Image analysis for assessing broiler breeder behavior response to thermal environment

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

Spectroscopic investigation and thermal behavior of new carbonyl complexes [M(CO)(4)(N-N)(CuX)], (M = W, Mo; N-N=2,2 '-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline; X = Cl, SCN)

M(CO)(4)(N-N)] reacts with CuCl to give new heterobimetallic metal carbonyls of the type [M(CO)(4)(N-N)(CuCl)], M = W, Mo; N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). Reactions of [M(CO)(4)(N-N)(CuCl)] with NaSCN produced the series of complexes of general formula [M(CO)(4)(N-N)(CuSCN)]. The i.r. spectral of all the bimetallic carbonyls exhibited the general four m ( CO) band patterns of the precursors. The u.v.-vis. spectral data for precursors and products showed bands associated with pi --> pi* (nitrogen ligands), d-->d (intrametal), as well as MLCT d-->pi* (nitrogen ligands) and MLCT d --> pi*(CO) transitions. The [M(CO)(4)(N-N)(CuX)] (X = Cl, SCN) emission spectra showed only one band associated with the MLCT transition. The t.g. curves revealed a stepwise loss of CO groups. The initial decomposition temperatures of the [M(CO)(4)(N-N)(CuX)] series suggest that the bimetallic compounds are indeed thermally less stable than their precursors, and the X- ray data showed the formation of MO3, CuMO4, Cu2O and CuO as final decomposition products, M = W, Mo. The spectroscopic data suggests that the heterobimetallic compounds are polymeric.

Preparation and thermal behavior of mixture of basic carbonate and 4-dimethylaminocinnamylidenepyruvate with lanthanides (III) and yttrium (III) in the solid state

Solid Ln-OKCO3-DMCP compounds, where Ln represents lanthanides (III) and yttrium (III) ions and DMCP is the anion 4-dimethyiaminocinnamylidenepyruvate, have been prepared. Thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry (TG, DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction powder patterns and elemental analysis have been used to characterize the compounds. The thermal stability as well as the thermal decomposition of these compounds were studied using an alumina crucible in an air atmosphere.

Effects of prenatal exposure to deltamethrin on forced swimming behavior, motor activity, and striatal dopamine levels in male and female rats

The effects of prenatal exposure of rat pups to 0.08 mg/kg deltamethrin (DTM) on physical, reflex and behavioral developmental parameters, on forced swimming and open-field behaviors, and on striatal monoamine levels at 60 days of age were observed. Maternal and offspring body weight, physical and reflex development were unaffected by the exposure to the pesticide. At 21 days of age, open-field locomotion frequency and immobility duration of male and female offspring were not different between control and exposed animals. However, male rearing frequency was increased in experimental animals. A decreased immobility latency to float and in general activity after the swimming test in male offspring was observed at adult age; no interference was detected in the float duration during the swimming test. In addition, these animals presented higher striatal 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels without modification in dopamine (DA) levels and an increased DOPAC/DA ratio. These data indicate a higher activity of the dopaminergic system in these animals. Noradrenaline (NA) levels were increased, while MHPG levels were not detectable in the system studied. Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels, as well as the homovanillic acid (HVA)/DA ratio, were not modified by the exposure to the pesticide. No changes were observed in swimming and open-field behaviors nor were there any changes in striatal monoamines or their metabolites in the female experimental group. In relation to the pesticide formula, the present data showing that prenatal exposure to DTM alters latency to float and the activity of striatal dopaminergic system might reflect a persistent effect of the pesticide on animal motor activity, mainly in males. on the other hand, the decrease in general activity observed in experimental male rats suggests higher levels of emotionality induced by previous exposure to the swimming behavior test in relation to control animals. Data gathered in the present study may be important for the assessment of the safety of pyrethroid insecticides. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and Photoluminescence Behavior of the Eu3+ Ions as a Nanocoating over a Silica Stober Matrix

In this work, a SiO2 spherical were prepared by the Stober Method and then recovered with a single layer of Eu2O3 oxide (SiO2@Eu2O3) obtained by the Polymeric Precursor Method. The SiO2@Eu2O3 powder was heated treated at 100, 300, 400, 500 and 800 A degrees C. The samples were characterized by the Scanning Electonic Microscopy (SEM), Thermal Analysis (TGA/DTA), and the luminescent properties of the SiO2@Eu2O3 powders were studied by their emission and excitation spectra as well as by the lifetime measurements of the Eu3+ D-5(0) -> aEuro parts per thousand F-7(2) transition. The SEM analysis shows that the silica prepared by the Stober Method is spherical with a particle size of 460 nm. The emission spectra of the SiO2@Eu2O3 powders presented the Eu3+ characteristics bands related to the D-5(0) -> aEuro parts per thousand F-7(J) (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) transitions at 577, 591, 616, 649 and 695 nm, respectively. The band related to the D-5(0) -> aEuro parts per thousand F-7(2) transition is the most intense in the spectra, and its intensity decreases with the temperature enhancement. The decay curves of the SiO2@Eu2O3 samples presented monoexponential features, and the obtained lifetime values were higher than the Eu2O3 oxide. It was possible to conclude that the D-5(0) -> aEuro parts per thousand F-7(2) hypersensitive transition is strongly dependent on the Eu3+ surrounding.

Hypoactivity of the central dopaminergic system and autistic-like behavior induced by a single early prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide

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

Electrochemical behavior of a nitrobenzenesulfonyl derivative of aniline in aqueous solution

The electrochemical behavior of aniline protected by a nitrobenzene sulphonyl group in aqueous solution at a mercury electrode is reported. At pH < 10 the compound was reduced in a single well-defined step. Reduction of the nitro group involving a preceding protonation step was postulated. Two reduction steps are present at higher pH (pH > 11). Controlled potential electrolysis confirms that the reduction of the nitro group in a four-electron step to N-phenyl-4-hydroxylamine sulphonamide is always the preponderant process. ©1997 Soc. Bras. Química.

Phase behavior of synthetic amphiphile vesicles investigated by calorimetry and fluorescence methods

The understanding of biological membranes may be improved by investigating physical properties of vesicles from natural or synthetic amphiphiles. The application of vesicles as mimetic agents depends on the knowledgment of their structure and properties. Vesicles having different curvature and size may be obtained using different preparation protocols. We have used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and steady-state fluorescence to investigate the gel to liquid-crystal phase transition of vesicles prepared by sonication (SUV) and non-sonication (GUV) of the synthetic dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) in aqueous solution. DSC thermograms for a non-sonicated dispersion show a well-defined pre- and main transition corresponding to two narrow peaks at 36 and 45°C in the first upscan, while in a second upscan, only the main peak was observed. The sharpness of the peaks indicate a cooperative phase behavior for GUV. For a sonicated DODAB dispersion, the first upscan shows a third peak at 40.3°C, whereas for the second upscan the peaks are not well-defined, indicating a less cooperative phase behavior. Alternatively, the fluorescence quantum yield (Φ f) and the anisotropy (r) of trans, trans, trans-1-[4-(3-carboxypropyl)-phenyl]-6-[4-butylphenyl]-1,3,5-hexatriene (4H4A) and the ratio I 1/I 3 of the first to the third vibronic peaks of the pyrene emission spectrum as function of temperature are used as well to describe the phase behavior of DODAB sonicated and non-sonicated dispersions. It is in good agreement with the DSC results that the cooperativity of the thermotropic process is diminished under sonication of the DODAB dispersion, meaning that sonication changes from homogeneous to heterogeneous populations of the amphiphile aggregates. The pre- and main transitions obtained from these techniques are in fairly good accord with results from the literature.

Oviposition behavior of Ceratitis capitata wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae): Association between oviposition preference and larval performance in individual females

The oviposition preference and larval performance of females of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) were examined. Wild or laboratory-reared females were tested for oviposition preference in relation to papaya fruit in different stages of ripeness, as well as to two different fruits: papaya and apple. The results demonstrated that both laboratory-reared and wild females preferred ripe papaya fruit compared to unripe fruit for oviposition, and that ripe papaya was the best for larval performance. When oviposition preference was tested with different fruits (papaya and apple), both wild and laboratory-reared larvae developed better in papaya. However, only wild females showed a preference for oviposition on papaya as opposed to apple. Laboratory-reared females showed no oviposition preference on fruits that resulted in better larval performance.

Preliminary studies on agonistic behavior between colonies of Coptotermes havilandi (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae) in laboratory bioassays

Intercolonial aggression is being used to delimit foraging territory in termite species of subterranean termites. The advance of the introduced pest termite Coptotermes havilandi Holmgren in the interior of São Paulo State is increasing its economic impact as well as its interspecific and intraspecific competition in Brazil. In order to evaluate the intraspecific agonism among different colonies collected in urban areas of Sȧo Paulo State were set up a series of preliminary bioassays. Different combination of nestmates from field colonies of C. havilandi of Rio Claro city showed lack of agonistic behavior. Nevertheless, encounters among individuals from São Paulo and Rio Claro cities showed agonistic behaviors. These preliminary results suggest that caution should be taken in using intercolonial aggression to delimit the foraging territory of C. havilandi colonies in São Paulo State.

An ultrafiltration membrane, prepared with MSU-type mesoporous silica: Preparation and specific filtration behavior

We report preparation and the singular filtration properties of an ultrafiltration membrane made with MSU-type mesoporous silica that exhibits cylindrical pores aligned mostly normal to the support. This membrane supported on tubular commercial macroporous alumina supports was prepared by the interfacial growth mechanism between stable silica-surfactant hybrid micelles made of the association of silica oligomers with polyethyleneoxide-based (PEO) surfactants and sodium fluoride, a well-known silica condensation catalyst. It appears that the combined effect of the silica nature of the membrane, whose surface charge can be easily adjusted by changing the pH and the non-connected cylindrical shape of the pores provides a new behavior in the retention properties, as proved by the filtration of polyoxyethylene polymers (PEO) with different molecular weights. Depending on the filtration conditions, a rejection rate of 80 % and a steep cut-off at 2,000 Da can be obtained or, on the reverse, polymers three times bigger than the pore diameter can diffuse through the membrane. This new filtration mechanism, which opens up new modes of separation modes, is explained in the light of both topology of the porous network and pH-dependent interactions between PEO polymers and silica porous media. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Africanized honeybees: Biological characteristics, urban nesting behavior and accidents caused in Brazilian cities (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

In 1956 African honeybee queens (Apis mellifera scutellata) were imported from South Africa and Tanzania to Brazil, as part of a government project to increase Brazilian honey production. The European honeybees existing in that country had not adapted well to the tropical conditions and consequently, had a low productivity. The newly introduced bee was known to produce substantially more honey than the other subspecies, but was also famous for its great aggressiveness and quicker attack of intruders with less disturbance. Hoping to create a new hybrid bee that would be both docile and productive, the scientist Warwick Estevam Kerr tried to cross the African and the European subspecies under controlled conditions. However, an accident resulted in the escape of 26 swarms into the Brazilian countryside, where their queens mated with drones of the European resident honeybees. The poly-hybrid bees resulting from these crossings expressed scutellata-like reproductive, foraging, and defensive behaviors and, for this reason, were called Africanized honeybees. They spread rapidly from the introduction area of the African honeybees (near Rio Claro, São Paulo state) to as far south as mid-Argentina and to the north of Texas, also settling in Arizona, New Mexico, California and Nevada, due to their high adaptability to variable ecological conditions. In spite of a few undesirable behaviors, these bees have been invoking larger economic interest because they produce much more honey, have good resistance to diseases and are excellent pollinators. In Brazil, because people frequently disturb the environment, the occupation of urban refuges by Africanized honeybees has been increasing in the last years. The concern with accidents is generally associated with the high swarming frequency recorded during the year and the variety of shelters available in urban areas. This paper deals with the biological characteristics of the Africanized honeybees, their nesting behavior in urban environments, and accidents caused by these bees in Brazilian cities.

Digital monitoring of broiler breeder behavior for assessment of thermal welfare

The assessment of welfare issues has been a challenge for poultry producers, and lately welfare standards needs to be reached in order to agree with international market demand. This research proposes the use of continuous behavior monitoring in order to contribute for assessing welfare. A software was developed using the language Clarium. The software managed the recording of data as well as the data searching in the database Firebird. Both software and the observational methodology were tested in a trial conducted inside an environmental chamber, using three genetics of broiler breeders. Behavioral pattern was recorded and correlated to ambient thermal and aerial variation. Monitoring video cameras were placed on the roof facing the used for registering the bird's behavior. From video camera images were recorded during the total period when the ambient was bright, and for analyzing the video images a sample of 15min observation in the morning and 15 min in the afternoon was used, adding up to 30 min daily observation. A specific model so-called behavior was developed inside the software for counting specific behavior and its frequency of occurrence, as well as its duration. Electronic identification was recorded for 24h period. Behavioral video recording images was related to the data recorded using electronic identification.. Statistical analysis of data allowed to identify behavioral differences related to the change in thermal environment, and ultimately indicating thermal stress and departure from welfare conditions.

Damping behavior of hygrothermally conditioned carbon fiber/epoxy laminates

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites have been used in wide variety of applications including, aerospace, marine, sporting equipment as well as in the defense sector due to their outstanding properties at low density. In many of their applications, moisture absorption takes place which may result in a reduction in mechanical properties even at lower temperature service. In this work, the viscoelastic properties, such as storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″), were obtained through vibration damping tests for three carbon fiber/epoxy composite families up to the saturation point (6 weeks). Three carbon fiber/epoxy composites having [0/0] s, [0/90] s, and [±45] s orientations were studied. During vibration tests the storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″) were monitored as a function of moisture uptake, and it was observed that the natural frequencies and E′ values decreased with the increase during hygrothermal conditioning due to the matrix plasticization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Heteropicnotic chromatin and nucleolar activity in meiosis and spermiogenesis of Limnogonus aduncus (Heteroptera, Gerridae): a stained nucleolar organizing region that can serve as a model for studying chromosome behavior.

Males of Limnogonus aduncus were found to have the sex chromosome system X0 and chromosome number 2n = 23 (22A + X0). Testis cells were stained with lacto-acetic orcein and silver nitrate so that changes in the morphology and degree of staining of the heteropicnotic chromatin and the nucleolar material could be observed during meiosis and spermiogenesis. These structures share the same nuclear position and could be seen until almost the end of spermiogenesis. A chromosome region stained with silver nitrate was indicative of a nucleolar organizing region (NOR), which is rarely detected in Heteroptera with this technique. The NOR is located at one end of a single member of an autosome pair. The finding of this stained region enabled us to observe that the telomeric association of sister chromatids that characterizes the Heteroptera does not include the chromosome ends, where NORs are located; we also observed in anaphase that the chromosome end through which it is pulled to the pole is the one containing the NOR. Another observation was that the single nucleolar body present in the cells at anaphase never goes to the cell pole that does not receive the NOR. We conclude that L. aduncus is a good model for cytogenetic studies involving nucleolar activity and also may be useful for studying the mechanisms of activation and inactivation of kinetic activity at the chromosome ends. Although the chromosomes of Heteroptera are known to be holocentric, whether kinetic activity is restricted to one or involves both chromosome ends is still not well understood.