Fermentation, losses, and aerobic stability of sugarcane silages treated with chemical or bacterial additives

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

Reposição de cães em área endêmica para leishmaniose visceral

Esse trabalho objetivou estimar a reposição de cães em área endêmica para leishmaniose visceral, onde a eutanásia de animais soropositivos é indicada como medida de controle, e avaliar os motivos que levaram a aquisição ou não de novos animais. Houve a reposição em 44,5% dos casos, principalmente devido à necessidade de companhia ou guarda. O principal motivo para a não-reposição foi o temor da leishmaniose visceral.

Evaluation of whole toasted and extruded soybean on the performance of broilers

This experiment was conducted to compare the performance of 1260 chicks fed diets containing soybean meal plus soybean oil (SBM + oil), whole extruded soybean (ESB) and whole steam toasted soybean (TSB), with two protein levels. A complete randomized design was used, with six treatments and 3 replicates of each sex. The treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement 2 x 3 x 2 to test three soybean types (SBM + oil, ESB and TSB), two protein levels (optimum and suboptimum) and two sexes. From 1 to 49 days of age, the tested soybean types did not affect the diet intake. However, ESB provided higher weight gain in relation to SBM + oil, but it did not differ from TSB. The feed:gain ratio obtained with ESB and TSB was better in relation to SBM + oil. There was no difference between the nutritional value of TSB and ESB, because they provided similar performance to the birds.

Structural and functional characterization of neuwiedase, a nonhemorrhagic fibrin(ogen)olytic metalloprotease from Bothrops neuwiedi snake venom

A fibrino(geno)lytic nonhemorrhagic metalloprotease (neuwiedase) was purified from Bothrops neuwiedi snake venom by a single chromatographic step procedure on a CM-Sepharose column, Neuwiedase represented 4.5% (w/w) of the crude desiccated venom, with an approximate Mr of 20,000 and pI 5.9, As regards the amino acid composition, neuwiedase showed similarities with other metalloproteases, with high proportions of Asx, Glx, Leu, and Ser, Atomic absorption spectroscopy showed that one mole of Zn2+ and one mole of Ca2+ were present per mole olf protein. The cDNA encoding neuwiedase was isolated by RT-PCR from venom gland RNA, using oligonucleotides based on the partially determined amino-acid sequences of this metalloprotease. The fall sequence contained approximately 594 bp, which codified the 198 amino acid residues with an estimated molecular weight of 22,375. Comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of neuwiedase with those of other snake venom metalloproteases showed a high level of sequential similarity, Neuwiedase has two highly conserved characteristics sequences H(142)E(143)XXH(146)XXG(140)XXH(152) and C164I165M166. The three-dimensional structure of neuwiedase was modeled based on the crystal structure of Crotalus adamanteus Adamalysin II. This model revealed that the zinc binding site region showed a I high structural similarity with other metalloproteases,, the proteolyitc specificity, using the B beta-chain of oxidized insulin as substrate, was shown to be directed to the Ala(14)-Leu(15) and Tyr(16)-Leu(17) peptide bonds which were preferentially hydrolyzed. Neuwiedase is a A alpha,B beta fibrinogenase, Its activity upon the A alpha chain of fibrinogen was detected within 15 min of incubation. The optimal temperature and pH for the degradation of both A alpha and B beta chains were 37 degrees C and 7.4-8.0, respectively. This activity was inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenantroline, Neuwiedase also showed proteolytic activity upon fibrin and some components of the extracellular matrix. However, it did not show TAME esterase activity and was not able to inhibit platelet aggregation. (C) 2000 Academic Press.

Multiple events of horizontal transfer of the Minos transposable element between Drosophila species

In this study the Minos element was analyzed in 26 species of the repleta group and seven species of the saltans group of the genus Drosophila. The PCR and Southern blot analysis showed a wide occurrence of the Minos transposable element among species of the repleta and the saltans groups and also a low number of insertions in both genomes. Three different analyses, nucleotide divergence, historical associations, and comparisons between substitution rates (d(N) and d(S)) of Minos and Adh host gene sequences, suggest the occurrence of horizontal transfer between repleta and saltans species. These data reinforce and extend the Arca and Savakis [Genetica 108 (2000) 263] results and suggest five events of horizontal transfer to explain the present Minos distribution: between D. saltans and the ancestor of the mulleri and the mojavensis clusters; between D. hydei and the ancestor of the mulleri and the mojavensis clusters; between D. mojavensis and D. aldrichi; between D. buzzatii and D. serido; and between D. spenceri and D. emarginata. An alternative explanation would be that repeated events of horizontal transfer involving D. hydei, which is a cosmopolitan species that diverged from the others repleta species as long as 14 Mya, could have spread Minos within the repleta group and to D. saltans. The data presented in this article support a model in which distribution of Minos transposon among Drosophila species is determined by horizontal transmission balanced by vertical inactivation and extinction. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the thermal shrinkage of titanium and the setting and thermal expansion of phosphate-boded investments

Statement of problem. There are few studies on titanium casting shrinkage, and phosphate-bonded investments for titanium casting have not produced appropriate marginal fit.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the thermal shrinkage of titanium and the setting and thermal expansion of 3 phosphate-bonded investments.Material and methods. The thermal shrinkage between the melting temperature and room temperature was calculated using a titanium thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal and setting expansion were measured for 3 phosphate bonded investments: Rematitan Plus (RP) specific for titanium, Rema Exakt (RE), and Castorit Super C (CA), using different special liquid concentrations (100%, 75%, and 50%). Setting expansion was measured for cylindrical specimens 50 mm long x 8 mm in diameter with a transducer. The heating and cooling curves were obtained with a dilatometer (DIL 402 PC). The total expansion curve was drawn using software, and temperatures to obtain expansion equivalent to titanium casting shrinkage were determined (n=5). In addition, the total expansion of the control group (RP at 430 degrees C) was measured, as well as the temperatures at which the other groups achieved equivalent total expansion (n=5). Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05).Results. Titanium casting shrinkage was estimated as 1.55%. RP did not achieve this expansion. RE achieved expansion of 1.55% only with a special liquid concentration of 100% at 594 degrees C. CA with all special liquid concentrations attained this expansion (351 degrees C to 572 degrees C). Total expansion of the control group was 0.86%, and the other groups reached that expansion within the range of 70 degrees C to 360 degrees C.Conclusions. Only RE and CA demonstrated sufficient expansion to compensate for titanium casting shrinkage. All groups reached total expansion equivalent to that of the control group at significantly lower temperatures.

Magnesium levels in nutrient solution and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L cv Carioca) development. Evaluation of the growth relations and assimilate partitioning

The effect of magnesium levels in nutrient solution upon relation between shoot and root, leaf weight ratio and assimilate partitioning of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Carioca) was studied. Bean plants (3 per pot) were grown in 6 l pots containing Hoagland & Arnon n. 2 solution modified to obtain 2.4, 24.3, 48.6, 72.9 and 97.2 ppm of magnesium. The experimental design was a completely randomized factorial replicated 3 times with 5 levels of magnesium and 5 samplings wich were done forthnightly. Therefore, it may be suggested that the 48.6 ppm of magnesium level proposed by Hoagland & Amen (1950) is the best choice for the common bean, according to the conditions of this experiment. Magnesium concentrations over 48.6 ppm didn't show significant alterations of the evaluated parameters. Nutrient solution with 2.4 ppm of magnesium content provides higher efficiency to the common bean plants during almost all its cycle, except the final of the reproductive phase. These results suggest that magnesium concentration increased to 48.6 ppm, in the cycle final perhaps could increase the productivity.

HEAT-KERNEL EXPANSION AT FINITE TEMPERATURE

We show how the zero-temperature result for the heat-kernel asymptotic expansion can be generalized to the finite-temperature one. We observe that this general result depends on the interesting ratio square-root tau/beta, where tau is the regularization parameter and beta = 1/T, so that the zero-temperature limit beta --> infinity corresponds to the cutoff limit tau --> 0. As an example, we discuss some aspects of the axial model at finite temperature.

The effect of N+ ion energy on the properties of ion bombarded plasma polymer films

This work describes the influence of the ion bombardment on the electrical, optical and mechanical properties of polymer films deposited from radio-frequency plasmas of benzene. Irradiations were conducted using N+ at 5 x 10(19) ions/m(2), varying the ion energy, E-0, from 0 to 150 keV. Film elemental composition was determined by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Electrical resistivity and hardness were obtained by the two-point probe and nanoindentation technique, respectively. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was employed to investigate the optical constants of the samples. Etching rate was determined by exposure of the films to reactive oxygen plasmas. Ion bombardment induced gradual loss of H and increase in C and O concentrations with Eo. As a consequence the electrical, optical and mechanical properties were drastically affected. Interpretation of these results is proposed in terms of chain cross-linking and unsaturation. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain levels in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência da elevaçáo transitória e da elevaçáo sustentada da pressáo arterial sobre a primeira derivada temporal da pressáo ventricular.

PURPOSE--To analyze the influence of transient and sustained elevations of arterial pressure (AP) on the rate of rise of the left ventricular pressure (dp/dt). METHODS--Thirteen anesthetized, thoracotomized and mechanically ventilated dogs, submitted to pharmacological autonomic block (oxprenolol-3 mg/kg plus atropine-0.5 mg/kg). The AP elevation was obtained by mechanical constriction of the descending thoracic aorta. Two protocols were applied to all animals: Transient Arterial Hypertension (TAH) and Sustained Arterial Hypertension (SAH) and the following variables were evaluated: heart rate (HR), systolic (LVSP) and end diastolic (LVEDP) left ventricular pressure and dp/dt. In TAH the variables were analyzed in the basal condition (To) and at the maximal value of AP attained during the transient pressure elevation (TM). In the protocol SAH the variables were evaluated in the conditions: Control (Ho), hypertension 1 (H1) and hypertension 2 (H2). RESULTS--Considering all conditions, there were no significant differences among the values of HR. In the protocol TAH, the LVSP varied from 133 +/- 22 mmHg to 180 +/- 27 mmHg, whereas in SAH the values of LVSP were as follow: HO = 129 +/- 25 mmHg; H1 = 152 = 23 mmHg; H2 = 182 +/- 24 mmHg. LVEDP changed in both protocols: To = 7 +/- 2 mmHg; TM = 13 +/- 2 mmHg (p < 0.05); Ho = 7 +/- 2 mmHg; H1 = 10 +/- 2 mmHg; H2 = 14 +/- 3 mmHg (p < 0.05). During TAH there was no difference between the values of dp/dt (To = 3.303 +/- 598 mmHg/s; TM = 3.350 +/- 653 mmHg/s; p > 0.05), however, there were increases of the dp/dt during SAH (Ho = 3.233 +/- 576 mmHg/s; H1 = 3.831 +/- 667 mmHg/s; H1 = 4.594 +/- 833 mmHg/2; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION--The values of dp/dt are not influenced by transient elevation of AP. Sustained increase of AP activates cardiac adjustments, which results in elevation of dp/dt, by stimulation of contractile state. Probably, the inotropic intervention mechanism is the length dependent activation due to the Frank-Starling mechanism.

Determination of mercury in agroindustrial samples by flow-injection cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry using ion exchange and reductive elution

A flow-injection system with a Chelite-S® cationic resin packed minicolumn is proposed for the determination of trace levels of mercury in agroindustrial samples by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Improved sensitivity and selectivity are attained since mercuric ions are on-line concentrated whereas other potential interferents are discarded. With on-line reductive elution procedure, concentrated hydrochloric acid could be replaced by 10% w/v SnCl2, in 6 M HCl as eluent. The reversed-intermittent stream either carries the atomic mercury, to the flow cell in the forward direction or removes the residue from reactor/gas liquid separator to a discarding flask in the opposite direction. Concentration and volume of reagent, acidity, flow rates, commutation times and potential interfering species were investigated. For 120 s preconcentration time, the proposed system handles about 25 samples h-1 (50.0 500 ng l-1), consuming about 10 ml sample and 5 mg SnCl2 per determination. The detection limit is 0.8 ng l-1 and the relative standard deviation (RSD) (n = 12) of a 76.7 ng l-1 sample is about 5%. Results are in agreement with certified value of standard materials at 95% confidence level and good recoveries (97-128%) of spiked samples were found. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Resistance to maxillary premolar fractures after restoration of class II preparations with resin composite or ceromer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance to fracture of intact and restored human maxillary premolars. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty noncarious human maxillary premolars, divided into three groups of 10, were submitted to mechanical tests to evaluate their resistance to fracture. Group 1 consisted of intact teeth. Teeth in group 2 received mesio-occlusodistal cavity preparations and were restored with direct resin composite restorations. Teeth in group 3 received mesio-occlusodistal cavity preparations and were restored with ceromer inlays placed with the indirect technique. After restoration, teeth were stored at 37 degrees C for 24 hours and then thermocycled for 500 cycles at temperatures of 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that group 3 (178.765 kgf) had a significantly greater maximum rupture load than did group 1 (120.040 kgf). There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 or between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Class II cavity preparations restored with indirect ceromer inlays offered greater resistance to fracture than did intact teeth. The fracture resistance of teeth restored with resin composite was not significantly different from that of either the ceromer or intact teeth.