Soil Moisture Deficit as a predictor of the trend in soil water status of grass fields

Nutrient loss from agricultural land following organic fertilizer spreading can lead to eutrophication and poor water quality. The risk of pollution is partly related to the soil water status during and after spreading. In response to these issues, a decision support system (DSS) for nutrient management has been developed to predict when soil and weather conditions are suitable for slurry spreading. At the core of the DSS, the Hybrid Soil Moisture Deficit (HSMD) model estimates soil water status relative to field capacity (FC) for three soil classes (well, moderately and poorly drained) and has potential to predict the occurrence of a transport vector when the soil is wetter than FC. Three years of field observation of volumetric water content was used to validate HSMD model predictions of water status and to ensure correct use and interpretation of the drainage classes. Point HSMD model predictions were validated with respect to the temporal and spatial variations in volumetric water content and soil strength properties. It was found that the HSMD model predictions were well related to topsoil water content through time, but a new class intermediate between poor and moderate, perhaps ���imperfectly drained���, was needed. With correct allocations of a field into a drainage class, the HSMD model predictions reflect field scale trends in water status and therefore the model is suitable for use at the core of a DSS.

Multi-detection of Paralytic, Diarrheic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins by an Inhibition Immunoassay Using a Microsphere-Flow Cytometry System

The presence of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) and amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) toxins in seafood is a severe and growing threat to human health. In order to minimize the risks of human exposure, the maximum content of these toxins in seafood has been limited by legal regulations worldwide. The regulated limits are established in equivalents of the main representatives of the groups: saxitoxin (STX), okadaic acid (OA) and domoic acid (DA), for PSP, DSP and ASP, respectively. In this study a multi-detection method to screen shellfish samples for the presence of these toxins simultaneously was developed. Multiplexing was achieved using a solid-phase microsphere assay coupled to flow-fluorimetry detection, based on the Luminex xMap technology. The multi-detection method consists of three simultaneous competition immunoassays. Free toxins in solution compete with STX, OA or DA immobilized on the surface of three different classes of microspheres for binding to specific monoclonal antibodies. The IC50 obtained in buffer was similar in single- and multi-detection: 5.6 �� 1.1 ng/mL for STX, 1.1 �� 0.03 ng/mL for OA and 1.9 �� 0.1 ng/mL for DA. The sample preparation protocol was optimized for the simultaneous extraction of STX, OA and DA with a mixture of methanol and acetate buffer. The three immunoassays performed well with mussel and scallop matrixes displaying adequate dynamic ranges and recovery rates (around 90 % for STX, 80 % for OA and 100 % for DA). This microsphere-based multi-detection immunoassay provides an easy and rapid screening method capable of detecting simultaneously in the same sample three regulated groups of marine toxins.

Demos and Denomination::flags, fealty, and the political ontology of protests in Northern Ireland

This paper will examine some of the ways in which processes of denomination<br/>have shaped Northern Irish politics before and after the ���Belfast���, or ���Good Friday<br/>Agreement��� of 1998. We concentrate on the formation of the ���Unionist��� or ���Loyalist<br/>community���, principally because the flag protests of 2012-2013 have brought the<br/>issue of this community identity to the fore again. The flag is part of a whole<br/>machinery of what we, in this paper, will call ���denomination��� in Northern Irish<br/>politics and elsewhere. The religious overtones of the term are neither accidental<br/>nor incidental. Acts of denomination posit (assertively, authoritatively) a<br/>collective identity, conceived and constituted ontologically, as an existent entity,<br/>and stake a claim to a whole territory.

