bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiative characteristics of aerosol under smoke mist conditions in Siberia during summer 2012
Authors: Zhuravleva Tatiana B. , Kabanov Dmitriy M. , Nasrtdinov Ilmir M. , Russkova Tatiana V. , Sakerin Sergey M. , Smirnov Alexander , Holben Brent N.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Microphysical and optical properties of aerosol were studied during mega-fire event in summer 2012 over Siberia using ground-based measurements of spectral solar radiation at AERONET site in Tomsk and satellite observations. The data were analyzed using multiyear (2003–2013) measurements of aerosol characteristics under background conditions and for less intense fires, differing in burning biomass type, stage of fire, remoteness from observation site, etc. ("ordinary fires"). In June–August 2012, the average aerosol optical depth (AOD, 500 nm) had been 0.95 ± 0.86, about a factor of 6 larger than background values (0.16 ± 0.08), and a factor of 2.5 larger than in "ordinary smokes". The AOD values were extremely high on July 24–28 and reached 3–5. Comparison with satellite observations showed that ground-based measurements in the region of Tomsk not only reflect the local AOD features, but also are characteristic for the territory of the Western Siberia as a whole. Single scattering albedo (SSA, 440 nm) in this period ranged from 0.91 to 0.99 with the average of ~ 0.96 in the entire wavelength range of 440–1020 nm. The increase in absorptance of aerosol particles (SSA(440 nm)=0,92) and decrease in SSA with wavelength, observed in "ordinary smokes", agree with the data of multiyear observations in analogous situations in boreal zone of USA and Canada. Volume aerosol size distribution in smoke mist and ordinary smokes had bimodal character with significant prevalence of fine mode particles, but in summer 2012 the mean median radius and the width of the fine mode distribution somewhat increased. In contrast to data of multiyear observations, in summer 2012 an increase in the volume concentration and median radius of the coarse mode was observed with the growing AOD. The calculations of the "average" radiative effects of smoke and background aerosol are presented. As compared to background conditions and "ordinary smokes", under the conditions of smoke mist the cooling effect of aerosol considerably intensifies: direct radiative effects (DRE) at the bottom (BOA) and at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) are −13, −35, and −60 W m−2 and −5, −14, and −35 W m−2 respectively. The maximal values of DRE were observed on July 27 (AOD(500 nm)=3.5), when DRE(BOA) reached −180 W m−2, while DRE(TOA) and DRE of the atmosphere were −80 W m−2.
Key biogeochemical factors affecting soil carbon storage in Posidonia meadows
Authors: Serrano Oscar , Ricart Aurora M. , Lavery Paul S. , Mateo Miguel Angel , Arias-Ortiz Ariane , Masque Pere , Rozaimi Mohammad , Steven Andy , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Biotic and abiotic factors influence the accumulation of organic carbon (Corg) in seagrass ecosystems. We surveyed Posidonia sinuosa meadows growing in different water depths to assess the variability in the sources, stocks and accumulation rates of Corg. We show that over the last 500 years, P. sinuosa meadows closer to the upper limit of distribution (at 2–4 m depth) accumulated 3- to 4-fold higher Corg stocks (averaging 6.3 kg Corg m−2) at 3- to 4-fold higher rates (12.8 g Corg m−2 yr−1) compared to meadows closer to the deep limits of distribution (at 6–8 m depth; 1.8 kg Corg m−2 and 3.6 g Corg m−2 yr−1). In shallower meadows, Corg stocks were mostly derived from seagrass detritus (88 % in average) compared to meadows closer to the deep limit of distribution (45 % on average). In addition, soil accumulation rates and fine-grained sediment content (< 0.125 mm) in shallower meadows (2.0 mm yr−1 and 9 %, respectively) were approximately 2-fold higher than in deeper meadows (1.2 mm yr−1 and 5 %, respectively). The Corg stocks and accumulation rates accumulated over the last 500 years in bare sediments (0.6 kg Corg m−2 and 1.2 g Corg m−2 yr−1) were 3- to 11-fold lower than in P. sinuosa meadows, while fine-grained sediment content (1 %) and seagrass detritus contribution to the Corg pool (20 %) were 8- and 3-fold lower than in Posidonia meadows, respectively. The patterns found support the hypothesis that Corg storage in seagrass soils is influenced by interactions of biological (e.g., meadow productivity, cover and density), chemical (e.g., recalcitrance of Corg stocks) and physical (e.g., hydrodynamic energy and soil accumulation rates) factors within the meadow. We conclude that there is a need to improve global estimates of seagrass carbon storage accounting for biogeochemical factors driving variability within habitats.
Effect of ocean acidification and elevated fCO2 on trace gas production
by a Baltic Sea summer phytoplankton community
Authors: Webb Alison L. , Leedham-Elvidge Emma , Hughes Claire , Hopkins Frances E. , Malin Gill , Bach Lennart T. , Schulz Kai , Crawfurd Kate , Brussaard Corina P. D. , Stuhr Annegret , Riebesell Ulf , Liss Peter S.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The Baltic Sea is a unique environment as the largest body of brackish water in the world. Acidification of the surface oceans due to absorption of anthropogenic CO2 emissions is an additional stressor facing the pelagic community of the already challenging Baltic Sea. To investigate its impact on trace gas biogeochemistry, a large-scale mesocosm experiment was performed off Tvärminne Research Station, Finland, in summer 2012. During the second half of the experiment, dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentrations in the highest-fCO2 mesocosms (1075–1333 µatm) were 34 % lower than at ambient CO2 (350 µatm). However, the net production (as measured by concentration change) of seven halocarbons analysed was not significantly affected by even the highest CO2 levels after 5 weeks' exposure. Methyl iodide (CH3I) and diiodomethane (CH2I2) showed 15 and 57 % increases in mean mesocosm concentration (3.8 ± 0.6 increasing to 4.3 ± 0.4 pmol L−1 and 87.4 ± 14.9 increasing to 134.4 ± 24.1 pmol L−1 respectively) during Phase II of the experiment, which were unrelated to CO2 and corresponded to 30 % lower Chl a concentrations compared to Phase I. No other iodocarbons increased or showed a peak, with mean chloroiodomethane (CH2ClI) concentrations measured at 5.3 (±0.9) pmol L−1 and iodoethane (C2H5I) at 0.5 (±0.1) pmol L−1. Of the concentrations of bromoform (CHBr3; mean 88.1 ± 13.2 pmol L−1), dibromomethane (CH2Br2; mean 5.3 ± 0.8 pmol L−1), and dibromochloromethane (CHBr2Cl, mean 3.0 ± 0.5 pmol L−1), only CH2Br2 showed a decrease of 17 % between Phases I and II, with CHBr3 and CHBr2Cl showing similar mean concentrations in both phases. Outside the mesocosms, an upwelling event was responsible for bringing colder, high-CO2, low-pH water to the surface starting on day t16 of the experiment; this variable CO2 system with frequent upwelling events implies that the community of the Baltic Sea is acclimated to regular significant declines in pH caused by up to 800 µatm fCO2. After this upwelling, DMS concentrations declined, but halocarbon concentrations remained similar or increased compared to measurements prior to the change in conditions. Based on our findings, with future acidification of Baltic Sea waters, biogenic halocarbon emissions are likely to remain at similar values to today; however, emissions of biogenic sulfur could significantly decrease in this region.
Assessment of impacts of agricultural and climate change scenarios on
watershed water quantity and quality, and crop production
Authors: Teshager Awoke D. , Gassman Philip W. , Schoof Justin T. , Secchi Silvia
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Modeling impacts of agricultural scenarios and climate change on surface water quantity and quality provides useful information for planning effective water, environmental and land use policies. Despite the significant impacts of agriculture on water quantity and quality, limited literature exists that describes the combined impacts of agricultural land use change and climate change on future bioenergy crop yields and watershed hydrology. In this study, the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) eco-hydrological model was used to model the combined impacts of five agricultural land use change scenarios and three downscaled climate pathways (representative concentration pathways, RCPs) that were created from an ensemble of eight atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs). These scenarios were implemented in a well-calibrated SWAT model for the intensively farmed and tiled Raccoon River watershed (RRW) located in western Iowa. The scenarios were executed for the historical baseline, early century, mid-century and late century periods. The results indicate that historical and more corn intensive agricultural scenarios with higher CO2 emissions consistently result in more water in the streams and greater water quality problems, especially late in the 21st century. Planting more switchgrass, on the other hand, results in less water in the streams and water quality improvements relative to the baseline. For all given agricultural landscapes simulated, all flow, sediment and nutrient outputs increase from early-to-late century periods for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios. We also find that corn and switchgrass yields are negatively impacted under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios in the mid- and late 21st century.
Factors controlling erosion/deposition phenomena related to lahars at
Volcán de Colima, Mexico
Authors: Vázquez Rosario , Capra Lucia , Coviello Velio
Published: August 2016

