Characteristics and functions of the lining of Piping Plover nests in the Great Lakes region.

Great Lakes Piping Plovers nest on gravel beaches and line their nests with primarily light-colored fragments smaller than 0.5 cm. Through constructing artificial piping plover nests with different types of linings in the field and in the laboratory, I explored three possible functions of the nest lining. Linings may serve to reduce the amount of water retained in the nests after rain. Protection from sand deposition is not a function of the nest lining under normal wind conditions. Light-colored fragments remain cooler than unlined sand scrapes or scrapes lined with dark fragments. From simulations, I found that when adults are not incubating, the temperature in the nests increases significantly. Therefore, human disturbances which interrupt incubation may be detrimental to hatching success.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/54621/1/3061.pd

Rhodium and copper 6-methylpicolinate complexes. Structural diversity and supramolecular interaction study

Seven new coordination compounds with 6-methylpicolinic acid (6-HMepic) and rhodium(III) or copper(II) of formula [Rh(6-Mepic)3] (1), [Rh(6-Mepic)2(H2O)Cl] (2), [Rh(6-HMepic)(6-Mepic)Cl2]·3.5(H2O) (3), [Cu(6-Mepic)2(H2O)]·H2O (4), [Cu(6-Mepic)2]n, (5), [Cu(6-Mepic)(6-HMepic)I] (6) and [Cu(6-Mepic)(6-HMepic)Cl] (7) have been obtained. Their syntheses have been rationalized, and their structural and supramolecular characteristics have been studied and compared with other similar rhodium and copper picolinate complexes previously reported, in order to stablish structural correlations and analogies. The electrical properties of coordination polymer [Cu(6-Mepic)2]n (5) have been also analyzed and it has been found that it shows a moderated electrical transport along the chain.We thank the financial support from the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MAT2013-46502-C2-2P and MAT2013-46753-C2-1P). Also the scientific computing center (CCC) of the Autonoma University of Madrid for their tim

Vertical Migration, Orientation, Aggregation, and Fecundity of the Freshwater Mussel Lampsilis Siliquoidea

Author Institution: Department of Zoology, Miami UniversityThe decline in freshwater mussels makes it imperative that more information be gathered on their population status, behavior, and habitat requirements. We examined vertical migration, aggregation, and reproductive potential of captive and field populations of Lampsilis siliquoidea. Both captive populations and a field population exhibited vertical migration. This movement was strongly correlated with day length, and somewhat less strongly correlated with water temperature. While captive mussels tended to orient their siphons into the current, no pattern of orientation was detected in the field population. The field population was significantly aggregated in the fall and winter. The spatial patterning of captive mussels was random in the fall and winter, but this result may have been an artifact of the small size of the artificial streams. Weather conditions prevented data collection in the spring and, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn about the relationship between aggregation and glochidia release. The average number of glochidia (parasitic larvae) produced by individuals across a limited size range was not correlated with any maternal or marsupial properties. These results are useful for implementing qualitative sampling methods under optimum conditions and for information on the reproductive potential of Lampsilis siliquoidea

Historical Building Monitoring Using an Energy-Efficient Scalable Wireless Sensor Network Architecture

We present a set of novel low power wireless sensor nodes designed for monitoring wooden masterpieces and historical buildings, in order to perform an early detection of pests. Although our previous star-based system configuration has been in operation for more than 13 years, it does not scale well for sensorization of large buildings or when deploying hundreds of nodes. In this paper we demonstrate the feasibility of a cluster-based dynamic-tree hierarchical Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) architecture where realistic assumptions of radio frequency data transmission are applied to cluster construction, and a mix of heterogeneous nodes are used to minimize economic cost of the whole system and maximize power saving of the leaf nodes. Simulation results show that the specialization of a fraction of the nodes by providing better antennas and some energy harvesting techniques can dramatically extend the life of the entire WSN and reduce the cost of the whole system. A demonstration of the proposed architecture with a new routing protocol and applied to termite pest detection has been implemented on a set of new nodes and should last for about 10 years, but it provides better scalability, reliability and deployment properties

