bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archiving Nature’s Heartbeat Using Smartphones
Authors: Zhang Jinglan , Roe Paul , Pham Binh , Mason Richard , Towsey Michael , Sumitomo Jiro
Published: January 2012

The impact of urban development and climate change has created the impetus to monitor changes in the environment, particularly, the behaviour, habitat and movement of fauna species. The aim of this chapter is to present the design and development of a sensor network based on Smartphones to automatically collect and analyse acoustic and visual data for environmental monitoring purposes. Due to the communication and sophisticated programming facilities offered by Smartphones, software tools can be developed to allow data to be collected, partially processed and sent to a remote server over the network for storage and further processing. This sensor network which employs a client-server architecture has been deployed in three applications: monitoring a rare bird species near Brisbane Airport, study of koalas behaviour at St Bees Island, and detection of fruit flies. The users of this system include scientists (e.g. ecologists, ornithologists, computer scientists) and community groups participating in data collection or reporting on the environment (e.g. students, bird watchers). The chapter focuses on the following aspects of our research: issues involved in using Smartphones as sensors; the overall framework for data acquisition, data quality control, data management and analysis; current and future applications of the Smartphone-based sensor network, and our future research directions.
Enhanced Speech-Enabled Tools for Intelligent and Mobile E-Learning Applications
Authors: Selouani S- A. , Lê T-H. , Benahmed Y. , O’Shaughnessy D.
Published: January 2012

Web-based learning is rapidly becoming the preferred way to quickly, efficiently, and economically create and deliver training or educational content through various communication media. This chapter presents systems that use speech technology to emulate the one-on-one interaction a student can get from a virtual instructor. A Web-based learning tool, the Learn IN Context (LINC+) system, designed and used in a real mixed-mode learning context for a computer (C++ language) programming course taught at the Université de Moncton (Canada) is described here. It integrates an Internet Voice Searching and Navigating (IVSN) system that helps learners to search and navigate both the web and their desktop environment through voice commands and dictation. LINC+ also incorporates an Automatic User Profile Building and Training (AUPB&T) module that allows users to increase speech recognition performance without having to go through the long and fastidious manual training process. New Automated Service Agents based on the Artificial Intelligence Markup Language (AIML) are used to provide naturalness to the dialogs between users and machines. The portability of the e-learning system across a mobile platform is also investigated. The findings show that when the learning material is delivered in the form of a collaborative and voice-enabled presentation, the majority of learners seem to be satisfied with this new media, and confirm that it does not negatively affect their cognitive load.
Advances in Data Processing for Airlines Revenue Management
Authors: Mora-Camino Félix , Cruz Luiz Gustavo Zelaya
Published: January 2012

In this communication advances in data processing techniques applied to Airlines Revenue Management are displayed. The general introduction presents a brief review of Airlines Revenue Management. The first of the paper introduces the problem of updating the probability distributions of demand for reservations. This updating process, facing the stochastic nature of demand for travel, is a cornerstone for the design of an efficient on-line decision support system to control the reservation process for a flight by an airline. The considered problem is formulated as a dual geometric problem to which an unconstrained non-convex, primal geometric problem is associated. A genetic algorithm optimization approach is proposed to solve the primal geometric problem, and then the classical geometric primal-dual transformations provide the solution to the initial problem. Then, the second part of the paper considers the design of a new Decision Support System for improving the reservation control process of airlines. A new recursive Dynamic Programming model for maximum expected revenue evaluation is defined, which, contrarily to other approaches, takes explicitly into account daily booking request arrivals. A practical Backward Dynamic Programming algorithm is established, leading to the design of an on-line optimisation module for Revenue Management. In this study two cases are considered. The first one considers that fare classes are not physically confined and the obtained results are extended in the second case to cover the situations where confinement of fare classes (Business Class and Economy Class) is applied.
Abstractions and Middleware for Petascale Computing and Beyond
Authors: Sbalzarini Ivo F.
Published: January 2012

As high-performance computing moves to the petascale and beyond, a number of algorithmic and software challenges need to be addressed. This paper reviews the main performance-limiting factors in today’s high-performance computing software and outlines a possible new programming paradigm to address them. The proposed paradigm is based on abstract parallel data structures and operations that encapsulate much of the complexity of an application, but still make communication overhead explicit. The authors argue that all numerical simulations can be formulated in terms of the presented abstractions, which thus define an abstract semantic specification language for parallel numerical simulations. Simulations defined in this language can automatically be translated to source code containing the appropriate calls to a middleware that implements the underlying abstractions. Finally, the structure and functionality of such a middleware are outlined while demonstrating its feasibility on the example of the parallel particle-mesh library (PPM).
Experimental-Theoretical Method for Defining Physical-Mechanical Properties of Polymer Materials with Regard to Change of Their Physical-Chemical Properties
Authors: Aliyev Gabil G.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, an experimental-theoretical method is suggested for defining physical-mechanical characteristics of polymer materials with regard to influence of corrosive liquid media. Experimental dependences of mechanical characteristics on a swelling function are given for a series of polymer materials. One dimensional and three-dimensional linear-elastic models of body deformation with regard to influence of corrosive liquid media are suggested. A new phenomenon, bulging of a polymer strip rigidly fastened by both ends because of swilling forces, is established. The stability criterion is given for a strip made of a polymer material situated under the action of swelling forces only.
Two-D Analysis of the Thermo-Mechanical Properties of ZrO2-Based Composites
Authors: Salehi Sedigheh , Ryukhtin Vasyl , Lukas Petr , Van der Biest Omer , Vleugels Jef
Published: January 2012

