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Recent global trade disruptions, due to blockage of the Suez Canal and cascading effects of COVID-19, have altered the movement patterns of commercial ships and may increase worldwide invasions of marine non-indigenous species. Organisms settle on the hulls and underwater surfaces of vessels and can accumulate rapidly, especially when vessels remain stationary during lay-ups and delays. Once present, organisms can persist on vessels for long-periods (months to years), with the potential to release propagules and seed invasions as ships visit ports across the global transportation network. Shipborne propagules also may be released in increasing numbers during extended vessel residence times at port or anchor. Thus, the large scale of shipping disruptions, impacting thousands of vessels and geographic locations and still on-going for over two years, may elevate invasion rates in coastal ecosystems in the absence of policy and management efforts to prevent this outcome. Concerted international and national biosecurity actions, mobilizing existing frameworks and tools with due diligence, are urgently needed to address a critical gap and abate the associated invasion risks.

Syntheses of Rh complexes of the phosphine-amido-silane SiNP ligand are reported. The reaction of the parent (SiNP)H ligand (4) with 0.5 equiv. [(COE)RhCl]

Computational studies indicate nitrogen-atom transfer at lattice-confined diruthenium sites proceeds by an H-atom abstraction, radical rebound mechanism and corroborate available porosity-dependent kinetic isotope effects.

Microplastic pollution in the ocean is a critical, global environmental concern. Although believed to be a comparatively small contributor, the paints applied to commercial ships have been identified as a source of microplastics because polymers are used as binding agents in all anticorrosive and antifouling marine coatings. Furthermore, the release of microplastics from coatings may be amplified by in-water cleaning operations to remove biofouling. A comprehensive, detailed assessment and review of the array of commercial ships’ coatings, specifically characteristics, behavior, and fate over time, has not been conducted in the context of ocean microplastic pollution. This Policy Brief identifies gaps and proposes actions to better understand the fate of released particles with the goal to inform appropriate and effective solutions.

Functional or smart coatings (organic, inorganic, or hybrid) are formed by materials that can be adapted for many applications where they should be able to perform a well-defined set of functions, ...

El artículo presenta una solución tecnológica para mejorar un proceso en la terminal marítima petrolera Pozos Colorados. El objetivo de la solución es automatizar el lavado de los filtros tipo canastilla y malla del sistema de filtrado Buquetanque empleado en el recibo de hidrocarburos. El propósito de la solución es mejorar las condiciones de seguridad industrial y salud ocupacional de los trabajadores que realizan esta función de forma manual, y optimizar el proceso de recepción de hidrocarburos al mejorar los tiempos de operación. Para la elaborar la propuesta se emplea la metodología fundamenta en la ingeniería básica y de detalle, aplicada a la ingeniería de automatización, contemplando la narrativa: de proceso, de diseño y de evaluación. La propuesta entrega el diseño de: el sistema hidráulico, el sistema eléctrico y el sistema de control. La solución contempla: captar el agua de la piscina de almacenamiento, y por medio de una electrobomba de presión controlada transportar el fluido hasta la zona del filtrado; y posteriormente limpiar los filtros utilizando un ramal de aspersores ubicados dentro la canasta. El proceso de lavado es manipulado por medio de electroválvulas y un variador de velocidad, estos están gobernadas por un controlador lógico programable, este recibe información de las variables involucradas por medio de sensores. El modelado, simulación y evaluaciones de la propuesta sustentan la posibilidad de implementar la automatización realizando algunas adecuaciones a la infraestructura existente y adicionando unos elementos eléctricos, mecánicos y electrónicos

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of a new class of silyl pincer ligand featuring pyrrole-based linkers is reported. The steric and electronic properties of these bis(phosphinopyrrole)methylsilane ligands were interrogated using their palladium, rhodium, and platinum complexes. The pyrrole-based linker attenuates the donor ability of the ligand relative to its reported 1,2-phenylene congener while maintaining a similar steric profile. Additionally, the silyl donor connected to the

The demand for sustainable synthetic methods has motivated the development of a myriad of strategies for substrate oxidation chemistry that reflect the goals of green chemistry. Here we present a t...

In 2012, The Philippine National Aquasilviculture Project (PNAP) was forged and formally launched by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR). To implement the PNAP, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed by and between BFAR and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on December 16, 2011. The study was conducted to assess the status and development of the PNAP program implemented in Southern Negros, at four (4) Municipalities and two (2) Cities. The BFAR downloaded a total fund amounting Php 10,148,812.50 for the four (4) phases of the program wherein, the Php 6,422,762.5 was spent for resource rehabilitation (mangrove planting); Php 845,000.00 for Aquasilviculture; Php 1,140,000.00 for Multi-species hatchery and Php 1,741,050.00 for administrative costs. The total paid mangrove propagules planted in Southern Negros was 978,000 with 30% buffer with a total of 1,144,260 survived propagules planted in 130.4 hectares of coastal land in Southern Negros and commensurate 673 direct beneficiaries. The 274 fisherfolk beneficiaries augmented income from Aquasilviculture project while a total of 1,284 berried wild bluecrab which estimated to produce up to 2 million eggs have been reared in Multi-species hatchery. A conservative estimate of 1% survival in natural habitat under natural conditions represented the contribution of the project for the beleaguered bluecrab capture fisheries. The beneficiaries really appreciate the efforts made by CHMSC-Binalbagan as program implementer based on their responses on the given important factors of service delivery to the community.

