Ordering in the dilute weakly-anisotropic antiferromagnet Mn(0.35)Zn(0.65)F2

The highly diluted antiferromagnet Mn(0.35)Zn(0.65)F2 has been investigated by neutron scattering in zero field. The Bragg peaks observed below the Neel temperature TN (approximately 10.9 K) indicate stable antiferromagnetic long-range ordering at low temperature. The critical behavior is governed by random-exchange Ising model critical exponents (nu approximately 0.69 and gamma approximately 1.31), as reported for Mn(x)Zn(1-x)F2 with higher x and for the isostructural compound Fe(x)Zn(1-x)F2. However, in addition to the Bragg peaks, unusual scattering behavior appears for |q|>0 below a glassy temperature Tg approximately 7.0 K. The glassy region T<Tg corresponds to that of noticeable frequency dependence in earlier zero-field ac susceptibility measurements on this sample. These results indicate that long-range order coexists with short-range nonequilibrium clusters in this highly diluted magnet.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Stream Fish Fauna From The Tributaries Of The Upper Itapetininga River, Upper Paranapanema River Basin, State Of São Paulo, Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The study area, which is located in urban and rural areas within the upper Paranapanema River basin, is undergoing several types of anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic impacts, such as chemical alterations, habitat disruption, and biological invasions. The aim of this study is to describe the fish faunal composition from tributaries of the Itapetininga River, upper Paranapanema River basin, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Herein, we include a list of 49 fish species, belonging to seven orders, 19 families and 35 genera, captured from September 2009 to November 2013. Thus, the present study fills part of the knowledge gap about the fish fauna from tributaries of the Paranapanema basin by adding data from small tributaries not studied so far. Moreover, our findings can help inform future conservational and/or management strategies within the upper Paranapanema basin. © 2016 Check List and Authors.12207/50981-7, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo07/50982-3, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo2012/09346-4, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São PauloFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Proportional Convolution Filters - An Alternative Technique For Non-distorted Image Enhancement

This paper introduces a new class of spatial filters, here coined the proportional convolution filters. These filters are constructed in such way that the values assigned to each kernel cell are weighted as a function of the trigonometric distance of the cells to the kernel centre. A set of high-pass and low-pass proportional filters were designed using a specially tailored algorithm and a Delphi-based code that allows producing multi-dimensional filters. These filters underwent a twofold test. Firstly, the filters were tested against an instructive digital image of a candle flame. This image was employed as it shows large and detailed variations in color tones (low frequencies) and an assortment of possible boundaries between tones (high frequencies). Secondly, the filters were applied to a Landsat-5 TM image containing a variety of landforms. Results showed the efficiency of the filters and the adequacy of an array of kernel sizes to enhance both tonal and edge variations in a digital image, demonstrating that the proportional filters can benefit numerous applications in several fields of Geosciences. © 2012 Sociedade Brasileira de Geofísica.3013139Blom, R.G., Daily, M., Radar Image-Processing for Rock-Type Discrimination (1982) IEEE Transactions On Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 20 (3), pp. 343-351Branco, F.C., (1998) Filtros De Convolução Passa Baixas No Realce Tonal De Imagens, p. 78. , M.Sc. Dissertation. Instituto de Geociências - USP. São Paulo, SP, BrazilCurran, P.J., (1985) Principles of Remote Sensing, p. 282. , Longman Group Limited, London, UKDrury, S.A., (2001) Image Interpretation In Geology, p. 296. , Blackwell Science, UK, 3rd editionHoldermann, F., Bohner, M., Bargel, B., Kazmierczak, H., Review of Automatic Image Processing (1978) Photogrammetria, 34, pp. 225-258Mather, P.M., (1999) Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images: An Introduction, p. 292. , John Wiley & Sons Inc., UKSouza, F.C.R., Drury, S.A., Denniss, A.M., Carlton, R.W.T., Rothery, D.A., Restoration of Corrupted Optical Fuyo-1 (JERS-1) Data Using Frequency Domain Techniques (1996) Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 62 (9), pp. 1037-1047Tao, L., Asari, V., An Integrated Neighborhood Dependent Approach for Nonlinear Enhancement of Color Images (2004) International Conference On Information Technology, Proceedings, 2, pp. 138-13

Key endothelial cell angiogenic mechanisms are stimulated by the circulating milieu in sickle cell disease and attenuated by hydroxyurea

