bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultura de precisión: programación del riego en tiempo real
Authors: Martínez Gimeno María Amparo , Jiménez Bello Miguel Ángel , Manzano Juarez Juan , Mendoza Ballesteros María Teresa
Published: July 2016

La utilización de las nuevas tecnologías en la planificación del riego es una práctica cada vez más extendida con el fin de hacer esta práctica sostenible tanto en el ámbito medioambiental como en el económico. Es imprescindible transmitir al alumnado la existencia de este tipo de herramientas y hacerles competentes en su uso. Se ha planteado una metodología que integre el uso de un servidor web público y gratuito que orienta al alumno en el cálculo de las necesidades de riego teóricas. Adicionalmente se asocia este resultado al análisis del contenido de la humedad del suelo mediante el uso de sondas denominadas Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR). Este último dispositivo permite ajustar  el tiempo de riego y la frecuencia del mismo. Se destaca que esta innovadora metodología no proporciona un solución única y pero sí  objetiva, lo cual permite realizar una evaluación que se basa en un resultado contrastado y consensuado por grupos de alumnos, lo cual impulsa el trabajo colaborativo. Además esta  metodología está dirigida a aglutinar una serie de conocimientos en capacidades a desarrollar un ámbito real. Esta vinculación con la práctica directa facilita la visualización del proceso de cálculo y aumenta satisfactoriamente el interés del alumnado.
Textos de Identidad Multimodales en el Aula de Inglés como Lengua Extranjera: Una Herramienta para Desarrollo de Habilidades Cognitivas y Académicas de Competencia Lingüística
Authors: García Pastor María Dolores
Published: July 2016

El presente proyecto de investigación-acción en curso se ocupa de la producción y evaluación de “textos de identidad” (Cummins y Early, 2011) en estudiantes de inglés de una asignatura específica dentro de la especialidad de Maestro de Inglés en Educación Primaria de la Facultat de Magisteri de la Universitat de València. Este proyecto es parte de un proyecto de innovación educativa, cuyo principal objetivo es promover el uso de textos de identidad como estrategia del enfoque de “enseñanza para la transferencia lingüística” (Cummins, 2005b). Los textos de identidad promueven la transferencia cognitiva y académica desde la lengua primera (L1) a la lengua segunda o extranjera (L2/LE), y ofrecen a los alumnos una oportunidad para explorar sus identidades a través de textos escritos, orales, visuales, musicales y teatrales o una combinación de todos ellos en un todo multimodal (videos, historias digitales, etc.). En este proyecto, los estudiantes exploran sus identidades como aprendices de inglés como lengua extranjera (ILE) con el objetivo de a) concienciarles acerca de quiénes son como tal, por ejemplo, qué tipo de aprendices son y cómo aprenden; b) contribuir al desarrollo de sus habilidades cognitivas y académicas de competencia lingüística; y c) ayudarles a desarrollar su competencia digital.
Integración de la competencia transversal de “conocimiento de problemas contemporáneos” en la asignatura Vibraciones Mecánicas
Authors: Barrachina Teresa , Rovira Andrés , Gallardo Sergio , Lajara-Camilleri Natalia , Villanueva José Felipe
Published: July 2016

Los actuales planes de estudios pertenecientes al Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) representan un cambio en el aprendizaje hacia la educación basada en competencias. Tras la implantación de los nuevos programas de grado y con el fin de agrupar los distintos perfiles competenciales, la Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) ha definido una lista de competencias transversales. Esta lista se compone de un total de 13 competencias para ser trabajadas y evaluadas en diferentes asignaturas que forman parte cada titulación. Una de estas competencias es el "conocimiento de problemas contemporáneos", que se refiere a la necesidad de que los estudiantes comprendan los problemas y valores políticos, sociales, legales y ambientales, tal como se define por la UPV. Esta competencia también tiene en cuenta el mecanismo de expansión y difusión del conocimiento. En este trabajo se describe una experiencia preliminar llevada a cabo en la asignatura Vibraciones Mecánicas. Para ello se ha diseñado un actividad, enmarcada en una sesión de prácticas de laboratorio, en la que se introduce esta dimensión relacionada con los contenidos de la asignatura. Los resultados de esta experiencia indican que el trabajo de la competencia “conocimiento de problemas contemporáneos” contribuye a mejorar el aprendizaje en la asignatura.
Gamificación: El concurso como actividad grupal de enseñanza/aprendizaje
Authors: Esteve Turrillas Francesc A. , Armenta Sergio , Cervera María Luisa , De La Guardia Miguel , Pastor Agustín , Morales Rubio Ángel , Garrigues Salvador
Published: July 2016

Se plantea el desarrollo de actividades y aplicaciones que permitan poner en marcha procesos de gamificación para estimular, de una forma atractiva pero sin renunciar al rigor que se requiere, el proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje en las asignaturas de Química General  y Química Analítica del Grado en Química.
Implementación Pedagogía Flipped Classroom adaptada para una modalidad semipresencial en una carrera técnico profesional
Authors: García Hulaud Benjamín , Tello Ardemagni Ana María
Published: July 2016