Syntheses of a new tripodal alane/tris(phosphine) ligand (AlP3) based on 2-(diisopropylphosphino)pyrrole, and AlP3-supported Ni complexes are reported. The central tris(pyrrolyl)aluminum moiety acts as a stronger Lewis acid towards Ni than other related group 13 element-centered tripodal ligands, as demonstrated by the binding of H2 to Ni and the ease of reduction.

Spread of nonindigenous organisms by shipping is one of the largest threats to coastal ecosystems. Limited monitoring and understanding of this phenomenon currently hinder development of effective prevention policies. Surveying ports in North America, South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia we explored environmental DNA community profiles evident of ship-born species spread. We found that community similarities between ports increased with the number of ship voyages, particularly if the ports had similar environments, and when indirect stepping-stone connections were considered. We also found 57 known non-indigenous taxa, some in hitherto unreported locations. We demonstrate the usefulness of eDNA-based tools for global biodiversity surveys, and highlight that shipping homogenizes biodiversity in predictable that could inform policy and management.

The goal of this study was to investigate the timing of online homework completion and its effects on student performance. Data was collected from two large, first-semester general chemistry sections at a southwestern university. Specifically, this study aims to explore the link between when students complete their homework relative to the date the material was covered in lecture and student performance in that class. Topics covered in the study included VSEPR, Lewis structures, and molecular geometry. Performance was measured by different variables, namely in-class clicker scores (short-term) and exam grade (long-term). Students were divided into three groups: students who completed the relevant homework within 2 days after the lecture (before the next lecture), those who completed the homework 2 to 4 days after the lecture, and students who completed the homework more than 4 days after the material was covered in lecture. The study also took into consideration student reasoning abilities, as measured by the Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT), with a focus on at-risk students (low TOLT students). Results showed promising findings for low TOLT students. Instructors can employ results from this study to help their students better utilize the online homework resources.

The study considers the most important livestock regions of Argentina and the correlation between livestock and climate units. The conceptual scheme designed to understand these effects of climate elements on cattle describes a basic direct action by the air temperature in the environment in which they develop, considering temperature as the limit for the distribution of breeds and other action through its effects on vegetation and forage resources that will be available. The work done here shows a shift of the livestock regions southward and eastward simultaneously in the region under consideration. This is a consequence of the displacement towards the south of the isotherm of 26 °C and towards the east of the humidity indices, co-incidentally with the displacement of the isohyets of 600 and 1200 mm. As a consequence of the climate change, according to the CCSM4 climate model, in the near and far future under two emission scenarios, the regions suitable for tropical livestock (breeds with high heat tolerance as the Bos indicus) will extend to the southeast, displacing and reducing the regions suitable for European breed cattle. The displacement of the higher rainfall area mainly to the east could benefit livestock production by increasing forage and reducing livestock feed requirements. Fil: Rolla, Alfredo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina Fil: Nuñez, Mario Nestor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina Fil: Ramayón, Jorge J.. No especifíca; Fil: Ramayón, Martín E.. No especifíca

The study was conducted within ninety days duration from May 7-August 7, 2013. It aimed to determine whether the rearing system (either confinement or free – ranged) can affect the growth performance, meat quality and visceral organ characteristics of swine. Twelve (12) heads of swine used in the study which was randomly distributed into two treatments assigned in confinement and free-range systems, respectively adopting the T-test as the statistical tool. The initial weights of swine were homogenous at the start of the study. However, after obtaining the gain in weights, results revealed that swine raised in the free-range system had a higher average weight and heavier stomach compared to the confinement system. It further revealed that the back fat of the free ranged swine is thinner compared to the swine in confinement system with 1.3 cm and 2 cm, respectively. The total feed consumed by the twelve heads of experimental animals were 2,714 kilograms for 90 days period with 13.73 % return on capital for free - ranged while 5.5 % for confinement. The overall return on capital of the entire experiment was 9.6 %. Therefore, the free-range system had significantly affected the growth performance of swine.

