Adaptive Locomotion for Crossing a Moving Obstacle

Crossing moving obstacles requires different space-time adjustments compared with stationary obstacles. Our aim was to investigate gait spatial and temporal parameters in the approach and crossing phases of a moving obstacle. We hypothesized that obstacle speed affects gait parameters, which allow us to distinguish locomotor strategies. Ten young adults walked and stepped over an obstacle that crossed their way perpendicularly, under three obstacle conditions: control-stationary obstacle, slow (1.07 m/s) and fast speed (1.71 m/s) moving obstacles. Gait parameters were different between obstacle conditions, especially on the slow speed. In the fast condition, the participants adopted predictive strategies during the approach and crossing phases. In the slow condition, they used an anticipatory strategy in both phases. We conclude that obstacle speed affects the locomotor behavior and strategies were distinct in the obstacle avoidance phases.

Mineral requirements for growth of wool and hair lambs

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

A second mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene and the risk of venous thrombotic disease

We assessed the effect of a recently described mutation in the MTHFR gene (1298 A --> C) on the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) by determining its prevalence in 190 patients with verified DVT and in age-, race- and gender-matched controls. MTHFR 1298 A --> C was found in 42.1% of patients and in 41.1% of controls. The OR for venous thrombosis was 1.07 (95% CI 0.70-1.65) for heterozygotes and 0.83 (95% CI 0.33-2.08) for homozygotes. The OR for the factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation was 3.40 (95% CI 1.22-9.48), for FII 20210 G --> A was 5.22 (95% CI 1.12-24.2) and for MTHFR 677 C --> T, 1.24 (95% CI 0.82-1.87). No significant increased risk for venous thrombosis was found when MTHFR 1298 A --> C was coinherited with FVL (OR 2.85, 95% CI 0.88-9.23), FIT 20210 G --> A (OR 7.19, 95% CT 0.87-59.4) or MTHFR 677 C --> T (OR 1.44, 95% CT 0.71-2.92). These data do not support a critical role of MTHFR 1298 A --> C in the predisposition to DVT.

Unusual interactions binding iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) in layer-by-layer films

Molecular-level interactions are found to bind iron tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (FeTsPc) and the polyelectrolyte poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) in electroactive layer-by-layer (LBL) films. These interactions have been identified by comparing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy data from bulk samples of FeTsPc and PAH with those from FeTsPc/PAH LBL films. of particular importance were the SO3- -NH3 interactions that we believe to bind PAH and FeTsPc and the interactions between unprotonated amine groups of PAH and the coordinating metal of the phthalocyanine. The multilayer formation was monitored via UV-vis spectroscopy by measuring the increase in the Q band of FeTsPc at 676 nm. Film thickness estimated with profilometry was ca. I I Angstrom per bilayer for films adsorbed on glass. Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) revealed an anisotropy in the LBL film adsorbed on gold with FeTsPc molecules oriented perpendicularly to the substrate plane. Cyclic voltammograms showed reproducible pairs of oxidation-reduction peaks at 1.07 and 0.81 V, respectively, for a 50-bilayer PAH/FeTsPc film at 50 mV/s (vs Ag/Ag+). The peak shape and current dependence on the scan rate suggest that the process is a diffusion controlled charge transport. In the presence of dopamine, the electroactivity of FeTsPc/PAH LBL films vanishes due to a passivation effect. Dopamine activity is not detected either because the interaction between Fe atoms and NH2 groups prevents dopamine molecules from coordinating with the Fe atoms.

CYTOMETRY AND KARYOMETRY IN TRYPANOSOMA-CRUZI

A total of 991 Trypanosoma cruzi cells, from four laboratory stocks, including the three differentiation forms, had their cellular outlines, nuclei and kinetoplasts measured at 9000 x magnification. Data on the identifiable cell cycle stages were used to search for intraspecific and biological cycle heterogeneity.Cellular areas (CA) in the interphasic differentiation forms produced ratios of 1.07 for culture epimastigotes (E), 1 for blood trypomastigotes (T), and 0.86 for tissue forms (A). Homogeneity in terms of nuclear (NA) and kinetoplast (KA) areas prevailed among the stocks, with differences of at most 6%, for modal NA of strains CL and Y. NA of T-form was larger than the basic NA of early G1 A-form. T-form kinetoplast volume was 3-fold that of A-form K-DNA nucleoids.One of the two recently divided kinetoplasts in mitotic E-form did not correlate with CA, indicating that mitochondrial division was unequal. The KA of CL strain T-form did not correlate with NA, suggesting a mitochondrial disfunction in this thermosensitive strain.The CL strain T-form was more heterogeneous than the Y strain for all characters, showing greater frequency of large values, even reaching the G2 levels. This heterogeneity was interpreted as functional, consequent to the thermosensitivity of the CL strain. Precocious bursting of CL strain host cells would lead to the polymorphic T-forms. Post-S phase trypomastigotes could start division soon after penetration of host cells.

Photoluminescent properties of lead zirconate powders obtained by the polymeric precursor method

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

BaMoO4:Tb3+ phosphor properties: Synthesis, characterization and photophysical studies

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Critical speed and endurance capacity in young swimmers: Effects of gender and age

This study analyzed the relationship between critical speed (CS) and maximal speed for 30 min (S30) in swimmers of ages 10-15 years. Fifty-one swimmers were divided by chronological age (10-12 years = G10-12, 13-15 years = G13-15), sexual maturation (pubic hair stages; P1-P3 and P4-P5), and gender (M = boys, F = girls). The CS was determined through the slope of the linear regression between the distances (100, 200, and 400 m) and participants' respective times. CS and S30 were similar in the younger (G10-12M = 0.97 vs. 0.97 m/s, and G10-12F = 1.01 vs. 0.97 m/s, respectively), and older swimmers (G13-15M = 1.10 vs. 1.07 m/s and G13-15F = 0.93 vs. 0.91 m/s, respectively). In conclusion, the CS can be used in young swimmers for the evaluation of aerobic capacity, independent of gender and age. © 2005 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Alkaline phosphatase localization in golden hamster epididymidis: A biochemical and histochemical investigation

The aim of this study was to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP; E.C. 3.1.3.1) activity and major expression in homogenates obtained from different regions of Golden hamster epididymis, comprising the initial segment, head, body and tail, with concomitant research of this enzyme localization and activity in samples of tissues. These were collected from the same regions and investigated by histochemical conventional study performed on frozen histological sections. No significant differences in mean ALP activity, reported as U.100 mg-1 of tissue, were observed among the biological specimens collected from the epididymidis initial segment (0.92 ± 0.28 U.100 mg-1 tissue), head (1.07 ± 0.67 U.100 mg-1 tissue) and body (0.77 ± 0.23 U.100 mg-1 tissue). However, mean ALP activity was significantly higher in the epididymal tail (8.94 ± 0.40 U.100 mg-1 tissue) compared with the precedent segments. The findings suggested that ALP plays a significant role in the tail of the Golden hamster epididymidis, mediating androgenic segregation necessary to maintain the epithelial integrity. Furthermore, ALP acts on active transport of substances between the luminal fluid and spermatozoon membrane, and contrariwise. Thus, the high concentration of ALP in the epididymal tail helps to indicate the importance of this enzyme in the metabolism and maintenance of spermatozoa maturation and storage into the epididymidis luminal compartment, perhaps directly influencing the normal reproductive morphophysiology.

Do men and women use similar adaptive locomotion to clear static and dynamic obstacles?

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of gender on the adaptive locomotion in the clearance of obstacles. Specifically, it was evaluated if there are differences in the space-temporal parameters between male and female in the clearance of and dynamic obstacles moving at both slow and fast speeds. Basic procedures. Five young male adults and five young female adults took part in this study. The task was performed in three conditions: static obstacle and dynamic obstacle - clearance perpendicular to the participant's trajectory at slow speed (1.07 m/s) and at fast speed (1.71 m/s). The trials were recorded by two digital cameras and spatial-temporal information was obtained. Main findings. The dynamic obstacle conditions required more visual inspection. The results showed different adaptive locomotion between the sexes. The distinct gait patterns were evidenced for the spatial and temporal variables and cadence in the three conditions. Conclusions. The women presented a more conservative behavior, which was evidenced by the increase of the length in the penultimate step and in the toe clearance.

Use of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) latex biomembrane in diaphragmatic injuries in rabbits - an experimental study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical use of the natural latex biomembrane in diaphragmatic injuries produced experimentally in rabbits. Fifteen healthy adult male and female New Zealand rabbits were employed. The rabbits were assigned to the experimental groups I, II, III, IV and V and analyzed on the 15th, 30th, 45th, 60th and 90th days post surgery, respectively. The surgical procedure consisted in the access to the diaphragm at the eighth right intercostal space, removal of a circle portion of approximately 1.5 cm in diameter following surgical repair with a latex membrane. Macroscopically, it was observed an excellent healing process during the experimental period. The clinical observations, complemented by the histological analysis, indicate that the latex membrane is useful for repair of traumatic inuries of the diaphragm of rabbits.

Oxidative stability of soybean oil added to Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blazei mushrooms extracts in an accelerated storage test

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the oxidative stability of soybean oil added by Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blezei extracts in accelerated storage test. Design/methodology/approach: The following treatments were subjected to accelerated storage test in an oven at 60°C for 15 days: Control (soybean oil without antioxidants), TBHQ (soybean oil + 100 mg/kg of TBHQ), BHT (soybean oil + 100 mg/kg of BHT), L. edodes (soybean oil + 3,500 mg/kg of L. edodes extract) and A. blazei (soybean oil + 3,500 mg/kg of A. blazei extract). The samples were taken every three days and analyzed for peroxide values and conjugated dienes. Findings: At the end of 15 days, the treatments TBHQ, A. blazei, L. edodes, Control and BHT showed 6.47, 8.81, 41.53, 71.28 and 78.40 meq/kg, respectively, for peroxide values and 0.37, 0.40, 0.67, 1.07 and 1.00 per cent, respectively, for conjugated dienes. Originality/value: The research indicates that mushrooms may be a promising source of natural antioxidants. Therefore, natural extracts of mushrooms can be applied to vegetable oils as a way to reduce the degradation caused by lipid oxidation. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Molar incisor hypomineralisation: Possible aetiological factors in children from urban and rural areas

Aim: To analyse factors potentially associated with molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) development. METHODS: A population-based study was carried out with 903 children aged from 6-12 years old, born and residing in rural and urban areas of the town of Botelhos, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Their mothers completed a structured medical history questionnaire, from pregnancy to the child's 3rd year of life. Two examiners evaluated children for MIH according to criteria suggested by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Descriptive analyses of the data and odds ratios (OR) with 95% test-based confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Chisquare test was used to evaluate the differences between groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH in children from rural area (RA) was significantly higher than those from the urban area (UA) (24.9% versus 17.8%, p= 0.01). In urban children, neither significant associations with MIH nor medical problems were found. In rural children, however, MIH was significantly more common among those whose mothers had experienced medical problems during pregnancy (OR=2.11; 1.01-4.37 CI 95%; p=0.04), who had throat infections (OR=2.93; 1.47-5.87 CI 95%; p=0.01), who had high fever (OR=1.91; 1.07-3.39 CI 95%; p=0.02), and who had used amoxicillin associated with other antibiotics (OR=1.92; 1.02-3.62 CI 95%; p=0.04) during the first 3 years of life. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a link between MIH and health problems during pregnancy, as well as environmental factors.

Dermatóglífos de mulheres obesas brasileiras

Study design: descriptive, observational, cross-sectional. Purpose: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease, including genetic and endocrine factors, demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological changes. It affects children, adults, and elderly persons. Searching respective hereditary risk indicators is increasing, mainly by applying simple and low-cost methodology. We included thus dermatoglyphics. Objective: To investigated 30 Brazilian women dermatoglyphic profiles, 46.1 ± 07.87 years old, and body fat % equal or higher than 30%. Results: Arch predominance, low loop frequency, and high amount of IV-finger whorls were observed, as well as frequency of rare palmar pattern in 2-interdigital area. Conclusions: Data confirm the variability of dermatoglyphics frequency in different population groups, revealing that the findings meant obesity, regardless of women's different personal characteristics. Thus, additional evidences on constitutional component of obesity have been accumulated.

Description and interpretation of Cenozoic vertebrate ichnofossils in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

In the neighborhood of the city of Boqueirão do Leão (State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) a set of three big-sized tunnels has been found. One of the tunnels is only partially filled with sand and accessible along its entire length. It is horizontal, slightly sinuous, 36 m long, up to 4.2 m wide and up to 2.0 m high. The surface morphology of the walls is composed of anthropogenic marks, speleothems, black incrustations and traces like digging scratches and smoothed surfaces. The 2nd tunnel has its entrance blocked by sand and sandstone cobbles, but the end of the tunnel is only partially clogged and therefore accessible. This accessible portion is 12 m long, 3 m wide and 1.5 m high. The 3rd tunnel is completely filled and collapsed and is nowadays only indicated by concave roof features at its end. The general features of the tunnel system and the analysis of the surface morphology of the walls of the accessible portions permit to conclude that the tunnels were produced by ground sloths of the Cenozoic South American megafauna. The size of the tunnels suggests that its excavation was gradually carried out by successive generations of sloth herds, and not by a single individual animal. The primary function of the tunnels probably was not protection from predators, which had easy access to structures of this size, but to shelter during a drier climate. However, it is not yet possible to relate the tunnels to a specific ground sloth genus, a task that depends on the discovery of better-preserved tunnel systems. © 2013 by the Sociedade Brasileira de Paleontologia.