La comunicación repasa los principales desafíos que vivió la Escuela de Informática y Telecomunicaciones del Instituto Técnico Profesional Duoc UC, Chile, al incorporar la flexibilización en sus programas formulando una modalidad semipresencial de los mismos planes de estudio ofertados tradicionalmente. Este desafío, trajo consigo una revisión profunda y crítica acerca de las actuales estrategias de enseñanza de los programas de estudio de la Escuela, y en consecuencia tomar la decisión de cuál debiera ser la estrategia pedagógica adecuada a los tiempos y contexto actual. De aquel análisis, la ideación de la modalidad semipresencial consideró una metodología Flipped Classroom, resultando en un modelo con características de autoaprendizaje soportado en un ambiente virtual de aprendizaje, el cual potencia el aprendizaje activo y social de los estudiantes a través de la Tecnología Educativa disponible. Además, se revisan los desafíos que reviste la producción instruccional al servicio de esta ideación, y los resultados académicos que se han observado en los estudiantes bajo esta modalidad en comparación a los estudiantes en modalidad tradicional, a través de los mismos instrumentos evaluativos al finalizar las asignaturas.
Introducción de actividades de Gamificación en una asignatura humanista para informáticos
Authors: Oltra Juan Vte. , Garrigos-Simón Fernando J. , Narangajavana Yeamduan
Published: July 2016

Se trata en ésta comunicación de exponer una experiencia de “gamificación”, realizada en durante el curso 2015-2016 en la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Informática de la Universitat Politècnica de València, (en adelante ETSINF-UPV), donde se alienta a los alumnos a competir mediante tres vías posibles: Twitter y debates tanto presenciales en aula como de modo online (mediante foros) Se relacionan las actividades de “gamificación” llevadas a cabo en la asignatura Deontología y Profesionalismo, de 2º curso de la ETSINF-UPV y se presenta el cuestionario que permitirá evaluar su aplicación. Palabras clave:Gamificación, juego, experiencia, competición, formación
Mineral nutrients in Saharan dust and their potential impact on Amazon rainforest ecology
Authors: Rizzolo Joana A. , Barbosa Cybelli G. G. , Borillo Guilherme C. , Godoi Ana F. L. , Souza Rodrigo A. F. , Andreoli Rita V. , Manzi Antonio O. , Sá Marta O. , Alves Eliane G. , Pöhlker Christopher , Angelis Isabella H. , Ditas Florian , Saturno Jorge , Moran-Zuloaga Daniel , Rizzo Luciana V. , Rosário Nilton E. , Pauliquevis Theotonio , Yamamoto Carlos I. , Andreae Meinrat O. , Taylor Philip E. , Godoi Ricardo H. M.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The intercontinental transport of aerosols from the Sahara is likely to play a significant role in nutrient cycles in the Amazon rainforest, since it carries many types of minerals to these otherwise low-fertility lands. Iron is one of the micronutrients essential for plant growth, and the Amazon rainforest is iron-limited. The main aim of this study was to assess the input and potential impact of iron bioavailability from Saharan dust, namely, the soluble fraction Fe(II)/Fe(III). Seven other soluble elements that are also essential for plants were measured. Dust particles entrained in the air were collected and analyzed, but not dust deposited in rainfall as atmospheric washout. The sampling campaign was carried out at the ATTO site (Amazon Tall Tower Observatory), from March to April 2015, and samplers were placed both above and below the canopy. Mineral dust aerosol at ATTO showed peak concentrations for Fe(III) (47.6 ng m−3), Fe(II) (16.2 ng m−3), Na (470 ng m−3), Ca (194 ng m−3), K (64.7 ng m−3), and Mg (88.8 ng m−3) during the presence of dust transported from the Sahara, as determined by remote ground-based and satellite sensing data and backward trajectories. Atmospheric transport of weathered Saharan dust, followed by surface deposition, results in substantial iron bioavailability across the rainforest canopy. The seasonal deposition of dust rich in soluble iron and other minerals is likely to affect both bacteria and fungi within the topsoil and on canopy surfaces, and especially benefit highly bioabsorbent epiphytes, such as lichens. In this scenario, Saharan dust can provide essential macronutrients and micronutrients to plant roots, and also directly to plant leaves. The influence on the ecology of the forest canopy and topsoil would likely be different from that of nutrients from the weathered Amazon bedrock, which provides the main source of soluble mineral nutrients.
Global inverse modeling of CH4 sources and sinks: An overview of methods
Authors: Houweling Sander , Bergamaschi Peter , Chevallier Frederic , Heimann Martin , Kaminski Thomas , Krol Maarten , Michalak Anna M. , Patra Prabir
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of inverse modeling methods that have been developed over the years for estimating the global sources and sinks of CH4. It provides insight into how techniques and estimates have evolved over time, and what the remaining shortcomings are. As such, it serves a didactical purpose of introducing apprentices to the field, but it also takes stock of the developments so far and reflects on promising new directions. The main focus is on methodological aspects that are particularly relevant for CH4, such as its atmospheric oxidation, the use of methane isotopologues, and specific challenges in atmospheric transport modeling of CH4. The use of satellite retrievals receives special attention, as it is an active field of methodological development, with special requirements on the sampling of the model and the treatment of data uncertainty. Regional scale flux estimation and attribution is still a grand challenge, which calls for new methods capable of combining information from multiple data streams of different measured parameters. A process model representation of sources and sinks in atmospheric transport inversion schemes allows the integrated use of such data. These new developments are needed not only to improve our understanding of the main processes driving the observed global trend, but also to support international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Northern Hemisphere storminess in the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM1-M)
Authors: Knudsen Erlend M. , Walsh John E.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Metrics of storm activity in Northern Hemisphere high and midlatitudes are evaluated from historical output and future projections by the Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM1-M) coupled global climate model. The European Re-Analysis Interim (ERA-Interim) and the Community Climate System Model (CCSM4), a global climate model of the same vintage as NorESM1-M, provide benchmarks for comparison. The focus is on the autumn and early winter (September through December) – the period when the ongoing and projected Arctic sea ice retreat is the greatest. Storm tracks derived from a vorticity-based algorithm for storm identification are reproduced well by NorESM1-M, although the tracks are somewhat better resolved in the higher-resolution ERA-Interim and CCSM4. The tracks show indications of shifting polewards in the future as climate changes under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) forcing scenarios. Cyclones are projected to become generally more intense in the high latitudes, especially over the Alaskan region, although in some other areas the intensity is projected to decrease. While projected changes in track density are less coherent, there is a general tendency towards less frequent storms in midlatitudes and more frequent storms in high latitudes, especially the Baffin Bay/Davis Strait region in September. Autumn precipitation is projected to increase significantly across the entire high latitudes. Together with the projected loss of sea ice and increases in storm intensity and sea level, this increase in precipitation implies a greater vulnerability to coastal flooding and erosion, especially in the Alaskan region. The projected changes in storm intensity and precipitation (as well as sea ice and sea level pressure) scale generally linearly with the RCP value of the forcing and with time through the 21st century.
News for Educational Workers
Authors: Vogt Leonard
Published: July 2016

