bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planarer 6-Achs-Kraftsensor
Authors: Szász Paul , Ahrend Ulf , Roos Markus
Published: November 2012

Mehrachsige Kraftsensoren gibt es praktisch nur als hochpräzise, aber auch sehr teure Ausführungen auf dem Markt. Dadurch wird ihre Anwendung in vielen Bereichen, die zwar größere Stückzahlen brauchen, aber nur niedrigere Kosten akzeptieren können, stark eingeschränkt; z. B. im Bereich der Medizin- und Rehatechnik oder der Kraftsensorgesteuerten Robotik. Hier wird ein innovativer Konzept für einen 6-achsigen Kraftsensor vorgestellt, der es erlaubt, in kostengünstigen automatisierten Verfahren solche Sensoren in großen Stückzahlen und mit ausreichender Qualität herzustellen, um diese neuen Anwendungen zu erschließen. Das Konzept wurde theoretisch ausgearbeitet und experimentell an Labor-Konzept-Demonstratoren validiert. Das Konzept kann bei konkreten Anforderungen in einem entsprechenden Produkt umgesetzt werden.
Genetic and epigenetic states of the GNAS complex in pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib using methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay
Authors: Yuno Akiko , Usui Takeshi , Yambe Yuko , Higashi Kiichiro , Ugi Satoshi , Shinoda Junji , Mashio Yasuo , Shimatsu Akira
Published: November 2012

Context

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP-Ib) is a rare disorder resulting from genetic and epigenetic aberrations in the GNAS complex. PHP-Ib, usually defined by renal resistance to parathyroid hormone, is due to a maternal loss of GNAS exon A/B methylation and leads to decreased expression of the stimulatory G protein α (Gsα) in specific tissues.

Objective

To clarify the usefulness of methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA), we evaluated genetic and epigenetic changes of the GNAS locus in Japanese PHP-Ib patients.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Patients

We studied 13 subjects with PHP-Ib (three families with eight affected members and one unaffected member and four sporadic cases).

Measurements

The methylation status of GNAS differentially methylated regions (DMRs) was evaluated using MS-MLPA. The main outcome measure was the presence of deletion mutations in the GNAS locus and STX16, which were assessed using MLPA.

Results

In all familial PHP-Ib cases, a ∼3 kb deletion of STX16 and demethylation of the A/B domain were identified. In contrast, no deletion was detected throughout the entire GNAS locus region in the sporadic cases. Broad methylation abnormalities were observed in the GNAS DMRs.

Conclusions

MS-MLPA allows for precise and rapid analysis of the methylation status in GNAS DMRs as well as the detection of microdeletion mutations in PHP-Ib. Results confirm the previous findings in this disorder and demonstrate that this method is valuable for the genetic evaluation and visualizing the methylation status. The MS-MLPA assay is a useful tool that may facilitate making the molecular diagnosis of PHP-Ib.
Active acromegaly is associated with decreased hs-CRP and NT-proBNP serum levels: insights from the Belgian registry of acromegaly
Authors: Verhelst Johan , Velkeniers Brigitte , Maiter Dominique , Haentjens Patrick , T'Sjoen Guy , Rietzschel Ernst , Corvilain Bernard , Abrams Pascale , Nobels Frank , Abs Roger , Bex Marie
Published: November 2012

Objective

Patients with active acromegaly have an increased prevalence of cardiomyopathy and heart failure but a less than expected risk of coronary artery disease, considering the frequent association of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. We examined whether changes in high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) might contribute to this phenomenon.

Design and methods

Two hundred patients of the Belgian acromegaly registry (AcroBel) were divided in two groups: active disease (IGF1 Z-score >2; n=95) and controlled disease (IGF1 Z-score ≤2; n=105). Serum levels of hs-CRP and NT-proBNP were measured and correlated with BMI, blood pressure, fasting lipids, fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, IGF1, interleukin 6 (IL6), adiponectin, and sE-selectin. In a subset of acromegaly patients, hs-CRP, IL6, and NT-proBNP levels were also compared with those/the values of an age-, gender-, and BMI-matched reference group.

Results

Patients with active acromegaly had significantly lower levels of hs-CRP (median (interquartile range), 0.5 mg/l (0.1, 0.9) vs 1.3 mg/l (0.5, 4.1); P<0.001) and NT-proBNP, (47.0 ng/l (26.0, 86.0) vs 71.0 ng/l (43.0, 184.0); P<0.001) compared with patients with controlled acromegaly. Compared with the reference population, hs-CRP was not different in controlled acromegaly but significantly lower in active acromegaly (median, 0.4 mg/l (0.1, 0.8) vs 1.4 mg/l (0.8, 2.9); P<0.001), while NT-proBNP was similar in active acromegaly but significantly higher in controlled acromegaly (66.5 ng/l (40.0, 119.5) vs 50.8 ng/l (26.5, 79.7); P<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with active acromegaly have significantly lower values of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP compared with patients with controlled disease and even lower values of hs-CRP compared with control subjects.
Long-term follow-up of a large series of patients with type 1 gastric carcinoid tumors: data from a multicenter study
Authors: Thomas Dimitrios , Tsolakis Apostolos V , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Fraenkel Merav , Alexandraki Krystallenia , Sougioultzis Stavros , Gross David J , Kaltsas Gregory
Published: November 2012

Objective

To study the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, response to treatment, and the presence of other pathologies in patients with gastric carcinoid type 1 (GC 1) tumors.

