Environmental and biological drivers of feeding and spatial dynamics in the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

In eastern Canada, the destruction of foundational kelp beds by dense aggregations (fronts) of the omnivorous green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, is a key determinant of the structure and dynamics of shallow reef communities. Current knowledge about factors affecting the ability of S. droebachiensis to exert top-down community control is based largely on observational studies of patterns in natural habitats, yielding fragmentary, and sometimes contradictory, results. The present research incorporated laboratory microcosm experiments and surveys of urchins in natural habitats to test the effects of abiotic (wave action, water temperature) and biotic (body size, population density) factors on: (1) individual and aggregative feeding on the winged kelp, Alaria esculenta; and (2) displacement, microhabitat use, distribution, and aggregation in food-depleted habitats. Wave action, water temperature, and body size strongly affected the ability of urchins to consume kelp: individual feeding increased with increasing body size and temperature, while aggregative feeding decreased with increasing wave action. Yet, feeding in large urchins dropped by two orders of magnitude between 12 and 18°C. Increasing wave action triggered shifts in urchin displacement, microhabitat use, distribution, and aggregation: urchins reduced displacement and abandoned flat surfaces in favour of crevices. They increasingly formed two-dimensional aggregations at densities ≥110 individuals m⁻². Collectively, results provide a foundational understanding of some of the drivers of feeding and spatial dynamics of S. droebachiensis and potential impacts on the formation of grazing fronts.

The VLT-FLAMES Tarantula Survey: XVIII. Classifications and radial velocities of the B-type stars

We present spectral classifications for 438 B-type stars observed as part of the VLT-FLAMES Tarantula Survey (VFTS) in the 30 Doradus region of the Large Magellanic Cloud. Radial velocities are provided for 307 apparently single stars, and for 99 targets with radial-velocity variations which are consistent with them being spectroscopic binaries. We investigate the spatial distribution of the radial velocities across the 30 Dor region, and use the results to identify candidate runaway stars. Excluding potential runaways and members of two older clusters in the survey region (SL 639 and Hodge 301), we determine a systemic velocity for 30 Dor of 271.6 ± 12.2 km s^-1 from 273 presumed single stars. Employing a 3σ criterion we identify nine candidate runaway stars (2.9% of the single stars with radial-velocity estimates). The projected rotational velocities of the candidate runaways appear to be significantly different to those of the full B-type sample, with a strong preference for either large (≥345 km s^-1) or small (≤65 km s^-1) rotational velocities. Of the candidate runaways, VFTS 358 (classified B0.5: V) has the largest differential radial velocity (-106.9 ± 16.2 km s^-1), and a preliminary atmospheric analysis finds a significantly enriched nitrogen abundance of 12 + log (N/H) ≳ 8.5. Combined with a large rotational velocity (υ_e sin i = 345 ± 22 km s^-1), this is suggestive of past binary interaction for this star.

Gait analysis of the hind limb in Labrador Retrievers with and without cranial cruciate ligament disease

