bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Examination of Sporozoite- and Trophozoite-Induced Infections with Plasmodium Falciparum in Patients Previously Infected with Heterologous Species of Plasmodium: Effect on Development of Parasitologic and Clinical Immunity
Authors: Collins William E. , Jeffery Geoffrey M.
Published: November 2013

A retrospective examination was made to determine parasitemia and episodes of fever in 97 patients, previously infected with Plasmodium malariae, P. ovale, and/or P. vivax, who were reinfected with P. falciparum for treatment of neurosyphilis, the standard treatment at the time. Data were collected at the National Institutes of Health laboratories in Columbia, South Carolina and Milledgeville, Georgia during the period 1940 to 1963. Results were compared with observations recorded for patients following primary infection with P. falciparum. The mean daily percentage of patients with fever ≥ 101°F during the first 20 days of primary infection with P. falciparum was 42.4; the percentage with fever ≥ 104°F was 19.9%. Those previously infected with P. ovale, P. vivax, and P. malariae had mean daily percentages of fever ≥ 101°F and ≥ 104°F of 39.1% and 14.8%, 39.1% and 19.4%, and 28.4%, and 11.3%, respectively. Previous infection with P. ovale or P. vivax had little, if any, effect on subsequent clinical malaria due to P. falciparum, whereas infection with P. malariae resulted in reduced frequencies of fever. A similar comparison was made for parasite counts ≥ 1,000/μl and > 10,000/μl. The percentages for 268 patients during the first 20 days of primary infection with P. falciparum parasite counts ≥ 1,000/μl and ≥ 10,000/μl were 58.2% and 29.9%, respectively. Those previously infected with P. ovale, P. vivax, and P. malariae had mean daily percentages of parasitemia ≥ 1,000/μl and ≥ 10,000/μl of 58.0% and 24.3%, 57.3% and 31.1% , and 45.9% and 19.0%, respectively. Previous infection with P. malariae resulted in a reduction in the frequency of high-density parasitemia (≥ 10,000/μl) as well as an asexual parasite count ≥ 1,000/μl. These results suggest that P. falciparum and P. malariae share common antigens that are able to induce parasitologic and clinical protection when infection with P. falciparum follows that with P. malariae. The results did not suggest that protection to P. falciparum is provided by previous infection with P. ovale or P. vivax.
Influence of aerosol lifetime on the interpretation of nucleation experiments with respect to the first nucleation theorem
Authors: Ehrhart S. , Curtius J.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The SAWNUC (Sulphuric Acid Water NUCleation) microphysical aerosol nucleation model is used to study the effect of reactor walls on the interpretation of nucleation experiments with respect to nucleation theory. This work shows that loss processes, such as wall losses, influence the interpretation of nucleation experiments, especially at low growth rates and short lifetimes of freshly nucleated particles. In these cases the power dependency of the formation rates, determined at a certain particle size, with respect to H2SO4 does not correspond to the approximate number of H2SO4 molecules in the critical cluster as expected by the first nucleation theorem. Observed ∂log(J)/∂log([H2SO4]) therefore can vary widely for identical nucleation conditions but different sink terms.
Multi-sensor cloud retrieval simulator and remote sensing from model parameters – Part 1: Synthetic sensor radiance formulation
Authors: Wind G. , da Silva A. M. , Norris P. M. , Platnick S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In this paper we describe a general procedure for calculating synthetic sensor radiances from variable output from a global atmospheric forecast model. In order to take proper account of the discrepancies between model resolution and sensor footprint, the algorithm takes explicit account of the model subgrid variability, in particular its description of the probability density function of total water (vapor and cloud condensate.) The simulated sensor radiances are then substituted into an operational remote sensing algorithm processing chain to produce a variety of remote sensing products that would normally be produced from actual sensor output. This output can then be used for a wide variety of purposes such as model parameter verification, remote sensing algorithm validation, testing of new retrieval methods and future sensor studies. We show a specific implementation using the GEOS-5 model, the MODIS instrument and the MODIS Adaptive Processing System (MODAPS) Data Collection 5.1 operational remote sensing cloud algorithm processing chain (including the cloud mask, cloud top properties and cloud optical and microphysical properties products). We focus on clouds because they are very important to model development and improvement.
Changes in rainfall interception along a secondary forest succession gradient in lowland Panama
Authors: Zimmermann B. , Zimmermann A. , Scheckenbach H. L. , Schmid T. , Hall J. S. , van Breugel M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Secondary forests are rapidly expanding in tropical regions. Yet, despite the importance of understanding the hydrological consequences of land-cover dynamics, the relationship between forest succession and canopy interception is poorly understood. This lack of knowledge is unfortunate because rainfall interception plays an important role in regional water cycles and needs to be quantified for many modeling purposes. To help close this knowledge gap, we designed a throughfall monitoring study along a secondary succession gradient in a tropical forest region of Panama. The investigated gradient comprised 20 forest patches 3 to 130 yr old. We sampled each patch with a minimum of 20 funnel-type throughfall collectors over a continuous 2-month period that had nearly 900 mm of rain. During the same period, we acquired forest inventory data and derived several forest structural attributes. We then applied simple and multiple regression models (Bayesian model