Design and methods

Retrospective analysis of 111 patients from four institutions and a mean follow-up of 76 months.

Results

The main indications for gastroscopy were upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms. The mean number of lesions, maximum tumoral diameter, and percentage of cells expressing Ki-67 labeling index were 3.6±3.8, 8±12.1 mm and 1.9±2.4% respectively. Serum gastrin and chromogranin A (CgA) levels were elevated in 100/101 and 85/90 patients respectively. Conventional imaging studies demonstrated pathology in 9/111 patients. Scintigraphy with radiolabeled octreotide was positive in 6/60 without revealing any additional lesions. From the 59 patients who had been followed-up without any intervention, five developed tumor progression. Thirty-two patients were treated with long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSAs), leading to a significant reduction of gastrin and CgA levels, number of visible tumors, and CgA immune-reactive tumor cells in 28, 19, 27, and 23 treated patients respectively. Antrectomy and/or gastrectomy were initially performed in 20 patients and a complete response was achieved in 13 patients. The most common comorbidities were vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroiditis, and parathyroid adenomas.

Conclusions

Most GCs1 are grade 1 (82.7%) tumors presenting with stage I (73.9%) disease with no mortality after prolonged follow-up. Ocreoscan did not provide further information compared with conventional imaging techniques. Treatment with SSAs proved to be effective for the duration of administration.
Fibroblast growth factor-21 serum concentrations are associated with metabolic and hepatic markers in humans
Authors: Kralisch Susan , Tönjes Anke , Krause Kerstin , Richter Judit , Lossner Ulrike , Kovacs Peter , Ebert Thomas , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: November 2012

Rather than a traditional growth factor, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) is considered to be a metabolic hormone. In the current study, we investigated serum FGF21 levels in the self-contained population of Sorbs. Serum FGF21 concentrations were quantified by ELISA and correlated with IGF1 as well as metabolic, renal, hepatic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular parameters in 913 Sorbs from Germany. Moreover, human IGF1 protein secretion was investigated in FGF21-stimulated HepG2 cells. Median FGF21 serum concentrations were 2.1-fold higher in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (141.8 ng/l) compared with controls (66.7 ng/l). Furthermore, nondiabetic subjects with FGF21 levels below the detection limit of the ELISA showed a more beneficial metabolic profile compared with subjects with measurable FGF21. Moreover, FGF21 was significantly lower in female compared with male subjects after adjustment for age and BMI. In multiple regression analyses, circulating FGF21 concentrations remained independently and positively associated with gender, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and γ glutamyl transferase whereas a negative association was observed with IGF1 in nondiabetic subjects. Notably, FGF21 significantly inhibited IGF1 secretion into HepG2 cell culture supernatants in preliminary in vitro experiments. FGF21 serum concentrations are associated with facets of the metabolic syndrome, hepatocellular function, as well as GH status.
Estradiol supports in vitro development of bovine early antral follicles
Authors: Endo M , Kawahara-Miki R , Cao F , Kimura K , Kuwayama T , Monji Y , Iwata H
Published: November 2012

Antrum formation and estradiol (E2) secretion are specific features of oocyte and granulosa cell complexes (OGCs). This study investigates the effect of E2 on the in vitro development of bovine OGCs derived from early antral follicles as well as on the expression of genes in granulosa cells (GCs). The supplementation of culture medium with either E2 or androstenedione (A4) improved the in vitro development of OGCs and the nuclear maturation of enclosed oocytes. When OGCs were cultured in medium containing A4, developmentally competent OGCs secreted more E2 than OGCs that were not competent. In addition, fulvestrant inhibited the effect of both E2 and A4 on OGCs development. Comprehensive gene expression analysis using next-generation sequence technology was conducted for the following three types of GCs: i) GCs of OGCs cultured for 4 days with E2 (1 μg/ml; E2(+)), ii) GCs of OGCs cultured for 4 days without E2 (E2(−)) or iii) OGCs that formed clear antrum after 8 days of in vitro culture in medium containing E2 (1 μg/ml; AF group). GCs of the E2(+) group had a similar gene expression profile to the profile reported previously for the in vivo development of large follicles. This genetic profile included factors implicated in the up-regulation of E2 biosynthesis and down-regulation of cytoskeleton and extracellular matrices. In addition, a novel gene expression profile was found in the AF group. In conclusion, E2 impacts the gene expression profile of GCs to support the in vitro development of OGCs.
Office-Based Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Screen Time in Preschool Children
Authors: Birken Catherine S. , Maguire Jonathon , Mekky Magda , Manlhiot Cedric , Beck Carolyn E. , DeGroot Julie , Jacobson Sheila , Peer Michael , Taylor Carolyn , McCrindle Brian W. , Parkin Patricia C.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if an intervention for preschool-aged children in primary care is effective in reducing screen time, meals in front of the television, and BMI.

METHODS:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a primary care pediatric group practice in Toronto, Canada. Three-year-old children and their parents were randomly assigned to receive a short behavioral counseling intervention on strategies to decrease screen time. The primary outcome 1 year later was parent reported screen time. Secondary outcomes included television in the child’s bedroom, number of meals in front of the television, and BMI.

