Nanostructured Films Based on Carbon Nanotubes and Cobalt for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of H(2)O(2)

This paper presents the fabrication of a nanothick Co-modified film electrochemically synthesized on layer-by-layer (LbL) structures made with dendrimer polyamidoamine/carbon nanotubes (PAMAM/CNT), and its electrocatalytic properties toward H(2)O(2) reduction. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the formation of a homogeneous, 14 nm thick Co film. The porous nature of the PAMAM/CNT LbL film allowed the electrolyte access to the bottom of the electrode, generating a homogenous Co electrodeposit. In addition, the nanostructure based on Co-modified PAMAM/CNT LbL exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for H(2)O(2) reduction when compared to the Co-free PAMAM/CNT LbL film, which demonstrates the suitability of the system studied for biosensing. (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3602200] All rights reserved.

Design of 1D and 2D molecule-based magnets with the ligand 4,5-dimethyl-1,2-phenylenebis(oxamato)

Three new bimetallic oxamato-based magnets with the proligand 4,5-dimethyl-1,2-phenylenebis-(oxamato) (dmopba) were synthesized using water or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as solvents. Single crystal X-ray diffraction provided structures for two of them: [MnCu(dmopba)(H(2)O)(3)]n center dot 4nH(2)O (1) and [MnCu(dmopba)(DMSO)(3)](n center dot)nDMSO (2). The crystalline structures for both 1 and 2 consist of linearly ordered oxamato-bridged Mn(II)Cu(II) bimetallic chains. The magnetic characterization revealed a typical behaviour of ferrimagnetic chains for 1 and 2. Least-squares fits of the experimental magnetic data performed in the 300-20 K temperature range led to J(MnCu) = -27.9 cm(-1), g(Cu) = 2.09 and g(Mn) = 1.98 for 1 and J(MnCu) = -30.5 cm(-1), g(Cu) = 2.09 and g(Mn) = 2.02 for 2 (H = -J(MnCu)Sigma S(Mn, i)(S(Cu, i) + S(Cu, i-1))). The two-dimensional ferrimagnetic system [Me(4)N](2n){Co(2)[Cu(dmopba)](3)}center dot 4nDMSO center dot nH(2)O (3) was prepared by reaction of Co(II) ions and an excess of [Cu(dmopba)](2-) in DMSO. The study of the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility as well as the temperature and field dependences of the magnetization revealed a cluster glass-like behaviour for 3.

Adenosine binding to low-molecular-weight purine nucleoside phosphorylase: the structural basis for recognition based on its complex with the enzyme from Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosomes are unable to synthesize purines de novo and depend exclusively on the salvage pathway for their purine requirements. It has been suggested that blockage of this pathway could lead to parasite death. The enzyme purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) is one of its key components and molecules designed to inhibit the low-molecular-weight (LMW) PNPs, which include both the human and schistosome enzymes, are typically analogues of the natural substrates inosine and guanosine. Here, it is shown that adenosine both binds to Schistosoma mansoni PNP and behaves as a weak micromolar inhibitor of inosine phosphorolysis. Furthermore, the first crystal structures of complexes of an LMW PNP with adenosine and adenine are reported, together with those with inosine and hypoxanthine. These are used to propose a structural explanation for the selective binding of adenosine to some LMW PNPs but not to others. The results indicate that transition-state analogues based on adenosine or other 6-amino nucleosides should not be discounted as potential starting points for alternative inhibitors.

Antiferromagnetism with spin polarization of GaN-based diluted magnetic semiconductors

The diluted magnetic semiconductors are promising materials for spintronic applications. Usually one intents to find the ferromagnetic state but recently the antiferromagnetism (AFM) was proposed to have some advantages. In this work, we verify the possibility to obtain spin polarization with an AFM state. In particular, we studied GaN 5% double doped with two different transition metals atoms (Mn and Co or Cr and Ni), forming the Mn(x)Co(0.056-x)Ga(0.944)N and Cr(x)Ni(0.056-x)Ga(0.944)N quaternary alloys. In order to simulate these systems in a more realistic way, and take into account composition fluctuations, we adapted the generalized quasichemical approach to diluted alloys, which is used in combination with spin density-functional theory. We find that is possible to obtain an AFM ground state up to 70% spin polarization.