News for Educational Workers
Brief Introductions: Gender, Visual Culture, and the Carceral State
Authors: Rand Erica
Published: July 2016

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Influence of the xanthan gum addition on the technological and sensory quality of baking products during the freezing storage
Authors: Bojňanská Tatiana , Šmitalová Jana , Vietoris Vladimí­r , Vollmannová Alena
Published: July 2016

The influence of the 0.16% xanthan gum addition in the recipe of the bread production and its influence on the baking and sensory quality of products was monitored during the process of our research. Prepared dough was inserted in the freezing box directly (-18°C) and it was stored for one, two, three, four, five and six months. When the baking process was finished, the products with xanthan gum and the products without it were compared and evaluated by both objective and subjective methods. It was found that freezing, cooling and storage of the products without xanthan gum addition influenced the volume, vaulting and general appearance of the products in a negative way and loaves of bread were evaluated as unacceptable after four months of freezing. The quality of experimental loaves of bread with xanthan gum was, even after six months of freezing storage, comparable with freshly baked products. Despite the freezing, the volume of the products had an increased value. After first month of freezing the volume increased by 28.6% and after two months of freezing it increased by 23.8% both compared to the control. The vaulting in products processed by freezing was in the required optimal level during the whole period of freezing. Sensory evaluation results of loaves of bread with xanthan gum were the best after three, four and five months of storage in a freezer, when 98 points were achieved. During the monitored period of freezing, the addition of 0.16% of xanthan gum markedly contributed to the preservation of sensory and baking quality of the frozen wheat dough.
Chemical and physical parameters of dried salted pork meat
Authors: Cviková Petronela , Čuboň Juraj , Kunová Simona , Kačániová Miroslava , Hleba Lukáš , Haščí­k Peter , Trembecká Lenka , Bartošová Gabriela
Published: July 2016

The aim of the present study was analysed and evaluated chemical and physical parameters of dried salted pork neck and ham. Dried salted meat is one of the main meat products typically produced with a variety of flavors and textures. Neck (14 samples) and ham (14 samples) was salted by nitrite salt mixture during 1week. The nitrite salt mixture for salting process (dry salting) was used. This salt mixture contains: salt, dextrose, maltodextrin, flavourings, stabilizer E316, taste enhancer E621, nitrite mixture. The meat samples were dried at 4 °C and relative humudity 85% after 1 week salting. The weight of each sample was approximately 1 kg. After salting were vacuum-packed and analysed after 1 week. The traditional dry-cured meat such as dry-cured ham and neck obtained after 12 - 24 months of ripening under controlled conditions. The average protein content was significantly (p <0.001) lower in dried pork neck in comparison with dried salted pork ham. The average intramuscular fat was significantly (p <0.001) lower in dried pork ham in comparison with dried salted pork neck. The average moisture was significantly lower (p ≤0.05) in dried salted ham in comparison with dried pork neck. The average pH value was 5.50 in dried salted pork ham and 5.75 in dried salted pork neck. The content of arginine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine and threonine in dried salted ham was significantly lower (p <0.001) in comparison with dried salted pork neck. The proportion of analysed amino acids from total proteins was 56.31% in pork salted dried ham and 56.50% in pork salted dried neck.
Measuring Efficiency and Productivity of Taxation: A Review of Tax System in Mozambique
Authors: Le Tuan Minh
Published: July 2016

The review of Mozambique’s tax system highlights some key features. The country has established a solid legal framework for taxation. The overall tax intake is buoyant. The regime remains, however, in the process of transition. Tax burden on the corporate sector is relatively high compared with other SDAC countries. The complexity of tax regime, the mere existence of multiple schemes for small and medium taxpayers across tax codes, and the post 2009 overly generous system of fiscal incentives set in favor of certain types of investment, particularly capital-intensive, new mega projects—are among the few that collectively reflect the incoherence in the policy making spanning over the past decade. To set stage for policy recommendations for furthering the reforms of major taxes, this paper provides some estimates of productivity of CIT and VAT from regional perspectives. The analysis reconfirms the complexity and erosion of the base as a major channel for revenue leakage that more than compensating for the relatively high statutory rates in these taxes.Keywords: Mozambique Tax System, Tax Productivity Measurement
Yield and crop cycle time of peaches cultivated in subtropical climates and subjected to different pruning times
Authors: Ferraz Rafael Augusto , Leonel Sarita , Segantini Daniela Mota , Tecchio Marco Antonio , Antunes Luis Eduardo Correa
Published: July 2016

The cultivation of peaches in regions of subtropical and tropical climate is currently achieved through a set of practices such as using less demanding cultivars in cold conditions, applying plant growth regulators to break dormancy, and performing specific pruning, like production and renewal pruning. Research on the climate adaptation of cultivars is of great importance in establishing a crop in a given region. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of three cultivars subjected to different production pruning times in Botucatu/SP, where 2-year old peach trees were evaluated, grown at a spacing of 6.0 x 4.0 meters. The experimental design was a split plot design with four blocks, using the cultivars Douradão, BRS Kampai and BRS Rubimel, and the subplots corresponded to pruning times in May, June, July and August. Ten plants were used per plot, with the four central plants considered useful and the remaining considered as margins. Pruning in June and July showed the best results in terms of percentage of fruit set and production. The cultivar BRS Rubimel showed the best percentage of fruit set when pruned in June (44.96%), and best fruit production when pruned in July (18.7 kg plant-1). Pruning in May anticipated the harvest of cultivar BRS Rubimel by 13 days whereas pruning carried out in July and August provided late harvests for cultivars Douradão and BRS Kampai.
Physiological responses of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) plants due to different copper concentrations
Authors: Cuchiara Cristina Copstein , Winhelmann Mara Cíntia , Larré Cristina Ferreira , Fernando Juliana Aparecida , Braga Eugenia Jacira Bolacel , Peters José Antonio
Published: July 2016

At low concentrations, Cu is considered as an essential micronutrient for plants and as a constituent and activator of several enzymes. However, when in excess, Cu can negatively affect plant growth and metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate physiological responses of sweet potato plants at different Cu concentrations by measuring morphological parameters, antioxidant metabolism, stomatal characteristics, and mineral profile. For this purpose, sweet potato plants were grown hydroponically in complete nutrient solution for six days. Then, the plants were transferred to solutions containing different Cu concentrations, 0.041 (control), 0.082, and 0.164 mM, and maintained for nine days. The main effect of increased Cu concentration was observed in the roots. The sweet potato plants grown in 0.082 mM Cu solution showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and no changes in growth parameters. However, at a concentration of 0.164 mM, Cu was transported from the roots to the shoots. This concentration altered morpho-anatomical characteristics and activated the antioxidant system because of the stress generated by excess Cu. On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that the sweet potato plants were able to tolerate Cu toxicity until 0.082 mM.
Substrate but not seed size affects seed germination of Dypsis onilahensis (Jum. & H. Perrier) Beentje & J. Dransf
Authors: Luz Petterson Baptista da , Marostega Thalita Neves , Nicchio Bruno , Neves Leonarda Grillo
Published: July 2016

Dypsis onilahensis, commonly known as sibara palm, is a palm tree with enormous ornamental potential. Commercial propagation occurs through seeds, but few studies have evaluated the factors that affect the germination process of this species. Thus, we aimed at evaluating the effects of seed size and substrate on D. onilahensis germination. We used a completely randomized experimental design and a 2 x 3 factorial scheme with two seed sizes (> 15 mm and < 15 mm in diameter) and three substrate types (sand, Plantmax®, and vermiculite), with four replications of 15 seeds. We analyzed germination percentage (G%), number of germinated seeds (NGS), and germination speed index (GSI). Data underwent variance analysis, and means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Germination began 73 days after sowing. Seed size had no effect on germination. Among substrates, vermiculite showed the best results for GSI, NGS, and G%, followed by sand and then by Plantmax®. Our study provides the first data on factors that affect the germination of this palm tree species. 
The effects of managerial systems on helminth infection in freerange chickens from northern Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Vieira Fernando Emmanuel Gonçalves , Yamamura Milton Hissashi , Freire Roberta Lemos , Headley Selwyn Arlington
Published: July 2016

The effects of managerial systems on the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths in Free-Range Chickens (FRCs) from northern Paraná, Brazil were investigated. The most predominant (23.3%; 61/262) cestode observed was Raillietina cesticillus; Heterakis gallinarum (71.4%; 187/262) and Ascaridia galli (45%; 118/262) were the predominant nematodes; Postharmostomum commutatum was the only trematode observed in 2.7% (7/262) of FRCs. The most elevated parasitic burdens were associated with Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaridia galli, and Raillietina cesticillus. Significant (p ? 0.05) associations were observed when the effects of the types of bedding, soil type, and fence restriction of FRCs were considered relative to the possibility of helminthiasis. The type of bedding, the length of the sanitary break, and the presence of shading significantly (p ? 0.05) influenced the possibility of FRCs being infected by H. gallinarum. Most parameters evaluated were significantly associated with infection of FRCs by A. galli. These findings suggest that FRCs from northern Paraná are infected by a wide-range of gastrointestinal helminths, but more frequently by R. cesticillus, H. gallinarum, and A. galli. Moreover, the type of floor bedding, the soil type, and the usage of fences in the management of FRCs is directly related to gastrointestinal helminthiasis.

 
Recovery of equine oocytes by scraping of the follicular wall with different specifications of needles and morphological analysis of cumulus oophorus
Authors: González Suellen Miguez , Silva Camila Bizarro da , Lindquist Andressa Guidugli , Búfalo Isabela , Machado Fernanda Zandonadi , Bueno João Vitor Ravagnani , Scarpin Larissa Corrêa , Bergamo Larissa Zamparone , Silva-Santos Katia Cristina , Marinho Luciana Simões Rafagnin , Seneda Marcelo Marcondes
Published: July 2016

In follicular aspiration, physical aspects are of high significance for the technique to succeed, such as vacuum pressure, caliber of the needle and the way the follicular wall curettage is performed. The aim of this study was to investigate the recovery rate of equine oocytes aspirated by scraping of the follicular wall, testing different calibers of disposable needles, as well as the morphological evaluation of the cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs). Mares ovaries (n=447) obtained at a local slaughterhouse were transported to the laboratory in a thermal container (20 °C) and had the tunica albuginea and connective tissues dissected. The aspirated follicles had 10 to 25 mm in diameter, and 30x8 (21G 1 ¼) or 40x12 (18G 1 ½) needles were used for the aspiration, forming group A (G-A) and group B (G-B), respectively. In G-A and G-B, 480 and 548 follicles were aspirated, respectively. Under the stereomicroscope, the oocytes were evaluated according to the quality of the ooplasm and characteristics of the cumulus cells (grade I, II, III and denuded). The statistical analysis was performed using the Student’s t-test, logistic regression and test of proportions, and differences were considered significant when P<0.05. There was no difference between recovery rates of groups G-A (66.5%; 330/496) and G-B (65.5%; 359/548). In the G-A group, grade II oocytes were related to higher recovery rates (46.9%; 145/330) than grade I (23.6%; 72/330), grade III (20.6%; 59/330) and denuded oocytes (8.5%; 24/330; P<0.05). However, in G-B, there was no statistical difference regarding the quality of the recovered oocytes: grade I (23.4%; 77/359), grade II (43.2%; 145/359), grade III (22.5%; 73/359) and denuded (11.1%; 32/359). The 30x8 (21G 1 ¼) needle provided a higher proportion of grades I and II oocytes than the 40x12 (18G 1 ½) needle, with 72.4% (239/330) and 65% (233/359; P<0.05), respectively. Both calibers of needles tested in this study provide efficient oocyte recovery rates. Aspiration with 30x8 (21G 1 ¼) needles resulted in a higher proportion of morphologically good equine oocytes for use in reproductive biotechnologies.

 
Techniques for sperm evaluation using fluorescent probes
Authors: Cunha Andrielle Thainar Mendes , Carvalho José Oliveira , Dode Margot Alves Nunes
Published: July 2016

 

A variety of laboratory tests were developed to obtain more reliable results of sperm evaluation and increase the accuracy of sperm fertility predictions. These tests detected damage of sperm specific compartments or organelles, which cannot be detected in routine sperm analysis. The use of fluorescent probes and detection using fluorescent microscopy or flow cytometry is an important tool but a more precise and accurate laboratory test is needed. Propidium iodide and 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate are used for evaluations of plasmatic membrane integrity. Fluorescein isothiocyanate, associated with conjugated lecithin Psium sativum or Arachis hypogaea, are used for evaluations of acrosome integrity. Two probes, MitoTracker or Rhodamine123, are generally used to measure the absence or presence of mitochondrial potential. However, a better option is 5,5’; 6,6’ - tetrachloro - 1,1’; 3,3’ -tetraetilbenzimidazolil-carbocyanine (JC-1) dye, which assesses not only the presence of mitochondrial potential and distinguished spermatozoa with poorly and highly functional mitochondria. Two techniques, TUNEL or COMETA, and the Acridine Orange Test (AOT) dye are used to evaluate chromatin integrity. A fluorescence technique based on chlortetracycline (CTC) or Merocyanine 540 is used to estimate whether sperm pass by or through the capacitation process. This review focuses on the fluorescent probes that are most widely used to evaluate plasma membrane integrity, capacitation, acrosome integrity, chromatin integrity and mitochondrial potential.
Integrating forest-pasture: Spatial analysis and delineation of zones of litter production and nutrient return
Authors: Silva Neto Sabino Pereira da , Santos Antonio Clementino dos , Leite Raimundo Laerton de Lima , Silva José Expedito Cavalcante da , Neves Neto Durval Nolasco , Rodrigues Marcos Odilon Dias , Alencar Nayara Martins
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to quantify, describe, and identify plant litter production and nutrient accumulation zones in different forest-pasture integration (FPI) systems and forest strata of the Cerrado-Amazon transition on typical orthic Quartzarenic Neosol using spatial analysis, principal component analysis, and non-hierarchical fuzzy k-mean clustering logic techniques. The evaluations were performed at two FPI systems comprising a combination of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and thinned native vegetation with 50 and 75% (FPI-I and FPI-II, respectively) shade in an original thinned forest (NFI) and in an original intact forest (NF-II) with 80 and 95% shade, respectively. An area of 4,000 m² (40 x 100 m) that contained 32 sampling points arranged in a 4 x 25 m grid was demarcated for each treatment. Plant litter was collected using 32 collectors installed at equidistant points. Twelve nylon bags were placed on the soil surface at each point to evaluate the plant litter decomposition, totaling 384 bags per treatment. It was possible to quantify, describe, and define plant litter production and nutrient accumulation zones in different FPI systems and forest strata of the Cerrado-Amazon transition on orthic Quartzarenic Neosol using geostatistical analysis, principal components, and non-hierarchical fuzzy k-mean clustering logic procedures.
Physicochemical composition and fatty acid profile of milk from F1 Holstein x Zebu cows fed with increasing concentrations of urea
Authors: Souza Vanice Mendes de , Rocha Júnior Vicente Ribeiro , Caldeira Luciana Albuquerque , Antunes Ana Paula Da Silva , Ruas José Reinaldo Mendes , Souza Criszoel Ferreira , Aguiar Ana Cássia Rodrigues de , Lanna Dante Pazzanese Duarte
Published: July 2016

