scholarly journals Phenotypic Plasticity of Common Wasps in an Industrially Polluted Environment in Southwestern Finland

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 888
Author(s):  
Oluwatobi Badejo ◽  
Oksana Skaldina ◽  
Sirpa Peräniemi ◽  
Victor Carrasco-Navarro ◽  
Jouni Sorvari
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Metal Particles ◽  
Polluted Environment ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Melanin Pigmentation ◽  
Vespula Vulgaris ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
The Face ◽  
And Control

Insects vary in the degree of their adaptability to environmental contamination. Determining the responses with phenotypic plasticity in ecologically important species in polluted environments will ease further conservation and control actions. Here, we investigated morphological characteristics such as body size, body mass, and color of the common wasp Vespula vulgaris in an industrially polluted environment, considering different levels of metal pollution, and we studied the localization of contaminants in the guts of wasps. We revealed some differences in morphological characteristics and melanization of wasps collected in habitats with high, moderate, and low levels of pollution. The results indicated that V. vulgaris from highly polluted environments had reduced melanin pigmentation on the face but increased melanin pigmentation on the 2nd tergite of the abdomen. In addition, with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), we found metal particles from the midgut of wasps originating from the polluted environment. Most of the particles were encapsulated with melanin pigment. This finding confirmed that in wasps, ingested metal particles are accumulated in guts and covered by melanin layers. Our data suggest that wasps can tolerate metal contamination but respond phenotypically with modification of their size, coloration, and probably with the directions of the melanin investments (immunity or coloration). Thus, in industrially polluted areas, wasps might probably survive by engaging phenotypic plasticity with no significant or visible impact on the population.

In-Situ Electron Microscopy Studies of The Behavior of Metal Particles on Ceramic Substrates

1994 ◽  
Vol 357 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Terry ◽  
K. Baker ◽  
Nelly M. Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Metal Particles ◽  
Ceramic Substrates ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
In Situ Electron Microscopy ◽  
Metal Support Interaction ◽  
Metal Support ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractThis paper is devoted to a discussion of how the information derived from the application of in-situ transmission electron microscopy can be used to gain a unique insight into the manner by which various factors dictate the morphological characteristics of metal particles on a variety of ceramic substrates. In this context, we have used the technique to examine the influence of the strength of the metal-support interaction on the mode of sintering of small particles, and how the chemical nature of the gas environment can induce significant changes in the shapes of the metal particles in a given system. Attention is also focussed on the wetting behavior of metal particles dispersed on graphite when reacted in oxygen and how this aspect impacts on their subsequent mode of catalytic attack.

Evidence for a Blood Ganglion Barrier in the Superior Cervical Ganglion of the Rat

1982 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 204-204
Author(s):  
D. M. DePace
Keyword(s):  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Superior Cervical Ganglion ◽  
Peripheral Nerves ◽  
Time Schedule ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Cervical Ganglion ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Cervical Ganglia ◽  
Capillary Circulation ◽  
And Control

The majority of blood vessels in the superior cervical ganglion possess a continuous endothelium with tight junctions. These same features have been associated with the blood brain barrier of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. These vessels may perform a barrier function between the capillary circulation and the superior cervical ganglion. The permeability of the blood vessels in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat was tested by intravenous injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Three experimental groups of four animals each were given intravenous HRP (Sigma Type II) in a dosage of.08 to.15 mg/gm body weight in.5 ml of.85% saline. The animals were sacrificed at five, ten or 15 minutes following administration of the tracer. Superior cervical ganglia were quickly removed and fixed by immersion in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in Sorenson's.1M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Three control animals received,5ml of saline without HRP. These were sacrificed on the same time schedule. Tissues from experimental and control animals were reacted for peroxidase activity and then processed for routine transmission electron microscopy.

Plug-in scripts for EFTEM automation

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 546-547
Author(s):  
N. D. Evans ◽  
M. K. Kundmann
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Oak Ridge ◽  
Multiple User ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Short Period ◽  
User Facility ◽  
Instrument Control ◽  
And Control ◽  
Research Equipment

Post-column energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) is inherently challenging as it requires the researcher to setup, align, and control both the microscope and the energy-filter. The software behind an EFTEM system is therefore critical to efficient, day-to-day application of this technique. This is particularly the case in a multiple-user environment such as at the Shared Research Equipment (SHaRE) User Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Here, visiting researchers, who may oe unfamiliar with the details of EFTEM, need to accomplish as much as possible in a relatively short period of time.We describe here our work in extending the base software of a commercially available EFTEM system in order to automate and streamline particular EFTEM tasks. The EFTEM system used is a Philips CM30 fitted with a Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF). The base software supplied with this system consists primarily of two Macintosh programs and a collection of add-ons (plug-ins) which provide instrument control, imaging, and data analysis facilities needed to perform EFTEM.

