bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Promotes Clearance of Pneumococcal Colonization
Authors: Das Rituparna , LaRose Meredith I. , Hergott Christopher B. , Leng Lin , Bucala Richard , Weiser Jeffrey N.
Published: June 2014

Human genetic polymorphisms associated with decreased expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) have been linked to the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. Because Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and nasal carriage is a precursor to invasive disease, we explored the role of MIF in the clearance of pneumococcal colonization in a mouse model. MIF-deficient mice (Mif−/−) showed prolonged colonization with both avirulent (23F) and virulent (6A) pneumococcal serotypes compared with wild-type animals. Pneumococcal carriage led to both local upregulation of MIF expression and systemic increase of the cytokine. Delayed clearance in the Mif−/− mice was correlated with reduced numbers of macrophages in upper respiratory tract lavages as well as impaired upregulation of MCP-1/CCL2. We found that primary human monocyte–derived macrophages as well as THP-1 macrophages produced MIF upon pneumococcal infection in a pneumolysin-dependent manner. Pneumolysin-induced MIF production required its pore-forming activity and phosphorylation of p38-MAPK in macrophages, with sustained p38-MAPK phosphorylation abrogated in the setting of MIF deficiency. Challenge with pneumolysin-deficient bacteria demonstrated reduced MIF upregulation, decreased numbers of macrophages in the nasopharynx, and less effective clearance. Mif−/− mice also showed reduced Ab response to pneumococcal colonization and impaired ability to clear secondary carriage. Finally, local administration of MIF was able to restore bacterial clearance and macrophage accumulation in Mif−/− mice. Our work suggests that MIF is important for innate and adaptive immunity to pneumococcal colonization and could be a contributing factor in genetic differences in pneumococcal disease susceptibility.
Carbohydrate Ingestion Before and During Soccer Match Play and Blood Glucose and Lactate Concentrations
Authors: Russell Mark , Benton David , Kingsley Michael
Published: June 2014

Context:

The ingestion of carbohydrate (CHO) before and during exercise and at halftime is commonly recommended to soccer players for maintaining blood glucose concentrations throughout match play. However, an exercise-induced rebound glycemic response has been observed in the early stages of the second half of simulated soccer-specific exercise when CHO-electrolyte beverages were consumed regularly. Therefore, the metabolic effects of CHO beverage consumption throughout soccer match play remain unclear.

Objective:

To investigate the blood glucose and blood lactate responses to CHOs ingested before and during soccer match play.

Design:

Crossover study.

Setting:

Applied research study.

Patients or Other Participants:

Ten male outfield academy soccer players (age = 15.6 ± 0.2 years, height = 1.74 ± 0.02 m, mass = 65.3 ± 1.9 kg, estimated maximal oxygen consumption = 58.4 ± 0.8 mL·kg−1·min−1).

Intervention(s):

Players received a 6% CHO-electrolyte solution or an electrolyte (placebo) solution 2 hours before kickoff, before each half (within 10 minutes), and every 15 minutes throughout exercise. Blood samples were obtained at rest, every 15 minutes during the match (first half: 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 minutes; second half: 45–60, 60–75, and 75–90 minutes) and 10 minutes into the halftime break.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Metabolic responses (blood glucose and blood lactate concentrations) and markers of exercise intensity (heart rate) were recorded.

Results:

Supplementation influenced the blood glucose response to exercise (time × treatment interaction effect: P ≤ .05), such that glucose concentrations were higher at 30 to 45 minutes in the CHO than in the placebo condition. However, in the second half, blood glucose concentrations were similar between conditions because of transient reductions from peak values occurring in both trials at halftime. Blood lactate concentrations were elevated above those at rest in the first 15 minutes of exercise (time-of-sample effect: P < .001) and remained elevated throughout exercise. Supplementation did not influence the pattern of response (time × treatment interaction effect: P = .49).

Conclusions:

Ingestion of a 6% CHO-electrolyte beverage before and during soccer match play did not benefit blood glucose concentrations throughout the second half of exercise.
CDC Neela oilseed flax
Authors: Booker Helen M. , Rowland Gordon G. , Kutcher H. Randy , Rashid Khalid Y.
Published: June 2014

Booker, H. M., Rowland, G. G., Kutcher, H. R. and Rashid, K. Y. 2014. CDC Neela oilseed flax. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1313–1314. CDC Neela, a medium–late-maturing oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), was released in 2013 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This cultivar has medium oil content, medium oil quality, medium seed size, good lodging resistance, and high seed yield in all soil zones of the Prairies. It is immune to North American races of rust caused by Melampsora lini, and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini.
Effects of planting date and earliness on deoxynivalenol contamination in barley under natural epidemic conditions
Authors: Choo Thin Meiw , Martin Richard A. , Savard Marc E. , Blackwell Barbara
Published: June 2014

