Isolation and characterization of ten novel microsatellite loci in the red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens, Tinamiformes, Aves) and cross-amplification in other tinamous

We describe the isolation and characterization of ten microsatellite loci from the red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) and also evaluated the cross-amplification of these loci and other ten loci previously developed for the great tinamou (Tinamus major) in other tinamous. Genetic variability was assessed using 24 individuals. Six loci were polymorphic with moderate to high number of alleles per locus (2-12 alleles) and showed expected heterozygosity (HE) ranging from 0.267 to 0.860. All loci conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg expectation and linkage disequilibrium was not significant for any pair of loci. This battery of polymorphic loci showed high paternity exclusion probability (0.986) and low genetic identity probability (4.95 x 10(-5)), proving to be helpful for parentage tests and population analyses in the red-winged tinamou. The cross-amplification was moderate where of the 160 locus/taxon combinations, 46 (28.75%) successfully amplified.

Strain differentiation of Trichophyton rubrum by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Trichophyton rubrum é um importante agente causal de dermatomicose. Os métodos de tipagem molecular têm sido recentemente desenvolvidos para responder questões sobre epidemiologia e auxiliar no esclarecimento de recidivas, após o tratamento. As seqüências aleatórias 1- (5'-d[GGTGCGGGAA]-3') e 6- (5'-d[CCCGTCAGCA]-3') foram usadas para tipagem molecular deste fungo por RAPD produzindo variabilidade intraespecífica. Cinco padrões foram observados entre os 10 isolados de T. rubrum, com ambas as seqüências. Foi concluído que a análise por RAPD pode ser utilizada para estudos epidemiológicos.

The effect of acoustic mode on time-resolved temperature measurements in a Rijke-tube pulse combustor

Radial profiles are reported of average and rms temperature in a propane flame for the first, second, and third acoustic modes at four different axial positions above the burner in a Rijke-tube combustor. Selected plots of the power spectral density (PSD) of temperature fluctuations are also reported. These radial profiles are then compared to similar ones made in the same flame, but in the absence of the acoustic field. Visual observations and photographs of the flame showed a remarkable change in flame height and structure with the onset of acoustic oscillations. This reduction in flame length, caused by the enhanced mixing due to the acoustic velocity fluctuations, gave rise to higher and lower average and rms temperatures near or well above the burner, respectively. In general, the PSD plots had a broad frequency content. The general trend was a decrease in magnitude with an increase in frequency. All cases presented broad-band peaks at around 5 Hz related to the flame flickering phenomenon. Preferred frequencies were observed in the oscillating PSD plots related to the fundamental frequency as well as subharmonics in the tube. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative degradation of ZnO- and SnO(2)-based polycrystalline non-ohmic devices by current pulse stress

The degradation behaviour of SnO(2)-based varistors (SCNCr) due to current pulses (8/20 mu s) is reported here for the first time in comparison with the ZnO-based commercial varistors (ZnO). Puncturing and/or cracking failures were observed in ZnO-based varistors possessing inferior thermo-mechanical properties in comparison with that found in a SCNCr system free of failures. Both systems presented electric degradation related to the increase in the leakage current and decrease in the electric breakdown field, non-linear coefficient and average value of the potential barrier height. However, it was found that a more severe degradation occurred in the ZnO-based varistors concerning their non-ohmic behaviour, while in the SCNCr system, a strong non-ohmic behaviour remained after the degradation. These results indicate that the degradation in the metal oxide varistors is controlled by a defect diffusion process whose rate depends on the mobility, the concentration of meta-stable defects and the amount of electrically active interfaces. The improved behaviour of the SCNCr system is then inferred to be associated with the higher amount of electrically active interfaces (85%) and to a higher energy necessary to activate the diffusion of the specific defects.

Generalization of the Y-differential autotransformer for 12- and 18-pulse converters

This work proposes a methodology to generalize the Y-connections for 12- and 18-pulse autotransformers. A single mathematical expression, obtained through simple trigonometric operations, represents all the connections. The proposed methodology allows choosing any ratio between the input and the output voltages. The converters can operate either as step-up or as step-down voltage. To simplify the design of the windings, graphics are generated to calculate the turn-ratio and the polarity of each secondary winding, with respect to the primary winding. A design example, followed by digital simulations, illustrates the presented steps. Experimental results of two prototypes (12 and 18 pulses) are presented. The results also show that high power factor is an inherent characteristic of multi-pulse converters, without any active or passive power factor pre-regulators needs. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simple interferometric method to measure the calibration factor and displacement amplification in piezoelectric flextensional actuators

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

Strategic capacitor placement in distribution systems by minimisation of harmonics amplification because of resonance

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

Visual detection of turkey coronavirus RNA in tissues and feces by reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) with hydroxynaphthol blue dye

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

A set of polymorphic microsatellite loci for Vriesea gigantea and Alcantarea imperialis (Bromeliaceae) and cross-amplification in other bromeliad species

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in two species of Bromeliaceae: Vriesea gigantea and Alcantarea imperialis. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from three to 16. The loci will be used for studies of the genetic structure of natural populations, reproductive biology, and evolutionary relationships among and within these genera. A cross-amplification test in 22 taxa suggests that the markers will be useful for similar applications in numerous other bromeliad species.

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in Leporinus macrocephalus (Characiformes : Anostomidae) and cross-species amplification

Leporinus macrocephalus is a species endemic to the Paraguay River basin and an important fishery resource, as well as a valuable species in aquaculture programs. A total of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized. A population survey was conducted involving 45 specimens whereby a large number of alleles (range 5-17 among loci), a highly observed (0.1667-0.6129) and an expected (0.6967-0.9448) heterozygosity was detected, indicating its usefulness in population genetics studies. Cross-species amplification was successful in eight Characiformes species.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Siluriformes : Pimelodidae) and cross-species amplification

A total of five polymorphic microsatellites loci from Pseudoplatystoma corruscans were isolated and characterized. A population survey involving 43 specimens resolved a large number of alleles (range seven to eight among loci) and high observed heterozygosity (0.500-0.615), indicating its usefulness in population genetics studies. Cross-species amplification was successful in four other Pimelodidae species.

Identification and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the blue shark Prionace glauca, and cross-amplification in other shark species

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

Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) and their cross-species amplification in six related species

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the Neotropical fish Astyanax altiparanae (Teleostei: Characiformes) and cross-species amplification

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

Differential pulse voltammetric determination of nitrite with gold ultramicroelectrode

The application of disk shaped gold ultramicroelectrode for nitrite determination with and without addition of supporting electrolyte was studied using the differential pulse voltammetric method. The well-defined peak for nitrite oxidation near 0.8V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode) was used to obtain analytical plots in the concentration range from 0.1 to 0.6 mmol L-1 and from 10.0 to 50.0 mu mol.L-1. The calculated detection limit was 0.65 mu mol.L-1 in purified water, in the absence of supporting electrolyte, with relative standard deviation of 1.36% (n=6) for analyzing 10.0 mu mol L-1 nitrite solutions, and accuracy of 100.9 %, based on recovery studies. The application of this analytical method to mineral and river water samples of natural pH also showed improved sensitivity when compared with the linear sweep voltammetric method previously reported.