Corn texture and particle size in broiler diets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of corn texture and the particle size on broiler performance, carcass yield, nutrient digestibility, and digestive organ morphometrics. In Experiment I, 720 male Cobb chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, consisting two corn textures (dented and hard) and three corn particle sizes, was applied, with four replicates of 30 birds each. Corn particle size was classified according to geometric mean diameter (GMD) as fine - 0.46 mm; medium - 0.73 mm, and coarse - 0.87 mm. In Experiment II, 120 broiler chicks were used to evaluate corn digestibility during the periods of 16 to 22 days and 35 to 41 days of age, using the method of total excreta collection. In Experiment I, corn particle size influenced body weight, average weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of 21-day-old birds. Corn texture and particle size did not affect the performance of 42-day-old broilers or carcass traits. In Experiment II, there was no influence of corn texture and particle size on digestive organ weights. Dented corn increased nitrogen excretion in the first trial, and hard corn improved dry matter digestibility in the second metabolic trial. Corn with fine particle size promotes better performance of broilers at 21 days of age. Hard corn results in higher dry matter digestibility and lower nitrogen excretion, and consequently higher production factor in 42-day-old broilers.

Partial cDNA sequence analysis of myosin Va from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and its relationship to myosin v isoforms from other vertebrates.

Partial cDNA sequences of myosin V from rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were analyzed and showed high similarity to MVa from other vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that events resulting in the formation of paralogous copies of myosin Va, Vb, and Vc occurred before the divergence of vertebrates into different classes. Expression analysis of myosin Va, Vb, and Vc in different O. mykiss tissues revealed MVa exclusively expressed in hypophysis and brain whereas Vb and Vc were expressed in practically all tissues analyzed. The nucleotide sequence for myosin V was explored in a fish species for the first time and these results represent an important start in understanding the organization, evolution, and expression of myosins in early vertebrates. The data presented here represent contributions to the knowledge of rainbow trout genome. A better understanding of this economically important species could assist in development of improved strains of this fish for aquaculture.

Larval development of Apiomithrax violaceus (A. Milne Edwards, 1868) (Decapoda : Brachyura : Majoidea : Pisidae) reared in laboratory conditions, and a review of larval characters of Pisidae

Apiomithrax violaceus (A. Milne Edwards, 1868 ) is a pisid majoid crab occurring in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the eastern and western South Atlantic. Larval development consists of two zoeal stages and a megalopa. Beginning with the first zoea, the duration of each larval stage at 24degreesC was 3-8 (5+/-1), 3-5 (4+/-0.5) and 9-15 (11+/-2) days, the megalopa and first crab instar appearing 9-11 (10+/-1) and 20-27 (23+/-2) days after hatching, respectively. Larval characters agree with those proposed for the Majoidea, in having nine or more setae on the scaphognathite in the first zoea and well-developed pleopods in the second zoea. However, larvae of A . violaceus do not fit larval pisid features. Zoeal stages differ from most other Pisidae in having lateral spines, a long rostral spine extending beyond the antenna, two spines per telson fork and a dorsolateral process on the third abdominal somite. The megalopa differs in having a spine dorsally on the carapace and on the basial segment of the second pereiopod. Two characters that are potentially unique to Apiomithrax include a zoeal antenna with an exopod that is much longer than the protopod, and a rostral spine that is longer than the dorsal spine. These characters should facilitate the identification of this taxon and could also be useful for phylogenetic studies. A review of larvae of 28 species among 14 genera indicated that there is no apparent single larval character that differentiates the Pisidae, with more limited phylogenetic analyses suggesting that this is a paraphyletic group. Apiomithrax , Eurynolambrus , Pisoides , Rochinia and Scyra have the most divergent morphological characters within the family. The analysis and inclusion of additional taxa is likely to shed more light on the sister-group relationships of the Pisidae. However, based on the extent of morphological interspecific variability of known larvae it is likely that the group, as presently defined by adult morphology, is not monophyletic.

The sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.) (Lep., Crambidae) and its parasitoids: a synchrony approach to spatial and temporal dynamics

A data set on Diatraea saccharalis and its parasitoids, Cotesia flavipes and tachinid flies, was analysed at five spatial scales-sugarcane mill, region, intermediary, farm and zone-to determine the role of spatial scale in synchrony patterns, and on temporal population variability. To analyse synchrony patterns, only the three highest spatial scales were considered, but for temporal population variability, all spatial scales were adopted. The synchrony-distance relationship revealed complex spatial structures depending on both species and spatial scale. Temporal population variability [SD log(x+1)] levels were highest at the smallest spatial scales although, in the majority of the cases, temporal variability was inversely dependent on sample size. All the species studied, with a few exceptions, presented spatial synchrony independent of spatial scale. The tachinid flies exhibited stronger synchrony dynamics than D. saccharalis and C. flavipes in all spatial scales with the latter displaying the weakest synchrony levels, except when mill spatial scales were compared. In some cases spatial synchrony may at first decay and then increase with distance, but the presence of such patterns can change depending on the spatial scale adopted.