Accurate band gaps of AlGaN, InGaN, and AlInN alloys calculations based on LDA-1/2 approach

We present parameter-free calculations of electronic properties of InGaN, InAlN, and AlGaN alloys. The calculations are based on a generalized quasichemical approach, to account for disorder and composition effects, and first-principles calculations within the density functional theory with the LDA-1/2 approach, to accurately determine the band gaps. We provide precise results for AlGaN, InGaN, and AlInN band gaps for the entire range of compositions, and their respective bowing parameters. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3576570]

Novel insights into the genomic basis of citrus canker based on the genome sequences of two strains of Xanthomonas fuscans subsp aurantifolii

Background: Citrus canker is a disease that has severe economic impact on the citrus industry worldwide. There are three types of canker, called A, B, and C. The three types have different phenotypes and affect different citrus species. The causative agent for type A is Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, whose genome sequence was made available in 2002. Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii strain B causes canker B and Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolii strain C causes canker C. Results: We have sequenced the genomes of strains B and C to draft status. We have compared their genomic content to X. citri subsp. citri and to other Xanthomonas genomes, with special emphasis on type III secreted effector repertoires. In addition to pthA, already known to be present in all three citrus canker strains, two additional effector genes, xopE3 and xopAI, are also present in all three strains and are both located on the same putative genomic island. These two effector genes, along with one other effector-like gene in the same region, are thus good candidates for being pathogenicity factors on citrus. Numerous gene content differences also exist between the three cankers strains, which can be correlated with their different virulence and host range. Particular attention was placed on the analysis of genes involved in biofilm formation and quorum sensing, type IV secretion, flagellum synthesis and motility, lipopolysacharide synthesis, and on the gene xacPNP, which codes for a natriuretic protein. Conclusion: We have uncovered numerous commonalities and differences in gene content between the genomes of the pathogenic agents causing citrus canker A, B, and C and other Xanthomonas genomes. Molecular genetics can now be employed to determine the role of these genes in plant-microbe interactions. The gained knowledge will be instrumental for improving citrus canker control.

Haplotype distribution of five nuclear genes based on network genealogies and Bayesian inference indicates that Trypanosoma cruzi hybrid strains are polyphyletic

Chagas disease is still a major public health problem in Latin America. Its causative agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, can be typed into three major groups, T. cruzi I, T. cruzi II and hybrids. These groups each have specific genetic characteristics and epidemiological distributions. Several highly virulent strains are found in the hybrid group; their origin is still a matter of debate. The null hypothesis is that the hybrids are of polyphyletic origin, evolving independently from various hybridization events. The alternative hypothesis is that all extant hybrid strains originated from a single hybridization event. We sequenced both alleles of genes encoding EF-1 alpha, actin and SSU rDNA of 26 T. cruzi strains and DHFR-TS and TR of 12 strains. This information was used for network genealogy analysis and Bayesian phylogenies. We found T. cruzi I and T. cruzi II to be monophyletic and that all hybrids had different combinations of T. cruzi I and T. cruzi II haplotypes plus hybrid-specific haplotypes. Bootstrap values (networks) and posterior probabilities (Bayesian phylogenies) of clades supporting the monophyly of hybrids were far below the 95% confidence interval, indicating that the hybrid group is polyphyletic. We hypothesize that T. cruzi I and T. cruzi II are two different species and that the hybrids are extant representatives of independent events of genome hybridization, which sporadically have sufficient fitness to impact on the epidemiology of Chagas disease.

Hybrid layer-by-layer assembly based on animal and vegetable structural materials: multilayered films of collagen and cellulose nanowhiskers

Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly was used to combine crystalline rod-like nanoparticles obtained from a vegetable source, cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), with collagen, the main component of skin and connective tissue found exclusively in animals. The film growth of the multilayered collagen/CNW was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy and ellipsometry measurements, whereas the film morphology and surface roughness were characterized by SEM and AFM. UV-Vis spectra showed the deposition of the same amount of collagen, 5 mg m(-2), in each dipping cycle. Ellipsometry data showed an increment in thickness with the number of layers, and the average thickness of each bilayer was found to be 8.6 nm. The multilayered bio-based nanocomposites were formed by single layers of densely packed CNWs adsorbed on top of each thin collagen layer where the hydrogen bonding between collagen amide groups and OH groups of the CNWs plays a mandatory role in the build-up of the thin films. The approach used in this work represents a potential strategy to mimic the characteristics of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) which can be used for applications in the biomedical field.

Chemiluminescence-based uphill energy conversion

The conversion of red excitation light into blue emission light (uphill energy conversion) using unstable 1,2-dioxetanes is described. The method is based on 1,2-dioxetane formation by red-light sensitized photooxygenation of adequate alkenes and subsequent blue-light emission due to thermal 1,2-dioxetane cleavage. The energy gain resulting from the chemical energy obtained in the transformation of an alkene into two carbonyl compounds transforms a red-light excitation laser beam into a blue-light chemiluminescence emission, producing thereby a formal anti-Stokes shift of 200-250 nm, opening up a whole spectrum of possible applications.