Abstract. One of the most common phenomena at Volcán de Colima is the annual development of lahars that runs mainly through the southern ravines of the edifice. Since 2011 the study and the monitoring of these flows and of the associated rainfall has been achieved by means of an instrumented station located along the Montegrande ravine, together with the systematic surveying of cross-topographic profiles of the main channel. From these, we present the comparison of the morphological changes experimented by this ravine during the 2013, 2014 and 2015 rainy seasons. The erosion/deposition effects of 11 lahars that occurred during this period of time were quantified by means of the topographic profiles taken at the beginning and at the end of the rainy seasons and before and after the major lahar event of 11 June 2013. We identified (i) an erosive zone between 2100 and 1950 m a.s.l., 8° in slope, with an annual erosional rate of 10.3 % mainly due to the narrowness of the channel and to its high slope angle and (ii) an erosive-depositional zone, between 1900 and 1700 m a.s.l., ( ∼ 8 % erosion and  ∼ 16 % deposition), characterized by a wider channel that decreases in slope angle (4°). Based on these observations, the major factors controlling the erosion/deposition rates in the Montegrande ravine are the morphology of the gully (i.e., channel bed slope and the cross section width) and the joint effect of sediment availability and accumulated rainfall. On the distal reach of the ravine, the erosion/deposition processes tend to be promoted preferentially one over the other, mostly depending on the width of the active channel. Only for extraordinary rainfall events are the largest lahars mostly erosive all along the ravine up to the distal fan where the deposition takes place. In addition, as well as the morphological characteristics of the ravine, the flow depth is a critical factor in controlling erosion, as deeper flows will promote erosion against deposition. Finally, by comparing rainfalls associated with lahars that originated after the last main eruptive episode that occurred in 2004–2005, we observed that higher accumulated rainfall was needed to trigger lahars in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, which points to a progressive stabilization of the volcano slope during a post-eruptive period. These results can be used as a tool to foresee the channel response to future volcanic activity, to improve the input parameters for lahar modeling and to better constrain the hazard zonation at Volcán de Colima.
Fractal behavior of soil water storage at multiple depths
Authors: Ji Wenjun , Lin Mi , Biswas Asim , Si Bing C. , Chau Henry W. , Cresswell Hamish P.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Spatiotemporal behavior of soil water is essential to understand the science of hydrodynamics. Data intensive measurement of surface soil water using remote sensing has established that the spatial variability of soil water can be described using the principle of self-similarity (scaling properties) or fractal theory. This information can be used in determining land management practices provided the surface scaling properties are kept at deep layers. The current study examined the scaling properties of sub-surface soil water and their relationship to surface soil water, thereby serving as supporting information for plant root and vadose zone models. Soil water storage (SWS) down to 1.4 m depth at seven equal intervals was measured along a transect of 576 m for 5 years in Saskatchewan. The surface SWS showed multifractal nature only during the wet period (from snowmelt until mid- to late June) indicating the need for multiple scaling indices in transferring soil water variability information over multiple scales. However, with increasing depth, the SWS became monofractal in nature indicating the need for a single scaling index to upscale/downscale soil water variability information. In contrast, all soil layers during the dry period (from late June to the end of the growing season in early November) were monofractal in nature, probably resulting from the high evapotranspirative demand of the growing vegetation that surpassed other effects. This strong similarity between the scaling properties at the surface layer and deep layers provides the possibility of inferring about the whole profile soil water dynamics using the scaling properties of the easy-to-measure surface SWS data.
Determining the variation of soil properties in the Batumi Delta
Authors: Turgut Bülent , Ateş Merve
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine certain basic properties of soils in the Batumi delta, to determine the relationships of studied properties, and to identify differences with regards to these properties between different sampling sites in the delta that were selected based on the delta morphology. In this context, a total of 125 soil samples were collected from five different sampling sites, and the clay, silt and sand content of the samples were determined along with their mean weight diameter (MWD) values, aggregate stability (AS) values, amount of water retained under −33 kPa (FC) and −1500 kPa (WP) pressure and organic matter (OM) content. Correlation analysis indicated that clay content and OM were positively correlated with MWD, and OM was positively correlated with AS. However, the sand content was found to be negatively correlated with MWD. In addition, clay, silt and OM content were positive correlated with FC and WP. Variance analysis results determined statistically significant differences between the sampling sites with respect to all of the evaluated properties. The active delta section of the study area was characterized by high sand content, while the lower delta plain was characterized by high OM and AS values, and the upper delta plain was characterized by high WMD values, high FC and WP moisture content levels and high clay and silt content. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the examined properties were significantly affected by the different morphological positions and usages of these different areas. These results may help with the management of agricultural lands in the Batumi delta, which has never been studied before.
Using ordered weight averaging (OWA) for multicriteria soil fertility evaluation by GIS (case study: southeast Iran)
Authors: Mokarram Marzieh , Hojati Majid
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are used to provide more accurate decisions for decision makers in order to evaluate the effective factors of the natural science. One of the popular algorithms of the multi-criteria analysis is the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA). The OWA procedure depends on some parameters which can be specified by means of the fuzzy logic. The aim of this study is to take the advantage of incorporating the fuzzy logic into GIS-based soil fertility analysis by OWA in the west of Shiraz, Fars province, Iran. In fact, different soil fertility maps with different risk level are prepared in the present study. This study introduces a method for farmers in case of make balance between their budget and their farm soil parameters. A farmer can accept more risk it can use more areas for farming and also the amount of needed budget increases too. For determining the soil fertility maps, the OWA parameters such as potassium (K), phosphor (P), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), organic carbon (OC) and zinc (Zn) were used. After generating the interpolation maps with the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW), the fuzzy maps were generated by the membership functions for each parameter. Finally, by utilizing OWA, six fertility maps with different risk levels (degrees of uncertainty) were made. The results show that by decreasing the risk (no trade-off), increasing the risk, more area within the study area was suitable in terms of the soil fertility. Therefore, using OWA can generate many maps with different risk levels. This leads to different managements based on different financial conditions of farmers.
O Brasil agrícola: o tortuoso e difícil “caminho da roça”
Authors: Klug João
Published: August 2016

