UV laser photofabrication of waveguide couplers using self-patterning organic-inorganic hybrids

Planar waveguides with controlled refractive index were produced using thin films of sol-gel derived organic-inorganic hybrids, so called di-ureasils. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to characterize the films thickness and refractive index. UV-laser direct-writing method was used to produce Y-splitter structures with coupling ratio of 50% without the need of photoinitiators.

Pamidronate attenuates diastolic dysfunction induced by myocardial infarction associated with changes in geometric patterning

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

Genetic diversity in Egeria densa and E. najas in Jupia Reservoir, Brazil

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

Gap disturbance regime and composition in the Atlantic Montane Rain Forest: the influence of topography

In the Atlantic Montane Rain Forest of south-eastern Brazil, a field study was carried out to describe the forest disturbance regime, analyse canopy gap composition and evaluate the influence of habitat parameters on gap tree species composition. We characterized canopy gaps considering the group of variables as follows: area, type and number of tree/branch falls, topographic position, soil coverage and surrounding canopy trees. Gap composition was assessed at species level by measuring all individuals inside gaps higher than one meter. Mean gap area of the 42 canopy gaps analysed was 71.9 +/- 9.0 m(2) (mean +/- SE). Out of the studied gaps, 35.7% were created by uprooted and by snapped trees, 16.7% by dead-standing trees and 11.9% by the fall of large branches. The disturbance regime was characterized by gap openings predominantly smaller than 150 m(2) and by spatial patterning related to topography. Ridges had smaller gaps and higher proportions of gaps created by branch falls; slopes had bigger gaps generally created by uprooting events. The more abundant and frequent species were shade tolerant and the more species-rich families found inside gaps did not differ from the forest as a whole. Pioneer species were rare and restricted to medium and large size classes. The Indicator Species Analysis and the Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated gap area, topography and the percentage of soil cover by the genera Calathea and Ctenanthe were the predominant variables correlated with woody species distribution. So, topography emerged as an important issue not only to the gap disturbance regime, but also to gap colonization. In respect to the influence of gap processes on the Atlantic Montane Rain Forest regeneration, our results support the view that canopy gap events may not be working as promoters of community wide floristic shifts.

Filling of extraction sockets with autogenous bone in cats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a regeneração óssea de alvéolos dentais de gatos após enxertia. MÉTODOS: Dezoito gatos adultos, distribuídos em três grupos de 6 animais cada, foram submetidos a extração do canino mandibular direito ou esquerdo. No grupo 1, controle, o alvéolo foi deixado vazio. No grupo 2, o alvéolo foi preenchido com osso esponjoso autógeno do osso ilíaco e no grupo 3, com raspa de osso cortical do osso ilíaco. Os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia 6 semanas após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Nas radiografias realizadas no pós-operatório imediato na projeção ventrodorsal observou-se uma área de radiolucência correspondente ao local da alveolectomia e extração dentária. Diminuição da radiolucência foi verificada nas radiografias realizadas seis semanas após a cirurgia. Nos cortes histológicos verificou-se a presença de trabéculas ósseas. A porcentagem de tecido ósseo esponjoso presente nos alvéolos dentais foi quantificada por exames histométricos. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos (Teste de Kruskal-Wallis p > 0.05) (grupo 1: 52,54 ± 15,4; grupo 2: 50,51 ± 5,01; grupo 3: 51,85 ± 9,52). CONCLUSÃO: Os alvéolos dentais de gatos preenchidos com osso esponjoso autógeno ou raspa de osso cortical autógeno apresentaram regeneração óssea similar àquela observada no grupo controle, após um período de observação de seis semanas.

