bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Food Additives to Control Postharvest Citrus Blue Mold Disease
Authors: L. Askarne , Boubaker H. , Boudyach E. H. , Aoumar A. Ait Ben
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to find an alternative to the chemical fungicide currently used in the control of postharvest citrus diseases. The antifungal activity of 10 salt compounds, considered as common food additives was assayed in in vitro and in vivo trials against Penicillium italicum, causal agent of citrus blue mold. Among the 10 tested salt compounds, sodium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, copper sulfate, sodium EDTA and sodium metabisulfite completely inhibited mycelial growth of Penicillium italicum at 20 mM. Colony growth of P. italicum on pH adjusted medium was evaluated. Results indicate that P. italicum can grow on both acidic and alkaline pH, with the optimum growth occurred in the range of 4.0 and 8.0. Results of the in vivo trials with tested salt compounds indicate that sodium metabisulfite (100 and 200 mM), boric acid (400 mM), sodium salicylate and sodium sulfite (200, 300 and 400 mM) completely inhibited blue mold development on citrus fruit. Boric acid (400 mM) and sodium metabisulfite (100 mM) gave the best results as they completely inhibited the fungus development without damaging fruit rind. Such healthy products therefore may represent a sustainable alternative to the use of chemical fungicides for controlling postharvest diseases of citrus fruit.
Transcriptome Profiling of the Shoot and Root Tips of S562L, a Soybean GmCLAVATA1A Mutant
Authors: Mirzaei Saeid , Batley Jacqueline , Ferguson Brett J , Gresshoff Peter M
Published: June 2019

Plant shoot apical meristems (SAM) and root apical meristems (RAM) contain stem cells that form overall-plant architecture. Mechanisms acting in these regions keep a balance between the stem cell population and differentiation. These mechanisms are well-studied in Arabidopsis, but little is known in the legume soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). In Arabidopsis, the Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) Receptor kinase CLAVATA1 (CLV1) is a crucial regulator of this process in the SAM. In soybean, the receptor most similar to ATCLV1 is GmNARK, which is involved in nodulation control. In contrast, the homeologous partner of GmNARK in soybean, called GmCLV1A, appears to have no function in ‘Autoregulation of nodulation’ (AON) a role in regulating shoot architecture in the SAM. Here, the transcriptome of the shoot and root tip areas of a chemically induced and TILLING-selected GmCLV1A missense mutant, S562L, and its wild type, cultivar Forrest, were analysed to identify genes which are affected by impaired function of GmCLV1A. Among the differentially expressed genes identified, many were categorised as having a role in receptor kinase activity, transcription or defense/stress-response. Molecular categories over-represented in the shoot tip of the mutant include those involved in hormone biosynthesis/activity and secondary metabolism, signalling, photosynthesis, and transport. Functional categories including those involved in polyamine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, RNA regulation, protein targeting and protein degradation were under-represented in the shoot tip of the mutant. In the root tip, categories associated with signal ling, transport, protein synthesis and metabolism were over-represented in the mutant, while categories associated with cell wall degradation, stress, RNA regulation, protein degradation and targeting were under-represented in the mutant. Factors similar to Arabidopsis regulatory components are most likely functioning in specialised shoot structures in legumes. Furthermore, GmCLV1A may have an unexpected role in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in soybean.
Fabrication of Sb-doped p-type ZnO Thin Films by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Hsiou Yu-Feng , Hung Wei-Kuan , Wang Chiu-Wei
Published: June 2019

In this work, antimony (Sb)-doped p-type ZnO thin films on c-plane sapphire substrates have been fabricated by pulsed laser deposition, with Sb2O3 used as the dopant source. The effects of ambient gas or growth temperature on the fabrication process were investigated. The nitrogen ambient was found to be essential to achieve the p-type conduction. The Hall-effect measurements at room temperature indicated that the ZnO thin films doped with 3 at.% Sb and grown at 600 °C under N2 atmosphere exhibited p-type behavior with a hole concentration of 1.17×1017 cm−3, hole mobility of 0.63 cm2/V·s, and resistivity of 84.51 Ω·cm. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed good crystallization and homogenous surface morphology of the ZnO:Sb thin films. The optical transmission spectrum of the ZnO:Sb thin films indicated that the energy band gap value was around 2.9 eV. Post-growth annealing at 650 oC converted the p-type conduction to n-type. This result implied that Sb-doping and annealing treatment were dominant factors determining native and extrinsic defects in the ZnO thin films, and thus controlling their electrical conductivity properties.
Precipitation of Nano-Sized Carbides in a Ti-Mo Bearing Steel at a Low Transformation Temperature
Authors: Chen Chih Yuan , Chen Shih Fan , Yang Jer Ren , Chen Chien Chon
Published: June 2019

