bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sowing Dates and Soybean Cultivars Influence Seed Yield, Oil and Protein Contents in Subtropical Environment
Authors: Junior Clovis Pierozan , Kawakami Jackson , Schwarz Kélin , Umburanas Renan Caldas , Del Conte Murilo Viotto , Müller Marcelo Marques Lopes
Published: May 2017

The sowing date is the crop management practice with higher interference on soybean grain yield, although this interference is dependent on the genotype by environment interaction. This study was carried out to evaluate how soybean genotypes behave at different sowing times in a subtropical environment. We evaluated the grain yield, yield components, plant morphology and grain oil and protein content of four soybean cultivars (FPS Urano RR, BMX Apolo RR, BMX Energia RR and BRS 284) at three sowing dates (early, mid, and late sowing in 2010/2011 season) in Mid-South of Parana State, Brazil. Early cultivars at late sowing may have problems with mechanical harvest. The number of pods and grains differed among cultivars, and the cultivar “BRS 284” showed the best results. As an exception, the cultivar “BRS 284” showed yield stability among sowing dates. Higher amount of grain protein content occurs in middle and late sowing dates. The grain yield decreased with delay of sowing due to the reduction of the grains mass and in Southern Brazil is very important to assure high mass of seed to obtain high grain yields.
Evaluation of Potential for Ethanol Production from Rice Straw Using Satellite Data
Authors: Hongo Chiharu , Tamura Eisaku , Ambarawati I. G. A. A. , Wijaya I. Made Anom , Adi A. A. A. Mirah
Published: May 2017

Purpose of this study is to estimate rice yield on a plot basis with use of satellite data and field investigation data and to calculate potential quantity of rice straw to be utilized as a raw material for biofuel production in Bali, Indonesia. In addition, for continuous supply of rice straw by farmers to a biofuel producer, it is absolutely necessary to investigate farmer’s interest, behavior and potential issues to solve. For this investigation, an interview was made to the subak heads. The subak is a traditional social organization consisting of farmers for managing irrigation and agriculture in the farmers’ village.The created estimation equation of rice yield had NDVI from SPOT satellite data as a predictor and was significant at 1% level. Based on the rice yield estimated through the equation and the paddy area, quantity of rice straw to be available and quantity of bioethanol to be produced were estimated. In case of Kediri, the rice straw quantity was 42,274 t/year and the ethanol quantity was 12,682 kl.On the other hand, the handling of rice straw after harvesting was leaving/putting back to soil or burning, which accounted for 76% of the rice straw. Concerning a price of rice straw, about 60% of farmers expressed their willingness to sell at 100 rupiah (1 cent US$) per kg, and about 88% including people saying high probability seemed to think this price would be as an adequate level of sales price. Through the interview work, it becomes clear that, when some issues such as price of rice straw are settled, farmers are positive to selling of rice straw for production of biofuel.For realizing bioethanol production from rice straw, there still remain some items to be studied further such as production process, transportation and storage system and costs. The result of our study suggests that a proposal for improvement of stable production can be made through rice yield estimation and monitoring using satellite data and that rice straw can be supplied as a promising resource of raw material for bioethanol production. This is considered to contribute the promotion of activity to reach the national goal of bioethanol production in future.
Development of Disease and Growth on Six Scion/Rootstock Combinations of Citrus Seedlings under Huanglongbing Pressure
Authors: Widyaningsih Sri , Utami Sri Nuryani Hidayah , Joko Tri , Subandiyah Siti
Published: May 2017

Huanglongbing (HLB) disease is the most serious threat to citrus production in Indonesia. Commonly, the planted rootstocks/scion varieties expressed severely damaged to HLB. This research aimed to study effects of six citrus rootstock/scion combination of varieties on intensity of HLB disease, presence of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), and growth of the seedlings. The grafting combination of three rootstock varieties: Japansche citroen (Citrus limonia Osbeck), Volkamer lemon (C. volkameriana V. Ten & Pasq), ‘Salam’ (local name), and two scions varieties: ‘Siem Pontianak’ (C. nobilis Lour) and ‘Keprok Tejakula’. ‘Keprok Tejakula’ (C. reticulata Blanco) were used for examination the effect rootstock/scion combination to HLB. Based on symptoms, the onset of disease intensity was observed in eight months after CLas inoculation, except on ‘Salam’ rootstock. The status of CLas inoculation, rootstock/scions varieties and the duration of plant infection influenced to CLas titers. There were inconsistency between HLB symptoms and CLas titers. According to measurement of plant height, and diameter of rootstocks and scion stem, the plant growth of Volkamer lemon rootstock grafted with ‘Siam Purworejo’ scion or ‘Keprok Tejakula’ scion was better than grafted with Japansche citroen and ‘Salam’ rootstocks. Japansche citroen rootstock was more susceptible to HLB than Volkamer lemon and ‘Salam’ rootstocks. Combination of rootstock/scion varieties affected plant tolerance against HLB.
Improvement in Durability of Oil Heat Treated 16-Year-Old Acacia mangium in Laboratory Tests
Authors: Wahab R. , Ahmad Mazalan I. N. S. , Mustafa M. T. , Mojiol A. R. , Rasat M. S.
Published: May 2017

Improvement in the durability of oil heat treated Acacia mangium through accelerated laboratory tests was studied. A. mangium logs of 16-year-old harvested and segregated into the bottom, middle, and top portions. These were oil-heat treated in a stainless steel tank with oil palm oil as a heating medium at temperatures 180, 200 and 220 °C for the duration of 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively. The wood samples dried and grounded into sawdust, air-dried again before undergoing durability tests. Accelerated 12 weeks laboratory durability studies conducted on the treated A. mangium. Fungi of Pycnoporus sanguineus, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Coriolus versicolors inoculated on the woods. Untreated samples used as controls. The results showed that durability of the wood improved with an increase in temperature and duration of the treatment. The oil heat treatment process reduced the attack of G. trabeum from 5.02%, 4.41% and 4.38% in the control samples to 0.54-4.55%, 0.91-4.41% and 1.08-4.38% at the bottom, middle and top portions, respectively. The attack of C. versicolors reduced from 11.48%, 14.27% and 15.68% in the control samples to 1.87-10.19%, 3.10-12.69 and 4.78-15.10% at the bottom, middle and top portions. However, the attacked of P. sanguineus were less effective with 31.42%, 18.24% and 10.53% in control samples to 3.71-10.18%, 5.74-14.59% and 4.37-17.08% at the bottom, middle and top portions. Heavy colonization of mycelia occurs in vessels of the untreated A. mangium wood in comparison to the oil heat treated wood observed through scanning electron microscope.
SCAR Marker for the A Genome of Bananas (Musa spp. L.) Supports Lack of Differentiation between the A and B Genomes
Authors: Mabonga Lloyd , Pillay Michael
Published: May 2017

Bananas (Musa spp. L.) are grouped on the basis of their genomic origins in relation to Musa acuminata (A genome) and M. balbisiana (B genome). The two ancestral wild seeded diploid species evolved in vastly different geographical areas and contributed several agronomic traits towards the present genetic composition of cultivated bananas. Most cultivated bananas are triploid (AAA, AAB and ABB), some are diploid (AA, BB and AB) and a few are tetraploids (AAAA, AAAB, AABB and ABBB). Limitations on the correct identification of the A and B genomes in Musa have generated need for the development of new and more reliable techniques. Distinguishing the A and the B genome remains practically and theoretically important for banana breeders. The aim of the research was to develop a DNA based A genome specific marker for the identification of the A genome in bananas. A putative marker (600 bp) specific to the A genome was identified by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. A sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR) marker was developed from the RAPD amplicon. The SCAR primers annealed a 500 bp fragment specific to the A genome in a sample of 22 randomly selected homo- and heterogenomic A genome containing accessions representing different genome combinations. The 500 bp SCAR marker is useful for the identification of the A genome. However an additional 700 bp fragment annealed in all M. balbisiana genotypes and in five of the eight heterogenomic accessions, suggesting lack of differentiation between the A and B genome. This study has provided a 500 bp A genome SCAR marker and recent evidence that the A and B genomes of banana may not be as differentiated as previously considered.
The Common Agricultural Policy and the Increased Competitiveness of Spanish Regional Agriculture
Authors: González-Moralejo Silvia Andrés , Sanchís Francisco Estruch
Published: May 2017

The cycle of the Common Agricultural Policy reforms begun in 1992 and that finished, for the time being, in 2013, profoundly transformed the agricultural framework of the EU. Taken as a whole, the process consisted of the progressive, partial and asymmetric liberalization of European agriculture, since much more emphasis was placed on dismantling intervention mechanisms than on aiding the restructuring, modernization and adaptation to a more competitive environment. In this context, and with an increasingly more open commercial policy, the States and the regions are obliged to design strategies to increase their competitiveness and innovation within the framework of the current Common Agricultural Policy (2014-2020). This is even more important for the regions most affected by the reforms. Under this argument, this paper reveals the principal qualitative and quantitative unknowns of the regional agricultural policy in Spain after the application of the Health Check in 2008, with special emphasis on the evolution of the Axis 1 of Rural Development.
Pearl Millet: A Green Bridge for Lepidopteran Pests
Authors: Favetti Bruna Magda , Braga-Santos Thaís Lohaine , Massarolli Angélica , Specht Alexandre , Butnariu Alessandra Regina
Published: May 2017

This study evaluated the occurrence of lepidopteran pests on millet cultivated in off-season in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Larvae were collected from May to July 2013 in an area of 145 hectares located in Tangará da Serra, MT. After being collected, caterpillars were kept in the laboratory and fed an artificial diet until the pupal stage. After emergence, adults were dry mounted, identified, and deposited in the entomological collection of Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brazil. Adults obtained from 117 caterpillars were identified as Mocis latipes (Guenée), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), H. zea (Boddie), Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax Franclemont, Urbanus proteus (Linnaeus), and Leucania latiuscula Herrich-Schäffer. This study describes the first record of lepidopteran pests on millet plants in the state of Mato Grosso, and the incidence of lepidopterans in the system that uses millet as cover crop represents a risk of the occurrence of insect pests on subsequent crops on the straw of this grass.
Germany’s Energiewende: A Tale of Increasing Costs and Decreasing Willingness-To-Pay
Authors: Andor Mark A. , Frondel Manuel , Vance Colin
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

