Inflation and the variability of relative prices in the Caribbean: evidence from panel threshold models

Includes bibliography

Bait and habitat preferences, and temporal variability of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) attracted to vertebrate carrion

In addition to feeding on carrion tissues and fluids, social wasps can also prey on immature and adult carrion flies, thereby reducing their populations and retarding the decomposition process of carcasses. In this study, we report on the occurrence and behavior of social wasps attracted to vertebrate carrion. The collections were made monthly from September 2006 to October 2007 in three environments (rural, urban, and forest) in six municipalities of southeast Brazil, using baited bottle traps. We collected Agelaia pallipes (Olivier, 1791) (n = 143), Agelaia vicina (Saussure, 1854) (n = 106), Agelaia multipicta (Haliday, 1836) (n = 18), and Polybia paulista Ihering, 1896 (n = 3). The wasps were observed feeding directly on the baits and preying on adult insects collected in the traps. Bait and habitat associations, temporal variability of social wasps, and possible forensic implications of their actions are discussed. © 2011 Entomological Society of America.

A snoring classifier based on heart rate variability analysis

The effect of snoring on the cardiovascular system is not well-known. In this study we analyzed the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) differences between light and heavy snorers. The experiments are done on the full-whole-night polysomnography (PSG) with ECG and audio channels from patient group (heavy snorer) and control group (light snorer), which are gender- and age-paired, totally 30 subjects. A feature Snoring Density (SND) of audio signal as classification criterion and HRV features are computed. Mann-Whitney statistical test and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification are done to see the correlation. The result of this study shows that snoring has close impact on the HRV features. This result can provide a deeper insight into the physiological understand of snoring. © 2011 CCAL.

Characterization of the Genetic Variability of a Sugarcane Commercial Cross Through Yield Components and Quality Parameters

The phenotypic characterization as well as the knowledge of the correlation among traits, is the first step to quantify the potential of a cross for further QTL (quantitative trait loci) detection. The present work aimed to evaluate the yield components and quality parameters variability of a mapping population derived from a bi-parental cross between IACSP95-3018 and IACSP93-3046 at plant cane and ratoon cane as well as to estimate the heritabilities and pair-wise correlation among the traits evaluated. The progeny clones differed significantly for the traits measures indicating the existence of significant amount of variability among them as also as the presence of transgressive clones. Broad-sense heritabilities values were generally high for stalk diameter, stalk weight, stalk height, Brix and Pol%Cane in plant cane and ratoon cane. Tones of sugarcane per hectare (TCH) were significantly correlated with stalk weight and stalk number in both years. Regarding to all the yield components, stalk number together with stalk weight were the most important components in the determination of TCH. While fiber and Pol%Cane were negative correlated showing that they are inversely correlated traits. © 2012 Society for Sugar Research & Promotion.

Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of linear and nonlinear indices of heart rate variability in stable angina patients

Background: Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is related to higher morbidity and mortality. In this study we evaluated the linear and nonlinear indices of the HRV in stable angina patients submitted to coronary angiography. Methods. We studied 77 unselected patients for elective coronary angiography, which were divided into two groups: coronary artery disease (CAD) and non-CAD groups. For analysis of HRV indices, HRV was recorded beat by beat with the volunteers in the supine position for 40 minutes. We analyzed the linear indices in the time (SDNN [standard deviation of normal to normal], NN50 [total number of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration greater than 50ms] and RMSSD [root-mean square of differences]) and frequency domains ultra-low frequency (ULF) ≤ 0,003 Hz, very low frequency (VLF) 0,003 - 0,04 Hz, low frequency (LF) (0.04-0.15 Hz), and high frequency (HF) (0.15-0.40 Hz) as well as the ratio between LF and HF components (LF/HF). In relation to the nonlinear indices we evaluated SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, approximate entropy (-ApEn), α1, α2, Lyapunov Exponent, Hurst Exponent, autocorrelation and dimension correlation. The definition of the cutoff point of the variables for predictive tests was obtained by the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC). The area under the ROC curve was calculated by the extended trapezoidal rule, assuming as relevant areas under the curve ≥ 0.650. Results: Coronary arterial disease patients presented reduced values of SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, HF, SD1, SD2 and -ApEn. HF ≤ 66 ms§ssup§2§esup§, RMSSD ≤ 23.9 ms, ApEn ≤-0.296 and NN50 ≤ 16 presented the best discriminatory power for the presence of significant coronary obstruction. Conclusion: We suggest the use of Heart Rate Variability Analysis in linear and nonlinear domains, for prognostic purposes in patients with stable angina pectoris, in view of their overall impairment. © 2012 Pivatelli et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Heart rate variability in healthy adolescents at rest

