bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Explosives Detection (RED) by Infrared Photothermal Imaging
Authors: Kendziora Christopher A. , Furstenberg Robert , Jones Robert M. , Papantonakis Michael , Nguyen Viet , McGill R. Andrew
Published: January 2012

RED is a technique we have developed for stand-off detection of trace explosives using infrared (IR) photo-thermal imaging [1,2,3]. RED incorporates compact IR quantum cascade lasers tuned to strong characteristic absorption bands and may be used to illuminate explosives present as particles on a surface. An IR focal plane array is used to image the surface and detect any small increase in the thermal emission upon laser illumination. We have previously demonstrated the technique at several meters to 10’s of meters of stand-off distance indoors and in field tests [4,5], while operating the lasers below the eye-safe intensity limit (100 mWcm2) [6]. Sensitivity to traces of explosives as small as a nanogram has been demonstrated. By varying the incident wavelength slightly, we can readily show selectivity between individual explosives such as TNT and RDX. Using a sequence of lasers at different wavelengths, we increase both sensitivity and selectivity. A complete detection protocol can be performed in a sub-second time domain. More recently, RED has been used to emphasize measurements with cooled detectors in addition to examining the utility of filtering the collected thermal emission signal which is rich in analyte-specific spectroscopic information. A next generation RED system and detection algorithm is being developed to take advantage of these more powerful features. This manuscript will include an overview of the approach and recent experimental results.
In-situ Remediation of Hydrogen Fluoride during a Detonation Event
Authors: Caflin Kelley Corrine , Anderson Paul E.
Published: January 2012

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a known product from the combustion or detonation of explosives formulated with fluoropolymer binder systems. This presents the user with elevated risk levels, particularly during unintended combustion events or detonations in close combat situations. In an effort to remediate the production of HF, calcium disilicide was added to explosive formulations in an effort to decrease the amount of HF formed. First, VitonA/calcium disilicide mixtures were made and the thermal decomposition characteristics studied using thermal gravimetric/differential thermal analysis. The activation energy ranged from approximately 145-190 kJ/mol, indicative of C-F scission in the Viton binder prior to calcium fluoride formation. An energetic formulation was made which consisted of approximately a 5/3 mass ratio of Viton/CaSi2. Combustion calorimetry in oxygen and air and subsequent analysis of the residues using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS) revealed that calcium fluoride formed. The amount of HF reduced was determined by trapping off gases in a cooling loop, rinsing into water, and analysis in anion exchange chromatography. Upon introduction of calcium disilicide into the formulation, a ~30% decrease in HF formation was observed along with appearance of CaF2 and free Si in the residue. Such products are consistent with the mechanism following a general decomposition path of 2F + CaSi2→CaF2+2Si. The same formulation was detonated, and upon product analysis it was determined the decomposition path followed nearly the same route with a net decrease in HF formation, but with a portion of the silicon oxidizing slightly further to SiO2.
Sustainable Synthesis of Semiconductor Nanoparticles in a Continuous Flow Reactor
Authors: Ness Daniel , Niehaus Jan , Tran Van-Huong , Weller Horst
Published: January 2012

Fulfilling the need for reproducible Quantum Dots (QDs) with certain spectroscopic features, high stability and luminescence we have established synthetic routes for the production of CdSe core as well as CdSe/shell particles in a continuous flow (cf) system. Our method features the deviation between nucleation and growth in two different parts of the system to mimic the well-known and often-used hot injection method for the synthesis of nanoparticles in organic solvents.
Estudo cinético da remoção de matéria orgânica de águas residuárias da suinocultura em sistemas alagados construídos cultivados com diferentes espécies de vegetais
Authors: Matos Antonio T. de , Freitas Wallisson da S , Borges Alisson C
Published: January 2012

Com a realização deste estudo, teve-se o objetivo de obter valores dos coeficientes de remoção da matéria orgânica de águas residuárias da suinocultura (ARS), quando em tratamento em sistemas alagados, construídos (SACs) e cultivados com diferentes espécies vegetais e em condições climáticas tropicais. Em tanques de 24,0 x 1,1 x 0,7 m, impermeabilizados com lona de PVC e preenchidos com uma camada de 0,4 m de brita zero (altura útil), foram plantados taboa (SAC1), tripa-de-sapo (SAC2) e capim-tifton 85 (SAC3). No SAC4 (multivegetado), foi plantado, no primeiro terço, tripa-de-sapo; no segundo terço, taboa, e no último terço, capim-tifton 85. A ARS foi previamente tratada em filtros orgânicos constituídos por bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, sendo aplicada numa vazão de 0,8 m³ d-1, o que correspondeu a um tempo de retenção hidráulica (TRH) aproximado de 6,4 dias. Coletaram-se amostras da água residuária nos pontos 0 (entrada), 4; 8; 12; 16; 20 e 24 m (saída) de cada SAC. Nas amostras coletadas, foram analisadas as concentrações de DQO, sendo os valores utilizados para a obtenção dos parâmetros cinéticos aparentes. Não houve diferença (p>0,05) entre os SACs, na capacidade do sistema em remover DQO; entretanto, a época do ano teve influência na dinâmica da remoção de matéria orgânica nos sistemas. Os valores do coeficiente cinético aparente k v' ficaram entre 0,94 e 1,52 d-1 no cultivo, no período de verão. Já no período de outono/inverno, o coeficiente k v' apresentou valores menores, entre 0,88 e 1,07 d-1.
Atos de cidadania europeia: uma sociologia política da mobilidade
Authors: Aradau Claudia , Huysmans Jef , Squire Vicki
Published: January 2012