In this paper, a fast and efficient tool for predicting a set of physical and mechanical composite properties such as thermal expansion coefficients, thermal and electrical conductivity, stiffness, and thermal residual stress is developed based on the analysis of a representative volume of ZrO2-based composite. Such an analysis allows an engineer to assess the mechanical and physical properties to design an optimum composite composition in terms of advantageous mechanical properties and at the same time a good electrical discharge machining performance. Thermal residual stresses in the constituent phases and thermal and electrical conductivity of ZrO2-based composites are assessed by a Finite Element (FE) model using 2 dimensional SEM micrographs. The FE models are verified by comparing numerically calculated results with experimentally measured data.
Customer Retention Programs of CRM and Customer Retention in E-Banking
Authors: Nili Alireza , Keramati Abbas
Published: January 2012

This study, considering various viewpoints and concepts about customer relationship management (CRM), aims to propose a comprehensive set of customer retention programs of CRM (including customer service, loyalty programs, customization, and online community) and describe the correlation between each of these programs and customer retention. In doing so, the empirical data collected by the means of the designed questionnaire distributed to the top managers working in e-banking sector of two private and two governmental Iranian bank branches were analyzed. The results of this analysis represent the positive and significant correlation between each of the customer retention programs of CRM and customer retention. Moreover, based on the findings of this research, among these programs, customer service has the most significant and customization has the lowest correlation with customer retention in e-banking of these banks.
Encouraging User-Generated Content with a Conceptional Social Media Communication Process Model
Authors: Anger Isabel , Kittl Christian
Published: January 2012

Internet phenomena like Facebook or Twitter hold great potential for companies. The 21st century’s social networks are platforms for the (semi) public exchange of information that is produced and consumed by users alike. For an organisation, taking an active part in these conversations can support the efforts to gain more trust, co-shape the organisation’s image and obtain knowledge from user-generated content. User-generated content can help optimise processes and act as a testimonial for the organisation’s services and products. This work offers an outline of motivation for, types and use of user-generated content in Social Media and provides a conceptional process model facilitating external knowledge management within organisational communication measures in Social Media.
The Role of Education in the Advancement of Cultural Harmony (REACH)
Authors: Bakry Saad Haj , Al-Ghamdi Ali
Published: January 2012

An important mean for dealing with Huntington warning of “clash of civilizations” is to enhance “cultural harmony” and establish “cultural pluralism”. In essence, cultural harmony is a knowledge society problem concerned with “cultural knowledge: CK” preparation, diffusion and exploitation in real life practices. In this respect, educational institutions, through their knowledge mission, can play an essential role in the promotion of cultural harmony. This paper is concerned with initiating a global initiative on the “role of education in the advancement of cultural harmony: REACH”. It provides a background on the issues and structure of the target initiative. In addressing the issues two types of references have been considered. One is concerned with how key educational and other related institutions view cultural harmony in the 21st century; while the other is related to how key cultural dialogue efforts view the role of education in this harmony. The target structure of the initiative is considered to be based on the knowledge society ecosystem framework of “knowledge circle in the scope of strategy, technology, organization, people and environment: KC-STOPE”. The paper hopes to provide the first step toward the initiation of REACH, putting it into global practice, and contributing to peace and well-being.
Framing Technology Enhanced Learning Environments
Authors: Bottino Rosa Maria
Published: January 2012

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the field of educational technology is characterized by approaches, models and methodologies that derive from a number of different disciplines. Consequently, to understand how the different approaches have been concretely applied to the design, practical implementation and analysis of learning environments integrating technology, it is necessary to refer to some overarching notions through which it is possible to link theoretical reflections and the pedagogical and technical considerations that one has to face when designing or analysing learning environments integrating technology. In this paper two notions will be considered in particular: that of perspectives and that of the didactical functionalities of an ICT-based tool. The idea is to use these two notions as conceptual complementary lenses: the notion of perspectives can help to better connect the educational technology field with related areas and concepts; the notion of didactical functionalities, in the framework of each perspective, can help to highlight relevant issues and research questions. The aim is to sketch a framework to support the understanding of research studies in the field of educational technology at the school level and, in particular, to situate, as examples, specific projects carried out at the Institute for Educational Technology (ITD) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR).
Cardiac Electrical System Involvement in Alström Syndrome: Uncommon Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Czosek Richard J. , Goldenberg Paula , Miller Erin M. , Spicer Robert , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Ware Stephanie M.
Published: January 2012