Objective: to describe the cardiac autonomic function in healthy adolescents between 13 and 18 years old. Methods: data from 93 adolescents, of both sexes, were analyzed; they were divided into three groups according to age. Group A 13-14 years old (n=26), Group B 15-16 years old (n = 30) and Group C 17-18 years old (n = 17). The protocol consisted of raising the heart rate, beat by beat for twenty minutes of rest in supine position with spontaneous breathing. The cardiac autonomic behavior analysis was performed by the method of heart rate variability (HRV) through the indices of the Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2 and ratio SD1/SD2) and its qualitative analysis and indices in linear time domain (RMSSD and SDNN) and frequency (LFnu, HFnu and LF/HF). One-way ANOVA test or Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between groups, with a significance level of 5%. Results: there was no significant difference in none of the indices compared the three groups. In addition,visual analysis of Poincaré plot has observed for all age groups large dispersion of RR intervals, indicating that these groups have good HRV. Conclusion: there were no changes in HRV in the different age groups analyzed, however the result allowed to establish a standard for each group that was studied, becomes an important tool for comparison of cardiac autonomic function between healthy and patients subjects or in different areas.

Latin America: variability and persistence in commodity prices

Includes bibliography

Loss of Genetic Variability Induced by Agroecosystems: Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) as a Case Study

Four species of green lacewings occur in Brazil, of which Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) exhibits the widest geographical distribution. Chrysoperla externa is a predatory insect that is potentially useful as a biological control agent of agricultural pests. Studies on the genetic diversity of lacewing populations are essential to reduce the environmental and economic harm that may be caused by organisms with a low ability to adapt to the adverse and/or different environmental conditions to which they are exposed. We used the cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial gene as a molecular marker to investigate the genetic diversity of green lacewing species collected from native and agroecosystem environments. Populations derived from native areas showed higher rates of genetic variability compared to populations from agroecosystems. Demographic changes in the form of population expansion were observed in agroecosystems, whereas populations in the native environment appeared stable over time. A statistical analysis showed significant genetic structure between each of the sampled groups, combined with its complete absence within each group, corroborating each group's identity. We infer that the loss of variability exhibited by populations from the agroecosystems is the result of genetic drift by means of the founder effect, a similar effect that has been observed in other introduced populations. Agroecosystems might therefore function as exotic areas for green lacewings, even when these areas are within the normal range of the species. © 2012 Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil.

Mapping five repetitive DNA classes in sympatric species of Hypostomus (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Loricariidae): analysis of chromosomal variability

Fish belonging to the genus Hypostomus are known for exhibiting a striking diversity in its karyotype structure, however the knowledge concerning the distribution patterns of heterochromatin and location of repetitive DNA sequences in the karyotypes is still limited. Aiming a better understanding of the chromosomal organization in this group, we analyzed three sympatric species of Hypostomus collected in the Hortelã stream, a component of the Paranapanema River basin, Botucatu/SP/Brazil. The analyses involved the cytogenetic characterization and chromosomal mapping of repetitive sequences and intra/interspecific comparisons using sequences of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I. The results revealed that H. ancistroides presents a karyotype with 2n = 68 chromosomes, H. strigaticeps 2n = 72 chromosomes, and H. nigromaculatus 2n = 76 chromosomes. In addition to differences found in the diploid number, it was also observed variations in karyotypic formulae, amount of constitutive heterochromatin, and location of nucleolus organizer regions. The cytogenetic mapping of 5S and 18S rDNA, as well as of the H3 histone gene, disclosed a differential dispersion process among the three species. In some cases the Rex1 transposable element showed to be co-located with 5S rDNA sites. The molecular analyses support the cytogenetic data and represent an additional tool for the characterization of the analyzed species. The results evidenced that chromosomal variations are not restricted to differences in diploid number or karyotypic macrostructure in the genus Hypostomus, indicating that events such as transposition of heterochromatin and rDNA segments may participate in the differentiation process occurred in these species. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

High chromosome variability and the presence of multivalent associations in buthid scorpions