A cidadania europeia é marcada por uma tensão entre uma cidadania derivativa do Estado-nação e uma cidadania definida pela liberdade de movimento. Abordando essa tensão como sintomática de uma profunda contradição entre integração e mobilidade que é constitutiva das formações sociais modernas, este artigo desenvolve uma sociologia política da mobilidade que desafia as considerações territoriais e culturalistas sobre a cidadania europeia. Isso é feito explorando a representação política da cidadania europeia por parte de sujeitos marginalizados, cujo engajamento em relações de troca serve como lugar para atos de cidadania europeia que "mobilizam a mobilidade". Isso é ilustrado por uma análise da Declaração dos Direitos dos Trabalhadores Sexuais na Europa, de 2005.
Avifauna da Reserva Biológica Municipal Poço D'Anta, Juiz de Fora, MG
Authors: Manhães Marco Antônio , Loures-Ribeiro Alan
Published: January 2012

A Zona da Mata Mineira está localizada no sudeste do estado de Minas Gerais, nos domínios da Mata Atlântica, e é uma região altamente fragmentada, com muitas manchas pequenas e isoladas, cuja avifauna é pouco estudada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi inventariar a avifauna da Reserva Biológica Municipal Poço D'Anta (277 ha), uma área de floresta do município de Juiz de Fora, sudeste de Minas Gerais, através da caracterização de alguns aspectos ecológicos e o status de conservação. O levantamento foi realizado entre os períodos de março a setembro de 2007, e março de 2008 a maio de 2009, utilizando a lista de Mackinnon, capturas com redes-de-neblina e observações ocasionais. Foram identificadas 156 espécies, das quais 44 (28%) são endêmicas da Mata Atlântica e seis (3,8%) estão sob algum grau de ameaça. Dentre as espécies ameaçadas, cinco são dependentes de floresta (Dysithamnus stictothorax, Drymophila ochropyga, Sporophila frontalis, Sporophila falcirostris, Cyanoloxia moesta). Em geral a comunidade é caracterizada por aves com sensibilidade média ou baixa a perturbações ambientais. Contudo foram identificadas oito (5,1%) espécies com elevada sensibilidade (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, Conopophaga melanops, Sclerurus scansor, Xiphorhynchus fuscus, Lepidocolaptes squamatus, Campylorhamphus falcularius, Anabazenops fuscus e Habia rubica). Além disso, algumas espécies já consideradas extintas em vários outros fragmentos do sudeste do estado estiveram presentes na área. Houve predomínio de espécies insetívoras (39,4%; n = 61) e onívoras (31,6%; n = 49). Como área legalmente protegida e pela sua extensão, considerando as características regionais, a Reserva Biológica Municipal Poço D'Anta tem um papel importante em abrigar populações de aves que vem enfrentando persistentes efeitos antropogênicos na região. A avifauna local está sujeita a impactos tais como atropelamentos, invasões de espécies exóticas e a caça, embora já existam propostas de medidas mitigadoras no plano de manejo da área. Ressalta-se o caráter de urgência em relação à implantação destas medidas a fim de minimizar os impactos sofridos pela avifauna.
Manifestações clínicas, radiológicas e laboratoriais em indivíduos com tuberculose pulmonar: estudo comparativo entre indivíduos HIV positivos e HIV negativos internados em um hospital de referência
Authors: Besen Aline , Staub Guilherme Jönck , Silva Rosemeri Maurici da
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: Comparar as manifestações clínicas, radiológicas e laboratoriais de indivíduos com tuberculose pulmonar coinfectados com HIV com aqueles sem a coinfecção. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, no qual sinais e sintomas foram analisados por meio de anamnese e exame físico em pacientes internados com tuberculose pulmonar. A baciloscopia, a cultura para Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a dosagem de hemoglobina e a contagem de células T CD4+ foram obtidas de registros dos prontuários, assim como os laudos das radiografias de tórax. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 50 pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar, que foram divididos em dois grupos (HIV positivo e HIV negativo; n = 25 por grupo). A média de idade dos participantes foi de 38,4 ± 10,5 anos, 46 (92%) eram do sexo masculino, e 27 (54%) eram caucasianos. Apresentaram expectoração 21 (84%) e 13 (52%) dos pacientes nos grupos HIV negativo e HIV positivo, respectivamente (p = 0,016). Achados radiológicos de cavitação estavam presentes em 10 (43%) e 2 (10%) dos pacientes nos grupos HIV negativo e HIV positivo, respectivamente (p = 0,016), ao passo que padrão intersticial estava presente em 18 (78%) e 8 (40%) dos pacientes nesses grupos (p = 0,012). O nível médio de hemoglobina foi de 11,1 ± 2,9 g/dL e 9,3 ± 2,2 g/dL nos grupos HIV negativo e HIV positivo, respectivamente (p = 0,015). CONCLUSÕES: Entre pacientes coinfectados com tuberculose e HIV desta amostra, houve menor prevalência de expectoração, foram menos frequentes os achados radiológicos de cavitação e de padrão intersticial, e os níveis de hemoglobina foram mais baixos do que naqueles sem essa coinfecção.
Fatores preditores para o abandono do tratamento da tuberculose pulmonar preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS)
Authors: Campani Simone Teresinha Aloise , Moreira José da Silva , Tietbohel Carlos Nunes
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores preditores de abandono do tratamento da tuberculose pulmonar, preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, em pacientes bacilíferos virgens de tratamento atendidos na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS). MÉTODOS: Estudo de caso-controle envolvendo seis unidades básicas de saúde de referência para o tratamento da tuberculose em Porto Alegre, com a revisão dos prontuários de todos os casos de abandono do tratamento por parte de pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar bacilíferos e virgens de tratamento entre 2004 e 2006. Os pacientes incluídos no estudo foram pareados com pacientes com características semelhantes e cujo desfecho foi de cura. Foram realizadas análises univariada e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Dos 2.098 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 218 (10,4%) abandonaram o tratamento. De acordo com a modelo da análise multivariada utilizado, as associações mais significantes para o abandono do tratamento foram o etilismo (com ou sem a concomitância de uso de drogas ilícitas), a infecção por HIV, o fato de o paciente não residir com familiares e o baixo nível de escolaridade. Na análise univariada, indivíduos mais jovens e de etnia não branca também se revelaram significativos para o abandono do tratamento. Gênero e ocorrência de efeitos adversos da medicação não mostraram associação com o abandono. CONCLUSÕES: Na população estudada, alcoolismo, infecção por HIV e o fato de o paciente não residir com familiares foram os fatores preditores mais importantes para o abandono do primeiro tratamento da tuberculose pulmonar.
