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The number of scholars working on transition concepts in the Global South is rapidly increasing. In this context, a substantial amount of research output particularly focusses on niches and how they affect transition towards sustainability in a wider framework of the multi-level-perspective. At the same time, there is a growing interest in digital technology and its effect on sustainability challenges. In this article, we combine the two fields, and by utilizing social media data, we create an innovative network science approach to analyze the production environment of digital innovations in Africa. We focus on three innovation hubs that we conceptualize as niches and innovation intermediaries that not only create communities to develop, test and implement new technology but also function as networks to discuss and form new ideas around innovations. Our key findings show how local communities are embedded in larger innovation structures. The connections between local stakeholders and global actors are predominantly created through bridge actors, who hold key positions in their communities. With tools from network science, we demonstrate that these linking elements can regulate and steer discussions and therefore, strongly influence digital niche environments. Utilizing geographical location data, we can also see that the online space of technological innovations in Africa is heavily cantered in urban areas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate some morphogenetic and structural characteristics to explain variations in forage accumulation of Alexandergrass (Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) plantaginea) under continuous stocking method. The experimental treatments consisted of four grazing heights (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm), allocated to experimental units following a randomized block design with three replicates. The following variables were analyzed: leaf appearance, elongation, and senescence rates, leaf lamina length, number of leaves per tiller, leaf area index (LAI), and forage accumulation rate. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Student's t-test (P≤0.05). The main results were: i) different grazing heights had different tissue flows; ii) grazing heights between 30-40 cm showed the highest LAI, and produced similar values; iii) forage accumulation rate increased according to grazing height increments, but did not change above 30 cm. In conclusion, Alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking should not be maintained at grazing heights lower than 30 cm if the objective is to maximize forage production. Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar alguns aspectos morfogênicos e estruturais para explicar eventuais alterações no acúmulo de forragem de pastos de papuã (Urochloa (Syn. Brachiaria) plantaginea) sob lotação contínua. Os tratamentos experimentais corresponderam a quatros alturas de dossel (10, 20, 30 e 40 cm), alocados às unidades experimentais conforme um delineamento de blocos completos casualisados, com três repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: taxa de alongamento, aparecimento e senescência foliar; densidade populacional de perfilhos; comprimento e número de lâminas foliares por perfilho; índice de área foliar (IAF); taxa de acúmulo de forragem. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste t de "Student" (P≤0,05). Os principais resultados obtidos foram: i) diferentes alturas de manejo apresentam diferentes ritmos de aparecimento, crescimento e morte de tecidos; ii) pastos manejados entre 30-40 cm apresentaram os maiores valores de IAF e foram semelhantes entre si; iii) a taxa de acúmulo aumentou com o aumento da altura de manejo, mas não foi alterada a partir de 30 cm. Recomenda-se manejar pastos de papuã sob lotação contínua com não menos que 30 cm quando o objetivo for maximizar a produção de forragem.

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that mediates protein and organelle turnover and maintains cellular homeostasis. Autophagosomes transport cargo to lysosomes and their formation is dependent on an appropriate lipid supply. Here, we show that the knockout of the RAB GTPase RAB18 interferes with lipid droplet (LD) metabolism, resulting in an impaired fatty acid mobilization. The reduced LD-derived lipid availability influences autophagy and provokes adaptive modifications of the autophagy network, which include increased ATG2B expression and ATG12-ATG5 conjugate formation as well as enhanced ATG2B and ATG9A phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of ATG9A directs this transmembrane protein to the site of autophagosome formation and this particular modification is sufficient to rescue autophagic activity under basal conditions in the absence of RAB18. However, it is incapable of enabling an increased autophagy under inductive conditions. Thus, we illustrate the role of RAB18 in connecting LDs and autophagy, further emphasize the importance of LD-derived lipids for the degradative pathway, and characterize an ATG9A phosphorylation-dependent autophagy rescue mechanism as an adaptive response that maintains autophagy under conditions of reduced LD-derived lipid availability.

Arm-swinging is a locomotor mode observed only in primates, in which the hindlimbs no longer have a weight bearing function and the forelimbs must propel the body forward and support the entirety of the animal's mass. It has been suggested that the evolution of arm-swinging was preceded by a shift to inverted quadrupedal walking for purposes of feeding and balance, yet little is known about the mechanics of limb use during inverted quadrupedal walking. In this study, we test whether the mechanics of inverted quadrupedal walking make sense as precursors to arm-swinging and whether there are fundamental differences in inverted quadrupedal walking in primates compared to non-primate mammals that would explain the evolution of arm-swinging in primates only. Based on kinetic limb-loading data collected during inverted quadrupedal walking in primates (seven species) and non-primate mammals (three species), we observe that in primates the forelimb serves as the primary propulsive and weight bearing limb. Additionally, heavier individuals tend to support a greater distribution of body weight on their forelimbs than lighter ones. These kinetic patterns are not observed in non-primate mammals. Based on these findings, we propose that the ability to adopt arm-swinging is fairly simple for relatively large-bodied primates and merely requires the animal to release its grasping foot from the substrate. This study fills an important gap concerning the origins of arm-swinging and illuminates previously unknown patterns of primate locomotor evolution.

Background Previous analyses of factors influencing footfall timings and gait selection in quadrupeds have focused on the implications for energetic cost or gait mechanics separately. Here we present a model for symmetrical walking gaits in quadrupedal mammals that combines both factors, and aims to predict the substrate contexts in which animals will select certain ranges of footfall timings that (1) minimize energetic cost, (2) minimize rolling and pitching moments, or (3) balance the two. We hypothesize that energy recovery will be a priority on all surfaces, and will be the dominant factor determining footfall timings on flat, ground-like surfaces. The ability to resist pitch and roll, however, will play a larger role in determining footfall choice on narrower and more complex branch-like substrates. As a preliminary test of the expectations of the model, we collected sample data on footfall timings in a primate with relatively high flexibility in footfall timings – the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) – walking on a flat surface, straight pole, and a pole with laterally-projecting branches to simulate simplified ground and branch substrates. We compare limb phase values on these supports to the expectations of the model. Results As predicted, walking steps on the flat surface tended towards limb phase values that promote energy exchange. Both pole substrates induced limb phase values predicted to favor reduced pitching and rolling moments. Conclusions These data provide novel insight into the ways in which animals may choose to adjust their behavior in response to movement on flat versus complex substrates and the competing selective factors that influence footfall timing in mammals. These data further suggest a pathway for future investigations using this perspective.