Choo, T. M., Martin, R. A., Savard, M. E. and Blackwell, B. 2014. Effects of planting date and earliness on deoxynivalenol contamination in barley under natural epidemic conditions. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1363–1371. Fusarium head blight, principally caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, is a destructive disease of barley in many countries and it can result in mycotoxin contamination such as deoxynivalenol (DON) in the grain. An integrated management strategy is needed to mitigate the level of DON contamination in barley. Therefore, a study was initiated to determine if early planting and early-heading cultivars can be used to avoid severe DON contamination under natural epidemic conditions in the Maritimes. Twelve six-row barley cultivars were planted in a split-plot design with two planting dates (early vs. late) as main-plot units and cultivars as sub-plot units at the Harrington Research Farm in Prince Edward Island in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Grain samples from all experimental plots were contaminated with DON and one contained as high as 23.1 mg kg−1. Early planting frequently resulted in less DON contamination and higher yield than late planting. Days to heading was positively correlated with DON concentration only at late planting in 2007. The results of this study suggest that six-row barley should be planted early in the Maritimes to avoid a high level of DON contamination and a reduction in grain yield, and that use of early-heading cultivars may not be effective at reducing DON contamination while retaining high yield.
Patterns and potential drivers of declining oxygen content along the southern California coast
Authors: Booth J. A. T. , Woodson C. B. , Sutula M. , Micheli F. , Weisberg S. B. , Bograd S. J. , Steele A. , Schoen J. , Crowder L. B.
Published: June 2014

Here we examine a 50+ yr data set from a regionally coordinated southern California water quality monitoring program to assess temporal trends and determine whether nearshore waters are exhibiting changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) content similar to those reported offshore. DO in sub—mixed layer nearshore waters (< 10 km from shore) have declined up to four times faster than reported for offshore waters over the last 15 yr. These trends were evident over depth, and along isopycnals. They have no precedent over the past 50 yr and do not appear to be attributable primarily to large‐scale climate variability in ocean DO. Coastal biophysical processes, including increased phytoplankton biomass in surface waters, are likely contributing to the recent elevated rate of DO decline in nearshore waters, as evidenced by higher rates of increase in apparent oxygen utilization. It is unclear whether these processes result from upwelling‐derived or anthropogenic nutrient inputs.
Thermal structure and response to long‐term climatic changes in Lake Qiandaohu, a deep subtropical reservoir in China
Authors: Zhang Yunlin , Wu Zhixu , Liu Mingliang , He Jianbo , Shi Kun , Wang Mingzhu , Yu Zuoming
Published: June 2014

Using the vertical temperature profiles of Lake Qiandaohu from January 2010 to April 2013, we evaluated the monthly and seasonal variations of water temperature and thermocline parameters, and developed empirical models among thermocline depth (TD), thickness (TT), and strength (TS). We also developed empirical models between TD, TT, TS, and surface‐water temperature (0–2 m) (T0–2 m), and transparency (Secchi disk depth, SDD). Additionally, we assessed the changes in TD, TT, and TS over the past 62 yr, based on our empirical models, air temperature data from 1951 to 2012, and SDD data from 1987 to 2012. Lake Qiandaohu is warm monomictic, with a long period of thermal stratification from April until January, and only a short period of mixing in the winter or spring (February or March). There were significant correlations between SDD and TD (positive), and between SDD and TT (negative). There was a significant negative correlation between T0–2 m and TD during the stratification weakness period (July—February), and a significant positive correlation between T0–2 m and TT for all data, including the stratification formation and weakness periods. Air temperature near the lake rose 1.2°C between 1951 and 2012, corresponding to a 0.8°C increase in T0–2 m, and a 0.78 m decrease in SDD between 1987 and 2012. The increase in air temperature and the decrease in SDD caused a decrease in TD and an increase in TT, facilitating the thermal stratification and stability of the lake; therefore, climate warming has had a significant effect on the thermal regime of Lake Qiandaohu.
Salt marsh tidal exchange increases residence time of silica in estuaries
Authors: Carey J. C. , Fulweiler R. W.
Published: June 2014

We present flux measurements of dissolved silicon (DSi), biogenic Si (BSi), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) on a temperate salt marsh in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, over neap, mid, and spring tide cycles during the spring and the summer seasons to determine the stoichiometry of marsh tidal export and the potential effect on Si availability in the receiving estuary. During the spring, when incoming waters were depleted in DSi (average 1.7 µmol L−1), the marsh was a net sink of BSi (132 mol h−1) and a source of DSi (31 mol h−1) to the estuary. During this period, the DIN : DSi ratio of ebbing water was more than five times lower than that of flood water. Together, these data indicate that marsh nutrient fluxes “outwell” nutrients in ratios that support spring diatom growth in Narragansett Bay. However, during the entire sampling period the marsh served as a net sink for both DSi and BSi, importing, on average, 14 mol DSi h−1 and 86 mol BSi h−1. We hypothesize that the net import and retention of Si by salt marshes provides a previously overlooked ecosystem service of increasing the residence time of Si in estuarine systems. In the absence of salt marshes, we calculate that 5.1 × 104 kmol of Si would be exported from the estuary during the growing season, decreasing the availability of Si in the system and having direct repercussions for phytoplankton species composition in nearby estuarine waters.
Wave‐induced transport and vertical mixing of pelagic eggs and larvae
Authors: Röhrs Johannes , Christensen Kai Håkon , Vikebø Frode , Sundby Svein , Saetra Øyvind , Broström Göran
Published: June 2014