While the role of Ti and Mo elements on precipitation strengthening in ferrite grains formed during austenite/ferrite transformation is very clear, some uncertainty still presents concerning influence of microalloying elements on bainite transformation. Therefore, the present study focuses on the precipitation behavior occurred in a Ti-Mo bearing steel during bainitic phase transformation under different heat treatment conditions, and the correlation of the precipitation behavior with hardness distribution. Through the present work, it is expected to achieve a better understanding of low-temperature precipitation behavior to assist metallurgists to find out the reason for maintaining a high hardness by longtime isothermal holding, which can provide insight to design a better quality steel product. Vickers hardness was measured from the 1C-2Ti-2Mo, 1C-2Ti-2Mo and 0.5C-1Ti-2Mo steels treated by isothermal holding at 550 oC for 5 to 60 min. The average Vickers hardness was in the range of 245 - 276, 290 - 335 and 220 - 245, respectively. Therefore, higher hardness can be obtained if the steel containing higher carbon and microalloying elements can form precipitations in the ferrite matrix. On the other hand, increasing Vickers hardness with isothermal holding times indicates a good thermal stability character of complex carbides. The excellent thermal stability can be attributed to the addition of Mo element, which can inhibit the growth of carbides during longtime isothermal holding. Furthermore, the addition of Mo in the steel can avoid annihilation of dislocations during longtime aging. By taking advantages of these two effects, high strength can be achieved for high-strength low-alloy steels containing Mo element. Transmission electron microscopy image showed nano-sized carbides nucleated at dislocations, instead of interfacial precipitations within ferrite grain matrix, because the interface precipitation morphology only occurred accompanying the austenite decomposition reaction. However, the bainitic phase transformation was of a displacive transformation character, thus the complex carbides could not form during the bainitic phase transformation due to a very fast transformation velocity.
Identification of QTL Underlying Seed Micronutrients Accumulation in ‘MD 96-5722’ by ‘Spencer’ Recombinant Inbred Lines of Soybean
Authors: Bellaloui Nacer , Khandaker Laila , Akond Masum , Kantartzi Stella K. , Meksem Khalid , Mengistu Alemu , Lightfoot DA , Kassem My Abdelmajid
Published: June 2019

Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed nutrition levels is almost non-existent. The objective of this study was to identify QTLs associated with seed micronutrients (iron, Fe; zinc, Zn; bororn, B; manganese, Mn; and copper, Cu) accumulation (concentration) in a population of 92 F5:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that derived from a cross between MD 96-5722 (MD) and ‘Spencer’. For this purpose, a genetic linkage map based on 5,376 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers was constructed using the Illumina Infinium SoySNP6K BeadChip array. The RILs were genotyped using 537 polymorphic, reliably segregating SNP markers. A total of 23 QTLs for micronutrients Fe, Zn, B, Mn, and Cu have been identified and mapped on eight linkage groups (LGs) of the soybean genome. Five QTLs were detected for Fe (qIRO001- qIRO005) on LGs N, A1, K, J, and G. Seven QTLs for Zn (qZIN001-qZIN007) on LGs D1a (Chr 1), N (Chr 3), F (Chr 5), B2 (Chr 14), J (Chr 16), A1 (Chr 5), and K (Chr 9). Two QTLs for B (qBOR001 and qBOR002) were detected on LGs N and A1. Four QTLs were detected for Mn (qMAN001-qMAN004) on LGs N, A1, K, and J, and five QTLs were detected for Cu (qCOP001- qCOP005) on LGs N, A1, K, J, and G). It was observed that the four QTLs for Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn on LGs N (Chr 3), LG A1 (Chr 5), and LG J (Chr 16) were clustered in a similar region of the linkage groups, suggesting possible shared physiological and genetic mechanisms. The QTLs detected in this study are novel and will contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis of seed mineral nutrition. This research would allow breeders to efficiently select for higher seed nutritional qualities to meet the seed industry and human and livestock nutritional needs.
Reflections of An Undergraduate Teaching Associate
Authors: R. Spence Heather R. Spence
Published: June 2019

As an undergraduate teaching associate, I collaborated closely with the professor of  an honors introductory biology course at George Washington University to help improve the curriculum.  Assisting with course revision, implementation, and assessment was a positive, life-changing learning experience, an  all-around benefit, and hopefully an inspiration for other collaborations.
Gender Disparities in Self-concept, Attitude and Perception in Physics and Chemistry
Authors: Majere Inzahuli Samuel Majere , Role Elizabeth , Makewa Lazarus Ndiku
Published: June 2019

This study sought to determine disparities and associated factors in students’ performance in Physics and Chemistry at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) ex- amination in Nandi North District. The research objectives included determining differences in students’ performance at KCSE in Physics and Chemistry, self-concept (perception) of, attitude toward, and perception of the usefulness of Physics and Chemistry as subjects. Students were classified accord- ing to gender, using a causal-comparative design. Majority of the students aged between 15 and 19 years. Three ques- tionnaires were administered to the form four students, and KCSE results for the years 2000 – 2004 were obtained from the District Education Office. These were analyzed using de- scriptive and inferential statistics. We concluded that boys reflected better academic achievement as compared to the girls in both physics and chemistry. The boys and girls had comparable self-concept in physics. The girls had a higher self-concept in chemistry than the boys. This may suggest that self-concept does not influence performance in chemistry since boys still out-performed the girls in spite of the girls’ higher self-concept. With regard to attitude towards chemistry and physics, the boys and girls had the same attitude, mixed and single-sex school students had comparable attitude to- wards physics and chemistry. An intervention regarding the level of preparedness of primary school pupils in dealing with the challenges of learning Physics and Chemistry at sec- ondary is recommended.
Environmental Soil Microbiology: A Novel Research-Oriented Laboratory Course for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Al-Hashmi Zeyana , S. Al-Ismaily Said
Published: June 2019