Objectives Obesity in Europe, and worldwide, has been an increasing epidemic during the past decades. Moreover, obesity has important implications regarding technical issues and the risks associated with surgical interventions. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence assessing the influence of obesity on video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy results. Our study aimed to assess the impact of morbid obesity on perioperative clinical and oncological outcomes after VATS lobectomy using a prospectively maintained nationwide registry. Methods The Italian VATS lobectomy Registry was used to collect all consecutive cases from 55 Institutions. Explored outcome parameters were conversion to thoracotomy rates, complication rates, intra-operative blood loss, surgical time, hospital postoperative length of stay, chest tube duration, number of harvested lymph-node, and surgical margin positivity. Results From 2016 to 2019, a total of 4412 patients were collected. 74 patients present morbid obesity (1.7%). Multivariable-adjusted analysis showed that morbid obesity was associated with a higher rate of complications (32.8% vs 20.3%), but it was not associated with a higher rate of conversion, and surgical margin positivity rates. Moreover, morbid obesity patients benefit from an equivalent surgical time, lymph-node retrieval, intraoperative blood loss, hospital postoperative length of stay, and chest tube duration than non-morbid obese patients. The most frequent postoperative complications in morbidly obese patients were pulmonary-related (35%). Conclusion Our results showed that VATS lobectomy could be safely and satisfactorily conducted even in morbidly obese patients, without an increase in conversion rate, blood loss, surgical time, hospital postoperative length of stay, and chest tube duration. Moreover, short-term oncological outcomes were preserved.

Syntheses of a new tripodal alane/tris(phosphine) ligand (AlP3) based on 2-(diisopropylphosphino)pyrrole, and AlP3-supported Ni complexes are reported. The central tris(pyrrolyl)aluminum moiety acts as a stronger Lewis acid towards Ni than other related group 13 element-centered tripodal ligands, as demonstrated by the binding of H2 to Ni and the ease of reduction.

Biofouling is a long-standing challenge for ships because it can interfere with operations and increases vessel drag, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. More recently, ship biofouling has also been recognized as a leading vector for global transfers and introductions of marine non-indigenous species. Ship in-water cleaning and capture (IWCC) systems, to remove and collect macrofouling organisms and associated antifouling coating compounds, are now becoming available as a possible solution to both problems. However, independent and rigorous evaluations of IWCC efficacy and environmental safety are needed to facilitate technology maturation, support vessel operator biofouling management decisions, aid IWCC approvals and permitting, and inform future biosecurity regulations. We developed a formal protocol for evaluating an IWCC system, on two ships with varying biofouling levels and under different environmental conditions, to quantify biofouling removal and capture efficacy as well as impacts on water quality. The IWCC system reduced hull biofouling by 82–94%. Concentrations of dissolved and particulate Cu and Zn in effluent from the IWCC onshore processing varied by orders of magnitude between trials, in one case greatly exceeding water quality standards. Our results demonstrate that rigorous, quantitative assessments of IWCC system performance are possible, even under challenging conditions. This initial evaluation also identifies the major factors that impact performance of in-water cleaning, and key needs for future research to consider in advancing standardized testing and independent evaluations needed for all in-water cleaning systems.

Climate change is expected to impact considerably on viticultural zoning. In this work, impacts of future climate on Argentinean winegrowing regions are assessed using climatic projections from the IPSL-CM5A-MR model for the near (2015–2039) and the far (2075–2099) future under two emission scenarios (RCP4.5, RCP8.5). Four bioclimatic indices were assessed for exploring possible geographical shifts and suitability changes of Argentinean winegrowing regions. These geographical and suitability changes, assessed in terms of changes in vineyards location, varieties selection, and quality and quantity of grapevines, were considered as challenges and/or opportunities depending on the winegrowing region, the temporal horizon and the emission scenario. Results show a significant southwestward and higher altitude displacement of winegrowing regions, mainly for 2075–2099 under RCP8.5 scenario. Accordingly, the Argentinean viticulture may face both opportunities and/or challenges due to projected warmer climate conditions. Winegrowing regions of cold climates could be favoured, while winegrowing regions of warm climates could be disadvantaged, mainly for 2075–2099 under RCP8.5. Therefore, warmer climate conditions might be beneficial for maintaining the current grapevine varieties with their current grape quality or for cultivating new grapevine varieties in the new projected winegrowing areas; or they might be harmful for maintaining the current grapevine varieties with their yields and quality over most of current grapevine growing areas, but especially in the projected warmest ones. Summarizing, the results allow for understanding how temperature and precipitation changes could affect the future geographical distribution of Argentinean winegrowing areas and their suitability characteristics, useful information for planning adaptation in the coming decades.

National and international regulations require that ships' ballast water is treated to minimize the risk of introducing potentially invasive species. A common approach employed by commercial ballast water management systems is chlorination. This study presents the algal toxicity findings for three chlorination-based BWMS and their implications to environmental safety of port waters receiving treated ballast water from ships. Discharged treated ballast water from all three BWMS was toxic to algae with IC25s (25% growth inhibition) ranging from 9.9% to 17.9%, despite having total residual oxidant concentrations below 0.02 mg/l, based on Whole Effluent Toxicity assays. When held at 4 °C, some of the ballast water samples continued to exhibit toxic effects with no observed effect concentrations as low as 18% after a 134 day holding time. Thirteen individual disinfection by-products were measured above the detected limit at the time of discharge. No correlation between DBPs and algal toxicity was observed.