averaging, BMA) and identified those vegetation parameters that had the strongest influence on the variation of canopy interception. Our analyses yielded three main findings. First, canopy interception changed rapidly during forest succession. After only a decade, throughfall volumes approached levels that are typical for mature forests. Second, a parsimonious (simple linear regression) model based on the ratio of the basal area of small stems to the total basal area outperformed more complex multivariate models (BMA approach). Third, based on complementary forest inventory data, we show that the influence of young secondary forests on interception in real-world fragmented landscapes might be detectable only in regions with a substantial fraction of young forests. Our results suggest that where entire catchments undergo forest regrowth, initial stages of succession may be associated with a substantial decrease of streamflow generation. Our results further highlight the need to study hydrological processes in all forest succession stages, including early ones.
River ice flux and water velocities along a 600 km-long reach of Lena River, Siberia, from satellite stereo
Authors: Kääb A. , Lamare M. , Abrams M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Knowledge of water-surface velocities in rivers is useful for understanding a range of river processes. In cold regions, river-ice break up and the related downstream transport of ice debris is often the most important hydrological event of the year, leading to flood levels that typically exceed those for the open-water period and to strong consequences for river infrastructure and ecology. Accurate and complete surface-velocity fields on rivers have rarely been produced. Here, we track river ice debris over a time period of about one minute, which is the typical time lag between the two or more images that form a stereo data set in spaceborne, along-track optical stereo mapping. Using a series of nine stereo scenes from the US/Japanese Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) onboard the NASA Terra spacecraft with 15 m image resolution, we measure the ice and water velocity field over a 620 km-long reach of the lower Lena River, Siberia, just above its entry into the Lena delta. Careful analysis and correction of higher-order image and sensor errors enables an accuracy of ice-debris velocities of up to 0.04 m s−1 from the ASTER data. Maximum ice or water speeds, respectively, reach up to 2.5 m s−1 at the time of data acquisition, 27 May 2011 (03:30 UTC). Speeds show clear along-stream undulations with a wavelength of about 21 km that agree well with variations in channel width and with the location of sand bars along the river reach studied. The methodology and results of this study could be valuable to a number of disciplines requiring detailed information about river flow, such as hydraulics, hydrology, river ecology and natural-hazard management.
Evaluation of Mekong River Commission operational flood forecasts, 2000–2012
Authors: Pagano T. C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. This study created a 13 yr historical archive of operational flood forecasts issued by the Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Center (RFMMC) of the Mekong River Commission. The RFMMC issues 1 to 5 day-ahead daily deterministic river height forecasts for 22 locations throughout the wet season (June–October). When these forecasts reach near Flood Level, government agencies and the public are encouraged to take protective action against damages. When measured by standard skill scores, the forecasts perform exceptionally well (e.g. 1 day-ahead Nash–Sutcliffe > 0.99) although much of this apparent skill is due to the strong seasonal cycle and the narrow natural range of variability at certain locations. 5 day-ahead forecasts upstream of Phnom Penh typically have 0.8 m error standard deviation, whereas below Phnom Penh the error is typically 0.3 m. The Coefficients of Persistence for 1 day-ahead forecasts are typically 0.4–0.8 and 5 day-ahead forecasts are typically 0.1–0.7. RFMMC uses a series of benchmarks to define a metric of Percentage Satisfactory forecasts. As the benchmarks were derived based on the average error, certain locations and lead-times consistently appear less satisfactory than others. Instead, different benchmarks were proposed and derived based on the 70th percentile of absolute error over the 13 yr period. There are no obvious trends in the Percentage of Satisfactory forecasts from 2002–2012, regardless of the benchmark chosen. Finally, when evaluated from a categorical "crossing above/not-crossing above flood level" perspective, the forecasts have a moderate probability of detection (48% at 1 day-ahead, 31% at 5 day-ahead) and false alarm rate (13% at 1 day-ahead, 74% at 5 days-ahead).
Generating Navigation Models from Existing Building Data
Authors: Liu L. , Zlatanova S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Research on indoor navigation models mainly focuses on geometric and logical models .The models are enriched with specific semantic information which supports localisation, navigation and guidance. Geometric models provide information about the structural (physical) distribution of spaces in a building, while logical models indicate relationships (connectivity and adjacency) between the spaces. In many cases geometric models contain virtual subdivisions to identify smaller spaces which are of interest for navigation (e.g. reception area) or make use of different semantics. The geometric models are used as basis to automatically derive logical models. However, there is seldom reported research on how to automatically realize such geometric models from existing building data (as floor plans) or indoor standards (CityGML LOD4 or IFC). In this paper, we present our experiments on automatic creation of logical models from floor plans and CityGML LOD4. For the creation we adopt the Indoor Spatial Navigation Model (INSM) which is specifically designed to support indoor navigation. The semantic concepts in INSM differ from daily used notations of indoor spaces such as rooms and corridors but they facilitate automatic creation of logical models.
