The Spider Webs, an Alternative Strategy to Teach Elasticity

La tela de araña es una estructura sorprendente, sus propiedades físicas y químicas han despertado el interés de muchos científicos alrededor del mundo. En este artículo se propone una metodología alternativa, económica y relativamente simple de aplicar para estimar propiedades elásticas de las telas de arañas. Impulsando un método de enseñanza de la Física con aplicación biológica que permita a los alumnos comprender los conceptos de elasticidad de manera experimental y tangible.The spider web is a surprising structure, its physical and chemical properties have woken up the interest of many scientists around the world. In this article is proposed an alternative, economic and relatively simple methodology to estimate elastic properties of the spider webs. Stimulating a method of education of the Physics with biological application that allows pupils to understand the concepts of elasticity of an experimental and tangible way.Fil: Aguilera Sammaritano, Juan Alberto. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

La trappola dell'oscurantismo legislativo italiano

L’elaborato affronta un tema particolare: l’oscurità legislativa italiana. Il mascheramento della legge – in tutte le sue forme – è un tema di estrema attualità. L’attuale produzione legislativa impedisce il confezionamento di un prodotto normativo qualitativamente accettabile, e questo perché il linguaggio giuridico criptico e l’impiego scorretto delle tecniche di redazione degli atti normativi sono all'ordine del giorno. Elencate le principali cause che hanno determinato la genesi del fenomeno, l’articolato si sofferma sui rapporti fra draftsman e politici, insistendo in particolar modo sulla differenziazione dei rispettivi ruoli. Le difficili dinamiche emergerti dal rapporto collaborativo favoriscono la produzione di una normazione oscura e incomprensibile dovuta all'uso di un vocabolario non omogeneo, definizioni astruse e l’impiego consapevole di una terminologia vaga e ambigua. È proprio l’elevatissimo numero di testi normativi emanati nella assoluta indifferenza dei canoni della legistica ad aver condotto l’analisi. Stato e Regioni hanno comunque dimostrato di possedere una cultura adeguata in tema di tecnica redazionale, ma le situazioni di urgenza e la carenza del personale predisposto agli Uffici legislativi determinano sempre più una scarsa qualità della legislazione. L’analisi condotta mette a nudo come questo atteggiamento provochi conseguenze non solo nei rami alti dell’ordinamento. L’oscurità della produzione normativa primaria influenza e veicola anche la capacità comunicativa della Pubblica Amministrazione, complicando ulteriormente la condizione del cittadino. È qui, dunque, che emerge in tutta la sua evidenza l’obiettivo che l’elaborato intende perseguire, ossia quello di approfondire la posizione del cittadino italiano medio, tenendo in considerazione le diverse capacità di lettura e comprensione della legge, il quale rappresenta l’anello più debole dell’intero sistema. L’elaborato si prefigge l’ulteriore finalità di individuare possibili strategie di intervento per l’ottenimento di una buona qualità della legislazione, riportando un iter riflessivo che dall'adeguamento del lessico giuridico al lessico dei parlanti giunge fino a contemplare esperienze di co-scrittura dei testi normativi attraverso il coinvolgimento dell’utente finale. La scrittura legislativa attualmente risulta appesantita da un uso smoderato di espressioni poco note e non immediatamente comprensibili appartenenti ad altre lingue, le quali annebbiano e confondono il cittadino sul reale contenuto delle norme. La prospettazione di queste tematiche dimostra come ancora sia complicato conseguire una produzione legislativa di qualità orientata alle esigenze del destinatario

Microbial control of Bemisia tabaci (sweet potato whitefly) using entomopathogenic fungi