RESULTS:

In the intention-to-treat analysis at 1 year, there were no significant differences in mean total weekday minutes of screen time (60, interquartile range [IQR]: 35–120 vs 65, IQR: 35–120; P = .68) or mean total weekend day minutes of screen time (80, IQR: 45–130 vs 90, IQR: 60–120; P = .33) between the intervention and control group. Adjusting for baseline BMI, there was a reduction in the number of weekday meals in front of the television (1.6 ± 1.0 vs 1.9 ± 1.2; P = .03) but no differences in BMI or number of televisions in the bedroom.

CONCLUSIONS:

This pragmatic trial was not effective in reducing screen time or BMI but was effective in reducing meals in front of the screen. Short interventions focused solely on reducing screen time implemented in the primary care practice setting may not be effective in this age group.
15-Year Follow-Up of Recurrent “Hypoglycemia” in Preterm Infants
Authors: Tin Win , Brunskill Greta , Kelly Tom , Fritz Susan
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND:

Observational study of 543 infants who weighed <1850 g, published in 1988 reported seriously impaired motor and cognitive development at 18 months in those with recurrent, asymptomatic hypoglycemia (plasma glucose level ≤2.5 mmol/L on ≥3 days). No study has yet replicated this observation.

AIM:

To quantify disability in a similar cohort of children followed up throughout childhood.

POPULATION:

All children born at <32 weeks’ gestation in the north of England in 1990–1991 and had laboratory blood glucose levels measured daily for the first 10 days of life.

RESULTS:

Forty-seven index children of the 566 who survived to 2 years had a blood glucose level of ≤2.5 mmol/L on ≥3 days. All of these children and hypoglycemia-free controls, matched for hospital of care, gestation, and birth weight, were assessed at age 2. No differences in developmental progress or physical disability were detected. The families were seen again when the children were 15 years old, and 38 of the index children (81%) and matched controls agreed to detailed psychometric assessment. Findings in the 2 groups were nearly identical (mean full-scale IQ: 80.7 vs 81.2). Findings in the 21 children with a level of ≤2.5 mmol/L on ≥4 days, 7 children with a level this low on 5 days, and 11 children with a level of <2.0 mmol/L on 3 different days did not alter these conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study found no evidence to support the belief that recurrent low blood glucose levels (≤2.5 mmol/L) in the first 10 days of life usually pose a hazard to preterm infants.
Booster Seat Laws and Fatalities in Children 4 to 7 Years of Age
Authors: Mannix Rebekah , Fleegler Eric , Meehan William P. , Schutzman Sara A. , Hennelly Kara , Nigrovic Lise , Lee Lois K.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether state booster seat laws were associated with decreased fatality rates in children 4 to 7 years of age in the United States.

METHODS:

Retrospective, longitudinal analysis of all motor vehicle occupant crashes involving children 4 to 7 years of age identified in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from January 1999 through December 2009. The main outcome measure was fatality rates of motor vehicle occupants aged 4 to 7 years. Because most booster laws exclude children 6 to 7 years of age, we performed separate analyses for children 4 to 5, 6, and 7 years of age.

RESULTS:

When controlling for other motor vehicle legislation, temporal and economic factors, states with booster seat laws had a lower risk of fatalities in 4- to 5-year-olds than states without booster seat laws (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.99). States with booster seat laws that included 6-year-olds had an adjusted incidence rate ratio of 0.77 (95% CI 0.65–0.91) for motor vehicle collision fatalities of 6-year-olds and those that included 7-year-olds had an adjusted incidence rate ratio of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.62–0.91) for motor vehicle collision fatalities of 7-year-olds.

CONCLUSIONS:

Booster seat laws are associated with decreased fatalities in children 4 to 7 years of age, with the strongest association seen in children 6 to 7 years of age. Future legislative efforts should extend current laws to children aged 6 to 7 years.
Detection of Viruses in Young Children With Fever Without an Apparent Source
Authors: Colvin Joshua M. , Muenzer Jared T. , Jaffe David M. , Smason Avraham , Deych Elena , Shannon William D. , Arens Max Q. , Buller Richard S. , Lee Wai-Ming , Weinstock Erica J. Sodergren , Weinstock George M. , Storch Gregory A.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Fever without an apparent source is common in young children. Currently in the United States, serious bacterial infection is unusual. Our objective was to determine specific viruses that might be responsible.

METHODS:

We enrolled children aged 2 to 36 months with temperature of 38°C or greater without an apparent source or with definite or probable bacterial infection being evaluated in the St Louis Children’s Hospital Emergency Department and afebrile children having ambulatory surgery. Blood and nasopharyngeal swab samples were tested with an extensive battery of virus-specific polymerase chain reaction assays.

