bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eliminating Encephalitogenic T Cells without Undermining Protective Immunity
Authors: McNally Jonathan P. , Elfers Eileen E. , Terrell Catherine E. , Grunblatt Eli , Hildeman David A. , Jordan Michael B. , Katz Jonathan D.
Published: November 2013

The current clinical approach for treating autoimmune diseases is to broadly blunt immune responses as a means of preventing autoimmune pathology. Among the major side effects of this strategy are depressed beneficial immunity and increased rates of infections and tumors. Using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model for human multiple sclerosis, we report a novel alternative approach for purging autoreactive T cells that spares beneficial immunity. The moderate and temporally limited use of etoposide, a topoisomerase inhibitor, to eliminate encephalitogenic T cells significantly reduces the onset and severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, dampens cytokine production and overall pathology, while dramatically limiting the off-target effects on naive and memory adaptive immunity. Etoposide-treated mice show no or significantly ameliorated pathology with reduced antigenic spread, yet have normal T cell and T-dependent B cell responses to de novo antigenic challenges as well as unimpaired memory T cell responses to viral rechallenge. Thus, etoposide therapy can selectively ablate effector T cells and limit pathology in an animal model of autoimmunity while sparing protective immune responses. This strategy could lead to novel approaches for the treatment of autoimmune diseases with both enhanced efficacy and decreased treatment-associated morbidities.
Analysis of Life Respect-related Content Portrayed in the 7th to 10th Grade Textbooks in Middle and High Schools.
Authors: Kang Kyung Ah , Kim Young Hee , Lee Jung Jae , Lee Myung Nam
Published: November 2013

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze life respect-related content in the 7th to 10th grade textbooks of middle and high schools.METHODS: Sixty two textbooks adopted as middle and high school textbooks were analyzed for content on life respect.RESULTS: There were 6 categories related to life respect content in the 7th to 9th grade textbooks ('prevention of accidents and the first-aid', 'mental health', 'sex and health', 'prevention of drug abuse, smoking and drinking', 'normal life and health', and 'society and health'). Content on life respect in the 10th grade textbooks was categorized as 'drug abuse, smoking, drinking, and health', 'sex and health', 'mental health', 'life science and treating human life too lightly', 'normal life and health', and 'society and health'.CONCLUSION: Content on life respect attached importance to more practical issue such as prevention of violence and suicide rather than fundamental understanding about self and life. These results suggest that the content on life respect should help adolescents find their own values and meaning of life within the concept of coexistence.
Injective modules and amenable groups
Authors: Racher Gerhard
Published: November 2013

We show that a locally compact group is amenable if and only if it admits a (non-zero) injective Banach module that is reflexive as a Banach space.
Needs for Monitoring Mosquito Transmission of Malaria in a Pre-Elimination World
Authors: James Stephanie , Takken Willem , Collins Frank H. , Gottlieb Michael
Published: November 2013

As global efforts to eliminate malaria intensify, accurate information on vector populations and transmission dynamics is critical for directing control efforts, developing new control tools, and predicting the effects of these interventions under various conditions. Currently available sampling tools for mosquito population monitoring suffer from well-recognized limitations. As reported in this workshop summary, a recent gathering of medical entomologists, modelers, and malaria experts reviewed these issues and agreed that efforts are needed to improve methods to monitor key transmission parameters. Identified needs include standardized methods for sampling of both mosquito adults and larvae, improved tools for mosquito species identification and age-grading, and a better means for determining the entomological inoculation rate.
Conservation Efforts and Malaria in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Hahn Micah B. , Olson Sarah H. , Vittor Amy Y. , Barcellos Christovam , Patz Jonathan A. , Pan William
Published: November 2013

We respond to Valle and Clark,1 who assert that “conservation efforts may increase malaria burden in the Brazilian Amazon,” because the relationship between forest cover and malaria incidence was stronger than the effect of the deforestation rate.1 We contend that their conclusion is flawed because of limitations in their methodology that we discuss in detail. Most important are the exclusion of one-half the original data without a discussion of selection bias, the lack of model adjustment for either population growth or migration, and the crude classifications of land cover and protected areas that lead to aggregation bias.1 Of greater significance, we stress the need for caution in the interpretation of data that could have profound effects on regional land use decisions.
High School Dropouts and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Anderson D. Mark , Pörtner Claus C.
Published: November 2013

People who drop out of high school fare worse in many aspects of life. We analyze the relationship between dropping out of high school and the probability of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Previous studies on the relationship between dropout status and sexual outcomes have not empirically addressed unobserved heterogeneity at the individual level. Using fixed effects estimators, we find evidence supporting a positive relationship between dropping out of high school and the risk of contracting an STI for females. Furthermore, we present evidence that illustrates differences between the romantic partners of dropouts versus enrolled students. These differences suggest that female dropouts may be more susceptible to contracting STIs because they partner with significantly different types of people than do nondropouts. Our results point to a previously undocumented benefit of encouraging those at risk of dropping out to stay in school longer.
Local Intergovernmental Competition and the Law of 1/n
Authors: Crowley George R.
Published: November 2013