Los hongos entomopatógenos constituyen un grupo de organismos de gran importancia comobio-controladores de insectos plaga. En este estudio se obtuvieron aislamientos de suelos áridosde la Argentina utilizando Tenebrio molitor como método cebo. Los aislamientos seleccionadosse cultivaron a 30 °C y 45-65% de humedad relativa. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron aislarhongos entomopatógenos del orden Hypocreales de suelos áridos y probar su comportamientobiológico a elevadas temperaturas y baja humedad relativa. Dentro de las variables fisiológicas semidió el crecimiento radial a 30 °C para seleccionar los aislamientos termo-tolerantes. Se llevarona cabo ensayos de porcentaje de germinación en aceites vegetales a distintas concentracionespara evaluar su compatibilidad con formulaciones líquidas. Además, para demostrar supatogenicidad y su potencial como controladores de plagas, se realizaron bio-ensayos contra lasninfas de segundo instar de B. tabaci con las formulaciones de aceites seleccionadas. Se realizó laidentificación molecular de los aislamientos seleccionados mediante las amplificaciones desegmentos de ADN específicos. Por último, se realizaron algunas pruebas anexas, como laproducción de bio-polímeros relacionados a la tolerancia térmica y análisis de susceptibilidad alos fungicidas de uso común. Los aislamientos del género Metarhizium CEP401 (52,6 mm) y CEP381 (44,98 mm) mostraron losvalores más altos de crecimiento a 30 °C. Los aislamientos de Metarhizium sp. CEP381 (Aceite degirasol 10% v/v), CEP401 (aceite de oliva 10% v/v), CEP413 (Aceite de oliva 10% v/v) y CEP 409 (aceite de maíz 10% v/v) tuvieron porcentajes de germinación similares a tratamientos control. Los ensayos de patogenicidad que se realizaron en ninfas de B. tabaci (CEP 381, CEP401, CEP409y CEP413) arrojaron valores de mortalidad cercanos al 50%. Los valores más altos se encontraronen CEP381 (aceite de girasol) y CEP401 (aceite de oliva), siendo 46,94% y 45,83%,respectivamente. La identificación molecular de los aislamientos se realizó con primers ITS4-5. Todos los aislamientos pertenecen al género Metarhizium. Se han caracterizado aislamientos de hongos entomopatógenos capaces de crecer e infectar aninfas de B. tabaci bajo condiciones de estrés térmico utilizando algunos aceites vegetales comoportadores naturales. Este estudio proporciona nuevas posibilidades para el Manejo Integrado de Plagas tanto a nivel local y regional.Entomopathogenic fungi are a group of organisms of great importance as bio-controllers agentsof insect pests. In this study entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from arid soils in Argentinausing Tenebrio molitor as bait method. Selected isolates were grown at 30 °C and 45-65% relativehumidity. The objectives of this study were to isolate entomopathogenic Hypocreales of arid soilsand test their biological performance at high temperatures and low relative humidity. Withinphysiological variables radial growth was measured at 30 °C to select the thermo-tolerant isolates. Tests of germination percentage in vegetable oils at different concentrations were carried out toevaluate their compatibility with liquid formulations. In addition, to demonstrate theirpathogenicity and their potential as insect pest controllers, bioassays against second instarnymphs of B. tabaci with the selected oils formulations were made. Molecular identification ofisolates were performed by amplification of specific DNA segments. Finally, some evidence asproduction of biopolymers related to thermal tolerance and susceptibility analysis fungicidescommonly used were performed. All Metarhizium isolates CEP401 (52,6 mm) and CEP381 (44,98 mm) showed the highest values ofradial growth at 30 °C. Isolates CEP381 (Sunflower oil 10% v/v), CEP401 (olive oil 10% v/v), CEP413 (Olive oil 10% v/v) and CEP409 (maize oil 10% v/v) had similar percentages of germination withcontrol treatments. Pathogenicity tests performed on B. tabaci nymphs (CEP 381, CEP401, CEP409and CEP413), yielded mortality values of close to 50%. The highest values were found in CEP381 (sunflower oil) and CEP401 (olive oil), 46,94% and 45,83%, respectively. The molecularidentification of isolates was performed with primers ITS4-5. All isolates belong to the Metarhiziumcore group. A group of entomopathogenic fungi have been characterized. These isolates can grow and infectwhitefly nymphs under heat stress conditions using some vegetable oils as natural carriers. Thisstudy provides new possibilities for Integrated Pest Management both locally and regionally.Fil: Aguilera Sammaritano, Juan Alberto. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina

Biomonitoreo atmosférico en la provincia de San Juan: caracterización y composición de material particulado atmosférico (HAPS y metales pesados)