The Pampas is among the major agricultural regions in the world; a large proportion of Argentina crop production is originated in this region. The exportation of grain and oil crop represents more than 40% of the total national exportations. Impact of future climate on wheat, maize and soybean yield and crop adaptation in the Pampas region (60 million hectares) are assessed using climatic inputs generated by CCSM4 climate model (National Center for Atmospheric Research, US). Projections show an increase in the seasonal means maximum and minimum temperature for both the near (2015–2039) and the far (2075–2099) future, as well as a seasonal annual precipitation increase in the near future and a significant increase in the far future with extreme emissions scenarios. In the near future the crop model projects a reduction in wheat yield, an increase in maize yield and a significant increment in soybean yield compared to the regional baseline for moderate (RCP4.5) and extreme (RCP8.5) emissions. In the far future the projection shows a decrease in wheat yield in the RCP4.5 scenario and an increase in the RCP8.5 scenario, maize and soybean shown a yield increase in both scenarios. Adaptation strategies for the near and far future are proposed for wheat and maize that result in up to 45% yield increases. Adaptation strategies are not proposed for soybean because yield increases were predicted in all scenarios and horizons. Fil: Rolla, Alfredo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Instituto Franco-Argentino sobre Estudios de Clima y sus Impactos; Argentina Fil: Nuñez, Mario Nestor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Instituto Franco-Argentino sobre Estudios de Clima y sus Impactos; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y los Océanos; Argentina Fil: Guevara, Edgardo R.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; Argentina Fil: Meira, Santiago G.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; Argentina Fil: Rodriguez, Gabriel R.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; Argentina Fil: Ortiz de Zarate, Maria Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Instituto Franco-Argentino sobre Estudios de Clima y sus Impactos; Argentina

International and national guidelines and regulations to limit the inadvertent transfer of non-native species on the submerged surfaces of vessels and mobile infrastructure are progressing. However, methods to assess compliance must be developed to assist both regulators and industry. While there is a history of biofouling inspections in maritime industries, including commercial shipping and infrastructure, such surveys are tailored for vessel safety and performance rather than being driven by biosecurity purposes. Thus, these inspections are likely inadequate for confirming compliance with biosecurity regulations. To determine regulatory compliance, agencies will likely rely on a combination of risk profiling, assessment of documentation of biofouling management, archival data and images, and real-time in-water surveys made by divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) specific to biosecurity regulations. Divers may exceed ROVs at finding organisms in recesses and other topographically complex areas, and when regulations require confirmation of species identity or viability. In contrast, ROVs may be well suited for regulations that establish upper thresholds on biofouling levels with little concern for organism identity or condition. Several factors will inform how a survey is conducted, including cost, the type of data required by regulations, environmental conditions, safety, and logistics. Survey designs and requirements should be transparent to manage industry’s expectations of border procedures, to increase the efficiency with which industry and agencies manage biofouling and potentially align the evaluation of best practices in hull and niche area maintenance across jurisdictions.

Niche areas of ships, such as lateral thruster tunnels, sea chests, and propellers, are often hot spots for the accumulation of biofouling organisms, a potential source of aquatic invasive species. Yet, the relative importance of different niche areas is poorly resolved, in terms of both total surface area and the associated biota (i.e., the species of organisms and their abundances). To address this information gap, a method was developed to estimate the extent of various niche areas in the global fleet of 120,252 commercial ships active between 1999 and 2013. The total niche area for these vessels was estimated to be 32,996 × 103 m2, representing approximately 10% of the total wetted surface area (WSA) available for colonization by biota. Considering the portion of niche areas relative to the total WSA, it was highest for passenger vessels (27%), followed by tugs (25%), and fishing vessels (21%), with niche areas representing a small portion of the WSA for bulk carriers and tankers (7–8%). Examining the different types of niche areas, thruster tunnels had the greatest total extent (10,189 × 103 m2), representing a disproportionately large contribution (>50%) of the total niche area for passenger vessels and tugs compared to other vessel types. This result, combined with the use and cleaning of thrusters, may render them “super-hot spots” of biofouling. The uneven distribution and extent of niche areas across vessels has implications for transfers of organisms and management strategies to reduce invasions associated with the surfaces of ships.

Maple syrup is a regional, non-timber forest product in the United States that depends upon healthy, mature sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall). We examined whether tapping for maple syrup altered the dendroclimatic response of sugar maple. Ring width indices from two sites (tapped and reference) in central Pennsylvania were correlated with regional temperature, precipitation, and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). Both sites had significant correlations between summer and fall PDSI and radial growth. Spring PDSI was significantly correlated with growth at the reference site, but not at the tapped site. Both tapped and reference trees experienced below-average growth during years with dry spring conditions (PSDI 0) compared to reference trees (15%). These results indicate that tapping for maple syrup may have altered the dendroclimatic response of sugar ma...