Brasil atualmente é um dos maiores produtores de commodities agrícolas, tais como soja, café, carne (bovina, suína e de aves), açúcar e suco de laranja, e o país se orgulha disso. Essa é uma realidade que começou com a adoção da Revolução Verde na década de 1960 (alta tecnologia no campo, mecanização, insumos, seleção genética, etc.), quando foi implantado um modelo de farmerização. Para se chegar a esse modelo de agricultura, concentrador e pouco democrático, o Brasil precisou de quase cinco séculos. Durante a maior parte desse longo período, a agricultura não era vista como atividade nobre, ao contrário, procurava-se superar a identidade agrária, visto que a atividade não conferia status. Em certa medida, o Brasil teve vergonha de ser agrícola. Neste trabalho, o objetivo é analisar como o Brasil, um país agrário, durante mais de três séculos teve dificuldades de assumir uma identidade agrária, especialmente em função da influência de uma mentalidade portuguesa não afeita às lides agrícolas. Palavras-chave: Agricultura. Identidade.Trabalho. Vida rural. Portugal.
Debates teóricos das relações internacionais, política externa e a interação entre o nível internacional e o doméstico
Authors: Silvana Menuzzi Diverio Tamara , Gustavo Zuliani Da Silva Luiz , Adalberto Mielitz Netto Carlos Guilherme
Published: August 2016