This article proposes an empirical framework based on a synthesis of the seminal “Law of 1/n” and “Leviathan” theories, which models the relationship between government spending and the number of jurisdictions in a federal system as determined by the interplay of the costs related to centralized government (which fall as the number of jurisdictions increases) and the costs of distributive politics (which rise as the number of jurisdictions increases). Using a panel of U.S. state and local government spending data, empirical tests based on this combined framework show that the effect of intergovernmental competition predicted by the Leviathan model is partially offset by the Law of 1/n. This result helps explain the inconsistent findings in the previous empirical literature.
Experience, Learning, and Returns to Scale
Authors: Arce Daniel G.
Published: November 2013

The experience curve is a tool for forecasting future decreases in average cost as a function of cumulative output/volume. The extent of an experience effect has profound implications for both pricing strategy and the focus on market share as a managerial objective. At the same time, the underlying sources of the experience effect are not well understood. This article demonstrates that, as commonly measured, experience effects are aggregated with the effects of increasing returns to scale. This implies that standard experience curve estimates are misspecified because they suffer from an omitted variable bias. Strategic implications of the experience‐scale link are discussed.
The ToF-ACSM: a portable aerosol chemical speciation monitor with TOFMS detection
Authors: Fröhlich R. , Cubison M. J. , Slowik J. G. , Bukowiecki N. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Baltensperger U. , Schneider J. , Kimmel J. R. , Gonin M. , Rohner U. , Worsnop D. R. , Jayne J. T.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We present a new instrument for monitoring aerosol composition, the time-of-flight aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ToF-ACSM), combining precision state-of-the-art time-of-flight mass spectrometry with stability, reliability, and easy handling, which are necessities for long-term monitoring operations on the scale of months to years. Based on Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) technology, the ToF-ACSM provides continuous online measurements of chemical composition and mass of non-refractory submicron aerosol particles. In contrast to the larger AMS, the compact-sized and lower-priced ToF-ACSM does not feature particle sizing, similar to the widely-used quadrupole-ACSM (Q-ACSM). Compared to the Q-ACSM, the ToF-ACSM features a better mass resolution of M/ΔM = 600 and better detection limits on the order of < 30 ng m−3 for a time resolution of 30 min. With simple upgrades these limits can be brought down by another factor of ~ 8. This allows for operation at higher time resolutions and in low concentration environments. The associated software packages (single packages for integrated operation and calibration and analysis) provide a high degree of automation and remote access, minimising the need for trained personnel on site. Intercomparisons with Q-ACSM, C-ToF-AMS, nephelometer and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) measurements, performed during a first long-term deployment (> 10 months) on the Jungfraujoch mountain ridge (3580 m a.s.l.) in the Swiss Alps, agree quantitatively. Additionally, the mass resolution of the ToF-ACSM is sufficient for basic mass defect resolved peak fitting of the recorded spectra, providing a data stream not accessible to the Q-ACSM. This allows for quantification of certain hydrocarbon and oxygenated fragments (e.g. C3H7+ and C2H3O+, both occurring at m/Q = 43 Th), as well as improving inorganic/organic separation.
Camera-Projector 3D Scanning of a Semi-Submerged Terrain in a Flume
Authors: Gorte B. G. H. , Vargas Luna A. , Sirmacek B.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The paper presents a home-made 3d scanner, consisting of off-the-shelf components: a camera and a projector. It is intended for monitoring dynamics of riverbed mophology observed under laboratory conditions in a flume, which is currently under construction. Special attention is paid to satisfying high requirements concerning accuracy and precision despite a compact and versatile setup of the system. Preliminary results are shown.
Dynamic WIFI-Based Indoor Positioning in 3D Virtual World
Authors: Chan S. , Sohn G. , Wang L. , Lee W.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. A web-based system based on the 3DTown project was proposed using Google Earth plug-in that brings information from indoor positioning devices and real-time sensors into an integrated 3D indoor and outdoor virtual world to visualize the dynamics of urban life within the 3D context of a city. We addressed limitation of the 3DTown project with particular emphasis on video surveillance camera used for indoor tracking purposes. The proposed solution was to utilize wireless local area network (WLAN) WiFi as a replacement technology for localizing objects of interest due to the wide spread availability and large coverage area of WiFi in indoor building spaces. Indoor positioning was performed using WiFi without modifying existing building infrastructure or introducing additional access points (AP)s. A hybrid probabilistic approach was used for indoor positioning based on previously recorded WiFi fingerprint database in the Petrie Science and Engineering building at York University. In addition, we have developed a 3D building modeling module that allows for efficient reconstruction of outdoor building models to be integrated with indoor building models; a sensor module for receiving, distributing, and visualizing real-time sensor data; and a web-based visualization module for users to explore the dynamic urban life in a virtual world. In order to solve the problems in the implementation of the proposed system, we introduce approaches for integration of indoor building models with indoor positioning data, as well as real-time sensor information and visualization on the web-based system. In this paper we report the preliminary results of our prototype system, demonstrating the system's capability for implementing a dynamic 3D indoor and outdoor virtual world that is composed of discrete modules connected through pre-determined communication protocols.
Stochastic semi-continuous simulation for extreme flood estimation in catchments with combined rainfall-snowmelt flood regimes
Authors: Lawrence D. , Paquet E. , Gailhard J. , Fleig A. K.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Simulation methods for extreme flood estimation represent an important complement to statistical flood frequency analysis because a spectrum of catchment conditions potentially leading to extreme flows can be assessed. In this paper, stochastic, semi-continuous simulation is used to estimate extreme floods in three catchments located in Norway, all of which are characterised by flood regimes in which snowmelt often has a significant role. The simulations are based on SCHADEX, which couples a precipitation probabilistic model with a hydrological simulation such that an exhaustive set of catchment conditions and responses are simulated. The precipitation probabilistic model is conditioned by regional weather patterns, and a "bottom-up" classification procedure was used for defining a set of weather patterns producing extreme precipitation in Norway. SCHADEX estimates for the 1000 yr (Q1000) discharge are compared with those of several standard methods, including event-based and long-term simulations which use a single extreme precipitation sequence as input to a hydrological model, with statistical flood frequency analysis based on the annual maximum series, and with the GRADEX method. The comparison suggests that the combination of a precipitation probabilistic model with a long-term simulation of catchment conditions, including snowmelt, produces estimates for given return periods which are more in line with those based on statistical flood frequency analysis, as compared with the standard simulation methods, in two of the catchments. In the third case, the SCHADEX method gives higher estimates than statistical flood frequency analysis and further suggests that the seasonality of the most likely Q1000 events differs from that of the annual maximum flows. The semi-continuous stochastic simulation method highlights the importance of considering the joint probability of extreme precipitation, snowmelt rates and catchment saturation states when assigning return periods to floods estimated by precipitation-runoff methods. The SCHADEX methodology, as applied here, is dependent on observed discharge data for calibration of a hydrological model, and further study to extend its application to ungauged catchments would significantly enhance its versatility.
Critical Civic Literacy
Authors: Pollack Seth S.
Published: November 2013