On the search for potential anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drugs: Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-hydroxy-3-methylamino and 1,2,3-triazolic naphthoquinoidal compounds obtained by click chemistry reactions

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

CRITICAL EXPONENTS and SCALING PROPERTIES FOR THE CHAOTIC DYNAMICS of A PARTICLE IN A TIME-DEPENDENT POTENTIAL BARRIER

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

Growth and physiological responses of sunflower plants exposed to ultraviolet-B radiation

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

Effects of sire breed-grazing system and environmental parameters on the behaviour of beef calves just after birth

Effects of sire breed-grazing system and environmental factors on the first activities of high grade Nellore and crossbred Canchim x Nellore, Angus x Nellore, and Simmental x Nellore calves raised in intensive production systems and high grade Nellore calves raised in an extensive production system, after birth, were studied. During 2 years, 185 calves were observed from birth until the end of first suckling, and the following variables were estimated: duration of maternal attention (cow to calf) during the first 15 min after calving, latency to first attempt to stand up, latency to stand up, latency to first suckling, duration of first suckling and the interval from standing to suckling. Data were analyzed by least squares methods, with models that included fixed effects of year and time of the year of birth (March-April (early autumn) and May-June (late autumn)), sire breed-grazing system (Sy), sex of calf (Se), category of cow (primiparous and pluriparous), time of birth, Sy x Se, year x Sy and year x time of the year interactions and the covariates weight of calf, rainfall, air temperature and relative humidity in the day of birth. Calves born from 6:00 to 8:00 h presented the longest latencies to first stand up (40.3 +/- 5.1 min) and the shortest occur from 14:00 to 16:00 h (15.8 +/- 2.7 min) (P < 0.01). Primiparous cows provided longer attention toward the calf in the first 15 min after birth than pluriparous cows (13.0 +/- 0.7 min versus 11.1 +/- 0.5 min; P < 0.05). This attention was also shorter in earlier autumn (11.0 +/- 0.5 min) and longer in late autumn (13.1 +/- 0.8 min) (P < 0.05). Relative to sire breed-grazing system, Nellore calves raised intensively did take longer to stand and to suckle after birth as compared to crossbred calves also raised intensively (P < 0.01). However, grazing system did not affect (P > 0.05) any behaviour variable studied. As regard to sex differences, female calves did take less (P < 0.01) time to suckle after standing than male calves. Results showed that even purebred or crossbred Bos indicus calves in subtropical environmental need extra care when born on rainy days, especially during the first hours of the day. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Different responses in bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity to soil deformation by logging machinery on a Ferralsol under native forest

Ferralsols have high structural stability, although structural degradation has been observed to result from forest to tillage or pasture conversion. An experimental series of forest skidder passes in an east Amazonian natural forest was performed for testing the effects of mechanical stress during selective logging operations on a clay-rich Ferralsol under both dry and wet soil conditions. Distinct ruts formed up to 25 cm depth only under wet conditions. After nine passes the initially very low surface bulk density of between 0.69 and 0.80 g cm(-3) increased to 1.05 g cm(-3) in the wet soil and 0.92 g cm(-3) in the dry soil. Saturated hydraulic conductivities, initially > 250 mm h(-1), declined to a minimum of around 10 mm h(-1) in the wet soil after the first pass, and in the dry soil more gradually after nine passes. The contrasting response of bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity is explained by exposure of subsoil material at the base of the ruts where macrostructure rapidly deteriorated under wet conditions. We attribute the resultant moderately high hydraulic conductivities to the formation of stable microaggregates with fine sand to coarse silt textures. We conclude that the topsoil macrostructure of Ferralsols is subject to similar deterioration to that of Luvisols in temperate zones. The stable microstructure prevents marked compaction and decrease in hydraulic conductivity under wetter and more plastic soil conditions. However, typical tropical storms may regularly exceed the infiltration capacity of the deformed soils. In the deeper ruts water may concentrate and cause surface run-off, even in gently sloping areas. To avoid soil erosion, logging operations in sloping areas should therefore be restricted to dry soil conditions when rut formation is minimal.

Correlation between maxillary central incisor form and face form in 4 racial groups

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between central incisor form and face form in 4 racial groups and to investigate if there was agreement among experts in categorizing the central incisor forms. Method and Materials: A total of 160 subjects (40 whites, 40 mulattos, 40 blacks, and 40 Asians) ranging from 18 to 33 years of age were selected. Digital photographic records were made, 1 full-face and 1 intraoral view of the maxillary right central incisor. The outline tracings of the tooth and face images were obtained using Adobe Photoshop 5.0 software. The outline tracings were printed in distinct transparencies, and 3 prosthodontists determined if there was correspondence between the tooth and the face forms by superimposition of the transparencies. If there was disagreement among the prosthodontists' evaluations, the prevalent decision was considered. The experts also classified the central incisor forms into square, ovoid, tapering, or combination at 2 different sessions. At the first session, no instructions were given. At the second session, the prosthodontists were instructed to follow Williams' method of classification. Results: A correspondence between tooth and face forms was found in 23.75% of all cases. Agreement on the tooth form classifications among the prosthodontists occurred in 30.62% of all cases at the first session and 24.37% at the second session. Conclusion: There is not a highly defined correlation between central incisor form and face form in any racial group studied. In addition, the experts were not in fair agreement in categorizing tooth forms.