The transport of pelagic plankton by wind‐driven ocean currents and surface gravity waves is investigated for the example of Northeast Arctic cod eggs and larvae on the coast of northern Norway. Previous studies indicate that the wave‐induced drift (i.e., Stokes drift) is relevant for the transport of particles in the upper ocean. We use an ocean general circulation model together with a numerical wave prediction model and a Lagrangian particle tracking model to calculate trajectories of fish eggs and larvae. Waves are considered not only for particle drift but also for the air—sea momentum flux, its contribution to the Coriolis force, and vertical mixing. The sample species provides the advantage that many of its physical and behavioral properties are well known (e.g., egg buoyancy), allowing investigation of vertical particle displacement by turbulent mixing in response to wind forcing and wave breaking. The approach accounting for particle mixing by breaking waves enhances agreement between observed and modeled egg profiles. Results also show a general shoreward transport of particles by the Stokes drift. This wave drift exhibits a more constant direction than the Eulerian current and hence stabilizes particle diffusion to favor a dominant direction. For the case of Northeast Arctic cod, waves concentrated model eggs and larvae on average 1.5 km closer to shore, which is 20% of their total distance to the coast. This increases the residence time of first‐feeding larvae close to the spawning areas compared to earlier models.
Vertical patterns of metabolism in three contrasting stratified lakes
Authors: Obrador Biel , Staehr Peter A. , Christensen Jesper P. C.
Published: June 2014

Recent advances in open‐water measurements suggest significant temporal and spatial variability of gross primary production (GPP), net ecosystem production (NEP), and respiration (R) with implications for understanding carbon cycling in lakes. This study applied high‐frequency depth profiles in three stratified lakes of different trophic status to investigate (1) the importance of vertical variations in metabolic rates, (2) the effects of changes in the depth of the mixed layer (Zmix) and the photic zone (Zeu), and (3) the photoacclimative responses of the aquatic autotrophs to changes in these conditions. Taking account of vertical differences in metabolism improved the reliability of whole‐areal NEP estimates during stratification. Whereas the hypolimnion was always heterotrophic, and the epilimnion was mostly autotrophic, the metalimnion had NEP > 0 when Zeu > Zmix. Although most of GPP and R occurred in the epilimnion, between 0% and 20% of GPP and 4% and 37% of R took place in the metalimnion. Areal metabolic estimates based on surface measurements deviated up to 60% for GPP and 80% for R when Zeu > Zmix. The vertical variability in metabolism was driven by available light in both the epi‐ and metalimnion. Coupling between GPP and R was low in all layers and indicated increasing background R with depth. Light utilization efficiency was significantly higher under low light conditions, indicating photophysiological acclimation of phytoplankton to decreasing light in the metalimnion.
Assessing the drivers of spatial variation in thermal forcing across a nearshore reef system and implications for coral bleaching
Authors: Falter James L. , Zhang Zhenlin , Lowe Ryan J. , McGregor Frazer , Keesing John , McCulloch Malcolm T.
Published: June 2014

We examined the seasonal and spatial variability in the temperatures of nearshore reef waters over 19 months across Coral Bay at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Local deviations in the mean daily temperature of nearshore reef waters from offshore values (ΔT) were a linear function of the combined effect of net atmospheric heating (Qnet) and offshore wave height and period. Whereas intra‐annual variation in local heat exchange was driven mainly by seasonal changes in shortwave radiation, intra‐annual variation in local cooling was driven mostly by changes in relative humidity (r2 = 0.60) and wind speed (r2 = 0.31) that exhibited no apparent seasonality. We demonstrate good agreement between nearshore reef temperatures modeled from offshore sea surface temperatures, offshore wave forcing, and local atmospheric heat fluxes with observed temperatures using a simple linear model (r2 = 0.31–0.69, root‐mean‐square error = 0.4–0.9°C). Using these modeled nearshore reef temperature records, we show that thermal stresses across the reef reached between 16°C weeks and 22°C weeks in the summer of 2011 when a mass coral bleaching event was reported, and between 12°C weeks and 13°C weeks in the following summer of 2012 when no mass bleaching was reported. After compensating for differences between observed and modeled thermal stresses, we found that maximum thermal stresses across the reef likely reached as high as 18–34°C weeks in the summer of 2011. The approach used here could thus improve our ability to predict spatial variation in thermal stress and bleaching across other wave‐driven nearshore reef systems.
Important role of biomolecules from diatoms in the scavenging of particle‐reactive radionuclides of thorium, protactinium, lead, polonium, and beryllium in the ocean: A case study with Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Chuang Chia-Ying , Santschi Peter H. , Jiang Yuelu , Ho Yi-Fang , Quigg Antonietta , Guo Laodong , Ayranov Marin , Schumann Dorothea
Published: June 2014