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar algumas contribuições das teorias de relações internacionais e dos principais autores que até hoje provocam debates nessa área de estudos. Neste espaço, serão destacadas algumas abordagens do tema, tais como o realismo e o neorrealismo, o liberalismo e o liberalismo neoinstitucional. Na sequência, será apresentada uma revisão da literatura e dos principais conceitos da análise de política externa, além da interação entre os níveis doméstico e internacional, utilizando a Teoria dos Jogos de dois níveis, de Putnam. Palavras-chave: Política externa. Relações internacionais. Jogos de dois níveis.
A eficiência sob a perspectiva da análise econômica do direito
Authors: Dos Santos Filho Sirio Vieira
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo científico tem por escopo estudar a eficiência à luz da Análise Econômica do Direito. Desse modo, objetivo geral é analisar se o desenvolvimento da Law & Economics e, notadamente, suas concepções de eficiência como critério de justiça, podem trazer o crescimento econômico da sociedade. Para alcançar tal enfoque, a pesquisa foi dividida em três objetivos específicos. No primeiro, analisar-se-á o aspecto histórico da Análise Econômica do Direito. Na segunda ocasião, examinar-se-á as escolas de pensamento e seus principais precursores. Por fim, avaliar-se-á as diversas concepções de Eficiência fundamentadas na Análise Econômica do Direito. Destarte, diante de todo o estudo realizado se traça considerações finais que constatam a relevância da Análise Econômica do Direito para o desenvolvimento e a aplicação das normas jurídicas na sociedade.
A revolução verde e a modernização agrícola na mesorregião noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul – 1960/1970
Authors: Alves Clovis Tadeu , Tedesco João Carlos
Published: August 2016

Este artigo reconstitui o início da especialização produtiva agrícola na mesorregião noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, com a introdução do pacote tecnológico da revolução verde, com ênfase nas transformações ocorridas na agricultura nessa região. O estudo justifica-se pela relevância histórica do tema para o território em questão, no qual a agricultura foi a primeira e principal forma de atividade econômica, e também devido às transformações ocorridas, que modificaram todo o sistema econômico, social e agrário. Este trabalho pretende demonstrar como ocorreu a formação e a consolidação do programa de modernização agrícola, representadas pela revolução verde, na mesorregião noroeste, e o começo da disseminação do modelo para outras regiões do país, analisando o período que engloba as décadas de 1960 e 1970. Palavras-chave: Revoluçao verde. Modernização agrícola. Mesorregião noroeste.
Changes in Energy Intensity in Canada
Authors: Moshiri Saeed , Duah Nana
Published: August 2016

Canada is one of the top energy users and CO2 emitters among the OECD countries. However, energy intensity has been declining, on average, by about 1.4 percent since 1980. In this paper, we use the Fisher Ideal Index to determine the contribution of changes in the composition of economic activities and efficiency to a decline in energy intensity in Canada at national, provincial, and industry levels. We also apply panel data estimation methods to further investigate the factors driving energy intensity, efficiency and activity indexes for the period 1981-2008. We test for endogeneity as well as cross-section dependency in the provincial data and control for factors such as climate, policy, and energy endowment. The national and provincial decomposition results suggest that most of the reduction in energy intensity has occurred mainly due to improvements in energy efficiency rather than shifts in economic activities. Within the industry, while energy intensity has declined significantly in manufacturing, it has remained stable in transportation, utilities, and construction, and increased significantly in oil extraction and mining industries. The provincial panel regression results indicate that energy intensity is higher in provinces with higher average incomes, faster population growth, colder climate, and a higher capital-labour ratio, and lower in provinces with higher energy prices and higher investment. The industry panel regression results show that investment has contributed to energy efficiency in utilities and mining and to a shift away from energy-intensive activities in manufacturing and transportation industries. Technological advances have been most effective in increasing energy efficiency in construction and utilities and in decreasing energy-intensive activities in manufacturing industries. The results indicate that although efficiency contributes to a reduction in energy intensity in Canada, increasing activity in energy-intensive industries, such as oil and mining, partially offsets the efficiency gains in other industries.
Energy Affordability and Subjective Well-Being: Evidence for European Countries
Authors: Welsch Heinz , Biermann Philipp
Published: August 2016