Knoop Microhardness and FT-Raman Spectroscopic Evaluation of a Resin-Based Dental Material Light-Cured by an Argon Ion Laser and Halogen Lamp: An in Vitro Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the Knoop microhardness (Knoop hardness number [KHN]) and the degree of conversion using FT-Raman spectroscopy of a light-cured microhybrid resin composite (Z350-3M-ESPE) Vita shade A3 photopolymerized with a halogen lamp or an argon ion laser. Background Data: Optimal polymerization of resin-based dental materials is important for longevity of restorations in dentistry. Materials and Methods: Thirty specimens were prepared and inserted into a disc-shaped polytetrafluoroethylene mold that was 2.0 mm thick and 3 mm in diameter. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10 each). Group 1 (G1) was light-cured for 20 sec with an Optilux 501 halogen light with an intensity of 1000 mW/cm(2). Group 2 (G2) was photopolymerized with an argon laser with a power of 150 mW for 10 sec, and group 3 (G3) was photopolymerized with an argon laser at 200 mW of power for 10 sec. All specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 degrees C and kept in lightproof containers. For the KHN test five indentations were made and a depth of 100 mu m was maintained in each specimen. One hundred and fifty readings were obtained using a 25-g load for 45 sec. The degree of conversion values were measured by Raman spectroscopy. KHN and degree of conversion values were obtained on opposite sides of the irradiated surface. KHN and degree of conversion data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results of KHN testing were G1 = 37.428 +/- 4.765; G2 = 23.588 +/- 6.269; and G3 = 21.652 +/- 4.393. The calculated degrees of conversion (DC%) were G1 = 48.57 +/- 2.11; G2 = 43.71 +/- 3.93; and G3 = 44.19 +/- 2.71. Conclusions: Polymerization with the halogen lamp ( G1) attained higher microhardness values than polymerization with the argon laser at power levels of 150 and 200 mW; there was no difference in hardness between the two argon laser groups. The results showed no statistically significant different degrees of conversion for the polymerization of composite samples with the two light sources tested.

Contrasting photoelectrochemical behaviour of two isomeric supramolecular dyes based on meso-tetra(pyridyl)porphyrin incorporating four (mu(3)-oxo)- triruthenium(III) clusters

A saddle shaped tetracluster porphyrin species containing four [Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)(py)(2)](+) clusters coordinated to the N-pyridyl atoms of 5,10,15,20-tetra(3-pyridyl)porphyrin, H(2)(3-TCPyP), has been investigated in comparison with the planar tetra(4-pyridyl) porphyrin analogue H(2)(4-TCPyP). The steric effects from the bulky peripheral complexes play a critical role in the H(2)(3-TCPyP) species, determining a non-planar configuration around the porphyrin centre and precluding any significant pi-electronic coupling, in contrast with the less hindered H(2)(4-TCPyP) species. Both systems exhibit a photoelectrochemical response in the presence of nanocrystalline TiO(2) films, involving the porphyrin excitation around 450 nm. However, only in the H(2)(4-TCPyP) case do the cluster moieties also contribute to the photoinduced electron injection process at 670 nm, reflecting the relevance of the electronic coupling between the porphyrin centre and the peripheral complexes.

New genes of Xanthomonas citri subsp citri involved in pathogenesis and adaptation revealed by a transposon-based mutant library

Background: Citrus canker is a disease caused by the phytopathogens Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. aurantifolli and Xanthomonas alfalfae subsp. citrumelonis. The first of the three species, which causes citrus bacterial canker type A, is the most widely spread and severe, attacking all citrus species. In Brazil, this species is the most important, being found in practically all areas where citrus canker has been detected. Like most phytobacterioses, there is no efficient way to control citrus canker. Considering the importance of the disease worldwide, investigation is needed to accurately detect which genes are related to the pathogen-host adaptation process and which are associated with pathogenesis. Results: Through transposon insertion mutagenesis, 10,000 mutants of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri strain 306 (Xcc) were obtained, and 3,300 were inoculated in Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia) leaves. Their ability to cause citrus canker was analyzed every 3 days until 21 days after inoculation; a set of 44 mutants showed altered virulence, with 8 presenting a complete loss of causing citrus canker symptoms. Sequencing of the insertion site in all 44 mutants revealed that 35 different ORFs were hit, since some ORFs were hit in more than one mutant, with mutants for the same ORF presenting the same phenotype. An analysis of these ORFs showed that some encoded genes were previously known as related to pathogenicity in phytobacteria and, more interestingly, revealed new genes never implicated with Xanthomonas pathogenicity before, including hypothetical ORFs. Among the 8 mutants with no canker symptoms are the hrpB4 and hrpX genes, two genes that belong to type III secretion system (TTSS), two hypothetical ORFS and, surprisingly, the htrA gene, a gene reported as involved with the virulence process in animal-pathogenic bacteria but not described as involved in phytobacteria virulence. Nucleic acid hybridization using labeled cDNA probes showed that some of the mutated genes are differentially expressed when the bacterium is grown in citrus leaves. Finally, comparative genomic analysis revealed that 5 mutated ORFs are in new putative pathogenicity islands. Conclusion: The identification of these new genes related with Xcc infection and virulence is a great step towards the understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and could allow the development of strategies to control citrus canker.

