Cardiorespiratory and antinociceptive effects of two different doses of lidocaine administered to horses during a constant intravenous infusion of xylazine and ketamine

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

Recognition of two morpho-types in eastern South American brackens (Pteridium-Dennstaedtiaceae-Polypodiopsida)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Short-term effects of visitor trampling on macroinvertebrates in karst streams in an ecotourism region

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

JUVENILE DEVELOPMENT OF DILOCARCINUS PAGEI STIMPSON, 1861 (BRACHYURA, TRICHODACTYLIDAE) REARED IN THE LABORATORY, WITH EMPHASIS ON SETAE MORPHOLOGY

The juvenile development of the freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei Stimpson, 1861 was studied under laboratory conditions, focusing on setae morphology. The ovigerous females were collected manually associated with water hyacinth at the Municipal Dam of Sao Jose do Rio Preto (Sao Paulo, Brazil). The specimens were raised in the laboratory under constant aeration, photoperiod (12: 12 h) and temperature (27 +/- 1 degrees C). Twelve juvenile stages were obtained with descriptions of the main morphological characters that allow their identification are presented. Fourteen types of setae were discovered: dentate, denticulate, serrulate, papposerrate, cuspidate, plumose, plumodenticulate, plumoserrulate, simple, pappose, brush, curved, nail and setules. The greatest diversity of setae was found on the mouth appendages, especially the maxillule. The gill ontogeny and sexual dimorphism becomes apparent from the second juvenile stage onwards. At the third juvenile stage, the carapace begins to exhibit a wider shape, becoming similar to that of the adults.

Isolation and Identification of Environmental Mycobacteria in the Waters of a Hemodialysis Center

The use of poorly treated water during hemodialysis may lead to contamination with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This study aimed to isolate and identify NTM species in the water of a Brazilian hemodialysis center. We collected 210 samples of water from the hydric system of the unit (post-osmosis system, hemodialysis rooms, reuse system, and hemodialysis equipment) and from the municipal supply network; we isolated the NTM by a classic microbiological technique and identified them by the PCR restriction enzyme pattern of the hsp65 gene (PRA). Fifty-one (24.3 %) of the collected samples tested positive for NTM; both the municipal supply network (2 samples, 3.2 %) and the hydric system of the hemodialysis center (49 samples, 96.1 %) contained NTM. We isolated and identified potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Mycobacterium lentiflavum (59.0 %) and M. kansasii (5.0 %), as well as rarely pathogenic bacteria like M. gordonae (24.0 %), M. gastri (8.0 %), and M. szulgai (4.0 %). The ability of NTM to cause diseases is well documented in the literature. Therefore, the identification of NTM in the water of a Brazilian hemodialysis center calls for more effective water disinfection procedures in this unit.

Fatigue Behavior of Weld Repaired AISI 4130 Aeronautic Steel Used in Critical Flight Safety Structures

Since the 1950s, fatigue is the most important project and operational consideration for both civil and military aircrafts. For some aircraft models the most loaded component is one that supports the motor: the Motor Cradle. Because they are considered critical to the flight safety the aeronautic standards are extremely rigorous in manufacturing them by imposing a zero index of defects on the final weld quality (Safe Life), which is 100% inspected by Non-Destructive Testing/NDT. This study has as objective to evaluate the effects of up to four successive TIG welding repairs on the axial fatigue strength of an AISI 4130 steel. Tests were conducted on hot-rolled steel plate specimens, 0.89 mm thick, with load ratio R = 0.1, constant amplitude, at 20 Hz frequency and in room temperature, in accordance with ASTM E466 Standard. The results were related to microhardness and microstructural and geometric changes resulting from welding cycles.

Occurrence of Mycobacterium bovis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in raw and pasteurized milk in the northwestern region of Paraná, Brazil

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

Occurrence of pathogenic environmental mycobacteria on surfaces in health institutions

The presence of environmental mycobacteria on surfaces in two public health institutions, namely a health center and a hospital in upstate São Paulo (Brazil), was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA). The possible sources of contamination by these microorganisms were evaluated, contributing to epidemiology studies. Methods: From June 2005 to June 2006, a total of 632 samples were collected from exposed surfaces, such as washbasins, drinking fountains, and other accessible sites, and the mycobacteria present in the samples were isolated and cultured. Results: Sixty-five mycobacteria were isolated from the 632 samples; 47 of which were detected in samples from the health center and 18 in samples collected from the hospital. The isolates were identified by DNA restriction patterns obtained by PRA, and potentially pathogenic species were found to be prevalent among the identified mycobacteria. This study shows that the PRA technique can be employed as a fast and easy method for identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria in public areas. Conclusions: The isolation of environmental mycobacteria from the two health institutions demonstrates that these surfaces are reservoirs of potentially pathogenic mycobacteria and indicates the need for continuous maintenance and monitoring. These data will add to the study of the epidemiology of these microorganisms.

Description of the mitochondrial genome of the tree coral Dendrophyllia arbuscula (Anthozoa, Scleractinia)

Dendrophylliidae is one of the few monophyletic families within the Scleractinia that embraces zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate species represented by both solitary and colonial forms. Among the exclusively azooxanthellate genera, Dendrophyllia is reported worldwide from 1 to 1200 m deep. To date, although three complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes from representatives of the family are available, only that from Turbinaria peltata has been formally published. Here we describe the complete nucleotide sequence of the mt genome from Dendrophyllia arbuscula that is 19 069 bp in length and comprises two rDNAs, two tRNAs, and 13 protein-coding genes arranged in the canonical scleractinian mt gene order. No genes overlap, resulting in the presence of 18 intergenic spacers and one of the longest scleractinian mt genome sequenced to date.

Management Impacts on Soil Organic Matter of Tropical Soils

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

Hamlet's Ophelia: The Changing Perceptions of Suicide, Death, and Madness in the Elizabethan and Victorian Periods

William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Prince of Denmark has been the source of question, debate, and research since its theatrical debut. In the midst of readings performances and one particular question has remained open and unresolved: was Ophelia's death an accident or a suicide? Some see Ophelia's death as an accident; others see it as a suicide resulting from the accumulation of a series of unfortunate events: her rejection by her boyfriend, her father’s murder, and her possible pregnancy. This paper will explore that age-old question from the perspectives of two historically different audiences: those of sixteenth-century and nineteenth-century England. I will argue that, despite the 300-year expanse between these two audiences, both emerged with the same conclusion: Ophelia's death was accidental. However, cultural and scientific changes affected the reasons why each came to that conclusion.

Evidence of a Feeding Aggregation of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Around Kodiak Island, Alaska

The known summer feeding range of the North Pacific humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) extends from California, along the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, into the Bering Sea, along the Aleutian Islands, the Sea of Okhotsk (Tomilin 1957), and to northern Japan (Rice 1977). In feeding areas of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, humpback whale photoidentification research has been concentrated off California (Calambokidis et al. 1993), southeastern Alaska (Darling and McSweeney 1985, Baker et al. 1986, 1992; Perry et al. 1990), Prince William Sound in Alaska (von Ziegesar 1992), the Oregon and Washington coasts (Calambokidis et al. 1993), and British Columbia (Darling and McSweeney 1985; Graerne Ellis, unpublished data). Results of these photoidentification studies have documented that individual whales tend to return to the same general areas in subsequent years (Darling and McSweeney 1985, Baker et al. 1986, Calambokidis et a(. 1996, von Ziegesar et al. 1994).

Differential Expression of Immune Response Genes in Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus): An Indicator of Ecosystem Health?

Characterization of the polygenic and polymorphic features of the Steller sea lion major histocompatibility complex (MHC) provides an ideal window for evaluating immunologic vigor of the population and identifying emergence of new genotypes that reflect ecosystem pressures. MHC genotyping can be used to measure the potential immunologic vigor of a population. However, since ecosystem-induced changes to MHC genotype can be slow to emerge, measurement of differential expression of these genes can potentially provide real-time evidence of immunologic perturbations. MHC DRB genes were cloned and sequenced using peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes derived from 10 Steller sea lions from Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, and the Aleutian Islands. Nine unique DRB gene sequences were represented in each of 10 animals. MHC DRB gene expression was measured in a subset of six sea lions. Although DRB in genomic DNA was identical in all individuals, relative levels of expressed DRB mRNA was highly variable. Selective suppression of MHC DRB genes could be indicative of geographically disparate environmental pressures, thereby serving as an immediate and sensitive indicator of population and ecosystem health.

Effectiveness of a White-Tailed Deer Exclusion Fence Based on Traction Limitations of the Hoof: The Slippery Fence

We hypothesized that an exclusion fence could be devised to capitalize on traction limitations of the hooves of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Hexagonal plots (9.8 m wide) enclosed by a 2.4 m field fence with two openings (4.9 m) were established. Data were collected daily on consumption of corn provided (2.27 kg) and events recorded by infrared monitors (IR) for treatment and control sites. Five-day treatment periods consisted of test panels (4.9 m x 2.4 m) placed in plot openings at 0°, 5° and 10° slopes, and lubricant applied at the 10° slope. Deer consumed all corn provided at control sites. At the 10° slope, daily corn consumption decreased (1.50 kg ± 0.26, p < .01), and IR events were lower (p < .01) at treatment sites (23.6 ± 3.2) compared to controls (50.3 ± 9.6). With the addition of a lubricant, corn consumption decreased further (p < .001) to 0.17 kg ± 0.03, and IR recorded events were lower (p < .001) at treatment sites (6.58 ± 0.89) compared to controls (44.8 ± 3.1). Results of this study indicate that traction limitation of the hoof can be exploited.

Measuring Aeolian Saltation: A Comparison of Sensors

SHERMAN, D.J.; LI, B.; FERRELL E.J.; ELLIS, J.T.; COX, W.D.; MAIA, L.P., and SOUSA, P.H.G.O., 2011. Measuring Aeolian Saltation: A Comparison of Sensors. In: Roberts, T.M., Rosati, J.D., and Wang, P. (eds.), Proceedings, Symposium to Honor Dr. Nicholas C. Kraus, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 59, pp. 280-290. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. We report the results of field experiments designed to compare four types of aeolian saltation sensors: the Safire; the Wenglor (R) Particle Counter; the Miniphone; and the Buzzer Disc. Sets of sensors were deployed in tight spatial arrays and sampled at rates as fast as 20 kHz. In two of the three trials, the data from the sensors are compared to data obtained from sand traps. The Miniphone and the Buzzer Disc, based on microphone and piezoelectric technologies, respectively, produced grain impact counts comparable to those derived from the trap data. The Satire and the Wenglor (R) Particle Counter produce count rates that were an order of magnitude too slow. Satires undercount because of their large momentum threshold and because its signal is saturated at relatively slow transport rates. We conclude that the Miniphone and the Buzzer Disc are appropriate for deployment as grain counters because their small size allows them to be installed in closely-spaced sets.