RESULTS:

One or more viruses were detected in 76% of 75 children with fever without an apparent source, 40% of 15 children with fever and a definite or probable bacterial infection, and 35% of 116 afebrile children (P < .001). Four viruses (adenovirus, human herpesvirus 6, enterovirus, and parechovirus) were predominant, being detected in 57% of children with fever without a source, 13% of children with fever and definite or probable bacterial infection, and 7% of afebrile children (P < .001). Thirty-four percent of 146 viral infections were detected only by polymerase chain reaction performed on blood. Fifty-one percent of children with viral infections and no evidence of bacterial infection were treated with antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS:

Viral infections are frequent in children with fever without an apparent source. Testing of blood in addition to nasopharyngeal secretions expanded the range of viruses detected. Future studies should explore the utility of testing for the implicated viruses. Better recognition of viruses that cause undifferentiated fever in young children may help limit unnecessary antibiotic use.
Eficiência do nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) como barreira natural ao ataque de Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) sobre o mogno (Swietenia macrophylla King)
Authors: Silva Maria Clese Alves , Rosa Leonilde dos Santos , Vieira Thiago Almeida
Published: November 2012

A eficiência da espécie Azadirachta indica como barreira natural ao ataque da Hypsipyla grandella sobre o mogno em diferentes arranjos e densidades de plantio foi, avaliada. O estudo foi realizado numa área de pastagem degradada em Vigia, PA. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com cinco repetições, sendo as formas de cultivo do mogno as parcelas, e as épocas de avaliação (meses) as subparcelas. A barreira natural formada pelo nim não evitou o ataque de H. grandella sobre o mogno, mas retardou e minimizou o ataque em plantios mistos. Para o maior controle do ataque de H. grandella, o mogno não deve ser plantado simultaneamente com o nim, mas um ano após o plantio do nim, quando este apresenta mais de três metros de altura, formando uma barreira natural mais eficaz ao ataque desta praga.
Composição mineral e sintomas visuais de deficiências de nutrientes em plantas de pimenta-longa (Piper hispidinervum C. DC.)
Authors: Veígas Ismael de Jesus Matos , Sousa Gizele Odete de , Silva Adelícia Fernandes da , Carvalho Janice Guedes de , Lima Martinha Moura
Published: November 2012

A pimenta-longa (Piper hispidinervum C. DC.) é uma das principais fontes alternativas para a produção de safrol empregado como matéria prima na fabricação de inseticidas naturais e aromatizantes. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito da omissão dos macronutrientes e micronutrientes, sobre a composição mineral de plantas de pimenta-longa, e caracterizar os sintomas de deficiências decorrentes dessa limitação, utilizando-se da técnica do elemento faltante. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, com quatro repetições e doze tratamentos, completo e omissão individual de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Os valores dos teores foliares nos tratamentos com omissão dos nutrientes foram inferiores àqueles obtidos no tratamento completo. As omissões individuais dos nutrientes promoveram alterações na composição mineral de macro e micronutrientes. Os teores de macronutrientes (g kg-1) e micronutrientes (mg kg-1) obtidos nas folhas sem (completo) e com sintomas de deficiências (omissões) foram, respectivamente: N = 18,32; P = 7,02; K = 22,17; Ca = 15,75; Mg = 8,25; S = 5,12; B = 42,25; Fe = 325,00; Mn = 100; Zn = 61,50, com deficiência: N = 8,98; P = 2,52; K = 8,57; Ca = 10,20; Mg = 1,85; S = 0,90; B = 15,50; Fe = 234,00; Mn = 55; Zn = 53.
Puberty in male collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) determined by quantitative analysis of spermatogenic cells
Authors: Guimarães Diva Anelie , Cardoso Deise de Lima , Ferreira Maria Auxiliadora Pantoja , Albuquerque Natália Inagaki de
Published: November 2012

Biological studies are necessary for the management of wildlife in captivity, and knowledge of reproduction is one of the important features for increasing production. The objective of the research was to determine the age at which male collared peccaries reach puberty. Testicular samples of 15 animals, aged 7 to 16 months, distributed into five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5) were used. The testes showed considerably increased weight, length and width (p < 0.05) from G1 to G3, whereas, from this group onward, the development of this organ was slower. There was positive correlation (p < 0.001) between the following testicular parameters: weight and length (r = 0.97), weight and width (r = 0.88), length and width (r = 0.92). Regarding the diameter of seminiferous tubules, an increase was observed (p < 0.05) from G1 to G4. The total number of spermatogenic cells increased significantly (p < 0.05) until G3 and then it stabilized. There was also positive correlation between testis weight and tubular diameter (r = 0.99, p < 0.001), and testis weight and spermatogenic cells (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). The number of Sertoli cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from G1, when they were undifferentiated as support cells, to G5, when they occurred together with the complete line of spermatic cells. The results demonstrate that the reproductive development of peccaries can be classified into the following stages: impuberty (G1, 7-8 months); pre-pubertal (G2, 9-10 months); pubertal (G3, 11-12 months); post-pubertal 1 (G4, 13-14 months); and post-pubertal 2 (G5, 15-16 months). Based on the histological analyses, puberty in the male collared peccary was determined to occur between 11 and 12 months of age.
História e literatura: uma relação de amor e ode em História do Brasil de Murilo Mendes
Authors: Souza Valmir de
Published: November 2012