Este estudio contribuye al conocimiento actual sobre la contaminación atmosférica en una zona industrialde la provincia de San Juan, Argentina. El objetivo fue evaluar a Tillandsia capillaris (clavel del aire) y Larreadivaricata (jarilla) como método alternativo de monitoreo de calidad atmosférica, a fin de estimar lasfracciones y la composición química del material particulado PM10 y PM2.5. Para ello, semanalmente setomaron muestras de PM10 y PM2.5 con impactadores y simultáneamente se expusieron las especiesvegetales; esto permitió realizar estudios comparativos entre el método instrumental y el biomonitoreo.Posteriormente, se realizó el análisis gravimétrico, con el fin de medir la concentración másica de laspartículas tanto en plantas como en muestras del impactador, así se determinó la concentración de K, Ca, Ti,V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, Ba, Pb, naftaleno, fluoreno, fenantreno, fluoranteno, criseno, benzo [a]antraceno, benzo [b] fluoranteno, benzo [k] fluoranteno, dibenzo [a, h] antraceno, benzo [g, h, i] perileno,acenafteno, antraceno, pireno, benzo [a] pireno. Las concentraciones promedio de PM en la atmósferafueron: 63 ± 9 μg/m3 (PM10) y 36 ± 5 μg/m3 (PM2.5), las cuales, generalmente fueron más altas durante losinviernos. En relación a los elementos cuantificados, las concentraciones mayores fueron las de Ca, Fe, K, Mn,Ti y las de los HAPs de mayor peso molecular: BbFA (0.38 ng/m3), BahA (0.31 ng/m3) y BghiP (0.61 ng/m3).Estos datos constituyen los primeros antecedentes de concentración y variabilidad estacional del PM paraSan Juan. Respecto a la comparación entre métodos, se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre laconcentración de PM10 y la concentración de partículas de igual diámetro retenidas en las hojas de T.capillaris (R2=0.91) y de L. divaricata (R2=0.88). Resultados equivalentes se observan entre la fracción dePM2.5 atmosférica y la depositada en T. capillaris (R2=0.84) y en L. divaricata (R2=0.82). Este es el primertrabajo que logra correlacionar el PM evaluado por un método instrumental con el depositado en las plantasbiomonitoras y que además propone a la jarilla como potencial especie biomonitora; ya que hasta elmomento no existen publicaciones que la citen como especie biomonitora de zonas áridas. Dado que lametodología de biomonitoreo no incurre en elevados costos ni en complejos diseños experimentales, y quea partir de este estudio fue calibrada; podría ser utilizada para realizar monitoreos de PM para evaluarpatrones de variación, logrando establecer el estado de la calidad ambiental.This study contributes to the current understanding of air pollution in the province of San Juan, Argentina. The objective was to evaluate Tillandsia capillaris and Larrea divaricata as an alternative method of atmospheric quality monitoring, in order to estimate the fractions of PM10, PM2.5 and the concentrations of some elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For this purpose, samples of PM10, PM2.5 and plant samples were collected weekly, all exposed simultaneously in the same area of the province. After performing the gravimetric analysis, in order to measure the mass concentration of particles in both plants and impactor samples, the concentration of K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, Ba, Pb, naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo [a] anthracene, benzo [b] fluoranthene, benzo [k] fluoranthene, dibenzo [a, h] anthracene, benzo [g, h, i] perylene, acenaphthene, anthracene, pyrene, benzo [a] pyrene. The results showed significant regressions between the concentration of PM10 and the concentration of particles of equal diameter retained in the leaves of T. capillaris (R2=0.91) and L. divaricata (R2=0.88), also between the fraction of PM2.5 in T. capillaris (R2=0.84) and L. divaricata (R2=0.82). The average PM concentrations in the atmosphere were: 63 ± 9 μg/m3 (PM10) and 36 ± 5 μg/m3 (PM2.5). In relation to the quantified elements, the highest concentrations were Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Ti and the highest molecular weight PAHs: BbFA (0.38 ng/m3 ), BahA (0.31 ng/m3 ) and BghiP (0.61 ng/m3 ). The results obtained constitute the first data of concentration and seasonal variability of the PM for San Juan, as well as the influence of different emission sources. In addition, this study presents another unpublished data, the capacity that jarilla showed as a potential biomonitor species. Since this nonconventional sampling methodology does not incur high costs or complex experimental designs, it can be used to conduct temporal monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5, as well as to evaluate their variation patterns, establishing the state of environmental quality in the different sites studied.Fil: Aguilera Sammaritano, Mariela Lucía. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; Argentina. Autor

Sleep staging and respiratory events in refractory epilepsy patients: Is there a first night effect?