First-void versus midstream urine culture for detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum in the urinary tract

Quantitative Ureaplasma urealyticum culture was performed on clean first-void and midstream urine to evaluate the presence of these mollicutes in the urinary tract. The results, expressed as color changing units (CCU), showed that 14 (63%) of the 22 Ureaplasma urealyticum positive patients yielded counts equal to or higher that 10(7) CCU/mL for both the initial and the middle urine specimens. No abnormal chemical or microscopic findings (protein content, leukocyte numbers) were observed. The occurrence of U. urealyticum in midstream urine samples, even when numbers are considered, may be no more than a guide to the presence of ureaplasmas in the urinary tract.

Thermal studies of solid 4-chlorobenzylidenepyruvates of heavy lanthanides(III) and yttrium(III)

Solid-state compounds of general formula LnL(3).2H(2)O, where Ln is heavier trivalent lanthanides and yttrium, L is 4-chlorobenzylidenepyruvate have been synthetised.On heating these compounds decompose in steps. They lose the hydration water in the first step and the thermal decomposition of the anhydrous compounds occurs with the formation of oxochloride (Eu, Gd); mixture of oxide and oxochloride that decrease with increasing of atomic number of metal (Tb-Tm); or oxide (Yb, Lu, Y) as final residue, up to 900degreesC. The dehydration enthalpies found for terbium, holmium, ytterbium and yttrium compounds were: 34.93, 42.40, 57.39 and 62.24 kJ mol(-1), respectively.

The effect of hetero- and homosexual experience and long-term treatment with fluoxetine on homosexual behavior in male rats

Introduction the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have become the most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression. Sexual side effects have been noted to occur with this treatment on heterosexual behavior in rats. Heterosexual experience facilitates sexual orientation of male rats and decreases the latencies to first mount and first intromission. on the other hand, homosexual behavior in male rats induced by female hormones has not been evaluated.Aim the objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of heterosexual and homosexual experience in male rats long-term treated with fluoxetine (FLX) on homosexual hormone-induced behavior.Materials and Methods Male rats were treated with FLX or saline solution (10 mg/kg for 65 days). At days 36, 50, and 65 of the treatment, the rats were evaluated for homosexual behavior. Other rats treated with FLX or saline solution for 60 consecutive days were submitted to heterosexual behavior at 14, 21, and 28 days of the treatment. After this, they were orquiectomized and homosexual hormone-induced behavior was observed at 45 and 60 days of the treatment.Results (1) Only treatment with FLX did not affect the homosexual behavior. (2) the homosexual experience facilitated the homosexual behavior mainly on the animals from the control group. (3) the heterosexual experience facilitated the homosexual behavior on both groups.Conclusions Only long-term administration of FLX does not interfere with the homosexual behavior in male rats. The homosexual and the heterosexual experience facilitated the homosexual behavior on the control and experimental groups. We suggested that learning aspects related to sexual behavior are responsible by these results.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF ZIRCONIUM AND HAFNIUM ALPHA-HYDROXYCARBOXYLATES

A study of both zirconium and hafnium alpha-hydroxycarboxylates for analytical applications is presented, These compounds are studied by infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and X-ray diffractometry. dl-Mandelic, dl-p-bromomandelic and dl-2-naphthylglycolic acids are the more adequate reagents for gravimetric determinations of zirconium and hafnium, the ligands dl-2-hydroxyhexanoic and dl-2-hydroxydodecanoic acids were used for the first time and the results showed that they are also adequate reagents for the same purpose.

Synthesis, characterization and thermal studies on solid compounds of 2-chlorobenzylidenepyruvate of heavier trivalent lanthanides and yttrium(III)

Solid-state compounds of general formula LnL(3)center dot nH(2)O, where Ln represents heavier lanthanides and yttrium and L is 2-chlorobenzylidenepyruvate, have been synthesized. Chemical analysis, simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential analysis (TG-DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry, elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy have been employed to characterize and to study the thermal behaviour of these compounds in dynamic air atmosphere.On heating these compounds decompose in four (Gd, Tb, Ho to Lu, Y) or five (Eu, Dy) steps. They lose the hydration water in the first step and the thermal decomposition of the anhydrous compounds up to 1200 degrees C occurs with the formation of the respective oxide, Tb4O7 and Ln(2)O(3) (Ln=Eu, Gd, Dy to Lu and Y) as final residue. The dehydration enthalpies found for these compounds (Eu, to Lu and Y) were: 65.77, 55.63, 86.89, 121.65, 99.80, 109.59, 131.02, 119.78, 205.46 and 83.11 kJ mol(-1), respectively.