Alström syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with dilated cardiomyopathy in 60% of patients. Despite the frequency of cardiac involvement in Alström syndrome, conduction system abnormalities or arrhythmias have not been characterized previously. We report two siblings with Alström syndrome with conduction system involvement with left bundle branch block on electrocardiogram (ECG). One patient had first degree atrioventricular block in addition to bundle branch block and underwent pacemaker implantation. This same patient developed intra-atrial reentry tachycardia requiring anti-arrhythmic medication and eventual trans-catheter ablation. The second patient developed atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and underwent placement of a bi-ventricular defibrillator. These findings suggest that cardiac conduction system involvement and clinical arrhythmia may be significant yet under-recognized complications in patients with Alström syndrome. Patients should be routinely screened with ECG and Holter monitoring in addition to echocardiographic assessment and a cardiologist experienced with cardiomyopathy should be an integral part of the care team.
Transfusion associated peak in Hb HPLC chromatogram – a case report
Authors: Jain Sonal , Dass Jasmita , Pati Hara Prasad
Published: January 2012

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrophoresis are commonly used to diagnose various hemoglobinopathies. However, insufficient information about the transfusion history can lead to unexpected and confusing results. We are reporting a case of Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) in which HbHPLC was done to quantify fetal hemoglobin (HbF). The chromatogram showed elevated HbF along with a peak in the HbD window. A transfusion acquired peak was suspected based on the unexpectedly low percentage of HbD and was subsequently confirmed using parental HbHPLC.
Tuberculosis after gastrectomy, plasmatic concentration of antitubercular drugs
Authors: De Socio Giuseppe Vittorio , D'Avolio Antonio , Sgrelli Alessio , Baietto Lorena , Malincarne Lisa , Di Perri Giovanni , Baldelli Franco
Published: January 2012

We report pharmacokinetic data on two gastrectomized, patients affected by tuberculosis. Drugs plasmatic concentrations were measured after seven days of oral therapy by a validated high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method and the area under the concentration-time-curve (AUC) over 24 hours (AUC0-24) was calculated. A sub-therapeutic level of isoniazid was found in a patient with total gastrectomy with a Cmax of 0,395 mg\L and AUC0-24 level of 4.75 hr*mg/L. The level of the other antitubercular drugs was adequate. Measurement of drug level in gastrectomy patients with tuberculosis is warranted.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated Haemophagocytic Syndrome
Authors: Torti Lorenza , Larocca Luigi Maria , Massini Giuseppina , Teofili Luciana
Published: January 2012

We describe the case of a 17- year old female who developed fatal haemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) one month following acute infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Despite initiation of treatment and reduction of EBV load, laboratory signs of HPS as severe cytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, hyperferritinemia and hypertriglyceridemia persisted, and the patient died of multiorgan failure. HPS is a rare, but life-threatening complication of EBV infection.
Bilateral Pleural Effusions due to Pulmonary Amyloidosis as the Presenting Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Agarwal Abhishek , Singla Sandeep , Bansal Meghana , Nair Bijay
Published: January 2012

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy of plasma cell origin. Pleural effusion may develop in the setting of myeloma due to various reasons but is extremely uncommon as a presenting symptom.  A 69-year-old Caucasian man presented with pleural effusions of undetermined etiology after extensive work up, and multiple failed pleurodesis. Lung biopsy revealed pulmonary amyloidosis and led to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Patient was started on chemotherapy but died within 6 weeks of his diagnosis due to multiorgan failure. Pulmonary amyloidosis should be suspected as a cause of intractable pleural effusions, even in patient who do not have evidence of lung involvement on imaging studies or typical features of multiple myeloma. Pleural effusions due to amyloidosis are often refractory to treatment, and a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment.
Aphid parasitoids in biological control
Authors: Boivin Guy , Hance Thierry , Brodeur Jacques
Published: January 2012

Boivin, G., Hance, T. and Brodeur, J. 2012. Aphid parasitoids in biological control. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1–12. Aphids are important pests of most cultivated crops worldwide. Among the natural enemies that regulate their populations, aphid parasitoids are commonly used in biological control programs in greenhouses and field situations. They belong to the Hymenoptera (Braconidae and Aphelinidae), and a few species are Diptera (Cecidomyiidae). Aphid parasitoids are themselves exposed to a variety of natural enemies including predators, fungi and hyperparasitoids. The most important impediment to the use of aphid parasitoids as biological control agents remains the production cost to mass-rear parasitoids. Rearing either aphids or directly aphid parasitoids in artificial media could be a solution to produce large quantities of aphid parasitoids at low cost, but such an approach still faces numerous challenges related to the nutritional and physiological requirements of developing aphid parasitoids.
CDC Treasure yellow field pea
Authors: Warkentin Tom , Vandenberg Albert , Tar'an Bunyamin , Banniza Sabine , Bett Kirstin , Barlow Brent , Ife Scott , Horner Jaret , de Silva Devini , Thompson Mark , Parada Mauricio , Wagenhoffer Stacey , Prado Thiago
Published: January 2012