Purpose:   We performed this analysis of possible first night effects (FNEs) on sleep and respiratory parameters in order to evaluate the need for two serial night polysomnograms (PSGs) to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in epilepsy patients. Methods:   As part of a pilot multicenter clinical trial investigating the effects of treating sleep apnea in epilepsy, two nights of PSG recording were performed for 40 patients with refractory epilepsy and OSA symptoms. Sleep architecture was examined in detail, along with respiratory parameters including apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and minimum oxygen saturation. Analysis included two-tailed t -tests, Wilcox sign rank analysis, and Bland Altman measures of agreement. Results:   Total sleep time differed between the two nights (night 1,363.8 min + 59.4 vs. 386.3 min + 68.6, p = 0.05). Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and percentage of REM sleep were increased during night two (night 1: 12.3% + 5.9 vs. night 2: 15.5% + 6.2, p = 0.007), and the total minutes of slow-wave sleep (SWS) were increased (night 1: 35.6 + 60.7 vs. night 2: 46.4 + 68.1, p = 0.01). No other sleep or respiratory variables differed between the two nights. Given an AHI inclusion criterion of five apneas per hour, the first PSG identified all but one patient with OSA. Discussion:   Respiratory parameters showed little variability between the first and second nights. Sleep architecture was mildly different between the first and second PSG night. Performing two consecutive baseline PSGs to diagnose OSA may not be routinely necessary in this population.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/65717/1/j.1528-1167.2008.01681.x.pd

The entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae for the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its effect to the phytopathogenic fungus, Botrytis cinerea

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the gray rot fungus(Botrytis cinerea) are two important factors that cause elevated losses of productivity in vineyards globally. TheEuropean grapevine moth is one of the most important pests in vineyards around the world, not only because ofits direct damage to crops, but also due to its association with the gray rot fungus; both organisms are highlydetrimental to the same crop. Currently, there is no effective, economic, and eco-friendly technique that can beapplied for the control of both agents. On the other hand, Metarhizium anisopliae belongs to a diverse group ofentomopathogenic fungi of asexual reproduction and global distribution. Several Metarhizium isolates have beendiscovered causing large epizootics to over 300 insects? species worldwide. In this study, a simple design wasconducted to evaluate the potential of native M. anisopliae isolates as one of biological control agents against L.botrana and as possible growth inhibitors to B. cinerea. Entomopathogenic fungal strains were isolated from aridsoils under vine (Vitis vinifera) culture. Results suggest that the three entomopathogenic strains (CEP413, CEP589,and CEP591) were highly efficient in controlling larval and pupal stages of L. botrana, with mortality rates rangingfrom 81 to 98% (within 4?6 days). Also, growth inhibition over B. cinerea strains resulted in percentages rangedfrom 47 to 64%. Finally, the compatibility of the entomopathogenic strains, with seven commercial fungicides, wasevaluated. The potential of the entomopathogenic fungal strains to act as control agents is discussed.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Dual effects of entomopathogenic fungi on control of the pest Lobesia botrana and the pathogenic fungus Eutypella microtheca on grapevine

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are the natural enemies of insect pests. Nevertheless, research on the use of EPF for simultaneous prevention of pest and disease agents on the same crop is limited. In this study, we explored the potential dual effects of three strains of the EPF Metarhizium anisopliae on the control of detrimental agents of Vitis vinifera L., including different developmental stages (larvae, pupae, and adult) of the insect pest Lobesia botrana and the phytopathogenic fungus Eutypella microtheca. Methods: Laboratory pathogenicity trials were performed to examine the effects of the three M. anisopliae strains on the mortality rate of L. botrana. In addition, field trials were conducted to assess the biocontrol potential of one selected M. anisopliae strain on the larval stage of L. botrana. Moreover, inhibitory effects of the three EPF strains on E. microtheca growth were examined in vitro. Results: All the M. anisopliae strains were highly effective, killing all stages of L. botrana as well as inhibiting the growth of E. microtheca. The in vitro mortality of larvae treated with the strains was over 75%, whereas that of treated pupae and adults was over 85%. The three EPF strains showed similar efficacy against larvae and adult stages; nevertheless, pupal mortality was observed to be strain dependent. Mortality of L. botrana larvae ranged from 64 to 91% at field conditions. Inhibition of E. microtheca growth reached 50% in comparison to the control. Conclusions: Our study showed that M. anisopliae strains were highly effective in ensuring control of two different detrimental agents of V. vinifera L., providing new evidence to support the dual effects of entomopathogenic fungi.Fil: Aguilera Sammaritano, Juan Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción; ChileFil: Caballero, Juan Jose. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Deymié Terzi, María Celina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Rosa, Melisa. Universidad Nacional de San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Vazquez, Fabio. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Pappano, Delia Beatriz. Universidad Nacional de San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Lechner, Bernardo Ernesto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Micología y Botánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Micología y Botánica; ArgentinaFil: González Teuber, Marcia. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción; Chil