As hypoxia-induced inflammatory angiogenesis may contribute to sickle cell disease manifestations, we compared the angiogenic molecular profiles of plasma from sickle cell disease individuals and correlated these with in vitro endothelial cell-mediated angiogenesis-stimulating activity and in vivo neovascularization. Bioplex demonstrated that plasma from steady-state sickle cell anemia patients presented elevated concentrations of pro-angiogenic factors (Angiopoietin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-D and placental growth factor) and displayed potent pro-angiogenic activity, significantly augmenting endothelial cell proliferation, migration and capillary-like structure formation. In vivo neovascularization of Matrigel plugs was significantly greater in sickle cell disease mice, compared with non-sickle cell disease mice, consistent with an upregulation of angiogenesis in the disease. In plasma from patients with hemoglobin SC disease without proliferative retinopathy, anti-angiogenic endostatin and thrombospondin-2 were significantly elevated. In contrast, plasma from hemoglobin SC individuals with proliferative retinopathy displayed a pro-angiogenic profile and had more significant effects on endothelial cell proliferation and capillary formation than plasma of patients without retinopathy. Hydroxyurea therapy was associated with significant reductions in plasma angiogenic factor profile, in association with an inhibition of endothelial cell-mediated angiogenic mechanisms and neovascularization. Thus, sickle cell anemia and retinopathic hemoglobin SC individuals present a highly angiogenic circulating milieu, capable of stimulating key endothelial cell-mediated angiogenic mechanisms. Combination anti-angiogenic therapy for preventing progression of unregulated neovascularization and associated manifestations in sickle cell disease, such as pulmonary hypertension, may be indicated; furthermore, the benefits and drawbacks of the potent anti-angiogenic effects of hydroxyurea should be clarified.As hypoxia-induced inflammatory angiogenesis may contribute to sickle cell disease manifestations, we compared the angiogenic molecular profiles of plasma from sickle cell disease individuals and correlated these with in vitro endothelial cell-mediated an1006730739FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO2008/57441-0; 2009/16334-0565036/201

Physiological and biochemical responses to low non-freezing temperature of two Eucalyptus globulus clones differing in drought resistance

Abstract – We have compared the metabolic responses of leaves and roots of two Eucalyptus globulus L. clones CN5 and ST51 that differ in their sensitivity to water deficits (ST51 is more drought sensitive), with regard to the effect of chilling (10/5 ◦C, day/night). We studied changes in growth, osmotic potential and osmotically active compounds, soluble proteins, leaf pigments, and membrane lipid composition. Our data showed that both clones have the ability to acclimatize to chilling temperatures. As a result of 10 days of acclimation, an increase of soluble sugars in leaves of treated plants of both clones was observed that disappeared later on. Differences between clones were observed in the photosynthetic pigments and soluble protein content which were more stable in CN5 under chilling. It also was apparent that CN5 presented a less negative predawn water potential (ψpd) and a higher leaf turgor than ST51 throughout the chilling treatment. In the case of the CN5, increased total lipids (TFA) and concomitant increase of linolenic acid (C18:3) in leaves after acclimatization may be related to a better clone performance under chilling temperatures. Moreover, a higher constitutive investment in roots in the case of CN5 as compared to ST51 may benefit new root regeneration under low temperatures favoring growth after cold Mediterranean winter

Desenvolvimento de tecnologia para extensão do shelf-life de produtos de panificação da empresa Panimafra