A computer-control program for TEM in situ fatigue experiments

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 620-621
Author(s):  
Kenneth S. Vecchio ◽  
John A. Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Slow Crack Growth ◽  
Computer Control ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Video Tape ◽  
Computer Control System ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
In Situ Experiments ◽  
Tremendous Amount ◽  
And Control

In-situ experiments conducted within a transmission electron microscope provide the operator a unique opportunity to directly observe microstructural phenomena, such as phase transformations and dislocation-precipitate interactions, “as they happen”. However, in-situ experiments usually require a tremendous amount of experimental preparation beforehand, as well as, during the actual experiment. In most cases the researcher must operate and control several pieces of equipment simultaneously. For example, in in-situ deformation experiments, the researcher may have to not only operate the TEM, but also control the straining holder and possibly some recording system such as a video tape machine. When it comes to in-situ fatigue deformation, the experiments became even more complicated with having to control numerous loading cycles while following the slow crack growth. In this paper we will describe a new method for conducting in-situ fatigue experiments using a camputer-controlled tensile straining holder.The tensile straining holder used with computer-control system was manufactured by Philips for the Philips 300 series microscopes. It was necessary to modify the specimen stage area of this holder to work in the Philips 400 series microscopes because the distance between the optic axis and holder airlock is different than in the Philips 300 series microscopes. However, the program and interfacing can easily be modified to work with any goniometer type straining holder which uses a penrmanent magnet motor.

A High Resolution Study of Alumina Supported Iridium Catalysts

1980 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 202-203
Author(s):  
C. Stoeckert ◽  
B. Etherton ◽  
M. Beer ◽  
J. Gryder
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Metal Particles ◽  
Optical Transfer Function ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Iridium Catalysts ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Optical Transfer ◽  
Conventional Transmission Electron Microscope ◽  
Resolution Study

The interpretation of the activity of catalysts requires information about the sizes of the metal particles, since this has implications for the number of surface atoms available for reaction. To determine the particle dimensions we used a high resolution STEM1. Such an instrument with its simple optical transfer function is far more suitable than a conventional transmission electron microscope for the establishment of particle sizes. We report here our study on the size and number distribution of Ir particles supported on Al2O3 and also examine simple geometric models for the shape of Ir particles.

An evaluation model of 2019-nCoV prevention effectiveness based on immigration data in China (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiangsheng Huang
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Related Data ◽  
The Face ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
Best Fit

BACKGROUND As of the end of February 2020, 2019-nCoV is currently well controlled in China. However, the virus is now spreading globally. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of outbreak prevention and control measures in a region. METHODS A model is built for find the best fit for two sets of data (the number of daily new diagnosed, and the risk value of incoming immigration population). The parameters (offset and time window) in the model can be used as the evaluation of effectiveness of outbreak prevention and control. RESULTS Through study, it is found that the parameter offset and time window in the model can accurately reflect the prevention effectiveness. Some related data and public news confirm this result. And this method has advantages over the method using R0 in two aspects. CONCLUSIONS If the epidemic situation is well controlled, the virus is not terrible. Now the daily new diagnosed patients in most regions of China is quickly reduced to zero or close to zero. Chinese can do a good job in the face of huge epidemic pressure. Therefore, if other countries can do well in prevention and control, the epidemic in those places can also pass quickly.

Effects of Face Mask Use on Objective and Subjective Measures of Thermoregulation During Exercise in the Heat

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110282
Author(s):  
Ayami Yoshihara ◽  
Erin E. Dierickx ◽  
Gabrielle J. Brewer ◽  
Yasuki Sekiguchi ◽  
Rebecca L. Stearns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Thermal Sensation ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Moderate Exercise ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Time Points ◽  
The Face ◽  
And Control ◽  
Moderate Exercise Intensity

Background: While increased face mask use has helped reduce COVID-19 transmission, there have been concerns about its influence on thermoregulation during exercise in the heat, but consistent, evidence-based recommendations are lacking. Hypothesis: No physiological differences would exist during low-to-moderate exercise intensity in the heat between trials with and without face masks, but perceptual sensations could vary. Study Design: Crossover study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Twelve physically active participants (8 male, 4 female; age = 24 ± 3 years) completed 4 face mask trials and 1 control trial (no mask) in the heat (32.3°C ± 0.04°C; 54.4% ± 0.7% relative humidity [RH]). The protocol was 60 minutes of walking and jogging between 35% and 60% of relative VO2max. Rectal temperature (Trec), heart rate (HR), temperature and humidity inside and outside of the face mask (Tmicro_in, Tmicro_out, RHmicro_in, RHmicro_out) and perceptual variables (rating of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation, thirst sensation, fatigue level, and overall breathing discomfort) were monitored throughout all trials. Results: Mean Trec and HR increased at 30- and 60-minute time points compared with 0-minute time points, but no difference existed between face mask trials and control trials ( P > 0.05). Mean Tmicro_in, RHmicro_in, and humidity difference inside and outside of the face mask (ΔRHmicro) were significantly different between face mask trials ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in perceptual variables between face mask trials and control trials ( P > 0.05), except overall breathing discomfort ( P < 0.01). Higher RHmicro_in, RPE, and thermal sensation significantly predicted higher overall breathing discomfort ( r2 = 0.418; P < 0.01). Conclusion: Face mask use during 60 minutes of low-to-moderate exercise intensity in the heat did not significantly affect Trec or HR. Although face mask use may affect overall breathing discomfort due to the changes in the face mask microenvironment, face mask use itself did not cause an increase in whole body thermal stress. Clinical Relevance: Face mask use is feasible and safe during exercise in the heat, at low-to-moderate exercise intensities, for physically active, healthy individuals.

