Flooding tolerance of Tabebuia cassinoides: Metabolic, morphological and growth responses

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influence of pH on the incorporation and growth of Pb2CrO5 crystallites in silica matrix

Pb2CrO5 nanoparticles were embedded in an amorphous SiO2 matrix by the sol-gel process. The pH and heat treatment effects were evaluated in terms of structural, microstructural and optical properties from Pb2CrO5/SiO2 compounds. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and diffuse reflectance techniques were employed. Kubelka-Munk theory was used to calculate diffuse reflectance spectra that were compared to the experimental results. Finally, colorimetric coordinates of the Pb2CrO5/SiO2 compounds were shown and discussed. In general, an acid pH initially dissolves Pb2CrO5 nanoparticles and following heat treatment at 600 A degrees C crystallized into PbCrO4 composition with grain size around 6 nm in SiO2 matrix. No Pb2CrO5 solubilization was observed for basic pH. These nanoparticles were incorporated in silica matrix showing a variety of color ranging from yellow to orange.

Control of amylase production and growth characteristics of Aspergillus ochraceus

The growth and the extracellular amylase production by Aspergillus ochraceus were studied in a stationary culture medium. Maximum growth rate of this fungus was found after 5 days of incubation at 30° C, but maximum amylase production was obtained after 2 days. The highest amylase production were attained with lactose, maltose, xylose and starch as carbon sources. The extracellular amylase production and mycelial growth were influenced by the concentration of starch. Other carbohydrates supported growth but did not induce amylase synthesis and glucose repressed it, indicating catabolite repression in this microorganism. The presence of both mechanisms of induction and repression suggests that at least these multiple forms of regulation are present in A. ochraceus. Of the nitrogen sources tested, casaminoacids, ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate stimulated the highest yield of amylase. Optimal amylase production was obtained at pH 5.0, but enzyme activity was found only in the 4.0-6.0 pH range. These results were probably due to the inhibitory effect of NH 4 +-N in the culture medium.

Modeling energy utilization and growth parameter description for broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted to develop and evaluate a model to estimate ME requirements and determine Gompertz growth parameters for broilers. The first experiment was conducted to determine maintenance energy requirements and the efficiencies of energy utilization for fat and protein deposition. Maintenance ME (ME m) requirements were estimated to be 157.8, 112.1, and 127.2 kcal of ME/kg 0.75 per day for broilers at 13, 23, and 32°C, respectively. Environmental temperature (T) had a quadratic effect on maintenance requirements (ME m = 307.87 - 15.63T + 0.3105T 2; r 2= 0.93). Energy requirements for fat and protein deposition were estimated to be 13.52 and 12.59 kcal of ME/g, respectively. Based on these coefficients, a model was developed to calculate daily ME requirements: ME = BW 0.75 (307.87 - 15.63T + 0.3105 T 2) + 13.52 G f + 12.59 G p. This model considers live BW, the effects of environmental temperature, and fractional fat (G f) and protein (G p) deposition. The second experiment was carried out to estimate the growth parameters of Ross broilers and to collect data to evaluate the ME requirement model proposed. Live BW, empty feather-free carcass, weight of the feathers, and carcass chemical compositions were analyzed until 16 wk of age. Parameters of Gompertz curves for each component were estimated. Males had higher growth potential and higher capacity to deposit nutrients than females, except for fat deposition. Data of BW and body composition collected in this experiment were fitted into the energy model proposed herein and the equations described by Emmans (1989) and Chwalibog (1991). The daily ME requirements estimated by the model determined in this study were closer to the ME intake observed in this trial compared with other models. ©2005 Poultry Science Association, Inc.

