Signal Processing Techniques for Chipless UWB RFID Thermal Threshold Detector Detection.

This letter presents signal processing techniques to detect a passive thermal threshold detector based on a chipless time-domain ultrawideband (UWB) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The tag is composed by a UWB antenna connected to a transmission line, in turn loaded with a biomorphic thermal switch. The working principle consists of detecting the impedance change of the thermal switch. This change occurs when the temperature exceeds a threshold. A UWB radar is used as the reader. The difference between the actual time sample and a reference signal obtained from the averaging of previous samples is used to determine the switch transition and to mitigate the interferences derived from clutter reflections. A gain compensation function is applied to equalize the attenuation due to propagation loss. An improved method based on the continuous wavelet transform with Morlet wavelet is used to overcome detection problems associated to a low signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver. The average delay profile is used to detect the tag delay. Experimental measurements up to 5 m are obtained.

Biology and thermal requirements of Telenomus remus reared on fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda eggs

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a biologia de Telenomus remus Nixon criado em ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) em diferentes temperaturas. Com base no desenvolvimento do ciclo (ovo-adulto), foram determinados as exigências térmicas e o número de gerações dos parasitóides em temperaturas constantes. Inicialmente, ovos de S. frugiperda, com 24 horas de idade, foram submetidos ao parasitismo por T. remus, durante cinco horas, sendo então transferidos para câmaras climatizadas reguladas para as temperaturas de 15, 20, 25, 28, 31 e 35°C. A duração do ciclo (ovo-adulto) foi influenciada pela temperatura variando de 8,3±0,01 a 47,2±0,01 dias para fêmeas e 8,1±0,01 a 46,8±0,01 dias para machos de T. remus nas temperaturas de 31 e 15°C, respectivamente. A porcentagem de emergência (viabilidade) de T. remus em ovos de S. frugiperda também foi influenciada pela variação da temperatura, apresentando redução significativa apenas nas temperaturas extremas. Foi observada redução na viabilidade a 15°C e não houve desenvolvimento biológico do parasitóide a 35°C. A razão sexual de T. remus não sofreu influência da temperatura. em relação às exigências térmicas, a constante térmica (K) e temperatura base (Tb) foram maiores para as fêmeas de T. remus (158,88 graus dias e 12,52°C) quando comparadas aos machos (154,12 graus dias e 12,59°C). A estimativa do número de gerações anuais para T. remus para machos e fêmeas em condições de laboratório foi respectivamente 5,6 e 5,6; 16,9 e 17,3; 28,3 e 29,0; 35,1 e 36,0; 39,6 e 40,7 nas temperaturas de 15, 20, 25, 28 e 31°C.

Effects of subcutaneous methadone, morphine, buprenorphine or saline on thermal and pressure thresholds in cats

This study compared pressure and thermal thresholds after administration of three opioids in eight cats. Pressure stimulation was performed via a bracelet taped around the forearm. Three ball-bearings were advanced against the forearm by inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder. Pressure in the cuff was recorded at the end point (leg shake and head turn). Thermal threshold was tested as previously reported using a heated probe held against the thorax [Dixon et al. (2002) Research in Veterinary Science, 72, 205]. After baseline recordings, each cat received subcutaneous methadone 0.2 mg/kg, morphine 0.2 mg/kg, buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg or saline 0.3 mL in a four period cross-over study. Measurements were made at 15, 30, 45 min and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after the injection. Data were analysed by ANOVA (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in thresholds after saline. Thermal threshold increased at 45 min after buprenorphine (maximum 2.8 +/- 3 degrees C), 1-3 h after methadone (maximum 3.4 +/- 1.9 degrees C) and 45 min to 1 h (maximum 3.4 +/- 2 degrees C) after morphine. Pressure threshold increased 30-45 min (maximum 238 +/- 206 mmHg) after buprenorphine, 45-60 min after methadone (maximum 255 +/- 232 mmHg) and 45-60 min and 3-6 h (maximum 255 +/- 232 mmHg) after morphine. Morphine provided the best analgesia, and methadone appears a promising alternative. Buprenorphines limited effect was probably related to the subcutaneous route of administration. Previously, buprenorphine has produced much greater effects when given by other routes.

