How to be a fig wasp parasite on the fig-fig wasp mutualism

The nursery pollination mutualism between figs and pollinating fig wasps is based on adaptations that allow wasps to enter the enclosed inflorescences of figs, to facilitate seed set, and to have offspring that develop within the nursery and that leave to enter other inflorescences for pollination. This closed mutualistic system is not immune to parasitic fig wasps. Although the life histories and basic biology of the mutualists have been investigated, the biology of the fig wasp parasites has been severely neglected. This review brings together current knowledge of the many different ways in which parasites can enter the system, and also points to the serious lacunae in our understanding of the intricate interactions between gallers, kleptoparasites, seed eaters and parasitoids within this mutualism.

Perceptual thresholds for detecting modifications applied to the acoustical properties of a violin

This study is the first step in the psychoacoustic exploration of perceptual differences between the sounds of different violins. A method was used which enabled the same performance to be replayed on different "virtual violins," so that the relationships between acoustical characteristics of violins and perceived qualities could be explored. Recordings of real performances were made using a bridge-mounted force transducer, giving an accurate representation of the signal from the violin string. These were then played through filters corresponding to the admittance curves of different violins. Initially, limits of listener performance in detecting changes in acoustical characteristics were characterized. These consisted of shifts in frequency or increases in amplitude of single modes or frequency bands that have been proposed previously to be significant in the perception of violin sound quality. Thresholds were significantly lower for musically trained than for nontrained subjects but were not significantly affected by the violin used as a baseline. Thresholds for the musicians typically ranged from 3 to 6 dB for amplitude changes and 1.5%-20% for frequency changes. interpretation of the results using excitation patterns showed that thresholds for the best subjects were quite well predicted by a multichannel model based on optimal processing. (c) 2007 Acoustical Society of America.

Evaluación preliminar de diecinueve lineas de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) por su reacción a las principales plagas: Cogollero (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith), mosquita del sorgo (Stenodiplosis sorghicola coquillet) y enfermedades, CNIA-INTA, 2001

La presente investigación se llevó a efecto en el Km 14 de la carretera Norte, en el Centro Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (CNIA – INTA), 2 Km. al sur en el municipio de Managua, departamento de Managua. El ensayo se estableció en la época de postrera del 2001, en suelos de origen volcánico y textura franco arenosa. El propósito del experimento fue evaluar de forma preliminar 19 líneas de sorgo Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench por su reacción a la mosquita del sorgo ( Stenodiplosis sorghicola Coquillet), el cogollero ( Spodoptera frugiperda J:E:Smith) y enfermedades. Los materiales utilizados son parte de un ADIN (All Diseases and Insect Nursery). La parcela experimental tuvo un tamaño de 3.75 m 2 y constó de 1 surco de 5 metros lineales (1 línea por surco). El ensayo se estableció utilizando la metodología de la Universidad de Texas A & M con19 tratamientos (líneas) y 2 repeticiones. Las variables evaluadas fueron: a) daño foliar causado por el gusano cogollero ( Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith ), b) días a floración, c) número de mosquitas d el sorgo ( Stenodiplosis sorghicola Coquillett ) por panoja, d) número de parasitoides de mosquita del sorgo ( Aprostocetus diplosidis Crawford) por panoja, e) severidad de las enfermedades foliares y vasculares. Para la primera y la última variable se utilizó la escala de daño propuesta por la Universidad de Texas A & M. A estos datos se les efectuó un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Para las variables b, c y d se realizó un análisis de varianza y prueba de rangos múltiples de Duncan (P ≤ 0.05), además se les efectuó un análisis de correlación de Pearson. En cuanto al daño foliar causado por el gusano cogollero ( Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith ), no existieron diferencias en el comportamiento de las líneas. Este aspecto no representó una incidencia relevante. Con respecto al período de floración, la línea 96CA5986 presentó el mayor número de días a floración, en tanto que la línea Tx2880 presentó el menor número de días a floración. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el comportamiento de las 19 líneas de sorgo [ Sorghum bicolor ( L.) Moench ] ante el ataque de mosquita del sorgo ( Stenodiplosis sorghicola Coquillett ) y la incidencia de su parasitoide ( Aprostocetus diplosidis Crawford ) es similar para cada línea; La línea 98BRON122 fue la que presentó el mayor valor con respecto a esta variable, mientras que la línea que presentó el menor número de mosquitas por panoja fue B9104; Existe relación entre la variable número de mosquitas ( Stenodiplosis sorghicola Coquillett ) por panoja y días a floración y esta relación es afectada por el parasitoide de la mosquita ( Aprostocetus diplosidis Crawford ). Puede identificarse que la Linea 87EO366*9EO328 fue la que presentó la mayor severidad de enfermedades foliares tales como antracnosis ( Colletotrichum graminicola G. W. Wilson ), mancha zonada ( Gloeocercospora sorghi D.Bain.& Edgerton ex Deighton) , mancha gris de la hoja (Cercospora sorghi Ellis y Everth) tizón de la hoja ( Exserohilum turcicum (pass.). La línea que presentó la menor severidad fue 94B1055. La enfermedad que presentó mayor severidad en el ensayo fue Antracnosis.