This paper uses data on the life satisfaction of more than 100,000 individuals in 21 European countries from 2002 to 2011, to study the relationship between subjective well-being and the affordability for households of electricity, heating oil and natural gas. We find that energy prices have statistically and economically significant effects on subjective well-being. The effect sizes are smaller than but comparable to the effects of important personal factors of well-being. Effects above average are found in individuals from the lowest income quartile. In addition, effects are strongest at times when required energy expenditures can be expected to be high. The empirical results are consistent with the prediction that greater fuel poverty implies a greater effect of energy prices on well-being.
Polypropylene Price Dynamics: Input Costs or Downstream Demand?
Authors: De Mello Lurion M. , Ripple Ronald D.
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates price dynamics between polypropylene (PP), propylene, naphtha, and crude oil together with proxies representing PP using industries. We test the dynamics in the South East Asian and North Western European markets. The paper is motivated due to the importance of the propylene and PP market in various downstream industries and importantly to aid producers in having a better understanding of how input costs and demand drive the prices. We employ a vector error correction framework, which facilitates testing different dynamics among the upstream and downstream prices. We find PP prices in both regions to be endogenous, albeit with some evolution over time, i.e., input costs and downstream demand factors tend to drive PP prices. In both regional markets shocks to naphtha and oil prices tend to be driven mostly by each other’s price with little effect originating from PP and propylene prices.
Statistical Literacy: Data Tell a Story
Authors: Sole Marla A.
Published: August 2016

Using bivariate data, students investigate the ingredients in pasta sauce.
Looking Back to Support Problem Solving
Authors: Dickman Benjamin
Published: August 2016

Problem solving may incorporate wild guessing, but tame guessing when the answer is already known helps develop mathematical intuition.
Efficacy of Bio-Pesticides for Managegement of Sucking Insect Pests of Cotton, Gossipium hirsutum (L.)
Authors: Abdul Majeed Noonari  , Ghulam Hussain Abro  , Rab Dino Khuhro  , Abdul Sattar Buriro
Published: August 2016

The studies were conducted consecutively for two years, 2006 and 2007 for management of cotton insect pests through eco-friendly measures. Bio-pesticides Neem seed extract, Neem oil, Asafoetida (Hing) and Tobacco leaf extract were evaluated against sucking complex. The experiment regarding evaluation botanical pesticides showed that among all bio-pesticides, the highest percent reduction of thrip (67.65%) was recorded in Neem seed extract followed by Neem oil (60.00%), Tobacco (63.59%) and Hing (Asafoetida) (52.68%) after 96 h. of application. Overall maximum mean reduction (64.69%) was recorded in Neem seed extract followed by Neem oil (57.74%), Tobacco (52.91%) and Asafoetida (46.52%). The highest reduction of jassid (71.97%) was recorded followed by Neem oil (70.06%), Hing (Asafoetida) (68.15%) and Tobacco (23.56%) after 96 h., of application of pesticides. With regards to reduction percent of whitefly revealed that maximum reduction (60.18%) was recorded in Hing (Asafoetida) followed by Neem oil (59.78%), Neem extract (59.38%) and tobacco (40.61%) after 96 h., of spray application. The botanical pesticides started reducing their toxicity after 96 h. However, the effective reduction of pests was recorded up to one week. Integrated pest management (IPM) model was developed for the control of sucking insect pests of cotton, for benefit of farming community through seminars, trainings and pamphlets. Using the safe botanical pesticides remained effective against sucking pests and is recommended against cotton pests, which showed less effective to natural enemies and environment friendly.
ACC-Deaminase, Phosphate-Solubilizing Pseudomonas fluorescens Increase Phosphorus and Decrease Cadmium Concentration to Enhance Wheat Yield
Authors: Zia-ul-Hassan  , S. Khokhar  , I. Rajpar  , N. Depar  , G.M. Jamro  , A.N. Shah  , Q.D. Jogi  , K.H. Talpur  , N. Talpur  , N.A. Wahocho
Published: August 2016