Artéria e veia lienais de bovinos da raça Nelore

A artéria lienal mostra dois comportamentos antes de penetrar no hilo do baço, compondo o Grupo I (90%) com um ramo extra-hilar e o Grupo II (10%) com 2 destes ramos. Após penetrar, origina em média 13 ramos para a margem cranial e 10 para a margem caudal. A veia lienal freqüentemente (96,6%) está representada por um único vaso de trajeto longitudinal no eixo dorsoventral, para onde confluem em média 13 vasos da margem cranial e 11 da margem caudal, e raramente (3,3%) esta veia resulta da confluência de 2 vasos de calibres equivalentes.

Partial urethral obstruction of rabbit urinary bladder: stereological evidence that the increase in muscle content is mostly driven by changes in number, rather than size, of smooth muscle cells

The effects of partial urethral obstruction on the detrusor muscle of rabbit urinary bladder were investigated using stereological sampling and estimation tools. Twelve female Norfolk rabbits (2.5-3.0 kg body weight) were divided into four groups: 3, 7 and 12 weeks after surgical intervention to produce a standard partial obstruction and unobstructed controls. Following removal, bladder axes (craniocaudal, dorsoventral and laterolateral) and organ weights were recorded. Bladders were prepared for light microscopy by multistage random sampling procedures. Stereological methods were used to estimate the volume of muscle and the packing density and total number of myocyte nuclei in each bladder. We also estimated mean myocyte volume and the mean cross-sectional area and length of myocytes. Group comparisons were made by one-way analysis of variance. Changes in bladder axes were mainly laterolateral and craniocaudal. Mean bladder weight increased roughly six-fold by 3 weeks and 17-fold by 12 weeks and was accompanied, on average, by 12- and 33-fold increases in total muscle volume. These variables did not differ at 3 and 7 weeks post-obstruction. Increases in muscle content were not accompanied by changes in packing densities but were associated with increases in the total numbers of myocyte nuclei (13-fold by 3 weeks, 28-fold by 12 weeks). Mean myocyte volume did not vary significantly between groups but cells in obstructed groups were shorter and wider. These findings support the notion that partial outflow obstruction leads to an increase in the number, but not mean volume, of myocytes. If due solely to myocyte mitosis, the total of 43 x 10(8) cells found at 12 weeks could be generated by the original complement of 15 x 10(7) cells if an average of only 2.1 x 10(6) new cells was produced every hour. In reality, even this modest proliferation rate is unlikely to be achieved because myocyte proliferation rates are very low and it is possible that new myocytes can arise by differentiation of mesenchymal or other precursor cells.

Mispatterning in the ommatidia of Apis mellifera pupae treated with a juvenile hormone analogue

To further understand the function of morphogenetic hormones in honeybee eye differentiation, the alterations in ommatidial patterning induced by pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone (JH) analogue, were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Prepupae of prospective honeybee workers were treated with pyriproxyfen and the effects on ommatidial differentiation were described at the end of the pupal development. The results show that the entire ommatidia, i.e., the dioptric as well as the receptor systems, were affected by the JH analogue. The wave of ommatidial differentiation, which progresses from the posterior to the anterior region of the pupal eyes, was arrested. In treated pupae, the rhabdomeres only differentiated at the apical axis of the retinula, the secondary and tertiary pigment cells did not develop their cytoplasm protrusions, and the cone cell quartet did not pattern correctly. Simultaneously, an intense vacuolization was observed in cells forming ommatidia. In a previous study we showed that pyriproxyfen exerts an inhibition on pupal ecdysteroid secretion. In this sense, the arrested ommatidial differentiation in pyriproxyfen-treated pupae could be due to a secondary effect resulting from an alteration in pupal ecdysteroid titers. J. Morphol. 249:89-99, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Uterine evaluation and gestation diagnosis in owl monkey (Aotus azarai infulatus) using the B mode ultrasound

Background Gynecological and obstetrical ultrasonography has become an indispensable tool in the routine management, health evaluation and research on captive non-human primates.Methods Ultrasound was used to evaluate the uterus and estimate the gestation of owl monkeys. Twelve couples were selected, where five were primiparous and seven multiparous females from the National Primate Center reproductive colony, Ananindeua-PA, Brazil. The procedures were carried out using the GE (R) Logiq 100 MP, equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear probe.Results the females showed a simple uterus, of elongated shape, regular outline and homogeneous echogenic texture. In the uterine measurements craniocaudal diameter, dorsoventral diameter and uterine volume (UV), significant differences were identified (P < 0.05) between ultrasound examinations of primiparous and multiparous females. The UV showed a positive correlation with the number of births. The gestational sac and the embryonic echo were visible between 28 and 38 days after mating. Between 48 and 68 days after mating, embryonic death was identified in all the gestations.Conclusions the chemical (use of tranquilizers) and husbandry factors (capture stress) may be related to the prenatal death. The establishing methods of conditioning the female to the ultrasonographic exam may offer a solution to this problem.

Comparative ontogenetic shape changes in the skull of Caiman species (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae)

Ontogenetic shape changes in the skull of three species of the genus Caiman (C. latirostris, C. sclerops, and C. yacare) are compared by geometric morphometrics for three-dimensional configurations (the least-squares analysis). The technique for obtaining the landmark coordinates is a simplification of the algorithm for multidimensional scaling. The ontogenetic nonlinear shape changes are similar in the three species but occur in a lesser extent in C. latirostris. These seem to be correlated with functional changes in the skull. The uniform shape change corresponds to an elongation of the skull, dorsoventral flattening, and lateral compression in C. sclerops and C. yacare. There is some lateral broadening in C. latirostris. Differences in the ontogenetic processes probably cause the differences in diet observed between C. latirostris and the other two species. Neotenic evolution seems to have acted in the skull of C. latirostris, and a posterior amplification of the early divergence led to a repatterning of the shape ontogenetic trajectory in this species. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Lanthanide-Containing Light-Emitting Organic-Inorganic Hybrids: A Bet on the Future

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

Mensuração do tamanho cardíaco em radiografias de gatos com hipertireoidismo experimental

Feline hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) is now recognised as the most common endocrine disease of the domestic cat. Feline hyperthyroidism cause multisystemic disorder associated with incresead circulating concentrations of the thyroid hormones, tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Cardiovascular abnormalities in cats with spontaneous hyperthyroid have been described. Objective to determine heart size of progressing experimental thyrotoxicosis of 19 cats, using a vertebral scale system (VHS). The lateral, dorsoventral e ventrodorsal radiographs thoracic were measured using a vertebral scale system. Lateral radiographs thoracic to efficient develop that DV and VD. The VHS method is easy to use, allows objective assesment of heart size in cats hyperthyroid, and may be helpful to identify cardiomegaly and heart size progressing.

Osteologia craniana de Nyctibiidae (Aves, Caprimulgiformes)

The Potoos form an exclusively neotropical family of nocturnal birds distributed throughout Central and South America, except Chile, and reaching their highest diversity in the Amazon region. The seven currently recognized species are certainly among the most poorly known birds of this region. They are characterized by a distinctive mimicry of vegetal trunks, where they remain almost motionless during daytime. For this reason, their nocturnal and cryptic habits make them exceedingly difficult to study. Published accounts on behavior and natural history of the family are scarce and contributions regarding its anatomy are rare. Here we sample six of the seven currently recognized species of Nyctibiidae, including Nyctibius grandis, N. aethereus, N. griseus, N. jamaicensis, N. leucopterus and N. bracteatus, in order to conduct a detailed and illustrated description of the skull and jaw osteology. High interspecific variation in skull osteology was observed in the family. Species of this family possess a highly modified skull, adapted to their life habits, which shelters their well developed eyes and permits a large mouth opening. The bones that form the palate structure exhibit a dorsoventral flattening, particularly in the pterigoid and parasphenoid bones, with the palatine bone being a broadly developed, wing-shaped structure. In the maxilar region, near the jugal arch, there is a tooth-like projection, unique among birds, which may assist in the retention of prey upon capture. The vomer bone is highly variable within the family, showing varying numbers of rostral projections amongst species. The broad occipital region exhibits large spacing between the quadrate bones, which are vertically disposed and possess a reduced processus orbitalis. The mandible, which is flexible and elastic, has an extremely short symphyseal region and sindesmotic joints in both mandibular rami. As a family, potoos possess a highly specialized skull which provides insight into the relationship between the form of the structures and the feeding habits of the species. Furthermore, the large interspecific variation in skull morphology emphasizes the needs for taxonomic revision within the family, which at present is lumped into a single genus.

