bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rain-Fed Plantations Of The Domesticated Ziziphus Mauritiana In The Sahel: Effects Of Varieties And Rootstocks On Yields And Fruit Quality
Authors: Ibrahim Ali , Pasternak Dov , Guimbo Iro Dan , Saidou Abdou Salam , Amadou Moustapha 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
A long-term study was conducted to explore the possibility of using traditional rain-fed systems for growing domesticated Ziziphus mauritiana (so-called Pomme du Sahel) in the Sahel. Five varieties, Gola, Ben Gurion, Seb, Umran and Kaithli, were grafted on six rootstocks of Z. mauritiana from various agroecological zones of Niger. Trees were planted inside microcatchments at 8 × 8 m spacing. Over a period of six years, the variety Umran gave the highest fruit yield (3600 kg·ha−1) and the lowest fruit yield was documented for variety Seb (1970 kg·ha−1). Individual fruit weight ranged from 25.8 g for ‘Umran’ to 9.5 g for ‘Seb’. The rootstocks had no effect on average fruits yields and fruit size. There was a significant linear correlation between fruit yield and annual rainfall. In a rainy year (680 mm), the average yield of the five varieties was 7580 kg·ha−1. The results of the current study indicate that dry land plantations of Pomme du Sahel can guarantee food security during dry years in the Sahel. However, further studies are required to evaluate the economic feasibility of this system.
Effect Of Fertilization And Mycorrhization On Growth And Nutritional Status Of Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon Ait.) In The Nursery
Authors: Michałojć Zenia , Koter Michał 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a species that is becoming increasingly popular due to the health value and taste qualities of fruits. Studies on cranberry ‘Pilgrim’ were carried out in 2012-2013 in the nursery farm. Plants were grown in containers in open space. The effect of method of fertilization and application of mycorrhizal vaccine on the growth, development and nutritional status of plants during the first two years of cultivation in the nursery was evaluated. Fertilizer characterized by a controlled release of nutrients (CRF) – Osmocote 6M, agent with sustained-releasing components (SRF) – Hortiform pH, fertigation and fertilization using Hortiform pH combined with fertigation, were applied. The vaccine contained fungi of Hymenoscyphus sp. genus that are characteristic for Vaccinium genus. Significantly greater weight of plant shoots as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents were recorded in plants supplied with the mycorrhizal vaccine. A positive effect of slow-releasing fertilizers on plant weight and their chemical composition has been demonstrated, whereas plants fertigated developed lower mass of shoots and contained less nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Pathogenicity Of Mycogone Perniciosa Isolates Collected On Polish Mushroom Farms
Authors: Szumigaj-Tarnowska Joanna , Ślusarski Czesław , Uliński Zbigniew 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Mycogone perniciosa is the fungal pathogen causing the wet bubble of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). The main symptoms of disease are undifferentiated, irregular forms of mushroom tissue, cap spotting and development of amber liquid droplets on the distorted mushrooms. The aim of the research was to assess the pathogenicity of M. perniciosa isolates that were obtained from the infected sporophores. Six isolates from Polish mushroom farms as well reference strain of Hypomyces perniciosus CBS 322.52 were used in this study. The pathogenicity of isolates was assessed on the basis of severity of disease symptoms and crop reduction in the first flush. Mushroom crop was infected with different suspensions containing of M. perniciosa aleuriospores. Significant variability was shown between tested isolates. It was stated that the pathogenicity of isolates and concentration of conidia had a significant influence on the mushroom yield. The isolate of high pathogenicity caused significant yield losses, after inoculation with 1.3 × 104·m−2, whereas the isolate with fairly pathogenicity did not produce symptoms of wet bubble disease or caused slight deformation of single sporophores, even when the casing soil was inoculated with 1.3 × 106·m−2 spores.