Effects of buprenorphine, carprofen and saline on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in cats

To evaluate a prototype pressure stimulus device for use in the cat and to compare with a known thermal threshold device.Eight healthy adult cats weighing between 3.0 and 4.9 kg.Pressure stimulation was given via a plastic bracelet taped around the forearm. Three 2.4 mm diameter ball bearings, in a 10-mm triangle, were advanced against the craniolateral surface of the antebrachium by manual inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder. Pressure in the cuff was recorded at the end point (leg shake and head turn). Thermal threshold was also tested. Stimuli were stopped if they reached 55 degrees C or 450 mmHg without response. After four pressure and thermal threshold baselines, each cat received SC buprenorphine 0.01 mg kg(-1), carprofen 4 mg kg(-1) or saline 0.3 mL in a three period cross-over study with a 1-week interval. The investigator was blinded to the treatment. Measurements were made at 0.25. 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after injection. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA.There were no significant changes in thermal or pressure threshold after administration of saline or carprofen, but thermal threshold increased from 60 minutes until 8 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05). The maximum increase in threshold from baseline (Delta T-max) was 3.5 +/- 3.1 degrees C at 2 hours. Pressure threshold increased 2 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05) when the increase in threshold above baseline (Delta P-max) was 162 +/- 189 mmHg.This pressure device resulted in thresholds that were affected by analgesic treatment in a similar manner but to a lesser degree than the thermal method. Pressure stimulation may be a useful additional method for analgesic studies in cats.

Effects of meperidine or saline on thermal, mechanical and electrical nociceptive thresholds in cats

Objective To measure cutaneous electrical nociceptive thresholds in relation to known thermal and mechanical stimulation for nociceptive threshold detection in cats.Study design Prospective, blinded, randomized cross-over study with 1-week washout interval.Animals Eight adult cats [bodyweight 5.1 +/- 1.8 kg (mean + SD)].Methods Mechanical nociceptive thresholds were tested using a step-wise manual inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder attached to the cat's thoracic limb. Thermal nociceptive thresholds were measured by increasing the temperature of a probe placed on the thorax. The electrical nociceptive threshold was tested using an escalating current from a constant current generator passed between electrodes placed on the thoracic region. A positive response (threshold) was recorded when cats displayed any or all of the following behaviors: leg shake, head turn, avoidance, or vocalization. Four baseline readings were performed before intramuscular injection of meperidine (5 mg kg(-1)) or an equal volume of saline. Threshold recordings with each modality were made at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-injection. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and paired t-tests (significance at p < 0.05).Results There were no significant changes in thermal, mechanical, or electrical thresholds after saline. Thermal thresholds increased at 15-60 minutes (p < 0.01) and mechanical threshold increased at 30 and 45 minutes after meperidine (p < 0.05). Maximum thermal threshold was +4.1 +/- 0.3 degrees C above baseline at 15 minutes while maximum mechanical threshold was 296 +/- 265 mmHg above baseline at 30 minutes after meperidine. Electrical thresholds following meperidine were not significantly different than baseline (p > 0.05). Thermal and electrical thresholds after meperidine were significantly higher than saline at 30 and 45 minutes (p < 0.05), and at 120 minutes (p < 0.05), respectively. Mechanical thresholds were significantly higher than saline treatment at 30 minutes (p <= 0.05).Conclusion and clinical relevance Electrical stimulation did not detect meperidine analgesia whereas both thermal and mechanical thresholds changed after meperidine administration in cats.

Thermal requirements for the embryonic development of Periplaneta americana (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) with potential application in mass-rearing of egg parasitoids

The embryonic development of oothecae of Periplaneta americana was evaluated under four different constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 degrees C and also at different exposure times at <5 degrees C. Their suitability as hosts after the treatment for the parasitoids Evania appendigaster and Aprostocetus hagenowii was also assessed. Temperatures of 5, 10, 15, and 35 degrees C adversely affected the development of the cockroaches, and exposure times to <5 degrees C longer than 5 days sufficed to kill all the embryos in the oothecae. The lower thermal threshold for complete development of P. americana was estimated to be 6.8 degrees C, with a required total amount of 900.9 degree-days. Cold-killed oothecae were still fit for the development of parasitoids. Parasitism rates of A hagenowii were higher than those of E appendigaster, although with lower emergence rates. Our results can be useful in aiding mass-rearing of these parasitoids for biological control programmes of A americana, and may help forecast the time of emergence of nymphs of American cockroaches in infested areas. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temperature-Dependent Growth and Life Cycle of Nemoura sichuanensis (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) in a Chinese Mountain Stream

Plecoptera constitute a numerically and ecologically significant component in mountain streams all over the world, but little is known of their life cycles in Asia. The life cycle of Nemoura sichuanensis and its relationship to water temperature was investigated during a 4-year study in a headwater stream (known as the Jiuchong torrent) of the Xiangxi River in Central China. Size structure histograms suggest that the life cycle was univoltine, and the relationships between the growth of Nemoura sichuanensis, physiological time, and effective accumulated water temperature were described using logistic regressions. The growth pattern was generally similar within year classes but growth rates did vary between year-classes. Our field data suggest a critical thermal threshold for emergence in Nemoura sichuanensis, that was close to 9 degrees C. The total number of physiological days required for completing larval development was 250 days. The effective accumulated water temperature was 2500 degree-days in the field. Development during the life cycle increased somewhat linearly with the physiological time and the effective accumulated water temperature, but some non-linear relationships were best developed by logistic equations.

Prey landscapes help identify potential foraging habitats for leatherback turtles in the NE Atlantic

Identifying key marine megavertebrate habitats has become ever more important as concern increases regarding global fisheries bycatch and accelerated climate change. This will be aided by a greater understanding of the patterns and processes determining the spatiotemporal distribution of species of conservation concern. We identify probable foraging grounds for leatherback turtles in the NE Atlantic using monthly landscapes of gelatinous organism distribution constructed from Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey data. Using sightings data (n = 2013 records, 1954 to 2003) from 9 countries (UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden), we show sea surface temperatures of approximately 10 to 12 degree C most likely indicate the lower thermal threshold for accessible habitats during seasonal foraging migrations to high latitudes. Integrating maps of gelatinous plankton as a possible indicator of prey distribution with thermal tolerance parameters demonstrates the dynamic (spatial and temporal) nature of NE Atlantic foraging habitats. We highlight the importance of body size- related thermal constraints in structuring leatherback foraging populations and demonstrate a latitudinal gradient in body size (Bergmann's rule) where smaller animals are excluded from higher latitude foraging areas. We highlight the marine area of the European continental shelf edge as being both thermally accessible and prey rich, and therefore potentially supporting appreciable densities of foraging leatherbacks, with some suitable areas not yet extensively surveyed.

Desenvolvimento de Oligonychus ilicis em Coffea canephora sob diferentes temperaturas

Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor) (Acari) (Tetranychidae) é uma das principais pragas de Coffea canephora Pierre & Froehner. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes temperaturas no desenvolvimento desse ácaro-vermelho em folhas de C. canephora, em laboratório. Confinaram-se 80 fêmeas em 40 arenas, constituídas de disco foliar de 4 cm, para oviposição nas temperaturas de 21, 24, 27, 30 e 33 ºC. Foram selecionados ao acaso pelo menos dois ovos para avaliar o desenvolvimento embrionário. Após a eclosão da larva, foram realizadas avaliações a cada 12 horas para obtenção da duração e sobrevivência larval. Para avaliar a longevidade foi transferido um ácaro macho da criação para as arenas com uma fêmea para acasalamento. O limite térmico de desenvolvimento inferior e a constante térmica foram determinados para a duração do desenvolvimento de ovo a adulto. O tempo de desenvolvimento das fases imaturas diminuiu com o aumento da temperatura. As fases de ovo, larva, protocrisálida, protoninfa, deutocrisálida, deutoninfa e teleiocrisálida variaram, respectivamente, de 10,4 a 4,3; 2,4 a 1,2; 2,0 a 1,0; 2,3 a 1,2; 1,9 a 1,0; 3,0 a 1,5 e 2,3 a 1,0 dias. O aumento da temperatura afetou o período de desenvolvimento, reduzindo a duração de ovo-adulto e a longevidade. O limite térmico inferior foi de 9,0 ºC para o período de ovo-adulto e constante térmica de 256,4 graus-dias. em condições de laboratório, a faixa de temperatura que favorece o desenvolvimento do ácaro em C. canephora foi de 24 a 30 ºC. O limite térmico inferior não é limitante para ocorrência de O. ilicis em áreas cultivadas com C. canephora no estado do Espírito Santo.