This paper presents evidence that the accumulating cost of Germany’s ambitious plan to transform its system of energy provision—the so-called Energiewende— is butting up against consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for it. Following a descriptive presentation that traces the German promotion of renewable energy technologies since 2000, we draw on two stated-preference surveys conducted in 2013 and 2015 that elicit the households’ WTP for green electricity. Two models are estimated, one based on a closed-ended question framed around Germany’s target of 35% renewable energy in electricity provision by 2020, and the other on an open-ended format that captures changes in WTP over time. To deal with the bias that typifies hypothetical responses, the models distinguish respondents according to whether they express definite certainty in their reported WTP. The results from both models reveal a strong contrast between the households’ general acceptance of supporting renewable energy technologies and their own WTP for green electricity.
Steekt de wind op? De Strategische Milieueffectrapportage verruimd
Authors: Fleurke F.M.
Published: May 2017

Steekt de wind op? De Strategische Milieueffectrapportage verruimd

In de zaak D’Oultremont e.a. spreekt het Hof van Justitie zich uit over de reikwijdte van Richtlijn 2001/42/EG betreffende de beoordeling van de gevolgen voor het milieu van bepaalde plannen en programma’s. Enkele kernbegrippen worden ruim uitgelegd met verwijzing naar de doelstelling van de richtlijn: integratie van milieuoverwegingen. Het begrip plannen en programma’s wordt zo geïnterpreteerd dat een besluit geen betrekking hoeft te hebben op een specifiek gebied, het besluit geen compleet kader hoeft vast te stellen, en dat algemene regels ook kunnen worden aangemerkt als ‘plan en programma’. Het arrest heeft hiermee aanzienlijke gevolgen voor de Nederlandse praktijk aangaande ruimtelijk ordening.

HvJ 27 oktober 2016, zaak C-290/15, Patrice D’Oultremont e.a./Région wallonne, ECLI:EU:C:2016:816
Tele2: de afweging tussen privacy en veiligheid nader omlijnd
Authors: Falot N. , Hijmans H.
Published: May 2017

Tele2: de afweging tussen privacy en veiligheid nader omlijnd

In zijn arrest van 21 december 2016 (gevoegde zaken C-203/15 en C-698/15, Tele2 Sverige en Watson, hierna: Tele2) heeft het Hof van Justitie de voorwaarden voor het bewaren van en toegang tot telecommunicatiegegevens gepreciseerd. Het Hof van Justitie heeft geoordeeld dat de ePrivacyrichtlijn 2002/58/EG zich verzet tegen een algemene en ongedifferentieerde nationale regeling voor de bewaring van alle verkeersgegevens en locatiegegevens. Bovendien moet de toegang van politie en justitie tot die gegevens duidelijk worden geclausuleerd en worden beperkt tot de bestrijding van ernstige criminaliteit. Ook vereist die toegang voorafgaand toezicht door een rechter of onafhankelijke bestuurlijke instantie. Voorts moeten de gegevens op het grondgebied van de EU worden bewaard.

HvJ 21 december 2016, gevoegde zaken C-203/15 en C-698/15, Tele2 Sverige en Watson e.a., ECLI:EU:C:2016:970.
Vaste verkoopprijzen voor medicijnen beoordeeld onder artikel 34 VWEU
Authors: van Leeuwen B.J.
Published: May 2017

Vaste verkoopprijzen voor medicijnen beoordeeld onder artikel 34 VWEU

In Deutsche Parkinson Vereinigung oordeelt het Hof van Justitie dat het Duitse vaste verkoopprijssysteem voor medicijnen artikel 34 VWEU schendt. Deze bijdrage analyseert op welke manier het Hof van Justitie een beperking van artikel 34 VWEU heeft vastgesteld. Daarnaast wordt aandacht besteed aan de beoordeling van de rechtvaardigingsgrond en de evenredigheid van de beperking. Hoewel lidstaten op het terrein van volksgezondheid een ruime beoordelingsvrijheid hebben, eist het Hof van Justitie wel dat zij hun beleid onderbouwen met voldoende bewijs. Hier slaagt Duitsland niet in: er is geen enkel bewijs dat vaste verkoopprijzen de beschikbaarheid en kwaliteit van medicijnen verbeteren.

HvJ 19 oktober 2016, zaak C-148/15, Deutsche Parkinson Vereinigung eV/Zentrale zur Bekämpfung unlauteren Wettbewerbs eV, ECLI:EU:C:2016:776
THE M2 AND M4 TIDES IN THE PARÁ RIVER ESTUARY
Authors: PRESTES Yuri Onça , SILVA Alex Costa , ROLLNIC Marcelo , ROSÁRIO Renan Peixoto
Published: May 2017

The Pará River estuary is a complex and special system in amazon continental shelf, with micro and mesoscale physical processes generated by forces of different sources (e.g., astronomical tides and river discharge). In this study, the main semidiurnal (M2) and the overtide (M4) components were analyzed by quantifying distortions degrees and identifying tidal asymmetries in the Pará River estuary. Two submersible tidal gauges were moored to measure the water level. One on the right margin (point #RG) and another on the left margin (#LF) recorded measurements 6 months (from September 2014 to March 2015). Furthermore, we used harmonic charts from Marine Studies Foundation (FEMAR, Fundação de Estudos do Mar). Lateral variations were also identified between #RG and #LF points from the amplitude and phase cotidal charts, with about 10 minutes delay and variation of 2 cm in tidal amplitude. We verified that the tidal wave enters in system by the right margin (#RF). The results show distortion degrees higher than 10% and positive asymmetry of the tidal wave in the Pará River, and the tidal attenuation in the estuary may be greater than 400 km upstream along the drainage basin.Keywords: Tidal distortion, Tidal asymmetry, Tidal components, Lateral variations.
Serge Arcuri : territoires
Authors: Lemire Estelle
Published: May 2017