Orchestration in learning technology research: evaluation of a conceptual framework
Authors: Prieto Luis P. , Dimitriadis Yannis , Asensio-Pérez Juan I. , Looi Chee-Kit 
Published: September 2015

The term ‘orchestrating learning’ is being used increasingly often, referring to the coordination activities performed while applying learning technologies to authentic settings. However, there is little consensus about how this notion should be conceptualised, and what aspects it entails. In this paper, a conceptual framework for orchestration-related research is evaluated by an international panel of learning technology experts. The results of this evaluation show that the framework is complete and understandable, and it is particularly useful as an integrative list of aspects to consider when designing and evaluating learning technologies. To illustrate a way in which the framework can be used to help researchers structure their classroom innovation evaluations, an example is presented that follows the adoption of the framework by a group of researchers in Singapore. Finally, a new evolved version of the framework is presented, taking into account the evaluation feedback.Keywords: orchestration; conceptual framework; analytical lens; expert panel(Published: 24 September 2015)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2015, 23: 28019 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.28019
The Implications of Cardiovascular Home Monitoring Rehabilitation - Mobile Applications as Optimum Solutions for the Future
Authors: Raileanu Mihaela , Busnatu Stefan , Sinescu Crina 
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the home monitoring system used in our Department of Cardiology in the Future Internet Social Technological Alignment in Healthcare (FI-STAR) project - a project focused on secondary prevention in cardiology (www.fi-star.eu). The system used is composed of bluetooth capable medical devices that collect vital parameters though CardioStar application (an application that was developed in collaboration with computer engineers. The collected data are transmitted in real time to a central server in our hospital, where there is a continuous supervision of the parameters. We evaluated this system in order to prove its use in reducing the cardiovascular risk and increasing the adherence to the life-style changes.
This paper presents the analysis of the MAST (Model for Assessment of Telemedicine) evaluation - which is the best way of evaluation for the telemedicine solutions - from the professional point of view. The questionnaires of evaluation were performed anonymous on a online platform. The application passed successfully the MAST evaluation, demonstrating that the developed telemedicine system designed for our cardiac patients fulfills its purpose in the secondary prevention.
Peptide Splicing in the Proteasome Creates a Novel Type of Antigen with an Isopeptide Linkage
Authors: Berkers Celia R. , de Jong Annemieke , Schuurman Karianne G. , Linnemann Carsten , Geenevasen Jan A. J. , Schumacher Ton N. M. , Rodenko Boris , Ovaa Huib 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The proteasome is able to create spliced Ags, in which two distant parts of a protein are excised and ligated together to form a novel peptide, for presentation by MHC class I molecules. These noncontiguous epitopes are generated via a transpeptidation reaction catalyzed by the proteasomal active sites. Transpeptidation reactions in the proteasome follow explicit rules and occur particularly efficiently when the C-terminal ligation partner contains a lysine or arginine residue at the site of ligation. Lysine contains two amino groups that theoretically may both participate in ligation reactions, implying that potentially not only peptide but also isopeptide linkages could be formed. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we demonstrate in the present study that the proteasome can use the ε-amino group of an N-terminal lysine residue in transpeptidation reactions to create a novel type of posttranslationally modified epitopes. We show that the overall efficiency of ε ligation is only 10-fold lower as compared with α ligation, suggesting that the proteasome can produce sufficient isopeptide Ag to evoke a T cell response. Additionally, we show that isopeptides are more stable toward further proteasomal processing than are normal peptides, and we demonstrate that isopeptides can bind to HLA-A2.1 and HLA-A3 with high affinity. These properties likely increase the fraction of ε-ligated peptides presented on the cell surface for CD8+ T cell surveillance. Finally, we show that isopeptide Ags are immunogenic in vivo. We postulate that ε ligation is a genuine posttranslational modification, suggesting that the proteasome can create a novel type of Ag that is likely to play a role in immunity.