An animal's fitness is influenced by the ability to move safely through its environment. Recent models have shown that aspects of body geometry, for example, limb length and center of mass (COM) position, appear to set limits for pitch control in cursorial quadrupeds. Models of pitch control predict that the body shape of these and certain other primates, with short forelimbs and posteriorly positioned COM, should allow them to decelerate rapidly while minimizing the risk of pitching forward. We chose to test these models in two non-cursorial lemurs: Lemur catta, the highly terrestrial ring-tailed lemur, and Eulemur fulvus, the highly arboreal brown lemur. We modeled the effects of changes in limb length and COM position on maximum decelerative potential for both species, as well as collecting data on maximal decelerations across whole strides. In both species, maximum measured decelerations fell below the range of pitch-limited deceleration values predicted by the geometric model, with the ring-tailed lemur approaching its pitch limit more closely. Both lemurs showed decelerative potential equivalent to or higher than horses, the only comparative model currently available. These data reinforce the hypothesis that a relatively simple model of body geometry can predict aspects of maximum performance in animals. In this case, it appears that the body geometry of primates is skewed toward avoiding forward pitch in maximal decelerations.

It is well-known that as humans age they experience significant changes in gait including reduction in velocity and ground reaction forces and changes in leg mechanics. Progressive changes in gait can lead to disability and frailty, defined as an inability to carry out activities of daily living. This topic is relevant to basic understanding of the aging process and for clinical intervention. As such, studies of frailty can benefit from nonhuman animal models, yet little is known about gait frailty in nonhuman primates. This study examines a nonhuman primate model to evaluate its relevance to understanding human aging processes. To test the null hypothesis that age-related changes in joint function and gait do occur in primate models in a similar fashion to humans, a detailed gait analysis, including velocity, footfall timings, and vertical ground reaction forces, on bipedal locomotion was performed in Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli), ranging in age from 5 years to 24 years. None of the spatiotemporal or kinetic gait variables measured was significantly correlated with age alone. There was a slight but significant reduction in locomotor velocity when animals were grouped into “young” and “old” categories. These data show that aging P. coquereli experience only subtle age-related changes, that were not nearly as extensive as reported in humans. This lack of change suggests that unlike humans, lemurs maintain gait competency at high levels, possibly because these animals maintain reproductive capacity close to their age of death and that frailty may be selected against, since gait disability would result in injury and death that would preclude independent living. Although nonhuman primates should experience age-related senescence, their locomotor performance should remain robust throughout their lifetimes, which raises questions about the use of primate models of gait disability, an area that deserves further investigation.

Facultative bipedalism during load transport in nonhuman primates has been argued to be an important behavior potentially leading to the evolution of obligate, extended limb bipedalism. Understanding the biomechanics of such behavior may lead to insights about associated morphology, which may translate to interpretation of features in the fossil record. Some populations of bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) spontaneously carry heavy loads bipedally during foraging activities. This study provides the first data on all three components of ground reaction force for spontaneous bipedalism during load carriage in a nonhuman primate. Five individual S. libidinosus (mean body mass = 2.4 kg +/- 0.96) were videorecorded during bipedalism while carrying a stone (0.93 kg) under natural conditions. A force plate was embedded in the path of the monkeys. Spatiotemporal and force data for all three components of the ground reaction force were recorded for 28 steps. Capuchins exhibited a mean vertical peak force per total weight (Vpk) for the hindlimb of 1.19 (sd = 0.13), consistent with those of unloaded capuchins in the laboratory and for other bipedal primates, including humans. Vertical force records suggest that capuchins, along with most nonhuman primates, maintain a relatively compliant leg during both unloaded and loaded locomotion. Like all other primates, loaded capuchins maintained laterally (outward) directed medio-lateral forces, presumably to stabilize side-to-side movements of the center of mass. Mediolateral forces suggest that at near-running speeds dynamic stability diminishes the need to generate high lateral forces. Vertical force traces exhibited a measurable impact spike at foot contact in 85% of the steps recorded. An impact spike is common in human walking and running but has not been reported in other bipedal primates. This spike in humans is thought to lead to bone and cartilage damage. The earliest biped may have experienced similar impact spikes during bipedal locomotion, requiring compensatory behaviors or anatomical features. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objectives Vertical clinging and climbing have been integral to hypotheses about primate origins, yet little is known about how an animal with nails instead of claws resists gravity while on large, vertical, and cylindrical substrates. Here we test models of how force is applied to maintain posture, predicting (1) the shear component force (Fs) at the hands will be higher than the feet; (2) the normal component force (Fn) at the feet will be relatively high compared to the hands; (3) the component force resisting gravity (Fg) at the feet will be relatively high compared to the hands; (4) species with a high frequency of vertical clinging postures will have low Fg at the hands due to relatively short forelimbs. Materials and Methods Using a novel instrumented support, single-limb force data were collected during clinging postures for the hands and feet and compared across limbs and species for Propithecus verreauxi (N = 2), a habitual vertical clinger and leaper, and Varecia variegata (N = 3), a habitual above-branch arboreal quadruped. Results For both species, hand Fs were significantly higher than at the feet and Fn and Fg at the feet were significantly higher than at the hands. Between species, P. verreauxi has relatively low Fg at the hands and Fn at the feet than V. vareigata. Discussion These results support previous models and show that hindlimb loading dominance, characteristic of primate locomotion, is found during clinging behaviors and may allow the forelimbs to be used for foraging while clinging. These findings provide insight into selective pressures on force distribution in primates and primate locomotor evolution. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:463–474, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The morphogenetic and structural characteristics of forage plants and the processes of growth and senescence in tissues may vary according to the grazing management strategies used. This research aimed to assess the process of regrowth in elephant grass swards Cv. 'Pioneiro' submitted to two pre-grazing heights (90 and 120cm) combined with two levels of defoliation (50 and 70%). A reduction of the leaf elongation rate (LER) was observed during the regrowth stages, in addition to a reduction in the rate of leaf appearance (LAR) and aerial tiller population density (ATPD). In contrast, an increase was observed in leaf senescence (LSR) and stem and pseudo stem elongation rates (SER). The severe defoliation (70%) combined with a pre-grazing height of 120cm compromised the regrowth of elephant grass cv. 'Pioneiro', which must be managed with a maximum height of 90cm and maximum level of defoliation of 50% of the initial height. As características morfogênicas e estruturais das plantas forrageiras, bem como os processos de crescimento e senescência de tecidos podem variar de acordo com as estratégias de manejo utilizadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o processo de rebrotação em pastos de capim-elefante, cultivar 'Pioneiro', submetidos a duas alturas em pré-pastejo (90 e 120cm) combinadas com duas severidades de desfolhação (50 e 70% da altura inicial). Ao longo das fases de rebrotação, ocorreu uma diminuição das taxas de alongamento foliar (TAF), aparecimento de folhas (TAP) e da densidade populacional de perfilhos aéreos (DPPA), aumento das taxas de senescência foliares (TSF) e alongamento de colmo mais pseudocolmo (TACP). A severidade de desfolha de 70% aliada à altura em pré-pastejo de 120cm comprometeu o processo de rebrotação do capim-elefante cv. 'Pioneiro', devendo este ser manejado com altura máxima de 90cm e com severidade de desfolha não excedendo 50% da altura inicial.