C’est sur le thème pluriel de territoire que j’ai esquissé un bref portrait du compositeur québécois Serge Arcuri. L’idée du territoire est prise ici au sens propre comme au sens figuré. Je parle de celui défriché par son mentor, Gilles Tremblay, un territoire partagé par tant de compositeurs du Québec. De celui aussi qui forge l’identité personnelle, créatrice et poétique. Ce texte se veut le compte rendu d’une rencontre cordiale, sans formalités, qui a eu lieu à l’automne 2016 et au cours de laquelle nous avons discuté à bâtons rompus du métier d’Arcuri, du milieu musical dans lequel il évolue, de son parcours hors normes, de ses études au Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, des influences qui ont pu façonner sa personnalité, des éléments qui constituent son langage, en plus de jeter un oeil à l’intérieur de quelques-unes de ses oeuvres pivots. En somme, un tour d’horizon du territoire Arcuri.
Les résidences de compositeurs : ateliers de recherche ou apprentissage des contraintes ?
Authors: Bertrand Simon
Published: May 2017

Les résidences de création sont pour un compositeur un défi particulier, que celles-ci se déroulent dans un contexte intimiste ou au sein d’une structure plus « lourde » comme un orchestre. Quelles réflexions tirent les compositeurs de ce type d’expérience spécifique, dans lequel la composition en soi n’est souvent qu’une simple partie du travail ? Au travers d’une discussion de ton assez convivial, quelques questions d’ordre plutôt sociologique ont été posées à trois compositeurs ayant participé à des résidences, de façon à en tirer un aperçu au niveau de l’apport concret de cette expérience au métier du compositeur, et aussi générer des pistes de questionnement sur la place du compositeur dans la culture globale d’une société.
Catecholaminergic challenge uncovers distinct Pavlovian and instrumental mechanisms of motivated (in)action
Authors: Swart Jennifer C , Froböse Monja I , Cook Jennifer L , Geurts Dirk EM , Frank Michael J , Cools Roshan , den Ouden Hanneke EM
Published: May 2017

Catecholamines modulate the impact of motivational cues on action. Such motivational biases have been proposed to reflect cue-based, ‘Pavlovian’ effects. Here, we assess whether motivational biases may also arise from asymmetrical instrumental learning of active and passive responses following reward and punishment outcomes. We present a novel paradigm, allowing us to disentangle the impact of reward and punishment on instrumental learning from Pavlovian response biasing. Computational analyses showed that motivational biases reflect both Pavlovian and instrumental effects: reward and punishment cues promoted generalized (in)action in a Pavlovian manner, whereas outcomes enhanced instrumental (un)learning of chosen actions. These cue- and outcome-based biases were altered independently by the catecholamine enhancer melthylphenidate. Methylphenidate’s effect varied across individuals with a putative proxy of baseline dopamine synthesis capacity, working memory span. Our study uncovers two distinct mechanisms by which motivation impacts behaviour, and helps refine current models of catecholaminergic modulation of motivated action.
The Sec61 translocon limits IRE1α signaling during the unfolded protein response
Authors: Sundaram Arunkumar , Plumb Rachel , Appathurai Suhila , Mariappan Malaiyalam
Published: May 2017

IRE1α is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localized endonuclease activated by misfolded proteins in the ER. Previously, we demonstrated that IRE1α forms a complex with the Sec61 translocon, to which its substrate XBP1u mRNA is recruited for cleavage during ER stress (Plumb et al., 2015). Here, we probe IRE1α complexes in cells with blue native PAGE immunoblotting. We find that IRE1α forms a hetero-oligomeric complex with the Sec61 translocon that is activated upon ER stress with little change in the complex. In addition, IRE1α oligomerization, activation, and inactivation during ER stress are regulated by Sec61. Loss of the IRE1α-Sec61 translocon interaction as well as severe ER stress conditions causes IRE1α to form higher-order oligomers that exhibit continuous activation and extended cleavage of XBP1u mRNA. Thus, we propose that the Sec61-IRE1α complex defines the extent of IRE1α activity and may determine cell fate decisions during ER stress conditions.
The Effect of Picture Story Books on Students’ Reading Comprehension
Authors: - Roslina
Published: May 2017

As a non formal education students, PKBM (a Non-Formal Community Learning Center) Medaso Kolaka students tend to encounter some difficulties in reading such as low motivation, infrequent tutors (non-formal education teachers) coming, inappropriate teaching materials, etc.  This research aimed to investigate the effects of picture story books on the students’ reading comprehension and to clarify students’ perception on the utilization of  picture story books in teaching reading. The research was conducted at the PKBM Medaso Kolaka by applying the experimental design. There were 15 students randomly took as the sample and they were taking a Paket B. The sample was divided into two groups, namely experimental group and control groups.  The data were collected by administering a test, namely pre-test that aimed to determine the prior students’ knowledge, and the post-test that was conducted in the end of the experiment. Questionnaires and interviews were also used to collect data of the students’ perception. Then, the data were analyzed by using Pearson Product Moment assisted by SPSS 14.0. The results revealed that picture story books were able to improve students’ reading as well as the students’ interest in reading. The result showed that the utilization of picture story books had effect on the students’ reading comprehension that revealed the value of 0.025 with higher scores found in the post-test.
System Identification
Authors: Ljung Lennart
Published: May 2017