Identification of a BRCA1-mRNA Splicing Complex Required for Efficient DNA Repair and Maintenance of Genomic Stability

Mutations within BRCA1 predispose carriers to a high risk of breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA1 functions to maintain genomic stability through the assembly of multiple protein complexes involved in DNA repair, cell-cycle arrest, and transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the identification of a DNA damage-induced BRCA1 protein complex containing BCLAF1 and other key components of the mRNA-splicing machinery. In response to DNA damage, this complex regulates pre-mRNA splicing of a number of genes involved in DNA damage signaling and repair, thereby promoting the stability of these transcripts/proteins. Further, we show that abrogation of this complex results in sensitivity to DNA damage, defective DNA repair, and genomic instability. Interestingly, mutations in a number of proteins found within this complex have been identified in numerous cancer types. These data suggest that regulation of splicing by the BRCA1-mRNA splicing complex plays an important role in the cellular response to DNA damage.

Cloning of observables

<p>We introduce the concept of cloning for classes of observables and classify cloning machines for qubit systems according to the number of parameters needed to describe the class under investigation. A no-cloning theorem for observables is derived and the connections between cloning of observables and joint measurements of noncommuting observables are elucidated. Relationships with cloning of states and non-demolition measurements are also analysed.</p>

Synergistic effects on gene delivery - co-formulation of small disulfide-linked dendritic polycations with Lipofectamine 2000 (TM)

<p>This paper describes the application of gene delivery vectors based on connecting together two well-defined low-generation poly(L-lysine) (PLL) dendrons using a disulfide-containing linker unit. We report that the transfection ability of these vectors in their own right is relatively low, because the low-generation number limits the endosomal buffering capacity. Importantly, however, we demonstrate that when applied in combination with Lipofectamine 2000 (TM), a vector from the cationic lipid family, these small cationic additives significantly enhance the levels of gene delivery (up to four-fold). Notably, the cationic additives have no effect on the levels of transfection observed with a cationic polymer, such as DEAE dextran. We therefore argue that the synergistic effects observed with Lipofectamine 2000 (TM) arise as a result of combining the delivery advantages of two different classes of vector within a single formulation, with our dendritic additives providing a degree of pH buffering within the endosome. As such, the data we present indicate that small dendritic structures, although previously largely overlooked for gene delivery owing to their inability to transfect in their own right, may actually be useful well-defined additives to well-established vector systems in order to enhance the gene delivery payload.</p>

A RAG System for the Management Forensic and Archaeological Searches of Burial Grounds

Burial grounds are commonly surveyed and searched by both police/humanitarian search teams and archaeologists.<br/>One aspect of an efficient search is to establish areas free of recent internments to allow the concentration of assets in suspect<br/>terrain. While 100% surety in locating remains can never be achieved, the deployment of a red, amber green (RAG) system for<br/>assessment has proven invaluable to our surveys. The RAG system is based on a desktop study (including burial ground<br/>records), visual inspection (mounding, collapses) and use of geophysics (in this case, ground penetrating radar or GPR) for a<br/>multi-proxy assessment that provides search authorities an assessment of the state of inhumations and a level of legal backup<br/>for decisions they make on excavation or not (���exit strategy���). The system is flexible and will be built upon as research<br/>continues.

The effects of transportation stress and barnacle fouling on predation rates of starfish (Asterias rubens) on mussels (Mytilus edulis).

The starfish, Asterias rubens, is widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere and is an important predator on benthic mussel (Mytilus edulis) beds. Whilst several studies have examined how the size of individuals determines this predator���prey relationship, less is known about how the physiological condition of the prey (mussels) and the extent of their fouling may alter these relationships. Such issues are of particular interest to those working within the benthic mussel cultivation industry to inform best management practice and to help minimise losses during the aquaculture process. The potential role of starfish in the removal of epibiotic barnacles from mussels, the presence of which increases processing costs within the industry, is also of interest. We tested whether stressing mussels by aerial exposure for 48 h and whether the extent of barnacle fouling on mussels affected the feeding rates of three different size classes of starfish feeding on two different size classes of mussels. Feeding rates on stressed and unstressed mussels were similar for each starfish���mussel size combination. Barnacle fouling reduced the feeding rate of medium-sized starfish on larger-sized mussels. We also observed starfish, of all size classes, preying directly on the epibiotic barnacles on mussels, however, feeding rates were low and considered unlikely to reduce the extent of fouling on mussels. Our findings show that the predator���prey relationship between starfish and mussels does not differ between unstressed mussels and those experimentally stressed by aerial exposure for 48 h so that this level of stress is unlikely to affect predation rates by A. rubens following relaying in commercial operations. Whilst barnacle fouling suppressed predation rates in one of our experimental treatments, it does not appear that fouling by barnacles would provide a significant refuge from predation for the majority of mussels in benthic aquaculture stocks. Instead we found the size relationship between starfish and mussels was more important in determining predation rates. Starfish are also unlikely to help reduce barnacle fouling on cultured mussels by preying solely on fouling barnacles and the need to control starfish predation during culture remains.