Control of Bemisia tabaci by entomopathogenic fungi isolated from arid soils in Argentina

Entomopathogenic Hypocreales were isolated from arid soils in Argentina using Tenebrio molitor as bait and tested for their biological performance at 30°C and 45–65% RH. Conidial germination was tested in three vegetable oils (sunflower, olive and maize) at two concentrations (1% and 10%) to evaluate their compatibility for further liquid formulations. According to radial growth and germination results, we selected four isolates to test their pathogenicity against second instar B. tabaci nymphs with the selected oil formulations at 30°C. CEP381 and CEP401 showed the highest radial growth. Isolates CEP381, CEP401, CEP413 and CEP409 (Metarhizium spp.) had similar germination percentages as compared with water control when germinated on either sunflower, olive or maize oils at 10% v/v. The highest mortality of B. tabaci was observed for the isolates CEP381 in sunflower oil and CEP401 in olive oil. Molecular identification of isolates was performed using ITS4–5 primers. All isolates belong to the Metarhizium core group. Tested isolates could grow and infect B. tabaci nymphs at 30°C in some of the vegetable oils as carriers, providing new possibilities for integrated pest management of Bemisia tabaci.Fil: Aguilera Sammaritano, Juan Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Lopez Lastra, Claudia Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; ArgentinaFil: Leclerque, Andreas. Hochschule Geisenheim University; AlemaniaFil: Vazquez, Fabio. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Toro, Maria Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: D´Alessandro, Celeste Paola. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Cuthbertson, Andrew G.S.. Independent Science Advisor; Reino UnidoFil: Lechner, Bernardo Ernesto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Micología y Botánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Micología y Botánica; Argentin

Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum: Promoting the educational role of international fashion universities’ museums

The Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum has the mission to convey the knowledge of one the most influential fashion designers in history. Through the Transmissions educational project, the Museum connected with the world’s most prestigious fashion universities (Central Saint Martins, Kyoto Seika University, Parsons School of Design and Shenkar College) creating a cross-border partnership to transmit Balenciaga’s creative heritage. Back home, students and tutors liaised with their own university museums (CSM Archives and Shenkar Rose Archive) consulting Balenciaga’s museum pieces. Parsons who does not have an in-house fashion museum arranged a visit to nearby university museum at FIT. Easier access to digital archives at Japanese university museums would have proven beneficial for Seika Kyoto students. Through close study of the archive pieces and use of digital educational material, students and tutors increased knowledge on Balenciaga’s construction skills. Professors developed new fashion practices, taking students out of the classroom and into the museum and university archives, inculcating them the values of Balenciaga’s innovative design. Drawing inspiration from the direct study of the archives, the students developed their own research and produced one outfit inspired in the knowledge acquired. The garments of 26 students were presented at the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum in a joint exhibition while curators, tutors and students shared knowledge amongst the international network during a round table. The project merged the dialogue between the legacy preserved at the museums and university archives, the facilitation of the professors involved in the process, and the personal work of a new generation of designers

Entomopathogenic fungi: Are polisporic isolates more pathogenic than monosporic strains?

Currently only monosporic strains from several entomopathogenic fungi have been selected and used for mass production and bioinsecticide manufacturing worldwide. The main reasons for the use of single spore instead of multispore strains are the attenuated virulence and the contaminants of the same species. In this study, different polisporic isolates and their monosporic combinations were tested against Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus) larvae as an insect model. Isolates were obtained from arid soils. Four Metarhizium sp. (Metschn.) multisporic isolates (CEP413, CEP589, CEP590 and CEP591) were selected for bioassays. Trials were performed to evaluate mortality on three treatments, Full Polisporic (FP), Partial Polisporic (PP) and Pure Monosporic (PM). Cumulative mortality was measured at day 4 post infection. Sporulation percentage was assessed at day 6 post infection. The highest mortality was found at FP treatment (94%), the lowest mortality at day 4 was found at PM-CEP413 (32%). At day 6 the sporulation percentage was higher on FP (94%) and it was different from the rest of the treatments. To elucidate different polisporic and monosporic combinations to improve their effectiveness, may help to expand the use of bioinsecticides based on entomopathogenic fungi.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore