesions that may be missed on routine spin-echo sequences. This information helps in the management of these conditions. After a brief overview of the physics behind this sequence, we illustrate its clinical applications with representative cases and discuss its potential role in imaging protocols.
Emphysematous cholecystitis: Imaging findings in nine patients
Authors: Sunnapwar Abhijit , Raut Abhijit A , Nagar Arpit M , Katre Rashmi
Published: June 2011

Objective: Emphysematous cholecystitis is a severe form of acute cholecystitis and can be rapidly fatal. We present the imaging features of nine patients with proven emphysematous cholecystitis.