Domestication and the storage starch biosynthesis pathway: Signatures of selection from a whole sorghum genome sequencing strategy

Next-generation sequencing of complete genomes has given researchers unprecedented levels of information to study the multifaceted evolutionary changes that have shaped elite plant germplasm. In conjunction with population genetic analytical techniques and detailed online databases, we can more accurately capture the effects of domestication on entire biological pathways of agronomic importance. In this study, we explore the genetic diversity and signatures of selection in all predicted gene models of the storage starch synthesis pathway of Sorghum bicolor, utilizing a diversity panel containing lines categorized as either ‘Landraces’ or ‘Wild and Weedy’ genotypes. Amongst a total of 114 genes involved in starch synthesis, 71 had at least a single signal of purifying selection and 62 a signal of balancing selection and others a mix of both. This included key genes such as STARCH PHOSPHORYLASE 2 (SbPHO2, under balancing selection), PULLULANASE (SbPUL, under balancing selection) and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylases (SHRUNKEN2, SbSH2 under purifying selection). Effectively, many genes within the primary starch synthesis pathway had a clear reduction in nucleotide diversity between the Landraces and wild and weedy lines indicating that the ancestral effects of domestication are still clearly identifiable. There was evidence of the positional rate variation within the well-characterized primary starch synthesis pathway of sorghum, particularly in the Landraces, whereby low evolutionary rates upstream and high rates downstream in the metabolic pathway were expected. This observation did not extend to the wild and weedy lines or the minor starch synthesis pathways.

Domestication and the storage starch biosynthesis pathway: signatures of selection from a whole sorghum genome sequencing strategy

Next-generation sequencing of complete genomes has given researchers unprecedented levels of information to study the multifaceted evolutionary changes that have shaped elite plant germplasm. In conjunction with population genetic analytical techniques and detailed online databases, we can more accurately capture the effects of domestication on entire biological pathways of agronomic importance. In this study, we explore the genetic diversity and signatures of selection in all predicted gene models of the storage starch synthesis pathway of Sorghum bicolor, utilizing a diversity panel containing lines categorized as either ‘Landraces’ or ‘Wild and Weedy’ genotypes. Amongst a total of 114 genes involved in starch synthesis, 71 had at least a single signal of purifying selection and 62 a signal of balancing selection and others a mix of both. This included key genes such as STARCH PHOSPHORYLASE 2 (SbPHO2, under balancing selection), PULLULANASE (SbPUL, under balancing selection) and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylases (SHRUNKEN2, SbSH2 under purifying selection). Effectively, many genes within the primary starch synthesis pathway had a clear reduction in nucleotide diversity between the Landraces and wild and weedy lines indicating that the ancestral effects of domestication are still clearly identifiable. There was evidence of the positional rate variation within the well-characterized primary starch synthesis pathway of sorghum, particularly in the Landraces, whereby low evolutionary rates upstream and high rates downstream in the metabolic pathway were expected. This observation did not extend to the wild and weedy lines or the minor starch synthesis pathways.

A inclusão de crianças com PEA: Dificuldades dos professores do ensino básico

Dissertação de Mestrado em Ciências da Educação - Especialização em Educação Especial. Apresentada à Escola Superior de Educação de Paula Frassinetti.