Laboratory courses have a central and distinctive role in sci- ence education. The need of improving laboratory curricular materials in environmental soil microbiology education is a must more than ever as due to the followings: (i) emerg- ing of new types of soil biological problems associated with new manipulated environments, (ii) the intimacy of human, plants, and animals to soil microbial activities, and (iii) en- vironmental soil-connected issues is the area of current re- search interests. We present a novel research-oriented labo- ratory course for undergraduates in soil science, according to the need of reforming the laboratory curriculum as called by the National Science Education Standards to advocate in- quiry and cognitivity in teaching and learning. Our inquiry- based  environmental soil microbiology laboratory  course provides a good pedagogical opportunity in promoting criti- cal thinking, making predictions, proposing causative factors, and presenting consistent arguments to support a position through effective scientific writing. The novelty of our labora- tory curriculum relies on the integration of three main com- ponents namely the “skill learning”, “research experience”, and “effective writing skills” which ultimately may help in optimizing students thinking performance towards research oriented mindset. The course is divided into two modules (I

& II), where in module I students are introduced to the basic principles and techniques in soil microbiology. As for module II, students are assigned a research project to enhance their critical thinking and develop their conceptual skills in design- ing an experiment, problem solving, gathering and analy- sis of data, and scientific writing. The unit content can be modified to suit other specific laboratory curriculums in other branches of natural science without loss of students learning efficiency or impact.
Student Achievement in an Introductory Biology Course: Assessing Grade Motivation and Study Log Metacognition
Authors: Hollowell Gail P. , T. Brandon Dwayne , H. Grillo Wendy
Published: June 2019

As college educators, our main teaching goals are to increase student learning and improve student retention.  This study describes how 54 science majors at a public, minority serv- ing institution reflected on their study time, study activities, and overall grade motivation in a core-curriculum introduc- tory biology course.  Since 2005, less than 50% of students enrolled in this course at our university earned a final grade of “C” or better.  In the Fall semester of 2009, we adminis- tered a pre and post assessment using the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ) a 30-item Likert-type instrument devel- oped by Glynn and Koballa (2006) to better understand and address the student attrition from the introductory biology course.  All 30 items from the SMQ were analyzed, but only

5 items relevant to grade motivation are presented in this paper.  We also designed and implemented a weekly study log assessment tool for students to document their study time and study activities, wherein students submitted their study logs on a weekly basis during the course of this research study.   Based on the number of study logs submitted and study time by each student, students were classified into ei- ther a high-metacognition or low-metacognition group.  For our purposes, we defined metacognition as the awareness of one’s own thinking process (Merriam-Webster, 2012). The high-metacognition group submitted 75% of their study logs and earned a grade in the top 25% of the class.   The low- metacognition group submitted only 25% of their study logs and earned a grade in the bottom 25% of the class.   Thus both groups formed reasonable expectations for their overall class performance.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Ferrous Sulfate on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Lambs
Authors: Abdelrahim Gamal M. , Khatiwada J. , Gueye A.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of including elevated levels of FeSO4 in lambs diet on DMI, growth, and carcass characteristics. Twenty-four Gulf Coast wether lambs (26.3 ± 3.63 kg initial BW, and 8 to 9 months of age) were assigned to one of 2 blocks based on their BW were randomly allocated to 1 of the 3 dietary treatments, giving 8 lambs per treatment. Animals were grouped in 2 pens per treatment (4 lambs/pen) with pen serving as the experimental unit. Treatment diets containing supplemental FeSO4 at 0, 75, or 150 mg/kg of DM were fed lambs. Treatment diets consisted of dry-rolled corn, SBM, and fescue/bermudagrass hay and were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric and to meet or exceed the NRC requirements of a finishing lamb. Lambs were slaughtered, and data were collected after a 48-h chill. Both growth and carcass quality data were analyzed using the GLM procedures. Dry matter intake, final BW, and ADG were not different among treatments (P = 0.5, 0.9, and 0.7, respectively). Also, no differences were observed in HCW (P = 0.9), CCW (P = 0.8), body wall fat (P = 0.6), 12th rib fat (P = 0.9), K&P fat (P = 0.9) and REA (P = 0.7) among treatments. These results support our hypothesis that the addition of 75 or 150 mg FeSO4 /kg in finishing lamb diets do not impact DMI, growth rate, and carcass characteristics of meat sheep.
Effects of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Lamb
Authors: Abdelrahim Gamal M. , Khatiwada J. , Gurung N. K.
Published: June 2019