A 3D Model Based Imdoor Navigation System for Hubei Provincial Museum
Authors: Xu W. , Kruminaite M. , Onrust B. , Liu H. , Xiong Q. , Zlatanova S.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. 3D models are more powerful than 2D maps for indoor navigation in a complicate space like Hubei Provincial Museum because they can provide accurate descriptions of locations of indoor objects (e.g., doors, windows, tables) and context information of these objects. In addition, the 3D model is the preferred navigation environment by the user according to the survey. Therefore a 3D model based indoor navigation system is developed for Hubei Provincial Museum to guide the visitors of museum. The system consists of three layers: application, web service and navigation, which is built to support localization, navigation and visualization functions of the system. There are three main strengths of this system: it stores all data needed in one database and processes most calculations on the webserver which make the mobile client very lightweight, the network used for navigation is extracted semi-automatically and renewable, the graphic user interface (GUI), which is based on a game engine, has high performance of visualizing 3D model on a mobile display.
Problems In Indoor Mapping and Modelling
Authors: Zlatanova S. , Sithole G. , Nakagawa M. , Zhu Q.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Research in support of indoor mapping and modelling (IMM) has been active for over thirty years. This research has come in the form of As-Built surveys, Data structuring, Visualisation techniques, Navigation models and so forth. Much of this research is founded on advancements in photogrammetry, computer vision and image analysis, computer graphics, robotics, laser scanning and many others. While IMM used to be the privy of engineers, planners, consultants, contractors, and designers, this is no longer the case as commercial enterprises and individuals are also beginning to apply indoor models in their business process and applications. There are three main reasons for this. Firstly, the last two decades have seen greater use of spatial information by enterprises and the public. Secondly, IMM has been complimented by advancements in mobile computing and internet communications, making it easier than ever to access and interact with spatial information. Thirdly, indoor modelling has been advanced geometrically and semantically, opening doors for developing user-oriented, context-aware applications. This reshaping of the public’s attitude and expectations with regards to spatial information has realised new applications and spurred demand for indoor models and the tools to use them. This paper examines the present state of IMM and considers the research areas that deserve attention in the future. In particular the paper considers problems in IMM that are relevant to commercial enterprises and the general public, groups this paper expects will emerge as the greatest users IMM. The subject of indoor modelling and mapping is discussed here in terms of Acquisitions and Sensors, Data Structures and Modelling, Visualisation, Applications, Legal Issues and Standards. Problems are discussed in terms of those that exist and those that are emerging. Existing problems are those that are currently being researched. Emerging problems are those problems or demands that are expected to arise because of social changes, technological advancements, or commercial interests. The motivation of this work is to define a set of research problems that are either being investigated or should be investigated. These will hopefully provide a framework for assessing progress and advances in indoor modelling. The framework will be developed in the form of a problem matrix, detailing existing and emerging problems, their solutions and present best practices. Once the framework is complete it will be published online so that the IMM community can discuss and modify it as necessary. When the framework has reached a steady state an empirical benchmark will be provided to test solutions to posed problems. A yearly evaluation of the problem matrix will follow, the results of which will be published.
The local ensemble transform Kalman filter and the running-in-place algorithm applied to a global ocean general circulation model
Authors: Penny S. G. , Kalnay E. , Carton J. A. , Hunt B. R. , Ide K. , Miyoshi T. , Chepurin G. A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The most widely used methods of data assimilation in large-scale oceanography, such as the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) algorithm, specify the background error covariances and thus are unable to refine the weights in the assimilation as the circulation changes. In contrast, the more computationally expensive Ensemble Kalman Filters (EnKF) such as the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF) use an ensemble of model forecasts to predict changes in the background error covariances and thus should produce more accurate analyses. The EnKFs are based on the approximation that ensemble members reflect a Gaussian probability distribution that is transformed linearly during the forecast and analysis cycle. In the presence of nonlinearity, EnKFs can gain from replacing each analysis increment by a sequence of smaller increments obtained by recursively applying the forecast model and data assimilation procedure over a single analysis cycle. This has led to the development of the "running in place" (RIP) algorithm by Kalnay and Yang (2010) and Yang et al. (2012a,b) in which the weights computed at the end of each analysis cycle are used recursively to refine the ensemble at the beginning of the analysis cycle. To date, no studies have been carried out with RIP in a global domain with real observations. This paper provides a comparison of the aforementioned assimilation methods in a set of experiments spanning seven years (1997–2003) using identical forecast models, initial conditions, and observation data. While the emphasis is on understanding the similarities and differences between the assimilation methods, comparisons are also made to independent ocean station temperature, salinity, and velocity time series, as well as ocean transports, providing information about the absolute error of each. Comparisons to independent observations are similar for the assimilation methods but the observation-minus-background temperature differences are distinctly lower for LETKF and RIP. The results support the potential for LETKF to improve the quality of ocean analyses on the space and timescales of interest for seasonal prediction and for RIP to accelerate the spin up of the system.