Desfechos de tratamento de tuberculose em pacientes hospitalizados e não hospitalizados no município de São Paulo
Authors: Perrechi Mirtes Cristina Telles , Ribeiro Sandra Aparecida
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: Comparar os desfechos de tratamento de tuberculose em pacientes hospitalizados e aqueles tratados exclusivamente na atenção primária na cidade de São Paulo (SP), bem como determinar as variáveis mais associadas à internação. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa prospectiva e longitudinal, realizada entre janeiro e dezembro de 2007 em dois hospitais de grande porte e em serviços de saúde em duas regiões na cidade de São Paulo. Os dados foram coletados através de um questionário estruturado, no caso dos pacientes internados, e no Banco de Dados de Tuberculose da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Dos 474 pacientes incluídos no estudo, 166 estavam hospitalizados, e 308 eram pacientes ambulatoriais. A análise multivariada mostrou associações entre internação por tuberculose e diagnóstico de tuberculose em hospital/pronto-socorro (OR = 55,42), coinfecção por HIV (OR = 18,57), retratamento (OR = 18,51) e procura por outro serviço anteriormente (OR = 12,32). Para os pacientes hospitalizados e ambulatoriais, as taxas gerais de cura foram de 41,6% e 78,3%, respectivamente, ao passo que, para aqueles coinfectados por HIV, essas foram de 30,4% e 58,5%, enquanto as taxas gerais de mortalidade foram de 29,5% e 2,6%, respectivamente, ao passo que, para aqueles coinfectados por HIV, essas foram de 45,7% e 9,8%. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo evidenciou maior gravidade, maior dificuldade de diagnóstico, menor taxa de cura e maior taxa de mortalidade nos pacientes internados que naqueles ambulatoriais. Além disso, os desfechos foram piores no subgrupo de pacientes coinfectados com HIV.
Distribuição de tensões em modelo fotoelástico decorrente da intrusão dos incisivos inferiores por meio do arco base de Ricketts
Authors: Claro Cristiane Aparecida de Assis , Abrão Jorge , Reis Sílvia Augusta Braga , Laganá Dalva Cruz
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: o presente estudo analisou a distribuição de tensões, em modelo fotoelástico, gerada por arco base de intrusão de incisivos inferiores. Compararam-se as tensões entre os terços radiculares de cada incisivo e, ainda, verificou-se a existência de diferenças de concentrações de tensões entre incisivos. MÉTODOS: foram confeccionados 15 arcos base de intrusão e a força de ativação foi mensurada em 50gf na região da linha média. O modelo fotoelástico foi observado em polariscópio circular, na configuração de campo escuro, e fotografado. As fotografias frontais foram analisadas e as ordens de franjas em cada região registradas. A análise de Kappa ponderado identificou a repetibilidade do método. A comparação entre as tensões foi realizada pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis complementado com teste de Dunn com nível alfa de 5%. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: os resultados identificaram que as maiores magnitudes de tensões foram observadas nas regiões cervicais. Ao se comparar as ordens de franjas entre os dentes, as maiores magnitudes de tensões foram observadas nos incisivos centrais. Portanto, a região cervical pode estar mais sujeita a reabsorções, assim como os incisivos centrais, por concentrarem maiores tensões.
Avaliação comparativa do espaçamento anterior em nipo-brasileiros e leucodermas, na dentição decídua
Authors: Ferreira Evandro Eloy Marcone , Pastori Eduardo Cardoso , Ferreira Rívea Inês , Scavone Junior Helio , Valle-Corotti Karyna Martins do
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: avaliar comparativamente a prevalência das características de espaçamento anterior em nipo-brasileiros e leucodermas, na dentição decídua. MÉTODOS: duas amostras de crianças com 2 a 6 anos de idade foram selecionadas: 405 nipo-brasileiros de 36 escolas do estado de São Paulo e 510 leucodermas de 11 instituições públicas da cidade de São Paulo. As variantes oclusais foram classificadas em quatro categorias, nas arcadas superior e inferior: espaçamento generalizado; somente espaços primatas; ausência de espaços; e apinhamento. Foi aplicada regressão logística para análise do efeito dos fatores idade, sexo e grupo étnico sobre a prevalência das características oclusais (α = 0,05). RESULTADOS: em nipo-brasileiros, o espaçamento generalizado foi a característica mais prevalente nas arcadas superior (46,2%) e inferior (53,3%). A frequência dos espaços primatas foi maior na arcada superior (28,2% versus 15,3%). Para a ausência de espaços (21,7-26,4%) e o apinhamento (4,0-4,9%), a variação entre as arcadas foi relativamente pequena. Em leucodermas, a ausência de espaços e a presença exclusiva dos primatas evidenciaram distribuição similar à observada nos nipo-brasileiros. O espaçamento generalizado foi diagnosticado em aproximadamente 50% das arcadas. A prevalência de apinhamento foi maior na arcada inferior (12,8% versus 3,9%). O único modelo de regressão logística que apresentou algum fator significativo foi o ajustado para a prevalência de apinhamento. Apenas o fator racial foi significativo (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: sugere-se que as características de espaçamento anterior, na dentição decídua, não estariam condicionadas à idade ou ao sexo. Contudo, leucodermas teriam chances 2,8 vezes maiores de apresentar apinhamento na arcada inferior, em comparação aos nipo-brasileiros.
Prediction of Vocational Rehabilitation Outcome in Schizophrenia: Incremental Prognostic Validity of Learning Potential Beyond Basic Cognitive Performance
Authors: Watzke Stefan , Brieger Peter , Wiedl Karl H.
Published: January 2012