Traditional approaches to civic engagement have been marginalized and have had little impact on the core curriculum. Critical civic literacy is an alternative curricular approach to civic engagement that explicitly moves departments, disciplines, and degree programs to examine issues of social responsibility and social justice from the context of their particular field of study.
Civic Engagement in a Challenging Political Context
Authors: Myntti Cynthia
Published: November 2013

This essay uses the experience of one community engagement program at the American University of Beirut (AUB), a prominent private university in Lebanon, to reflect on the value and challenges of civic engagement in a non-Western context. It describes the Lebanese sectarian political system, provides an overview of the AUB Neighborhood Initiative, and comments on the unique role universities can play in the making of citizens in such a context. Contributing to practical problem-solving outside the walls of the university is the first important step in this process.
Educating the Public in the Spirit of the Land-Grant University
Authors: Flanagan Connie , Faust Victoria , Pykett Alisa
Published: November 2013

In this essay we argue for a model of undergraduate education consistent with the mission of the land-grant university in democracy. That model seeks the seamless integration of a liberal education with practice both within the university and beyond its physical borders.
Preparing Students for Democratic Life
Authors: Melville Keith , Dedrick John , Gish Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

This essay explores why, despite repeated affirmations of the importance of civic education in undergraduate education, preparing students to understand and play an active role in democratic life is, for the most part, a marginal and episodic part of the undergraduate experience. After describing various factors that have contributed to its marginal status, we examine emerging understandings of how civic education can be done effectively. In the essay's final section, we describe the main features of the civic curriculum we are developing and how it can be used to develop the ideals and practices of education for democratic life.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of …
Authors: Eberly Rosa A. , Serber Brad
Published: November 2013

With the hope of inspiring readers to reimagine the centrality of general education in constituting young adult capacities to create and sustain collective self-governance, this essay describes two courses and one activity built around public problems. General education viewed as a human right as well as a shared responsibility can thus serve as a college-level introduction to the habits and pleasures of lifelong collaborative learning, illustrating education's centrality in constituting the future of participatory democracy.
The effects of exogenous melatonin on wool quality and thyroid function in Rasa Aragonesa ewes
Authors: Abecia J.A. , Palacín I. , Forcada F.
Published: November 2013