Warkentin, T., Vandenberg, A., Tar'an, B., Banniza, S., Bett, K., Barlow, B., Ife, S., Horner, J., de Silva, D., Thompson, M., Parada, M., Wagenhoffer, S. and Prado, T. 2012. CDC Treasure yellow field pea. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 211–213. CDC Treasure, a yellow cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar, was released in 2009 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, for distribution to Select seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Treasure has a semileafless leaf type, good lodging resistance, and medium-sized, round seeds. In the Field Pea Co-operative Registration Test, CDC Treasure was 2 d earlier maturing than Cutlass and 4 d earlier maturing than Eclipse; it was 3% higher yielding than Cutlass and 13% higher yielding than Eclipse. CDC Treasure is adapted to the field pea growing regions of western Canada.
CDC Tetris green field pea
Authors: Warkentin T. D. , Vandenberg A. , Tar'an B. , Banniza S. , Bett K. E. , Barlow B. , Ife S. , Horner J. , de Silva D. , Thompson M. , Parada M. , Wagenhoffer S. , Prado T.
Published: January 2012

Warkentin, T. D., Vandenberg, A., Tar'an, B., Banniza, S., Bett, K. E., Barlow, B., Ife, S., Horner, J., de Silva, D., Thompson, M., Parada, M., Wagenhoffer, S. and Prado, T. 2012. CDC Tetris green field pea. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 217–219. CDC Tetris, a green cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar, was released in 2010 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan for distribution to Select seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Tetris has good lodging resistance, powdery mildew resistance, medium-sized seeds with blocky shape, good cotyledon bleaching resistance and good yielding ability. CDC Tetris is adapted to the field pea growing regions of western Canada.
Radiant hard red winter wheat
Authors: Thomas J. B. , Conner R. L. , Graf R. J.
Published: January 2012

Thomas, J. B., Conner, R. L. and Graf, R. J. 2012. Radiant hard red winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 169–175. Radiant hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is well adapted to the non-hazard region for stem rust (Puccinia graminis Pers.: Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn.) within the Canadian prairies. Based on evaluation relative to Norstar, CDC Osprey, AC Tempest and AC Bellatrix in the Western Winter Wheat Cooperative registration trials, Radiant was similar in grain yield to AC Bellatrix, the highest yielding check. Radiant displayed very good winter survival, relatively late maturity, moderate height, very strong straw, high test weight and large seeds. It is the first Canadian wheat cultivar with resistance to colonization by the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella Keifer), the sole vector of wheat streak mosaic. Radiant was also shown to have good resistance to the prevalent races of stripe rust. It is susceptible to stem rust, leaf rust and common bunt. Radiant is eligible for all grades of the Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) wheat class, having demonstrated a desirable combination of grain protein content, milling properties, dough functionality and baking performance. It has gained widespread commercial acceptance, particularly in Alberta.
AC Bellatrix hard red winter wheat
Authors: Thomas J. B. , Gaudet D. A. , Graf R. J.
Published: January 2012

Thomas, J. B., Gaudet, D. A. and Graf, R. J. 2012. AC Bellatrix hard red winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 163–168.AC Bellatrix is a winter-hardy, reduced-height cultivar of hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Lethbridge Research Centre. Based on evaluation in the Western Winter Wheat Cooperative Registration trials from 1995 to 1997, the average grain yield of AC Bellatrix was higher than Norstar and AC Readymade and similar to CDC Clair and CDC Osprey. AC Bellatrix was shorter than the standard height cultivar Norstar and had moderate lodging resistance, equivalent to CDC Osprey but with stiffer straw than Norstar and CDC Clair. AC Bellatrix exhibited moderate resistance to common bunt but was susceptible to leaf diseases including stem, leaf and stripe rust. Since its registration, AC Bellatrix is eligible for the enhanced-quality grades of the Canada Western Red Winter wheat market class.
Short-term native grassland compositional responses following liquid hog manure application
Authors: Bork E. W. , Blonski L. J.
Published: January 2012