Exigências térmicas e tabelas de vida de fertilidade de Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em laboratório

Este estudo visou determinar as exigências térmicas do pulgão Myzus persicae (Sulzer), calcular tabelas de vida de fertilidade, e prever a ocorrência de adultos no campo, por meio de modelo de graus-dia. Os pulgões foram mantidos individualmente em gaiolas fixadas em folhas de couve, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC, em laboratório, às temperaturas de 15, 20, 23, 25 e 30ºC. O limite térmico inferior de desenvolvimento (Tb) e a constante térmica (K) foram 2,2ºC e 165,6 graus-dia, respectivamente. O modelo de graus-dia previu a ocorrência de adultos de M. persicae para 0 a1 dia antes da data em que eles foram observados no campo. Os parâmetros das tabelas de vida estimados na escala de tempo em graus-dia evidenciaram que as temperaturas de 23°C e 25°C foram as que proporcionaram as melhores condições térmicas para o crescimento populacional de M. persicae. Nessas temperaturas observou-se o maior valor da capacidade inata de aumentar em número (r m = 0,012), o menor valor da duração média da geração (T = 303,8 graus-dia e 272 graus-dia, respectivamente) e o menor tempo necessário para a população duplicar em número de indivíduos (TD = 57,8 graus-dia).

Exigências Térmicas e Previsão de Picos Populacionais de Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Experimentos de laboratório e de campo foram realizados de outubro de 1998 a agosto de 1999, visando estimar as exigências térmicas de Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt). Para isso, o desenvolvimento do afídeo foi estudado em condições de laboratório em couve, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala, usando câmaras climatizadas reguladas a 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30°C, fotofase de 14h e UR de 70±10%. O limite térmico inferior de desenvolvimento de L. erysimi foi de 3,04°C e a constante térmica 132,21 graus-dia. A previsão de ocorrência de adultos no campo foi feita usando-se o método da triangulação; o pico populacional foi previsto para 0-1 dia antes da data em que o mesmo foi observado no campo.

Exigências térmicas de Brevicoryne brassicae e previsão de picos populacionais

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as exigências térmicas do pulgão-da-couve, Brevicoryne brassicae L., Hemiptera: Aphididae, em condições de laboratório e campo, e prever a ocorrência de picos populacionais de adultos, por meio de um modelo de graus-dia. em laboratório, os experimentos foram conduzidos em câmaras climatizadas reguladas a 15, 20, 25, 27 e 30ºC, obtendo-se o limite térmico inferior de desenvolvimento (Tb = 4,5ºC) e a constante térmica (K = 176,1 graus-dia). Na determinação das exigências térmicas sob condições de campo, realizaram-se seis experimentos, a partir dos quais obteve-se o tempo médio de desenvolvimento de ninfas e a temperatura média ambiental. Os resultados estimados de Tb e K foram 3,5ºC e 180,0 graus-dia, respectivamente. Os resultados de Tb e K obtidos em laboratório possibilitam prever com maior precisão a ocorrência de adultos de B. brassicae do que os resultados de Tb e K determinados a partir de experimentos em campo.