The effect of melatonin on wool quality and thyroid function was studied. Ten ewes received a melatonin implant (M) on March 2004, and 10 ewes which were not implanted served as control (C). At monthly intervals over 12 months, fibre length and growth were calculated, and plasma thyroxine (T4) concentrations were measured. Wool samples (N = 2000 fibres) were collected and fibre diameter, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter, spin fineness, comfort factor, 5% of fibres "x" micro m above the mean diameter, curve, and clean yield were measured. In summer, M ewes had significantly lower plasma T4 concentrations than C ewes, with significant group (P
A melissopalynological map of the South and Southwest of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Authors: Valle A. , Andrada A. , Aramayo E. , Gil M. , Lamberto S.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this work was to produce a melissopalynological map of the south and Southwest of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, using pollen analysis data pertaining to 127 honey samples from the Pampa, Espinal (the Calden District), and Monte de Llanuras y Mesetas ecoregions, collected over the period 1992-2002. Using principal components and hierarchical cluster analysis, the different districts were grouped into five regions: I (Tres Arroyos, San Cayetano, Coronel Pringles and Coronel Dorrego), II (Guaminí, Saavedra, Coronel Suárez and Adolfo Alsina), III (Coronel Rosales, Monte Hermoso, Bahía Blanca and Villarino), IV (Patagones and Tornquist), and V (Puán). In Regions I, III and IV, 80% of honey samples were monofloral: Region I was characterized by the presence of 50% Helianthus annuus honeys and 10% clover honeys, Region III by 65% Eucalyptus sp. honeys, and Region IV by 30% Diplotaxis tenuifolia honeys. In Regions II and V, 50% of honeys were monofloral. Region II was distinguished by the presence of 50% H. annuus honeys, and Region V by 15% Larrea divaricata and 15% Vicia sp. honeys. The multifloral honeys of Region V included samples containing Condalia microphylla pollen. The families Fabaceae and Asteraceae provided the greatest diversity of pollen types. The association of Eucalyptus sp., Centaurea sp., and Diplotaxis tenuifolia characterised the honeys from all five regions. The natural variability of honey samples renders it very difficult to define the boundaries between the different regions.
Six cycles of S1 recurrent selection in two Spanish maize synthetics
Authors: Ruiz de Galarreta J.I. , Álvarez A.
Published: November 2013

European flint x US dent is the most common heterotic pattern used in early maize (Zea mays L.) breeding programs in Spain. Two synthetic maize populations, EZS1 (formed from four Spanish flint populations), and EZS2 (formed from four American dent populations), were developed in Zaragoza, Spain. These synthetics, which showed heterotic behaviour, were subjected to six cycles of S1 recurrent selection for increased grain yield and reduced lodging. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of selection on these and other agronomic traits in both synthetics. The original populations, EZS1C0 and EZS2C0, and the six cycles of selection of both, were evaluated at two locations over two years. Over the six selection cycles, the average yield of EZS1 and EZS2 increased by 0.82 Mg/ha and 0.93 Mg/ha per cycle respectively, while lodging decreased by 2.76% and 2.44% per cycle respectively. Changes due to selection were significant for all test traits in both synthetics. It was concluded that S1 selection is effective in improving the yield of, and reducing lodging in, both synthetics.
Personal, physical and socioeconomic factors affecting farmers' adoption of land consolidation
Authors: Akkaya Aslan S.T. , Gundogdu K.S. , Yaslioglu E. , Kirmikil M. , Arici I.
Published: November 2013

Ownership of agricultural land is very fragmented in Turkey, as is the case in countries within central Europe. This prevents agricultural efficiency from reaching desired levels. Land consolidation involves redistributing land ownership so that individual farmers own fewer, larger, more compact and more contiguous land parcels. In Turkey, generally voluntary land consolidation projects are performed, while some financial limitations and political conditions prevent land consolidation reach to its desired level. For this reason, only 2.2% of the agricultural areas have been consolidated so far. Ideally, farmers adopt consolidation and are pleased by its results; this helps maintain the sustainability of the land structure formed by consolidation and accelerate acceptance of consolidation in other areas. In this study, the factors that are effective on farmers' adopting land consolidation and their contentment were investigated. For this purpose, the results of the survey carried out in the selected villages within the Bursa-Karacabey plain were assessed using a logit model. According to the results obtained from this consolidation study, the criteria farmers value are the utilization of the irrigation system, reduction of inter-farmer conflicts, shaping parcels into a form proper for mechanized agriculture, and forming parcels of large dimensions by consolidating parcels. A higher level of contentment was observed among the farmers who were provided with above mentioned factors.
Explaining farm succession: the impact of farm location and off-farm employment opportunities
Authors: Aldanondo Ochoa A.M. , Casanovas Oliva V. , Almansa Sáez C.
Published: November 2013