This article examines learning potential as a predictor of the success of a vocational rehabilitation program for patients with severe mental illness in Germany. Forty-one schizophrenia patients completed a pretest–training–posttest version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test as a measure of learning potential. Pretest scores indicated basic cognitive performance, and posttest scores indicated individual learning potential. Rehabilitation outcome was assessed using measures for work capability during the rehabilitation program and the level of vocational integration at 3-month follow-up. Individual learning potential was a better predictor of work capability and the level of vocational reintegration than basic cognitive performance. Our study demonstrates that learning potential is an informative predictor for rehabilitation outcome and adds information beyond basic cognitive performance.
Socio‐Ecological Niches for Minimum Tillage and Crop‐Residue Retention in Continuous Maize Cropping Systems in Smallholder Farms of Central Kenya
Authors: Guto S. N. , Pypers P. , Vanlauwe B. , de Ridder N. , Giller* K. E.
Published: January 2012

Soil fertility gradients develop on smallholder farms due to preferential allocation of inputs. A multi‐location on‐farm trial was conducted in Meru South, Central Kenya whose overall aim was to test minimum tillage and crop‐residue retention practices in socio‐ecological niches across heterogeneous smallholder farms. We identified three soil fertility classes together with the farmers, namely: good, medium, and poor. In each soil fertility class, two tillage (minimum or regular) and two crop residue (removed or retained) practices were tested for four consecutive seasons. Maize (Zea mays L.) grain yields in the good fields were above 2.5 Mg ha−1 across cropping seasons and cumulated yields were not influenced by tillage or crop residue management. The grain yields in the medium fields ranged between 1.3 and 5.4 Mg ha−1 and were greater with crop residue retention. In the poor fields, grain yield was <3.6 Mg ha−1 and minimum tillage resulted in yield decrease while crop residue addition did not affect yields. Regular tillage and crop residue removal resulted in largest gross benefits in the good fields ($5376 ha−1) while in the medium fields, minimum tillage with residue retention was most profitable ($3214 ha−1). Retention of crop residues will give improved maize performance in the medium fields and the prevailing prices favor minimum tillage and crop residue retention. In the poor fields, the emphasis should be on the rehabilitation of soil physical and chemical attributes because none of the tillage and crop residue practices was profitable.
Geostatistical Models in Agricultural Field Experiments: Investigations Based on Uniformity Trials
Authors: Richter Christel , Kroschewski Bärbel
Published: January 2012

The probability of detecting treatment differences can often be increased by using geostatistical instead of classical statistical models. Geostatistical approaches require the selection of the best fitted model from a set of alternative models. This additional analysis effort could be reduced if the same model shows consistently the best fit for a given field or crop. To prove whether this reduction can be expected for designed on‐station trials, we analyzed five uniformity trials conducted on the same field. We studied whether different layouts of randomized complete block designs, the positions on the field, and the randomized plans influenced the model decision and analyzed the precision achieved. For this, the designs were shifted across the field, and 1000 randomized plans were projected onto each position. The model fit was evaluated using the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICC). The ranked AICC values were used for assessing model preference. In the means of all crops, designs, and models, the variation of the ranks depended on an individual decision for the combination of position and randomized plan by 62.6%. Therefore, the best fitted model was not predictable for a single experiment. As in the classical approach, the proper layout of a trial determines precision and unbiasedness of treatment differences. Randomization and blocking still should be the basic principles of experiment planning; however, their roles have partially changed. The detected bias of the Type I errors, both of the t‐test and F test, needs further investigation. Basic findings are also valid for on‐farm trials.
Performance of Hard Red Spring Wheat Cultivar Mixtures
Authors: Dai J. , Wiersma J. J. , Holen D. L.
Published: January 2012