Evaluación de veinte lineas de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) por su reacción a enfermedades en tres localidades de Nicaragua, postrera 2003

Para contribuir a resolver la problemática varietal en el país, se han sumado esfuerzos en evaluar líneas de sorgo por lo que se realizó un experimento en diferentes zonas productoras de sorgo en Nicaragua utilizando un vivero de líneas para evaluar plagas y enfermedades ADIN (All Diseases and Insect Nursery), facilitado por el Dr. Larry E. Claflin, fitopatológo de la Universidad del Estado Kansas (KSU), mediante el programa INTSORMIL (International Sorghum and Millet Project. El estudio se desarrolló de agosto a diciembre del 2003. Se utilizó, parcelas experimentales de 5 m. lineales con un área total de 75 m2 con dos repeticiones en cada localidad; Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias-Instituto Nicaragüense de Tecnología Agropecuaria, (CNIA–INTA), Managua; Tisma, Masaya y Ranchería, Chinandega. Entre las variables estudiadas se evaluó severidad de enfermedades foliares, severidad de mohos en panoja y rendimiento de grano. Para la evaluación de las enfermedades se utilizó una escala de daño que incluye valores de 0 %-100 % de severidad propuesta por (Frederiksen, 2000); modificada por (Pichardo, 2001). Los datos colectados fueron procesados y sometidos aun ANDEVA, y separación de medias utilizando la prueba de Tukey (α=0.05). Se realizó análisis de regresi ón lineal para determinar el rendimiento predictivo por localidad y líneas. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que existen diferencias estadísticas entre las líneas para las tres localidades. Las líneas evaluadas en Ranchería presentaron los menores niveles o valores de severidad de en fermedades (7-21 %); valores intermedios (15-39%) las líneas evaluadas en Tisma y los más altos valores (39-58 %) las líneas evaluadas en el CNIA–INTA. Las enfermedades presentes en el estudio fueron: mancha gris de la hoja causada por Cercospora sorghi, Ellis & Everth, antracnosis causada por Colletotrichum graminicola G. W. Wilson y mancha zonada de la hoja causada por Gloeocercospora sorghi D. Bain & Edgerton ex Deighton. Los mayores rendimientos fueron obtenidos por la línea Sureño con 9 037.31, 5 296.57 y 3 566.18 kg ha-1 en CNIA-INTA, Tisma y Ranchería respectivamente; y los menores rendimientos por BLD6(w+y) en CNIA-INTA, con 1 184 kg ha-1, B.9955 en Tisma, con 870.53 kg ha-1 y en Ranchería la línea 98BRON122 con 1 352.55 kg ha -1.

Evaluacion de veinticuatro lineas de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) por su reaccion a plagas y enfermedades, en dos localidades CNIA-INTA, Managua y Guanacastillo, Masaya postrera 2004