O artigo trata das relações da história com a literatura, estudo esse que aponta para a inter-relação de campos culturais distintos, mas que coloca também novas abordagens do fenômeno histórico. A literatura pode recontar a história estabelecida sob a ótica do autor satírico, fazendo com que através do riso se possam compreender os processos históricos, e dessacralizando versões cristalizadas da historiografia oficial. É nesse sentido que o diálogo entre literatura e história pode apontar para as tensões presentes na história e nas interpretações e representações do passado. São tomados como objeto de análise eventos da história do Brasil e as interpretações poéticas que deles faz o poeta Murilo Mendes.
Atividade fotossintética em plantas de ameixeira submetidas ao déficit hídrico e ao alagamento
Authors: Martinazzo Emanuela Garbin , Perboni Anelise Tessari , Oliveira Pablo Valadão de , Bianchi Valmor João , Bacarin Marcos Antonio
Published: November 2012

O objetivo no presente trabalho foi avaliar o impacto do déficit hídrico e do alagamento na atividade fotossintética de ameixeiras cultivar 'América'. Foram analisadas a fluorescência da clorofila a e as trocas gasosas em plantas de aproximadamente 12 meses, cultivadas em casa de vegetação. As análises foram iniciadas dois dias após do início do déficit hídrico e um dia após o início do alagamento, totalizando quatro avaliações durante a manutenção dos estresses. A fotossíntese líquida foi reduzida pela limitação estomática em ambos os estresses. A condição de restrição hídrica não alterou o rendimento quântico máximo fotoquímico. Os índices de performance fotossintético revelaram diferenças entre os estresses, caracterizando as plantas de ameixeira, cv. 'América', como mais suscetíveis ao déficit hídrico do que ao alagamento.
Propriedades óticas e microestruturais de filmes finos eletrodepositados de CdTe
Authors: Cruz L.R. , San Miguel Q.G.S.
Published: November 2012

Filmes finos de CdTe foram obtidos por eletrodeposição catódica, a partir de uma solução de CdSO4, H2SO4 e Te. Os filmes foram depositados à temperatura ambiente, sobre substratos de vidro cobertos com SnO2 ou In2O3:Sn. A influência do potencial de deposição nas propriedades microestruturais e óticas dos filmes foi investigada. Os valores de banda proibida dos filmes ficaram na faixa de 1,40 e 1,50 eV, próximos ao valor da banda do CdTe volumétrico. Um potencial de deposição ótimo foi determinado para cada substrato. O aquecimento do eletrólito a 50 ºC não foi suficiente para provocar grandes alterações na cristalinidade, mas promoveu a formação de filmes com menor quantidade de defeitos. Isto sugere que um tratamento térmico pós-deposição possa melhorar as propriedades destes filmes para aplicações fotovoltaicas.
Influência de ciclos molhagem-secagem em fibras de sisal sobre a aderência com matrizes de cimento Portland
Authors: Ferreira S.R. , Lima P.R.L. , Silva F.A. , Toledo Filho R.D.
Published: November 2012

Visando a redução da capacidade de absorção de água de fibras ligno-celulósicas, ciclos de molhagem e secagem são usualmente utilizados na indústria de papel e celulose. Esse procedimento enrijece a estrutura polimérica das fibro-células (processo conhecido como hornificação) resultando assim em maior estabilidade dimensional da fibra. No presente estudo foi avaliada a influência da hornificação de fibras de sisal no seu comportamento físico (variações dimensionais e absorção de água), mecânico (comportamento sob cargas de tração direta) e microestrutural (modificações superficiais da fibra e da estrutura das fibro-células). Ensaios de arrancamento da fibra de sisal em matriz de cimento portland foram realizados, utilizando comprimentos de embebimento de 25 mm e 50 mm, com o objetivo de verificar se a possível estabilidade dimensional decorrente da hornificação aumentava a adesão fibra-matriz. Os resultados indicaram maior estabilidade dimensional, redução na capacidade de absorção de água, aumento na resistência à tração e capacidade de deformação e redução no módulo de elasticidade da fibra de sisal com a hornificação. Acréscimos na carga de arrancamento foram observados indicando uma maior aderência da fibra hornificada à matriz de cimento.
The Evolution of Androconia in Mimetic Tiger Moths (Noctuoidea: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Ctenuchina and Euchromiina)
Authors: Simmons Rebecca B , Weller Susan J , Johnson Sarah J
Published: November 2012

Tiger moth courtship involves an intricate interplay of female calling and male responses, involving pheromones, ultrasound, or both. A comparative phylogenetic approach is needed to separate proximal (ecological) from ultimate (evolutionary) explanations for observed behaviors. This study focused on mimetic tiger moths (Ctenuchina and Euchromiina) to provide a phylogeny to understand the evolution of male courtship structures (androconia). Genetic data from one mitochondrial gene (1,173 basepairs [bp] of COI) and two nuclear genes (238 bp of 28S rRNA D1 loop; 650 bp of EF1-α) were sampled for 29 species and analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods to estimate phylogenetic relationships. The ancestral reconstruction of androconia was optimized using parsimony and Bayesian approaches. Excluding three species, Euchromiina and Ctenuchina were recovered as reciprocally monophyletic, contradicting earlier molecular phylogenies. The genus Cosmosoma was found to be polyphyletic, as was Eucereon. Reconstruction of androconial structures revealed that these structures were acquired once, with subsequent losses in particular species.
Analysis of 20-OH-Ecdysone Titers in Ostrinia furnacalis Affected by Azadirachtin Using Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Zhao Min , Zhou Li , Shi Ping
Published: November 2012

