RNA Interference of Endochitinases in the Sugarcane Endophyte Trichoderma virens 223 Reduces Its Fitness as a Biocontrol Agent of Pineapple Disease

The sugarcane root endophyte Trichoderma virens 223 holds enormous potential as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides in the control of sugarcane diseases. Its efficacy as a biocontrol agent is thought to be associated with its production of chitinase enzymes, including N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidases, chitobiosidases and endochitinases. We used targeted gene deletion and RNA-dependent gene silencing strategies to disrupt N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and endochitinase activities of the fungus, and to determine their roles in the biocontrol of soil-borne plant pathogens. The loss of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activities was dispensable for biocontrol of the plurivorous damping-off pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and of the sugarcane pathogen Ceratocystis paradoxa, the causal agent of pineapple disease. Similarly, suppression of endochitinase activities had no effect on R. solani and S. sclerotiorum disease control, but had a pronounced effect on the ability of T. virens 223 to control pineapple disease. Our work demonstrates a critical requirement for T. virens 223 endochitinase activity in the biocontrol of C. paradoxa sugarcane disease, but not for general antagonism of other soil pathogens. This may reflect its lifestyle as a sugarcane root endophyte.

Oxytocin interference in the effects induced by inhalation of 7.5% CO2 in healthy volunteers

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the acute effect of intranasally administered oxytocin (OT) on subjective states, cardiovascular, and endocrine parameters in healthy volunteers who inhaled 7.5% CO2. Methods Forty-five subjects were allocated into three matched groups of subjects who received 24?international units (IU) of OT, 2?mg of lorazepam (LZP), or placebo (PL). The challenge consisted of medical air inhalation for 20?min, 10?min of rest, and CO2 7.5% inhalation for 20?min. Subjective effects were evaluated by self-assessment scales; heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and salivary cortisol were also measured. Assessments were performed at four time points: (i) baseline (-15?min); (ii) post-air inhalation (90?min); (iii) post-CO2 inhalation (120?min), and (iv) post-test (160?min). Results CO2 inhalation significantly increased the anxiety score in the PL group compared with the post-air measurement but not in the OT or LZP groups. The LZP reduced anxiety after medical air inhalation. Other parameters evaluated were not affected by OT. Conclusion OT, as well as LZP, prevented CO2-induced anxiety, suggesting that this hormone has anxiolytic properties. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interference of inorganic ions on phenol degradation by the Fenton reaction

The addition of Cu2+ ions to the classical Fenton reaction (Fe2+ plus H2O2 at pH 3) is found to accelerate the degradation of organic compounds. This synergic effect causes an approximately 15 % additional reduction of the total organic carbon (TOC), representing an overall improvement of the efficiency of the mineralization of phenol. Although Fe2+ exhibits a high initial rate of degradation, the degradation is not complete due to the formation of compounds refractory to the hydroxyl radical. The interference of copper ions on the degradation of phenol by the Fenton reaction was investigated. In the presence of Cu2+, the degradation is slower, but results in a greater reduction of TOC at the end of the reaction (t = 120 min). In the final stages of the reaction, when the Fe3+ in the solution is complexed in the form of ferrioxalate, the copper ions assume the role of the main catalyst of the degradation.

Reproductive interference between two sibling species of gift-giving spiders

We investigated the possibility of reproductive interference between two sibling spider species, Paratrechalea azul and Paratrechalea ornata, which occur syntopically and reproduce synchronously. Males of both species offer a nuptial gift composed of prey wrapped in silk to females. Through laboratory experiments, we evaluated possible asymmetries in the outcome of heterospecific encounters between males and females, and investigated whether chemical signalling could function as a premating barrier between the two species. Males of P. azul were unable to discriminate conspecific from heterospecific female draglines, which resulted in wasted time and energy in nuptial gift construction. Males of P. ornata incurred a higher cost for discrimination mistakes because most of them were attacked by heterospecific females; 95% lost the nuptial gift upon the attack and 33% were preyed upon. This pattern is probably a consequence of differences in body size between males and females of each species. Both species showed erroneous female choice, but only P. ornata females courted heterospecific males, which are considerably larger than conspecific males and may resemble high-quality mating partners. Males of P. ornata also made discrimination mistakes, but at a much lower frequency compared to P. azul males. The selective pressure for precise recognition of conspecific female signs is probably stronger on P. ornata males because misdirected courtship may increase their chances of encountering predatory heterospecific females. This study provides the first detailed evidence of reproductive interference between two reproductively isolated spider species, showing that the costs paid by individuals of different sexes and different species are highly asymmetric. (C) 2012 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surrogate endpoints for prostate cancer-specific mortality after radiotherapy and androgen suppression therapy in men with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer: an analysis of two randomised trials

Background Androgen suppression therapy and radiotherapy are used to treat locally advanced prostate cancer. 3 years of androgen suppression confers a small survival benefit compared with 6 months of therapy in this setting, but is associated with more toxic effects. Early identification of men in whom radiotherapy and 6 months of androgen suppression is insufficient for cure is important. Thus, we assessed whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values can act as an early surrogate for prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). Methods We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials that showed improved overall and prostate cancer-specific survival with radiotherapy and 6 months of androgen suppression compared with radio therapy alone and measured lowest PSA concentrations (PSA nadir) and those immediately after treatment (PSA end). We assessed a cohort of 734 men with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer from two eligible trials in the USA and Australasia that randomly allocated participants between Feb 2, 1996, and Dec 27, 2001. We used Prentice criteria to assess whether reported PSA nadir or PSA end concentrations of more than 0.5 ng/mL were surrogates for PCSM. Findings Men treated with radiotherapy and 6 months of androgen suppression in both trials were significantly less likely to have PSA end and PSA nadir values of more than 0.5 ng/mL than were those treated with radiotherapy alone (p<0.0001). Presence of candidate surrogates (ie, PSA end and PSA nadir values >0.5 ng/mL) alone and when assessed in conjunction with the randomised treatment group increased risk of PCSM in the US trial (PSA nadir p=0.0016; PSA end p=0.017) and Australasian trial (PSA nadir p<0.0001; PSA end p=0.0012). In both trials, the randomised treatment group was no longer associated with PCSM (p >= 0.20) when the candidate surrogates were included in the model. Therefore, both PSA metrics satisfied Prentice criteria for surrogacy. Interpretation After radiotherapy and 6 months of androgen suppression, men with PSA end values exceeding 0.5 ng/mL should be considered for long-term androgen suppression and those with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer with PSA nadir values exceeding 0.5 ng/mL should be considered for inclusion in randomised trials investigating the use of drugs that have extended survival in castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer.

Extracorporeal Circulation Interference on Emergence from Anesthesia in Patients Submitted to Myocardial Revascularization

Background and objectives: Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) may change drug pharmacokinetics as well as brain function. The objectives of this study are to compare emergence time and postoperative sedation intensity assessed by the bispectral index (BIS) and the Ramsay sedation scale in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization (MR) with or without ECC. Method: Ten patients undergoing MR with ECC (ECC group) and 10 with no ECC (no-ECC group) were administered with sufentanyl, propofol 2.0 mu g.mL(-1) and pancuronium target controlled infusion. After surgery, propofol infusion was reduced to 1 mu g.mL(-1) and suspended when extubation was indicated. Patients BIS, Ramsay scale and time to wake up were assessed. Results: The ECC group showed lower BIS values beginning at 60 minutes after surgery (no-ECC = 66 +/- 13 and ECC = 53 +/- 14, p = 0.01) until 120 minutes after infusion (no-ECC = 85 +/- 8 and ECC = 73 +/- 12, p = 0.02). Sedation level measured by the Ramsay scale was higher in the ECC group at 30 minutes after the end of the surgery (no-ECC = 5 +/- 1 and ECC = 6 +/- 0, p = 0.021), at the end of infusion (no-ECC = 5 +/- 1 and ECC = 6 +/- 1, p = 0.012) and 5 minutes after the end of infusion (no-ECC = 4 +/- 1 and ECC = 5 +/- 0.42, p = 0.039). Emergence from anesthesia time was higher in the ECC group (no-ECC = 217 +/- 81 and ECC = 319 +/- 118, p = 0.038). Conclusions: There was a higher intensity of sedation after the end of surgery and a longer wake up time in ECC group, suggesting changes in the pharmacokinetics of propofol or effects of ECC on central nervous system.

Suppression of vortex-induced vibration using moving surface boundary-layer control

Experimental results of flow around a circular cylinder with moving surface boundary-layer control (MSBC) are presented. Two small rotating cylinders strategically located inject momentum in the boundary layer of the cylinder, which delays the separation of the boundary layer. As a consequence, the wake becomes narrower and the fluctuating transverse velocity is reduced, resulting in a recirculation free region that prevents the vortex formation. The control parameter is the ratio between the tangential velocity of the moving surface and the flow velocity (U-c/U). The main advantage of the MSBC is the possibility of combining the suppression of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and drag reduction. The experimental tests are preformed at a circulating water channel facility and the circular cylinders are mounted on a low-damping air bearing base with one degree-of-freedom in the transverse direction of the channel flow. The mass ratio is 1.8. The Reynolds number ranges from 1600 to 7500, the reduced velocity varies up to 17, and the control parameter interval is U-c/U = 5-10. A significant decreasing in the maximum amplitude of oscillation for the cylinder with MSBC is observed. Drag measurements are obtained for statically mounted cylinders with and without MSBC. The use of the flow control results in a mean drag reduction at U-c/U = 5 of almost 60% compared to the plain cylinder. PIV velocity fields of the wake of static cylinders are measured at Re = 3000. The results show that the wake is highly organized and narrower compared to the one observed in cylinders without control. The calculation of the total variance of the fluctuating transverse velocity in the wake region allows the introduction of an active closed-loop control. The experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical simulation studies conducted by other researchers for cylinders with MSBC. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MODELING OF WEEDS INTERFERENCE PERIODS IN BEAN

The research objective was to determine the effects of spacing and seeding density of common bean to the period prior to weed interference (PPI) and weed period prior to economic loss (WEEPPEL). The treatments consisted of periods of coexistence between culture and the weeds, with 0 to 10, 0 to 20, 0 to 30, 0 to 40, 0 to 50, 0 to 60, 0 to 70, and 0 to 80 days and a control maintained without weeds. In addition to the periods of coexistence, there were still studies with an inter-row of 0.45 and 0.60 m, 10 and 15 plants m(-1). The experimental delineation used was randomized blocks with four repetitions per treatment. The grain productivity of the culture had a reduction of 63, 50, 42 and 57% when the coexistence with the weed plants was during the entire cycle of the culture for a row spacing of 0.45 m and a seeding density of 10 and 15 plants per meter; and a row spacing of 0.60m and a seeding density of 10 and 15 plants per meter, respectively. The PPI occurred in 23, 27, 13, and 19 days after crop emergence and WEEPPEL in 10, 9, 8, and 8 days, respectively.

Interference of some aqueous two-phase system phase-forming components in protein determination by the Bradford method

The interference of some specific aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) phase-forming components in bovine serum albumin (BSA) determination by the Bradford method was investigated. For this purpose, calibration curves were obtained for BSA in the presence of different concentrations of salts and polymers. A total of 19 salts [Na2SO4, (NH4)(2)SO4, MgSO4, LiSO4, Na2HPO4, sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), NaH2PO4, K2HPO4, potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), KH2PO4, C6H8O7, Na3C6HSO7, KCHO2, NaCHO2, NaCO3, NaHCO3, C2H4O2, sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.5), and NaC2H3O2] and 7 polymers [PEG 4000, PEG 8000, PEG 20000, UCON 3900, Ficoll 70000, PES 100000, and PVP 40000] were tested, and each calibration curve was compared with the one obtained for BSA in water. Some concentrations of salts and polymers had considerable effect in the BSA calibration curve. Carbonate salts were responsible for the highest salt interference, whereas citric and acetic acids did not produce interference even in the maximum concentration level tested (5 wt%). Among the polymers, UCON gave the highest interference, whereas Ficoll did not produce interference when used in concentrations up to 10 wt%. It was concluded that a convenient dilution of the samples prior to the protein quantification is needed to ensure no significant interference from ATPS phase-forming constituents. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interference of different types of seats on postural control system during a forward-reaching task in individuals with paraplegia

We aimed to evaluate the influence of different types of wheelchair seats on paraplegic individuals' postural control using a maximum anterior reaching test. Balance evaluations during 50, 75, and 90% of each individual's maximum reach in the forward direction using two different cushions on seat (one foam and one gel) and a no-cushion condition were carried out on 11 individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) and six individuals without SCI. Trunk anterior displacement and the time spent to perform the test were assessed. No differences were found for the three types of seats in terms of trunk anterior displacement and the time spent to perform the test when intragroup comparisons were made in both groups (P > 0.05). The intergroup comparison showed that body displacement was less prominent and the time spent to perform the test was more prolonged for individuals with SCI (P < 0.05), which suggests a postural control deficit. The seat type did not affect the ability of the postural control system to maintain balance during the forward-reaching task.

Decay of energy and suppression of Fermi acceleration in a dissipative driven stadium-like billiard

The behavior of the average energy for an ensemble of non-interacting particles is studied using scaling arguments in a dissipative time-dependent stadium-like billiard. The dynamics of the system is described by a four dimensional nonlinear mapping. The dissipation is introduced via inelastic collisions between the particles and the moving boundary. For different combinations of initial velocities and damping coefficients, the long time dynamics of the particles leads them to reach different states of final energy and to visit different attractors, which change as the dissipation is varied. The decay of the average energy of the particles, which is observed for a large range of restitution coefficients and different initial velocities, is described using scaling arguments. Since this system exhibits unlimited energy growth in the absence of dissipation, our results for the dissipative case give support to the principle that Fermi acceleration seems not to be a robust phenomenon. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3699465]

Evolution of pi(0) Suppression in Au plus Au Collisions from root s(NN)=39 to 200 GeV

Neutral-pion pi(0) spectra were measured at midrapidity (vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.35) in Au + Au collisions at root s(NN) = 39 and 62.4 GeV and compared with earlier measurements at 200 GeV in a transverse-momentum range of 1 < p(T) < 10 GeV/c. The high-p(T) tail is well described by a power law in all cases, and the powers decrease significantly with decreasing center-of-mass energy. The change of powers is very similar to that observed in the corresponding spectra for p + p collisions. The nuclear modification factors (RAA) show significant suppression, with a distinct energy, centrality, and p(T) dependence. Above p(T) = 7 GeV/c, R-AA is similar for root sNN = 62.4 and 200 GeV at all centralities. Perturbative-quantum-chromodynamics calculations that describe R-AA well at 200 GeV fail to describe the 39 GeV data, raising the possibility that, for the same p(T) region, the relative importance of initial-state effects and soft processes increases at lower energies. The p(T) range where pi(0) spectra in central Au + Au collisions have the same power as in p + p collisions is approximate to 5 and 7 GeV/c for root sNN = 200 and 62.4 GeV, respectively. For the root sNN = 39 GeV data, it is not clear whether such a region is reached, and the x(T) dependence of the x(T)-scaling power-law exponent is very different from that observed in the root sNN = 62 and 200 GeV data, providing further evidence that initial-state effects and soft processes mask the in-medium suppression of hardscattered partons to higher p(T) as the collision energy decreases.

EDGE-PRESERVING SPECKLE TEXTURE REMOVAL BY INTERFERENCE-BASED SPECKLE FILTERING FOLLOWED BY ANISOTROPIC DIFFUSION

Ultrasonography has an inherent noise pattern, called speckle, which is known to hamper object recognition for both humans and computers. Speckle noise is produced by the mutual interference of a set of scattered wavefronts. Depending on the phase of the wavefronts, the interference may be constructive or destructive, which results in brighter or darker pixels, respectively. We propose a filter that minimizes noise fluctuation while simultaneously preserving local gray level information. It is based on steps to attenuate the destructive and constructive interference present in ultrasound images. This filter, called interference-based speckle filter followed by anisotropic diffusion (ISFAD), was developed to remove speckle texture from B-mode ultrasound images, while preserving the edges and the gray level of the region. The ISFAD performance was compared with 10 other filters. The evaluation was based on their application to images simulated by Field II (developed by Jensen et al.) and the proposed filter presented the greatest structural similarity, 0.95. Functional improvement of the segmentation task was also measured, comparing rates of true positive, false positive and accuracy. Using three different segmentation techniques, ISFAD also presented the best accuracy rate (greater than 90% for structures with well-defined borders). (E-mail: fernando.okara@gmail.com) (C) 2012 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.

J/psi suppression at forward rapidity in Au plus Au collisions at root s(NN)=39 and 62.4 GeV

We present measurements of the J/psi invariant yields in root s(NN) = 39 and 62.4 GeV Au + Au collisions at forward rapidity (1.2 < vertical bar y vertical bar < 2.2). Invariant yields are presented as a function of both collision centrality and transverse momentum. Nuclear modifications are obtained for central relative to peripheral Au + Au collisions (R-CP) and for various centrality selections in Au + Au relative to scaled p + p cross sections obtained from other measurements (R-AA). The observed suppression patterns at 39 and 62.4 GeV are quite similar to those previously measured at 200 GeV. This similar suppression presents a challenge to theoretical models that contain various competing mechanisms with different energy dependencies, some of which cause suppression and others enhancement. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevC.86.064901

Isokinetic muscle strength and knee function associated with double femoral pin fixation and fixation with interference screw in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Intensive scheduling in sports requires athletes to resume physical activity shortly after injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate early isokinetic muscle strength and knee function on bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) ACL reconstruction with double femoral pin fixation or interference screw technique. A prospective study was conducted from 2008 to 2009, with 48 athletes who received femoral BPTB fixation with interference screw (n = 26) or double pin (n = 22). Clinical (IKDC objective score and hop test) and isokinetic muscle strength (peak torque (PT), PT/body weight and flexion/extension rate (F/E) in 60 and 240A degrees/s) were analyzed at 6 months of follow-up. Analysis at baseline showed no differences between groups before surgery related to age, gender, associated injury, Tegner or Lysholm score; thus showing that groups were similar. During follow-up, however, there were significant differences between the two groups in some of the isokinetic muscle strength: PT/BW 60A degrees/s (Double Pin = 200% +/- A 13% vs. Interference Screw = 253% +/- A 16%*, *P = 0.01); F/E 60A degrees/s (Double Pin = 89% +/- A 29%* vs. Interference Screw = 74% +/- A 12%, *P = 0.04). No statistical differences between groups were observed on IKDC objective score, hop test and complications. The significant muscle strength outcome of the interference screw group found in this study gives initial evidence that this fixation technique is useful for athletes that may need accelerated rehabilitation. Early return to sports ability signaled by isokinetic muscle strength is of clinical relevance as it is one of the main goals for athletes' rehabilitation. III.