Bork, E. W. and Blonski, L. J. 2012. Short-term native grassland compositional responses following liquid hog manure application. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 55–65. Intensive livestock operations (ILOs) are becoming more common in remote regions of the Canadian prairies in an effort to reduce conflict with other land uses. This has led to ILOs situated where the typical sink for manure application, cultivated land, is not available, leading to growing interest in using native grasslands for manure disposal. Significant opposition exists to this practice, in part due to limited information available on the impact of manure application to native grassland diversity and species composition. We examined plant species composition changes over two growing seasons following varying rates (∼9.5, 19, 38, 75 and 150 kg ha−1available N), methods (surface broadcast vs. coulter injected) and timing (fall vs. spring) of one-time liquid hog manure (LHM) application. Our results revealed divergent responses between study sites, with metrics of plant diversity declining in mixed prairie but increasing in fescue grassland with increases in manure application rate. Both communities also demonstrated minor changes in plant species composition, primarily in response to LHM rate and manure application method. Responsive plant species included a mix of native grasses and dicots, some of which may be regarded as undesirable (e.g., Artemisia frigida): however, most vegetation responses were temporary and disappeared by the second year. Although invasion of non-native plant species was not observed, suggesting these communities are tolerant of LHM application, changes in the reproductive effort of dominant grasses (negative in Hesperostipa curtiseta; positive in Pascopyrum smithii and Festuca hallii) suggest LHM application could alter long-term grassland composition. Thus, despite exhibiting resilience to one-time LHM application, future use of native grasslands for manure disposal should be done cautiously.
Bridgeview alfalfa
Authors: Acharya S. N. , Steppuhn H.
Published: January 2012

Acharya, S. N. and Steppuhn, H. 2012. Bridgeview alfalfa. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 203–206. Bridgeview salt tolerant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was developed by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta in cooperation with the salt laboratory at Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. This synthetic cultivar, tested as SC-A101 in the Western Forage Testing System (WFTest), was developed for improved seedling vigor and high forage yield under saline conditions. This cultivar yielded about 1% better than Beaver check in the WFTest over 36 location years. The pedigree of this cultivar consists of saline tolerant selections from Apica, AC Blue J, Barrier, Beaver, Heinrichs, Rangelander and Roamer alfalfa. This cultivar produced higher dry matter yield than Beaver in the third year of a test conducted in a naturally saline seep area in Vauxhall, AB. SC-A101 was found to perform significantly higher emergence, survival and biomass production than Rangelander alfalfa in an indoor test at salt levels higher than 16 dS m−8. Bridgeview was registered by CFIA on 2011 May 16 (Reg. No. 7018) and was licensed to SeCan for seed multiplication and distribution. This cultivar is well suited for hay production in western Canada.
Moats hard red winter wheat
Authors: Fowler D. B.
Published: January 2012

Fowler, D. B. 2012. Moats hard red winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 191–193. Moats is a hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that is eligible for grades of the Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) wheat class. It has excellent stem and leaf rust resistance and higher grain yield and protein concentration than the Central Winter Wheat Cooperative Registration Trial CWRW grain quality check cultivar, CDC Buteo. Its grain yield is similar to the high-yielding Registration Trial check cultivar, CDC Falcon, and lower than Accipiter, which is a more recent high-yielding winter wheat cultivar released in the Canada Western General Purpose wheat class. A suitable combination of grain quality, rust resistance and yield make Moats widely adapted in the winter wheat production area of western Canada.
Grafting pea, faba bean, and lentil to improve pulse crop breeding
Authors: Gurusamy V. , Warkentin T. D. , Vandenberg A.
Published: January 2012

Gurusamy, V., Warkentin, T. D. and Vandenberg, A. 2012. Grafting pea, faba bean, and lentil to improve pulse crop breeding. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 31–38. In vivo grafting experiments were conducted to determine their potential for improving pulse crop breeding techniques for pea, faba bean and lentil. Four scion×five rootstock genotype combinations were used for pea. Survival of grafted pea scions was not affected by genotype of scions or rootstocks, even for wild subspecies. Some scion-rootstock combinations resulted in reduced flowering time for scions. Total seed production of rootstock regrowth plus grafted scion was greater than for ungrafted controls or rooted cuttings. For faba bean, four scion×four rootstock combinations showed scion-rootstock interaction affected percent survival and flowering time of grafted scions. In vivo grafting of lentil scions to faba bean rootstocks is reported for the first time. Two lentil genotypes were grafted onto four faba bean rootstocks. The effects of lentil scion and faba bean rootstock genotype were significant for percent survival, but not for seed production. Percent scion survival was 85% for pea, 56% for faba bean, and 55% for lentil scions on faba bean rootstocks. In vivo grafting techniques can help to maximize the size of F2populations for breeding and genetic studies. Intergeneric in vivo grafting of lentil onto faba bean rootstock could be useful for interspecific hybridization studies for lentil.
Effects of Endosulfan (Thiodan 35 EC®) on Meiofauna Community Through a Microcosm Approach
Authors: Murolo Priscila P. A. , Brito M. S. , Santos P. J. P.
Published: January 2012