Laboratory studies were conducted to examine the sorption of selected radionuclides (234Th, 233Pa, 210Po, 210Pb, and 7Be) onto inorganic (pure silica and acid‐cleaned diatom frustules) and organic (diatom cells with or without silica frustules) particles in natural seawater and the role of templating biomolecules and exopolymeric substances (EPS) extracted from the same species of diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, in the sorption process. The range of partition coefficients (Kd, reported as logKd) of radionuclides between water and the different particle types was 4.78–6.69 for 234Th, 5.23–6.71 for 233Pa, 4.44–5.86 for 210Pb, 4.47–4.92 for 210Po, and 4.93–7.23 for 7Be, similar to values reported for lab and field determinations. The sorption of all radionuclides was significantly enhanced in the presence of organic matter associated with particles, resulting in Kd one to two orders of magnitude higher than for inorganic particles only, with highest values for 7Be (logKd of 7.2). Results further indicate that EPS and frustule‐embedded biomolecules in diatom cells are responsible for the sorption enhancement rather than the silica shell itself. By separating radiolabeled EPS via isoelectric focusing, we found that isoelectric points are radionuclide specific, suggesting that each radionuclide binds to specific biopolymeric functional groups, with the most efficient binding sites likely occurring in acid polysaccharides, iron hydroxides, and proteins. Further progress in evaluating the effects of diatom frustule—related biopolymers on binding, scavenging, and fractionation of radionuclides would require the application of molecular‐level characterization techniques.
The effect of organic carbon on fixed nitrogen loss in the eastern tropical South Pacific and Arabian Sea oxygen deficient zones
Authors: Chang Bonnie X. , Rich Jeremy R. , Jayakumar Amal , Naik Hema , Pratihary Anil K. , Keil Richard G. , Ward Bess B. , Devol Allan H.
Published: June 2014

The three major oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) of the world oceans (eastern tropical North and South Pacific (ETNP and ETSP, respectively), and Arabian Sea (AS) host the vast majority of pelagic fixed nitrogen (N) loss and up to half of total marine N loss. The input of organic matter is an important control on the absolute and relative importance of the two main pathways of N removal (denitrification and anammox). We investigated the response of N loss in the ETSP and AS ODZs to additions of organic matter in the form of glucose and naturally derived dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM, respectively). In the ETSP ODZ, the addition of glucose stimulated denitrification (1.6‐fold increase after 5 d) but not anammox (14‐fold decrease after 5 d). In the AS ODZ, only POM, not DOM, significantly increased rates of denitrification at the base of the oxycline (5.4–6.4‐fold increase after 2 d), but not at the secondary nitrite maximum. These results suggest that denitrification was generally limited by organic matter supply at the time of this study in both the ETSP and AS ODZs, although the lability of the organic matter supplied was important. Interestingly, 15N2 produced in ETSP and AS incubations was not binomially distributed relative to the reactants after the influence of anammox was taken into account, suggesting an unknown production mechanism or pathway of N removal.
The frequency of connection of coastal water bodies to the ocean predicts Carcinus maenas invasion
Authors: Garside C. J. , Glasby T. M. , Coleman M. A. , Kelaher B. P. , Bishop M. J.
Published: June 2014

Semi‐enclosed coastal water bodies range from permanently open estuaries to lagoons that are periodically isolated from the ocean. The proportion of time these are connected to the ocean may influence biological invasions by determining recruitment opportunities, environmental conditions, and available biogenic habitats. Along the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, we tested whether the abundance and persistence of the nonnative crab, Carcinus maenas, varies among coastal water bodies according to the proportion of time their entrance is open to the ocean. In quarterly sampling over 2 yr in 14 estuaries and lagoons varying in the percentage of time they were closed to the ocean from 0–100% crab presence and abundance was correlated with the proportion of time the entrances were open. Crabs were absent from lagoons with entrances closed to the ocean > 60% of the time and consistently detected in open estuaries. Crab abundance increased with the connectivity of coastal water bodies to the ocean and was influenced by habitat availability. In water bodies where conditions supported mangroves, this habitat contained higher abundances of crabs than seagrass, saltmarsh, oyster habitat, or bare substrate. Entrance morphology initially predicts the likelihood of the crabs' arrival by influencing their population connectivity between estuaries or lagoons and the open coast, and the probability of establishment by influencing abiotic conditions. Entrance morphology may also affect crab abundance by influencing the available habitats. Hence, the geomorphology of semi‐enclosed coastal water bodies should be considered when managing marine bioinvasions.
Formation and erosion of biogeomorphological structures: A model study on the tube‐building polychaete Lanice conchilega
Authors: Borsje Bas W. , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Rabaut Marijn , Herman Peter M. J. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: June 2014