The oceans play a key role in global issues such as climate change, food security, and human health. Given their vast dimensions and internal complexity, efficient monitoring and predicting of the planet’s ocean must be a collaborative effort of both regional and global scale. A first and foremost requirement for such collaborative ocean observing is the need to follow well-defined and reproducible methods across activities: from strategies for structuring observing systems, sensor deployment and usage, and the generation of data and information products, to ethical and governance aspects when executing ocean observing. To meet the urgent, planet-wide challenges we face, methods across all aspects of ocean observing should be broadly adopted by the ocean community and, where appropriate, should evolve into “Ocean Best Practices.” While many groups have created best practices, they are scattered across the Web or buried in local repositories and many have yet to be digitized. To reduce this fragmentation, we introduce a new open access, permanent, digital repository of best practices documentation (oceanbestpractices.org) that is part of the Ocean Best Practices System (OBPS). The new OBPS provides an opportunity space for the centralized and coordinated improvement of ocean observing methods. The OBPS repository employs user-friendly software to significantly improve discovery and access to methods. The software includes advanced semantic technologies for search capabilities to enhance repository operations. In addition to the repository, the OBPS also includes a peer reviewed journal research topic, a forum for community discussion and a training activity for use of best practices. Together, these components serve to realize a core objective of the OBPS, which is to enable the ocean community to create superior methods for every activity in ocean observing from research to operations to applications that are agreed upon and broadly adopted across communities. Using selected ocean observing examples, we show how the OBPS supports this objective. This paper lays out a future vision of ocean best practices and how OBPS will contribute to improving ocean observing in the decade to come.

The synthesis of a new Ru complex (P2C=)RuH(OTf) (11), which contains a carbene/bis(phosphine) pincer ligand is described. Abstraction of the triflate from 11 using Na[BAr4F] results in the formation of an unsaturated, solvent-stabilized Ru hydride species in CD2Cl2. In a toluene/C6H4F2 solvent mixture, the reaction takes a different course and results in the migration of the hydride to the carbene ligand and concomitant binding of the toluene molecule to Ru in a hexahapto coordination mode.

Due to the importance of the winemaking sector in Mendoza, Argentina, the assessment of future scenarios for viticulture is of foremost relevance. In this context, it is important to understand how temperature increase and precipitation changes will impact on grapes, because of changes in grapevine phenology and suitability wine-growing regions must be understood as an indicator of climate change. The general objective is to classify the suitable areas of viticulture in Argentina for the current and future climate using the MM5 regional climate change simulations. The spatial distribution of annual mean temperature, annual rainfall, and some bioclimatic indices has been analyzed for the present (1970–1989) and future (2080–2099) climate under SRES A2 emission scenario. In general, according to projected average growing season temperature and Winkler index classification, the regional model estimates (i) a reduction of cool areas, (ii) a westward and southward displacement of intermediate and warm suitability areas, and (iii) the arise of new suitability regions (hot and very hot areas) over Argentina. In addition, an increase of annual accumulated precipitation is projected over the center-west of Argentina. Similar pattern of change is modeled for growing season, but with lower intensity. Furthermore, the evaluation of projected seasonal precipitation shows a little precipitation increase over Cuyo and center of Argentina in summer and a little precipitation decrease over Cuyo and northern Patagonia in winter. Results show that Argentina has a great potential for expansion into new suitable vineyard areas by the end of twenty-first century, particularly due to projected displacement to higher latitudes for most present suitability winegrowing regions. Even though main conclusions are based on one global-regional model downscaling, this approach provides valuable information for implementing proper and diverse adaptation measures in the Argentinean viticultural regions. It has been concluded that regional climate change simulations are an adequate methodology, and indeed, the MM5 regional model is an appropriate tool to be applied in viticultural zoning in Mendoza, Argentina. Fil: Cabre, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Instituto Franco Argentino de Estudios del Clima y sus Impactos; Argentina Fil: Quénol, Hervé. Université Rennes 2; Francia Fil: Nuñez, Mario Nestor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Instituto Franco Argentino de Estudios del Clima y sus Impactos; Argentina. Departamento de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y los Océanos; Argentina

Malignant pilomatrixoma or pilomatrix carcinoma is a rare, locally aggressive malignant neoplasm, derived from the hair follicle with a high propensity for local recurrence. Only a few cases of metastatic pilomatrixoma have been described in the literature. Till date, only 17 cases have been reported in the English-language medical literature, most commonly occurring associated with local recurrence in adults. We report the first case in children of a metastatic malignant pilomatrixoma in an 8-year-old girl presenting with a recurrent pilomatrix carcinoma of the forehead with metastases in cervical and parotid lymph nodes.

