Reduction of the nutritional values of diets for hens through supplementation with phytase

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da redução dos níveis nutricionais de dietas para poedeiras marrons em pico de postura sobre o desempenho das aves, a qualidade dos ovos e os parâmetros ósseos. No total foram avaliadas oito dietas, cada uma com cinco repetições de oito aves: 1. controle: formulada para suprir as exigências das aves; 2) controle + 0,03% ou 600 FTU; 3) 15% PB; 2.800 kcal de EM; 3,8% Ca e 0,28% Pd; 4) dieta 3 + 0,03% ou 600 FTU; 5) 14% PB; 2.750 kcal de EM; 3,4% Ca e 0,23% Pd; 6) dieta 5 + 0,03% ou 600 FTU; 7) 13% PB; 2.700 kcal de EM; 3,0% Ca e 0,18% Pd; e 8) dieta 7 + 0,03% ou 600 FTU. A redução dos níveis nutricionais prejudicou o desempenho das aves, principalmente a produção e massa de ovos, que melhorou com a inclusão de fitase nas dietas. Os parâmetros de qualidade dos ovos, no entanto, não se alteraram com a redução até o nível de 15% de PB; 2.800 kcal de EM/kg; 3,80% Ca e 0,280% Pd, o que não se repetiu nos níveis com menor densidade nutricional. Não houve efeito da redução dos níveis nutricionais sobre os parâmetros ósseos avaliados, exceto a resistência, que melhorou com a suplementação de fitase no nível de 600 FTU. A redução nos níveis nutricionais da dieta para 15% de PB, 2.800 kcal/kg de EM, 3,8% de Ca e 0,280% de Pd com a adição de 600 FTU não prejudica a produção nem a massa de ovos e melhora a saúde óssea das aves.

Desempenho de novilhos recebendo dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar in natura ou hidrolisada

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

Synthesis and sintering of PZT ceramics

Lead zirconate powder, with Zr/Ti ratio of 50/50 was prepared by polymeric precursor method and doped with 3, 5 and 7 mol% of Sr+2 Or Ba+2, as well as by 0.2 to 5 mol% of Nb+5. The powder was calcined at 750 degrees C by 4 hours and milled during 1.5 h in isopropilic alcohol. Powders were characterized by surface area measurements (BET method), by infrared spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction to characterize the crystal structure. Isostatically pressed samples were sintered in a dilatometer furnace by using a constant heating rate of 10 degrees C/min from ambient to 1200 degrees C. Synthetic air and air with water vapor were used as atmospheres. Both Sr+2 and Ba+2 substitute Pb+2 and favor the formation of rhombohedral phase. Otherwise, Nb+5 substitute preferentially Zr+4 favoring tetragonal phase. The concentration of dopants and the atmosphere influence the densification and the microstructure of the PZT, which alters the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics.

Optical properties and energy transfer processes in (Tm3+, Nd3+) doped tungstate fluorophosphate glass

We investigate the linear optical properties and energy transfer processes in tungstate fluorophosphate glass doped with thulium (Tm3+) and neodymium (Nd3+) ions. The linear absorption spectra from 370 to 3000 nm were obtained. Transitions probabilities, radiative lifetimes, and transition branching ratios were determined using the Judd-Ofelt [Phys. Rev. 127, 750 (1962); J. Chem. Phys. 37, 511 (1962)] theory. Frequency up-conversion to the blue region and fluorescence in the infrared were observed upon pulsed excitation in the range of 630-700 nm. The excitation spectra of the luminescence were obtained to understand the origin of the signals. The temporal decay of the fluorescence was measured for different concentrations of the doping ions. Energy transfer rates among the Tm3+ and Nd3+ ions were also determined.