A novel technique of insect ecdysone analysis was established by capillary zone electrophoresis using 20-hydroxy ecdysone (purity ≥93%) as a standard sample. It showed that 20-hydroxy ecdysone and other trace impurities were completely separated within 5 min with an electrolyte containing 10 mmol/L borate, at pH 9.18, 20 kV applied voltage and 0.5 psi × 5 s injected volume. Under this optimal condition, effects of azadirachtin on ecdysone in the hemolymph of Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) were investigated. The results showed that the peak values of 20-hydroxy ecdysone were strongly suppressed by azadirachtin and the titers remained at a lower level than those in the control samples. When compared with high-performance liquid chromatography, the primary advantages of capillary zone electrophoresis include a much shorter analysis time and detection limit and the elimination of complex pretreatment of samples.
Larval Food Supply Constrains Female Reproductive Schedules inHippodamia convergens(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Vargas German , Michaud J P , Nechols James R
Published: November 2012

Reproductive schedules are a critical aspect of life history intrinsically linked to a species' ecology. We explored dynamic trajectories of daily fecundity, egg size, and egg fertility in three size classes of Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville produced by varying larval access to food, eggs of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller. Adult pairs were held with ad libitum food and eggs were collected daily, counted, and a subsample measured. Egg fertility declined steeply over 25 clutches in small females, gradually in large females, but remained relatively stable in medium females. In small females, egg size and daily fecundity declined in a linear manner. There was no clear indication of an egg size-number tradeoff. In medium females, both egg size and daily fecundity peaked around the 16th day of oviposition, after which both declined. Large females began oviposition earlier and achieved peak egg size about day 7, and peak fecundity around day 12. Large females thus expressed a larger proportion of their reproductive effort early in adult life, a strategy inferred to be adaptive in the context of aphidophagy; a larger proportion of progeny would develop early in the exponential growth phase of the prey population when food is most abundant. Increases in egg size during this period may improve the survival of later-developing progeny; prey become scarce as aphid outbreaks decline and competition intensifies, favoring offspring with a larger body size at eclosion. Larval diet restriction appeared to constrain these presumably adaptive changes in egg size and daily fecundity, largely through effects on maternal body size.
Mating Frequency and Fecundity in Agrilus anxius (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: Rutledge Claire E , Keena Melody A
Published: November 2012

Bronze birch borers (Agrilus anxius Gory) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a key pest of birches in North America, have the potential to be a major threat to Eurasian birch forests. Therefore, the consequences of single versus multiple mating on the longevity, fecundity and fertility of female A. anxius were examined. There were three treatments: females observed mating one time and 1 ) then housed alone, 2) kept with their mate, and 3) females paired and housed with a randomly chosen male. Another group of females were observed mating once, and then dissected, 47 of 48 of them had received spermatophores. Weight and longevity of females did not differ among mating treatments. Fecundity, but not fertility, was positively correlated with longevity in all treatments. A high percentage of females in all three mating treatments laid eggs, and there was not a significant difference among treatments. The fecundity of females that laid eggs also did not differ among treatments. These results suggest that a single successful mating may be sufficient to ensure maximal fecundity for females, and that potential for failure of any mating is low. However, there is no apparent cost to multiple mating. Thus, multiple mating may increase fecundity for female bronze birch borers. Our results suggest that laboratory rearing protocols need not ensure females mate multiple times. At the population level, our results suggest that a mate-finding Allee effect at low population densities is unlikely. We also compare the results to an earlier study with the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire.
Eggshell Structure of the Predator Harpactor angulosus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Pikart Tiago G , Souza Gabriely K , Zanuncio Terezinha V , Zanuncio José C , Serrão José E
Published: November 2012

Structural analyses of eggs from Reduviidae may provide important data to establish relationships among the representatives of this family. This study described the eggshell morphology of Harpactor angulosus (Lepeletier and Serville 1825) (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae). Eggs of H. angulosus were analyzed using a stereoscopic microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Eggs of H. angulosus are oval-shaped and slightly flattened laterally, with an eggshell surface with several pores and a rounded posterior pole. The anterior pole has a poorly pronounced neck region, without formation of the collar and a small chorionic rim and with an incomplete anterior appendage without connection between the veil and opercular projections. Aeropyles have a tube-like aspect, arising in the middle region of the veil and extending until the sealing bar. Eggs of H. angulosus were similar to those of other Harpactorinae, but with differences in length, width, anterior appendage characteristics, and eggshell invaginations.
Seasonal groundwater regime in an unsaturated pyroclastic slope
Authors: PAPA R. , PIRONE M. , NICOTERA M.V. , URCIUOLI G.
Published: November 2012

Rainwater infiltration is the mechanism that leads or predisposes unsaturated pyroclastic slopes to failure by reducing matric suction and hence reducing the shear strength. Therefore, groundwater flow analysis is an important tool to investigate slope stability as well as predict conditions caused by heavy rainfall. Analysis and prediction quality can be greatly improved by in situ monitoring. In this framework, this paper describes the results of an ongoing experimental research project on mudflows, based on monitoring of a test site in a typical geological environment in western Campania. The site was selected to carry out extensive laboratory and in situ experimentation, consisting of field monitoring of climatic conditions, matric suction and water content. The suction data span about 4 years, while water content data cover about 2 years. Considered together, these data allow clear identification of seasonal fluctuations of the hydraulic properties in the subsoil, while giving interesting information on the hysteretic hydraulic behaviour of pyroclastic soils. Suction measurements were elaborated to obtain groundwater heads in the subsoil and then equipotential lines and flow vectors.
How can climate policy benefit from comprehensive land‐use approaches?
Authors: Knoke Thomas , Román-Cuesta Rosa M , Weber Michael , Haber Wolfgang
Published: November 2012