Phosphorus (P) fertilization of wheat at higher dose may result in grain cadmium (Cd) accumulation. This field study envisaged yield and comparative P and Cd accumulation of wheat under different P doses, i.e. 0, 45 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 (P0, P45 and P90, respectively) and seed inoculation with rhizobacterial strains, i.e. no Pseudomonas fluorescens (SM0), with ACC-deaminase P. fluorescens (SM1) and with phosphate-solubilizing, ACC-deaminase P. fluorescens (SM2). The soil was non-saline, alkaline clay loam, poor in organic matter and P content. Both P nutrition and rhizobacteria positively affected wheat growth, yield and nutrient concentration. Increased 1000-grain weight (TGW), yield and P concentration of wheat was noted at P90 over P0 (24-132%) and P45 (3.7-37%), and in case of SM2 (13-57%) and SM1 (5.4-34%) over SM0, and for SM2 over SM1 (1.4 to 2.4-fold). Grain-Cd concentration decreased at P90 over P0 (34%) and P45 (17%), and at P45 over P0 (21%). It decreased over SM0 at SM2 (22%) and SM1 (8%), and over SM1 at SM2 (2.7-fold). Straw-Cd concentration decreased at P90 over P0 (25%) and P45 (18%), and over P0 at P45 (8%). It decreased over SM0 at SM2 (18%) but increased at SM1 (9%). At all P levels, SM2 was more effective over SM1 or SM0. TGW and straw-P increased for P90 interacting with SM2 over SM0 (8.6 and 29%) and SM1 (6 and 14%), and for SM1 over SM0 (2.5 and 13%). Grain- and straw-Cd decreased due to interaction of P90 with SM2 (30 and 23%) or SM1 (6 and 7%) over SM0, and for SM1 over SM0 (26% and 17%). We conclude that adequate P nutrition and seed inoculation with ACC-deaminase, phosphate-solubilizing Pseudomonas fluorescens increase growth and yield of wheat due to its increased P and decreased Cd concentration.
Intensity Correction and Pole Figure Measurement of Copper Metallic by XRD
Authors: Halo Dalshad Omar
Published: August 2016

In this research work the process of data intensity correction and pole figure measurement were investigated and analyzed by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. Different corrections were studied, to see their influence on the crystallographic texture analysis. Specific software, which is Labotex was used to determine the pole figure for copper (Cu) metallic after which the data corrections have been made. The copper, Cu sample was simply prepared by a low cost method Mini Mill 2 Panalytical and the sample was rotated for 10 minutes by grinding the sample at high speed of 250 rpm.
Effect of Green Manure, Sesbania bispinosa Wight Amendment on Incidence of Sucking Insect Pests, their Predators and Yield in Organic Cotton
Authors: Jam Ghulam Mustafa Sahito  , Tajwar Sultana Syed  , Ghulam Hussain Abro  , Inayatullah Rajpar
Published: August 2016

Cotton holds the key importance in the economy of Pakistan, but its yield is severely affected due to the infestation of many insect pests. Farmers mostly rely on chemicals to control pests but their adverse effects on human health and their interests are also considerable. Therefore, this study was conducted over two years to evaluate the influence of amendment of soil with green manure (GM) Dhancha, Sesbania bispinosaWight on the population of cotton sucking insect pests and their predators. Significant impact of GM was found in lowering the population of sucking pests of cotton i.e., Thrips tabaci(Lind), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadus), Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla (Ishida) and Tetranychus urticae (Koch) during both years. Population of predators i.e., Chrysoperla carnea, Geocoris punctipesand Orius sp. was also higher in dhancha treated plots in comparison to control. Application of neem oil was found effective in lowering the population of sucking insect pests during 2014; whereas, application of C. carnea cards showed significant impact after the mid cotton season during 2015. Overall growth and yield parameters were better in dhancha amended organic cotton treatment in comparison to control.
The Influence of Pigment Transfer on the Risk of Developing Melanoma: The Significance of the Melanocyte Amputation Cycle
Authors: Patrick A. Riley
Published: August 2016

It has been shown that cancer incidence is not only a function of the size of the population at risk but is strongly associated with the turnover rate of the tissue concerned. There is a strong negative correlation between melanoma incidence and the degree of skin pigmentation, and yet the melanocyte density is the same for all races. The proposal advanced in this communication is that the probability of undergoing malignant change is critically dependent on the melanocyte turnover and that this is regulated by the pigmentation process.
In melanocytes, the division rate is influenced by the process of pigment donation, probably by a mechanism whereby the continual cytoplasmic loss due to cytocrine transfer of melanosomes (termed the ‚Amputation Cycle‚) inhibits replication. Consequently the turnover of melanocyte stem cells in heavily pigmented epidermis will be diminished, and this is held to account for the strong negative correlation between the degree of skin pigmentation and melanoma incidence.
The Learning of Conceptual Categories for Students with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rúa Manuel Ojea
Published: August 2016

This article presents a study where the overall objective is to measure any changes found as a result of the application of a program to facilitate the development of the semantic memory of people with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder, following the implementation of a specific program to facilitate the creation of conceptual categories.
The study, based on a quasi-experimental design, analyzes the effectiveness of the program designed around four cognitive variables, comparatively observed in three groups of participants (N:19), distributed across one experimental group (N:7) and two control groups (made up of 7 and 5 participants respectively), conducted over three successive measures, 1 pre-test and 2 post-test measures at 6-month intervals. The results, found by repeatedly testing measures of intra-subject effects, show the effectiveness of the designed program, as it has aided in the development of meaningful learning for the members of the experimental group.
Cellular resolution circuit mapping with temporal-focused excitation of soma-targeted channelrhodopsin
Authors: Baker Christopher A , Elyada Yishai M , Parra Andres , Bolton M McLean
Published: August 2016

We describe refinements in optogenetic methods for circuit mapping that enable measurements of functional synaptic connectivity with single-neuron resolution. By expanding a two-photon beam in the imaging plane using the temporal focusing method and restricting channelrhodopsin to the soma and proximal dendrites, we are able to reliably evoke action potentials in individual neurons, verify spike generation with GCaMP6s, and determine the presence or absence of synaptic connections with patch-clamp electrophysiological recording.
Rewiring MAP kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to regulate novel targets through ubiquitination
Authors: Groves Benjamin , Khakhar Arjun , Nadel Cory M , Gardner Richard G , Seelig Georg
Published: August 2016