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency is the leading cause of lameness affecting the stifle joints of large breed dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers. Although CCL disease has been studied extensively, its exact pathogenesis and the primary cause leading to CCL rupture remain controversial. However, weakening secondary to repetitive microtrauma is currently believed to cause the majority of CCL instabilities diagnosed in dogs. Techniques of gait analysis have become the most productive tools to investigate normal and pathological gait in human and veterinary subjects. The inverse dynamics analysis approach models the limb as a series of connected linkages and integrates morphometric data to yield information about the net joint moment, patterns of muscle power and joint reaction forces. The results of these studies have greatly advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of joint diseases in humans. A muscular imbalance between the hamstring and quadriceps muscles has been suggested as a cause for anterior cruciate ligament rupture in female athletes. Based on these findings, neuromuscular training programs leading to a relative risk reduction of up to 80% has been designed. In spite of the cost and morbidity associated with CCL disease and its management, very few studies have focused on the inverse dynamics gait analysis of this condition in dogs. The general goals of this research were (1) to further define gait mechanism in Labrador Retrievers with and without CCL-deficiency, (2) to identify individual dogs that are susceptible to CCL disease, and (3) to characterize their gait. The mass, location of the center of mass (COM), and mass moment of inertia of hind limb segments were calculated using a noninvasive method based on computerized tomography of normal and CCL-deficient Labrador Retrievers. Regression models were developed to determine predictive equations to estimate body segment parameters on the basis of simple morphometric measurements, providing a basis for nonterminal studies of inverse dynamics of the hind limbs in Labrador Retrievers. Kinematic, ground reaction forces (GRF) and morphometric data were combined in an inverse dynamics approach to compute hock, stifle and hip net moments, powers and joint reaction forces (JRF) while trotting in normal, CCL-deficient or sound contralateral limbs. Reductions in joint moment, power, and loads observed in CCL-deficient limbs were interpreted as modifications adopted to reduce or avoid painful mobilization of the injured stifle joint. Lameness resulting from CCL disease affected predominantly reaction forces during the braking phase and the extension during push-off. Kinetics also identified a greater joint moment and power of the contralateral limbs compared with normal, particularly of the stifle extensor muscles group, which may correlate with the lameness observed, but also with the predisposition of contralateral limbs to CCL deficiency in dogs. For the first time, surface EMG patterns of major hind limb muscles during trotting gait of healthy Labrador Retrievers were characterized and compared with kinetic and kinematic data of the stifle joint. The use of surface EMG highlighted the co-contraction patterns of the muscles around the stifle joint, which were documented during transition periods between flexion and extension of the joint, but also during the flexion observed in the weight bearing phase. Identification of possible differences in EMG activation characteristics between healthy patients and dogs with or predisposed to orthopedic and neurological disease may help understanding the neuromuscular abnormality and gait mechanics of such disorders in the future. Conformation parameters, obtained from femoral and tibial radiographs, hind limb CT images, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, of hind limbs predisposed to CCL deficiency were compared with the conformation parameters from hind limbs at low risk. A combination of tibial plateau angle and femoral anteversion angle measured on radiographs was determined optimal for discriminating predisposed and non-predisposed limbs for CCL disease in Labrador Retrievers using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis method. In the future, the tibial plateau angle (TPA) and femoral anteversion angle (FAA) may be used to screen dogs suspected of being susceptible to CCL disease. Last, kinematics and kinetics across the hock, stifle and hip joints in Labrador Retrievers presumed to be at low risk based on their radiographic TPA and FAA were compared to gait data from dogs presumed to be predisposed to CCL disease for overground and treadmill trotting gait. For overground trials, extensor moment at the hock and energy generated around the hock and stifle joints were increased in predisposed limbs compared to non predisposed limbs. For treadmill trials, dogs qualified as predisposed to CCL disease held their stifle at a greater degree of flexion, extended their hock less, and generated more energy around the stifle joints while trotting on a treadmill compared with dogs at low risk. This characterization of the gait mechanics of Labrador Retrievers at low risk or predisposed to CCL disease may help developing and monitoring preventive exercise programs to decrease gastrocnemius dominance and strengthened the hamstring muscle group.

Innovation dynamics in rural areas: contributions to capture and measure innovation, valuing territorial specificities

Doutoramento em Gestão Interdisciplinar da Paisagem - Instituto Superior de Agronomia / Universidade dos Açores / Universidade de Évora

Inertial and magnetic sensors for upper limb kinematics: modeling, calibration, sensor fusion and clinical applications

The primary aim of the research activity presented in this PhD thesis was the development of an innovative hardware and software solution for creating a unique tool for kinematics and electromyographic analysis of the human body in an ecological setting. For this purpose, innovative algorithms have been proposed regarding different aspects of inertial and magnetic data elaboration: magnetometer calibration and magnetic field mapping (Chapter 2), data calibration (Chapter 3) and sensor-fusion algorithm. Topics that may conflict with the confidentiality agreement between University of Bologna and NCS Lab will not be covered in this thesis. After developing and testing the wireless platform, research activities were focused on its clinical validation. The first clinical study aimed to evaluate the intra and interobserver reproducibility in order to evaluate three-dimensional humero-scapulo-thoracic kinematics in an outpatient setting (Chapter 4). A second study aimed to evaluate the effect of Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer on shoulder kinematics and Latissimus Dorsi activation in humerus intra - extra rotations (Chapter 5). Results from both clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of the developed platform to enter into daily clinical practice, providing useful information for patients' rehabilitation.