The International Maritime Organization and U.S. Coast Guard have implemented regulations to reduce introductions of non-indigenous species via ballast water (BW). For phytoplankton, regulations limit discharges to10 live/viable cells mL

Beam steering in phased array antennas for some demanding terrestrial and space applications needs ultra-wide band true-time tunable delay lines preventing the beam squint phenomenon. Recent advances in the field of integrated microphotonics have allowed the demonstration of compact chip-scale delay lines with fast and low-power tuning mechanisms. For the tuning, several approaches have been theoretically and experimentally investigated and among them, very promising results have been obtained by using graphene in resonant delay lines based on the slow light effect. In this paper, after a brief review on resonant microphotonic tunable delay lines, some selected recent results on an ultra-compact graphene-based optical delay line including a silicon Bragg grating, are proposed.

Ballast water is used to safely stabilize and operate shipping vessels worldwide, in a multitude of aquatic settings, including inland, coastal and open oceans. However, ballast water may pose ecological, public health, and/or economic problems as it may serve as vehicles of transmission of microorganisms. Current ballast water regulations include limits of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and toxigenic Vibrio cholerae. Several United States Environmental Protection Agency approved standard operating protocols (SOPs) exist for detection of E. coli and Enterococci, yet none exists for V. cholerae. Current V. cholerae detection methods include colony blot hybridization, direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can be time consuming and difficult to perform. This study utilizes Cholera SMART II to determine its potential use in detection of V. cholerae. Validation of this method would help provide quick and accurate analysis for V. cholerae in ballast discharge waters in the field.

The ability of dissolved chemical cues to induce larval settlement from the water column has long been debated. Through computer-assisted video motion analysis, we quantified the movements of individual oyster (Crassostrea virginica) larvae in a small racetrack flume at free-stream flow speeds of 2.8, 6.2, and 10.4 cm/s. In response to waterborne chemical cues, but not to seawater (control), oyster larvae moved downward in the water column and swam in slow curved paths before attaching to the flume bottom. Effective stimuli were adult-oyster-conditioned seawater (OCW) and a synthetic peptide analog (glycyl-glycyl-L-arginine) for the natural cue. The chemically mediated behavioral responses of oyster larvae in flow were essentially identical to those responses previously reported in still water. Our experimental results therefore demonstrate the capacity of waterborne cues to evoke settlement behavior in oyster pediveligers under varying hydrodynamic conditions.

Ships’ hulls can transport aquatic nuisance species, but there is little quantitative information about the magnitude of vessel biofouling on a global or regional scale. There does not exist a robust method to estimate the wetted surface area (WSA) of a particular fleet of ships, especially across the diversity of possible vessel types. An estimate of the total WSA of ship arrivals into a port or region is essential to determine the potential scope of biofouling and to inform management strategies to reduce the future invasions. Multiple statistical models were developed so commonly available ships’ parameters could be used to estimate the WSA for a given set of fleet data. Using individual ship characteristics and publicly available data from ~120,000 active commercial ships in the world fleet, the method results in a total global minimum WSA estimate of approximately 325 × 106 m2. The size of the global fleet employed here is greater than the commonly cited vessel number of approximately 80,000–90,000, as we include ships

Erythrocytes have long served as model cells, useful for analyzing cytoskeletal structure and function. In non-mammalian vertebrates, erythrocytes are typically highly flattened, nucleated ellipsoids in which a marginal band (MB) of microtubules interacts with the membrane skeleton (MS) to generate and maintain cell shape. Though relatively rare, erythrocytes also occur in repre- sentatives of many invertebrate phyla, including the arcid and vesicomyid molluscs, but the structure and function of these cells are not well understood. Previous work has shown arcid erythrocytes to be highly flattened ellipsoids containing the MB-MS cytoskeletal system, similar to vertebrates but with an additional interesting feature: a functional centriole-containing centrosome associated with each MB. In the present study we have examined, for the first time, erythrocyte morphology and cytoskeletal structure in a vesicomyid. Using Calyptogena kilmeri, the dominant invertebrate at many Pacific cold seeps, we have found that the erythrocytes are only slightly flattened and do not contain MBs. Rather, their cytoskeletons display a peripheral centriole-containing centrosome with radiating fibers, a distinctive type of organization not observed pre- viously in mature erythrocytes from any species.