We study how organism traits and population densities of ecosystem engineering species, in combination with environmental factors, affect the formation and erosion rates of biogeomorphological structures, and focus on the widely distributed marine tube‐building polychaete Lanice conchilega, which lives in patches that form mounds up to 80 cm high in soft‐bottom sediments. We modeled the tube‐building worms as thin solid piles that affect drag and turbulence, and thereby the local sediment dynamics and thus mound dynamics. Hydrodynamic model predictions showed good agreement with flume experiments for flow‐velocity adaptations both within and in front of a patch of tube‐building worms. The modeled equilibrium mound height increased with the organism trait “tube length,” and with population density, but was only little affected by the strength of the tidal current, water depth, and grain size. In all cases, the modeled mound heights were within the range of the mound heights observed in the field. The effect of the tube‐building worm L. conchilega reached beyond the spatial scale of their biogenic structures, and persisted longer than the lifetime of the engineering organism itself.
The net exchange of methane with high Arctic landscapes during the summer growing season
Authors: Emmerton C. A. , St. Louis V. L. , Lehnherr I. , Humphreys E. R. , Rydz E. , Kosolofski H. R.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. High Arctic landscapes are essentially vast cold deserts interspersed with streams, ponds and wetlands. These landscapes may be important consumers and sources of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), though few measurements exist from this region. To quantify the flux of CH4 (FCH4) between the atmosphere and high Arctic landscapes on northern Ellesmere Island, Canada, we made static chamber measurements over five and three growing seasons at a desert and wetland, respectively, and eddy covariance (EC) measurements at a wetland in 2012. Chamber measurements revealed that, during the growing season, desert soils consumed CH4 (−1.37 ± 0.06 mg-CH4 m−2 d−1), whereas the wetland margin emitted CH4 (+0.22 ± 0.14 mg-CH4 m−2 d−1). Desert CH4 consumption rates were positively associated with soil temperature among years, and were similar to temperate locations, likely because of suitable landscape conditions for soil gas diffusion. Wetland FCH4 varied closely with stream discharge entering the wetland and hence extent of soil saturation. Landscape-scale FCH4 measured by EC was +1.27 ± 0.18 mg-CH4 m−2 d−1 and varied with soil temperature and carbon dioxide flux. FCH4 measured using EC was higher than using chambers because EC measurements incorporated a larger, more saturated footprint of the wetland. Using EC FCH4 and quantifying the mass of CH4 entering and exiting the wetland in stream water, we determined that methanogenesis within wetland soils was the dominant source of FCH4. Low FCH4 at the wetland was likely due to a shallow organic soil layer, and thus limited carbon resources for methanogens. Considering the prevalence of dry soils in the high Arctic, our results suggest that these landscapes cannot be overlooked as important consumers of atmospheric CH4.
Biomass yield development of early, medium and late Maize varieties under a future climate in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Degener J. F. , Kappas M.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Lower Saxony, with a total land area of about 46 500 km2, constitutes one of the most important agricultural areas in Germany and thus within Europe. Roughly one third of its agricultural area is used for maize cultivation and as of today only few information exist on how a future changing climate will affect its local growing conditions. Thus the newly developed carbon-based crop model BioSTAR and a high-resolution regional climate data-set (Wettreg) were used to evaluate the change in biomass yields of an early, medium and late maize variety. The climate input data is based on the SRES A1B scenario, with a potential fertilization effect or better still, an increased water use efficiency due to rising CO2 levels, taken into account. The biomass yield for all varieties was calculated for each year from 2001 until 2099 on a total of 91 014 sites. The results suggest clearly differentiated development paths of all varieties. All three show a significant positive trend until the end of the century. However the medium variety shows a statistical significant decline of 5% during the first 30 years and only a slight recovery towards +5% around the century's end. The late variety has the clearest and strongest positive trend, with partially more than 30% increase of biomass yields around the end of the century or +25% mean increase in the last three decades. The early variety can be seen as in-between, with no negative but also not an as strong positive development path. All varieties have their strongest increase in yields after the mid of the 21st century. Statistical evaluation of these results suggests that the shift from a summer rain to a winter rain climate in Germany will be the main limiting factor for all varieties. In addition summer temperatures will become less optimal for all maize crops. Only if the plants can supply themselves sufficiently with water outside of the increasingly dry summer months, when also temperatures are much more favorable, an increase in biomass yields is feasible. As the data suggests the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations will play a critical role in reducing the crops water uptake, thus enabling yield increases in the first place.
Model–data comparison and data assimilation of mid-Holocene Arctic sea ice concentration
Authors: Klein F. , Goosse H. , Mairesse A. , de Vernal A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. The consistency between new quantitative reconstructions of Arctic sea ice concentration based on dinocyst assemblages and the results of climate models has been investigated for the mid-Holocene. The response of the models mainly follows the increase in summer insolation, modulated to a limited extent by changes in atmospheric circulation. This leads to differences between regions in the models that are smaller than in the reconstruction. It is, however, impossible to precisely assess the models' skills because the sea ice concentration changes at the mid-Holocene are small in both the reconstructions and the models and of the same order of magnitude as the reconstruction uncertainty. Performing simulations with data assimilation using the model LOVECLIM amplifies the regional differences and improves the model–data agreement as expected. This is mainly achieved through a reduction of the southward winds in the Barents Sea and an increase in the westerly winds in the Canadian Basin, inducing an increase in the ice concentration in the Barents and Chukchi seas. This underlines the potential role of atmospheric circulation in explaining the reconstructed changes during the Holocene.
Autonomous Adaptive Low-Power Instrument Platform (AAL-PIP) for remote high latitude geospace data collection
Authors: Clauer C. R. , Kim H. , Deshpande K. , Xu Z. , Weimer D. , Musko S. , Crowley G. , Fish C. , Nealy R. , Humphreys T. E. , Bhatti J. A. , Ridley A. J.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. We present the development considerations and design for ground based instrumentation that is being deployed on the East Antarctic Plateau along a 40° magnetic meridian chain to investigate interhemispheric magnetically conjugate geomagnetic coupling and other space weather related phenomena. The stations are magnetically conjugate to geomagnetic stations along the west coast of Greenland. The autonomous adaptive low-power instrument platforms being deployed in the Antarctic are designed to operate unattended in remote locations for at least 5 years. They utilize solar power and AGM storage batteries for power, two-way Iridium satellite communication for data acquisition and program/operation modification, support fluxgate and induction magnetometers as well as dual-frequency gps receiver and an HF radio experiment. Size and weight considerations are considered to enable deployment by a small team using small aircraft. Considerable experience has been gained in the development and deployment of remote polar instrumentation that is reflected in the present generation of instrumentation discussed here. We conclude with the lessons learned from our experience in the design, deployment and operation of remote polar instrumentation.
Pressure control of a mobile spraying system
Authors: Guzman J.L. , Medina R. , Rodríguez F. , Sánchez-Hermosilla J. , Berenguel M.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an automatic control system aimed at regulating the output pressure of a spraying system mounted on a mobile platform for fumigation tasks in spite of changes in the vehicle velocity; that is, the pressure set points are calculated based on the actual velocity of the vehicle at each sampling time and are then used in a feedback loop for pressure control purposes. The paper focuses on the dynamic modelling of the spraying system based on the reaction curve method (analysis of the response to open loop steps) and the development and test of several control strategies to achieve the desired pressure profile. One of these approaches, the gain scheduling controller, has demonstrated its ability to cope with the changing dynamics of the system by modifying (adapting) the controller parameters in different operating conditions.
Review. Tannins and ruminant nutrition
Authors: Frutos P. , Hervás G. , Giráldez F. J. , Mantecón A. R.
Published: June 2014

