Variation in mandible shape in Thrichomys apereoides (Mammalia: Rodentia): Geometric analysis of a complex morphological structure

The model of development and evolution of complex morphological structures conceived by Atchley and Hall in 1991 (Biol. Rev. 66:101-157), which establishes that changes at the macroscopic, morphogenetic level can be statistically detected as variation in skeletal units at distinct scales, was applied in combination with the formalism of geometric morphometrics to study variation in mandible shape among populations of the rodent species Thrichomys apereoides. The thin-plate spline technique produced geometric descriptors of shape derived from anatomical landmarks in the mandible, which we used with graphical and inferential approaches to partition the contribution of global and localized components to the observed differentiation in mandible shape. A major pattern of morphological differentiation in T. apereoides is attributable to localized components of shape at smaller geometric scales associated with specific morphogenetic units of the mandible. On the other hand, a clinal trend of variation is associated primarily with localized components of shape at larger geometric scales. Morphogenetic mechanisms assumed to be operating to produce the observed differentiation in the specific units of the mandible include mesenchymal condensation differentiation, muscle hypertrophy, and tooth growth. Perspectives for the application of models of morphological evolution and geometric morphometrics to morphologically based systematic biology are considered.

Cytogenetic analysis of Epicauta atomaria (Meloidae) and Palembus dermestoides (Tenebrionidae) with Xyp sex determination system using standard staining, C-bands, NOR and synaptonemal complex microspreading techniques

The mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of the beetles Epicauta atomaria (Meloidae) and Palembus dermestoides (Tenebrionidae) were analysed using standard staining, C-banding and silver impregnation techniques. We determine the diploid and haploid chromosome numbers, the sex determination system and describe the chromosomal morphology, the C-banding pattern and the chromosome(s) bearing NORs (nucleolar organizer regions). Both species shown 2n = 20 chromosomes, the chromosomal meioformula 9 + Xyp, and regular chromosome segregation during anaphases I and II. The chromosomes of E. atomaria are basically metacentric or submetacentric and P. dermestoides chromosomes are submetacentric or subtelocentric. In both beetles the constitutive heterochromatin is located in the pericentromeric region in all autosomes and in the Xp chromosome; additional C-bands were observed in telomeric region of the short arm in some autosomes in P. dermestoides. The yp chromosome did not show typical C-bands in these species. As for the synaptonemal complex, the nucleolar material is associated to the 7th bivalent in E. atomaria and 3rd and 7th bivalents in P. dermestoides. Strong silver impregnated material was observed in association with Xyp in light and electron microscopy preparations in these species and this material was interpreted to be related to nucleolar material.

Intelligence functions disorders in patients with complex partial epilepsy

Objective: To compare the performance of patients with complex partial epilepsy with the normal controls in the subtests of an instrument used to assess intelligence function. Method: Fifty epileptic patients, whose ages ranged from 19 to 49 years and 20 normal controls without any neuropsychiatric disorders. The Wechsler-Bellevue adult intelligence test was applied in groups, epileptic patients and control subjects. This test is composed of several subtests that assess specific cognitive functions. A statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests. Results: All the Wechsler-Bellevue subtests revealed that the intelligence functions of the patients were significantly inferior to that of the controls (p<0.05). This performance was supported by the patient's complaints in relation to their cognitive performance. Conclusion: Patients with complex partial epilepsy presented poorer results in the intelligence test when compared with individuals without neuropsychiatric disorders.

Application of a bounded upwinding scheme to complex fluid dynamics problems

This paper is concerned with an overview of upwinding schemes, and further nonlinear applications of a recently introduced high resolution upwind differencing scheme, namely the ADBQUICKEST [V.G. Ferreira, F.A. Kurokawa, R.A.B. Queiroz, M.K. Kaibara, C.M. Oishi, J.A.Cuminato, A.F. Castelo, M.F. Tomé, S. McKee, assessment of a high-order finite difference upwind scheme for the simulation of convection-diffusion problems, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids 60 (2009) 1-26]. The ADBQUICKEST scheme is a new TVD version of the QUICKEST [B.P. Leonard, A stable and accurate convective modeling procedure based on quadratic upstream interpolation, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 19 (1979) 59-98] for solving nonlinear balance laws. The scheme is based on the concept of NV and TVD formalisms and satisfies a convective boundedness criterion. The accuracy of the scheme is compared with other popularly used convective upwinding schemes (see, for example, Roe (1985) [19], Van Leer (1974) [18] and Arora & Roe (1997) [17]) for solving nonlinear conservation laws (for example, Buckley-Leverett, shallow water and Euler equations). The ADBQUICKEST scheme is then used to solve six types of fluid flow problems of increasing complexity: namely, 2D aerosol filtration by fibrous filters; axisymmetric flow in a tubular membrane; 2D two-phase flow in a fluidized bed; 2D compressible Orszag-Tang MHD vortex; axisymmetric jet onto a flat surface at low Reynolds number and full 3D incompressible flows involving moving free surfaces. The numerical simulations indicate that this convective upwinding scheme is a good generic alternative for solving complex fluid dynamics problems. © 2012.