Quantification of Type VI secretion system activity in macrophages infected with Burkholderia cenocepacia

The Gram-negative bacterial type VI Secretion System (T6SS) delivers toxins to kill orinhibit the growth of susceptible bacteria, while others target eukaryotic cells. Deletionof atsR, a negative regulator of virulence factors in B. cenocepacia K56-2, increasesT6SS activity. Macrophages infected with a K56-2 ��atsR mutant display dramaticalterations in their actin cytoskeleton architecture that rely on the T6SS, which isresponsible for the inactivation of multiple Rho-family GTPases by an unknownmechanism. We employed a strategy to standardize the bacterial infection ofmacrophages and densitometrically quantify the T6SS-associated cellular phenotype,which allowed us to characterize the phenotype of systematic deletions of each genewithin the T6SS cluster and ten vgrG encoding genes in K56-2 ��atsR. None of thegenes from the T6SS core cluster and the individual vgrGs were directly responsiblefor the cytoskeletal changes in infected cells. However, a mutant strain with all vgrGgenes deleted was unable to cause macrophage alterations. Despite not being able toidentify a specific effector protein responsible for the cytoskeletal defects inmacrophages, our strategy resulted in the identification of the critical core componentsand accessory proteins of the T6SS assembly machinery and provides a screeningmethod to detect T6SS effectors targeting the actin cytoskeleton in macrophages byrandom mutagenesis.

Pre- and post-settlement processes regulating recruitment of the shore crab Carcinus maenas

O sucesso do recrutamento em esp��cies com ciclos de vida complexos, i.e. com duas ou mais fases de desenvolvimento, depende do fornecimento de larvas aos locais apropriados do assentamento (mecanismos de pr��-assentamento) e na consequente sobreviv��ncia destas larvas at�� aos est��gios bent��nicos iniciais (mecanismos de p��s-assentamento). O estudo dos principais processos f��sicos que controlam a variabilidade intra-anual do recrutamento do caranguejo Carcinus maenas foi poss��vel com �� obten����o em s��ries di��rias da abund��ncia de megalopas no pl��ncton e do seu assentamento em substratos artificiais de assentamento, e de par��metros f��sicos relacionados com a amplitude de mar�� e o upwelling, durante os meses da ��poca reprodutiva deste caranguejo. Os nossos resultados demonstraram um padr��o c��clico de fornecimento de megalopas de C. maenas aos estu��rios na costa ocidental de Portugal, relacionado com a amplitude de mar�� e favorecido pelos ventos de sul. O assentamento de megalopas nos substratos artificiais de assentamento mostrou-se desacoplado do fornecimento nos dois estu��rios. Os dados obtidos sugerem que as megalopas s��o transportadas para a costa ap��s a ac����o de ventos de downwelling, e o fornecimento para os estu��rios ocorre por transporte selectivo por corrente de mar��. A utiliza����o de substratos artificiais para medir densidades de juvenis de Carcinus maenas deve ser ponderada, uma vez que se verificou que em habitats estruturalmente menos complexos os juvenis utilizam os colectores como ref��gio; em habitats mais complexos, os juvenis preferiram refugiar-se nas ervas marinhas existentes. No entanto, a estimativa de abund��ncias di��rias medidas nos colectores permitiu a descri����o das abund��ncias dos v��rios est��dios de desenvolvimento juvenis, bem como as respectivas taxas de crescimento. As capacidades locomotoras de diferentes classes de tamanho de juvenis de C. maenas foram estimadas mediante o c��lculo de um ��ndice de locomo����o. Os nossos resultados sugerem que os juvenis mais pequenos est��o relativamente protegidos em habitats com vegeta����o densa, provavelmente porque este tipo de habitats inibe os movimentos dos juvenis de maiores dimens��es. Foram tamb��m encontradas evid��ncias da exist��ncia de segrega����o temporal na actividade locomotora das diferentes classes de juvenis, que funcionar�� como um mecanismo que permite reduzir o canibalismo e, consequentemente, aumentar a capacidade de suporte dos habitats juvenis. Foi realizado um estudo sobre o canibalismo nos juvenis de C. maenas na Ria de Aveiro, in situ e utilizando densidades reais. Verificou-se que as presas mais pequenas eram as mais vulner��veis, sendo os juvenis de maiores dimens��es os predadores mais eficazes. Por outro lado, as taxas de canibalismo foram menores em habitats com elevadas densidades de ref��gio (Zostera noltii). A estimativa das taxas di��rias de mortalidade devidas ao canibalismo s��o aproximadamente metade das taxas di��rias de mortalidade devidas aos processos de pr��-assentamento, indicando que esta popula����o de C. maenas ser�� regulada pelo fornecimento larvar, i.e., ser�� uma popula����o regulada essencialmente por mecanismos pr��assentamento.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Cr(VI) and Pb��+ in Pisum sativum