The effects of cultivar mixing on yields and production requirements have not been thoroughly understood in hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. The objective of the present study was to investigate if HRSW cultivar mixtures could achieve yield and/or grain protein advantages, reduce the incidence of leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Erikss.), or reduce lodging compared with single cultivars. Field experiments arranged in randomized complete blocks were conducted in five site‐year environments during 2008–2010 in the Red River Valley region of Minnesota. Three pairs of HRSW cultivars (‘Faller’ and ‘Glenn’, ‘RB07’ and ‘Bigg Red’, and ‘Rush’ and ‘Traverse’) were chosen for compatibility in plant height and maturity and contrasting characteristics in grain yield, grain protein, leaf rust susceptibility, and lodging resistance. Each environment contained three replications of the three pairs of component cultivars and the 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 mixtures of each pair. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the possible advantages or disadvantages of the mixtures in comparison to their corresponding pure lines. Disease pressure and wind damage were mild in years that the trials were conducted. Grain yield, protein content, leaf rust severity, and lodging responded linearly to cultivar mixing. The inverse relationship between grain yield and grain protein was unchanged by cultivar mixing. Therefore, no benefits or penalties were attributable to cultivar mixing in HRSW under the conditions of the present study. Future trials may need to include mixtures composed of more than two component cultivars grown under more extreme conditions.
Infrared‐Warmed and Unwarmed Wheat Vegetation Indices Coalesce Using Canopy‐Temperature–Based Growing Degree Days
Authors: Kimball B. A. , White J. W. , Wall G. W. , Ottman M. J.
Published: January 2012

To determine the likely effects of global warming on field‐grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a “Hot Serial Cereal” experiment was conducted—so‐called “Cereal” because wheat was the crop, “Serial” because the wheat was planted about every 6 wk for 2 yr, and “Hot” because infrared heaters were deployed on six of the planting dates in a temperature free‐air controlled enhancement (T‐FACE) system, which warmed the canopies of the Heated plots. During the experiment, measurements of canopy reflectance were made two to five times per week from which values of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were calculated. As expected, curves of NDVI from the Heated plots vs. time and vs. growing degree days (GDD) computed from air temperatures generally were ahead of those from Reference plots. However, when plotted against GDD computed from canopy temperatures the curves coalesced, which gives confidence that the infrared‐heater treatment simulates natural warming and will produce plant responses not unlike those expected with future global warming. Biomass and grain yields were correlated with the areas under the NDVI vs. GDD curves for the air‐temperature‐based GDDs, but high variability prevented such a correlation to be detected using canopy‐temperature‐based GDD. Large differences existed between the total amounts of air or canopy temperature‐based GDDs required for wheat to mature in our irrigated fields in an arid region. This implies that GDD based on air temperatures should be regarded only as a local guide to plant development rates, whereas those based on canopy temperatures would be more universal.
Seasonal Variation in the Rising Plate Meter Calibration for Forage Mass
Authors: Ferraro F. P. , Nave R. L. G. , Sulc R. M. , Barker D. J.
Published: January 2012

Measurement of forage mass is critical to the management of forage allowance in grazing systems. The rising plate meter (RPM) was developed to monitor forage mass quickly and easily; however, it must be calibrated to provide reliable calculations of forage mass and the calibration coefficients may vary across seasons. Our objective was to investigate seasonal patterns in calibrations of the RPM for estimating forage mass in six cool‐season grass swards in Ohio. The RPM reading was highly significant (P < 0.01) in explaining variation in forage mass across sites and weeks; however, the RPM × week, RPM × site, and RPM × week × site interactions (P < 0.01) for forage mass indicated the relationship between RPM reading and forage mass varied among sites and over time. At one site, the RPM to forage mass relationship was investigated for three cool‐season grass species, but the RPM × species and RPM × week × species interactions were not significant (P > 0.05). Although there was variation among and within sites for the slope coefficients of forage mass regressed on RPM reading, a broadly similar seasonal pattern was found at most sites. The slope coefficients were usually high in early spring, decreased rapidly during the first weeks of the growing season, and then increased from early summer to the autumn. We concluded the RPM should be calibrated at least monthly over the growing season to define the seasonal pattern and changes in the slope coefficients for forage mass regressed on RPM readings.
Separation of Proteins from Rice Grains with Different Eating Qualities by Two‐Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Chung Soo Im , Rico Catherine W. , Lee Sang Chul , Kang Mi Young
Published: January 2012

Proteins extracted from rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties (Koshihikari, Dongjinbyeo, and Singeumbyeo) with different eating qualities were separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Differences in the protein expressions among the rice samples and between the inner and outer layers of rice grains were observed. The highly palatable Koshihikari showed separated proteins with molecular weights (MW) ranging from 20 to 60 kDa and appeared at pH 4 to 7. The Dongjinbyeo rice, with medium palatability, contained proteins with MW of 5 to 80 kDa with pH range of 5 to 7.5. The low palatable Singeumbyeo rice exhibited proteins with 30 to 70 kDa and a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. These findings suggest that the pH and molecular weight may not have considerable influence on the eating quality of rice. However, the identified proteins highly expressed and uniquely present in each cultivar could have a significant role in the palatability of rice. Results of this study showed that 2D gel electrophoresis is a powerful technique in determining protein expression profiles and may be useful in identifying marker proteins that affect rice palatability.
Summer Cover Crops Fix Nitrogen, Increase Crop Yield, and Improve Soil–Crop Relationships
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Claassen M. M. , Presley D. R.
Published: January 2012