The role of biological processes in affecting the dynamics and fate of microplastics in coastal marine systems

Microplastics (MP) are omnipresent contaminants in the marine environment. Ingestion of MP has been reported for a wide range of marine biota, but to what extent the uptake by organisms affects the dynamics and fate of MP in the marine system has received little attention. My thesis explored this topic by integrating laboratory tests and experiments, field quantitative surveys of MP distribution and dynamics, and the use of specialised analytical techniques such as Attenuated-Total-Reflectance- (ATR) and imaging- Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). I compared different methodologies to extract MP from wild invertebrate specimens, and selected the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the most cost-effective approach. I used this approach to analyse the MP contamination in various invertebrate species with different ecological traits from European salt marshes. I found that 96% of the analysed specimens (330) did not contain any MP. As preliminary environmental analyses showed high levels of environmental MP contamination, I hypothesised that most MP do not accumulate into organisms but are rather fast egested. I subsequently used laboratory multi-trophic experiments and a long-term field experiment using the filter-feeding mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the detritus feeding polychaete Hediste diversicolor to test the aforementioned hypothesis. Overall, results showed that MP are ingested but rapidly egested by marine invertebrates, which may limit MP transfer via predator-prey interactions but at the same time enhance their transfer via detrital pathways in the sediments. These processes seem to be extremely variable over time, with potential unexplored environmental consequences. This rapid dynamics also limits the conclusions that can be derived from static observations of MP contents in marine organisms, not fully capturing the real levels of potential contaminations by marine species. This emphasises the need to consider such dynamics in future work to measure the uptake rates by organisms in natural systems.

Exploring the internal kinematics of Galactic Globular Cluster cores

Globular clusters (GCs) are traditionally described as simple quasi-relaxed non-rotating stellar systems, characterized by spherical symmetry and isotropy in velocity space. However, recent studies have shown deviations from isotropic velocity distributions and significant internal rotation in many GCs, suggesting that their internal structure and kinematics are more complex than previously thought. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the internal kinematics of Galactic Globular Clusters (GGCs) as part of the Multi-Instrument Kinematic Survey (MIKiS), which exploits the capabilities of different ESO-VLT spectrographs to obtain comprehensive velocity dispersion (VD) and rotation profiles of GGCs. Moreover, this thesis has the particular goal of unraveling the kinematics of GC cores, which are still largely unexplored, by taking advantage of the exceptional spatial resolution of the adaptive-optics assisted integral-field spectrograph MUSE/NFM. The thesis presents a thorough kinematic study of three GGCs NGC 1904, NGC 6440, and NGC 6569. By combining the data sets acquired with four different spectrographs, we obtained the radial velocity (RV) of more than 1000 individual stars in each cluster, sampling from the innermost to the outermost regions. This allowed us to obtain the entire VD profile of each cluster and exclude the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole in the core of NGC 1904, at odds with previous findings obtained from integrated-light spectra. The studies also revealed signatures of internal rotation in each of the GCs studied. These results, supported by those of N-body simulations, prove that GCs were born with a significant initial rotation that they gradually lost through internal two-body relaxation and angular momentum loss carried away by escaping stars. Furthermore, we derived the structural parameters of NGC 6440 and NGC 6569, obtaining a comprehensive overview of the internal kinematics and structure of these GCs, which is necessary to properly reconstruct the evolutionary history of these systems.

Seed rain in areas with and without bamboo dominance within an urban fragment of the Atlantic Forest

Understanding the flow of diaspores is fundamental for determining plant population dynamics in a particular habitat, and a lack of seeds is a limiting factor in forest regeneration, especially in isolated forest fragments. Bamboo dominance affects forest structure and dynamics by suppressing or delaying the recruitment of and colonization by tree species as well as by inhibiting the survival and growth of adult trees. The goal of the present study was to determine whether dominance of the bamboo species Aulonemia aristulata (Döll) McClure in the forest understory influences species abundance and composition. We examined the seed rain at two noncontiguous sites (1.5 km apart) within an urban forest fragment, with and without bamboo dominance (BD+ and BD- areas, respectively). Sixty seed traps (0.5 m², with a 1-mm mesh) were set in the BD+ and BD- areas, and the seed rain was sampled from January to December 2007. Diaspores were classified according to dispersal syndrome, growth form and functional type of the species to which they belonged. There were significant differences between the two areas in terms of seed density, species diversity and dispersal syndrome. The BD+ area showed greater seed density and species diversity. In both areas, seed distribution was limited primarily by impaired dispersal. Bamboo dominance and low tree density resulted in fewer propagules in the seed rain. Our results suggest that low availability of seeds in the rain does not promote the maintenance of a degraded state, characterized by the presence of bamboo.