A toxicidade dos metais �� uma problem��tica que envolve a sa��de humana e o ambiente, sendo necess��ria uma vigil��ncia constante e uma avalia����o dos danos precisa e robusta. As plantas, como principal fonte alimentar e de produtos, s��o de vital import��ncia �� sociedade humana. Devido a serem seres sesseis, este grupo �� um dos mais afectados por poluentes, tornandoos objectos de estudo extremamente interessantes. O objectivo desta tese foi avaliar os efeitos genot��xicos e citot��xicos do Cr(VI) e Pb2+ na esp��cie modelo Pisum sativum L. No capitulo I �� introduzida a problem��tica da toxicidade de ambos os metais, com especial relevo nas plantas, bem como as abordagens mais actuais no estudo da geno e citotoxicidade. No capitulo II s��o apresentados os resultados dos estudos da genotoxicidade do Pb2+ (II-1) e Cr(VI) (II-2 e II-3), tendo sido realizados analises de dano ao DNA a v��rios n��veis e altera����es do ciclo celular (II-1 e II-2), bem como a detec����o de instabilidade de microssatelites (II-1 e II-3), que �� um indicador do estado funcional do mecanismo de repara����o do DNA. O cap��tulo III aborda o efeito de stresses abi��ticos na capacidade fotossint��tica da esp��cie modelo. No cap��tulo III-1, realizou-se um estudo pioneiro de avalia����o da aplicabilidade da citometria de fluxo no estudo da fotoss��ntese, mais concretamente no estado funcional e estrutural dos cloroplastos, quando expostos a um inibidor da fotoss��ntese (Paraquat). Os dados obtidos neste estudo encorajaram a aplica����o da t��cnica nos cap��tulos III-2 e III-3, nos quais se analisaram os efeitos dos metais Pb2+ (III- 2) e Cr(VI) (III-3) na capacidade fotossint��tica de plantas expostas a este metal; em estudos que envolveram v��rios marcadores cl��ssicos, para alem dos da citometria de fluxo. Finalmente, no cap��tulo IV s��o apresentadas as conclus��es finais do trabalho, uma comparativa entre os efeitos e n��veis de toxicidade dos dois metais em estudo e s��o apontadas algumas perspectivas para futuros estudos, levantadas pelos dados obtidos.