Este trabajo evalúa la capacidad del modelo regional MM5 para representar las principales características del clima actual de Sudamérica. Se evalúa la distribución espacial de los valores medios estacionales, la variabilidad interanual y el ciclo anual de la precipitación y la temperatura, así como la variabilidad interna. El análisis tuvo dos objetivos: cuantificar la capacidad de la regionalización (downscaling) dinámica para representar el clima actual e identificar los aspectos críticos de la simulación climática regional en Sudamérica para interpretar las proyecciones hacia fines de siglo XXI en el escenario de emisión SRES A2 con cierto grado de confiabilidad. En general, el modelo MM5 representa de forma adecuada las características regionales, el ciclo estacional y la variabilidad interanual de las variables de superficie en el sur de Sudamérica. La distribución espacial de la temperatura está bien representada; sin embargo, se encuentran algunos errores sistemáticos, como una sobreestimación en el centro y norte de Argentina y una subestimación en las regiones montañosas a lo largo del año. La distribución espacial de la precipitación también está bien representada por el modelo regional, sin embargo se encuentra una sobreestimación de la precipitación en la región andina (especialmente en el centro y sur de Chile) en todas las épocas del año y una subestimación de la precipitación en latitudes tropicales. El ciclo anual de la precipitación está representado de manera adecuada en todas las regiones analizadas, sin embargo su representación es mejor en la cuenca del Plata (LPB, por sus siglas en inglés), Cuyo (CU) y sur de Buenos Aires (región denominada sureste Pampas [SEP]). El ciclo anual de la temperatura media también está bien representado. En líneas generales, el modelo sobreestima la variabilidad interanual de la temperatura y subestima la variabilidad interanual de la precipitación. De la evaluación de la variabilidad interanual, la variabilidad interna y los sesgos, puede concluirse que independientemente de la época del año, la precipitación simulada por el modelo regional MM5 es confiable en latitudes subtropicales, Uruguay, el sur de Brasil y el centro-este de Argentina, pero es poco confiable en áreas montañosas. La temperatura es confiable en latitudes subtropicales, Uruguay y el sur de Brasil solamente durante el invierno, pero es poco confiable o se encuentra en el límite de confiabilidad en el centro y sur de Chile a lo largo del año. De esta manera, puede concluirse que el modelo MM5 es una herramienta de mucha utilidad para la generación de escenarios regionales de cambio climático de alta resolución en el sur de Sudamérica y constituye un interesante punto de partida para evaluar los escenarios regionales de cambio climático en dicha región. Fil: Cabre, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Instituto Franco-Argentino de Estudios del Clima y sus Impactos; Argentina Fil: Solman, Silvina Alicia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y los Océanos; Argentina Fil: Nuñez, Mario Nestor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y los Océanos; Argentina

Given the societal importance of reliable and accurate ocean observations, the wave monitoring community (including academic researchers, agency scientists, resource managers, and representatives from wave instrument manufacturers) came together to develop a set of protocols for the test and evaluation of wave measurement systems in support of the 2009 National Operational Wave Observation Plan. These protocols are focused on a wide range of wave measurement instruments and their respective performance in successfully recovering the “First-5” Fourier components of the incident wave field. Performance is determined by comparing each system’s output with a verifiable reference method over a predetermined range of wave frequencies. It is recommended that permanent wave test facilities are created on the West Coast (Monterey Bay, CA—deep water) and the East Coast (Duck, NC—shallow water) for continued evaluations of existing and new technologies. It was recognized that no absolute standard exists for the determination of the “First-5” across all spatial domains. Therefore, it was agreed that the Directional Waverider DWR-MkIII system was the best available reference/standard for the deep and intermediate water wave evaluations as verified by the laser array (LASAR) at the ConocoPhillips Ekofisk offshore platform complex in the North Sea. The long linear array at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Field Research Facility could be used as the standard for shallow water wave evaluations. Finally, given the significance of wave measurements, an appropriate level of quality assurance and quality control procedures must be included as part of any test and evaluation effort. The details of the proposed protocols for the verification of wave measurement systems are described.

The effects of low-pH, high-pCO2 conditions on deep-sea organisms were examined during four deep-sea CO2 release experiments simulating deep-ocean C sequestration by the direct injection of CO2 into the deep sea. We examined the survival of common deep-sea, benthic organisms (microbes; macrofauna, dominated by Polychaeta, Nematoda, Crustacea, Mollusca; megafauna, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Pisces) exposed to low-pH waters emanating as a dissolution plume from pools of liquid carbon dioxide released on the seabed during four abyssal CO2-release experiments. Microbial abundance in deep-sea sediments was unchanged in one experiment, but increased under environmental hypercapnia during another, where the microbial assemblage may have benefited indirectly from the negative impact of low-pH conditions on other taxa. Lower abyssal metazoans exhibited low survival rates near CO2 pools. No urchins or holothurians survived during 30–42 days of exposure to episodic, but severe environmental hypercapnia during one experiment (E1; pH reduced by as much as ca. 1.4 units). These large pH reductions also caused 75% mortality for the deep-sea amphipod, Haploops lodo, near CO2 pools. Survival under smaller pH reductions (ΔpHo0.4 units) in other experiments (E2, E3, E5) was higher for all taxa, including echinoderms. Gastropods, cephalopods, and fish were more tolerant than most other taxa. The gastropod Retimohnia sp. and octopus Benthoctopus sp. survived exposure to pH reductions that episodically reached −0.3 pH units. Ninety percent of abyssal zoarcids (Pachycara bulbiceps) survived exposure to pH changes reaching ca. −0.3 pH units during 30–42 day-long experiments.