Large-Scale Systems Control Design via LMI Optimization
Authors: Rehak Branislav 
Published: September 2015

A control design for a large-scale system using LMI optimization is proposed. The control is designed in a way such that the LQ cost in the case of the decentralized control does not exceed a certain limit. The optimized quantity are the values of the control gain matrices. The methodology is useful even for finding a decomposition of the system, however, some expert knowledge is necessary in this case. The capabilities of the algorithm are illustrated by two examples.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.itc.44.3.6464
Visual Estimation of the Severity of Aortic Stenosis and the Calcium Burden by 2‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Quader Nishath , Wilansky Susan , Click Roger L. , Katayama Minako , Chaliki Hari P. 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesGuidelines have recommended aortic valve surgery in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis and a large aortic valve calcium burden. The purpose of this study was to determine whether visual assessment of aortic valve calcium and stenosis severity are reliable based on 2‐dimensional echocardiography alone.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 68 patients with aortic stenosis and compared them with 30 control participants without aortic stenosis. All had aortic valve calcium score assessment by computed tomography. In a random order, 2‐dimensional images without hemodynamic data were independently reviewed by 2 level 3–trained echocardiographers, who then classified these patients into categories based on aortic valve calcium and stenosis severity.ResultsThe 68 patients (mean age ± SD, 74 ± 10 years) were classified as having mild (n = 28), moderate (n = 22), and severe (n = 18) aortic stenosis. When the observers were asked to grade the degree of valve calcification, the agreement between them was poor (κ = 0.33–0.39). The visual ability to determine stenosis severity compared with Doppler echocardiography had high specificity (81% and 88% for observers 1 and 2). However, sensitivity was unacceptably low (56%–67%), and the positive predictive value was poor (44%–50%). Agreement was fair (κ= 0.58–0.69) between the observers for determining severe stenosis.ConclusionsOur results suggest that visual assessment of aortic valve calcium has high interobserver variability; the visual ability to determine severe aortic stenosis has low sensitivity but high specificity. Our results may have important implications for treatment of patients with aortic stenosis and guiding the use of handheld echocardiography. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate the variability, sensitivity, and specificity reported in our study.
Levator Plate Upward Lift on Dynamic Sonography and Levator Muscle Strength
Authors: Rostaminia Ghazaleh , Peck Jennifer , Quiroz Lieschen , Shobeiri S. Abbas 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesTo compare digital palpation with levator plate lift measured by endovaginal and transperineal dynamic sonography.MethodsDynamic transperineal and endovaginal sonographic examinations were performed as part of multicompartmental pelvic floor functional assessment. Patients were instructed to perform Kegel contractions while a probe captured a video clip of levator plate movement at rest and during contraction in a 2‐dimensional midsagittal posterior view. We measured the distance between the levator plate and the probe on endovaginal sonography as well as the distance between the levator plate and the gothic arch of the pubis on transperineal sonography. The change in diameter (lift) and levator plate lift ratio (lift/rest × 100) were calculated. Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed by digital palpation and divided into functional and nonfunctional groups according to the Modified Oxford Scale. Mean differences in levator plate upward lift were compared by Modified Oxford Scale scores using Student t tests and analysis of variance.ResultsSeventy‐four women were available for analysis. The mean age was 55 (SD, 11.9) years. When measured by vaginal dynamic sonography, mean lift and lift/rest ratio values increased with increasing Modified Oxford Scale score (analysis of variance, P= .09 and .04, respectively). When scores were categorized to represent nonfunctional (0–1) and functional (2–5) muscle strength groups, the mean lift (3.2 versus 4.6 mm; P = .03) and lift/rest ratio (13% versus 20%; P = .01) values were significantly higher in women with functional muscle strength. All patients with lift of 30% or greater detected by vaginal sonography had functional muscle strength.ConclusionsA greater levator plate lift ratio detected by dynamic endovaginal sonography was associated with higher muscle strength as determined by the Modified Oxford Scale. This novel measurement can be incorporated into sonographic evaluation of levator ani function.