Full-fit reconstruction of the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay
Authors: Hosseinpour M. , Müller R. D. , Williams S. E. , Whittaker J. M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Reconstructing the opening of the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay between Greenland and North America remains controversial. Recent seismic data suggest that magnetic lineations along the margins of the Labrador Sea, originally interpreted as seafloor spreading anomalies, may lie within the crust of the continent–ocean transition. These data also suggest a more seaward extent of continental crust within the Greenland margin near Davis Strait than assumed in previous full-fit reconstructions. Our study focuses on reconstructing the full-fit configuration of Greenland and North America using an approach that considers continental deformation in a quantitative manner. We use gravity inversion to map crustal thickness across the conjugate margins, and assimilate observations from available seismic profiles and potential field data to constrain the likely extent of different crustal types. We derive end-member continental margin restorations following alternative interpretations of published seismic profiles. The boundaries between continental and oceanic crust (COB) are restored to their pre-stretching locations along small circle motion paths across the region of Cretaceous extension. Restored COBs are fitted quantitatively to compute alternative total-fit reconstructions. A preferred full-fit model is chosen based on the strongest compatibility with geological and geophysical data. Our preferred model suggests that (i) the COB lies oceanward of magnetic lineations interpreted as magnetic anomaly 31 (70 Ma) in the Labrador Sea, (ii) all previously identified magnetic lineations landward of anomaly 27 reflect intrusions into continental crust and (iii) the Ungava fault zone in Davis Strait acted as a leaky transform fault during rifting. This robust plate reconstruction reduces gaps and overlaps in Davis Strait and suggests that there is no need for alternative models proposed for reconstructions of this area including additional plate boundaries in North America or Greenland. Our favoured model implies that break-up and formation of continent–ocean transition (COT) first started in the southern Labrador Sea and Davis Strait around 88 Ma and then propagated north and southwards up to the onset of real seafloor spreading at 63 Ma in the Labrador Sea. In Baffin Bay, continental stretching lasted longer and actual break-up and seafloor spreading started around 61 Ma (chron 26).
Influence of grain shape on light penetration in snow
Authors: Libois Q. , Picard G. , France J. L. , Arnaud L. , Dumont M. , Carmagnola C. M. , King M. D.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The energy budget and the photochemistry of a snowpack depend greatly on the penetration of solar radiation in snow. Below the snow surface, spectral irradiance decreases exponentially with depth with a decay constant called the asymptotic flux extinction coefficient. As with the albedo of the snowpack, the asymptotic flux extinction coefficient depends on snow grain shape. While representing snow by a collection of spherical particles has been successful in the numerical computation of albedo, such a description poorly explains the decrease of irradiance in snow with depth. Here we explore the limits of the spherical representation. Under the assumption of geometric optics and weak absorption by snow, the grain shape can be simply described by two parameters: the absorption enhancement parameter B and the geometric asymmetry factor gG. Theoretical calculations show that the albedo depends on the ratio B/(1-gG) and the asymptotic flux extinction coefficient depends on the product B(1-gG). To understand the influence of grain shape, the values of B and gG are calculated for a variety of simple geometric shapes using ray tracing simulations. The results show that B and (1-gG) generally covary so that the asymptotic flux extinction coefficient exhibits larger sensitivity to the grain shape than albedo. In particular it is found that spherical grains propagate light deeper than any other investigated shape. In a second step, we developed a method to estimate B from optical measurements in snow. A multi-layer, two-stream, radiative transfer model, with explicit grain shape dependence, is used to retrieve values of the B parameter of snow by comparing the model to joint measurements of reflectance and irradiance profiles. Such measurements were performed in Antarctica and in the Alps yielding estimates of B between 0.8 and 2.0. In addition, values of B were estimated from various measurements found in the literature, leading to a wider range of values (1.0–9.9) which may be partially explained by the limited accuracy of the data. This work highlights the large variety of snow microstructure and experimentally demonstrates that spherical grains, with B = 1.25, are inappropriate to model irradiance profiles in snow, an important result that should be considered in further studies dedicated to subsurface absorption of short-wave radiation and snow photochemistry.
Faculty Approaches To Assessing Critical Thinking In The Humanities And The Natural And Social Sciences
Authors: Nicholas Mark C. , Labig Chalmer E.
Published: November 2013