Orbital fat prolapse in a Persian cat. Case report

A two and a half-year-old female Persian cat was presented with a history of bilateral chronic ocular discharge. Epiphora bilateral mucous ocular discharge and a volume increase in bulbar conjunctiva on the dorsolateral quadrant of the right eye were noticed during routine ophthalmic examination. Ophthalmic examination and the aspiration cytology showed the presence of adipose tissue at the right eye dorsolateral quadrant indicating orbital fat prolapse.

Developmental lead exposure in rats: is a behavioral sequel extended at F2 generation?

Lead toxicity was studied in rats exposed from conception until weaning and assessed by monitoring offspring behavior in both the open field and elevated plus maze and by determining tissue lead in an assessment schedule extended to first (F1) and second (F2) generations. Dams utilized for the F1 generation were submitted to 750 ppm of lead (acetate) in drinking water during pregnancy and lactation. For F1 pups, behavioral alterations were not detected in the elevated plus maze, while in the open field, spontaneous locomotor activity as well as time of both grooming and rearing increased, while freezing time decreased in 30- and 90-day-old rats. Lead content was higher in tissues of 1- and 30-day-old pups. However, in 90-day-old rats, lead was detected only in the femur. F2 generation was lead-free but still presented alterations in both locomotor activity and grooming in 30- and 90-day-old pups. It appears that developmental lead exposure may cause behavioral effects during the developmental stage of the F1 generation, which remains throughout the animal's adult life as a sequel, regardless of lead accumulation, and is extended to the F2 generation of rats. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and thermal study of magnesium complexes with 8-hydroxyquinolinate derivatives

Magnesium ion was reacted with 5,7-dibromo-, 5,7-dichloro-, 7-iodo- and 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline, in acetone/ammonium hydroxide medium under constant stirring to obtain (I) Mg[(C9H4ONBr2)(2)].2H(2)O; (II) Mg[(C9H4ONCl2)(2)].3H(2)O; (III) Mg[(C9H5ONI)(2)].2H(2)O and (IV) Mg[(C9H4ONICl)(2)].2.5H(2)O complexes. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, ICP, TG-DTA and DSC.Through thermal decomposition residues were obtained and characterized, by X-ray diffractometry, as a mixture of hexagonal MgBr2 and cubic MgO to the (I) compound at 850degreesC; cubic MgO to the (II), (III) and (IV) compounds at 750, 800 and 700degreesC, respectively.

Plutonism in three orogenic pulses, Eastern Blue Ridge Province, southern Appalachians

The Eastern Blue Ridge Province of the southern Appalachians contains, in part, remnants of an Ordovician accretionary wedge complex formed during subduction of an oceanic tract before mid-Ordovician accretion with Laurentia. The Eastern Blue Ridge Province consists of metapelite and amphibolite intruded by low-K plutons, high-temperature (T > 750 degrees C) Ordovician eclogite, and other high-pressure metamafic and meta-ultramatic rocks. Felsic plutons in the Eastern Blue Ridge Province are important time markers for regional-scale tectonics, deformation, and metamorphism. Plutons were thought to be related to either Taconian (Ordovician) or Acadian (Devonian-Silurian) tectonothermal events.We dated five plutonic or metaplutonic rocks to constrain pluton crystallization ages better and thus the timing of tectonism. The Persimmon Creek gneiss yielded a protolith crystallization age of 455.7 +/- 2.1 Ma, Chalk Mountain 377.7 +/- 2.5 Ma, Mt. Airy 334 +/- 3 Ma, Stone Mountain 335.6 +/- 1.0 Ma, and Rabun 335.1 +/- 2.8 Ma. The latter four plutons were thought to be part of the Acadian Spruce Pine Suite, but instead our new ages indicate that Alleghanian (Carboniferous-Permian) plutonism is widespread and voluminous in the Eastern Blue Ridge Province. The Chattahoochee fault, which was considered an Acadian structure, cuts the Rabun pluton and thus must have been active during the Alleghanian orogeny. The new ages indicate that Persimmon Creek crystallized less than 3 m.y. after zircon crystallization in Eastern Blue Ridge eclogite and is nearly synchronous with nearby high-grade metamorphism and migmatization. The three phases of plutonism in the Eastern Blue Ridge Province correspond with established metamorphic ages for each of the three major orogenic pulses along the western flank of the southern Appalachians.