Water storage changes as a marker for base flow generation processes in a tropical humid basement catchment (Benin): Insights from hybrid gravimetry
Authors: Hector Basile , Séguis Luc , Hinderer Jacques , Cohard Jean‐Martial , Wubda Maxime , Descloitres Marc , Benarrosh Nathalie , Boy Jean‐Paul 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn basement catchments of subhumid West Africa, base flow is the main component of annual streamflow. However, the important heterogeneity of lithology hinders the understanding of base flow generation processes. Since these processes are linked with water storage changes (WSCs) across the catchment, we propose the use of hybrid gravity data in addition to neutron probe‐derived water content and water levels to monitor spatiotemporal WSC of a typical crystalline basement headwater catchment (16 ha) in Benin. WSC behaviors are shown to provide insights into hydrological processes in terms of water redistribution toward the catchment outlet. Hybrid gravimetry produces gravity change observations from time‐lapse microgravity surveys coupled with gravity changes monitored at a base station using a superconducting gravimeter and/or an absolute gravimeter. A dense microgravity campaign (70 surveys of 14 stations) covering three contrasted years was set up with a rigorous protocol, leading to low uncertainties (<2.5 μGal) on station gravity determinations (with respect to the network reference station). Empirical orthogonal function analyses of both gravity changes and WSCs from neutron probe data show similar spatial patterns in the seasonal signal. Areas where storage and water table show a capping behavior (when data reach a plateau during the wet season), suggesting threshold‐governed fast subsurface redistribution, are identified. This observed storage dynamics, together with geological structures investigated by electrical resistivity tomography and drill log analysis, make it possible to derive a conceptual model for the catchment hydrology.
What aspects of future rainfall changes matter for crop yields in West Africa?
Authors: Guan Kaiyu , Sultan Benjamin , Biasutti Michela , Baron Christian , Lobell David B. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHow rainfall arrives, in terms of its frequency, intensity, the timing and duration of rainy season, may have a large influence on rainfed agriculture. However, a thorough assessment of these effects is largely missing. This study combines a new synthetic rainfall model and two independently validated crop models (APSIM and SARRA‐H) to assess sorghum yield response to possible shifts in seasonal rainfall characteristics in West Africa. We find that shifts in total rainfall amount primarily drive the rainfall‐related crop yield change, with less relevance to intraseasonal rainfall features. However, dry regions (total annual rainfall below 500 mm/yr) have a high sensitivity to rainfall frequency and intensity, and more intense rainfall events have greater benefits for crop yield than more frequent rainfall. Delayed monsoon onset may negatively impact yields. Our study implies that future changes in seasonal rainfall characteristics should be considered in designing specific crop adaptations in West Africa.
Detection of inner core solidification from observations of antipodal PKIIKP
Authors: Cormier Vernon F. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPKIIKP waves, reflected from the underside of the inner core boundary, are very sensitive to the S velocity in the uppermost 80 km of the inner core at antipodal distances, undergoing a phase change and a factor of 4 amplification as the distance approaches 180°. Modeled PKIIKP waveforms are consistent with a near‐zero shear modulus in the uppermost inner core in a 20–40 km thick patch beneath the eastern equatorial hemisphere. This bright spot of PKIIKP reflection correlates with a thin zone of low P velocity inferred from the complexity of PKIKP waveforms sampling this patch. Estimates of grain sizes from seismic attenuation, the absence of backscattered PKiKP coda in this region, and a prediction for enhanced heat flow through this patch suggest that it is a region of solidification rather than melting.
Is a high‐altitude meteorological analysis necessary to simulate thermosphere‐stratosphere coupling?
Authors: Siskind D. E. , Sassi F. , Randall C. E. , Harvey V. L. , Hervig M. E. , Bailey S. M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe compare simulations of mesospheric tracer descent in the winter and spring of 2009 with two versions of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM), both with specified dynamics. One is constrained with data from the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications which extends from 0 to 50 km; the other uses the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System‐Advanced Level Physics High Altitude (NOGAPS‐ALPHA) which extends up to 92 km. By comparison with Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment data we show that constraining WACCM to NOGAPS‐ALPHA yields a dramatic improvement in the simulated descent of enhanced nitric oxide (NO) and very low methane (CH4). We suggest that constraining to NOGAPS‐ALPHA compensates for an underestimate of nonorographic gravity wave drag in WACCM. Other possibilities, such as missing energetic particle precipitation or underestimated eddy diffusion, are less likely for the Arctic winter and spring of 2009.