An analysis of interviews, focus-group discussions, assessment instruments, and assignment prompts revealed that within general education, faculty assessed critical thinking as faceted using methods and criteria that varied epistemically across disciplines. Faculty approaches were misaligned with discipline-general institutional approaches. Findings have implications for the assessment of critical thinking and faculty development.
An empirical depreciation model for agricultural tractors in Spain
Authors: Fenollosa Ribera M.L. , Guadalajara Olmeda N.
Published: November 2013

This work analyses the market value of second hand agricultural tractors in Spain for the period 1999-2002, with the aims of obtaining the most appropriate valuation models (through the use of ordinary least squares regression) and proposing an empirical model that estimates the true depreciation of these vehicles. Differences in tractor depreciation were studied in terms of the three horsepower groups normally employed (90 hp), as well as in terms of a new power classification (133 hp) that appears to better reflect the influence of horsepower on the change in market value. The results show tractor depreciation to be exponential, with larger, more powerful tractors depreciating more quickly than smaller machines.
Review. Monitoring the intermodal, refrigerated transport of fruit using sensor networks
Authors: Ruiz-Garcia L. , Barreiro P. , Rodríguez-Bermejo J. , Robla J.I.
Published: November 2013

Most of the fruit in Europe is transported by road, but the saturation of the major arteries, the increased demand for freight transport, and environmental concerns all indicate there is a need to change this means of transport. A combination of transport modes using universal containers is one of the solutions proposed: this is known as intermodal transport. Tracking the transport of fruit in reefer containers along the supply chain is the means by which product quality can be guaranteed. The integration of emerging information technologies can now provide real-time status updates. This paper reviews the literature and the latest technologies in this area as part of a national project. Particular emphasis is placed on multiplexed digital communication technologies and wireless sensor networks.
Water balance and crop coefficient estimation of a citrus orchard in Uruguay
Authors: García Petillo M. , Castel J.R.
Published: November 2013

The actual evapotranspiration (ETc) of mature "Valencia" orange trees (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.), drip-irrigated and non-irrigated, was calculated using the water balance method, over three years. Annual ETc was 24% higher from irrigated trees that from non irrigated trees (767 and 620 mm/year, respectively). Maximum monthly average ETc was 3.3 mm/day or 80 L/tree/day (trees were spaced at 6 x 4 m). Generally ETc rate was reduced in January, the month of maximum atmospheric demand, compared with December, even under fully irrigated trees. The average annual value of the crop coefficient (Kc) for irrigated trees was 0.69. Monthly Kc values also showed a clear seasonal trend, with minimum values in summer (0.60), intermediate values in autumn and spring (0.77 and 0.80, respectively) and maximum values in winter (0.87). These values provide a useful base for the design and operation of microirrigation systems, for mature citrus trees in Uruguay.
Wild potato species threatened by extinction in the Department of La Paz, Bolivia
Authors: Coca Morante M. , Castillo Plata W.
Published: November 2013

The Department of La Paz has the largest number of wild potato species (Solanum Section Petota Solanaceae) in Bolivia, some of which are rare and threatened by extinction. Solanum achacachense, S. candolleanum, S. circaeifolium, S. okadae, S. soestii and S. virgultorum were all searched for in their type localities and new areas. Isolated specimens of S. achacachense were found in its type localities, while S. candolleanum was found in low density populations. Solanum circaeifolium was also found as isolated specimens or in low density populations in its type localities, but also in new areas. Solanum soestii and S. okadae were found in small, isolated populations. No specimen of S. virgultorum was found at all. The majority of the wild species searched for suffered the attack of pathogenic fungi. Interviews with local farmers revealed the main factors negatively affecting these species to be loss of habitat through urbanization and the use of the land for agriculture and forestry. Some 37.8% of those interviewed knew the local uses of the wild potatoes studied.
Biochemical properties of two different textured soils (loam and clay) after the addition of two different composts during conversion to organic farming
Authors: Melero S. , Madejón E. , Herencia J.F. , Ruiz Porras J.C.
Published: November 2013

The conversion to organic farming of two soils, a loam (Xerofluvent) under irrigation and a clay (Chromic Haploxerept) under dryland management, was studied through analysis of their biochemical properties. Soil biological status was evaluated by measuring microbial biomass carbon and the ratio of enzymatic activity to microbial biomass. Results were compared to those after application of inorganic fertilizer. At the end of the study, in both soil types the organic treatments had increased the organic matter and nitrogen content compared with the inorganic treatment. Total organic carbon (TOC) values in the clay were higher than in the loam. This could be related to a lower mineralization rate of soil organic matter under dry land management and/or with a protection effect, by the clay on the organic fraction. However, absolute ratios of some enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, protease and alkaline phosphatase) by microbial biomass carbon in the clay were lower than in the loam indicating a lower rate of enzyme production by microbial biomass in the clay. In the clay soil there was a great increase in TOC, total N, microbial biomass and enzymatic activity, in all treatments, in the last crop cycle. This was mainly related to a previous legume crop. Generally organic management improved biomass and enzymatic activity in both soils. In the future further studies are required to confirm the positive long-term effect of organic fertilization on biochemical properties which maintain or improve soil quality.
Short communication. Viability and pathogenicity of Ascosphaera apis preserved in integral rice cultures
Authors: Palacio M.A. , Peña N. , Clemente G. , Ruffinengo S. , Escande A.
Published: November 2013