Vascularização arterial e venosa do linfonodo poplíteo em cães

Poplíteo lympho nodes in the dogs is placed, to the right and the left in popliteo an appointed space fossa, in distal part of the muscles femoral biceps, laterally and semi-tendinous, medially, projecting in the height of the face volume of the joint to femoro tibial e femoro patellar (joint of the knee). In this study twenty and five dogs, males and females adult, originating the Araçatuba municipal kennel had been used whose captures had been effected by the animal sanitary defense of this city. The arterial vessels destined to this structure always derive, of both the sides, the femoral artery distal volume and vary of 10 the 1, more frequently of 2 (7 times, 28%) to the right and of 6 the 2, equally more frequently of 2 (8 times, 32%). So soon as one has still to right 5 and 6 branches (3 times, 12%), 1, 7 and 10 (1 time, 4%). Relatively to the veins derived from this lympho nodes, always converges to the lateral safena vein, these vessels oscillates between 9 and 2, more frequently of 3 (6 times, 24%), to the right and of 12 the 2, more frequently of 3 (10 times, 40%) to the left. Thus, others deriving branches of popliteo lympho nodes right and that if they insert in the above-mentioned vein are in number of 2 and 5 (5 times, 20%), 4 and 6 (2 times, 8%) and 8 and 9 (1 time, 4%). In spite of, to the left side it is examined in number de 2 branches (6 times, 24%), 4 (4 times, 16%), 6 (3 times, 12%) and finishing 9 and 12 branches (1 time, 4%). The size of popliteo lympho node in seropositive dogs for Visceral Leishmaniasis can meets enters 7,8 × 3,8 × 6,1 a 50,0 × 20,7 × 28,5, in mm, being average 26,18 × 10,5 × 15,97 mm for right and 26,98 × 11,14 × 15,25 mm for left (concerning the measures dorsoventral, latero-lateral and cranial-caudal, respectively).

Homologies of the flower and inflorescence in the early-divergent grass anomochloa (poaceae)

Premise of the study: The grass subfamily Anomochlooideae is phylogenetically significant as the sister group to all other grasses. Thus, comparison of their structure with that of other grasses could provide clues to the evolutionary origin of these characters. Methods: We describe the structure, embryology, and development of the flower and partial inflorescence of the monotypic Brazilian grass Anomochloa marantoidea. We compare these features with those of other early-divergent grasses such as Pharus and Streptochaeta and closely related Poales such as Ecdeiocolea. Key results: Anomochloa possesses several features that are characteristic of Poaceae, notably a scutellum, a solid style, reduced stamen number, and an ovary with a single ovule that develops into a single indehiscent fruit. Interpretation of floral patterning in Anomochloa is problematic because the ramification pattern of the florets places the bracts and axes in unusual positions relative to the primary inflorescence axis. Our study indicates that there is a single abaxial carpel in Anomochloa, probably due to a cryptic type of pseudomonomery in Anomochloa that resembles the pseudomonomery of other grasses. On the other hand, the Anomochloa flower differs from the typical grass flower in lacking lodicules and possessing four stamens, in contrast with the tristaminate condition that characterizes many other grasses. Conclusions: Using the median part of the innermost bract as a locator, we tentatively homologize the inner bract of the Anomochloa partial inflorescence with the palea of other grasses. In this interpretation, the pattern of monosymmetry due to stamen suppression differs from that of Ecdeiocolea. © 2012 Botanical Society of America.