System identification is the term used in the automatic control field for estimating dynamical models of systems, based on measurements of the system's input and output signals. The models are typically difference or differential equations relating the measured signals, and possibly some auxiliary states. The models can be constructed from the signals only (black‐box models) or from the signals in combination with prior physical insights into mechanisms in the system (gray‐box models). The basic technique is to compare the model's (predicted) output with the system's measured output for the same input signal. Any free parameters in the model are then adjusted to make the fit between the outputs as good as possible. This general description includes advanced statistical procedures such as the maximum likelihood method.
Sparse Signal Reconstruction–Introduction
Authors: Stanković Ljubiša , Daković Miloš , Stanković Srdjan , Orović Irena
Published: May 2017

Sparse signals are characterized by a few nonzero values in one of their representation domains. The reconstruction of such signals is possible with a reduced set of measurements. The description and basic definitions of sparse signals, along with the conditions for their reconstruction, are discussed in the first part of this article. Among numerous reconstruction algorithms developed for the sparse signals reconstruction, three classes are reviewed. The first one is based on the principle of matching components. Analysis of noise and nonsparsity influence to the reconstruction is done. The second class of reconstruction algorithms is based on the problem reformulation into a constrained convex form when the linear programming optimization and regression methods can be used. The third class of algorithms to obtain the solution is based on the Bayesian approach. The examples of reconstruction using all of the considered approaches are presented, for a common transformation and observation matrices.

Pseudo‐codes are provided for all considered reconstruction algorithms.
Porous Polymer Monoliths by Emulsion Templating
Authors: Pulko Irena , Krajnc Peter
Published: May 2017

Porous polymer monoliths (PPM) are an increasingly important and popular class of materials finding applications in fields such as separation, purification, cell and tissue culturing, storage of liquids and gases, energy storage, structural applications, supports for catalysts and reagents, etc. In contrast to particulate polymer material, monoliths are defined as intractable articles with a homogeneous microstructure. While the method of preparation and the chemical composition largely govern the resulting porous structure, the porous monoliths can be characterized by their pore size profile (micro‐, meso‐, macroporous material), morphology (interconnected or isolated pores, shape of pores), total porosity (pore volume), surface area, and special features, for example, hierarchical porous structure. Meso‐ and micropores mainly contribute to the total surface area of the monolith, whereas macropores, if interconnected, enable the convective mass transfer through the monolith and reduce the overall density of the material. Obtaining PPM with a multimodal pore size distribution is possible via a combination of methods or by a postpolymerization treatment. This is a useful feature allowing the production of materials with tailored porous structure for specific applications where macro‐ and micropores are needed. Generally, the methods for PPM preparation can be divided between templating (two phases are present during the preparation, of which one templates the porosity) and nontemplating (one phase system, eg, phase separation induces pores). This paper introduces the various methods and focuses on the emulsion templating approach. Recently introduced chemistries and combinations of methods as well as new examples of applications are highlighted.
Bioplastics
Authors: Verbeek C. J. R. , Uitto J. M.
Published: May 2017

Bioplastic materials have been developed in response to environmental concerns regarding the widespread use of conventional polymers. It is one of the cornerstones in the circular economy approach that is expected to change the way materials and energy are produced and consumed. However, bioplastics still cover less than 1% of total market, and the industry is still in its early stages. A holistic sustainability assessment takes into account the origin of a material, its end‐of‐life destination, as well as social and economic effects; new materials in the market need to improve sustainability but also be cost‐ and performance‐competitive. Biobased polymers have taken the leading role in the market, largely because of total production of bioplastics is expected to increase almost fivefold over the next 5 years. This article provides an up‐to‐date definition of bioplastics, their environmental profile, and contribution to the global economy.
Mexneurin is a novel precursor of peptides in the central nervous system of rodents
Authors: Matus‐Ortega Maura E. , Leff Gelman Philippe , Calva‐Nieves Juan C. , Flores‐Zamora Anabel , Salazar‐Juárez Alberto , Torner‐Aguilar Carlos‐Alejandro , Gamba Gerardo , De Los Heros Paola , Peng Bonnie , Pintar John E. , Gompf Heinrich S. , Allen Charles N. , Antón‐Palma Benito
Published: May 2017

Endomorphins (EMs) have been proposed as the endogenous ligand agonists of the μ‐opioid receptor; however, no propeptide precursor protein for EMs has been identified. Here, to identify the presumed precursor of EMs, we designed an immunoscreening assay using specific affinity‐purified rabbit antisera raised against synthetic EMs in a whole‐mouse brain cDNA library. Following this approach, we identify a DNA sequence encoding a protein precursor, which we name proMexneurin, that contains three different peptide sequences: Mexneurin‐1 (an EM‐like peptide), Mexneurin‐2, and Mexneurin‐3, a peptide which appears to be unrelated to EMs. RT‐PCR analysis and in situ hybridization reveal a widespread distribution of proMexneurin mRNA throughout the mouse brain. Both Mexneurin‐1 and Mexneurin‐3 peptides display biological activities in the mouse CNS.
Quantitative analysis of a Hall system in the exhaust of asymmetric magnetic reconnection
Authors: Zhang Y. C. , Lavraud B. , Dai L. , Wang C. , Marchaudon A. , Avanov L. , Burch J. , Chandler M. , Dorelli J. , Duan S. P. , Ergun R. E. , Gershman D. J. , Giles B. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Lindqvist P. A. , Paterson W. , Russell C. T. , Schiff C. , Tang B. B. , Torbert R.
Published: May 2017