Negative temperature coefficient thermistor based on Bi3Zn2Sb3O14 ceramic: An oxide semiconductor at high temperature

Bi1.5ZnSb1.5O7 dielectric ceramic with pyrochlore structure was investigated by impedance spectroscopy from 400 to 750 degreesC. Pyrochlore was synthesized by the polymeric precursor method, a chemical synthesis route derived from Pechini's method. The grain or bulk resistance exhibits a sensor temperature characteristic, being a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient (NTC). Only a single region was identified on the resistance curve investigated. The NTC thermistor characteristic parameter (beta) is equal to 7140 degreesC, in the temperature range investigated. The temperature coefficient of the resistance (alpha) was derived, being equal to -4.46x10(-2) degreesC(-1) at 400 degreesC. The conduction mechanism and relaxation are discussed. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

The Serido Group of NE Brazil, a late Neoproterozoic pre- to syn-collisional basin in West Gondwana: insights from SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon ages and Sm-Nd crustal residence (T-DM) ages

The Serido Group is a deformed and metamorphosed metasedimentary sequence that overlies early Paleoproterozoic to Archean basement of the Rio Grande do Norte domain in the Borborema Province of NE Brazil. The age of the Serido Group has been disputed over the past two decades, with preferred sedimentation ages being either Paleoproterozoic or Neoproterozoic. Most samples of the Serido Formation, the upper part of the Serido Group, have Sm-Nd T-DM ages between 1200 and 1600 Ma. Most samples of the Jucurutu Formation, the lower part of the Serido Group, have T-DM ages ranging from 1500 to 1600 Ma; some basal units have T-DM ages as old as 2600 Ma, reflecting proximal basement. Thus, based on Sm-Nd data, most, if not all, of the Serido Group was deposited after 1600 Ma and upper parts must be younger than 1200 Ma.Cathodoluminescence photos of detrital zircons show very small to no overgrowths produced during ca. 600 Ma Brasiliano deformation and metamorphism, so that SHRIMP and isotope dilution U-Pb ages must represent crystallization ages of the detrital zircons. Zircons from meta-arkose near the base of the Jucurutu Formation yield two groups of ages: ca. 2200 Ma and ca. 1800 Ma. In contrast, zircons from a metasedimentary gneiss higher in the Jucurutu Formation yield much younger ages, with clusters at ca. 1000 Ma and ca. 650 Ma. Zircons from metasedimentary and metatuffaceous units in the Serido Formation also yield ages primarily between 1000 and 650 Ma, with clusters at 950-1000, 800, 750, and 650 Ma. Thus, most, if not all, of the Serido Group must be younger than 650 Ma. Because these units were deformed and metamorphosed in the ca. 600 Ma Brasiliano fold belt during assembly of West Gondwana, deposition probably occurred ca. 610-650 Ma, soon after crystallization of the youngest population of zircons and before or during the onset of Brasiliano deformation.The Serido Group was deposited upon Paleoproterozoic basement in a basin receiving detritus from a variety of sources. The Jucurutu Formation includes some basal volcanic rocks and initially received detritus from proximal 2.2-2.0 Ga (Transamazonian) to late Paleoproterozoic (1.8-1.7 Ga) basement. Provenance for the upper Jucurutu Formation and all of the Serido Formation was dominated by more distal and younger sources ranging in age from 1000 to 650 Ma. We suggest that the Serido basin may have developed as the result of late Neoproterozoic extension of a pre-existing continental basement, with formation of small marine basins that were largely floored by cratonic basement (subjacent oceanic crust has not yet been found). Immature sediment was initially derived from surrounding land; as the basin evolved much of the detritus probably came from highlands to the south (present coordinates). Alternatively, if the Patos shear zone is a major terrane boundary, the basin may have formed as an early collisional foredeep associated with south-dipping subduction. In any case, within 30 million years the region was compressed, deformed, and metamorphosed during final assembly of West Gondwana and formation of the Brasiliano-Pan African fold belts. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermostimulated sol-gel transition in suspensions of sulfate zirconium oxychloride