Evolution has often copied and repurposed the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling module. Understanding how connections form during evolution, in disease and across individuals requires knowledge of the basic tenets that govern kinase-substrate interactions. We identify criteria sufficient for establishing regulatory links between a MAPK and a non-native substrate. The yeast MAPK Fus3 and human MAPK ERK2 can be functionally redirected if only two conditions are met: the kinase and substrate contain matching interaction domains and the substrate includes a phospho-motif that can be phosphorylated by the kinase and recruit a downstream effector. We used a panel of interaction domains and phosphorylation-activated degradation motifs to demonstrate modular and scalable retargeting. We applied our approach to reshape the signaling behavior of an existing kinase pathway. Together, our results demonstrate that a MAPK can be largely defined by its interaction domains and compatible phospho-motifs and provide insight into how MAPK-substrate connections form.
A shunt pathway limits the CaaX processing of Hsp40 Ydj1p and regulates Ydj1p-dependent phenotypes
Authors: Hildebrandt Emily R , Cheng Michael , Zhao Peng , Kim June H , Wells Lance , Schmidt Walter K
Published: August 2016

The modifications occurring to CaaX proteins have largely been established using few reporter molecules (e.g. Ras, yeast a-factor mating pheromone). These proteins undergo three coordinated COOH-terminal events: isoprenylation of the cysteine, proteolytic removal of aaX, and COOH-terminal methylation. Here, we investigated the coupling of these modifications in the context of the yeast Ydj1p chaperone. We provide genetic, biochemical, and biophysical evidence that the Ydj1p CaaX motif is isoprenylated but not cleaved and carboxylmethylated. Moreover, we demonstrate that Ydj1p-dependent thermotolerance and Ydj1p localization are perturbed when alternative CaaX motifs are transplanted onto Ydj1p. The abnormal phenotypes revert to normal when post-isoprenylation events are genetically interrupted. Our findings indicate that proper Ydj1p function requires an isoprenylatable CaaX motif that is resistant to post-isoprenylation events. These results expand on the complexity of protein isoprenylation and highlight the impact of post-isoprenylation events in regulating the function of Ydj1p and perhaps other CaaX proteins.
PTRF/Cavin-1 promotes efficient ribosomal RNA transcription in response to metabolic challenges
Authors: Liu Libin , Pilch Paul F
Published: August 2016

Ribosomal RNA transcription mediated by RNA polymerase I represents the rate-limiting step in ribosome biogenesis. In eukaryotic cells, nutrients and growth factors regulate ribosomal RNA transcription through various key factors coupled to cell growth. We show here in mature adipocytes, ribosomal transcription can be acutely regulated in response to metabolic challenges. This acute response is mediated by PTRF (polymerase I transcription and release factor, also known as cavin-1), which has previously been shown to play a critical role in caveolae formation. The caveolae–independent rDNA transcriptional role of PTRF not only explains the lipodystrophy phenotype observed in PTRF deficient mice and humans, but also highlights its crucial physiological role in maintaining adipocyte allostasis. Multiple post-translational modifications of PTRF provide mechanistic bases for its regulation. The role of PTRF in ribosomal transcriptional efficiency is likely relevant to many additional physiological situations of cell growth and organismal metabolism.
Proteasome dysfunction triggers activation of SKN-1A/Nrf1 by the aspartic protease DDI-1
Authors: Lehrbach Nicolas J , Ruvkun Gary
Published: August 2016

Proteasomes are essential for protein homeostasis in eukaryotes. To preserve cellular function, transcription of proteasome subunit genes is induced in response to proteasome dysfunction caused by pathogen attacks or proteasome inhibitor drugs. In Caenorhabditis elegans, this response requires SKN-1, a transcription factor related to mammalian Nrf1/2. Here, we use comprehensive genetic analyses to identify the pathway required for C. elegans to detect proteasome dysfunction and activate SKN-1. Genes required for SKN-1 activation encode regulators of ER traffic, a peptide N-glycanase, and DDI-1, a conserved aspartic protease. DDI-1 expression is induced by proteasome dysfunction, and we show that DDI-1 is required to cleave and activate an ER-associated isoform of SKN-1. Mammalian Nrf1 is also ER-associated and subject to proteolytic cleavage, suggesting a conserved mechanism of proteasome surveillance. Targeting mammalian DDI1 protease could mitigate effects of proteasome dysfunction in aging and protein aggregation disorders, or increase effectiveness of proteasome inhibitor cancer chemotherapies.
Minimized human telomerase maintains telomeres and resolves endogenous roles of H/ACA proteins, TCAB1, and Cajal bodies
Authors: Vogan Jacob M , Zhang Xiaozhu , Youmans Daniel T , Regalado Samuel G , Johnson Joshua Z , Hockemeyer Dirk , Collins Kathleen
Published: August 2016