Impact of cover crops (CCs) on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yields is not well understood. We assessed crop yield and its relationships with CC‐induced changes in soil properties for a 15‐yr CC experiment in wheat–sorghum rotation at 0, 33, 66, and 100 kg ha−1 of N application in south central Kansas. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) was used as a winter CC from 1995 to 2000, while sunn hemp (SH; Crotalaria juncea L.) and late‐maturing soybean [LMS; Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were used as summer CCs in no‐till from 2002 to 2008. Summer CCs increased crop yields particularly at low rates of N application. At 0 kg N ha−1, SH increased sorghum yield by 1.18 to 1.54 times, while wheat yield increased by 1.60 times in the first year (2004) after CC establishment relative to non‐CC plots. At 66 kg N ha−1, SH had no effects on sorghum yield, but it increased wheat yield in 2 of 3 yr. Cover crops increased soil total N pool by 270 kg ha−1 for the 0‐ to 7.5‐cm depth. Crop yield increased with the CC‐induced decrease in soil maximum compactibility (soil's susceptibility to compaction) and soil temperature, and increase in soil aggregate stability, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N concentration, and soil water content, particularly at 0 kg N ha−1. Principal component analysis (PCA) selected soil compactibility and total N as the best yield predictors. Inclusion of summer legume CCs in no‐till fixes N, increases crop yield, and improves soil–crop relationships.
Steer Performance, Intake, Digesta Kinetics, and Pasture Productivity of Flaccidgrass at Each of Three Forage Masses
Authors: Burns J. C. , Fisher D. S. , Pond K. R.
Published: January 2012

‘Carostan’ flaccidgrass (Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.) is a perennial, warm‐season grass with potential in forage systems for the mid‐Atlantic region. Using established flaccidgrass pastures, we estimated steer (Bos taurus) average daily gain (ADG), stocking rate, and pasture productivity in a 4‐yr experiment. Pastures were continuously and variably stocked at a forage mass (FM) of 1895 (Short), 4186 (Medium), and 5297 (Tall) kg ha−1 (linear; P < 0.01). Steer ADG was similar among FM (mean = 0.65 kg d−1). The Short was stocked at 8.3 steers ha−1 and numbers decreased linearly (P < 0.01) to 7.2 steers ha−1 for Tall. Animal days ha−1 decreased linearly (P < 0.01) from 963 (Short) to 756 (Tall). Weight gain ha−1 did not vary significantly (P = 0.14). Effective feed units (kg ha−1) declined linearly (P = 0.02) from 3756 for the Short to 2842 for Tall. Analysis of digesta kinetics revealed no differences among FM in rate of passage, retention time of liquid or solid phases, fill, or fecal output. Diets selected by steers among FM were similar in concentration of in vitro dry matter disappearance (mean = 690 g kg−1); however, CP declined linearly (P = 0.03) while NDF increased (P = 0.01) with increasing FM. Steer ADG was greater (P = 0.03) in Period 1 (0.77 kg d−1 up to early July) compared with Period 2 (0.53 kg d−1 after early July) and attributed to greater forage quality in Period 1. Flaccidgrass is a productive, perennial forage that can provide quality pasture during the summer.
The role of homoacetogenic bacteria as efficient hydrogen scavengers in microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs)
Authors: Parameswaran Prathap , Torres César I. , Kang Dae-Wook , Rittmann Bruce E. , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa
Published: January 2012

We evaluated the consumption of hydrogen gas at the anode of a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) and characterized the significance of new interactions between anode respiring bacteria (ARB) and homo-acetogens. We demonstrated the significance of biofilm limitation for direct consumption of H2 over acetate by ARB, using the deep biofilm model. Selective inhibition of the major competing hydrogen sink at the biofilm anode, methanogenesis, resulted in significant increase in electron recovery as electric current (∼10–12 A/m2). The presence of acetate at high concentration in the anode compartment and detection of formate, a known intermediate of the acetyl-CoA pathway, provide evidence towards the role of homoacetogenic bacteria. We also assessed the activity of homoacetogens with reverse transcription quantitative PCR targeting formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (FTHFS) transcripts, and observed a comparable decrease in the FTHFS transcript numbers with current density and acetate concentrations as we decreased the HRT below 4.5 h. The biofilm anode community was predominated by Deltaproteobacteria (70% of total readouts) along with a fraction of the homoacetogenic genus, Acetobacterium (4% of total readouts), established by pyrosequencing targeting the V6 region of the 16S rRNA. Homoacetogens seem to play a major role as syntrophic members of the biofilm anode community when electron recovery is high.
Water quality and non-point sources of risk: the Jiulong River Watershed, P. R. of China
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Luoping , Ricci Paolo F.
Published: January 2012

Retrospective water quality assessment plays an essential role in identifying trends and causal associations between exposures and risks, thus it can be a guide for water resources management. We have developed empirical relationships between several time-varying social and economic factors of economic development, water quality variables such as nitrate-nitrogen, CODMn, BOD5, and DO, in the Jiulong River Watershed and its main tributary, the West River. Our analyses used alternative statistical methods to reduce the dimensionality of the analysis first and then strengthen the study's causal associations. The statistical methods included: factor analysis (FA), trend analysis, Monte Carlo/bootstrap simulations, robust regressions and a coupled equations model, integrated into a framework that allows an investigation and resolution of the issues that may affect the estimated results. After resolving these, we found that the concentrations of nitrogen compounds increased over time in the West River region, and that fertilizer used in agricultural fruit crops was the main risk with regard to nitrogen pollution. The relationships we developed can identify hazards and explain the impact of sources of different types of pollution, such as urbanization, and agriculture.
Climate change mitigation by recovery of energy from the water cycle: a new challenge for water management
Authors: van der Hoek J. P.
Published: January 2012