We evaluated the physicochemical composition and fatty acid profile of milk from F1 Holstein × Zebu cows that were fed increasing levels of urea (0%, 33%, 66% and 100%, corresponding to 0%, 0.92%, 1.84% and 2.77% CP as NPN) as a substitute for soybean meal. Eight lactating F1 Holstein × Zebu cows producing an average of 10 kg of milk per day corrected to 3.5% fat, were placed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares (4 animals, 4 diets and 4 periods). Each experimental period lasted 18 days. Milk samples from each cow were collected from morning and afternoon milkings and analyzed for composition and fatty acid concentration. Milk urea nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary urea. Other variables including fat content, protein, fixed mineral residues, lactose, total nonfat solids, acidity, density, casein, cryoscopic index, somatic cell count, and milk fatty acid concentrations, were not affected by treatment. Thus, urea provides a viable alternative to soybean meal that does not affect the characteristics of milk from primiparous F1 Holstein × Zebu cows, producing up to 10 kg of milk corrected to 3.5% fat day-1.
Genetic and environmental effects on scores of conformation, precocity and muscling in long yearling Nellore cattle
Authors: Barrozo Diego , Mattar Maira , Tholon Patrícia , Oliveira João Ademir de , Scalez Daiane Cristina Becker , Queiroz Sandra Aidar de
Published: July 2016

The visual scores for conformation (C), precocity (P) and muscle (M) are used to indirectly assess traits related to termination and carcass composition. This study analyzes how age of dam at calving (AC), long yearling age (YA) and long yearling weight (YW) of the animal affect the scores of Nellore cattle, and estimates their heritability. Regression functions were estimated to determine the AC, YA and YW effects on C, P and M scores after the contemporary group (CG) effect being absorbed. The heritabilities were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood using four different models that included animal additive genetic effect as random and different covariates (AC, YA and YW) as fixed effects. The regression analysis showed that the covariates, either linear or quadratic, significantly influenced the scores of C, P and M. The determination coefficients of the models for YA and AC were small, probably due to the CG bias removal. The heritability estimates for the scores ranged from 0.13 to 0.36 for C; 0.32 to 0.36 for P; and, 0.35 to 0.38 for M, for all models, indicating that C, P and M respond to direct selection. The classification of animals according to their breeding values, especially in relation to C, varied according to the environmental effects included in the models.
Apparent digestibility of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) diets containing different levels of phosphorus
Authors: Nervis Juliana Alice Lösch , Feiden Aldi , Moro Evandro Bilha , Moreno Marlon Casarini , Klein Sidnei , Boscolo Wilson Rogério
Published: July 2016

The present study aimed to evaluate pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) diets and determine the apparent digestibility at different levels of phosphorus using the feces collection method with an intestinal dissection marker. A total of 320 pacu with average weights of 768.5±36.34 g were used, and they were distributed in four 5 m³ net cages. The fish were fed isonitrogenous (27%), isoenergetic (3000 kcal/kg) and isocalcium (1.50%) diets with total phosphorus levels of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2%. The fish were incised with lateral openings to allow for feces removal from the rectum, and the fish were then sent for carcass chemical composition analysis. Significant differences were observed (P<0.01) between treatments for the apparent diet digestibility, apparent phosphorous digestibility, available phosphorus and residual phosphorus. There was a linear decrease in apparent diet digestibility and apparent phosphorus digestibility with increasing levels of phosphorous in the diet, and the highest values were observed for the diet with 0.6% total phosphorus. For available phosphorus and residual phosphorus, there was a linear increase based on total phosphorus levels in the diet. No significant differences were observed for the chemical composition of the pacu carcasses. Therefore, the greatest digestibility of total phosphorus in the diet obtained through dissection was observed in the diet containing 0.6% total phosphorus, and the different levels of phosphorus did not influence the chemical composition of the pacu carcasses. 
Characteristics of milk production systems and feed strategies for dairy cows in the North and Northwest of Paraná State
Authors: Yabe Milton Takeo , Bánkuti Ferenc Istvan , Damasceno Julio Cesar , Brito Marcel Moreira de
Published: July 2016