Organosilylated complex [Eu(TTA)3(Bpy-Si)]: A bifunctional moiety for the engeneering of luminescent silica-based nanoparticles for bioimaging

A new highly luminescent europium complex with the formula [Eu(TTA) 3(Bpy-Si)], where TTA stands for the thenoyltrifluoroacetone, (C 4H3S)COCH2COCF3, chelating ligand and Bpy-Si, Bpy-CH2NH(CH2)3Si(OEt)3, is an organosilyldipyridine ligand displaying a triethoxysilyl group as a grafting function has been synthesized and fully characterized. This bifunctional complex has been grafted onto the surface of dense silica nanoparticles (NPs) and on mesoporous silica microparticles as well. The covalent bonding of [Eu(TTA)3(Bpy-Si)] inside uniform Stöber silica nanoparticles was also achieved. The general methodology proposed could be applied to any silica matrix, allowed high grafting ratios that overcome chelate release and the tendency to agglomerate. Luminescent silica-based nanoparticles SiO2-[Eu(TTA)3(Bpy-Si)], with a diameter of 28 ± 2 nm, were successfully tested as a luminescent labels for the imaging of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. They were also functionalized by a specific monoclonal antibody and subsequently employed for the selective imaging of Escherichia coli bacteria. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Population biology and distribution of the portunid crab Callinectes ornatus (Decapoda: Brachyura) in an estuary-bay complex of southern Brazil

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

Complex modal analysis of a slender vertical rotor by finite elements method

In this paper, natural frequencies were analyzed (axial, torsional and flexural) and frequency response of a vertical rotor with a hard disk at the edge through the classical modal and complex analysis. The equation that rules the movement was obtained through the Lagrangian formulation. The model considered the effects of bending, torsion and axial deformation of the shaft, besides the gravitational and gyroscopic effects. The finite element method was used to discretize the structure into hollow cylindrical elements with 12 degrees of freedom. Mass, stiffness and gyroscopic matrices were explained consistently. The classical modal analysis, usually applied to stationary structures, does not consider an important characteristic of rotating machinery which are the methods of forward and backward whirl. Initially, through the traditional modal analysis, axial and torsional natural frequencies were obtained in a static shaft, since they do not suffer the influence of gyroscopic effects. Later research was performed by complex modal analysis. This type of tool, based on the use of complex coordinates to describe the dynamic behavior of rotating shaft, allows the decomposition of the system in two submodes, backward and forward. Thus, it is possible to clearly visualize that the orbit and direction of the precessional motion around the line of the rotating shaft is not deformed. A finite element program was developed using MATLAB (TM) and numerical simulations were performed to validate this model. Natural frequencies and directional frequency forced response (dFRF) were obtained using the complex modal analysis for a simple vertical rotor and also for a typical drill string used in the construction of oil wells.

Controllability of control systems on complex simple lie groups and the topology of flag manifolds

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

Structure of importin-a from a filamentous fungus in complex with a classical nuclear localization signal

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

The multifaceted roles of metabolic enzymes in the Paracoccidioides species complex

Paracoccidioides species are dimorphic fungi and are the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis, which is a serious disease that involves multiple organs. The many tissues colonized by this fungus suggest a variety of surface molecules involved in adhesion. A surprising finding is that most enzymes in the glycolytic pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and glyoxylate cycle in Paracoccidioides spp. have adhesive properties that aid in interacting with the host extracellular matrix and thus act as 'moonlighting'proteins. Moonlighting proteins have multiple functions, which adds a dimension to cellular complexity and benefit cells in several ways. This phenomenon occurs in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. For example, moonlighting proteins from the glycolytic pathway or TCA cycle can play a role in bacterial pathogenesis by either acting as proteins secreted in a conventional pathway and/or as cell surface components that facilitate adhesion or adherence. This review outlines the multifunctionality exhibited by many Paracoccidioides spp. enzymes, including aconitase, aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitratelyase, malatesynthase, triose phosphate isomerase, fumarase, and enolase. We discuss the roles that moonlighting activities play in the virulence characteristics of this fungus and several other human pathogens during their interactions with the host.