Inoculation of Apis mellifera colonies with chalkbrood is a good way to test for hygienic behavior. The use of compatible pure strains of Ascosphaera apis, the causative agent of chalkbrood, could maintain homogeneity among experiments. Mycelium aging, viability, purity and capacity to produce spore-cysts were evaluated in MY20 and integral rice kernels (IRK) medium. Ascosphaera apis strains on MY20 developed aging symptoms by the 30th day and developed pure colonies until the 77th day. The same strains on IRK showed aging symptoms by the 30th day of growing, but they produced pure colonies for 360 days. Spore-cysts obtained from pure strains preserved in IRK and spore-cysts from wild black mummies obtained from honeybee hives were used to inoculate fifth instar A. mellifera larvae. Ascospores from black wild mummies or spore-cysts obtained from pure strains preserved in IRK were equally effective in causing clinical symptoms of the disease, which has main advantages: permanent inoculum availability and genetic homogeneity.
Short communication. Use of 4-(5-Br-2 pyridylazo)-1,3-diaminobenzene (5-Br-PADAB) for the spectrometric determination of cobalt in wine
Authors: Baudino O.M. , Pedernera M.M. , Guardia Calderon C.E. , Suero E.A.
Published: November 2013

The typically low content of cobalt in wines hinders its quantification by molecular absorptiometry and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS); difficulties arise both in the preparation of samples and cobalt detection. This work proposes a highly sensitive and selective extraction-spectrometry method that uses 4-(5-Br-2 pyridylazo)-1,3- diaminobenzene (5-Br-PADAB) for the determination of cobalt in this medium. Its accuracy and reproducibility are comparable to those of flame AAS. The molar absorptivity of the complex was 116,000 L/mol/cm. Interference from Fe (III) and Cu (II) ions was resolved by masking them with fluoride and cupron respectively.
Use of a palladium catalyst to improve the capacity of activated carbon to absorb ethylene, and its effect on tomato ripening
Authors: Bailén G. , Guillén F. , Castillo S. , Zapata P. J. , Serrano M. , Valero D. , Martínez-Romero D.
Published: November 2013

The aims of this work were to study the ethylene adsorption capacity of different types and masses of activated carbon, to predict the performance of the ethylene adsorption process, to improve the removal of ethylene by impregnating granular activated carbon (GAC) with palladium, and to analyse the effect of this product on the removal of ethylene released from tomatoes. In an in vitro system, both GAC and powdered activated carbon (PAC) effectively absorbed exogenous ethylene; GAC was the most effective. Maximum adsorption was achieved with carbon masses of 1.25 g L-1 or greater. The best model describing the adsorption of ethylene by GAC was the Langmuir isotherm. To increase ethylene removal, a system involving an adsorbent (GAC) and a catalyst (1% palladium) was developed. This was tested in an in vivo experiment involving the removal of ethylene produced by three tomato cultivars inside sealed jars. Ethylene removal led to a delay in tomato ripening; smaller changes in fruit firmness and colour were observed compared to controls. This system could provide a useful way of eliminating ethylene from storage areas and thus maintaining tomato fruit quality, which can be negatively affected by ethylene
Phytoremediation of organic pollutants: a review
Authors: Campos V.M. , Merino I. , Casado R. , Gómez L.
Published: November 2013

Phytoremediation consists of a set of innovative technologies for environmental cleanup that takes advantage of the unique extractive and metabolic capabilities of plants. This technology presents clear benefits over traditional methods, including wide applicability, ecological value and cost-effectiveness. Whereas organic pollutants can be degraded to less toxic forms by plants, or even mineralized, most research has focused so far on heavy metals, which are immutable. We analyze here the possible causes of this disparity and present an overview of current knowledge on the mechanisms used by plants to detoxify relevant organic pollutants. The impact of recent advances in molecular technology and the prospects of using transgenic plants are discussed.
Characterization and selection of hexaploid wheats containing resistance to Heterodera avenae or Mayetiola destructor introgressed from Aegilops: a review
Authors: Delibes A. , López Braña I. , Moreno Vázquez S.
Published: November 2013

Cereal cyst nematode (CCN, Heterodera avenae) and Hessian fly (HF, Mayetiola destructor) are two major pests affecting wheat crops worldwide including important cereal areas of Spain. Aegilops ventricosa and Ae. triuncialis were used as donors in a strategy to introduce resistance genes (RG) for these pests in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Two 42 chromosomes introgression lines have been derived from Ae. ventricosa: H-93-8 and H-93-33 carrying genes Cre2 and H27 conferring resistance to CCN and HF, respectively. Line TR-3531 with 42 chromosomes has been derived from Ae. triuncialis and carries RGs conferring resistance for CCN (Cre7) and for HF (H30). Alien material has been incorporated in lines H-93 by chromosomal substitution and recombination, while in line TR-3531 homoeologous recombination affecting small DNA fragments has played a major role. It has been demonstrated that Cre2, Cre7, H27 and H30 are major single dominant genes and not allelic of other previously described RGs. Biochemical and molecular-biology studies of the defense mechanism triggered by Cre2 and Cre7 have revealed specific induction of peroxidase and other antioxidant enzymes. In parallel to these basic studies advanced lines carrying resistance genes for CNN and/or HF have been developed. Selection was done using molecular markers for eventually "pyramiding" resistance genes. Several isozyme and RAPD markers have been described and, currently, new markers based on transposable elements and NBS-LRR sequences are being developed. At present, two advanced lines have already been included at the Spanish Catalogue of Commercial Plant Varieties.
A large family size is required to detect sexual heterogeneity of the recombination fraction using dominant and codominant DNA-markers
Authors: Gómez-Raya L.
Published: November 2013