Adjustment of the lateral and longitudinal size of scanned proton beam spots using a pre-absorber to optimize penumbrae and delivery efficiency

In scanned-beam proton therapy, the beam spot properties, such as the lateral and longitudinal size and the minimum achievable range, are influenced by beam optics, scattering media and drift spaces in the treatment unit. Currently available spot scanning systems offer fewoptions for adjusting these properties. We investigated a method for adjusting the lateral and longitudinal spot size that utilizes downstream plastic pre-absorbers located near a water phantom. The spot size adjustment was characterized usingMonte Carlo simulations of a modified commercial scanned-beam treatment head. Our results revealed that the pre-absorbers can be used to reduce the lateral full width at half maximum (FWHM) of dose spots inwater by up to 14 mm, and to increase the longitudinal extent from about 1 mm to 5 mm at residual ranges of 4 cm and less. A large factor in manipulating the lateral spot sizes is the drift space between the preabsorber and the water phantom. Increasing the drift space from 0 cm to 15 cm leads to an increase in the lateral FWHM from 2.15 cm to 2.87 cm, at a waterequivalent depth of 1 cm. These findings suggest that this spot adjustment method may improve the quality of spot-scanned proton treatments. © 2010 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine

Reversible stimulus-responsive Cu(i) iodide pyridine coordination polymer

We present a structurally flexible copper–iodide–pyridine-based coordination polymer showing drastic variations in its electrical conductivity driven by temperature and sorption of acetic acid molecules. The dramatic effect on the electrical conductivity enables the fabrication of a simple and robust device for gas detection. X-ray diffraction studies and DFT calculations allow the rationalisation of these observations.We are thankful for support from MICINN (MAT2013-46753-C2-1-P, MAT2013-46502-C2-1/2-P and CTQ2011-26507), Eusko Jaurlaritza (S-PE13UN016) and Generalitat Valenciana PrometeoII/2014/076

Consumo de suplementos deportivos en corredores de montaña: diferencias en función del sexo y del nivel competitivo

Introduction: sports supplements (SS) are widely used by all types of athletes to improve their performance. These SS are classified according to the ABCD system of the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) from higher to lower scientific evidence. In mountain runners, their use could be necessary due to the physiological demands required by this sport. However, the literature on the use of SS by mountain runners is scarce. Objective: to analyze the pattern of SS consumption in mountain runners by studying differences according to sex and competitive level (regional vs national). Methodology: this was a descriptive and cross-sectional study on the consumption and use of SS by mountain runners participating in the Alcoy Solidarity Trail. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire based on content, applicability, structure, and presentation. This questionnaire was completed online by the athletes, who could fill it out voluntarily and at their convenience, as well as anonymously. Results: the results showed that 87.5 % of participants reported consuming SS, with no significant differences observed with respect to competitive level, although differences were found with respect to sex (92.7 % in men vs 70.6 % in women; p = 0.029), with a higher consumption found in men compared to women. The most consumed SS were sports bars (81.9 %), sports drinks (75.0 %), caffeine (48.6 %), magnesium (38.9 %), and electrolytes (27.8 %). Conclusions: among mountain runners consumption of SS is high, and 4 of the 5 most habitually consumed SS belong in the category of greater scientific evidence.Introducción: los suplementos deportivos (SS) son muy utilizados por todo tipo de deportistas para mejorar su rendimiento. Estos SS se clasifican según el sistema ABCD del Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) de mayor a menor evidencia científica. En corredores de montaña, su uso podría ser necesario debido a las exigencias fisiológicas de este deporte. Sin embargo, la literatura sobre el uso de SS por corredores de montaña es escasa. Objetivo: analizar el patrón de consumo de SS en corredores de montaña, estudiando las diferencias según el sexo y el nivel competitivo (autonómico vs. nacional). Metodología: se trata de un estudio descriptivo y transversal sobre el consumo y uso de SS por parte de los corredores de montaña participantes en el Trail Solidario de Alcoy. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de un cuestionario validado en base al contenido, la aplicabilidad, la estructura y la presentación. El cuestionario fue completado de manera online por los atletas que pudieron rellenarlo voluntariamente y a conveniencia, y de manera anónima. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que el 87,5 % de los participantes reportaron consumir SS, no observándose diferencias significativas con respecto al nivel competitivo, aunque sí se encontraron diferencias con respecto al sexo (92,7 % en hombres y 70,6 % en mujeres; p = 0,029), donde los hombres tenían un mayor consumo en comparación con las mujeres. Los SS más consumidos fueron las barritas deportivas (81,9 %), las bebidas deportivas (75,0 %), la cafeína (48,6 %), el magnesio (38,9 %) y los electrólitos (27,8 %). Conclusiones: entre los corredores de montaña, el consumo de SS es alto y 4 de los 5 SS más consumidos pertenecen a la categoría de mayor evidencia científica