Schemes that reward developing countries for mitigating greenhouse‐gas (GHG) emissions through forest preservation and restoration are becoming more common. However, efforts to reduce GHG emissions must also consider food production. This creates an apparent conflict, given that agricultural production – a key driver of GHG emissions as a consequence of forest clearance – will increase as human populations continue to grow. We propose that a mosaic of small patches of forest mixed with cropland enables sustainable intensification of agriculture by minimizing soil degradation. Economic analyses of this mixed land‐use concept suggest an improvement of long‐term economic performance of 19–25% relative to conventional industrial agriculture with large‐scale monocropping. Adopting this approach requires farm management plans, landscape zoning, and new instruments to finance sustainable agriculture. We conclude that climate policy and food production can be reconciled through an integrative landscape concept that combines this more sustainable method of agricultural intensification with the reforestation of abandoned lands.
From anecdotes to scientific evidence? A review of recent literature on catch share systems in marine fisheries
Authors: Thébaud Olivier , Innes James , Ellis Nick
Published: November 2012

In response to concerns regarding the global status of living marine resources, there has been a worldwide tightening of fishery access regulations. This has led to growing interest in individual transferable catch share programs, a market‐based allocation approach to distribute fishing rights. However, the economic, ecological, and social benefits of these systems are the subject of continued debate. Here, we review empirical studies of transferable catch share systems published over the past decade. Our results show that, despite some of these systems having been in place for more than 20 years, systematic empirical assessments of their impacts are still rare. Furthermore, methods used to assess the impacts of catch share systems to facilitate comparisons remain under development, making it difficult to derive general conclusions from existing studies.
CoralWatch: education, monitoring, and sustainability through citizen science
Authors: Marshall N Justin , Kleine Diana A , Dean Angela J
Published: November 2012

CoralWatch, launched in 2002, is a citizen‐science program that seeks to integrate education and global reef monitoring by examining coral bleaching and uses a monitoring network to educate the public about reef biology, climate change, and environmental stewardship. The organization's development from research and monitoring to education and ecotourism has presented a number of challenges.
From Caprio's lilacs to the USA National Phenology Network
Authors: Schwartz Mark D , Betancourt Julio L , Weltzin Jake F
Published: November 2012

Continental‐scale monitoring is vital for understanding and adapting to temporal changes in seasonal climate and associated phenological responses. The success of monitoring programs will depend on recruiting, retaining, and managing members of the public to routinely collect phenological observations according to standardized protocols. Here, we trace the development of infrastructure for phenological monitoring in the US, culminating in the USA National Phenology Network, a program that engages scientists and volunteers.
Thermal sensitivity predicts the establishment success of nonnative species in a mesocosm warming experiment
Authors: Fey Samuel B. , Cottingham Kathryn L.
Published: November 2012

While climate change is likely to modify biological interactions between species, it is not clear how altered biotic interactions will influence specific processes such as community assembly. We show that small increases in water temperature can alter the establishment success of the nonnative, tropical zooplankton species, Daphnia lumholtzi, and suggest a general framework for understanding species establishment in the context of climate change. We compared the establishment success of D. lumholtzi and the native congener D. pulex in a mesocosm experiment manipulating temperature, food conditions, and the identity of the resident vs. establishing species. To understand if our mesocosm results could have been predicted by thermal physiology, we characterized the thermal sensitivity of each species' population growth rate and estimated the temperatures at which each species would outperform the other. As predicted by the thermal sensitivities, invading D. lumholtzi were able to establish regardless of temperature and food resources, and established more rapidly in heated mesocosms. Invading D. pulex reached higher initial abundances in ambient‐temperature mesocosms but failed to establish in any heated mesocosms. These findings suggest that thermal sensitivity may predict how altered interactions between species can influence community assembly, and that higher lake temperatures will likely aid the future establishment of nonnative D. lumholtzi in North America.
A framework for engaging diverse communities in citizen science in the US
Authors: Pandya Rajul E
Published: November 2012

Citizen science is a powerful tool for connecting people to science, but in the US, such initiatives have not connected as well to groups that have been historically underrepresented in science. Research suggests that while several factors contribute to this lack of diverse participation in citizen science, the critical hurdle may be an absence of alignment between community priorities and research objectives. Here, I discuss a participatory framework for designing citizen‐science programs that align with community priorities.
Cushion plants are foundation species with positive effects extending to higher trophic levels
Authors: Reid Anya M. , Lortie Christopher J.
Published: November 2012