We dissected the importance of human telomerase biogenesis and trafficking pathways for telomere maintenance. Biological stability of human telomerase RNA (hTR) relies on H/ACA proteins, but other eukaryotes use other RNP assembly pathways. To investigate additional rationale for human telomerase assembly as H/ACA RNP, we developed a minimized cellular hTR. Remarkably, with only binding sites for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), minimized hTR assembled biologically active enzyme. TERT overexpression was required for cellular interaction with minimized hTR, indicating that H/ACA RNP assembly enhances endogenous hTR-TERT interaction. Telomere maintenance by minimized telomerase was unaffected by the elimination of the telomerase holoenzyme Cajal body chaperone TCAB1 or the Cajal body scaffold protein Coilin. Surprisingly, wild-type hTR also maintained and elongated telomeres in TCAB1 or Coilin knockout cells, with distinct changes in telomerase action. Overall, we elucidate trafficking requirements for telomerase biogenesis and function and expand mechanisms by which altered telomere maintenance engenders human disease.
Uncertainty modeling process for semantic technology
Authors: Carvalho Rommel N. , Laskey Kathryn B. , Costa Paulo C.G. Da
Published: August 2016

The ubiquity of uncertainty across application domains generates a need for principled support for uncertainty management in semantically aware systems. A probabilistic ontology provides constructs for representing uncertainty in domain ontologies. While the literature has been growing on formalisms for representing uncertainty in ontologies, there remains little guidance in the knowledge engineering literature for how to design probabilistic ontologies. To address the gap, this paper presents the Uncertainty Modeling Process for Semantic Technology (UMP-ST), a new methodology for modeling probabilistic ontologies. To explain how the methodology works and to verify that it can be applied to different scenarios, this paper describes step-by-step the construction of a proof-of-concept probabilistic ontology. The resulting domain model can be used to support identification of fraud in public procurements in Brazil. While the case study illustrates the development of a probabilistic ontology in the PR-OWL probabilistic ontology language, the methodology is applicable to any ontology formalism that properly integrates uncertainty with domain semantics.
The Intercultural Sensitivity of Chilean Teachers Serving an Immigrant Population in Schools
Authors: Morales Mendoza Karla , Sanhueza Henríquez Susan , Friz Carrillo Miguel , Riquelme Bravo Paula
Published: August 2016

The objective of this article is to evaluate the intercultural sensitivity of teachers working in culturally diverse classrooms, and to analyse differences in intercultural sensitivity based on the gender, age, training (advanced training courses), and intercultural experience of the teachers. A quantitative approach with a comparative descriptive design was chosen. The Intercultural Sensitivity Scale was used, composed of 24 statements, which were responded to by 50 teachers. The results show that teachers possess moderate intercultural sensitivity and that the highest rated competencies are trust and attention to communication.
Determination of the Innovative Capacity of Ecuadorian Universities
Authors: Loaiza-Aguirre María I. , Andrade-Abarca Paola S. , del Cisne Salazar-Romero Ángela
Published: August 2016

Today the Higher Education Institutions are immersed in a world of constant change, and it is necessary to adapt to this environment with skill and speed. This has forced universities to adopt practices that create or strengthen their capacity to innovate, based on the determination of factors that influence it positively. This study is centered on the implementation of the Innovation Model of Higher Education (MIES) prepared by Villa, Escotet and Goni (2007), adapted to the university context. This model allows Higher Education Institutions to diagnose their innovative capacity. This model is developed in the field of academic innovation, which is defined as the organizational competence of institutions to respond to the environment quickly enough, to cover existing needs and to anticipate future ones. As a case study, MIES was applied to Ecuadorian universities where the perception of different university actors was obtained and the factors driving innovation in this context were determined as a reference for the application of strategies promoting innovation.
Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy in a Patient With Situs Inversus Totalis
Authors: Harada Hitoshi , Kanaji Shingo , Suzuki Satoshi , Yamamoto Masashi , Yamashita Kimihiro , Imanishi Tatsuya , Sumi Yasuo , Nakamura Tetsu , Tanaka Kenichi , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: August 2016

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly in which the organs are transposed from the normal to the opposite side. Occasionally, we encounter a patient with a combination of this condition and gastric cancer. Several cases of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in such patients have been reported. However, there is no report of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) for such patients. We present a case of advanced gastric cancer with SIT that was successfully treated by TLTG involving radical lymph node dissection. A 63-year-old woman who presented with hematemesis was admitted to our hospital. She was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer. Endoscopic findings revealed that tumor invasion was to the depth of the muscularis propria. Computed tomography (CT) showed a lack of lymph node swelling or distant metastasis. She was also diagnosed with SIT (a characteristic of Kartagener syndrome). Total gastrectomy was deemed necessary and we planned laparoscopic surgery. We carefully analyzed the location of abdominal organs from a preoperative examination, including three-dimensional reconstruction images from CT. In this operation, we reversed the normal positions of the surgeon, assistant, nurse, and trocar sites to accommodate the inverted abdominal locations of organs. TLTG was completed safely without any postoperative complications. Three-dimensional reconstruction images from CT and the inverse transposition of our usual intraoperative positions led to a smooth operation. TLTG may be not only a minimally invasive, but also a useful option for gastric cancer cases exhibiting SIT.