El estudio de investigación se realizo en época de postrera Septiembre-Diciembre 2004. Se establecieron dos ensayos en dos zonas diferentes: Centro Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (CNIA-INTA), ubicado en el km 14 de la carretera norte, 2 km al sur en Managua y en Guanacastillo en el km 40 carretera Tipitapa-Masaya, 3 km hacia el oeste. El objetivo fue contribuir a la obtención de materiales resistentes a plagas y enfermedades. Los materiales utilizados son partes de un vivero ADIN (All Diseases and Insect Nursery) El diseño utilizado fue parcelas experimentales con veinticuatro tratamientos y tres repeticiones en cada localidad. Cada tratamiento fue representado por una línea en un surco y a la vez es la parcela útil. El área total para cada ensayo fue de 324mt2 Las variables evaluadas fueron: Daño causado por cogollero (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith), severidad de las enfermedades foliares y mohos de la panoja. Se realizó un Análisis de varianza (ANDEVA) y prueba de rangos múltiple de Tukey (P =0.05), para la variable cogollero y descriptivo, para la reacción de las enfermedades basada en la escala de severidad. Todas las líneas evaluadas fueron afectadas por gusano cogollero. Las enfermedades foliares que afectaron las líneas de sorgo, en ambas localidades fueron: Mancha gris de la hoja ( Cercospora sorghi Ellis & Everth), Antracnosis (Colletotrichum graminicola (cesati) G. W. Willson ) y Mancha zonada de la hoja ( Gloeocercospora sorghi D. Bain & Edgerton ex Deighton). La enfermedad que predominó por su mayor severidad en las líneas evaluadas fue la Antracnosis, seguido de Mancha zonada y Mancha gris en ambas localidades. De las 24 líneas evaluadas en ambas localidades 6 de ellas no presentaron afectación por enfermedades foliares. Los mayores grados de severidad por mohos en la panoja, se registraron en líneas evaluadas en CNIA-INTA. Los mejores rendimientos fueron obtenidos por las líneas 03LI6134,35, (3224.26 kg/ha, 2612.29 kg/ha), 03LI6196,97, (3112.58 kg/ha, 3662.43 kg/ha), 03LI6210,11 , (2579.35 kg/ha, 2659.24 kg/ha), en CNIA-INTA y Guanacastillo, y los menores rendimientos por 03CS268, (1194.25 kg/ha, 1291.92 kg/ha), 03LI6224,25, (1108.18 kg/ha, 1111.95 kg/ha).

Experimental study on the microstructure and nanomechanical properties of the wing membrane of dragonfly

Detailed investigations on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the wing membrane of the dragonfly are carried out. It is found that in the direction of the thickness the membrane was divided into three layers rather than a single entity as traditionally considered, and on the surfaces the membrane displays a random distribution rough microstructure that is composed of numerous nanometer scale columns coated by the cuticle wax secreted. The characteristics of the surface structure are measured and described. The mechanical properties of the membranes taken separately from the wings of live and dead dragonflies are investigated by the nanoindentation technique. The Young's moduli obtained here are approximately two times greater than the previous result, and the reasons that yield the difference are discussed.

Las ciudades castellanas bajomedievales a través de sus paisajes sonoros

Resumen: El análisis de los sonidos que envuelven a las actividades realizadas por el hombre en un momento y espacio concreto, facilita una visión renovada sobre los comportamientos de sus productores como así también de aspectos culturales. Para ello es posible utilizar, tal como proponemos aquí, testimonios históricos exhaustivamente estudiados, como son las ordenanzas municipales castellanas bajomedievales. El objetivo del presente artículo será percibir las representaciones sonoras de las ciudades castellanas bajomedievales-Ávila, Piedrahíta y Plasencia– a través de sus Ordenanzas Municipales y, con ello, delinear los paisajes sonoros urbanos, revalorizando esta fuente documental, planteando sus alcances y limitaciones, a la luz de las nuevas aportaciones historiográfi cas (Historia Cultural) y los cruces interdisciplinarios, en este caso, la Antropología de los sentidos.

Microstructure and nanomechanical properties of the wing membrane of dragonfly

Detailed investigations on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the wing membrane of the dragonfly were carried out. It was found that in the direction of the thickness the membrane was divided into three layers rather than as traditionally considered as a single entity, and on the surfaces the membrane displayed a random distribution rough microstructure that was composed of numerous nanometer scale columns coated by the cuticle wax secreted. The characteristics of the surfaces were accurately measured and a statistical radial distribution function of the columns was presented to describe the structural properties of the surfaces. Based on the surface microstructure, the mechanical properties of the membranes taken separately from the wings of living and dead dragonflies were investigated by the nanoindentation technique. The Young's moduli obtained here are approximately two times greater than the previous result, and the reasons that yield the difference are discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analyses of the mechanical properties and microstructure of bamboo epoxy composites

Bamboo reinforced epoxy possesses reasonably good properties to waarrant its use as a structural material, and is fabricated by utilizing bamboo, an abundant material resource, in the technology of fibre composites. Literature on bamboo-plastics composites is rare. This work is an experimental study of unidirectional bamboo-epoxy laminates of varying laminae number, in which tensile, compressive, flexural and interlaminar shear properties are evaluated. Further, the disposition of bamboo fibre, the parenchymatous tissue, and the resin matrix under different loading conditions are examined. Our results show that the specific strength and specific modulus of bamboo-epoxy laminates are adequate, the former being 3 to 4 times that of mild steel. Its mechanical properties are generally comparable to those of ordinary glass-fibre composites. The fracture behaviour of bamboo-epoxy under different loading conditions were observed using both acoustic emission techniques and scanning electron microscopy. The fracture mode varied with load, the fracture mechanism being similar to glass and carbon reinforced composites. Microstructural analyses revealed that natural bamboo is eligibly a fibre composite in itself; its inclusion in a plastic matrix will help solve the problems of cracking due to desiccation and bioerosion caused by insect pests. Furthermore, the thickness and shape of the composite can be tailored during fabrication to meet specific requirements, thereby enabling a wide spectrum of applications.