Maximum likelihood methods for testing sexual heterogeneity of the recombination fraction using dominant and codominant DNA-markers are developed. The methods are tested by Montecarlo computer simulation. Two crosses were investigated 1) Ab/aB x Ab/aB and 2) Ab/aB x Ab/alphaB in which A, a, and alpha are alleles at a codominant marker and B and b are alleles at a dominant marker. Estimates of the recombination fraction are biased by more than 6 cM if family size is small (50) for the first cross. Also, the empirical rate of type I error under homogeneity ranged between 0.0 and 3.7 when using the tabulated values corresponding at 5%. Even for large family sizes, the rate of type I error was close to 0 when the expected rate was 1 or 5%. Empirical power was very low for the self-fertilization cross requiring large family sizes (2,000) and large differences in the recombination fraction in the two sexes (differences larger than 20 cM). For the second cross (Ab/aB x Ab/alphaB), both parents were heterozygous but they do not have identical genotypes at the codominant marker. Estimates of the recombination fraction for the two sexes were nearly unbiased in the presence of heterogeneity. The rate of type I error was similar to their expected values for this cross. For a low recombination fraction, empirical power for this cross was higher than 50% for a family size of 500 and a true difference in recombination fraction in the two sexes of approx. 10 cM.
Partially-gelatinised starches by high hydrostatic pressure as oligoelement carriers
Authors: Fernández P.P. , Sanz P.D. , Martino M.N. , Molina-García A.D.
Published: November 2013

Zinc deficiency is a world wide problem, centred on the lower income population, though not restricted to it. Food supplementation with magnesium is also considered of interest for correcting deficiencies in this oligoelement. Highpressure partially gelatinised starch is proposed as a vehicle for inclusion of these metals in food products. While highpressure levels (and/or temperature) give rise to total gelatinisation, lower pressures, at temperatures close to ambient, yield partially-gelatinised products, where only a portion of the intramolecular bonds in the amylopectin double helix has been substituted by intermolecular bonds between the unfolded amylopectin and water, as it can be deduced by differential scanning calorimetry, while the resultant granular microstructure is strongly altered (observed by low temperature scanning electron microscopy). Production of this modified starch implies lower energy expense, compared to thermal gelatinisation, and it guarantees higher homogeneity in the final degree of gelatinisation. The effect of moderated high-pressure treatments (400 MPa, 25 deg C, 35 min) on potato and corn starches has been studied. The effect of pressure treatment, after alkaline treatment or the addition of another hydrocolloid (guar gum) has also been considered. The observed preferential binding of zinc and magnesium salts to these modified starches (after determination of metal content by atomic absorption spectrophotometry) is favourable to the use of these products as metal carriers.
Fungal endophytes and their interaction with plant pathogens: a review
Authors: Zabalgogeazcoa I.
Published: November 2013

Endophytes are fungi which infect plants without causing symptoms. Fungi belonging to this group are ubiquitous, and plant species not associated to fungal endophytes are not known. In addition, there is a large biological diversity among endophytes, and it is not rare for some plant species to be hosts of more than one hundred different endophytic species. Different mechanisms of transmission, as well as symbiotic lifestyles occur among endophytic species. Latent pathogens seem to represent a relatively small proportion of endophytic assemblages, also composed by latent saprophytes and mutualistic species. Some endophytes are generalists, being able to infect a wide range of hosts, while others are specialists, limited to one or a few hosts. Endophytes are gaining attention as a subject for research and applications in Plant Pathology. This is because in some cases plants associated to endophytes have shown increased resistance to plant pathogens, particularly fungi and nematodes. Several possible mechanisms by which endophytes may interact with pathogens are discussed in this review.
Photoperiodic control of flowering time: a review
Authors: Jarillo J.A. , Del Olmo I. , Gómez-Zambrano A. , Lázaro A. , López-González L. , Miguel E. , Narro-Diego L. , Sáez D. , Piñeiro M.
Published: November 2013

The rotation of the earth results in periodic changes in environmental factors such as daylength and temperature; the circadian clock is the endogenous mechanism responsible for day-length measurement, and allows plants to anticipate these fluctuations and modulate their developmental programs to maximize adaptation to those environmental cues. Flowering represents the transition from a vegetative to reproductive phase and is controlled by complex and highly regulated genetic pathways. In many plants, the time of flowering is strongly influenced by photoperiod, which synchronizes the floral transition with the favourable season of the year. Over the last decade, genetic approaches have aided the discovery of many signalling components involved in the photoperiod pathway and here, we highlight the significant progress made in identifying the molecular mechanisms that measure daylength and control flowering initiation in Arabidopsis, a long day (LD) plant, and in rice, a short day (SD) plant. Some components of the Arabidopsis regulatory network are conserved in other species, but the difference in the function of particular genes may contribute to the opposite photoperiodic flowering response observed between LD and SD plants. The specific regulatory mechanisms involved in controlling CONSTANS (CO) expression and stability by the circadian clock and the different photoreceptors will be described. In addition, the role of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), as part of the florigen, and several other light signalling and circadian-dependent components in photoperiodic flowering will be also discussed.
Short communication. An in vitro approach for ecotoxicity testing of toxic and hazardous wastes
Authors: Babín M.M. , Cañas I. , Tarazona J.V.
Published: November 2013