Tannins are a complex group of polyphenolic compounds found in a wide range of plant species commonly consumed by ruminants. They are conventionally classified into two major groups: the hydrolysable and the condensed tannins. Although for a long time tannins were thought to be detrimental to ruminants, their effect may be either beneficial or harmful depending on the type of tannin consumed, its chemical structure and molecular weight, the amount ingested, and the animal species involved. High concentrations of tannins reduce voluntary feed intake and nutrient digestibility, whereas low to moderate concentrations may improve the digestive utilisation of feed mainly due to a reduction in protein degradation in the rumen and a subsequent increase in amino acid flow to the small intestine. These effects on nutrition are reflected in animal performance.
Carcass conformation and joints composition of Churra Galega Bragançana and crossbred lambs by Suffolk and Merino Precoce sire breeds
Authors: Teixeira A. , Cadavez V. , Delfa R. , Bueno M.S.
Published: June 2014

Carcasses of Churro Galego Bragançano purebred and Suffolk and Merino Precoce crossbred lambs reared under three different conventional production system of northeast of Portugal were evaluated. Carcasses of male lambs had larger muscle longissimus width (P < 0.05) and smaller subcutaneous fat thickness (P < 0.05) than the female lambs. Carcasses of crossbred lambs had higher (P < 0.05) compactness indices and leg and shoulder proportion than Bragançano purebred. Suffolk crossed had lower KKCF proportion (P < 0.05) than Bragançano and Merino crossbred lambs. Male lambs had higher (P < 0.05) muscle proportion in almost all carcass joints than the female lambs. It was concluded that Suffolk can be used as sire breed in Bragançano ewes to produce lambs with leaner and more compact carcasses and better fat distribution, which allows slaughtering at higher slaughter weight, specially in more intensive production systems. Female lambs should be slaughtered at lower carcass weight than male lambs in order to produce carcasses with the same fattening degree.
Review. Flower biology in apricot and its implications for breeding
Authors: Burgos L. , Alburquerque N. , Egea J.
Published: June 2014

Different aspects related to flower biology have a close link to fruit set failures in apricot and other fruit trees. In this work, studies on pollen viability and germinability, stigma receptivity, ovule development and longevity, the different factors affecting the effective pollination period (EPP), are reviewed. The concept of EPP is based on biological parameters that are the successive steps that take place during the reproductive process and it is the frame within which the factors limiting an appropriate fruit set can be studied. The definition of this concept and its detailed study have allowed determination of the different limiting factors and the design of specific treatments to improve it. Knowledge of the incompatibility phenotype for many apricot cultivars has allowed advising about the planting of singlecultivar orchards. The study of the inheritance of this and other traits in apricot and other fruit trees has allowed planning of hybridisations to minimise or eliminate the production of undesirable seedlings, increasing the efficiency of the breeding programme. Studies on the flower biology of apricot have provided valuable information to help select the appropriate parent cultivars for breeding programmes, also this information is transferred to farmers to avoid losses produced by an inadequate cultivar selection. In this review we intend to give an updated overview of the state of the art in the research and the achievements thus far, as well as considering the implications of these studies for fruit breeding in general, with special attention to apricot breeding.
Quality of persimmon fruit cv. Rojo brillante during storage at different temperatures
Authors: Arnal L. , Del Rio M. A.
Published: June 2014