First stars XIII. Two extremely metal-poor RR Lyrae stars

Context. The chemical composition of extremely metal-poor stars (EMP stars; [Fe/H] < similar to -3) is a unique tracer of early nucleosynthesis in the Galaxy. As such stars are rare, we wish to find classes of luminous stars which can be studied at high spectral resolution. Aims. We aim to determine the detailed chemical composition of the two EMP stars CS 30317-056 and CS 22881-039, originally thought to be red horizontal-branch (RHB) stars, and compare it to earlier results for EMP stars as well as to nucleosynthesis yields from various supernova (SN) models. In the analysis, we discovered that our targets are in fact the two most metal-poor RR Lyrae stars known. Methods. Our detailed abundance analysis, taking into account the variability of the stars, is based on VLT/UVES spectra (R similar or equal to 43 000) and 1D LTE OSMARCS model atmospheres and synthetic spectra. For comparison with SN models we also estimate NLTE corrections for a number of elements. Results. We derive LTE abundances for the 16 elements O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Sr and Ba, in good agreement with earlier values for EMP dwarf, giant and RHB stars. Li and C are not detected in either star. NLTE abundance corrections are newly calculated for O and Mg and taken from the literature for other elements. The resulting abundance pattern is best matched by model yields for supernova explosions with high energy and/or significant asphericity effects. Conclusions. Our results indicate that, except for Li and C, the surface composition of EMP RR Lyr stars is not significantly affected by mass loss, mixing or diffusion processes; hence, EMP RR Lyr stars should also be useful tracers of the chemical evolution of the early Galactic halo. The observed abundance ratios indicate that these stars were born from an ISM polluted by energetic, massive (25-40 M(circle dot)) and/or aspherical supernovae, but the NLTE corrections for Sc and certain other elements do play a role in the choice of model.

[O/Fe] ESTIMATES FOR CARBON-ENHANCED METAL-POOR STARS FROM NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

We report on oxygen abundances determined from medium-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy for a sample of 57 carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars selected from the Hamburg/ESO Survey. The majority of our program stars exhibit oxygen-to-iron ratios in the range +0.5 < [O/Fe]< + 2.0. The [O/Fe] values for this sample are statistically compared to available high-resolution estimates for known CEMP stars as well as to high-resolution estimates for a set of carbon-normal metal-poor stars. Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen abundance patterns for a sub-sample of these stars are compared to yield predictions for very metal-poor asymptotic giant branch (AGB) abundances in the recent literature. We find that the majority of our sample exhibit patterns that are consistent with previously studied CEMP stars having s-process-element enhancements and thus have very likely been polluted by carbon- and oxygen-enhanced material transferred from a metal-poor AGB companion.

Distinguishing post-AGB impostors in a sample of pre-main sequence stars

Context. A sample of 27 sources, cataloged as pre-main sequence stars by the Pico dos Dias Survey (PDS), is analyzed to investigate a possible contamination by post-AGB stars. The far-infrared excess due to dust present in the circumstellar envelope is typical of both categories: young stars and objects that have already left the main sequence and are suffering severe mass loss. Aims. The two known post-AGB stars in our sample inspired us to seek for other very likely or possible post-AGB objects among PDS sources previously suggested to be Herbig Ae/Be stars, by revisiting the observational database of this sample. Methods. In a comparative study with well known post-AGBs, several characteristics were evaluated: (i) parameters related to the circumstellar emission; (ii) spatial distribution to verify the background contribution from dark clouds; (iii) spectral features; and (iv) optical and infrared colors. Results. These characteristics suggest that seven objects of the studied sample are very likely post-AGBs, five are possible post-AGBs, eight are unlikely post-AGBs, and the nature of seven objects remains unclear.