Although milk production is widespread, several barriers remain that limit its competitiveness, including those related to low performance parameters in milk production systems (MPS), which can be minimized through the adoption of effective nutritional strategies. The increased use of corn can provide benefits to both rural production and the entire milk production chain. Moreover, it represents the major economic strategy of adding value to grain produced in Brazil, via the transformation of milk. The objective of this study was to characterize MPS in the north and northwest regions of Paraná, Brazil, and identify the relationship between productive and structural variables across the supply of concentrate containing corn and grain corn for dairy cows. Data were collected from 185 MPS and analyzed via multivariate statistical techniques, including the analysis of hierarchical clusters, as well as hypothesis testing and means comparison using ANOVA. A cluster analysis was performed based on two qualitative and dichotomous variables: (i) concentrate containing corn fed to dairy cows and (ii) grain corn fed to dairy cows. Four groups were defined: Group 1 (N = 99 MPS) was characterized by systems where cows were fed corn only in the form of a concentrate, referred to as “Concentrate”; Group 2 (N = 41 MPS) where cows were fed corn incorporated in both concentrate and grain form, referred to as “Concentrate + Grain”; Group 3 (N = 14 MPS), where corn was supplied to cows solely in the form of grain, referred to as “Corn Grain”; and finally, Group 4 (N = 41 MPS), which included systems where no corn was supplied to cows, referred to as “Zero Corn.” When weighed against the productive and structural variables, Groups 1 and 2 did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), nor did Groups 3 and 4 (P > 0.05). However, Groups 1 and 2 were significantly different from Groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the strategy of supplying corn either exclusively as concentrate or in combination with grain corn resulted in better responses to the structural and productive variables analyzed in the MPS. Our results indicate that this is an important strategy for aggregation of grain value via transformation of milk. In addition, no difference was noted between exclusive use of grain corn and non-use of corn.
Seminal and spermatic characteristics of fresh semen and the effects of sperm cooling in Steindachneridion melanodermatum (Garavello, 2005)
Authors: Marcos Ronan Maciel , Neumann Giovano , Toledo Cesar Pereira Rebechi de , Sena João Marcos , Baumgartner Gilmar , Bombardelli Robie Allan
Published: July 2016

This study describes the seminal and spermatic characteristics of fresh semen of Steindachneridion melanodermatum and investigates the effects of dilution, temperature, and storage period on its spermatic parameters. Sperm samples were collected from nine hormonally-induced males. The following parameters in fresh sperm were analyzed: seminal plasma osmolality (OSM), seminal pH, sperm motility (MOT), sperm velocity (SV) (including sperm curvilinear velocity (CVV), sperm straight-line velocity (SLV), and sperm average path velocity (APV)), total time of sperm motility (TEMP), sperm concentration (CONC), and index of sperm normality (NORM). Sperm samples from each male were diluted in a solution containing 5% fructose and 5% powdered milk, and stored at 10°C and 25°C. The same was carried out for sperm samples not subjected to dilution. From these samples, MOT, CVV, SLV, APV, SV, and TEMP were measured after 0 h, 5 h, 9 h, 18 h, 27 h, 36 h, 45 h, and 54 h. Males released 11.74 ± 5.38 mL of sperm, with an osmolality of 258.78 ± 29.36 mOsm.kg-1 and pH of 7.11 ± 0.31. The sperm presented a MOT of 99.86 ± 0.31% at a concentration of 1.03 × 1010 ± 3.65 × 109 spermatozoa.mL-1 with CVV of 185.58 ± 14.11 ?m.s-1, SLV of 49.15 ± 4.66 ?m.s-1, APV of 87.02 ± 4.13 ?m.s-1, SV of 106.52 ± 4.45 ?m.s-1, TEMP of 79.31 ± 5.62 s, NORM of 75.81 ± 5.71%. The results indicate that sperm motility, sperm velocity, and total time of sperm activation were affected by dilution, storage temperature, and storage period (p < 0.05). Procedures for semen storage should be performed with undiluted sperm cooled at 10°C, or kept undiluted at 25°C for up to 27 h.
A Model Study of In Silico Proficiency Testing for Clinical Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Duncavage Eric J. , Abel Haley J. , Merker Jason D. , Bodner John B. , Zhao Qin , Voelkerding Karl V. , Pfeifer John D.
Published: July 2016

Context.—Most current proficiency testing challenges for next-generation sequencing assays are methods-based proficiency testing surveys that use DNA from characterized reference samples to test both the wet-bench and bioinformatics/dry-bench aspects of the tests. Methods-based proficiency testing surveys are limited by the number and types of mutations that either are naturally present or can be introduced into a single DNA sample.

Objective.—To address these limitations by exploring a model of in silico proficiency testing in which sequence data from a single well-characterized specimen are manipulated electronically.

Design.—DNA from the College of American Pathologists reference genome was enriched using the Illumina TruSeq and Life Technologies AmpliSeq panels and sequenced on the MiSeq and Ion Torrent platforms, respectively. The resulting data were mutagenized in silico and 26 variants, including single-nucleotide variants, deletions, and dinucleotide substitutions, were added at variant allele fractions (VAFs) from 10% to 50%. Participating clinical laboratories downloaded these files and analyzed them using their clinical bioinformatics pipelines.

Results.—Laboratories using the AmpliSeq/Ion Torrent and/or the TruSeq/MiSeq participated in the 2 surveys. On average, laboratories identified 24.6 of 26 variants (95%) overall and 21.4 of 22 variants (97%) with VAFs greater than 15%. No false-positive calls were reported. The most frequently missed variants were single-nucleotide variants with VAFs less than 15%. Across both challenges, reported VAF concordance was excellent, with less than 1% median absolute difference between the simulated VAF and mean reported VAF.

