lnsect fauna of selected polypore fungi on birch stems in northern Bohemia

Fauna of polypore fungi Fornes fornentarius (L. x Fries) Kicks, Piptoporus betulinus (Bull. ex Fr.) F. Karsten, Fornitopsis pinicola (Swatr ex Fr.) P. Karsten of the birch stem, consisted of 55 insect species. The following species were dominant: Diaperis boleti F. 34.8%, Aridius nodifer West. 19.9%, Bolitophagus reticulatus L. 10.9%, Epuraea variegata (Herbst.) 6.3%, Gyrophaena boleti (L.) 5%, Cis jacquernarti Mellié 4.9%, Atheta fungi (Gras) 3.5%, Atheta crassicornis (F.) 2.8% and moth Archinemapogon yildizae Kocak 2.1 %. A. nodifer (Latridiidae) is a ubiquitous mycetophagous species which in our conditions prefers F. pinicola and has a significant position in the fauna of F. betulinus. Thunes (1994) reports C. jacquermarti only from pine forest, where it formed 54.6% on sporocarps of F. fornentarius while only 1.3% on F. betulinus. In our collections made in birch stands it preferred multiyear sporocarps of F. pinicola and F. fomentarius to P. betulinus. In the Czech Republic it is generally common in deciduous forests especially on F. fornentarius, often simultaneously with C. alter. This can lead to the conclusion that it is the sporocarp of decaying fungus species which is decisive rather than the type of forest (Paviour-Smith 1960, Lawrence 1973, Jelínek 1990). Dominant representation of D. boleti species (34.8%) has been registered with an evident linkage to P. betulinus (50.6%) and F. fornentarius (31.1 %) and B. reticulatus with prevailing bond to F: fornentarius (46.3%). Butterfly caterpillar fauna showed a limited species spectrum, yet its representatives occurred in al1 sporocarps, F. betulinus being generally preferred. Key words: Birch, Betula verrucosa, Fomes fornentarius, Piptoporus betulinus, Fornitopsis pinicola, Insect fauna.Fauna of polypore fungi Fornes fornentarius (L. x Fries) Kicks, Piptoporus betulinus (Bull. ex Fr.) F. Karsten, Fornitopsis pinicola (Swatr ex Fr.) P. Karsten of the birch stem, consisted of 55 insect species. The following species were dominant: Diaperis boleti F. 34.8%, Aridius nodifer West. 19.9%, Bolitophagus reticulatus L. 10.9%, Epuraea variegata (Herbst.) 6.3%, Gyrophaena boleti (L.) 5%, Cis jacquernarti Mellié 4.9%, Atheta fungi (Gras) 3.5%, Atheta crassicornis (F.) 2.8% and moth Archinemapogon yildizae Kocak 2.1 %. A. nodifer (Latridiidae) is a ubiquitous mycetophagous species which in our conditions prefers F. pinicola and has a significant position in the fauna of F. betulinus. Thunes (1994) reports C. jacquermarti only from pine forest, where it formed 54.6% on sporocarps of F. fornentarius while only 1.3% on F. betulinus. In our collections made in birch stands it preferred multiyear sporocarps of F. pinicola and F. fomentarius to P. betulinus. In the Czech Republic it is generally common in deciduous forests especially on F. fornentarius, often simultaneously with C. alter. This can lead to the conclusion that it is the sporocarp of decaying fungus species which is decisive rather than the type of forest (Paviour-Smith 1960, Lawrence 1973, Jelínek 1990). Dominant representation of D. boleti species (34.8%) has been registered with an evident linkage to P. betulinus (50.6%) and F. fornentarius (31.1 %) and B. reticulatus with prevailing bond to F: fornentarius (46.3%). Butterfly caterpillar fauna showed a limited species spectrum, yet its representatives occurred in al1 sporocarps, F. betulinus being generally preferred. Key words: Birch, Betula verrucosa, Fomes fornentarius, Piptoporus betulinus, Fornitopsis pinicola, Insect fauna.Fauna of polypore fungi Fornes fornentarius (L. x Fries) Kicks, Piptoporus betulinus (Bull. ex Fr.) F. Karsten, Fornitopsis pinicola (Swatr ex Fr.) P. Karsten of the birch stem, consisted of 55 insect species. The following species were dominant: Diaperis boleti F. 34.8%, Aridius nodifer West. 19.9%, Bolitophagus reticulatus L. 10.9%, Epuraea variegata (Herbst.) 6.3%, Gyrophaena boleti (L.) 5%, Cis jacquernarti Mellié 4.9%, Atheta fungi (Gras) 3.5%, Atheta crassicornis (F.) 2.8% and moth Archinemapogon yildizae Kocak 2.1 %. A. nodifer (Latridiidae) is a ubiquitous mycetophagous species which in our conditions prefers F. pinicola and has a significant position in the fauna of F. betulinus. Thunes (1994) reports C. jacquermarti only from pine forest, where it formed 54.6% on sporocarps of F. fornentarius while only 1.3% on F. betulinus. In our collections made in birch stands it preferred multiyear sporocarps of F. pinicola and F. fomentarius to P. betulinus. In the Czech Republic it is generally common in deciduous forests especially on F. fornentarius, often simultaneously with C. alter. This can lead to the conclusion that it is the sporocarp of decaying fungus species which is decisive rather than the type of forest (Paviour-Smith 1960, Lawrence 1973, Jelínek 1990). Dominant representation of D. boleti species (34.8%) has been registered with an evident linkage to P. betulinus (50.6%) and F. fornentarius (31.1 %) and B. reticulatus with prevailing bond to F: fornentarius (46.3%). Butterfly caterpillar fauna showed a limited species spectrum, yet its representatives occurred in al1 sporocarps, F. betulinus being generally preferred. Key words: Birch, Betula verrucosa, Fomes fornentarius, Piptoporus betulinus, Fornitopsis pinicola, Insect fauna