Este estudo tem por objetivo desenvolver tecnologia que permita alargar o tempo de vida útil (shelf-life time) do Pão de Mafra, fabricado a partir de farinha de trigo e centeio, levedura, sal e elevada % de água, na sua versão “pão de forma” fatiado. A empresa garante apenas 1 dia de validade para o produto (o pão é produzido, distribuído e recolhido diariamente) mas pretende alargar para 5 dias. Para tal recorreu-se à utilização de aditivos alimentares com ação conservante. A estratégia adotada consistiu na pulverização com aditivos sobre o pão fatiado, sendo embalados de seguida e guardados num local seco e fresco. Diariamente efetuou-se uma vistoria a todas as amostras para análise de eventuais desenvolvimentos de bolores. Num primeiro ensaio utilizaram-se 6 aditivos, selecionados de acordo com a legislação portuguesa e da EU (que se identificam nesta fase por aditivos A, B, C, D, E e F), tendo-se desenvolvido 3 soluções para cada aditivo com concentrações variadas dentro dos teores legais possíveis. Estas soluções aplicaram-se sobre os pães com o auxílio de pulverizadores (10 mL de cada solução em cada amostra – 3 fatias de pão x 3 réplicas). Deste primeiro ensaio resultou a exclusão dos aditivos B e D dado que o aparecimento de bolores ocorreu ao 3º dia após a aplicação e dos aditivos E e F devido ao aparecimento de bolores entre o 4º e o 6º dia. Num segundo ensaio utilizaram-se apenas os aditivos A e C (aditivos que demonstraram eficácia até 13 dias no 1º ensaio) e aplicaram-se sobre as amostras em 6 concentrações distintas (10 mL de cada solução em cada amostra – 3 fatias de pão x 4 réplicas), tendo sido armazenados sob as mesmas condições do ensaio inicial. Este ensaio serviu para corroborar a escolha dos aditivos e selecionar quais as concentrações mais adequadas (aditivo A, concentração A6 e aditivo C, concentrações C3 e C6). No terceiro ensaio aplicaram-se as soluções anteriores a metades de pão para verificar a continuidade dos resultados, testando-se a aplicação direta no pão e a aplicação na embalagem. Mais tarde far-se-á o scale up para a máquina de embalamento da empresa que pulverizará a solução do aditivo escolhida para a superfície do pão, sendo seguidamente colocado no interior do saco microperfurado. Paralelamente caracterizou-se a farinha (HR = 13,99%, Proteínas = 11,01%, Glúten = 26,01%, Índice de Glúten = 87,13%, Força W = 215,65), teor de cinzas (0,662%), teor de matéria orgânica (51,073%), humidade relativa (48,265%), elementos minerais (com recurso ao XRF Analyzer) (Cl, K, S, P, Ca, Si, Zn, Mo, Zr, Nb, U, Sr, Rb), colorimetria (com recurso a colorímetro que atua no espaço de cor CIELab) (hº miolo = 87,26; 68,16 ≤ hº côdeas ≤ 72,90) e análise sensorial descritiva e hedónica, para verificar se a pulverização de aditivos afeta ou não as caraterísticas organoléticas do pão em causa. Os três últimos parâmetros serão sujeitos ao teste ANOVA com um grau de significância de 5%, recorrendo ao software de tratamento estatístico R.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Altered glucose homeostasis and hepatic function in obese mice deficient for both kinin receptor genes

The Kallikrein-Kinin System (KKS) has been implicated in several aspects of metabolism, including the regulation of glucose homeostasis and adiposity. Kinins and des-Arg-kinins are the major effectors of this system and promote their effects by binding to two different receptors, the kinin B2 and B1 receptors, respectively. To understand the influence of the KKS on the pathophysiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), we generated an animal model deficient for both kinin receptor genes and leptin (obB1B2KO). Six-month-old obB1B2KO mice showed increased blood glucose levels. Isolated islets of the transgenic animals were more responsive to glucose stimulation releasing greater amounts of insulin, mainly in 3-month-old mice, which was corroborated by elevated serum C-peptide concentrations. Furthermore, they presented hepatomegaly, pronounced steatosis, and increased levels of circulating transaminases. This mouse also demonstrated exacerbated gluconeogenesis during the pyruvate challenge test. The hepatic abnormalities were accompanied by changes in the gene expression of factors linked to glucose and lipid metabolisms in the liver. Thus, we conclude that kinin receptors are important for modulation of insulin secretion and for the preservation of normal glucose levels and hepatic functions in obese mice, suggesting a protective role of the KKS regarding complications associated with obesity and T2DM

Plantio direto, adubação verde e suplementação com esterco de aves na produção orgânica de berinjela.

Sob manejo orgânico, foram avaliados, em Seropédica, RJ, os sistemas de plantio direto da berinjela(Solanum melongena) nas palhadas de Crotalaria juncea (crotalária), Pennisetum glaucum (milheto, cv. BRS 1501)e vegetação espontânea (pousio), em comparação com o plantio convencional (aração e gradagem ou enxada rotativa). Simultaneamente, foram avaliados três tipos de cultivo: berinjela em monocultura, em consórcio com crotalária e em consórcio com caupi (Vigna unguiculata, cv. Mauá). Não houve diferença entre os sistemas de plantio direto e convencional quanto à produção comercial da berinjela. A palhada da crotalária foi mais eficiente que a do milheto e do pousio para cobertura morta do solo e conseqüentemente o controle de plantas espontâneas foi maior. O cultivo simultâneo com as leguminosas não acarretou redução da produtividade da berinjela.Em um segundo estudo, foram comparados plantio direto (palhadas de crotalária e da vegetação espontânea) e plantio convencional, combinados com doses crescentes de cama de aviário (0, 100, 200 e 400 kg ha-1 de N)aplicada em cobertura. Em termos de aporte de biomassa, a crotalária foi novamente superior à vegetação espontânea.A berinjela respondeu à adubação orgânica, com produtividade máxima de 50,6 t ha-1 , correspondendo à maior dose empregada, contra 36,9 t ha-1 referentes ao controle