Contributo da filosofia Lean na redução do custo de uma peça metálica

Num mercado cada vez mais exigente e competitivo, torna-se imprescindível que as organizações otimizem continuamente os seus sistemas produtivos. Muitas têm visto nas filosofias e práticas Lean e Kaizen as respostas para conseguirem produzir mais sem acrescentar recursos, e de forma mais rápida, mais eficaz e mais eficiente. O envolvimento da empresa numa cultura de melhoria contínua orientada para o cliente permite a criação de valor em todas as etapas, tornando-a mais flexível e competitiva. Essa transformação cultural, aliada à aplicação de ferramentas Lean e Kaizen, permitem melhorar o desempenho global da organização, reduzindo os custos através do combate aos inibidores de performance: os desperdícios, os paradigmas, a inflexibilidade e a variabilidade. No presente trabalho pretende-se mostrar a aplicabilidade de algumas destas ferramentas no processo produtivo de um componente metálico para a indústria mobiliária, assim como os ganhos alcançados com esta abordagem. Ao longo de todo o projeto foram usadas diversas ferramentas Lean Manufacturing como organização do posto de trabalho (5S), Gestão Visual, troca rápida de ferramentas (SMED), mapeamento da cadeia de valor (VSM) e alterações de layouts (com recurso ao software Arena e AutoCad para estudar a alteração mais eficiente que permitisse uma maior produtividade com menor quantidade de recursos). Também se mostra igualmente a importância dos colaboradores no processo de mudança, através das iniciativas Kaizen, do programa de sugestões, dos inquéritos de satisfação e das ações de formação, para que eles se sintam parte integrante da organização.

Antígona: nome de código: a peça em um ato de Mário Sacramento

Sob a influência da Antígona sofocliana, Mário de Sacramento escreveu uma peça homónima publicada, isoladamente, em 1959, no vol. XIX, nº 186 da “Revista Vértice”, e incluída, no ano seguinte, na tetralogia intitulada Teatro Anatómico. Nesta peça em um ato, a tragédia homónima de Sófocles configura-se um recurso metateatral de carácter crítico-reflexivo, em que o diálogo intertextual com o ancestral texto trágico promove uma leitura dramática do destino infortunado dos sobreviventes de uma família francesa, vítima da ocupação alemão, na Segunda Guerra Mundial, que, como os últimos Labdácidas, confrontam o sofrimento de situações-limite, ditadas por conflitos insolúveis da condição humana. Neste «ensaio dramático de Mário de Sacramento, a protagonista é uma mulher francesa, Ivonne, que no tempo do Maquis, escolhe, como nome de código, “Antígona”. Pretende-se, neste estudo, apresentar uma análise da influência exercida pela Antígona sofocliana neste «ensaio dramático», ao nível da caracterização das dramatis personae e do desenvolvimento da ação, que se sustenta numa reflexão crítica sobre as motivações da filha de Édipo e o sentido trágico das suas ações.

Play strindberg de Dürrenmatt - uma peça da atualidade

A tragicomédia Play Strindberg1 do autor suíço Friedrich Dürrenmatt já foi representada em Portugal por quatro vezes (1972, 1990, 2008 e 2015). Apesar de se tratar de uma peça com mais de cem anos na sua versão original do sueco August Strindberg, o número de vezes que o texto já subiu aos palcos portugueses suscita alguma curiosidade. Mas voltando cronologicamente um pouco atrás, sabemos que Dürrenmatt assiste, pela primeira vez, à representação da peça Dödsdansen (1900) [A Dança da Morte] de August Strindberg em 1948, em Basileia. No entanto, é apenas em 1968 que lê a peça e é a partir de Novembro desse mesmo ano que começa a escrever a sua versão (“Umarbeitung” [Refazer]2): Play Strindberg: Totentanz nach August Strindberg [Play Strindberg: A Dança da Morte segundo August Strindberg]3. A peça estreou no Basler Theater (Suíça) a 8 de Fevereiro de 1969 e é uma paródia à tragédia original de Strindberg, transformada numa tragicomédia, tão típica deste dramaturgo suíço. Do texto originário mantém apenas a estrutura base, como o próprio Dürrenmatt confirma:

In vitro REGENERATION OF PIGEON PEA USING LEAF EXPLANTS

Pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is a drought tolerant pulse legume, mainly grown for grain in the semi-arid tropics, particularly in Africa. Pigeon pea production in countries like Kenya is faced with a number of challenges, particularly lack of high quality seeds. The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro regeneration system for pigeon pea varieties grown in Kenya, that is amenable to genetic transformation. In vitro regeneration of pigeon pea varieties, KAT 60/8 and ICEAP 00557, commonly grown in Kenya was achieved using leaf explants from in vitro grown seedlings, through callus initiation, followed by shoot and root induction. For callus initiation, MS media supplemented with 0.5-4 mg l-1 2, 4-D and TDZ separately were tested, and IBA at 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg l-1 was tested for rooting of shoots. Embryogenic calli was obtained on MS containing 2, 4- D; whereas TDZ induced non-embryogenic callus alone or with shoots directly on explants. Indirect shoot regeneration frequency of 6.7 % was achieved using 1 mg l-1 2, 4-D-induced embryogenic callus obtained using KAT 60/8 explants. Whereas direct shoot regeneration frequencies of 20 and 16.7% were achieved using ICEAP 00557 and KAT 60/8 explants, using 0.5 mg l-1 and 2 mg l-1 TDZ, respectively. Optimum rooting was achieved using 0.5 mg l-1 IBA; and up to 92% rooted shoots were successfully established in soil after acclimatisation. Genotype and hormone concentrations had a significant (P<0.05) influence on callus, shoot and root induction. The protocol developed can be optimised for mass production and genetic transformation of KAT 60/8 variety.

Perturbação do Espetro do Autismo – Estratégias de intervenção em situações de crise de agressividade protagonizadas por crianças com PEA

PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL: DOMÍNIO COGNITIVO E MOTOR - Trabalho realizado no âmbito da UNIDADE CURRICULAR DE SEMINÁRIO DE PROJETO

Starch analysis as a method to discover subsistence strategies in prehistoric Finland and Estonia

Ancient starch analysis is a microbotanical method in which starch granules are extracted from archaeological residues and the botanical source is identified. The method is an important addition to established palaeoethnobotanical research, as it can reveal ancient microremains of starchy staples such as cereal grains and seeds. In addition, starch analysis can detect starch originating from underground storage organs, which are rarely discovered using other methods. Because starch is tolerant of acidic soils, unlike most organic matter, starch analysis can be successful in northern boreal regions. Starch analysis has potential in the study of cultivation, plant domestication, wild plant usage and tool function, as well as in locating activity areas at sites and discovering human impact on the environment. The aim of this study was to experiment with the starch analysis method in Finnish and Estonian archaeology by building a starch reference collection from cultivated and native plant species, by developing sampling, measuring and analysis protocols, by extracting starch residues from archaeological artefacts and soils, and by identifying their origin. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the suitability of the method for the study of subsistence strategies in prehistoric Finland and Estonia. A total of 64 archaeological samples were analysed from four Late Neolithic sites in Finland and Estonia, with radiocarbon dates ranging between 2904 calBC and 1770 calBC. The samples yielded starch granules, which were compared with the starch reference collection and descriptions in the literature. Cereal-type starch was identified from the Finnish Kiukainen culture site and from the Estonian Corded Ware site. The samples from the Finnish Corded Ware site yielded underground storage organ starch, which may be the first evidence of the use of rhizomes as food in Finland. No cereal-type starch was observed. Although the sample sets were limited, the experiment confirmed that starch granules have been preserved well in the archaeological material of Finland and Estonia, and that differences between subsistence patterns, as well as evidence of cultivation and wild plant gathering, can be discovered using starch analysis. By collecting large sample sets and addressing the three most important issues – preventing contamination, collecting adequate references and understanding taphonomic processes – starch analysis can substantially contribute to research on ancient subsistence in Finland and Estonia.

Antonio Peña Guajardo: “Toda situación del presente procede de un proceso histórico. No podemos entender el presente si no tenemos esa capacidad de ver hacia el pasado.”

Catedrático de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, este joven historiador fallecido prematuramente, desarrolló su labor de investigación sobre temas regionales, en etapas posteriores al triunfo de la República y el comienzo del Porfiriato. Primer ganador del premio de investigación histórica “Israel Cavazos Garza”, en 2004, se le recuerda como un impulsor de jóvenes dentro del Colegio de Historia

Intervenção psicomotora com crianças e jovens com perturbação do espetro do autismo [PEA], pertencentes ao Agrupamento de Escolas Dr. Azevedo Neves, Amadora

A Intervenção psicomotora atua como promotora do desenvolvimento global do indivíduo, a partir do movimento e do lúdico. Nas Perturbações do Espetro do autismo existe algum comprometimento a nível motor e comportamental, caracterizado pelos interesses repetitivos e estereotipados da comunicação e consequentemente das relações interpessoais, aspetos que podem ser promovidos através de intervenção psicomotora. Neste âmbito é fulcral a criação de uma relação empática com o indivíduo, a qual atua como facilitadora no processo de intervenção. Assim, o presente relatório de estágio descreve o trabalho desenvolvido durante o ano letivo de 2014/2015 com crianças e jovens, com diagnóstico de Perturbações do Espetro do Autismo e outras comorbilidades associadas, pertencentes às três Unidades de Ensino Estruturado do Agrupamento de Escolas Dr. Azevedo Neves no Concelho da Amadora. O mesmo engloba uma revisão da literatura relativa às Perturbações do Espetro do Autismo e à prática psicomotora, o enquadramento legal e institucional, uma descrição dos alunos acompanhados, com especial enfoque nos dois estudos de caso, os quais beneficiaram de intervenção psicomotora de cariz individual e de grupo, e é apresentado o processo de intervenção e avaliação de cada individuo, bem como do restante grupo. Após o processo de intervenção foi possível constatar alguns progressos psicomotores e comportamentais dos indivíduos.

Incorporation of dietary nitrogen from fish meal and pea meal ( Pisum sativum ) in muscle tissue of Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) fed low protein compound diets

Stable isotope analyses were applied to explore the relative dietary nitrogen contributions from fish meal and pea meal (Pisum sativum) to muscle tissue of Pacific white shrimp postlarvae (141 ± 31 mg) fed low protein diets having different proportions of both ingredients as the sole dietary protein sources. A negative control diet was formulated to contain 100% pea meal and six more isoproteic diets to have decreasing levels of pea meal-derived nitrogen: 95%, 85%, 70%, 55%, 40% and 0% of the initial level. Growth rates were negatively correlated to dietary pea protein inclusion due to progressive essential amino acid deficiencies (sulphur amino acids, threonine, lysine, histidine). The nitrogen turnover rate significantly increased in muscle tissue of shrimps fed diets having high levels of pea meal; however, contrary to observations from a previous study using soy protein, the relative contributions of dietary nitrogen from pea meal to shrimp muscle tissue were equal or higher than expected contributions established by the dietary formulations. Results highlight the effectiveness of stable isotope analysis in assessing the nutritional contributions of alternative ingredients for aquaculture feeds and the potential suitability of pea as a source of protein (provided the diets are nutritionally balanced)

Characterization of a biodegradable starch based film. Application on the preservation of fresh spinach

Mestrado em Engenharia Alimentar - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL

Physical and chemical properties of starch and flour from different common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar.

The physical, chemical and pasting properties of the flour and isolated starches from six different bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were investigated in order to obtain information for application in new products. The protein and total starch contents of the bean flours ranged from 17.72 to 20.27% and from 39.68 to 43.78%, respectively. The bean starches had low amounts of proteins, lipids and ash and showed an amylose content ranging between 45.32 and 51.11% and absolute density values between 1.55 and 1.78 g.cm?3. The bean starch granules were round to oval with a smooth surface. Results viscoamylographic profiles of the starches and flours showed the possibility of selecting cultivars for specific applications according to these characteristics.

Determinación del agregado fino (agregado de rio o agregado de peña) con mayor adhesividad al ligante asfáltico

64 p.