In this study, we investigated the mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of 11 Buthidae scorpion species, belonging to three genera (Ananteris, Rhopalurus and Tityus), to obtain detailed knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the intraspecific and/or interspecific diversity of chromosome number and the origin of the complex chromosome associations observed during meiosis. The chromosomes of all species did not exhibit a localised centromere region and presented synaptic and achiasmatic behaviour during meiosis I. Spermatogonial and/or oogonial metaphase cells of these buthids showed diploid numbers range from 2n = 6 to 2n = 28. In most species, multivalent chromosome associations were observed in pachytene and postpachytene nuclei. Moreover, intraspecific variability associated with the presence or absence of chromosome chains and the number of chromosomes in the complex meiotic configurations was observed in some species of these three genera. Silver-impregnated cells revealed that the number and location of nucleolar organiser regions (NORs) remained unchanged despite extensive chromosome variation; notably, two NORs located on the terminal or subterminal chromosome regions were commonly observed for all species. C-banded and fluorochrome-stained cells showed that species with conspicuous blocks of heterochromatin exhibited the lowest rate of chromosomal rearrangement. Based on the investigation of mitotic and meiotic cells, we determined that the intraspecific variability occurred as a consequence of fission/fusion-type chromosomal rearrangements in Ananteris and Tityus species and reciprocal translocation in Rhopalurus species. Furthermore, we verified that individuals presenting the same diploid number differ in structural chromosome organisation, giving rise to intraspecific differences of chromosome association in meiotic cells (bivalent-like elements or chromosome chains). © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

The effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on heart rate variability in postmenopausal women

Model of the study: Controlled clinical trial. Objective: To verify the effects of 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training on cardiac autonomic modulation in menopausal women. Methods: 17 menopausal women were divided into two groups: the training group (TG: n=11) and control group (CG: n=6). The body composition variables were estimated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated by heart rate variability using linear indexes. The training protocol consisted of 16 weeks of 50 minutes of resistance training and 30 minutes of aerobic training. Results: For the TG there was an increase in the rMSSD(ms) index (pre:17,4±3,7 and post:24,8±13,1, p<0,045), an increase in the duration of the intervals between the cardiac beats(ms) (pre:891,2±80,2 and post:974,1±71,4, p<0,003) and in the values of heart rate(bpm) (pre:68,1±6,4 and post:62,0±4,7, p<0,003), additionally for the spectral indexes in normalized units, changes for LF (pre:52,2±13,1 and post:44,5±12,4, p<0,025) and HF (pre:47,8±13,3 and post:55,5±12,4, p<0,025) were noticed, demonstrating increased parasympathetic and reduced sympathetic. There were no significant differences to CG. Conclusion: combined aerobic and resistance training promoted benefits to the autonomic modulation in menopausal women.

Genetic variability for temperament indicators of Nellore cattle

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Poincaré plot indexes of heart rate variability: Relationships with other nonlinear variables

The Poincaré plot for heart rate variability analysis is a technique considered geometrical and non-linear, that can be used to assess the dynamics of heart rate variability by a representation of the values of each pair of R-R intervals into a simplified phase space that describes the system's evolution. The aim of the present study was to verify if there is some correlation between SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 ratio and heart rate variability nonlinear indexes either in disease or healthy conditions. 114 patients with arterial coronary disease and 65 healthy subjects underwent 30. minute heart rate registration, in supine position and the analyzed indexes were as follows: SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, Sample Entropy, Lyapunov Exponent, Hurst Exponent, Correlation Dimension, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF and LF/HF ratio. Correlation coefficients between SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 indexes and the other variables were tested by the Spearman rank correlation test and a regression analysis. We verified high correlation between SD1/SD2 index and HE and DFA (α1) in both groups, suggesting that this ratio can be used as a surrogate variable. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Caracterização molecular da estrutura genética de populações e espécies camarões palemonídeos Macrobrachium do gênero Macrobrachium

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

The effects of climate change on the coasts of Latin America and the Caribbean: Climate variability, dynamics and trends

This effort to study the effects of climate change in the coastal areas of Latin America and the Caribbean has been divided into four main parts in line with the comprehensive risk-assessment methodology developed. The outputs of this regional study are presented in four core documents: an analysis of coastal dynamics and climate variability, a study on the vulnerability of coastal areas, an evaluation of the impacts of climate change and an exploration of how all these different factors can be brought together in an assessment of the risks of the impacts of climate change on the region’s coastal areas. The overall objective of this study is to compile the specific types of information required in order to analyse the economic impacts of climate change in the coastal areas of Latin America and the Caribbean. The area covered by the study encompasses the coastlines of Latin America and the Caribbean (an area totalling approximately 72,182 km in length).