Conclusions.—The results indicate that in silico proficiency testing is a feasible approach for methods-based proficiency testing, and demonstrate that the sensitivity and specificity of current next-generation sequencing bioinformatics across clinical laboratories are high.
Reconstruction of genetically identified neurons imaged by serial-section electron microscopy
Authors: Joesch Maximilian , Mankus David , Yamagata Masahito , Shahbazi Ali , Schalek Richard , Suissa-Peleg Adi , Meister Markus , Lichtman Jeff W , Scheirer Walter J , Sanes Joshua R
Published: July 2016

Resolving patterns of synaptic connectivity in neural circuits currently requires serial section electron microscopy. However, complete circuit reconstruction is prohibitively slow and may not be necessary for many purposes such as comparing neuronal structure and connectivity among multiple animals. Here, we present an alternative strategy, targeted reconstruction of specific neuronal types. We used viral vectors to deliver peroxidase derivatives, which catalyze production of an electron-dense tracer, to genetically identify neurons, and developed a protocol that enhances the electron-density of the labeled cells while retaining the quality of the ultrastructure. The high contrast of the marked neurons enabled two innovations that speed data acquisition: targeted high-resolution reimaging of regions selected from rapidly-acquired lower resolution reconstruction, and an unsupervised segmentation algorithm. This pipeline reduces imaging and reconstruction times by two orders of magnitude, facilitating directed inquiry of circuit motifs.
Inactivation of oncogenic cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 4D by miR-139-5p in response to p53 activation
Authors: Cao Bo , Wang Kebing , Liao Jun-Ming , Zhou Xiang , Liao Peng , Zeng Shelya X , He Meifang , Chen Lianzhou , He Yulong , Li Wen , Lu Hua
Published: July 2016

Increasing evidence highlights the important roles of microRNAs in mediating p53’s tumor suppression functions. Here, we report miR-139-5p as another new p53 microRNA target. p53 induced the transcription of miR-139-5p, which in turn suppressed the protein levels of phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), an oncogenic protein involved in multiple tumor promoting processes. Knockdown of p53 reversed these effects. Also, overexpression of miR-139-5p decreased PDE4D levels and increased cellular cAMP levels, leading to BIM-mediated cell growth arrest. Furthermore, our analysis of human colorectal tumor specimens revealed significant inverse correlation between the expression of miR-139-5p and that of PDE4D. Finally, overexpression of miR-139-5p suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors, accompanied by decrease in PDE4D and increase in BIM. These results demonstrate that p53 inactivates oncogenic PDE4D by inducing the expression of miR-139-5p.
Molecular dynamics-based refinement and validation for sub-5 Å cryo-electron microscopy maps
Authors: Singharoy Abhishek , Teo Ivan , McGreevy Ryan , Stone John E , Zhao Jianhua , Schulten Klaus
Published: July 2016

Two structure determination methods, based on the molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) paradigm, are presented that resolve sub-5 Å cryo-electron microscopy (EM) maps with either single structures or ensembles of such structures. The methods, denoted cascade MDFF and resolution exchange MDFF, sequentially re-refine a search model against a series of maps of progressively higher resolutions, which ends with the original experimental resolution. Application of sequential re-refinement enables MDFF to achieve a radius of convergence of ~25 Å demonstrated with the accurate modeling of β-galactosidase and TRPV1 proteins at 3.2 Å and 3.4 Å resolution, respectively. The MDFF refinements uniquely offer map-model validation and B-factor determination criteria based on the inherent dynamics of the macromolecules studied, captured by means of local root mean square fluctuations. The MDFF tools described are available to researchers through an easy-to-use and cost-effective cloud computing resource on Amazon Web Services.
How open science helps researchers succeed
Authors: McKiernan Erin C , Bourne Philip E , Brown C Titus , Buck Stuart , Kenall Amye , Lin Jennifer , McDougall Damon , Nosek Brian A , Ram Karthik , Soderberg Courtney K , Spies Jeffrey R , Thaney Kaitlin , Updegrove Andrew , Woo Kara H , Yarkoni Tal
Published: July 2016

Open access, open data, open source and other open scholarship practices are growing in popularity and necessity. However, widespread adoption of these practices has not yet been achieved. One reason is that researchers are uncertain about how sharing their work will affect their careers. We review literature demonstrating that open research is associated with increases in citations, media attention, potential collaborators, job opportunities and funding opportunities. These findings are evidence that open research practices bring significant benefits to researchers relative to more traditional closed practices.
Closing the net on retroviruses
Authors: Luban Jeremy
Published: July 2016

Structural studies reveal how an antiviral factor forms a molecular net to restrict retroviruses including HIV-1.
Differential nest-defense to perceived danger in urban and rural areas by female Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Authors: Kunca Tomas , Yosef Reuven
Published: July 2016

The reaction of wildlife to humans is known to differ with surroundings. In urban environments that provide suitable habitats for breeding birds, animals adapt to humans and their response is accordingly altered. This study examined the nest defense behavior of female Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) during the breeding season in urban and rural areas of Prague. The females showed four different types of reaction to humans that approached the nest and differed significantly between the two study areas. Contrary to expectations, urban nesting females were more aggressive than rural conspecifics. The intensity of response increased as the season progressed, and females defended their broods to a much greater degree than their clutches in both urban and rural habitats, suggesting a differential effort as a function of their relative investment in the breeding attempt conforming with the parental investment hypothesis.