Synaptomenal complex analysis of four breeds of Bos taurus taurus x B. taurus indicus hybrids

The synaptonemal complex (SC) was analyzed in four F1 hybrids of Bos taurus taurus and B. taurus indicus including Gyr-Simmental (G-S), Nelore Simmental (N-S), Gyr-Holstein-Friesian (G-H) and Nelore-Piemontese (N-P). We analysed the frequency of various types of SC abnormalities and the frequency of cells with SC abnormalities. The results were compared with similar observations made on purebred animals. All the animals studied possessed 29 autosomal and one sex bivalent. The frequency of cells with abnormalities in the hybrids were 28.0% in the N-P, 29.1% in the G-S, 33.3% in the N-S and 40.0% in the G-H. The frequency of cells with abnormalities in the four hybrids was 31.5%; 57.9% of these abnormalities occurred in zygotene and 42.0% occurred in pachytene. The comparisons among the hybrids and among the hybrids and their parental breeds showed that the only significant difference was between Gyr and Gyr-Holstein-Friesian animals. Some aspects of the relationship between the frequency of cells with anomalies and the fertility of hybrids are discussed.

Autism spectrum disorder in a girl with a de novo x;19 balanced translocation

Balanced X-autosome translocations are rare, and female carriers are a clinically heterogeneous group of patients, with phenotypically normal women, history of recurrent miscarriage, gonadal dysfunction, X-linked disorders or congenital abnormalities, and/or developmental delay. We investigated a patient with a de novo X;19 translocation. The six-year-old girl has been evaluated due to hyperactivity, social interaction impairment, stereotypic and repetitive use of language with echolalia, failure to follow parents/caretakers orders, inconsolable outbursts, and persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. The girl has normal cognitive function. Her measurements are within normal range, and no other abnormalities were found during physical, neurological, or dysmorphological examinations. Conventional cytogenetic analysis showed a de novo balanced translocation, with the karyotype 46,X,t(X;19)(p21.2;q13.4). Replication banding showed a clear preference for inactivation of the normal X chromosome. The translocation was confirmed by FISH and Spectral Karyotyping (SKY). Although abnormal phenotypes associated with de novo balanced chromosomal rearrangements may be the result of disruption of a gene at one of the breakpoints, submicroscopic deletion or duplication, or a position effect, X; autosomal translocations are associated with additional unique risk factors including X-linked disorders, functional autosomal monosomy, or functional X chromosome disomy resulting from the complex X-inactivation process.

Opto-electrical properties of single layer flexible electroluminescence device with ruthenium complex

In this work, a ruthenium hexafluorophosphate complex, [Ru(bpy)(3)](PF6)(2) in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) was employed to build a single layer light electrochemical cell on indium tin oxide polyester flexible substrate. The electroluminescence spectrum features a relatively broad band peaked near 625 run, with CIE (x,y) color coordinates of (0.61,0.39). The driving voltage is only 3 V, and for the maximum electrical current of 10 mA the brightness reaches 1 cd/m(2). Regarding the useful application of the device, its opto-electrical behavior under mechanical strain was studied considering the central curvature. In these situations, both electrical characterization in DC mode and luminance were analyzed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of zooplankton community structure between impacted and non-impacted areas of Paranagua Bay Estuarine Complex, south Brazil

We analysed the seasonal distribution of the zooplankton community in an anthropogenically impacted area (Paranagua Bay) and a non-impacted area (Laranjeiras Bay) of the Paranagua Bay Estuarine Complex. Large phytoplankton (>50 mu m) and zooplankton were collected every two months, between August 2003 and June 2004. The phytoplankton community was numerically dominated by diatoms (78%) and dinoflagellates (19%). Zooplankton abundance varied between 670 and 100,716 individuals m(-3), with a dominance of copepods, mainly the calanoids Acartia lilljeborgii, Acartia tonsa and Pseudodiaptomus acutus. A clear seasonal pattern was observed: copepods were significantly more abundant during the rainy than in the dry season. Significant differences in abundance between the two bays were detected only for cirripede larvae, which were more abundant in Paranagua Bay. This lack of difference between the two areas was probably a consequence of the water circulation along the estuary, which may have diluted and dispersed the pollutants from Paranagua Bay to other areas of the estuary.

From pyridoxalrhodanine to a novel 7-azacoumarin complex of dimethylthallium(III) in a one-pot synthesis

The hydrolysis of pyridoxalrhodanine in a basic medium containing the dimethylthallium(III) cation afforded the compound [TlMe2(L)]center dot H2O (1.H2O) [HL = 5-(hydroxymethyl)-8-methyl-3-thiol-7-azacoumarin]. This compound was characterized in solid state by IR spectroscopy and in solution by H-1 and C-13{H-1} NMR spectrometry. X-ray diffraction showed that the crystal consists of associated TlMe2(L) units and hydrogen bonded water molecules. The L- anion is bound to the metal mainly by a bridging S atom [Tl-S = 2.9458(18) angstrom; 2.9616(16) angstrom], although secondary interactions through O atoms (Tl-O: 2.861(5); 2.900(5) angstrom)] are also present. The longer Tl-O interaction and the hydrogen bonds of the water molecules give rise to a tridimensional polymeric structure. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.