This paper studies the impact of farm location on family farm succession, using a sample of farm households located at different distances from the urban centre in a rural region of Spain. Aggregated household data and household/child cross section data are used to analyze farm succession from two different perspectives, the father's and that of each of the children. The research considers both the father's expectations for the transfer of the farm to the next generation and, also, the impact of the individual characteristics of each child on the likelihood of his/her entering agriculture. Two estimates, the probit and random parameter ordered probit model, suggest that farm location has a significant effect on the probability of one of the farm operator's children taking on the business. Other important factors that affect farm succession are firm size and farm children's level of education. Then, policy initiatives to foster qualified employment and structural change in agriculture may perhaps help to retain young people in farming.
Relationship between nitrogen form and the development and yield of Lupinus albus L. from different countries
Authors: Ciesiolka D. , Muzquiz M. , Burbano C. , Pedrosa M.M. , Wysocki W. , Gulewicz K.
Published: November 2013

This paper discusses the influence of form of nitrogen (N) used as fertilizer, such as N2, NH4+, NO3-, (NH4+ + NO3-) and -NH2, on the development and yield and the protein content and yield of low-alkaloid cultivars of Lupinus albus L. from Poland, Spain, and Chile. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse and plants were grown in perlite. The different forms of N used significantly influenced lupin development and yield. Plants only developed normally in treatments where N was delivered in the molecular form N2 or as (NH4+ + NO3-). For the other forms of N anomalies like necrosis, chlorosis, and small leaves were present. In contrast to cv. Butan, the N used as NH4+ disturbed flowering in cvs. Multolupa and Marta, which produced no seed. Moreover, N form also influenced protein seed protein content and yield.
Short communication. Integration of emergence and population dynamic models for long term weed management using wild oat (Avena fatua L.) as an example
Authors: González-Díaz L. , Leguizamon E. , Forcella F. , González-Andújar J.L.
Published: November 2013

Weed emergence models and weed population models have shown to be important tools for decision making. However, there have been no attempts to integrate a weed emergence model with a population dynamics model to build an improved model with increased predictive capacity. In this paper, a method of integrating both types of model is presented and an application building a mathematical model based on previously reported seedling emergence and population dynamics data to simulate cohort-dependent population dynamics of wild oat is given. Three management scenarios (S1, S2, S3) were considered. In S1, farmers are not aware of the time of weed emergence make control decisions as a stochastic process. Under S2, farmers are aware of the time of weed emergence and make decisions considering the time of emergence. The effect of 100% control when 80, 90, 95 and 100% of wild oats had emerged was examined. In S3 there was "no control". In the absence of control the wild oat population grew in a sigmoid manner and reached an equilibrium density at about 16,000 seeds/square m in the soil seed bank. In S1, simulation resulted in an average population equilibrium at about 13,000 seeds/square m. This equilibrium position represented only a 19% reduction of the carrying capacity of the system. In S2, the 95% and 100% emerged weeds, produced population extinction after 16 and 6 years, respectively. In S2 with 90% and 80% of emerged weeds the carrying capacity of the system was reduced by 95% and 28%, respectively. Scenario S2 with minimum uncertainty always gave better results than S1. Integrating simple population models with emergence models would help farmers in long-term decision making for weed management.
Numerical modeling of cavitating flows for simple geometries using FLUENT V6.1
Authors: Palau-Salvador G. , Gonzalez Altozano P. , Arviza-Valverde J.
Published: November 2013

Cavitation is a phenomenon that can be present in several agro-forestry applications such as irrigation pressure-reducing valves, sprinkler orifices or even in the flow through xylem vessels inside plants. In the present research, numerical predictions of cavitation in a series of orifices, nozzles and venturis were compared to experimental measurements to show the possibilities and performances of the new cavitation model in the commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT V6.1. A flashing study is also presented for the nozzle case. Model predictions for the orifice cases accurately capture cavitation inception and its influence on the orifice discharge coefficient. However, when an unsteady flow is modeled, the cavitation phenomenon is not simulated properly and leads to a steady situation. In general, the new cavitation model in FLUENT V6.1 provides very reliable simulation for easy geometries when steady flow is assumed.
Evaluation of chitosan as an inhibitor of soil-borne pathogens and as an elicitor of defence markers and resistance in tobacco plants
Authors: Falcón Rodríguez A.B. , Costales Menéndez D. , Ortega Delgado E. , León Díaz O. , Cabrera Pino J.C.
Published: November 2013

In in vitro assays, a chitosan polymer caused differential growth inhibition of the following pathogens isolated from tobacco: Phytophthora parasitica Dastur var. nicotianae (Ppn), Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp, Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, and Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. The most sensitive were P. aphanidermatum and S. rolfsii, the growth of which was fully inhibited at a chitosan dose of 1.5 g/L; the growth of Ppn was fully inhibited at 2 g/L. In vivo assays involving plants grown from seeds immersed in chitosan, as well as plants sprayed with this product, were performed to detect the induction of defence response markers in the leaf and consequent resistance to disease. Although defence/resistance marker enzyme activities varied, activation was greater in the chitosan-treated plants than in controls. Marker enzyme activities in the sprayed plants were generally equal to or stronger than those recorded in the seed immersion-treated plants, except for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity at the lowest immersion concentration tested. Although there were no statistical differences among treatments with respect to resistance against Ppn, the greatest protection was afforded by the spray treatments, in which the infection index was reduced between 17 and 19% compared to the controls. In conclusion, this chitosan polymer directly inhibited the growth of several tobacco pathogens and caused the induction of defence enzymes in leaves, but was not able to protect tobacco plantlets against Ppn infection via the activation of induced resistance. This work demonstrated the potential of chitosan in protecting tobacco plants against soil-borne pathogens.
Short communication. Exploring new functional markets potential: factors affecting willingness to purchase functional wines
Authors: Barreiro-Hurlé J.
Published: November 2013