Evidence of the presence of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV in human sperm and its involvement in motility regulation

The mechanisms involved in the regulation of mammalian sperm motility are not well understood. Calcium ions (Ca(2+)) have been suggested to play a key role in the maintenance of motility; nevertheless, how Ca(2+) modulates this process has not yet been completely characterized. Ca(2+) can bind to calmodulin and this complex regulates the activity of multiple enzymes, including Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaM kinases). Results from this study confirmed that the presence of Ca(2+) in the incubation medium is essential for maintaining human sperm motility. The involvement of CaM kinases in Ca(2+) regulation of human sperm motility was evaluated using specific inhibitors (KN62 and KN93) or their inactive analogues (KN04 and KN92 respectively). Sperm incubation in the presence of KN62 or KN93 led to a progressive decrease in the percentage of motile cells; in particular, incubation with KN62 also reduced sperm motility parameters. These inhibitors did not alter sperm viability, protein tyrosine phosphorylation or the follicular fluid-induced acrosome reaction; however, KN62 decreased the total amount of ATP in human sperm. Immunological studies showed that Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) is present and localizes to the human sperm flagellum. Moreover, CaMKIV activity increases during capacitation and is inhibited in the presence of KN62. This report is the first to demonstrate the presence of CaMKIV in mammalian sperm and suggests the involvement of this kinase in the regulation of human sperm motility.Fil: Marin Briggiler, Clara Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Jha, Kula N.. University of Virginia; Estados UnidosFil: Chertihin, Olga. University of Virginia; Estados UnidosFil: Buffone, Mariano Gabriel. Laboratorio de Estudios en Reproducción; ArgentinaFil: Herr, John C,. University of Virginia; Estados UnidosFil: Vazquez, Monica Hebe. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Visconti, Pablo E.. University of Massachussets; Estados Unido