Vibrations in research facilities can cause complex animal behavioral and physiological responses that can affect animal health and research outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine the range of frequency values, where animals are unable to attenuate vibrations, and therefore may be most susceptible to their effects. Anesthetized and euthanized adult rats and mice were exposed to vibration frequencies over a wide range (0-600 Hz) and at a constant magnitude of 0.3 m/s(2). Euthanized animals were additionally exposed to vibrations at an acceleration of 1 m/s(2). The data showed that at most frequencies rodents were able to attenuate vibration magnitudes, with values for the back-mounted accelerometer being substantially less than that of the table. At frequencies of 41-60 Hz mice did not attenuate vibration magnitude, but instead the magnitude of the table and animal were equal or amplified. Rats experienced the same pattern of non-attenuation between 31 and 50 Hz. Once euthanized, the mice vibrated at a slightly more elevated frequency (up to 100 Hz). Based on these results, it may be prudent that in laboratory settings, vibrations in the ranges reported here should be accounted for as possible contributors to animal stress and/or biomechanical changes.

OBJECTIVES In this study, we explore whether ground reaction forces recorded during horizontal walking co-vary with the shape of the long bones of the forelimb in strepsirrhines. To do so, we quantify (1) the shape of the shaft and articular surfaces of each long bone of the forelimb, (2) the peak vertical, mediolateral, and horizontal ground reaction forces applied by the forelimb during arboreal locomotion, and (3) the relationship between the shape of the forelimb and peak forces. MATERIALS AND METHODS Geometric morphometric approaches were used to quantify the shape of the bones. Kinetic data were collected during horizontal arboreal walking in eight species of strepsirrhines that show variation in habitual substrate use and morphology of the forelimb. These data were then used to explore the links between locomotor behavior, morphology, and mechanics using co-variation analyses in a phylogenetic framework. RESULTS Our results show significant differences between slow quadrupedal climbers (lorises), vertical clinger and leapers (sifaka), and active arboreal quadrupeds (ring-tailed lemur, ruffed lemur) in both ground reaction forces and the shape of the long bones of the forelimb, with the propulsive and medially directed peak forces having the highest impact on the shape of the humerus. Co-variation between long bone shape and ground reaction forces was detected in both the humerus and ulna even when accounting for differences in body mass. DISCUSSION These results demonstrate the importance of considering limb-loading beyond just peak vertical force, or substrate reaction force. A re-evaluation of osseous morphology and functional interpretations is necessary in light of these findings.

The protection of buildings and infrastructure against highly dynamic loadings caused by explosions requires a profound analysis of the dynamic structural and material behavior. High speed recording devices are a valuable instrumentation to support the respective studies. The present chapter gives different examples that emphasize the importance of high speed videos for the study of loadings, damage behavior of structures and the determination of dynamic material parameters. One of the main threats for humans and buildings are flying fragments for example vehicle components in case of a Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device. It is shown how the trajectory of such fragments can be calculated by tracing their launch conditions after an explosion. At the resistance side material parameters can differ significantly under highly dynamic conditions. Split-Hopkinson bar tests are often used to determine dynamic parameters of brittle materials. For the determination of the fracture energy the experimental analysis requires a high-speed video to evaluate the velocity of the specimen´s fragments. The respective coherences are explained. Furthermore, the design of members and the whole structure is based on the knowledge about their resistance behavior to extreme loadings like blast. Capturing the initiation and the propagation of a fracture process by high speed videos is therefore essential. It is also shown how in combination with other tools like the Digital Image Correlation system, it is possible to determine the dynamic displacement of a whole specimen’s surface. The results are useful for the validation of numerical simulations .