Soil carbon stocks under no-tillage mulch-based cropping systems in the Brazilian Cerrado: An on-farm synchronic assessment

No-tillage mulch-based (NTM) cropping systems have been widely adopted by farmers in the Brazilian savanna region (Cerrado biome). We hypothesized that this new type of management should have a profound impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) at regional scale and consequently on climate change mitigation. The objective of this study was thus to quantify the SOC storage potential of NTM in the oxisols of the Cerrado using a synchronic approach that is based on a chronosequence of fields of different years under NTM. The study consisted of three phases: (1) a farm/cropping system survey to identify the main types of NTM systems to be chosen for the chronosequence; (2) a field survey to identify a homogeneous set of situations for the chronosequence and (3) the characterization of the chronosequence to assess the SOC storage potential. The main NTM system practiced by farmers is an annual succession of soybean (Glycine max)or maize (Zea mays) with another cereal crop. This cropping system covers 54% of the total cultivated area in the region. At the regional level, soil organic C concentrations from NTM fields were closely correlated with clay + silt content of the soil (r(2) = 0.64). No significant correlation was observed (r(2) = 0.07), however, between these two variables when we only considered the fields with a clay + silt content in the 500-700 g kg(-1) range. The final chronosequence of NTM fields was therefore based on a subsample of eight fields, within this textural range. The SOC stocks in the 0-30 cm topsoil layer of these selected fields varied between 4.2 and 6.7 kg C m(-2) and increased on average (r(2) = 0.97) with 0.19 kg C m(-2) year(-1). After 12 years of NTM management, SOC stocks were no longer significantly different from the stocks under natural Cerrado vegetation (p < 0.05), whereas a 23-year-old conventionally tilled and cropped field showed SOC stocks that were about 30% below this level. Confirming our hypotheses, this study clearly illustrated the high potential of NTM systems in increasing SOC storage under tropical conditions, and how a synchronic approach may be used to assess efficiently such modification on farmers` fields, identifying and excluding non desirable sources of heterogeneity (management, soils and climate). (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DISTRIBUTION OF CAPYBARAS IN AN AGROECOSYSTEM, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL, BASED ON ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELING

Southeastern Brazil has seen dramatic landscape modifications in recent decades, due to expansion of agriculture and urban areas; these changes have influenced the distribution and abundance of vertebrates. We developed predictive models of ecological and spatial distributions of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) using ecological niche modeling. Most Occurrences of capybaras were in flat areas with water bodies Surrounded by sugarcane and pasture. More than 75% of the Piracicaba River basin was estimated as potentially habitable by capybara. The models had low omission error (2.3-3.4%), but higher commission error (91.0-98.5%); these ""model failures"" seem to be more related to local habitat characteristics than to spatial ones. The potential distribution of capybaras in the basin is associated with anthropogenic habitats, particularly with intensive land use for agriculture.

The Influence of Different Land Uses on the Structure of Archaeal Communities in Amazonian Anthrosols Based on 16S rRNA and amoA Genes

Soil from the Amazonian region is usually regarded as unsuitable for agriculture because of its low organic matter content and low pH; however, this region also contains extremely rich soil, the Terra Preta Anthrosol. A diverse archaeal community usually inhabits acidic soils, such as those found in the Amazon. Therefore, we hypothesized that this community should be sensitive to changes in the environment. Here, the archaeal community composition of Terra Preta and adjacent soil was examined in four different sites in the Brazilian Amazon under different anthropic activities. The canonical correspondence analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms has shown that the archaeal community structure was mostly influenced by soil attributes that differentiate the Terra Preta from the adjacent soil (i.e., pH, sulfur, and organic matter). Archaeal 16S rRNA gene clone libraries indicated that the two most abundant genera in both soils were Candidatus nitrosphaera and Canditatus nitrosocaldus. An ammonia monoxygenase gene (amoA) clone library analysis indicated that, within each site, there was no significant difference between the clone libraries of Terra Preta and adjacent soils. However, these clone libraries indicated there were significant differences between sites. Quantitative PCR has shown that Terra Preta soils subjected to agriculture displayed a higher number of amoA gene copy numbers than in adjacent soils. On the other hand, soils that were not subjected to agriculture did not display significant differences on amoA gene copy numbers between Terra Preta and adjacent soils. Taken together, our findings indicate that the overall archaeal community structure in these Amazonian soils is determined by the soil type and the current land use.