Intra-specific pelage color variation in a South American small rodent species / Variação intraespecífica da cor da pelagem de uma espécie de pequeno roedor sul-americano

Abstract Intra-specific color variation is often underestimated by researchers, and among mammals, intra-specific differences in coloration are poorly documented for most species. The main goal of this study was to apply an objective color measurement methodology to the study of a specific problem: the detection, if any, of patterns of changes in the fur color of specimens of Akodon budini in relation to biological (i.e., sex) and environmental (i.e., season) variables. We hypothesize that coat color will be more homogeneous in males than in females and that coat color will be darker in winter than in summer, the latter being orange. We measured the pelage color on five points over the dorsal surface of 26 A. budini museum specimens using a spectroradiometer and a diffuse illumination cabin. We used Principal Component Analysis to describe the association between the color variables, sex and season, and each of the observations. We then used general linear models of Analysis of Variance to examine relationships between color data, season, and sex. The results clearly confirm the hypothesis related to seasonal coat color change but do not directly confirm the hypothesis related to changes in coat color in relation to sex, and we show the complexity of the studied pattern. In conclusion, undoubtedly, the studied variables should accordingly be considered when studying the coloration of specimens for characterization, identification and discrimination of different taxonomic units based on color.

Resumo Variação de cor intra-específica é muitas vezes subestimada pelos pesquisadores, e entre espécies de mamíferos, as diferenças intra-específicas na coloração são pouco conhecidas para a maioria das espécies. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar uma metodologia objetiva de medição de cor para o estudo de um problema específico: a detecção de padrões de mudanças na cor da pele de espécimes de Akodon budini em relação a variáveis biológicas (i.e., sexo) e ambientais (i.e., temporada), se houver. Nossa hipótese é que a cor da pelagem do sexo masculino será mais homogênea do que a de fêmeas e que a cor da pelagem do inverno vai ser mais escura do que a de verão, sendo esta última mais laranja. Medimos a cor da pelagem em cinco pontos sobre a superfície dorsal de 26 espécimes de museu de A. budini usando um espectroradiômetro e uma cabine de iluminação difusa. Usamos Análise de Componentes Principais para descrever a associação entre as variáveis de cor, sexo e temporada, e cada uma das observações. Em seguida, usamos modelos lineares gerais da Análise de Variância para verificar as relações entre os dados de cor, temporada, e sexo. Os resultados confirmam claramente a hipótese relacionada à mudança sazonal de cor da pelagem, mas não confirmam diretamente a hipótese relacionada com alterações na cor da pelagem em relação ao sexo, e vamos mostrar a complexidade do modelo estudado. Em conclusão, sem dúvida, as variáveis estudadas devem consequentemente ser tidas em conta quando se estuda a coloração de amostras para caracterização, identificação e discriminação de diferentes unidades taxonômicas com base na cor.

Intra-specific pelage color variation in a South American small rodent species / Variação intraespecífica da cor da pelagem de uma espécie de pequeno roedor sul-americano

Intra-specific color variation is often underestimated by researchers, and among mammals, intra-specific differences in coloration are poorly documented for most species. The main goal of this study was to apply an objective color measurement methodology to the study of a specific problem: the detection, if any, of patterns of changes in the fur color of specimens of Akodon budini in relation to biological (i.e., sex) and environmental (i.e., season) variables. We hypothesize that coat color will be more homogeneous in males than in females and that coat color will be darker in winter than in summer, the latter being orange. We measured the pelage color on five points over the dorsal surface of 26 A. budini museum specimens using a spectroradiometer and a diffuse illumination cabin. We used Principal Component Analysis to describe the association between the color variables, sex and season, and each of the observations. We then used general linear models of Analysis of Variance to examine relationships between color data, season, and sex. The results clearly confirm the hypothesis related to seasonal coat color change but do not directly confirm the hypothesis related to changes in coat color in relation to sex, and we show the complexity of the studied pattern. In conclusion, undoubtedly, the studied variables should accordingly be considered when studying the coloration of specimens for characterization, identification and discrimination of different taxonomic units based on color.

Variação de cor intra-específica é muitas vezes subestimada pelos pesquisadores, e entre espécies de mamíferos, as diferenças intra-específicas na coloração são pouco conhecidas para a maioria das espécies. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar uma metodologia objetiva de medição de cor para o estudo de um problema específico: a detecção de padrões de mudanças na cor da pele de espécimes de Akodon budini em relação a variáveis biológicas (i.e., sexo) e ambientais (i.e., temporada), se houver. Nossa hipótese é que a cor da pelagem do sexo masculino será mais homogênea do que a de fêmeas e que a cor da pelagem do inverno vai ser mais escura do que a de verão, sendo esta última mais laranja. Medimos a cor da pelagem em cinco pontos sobre a superfície dorsal de 26 espécimes de museu de A. budini usando um espectroradiômetro e uma cabine de iluminação difusa. Usamos Análise de Componentes Principais para descrever a associação entre as variáveis de cor, sexo e temporada, e cada uma das observações. Em seguida, usamos modelos lineares gerais da Análise de Variância para verificar as relações entre os dados de cor, temporada, e sexo. Os resultados confirmam claramente a hipótese relacionada à mudança sazonal de cor da pelagem, mas não confirmam diretamente a hipótese relacionada com alterações na cor da pelagem em relação ao sexo, e vamos mostrar a complexidade do modelo estudado. Em conclusão, sem dúvida, as variáveis estudadas devem consequentemente ser tidas em conta quando se estuda a coloração de amostras para caracterização, identificação e discriminação de diferentes unidades taxonômicas com base na cor.

Translucency and color match with a shade guide of esthetic brackets with the aid of a spectroradiometer

ABSTRACT Objective: Since the color of esthetic brackets should match that of teeth, the aims of this study were to determine the color and translucency of esthetic brackets by means of the clinically relevant use of a spectroradiometer, and to compare the color of brackets with that of a commercial shade guide. Methods: The color of central and tie-wing regions of four plastic and four ceramic brackets was measured according to the CIE L*a*b* color scale over white and black backgrounds. Brackets were classified into five groups based on their composition. The color of Vitapan Classical Shade Guide tabs was also measured. Translucency parameter (TP) and contrast ratio (CR) were calculated to determine translucency. Results: Color differences between brackets and the shade guide tabs were 10.4 - 34.5 ∆E*ab units. TP and CR values for the central region were 16.4 - 27.7 and 0.38 - 0.58, whereas for the tie-wings they were 24.0 - 39.9 and 0.25 - 0.45, respectively. The color coordinates, TP and CR values were significantly influenced by bracket composition and brand (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Esthetic brackets investigated herein showed unacceptable color differences (∆E*ab > 5.5) compared with the shade guide tabs. Differences in the translucency of brackets by brand were within the visually perceptible range (∆CR > 0.07). Therefore, brackets showing the best matching performance for each case should be selected considering esthetic and functional demands.

RESUMO Objetivo: considerando-se que a cor dos braquetes estéticos deve corresponder à cor dos dentes, os objetivos do presente estudo foram determinar a cor e a translucidez de braquetes estéticos, por meio do uso clinicamente relevante de um espectroradiômetro, e comparar a cor desses braquetes com a cor de uma escala comercial de cores. Métodos: a cor das regiões central e da aleta de quatro braquetes plásticos e quatro braquetes cerâmicos foi medida segundo o sistema de cores CIE L*a*b*, sobre fundos branco e preto. Os braquetes foram classificados em cinco grupos, de acordo com a sua composição. A cor das peças da escala de cores Vitapan Classical(r) também foi medida. O parâmetro de translucidez (PT) e a razão de contraste (RC) foram calculados para se determinar a translucidez. Resultados: as diferenças de cor entre os braquetes e as peças da escala de cores variaram de 10,4 a 34,5 unidades ∆E*ab. Os valores de PT e RC, respectivamente, variaram de 16,4 a 27,7 e de 0,38 a 0,58 na região central; já para a região das aletas, esses valores variaram de 24,0 a 39,9 e de 0,25 a 0,45. As coordenadas de cor e os valores de PT e RC foram significativamente influenciados pela marca e composição dos braquetes (p < 0,05). Conclusões: os braquetes estéticos investigados nesse estudo demonstraram diferenças de cor inaceitáveis (∆E*ab > 5,5), quando comparados às peças da escala de cores. As diferenças de translucidez entre as marcas de braquetes estavam dentro do limite visualmente perceptível (∆RC > 0,07). Portanto, ao selecionar os braquetes com a melhor correspondência de cor, deve-se levar em consideração as exigências estéticas e funcionais de cada caso.

Perceived color shift of ceramics according to the change of illuminating light with spectroradiometer

PURPOSE: Perceived color of ceramics changes by the spectral power distribution of ambient light. This study aimed to quantify the amount of shifts in color and color coordinates of clinically simulated seven all-ceramics due to the switch of three ambient light sources using a human vision simulating spectroradiometer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CIE color coordinates, such as L*, a* and b*,of ceramic specimens were measured under three light sources, which simulate the CIE standard illuminant D65 (daylight), A (incandescent lamp), and F9 (fluorescent lamp). Shifts in color and color coordinate by the switch of lights were determined. Influence of the switched light (D65 to A, or D65 to F9), shade of veneer ceramics (A2 or A3), and brand of ceramics on the shifts was analyzed by a three-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Shifts in color and color coordinates were influenced by three factors (P 5.5). When switched to A, CIE a* increased (Deltaa*: 5.6 to 7.6), however, CIE b* increased (Deltab*: 4.9 to 7.8) when switched to F9. CONCLUSION: Clinically simulated ceramics demonstrated clinically unacceptable color shifts according to the switches in ambient lights based on spectroradiometric readings. Therefore, shade matching and compatibility evaluation should be performed considering ambient lighting conditions and should be done under most relevant lighting condition.

Caracterização espectral multitemporal dos cereais de estação fria em imagens de satélite com média resolução espacial / Multitemporal spectral characterization of cool season cereals in satellite images with moderate spatial resolution

A fim de avaliar os padrões de resposta de áreas cultivadas com cereais de estação fria destinados para pastagens e para produção de grãos em imagens de satélite, foram analisados perfis temporais de índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI), adquiridos em 29 áreas cultivadas com trigo e azevém anual, nos Estados do Rio Grande do Sul e Paraná. Para cada área foi informada a espécie cultivada (trigo ou azevém anual) e a coordenada do ponto central da área adquirido por meio do Global Positioning System (GPS). Foram usadas as imagens do sensor MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), com resolução espacial de 250 metros, sobre cada área monitorada, de onde os valores de NDVI foram extraídos. Os perfis temporais de NDVI mostraram que os cultivos de produção de grãos têm um comportamento espectral típico de cultivos agrícolas, enquanto que, nas áreas cultivadas para a produção de pastagem, não foi observado esse mesmo padrão. As diferenças nos padrões temporais observadas se devem a modificações que o pastoreio impõe na fenologia e na morfologia dessas plantas.

In order to evaluate the satellite image patterns between such cool season cereals cultivated areas intended for grazing or grain production, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) temporal profiles were analyzed. This data was acquired from twenty nine wheat and annual ryegrass cultivated areas in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná. For each area, the cultivated species (wheat or ryegrass), as well as the respective central point coordinates, acquired via Global Positioning System (GPS) was informed. NDVI values were extracted over each monitored area from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor images, with spatial resolution of 250 meters. The NDVI temporal profiles showed that grain production areas have a typical agricultural field spectral pattern. The same pattern was not observed for the grazing pasture areas. The differences observed in these temporal patterns are defined by the changes that grazing has imposed on the phenology and morphology of these plants.

Effect of infection control barrier thickness on light curing units / 대한치과보존학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of infection control barrier thickness on power density, wavelength, and light diffusion of light curing units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infection control barrier (Cleanwrap) in one-fold, two-fold, four-fold, and eight-fold, and a halogen light curing unit (Optilux 360) and a light emitting diode (LED) light curing unit (Elipar FreeLight 2) were used in this study. Power density of light curing units with infection control barriers covering the fiberoptic bundle was measured with a hand held dental radiometer (Cure Rite). Wavelength of light curing units fixed on a custom made optical breadboard was measured with a portable spectroradiometer (CS-1000). Light diffusion of light curing units was photographed with DSLR (Nikon D70s) as above. RESULTS: Power density decreased significantly as the layer thickness of the infection control barrier increased, except the one-fold and two-fold in halogen light curing unit. Especially, when the barrier was four-fold and more in the halogen light curing unit, the decrease of power density was more prominent. The wavelength of light curing units was not affected by the barriers and almost no change was detected in the peak wavelength. Light diffusion of LED light curing unit was not affected by barriers, however, halogen light curing unit showed decrease in light diffusion angle when the barrier was four-fold and statistically different decrease when the barrier was eight-fold (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It could be assumed that the infection control barriers should be used as two-fold rather than one-fold to prevent tearing of the barriers and subsequent cross contamination between the patients.

Evaluation of Sun-cap Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although sun-caps are widely used to shun hazardous solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in Korea, little is known about their protective efficacy. OBJECTIVE: We tried to measure and compare sun-cap protection from UV radiation. METHODS: Seventeen commercially available sun-caps (products 1~17) were evaluated against UV-protection by spectrophotometerically measuring absorption and transmission spectra, percent protection of solar UVB and UVA photometerically, and solar UV-spectra spectroradiometerically. RESULTS: The absorption and transmission spectra of 17 different sun-caps were different, and they were not related to either price or their stated UV-guarantee. Percent protection showed some correlation, particularly with that of UVB. Protection against solar UV-spectra was similar to that of the absorption ond transmission spectra. CONCLUSION: Protection of sun-caps were highly varied, and this was not related to their price or stated UV- guarantee. Among three evaluation methods, absorption and transmission spectra seemed to be more objective. Further studies would be necessary to provide proper information and guidelines to dermatologists and consumers on the UV- protection of sun-caps.