In waste-characterization, chemicals with a low acute toxicity but with a high long-term hazard such as PBTs (persistent, bioaccumulable, and toxic chemicals) are difficult to identify, leading to an inaccurate assessment of their risk to the environment. This study assesses the sensitivity of in vitro assays with rainbow trout cell line RTG-2 as a tool for the ecotoxicological testing of hazardous wastes using a battery of bioassays, including a neutral red (NR) assay for predicting cytotoxicity, a Beta-galactosidase (Betagal) assay for predicting cellular defence, and two sub-lethal damage assays: ethoxy resorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) to check for induction of cytochrome and for alteration of antioxidant defences respectively. Six samples of complex waste, covering a wide range of liquid (A to C) and solid (1 to 3) matrices were tested. The EC50-values (NR) ranged from 0.09 mL/100 mL (B) to 2.01 mL/100 mL (2). A hormesis effect (Betagal) at low concentrations was observed for the A (0.03-0.18 mL/100 mL), 1 (0.03-0.29 mL/100 mL) and 2 (0.03-0.29 mL/100 mL) samples. A dose-dependent stimulation of enzymatic activity was observed for the B ((EROD (0.58-4.68 mL/100 mL), Betagal (0.58-4.68) and GST (0.14-1.17 mL/100 mL)) and C ((EROD (0.29-4.68 mL/100 mL) and Betagal (2.34-4.68)) samples. No effects were observed at the highest concentration tested (74 mL/100 mL) for sample 3. The in vitro approach can be considered to be an efficient, rapid and cost effective screening system to provide basic information on toxic and hazardous waste for further analysis and risk evaluation.
Coreografias do poder
Authors: Amaral Alberto , Lobato Lilian
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho pretende discutir as formas de resistência presentes nos filmes Quase dois irmãos, de Lucia Murat, Valentin, de Alejandro Agresti, e no curta-metragem Baseado em estórias reais, de Gustavo Moraes, a partir dos conflitos originados no choque dos discursos em relações de poder dentro de um Estado de Exceção ou mesmo em âmbito familiar. Compreendendo que todo discurso é uma prática de poder – saber entre os sujeitos. Para tal compreensão buscamos as elucidações do filosofo francês Michel Foucault, o qual desenvolveu suas idéias em torno do poder a partir de sua segunda fase de pensamento, conhecida como momento genealógico, especificamente o poder opressor exercido durante as ditaduras militares do Brasil e da Argentina, confronta-se com outros opositores e presentes no mesmo âmbito social, seja por meio do cárcere, seja por meio da relação de autoridade entre pai e filho.
Batismo de sangue: resistência da palavra contra a ditadura no Brasil
Authors: Velasco Breno da Silva , Pereira Edvaldo Santos , Costa Regina Barbosa da
Published: November 2013

O artigo é resultado de análise dos aspectos sociopolíticos abordados na adaptação fílmica Batismo de sangue, produzida em 2007 por Helvécio Hatton, cujo conteúdo foi baseado em parte do livro testemunhal Batismo de sangue: guerrilha e morte de Carlos Marighella, de Frei Beto, publicado em 1982; uma narrativa verídica, com exemplos de alguns elementos ficcionais. O conteúdo proposto põe àmostra o cinema de resistência no Brasil, focalizando o período ditatorial, contexto no qual as personagens do livro-testemunho e do filme-arquivo relatam os acontecimentos violentos, de ameaça e tortura, impostos às vítimas que se opunham ao sistema então vigente.
Litofácies e significado paleoambiental dos sedimentos Itararé na região Capivari-Rafard, Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Petri Setembrino
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho se refere à descrição litológica e estudos das estruturas sedimentares presentes nos testemunhos de seis poços para água subterrânea, perfurados pelo Instituto Geológico da Secretaria do Meio Ambiente do Estado de São Paulo, em torno das cidades de Capivari e Rafard, na região do médio rio Tietê, Estado de São Paulo. Estes poços, que atingiram profundidades entre 101,4 e 310m, foram totalmente testemunhados. O estudo desses testemunhos, associado a dados obtidos no campo, conduziram à proposição de uma paleogeografia durante parte do Permiano. As rochas estudadas pertencem ao Subgrupo Itararé que, na bacia do Paraná, se distribui do Neocarbonífero ao Mesopermiano. Além desses seis poços, foram referidos no presente trabalho, mas não descritos, mais sete poços perfurados pelo Instituto Geológico na região do médio Tietê, entre os anos de 1985 e 1990, também com testemunhagem completa, sempre envolvendo o Subgrupo Itararé.