The milk and meat from animals with a pasture-based diet have higher proportions of CLA and C18:3 and lower omega-6:omega-3 ratios than products from animals with diets based on corn silage and concentrate. However, most of the published studies have evaluated fatty acid profiles in temperate climate grasses and the literature with tropical grasses is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological and fatty acid compositions in the vertical strata of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) swards subjected to grazing heights (90 or 120 cm pre-grazing heights) and levels of defoliation (50% or 70% removal of the initial pre-grazing height). There were no interactions among pre-grazing height, the level of defoliation and grazing stratum. However, higher proportion of C18:3 (58% and 63%) was found in the 90-cm swards and in the half upper stratum. A higher proportion of C18:3 was associated with a higher leaf proportion and crude protein content. Thus, the upper stratum of sward or a grazing management scheme (e.g. first-last stocking) resulting in a higher proportion of leaves and crude protein both provide higher proportions of C18:3 to animals grazing in elephant grass swards.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o acúmulo de forragem durante o período de ocupação pelos animais em pastos de capim-quicuiu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex. Chiov.) manejados sob lotação intermitente. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro proporções de desfolhação (remoção de 40, 50, 60 e 70% da altura inicial) partindo de uma mesma altura em pré-pastejo (20 cm). Foram avaliadas: taxas de alongamento foliar e colmos e senescência de folhas, índice de área foliar e taxa de acúmulo de forragem. Adicionalmente, dez perfilhos por faixa foram avaliados para as mesmas variáveis dentro de gaiolas de exclusão. Os efeitos linear, quadrático e cúbico da severidade de desfolhação foram avaliados por contrastes de polinômios ortogonais com 5% de nível de significância. Houve relação linear e inversa entre a porcentagem do índice de área foliar removido e o alongamento de lâminas foliares e o acúmulo de forragem. As taxas de alongamento de folhas em perfilhos bem como o acúmulo de forragem nas áreas excluídas do pastejo foram maiores em relação aos pastos submetidos a desfolhação. Durante o período de rebaixamento de pastos manejados sob lotação intermitente ocorre acúmulo de forragem e o mesmo é linear e inversamente associado à proporção da área foliar removida. Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage accumulation during the stocking period on Kikuyu grass pastures (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex. Chiov) subjected to intermittent stocking. Treatments consisted of four defoliation levels (removal of 40, 50, 60, and 70% relative to the initial height) starting from the same pre-grazing height (20 cm). The following variables were evaluated: leaf and stem elongation rates (evaluated during four times across the period of occupation), leaf area index, and forage accumulation rates. Additionally, ten tillers/strip were evaluated for the same variables into exclusion cages. The linear, quadratic and cubic effects of severity of defoliation were evaluated by orthogonal polynomials contrasts with 5% of significance level. There was a linear and inverse relationship between the proportion of removed leaf area index with leaf elongation and herbage accumulation rate. The leaf elongation rate in individual tillers and the forage accumulation rates of tillers on excluded areas from grazing were greater than those under grazing. During the stocking period on pastures submitted to intermittent grazing, forage accumulation was observed and it was linear and negatively correlated with the proportion of leaf area removed.

Vertical climbing is an essential behavior for arboreal animals, yet limb mechanics during climbing are poorly understood and rarely compared to those observed during horizontal walking. Primates commonly engage in both arboreal walking and vertical climbing, and this makes them an ideal taxa in which to compare these locomotor forms. Additionally, primates exhibit unusual limb mechanics compared to most other quadrupeds, with weight distribution biased towards the hindlimbs, a pattern that is argued to have evolved in response to the challenges of arboreal walking. Here we test an alternative hypothesis that functional differentiation between the limbs evolved initially as a response to climbing. Eight primate species were recorded locomoting on instrumented vertical and horizontal simulated arboreal runways. Forces along the axis of, and normal to, the support were recorded. During walking, all primates displayed forelimbs that were net braking, and hindlimbs that were net propulsive. In contrast, both limbs served a propulsive role during climbing. In all species, except the lorisids, the hindlimb produced greater propulsive forces than the forelimb during climbing. During climbing, the hindlimb tends to support compressive loads, while the forelimb forces tend to be primarily tensile. This functional disparity appears to be body-size dependent. The tensile loading of the forelimb versus the compressive loading of the hindlimb observed during climbing may have important evolutionary implications for primates, and it may be the case that hindlimb-biased weight support exhibited during quadrupedal walking in primates may be derived from their basal condition of climbing thin branches.

During quadrupedal walking in most animals, the forelimbs play a net braking role, whereas the hindlimbs are net propulsive. However, the mechanism by which this differentiation occurs remains unclear. Here, we test two models to explain this pattern using primates and felines: (1) the horizontal strut effect (in which limbs are modeled as independent struts), and (2) the linked strut model (in which limbs are modeled as linked struts with a center of mass in between). Video recordings were used to determine point of contact, timing of mid-stance, and limb protraction/retraction duration. Single-limb forces were used to calculate contact time, impulses and the proportion of the stride at which the braking-to-propulsive transition (BP) occurred for each limb. We found no association between the occurrence of the BP and mid-stance, little influence of protraction and retraction duration on the braking-propulsive function of a limb, and a causative relationship between vertical force distribution between limbs and the patterns of horizontal forces. These findings reject the horizontal strut effect, and provide some support for the linked strut model, although predictions were not perfectly matched. We suggest that the position of the center of mass relative to limb contact points is a very important, but not the only, factor driving functional differentiation of the braking and propulsive roles of the limbs in quadrupeds. It was also found that primates have greater differences in horizontal impulse between their limbs compared with felines, a pattern that may reflect a fundamental arboreal adaptation in primates.

Anais do 35º Seminário de Extensão Universitária da Região Sul - Área temática: Cultura Considerando-se a lei federal n. 10.639/03 sobre a obrigatoriedade do ensino da História e da cultura africana e afro-brasileiras nas escolas, o Projeto de Extensão “Ginga: História e Cultura Afro-Brasileira na Escola” tem por finalidade promover vivências da cultura afro-brasileira a partir dos elementos lúdicos e socializantes desta cultura tais como a capoeira, a música, os jogos, as estórias, as lendas, o folclore e as danças, divulgando-os através de oficinas a serem realizadas nas escolas. Voltado para crianças e adolescentes da rede municipal e estadual de ensino, o projeto tem proporcionado conhecimentos e consciência crítica acerca das contribuições culturais, lutas e resistências dos negros no Brasil através do ato de brincar, jogar, dançar e imaginar

The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage accumulation during the stocking period on Kikuyu grass pastures ( Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex. Chiov) subjected to intermittent stocking. Treatments consisted of four defoliation levels (removal of 40, 50, 60, and 70% relative to the initial height) starting from the same pre-grazing height (20 cm). The following variables were evaluated: leaf and stem elongation rates (evaluated during four times across the period of occupation), leaf area index, and forage accumulation rates. Additionally, ten tillers/strip were evaluated for the same variables into exclusion cages. The linear, quadratic and cubic effects of severity of defoliation were evaluated by orthogonal polynomials contrasts with 5% of significance level. There was a linear and inverse relationship between the proportion of removed leaf area index with leaf elongation and herbage accumulation rate. The leaf elongation rate in individual tillers and the forage accumulation rates of tillers on excluded areas from grazing were greater than those under grazing. During the stocking period on pastures submitted to intermittent grazing, forage accumulation was observed and it was linear and negatively correlated with the proportion of leaf area removed. Keywords: accumulation rate; forage production; leaf area index; severity of defoliation; tissue turnover.

Humans stand alone from other primates in that we propel our bodies forward on a relatively stiff and arched foot and do so by employing an anatomical arrangement of bones and ligaments in the foot that can operate like a "windlass." This is a significant evolutionary innovation, but it is currently unknown when during hominin evolution this mechanism developed and within what genera or species it originated. The presence of recently discovered fossils along with novel research in the past two decades have improved our understanding of foot mechanics in humans and other apes, making it possible to consider this question more fully. Here we review the main elements thought to be involved in the production of an effective, modern human-like windlass mechanism. These elements are the triceps surae, plantar aponeurosis, medial longitudinal arch, and metatarsophalangeal joints. We discuss what is presently known about the evolution of these features and the challenges associated with identifying each of these specific components and/or their function in living and extinct primates for the purpose of predicting the presence of the windlass mechanism in our ancestors. In some cases we recommend alternative pathways for inferring foot mechanics and for testing the hypothesis that the windlass mechanism evolved to increase the speed and energetic efficiency of bipedal gait in hominins.

Synopsis Most primates are able to move with equal facility on the ground and in trees, but most use the same quadrupedal gaits in both environments. A few specialized primates, however, use a suspensory or leaping mode of locomotion when in the trees but a bipedal gait while on the ground. This is a rare behavioral pattern among mammals, and the extent to which the bipedal gaits of these primates converge and are constrained by the anatomical and neurological adaptations associated with arboreal locomotion is poorly understood. Sifakas (Propithecus), primates living only in Madagascar, are highly committed vertical clingers and leapers that also spend a substantial amount of time on the ground. When moving terrestrially sifakas use a unique bipedal galloping gait seen in no other mammals. Little research has examined the mechanics of these gaits, and most of that research has been restricted to controlled captive conditions. The energetic costs associated with leaping and bipedal galloping are unknown. This study begins to fill that gap using triaxial accelerometry to characterize and compare the dynamics of sifakas’ leaping and bipedal galloping behavior. As this is a relatively novel approach, the first goal of this article is to explore the feasibility of collecting such data on freeroaming animals and attempt to automate the identification of leaping and bipedal behavior within the output. The second goal is to compare the overall accelerations of the body and to use that as an approximation of aspects of energetic costs during leaping and bipedalism. To achieve this, a lightweight accelerometer was mounted on freely moving sifakas. The resulting acceleration profiles were processed, and sequences of leaps (bouts) were automatically extracted from the waveforms with 85% accuracy. Both vector dynamic body acceleration and overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) were used to characterize locomotor patterns and energy expenditure during leaping and bipedalism. The unique kinematics of the gait of sifakas, and the mechanics of bouts involving a string of successive leaps or gallops, appear to minimize redirections of the center of mass as well as the number of acceleration peaks and ODBAs. These results suggest that bipedal galloping is not only a reflection of the unique anatomical configuration of a leaping primate, but it may also provide a musculoskeletal and an energetic advantage to sifakas. In that sense, bipedal galloping represents an advantageous way for sifakas to move when transitioning from arboreal leaping to terrestrial locomotion.

International audience; Can we gain access to the experience of museum visitors? Can we describe and understand their experiences? In particular, can we grasp the physical and cognitive processes through which knowledge is constructed in museums? We focus on the visitor experience from an enactive perspective, i.e., that which makes sense from the point of view of visitors during their visit. We shows that an analysis of the visitor’s “course of experience” carried out by means of a subjective re-situ interview allows us to describe and understand the basic units of the visitors’ experiences as well as the overall experience of the visit with precision, finesse, and depth. The actions and cognitive paths of visitors, which contribute to the construction of the knowledge, are also highlighted. This approach allows us to imagine new perspectives of mediation toward visitors and thus to enrich the experience dynamics offered by museums.; Se puede tener acceso a la experiencia de los visitantes del museo? ¿Podemos describir y comprender sus experiencias? En particular, podemos entender los procesos físicos y cognitivos a través de los cuales se construye el conocimiento en los museos? Nos centramos en la experiencia de los visitantes desde la perspectiva de una puesta en acción, por ejemplo, aquello que tiene sentido desde el punto de vista de los visitantes durante su visita. Mostramos que un análisis del "curso de la experiencia" del visitante llevada a cabo por medio de una entrevista re-situ. subjetiva nos permite describir y comprender las unidades básicas de la experiencia de los visitantes, así como la experiencia general de la visita con la precisión, finura y profundidad. Las acciones y los caminos cognitivos de visitantes, que contribuyen a la construcción de los conocimientos, también se ponen de relieve. Este enfoque nos permite imaginar nuevas perspectivas de mediación con los visitantes y por lo tanto enriquecer la experiencia dinámica que ofrecen los museos.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that has been established as a therapeutic target in a broad spectrum of human malignancies. We have previously identified aberrant GSK-3β nuclear expression in bladder cancer (BC), and demonstrated that GSK-3β positively regulated BC cell survival and proliferation. Our objective was to evaluate the antitumor effects of the clinically viable agent 9-ING-41, a maleimide-based ATP-competitive GSK-3 inhibitor, which has broad spectrum antitumor activity and marked activity in reversing chemoresistance in a variety of pre-clinical models of human cancers. We used flow cytometry, Western immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR, BrDU incorporation and MTS assays to examine antitumor activity of 9-ING-41 in BC (T24, HT1376, RT4 cell lines). Additionally, we studied combination therapy of 9-ING-41 with gemcitabine and cisplatin, standard agents used for the treatment of patients with advanced BC, with cabozantinib, a multi kinase inhibitor, and with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. A dose-dependent decrease in cancer cell proliferation was observed by MTS assay and BrdU incorporation assay with GI50 0.7μM (T24), 4.7 μM(HT1376), 2.2μM(RT4). Treatment with 9-ING-41 induced prominent cell cycle arrest (predominantly G2 arrest) in BC cells. Expression of cell cycle related proteins, including Cyclin D, and anti-apoptotic proteins, such as XIAP and Bcl-2, were significantly decreased as detected by Western immunoblotting and real time RT-PCR. Treatment with 9-ING-41 significantly potentiated the growth inhibitory effect of cisplatin and gemcitabine in cultured cells. In addition, combination therapy with 9-ING-41 and cabozantinib or chloroquine, significantly potentiated the effect of either single agent. Our data proved that a single treatment using 9-ING-41 is effective in BC cells. Combination treatment of 9-ING-41 with standard chemotherapeutic drugs or novel agents may provide a new therapeutic approaches in BC. These data provide a rational for the inclusion of patients with advanced BC in clinical studies of 9-ING-41. Citation Format: Hiroo Kuroki, Tsutomu Anraku, Vladimir Bilim, Masayuki Tasaki, Daniel Schmitt, Andrew Mazer, Francis J. Giles, Andrey Ugolkov, Yoshihiko Tomita. 9-ING-41, a novel inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3β), is active as a single agent and within combination therapies in bladder cancer cell lines [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4812.

Producción Científica, Laboratory mice are used in biomedical research as “models” for studying human disease. These mice may be subject to significant levels of stress during transportation that can cause alterations that could negatively affect the results of the performed investigation. Here, we present the design and realization of a prototypical transportation container for laboratory mice, which may contribute to improved laboratory animal welfare. This prototype incorporates electric potential integrated circuit (EPIC) sensors, which have been shown to allow the recording of physiological parameters (heart rate and breathing rate) and other sensors for recording environmental parameters during mouse transportation. This allows for the estimation of the stress levels suffered by mice. First experimental results for capturing physiological and environmental parameters are shown and discussed., State Chancellery of the federal state Saarland (Germany) (grant C/1-LdZ-2011), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (project DPI2016-80391-C3-3-R), DFG (projects SCH682/3-1 and CIG303682)

The presence of a stable thoracolumbar region, found in many arboreal mammals, is considered advantageous for bridging and cantilevering between discontinuous branches. However, no study has directly explored the link between osteological features cited as enhancing axial stability and the frequency of cantilevering and bridging behaviors in a terminal branch environment. To fill this gap, we collected metric data on costal and vertebral morphology of primate and nonprimate mammals known to cantilever and bridge frequently and those that do not. We also quantified the frequency and duration of cantilevering and bridging behaviors using experimental setups for species that have been reported to show differences in use of small branches and back anatomy (Caluromys philander, Loris tardigradus, Monodelphis domestica, and Cheirogaleus medius). Phylogenetically corrected principal component analysis reveals that taxa employing frequent bridging and cantilevering (C. philander and lorises) also exhibit reduced intervertebral and intercostal spaces, which can serve to increase thoracolumbar stability, when compared to closely related species (M. domestica and C. medius). We observed C. philander cantilevering and bridging significantly more often than M. domestica, which never cantilevered or crossed any arboreal gaps. Although no difference in the frequency of cantilevering was observed between L. tardigradus and C. medius, the duration of cantilevering bouts was significantly greater in L. tardigradus. These data suggest that osteological features promoting axial rigidity may be part of a morpho-behavioral complex that increases stability in mammals moving and foraging in a terminal branch environment.

Wireless sensor applications at elevated temperatures of around 200 $^{\circ}{\rm C}$ and above call for robust technologies such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor designs. A combined pressure/temperature sensor with identification has been developed based on ${\rm LiNbO}_{3}$ substrate for condition monitoring applications in the baking industry. Due to the given temperature specification and to avoid adhesives, the design of the sensor was conceived as a classical beam arrangement supported by three balls. This paper presents an overview on the design process of the sensor beginning with the mechanical simulation of the sensor and the derivation of the SAW delay line to measure pressure, temperature, and to realize an ID functionality. The main result is a pressure sensitivity of 3.7 rad/bar with a temperature drift of 0.013 ${\rm rad}/^{\circ}{\rm C}$ . The sensitivity of the pressure sensor is also temperature dependent. This compound temperature drift can be compensated with the inherent temperature information of sensor.

The modern human foot is a complex biomechanical structure that must act both as a shock absorber and as a propulsive strut during the stance phase of gait. Understanding the ways in which foot segments interact can illuminate the mechanics of foot function in healthy and pathological humans. It has been proposed that increased values of medial longitudinal arch deformation can limit metatarsophalangeal joint excursion via tension in the plantar aponeurosis. However, this model has not been tested directly in a dynamic setting. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that during the stance phase, subtalar pronation (stretching of the plantar aponeurosis and subsequent lowering of the medial longitudinal arch) will negatively affect the amount of first metatarsophalangeal joint excursion occurring at push-off. Vertical descent of the navicular (a proxy for subtalar pronation) and first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal excursion were measured during steady locomotion over a flat substrate on a novel sample consisting of asymptomatic adult males and females, many of whom are habitually unshod. Least-squares regression analyses indicated that, contrary to the hypothesis, navicular drop did not explain a significant amount of variation in first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal excursion. These results suggest that, in an asymptomatic subject, the plantar aponeurosis and the associated foot bones can function effectively within the normal range of subtalar pronation that takes place during walking gait. From a clinical standpoint, this study highlights the need for investigating the in vivo kinematic relationship between subtalar pronation and metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion in symptomatic populations, and also the need to explore other factors that may affect the kinematics of asymptomatic feet.

The ability to run across uneven terrain with continuous stable movement is critical to the safety and efficiency of a runner. Successful step-to-step stabilization while running may be mediated by minor adjustments to a few key parameters (e.g., leg stiffness, step length, foot strike pattern). However, it is not known to what degree runners in relatively natural settings (e.g., trails, paved road, curbs) use the same strategies across multiple steps. This study investigates how three readily measurable running parameters - step length, foot placement, and foot strike pattern - are adjusted in response to encountering a typical urban obstacle - a sidewalk curb. Thirteen subjects were video-recorded as they ran at self-selected slow and fast paces. Runners targeted a specific distance before the curb for foot placement, and lengthened their step over the curb (p

For primates and other mammals moving on relatively thin branches, the ability to effectively adopt both above- and below-branch locomotion is seen as critical for successful arboreal locomotion, and has been considered an important step prior to the evolution of specialized suspensory locomotion within our Order. Yet, little information exists on the ways in which limb mechanics change when animals shift from above- to below-branch quadrupedal locomotion. This study tested the hypothesis that vertical force magnitude and distribution do not vary between locomotor modes, but that the propulsive and braking roles of the forelimb change when animals shift from above- to below-branch quadrupedal locomotion. We collected kinetic data on two lemur species (Varecia variegata and Lemur catta) walking above and below an instrumented arboreal runway. Values for peak vertical, braking and propulsive forces as well as horizontal impulses were collected for each limb. When walking below branch, both species demonstrated a significant shift in limb kinetics compared with above-branch movement. The forelimb became both the primary weight-bearing limb and propulsive organ, while the hindlimb reduced its weight-bearing role and became the primary braking limb. This shift in force distribution represents a shift toward mechanics associated with bimanual suspensory locomotion, a locomotor mode unusual to primates and central to human evolution. The ability to make this change is not accompanied by significant anatomical changes, and thus likely represents an underlying mechanical flexibility present in most primates.

Adaptation is key for survival as vector-borne pathogens transmit between the arthropod and vertebrate, and temperature change is an environmental signal inducing alterations in gene expression of tick-borne spirochetes. While plasmids are often associated with adaptation, complex genomes of relapsing fever spirochetes have hindered progress in understanding the mechanisms of vector colonization and transmission. We utilized recent advances in genome sequencing to generate the most complete version of the Borrelia turicatae 150 kb linear megaplasmid (lp150). Additionally, a transcriptional analysis of open reading frames (ORFs) in lp150 was conducted and identified regions that were up-regulated during in vitro cultivation at tick-like growth temperatures (22°C), relative to bacteria grown at 35°C and infected murine blood. Evaluation of the 3’ end of lp150 identified a cluster of ORFs that code for putative surface lipoproteins. With a microbe’s surface proteome serving important roles in pathogenesis, we confirmed the ORFs expression in vitro and in the tick compared to spirochetes infecting murine blood. Transcriptional evaluation of lp150 indicates the plasmid likely has essential roles in vector colonization and/or initiating mammalian infection. These results also provide a much needed transcriptional framework to delineate the molecular mechanisms utilized by relapsing fever spirochetes during their enzootic cycle.

At least twice in the last 100 years, two prominent anatomists – Frederic Wood Jones and John Russell Napier – emphasized the primitive nature of the human hand and its resemblance to those of other pentadactyl mammals (i.e., mammals with five digits or rays). They also defined the specificities of the primate and human hand vis-a-vis other mammals in terms of prehensile and opposable functions. We briefly present some of their contributions organized under three major themes: primitiveness, prehensility, and opposability. From this review, it can be concluded that humans and other primates are not far separated from other pentadactyl mammals in terms of hand anatomy. Prehension, precision, and dexterity, however, are functions that appear to set primates, and especially humans, apart.

Producción Científica, Animal testing plays a vital role in biomedical research. Stress reduction is important for improving research results and increasing the welfare and the quality of life of laboratory animals. To estimate stress we believe it is of great importance to develop non-invasive techniques for monitoring physiological signals during the transport of laboratory animals, thereby allowing the gathering of information on the transport conditions, and, eventually, the improvement of these conditions. Here, we study the suitability of commercially available electric potential integrated circuit (EPIC) sensors, using both contact and contactless techniques, for monitoring the heart rate and breathing rate of non-restrained, non-sedated laboratory mice. The design has been tested under different scenarios with the aim of checking the plausibility of performing contactless capture of mouse heart activity (ideally with an electrocardiogram). First experimental results are shown., This research was partially funded by the State Chancellery of the federal state Saarland (Germany), grant number C/1-LdZ-2011, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, through the research project DPI2013-47196-C3-3-R, DFG (SCH682/3-1),(CIG303682)

This book demonstrates how the primate hand combines both primitive and novel morphology, both general function with specialization, and both a remarkable degree of diversity within some clades and yet general similarity across many others. Across the chapters, different authors have addressed a variety of specific questions and provided their perspectives, but all explore the main themes described above to provide an overarching “primitive primate hand” thread to the book. Each chapter provides an in-depth review and critical account of the available literature, a balanced interpretation of the evidence from a variety of perspectives, and prospects for future research questions. In order to make this a useful resource for researchers at all levels, the basic structure of each chapter is the same, so that information can be easily consulted from chapter to chapter. An extensive reference list is provided at the end of each chapter so the reader has additional resources to address more specific questions or to find specific data.

Primates are defined, in part, by the presence of a grasping hand that couples primitive anatomy with exceptional neuromuscular dexterity. This arrangement is maintained across the evolutionary history of primates, and is often seen as one of the key features that allow primates to make fluid transitions from one substrate to another, make kinematic adjustments with changes in speed and gait, and to make biomechanical adjustments throughout ontogeny. This chapter surveys the exceptional diversity of primate hand positions across locomotor modes, and provides a perspective on the organization of hand positioning based on underlying biomechanical similarities. Across primates, hand positions are highly variable, and multiple solutions to same locomotor challenges are observed. This mechanical flexibility appears to be an adaptive feature of the primate hand, and suggests much of the success of the primate radiation has to do with maintaining generalized ‘cheiridial compromise’ that allows locomotor versatility.

Overweight and obese patients with osteoarthritis (OA) experience more OA pain and disability than patients who are not overweight. This study examined the long-term efficacy of a combined pain coping skills training (PCST) and lifestyle behavioral weight management (BWM) intervention in overweight and obese OA patients. Patients (N=232) were randomized to a 6-month program of: 1) PCST + BWM; 2) PCST-only; 3) BWM-only; or 4) standard care control. Assessments of pain, physical disability (Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales [AIMS] physical disability, stiffness, activity, and gait), psychological disability (AIMS psychological disability, pain catastrophizing, arthritis self-efficacy, weight self-efficacy), and body weight were collected at four time points (pretreatment, post-treatment, and 6 months and 12 months after the completion of treatment). Patients randomized to PCST+ BWM demonstrated significantly better treatment outcomes (average of all three post-treatment values) in terms of pain, physical disability, stiffness, activity, weight self-efficacy, and weight when compared to the other three conditions (p’s

Previous studies suggest that the postures habitually adopted by an animal influence the mechanical loading of its long bones. Relatively extended limb postures in larger animals should preferentially reduce anteroposterior (A-P) relative to mediolateral (M-L) bending of the limb bones and therefore decrease A-P/M-L rigidity. We test this hypothesis by examining growth-related changes in limb bone structure in two primate taxa that differ in ontogenetic patterns of joint posture.Knee and elbow angles of adult and immature vervets (Chlorocebus aethiops, n = 16) were compared to published data for baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus, n = 33, Patel et al., ). Ontogenetic changes in ratios of A-P/M-L bending rigidity in the femur and humerus were compared in skeletal samples (C. aethiops, n = 28; P. cynocephalus, n = 39). Size changes were assessed with linear regression, and age group differences tested with ANOVA.Only the knee of baboons shows significant postural change, becoming more extended with age and mass. A-P/M-L bending rigidity of the femur decreases during ontogeny in immature and adult female baboons only. Trends in the humerus are less marked. Adult male baboons have higher A-P/M-L bending rigidity of the femur than females.The hypothesized relationship between more extended joints and reduced A-P/M-L bending rigidity is supported by our results for immature and adult female baboon hind limbs, and the lack of significant age changes in either parameter in forelimbs and vervets. Adult males of both species depart from general ontogenetic trends, possibly due to socially mediated behavioral differences between sexes. Am J Phys Anthropol 161:72-83, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) of the lower limb find normal locomotion tiring compared with individuals without OA, possibly because OA of any lower limb joint changes limb mechanics and may disrupt transfer of potential and kinetic energy of the center of mass during walking, resulting in increased locomotor costs. Although recovery has been explored in asymptomatic individuals and in some patient populations, the effect of changes in these gait parameters on center of mass movements and mechanical work in patients with OA in specific joints has not been well examined. The results can be used to inform clinical interventions and rehabilitation that focus on improving energy recovery. We hypothesized that (1) individuals with end-stage lower extremity OA would exhibit a decrease in walking velocity compared with asymptomatic individuals and that the joint affected with OA would differntially influence walking velocity, (2) individuals with end-stage lower extremity OA would show decreased energy recovery compared with asymptomatic individuals and that individuals with end-stage hip and ankle OA would have greater reductions in recovery than would individuals with end-stage knee OA owing to restrictions in hip and ankle motion, and (3) that differences in the amplitude and congruity of the center of mass would explain the differences in energy recovery that are observed in each population. Ground reaction forces at a range of self-selected walking speeds were collected from individuals with end-stage radiographic hip OA (n = 27; 14 males, 13 females; average age, 55.6 years; range, 41–70 years), knee OA (n = 20; seven males, 13 females; average age, 61.7 years; range, 49–74 years), ankle OA (n = 30; 14 males, 16 females; average age, 57 years; range, 45–70 years), and asymptomatic individuals (n = 13; eight males, five females; average age, 49.8 years; range, 41–67 years). Participants were all patients with end-stage OA who were scheduled to have joint replacement surgery within 4 weeks of testing. All patients were identified by the orthopaedic surgeon as having end-stage radiographic disease and to be a candidate for joint replacement surgery. Patients were excluded if they had pain at any other lower extremity joint, previous joint replacement surgery, or needed to use an assistive device for ambulation. Patients were enrolled if they met the study inclusion criteria. Our study was comparative and cohorts could be compared with each other, however, the asymptomatic group served to verify our methods and provided a recovery standard with which we could compare our patients. Potential and kinetic energy relationships (% congruity) and energy exchange (% recovery) were calculated. Linear regressions were used to examine the effect of congruity and amplitude of energy fluctuations and walking velocity on % recovery. Analysis of covariance was used to compare energy recovery between groups. The results of this study support our hypothesis that individuals with OA walk at a slower velocity than asymptomatic individuals (1.4 ± 0.2 m/second, 1.2–1.5 m/second) and that the joint affected by OA also affects walking velocity (p < 0.0001). The cohort with ankle OA (0.9 ± 0.2 m/second, 0.77–0.94 m/second) walked at a slower speed relative to the cohort with hip OA (1.1 ± 0.2 m/second, 0.96–1.1 m/second; p = 0.002). However, when comparing the cohorts with ankle and knee OA (0.9 ± 0.2 m/second, 0.77–0.94 m/second) there was no difference in walking speed (p = 0.16) and the same was true when comparing the cohorts with knee and hip OA (p = 0.14). Differences in energy recovery existed when comparing the OA cohorts with the asymptomatic cohort and when examining differences between the OA cohorts. After adjusting for walking speeds these results showed that asymptomatic individuals (65% ± 3%, 63%–67%) had greater recovery than individuals with hip OA (54% ± 10%, 50%–58%; p = 0.014) and ankle OA (47% ± 13%, 40%–52%; p = 0.002) but were not different compared with individuals with knee OA (57% ± 10%, 53%–62%; p = 0.762). When speed was accounted for, 80% of the variation in recovery not attributable to speed was explained by congruity with only 10% being explained by amplitude. OA in the hip, knee, or ankle reduces effective exchange of potential and kinetic energy, potentially increasing the muscular work required to control movements of the center of mass. The fatigue and limited physical activity reported in patients with lower extremity OA could be associated with increased mechanical work of the center of mass. Focused gait retraining potentially could improve walking mechanics and decrease fatigue in these patients.