Synthesis and computer-assisted design of mitochondrial electron transport-chain inhibitors as antimalarial agents

Tese de doutoramento, Farm��cia (Qu��mica Farmac��utica e Terap��utica), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farm��cia, 2014

The Emergence and Development of Association Football: Influential Sociocultural Factors in Victorian Birmingham

This article explores the interdependent, complex sociocultural factors that facilitated the emergence and diffusion of football in Birmingham. The focus is the development of football in the city, against the backdrop of the numerous social changes in Victorian Birmingham. The aim is to fill a gap in the existing literature which seemingly overlooked Birmingham as a significant footballing centre, and the ���ordinary and everyday��� aspects of the game���s early progression. Among other aspects, particular heed is paid to the working classes��� involvement in football, as previous literature has often focused on the middle classes and their influence on and participation in organized sport. As the agency of the working classes along with their mass participation and central role in the game���s development is unfolded, it is argued that far from being passive cultural beings, the working classes, from the beginnings, actively negotiated the development of their own emergent football culture.

Product innovation and the costs of energy-using product policies

Energy-using Products (EuPs) contribute significantly to the United Kingdom���s CO2 emissions, both in the domestic and non-domestic sectors. Policies that encourage the use of more energy efficient products (such as minimum performance standards, energy labelling, enhanced capital allowances, etc.) can therefore generate significant reductions in overall energy consumption and hence, CO2 emissions. While these policies can impose costs on the producers and consumers of these products in the short run, the process of product innovation may reduce the magnitude of these costs over time. If this is the case, then it is important that the impacts of innovation are taken into account in policy impact assessments. Previous studies have found considerable evidence of experience curve effects for EuP categories (e.g. refrigerators, televisions, etc.), with learning rates of around 20% for both average unit costs and average prices; similar to those found for energy supply technologies. Moreover, the decline in production costs has been accompanied by a significant improvement in the energy efficiency of EuPs. Building on these findings and the results of an empirical analysis of UK sales data for a range of product categories, this paper sets out an analytic framework for assessing the impact of EuP policy interventions on consumers and producers which takes explicit account of the product innovation process. The impact of the product innovation process can be seen in the continuous evolution of the energy class profiles of EuP categories over time; with higher energy classes (e.g. A, A+, etc.) entering the market and increasing their market share, while lower classes (e.g. E, F, etc.) lose share and then leave the market. Furthermore, the average prices of individual energy classes have declined over their respective lives, while new classes have typically entered the market at successively lower ���launch prices���. Based on two underlying assumptions regarding the shapes of the ���lifecycle profiles��� for the relative sales and the relative average mark-ups of individual energy classes, a simple simulation model is developed that can replicate the observed market dynamics in terms of the evolution of market shares and average prices. The model is used to assess the effect of two alternative EuP policy interventions ��� a minimum energy performance standard and an energy-labelling scheme ��� on the average unit cost trajectory and the average price trajectory of a typical EuP category, and hence the financial impacts on producers and consumers.

Troubled waters: an institutional analysis of ageing Dutch and American waterway infrastructure

Waterways are one of the oldest systems for the transportation of cargo and continue to play a vital role in the economies of some countries. Due to societal change, climate change and the ageing of assets, the conditions influencing the effective functioning of these systems seem to be changing. These changing conditions require measures to renew, adapt or renovate these waterway systems. However, measures with the sole aim of improving navigation conditions have encountered resistance, as the general public, and stakeholders in particular, value these waters in many more ways than navigation alone. Therefore, a more inclusive, integrated approach is required, rather than a sectoral one. Addressing these contemporary challenges requires a shift in the traditional waterway authorities' regimes. The aim of this study is to identify elements in the institutional setting where obstacles and opportunities for a more inclusive approach can be found. Two major waterway systems, the American and the Dutch, have been analyzed using the Institutional Analysis and Development framework to reveal those obstacles and opportunities. The results show that horizontal coordination and a low pay-off for an inclusive approach is particularly problematic. The American case also reveals a promising aspect ��� mandatory local co-funding for federal navigation projects acts as a stimulus for broad stakeholder involvement. Improving horizontal coordination and seizing opportunities for multifunctional development can open pathways to optimize the value of waterway systems for society.