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Low temperature crystallization of SrBi2Ta2O9 thin films using microwave oven

SrBi2Ta2O9 thin films, produced by the polymeric precursor method, were crystallized at low temperature using a domestic microwave oven. A SiC susceptor were used to absorb the microwave energy and rapidly transfer the heat to the film. Low microwave power and short time have been used. The films thus obtained are crack-free, well-adhered, and fully crystallized, even when treated at 600 degreesC for 10 min. The microstructure displayed a polycrystalline nature with an elongate grain size comparable to the films obtained by the conventional treatment. The dielectric constant values are 240, 159 and 67, for the films treated at 600 degreesC, 650 degreesC and 700 degreesC, respectively, when the films are placed directly on the SiC susceptor. Electrical measurements revealed that the increase of the temperature treatment to 700 degreesC causes a complete loss of ferroelectricity due to degradation of the bottom interface. A 4 nun-ceramic wool put between the susceptor and the substrate minimizes the interface degradation leading to a dielectric constant, a dielectric loss, and a remnant polarization (2P(r)) of 181 muC/cm(2), 0.032 muC/cm(2), and 12.8 muC/cm(2), respectively, for a film treated at 750 degreesC for 20 min. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sol-gel entrapped cobalt complex

This work describes optimized conditions for preparation of a cobalt complex entrapped in alumina amorphous materials in the form of powder. The hybrid materials, CoNHG, were obtained by a nonhydrolytic sol-gel route through condensation of aluminum chloride with diisopropylether in the presence of cobalt chloride. The materials were calcined at various temperatures. The presence of cobalt entrapped in the alumina matrix is confirmed by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy. The materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analyses (DTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared alumina matrix materials are amorphous, even after heat treatment up to 750 degreesC. The XRD, TGA/DTA and TEM data support the increase of sample crystallization with increasing temperature. The specific surface area, pore size and pore diameter changed as a function of the heat treatment temperature employed. Different heat treatment temperatures result in materials with different compositions and structures, and influence their catalytic activity. The entrapped cobalt materials calcined at 750 degreesC efficiently catalyzed the epoxidation of (Z)-cyclooctene using iodozylbenzene as the oxygen donor. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dielectric and fatigue properties of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O-3 thin films prepared from oxide precursors method

Fatigue is an important problem to be considered if a ferroelectric film is used for non-volatile memory devices. In this phenomena, the remanent polarization and coercive field properties degrades in cycles which increase in hysteresis loops. The reasons have been attributed to different mechanisms such as a large voltage applied on ferroelectric film in every reading process in Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FeRAM) or memories for digital storage in computer, grain size effects and others. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of the crystallization kinetics on dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O-3 thin films prepared by an alternative chemical method. Films were crystallized in air on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates at 700 degrees C for 1 hour, in conventional thermal annealing (CTA), and at 700 degrees C for 1 min and 700 degrees C 5 min, using a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process. Final films were crack free and presented an average of 750 nm in thickness. Dielectric properties were studied in the frequency range of 100 Hz - 1 MHz. All films showed a dielectric dispersion at low frequency. Ferroelectric properties were measured from hysteresis loops at 10 kHz. The obtained remanent polarization (P-r) and coercive field (E-c) were 3.7 mu C/cm(2) and 71.9 kV/cm respectively for film crystallized by CTA while in films crystallized by RTA these parameters were essentially the same. In the fatigue process, the P, value decreased to 14% from the initial value after 1.3 x 10(9) switching cycles, for film by CTA, while for film crystallized by RTA for 5 min, P, decreased to 47% from initial value after 1.7 x 10(9) switching cycles.