A microcosm experiment with natural community of meiofauna was performed to test the effects of the organochlorine pesticide Thiodan 35 EC (35% endosulfan) at concentrations more likely to reach the estuaries by the sugar cane crops runoff. A methodological proposal for microcosms was tested for tropical estuaries. The nominal concentrations (0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.35 and 0.55 μg.g-1 + control) and experimental times (0, 1, 4, 8 and 16 days) were adopted. Nominal and measured endosulfan concentrations in Thiodan showed highly significant correlation with losses below 60%. Significant differences were detected for meiofauna structure between experimental days and concentrations tested. The organochlorine Thiodan measured as endosulfan concentrations had affected the Kinorhyncha group on Day 8 and the Simple Linear Regression explained part of densities variation. There were no significant concentration effects on microphytobenthos and its concentration was not related to groups’ feeding. Despite the moderate to high volatilization rate of the endosufan observed in the end of the experiment, it is suggested the absence of mortality patterns due to pesticide bioavailability related to both sedimentary factors and the presence of microalgae. Possible replacement of sensitive by tolerant species or predominance of resistant species in each meiofauna group throughout the experiment is another hypothesis to be discussed.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Two Aquatic Macrophytes: a Field Study
Authors: Boudet L. Chiodi , Escalante A. , Haeften G. Von , Moreno V. , Gerpe M.
Published: January 2012

In order to assess the potential of two autochthonous plant species of Argentina as bioindicator and/or fitoremediator of metals, the accumulation of zinc, copper, cadmium and mercury in Schoenoplectus californicus and Ricciocarpus natans was studied. Total and labile contents of surface (SS) and near root sediments (NRS) were analyzed. Labile contents in NRS were lower than in SS, which was associated to the presence of S. californicus. Copper and zinc were positively correlated with total organic matter (TOM) whereas cadmium was not, suggesting low affinity of Cd to TOM. S. californicus presented the same pattern of distribution of those found in sediments (Zn > Cu > Cd). Bioaccumulation factors were close to (cadmium) or higher (zinc) than 1, while it was not conclusive for copper, revealing the S. californicus behaviour as an accumulator for zinc and indicator for cadmium. R. natans presented the highest metal levels among all studied matrix, with the presence of mercury. These findings showed the capacity of both S. californicus and R. natans to accumulate and remove heavy metals from sediments and water, which might be useful for phytoremediation programs.
Toxicity of Organophosphate Insecticide Abate® to Larvaes of Poecilia reticulata
Authors: CriveLenti L. Z. , Guilherme L. C. , Morelli S. , Borin S.
Published: January 2012