The effect of including two levels of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) in formulated diet on performance, and carcass characteristics of lambs was studied. Twenty-four Gulf Coast wether lambs (46.1 ± 1.2 kg initial BW, and 8 to 9 months of age) were divided into two groups based on their live body weight and randomly allocated to dietary treatments (2 per treatment; 4 lambs/pen; 8 lambs per treatment). Treatment diets containing DDGS at 0 (control), 12.7, or 25.4% on a DM basis were fed lambs. Basal diet contained dry-rolled corn, soybean meal, and fescue/bermuda grass hay. Dry Distillers grains with solubles was added to the finishing diets at either 12.7or 25.4% of the dietary DM to replace corn and SBM in basal diet. The concentrate mixes containing DDGS were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to meet the NRC requirements of lamb. After 135-d feeding period final BW was recorded, then animals were slaughtered, and carcass parameters collected after a 48-h postmortem. Lamb performance and carcass quality data were analyzed using the GLM procedures. Dry matter intake and final BW of lambs were not different between treatment. Also, no differences were observed between treatments in hot and cold carcass wt, body wall fat, rib eye area, 12th rib fat, and kidney and pelvic fat depots. However a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in average daily gain was found in lambs fed 0% DDGS diet compared to those fed 12.7 and 25.4% DDGS diets. These results supported the hypothesis that substitute of corn and SBM by up to 25.4% DDGS can be fed to lamb without adverse effect on carcass characteristics.
Linear Transformation Recognition Using Radon Transform
Authors: Hjouj Fawaz
Published: June 2019

Given two regular functions (images) f and g on R2 where g is formed from f by a general linear transformation, g(x) = f (Ax + b). We present a procedure to determine the transformation ‘parameters’ A and b using Radon projections of f and only two projections of g. We use these projections together with simple facts on matrix vector multiplication to recover the matrix A. The assumptions we have here are: f is nonnegative and A is nonsingular. Commonly used transformations in image processing such as rotation, scaling and others are special cases of our approach.
On   -Homeomorphisms In Topological Spaces
Authors: Rani M. Gilbert , Missier S. Pious
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we first introduce a new class of closed map called   -closed map. Moreover, we introduce a new class of homeomorphism called   - Homeomorphism, which are weaker than homeomorphism. We also introduce  - Homeomorphisms and prove that the set of all   - Homeomorphisms form a group under the operation of composition of maps.2000 Math Subject Classification: 54C08, 54D05.
Edge Product Number of Graphs in Paths
Authors: Thavamani J. P. , Ramesh D. S. T.
Published: June 2019

A graph G (V, E) is said to be a sum graph if there exists a bijective labeling from the vertex set V to a set S of positive integers such that (x y) ∈ E if and only if f(x) + f(y) ∈ S. In this paper, for a given graph G (V, E), the edge function, the edge product function and the edge product graph are introduced and studied. The edge product number of a graph is defined and the edge product numbers of paths is found.
On Selecting the Normal Population with the Largest Absolute Mean
Authors: Hussein Khaled
Published: June 2019

The problem of selecting the normal population with largest absolute mean is considered. An alternative procedure based on the absolute values of the sample medians and investigate its efficiency relative to Rizvi’s means procedure has been studied.
The ‘PI 438489B’ by ‘Hamilton’ SNP-Based Genetic Linkage Map of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Identified Quantitative Trait Loci that Underlie Seedling SDS Resistance
Authors: Abdelmajid Kassem My , Ramos Laura , Leandro Leonor , Mbofung Gladys , Hyten David L. , Kantartzi Stella K. , Grier IV Robert L , Njiti Victor N. , Cianzio Silvia , Meksem Khalid
Published: June 2019

Soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are susceptible to many diseases including fungal diseases such as soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS). Several studies reported SDS resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) on the soybean genome using different recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations and low density genetic linkage maps. High density exclusively single nucleotide polymorphisms-based (SNP-based) maps were not yet reported in soybean. The objectives of this study were (1) to construct a high density SNP-based genetic linkage map of soybean using the ‘PI438489B’ by ‘Hamilton’ (PIxH, n=50) recombinant inbred line population, and (2) to map QTL for SDS resistance using this high-density reliable genetic SNP-based map. The PI438489B by Hamilton high-density SNP-based genetic map was a high density map composed of 31 LGs, 648 SNPs, and covered 1,524.7 cM with an average of 2.37 cM between two adjacent SNP markers. Fourteen significant QTL were identified for SDS resistance using interval mapping (IM) and composite interval mapping (CIM) with LOD scores that ranged between 2.6 and 5.0. Twelve QTL were identified for foliar disease severity (FDS) and three QTL for root rot severity (RRS) of which one QTL underlain both FDS and RRS. The fourteen QTL were mapped onto ten separate chromosomes of the soybean genome. Seven of the intervals encompassing the QTL had been identified previously (on LGs C1, C2, D1b, G, L, N and O) associated with resistance to SDS but seven were novel (LGs A2 (2), B1, C2, D1a, D1b and O). We constructed the first PI438489B by Hamilton exclusively SNP-Based map and identified fourteen QTL that underlie SDS resistance including both resistances to foliar and root rot symptoms caused by Fusarium virguliforme infection. The QTL discovered here for SDS resistance could be useful to include in breeding programs in developing soybean cultivars resistant to SDS.
Using A Minimum Tile Path For Plant Transformations Encompassing the Entire Soybean Genome
Authors: Ullah Hidayat , Jasim Mohammed , Lightfoot David A
Published: June 2019