Orthodontic Soft Tissue Parameters: A Comparison of CBCT and 3dMD

poster abstractObjectives: Orthodontists rely heavily on soft tissue analysis to determine esthetics and treatment stability. Although the reliability of three dimensional photography (3dMD) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is established, little data exists comparing the soft tissue measurements between these two imaging modalities. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the equivalence of soft tissue measurements between the 3dMD imaging system and the segmented skin surface derived from i-CAT CBCT. Methods: Seventy preexisting 3dMD extraoral photographs and CBCT scans taken within minutes of each other for the same subjects were superimposed using 3dMD Vultus software on soft tissue. Images were registered according to hard tissue planes in three dimensions. Following reliability studies, 28 soft tissue measurements were selected and recorded on both imaging modalities. The measures were then compared between the two images to analyze their equivalence. Intraclass correlation coefficients (all ICCs >.8) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the inter- / intra-examiner repeatability and agreement. Summary statistics were calculated for all measurements. To demonstrate equivalence of the two methods, the difference needed a 95% confidence interval contained entirely within the equivalence limits defined by repeatability results (twice the within-subject standard deviation of CBCT). Results: Statistically significant differences were reported for the following measurements: vermilion height (Ls-Li), mouth width (CH[R]–CH[L]), total facial width (Tr[R] – Tr[L]), mouth symmetry (Ch[R] to Sup. Facial Plane), ST Lip Thickness (LI to mand CI), and eye symmetry (Exoc R & L to Sup. Facial Plane). Conclusions: There are areas of non-equivalence between the two imaging methods. Differences are clinically acceptable from the orthodontic point of view

Molar-Incisor hypomineralization in controls vs CLP with primary or prior to secondary alveolar grafts

poster abstractMolar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a congenital defect of unknown etiology that can affect both esthetics and cariogenic susceptibility. The objective of this study was to determine whether MIH is greater in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who underwent primary alveolar grafting (PAG) as compared to CLP prior to secondary alveolar grafting (SAG) and to controls. A retrospective analysis of intraoral photographs of 13 (10M:3F; 8.9 ± 1.2 yrs) CLP patients who underwent a PAG, 27 (18M:9F;10.0 ± 2.1 yrs) CLP prior to SAG, and 60 (30M:30F; 12.4 ± 1.8 yrs) controls without CLP was performed. Mantel-Haenszel chi-square tests were used to compare the three groups for differences in MIH scores and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used to compare the groups for differences in average MIH scores. A 5% significance level was used for all tests. MIH scores were significantly higher for the PAG and SAG groups compared to the control group (p<0.001). The PAG group had significantly higher incisor MIH (p=0.016) than the SAG group. MIH average scores were significantly higher for the two graft groups compared to the controls (p<0.0001). The PAG group had significantly higher average MIH score and average MIH score for incisors than the SAG group (p=0.03). The results suggest that CLP patients, in general, have significantly greater MIH compared with controls and CLP with PAGs have significantly greater MIH in the incisor region than CLP waiting for SAGs. The increased severity of MIH could be related to the grafting during the time of incisor crown formation

Scale development for pre-service mathematics teachers’ perceptions related to their pedagogical content knowledge

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale to determine pre-service mathematics teachers’ perceptions related to their pedagogical content knowledge. Firstly, a preliminary perception scale of pedagogical content knowledge was constructed and then administered to 112 pre-service mathematics teachers who were enrolled in a mathematics teacher education programme. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, item analysis, correlation analysis, internal consistency and descriptive statistic techniques were used to analyse the data. Then validity and reliability of the scale were investigated. The analyses resulted in the development of a five-factor scale of 17 items that was proved valid and reliable. We contend that the scale developed has the merit to contribute to pre-service teachers’ self-awareness by revealing their perceptions regarding their pedagogical content knowledge.Keywords: pedagogical content knowledge, pre-service mathematics teachers,scale developmen

Priority resource access mediates competitive intensity between an invasive weevil and native floral herbivores