The pesticide Abate®, which contains 1% of organophosphate temephos as active ingredient, has been used to control the larva of the mosquito responsible for dengue. However, little information is available about the impact of this pesticide in the aquatic environment. This study evaluated the effect of the Abate® on the survival of larvaes of Poecilia reticulata, a larvivorous fish that serves as biological control of Aedes aegypti. In order to estimate the lethal time for 50% of exposed larvae (LT50), the organisms were exposed to five treatments (0.0; 0.375; 0.5; 0.625 and 0.750 mg.L-1 of Abate®) with nine replicates each. Concentrations equal or higher than 0.375 mg.L-1 of Abate® showed to be lethal to larvaes of P. reticulata. LT50 was estimated for the 2nd larvae was 239 Â± 41 minutes for a concentration of 0.750 mg.L-1 and 401 Â± 104 minutes for 0.375mg.L-1. In addition, larvaes that survived to the Abate® exposure presented mortality after transference to clean water, indicating a possible residual effect of the insecticide.
Statistical analysis of an LES shallow cumulus cloud ensemble using a cloud tracking algorithm
Authors: Dawe J. T. , Austin P. H.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A technique for the tracking of individual clouds in a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is presented. We use this technique on an LES of a shallow cumulus cloud field based upon the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX) to calculate statistics of cloud height, lifetime, and other physical properties for individual clouds in the model. We also examine the question of nature versus nurture in shallow cumulus clouds: do properties at cloud base determine the upper-level properties of the clouds (nature), or are cloud properties determined by the environmental conditions they encounter (nurture). We find that clouds which ascend through an environment that has been pre-moistened by previous cloud activity are no more likely to reach the inversion than clouds that ascend through a drier environment. Cloud base thermodynamic properties are uncorrelated with upper-level cloud properties, while mean fractional entrainment and detrainment rates display moderate correlations with cloud properties up to the inversion. Conversely, cloud base area correlates well with upper-level cloud area and maximum cloud height. We conclude that cloud thermodynamic properties are primarily influenced by entrainment and detrainment processes, cloud area and height are primarily influenced by cloud base area, and thus nature and nurture both play roles in the dynamics of BOMEX shallow cumulus clouds.
Nested-grid simulation of mercury over North America
Authors: Zhang Y. , Jaeglé L. , van Donkelaar A. , Martin R. V. , Holmes C. D. , Amos H. M. , Wang Q. , Talbot R. , Artz R. , Brooks S. , Luke W. , Holsen T. M. , Felton D. , Miller E. K. , Perry K. D. , Schmeltz D. , Steffen A. , Tordon R. , Weiss-Penzias P. , Zsolway R.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. We have developed a new high-resolution (1/2° latitude by 2/3° longitude) nested-grid mercury (Hg) simulation over North America employing the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model. Emissions, chemistry, deposition, and meteorology are self-consistent between the global and nested domains. Compared to the global model (4° latitude by 5° longitude), the nested model shows improved skill at capturing the high spatial and temporal variability of Hg wet deposition over North America observed by the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) in 2008–2009. The nested simulation resolves features such as land/ocean contrast and higher deposition due to orographic precipitation, and predicts more efficient convective rain scavenging of Hg over the southeast United States. However, the nested model overestimates Hg wet deposition over the Ohio River Valley region (ORV) by 27%. We modify anthropogenic emission speciation profiles in the US EPA National Emission Inventory (NEI) to account for the rapid in-plume reduction of reactive to elemental Hg (IPR simulation). This leads to a decrease in the model bias to +3% over the ORV region. Over the contiguous US, the correlation coefficient (r) between MDN observations and our IPR simulation increases from 0.63 to 0.78. The IPR nested simulation generally reproduces the seasonal cycle in surface concentrations of speciated Hg from the Atmospheric Mercury Network (AMNet) and Canadian Atmospheric Mercury Network (CAMNet). In the IPR simulation, annual mean reactive gaseous and particulate-bound Hg are within 80% and 10% of observations, respectively. In contrast, the simulation with unmodified anthropogenic Hg speciation profiles overestimates these observations by factors of 2 to 4. The nested model shows improved skill at capturing the horizontal variability of Hg observed over California during the ARCTAS aircraft campaign. We find that North American anthropogenic emissions account for 10–22% of Hg wet deposition flux over the US, depending on the anthropogenic emissions speciation profile assumed. The percent contribution can be as high as 60% near large point emission sources in ORV. The contribution for the dry deposition is 13–20%.
Development and characterization of a single particle laser ablation mass spectrometer (SPLAM) for organic aerosol studies
Authors: Gaie-Levrel F. , Perrier S. , Perraudin E. , Stoll C. , Grand N. , Schwell M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A single particle instrument was developed for real-time analysis of organic aerosol. This instrument, named Single Particle Laser Ablation Mass Spectrometry (SPLAM), samples particles using an aerodynamic lens system for which the theoretical performances were calculated. At the outlet of this system, particle detection and sizing are realized by using two continuous diode lasers operating at λ = 403 nm. Polystyrene Latex (PSL), sodium chloride (NaCl) and dioctylphtalate (DOP) particles were used to characterize and calibrate optical detection of SPLAM. The optical detection limit (DL) and detection efficiency (DE) were determined using size-selected DOP particles. The DE ranges from 0.1 to 90% for 100 and 350 nm DOP particles respectively and the SPLAM instrument is able to detect and size-resolve particles as small as 110–120 nm. During optical detection, particle scattered light from the two diode lasers, is detected by two photomultipliers and the detected signals are used to trigger UV excimer laser (λ = 248 nm) used for one-step laser desorption ionization (LDI) of individual aerosol particles. The formed ions are analyzed by a 1 m linear time-of-flight mass spectrometer in order to access to the chemical composition of individual particles. The TOF-MS detection limit for gaseous aromatic compounds was determined to be 0.85 × 10−15 kg (∼4 × 103 molecules). DOP particles were also used to test the overall operation of the instrument. The analysis of a secondary organic aerosol, formed in a smog chamber by the ozonolysis of indene, is presented as a first application of the instrument. Single particle mass spectra were obtained with an effective hit rate of 8%. Some of these mass spectra were found to be very different from one particle to another possibly reflecting chemical differences within the investigated indene SOA particles. Our study shows that an exhaustive statistical analysis, over hundreds of particles, and adapted reference mass spectra are further needed to understand the chemical meaning of single particle mass spectra of chemically complex submicrometer-sized organic aerosols.
Multi-sensor Aerosol Products Sampling System (MAPSS)
Authors: Petrenko M. , Ichoku C. , Leptoukh G.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Global and local properties of atmospheric aerosols have been extensively observed and measured using both spaceborne and ground-based instruments, especially during the last decade. Unique properties retrieved by the different instruments contribute to an unprecedented availability of the most complete set of complimentary aerosol measurements ever acquired. However, some of these measurements remain underutilized, largely due to the complexities involved in analyzing them synergistically. To characterize the inconsistencies and bridge the gap that exists between the sensors, we have established a Multi-sensor Aerosol Products Sampling System (MAPSS), which consistently samples and generates the spatial statistics (mean, standard deviation, direction and rate of spatial variation, and spatial correlation coefficient) of aerosol products from multiple spaceborne sensors, including MODIS (on Terra and Aqua), MISR, OMI, POLDER, CALIOP, and SeaWiFS. Samples of satellite aerosol products are extracted over Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) locations as well as over other locations of interest such as those with available ground-based aerosol observations. In this way, MAPSS enables a direct cross-characterization and data integration between Level-2 aerosol observations from multiple sensors. In addition, the available well-characterized co-located ground-based data provides the basis for the integrated validation of these products. This paper explains the sampling methodology and concepts used in MAPSS, and demonstrates specific examples of using MAPSS for an integrated analysis of multiple aerosol products.
Technical details concerning development of a 1200-yr proxy index for global volcanism
Authors: Crowley T. J. , Unterman M. B.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. This technical report describes details of developing a volcano forcing reconstruction (Crowley et al., 2008) for climate models that is based primarily on sulphate records in Antarctic and Greenland ice cores. The chronology of eruptions is considered accurate to within 1 yr for the interval AD 1104–2000 and 2 yr for AD 800–1103. The reconstruction involves: (1) calibration against satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) estimates of the 1991 Pinatubo/Hudson eruptions; (2) partial validation against independent lunar estimates of AOD and global sulphate emissions; (3) partial assessment of uncertainties in AOD estimates; (4) assessment of possible tropical "false positives" in ice core reconstructions due to simultaneous occurrence of mid/high-latitude eruptions in each hemisphere; (5) identification of a new category of eruptions, termed "unipolar" tropical eruptions, in which the eruption plume penetrates mainly to polar regions in only the hemisphere of its eruption; (6) use of different growth curves for high- and low-latitude eruptions; (7) specification of 2/3 power shortwave scaling for eruptions larger than the 1991 Pinatubo eruption; and (8) compensatory introduction of an estimate of effective particle size that affects lifetime and scattering properties of stratospheric aerosols.
Technical Note: A significance test for data-sparse zones in scatter plots
Authors: Vetrova V. V. , Bardsley W. E.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Data-sparse zones in scatter plots of hydrological variables can be of interest in various contexts. For example, a well-defined data-sparse zone may indicate inhibition of one variable by another. It is of interest therefore to determine whether data-sparse regions in scatter plots are of sufficient extent to be beyond random chance. We consider the specific situation of data-sparse regions defined by a linear internal boundary within a scatter plot defined over a rectangular region. An Excel VBA macro is provided for carrying out a randomisation-based significance test of the data-sparse region, taking into account both the within-region number of data points and the extent of the region. Example applications are given with respect to a rainfall time series from Israel and to validation scatter plots from a seasonal forecasting model for lake inflows in New Zealand.
Bleb-associated endophthalmitis in a Chinese population (2003-2010): clinical characteristics and visual outcome
Authors: Ye Hehua , Sun Xinghuai , Gan Dekang , Yu Xiaobo , Zhou Wenting , Xu Gezhi , Jiang Rui
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with bleb-associated endophthalmitis (BAE) in a Chinese population.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated for BAE between January 2003 and December 2010 in a single institution was performed. Data on visual acuity (VA), clinical characteristics, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