Taking advantage of high‐resolution measurements from the MMS mission, we find evidence for a complete Hall system in the exhaust of asymmetric magnetic reconnection 40 Di downstream of the X line. The investigation of the fine structure of the Hall system reveals that it displays features in the exhaust similar to those reported previously in the ion diffusion region by simulations and observations. This finding confirms the importance of particle‐scale processes in the reconnection exhaust as well. On the magnetospheric side of the exhaust, electrons are strongly accelerated by parallel electric fields. This process significantly contributes to feed the Hall current system, resulting in a nonnegligible Hall magnetic field signature on this side despite an otherwise lower density. Calculation of the induced out‐of‐plane magnetic field by in‐plane currents (based on Biot‐Savart law) provides direct quantitative evidence for the process of Hall magnetic field generation by the Hall current system. A strong normal Hall electric field is present only on the magnetospheric side of the exhaust region, consistent with previous works. Multipoint data analysis shows that the ion pressure gradient in the ion momentum equation produces this Hall electric field. This global pattern of the Hall system can be explained by kinetic Alfvén wave theory.
Impacts of boundary condition changes on regional climate projections over West Africa
Authors: Kim Jee Hee , Kim Yeonjoo , Wang Guiling
Published: May 2017

Future projections using regional climate models (RCMs) are driven with boundary conditions (BCs) typically derived from global climate models. Understanding the impact of the various BCs on regional climate projections is critical for characterizing their robustness and uncertainties. In this study, the International Center for Theoretical Physics Regional Climate Model Version 4 (RegCM4) is used to investigate the impact of different aspects of boundary conditions, including lateral BCs and sea surface temperature (SST), on projected future changes of regional climate in West Africa, and BCs from the coupled European Community‐Hamburg Atmospheric Model 5/Max Planck Institute Ocean Model are used as an example. Historical, future, and several sensitivity experiments are conducted with various combinations of BCs and CO2 concentration, and differences among the experiments are compared to identify the most important drivers for RCMs. When driven by changes in all factors, the RegCM4‐produced future climate changes include significantly drier conditions in Sahel and wetter conditions along the Guinean coast. Changes in CO2 concentration within the RCM domain alone or changes in wind vectors at the domain boundaries alone have minor impact on projected future climate changes. Changes in the atmospheric humidity alone at the domain boundaries lead to a wetter Sahel due to the northward migration of rain belts during summer. This impact, although significant, is offset and dominated by changes of other BC factors (primarily temperature) that cause a drying signal. Future changes of atmospheric temperature at the domain boundaries combined with SST changes over oceans are sufficient to cause a future climate that closely resembles the projection that accounts for all factors combined. Therefore, climate variability and changes simulated by RCMs depend primarily on the variability and change of temperature aspects of the RCM BCs. Moreover, it is found that the response of the RCM climate to different climate change factors is roughly linear in that the projected changes driven by combined factors are close to the sum of projected changes due to each individual factor alone at least for long‐term averages. Findings from this study are important for understanding the source(s) of uncertainties in regional climate projections and for designing innovative approaches to climate downscaling and impact assessment.
Performance evaluation of GIM‐TEC assimilation of the IRI‐Plas model at two equatorial stations in the American sector
Authors: Adebiyi S. J. , Adebesin B. O. , Ikubanni S. O. , Joshua B. W.
Published: May 2017

Empirical models of the ionosphere, such as the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model, play a vital role in evaluating the environmental effect on the operation of space‐based communication and navigation technologies. The IRI extended to Plasmasphere (IRI‐Plas) model can be adjusted with external data to update its electron density profile while still maintaining the overall integrity of the model representations. In this paper, the performance of the total electron content (TEC) assimilation option of the IRI‐Plas at two equatorial stations, Jicamarca, Peru (geographic: 12°S, 77°W, dip angle 0.8°) and Cachoeira Paulista, Brazil (Geographic: 22.7°S, 45°W, dip angle −26°), is examined during quiet and disturbed conditions. TEC, F2 layer critical frequency (foF2), and peak height (hmF2) predicted when the model is operated without external input were used as a baseline in our model evaluation. Results indicate that TEC predicted by the assimilation option generally produced smaller estimation errors compared to the “no extra input” option during quiet and disturbed conditions. Generally, the error is smaller at the equatorial trough than near the crest for both quiet and disturbed days. With assimilation option, there is a substantial improvement of storm time estimations when compared with quiet time predictions. The improvement is, however, independent on storm's severity. Furthermore, the modeled foF2 and hmF2 are generally poor with TEC assimilation, particularly the hmF2 prediction, at the two locations during both quiet and disturbed conditions. Consequently, IRI‐Plas model assimilated with TEC value only may not be sufficient where more realistic instantaneous values of peak parameters are required.
Biochemistry of Sterols, Cardiac Glycosides, Brassinosteroids, Phytoecdysteroids and Steroid Saponins
Authors: Kreis Wolfgang , Müller‐Uri Frieder
Published: May 2017