Positive interactions are ubiquitous processes within ecological communities that influence patterns of species diversity and ecosystem functioning. By reducing abiotic stress, such as desiccation, nurse plants positively affect (facilitate) associated plant species. Although plant‐plant interactions are well documented, consequences of plants on higher trophic levels are rarely examined. Here, we test for trophic consequences of the plant community by comparing visitation and diversity of pollinator and arthropod communities between cushion plants and non‐cushion plants throughout the season. Cushion plants were found to have significantly higher visitation rate and diversity of both arthropods and pollinators relative to all other non‐cushion plants. The positive effect of cushion plants found here can be explained for arthropods by cooler and more humid conditions and for pollinators by providing more abundant floral resources throughout the season. Although cushion plants have commonly been reported to facilitate other plants, this study shows that the cushion plant Silene acaulis has a positive effect on plants, arthropods, and pollinators with the greatest positive effect on pollinators. Other cushion plant species are likely also foundation species for many alpine trophic levels and have the capacity to stabilize species diversity at a community level by providing refuges for arthropods and resources for pollinators.
A 3-D genetic approach to high-resolution geological modelling of the volcanic infill of a paleovalley system. Application to the Volvic catchment (Chaîne des Puys, France)
Authors: Rouquet Simon , Boivin Pierre , Lachassagne Patrick , Ledoux Emmanuel
Published: November 2012

The Volvic natural mineral water is catched in a complex volcanic aquifer located in the northern part of the “Chaîne des Puys” volcanic system (Auvergne, France). In the watershed, water transits through scoria cones and basaltic to trachybasaltic lava flows. These aa lava flows, emitted by strombolian cones between 75,000 and 10,000 years ago, are emplaced in deep paleovalleys incised within the variscan crystalline bedrock. The volcanic infill is highly heterogeneous. In order to build a hydrogeological model of the watershed, a simple but robust methodology was developed to reconstruct the bedrock morphology and the volcanic infill in this paleovalley context. This methodology, based on the combination of genetic and geometric approaches, appears to be rather efficient to define both the substratum and the lava flows geometry. A 3D geological model is then proposed. It synthesizes the data from 99 boreholes logs, 2D geoelectric profiles, morphologic clues, datings and petrographic data. A genetic approach, integrating aa lava flow morphology and emplacement behaviour, was used to reconstruct the chronology of the volcanic events and lava flow emplacement from the upper part of the Dômes plateau to the Limagne plain. The precision of the volcanic reconstruction is discussed: the main limitation of the methodology are related to the homogeneity of the petrographic and geochemical composition of the lava flows succession (except for the trachyandesitic Nugere lava), the spatially variable borehole density, the lack of a real petrographical and geological description on most of the available geological logs. Nevertheless, the developed methodology combining spatial and genetic approaches appears to be well adapted to constrain complex lava flow infill geometries in paleovalley context.
Mise en évidence par le paléomagnétisme de rotations régionales dans la virgation des Corbières (France)
Authors: Rouvier Henri , Henry Bernard , Le Goff Maxime
Published: November 2012

Une réaimantation “syntectonique” éocène a été mise en évidence dans toute la virgation des Corbières, des Fenouillèdes à l’arc de Saint-Chinian. Son analyse montre que le synclinorium de Saint-Paul de Fenouillet a conservé son orientation E-W originelle, alors que son extrémité orientale a subi une torsion anti-horaire importante à l’amorce de la virgation. La branche méridienne de la virgation est composée de blocs plurikilométriques qui présentent une rotation senestre homogène sur toute leur surface, mais différente d’un bloc à l’autre. Le paléomagnétisme a permis de mettre l’accent sur le caractère majeur de l’accident de Vingrau, orienté NE-SW comme le réseau de failles des Cévennes, qui limite des blocs ayant subi, de part et d’autre, des rotations de valeurs différentes. En outre, il a été démontré que localement le socle avait subi la même rotation au même titre que la nappe des Corbières qui le surmonte. La comparaison des données paléomagnétiques avec la réaimantation, déterminée dans les Cévennes et ayant permis de dater de l’Eocène les minéralisations sulfurées liées aux strates (MVT), montre que la même réaimantation est présente dans l’avant-pays pyrénéen.
Marine karstic infillings: evidence of extreme base level changes and geodynamic consequences (Paleocene of Languedoc, south of France)
Authors: Husson Eglantine , Séranne Michel , Combes Pierre-Jean , Camus Hubert , Peybernès Bernard , Fondecave-Wallez Marie-José , Melinte-Dobrinescu Mihaela Carmen
Published: November 2012

Late Jurassic platform carbonates of Languedoc (southern France) are deeply incised by Late Miocene canyons, allowing the observation of karst systems filled with sediments containing evidences of marine origin. Field and structural relationships as well as new biostratigraphic data (planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils) provide a Latest Cretaceous-Earliest Paleocene age for the major karstification and a Paleocene (Danian-Selandian) age for the sedimentary filling. The ≥ 350 m vertical extent of this karst system and its subsequent marine filling gives a minimum amplitude for the base-level variation responsible for the karstification and then the marine flooding events. The observations suggest that at least, two marine successive events occurred in the Late Danian then in Selandian time. The large amplitude of base level is not in agreement with eustatic sea-level change, and the rate of base-level change is too fast for tectonic uplift and subsidence within the tabular, poorly deformed studied area. We propose a model of a silled endoreic basin, which was dessiccated and karstified over hundreds of meters, when it was disconnected from the World Ocean, and later suddently transgressed by the Paleocene sea and the karst flooded, when the bounding sill was submerged. Such a model is similar, although with significant differences, with the later Messinian-Zanclean event that affected the Mediterranean realm.