Thirty-one eyes from 31 patients with BAE were identified during the study period. Primary open-angle glaucoma was the most common type of glaucoma in this series (18 eyes, 58.1%). The time between glaucoma filtering surgery and diagnosis of endophthalmitis ranged from 18 days to 32 years, with a mean of 6.95±8.22 years. Nine eyes (32.1%) were culture positive, and the most common organisms identified were Staphylococcus species (6/9, 66.7%). Best-corrected VA at 12 months after treatment ranged from 20/30 to no light perception (NLP). Twelve (38.7%) eyes achieved VA of 20/400 or better, and 7 (22.6%) eyes had NLP. In patients undergoing initial tap-and-inject treatment, the eyes with presenting VA of finger count or better were associated with a higher treatment success rate (87.5%) than those of hand movement (33.3%) or light perception or NLP (9.1%).

Conclusions

Primary open-angle glaucoma was the most common type of glaucoma, and Staphylococcus species was the most common causative organism in this case series of BAE. Despite prompt treatment with appropriate intravitreal antibiotics, BAE still carries a poor visual prognosis.
Sobolev Regularity in Neutron Transport Theory
Authors: Zeghal Ahmed
Published: January 2012

The main purpose of this paper is to extend the W1,p regularity results in neutron transport theory, with respect to the Lebesgue measure due to Mokhtar-Kharroubi, (1991), and to abstract measures covering, in particular, the continuous models or multigroup models. The results are obtained for vacuum boundary conditions as well as periodic boundary conditions. H2 regularity results are derived when the velocity space is endowed with an appropriate class of measures (signed in the multidimensional case).
A New Fixed Point Theorem on Generalized Quasimetric Spaces
Authors: Kikina Luljeta , Kikina Kristaq , Gjino Kristaq
Published: January 2012

We obtain a new fixed point theorem in generalized quasimetric spaces. This result generalizes, unify, enrich, and extend some theorems of well-known authors from metric spaces to generalized quasimetric spaces.