Features of myoneural junctions in the extraocular muscles of the opossum (Didelphis albiventris)

The myoneural junctions present in the opossum (Didelphis albiventris) extraocular muscles were studied through histochemical and ultrastructural techniques. Three different types of junction were shown: two single types, 'en grappe' and 'en plaque', present in the middle third of the muscle fibers; and one multiple type, more rare and observed in the distal third of the muscle.

Non isothermal study of the devitrification kinetics of fluoroindate glasses

The kinetics of crystallization in an indium fluoride-based glass was studied by a non-isothermal method using differential scanning calorimetry. The experiments led to an Avrami's exponent of 4.6 for solid glass and 2.2 for a powdered sample. The apparent activation energy for crystallization was found to be 130 kJ/mol for solid glass and 354 kJ/mol for the powder. These results express the profound effect of glass particle size on those kinetic parameters, as different crystallization mechanisms take place during sample heating.

Dietary electrolyte balance for broiler chickens under moderately high ambient temperatures and relative humidities

Cobb male broiler chicks (1,000) on new litter were used to evaluate effects of dietary electrolyte balance [DEB; Na+K-Cl, milliequivalents (mEq) per kilogram] under tropical summer conditions. Corn-soybean meal-based mash diets had salt (NaCl) alone or in combination with one or more supplements: sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), or potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3). A completely randomized design, with five starter and grower feed treatments (control: 145, then 130 mEq/kg; or 0, 120, 240, or 360 mEq/kg throughout) and four replicate pens (1.5 x 3.2 m) per treatment (50 chicks per pen), was used. Diets were analyzed for Na, K, and Cl for confirmation. There were no significant (P < 0.05) effects of treatments on mortality or processing parameters. Water intake increased linearly with increasing DEB, giving higher litter moistures and lower rectal temperatures. Blood HCO3 and pH increased with the highest DEB (360 mEq/kg) causing respiratory alkalosis. The DEB of 240 mEg/kg gave best weight gain and feed conversion ratio, and ideal DEB predicted by regression analyses were 186 and 197 mEq/kg from 0 to 21 d of age and 236 and 207 mEq/kg of feed from 0 to 42 d, respectively. These DEB corresponded to estimated (interpolated) values in predicted optimal 186 to 197 mEq/kg starter of Na 0.38 to 0.40% and Cl 0.405 to 0.39% (K = 0.52%), in 207 to 236 mEq/kg starter, Na 0.409 to 0.445% and Cl 0.326 to 0.372% Cl (K = 0.52%), and in grower Na 0.41 to 0.445%, Cl 0.315 to 0.267% (K = 0.47%).

Susceptibility of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to pellitorine, an amide isolated from Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae)

The acute toxicity of pellitorine, an amide isolated from Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae) which is studied as a biopesticide in European corner borer, was evaluated on larvae and newly emerged adults of honeybee Apis mellifera by means of contact and ingestion bioassays. Workers in the larval and adult phase were separated in groups, which received pellitorine in different concentrations. The larvae were maintained in their own original cells, receiving feeding and normal care from the nurses. The adults were confined in wooden cages with screens, receiving artificial diet made up of sugar and water (1:1). The concentrations of 40, 200, 1 000, 5 000 and 25 000 ng a.i./individual were obtained diluting pellitorine in 98% ethanol. LD10 values of 39.14, 36.16 and 13.79 ng a.i./insect were determined for larvae, for adults by ingestion and adults by contact, respectively. The honeybee larvae were shown to be highly susceptible to the amide pellitorine.

Road segment delineation using active testing principle and an edge-based post-processing strategy

This paper presents a semi-automated method for extracting road segments from medium-resolution images based on active testing and edge analysis. The method is based on two sequential and independent stages. Firstly, an active testing method is used to extract an approximated road centreline which is based on a sequential and local exploitation of the image. Secondly, an iterative strategy based on edge analysis and the approximated centreline is used to measure precisely the road centreline. Based on the results obtained using medium-resolution test images, the method seems to be very promising. In general, the method proved to be very accurate whenever the roads are characterized by two well-defined anti-parallel edges and robust even in the presence of larger obstacles such as trees and shadows.