Isolation and growth of the symbiotic fungus of Atta capiguara (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

This work's objectives were to isolate and evaluate the growth of the symbiotic fungus of Atta capiguara Gonçalves on artificial medium, under different pH and temperature conditions. Isolation was accomplished using the following media: Sabouraud, oat-agar, PDA, and PDA with the addition of extracts from the grasses Paspalum sp. Flügge and Hyparrhenia rufa (Nees) Stapf.. The medium used in the growth study was PDA with the addition of a Paspalum sp. (0.22%, w/v) extract at initial pH values of 4.5, 6.0, and 7.5. Mycelium disks were transferred to plates containing the culture medium. The plates were maintained at temperatures of 20, 23, and 26 ± 1°C. Mycelial radial growth evaluations were performed at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of incubation. Fungus isolation was obtained in all media studied. The highest radial means were obtained at initial pH values of 6.0 and 7.5 and temperatures of 23 and 26± 1°C. Greater plot losses occurred at the initial pH condition of 7.5. In general, A. capiguara fungi can be grown in the medium studied, at an initial pH of 6.0 and temperatures of 23 or 26± 1°C. Radial growth evaluations at 14 and 28 days of incubation can be recommended for substrate studies involving the symbiotic fungus.

Treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with systemic blood pressure stability and right ventricular dysfunction

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) ranges from incidental, clinically unimportant thromboembolism to massive embolism with sudden death. Its treatment is well established in two groups of patients: heparin for those with normal systemic blood pressure without right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and thrombolysis for those with RVD and circulatory shock. In an intermediate group of patients with systemic blood pressure stability combined with RVD, which is usually associated with worse outcome, the treatment is controversial. There are authors who strongly suggest thrombolysis while others contraindicate this procedure and recommend anticoagulation with heparin. This is a narrative review that includes clinical trials comparing thrombolysis and heparin for the treatment of PTE patients with systemic blood pressure stability and RVD published since 1973. The results show that there are only four trials on this subject with less than 500 patients. Many PTE patients with systemic blood pressure stability and RVD might benefit from thrombolysis but, on the other hand, the risk for hemorrhagic events may be increased. Large randomized clinical trials are required to clarify this. © 2008 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Lumbo-pelvic stability and electromyography of abdominal muscles in ballet dancers

Evaluating the ability to rectify and maintain lumbar adjustment can contribute toward the understanding of the behavior of abdominal muscles and their participation in the stability of pelvic muscles in dancers during the posterior pelvic tilt and double straight leg lowering tests. Nine healthy volunteers (male and female ballet dancers; age mean: 25.9 ±7.37 years) underwent maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), isometric voluntary contraction at 50% of MIVC, posterior pelvic tilt (PPT) and double straight leg lowering (DSLL) tests. The tests were carried out in a single day, with 3 repetitions each. During the tests, electromygraphic signals of the rectus abdominis, obliquus internus and obliquus externus were recorded. The signal acquisition system was made up of bipolar surface electrodes, electrogoniometer and an electromechanic device (pressure sensor), which were connected to a signal conditioner module. Root mean square values of each muscle during the DSLL and PPT were converted into percentage of activation of 50% MIVC. Lower back pressure was submitted to the same process. ANOVA with repeated measures was performed, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed that all dancers were able to maintain posterior pelvic tilt and there was trend toward greater activation of the bilateral obliquus internus muscle. In an attempt to keep the pelvic region stabilized during DSLL, there was a greater contribution from the obliquus externus muscle in relation to other abdominal muscles.

Oxidative stability and α-tocopherol retention in soybean oil with lemon seed extract (Citrus limon) under thermoxidation

The synergistic effect of lemon seed extract with tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in soybean oil subjected to thermoxidation by Rancimat was investigated, and the influence of these antioxidants on α-tocopherol degradation in thermoxidized soybean oil. Control, LSE (2,400 mg/kg Lemon Seed Extract), TBHQ (50 mg/kg), Mixture 1 (LSE + 50 mg/kg TBHQ) and Mixture 2 (LSE + 25 mg/kg TBHQ) were subjected to 180°C for 20 h. Samples were taken at time 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 h intervals and analysed for oxidative stability and α-tocopherol content. LSE and Mixtures 1 and 2 showed the capacity of retarding lipid oxidation when added to soya oil and also contributed to α-tocopherol retention in oil heated at high temperatures. However, Mixtures 1 and 2 added to the oil presented a greater antioxidant power, consequently proving the antioxidants synergistic effect.