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) cv. Rojo brillante fruits were held at 1, 8 and 15 deg C (85-90% relative humidity), and evaluated after 13, 20, 27 and 34 days to study fruit quality changes during storage. Flesh firmness decreased and colour or acetaldehyde increased during storage. Fruit kept at 15 deg C showed the highest total soluble solids and colour index values across most of the storage times. Fruit stored at 1 deg C had the highest firmness. The greatest levels of acetaldehyde were found in fruit kept at 8 deg C. A gradual increase of total soluble solid were detected in fruits kept at 1 deg C.
Short communication. Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, a maize root and stalk rot pathogen isolated from lodged plants in Northwest Spain
Authors: Andrés Ares J. L. , Alonso Ferro R.C. , Campo Ramirez L. , Moreno González J.
Published: June 2014

On September 2001 a survey of lodged maize (Zea mays L.) plants to identify the main root rot pathogens related to maize lodging was carried out in 23 cornfields of Abegondo (A Coruña, Spain). From 328 maize plants showing lodging, 33 isolates of the following potential maize pathogens were collected: Fusarium semitectum Berk&Rav., F. graminearum Schwabe, F. culmorum (W. Smith) Sacc., F. solani Appel&Wall and F. moniliforme Sheldon. The inoculation of four strains of F. moniliforme, three of F. graminearum, one of F. culmorum and one of F. semitectum on two maize inbreds with different susceptibility to lodging EC23D and EC136 as susceptible and resistant inbreds respectively showed F. graminearum Schwabe as the most pathogenic fungus considering either root rot symptom or seedling growth reduction. The importance of considering the susceptibility to root rot pathogens in maize breeding programs for resistance to lodging is also discussed.
Segregation of soft olives using Durofel and on-line rebound
Authors: Barreiro P. , Ruiz Altisent M. , Moya A. , Agulheiro A.C. , Garcia Ramos F.J.
Published: June 2014

Traditional table olive fermentation processing produces variable proportions of defective olives that must be eliminated before final packaging. Defects include fish eye ("alambradas"), compact ("compactas") and over-ripe olives. For two testing periods during the 2001 season, different batches were graded by size, colour parameters, hardness, density and rebound distance (total number tested was 760 olives). The latter was determined using a specially designed prototype made by an on-line rotating drum covered with a commercial rubber material to avoid damage (13.3 cm total diameter and 6.81 rad s-1 rotation speed). Results showed that 96% of measured variance could be explained by the four Principal Components Analysis of extracted factors. Moreover, hardness measured as Durofel- 25 units is closely related to rebound distance. Softness thresholds have been addressed for both hardness parameters with devoted logistic models, permitting correct segregation (with 95% of well-classified individuals) of all soft olives (over-ripe and fish eye) using the rebound drum.
Classification variables of cattle farms in the mountains of León, Spain
Authors: Serrano Martínez E. , Lavín González P. , Giráldez García F.J. , Bernués Jal A. , Bernués Jal A. , Ruiz Mantecón A.
Published: June 2014

This paper reports the f irst stage in the establishment of a farm classif ication system: the identif ication of classification variables. The aim of this work was to identify the variables most appropriate for characterising the cattle farms of the mountains of León, Spain, using multivariate and principal components analysis. The information used was obtained by surveying the cattle farms of the Montaña de Riaño (León) area from 1996-1998. The 35 variables taken into account in the principal components analysis refer to labour, the stock base, production, land use and farm economy. Seven principal components were found to explain 67.1% of the total variance.
Effects of DMPP [3,4-dimethylpyrozole phosphate] on the growth and chemical composition of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) raised on calcareous soil
Authors: Guillaumes E. , Villar J.M.
Published: June 2014

This paper reports a 406 day outdoor experiment (performed in pots) to determine the influence of the new nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), when added to pig slurry (PS), on the growth and chemical composition of ryegrass. Pots containing a loamy, calcareous soil were treated with either no PS or 73.7, 147.3 or 221 cubic cm pot-1, with or without DMPP, prior to seeding with ryegrass. The greatest quantity of above ground dry matter was obtained with the highest dose of PS + DMPP (36.3 g pot-1)  7.4% greater than that obtained for the same treatment without DMPP, and 46.1% greater than with the no PS treatment. The plants treated with the high and medium doses of PS + DMPP absorbed 70% of total N during the first quarter of the experimental season (104 days). Without DMPP, N uptakes were 55.7% and 63% for the high and medium treatments respectively. The inhibition of nitrification with DMPP increased agronomic efficiency and reduced N leaching by 17%.
Quality Parameters and Bioactive Compounds of Red Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv Roma VF at Different Postharvest Conditions
Authors: Luna-Guevara Maria Lorena , Jimenez-Gonzalez Oscar , Luna-Guevara Juan Jose , Hernandez-Carranza Paola , Ochoa-Velasco Carlos Enrique
Published: June 2014