Waternet is responsible for drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and surface water management and control (quality and quantity) in and around Amsterdam. Waternet has the ambition to operate climate neutral in 2020. To realise this ambition, measures are required to compensate for the emission of 53,000 ton CO2-eq/year. Energy recovery from the water cycle looks very promising. First, calculations reveal that energy recovery from the water cycle in and around Amsterdam may contribute to a total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions up to 148,000 ton CO2-eq/year. The challenge for the coming years is to choose combinations of all the possibilities to fulfil the energy demand as much as possible. Only then the use of fossil fuel can be minimized and inevitable greenhouse gas emissions can be compensated, supporting the target to operate climate neutral in 2020.
Control of VOC emissions from a flexographic printing facility using an industrial biotrickling filter
Authors: Sempere F. , Martínez-Soria V. , Penya-roja J. M. , Waalkens A. , Gabaldón C.
Published: January 2012

The study of an industrial unit of biotrickling filter for the treatment of the exhaust gases of a flexographic facility was investigated over a 2-year period with the objective to meet the volatile organic compound (VOC) regulatory emission limits. Increasing the water flow rate from 2 to 40 m3 h−1 improved the performance of the process, meeting the VOC regulation when 40 m3 h−1 were used. An empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 36 s was used when the inlet air temperature was 18.7 °C, and an EBRT as low as 26 s was set when the inlet temperature was 26.8 °C. During this long-term operation, the pressure drop over the column of the bioreactor was completely controlled avoiding clogging problems and the system could perfectly handle the non-working periods without VOC emission, demonstrating its robustness and feasibility to treat the emission of the flexographic sector.
Comparative evaluation of As, Se and V removal technologies for the treatment of oil refinery wastewater
Authors: Gillenwater P. S. , Urgun-Demirtas M. , Negri M. C. , Snyder S. W.
Published: January 2012

In this study, a broad range of readily deployable metal removal technologies were tested on a US refinery's wastewater to determine vanadium, arsenic and selenium removal performance. The bench-scale treatability studies were designed and performed so that test conditions could be as uniform as possible given the different mechanisms of action and engineering applications of each technology. The experimental data show that both ferric precipitation and reactive filtration were able to remove As, Se and V more efficiently from the wastewater than other tested technologies. Additionally, granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) adsorption was also effective in both V and As removal. Although the thiol-SAMMS adsorbent was developed for mercury removal, it also demonstrated appreciable selenium removal. None of the tested membrane filtration technologies showed any significant metals removal. This was attributed to the dissolved form of the metals as well as the wastewater's fouling characteristics.
Degradation of organic matter from domestic wastewater with loofah sponge biofilm reactor
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Sun Ken , Hu Na
Published: January 2012

A laboratory-scale oxic biofilm reactor using loofah sponge as support material was carried out to study its start-up characteristics and the optimum operation parameters in removing organic matter and nitrogen from domestic wastewater. It took no more than 10 days to complete microbiological cultivation and acclimation, indicating that the natural loofah sponge was a superior support material compared with some conventional ones. The influence parameter experiments showed that the hydraulic retention time (HRT) had a significant influence on the COD and NH3-N removal efficiencies, the average COD and NH3-N removal efficiencies were 83.7 and 96.9% respectively when the temperature was 25 ± 2 °C, the influent flow rate was 0.21 L/h and the HRT was 7.5 h. The loofah sponge biofilm system had a strong tolerance to organic shock loading in the present experiment. Additionally, it was found that domestic wastewater could be preferably treated with 88.9% of COD and 98.7% of NH3-N removal efficiencies with the corresponding influent concentrations of 260.0 and 26.8 mg/L, respectively. The observations obtained in the present study indicated that the loofah sponge was an excellent natural support material, potentially feasible for the present system for the treatment of the decentralized domestic wastewater.
Strength characteristics of aerobic granular sludge
Authors: Nor-Anuar A. , Ujang Z. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , de Kreuk M. K. , Olsson G.
Published: January 2012

Aerobic granular sludge has a number of advantages over conventional activated sludge flocs, such as cohesive and strong matrix, fast settling characteristic, high biomass retention and ability to withstand high organic loadings, all aspects leading towards a compact reactor system. Still there are very few studies on the strength of aerobic granules. A procedure that has been used previously for anaerobic granular sludge strength analysis was adapted and used in this study. A new coefficient was introduced, called a stability coefficient (S), to quantify the strength of the aerobic granules. Indicators were also developed based on the strength analysis results, in order to categorize aerobic granules into three levels of strength, i.e. very strong (very stable), strong (stable) and not strong (not stable). The results indicated that aerobic granules grown on acetate were stronger (high density: >150 g T SSL−1 and low S value: 5%) than granules developed on sewage as influent. A lower value of S indicates a higher stability of the granules.
The effects of detergent, sodium tripoly-phosphate and ethoxyled oleyl-cetyl alcohol on metabolic parameters of the fungus Trichothecium roseum link
Authors: Stojanovic Jelica , Milicevic Jasmina , Gajovic Olgica , Jakovljevic Violeta , Matovic Ivana , Mijuskovic Z. , Nedeljkovic T.
Published: January 2012