Vertical migrations of living organisms and settling of particle-attached organisms lead to uneven distributions of biota at different depths in the water column. In ballast tanks, heterogeneity could lead to different population estimates depending on the portion of the discharge sampled. For example, concentrations of organisms exceeding a discharge standard may not be detected if sampling occurs during periods of the discharge when concentrations are low. To determine the degree of stratification, water from ballast tanks was sampled at two experimental facilities as the tanks were drained after water was held for 1 or 5 days. Living organisms ≥50 μm were counted in discrete segments of the drain (e.g., the first 20 min of the drain operation, the second 20 min interval, etc.), thus representing different strata in the tank. In 1 and 5 day trials at both facilities, concentrations of organisms varied among drain segments, and the patterns of stratification varied among replicate trials. From numerical simulations, the optimal sampling strategy for stratified tanks is to collect multiple time-integrated samples spaced relatively evenly throughout the discharge event.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated if triple oral therapy can be useful in improving glycemic control compared with metformin monotherapy and with a metformin and pioglitazone combination. Furthermore, we also compared a triple metformin+pioglitazone+glibenclamide combination with a metformin+pioglitazone+sitagliptin one. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After a 2-year run-in therapy-augmenting phase with metformin and pioglitazone, 453 overweight, type 2 diabetes patients were randomized to 1 year of sitagliptin versus 1 year of glibenclamide to evaluate, as the primary outcome, the variation of β-cell function both in a fasting state and after an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic clamp. As secondary outcomes we evaluated glycemic control and insulin resistance. RESULTS: Both the triple therapy combinations were more effective in reducing glycated hemoglobin compared with metformin monotherapy and with dual therapy metformin+pioglitazone. Fasting plasma insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index were significantly increased by triple therapy with glibenclamide and decreased by the one with sitagliptin. Although sitagliptin did not change the homeostasis model assessment β-function index, this value was significantly increased by glibenclamide. The fasting plasma proinsulin level was decreased by sitagliptin. Triple therapy with sitagliptin greatly improved β-cell function measures compared with the glibenclamide one and also compared with metformin monotherapy and with the metformin+pioglitazone combination. CONCLUSIONS: Dual combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy in improving glycemic control. When double therapy is not enough to reach an adequate glycemic control, sitagliptin should be preferred to glibenclamide as the third agent because of its positive effect on β-cells.

Este artigo apresenta o contexto científico nacional e internacional com foco na trajetória das atividades de ciência, tecnologia e inovação no Brasil ao longo dos últimos anos e na perspectiva que pode ser inferida a partir do histórico traçado. Demonstra-se que o País não pode mais depender apenas do sucesso alcançado no indicador de produção científica indexada. Precisa, urgentemente e de forma ágil, mudar de patamar no desenvolvimento tecnológico e na inovação. O artigo mostra que é possível melhorar a competitividade nacional com base numa política séria e consistente de valorização do trinômio ciência, tecnologia e inovação como pilares para garantir o desenvolvimento social e econômico sustentável do País. Essa política requer, entre outros elementos, um investimento perene e robusto e um arcabouço legal adequado que permita o avanço da pesquisa e da inovação. O artigo apresenta recomendações que poderão por um lado, indicar os gargalos a serem resolvidos e por outro, ajudar a elaboração de uma política consistente para o desenvolvimento nacional.

To determine the effect of surgical technique on outcomes from ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms (RMCAA).A retrospective review was performed of patients with RMCAA, who were treated at the authors' institutions. The study compares the clipping efficacy, the postoperative CT findings as well as the clinical outcome in 87 acute operated patients. Forty patients who underwent a surgical adapted technique to the preoperative radiological findings in the last 2 ½ years were included in Group 1, and 47 previously operated cases who underwent a standardized pterional approach with aneurysm preparation from proximal to distal were included in Group 2.Angiographically assessed clip efficacy confirmed aneurysm occlusion in 87.5% of the patients in Group 1 and in 70.2% for Group 2 (p 0.05). In 13 cases (32.2%) of Group 1 versus 27 cases (57.4%) of Group 2, postoperative CT scan showed hypodense brain areas (p 0.05). In 2 cases of Group 1 versus 8 cases of Group 2, a residual haematoma was found. Three months after bleeding, 25 cases in Group 1 showed a good recovery, 10 a moderate disability, and 5 severe disability or death. In Group 2, 26 patients showed a good recovery, 9 a moderate disability, and 12 severe disability or death. There was a difference for patients with severe disability/death between both groups (p 0.001).Individually adapted surgical technique in patients with RMCAA improves the efficacy of aneurysm clipping and clot removal, reduces postoperative hypodense brain areas and improves the patients' outcome.