Ovarian follicle diameter at timed insemination and estrous response influence likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy after estrous synchronization with progesterone or progestin-based protocols in suckled Bos indicus cows

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate factors associated with estrous synchronization responses and pregnancy per insemination (P/AI) in Bos indicus beef cows submitted to progesterone-based fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols. A total of 2388 cows (1869 Nellore and 519 crossbred Nellore x Angus) from 10 commercial farms were evaluated to determine the relationships among breed, body condition score (BCS) on the first day of the FTAI protocol, the occurrence of estrus between progesterone device removal and FTAI and diameter of largest ovarian follicle (LF) at FTAI on estrous synchronization responses and P/AI. Cows (n=412 primiparous; 1976 multiparous) received an intravaginal device containing progesterone or an ear implant containing norgestomet (a progestin), and an injection of estradiol at the beginning of the estrous synchronization protocol. Body condition was scored using a 1-5 scale on the first day of the FTAI protocol and at 30-60 days postpartum. Females received 300IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and PGF(2 alpha) on the day the progesterone device/implant was removed and were inseminated 48-60h later. At insemination, cows (n=2388) were submitted to an ultrasonographic exam to determine the diameter of the LF. Follicles were classified into four categories based on mean and standard deviation (SD) of the LF (LF1 = two SD below the mean; LF2 = mean minus one SD; LF3 = mean plus one SD; LF4 = two SD above the mean). Ovulation rate was determined in a subset of cows (n=813) by three consecutive ultrasonographic exams: (1) at time of progesterone device/implant removal, (2) at time of FTAI and (3) 48 h after FTAI. Ovulation was defined as the disappearance of a large follicle (>= 8.0 mm) that was previously recorded. Estrus was determined in a subset of the cows (n = 445) by the activation of a detection of estrous patch placed on the tail head on the day of progesterone device/implant removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30 days after FTAI. Pregnancy was influenced (P = 0.001) by follicle diameter [LF1 = 27.5% (81/295), LF2 = 46.6% (328/705), LF3 = 57.9% (647/1118), LF4 = 63.3% (171/270)] and the occurrence of estrus [estrus = 67.7% (174/257) and no estrus = 36.2% (68/188)]. Follicle diameter at FTAI influenced ovulation rate [LF1 = 42.5% (34/80), LF2 = 73.9% (161/218), LF3 = 95.8% (407/425), LF4 = 97.8% (88/90)], the occurrence of estrus [LF1 = 54.8% (51/93), LF2 = 33.6% (43/128), LF3 = 68.9% (126/183), LF4 = 90.2% (37/41)] and P/AI among cows that had ovulations [LF1 =32.4% (11/34), LF2 = 50.3% (81/161), LF3 = 60.0% (244/407), LF4 = 68.2% (60/88)]. Improving estrous responses between progesterone device withdrawal and FTAI and increasing the diameter of the LF at FTAI may be important aspects to achieve improved estrous synchronization responses and P/AI following progesterone/progestin and estradiol based FTAI protocols in suckled Bos indicus cows. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Response to comment on "Using ecological thresholds to evaluate the costs and benefits of set-asides in a biodiversity hotspot"

Finney claims that we did not include transaction costs while assessing the economic costs of a set-aside program in Brazil and that accounting for them could potentially render large payments for environmental services (PES) projects unfeasible. We agree with the need for a better understanding of transaction costs but provide evidence that they do not alter the feasibility of the set-aside scheme we proposed.

Temporal analysis of the reduction in gas emission in areas of mechanically-harvested sugarcane using satellite imagery

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the amount of gas not emitted into the air in areas cultivated with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) that were mechanically harvested. Satellite images CBERS-2/CCD, from 08-13-2004, 08-14-2005, 08-15-2006 and 08-16-2007, of northwestern São Paulo State were processed using the Geographic Information System (GIS)-IDRISI 15.0. Areas of interest (the mechanically-harvested sugarcane fields) were identified and quantified based on the spectral response of the bands studied. Based on these data, the amount of gas that was not emitted was evaluated, according to the estimate equation proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The results of 396.65 km(2) (5.91% for 2004); 447.56 km(2) (6.67% for 2005); 511.54 km(2) (7.62% in 2006); and 474.60 km(2) (7.07% for 2007), calculated from a total area of 6,710.89 km(2) with sugarcane, showed a significant increase of mechanical harvesting in the study area and a reduction of gas emissions of more than 300,000 t yr(-1).

An experimental switchable stiffness device for shock isolation

The development of an experimental switching stiffness device fcr shock isolation is presented. The system uses magnetic forces to exert a restoring force, which results in an effective stiffness that is used to isolate a payload. When the magnetic force is turned on and off, a switchable stiffness is obtained. Characterization of the physical properties of the device is presented. They are estimated in terms of the percentage stiffness change and effective damping ratio when switched between two constant stiffness states. Additionally, the setup is used to implement a control strategy to reduce the shock response and minimize residual vibration. The system was found to be very effective for shock isolation. The response is reduced by around 50 percent compared with passive isolation showing good correlation with theoretical predictions, and the effective damping ratio in the system following the shock was increased from about 4.5 percent to 13 percent. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A critical analysis of isolation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from soil

The present review is a critical analysis of positive and negative reports of the isolation of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from soil. The strains isolated from soil or soil-contaminated material (dogfood, penguin feces) by Batista et al. in Recife, Brazil, Negroni in the Argentinian Chaco, Albornoz in rural Venezuela, Silva-Vergara et al, in Ibia, Brazil, Ferreira et al, in Uberlandia, Brazil, and Gezuele et al. at the Uruguayan base in the Antarctic region, presented mycological characteristics consistent with P. brasiliensis. In most of these studies, morphological characterization was complemented with an evaluation of virulence and antigenicity, and biochemical or molecular analysis. These isolations, therefore, can be considered true, supporting the concept of soil as an important element in the ecology of the pathogen. The large number of negative reports in attempts involving soil samples and the low repeatability of isolation of the fungus from the same area indicate that the specific conditions supporting growth of the pathogen in soil have not been fully clarified.

Developing a system for down-hole seismic testing together with the CPTU

This paper presents a system for performing down-hole seismic test together with the piezocone test in order to determine the shear wave velocity (Vs) and for calculating the maximum shear modulus (Go); a basic parameter for analyzing the dynamic soil behavior and a reference value of the soil stiffness. The system components are described and tests results for checking the geophone response are also presented, both before and after installation into the probe. The system was used in down-hole tests carried out at three experimental research sites located in the interior of Sao Paulo State, Brazil, where in situ seismic test results are available. The Vs values measured in down-hole tests carried out with this system were consistent with those determined in cross-hole tests and with a commercial seismic piezocone, which enabled to validate the developed system.

Detecção da doença mela-das-sementes da braquiária em gramíneas forrageiras através de técnicas de sensoriamento remoto

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Produção de embriões por fecundação in vitro e ativação partenogenética visando o isolamento de células tronco embrionárias felinas

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

Células-tronco mesenquimais de equinos: isolamento, cultivo e caracterização

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Advanced LIGO

The Advanced LIGO gravitational wave detectors are second-generation instruments designed and built for the two LIGO observatories in Hanford, WA and Livingston, LA, USA. The two instruments are identical in design, and are specialized versions of a Michelson interferometer with 4 km long arms. As in Initial LIGO, Fabry-Perot cavities are used in the arms to increase the interaction time with a gravitational wave, and power recycling is used to increase the effective laser power. Signal recycling has been added in Advanced LIGO to improve the frequency response. In the most sensitive frequency region around 100 Hz, the design strain sensitivity is a factor of 10 better than Initial LIGO. In addition, the low frequency end of the sensitivity band is moved from 40 Hz down to 10 Hz. All interferometer components have been replaced with improved technologies to achieve this sensitivity gain. Much better seismic isolation and test mass suspensions are responsible for the gains at lower frequencies. Higher laser power, larger test masses and improved mirror coatings lead to the improved sensitivity at mid and high frequencies. Data collecting runs with these new instruments are planned to begin in mid-2015.

Detecção de Heterodera glycines em plantio de soja mediante espectrorradiometria no visível e infravermelho próximo

O ataque do nematóide de cisto da soja, Heterodera glycines, limita o potencial de expansão e maior produtividade de áreas plantadas com soja (Glycine Max). O conhecimento da distribuição espacial desse patógeno na lavoura é fundamental, para elaboração de estratégias de manejo. A área em estudo estava localizada em lavoura de soja, variedade BRS133, localizada no Município de Florínea, SP, com solos naturalmente infestados por H. glycines. Foram obtidas medidas de espectrorradiometria de campo, 112 dias após o plantio, nas regiões do visível e do infravermelho próximo do espectro eletromagnético, a fim de se conhecer o padrão da resposta espectral de plantas atacadas pelo fitonematóide. Paralelamente, foram retiradas amostras de solo e encaminhadas ao Laboratório de Nematologia, Departamento de Fitossanidade da Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Campus de Jaboticabal, onde foram processadas para determinação da densidade populacional do nematóide. As medidas do espectrorradiômetro foram transformadas em índice vegetativo, com diferença normalizada (NDVI), que foi relacionado com a densidade populacional do nematóide, peso da matéria fresca e número de vagens por planta. Observou-se que diferentes densidades de população estão diretamente relacionados com a resposta espectral das plantas expressa, através dos valores do NDVI.

Antibody and blood leukocyte response in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) tick-infested dogs and guinea pigs

The dog is considered to be the natural host of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and is unable to develop appreciable resistance even after repeated feedings. The guinea pig develops strong resistance after one infestation with adult ticks. Antibody (IgG) titres against tick salivary gland antigens (SGAs) and blood leukocyte numbers in dogs and guinea pigs undergoing experimental R. sanguineus tick infestations were measured to detect a possible correlation with susceptibility or resistance of hosts. Since infested dogs develop an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to R. sanguineus antigens, total and anti-R. sanguineus SGA IgE levels were also measured in this host species. IgG and IgE antibody levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) along three consecutive infestations of both hosts. Most dogs and guinea pigs displayed low IgG levels against R. sanguineus SGAs, though marked differences in individual response were observed. Although dog's total serum IgE levels increased significantly after infestations, no change in the amount of anti-salivary gland IgE was detected. Total and differential blood cell counts were determined in dogs and guinea pigs during primary and secondary infestation. In dogs, a tertiary infestation and a subsequent higher infestation level were also evaluated. Infested dogs did not display any alteration in blood leukocyte counts throughout the experiment. Guinea pigs, on the other hand, developed a significant basophilia during primary infestation which increased further during secondary infestation. These data reveal similarities and differences in the reactions of resistant and non-resistant hosts to ticks. They contribute for the understanding of such host-parasite relationships and will hopefully aid in the development of immune control of ticks. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uso do sensoriamento remoto orbital no monitoramento da dispersão de macrófitas nos reservatórios do complexo Tietê

A presença de algumas substâncias na água, como pigmentos fotossintetizantes, particulados, etc., afeta sua cor, provocando mudanças na radiância da água registrada por sensores orbitais. Nesse sentido, o sensoriamento remoto pode se constituir em uma fonte complementar de dados para o monitoramento da qualidade da água em grandes reservatórios (Novo et al., 1994). No contexto de um projeto de pesquisa realizado na AES Tietê S.A., com o objetivo de desenvolver técnicas para a avaliação da área com infestação de plantas aquáticas, imagens orbitais multiespectrais foram usadas tanto para mapear a dispersão espacial e estimar a área de ocorrência de macrófitas aquáticas, em duas épocas distintas, quanto para orientar a definição de pontos de amostragem in loco, visando a coleta e posterior análise da água e de sedimentos nos reservatórios. Este trabalho apresenta uma descrição do procedimento metodológico adotado na análise das imagens multiespectrais, bem como os resultados obtidos na caracterização dos reservatórios de Barra Bonita, Bariri, Ibitinga, Promissão e Nova Avanhandava, em termos de seu dimensionamento, variabilidade espectral da água e presença de macrófitas emersas, nas duas épocas do ano consideradas.

Modified LPE system used to diffuse Cd to obtain InSb infrared detectors

We are presenting here p/n junctions obtained with a modified opened liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) system, used to diffuse indium antimonide (InSb) doped with Cd over InSb doped with Te wafers, in order to make InSb infrared (IR) sensors. This technique has several advantages: the diffusion can be performed in bigger substrate areas improving the device production; this method decreases the device manipulation, decreasing human mistakes and increasing the process reproducibility. The opened LPE in this work produced sensors in the first case with vapor of the diffusion material, coming from a microholed carbon boat full of the diffusion material, over which is positioned the substrate at atmospheric pressure. In the second, the diffusion material is on the bottom of a quartz recipient, and the InSb/Te wafer works as its cover, and vacuum was used. The IR sensors produced with the first method measured 8.9 x 10(7) cm Hz(1/2)/W as detectivity value and higher IR spectral response at 4.6 mu m, and those produced with the second 2.8 x 10(9) cm Hz(1/2)/W, at 4.4 mu m. Besides the electrical-optical properties, the structural properties of diffused layers were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron and atomic force microscopy (SEM, AFM), energy-dispersive and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (EDS, SIMS). (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Could a high-fat diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids impair the cardiovascular system?

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