Estimation of variances of the effects of incomplete diallels using a matrix approach

A matrix approach is described for assessing the variance of effects in incomplete diallels designs. The method is illustrated by reference to simulated complete and incomplete diallels using different combinations of constraints, average degree of dominance and, for the incomplete diallel, number of hybrids. Our results showed that caution should be taken in working with incomplete diallels under conditions of overdominance because there were changes in the rank of the genotypes when the excluded hybrid had parents with a low frequency of the favorable allele (i.e. the allele which increases expression of a character). The expression described in this paper is a rapid and safe approach to estimate variances and covariances of the effects of contrasts of incomplete diallels. Copyright by the Brazilian Society of Genetics.

Comportamento de cultivares de cafeeiro em diferentes densidades de plantio

This experiment was developed at Adamantina, west region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, during May 1995 to June of 2000. The plant growth and productivity of two coffee cultivars Catuaí Amarelo IAC 47 and Obatã IAC 1669-20, were evaluated considering to plant densities of 2.500, 5.000, 7.519 and 10.000 plants ha-1. The density of 2500 also was studied with two plants in the same hole, spaced of 2,0 m in the plant line. The experimental design was the randomized completely blocks with three replications, using the split-plot system. The plots were the densities and the split-plots were the cultivars. Results showed that, with increasing of the planting density, the plant height also increased, while the stem and plant basis diameters were reduced, however the planting density did not affect the height of the first branch. The increase of the planting density also increased the field productivity and reduced the production of individual plant. The cultivation of two plants at the same hole reduced the stem diameter and the plant yield. The cultivar Catuaí Amarelo IAC 47 showed the higher plant height and the higher plant basis diameter while cv. Obatã IAC 1669-20 showed the higher stem diameter. The field productivity and individual plant productivity were not different between those cultivars in the period studied (1997-2000).

Análise térmica de esparfloxacino

Sparfloxacin, a third-generation fluoroquinolone, is a potent antibacterial agent against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, for example Streptococcus pneumonias, Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains), Legionella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Chlamydia spp. and Mycobacterium spp. This compound has been submitted to thermal analysis and the results are presented here. The DSC curve of sparfloxacin has an endothermic peak that indicates a melting point at 276.5 °C. The DTA curve of the sample in synthetic air shows two exothermic peaks, at 341.6 and 579.2 °C, attributed to compound decomposition. In the TG curve, the loss of mass can be seen to occur in two steps between 285.5 and 645.3 °C. The DTA curve obtained in a nitrogen atmosphere shows an exothermic peak, with decomposition of sparfloxacin at 340.0 °C; from the corresponding TG plot, the loss of mass starts at 254.4 °C.

Endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors influences angiotensin II pressor effect in central nervous system

The present study investigated the central role of angiotensin II and nitric oxide on arterial blood pressure (MAP) in rats. Losartan and PD123349 AT 1 and AT 2 (selective no peptides antagonists angiotensin receptors), as well as FK 409 (a nitric oxide donor), N W-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) a constituve nitric oxide synthase inhibitor endothelial (eNOSI) and 7-nitroindazol (7NI) a specific neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (nNOSI) were used. Holtzman strain, (Rattus norvergicus) weighting 200-250 g were anesthetized with zoletil 50 mg kg -1 (tiletamine chloridrate 125 mg and zolazepan chloridrate 125 mg) into quadriceps muscle anda stainless steel cannula was stereotaxically implanted into their Lateral Ventricle (LV). Controls were injected with a 0.5 μl volume of 0.15 M NaCl. Angiotensin II injected into LV increased MAP (19±3 vs. control 3±1 mm Hg), which is potentiated by prior injection of L-NAME in the same site 26±2 mm Hg. 7NI injected prior to ANG II into LV also potentiated the pressor effect of ANG II but with a higher intensity than L-NAME 32±3 mm Hg. FK 409 inhibited the pressor effect of ANG II (6±1 mm Hg). Losartan injected into LV before ANG II influences the pressor effect of ANG II (8±1 mm Hg). The PD 123319 decreased the pressor effects of ANG II (16±1 mm Hg). Losartan injected simultaneously with FK 409 blocked the pressor effect of ANG II (3±1 mm Hg). L-NAME produced an increase in the pressor effect of ANG II, may be due to local vasoconstriction and all at once by neuronal NOS inhibition but the main effect is of the 7-NIT an specific nNOS inhibitor. The AT 1 antagonist receptors improve basal nitric oxide (NO) production and release. These data suggest the involvement of constitutive and neuronal NOS in the control of arterial blood pressure induced by ANG II centrally, evolving AT 1 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction and AT 2 receptor-mediated vasodilatation. These results were confirmed by the experiment using FK 409. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Estudo comparativo de vias de acesso cirúrgico na contracepção cirúrgica feminina: Microlaparoscopia versus minilaparotomia