Effect of disinfection and accelerated ageing on dimensional stability and detail reproduction of a facial silicone with nanoparticles

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of disinfection and accelerated ageing on the dimensional stability and detail reproduction of a facial silicone with different types of nanoparticle. A total of 60 specimens were fabricated with Silastic MDX 4-4210 silicone and they were divided into three groups: colourless and pigmented with nanoparticles (make-up powder and ceramic powder). Half of the specimens of each group were disinfected with Efferdent tablets and half with neutral soap for 60 days. Afterwards, all specimens were subjected to accelerated ageing. Both dimensional stability and detail reproduction tests were performed after specimen fabrication (initial period), after chemical disinfection, and after accelerated ageing periods (252, 504 and 1008 hours). The dimensional stability test was conducted using AutoCAD software, while detail reproduction was analysed using a stereoscope magnifying glass. Dimensional stability values were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.01). Detail reproduction results were compared using a score. Chemical disinfection and also accelerated ageing affected the dimensional stability of the facial silicone with statistically significant results. The silicone's detail reproduction was not affected by these two factors regardless of nanoparticle type, disinfection and accelerated ageing. © 2012 Informa UK, Ltd.

Chemical stability and electrical properties of Nb doped BaCe 0.9Y 0.1O 3-δ as a high temperature proton conducting electrolyte for IT-SOFC

BaCe 0.9-xNb xY 0.1O 3-δ (where x=0, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05) powders were synthesized by solid-state reaction to investigate the influence of Nb concentration on chemical stability and electrical properties of the sintered samples. The dense electrolyte pellets were formed from the powders after being uniaxially pressed and sintered at 1550 °C. The electrical conductivities determined by impedance measurements in temperature range of 550-750 °C in different atmospheres (dry argon and wet hydrogen) showed a decreasing trend with an increase of Nb content. For all samples higher conductivities were observed in the wet hydrogen than in dry argon atmosphere. The chemical stability was enhanced with increasing of Nb concentration. It was found that BaCe 0.87Nb 0.03Y 0.1O 3-δ is the optimal composition that satisfies the opposite demands for electrical conductivity and chemical stability, reaching 0.8×10 -2 S cm -1 in wet hydrogen at 650 °C compared to 1.01×10 -2 S cm -1 for undoped electrolyte. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.

Effects of soil and foliar application of soluble silicon on mineral nutrition, gas exchange, and growth of potato plants

Silicon can alleviate biotic and abiotic stresses in several crops, and it has beneficial effects on plants under nonstressed conditions. However, there is still doubt about foliar-applied Si efficiency and Si effects on mineral nutrition, physiological processes, and growth of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants under wellwatered conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil and foliar application of soluble Si on Si accumulation, nutrients, and pigments concentration as well as gas exchange and growth of potato plants. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in pots containing 35 dm3 of a Typic Acrortox soil. The treatments consisted of a control (no Si application), soil application of soluble Si (50 mg dm-3 Si), and foliar application of soluble Si (three sprays of 1.425 mM Si water solution, prepared with a soluble concentrate stabilized silicic acid), with eight replications. Both soil and foliar application of Si resulted in higher Si accumulation in the whole plant. Foliar application of Si resulted in the greatest Si concentration in leaves, and soil application increased Si concentration in leaves, stems, and roots. Silicon application, regardless of the application method, increased leaf area, specific leaf area, and pigment concentration (chlorophyll a and carotenoids) as well as photosynthesis and transpiration rates of wellwatered potato plants. However, only soil application increased P concentration in leaves and dry weight of leaves and stems. © Crop Science Society of America.