E region electric field dependence of the solar activity
Authors: Denardini C. M. , Moro J. , Resende L. C. A. , Chen S. S. , Schuch N. J. , Costa J. E. R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe have being studying the zonal and vertical E region electric field components inferred from the Doppler shifts of type 2 echoes (gradient drift irregularities) detected with the 50 MHz backscatter coherent radar set at São Luis, Brazil (SLZ, 2.3°S, 44.2°W) during the solar cycle 24. In this report we present the dependence of the vertical and zonal components of this electric field with the solar activity, based on the solar flux F10.7. For this study we consider the geomagnetically quiet days only (Kp ≤ 3+). A magnetic field‐aligned‐integrated conductivity model was developed for proving the conductivities, using the IRI‐2007, the MISIS‐2000, and the IGRF‐11 models as input parameters for ionosphere, neutral atmosphere, and Earth magnetic field, respectively. The ion‐neutron collision frequencies of all the species are combined through the momentum transfer collision frequency equation. The mean zonal component of the electric field, which normally ranged from 0.19 to 0.35 mV/m between the 8 and 18 h (LT) in the Brazilian sector, show a small dependency with the solar activity. Whereas the mean vertical component of the electric field, which normally ranges from 4.65 to 10.12 mV/m, highlights the more pronounced dependency of the solar flux.
Tilt of mean sea level along the Pacific coasts of North America and Japan
Authors: Lin Hongyang , Thompson Keith R. , Huang Jianliang , Véronneau Marc 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe tilt of coastal mean sea level with respect to an equipotential surface is estimated using two fundamentally different approaches. The geodetic approach is based on tide gauge and GPS observations, and a model of the geoid. The ocean approach uses a high‐resolution, dynamically based ocean model to estimate mean dynamic topography. Along the Pacific coast of North America the two approaches give similar large‐scale profiles with a minimum at about 40°N and a maximum in the northern part of the Gulf of Alaska. Along the Pacific coast of Japan the geodetically determined coastal sea levels indicate an eastward drop of about 20 cm along the south coast and a further northward drop across Tsugaru Strait. Both of these features are reproduced by the ocean models. An analysis of the alongshore momentum balance suggests that alongshore wind stress acting over the inner shelf is the primary driver of the mean sea level profile along the coast of North America. Several large‐scale features are explained using arrested topographic wave theory. A similar momentum analysis, and an additional study of time variability of sea level and circulation, suggests that the Kuroshio is the main driver of the mean sea level tilt along the south coast of Japan. Discrepancies in the alongshore tilt of sea level estimated by the geodetic and ocean approaches along both coasts are discussed in terms of errors in the ocean and geoid models.
Effect of subtropical mode water on the decadal variability of the subsurface transport through the Luzon Strait in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Yu Kai , Qu Tangdong , Dong Changming , Yan Youfang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAnalysis of the 62 year hindcast outputs from an eddy‐resolving ocean general circulation model shows a good correspondence of the Luzon Strait subsurface transport to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index on a decadal time scale, with the latter leading by about 5 years. The backward particle tracing experiments indicate that the part of the subsurface water in the Luzon Strait generated by the subduction processes comes from the Subtropical Mode Water (STMW). The model results also show a strong PDO signal in the subduction rate, as well as the subsurface low potential vorticity (PV), in the formation region of the STMW, and these decadal signals can be traced all the way to the Luzon Strait as PV anomalies follow the subtropical gyre circulation in about 5 years. The PV anomalies from the STMW affect the subsurface net transport in the Luzon Strait through changing the subsurface density structure and then zonal velocity.