Genomes like Glycine max (soybean) that have been highly conserved following increases in ploidy represent a frontier for genome analysis. Many soybean QTL analyzed to date have been composed of gene clusters each with contributing a portion of the trait rather than alleles of single genes. At the Soybean Genome Database (SoyGD) http://soybeangenome.siu.edu the genome browser that integrates and served the publicly available soybean physical map, BAC fingerprint database and genetic map associated genomic data shows a minimum tile of transformation ready BIBAC-like clones in pCLD04541 (pV41; oriV; tra; bom). Sequence resources made available through the DOE genome sequencing project have allowed the minimum tile to be revised and new functional analyses to be made. There are 3,840 MTP clones that appeared to encompass 90% of the genome (see http://soybeangenome.siu.edu/cgi-bin/gbrowse/BES_scaffolds). The BIBAC-like clones (tetR) from E. coli DH10 B were transferred en masse to Agrobacterium tumefaciens by triparental matings with EHA105 (rifR) mediated by pRK2013 (oriP) in DH10B (kanR) in 384 well plates. Although not necessary the extra helper plasmid boosted efficiency 10 fold. Individual A. tumefaciens rifampicin and tetracyclin resistant strains were used for transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana flowers in 384 well arrays. Initially kanamycin selection was used to isolate transgenic plants. Because the BACs were already tetR the recA mutants of A. tumefaciens could not be used (Tn3 insertions). Consequent to this and partial transconjugation events only some inserts are transferred completely while other transformed lines contain a substitution series of deleted inserts anchored on the Ti-left border (LB). These are maintained as kanR mixtures of seed. Phenotypes found for lines transgenic for particular BACs that were repeated include seed composition (protein, oil), development (growth, senescence) and disease resistance (suddean death syndrome (SDS) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN).
Introduction of High Throughput and Cost Effective SNP Genotyping Platforms in Soybean
Authors: Yuan Jiazheng , Wen Zixiang , Gu Cuihua , Wang Dechun
Published: June 2019

We presented here the application of two in-plate SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotyping platforms for soybean plants [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], KASP® (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR genotyping, LGC Genomics) and TaqMan® (Life Technologies) respectively. These two systems offer us an ability to determine the genotypes of 384 individual samples accurately and efficiently by allele specific PCR in a single plate using typical PCR conditions. Both of the systems require small quantity of genomic DNA obtained from a simple DNA extraction. The genomic sequences containing target SNPs can easily be used as a basic blueprint to design the probes and primers of KASP® and TaqMan® assays whether the sequences are obtained from the genome sequence of soybean William 82 (Wm82.a2.v1), Illumina Soy50k SNPs, or parallel resequencing. Moreover, we listed the pros and cons of the two systems and explained the principles behind the platforms. The high call rate and clear clustering separation of the SNPs can be readily obtained from these platforms without conducting any assay optimization processes. These platforms can routinely be performed on 96/384-well plate format with or without an automation procedure. Therefore, these platforms are especially suitable for the SNP genotyping on a particular trait with a large sample size, gene fine mapping, and marker assisted selection. Further, they require little hands-on experience and achieve per-site and per-individual costs below that of current SSR, AFLP, RFLP, and SNP chip technologies. The platforms can be used for genotyping on a wide range of organisms due to their simplicity and flexibility of handling. Meanwhile, we also especially presented some of the advantages using KASP® SNP genotyping pipeline, which was cost effective in the selection of allele specific assay and therefore, efficiently facilitated the soybean genotyping across large numbers (thousands or more) of individual lines for a great range of markers (hundreds to thousands) in our laboratory.
Selective Genotyping for Marker Assisted Selection Strategies for Soybean Yield Improvement
Authors: Fallen Benjamin D. , Allen Fred L. , Kopsell Dean A. , Saxton Arnold M. , McHale Leah , Shannon J. Grover , Kantartzi Stella K. , Cardinal Andrea J. , Cregan Perry B. , Hyten David L. , Pantalone Vincent R.
Published: June 2019