Necesidades dietético-nutricionales en el tenis: Una revisión narrativa

Introduction: Tennis is characterized by a large number of competitions and little recovery time between them. Thus, tennis players and coaching staff have become interested in the role that nutrition can play in maximizing sports performance. The scientific literature does not have recent narrative and/or systematic reviews about to nutrition in tennis. The aim of this study is to map, describe and discuss the state of the science of nutrition and dietetic practices for tennis players from a theoretical and contextual point of view, to enable focused future systematic reviews. Material and methods: A narrative review through the Dialnet, Elsevier, Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science databases, through a search strategy based on keywords separated by Boolean connectors. A series of inclusion / exclusion criteria were applied to select those investigations that responded to the aim of the work. Results: Nutritional recommendations on carbohydrate intake depend on the training load, 5-7 g/kg/day g/kg/day for normal training and 7-10 g/kg/day for competitive periods or high training load. The recommended protein intake is 1.8 g/kg/day and 1 g/kg/day of lipids. The supplements that can optimize tennis performance are caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, creatine and β-alanine. Beetroot juice can be a possible aid to consider in dietetic-nutritional planning in tennis players. Conclusions: Performance and health of tennis player can be optimized, as well as adequate periodization of nutrients and supplements, meeting to the physiological demands of tennis.Introducción: El tenis se caracteriza por una gran cantidad de competiciones y escaso tiempo de recuperación entre ellas. Por ello, los jugadores y cuerpos técnicos han empezado a interesarse por el papel que puede tener la nutrición para maximizar el rendimiento deportivo. En la literatura científica no encontramos revisiones narrativas y/o sistemáticas actualizadas sobre nutrición en el tenis. El objetivo de este estudio es mapear, describir y discutir el estado de la ciencia de la nutrición y las prácticas dietéticas para tenistas desde un punto de vista teórico y contextual, para permitir futuras revisiones sistemáticas. Material y métodos: revisión narrativa a través las bases de datos Dialnet, Elsevier, Medline, Pubmed y Web of Science, mediante una estrategia de búsqueda basada en palabras clave separados por conectores booleanos. Se aplicaron una serie de criterios de inclusión/exclusión para seleccionar aquellas investigaciones que respondían al objetivo del trabajo. Resultados: Las recomendaciones nutricionales sobre la ingesta de carbohidratos varían en función de la carga del entrenamiento, siendo 5-7 g/kg/día para entrenamiento normal y 7-10 g/kg/día para periodos competitivos o de mayor carga. La ingesta recomendada de proteínas se encuentra en 1,8 g/kg/día y 1g/kg/día de lípidos. Respecto a los suplementos que pueden optimizar el rendimiento en tenis encontramos la cafeína, bicarbonato de sodio, creatina y β-alanina, siendo el zumo de remolacha una posible ayuda a contemplar en la planificación dietético-nutricional en tenistas. Conclusiones: Es posible optimizar el rendimiento y la salud del tenista mediante una periodización adecuada de nutrientes y suplementos, que cumplan las exigencias fisiológicas del tenis