Purpose: to compare in a retrospective way, 51 women who underwent tubal ligation, 30 through microlaparoascopy (Gmicrol) and 21 through minilaparotomy (Gminil). Methods: the analyzed parameters were: total time for accomplishment of the procedure and the surgical technique, time of hospital stay and return to the habitual activities after the surgery, postoperative pain, morbidity, satisfaction degree and esthetic effect, considering values of p<0,05 as significant, and also standard cost. Results: Gmicrol took less time to accomplish the surgery than the Gminil (43 against 57 minutes respectively, p<0,05), less time to accomplish the surgical technique (6.48 against 30.32 minutes respectively, p<0,05), and lower hospital stay (9,90 hours as against 41,7 hours respectively, p <0,05). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding time to return to the habitual activities after surgery. To evaluate postoperative pain, a scale of 0-10 it was applied. Gmicrol present a lower pain score on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days (1.13 and 0.26 to Gmicrol and 4.52 and 1.14 to Gminil, respectively, p<0,05). There was no significant difference between immediate postoperative the most common complaint being pain at the site of pain and that on the 3rd postoperative day. Gminil presented a higher morbidity rate incision. To evaluate the satisfaction degree and esthetic effect, numeric values were attributed to as good, regular, poor and very bad as answered by the patiets. Gmicrol presented a higher satisfaction degree (p<0,05) and better esthetic effect as compared to Gminil (p <0,05). The microlaparoscopy standard cost was R$ 109.30 being lower than that of minilaparotomy. Conclusions: tubal ligation by microlaparoscopy, under local anesthesia and conscious sedation presented some advantages compared to minilaparotomy.

Alterações de propriedades físicas de um nitossolo vermelho pela sucessão milheto-soja na fase de implantação do sistema de semeadura direta

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of a millet-soybean rotation, during the implantation phase of no-tillage system on the physical properties of a Nitossolo Vermelho distroférrico and the dry mass production of millet and the productivity of soybean. The experimental design used was a randomized blocks, in a split splot arrangement, with four replications. The parcels was constituted by three sowings (E1, E2 and E3) and the subparcels was constituted by harvests, where each harvest handling was: M1 - harvest each blooming and covering withdrawal; M2 - harvest each blooming and covering permanency; M3 - only in the first harvest on blooming and covering withdrawal; M4 - only in the first harvest on blooming and covering permanency, and M5-free growing, with no harvest. Samples were collected from three soil layers: 0-0,05, 0,05-0,10 and 0,10-0,20 m. The E2 showed smaller values of soil density and larger values of total porosity. The E3 resulted in smaller values of flocculation degree and mean weight diameter of the aggregates. The E3 showed smaller production of dry mass.