Using molecular markers in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has lead to the identification of major loci controlling quantitative and qualitative traits that include: disease resistance, insect resistance and tolerance to abiotic stresses. Yield has been considered as one of the most important quantitative traits in soybean breeding. Unfortunately, yield is a very complex trait and most yield quantitative trait loci (QTL) that have been identified have had only limited success for marker assisted selection (MAS). The objective of this study was to identify QTL associated with soybean seed yield in preliminary yield trials grown in different environments and to evaluate their effective use for MAS using a yield prediction model (YPM), which included epistasis. To achieve this objective, 875 F5:9 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a population developed from a cross between two prominent ancestors of the North American soybean (Essex and Williams 82) were used. The 875 RIL and check cultivars were divided into four groups based on maturity and each group was grown in Knoxville, TN and one other location that had an environment in which the maturity group (MG) was adapted to be grown. Each RIL was genotyped with >50,000 single nucleotide polymorphic markers (SNPs) of which 17,232 were polymorphic across the population. Yield QTL were detected using a single factor (SF) analysis of variance (ANOVA) and composite interval mapping (CIM). Based on CIM, 23 yield QTL were identified. Twenty-one additional QTL were detected using SF ANOVA. Individually, these QTL explained from 4.5% to 11.9% of the phenotypic variation for yield. QTL were identified on all 20 chromosomes and five of the 46 QTL have not been previously reported. This study provides new information concerning yield QTL in soybean and may offer important insights into MAS strategies for soybean.
Evaluation and comparison of multiangle implementation of the atmospheric correction algorithm, Dark Target, and Deep Blue aerosol products over China
Authors: Liu Ning , Zou Bin , Feng Huihui , Wang Wei , Tang Yuqi , Liang Yu
Published: June 2019

Abstract. A new multiangle implementation of the atmospheric correction (MAIAC)
algorithm has been applied in the Moderate Resolution Imaging
Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and has recently provided globally high-spatial-resolution aerosol optical depth (AOD) products at 1 km. Moreover,
several improvements have been modified in the classical Dark Target (DT) and
Deep Blue (DB) aerosol retrieval algorithms in MODIS Collection 6.1 products.
Thus, validation and comparison of the MAIAC, DT, and DB algorithms are urgent
in China. In this paper, we present a comprehensive assessment and comparison
of AOD products at a 550 nm wavelength based on three aerosol retrieval
algorithms in the MODIS sensor using ground-truth measurements from AErosol
RObotic NETwork (AERONET) sites over China from 2000 to 2017. In general,
MAIAC products achieved better accuracy than DT and DB products in the
overall validation and accuracy improvement of DB products after the QA
filter, demonstrating the highest values among the three products. In
addition, the DT algorithms had higher aerosol retrievals in cropland,
forest, and ocean land types than the other two products, and the MAIAC
algorithms were more accurate in grassland, built-up, unoccupied, and
mixed land types among the three products. In the geometry dependency
analysis, the solar zenith angle, scattering angle, and relative azimuth
angle, excluding the view zenith angle, significantly affected the
performance of the three aerosol retrieval algorithms. The three products
showed different accuracies with varying regions and seasons. Similar spatial
patterns were found for the three products, but the MAIAC retrievals were
smaller in the North China Plain and higher in Yunnan Province compared with
the DT and DB retrievals before the QA filter. After the QA filter, the DB
retrievals were significantly lower than the MAIAC retrievals in south China.
Moreover, the spatiotemporal completeness of the MAIAC product was also
better than the DT and DB products.
IAP-AACM v1.0: a global to regional evaluation of the atmospheric chemistry model in CAS-ESM
Authors: Wei Ying , Chen Xueshun , Chen Huansheng , Li Jie , Wang Zifa , Yang Wenyi , Ge Baozhu , Du Huiyun , Hao Jianqi , Wang Wei , Li Jianjun , Sun Yele , Huang Huili
Published: June 2019

Abstract. In this study, a full description and comprehensive evaluation of a global–regional nested model, the Aerosol and Atmospheric Chemistry Model of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP-AACM), is presented for the first time. Not only are the global budgets and distribution explored, but comparisons of the nested simulation over China against multiple datasets are investigated,
which benefit from access to Chinese air quality monitoring data from 2013 to the present and the “Model Inter-Comparison Study for Asia” project. The model
results and analysis can help reduce uncertainties and aid with understanding
model diversity with respect to assessing global and regional aerosol effects on climate
and human health, especially over East Asia and areas affected by East Asia.
For the global simulation, the 1-year simulation for 2014 shows that the
IAP-AACM is within the range of other models. Overall, it reasonably
reproduced spatial distributions and seasonal variations of trace gases and
aerosols in both surface concentrations and column burdens (mostly within
a factor of 2). The model captured spatial variation for carbon
monoxide well with a slight underestimation over ocean, which implicates the
uncertainty of the ocean source. The simulation also matched the seasonal cycle
of ozone well except for the continents in the Northern Hemisphere, which was partly due to the
lack of stratospheric–tropospheric exchange. For aerosols, the simulation of
fine-mode particulate matter (PM2.5) matched observations well. The
simulation of primary aerosols (normalized mean biases, NMBs, are within
±0.64) is better than that of secondary aerosols (NMB values are greater than 1.0 in some regions). For the nested regional simulation, the IAP-AACM shows the
superiority of higher-resolution simulation using the nested domain over
East Asia. The model reproduced variation of sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and PM2.5 accurately in typical cities,
with correlation coefficients (R) above 0.5 and NMBs within ±0.5.
Compared with the global simulation, the nested simulation exhibits an
improved ability to capture the high temporal and spatial variability over
China. In particular, the R values for SO2, NO2 and PM2.5 are increased
by ∼0.15, ∼0.2, and ∼0.25
respectively in the nested grid. Based on the evaluation and analysis,
future model improvements are suggested.
The ICAD (iterative cavity-enhanced DOAS) method
Authors: Horbanski Martin , Pöhler Denis , Lampel Johannes , Platt Ulrich
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Cavity-enhanced differential optical absorption spectroscopy (CE-DOAS or BB-CEAS DOAS)
allows us to make in situ measurements while maintaining the kilometre-long light paths required by DOAS. This technique
has been successfully used for several years to measure in situ atmospheric trace gases. A property of optical cavities is that in the presence of strong absorbers or scatterers the light path is reduced, in contrast to classical long-path DOAS measurements where the light path is fixed. Typical CE-DOAS or BB-CEAS evaluation schemes correct this effect using the measured total light intensity attenuation. This makes them sensitive to any variations in the light intensity not arising from the trace gas absorption. That means an important DOAS advantage, to be independent of total light intensity, is actually lost. In order to cope with this problem, the instrument setup would require a thorough stabilisation of the light source and a very rigid mechanical setup, which would make instrumentation more complex and error prone. We present a new approach to cavity-enhanced (CE) DOAS based on an iterative algorithm (ICAD) which actually models the light path reduction from the derived absorbers in the optical resonator. It allows a sensitive and robust data analysis that does not depend on the total light intensity, allowing a simpler and more compact instrument setup. The algorithm is discussed and simulated measurements demonstrate its sensitivity and robustness. Furthermore, a new ICAD NO2 instrument is presented. It takes advantage of the advanced data evaluation to build a compact (50 cm cavity) and lightweight instrument (<10 kg) with low power consumption (25 W) for sensitive measurements of NO2 with a detection limit of 0.02 ppbv at an averaging time of 7 min. The instrument is characterised with a NO2 calibration source and good long-term stability is demonstrated in a comparison with a commercial chemiluminescence detector. As a new application of ICAD we show measurements on an automobile platform to investigate the two-dimensional NO2 distribution in an urban area. The instrument is so robust that even strong vibrations do not lead to any measurement problems.
Equilibrium simulations of Marine Isotope Stage 3 climate
Authors: Guo Chuncheng , Nisancioglu Kerim H. , Bentsen Mats , Bethke Ingo , Zhang Zhongshi
Published: June 2019

Abstract. An equilibrium simulation of Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3) climate with boundary conditions characteristic of Greenland Interstadial 8 (GI-8; 38 kyr BP) is carried out with the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM). A computationally efficient configuration of the model enables long integrations at relatively high resolution, with the simulations reaching a quasi-equilibrium state after 2500 years. We assess the characteristics of the simulated large-scale atmosphere and ocean circulation, precipitation, ocean hydrography, sea ice distribution, and internal variability. The simulated MIS3 interstadial near-surface air temperature is 2.9 ∘C cooler than the pre-industrial (PI). The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is deeper and intensified by ∼13 %. There is a decrease in the volume of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) reaching the Atlantic. At the same time, there is an increase in ventilation of the Southern Ocean, associated with a significant expansion of Antarctic sea ice and concomitant intensified brine rejection, invigorating ocean convection. In the central Arctic, sea ice is ∼2 m thicker, with an expansion of sea ice in the Nordic Seas during winter. Attempts at triggering a non-linear transition to a cold stadial climate state, by varying atmospheric CO2 concentrations and Laurentide Ice Sheet height, suggest that the simulated MIS3 interstadial state in the NorESM is relatively stable, thus underscoring the role of model dependency, and questioning the existence of unforced abrupt transitions in Greenland climate in the absence of interactive ice sheet–meltwater dynamics.
A coupled soilscape–landform evolution model: model formulation and initial results
Authors: Welivitiya W. D. Dimuth P. , Willgoose Garry R. , Hancock Greg R.
Published: June 2019

Abstract. This paper describes the coupling of the State Space Soil Production and
Assessment Model (SSSPAM) soilscape evolution model with a landform
evolution model to integrate soil profile dynamics and landform evolution.
SSSPAM is a computationally efficient soil evolution model which was
formulated by generalising the mARM3D modelling framework to further explore
the soil profile self-organisation in space and time, as well as its dynamic
evolution. The landform evolution was integrated into SSSPAM by
incorporating the processes of deposition and elevation changes resulting
from erosion and deposition. The complexities of the physically based
process equations were simplified by introducing a state-space matrix
methodology that allows efficient simulation of mechanistically linked
landscape and pedogenesis processes for catena spatial scales. SSSPAM
explicitly describes the particle size grading of the entire soil profile at
different soil depths, tracks the sediment grading of the flow, and
calculates the elevation difference caused by erosion and deposition at
every point in the soilscape at each time step. The landform evolution model
allows the landform to change in response to (1) erosion and deposition and
(2) spatial organisation of the co-evolving soils. This allows comprehensive
analysis of soil landform interactions and soil self-organisation. SSSPAM
simulates fluvial erosion, armouring, physical weathering, and sediment
deposition. The modular nature of the SSSPAM framework allows the integration of
other pedogenesis processes to be easily incorporated. This paper presents
the initial results of soil profile evolution on a dynamic landform. These
simulations were carried out on a simple linear hillslope to understand the
relationships between soil characteristics and the geomorphic attributes
(e.g. slope, area). Process interactions which lead to such relationships
were also identified. The influence of the depth-dependent weathering
function on soilscape and landform evolution was also explored. These
simulations show that the balance between erosion rate and sediment load in
the flow accounts for the variability in spatial soil characteristics while
the depth-dependent weathering function has a major influence on soil
formation and landform evolution. The results demonstrate the ability of
SSSPAM to explore hillslope- and catchment-scale soil and landscape evolution
in a coupled framework.
ESR-thermochronometry of the Hida range of the Japanese Alps: Validation and future potential
Authors: King Georgina E. , Tsukamoto Sumiko , Herman Frédéric , Biswas Rabiul H. , Sueoka Shigeru , Tagami Takahiro
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The electron spin resonance (ESR) of quartz has previously been shown to have potential for determining rock cooling histories, however this technique remains underdeveloped. In this study, we explore the ESR of a suite of samples from the Hida range of the Japanese Alps. We develop measurement protocols and models to constrain the natural trapped charge concentration as well as the parameters that govern signal growth and signal thermal decay. The thermal stability of the Al and Ti-centres is similar to that of the luminescence of feldspar. Inverting the ESR data for cooling yields similar thermal histories to paired luminescence data from the same samples. However, a series of synthetic inversions show that whereas the luminescence of feldspar can only resolve minimum cooling histories of ∼160 °C/Myr over timescales of 103–5 a, quartz ESR may resolve cooling histories as low as 25–50 °C/Myr over timescales of 103–7 a. This difference arises because quartz ESR has a higher dating limit than the luminescence of feldspar. These results imply that quartz ESR will be widely applicable in the constraint of late-stage rock cooling histories, providing new insights into landscape evolution over late-Quaternary timescales.
Catchment-scale drought: capturing the whole drought cycle using multiple indicators
Authors: Gibson Abraham J. , Verdon-Kidd Danielle C. , Hancock Greg R. , Willgoose Garry
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Global agricultural drought policy has shifted towards promoting drought preparedness and climate resilience in favor of disaster relief-based strategies. For this approach to be successful, drought predictability and methods for assessing the many aspects of drought need to be improved. Therefore, this study aims to bring together meteorological and hydrological measures of drought, along with vegetation and soil moisture data to assess how droughts begin, propagate and subsequently terminate for a catchment in eastern Australia. For the study area, thirteen meteorological drought periods persisting more than six months were identified over the last 100 years. During these, vegetation health, soil moisture and streamflow declined, however, all indicators recovered quickly post drought, with no evidence of extended impacts on the rainfall-runoff response, as has been observed elsewhere. Further, drought initiation and propagation were found to be tightly coupled to the combined state of large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate drivers (e.g. El Niño Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole and Southern Annular Mode), while termination is caused by persistent synoptic systems (e.g. low-pressure troughs). The combination of climatic factors, topography, soils and vegetation are believed to be what makes the study catchments more resilient to drought than others in eastern Australia. The study diversifies traditional approaches to studying droughts by quantifying catchment response to drought using a range of measures that could also be applied in other catchments globally. This is a key step towards improved drought management.
Assessing the impact of road segment obstruction on accessibility of critical services in case of a hazard
Authors: Mossoux Sophie , Kervyn Matthieu , Canters Frank
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Development of hazard maps is one of the measures promoted by the
international community to reduce risk. Hazard maps provide information
about the probability of given areas to be affected by one or several
hazards. As such they are useful tools to evaluate risk and support the
development of safe policies. So far studies combining hazard mapping with
accessibility to services are few. In hazardous environments, accessibility
of the population to strategic infrastructure is important because emergency
services and goods will principally be offered at or provided from these
locations. If a road segment is blocked by a hazard, accessibility to
services may be affected, or worse, people may be completely disconnected
from specific services. The importance of each road segment in the transport
network as a connecting element enabling access to relevant services is
therefore critical information for the authorities. In this study, we
propose a new application of hazard mapping which aims to define the
importance of each road segment in the accessibility to services, taking into
account the probability of being affected by a hazard. By iteratively
removing one segment after the other from the road network, changes in
accessibility to critical infrastructure are evaluated. Two metrics of road
segment importance considering the population affected and the hazard
probability are calculated for each segment: a road accessibility risk
metric and a users' path vulnerability metric. Visualization of these road
metrics is a useful way of valuing hazard maps and may help to support
discussions about the development of new infrastructure, road capacity
increase and maintenance of existing infrastructures, and evacuation
procedures.