Concern regarding the relationship between diet and health is growing among consumers. As an answer to this concern, the food industry has developed functional foods, a market with an increasing demand both in volume and expenditure. New functional products are being developed for which market potential must be investigated. This paper centres on one of this products, a wine with increased levels of resveratrol, a natural compound which has been found to be positively related to the reduction in the risk of inflammatory diseases. The market potential of this new product is assessed using a survey of wine consumers in the city of Granada (Spain). Consumers are asked for the probability of purchasing this new wine in order to identify "potential consumers" and factors influencing belonging to this category are identified. A significant proportion of the sample is found to belong to the "potential consumers" category with cognitive, affective and situational variables as the main factors affecting inclusion within this category.
Short communication. Harvest stage effects on forage yield and quality for rape and turnip genotypes
Authors: Sincik M. , Bilgili U. , Uzun A. , Acikgoz E.
Published: November 2013

The effects of two different harvest stages (full flowering and full podding) on forage yield and quality of ten forage rape (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera) and three turnip (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa) cultivars were evaluated under rainfed conditions in a Mediterranean type climate at Bursa, Turkey, during the 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 growing seasons. Plant height, branches per plant, leaf length and width, plant part components, and dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yield were measured. Significant differences were observed for the main effects cultivar and harvest stage on DM and protein yields. The CP content of the whole plant and vegetative parts of the Brassica genotypes decreased as plant maturity progressed. In general, turnip cultivars showed better performance in DM yield. Fall sown turnip produced 9.10 and 12.1 Mg/ha DM yield, with 15.1 and 9.10% CP concentrations, at full flowering and at podding stage, respectively. Significant differences were noted among cultivars for these two parameters. Protein content decreased dramatically in stem parts when maturity advanced from full flower to full pod stages. High leaf percentage and high protein content at full flowering suggest that this should be the preferred forage harvest stage for rape and turnip cultivars.
Short communication. Effects of the plant growth stimulant SBPI on Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Gómez A.A. , Alonso D. , Nombela G. , Muñiz M.
Published: November 2013

The environmentally friendly plant growth stimulant and pesticide SB Plant Invigorator (SBPI, Stan Brouard Group) helps the plant to produce quality fruit. Three days after tomato plants were sprayed for the first time with SBPI (2 mL/L solution), this product seemed to be ineffective against Bemisia tabaci adults, as the numbers of dead females were practically equal on control and treated plants. After 3 days oviposition values on control plants did not differ significantly from those on treated plants. However, 31 days after the first treatment with weekly repeated treatments, new adult whiteflies started to emerge from pupae on control plants, but no L3, L4 or new adults were found on SBPI-treated plants. However, differences in the number of 1st+2nd instar larvae were not statistically significant. From these findings it can be concluded that, under these conditions, SBPI is an effective alternative product for the control of B. tabaci on tomato plants, as foliar application inhibits larval development decreasing the risk of a new whitefly generation.
Determination of fipronil residues in honey and pollen by gas chromatography
Authors: Sánchez Brunete C. , Miguel E. , Albero B. , Tadeo J.L.
Published: November 2013

This work describes the development of the analytical methodology for determining fipronil residues in honey and pollen samples by gas chromatography with two detecting systems: electron-capture detection (GC-ECD) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fipronil was extracted from honey samples by solid-phase extraction, using alumina as adsorbent and hexane-ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) as eluting solvent, and from pollen samples by matrix solid-phase dispersion with C18 and acetonitrile, assisted by sonication. The developed methods gave recovery results >90% with relative standard deviations
AUG context and mRNA translation in vaccinia virus
Authors: Sánchez-Puig J.M. , Blasco R.
Published: November 2013

In this study, we examined the role of the nucleotides flanking AUG initiator codons in modulating translation of vaccinia virus genes. First, the sequence around initiation codons in the genomic sequence of vaccinia was analyzed. A preference for A in position 3 and for A or G in position +4, relative to the A of the initiator AUG codon was noted. These results are in broad agreement with known optimal consensus for the translation of eukaryotic mRNAs. Nucleotides 3 and +4, which are known to affect the efficiency of translation of cellular mRNAs over a 20-fold range, were examined by site-directed mutagenesis and functional assays in the context of vaccinia-infected cells. A collection of virus recombinants expressing beta-Galactosidase (beta-Gal) under the control of a strong promoter and containing all possible nucleotide substitutions in those positions was generated. Quantitation of beta-Gal mRNA and beta-Gal activity showed that the efficiency of translation was not affected significantly by nucleotide substitutions in positions 3 and +4. Therefore, despite the high occurrence of purine nucleotides in those positions in vaccinia mRNAs, no effect of those positions was noted in conditions where â-Gal was overexpressed.
Comparison of logistic regression and growth function models for the analysis of the incidence of virus infection
Authors: Bergua M. , Luis-Arteaga M. , Escriu F.
Published: November 2013