Foraging activity of Trachymyrmex fuscus (hymenoptera: formicidae) in a degraded area

Two Trachymyrmex fuscus nests were observed between 2001 and 2002 in order to analyze the ant's foraging activity and the substrate collected by workers in an area modified by human activity. The analysis of results demonstrated alterations in the diel activity patterns of workers during the several months studied; however, we could not establish direct relations with variations in temperature and relative humidity. The materials transported to grow the symbiotic fungus were, for the most part, recently fallen or dry leaves, flowers, twigs, and seeds. The distances traveled by the ants until the foraging area and their collected material preferences revealed an opportunistic behavior, in which workers use plant parts according to the vegetation's phenology.

Blade design and forming for fans using finite elements

The necessity of adapting the standardized fan models to conditions of higher temperature has emerged due to the growth of concerning referring to the consequences of the gas expelling after the Mont Blanc tunnel accident in Italy and France, where even though, with 100 fans in operation, 41 people died. However, since then, the defied solutions have pointed to aerodynamic disadvantages or have seemed nonappropriate in these conditions. The objective of this work is to present an alternative to the market standard fans considering a new technology in constructing blades. This new technology introduces the use of the stainless steel AISI 409 due to its good adaptation to temperatures higher than 400°C, particularly exposed to temperatures of gas exhaust from tunnels in fire situation. Furthermore, it presents a very good resistance to corrosion and posterior welding and pressing, due to its alloyed elements. The innovation is centered in the process of a deep drawing of metallic shells and posterior welding, in order to keep the ideal aerodynamic superficies for the fan ideal performance. On the other hand, the finite element method, through the elasto-plastic software COSMOS permitted the verification of the thickness and structural stability of the blade in relation to the aerodynamic efforts established in the project. In addition, it is not advisable the fabrication of blades with variable localized thickness not even, non-uniform ones, due to the verified concentration of tensions and the difficulties observed in the forming. In this way, this study recommends the construction of blades with uniform variations of thickness. © 2007 Springer.

Carotenoid composition of Brazilian fruits and vegetables

Brazil has a wide diversity of food sources of carotenoids. The updated Brazilian database consists of more than 270 items of fruits, vegetables and their prepared and processed products. The database demonstrates variations due to variety, maturity, production technique, climate and processing. Many of these foods are not found in the US and European databases. Good to rich sources (>20 μg/g) of β-carotene are: acerola, bocaiúva, mango 'Extreme' and tucumã. Sources of both α-carotene and β-carotene are buriti, carrot, Cucurbita moschata 'Menina Brasileira', 'Baianinha' and 'Goianinha', and red palm oil. Commercially produced and uncultivated or semi-cultivated leafy vegetables, C. maxima 'Jerimum Caboclo' and the hybrid Tetsukabuto, cooked broccoli are sources of lutein and β-carotene. The edible Tropaeolum majus flower is especially rich in lutein. Although many fruits have β-cryptoxanthin as principal carotenoid (e.g. caja, nectarine, peach, orange-fleshed papaya, tree tomato), the levels are below 20 μg/g. Good to rich sources of lycopene are guava and guava products, papaya, pitanga and pitanga juice, tomato and tomato products, and watermelon. Sources of zeaxanthin are rare; although the principal carotenoid of piqui, the amount is low, lower than that found in buriti.

Application of non-isothermal cure kinetics on the interaction of poly(ethylene terephthalate) - Alkyd resin paints

Samples of paint (P), reused PET (PET-R) and paint/PET-R mixtures (PPET-R) were evaluated using DSC to verify their physical-chemical properties and thermal behavior. Films from paints and PPET-R are visually similar. It was possible to establish that the maximum amount of PET-R that can be added to paint without significantly altering its filming properties is 2%. The cure process (80-203°C) was identified through DSC curves. The kinetic parameters, activation energy (E a) and Arrhenius parameters (A) for the samples containing 0.5 to 1% of PET-R, were calculated using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa isoconversional method. It was observed that for greater amounts of PET-R added, there is a decrease in the E a values for the cure process. A Kinetic compensation effect (KCE), represented by the equation InA=-2.70+0.31E a was observed for all the samples. The most suitable kinetic model to describe this cure process is the autocatalytic Šesták-Berggreen, model applied to heterogeneous systems. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.