Mechanisms underlying invasive species impacts remain incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that priority resource access by an invasive biocontrol weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, intensifies and alters the outcome of competition with native floral herbivores over flower head resources of the non-target, native host plant Cirsium canescens, specifically with the predominant, synchronous tephritid fly Paracantha culta. Four main results emerged. First, we documented strong, asymmetric competition, with R. conicus out-competing P. culta. Second, weevil priority access to floral resources accelerated competitive suppression of P. culta. Evidence for competitive suppression with increased weevil priority included decreases in both the numbers and the total biomass of native flies, plus decreases in individual P. culta fly mass and, so, potential fitness. Third, we found evidence for three concurrent mechanisms underlying the competitive suppression of P. culta by R. conicus. Prior use of a flower head by R. conicus interfered with P. culta pre-oviposition behavior. Once oviposition occurred, the weevil also reduced fly post-oviposition performance. Preemptive resource exploitation occurred, shown by the significant effect of flower head size on the total number of insects developing and in the magnitude of R. conicus effects on P. culta. Interference also occurred, shown by a spatial shift of surviving P. culta individuals away from the preferred receptacle resources as R. conicus priority increased. Finally, fourth, using an individual-based model (IBM), we found that the competitive interactions documented have the potential for imposing demographic consequences, causing a reduction in P. culta population sizes. Thus, priority resource access by an invasive insect increased competitive impact on the predominant native insect in the invaded floral guild. This study also provides the first experimental evidence for non-target effects of a weed biological control agent on an associated native insect herbivore. Includes supplementary materials

Priority resource access mediates competitive intensity between an invasive weevil and native floral herbivores

Mechanisms underlying invasive species impacts remain incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that priority resource access by an invasive biocontrol weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus, intensifies and alters the outcome of competition with native floral herbivores over flower head resources of the non-target, native host plant Cirsium canescens, specifically with the predominant, synchronous tephritid fly Paracantha culta. Four main results emerged. First, we documented strong, asymmetric competition, with R. conicus out-competing P. culta. Second, weevil priority access to floral resources accelerated competitive suppression of P. culta. Evidence for competitive suppression with increased weevil priority included decreases in both the numbers and the total biomass of native flies, plus decreases in individual P. culta fly mass and, so, potential fitness. Third, we found evidence for three concurrent mechanisms underlying the competitive suppression of P. culta by R. conicus. Prior use of a flower head by R. conicus interfered with P. culta pre-oviposition behavior. Once oviposition occurred, the weevil also reduced fly post-oviposition performance. Preemptive resource exploitation occurred, shown by the significant effect of flower head size on the total number of insects developing and in the magnitude of R. conicus effects on P. culta. Interference also occurred, shown by a spatial shift of surviving P. culta individuals away from the preferred receptacle resources as R. conicus priority increased. Finally, fourth, using an individual-based model (IBM), we found that the competitive interactions documented have the potential for imposing demographic consequences, causing a reduction in P. culta population sizes. Thus, priority resource access by an invasive insect increased competitive impact on the predominant native insect in the invaded floral guild. This study also provides the first experimental evidence for non-target effects of a weed biological control agent on an associated native insect herbivore. Includes supplementary materials

Effects of phonological phrasing on syntactic structure

Bantu languages are renowned as tone languages that utilize this suprasegmental feature not only on the lexical level to distinguish lexical items, but also on the grammatical level to distinguish clause types. This article investigates one such use of grammatical tone in relative clauses in Bemba where a low tone can be used in place of a segmental relative marker. This low tone relative morpheme functions in conjunction with phrase boundary tone indicated on the head noun and which entails either restrictive or non-restrictive interpretations of relatives. Considering a mapping of XPs to major phonological phrases in the syntax-prosody interface, the resultant phonological phrasing in relatives influences the choice of syntactic structure. In the case at hand, a head-raising analysis provides an optimal mapping between syntax and prosody for restrictives. Further, a more direct influence of phonology on syntax can be seen in a perception-based model like Dynamic Syntax where the on-line building of syntactic trees can gain import from phonological information. © Walter de Gruyter 2007