scholarly journals Role of attitude in nurses’ responses to requests for assisted dying

2020 ◽  
pp. 096973302096677
Author(s):  
Michael Wilson ◽  
Marie Wilson ◽  
Suzanne Edwards ◽  
Lynette Cusack ◽  
Richard Wiechula
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Assisted Dying ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Assisted Death ◽  
Institutional Ethics ◽  
The Face ◽  
Generalised Linear Modelling ◽  
And Control

Background: Legal assisted dying is a rare event, but as legalisation expands, requests for it will likely increase, and the nurse most often receives the informal, initial request. Objectives: To assess the effects of attitude in interaction with normative and control beliefs on an intention to respond to a request for legal assisted dying. Ethical considerations: The study had the lead author’s institutional ethics approval, and participants were informed that participation was both anonymous and voluntary. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional correlational study of 377 Australian registered nurses who completed an online survey. Generalised linear modelling assessed the effects of independent variables against intended responses to requests for legal assisted dying. Results: Compared to nurses who did not support legal assisted dying, nurses who did had stronger beliefs in patient rights, perceived social expectations to refer the request and stronger control in that intention. Nurses who did not support legal assisted dying had stronger beliefs in ethics of duty to the patient and often held dual intentions to discuss the request with the patient but also held an intention to deflect the request to consideration of alternatives. Discussion: This study advances the international literature by developing quantified models explaining the complexity of nurses’ experiences with requests for an assisted death. Attitude was operationalised in interaction with other beliefs and was identified as the strongest influence on intentions, but significantly moderated by ethical norms. Conclusion: The complex of determinants of those intentions to respond to requests for an assisted death suggests they are not isolated from each other. Nurses might have distinct intentions, but they can also hold multiple intentions even when they prioritise one. These findings present opportunities to prepare nurses in a way that enhances moral resilience in the face of complex moral encounters.

Recovering Play

Janus Head ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-238
Author(s):  
Kevin Aho ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Being And Time ◽  
Western Thought ◽  
Authentic Self ◽  
The Face ◽  
And Control ◽  
Ancient Interpretation

This paper attempts to reconcile, what appear to be, two conflicting accounts of authenticity in Heidegger's thought. Authenticity in Being and Time (1927) is commonly interpreted in 'existentialist' terms as willful commitment and resoluteness (Entschlossenheit) in the face of one's own death but, by the late 1930's, is reintroduced in terms of Gelassenlieit, as a non-willful openness that "lets beings be." By employing Heidegger's conception of authentic historicality (Geschiclidichkeit), understood as the retrieval of Dasein's past, and drawing on his writings on Hölderlin in the 1930'sand 1940's, I suggest that the ancient interpretation of leisure and festivity may play an important role in unifying these conflicting accounts. Genuine leisure, interpreted as a form of play (Spiel), frees us from inauthentic busy-ness and gives us an opening to face the abyssal nature of our own being and the mystery that "beings are" in the flrst place. To this end, leisure re-connects us with wonder (Erstaunen) as the original temperament of Western thought. In leisurely wonder, the authentic self does not seek purposive mastery and control over beings but calmly accepts the unsettledness ofbeing and is, as a result, allowed into the original openness or space of play of time (Zeit-Spiel-Raum) that lets beings emerge-into-presence on their own terms.

scholarly journals The effects of simulated microgravity on skeletal muscle of Japanese quail: transmission electron microscopic study

2011 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarína Holovská ◽  
Viera Almášiová ◽  
Viera Cigánková ◽  
Peter Škrobánek
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Giant Mitochondria ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
And Control

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of simulated microgravity (hypodynamia) on the structure of the skeletal muscle (m. gastrocnemius) in developing Japanese quail by transmission electron microscopy. Samples of muscle tissues from experimental (n = 28) and control (n = 28) birds were collected at day 7, 14, 28, 42 and 56 of age. The structure of m. gastrocnenmius was changed depending on hypodynamia length. The first extensive structural changes were found on day 14 of age. The mitochondria were enlarged and the spaces between the myofibrils were slightly extended compared to control. The sarcomeres were irregular and lipid droplets occurred in the sarcoplasm. Further developmental changes occurred on day 28 of age. Mitochondria fused into the giant mitochondria which frequently exceeded the length of one sarcomere. Moreover, at 42 days of age, beside the above mentioned changes, sarcoplasmic reticulum was dilated and the number of mitochondrial cristae was reduced. However, the structure of m. gastrocnemius on day 56 was less damaged compared to the damage observed on day 42 of age. Presented results indicate that the continuous stay of male Japanese quail under simulated microgravity has a negative impact on the structure of m. gastrocnemius, but also the ability of muscle tissue to cope with these specific conditions.

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