Phytosterols are synthesized via the mevalonate pathway of terpenoid formation and arise from the initial cyclization of 3S‐squalene‐2,3‐epoxide. Plant steroids are derived from sterols and comprise steroid saponins, steroid alkaloids, pregnanes, androstanes, estranes, ecdysteroids, withanolides and cardiac glycosides. The typical route of sterol and steroid biosynthesis follows the cycloartenol pathway, whereas the lanosterol route seems to be operative mainly in fungi and animals. It was demonstrated, however, that both sterol pathways can be operative in higher plants. Crucial steps in the conversion of cycloartenol/lanosterol to sterols are the events leading to the removal of the methyl groups at C‐4 and C‐14. Meanwhile, all steps in the sterol pathway have been elucidated and the respective enzymes/genes characterized. The biosynthetic pathway leading from phytosterol precursors to the cardiac glycosides – important compounds in the treatment of cardiac insufficiency in humans – was basically deduced from studies using radiolabelled precursors. The more recent identification and characterization of several enzymes/genes involved in pregnane and cardenolide metabolism, such as 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and progesterone 5β‐reductase, have further clarified the pathway. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are hydroxylated derivatives of cholestane and they are specific plant steroid hormones that are essential for normal plant development. The biosynthesis of BRs has mainly been studied inArabidopsis thaliana. Many of the genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes have been cloned using mutants ofArabidopsis thaliana, pea, tomato and rice which revert to a wild‐type phenotype following treatment with exogenous BRs. Phytoecdysteroids are related in structure to the invertebrate steroid hormones. Their biological significance in plants is still under discussion. The understanding of the biosynthetic pathway(s) for phytoecdysteroids is very limited. Steroid saponins constitute a vast group of glycosides present almost exclusively in the monocotyledonous angiosperms, and occurring in only a few dicotyledonous families. As far as enzymatic and genetic aspects are concerned, the biosynthesis of steroid saponins (including the steroid alkaloids) has not been studied extensively. The withanolides are C28‐steroids and biogenetically related to the steroid saponins in that they are derived from ergostane‐type sterols. These compounds appear to be specific for the Solanaceae and their biosynthesis has not yet been studied at the enzyme/gene level.
Chemotaxonomy Seen from a Phylogenetic Perspective and Evolution of Secondary Metabolism
Authors: Wink Michael , Botschen Flavia , Gosmann Christina , Schäfer Holger , Waterman Peter G.
Published: May 2017

All plants produce secondary metabolites (SM); however, the structural types are often specific and restricted to taxonomically related plant groups. This observation was the base for the development of ‘chemotaxonomy’. A closer look indicates that a number of SM have a taxonomically restricted distribution. Very often, we also find the same SM in other plant groups which are not related in a phylogenetic context. Examples are given for several groups of alkaloids (including pyrrolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids) and for cardiac glycosides. How to explain the patchy distribution? Theoretically, the occurrence of SM in unrelated taxa may be due to convergent evolution. Alternatively, the genes encoding the enzymes of secondary metabolism might be widely distributed in the plant kingdom, but switched on or off in a certain context. The analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences, which were generated in numerous genome projects during the past decades, provides evidence that most of the genes which encode key enzymes of SM formation have indeed a wide distribution in the plant kingdom. Examples discussed are tryptophan decarboxylase, tyrosine decarboxylase, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, chalcone synthase, strictosidine synthase, berberine bridge enzyme and codeine reductase. It is speculated that these genes were introduced into the plant genome by horizontal gene transfer, i.e. via bacteria that developed into mitochondria and chloroplasts. Evidence is presented that a patchy distribution can also be due to the presence of endophytic fungi, which are able to produce SM (e.g. ergot alkaloids in Convolvulaceae). The evolution of plant secondary metabolism is a complex process that took place over the past 500 million years.
Cell Wall Polysaccharide Composition and Covalent Crosslinking
Authors: Fry Stephen C.
Published: May 2017

Genetics now potentially lets us modify the production, crosslinking and degradation of cell wall polysaccharides. There remains, however, the need to test experimentally whether intended modifications of polysaccharide metabolism have successfully been effected
in vivo
. Simple methods for this are described, including
in‐vivo
radiolabelling, enzymic dissection (e.g. with Driselase) and chromatographic/electrophoretic fractionation of dissection products.

After an overview of polysaccharide chemistry, I discuss the structures and taxonomic distribution of wall polysaccharides in charophytes and land plants. Primary and secondary walls are compared.

The major wall polysaccharides are cellulose [microfibrillar β‐(1→4)‐
d
‐glucan], pectins (α‐
d
‐galacturonate‐rich) and hemicelluloses (lacking galacturonate; hydrogen‐bonding to cellulose; extractable by 6 M NaOH at 37 °C). Land‐plant pectins are anionic polymers built of about four glycosidically interconnected domains (homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonans I and II, xylogalacturonan). Hemicelluloses occurring in most/all land plants are α‐xylo‐β‐glucans, β‐xylans (including α‐arabino‐β‐xylans, α‐glucurono‐β‐xylans, etc.) and β‐mannans (including α‐galacto‐β‐mannans, β‐gluco‐β‐mannans, etc.). Another hemicellulose [mixed‐linkage β‐(1→3)(1→4)‐
d
‐glucan) is confined to
Equisetum
and some Poales.

Other taxonomically restricted features of angiosperm primary walls occur in Poales (xylose‐poor xyloglucans; feruloylated arabinoxylans); Solanales and Lamiales (characteristic xyloglucans); Caryophyllales (feruloylated pectins); and Alismatales (apiogalacturonan). I also summarize characteristic wall features of charophytes, bryophytes, lycopodiophytes, fern‐allies and gymnosperms.

The making or breaking of a ‘crosslink’ (defined as an individual chemical bond, not a whole ‘tethering’ chain) may cause wall tightening/loosening. Covalent crosslinks include phenolic coupling products, uronoyl esters and amides, and borate diesters.
Approaches to Chemical Synthesis of Pectic Oligosaccharides
Authors: Nepogodiev Sergey A. , Field Robert A. , Damager Iben
Published: May 2017

Many aspects of pectin biosynthesis and the physical properties of pectic polysaccharides can be better understood with the aid of small, well‐defined oligosaccharide fragments of these macromolecules. Synthetic chemists have contributed to the study of pectin by preparation of fragments representing all three major types of pectic polysaccharide: homogalacturonan (HG), rhamnogalacturonan‐I (RG‐I) and rhamnogalacturonan‐II (RG‐II). Such molecules have been synthesized by sequential coupling of building blocks, the so‐called glycosyl donors (GD) and glycosyl acceptors (GA), which aimed at the formation of specific glycosidic linkages as they are present in the target oligosaccharides. Challenges in synthesis of pectic oligosaccharides are associated with often poor stereoselectivity of glycosylation reactions between GA and GD, in particular for the construction of 1,2‐cis‐glycosidic linkages, high degrees of branching of oligosaccharide chains of target molecules and the nature of many monosaccharide components of pectin, which are often acidic and sometimes rare branched‐chain sugars. Preparation of carbohydrate building blocks, includingde novosyntheses of unusual sugars, protecting group strategies for GA and GD, glycosylation methodologies and general strategies for oligosaccharide assembly are described with the focus on pectin fragments. Synthetic routes to fragments of each type of pectic polysaccharides are discussed in detail in separate sections and structures of all currently known synthetic pectin fragments are summarized. The unsolved problems and future prospects for improved access to synthetic pectin fragments are also discussed.
Annotating Carbohydrate‐Active Enzymes in Plant Genomes: Present Challenges
Authors: Coutinho Pedro M. , Henrissat Bernard
Published: May 2017

There are far more carbohydrate structures than protein folds and, not unexpectedly, sequence‐based families of carbohydrate‐active enzymes often group together enzymes of different specificity. While this fact illustrates the remarkable plasticity of proteins to evolve novel specificities from pre‐existing folds, this is also the source of potential errors during the functional prediction of genes derived from whole genome sequencing efforts. This chapter reviews the problems and the advances associated with the sequence‐based classification of plant carbohydrate‐active enzymes as used in the CAZy database (
www.cazy.org
).
Genes and Enzymes of theGT31Family: Towards Unravelling The Function(s) of the Plant Glycosyltransferase Family Members
Authors: Egelund Jack , Ellis Miriam , Doblin Monika , Qu Yongmei , Bacic Antony
Published: May 2017

The galactosyltransferases (GalTs) have been extensively studied in mammals where they are involved in the synthesis of bothN‐ andO‐glycans on glycoproteins. In contrast, only a few studies have been published characterizing plant GalTs even though plants assemble many complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates not found in other eukaryotes or bacteria, such as pectins, galactomannans, xyloglucans, arabinogalactan‐proteins (AGPs), proline‐rich proteins and extensins. Many enzymes characterized within family GT31 are mammalian and include the fringe proteins (GlcNAc‐β‐(1,3)‐Fuc), the chondroitin synthases (GlcUA‐β‐(1,3)‐GalNAc), and the β‐(1,3)‐GalTs. We attempted to categorize the putative β‐(1,3)‐GalTs and, where possible, we predicted their putative substrate specificity based on secondary structure and motifs shared with known β‐(1,3)‐GalTs. Ninety‐four plant sequences are assigned to CAZy family GT31, including 33 fromArabidopsis thaliana(At), and 39 fromOryza sativa(Os), but only one plant enzyme has as yet been biochemically characterized, At‐GalT1, which is involved in the production of the Lewisastructure ofN‐glycans (Gal β‐(1,3)‐GlcNAc). Phylogenetic analysis identified 11 distinct clades, of which 4 are plant‐specific. Clade 1 proteins contain the plant‐specific DUF604 domain. Clade 7 is defined by a galectin‐containing domain and both clades 7 and 10 contain GalT domains. The possible substrate specificity of these enzymes is predicted. Clade 11 proteins contain no obvious domains so no function can be assigned. Enzymes in clades 7 and 10 are speculated to be involved in the synthesis of both proteoglycans, such as AGPs, andN‐glycans.
Glycosyltransferases of theGT34andGT37Families
Authors: Keegstra Kenneth , Cavalier David
Published: May 2017

CAZy family GT37 contains 10 genes in Arabidopsis and a similar or higher number in other plant species. One of the Arabidopsis genes encodes a fucosyltransferase that is involved in xyloglucan biosynthesis. The biological role of the other genes in this family is not known, but it has been postulated that they all encode fucosyltransferases that are responsible for the addition of fucose to various cell wall polymers. If this hypothesis is correct, all the genes in this family encode proteins that perform the same biochemical function, i.e. transfer of fucose, but their biological roles are different. In contrast, the genes in CAZy family GT34 are known to encode proteins with two different biochemical functions. Some of the genes encode a galactosyltransferase that is involved in galactomannan biosynthesis. Other genes from this family encode xylosyltransferases that are involved in xyloglucan biosynthesis. Despite utilizing different donor molecules, both types of enzymes in this family utilize similar acceptors, creating an α‐1,6‐linked branch on the β‐1,4‐linked backbone.