The influence of buoyancy on the oscillatory thermocapillary convection with small bond number

This work is an experimental study of unidirectional bamboo-epoxy laminates of varying laminae number, in which tensile, compressive, flexural and interlaminar shear properties are evaluated. Further, the disposition of bamboo fibre, the parenchymatous tissue, and the resin matrix under different loading conditions are examined. Our results show that the specific strength and specific modulus of bamboo-epoxy laminates are adequate, the former being 3 to 4 times that of mild steel. Its mechanical properties are generally comparable to those of ordinary glass-fibre composites. The fracture behaviour of bamboo-epoxy under different loading conditions were observed using both acoustic emission techniques and scanning electron microscopy. The fracture mode varied with load, the fracture mechanism being similar to glass and carbon reinforced composites. Microstructural analyses revealed that natural bamboo is eligibly a fibre composite in itself; its inclusion in a plastic matrix will help solve the problems of cracking due to desiccation and bioerosion caused by insect pests. Furthermore, the thickness and shape of the composite can be tailored during fabrication to meet specific requirements, thereby enabling a wide spectrum of applications.

Accountability na outorga e renovação de contratos de radiodifusão : aumenta a demanda por participação social

A outorga e renovação de concessão, permissão ou autorização de serviço de radiodifusão sonora e de sons e imagens é um conjunto de decisões políticas do Poder Público que está no cerne da questão ou da problematização da comunicação no Brasil. O modelo adotado no Brasil desde cedo concentrou o poder concedente no Executivo Federal. Além de não haver uma forte accountability institucional, a população não é consultada durante o processo e não há mecanismos estabelecidos de fiscalização e controle social sobre o serviço prestado. Esse estudo tem por finalidade oferecer elementos para que se fortaleça a accountability, notadamente a social, para o exame das concessões à luz dos capítulos da comunicação na Constituição Federal. Levanta-se, como hipótese, a possibilidade de que seja falsa a dicotomia participação social versus liberdade de manifestação e de imprensa. A excessiva centralização ou a falta de participação social na outorga e renovação conduz a uma associação entre o poder concedente e os concessionários, permissionários e autorizados na radiodifusão. Os mecanismos de accountability multiplicar-se-iam com o que é chamado aqui de popularização do poder concedente e do poder concedido. E desses mecanismos poderia se servir o poder público ao examinar a eficiência e a eficácia dos "proprietários" da radiodifusão.

The weevil-watermilfoil interaction at different spatial scales: what we know and what we need to know

The North American weevil ( Euhrychiopsis lecontei (Dietz)) is being considered as a biological control agent for Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.). This native insect damages watermilfoil plants and is frequently associated with declining watermilfoil populations

Factors to consider when using native biological control organisms to manage exotic plants

Biological control of exotic plant populations with native organisms appears to be increasing, even though its success to date has been limited. Although many researchers and managers feel that native organisms are easier to use and present less risk to the environment this may not be true. Developing a successful management program with a native insect is dependent on a number of critical factors that need to be considered. Information is needed on the feeding preference of the agent, agent effectiveness, environmental regulation of the agent, unique requirements of the agent, population maintenance of the agent, and time to desired impact. By understanding these factors, researchers and managers can develop a detailed protocol for using the native biological control agent for a specific target plant. . We found E. lecontei in 14 waterbodies, most of which were in eastern Washington. Only one lake with weevils was located in western Washington. Weevils were associated with both Eurasian ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.) and northern watermilfoil ( M. sibiricum K.). Waterbodies with E. lecontei had significantly higher ( P < 0.05) pH (8.7 ± 0.2) (mean ± 2SE), specific conductance (0.3 ± 0.08 mS cm -1 ) and total alkalinity (132.4 ± 30.8 mg CaCO 3 L -1 ). We also found that weevil presence was related to surface water temperature and waterbody location ( = 24.3, P ≤ 0.001) and of all the models tested, this model provided the best fit (Hosmer- Lemeshow goodness-of-fit = 4.0, P = 0.9). Our results suggest that in Washington State E. lecontei occurs primarily in eastern Washington in waterbodies with pH ≥ 8.2 and specific conductance ≥ 0.2 mS cm -1 . Furthermore, weevil distribution appears to be correlated with waterbody location (eastern versus western Washington) and surface water temperature.

Panel Discussion - Management of Eurasian watermilfoil in the United States using native insects: State regulatory and management issues

While researchers have evaluated the potential of native insect herbivores to manage nonindigenous aquatic plant species such as Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.), the practical matters of regulatory compliance and implementation have been neglected. A panel of aquatic nuisance species program managers from three state natural resource management agencies (Minnesota, Vermont and Washington) discussed their regulatory and policy concerns. In addition, one ecological consultant attempting to market one of the native insects to manage Eurasian watermilfoil added his perspective on the special challenges of distributing a native biological control agent for management of Eurasian watermilfoil.

Protected species aerial survey data collection and analysis in waters underlying the R-5306A airspace: final report submitted to US Marine Corps, MCAS Cherry Point

To be in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the United States Department of the Navy is required to assess the potential environmental impacts of conducting at-sea training operations on sea turtles and marine mammals. Limited recent and area-specific density data of sea turtles and dolphins exist for many of the Navy’s operations areas (OPAREAs), including the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point OPAREA, which encompasses portions of Core and Pamlico Sounds, North Carolina. Aerial surveys were conducted to document the seasonal distribution and estimated density of sea turtles and dolphins within Core Sound and portions of Pamlico Sound, and coastal waters extending one mile offshore. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data for each survey were extracted from 1.4 km/pixel resolution Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer remote images. A total of 92 turtles and 1,625 dolphins were sighted during 41 aerial surveys, conducted from July 2004 to April 2006. In the spring (March – May; 7.9°C to 21.7°C mean SST), the majority of turtles sighted were along the coast, mainly from the northern Core Banks northward to Cape Hatteras. By the summer (June – Aug.; 25.2°C to 30.8°C mean SST), turtles were fairly evenly dispersed along the entire survey range of the coast and Pamlico Sound, with only a few sightings in Core Sound. In the autumn (Sept. – Nov.; 9.6°C to 29.6°C mean SST), the majority of turtles sighted were along the coast and in eastern Pamlico Sound; however, fewer turtles were observed along the coast than in the summer. No turtles were seen during the winter surveys (Dec. – Feb.; 7.6°C to 11.2°C mean SST). The estimated mean surface density of turtles was highest along the coast in the summer of 2005 (0.615 turtles/km², SE = 0.220). In Core and Pamlico Sounds the highest mean surface density occurred during the autumn of 2005 (0.016 turtles/km², SE = 0.009). The mean seasonal abundance estimates were always highest in the coastal region, except in the winter when turtles were not sighted in either region. For Pamlico Sound, surface densities were always greater in the eastern than western section. The range of mean temperatures at which turtles were sighted was 9.68°C to 30.82°C. The majority of turtles sighted were within water ≥ 11°C. Dolphins were observed within estuarine waters and along the coast year-round; however, there were some general seasonal movements. In particular, during the summer sightings decreased along the coast and dolphins were distributed throughout Core and Pamlico Sounds, while in the winter the majority of dolphins were located along the coast and in southeastern Pamlico Sound. Although relative numbers changed seasonally between these areas, the estimated mean surface density of dolphins was highest along the coast in the spring of 2006 (9.564 dolphins/km², SE = 5.571). In Core and Pamlico Sounds the highest mean surface density occurred during the autumn of 2004 (0.192 dolphins/km², SE = 0.066). The estimated mean surface density of dolphins was lowest along the coast in the summer of 2004 (0.461 dolphins/km², SE = 0.294). The estimated mean surface density of dolphins was lowest in Core and Pamlico Sounds in the summer of 2005 (0.024 dolphins/km², SE = 0.011). In Pamlico Sound, estimated surface densities were greater in the eastern section except in the autumn. Dolphins were sighted throughout the entire range of mean SST (7.60°C to 30.82°C), with a tendency towards fewer dolphins sighted as water temperatures increased. Based on the findings of this study, sea turtles are most likely to be encountered within the OPAREAs when SST is ≥ 11°C. Since sea turtle distributions are generally limited by water temperature, knowing the SST of a given area is a useful predictor of sea turtle presence. Since dolphins were observed within estuarine waters year-round and throughout the entire range of mean SST’s, they likely could be encountered in the OPAREAs any time of the year. Although our findings indicated the greatest number of dolphins to be present in the winter and the least in the summer, their movements also may be related to other factors such as the availability of prey. (PDF contains 28 pages)