Age distribution of the central stars of galactic disk planetary nebulae

Context. Determination of the ages of central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPN) is a complex problem, and there is presently no single method that can be generally applied. We have developed several methods of estimating the ages of CSPN, based on both the observed nebular properties and some properties of the stars themselves. Aims. Our aim is to estimate the ages and the age distribution of CSPN and to compare the derived results with mass and age determinations of CSPN and white dwarfs based on empirical determinations of these quantities. Methods. We considered a sample of planetary nebulae in the galactic disk, most of which (similar to 69%) are located in the solar neighbourhood, within 3 kpc from the Sun. We discuss several methods of deriving the age distribution of CSPN, namely; (i) the use of an age-metallicity relation that also depends on the galactocentric distance; (ii) the use of an age-metallicity relation obtained for the galactic disk; and (iii) the determination of ages from the central star masses obtained from the observed nitrogen abundances. Results. We estimated the age distribution of CSPN with average uncertainties of 1-2 Gyr, and compared our results with the expected distribution based both on the observed mass distribution of white dwarfs and on the age distribution derived from available mass distributions of CSPN. Based on our derived age distributions, we conclude that most CSPN in the galactic disk have ages under 6 Gyr, and that the age distribution is peaked around 2-4 Gyr.

Populations III.1 and III.2 gamma-ray bursts: constraints on the event rate for future radio and X-ray surveys

Aims. We calculate the theoretical event rate of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) from the collapse of massive first-generation (Population III; Pop III) stars. The Pop III GRBs could be super-energetic with the isotropic energy up to E(iso) greater than or similar to 10(55-57) erg, providing a unique probe of the high-redshift Universe. Methods. We consider both the so-called Pop III.1 stars (primordial) and Pop III.2 stars (primordial but affected by radiation from other stars). We employ a semi-analytical approach that considers inhomogeneous hydrogen reionization and chemical evolution of the intergalactic medium. Results. We show that Pop III.2 GRBs occur more than 100 times more frequently than Pop III.1 GRBs, and thus should be suitable targets for future GRB missions. Interestingly, our optimistic model predicts an event rate that is already constrained by the current radio transient searches. We expect similar to 10-10(4) radio afterglows above similar to 0.3 mJy on the sky with similar to 1 year variability and mostly without GRBs (orphans), which are detectable by ALMA, EVLA, LOFAR, and SKA, while we expect to observe maximum of N < 20 GRBs per year integrated over at z > 6 for Pop III.2 and N < 0.08 per year integrated over at z > 10 for Pop III.1 with EXIST, and N < 0.2 for Pop III.2 GRBs per year integrated over at z > 6 with Swift.

Segregation and activation of myosin IIB creates a rear in migrating cells

We have found that MLC-dependent activation of myosin IIB in migrating cells is required to form an extended rear, which coincides with increased directional migration. Activated myosin IIB localizes prominently at the cell rear and produces large, stable actin. lament bundles and adhesions, which locally inhibit protrusion and de. ne the morphology of the tail. Myosin IIA forms de novo. laments away from the myosin IIB-enriched center and back to form regions that support protrusion. The positioning and dynamics of myosin IIA and IIB depend on the self-assembly regions in their coiled-coil C terminus. COS7 and B16 melanoma cells lack myosin IIA and IIB, respectively; and show isoform-specific front-back polarity in migrating cells. These studies demonstrate the role of MLC activation and myosin isoforms in creating a cell rear, the segregation of isoforms during. lament assembly and their differential effects on adhesion and protrusion, and a key role for the noncontractile region of the isoforms in determining their localization and function.

Experimental investigation on adaptive robust controller designs applied to a free-floating space manipulator

This paper aims to formulate and investigate the application of various nonlinear H(infinity) control methods to a fiee-floating space manipulator subject to parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. From a tutorial perspective, a model-based approach and adaptive procedures based on linear parametrization, neural networks and fuzzy systems are covered by this work. A comparative study is conducted based on experimental implementations performed with an actual underactuated fixed-base planar manipulator which is, following the DEM concept, dynamically equivalent to a free-floating space manipulator. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.