A logistic regression model was compared to logistic, Gompertz and log-logistic growth functions for analyzing a set of data describing the incidence of Alfalfa mosaic virus infection in lucerne fields aged from one to five years, and located in three different ecological areas of the Ebro Valley, Northeast Spain. Models were fitted in the form of generalized linear models, and none of them explained well the high variability of the field data, although they were useful to analyze the interdependence among epidemiological factors associated with estimated parameters in the models. The logistic regression model proved more sensitive than classical growth function models to detect significant differences in parameters such as the rate of incidence increase with age of lucerne field or the initial amount of disease, and to detect differences associated to explanatory variables such as the ecological area. Results indicate that logistic regression may be a method well suited to statistical analyses in plant epidemiology.
A quantitative analysis of complementation of deleterious mutants in plant virus populations
Authors: Fraile A. , Sacristán S. , García-Arenal F.
Published: November 2013

Complementation can be defined as the process by which the function affected by a mutation is provided in trans by fully competent genotypes. Complementation can, thus, counter the effects of selection of deleterious mutants. Complementation of mutants defective for replication, movement and transmission has been often described in experiments with viruses and, occasionally, has been reported to occur in their natural populations. However, the role of complementation in virus evolution has been overlooked. Here is provided a quantitative estimate of the efficiency of complementation, defined as the probability that a non-functional mutant accomplishes a function relative to a functional one. For this, the frequency of mutants of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) defective for cell to cell movement was estimated in wild type tobacco plants and in transgenic plants expressing the TMV movement protein (MP) from a transgene. Mutants lethal for cell-to-cell movement were complemented by wild-type TMV in the first case, and by the transgene-expressed MP in the second case. Assuming that complementation is fully efficient in the transgenic plants, a value for the efficiency of complementation of 0.34 was obtained. Thus, complementation can efficiently counter selection on lethal mutants, and may have an important role on virus evolution. Complementation may be relevant for management of viral diseases if the complemented deleterious mutation is linked to other functions affecting the pathogenicity or epidemiology of the virus.
Regulatory mechanisms involved in cold acclimation response: a review
Authors: Catalá R. , Salinas J.
Published: November 2013

Freezing temperatures are one of the environmental stresses with more impact in plant development in temperate regions. By means of cold acclimation, many plant species are able to increase their freezing tolerance in response to low-nonfreezing temperatures. In the last years, an important effort has been made to characterize the molecular mechanisms that control this adaptive process. Transcriptome analyses indicate that cold acclimation is mainly regulated by low temperatures through changes in gene expression. In this regard, it has been reported that 3.4% of Arabidopsis genes are regulated by low temperature, including 95 genes annotated as transcription factors. The control of coldinducible gene expression is very complex and involves many different signaling pathways that, in some cases, seem to share common intermediates. Interestingly, recent reports have shown that RNA processing and export, as well as post-translational modifications, including ubiquitylation and SUMOylation, also play important roles in regulating cold acclimation. Furthermore, histone modifications seem to be relevant in this regulation. In fact, histone acetylation and deacetylation are needed for correct activation of gene expression in response to low temperatures. All these data reveal that post-transcriptional mechanisms should be taken into consideration when analyzing the control of cold acclimation. Following, is a brief overview of the current understanding on the regulatory mechanisms that ensures the accurate development of this adaptive response.
A sobrevivência no olho do furacão
Authors: Sarmento-Pantoja Augusto , Santos Adriana Cruz dos
Published: November 2013

Este estudo discute de que modo podemos conceber a sobrevivência após experiências traumáticas vividas por militantes políticos que lutaram contra a ditadura civil-militar brasileira pós-1964 e estiveram literalmente dentro do olho do furacão. A sobrevivência em si traz questões ambíguas em relação à construção dos testemunhos e, por isso, devem ser estudadas em seus pormenores. Utilizaremos para nossas análises dois documentários produzidos após a abertura política no Brasil, o primeiro de 1989, Que bom te ver viva, de Lúcia Murat, e o segundo de 2003, No olho do furacão, de Renato Tapajós e Tony Venturi. Entre os aspectos destacados temos as formas estéticas dos filmes e a presença narrativa dos diretores nos filmes.
Arte e guerra: a violência como um elo entre as narrativas fílmicas Tony Manero, Machuca e O ano em que meus pais saíram de férias
Authors: Almeida Carlos Henrique Lopes de , Bastos Jessika Maués Brabo
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho tem como objetivo traçar uma análise a respeito das referências políticas presentes na cinematografia da América Latina, utilizando como tema central a deflagração dos regimes militares no Chile e no Brasil através dos filmes Tony Manero, Machuca e O ano em que meus pais saíram de férias, os quais apresentam reminiscências da história das Ditaduras nesses países.
Memórias da violência na América Latina: Araguaia – Campo Sagrado, Kamchatka e Linha de Passe
Authors: Silva Deurilene Sousa , Pinheiro Veridiana Valente
Published: November 2013

