Characterisation of convective regimes over the British Isles

Convection-permitting modelling has led to a step change in forecasting convective events. However, convection occurs within different regimes which exhibit different forecast behaviour. A convective adjustment timescale can be used to distinguish between these regimes and examine their associated predictability. The convective adjustment timescale is calculated from radiosonde ascents and found to be consistent with that derived from convection-permitting model forecasts. The model-derived convective adjustment timescale is then examined for three summers in the British Isles to determine characteristics of the convective regimes for this maritime region. Convection in the British Isles is predominantly in convective quasi-equilibrium with 85%of convection having a timescale less than or equal to three hours. This percentage varies spatially with more non-equilibriumevents occurring in the south and southwest. The convective adjustment timescale exhibits a diurnal cycle over land. The nonequilibrium regime occurs more frequently at mid-range wind speeds and with winds from southerly to westerly sectors. Most non-equilibrium convective events in the British Isles are initiated near large coastal orographic gradients or on the European continent. Thus, the convective adjustment timescale is greatest when the location being examined is immediately downstream of large orographic gradients and decreases with distance from the convective initiation region. The dominance of convective quasiequilibrium conditions over the British Isles argues for the use of large-member ensembles in probabilistic forecasts for this region.

Intake of total and subgroups of fat minimally affect the associations between selected single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PPARγ pathway and changes in anthropometry among European adults from cohorts of the DiOGenes study

BACKGROUND: Although the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) pathway is central in adipogenesis, it remains unknown whether it influences change in body weight (BW) and whether dietary fat has a modifying effect on the association. OBJECTIVES: We examined whether 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 4 genes in the PPARγ pathway are associated with the OR of being a BW gainer or with annual changes in anthropometry and whether intake of total fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, or saturated fat has a modifying effect on these associations. METHODS: A case-noncase study included 11,048 men and women from cohorts in the European Diet, Obesity and Genes study; 5552 were cases, defined as individuals with the greatest BW gain during follow-up, and 6548 were randomly selected, including 5496 noncases. We selected 4 genes [CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (CEBPB), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2, PPARγ gene (PPARG), and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1] according to evidence about biologic plausibility for interactions with dietary fat in weight regulation. Diet was assessed at baseline, and anthropometry was followed for 7 y. RESULTS: The ORs for being a BW gainer for the 27 genetic variants ranged from 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79, 1.03) to 1.12 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.22) per additional minor allele. Uncorrected, CEBPB rs4253449 had a significant interaction with the intake of total fat and subgroups of fat. The OR for being a BW gainer for each additional rs4253449 minor allele per 100 kcal higher total fat intake was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.12; P = 0.008), and similar associations were found for subgroups of fat. CONCLUSIONS: Among European men and women, the influence of dietary fat on associations between SNPs in the PPARγ pathway and anthropometry is likely to be absent or marginal. The observed interaction between rs4253449 and dietary fat needs confirmation.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Preliminary Study of the Efficacy of SmearClear and EDTA for Smear Layer Removal after Root Canal Instrumentation in Permanent Teeth

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SmearClear (SybronEndo, Orange, CA) and EDTA for smear layer removal from root canals of permanent teeth after instrumentation. Thirty extracted human permanent teeth (n = 10) were randomly assigned to the following groups: group 1 = 14.3% EDTA, group 2 = SmearClear, and group 3 = no smear layer removal procedure was undertaken (control). The specimens were submitted to scanning electron microscopy analysis. Magnifications of 200x and 750x were used to evaluate cleaning at the apical, middle, and cervical thirds according to a three-point scoring system. Data were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney U test (5% significance level). Groups 1 and 2 differed significantly from group 3 (p < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, SmearClear was able to remove the smear layer from the root canals of permanent teeth similarly as 14.3% EDTA, suggesting that both solutions may be indicated for such purpose. (J Endod 2008,34:1541-1544)

THE ENDOPARASITE PILOSTYLES ULEI (APODANTHACEAE - CUCURBITALES) INFLUENCES WOOD STRUCTURE IN THREE HOST SPECIES OF MIMOSA

Pilostyles species (Apodanthaceae) are endoparasites in stems of the plant family Fabaceae. The body comprises masses of parenchyma in the host bark and cortex, with sinkers, comprising groups of twisted tracheal elements surrounded by parenchyma that enter the secondary xylem of the host plant. Here we report for the first time the effects of Pilostyles parasitism on host secondary xylem. We obtained healthy and parasitized stems from Mimosa foliolosa, M. maguirei and M. setosa and compared vessel element length, fiber length, vessel diameter and vessel frequency, measured through digital imaging. Also, tree height and girth were compared between healthy and parasitized M. setosa. When parasitized, plant size, vessel diameter, vessel element length and fiber length are all less than in healthy plants. Also, vessel frequency is greater and vessels are narrower in parasitized stems. These responses to parasitism are similar to those observed in stressed plants. Thus, hosts respond to the parasite by changing its wood micromorphology in favour of increased hydraulic safety.

A NEW METHOD TO OBTAIN GOOD ANATOMICAL SLIDES OF HETEROGENEOUS PLANT PARTS

A new method is presented to prepare anatomical slides of plant materials including a combination of soft and hard tissues, such as stems with cambial variants, arboreal monocotyledons, and tree bark The method integrates previous techniques aimed at softening the samples and making them thereby more homogeneous, with the use of anti-tearing polystyrene foam solution In addition, we suggest two other alternatives to protect the sections from tearing adhesive tape and/or Mayer`s albumin adhesive, both combined with the polystyrene foam solution This solution is cheap and easy to make by dissolving any packaging polystyrene m butyl acetate It is applied before each section is cut on a sliding microtome and ensures that all the tissues in the section will hold together This novel microtechnical procedure will facilitate the study of heterogeneous plant portions, as shown in some illustrated examples

p53 Mutant Human Glioma Cells Are Sensitive to UV-C-Induced Apoptosis Due to Impaired Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimer Removal

The p53 protein is a key regulator of cell responses to DNA damage, and it has been shown that It sensitizes glioma cells to the alkylating agent temozolomide by up-regulating the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, whereas it increases the resistance to chloroethylating agents, such as ACNU and BCNU, probably by enhancing the efficiency of DNA repair. However, because these agents induce a wide variety of distinct DNA lesions, the direct Importance of DNA repair is hard to access. Here, it is shown that the Induction of photoproducts by UV light (UV-C) significantly Induces apoptosis In a p53-mutated glioma background. This Is caused by a reduced level of photoproduct repair, resulting In the persistence of DNA lesions in p53-mutated glioma cells. UV-C-Induced apoptosis in p53 mutant glioma cells Is preceded by strong transcription and replication inhibition due to blockage by unrepaired photolesions. Moreover, the results Indicate that UV-C-induced apoptosis of p53 mutant glioma cells Is executed through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, with Bcl-2 degradation and sustained Bax and Bak up-regulation. Collectively, the data Indicate that unrepaired DNA lesions Induce apoptosis In p53 mutant gliomas despite the resistance of these gliomas to temozolomide, suggesting that efficiency of treatment of p53 mutant gliomas might be higher with agents that Induce the formation of DNA lesions whose global genomic repair is dependent on p53. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(2):237-46)

A maturação biológica e a seleção de atletas no minibasquetebol

Este trabalho tem como objeto principal investigar o nível da maturação biológica e o processo de seleção dos atletas de minibasquetebol. A amostra é constituída por 43 minibasquetebolistas do sexo masculino, com idades entre 11 e 12 anos, pertencentes às quatro equipes finalistas do Campeonato Gaúcho de Minibasquetebol de 1999. Para avaliar o nível de maturação biológica dos atletas, utilizamos o Teste de Tanner que determina o grau de desenvolvimento da característica sexual secundária - pêlos pubianos. O método utilizado é o da auto-avaliação, conforme descrito em MATSUDO & MATSUDO (1991). Para identificar a presença do aspecto maturação biológica, nos planejamentos de treinos e participação em competições, elaboramos um instrumento em forma de questionário, respondido pelos técnicos das equipes participantes da amostra. Para definir quais os critérios utilizados para a seleção dos atletas, preparamos uma entrevista semi-estruturada feita com os técnicos. Verificamos que, na determinação do nível de maturação biológica dos atletas, a concentração de freqüência é mais elevada no nível P3 que, junto com o nível P4 representam 74,4% da amostra, indicando como característica importante do grupo um estágio de maturação continuada. Os técnicos referem no questionário que não levam em consideração o aspecto maturacional biológico dos atletas na elaboração dos trabalhos juntos aos mesmos. Através da entrevista com os profissionais, constatamos que o desempenho técnico é o principal critério por eles utilizado para a seleção dos atletas. A principal conclusão deste estudo sugere que os atletas selecionados alcançam tal posição por apresentarem condição de maturados ou pós-maturados.

Retrievals of a size parameter for phytoplankton and spectral light absorption by colored detrital matter from water-leaving radiances at SeaWiFS channels in a continental shelf region off Brazil

Many efforts are currently oriented toward extracting more information from ocean color than the chlorophyll a concentration. Among biological parameters potentially accessible from space, estimates of phytoplankton cell size and light absorption by colored detrital matter (CDM) would lead to an indirect assessment of major components of the organic carbon pool in the ocean, which would benefit oceanic carbon budget models. We present here 2 procedures to retrieve simultaneously from ocean color measurements in a limited number of bands, magnitudes, and spectral shapes for both light absorption by CDM and phytoplankton, along with a size parameter for phytoplankton. The performance of the 2 procedures was evaluated using different data sets that correspond to increasing uncertainties: ( 1) measured absorption coefficients of phytoplankton, particulate detritus, and colored dissolved organic matter ( CDOM) and measured chlorophyll a concentrations and ( 2) SeaWiFS upwelling radiance measurements and chlorophyll a concentrations estimated from global algorithms. In situ data were acquired during 3 cruises, differing by their relative proportions in CDM and phytoplankton, over a continental shelf off Brazil. No local information was introduced in either procedure, to make them more generally applicable. Over the study area, the absorption coefficient of CDM at 443 nm was retrieved from SeaWiFS radiances with a relative root mean square error (RMSE) of 33%, and phytoplankton light absorption coefficients in SeaWiFS bands ( from 412 to 510 nm) were retrieved with RMSEs between 28% and 33%. These results are comparable to or better than those obtained by 3 published models. In addition, a size parameter of phytoplankton and the spectral slope of CDM absorption were retrieved with RMSEs of 17% and 22%, respectively. If these methods are applied at a regional scale, the performances could be substantially improved by locally tuning some empirical relationships.

Identificação e validação de marcadores microssatélites ligados ao gene Rpp5 de resistência à ferrugem-asiática-da-soja

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar novos marcadores microssatélites, ligados ao gene Rpp5 de resistência à ferrugem-da-soja, e validar os marcadores previamente mapeados, para que possam ser utilizados em programas de seleção assistida por marcadores moleculares (SAM). Para tanto, uma população F2 com 100 indivíduos, derivada do cruzamento entre a PI 200526 e a cultivar Coodetec 208, suscetível à ferrugem, foi artificialmente infectada e avaliada quanto à sua reação de resistência à ferrugem. Marcadores microssatélites foram testados nos genitores e em dois bulks contrastantes, para a identificação de marcadores ligados. Dois novos marcadores, potencialmente associados à resistência, foram testados em plantas individuais, e se constatou que eles estão ligados ao gene Rpp5 e estão presentes no grupo de ligação N da soja. A eficiência de seleção foi determinada em relação a todos os marcadores ligados ao gene Rpp5, e a combinação entre os marcadores Sat_275+Sat_280 foi de 100%.

MUC1 gene polymorphism in three Nelore lines selected for growth and its association with growth and carcass traits

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Seasonal variation in wood formation of Cedrela fissilis (Meliaceae)

Cambial activity and periodicity of secondary xylem formation in Cedrela fissilis, a semi-ring-porous species, were studied. Wood samples were collected periodically from 1996 to 2000. The phenology was related to climate data of the region. The cambium has one active and one dormant period per year. The active period coincides with the wet season when trees leaf-out. The dormant period coincides with the dry season when trees lose their leaves. Growth rings are marked by parenchyma bands that begin to be formed, together with the small latewood vessels, just before the cambium becomes dormant at the beginning of the dry season. These bands are added to when the cambium reactivates in the wet season. At this time, the large earlywood vessels of the growth rings are also formed. As these bands consist of both terminal and initial parenchyma, we suggest the general term marginal bands be used to describe them. The growth layers vary in width among and within the trees.

STEM ANATOMY and DEVELOPMENT of SUCCESSIVE CAMBIA IN THE NEOTROPICAL LIANA SECURIDACA RIVINIFOLIA (POLYGALACEAE)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

THE EFFECT of CARBONIZATION on WOOD STRUCTURE of DALBERGIA VIOLACEA, STRYPHNODENDRON POLYPHYLLUM, TAPIRIRA GUIANENSIS, VOCHYSIA TUCANORUM, and POUTERIA TORTA FROM THE BRAZILIAN CERRADO

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Novel active and passive anti-vibration mountings

This paper investigates a novel design approach for a vibration isolator for use in space structures. The approach used can particularly be applicable for aerospace structures that support high precision instrumentation such as satellite payloads. The isolator is a space-frame structure that is folded in on itself to act as a mechanical filter over a defined frequency range. The absence of viscoelastic elements in such a mounting makes the design suitable for use in a vacuum and in high temperature or harsh environments with no risk of drift in alignment of the structure. The design uses a genetic algorithm based geometric optimisation routine to maximise passive vibration isolation, and this is hybridised with a geometric feasibility search. To complement the passive isolation system, an active system is incorporated in the design to add damping. Experimental work to validate the feasibility of the approach is also presented, with the active/passive structure achieving transmissibility of about 19 dB over a range of 1-250 Hz. It is shown here that the use of these novel anti-vibration mountings has no or little consequent weight and cost penalties whilst maintaining their effectiveness with the vibration levels. The approach should pave the way for the design of anti-vibration mountings that can be used between most pieces of equipment and their supporting structure. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative bark anatomy of root and stem in Styrax camporum (Styracaceae)

The bark of Styrax camporum Pohl (Styracaceae) differs anatomically in the root and stem. Roots have layered secondary phloem; short sieve tubes with simple, transverse or more or less inclined sieve plates; fibres in tangential bands; astrosclereids; wide rays, and a poorly developed periderm. Stems have non-layered secondary phloem; longer sieve tubes with compound, scalariform, inclined sieve plates; sclerified cells and brachyselereids; a developed periderm, and a non-persistent rhytidome. Prismatic crystals, starch grains, phenolic compounds and lipidic contents were observed in root and stem bark cells. The differences between the secondary phloem of root and stem are discussed.