The degradation of detergents that are dispersed in water and soil partially
depends on the metabolic activities of fungi. Among the fungi that have this
ability, Deuteromycetes are particularly noted for their biochemical
characteristics. Taking this into account, it was of interest to analyze the
influence of detergent and its main compounds, ethoxyled oleylcetyl alcohol
(AOC) and sodium tripoly-phosphate (TTP), on the metabolism of the fungus
Trichothecium roseum. Our results revealed that both detergent and AOC had an
inhibitory effect on the bioproduction of free organic acids, while TTP
stimulated their production. Also, detergent inhibited the bioproduction of
basic amino acids, with the exception of alanine. In addition, detergent
applied at 1% concentration inhibited the bioproduction of proteins and the
total biomass of the fungus, while AOC and TTP inhibited the production of
proteins, but stimulatedl the production of Trichothecium.
The effects of tannic acid on the fitness-related traits of Lymantria dispar L. larvae
Authors: Mrdakovic Marija , Peric-Mataruga Vesna , Ilijin Larisa , Vlahovic Milena , Todorovic Dajana , Nenadovic Vera , Lazarevic Jelica
Published: January 2012

In this study we investigated the effects of tannic acid on fitness-related
traits in gypsy moth larvae from two differently adapted populations. Thirty
two full-sib families from oak (suitable host plant, Quercus population), and
twenty six full-sib families from locust-tree (unsuitable host plant, Robinia
population) forests were reared on artificial diets with or without a 5%
tannic acid supplement. Tannic acid shortened the duration of larval
development till the 4th instar in the Robinia population, and decreased the
mass of larvae from both Quercus and Robinia populations. Local adaptation
was not recorded for any of the examined traits. In general, regardless of
population origin, genetic variation (broad-sense heritability) was higher in
larvae fed on the diet containing tannic acid than in larvae fed on the
control diet. Variability of phenotypic plasticity was significant for the
examined traits, except for larval duration traits in Quercus larvae,
pointing to the potential of gypsy moth larvae from both populations for the
evolution of adaptive plastic responses to new environmental conditions and
the presence of stressors. Genetic correlations between the environments were
positive and significantly different from ?one? and accordingly, do not
represent constraint for the evolution of plasticity.
Taxonomy and antimicrobial activities of a new Streptomyces sp. TN17 isolated in the soil from an oasis in Tunis
Authors: Smaoui Slim , Mathieu Florence , Fguira Ben , Merlina Georges , Mellouli Lotfi
Published: January 2012

An actinomycete strain referred to as TN17 was screened for its antimicrobial
activities. The taxonomic status of this strain was established. The organism
was found to have morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of
Streptomycetes. Based on the 16S rRNA nucleotide sequences, Streptomyces sp.
TN17 was found to have a relationship with Streptomyces lilaceus,
Streptomyces gobitricini and Streptomyces lavendofoliae. Combined analysis of
the 16 S rRNA gene sequence (FN687757), phylogenetic analysis, fatty acids
profile and physiological tests indicated that there are genotypic and
phenotypic differences between TN17 and neighboring Streptomyces species?
neighbors. Therefore, TN17 is a novel species: Streptomyces sp. TN17 (=DSM
42020T=CTM50229T). A cultured extract of this strain inhibits the growth of
several Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungi.
Assessment of genetic diversity of Busa cattle from Bosnia and Herzegovina using microsatellite DNA markers
Authors: Rogic Biljana , Tomic Lidija , Vazic B. , Jelic M. , Jovanovic S. , Savic Mila
Published: January 2012

The variability of 21 microsatellite loci was analyzed in order to estimate
the genetic diversity of the Busa cattle breed. A total of 50 animals
involved in the study were divided into two groups: Busa from eastern
Herzegovina and Busa from western Herzegovina. The mean number of alleles per
locus was 6.6. The average expected heterozygosities were 0.6885 and 0.6212
in the eastern and western populations, respectively. The observed
heterozygosity values were 0.6579 and 0.6336, in eastern and western
population, respectively. The degree of population differentiation (FST)
ranged from 0.008 (for ILSTS006 locus) to 0.242 (for BM1818 locus), with a
mean of 0.112. Cluster analysis showed that the two populations were clearly
clustered into two distinct clades. This report represents the first genetic
characterization of pure Busa cattle from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The
obtained results are important for the future development of conservation and
management strategies for this cattle breed.
Light intensity influences variations in the structural and physiological traits in the leaves of Iris pumila L.
Authors: Vuleta Ana , Manitasevic-Jovanovic Sanja , Tucic Branka
Published: January 2012

Ambient light significantly influences the structural and physiological
characteristics of Iris pumila leaves. A random sample of Iris clones native
to an exposed site at the Deliblato Sands, Serbia was partially covered with
a neutral screen that transmitted 35% of daylight, so that each clone
experienced reduced and full sunlight at the same time. The sun-exposed
leaves were significantly thicker, had greater stomatal density, exhibited
higher lipid peroxidation, increased activities of SOD, APX, CAT enzymes and
higher contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants (anthocyanins and phenols) and
water deficit relative to shade-leaves. The activities of GR, GPX, and GST
enzymes was unaffected by the irradiance level.
Mosses as biomonitors for radioactivity following the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Cuculovic Ana , Cuculovic R. , Cvetic-Antic Tijana , Veselinovic D.
Published: January 2012

In this work 137Cs and 40K radionuclide concentrations in moss collected at
NP Djerdap in the period from 1996 to 2009 are presented. Values of the
substrate-moss transfer factor for 137Cs and 40K were calculated. The
effective and biological half-life of 137Cs in Homalothecium sericeum moss
collected in the period from 1996 to 2008 on the archeological locality of
Lepenski Vir was also calculated.