O presente texto tem como objetivo traçar reflexões acerca da violência, trauma e memória, presentes nas narrativas fílmicas Araguaia: campo sagrado, Kamchatka e Linha de passe, com vistas a observar como as representações dessas categorias se manifestam neste recorte da cinematografia literária de resistência latino-americana.
Estudo mineralógico dos arenitos das formações Pirambóia e Botucatu no Centro-Leste do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Wu Fu-Tai , Caetano-Chang Maria Rita
Published: November 2013

O estudo dos minerais leves e pesados dos arenitos das formações Pirambóia e Botucatu permitiu a identificação de associações mineralógicas, além de contribuir para a caracterização genética e para o conhecimento das áreas-fontes destas unidades. Os subarcóseos da Formação Pirambóia são submaturos a maturos, enquanto a Formação Botucatu apresenta quartzo-arenitos e subarcóseos maturos a supermaturos. Duas províncias mineralógicas foram identificadas: a província A ocorre dominantemente na Formação Pirambóia e a província B na Formação Botucatu. Durante o transporte e deposição desses arenitos, os minerais sofreram fortemente a ação abrasiva eólica, eliminando os minerais de baixa dureza. Por sua vez, as condições eólicas de clima árido então vigentes propiciaram a preservação de minerais metaestáveis, pouco resistentes ao ataque químico, porém altamente resistentes à abrasão mecânica, como a estaurolita. Nestas condições os minerais não sofreram forte atuação de intemperismo químico na área-fonte e no sítio deposicional. Os sedimentos dessas formações nas porções central e sudoeste da área foram derivados predominantemente de rochas cristalinas e parcialmente de rochas sedimentares preexistentes; os da porção nordeste, predominantemente de rochas sedimentares preexistentes e parcialmente de rochas cristalinas. Ao tempo da deposição da Formação Botucatu, teve lugar um vulcanismo básico na área-fonte, propiciando o fornecimento de magnetita e ilmenita angulares e euédricas. As características texturais e composicionais dos minerais leves e pesados dos arenitos das formações estudadas permitem concluir que foram transportados e depositados sobretudo em condições eólicas.
Geociências: um ensaio preliminar de avaliação e perspectiva
Authors: Suslick Saul B
Published: November 2013

O autor busca fornecer subsídios para um estudo avaliatório e prospectivo sobre diversos aspectos relacionados às Geociências em âmbito nacional e internacional. São abordados os impactos provocados pelas novas tecnologias, indicando que as Geociências, além de buscar a sua diversificação, devem também se preparar para a incorporação destas novas demandas em suas abordagens. Na parte final do trabalho são destacadas as principais tendências relacionadas ao futuro dos recursos minerais e à aplicação de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, com ênfase nas interfaces com as áreas emergentes do conhecimento.
Silicificação hidrotermal neocretácea na Porção Meridional da Bacia Bauru
Authors: Fernandes Luiz Alberto , Coimbra Armando Márcio , Brandt Neto Max
Published: November 2013

Os grupos Caiuá e Bauru constituem seqüência sedimentar única acumulada na Bacia Bauru, durante o Cretáceo Superior. Compõem-se de rochas siliciclásticas de origem continental, com algumas intercalações vulcânicas alcalinas. Em estudos desenvolvidos na Região Noroeste do Paraná e Extremo-Oeste do Estado de São Paulo, em áreas de exposição dos grupos Caiuá e Bauru, foram cadastradas várias ocorrências de arenitos silicificados. As mais expressivas, alinhadas segundo a direção NE, concentram-se na zona de seu cruzamento com estruturas NW, no prolongamento noroeste do Arco de Ponta Grossa. A silicificação observada tem caráter pontual e afeta, simultaneamente, unidades litoestratigráficas distintas. Caracteriza-se por revestir e preencher espaços intergranulares do arcabouço com sílica de diferentes texturas, em contextos diagenéticos distintos. As características e a distribuição peculiar das ocorrências de rochas silicificadas, assim como a presença de palygorskita em basaltos sotopostos e carbonato-fluorapatita em arenitos do Grupo Caiuá, sugerem processos de natureza hidrotermal (percolação de fluidos silicosos), provavelmente relacionados com o magmatismo alcalino neocretáceo, e finalizados com a silicificação, no fechamento da sedimentação na Bacia Bauru