Modeling the age-specific per capita growth and reproduction of Rhizobius lophanthae (Col: Coccinellidae)

A per capita model for the growth, development and reproduction of the coccinellid predator Rhizobius lophanthae (Blaisd) feeding on the oleander scale (Aspidiotus nerii Bouche (Homoptera: Diaspididae)) was developed. A thermal threshold for development of 9.4 degrees C was found. Under conditions of unlimited food, the relationship of mass at time t+1 to that at t (in days at 25 degrees C) suggests an 8.7 percent growth rate per mg larvae per day at 25 degrees C. An adult female beetle produces approximately 20 eggs per day while consuming an average of 8.5 scales/day. This is approximately 2.16 eggs per scale consumed above the maintenance level of 1.88 scales per day. More precisely, this compensation point is 0.12 mg of prey/mg of predator/day at 25 degrees C and the egestion rate is 1 - beta = 0.63.

Antinociceptive effects of tramadol and acepromazine in cats

Effects of tramadol and acepromazine on pressure and thermal thresholds were examined in eight cats. After baseline measurements, subcutaneous (SC) tramadol 1 mg/kg, acepromazine 0.1 mg/kg, tramadol 1 mg/kg with acepromazine 0.1 mg/kg, or saline 0.3 ml were given. Serial measurements were made for 24 h. Mean thermal thresholds did not change significantly [analysis of variance (ANOVA)] from baseline. The maximum thermal threshold increase above baseline was 2.8 +/- 2.8 degrees C at 6 h (P > 0.05) after tramadol; it was above the 95% confidence interval (0) at 0.75, 3 and 6 h. Pressure thresholds increased above baseline from 0.25 to 2 h after acepromazine (P < 0.05) and from 0.5 to 3 h after the combination (P < 0.05), with a maximum increase of 132 +/- 156 mmHg 0.25 h after acepromazine and 197 129 mmHg 0.5 h after the combination. Pressure thresholds were above the 95% Cl from 0.25 to 2 h after acepromazine and from 0.5 to 3 h after the combination. SC tramadol at 1 mg/kg in cats had limited effect on thermal and pressure nociception, but this was enhanced by acepromazine. Acepromazine alone had pressure antinociceptive effects. (c) 2007 ESFM and AAFR Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous buprenorphine in conscious cats

Objective To describe simultaneous pharmacokinetics (PK) and thermal antinociception after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) buprenorphine in cats. Study design Randomized, prospective, blinded, three period crossover experiment. Animals Six healthy adult cats weighing 4.1±0.5kg. Methods Buprenorphine (0.02mgkg-1) was administered IV, IM or SC. Thermal threshold (TT) testing and blood collection were conducted simultaneously at baseline and at predetermined time points up to 24hours after administration. Buprenorphine plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. TT was analyzed using anova (p<0.05). A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model of the IV data was described using a model combining biophase equilibration and receptor association-dissociation kinetics. Results TT increased above baseline from 15 to 480minutes and at 30 and 60minutes after IV and IM administration, respectively (p<0.05). Maximum increase in TT (mean±SD) was 9.3±4.9°C at 60minutes (IV), 4.6±2.8°C at 45minutes (IM) and 1.9±1.9°C at 60minutes (SC). TT was significantly higher at 15, 60, 120 and 180minutes, and at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120minutes after IV administration compared to IM and SC, respectively. IV and IM buprenorphine concentration-time data decreased curvilinearly. SC PK could not be modeled due to erratic absorption and disposition. IV buprenorphine disposition was similar to published data. The PK-PD model showed an onset delay mainly attributable to slow biophase equilibration (t1/2ke0=47.4minutes) and receptor binding (kon=0.011mL ng-1minute-1). Persistence of thermal antinociception was due to slow receptor dissociation (t1/2koff=18.2minutes). Conclusions and clinical relevance IV and IM data followed classical disposition and elimination in most cats. Plasma concentrations after IV administration were associated with antinociceptive effect in a PK-PD model including negative hysteresis. At the doses administered, the IV route should be preferred over the IM and SC routes when buprenorphine is administered to cats. © 2012 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists.