CHROMOSOME-STUDIES IN HYPOPTOPOMATINAE (PISCES, SILURIFORMES, LORICARIIDAE) .2. ZZ ZW SEX-CHROMOSOME SYSTEM, B-CHROMOSOMES, AND CONSTITUTIVE HETEROCHROMATIN DIFFERENTIATION IN MICROLEPIDOGASTER-LEUCOFRENATUS

Cytogenetic analysis of two local populations of microlepidogaster leucofrenatus showed a basic diploid chromosome number (2N) of 54 in both populations. Some fishes were found to have a 2N = 55 or 56 chromosomes due to the presence of one or two large heterochromatic B chromosomes. Specimens of M. leucofrenatus from the Poco Grande stream had 24 metacentrics, 24 submetacentrics, four subtelocentrics, and one submetacentric homomorphic pair in males and one submetacentric/subtelocentric heteromorphic pair in females, whereas individuals of this species from the Marumbi River had 22 metacentrics, 24 submetacentrics, four subtelocentrics, two acrocentrics, and one submetacentric/subtelocentric heteromorphic pair in females. The occurrence of the heteromorphic pair in the females was due to the presence of an extra C-banded segment on the W chromosome. Ag-NORs in both populations were located interstitially on the short arm of the largest metacentric pair. The Poco Grande population had less constitutive heterochromatin than did the Marumbi River population. The speciation process in this fish species is discussed on the basis of heterochromatin distribution.

Spectroscopic studies of the Eu3+ and Er3+ ions in the fluorozirconate LaZr2F11 matrix

An investigation by optical spectroscopy of the Eu3 + and Er3 + active ions in the crystallized fluorozirconate matrix LaZr2F11 is presented. The D-5(1) --> F-7(0-5) emission lines of Eu3 + are used to extract the F-7(0-5) energy scheme and the observed extinctions permit the deduction of irreducible representations (IRREPS) associated with corresponding sub-levels in the D-2 symmetry. The crystal field analysis was carried out on a 387 x 387 basis set, comprising the F-7, D-5(1,2,3) F-5(1,2), (5)G(1,2,3) and P-3(1,2,3,4,5,6) terms of the Eu-3 (+) 4f(6) configuration. The deviation and rms are 6.8 and 7.9 cm (-1), respectively for 38 levels and ten parameters. The experimental crystal field parameters are in good agreement with the ab-initio ones. Moreover, the relative intensities of the D-5(0) --> F-7(2,3,4) emissions are well reproduced by an 'ab-initio' calculation, except for three lines. The Er3 + ions introduced in LaZr2F11, microcrystals also lie in an unique crystallographic site. A total of 31 energy levels were recorded and the crystal field analysis led to 6.6 and 7.8 cm (-1) for the deviation and rms, respectively, for nine variable parameters taken into account. The experimental CF parameters for Er3 + and Eu3 + are very similar, which seems to show that the host lattice contracts around the smaller Er3 + ion. The informations given by both Eu3 + and Eu3 + optical probes in LaZr2F11 are very consistent with the structure previously determined for the isotypic PrZr2F11 fluoride. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Manganese(III) porphyrins: Catalytic activity and intermediate studies in homogeneous systems

We studied how solvent, stirring method, PhIO/MnP molar ratio, presence of water and axial ligand affect the catalytic activities of Mn(TPP)Cl, Mn(MNPP)Cl, Mn(TDCPP)Cl and Mn(TFPP)Cl in the oxidation of cyclohexane by PhIO. A study of the catalytic intermediates in the reaction between Mn(TPP)Cl or Mn(TDCPP)Cl and PhIO was also carried out by UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopies. The reaction of Mn(TPP)Cl with PhIO showed the formation of a mixture of species Mn-IV(OP+ and Mn-V(O)P as intermediates, which were confirmed by the deconvolution of the UV-Vis spectra. Addition of imidazole as cocatalyst favoured the formation of the intermediate species Mn-V(O)P, evidenced by the UV-Vis band at 408 nm. The corresponding EPR spectra gave evidence that in the presence of imidazole, Mn-IV(OP+ species are formed only in very low amounts. For Mn(TDCPP)Cl the dominating intermediate species is Mn-IV(OP+. Addition of imidazole to halogen-substituted MnP systems does not result in increase of the C-ol yields because very stable bis-imidazole-MnP complexes are formed. Anchoring of such MnP on imidazole propyl gel (IPG) results in better catalytic activity because in this case, the catalyst is mono-coordinated to the support and imidazole favours the formation of the intermediate species Mn-V(O)P.

Uroflow studies in children: Correlation with age, weight and body surface area.

Peak flow rate data (Q(max)) are important for diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction. However, the lack of uroflowmetry studies in children, makes their interpretation difficult. With this aim, we studied 167 boys classified in four groups according to their age (G1 : n = 48, 6-7 years; G2 : n = 43, 8-9 years; G3 : n = 37, 10-11 years; G4: n = 39, 12-14 years). We studied in all children, weight, height, body surface area, peak flow rate (Q(max) and the correspondant urinary volume (Vol). Means and standard deviations of Q(max) (ml/sec) were : 15 +/- 5 (G1), 15 +/- 5 (G2), 17 +/- 5 (G3) and 22 +/- 7 (G4) respectively. Corresponding urinary volumes (Vol) (mean standard deviation - in ml) were : G1 = 123 +/- 75; G2 = 122 +/- 79; G3 = 158 +/- 96 and G4 = 162 +/- 101. We found a significant correlation (p < 0,01) between Q(max) and Vol in groups G2, G3 and G4; and between Q(max) and height in groups G1 and G4.The authors demonstrated a positive correlation between maximum flow and voided volume, and an increase of Q(max) with age.

Sex determination studies in two species of teleost fish, Oreochromis niloticus and Leporinus elongatus

Genetic analyses of sex determination have identified sex chromosomes in many teleost fish species. However, there are several cases for which sex ratios do not fit perfectly with the expectations of heterogametic systems, suggesting the influence of either minor sex determining genes or environmental influences on the process of sex differentiation. The frequent absence of sex chromosome markers makes the identification of minor sex-determining genes very difficult. It is easier to test first the hypothesis of environmental sex determination (ESD) by studying the temperature effect, since temperature-dependent sex determination has been demonstrated to occur in several vertebrate groups including 1 fish species. To contribute to a better understanding of fish sex determination, we have tested the effects of high temperatures on sex ratios of Oreochromis niloticus, and have attempted to isolate sex chromosome molecular markers in Leporinus elongatus. Treatments of O. niloticus fry at 36 degrees C applied for 10 days and more, and starting 1 week after fertilization markedly increased the proportion of males, and progeny-testing these males confirmed that some of them are sex-reversed genetic females. Two non-coding sequences of L. elongatus Z and W chromosomes were cloned by genomic subtraction. They cross-hybridized with the genome of a close species without providing sex-specific patterns. A collection of L. elongates individuals was subjected to gonadal and chromosomal sexing, and DNA hybridization with both sequences. These analyses revealed 3 individuals having atypical W chromosomes. Interestingly, 2 of these were males having a ZW karyotype. We assume that these atypical sex chromosome arise by exchanges between Z and W chromosomes, and that a transition between female and male heterogamety is underway in this species.

Microleakage and nanoleakage: Influence of laser in cavity preparation and dentin pretreatment

Objective: the purpose of this study was to verify if the application of the Nd:YAG laser following pretreatment of dentin with adhesive systems that were not light cured in class V cavities and were prepared with Er:YAG laser would promote better sealing of the gingival margins when compared to cavities prepared the conventional way. Background Data: Previous studies had shown that the pretreatment of dentin with laser irradiation after the application of an adhesive system is efficient in achieving higher shear bond and tensile bond strength. Materials and Methods: Er:YAG laser (Kavo-Key, Germany) with 350 mJ, 4 Hz, and 116.7 J/cm(2) was used for cavity preparation. The conventional preparation was made with diamond bur mounted in high-speed turbine. Dentin treatment was accomplished using an Nd:YAG laser (Pulse Master 1000, ADT. USA) at 60 mJ, 10 Hz, and 74.65/cm(2) following application of the adhesive system. The cavities were stored with Single Bond/Z100 and Prime & Bond NT/TPH. Eighty bovine incisors were used, and class V preparations were done at buccal and lingual surfaces divided into eight groups: (1) Er:YAG preparation + Prime & Bond NT + TPH; (2) Er:YAG preparation + Single Bond + Z100; (3) Er:YAG preparation + Single Bond + Nd:YAG + Z100; (4) Er:YAG preparation + Prime & Bond NT + Nd:YAG + TPH; (5) conventional preparation + Prime & Bond NT + TPH; (6) conventional preparation + Single Bond + Z100; (7) conventional preparation + Single Bond + Nd:YAG + Z100; (8) conventional preparation + Prime & Bond NT + Nd:YAG + TPH. All specimens were thermocycled for 300 full cycles between 5 degreesC +/- 2 degreesC and 55 degreesC +/- 2 degreesC (dwell time of 30 sec), and stored in 50% silver nitrate solution for 24 h soaked in photodeveloping solution and exposed to fluorescent light for 6 h. After this procedure, the specimens were sectioned longitudinally in 3 portions and the extension of microleakage at the gingival wall was determined following a criteria ranging from 0 to 4 using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The medium portion sectioned of each specimen was polished and prepared for nanoleakage avaliation by SEM. Results: Kruskall-Wallis and Miller statistical tests determined that group 3 presented less microleakage and nanoleakage. Conclusion: Application of the Nd:YAG laser following pretreatment of dentin with adhesive Single Bond non-photocured Single Bond adhesive in cavities prepared with Er:YAG promote better sealing of the gingival margins.

Electrical conduction mechanism and phase transition studies using dielectric properties and Raman spectroscopy in ferroelectric Pb0.76Ca0.24TiO3 thin films

We have studied the phase transition behavior of Pb0.76Ca0.24TiO3 thin films using Raman scattering and dielectric measurement techniques. We also have studied the leakage current conduction mechanism as a function of temperature for these thin films on platinized silicon substrates. A Pb0.76Ca0.24TiO3 thin film was prepared using a soft chemical process, called the polymeric precursor method. The results showed that the dependence of the dielectric constant upon the frequency does not reveal any relaxor behavior. However, a diffuse character-type phase transition was observed upon transformation from a cubic paraelectric phase to a tetragonal ferroelectric phase. The temperature dependency of Raman scattering spectra was investigated through the ferroelectric phase transition. The soft mode showed a marked dependence on temperature and its disappearance at about 598 K. on the other hand, Raman modes persist above the tetragonal to cubic phase transition temperature, although all optical modes should be Raman inactive above the phase transition temperature. The origin of these modes must be interpreted in terms of a local breakdown of cubic symmetry by some kind of disorder. The lack of a well-defined transition temperature suggested a diffuse-type phase transition. This result corroborate the dielectric constant versus temperature data, which showed a broad ferroelectric phase transition in the thin film. The leakage current density of the PCT24 thin film was studied at elevated temperatures, and the data were well fitted by the Schottky emission model. The Schottky barrier height of the PCT24 thin film was estimated to be 1.49 eV. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

In situ and simultaneous nanostructural and spectroscopic studies of ZnO nanoparticle and Zn-HDS formations from hydrolysis of ethanolic zinc acetate solutions induced by water

The simultaneous formation of nanometer sized zinc oxide (ZnO), and acetate zinc hydroxide double salt (Zn-HDS) is described. These phases, obtained using the sol-gel synthesis route based on zinc acetate salt in alcoholic media, were identified by direct characterization of the reaction products in solution using complementary techniques: nephelometry, in situ Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), UV-Vis spectroscopy and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structures (EXAFS). In particular, the hydrolytic pathway of ethanolic zinc acetate precursor solutions promoted by addition of water with the molar ratio N = [H2O]/[Zn2+] = 0.05 was investigated in this paper. The aim was to understand the formation mechanism of ZnO colloidal suspension and to reveal the factors responsible for the formation of Zn-HDS in the final precipitates. The growth mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles is based on primary particle (radius approximate to 1.5 nm) rotation inside the primary aggregate (radius < 3.5 nm) giving rise to an epitaxial attachment of particles and then subsequent coalescence. The growth of second ZnO aggregates is not associated with the Otswald ripening, and could be associated with changes in equilibrium between solute species induced by the superficial etching of Zn-HDS particles at the advanced stage of kinetic.

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON PIGMENT GRANULES AND PIGMENT DISTRIBUTION IN THE COMPOUND EYES OF WILD-TYPE AND MUTANT WORKER HONEYBEES .2. AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Conductivity and F-19 NMR in PbGeO3-PbF2-CdF2 glasses and glass-ceramics

The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity and the F-19 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of PbGeO3-PbF2CdF, glasses and glass ceramics are investigated. The measured conductivity values of the glasses are above 10(-5) Skin at 500 K, and increase with increasing lead fluoride content. Activation energies extracted from the conductivity data are in the range 0.59-0.73 eV. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that in these oxyfluoride glasses lead fluoride rich clusters are dispersed in a metagermanate based matrix providing increasing mobility pathways for conducting ions. The conductivity of a sample of the glass ceramic of composition (mol%) 60PbGeO(3-)20PbF(2)-20CdF(2) was found to be smaller than that in the corresponding glass, suggesting that there are poor ionic conducting regions in the interface between the nanometer sized crystals. The temperature dependence of the F-19 relaxation times, measured in the range 100-800 K, exhibit the qualitative features associated with high fluorine mobility in both, glass and glass ceramics materials. We suggest that de-convolution of the spin-lattice relaxation rates observed in the glass ceramics shows that the observed high temperature rate maximum is associated with the diffusional motions of the fluorine ions in beta-PbF2 crystals. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.