Genetic parameter estimates and principal component analysis of breeding values of reproduction and growth traits in female Canchim cattle

Phenotypic data from female Canchim beef cattle were used to obtain estimates of genetic parameters for reproduction and growth traits using a linear animal mixed model. In addition, relationships among animal estimated breeding values (EBVs) for these traits were explored using principal component analysis. The traits studied in female Canchim cattle were age at first calving (AFC), age at second calving (ASC), calving interval (CI), and bodyweight at 420 days of age (BW420). The heritability estimates for AFC, ASC, CI and BW420 were 0.03±0.01, 0.07±0.01, 0.06±0.02, and 0.24±0.02, respectively. The genetic correlations for AFC with ASC, AFC with CI, AFC with BW420, ASC with CI, ASC with BW420, and CI with BW420 were 0.87±0.07, 0.23±0.02, -0.15±0.01, 0.67±0.13, -0.07±0.13, and 0.02±0.14, respectively. Standardised EBVs for AFC, ASC and CI exhibited a high association with the first principal component, whereas the standardised EBV for BW420 was closely associated with the second principal component. The heritability estimates for AFC, ASC and CI suggest that these traits would respond slowly to selection. However, selection response could be enhanced by constructing selection indices based on the principal components. © CSIRO 2013.

Stability and collapse of fermions in a binary dipolar boson-fermion 164Dy-161Dy mixture

We suggest a time-dependent mean-field hydrodynamic model for a binary dipolar boson-fermion mixture to study the stability and collapse of fermions in the 164Dy-161Dy mixture. The condition of stability of the dipolar mixture is illustrated in terms of phase diagrams. A collapse is induced in a disk-shaped stable binary mixture by jumping the interspecies contact interaction from repulsive to attractive by the Feshbach resonance technique. The subsequent dynamics is studied by solving the time-dependent mean-field model including three-body loss due to molecule formation in boson-fermion and boson-boson channels. Collapse and fragmentation in the fermions after subsequent explosions are illustrated. The anisotropic dipolar interaction leads to anisotropic fermionic density distribution during collapse. This study is carried out in three-dimensional space using realistic values of dipolar and contact interactions. © 2013 American Physical Society.

Cell adhesion and growth on surfaces modified by plasma and ion implantation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Glucose, Cholesterol, Total Protein and Growth Factor Insulin-like Type I in Follicular Fluid of River Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

In order to establish the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein and growth factor insulin-like type I (IGF-I) in the follicular fluid, 26 Murrah breed river buffaloes, between 45 and 70 days postpartum, empty, multiparous, with average live weight of 675 +/- 56 kg and average body condition of 3.5 points on a scale of 1-5, were used in this study. The fluid was collected from dominant follicles with diameters between 8 and 12 mm by OPU, and was not taken into account the stage of the estrous cycle. Using this technique, the wave of follicular development was synchronized six days prior to collection. Biochemical analysis was performed to glucose and cholesterol through the enzymatic colorimetric method using commercial kit glicose CHOLESTEROL GOD-PAP and CHOD-PAP (Kovalent), respectively. Determination of total protein was carried out by using total protein commercial kit (Kovalent) Biuret method, and the readings were performed using absorption spectrophotometry with visible light. Concentration of IGF-I was measured by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique using commercial IRMA Kit IGF-I (INMUNOTECH). Descriptive statistics were developed using the PROC MEANS procedure of SAS (2009). Concentration of glucose (4.0 +/- 0.75 mmol / L-1) and IGF-I (340 +/- 129.83 ng / mL (-1)) were higher than those reported by other authors in river buffaloes and cows, respectively. However, cholesterol levels (0.51 +/- 0.12 mmol / L (-1)) and total protein (58.4 +/- 4.43 g / L (-1)) behaved inferior to other studies in same species. The results indicated that there is relationship among the nutritional aspects, diameter of follicles aspirated and productive period in the concentration of biochemical indicators.