Genetic evaluation using multi-trait and random regression models in Simmental beef cattle

The Brazilian Association of Simmental and Simbrasil Cattle Farmers provided 29,510 records from 10,659 Simmental beef cattle; these were used to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for weights in the growth trajectory, based on multi-trait (MTM) and random regression models (RRM). The (co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood. In the MTM analysis, the likelihood ratio test was used to determine the significance of random effects included in the model and to define the most appropriate model. All random effects were significant and included in the final model. In the RRM analysis, different adjustments of polynomial orders were compared for 5 different criteria to choose the best fit model. An RRM of third order for the direct additive genetic, direct permanent environmental, maternal additive genetic, and maternal permanent environment effects was sufficient to model variance structures in the growth trajectory of the animals. The (co)variance components were generally similar in MTM and RRM. Direct heritabilities of MTM were slightly lower than RRM and varied from 0.04 to 0.42 and 0.16 to 0.45, respectively. Additive direct correlations were mostly positive and of high magnitude, being highest at closest ages. Considering the results and that pre-adjustment of the weights to standard ages is not required, RRM is recommended for genetic evaluation of Simmental beef cattle in Brazil. ©FUNPEC-RP.

The urban poor in Brazil in 1996: a new poverty profile using PPV, PNAD and census data

Includes bibliography

A study of neolignan compounds with biological activity against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by using quantum chemical and chemometric methods

Métodos quimiométricos (estatísticos) são empregados para classificar um conjunto de compostos derivados de neolignanas com atividade biológica contra a Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. O método AM1 (Austin Model 1) foi utilizado para calcular um conjunto de descritores moleculares (propriedades) para os compostos em estudo. A seguir, os descritores foram analisados utilizando os seguintes métodos de reconhecimento de padrões: Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA), Análise Hierárquica de Agrupamentos (HCA) e o método de K-vizinhos mais próximos (KNN). Os métodos PCA e HCA mostraram-se bastante eficientes para classificação dos compostos estudados em dois grupos (ativos e inativos). Três descritores moleculares foram responsáveis pela separação entre os compostos ativos e inativos: energia do orbital molecular mais alto ocupado (EHOMO), ordem de ligação entre os átomos C1'-R7 (L14) e ordem de ligação entre os átomos C5'-R6 (L22). Como as variáveis responsáveis pela separação entre compostos ativos e inativos são descritores eletrônicos, conclui-se que efeitos eletrônicos podem desempenhar um importante papel na interação entre receptor biológico e compostos derivados de neolignanas com atividade contra a Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Cyanobacteria detection in Guarapiranga Reservoir (São Paulo State, Brazil) using Landsat TM and ETM+ images

Algae bloom is one of the major consequences of the eutrophication of aquatic systems, including algae capable of producing toxic substances. Among these are several species of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, that have the capacity to adapt themselves to changes in the water column. Thus, the horizontal distribution of cyanobacteria harmful algae blooms (CHABs) is essential, not only to the environment, but also for public health. The use of remote sensing techniques for mapping CHABs has been explored by means of bio-optical modeling of phycocyanin (PC), a unique inland waters cyanobacteria pigment. However, due to the small number of sensors with a spectral band of the PC absorption feature, it is difficult to develop semi-analytical models. This study evaluated the use of an empirical model to identify CHABs using TM and ETM+ sensors aboard Landsat 5 and 7 satellites. Five images were acquired for applying the model. Besides the images, data was also collected in the Guarapiranga Reservoir, in São Paulo Metropolitan Region, regarding the cyanobacteria cell count (cells/mL), which was used as an indicator of CHABs biomass. When model values were analyzed excluding calibration factors for temperate lakes, they showed a medium correlation (R²=0.81, p=0.036), while when the factors were included the model showed a high correlation (R²=0.96, p=0.003) to the cyanobacteria cell count. The empirical model analyzed proved useful as an important tool for policy makers, since it provided information regarding the horizontal distribution of CHABs which could not be acquired from traditional monitoring techniques.

Accomplishing Esthetics Using Enamel Microabrasion and Bleaching-A Case Report

This case report describes the sequential steps that were used to treat unesthetic, white, hard-texture enamel stains of unknown etiology. A tapered fine diamond bur was used to remove superficial enamel followed by the use of an enamel microabrasion compound Opalustre (Ultradent Products Inc). This technique removed the stains and was followed by polishing with a fluoride paste to restore the enamel to a smooth finish. The teeth were subsequently bleached with carbamide peroxide (Opalescence 10%, Ultradent Products), which achieved the patient's desired esthetic results.

Comparison of changes in dental and bone radiographic densities in the presence of different soft-tissue simulators using pixel intensity and digital subtraction analyses

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

Defining functional urban regions in Bahia, Brazil, using roadway coverage and population density variables

The concept of Functional Urban Regions (FURs), also called Metropolitan Regions (MRs), is not simple. It is clear, though, that they are not simply a combination of adjacent municipalities or areas. Different methods can be used for their definition. However, especially in developing countries, the application of some methods is not possible, due to the unavailability of detailed data. Alternative approaches have been developed based on spatial analysis methods and using variables extracted from available data. The objective of this study is to compare the results of two spatial analysis methods exploring two variables: population density and an indicator of transport infrastructure supply. The first method regards Exploratory Spatial Data Analyses tools, which define uniform regions based on specific variables. The second method used the same variables and the spatial analysis technique available in the computer program SKATER - Spatial 'K'luster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal. Assuming that those classifications of regions with similar characteristics can be used for identifying potential FURS, the results of all analyses were compared with one another and with the 'official' MR. A combined approach was also considered for comparison, but none of the results match the existing MR boundaries, what challenges the official definitions. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tool Condition Monitoring of Single-Point Dresser Using Acoustic Emission and Neural Networks Models

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

A new surgical technique to treat corneal perforations using amniotic membrane and surgical adhesive

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

Outlining precision boundaries among areas with different variability standards using magnetic susceptibility and geomorphic surfaces

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

Internal standard for amorphous pharmaceuticals products quantification and an application of Parametric Rietveld refinement using time, temperature and relative humidity as 'non-crystallographic' parameters

Pós-graduação em Química - IQ

Production of fungal lipases using wheat bran and soybean bran and incorporation of sugarcane bagasse as a co-substrate in solid-state fermentation

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

Pre-extrusion aromatization of a soy protein isolate using volatile compounds and flavor enhancers: Effects on physical characteristics, volatile retention and sensory characteristics of extrudates

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Control of Salmonella Enteritidis in turkeys using organic acids and competitive exclusion product

Aim: To evaluate the use of organic acids (OAs) and competitive exclusion (CE) product administered continuously in the feed and transiently in drinking water on the control of Salmonella enterica subspecie enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE) prior to slaughter.Methods and Results: The influence of treatments were evaluated on pH, population of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae, concentration of volatile fatty acids and SE colonization in the crop and caecum. The birds were challenged with SE 24 h before being slaughtered, and then, the caeca and crop were removed and subjected to SE counts. Continuous administration of OAs reduced the population of bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family in both crop and caecum, positively influenced the butyric acid concentration and reduced SE colonization in the caecum. The diet supplemented with CE product positively influenced the quantity of LAB in the crop and caecum, elevated the butyric acid concentration and reduced both Enterobacteriaceae quantity and SE colonization in the caecum. There was no effect from administering the treatments via drinking water on the variables measured.Conclusions: Continuous supplementation in feed with OAs and CE product reduced SE colonization of the caeca.Significance and Impact of the Study: Supplementation of OAs and CE product in diet to turkeys can reduce the SE load, potentially leading to a lower contamination risk of meat during slaughter.

PHYLOGENETIC STUDY OF GEITLERINEMA AND MICROCYSTIS ( CYANOBACTERIA) USING PC-IGS AND 16S-23S ITS AS MARKERS: INVESTIGATION OF HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER

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