Tomato is one of the most important crops at worldwide; however, much of the production is lost during the postharvest due to the inadequate storage conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different postharvest conditions on some quality and bioactive parameters of tomatoes. Tomatoes Roma VF variety were stored at three temperature (7, 22, and 37 °C) to evaluate some physicochemical characteristics (pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, color, and firmness) and bioactive compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity) during five days; time in which tomato change from physiological to edible maturity. The a color parameter increased significantly (p < 0.05) at the storage temperature of 22 and 37 °C. The firmness was higher in tomato stored at 7 °C after 5 days, while at 37 °C the firmness decrease in 8%. Tomatoes stored at 22 °C showed a decrease of chlorophyll a and b, reaching the maximum lycopene (31.7 ± 1.5 mg/kg fresh weight) and carotenoids contents (118.7 ± 0.1 ?g/100 g fresh weight), while at 7 and 37 °C the chlorophyll a did not change during the storage. However, the vitamin C was higher in tomatoes stored at 7 and 37 °C. The antioxidant activity remains constant during the time of storage, regardless the temperature. The storage temperature of 22 °C not affected significantly (p < 0.05) the color and firmness of tomatoes, at the same temperature, the bioactive compounds (carotenoid, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity) presented highly correlated with the developments of the red color.
STRIDE II: A Water Strider-inspired Miniature Robot with Circular Footpads
Authors: Ozcan Onur , Wang Han , Taylor Jonathan D. , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2014

Water strider insects have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their power-efficient and agile water surface locomotion. This study proposes a new water strider insect-inspired robot, called STRIDE II, which uses new circular footpads for high lift, stability and payload capability, and a new elliptical leg rotation mechanism for more efficient water surface propulsion. Using the advantage of scaling effects on surface tension versus buoyancy, similar to water strider insects, this robot uses the repulsive surface tension force on its footpads as the dominant lift principle instead of creating buoyancy by using very skinny (1 mm diameter) circular footpads coated with a superhydrophobic material. The robot and the insect propel quickly and power efficiently on the water surface by the sculling motion of their two side-legs, which never break the water surface completely. This paper proposes models for the lift, drag and propulsion forces and the energy efficiency of the proposed legged robot, and experiments are conducted to verify these models. After optimizing the robot design using the lift models, a maximum lift capacity of 55 grams is achieved using 12 footpads with a 4.2 cm outer diameter, while the robot itself weighs 21.75 grams. For this robot, a propulsion efficiency of 22.3% was measured. The maximum forward and turning speeds of the robot were measured as 71.5 mm/sec and 0.21 rad/sec, respectively. These water strider robots could be used in water surface monitoring, cleaning and analysis in lakes, dams, rivers and the sea.
Components of an Obesogenic Environment in Kuwait
Authors: Garduño-Diaz Sara D. , Garduño-Diaz Philippe Y.
Published: June 2014

Objective: To analyze the physical, economic, political and sociocultural components of the environment in Kuwait and determine if the country classifies as an obesogenic environment.
Design: Observational, cross-sectional study following the ANGELO framework. Data from a popular online food delivery system was accessed and the nutrient composition for these foods was calculated.
Setting: Kuwait
Results: Meeting the majority of the characteristics required to be identified as such, Kuwait is found to have an obesogenic environment. Availability and accessibility to an almost unlimited amount of food, energy, trans fats and sugars are likely to be significant contributors to obesity and diet-related diseases.
Conclusions: In tandem to the diet, harsh climate conditions, sociocultural practices and a lifestyle designed for decreased energy expenditure contribute to the creation of an obesogenic environment.
Megestrol Acetate as a Treatment for Anorexia in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Teruel José L. , Fernández-Lucas Milagros , Marcén Roberto , Gomis Antonio , Elías Sandra , Raoch Viviana , Quereda Carlos
Published: June 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of megestrol acetate as a treatment for anorexia in hemodialysis patients.
Materials and Methods: From 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2010, 29 patients in our Hemodialysis Unit were treated with megestrol acetate (initial dose: 160 mg / day) for anorexia associated with a decrease in dry body weight. Sixteen patients had a protein-energy wasting syndrome.
Results: Appetite improved in 25 patients, but the initial dose of megestrol acetate had to be increased in 8 patients. At three months, there was an increase in dry body weight (63.4 vs 61.9 kg, p=0.002), serum albumin level (3.98 vs 3.77 g/dl, p<0.001), serum creatinine level (10.5 vs 9.6 mg/dl, p=0.016) and protein catabolic rate (1.21 vs 0.98 g / kg / day, p < 0.001). The response was independent of the cause of anorexia. A bioelectrical impedance analysis, carried out in 9 patients, showed that treatment with megestrol acetate increased the body cell mass and changed the distribution of body water by increasing intracellular water. The megestrol acetate treatment was well-tolerated and no patients left the study due to side effects or adverse reactions.
Conclusions: Megestrol acetate improves appetite and nutritional parameters in anorexic patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis.