Effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection on in vitro rooting of Vitis vinifera

Agrobacterium rhizogenes is known to induce the proliferation of rapid growing, highly branching roots (hairy roots) in most dicotyledonous plants. We report here the effect of in vitro infection of Vitis vinifera with two A. rhizogenes strains (b-glucuronidase transgenic A4 and wild type LBA), with regard to an increase of root mass. In vitro-grown V. vinifera explants were infected with two A. rhizogenes strains. Both strains induced a significant increase in the number of the developed roots, and of their weight and length. Root number was increased by a factor of 2.9 (strain A4) and 2.7 (strain LBA), length increased 1.9 and 1.6 times (strains A4 and LBA, respectively), while the root weight was more affected by strain A4 (2.8 times increasing) than by LBA strain (1.9 times increasing). The transformation status of the developed roots was assessed by two different methods: PCR detection of rolB gene in LBA strain-derived roots and quantification of â-glucuronidase activity in A4 strain-derived roots.

Tuned liquid dampers simulation for earthquake response control of buildings

This paper is focused on the study of an earthquake protection system, the Tuned Liquid Damper (TLD), which can, if adequately designed, reduce earthquake demands on buildings. This positive effect is accomplished taking into account the oscillation of the free surface of a fluid inside a tank (sloshing). The behaviour of an isolated Tuned Liquid Damper, subjected to a sinusoidal excitation at its base, with different displacement amplitudes, was studied by finite element analysis. The efficiency of the TLD in improving the seismic response of an existing building, representative of modern architecture buildings in southern European countries was also evaluated based on linear dynamic analyses

Preliminary report

Following the identification of two autochthonous cases of dengue type 1 on 3 October 2012, an outbreak of dengue fever has been reported in Madeira, Portugal. As of 25 November, 1,891 cases have been detected on the island where the vector Aedes aegypti had been established in some areas since 2005. This event represents the first epidemic of dengue fever in Europe since 1928 and concerted control measures have been initiated by local health authorities.publishersversionpublishe

Relationship of dietary pattern with body composition and symptoms in patients with COPD

This study explored the relationship of dietary patterns with body composition and symptoms in patients with COPD. Data collection included: dietary pattern – n. meals/day; period of the day of highest food intake (morning [6 AM–12 PM], afternoon [12–18 PM], and evening [18 PM–6 AM]); the time interval between meals (3-4h, 5-6h, 9-10h), and daily energy and nutrient intake using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (last 12 months); body composition – body mass index (BMI), % fat mass (%FM), % fat-free mass (%FFM), % total muscle mass (%MM), fat-free mass index (FFMI) and visceral fat index (VAT) (SECA mBCA 525); symptoms – dyspnoea (modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, mMRC), fatigue (Checklist of Individual Strength, CIS20-P total score), impact of COPD (COPD Assessment Test, CAT). Pearson’s (r) or Spearman’s (ρ) correlations were conducted. 18 patients participated (16 males, 68±7 years old, FEV1 43±20% predicted, BMI 25±5kg/m2, FFMI 18±3kg/m2). Most participants reported having 3-4 meals/day (n=14, 78%) with a 3-4-hour interval (n=15, 83%). Moderate correlations were found between %FM and carbohydrates (ρ=-.501) and between FFMI and monosaturated fat (r=.476) (p.05). Energy and nutrient intake are related to COPD symptoms and body composition. The nature of these relationships should be explored.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Análise preliminar de proteínas diferencialmente expressas em juvenis de pintado (Pseudoplatystoma sp) em função da condição nutricional.

Esse trabalho visou dar continuidade aos estudos do metabolismo adaptativo de pintado (Pseudoplatystoma sp) frente às variações nutricionais da dieta.Organizado por: Sílvio Ricardo Maurano; AQUACIÊNCIA 2012

Comparing the performance of different thermoplastic matrix pre-impregnated materials

This work studies and compares the processability into final composite parts of three different pre-impregnated materials, produced by different wetting techniques. All studied pre-impregnated materials were based on a continuous glass fibers reinforced polypropylene matrix (GF/PP) system. One is a tape produced in a previous work by using the melting process (cross-head extrusion) and, from the other two produced by fiber/matrix intimate contact methods, one is a commercial available commingled fibers product and the other a towpreg produced by our own developed dry coating prototype line. Pultrusion and compression molding were the manufacturing methods selected to process all the pre-impregnated materials into final composite parts. The performance of the three studied GF/PP pre-impregnated materials was assessed by comparing final properties of the manufactured composite parts submitted to mechanical testing and microscopy analysis.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Hydro-physical processes at the plunge point: an analysis using satellite and in situ data

The plunge point is the main mixing point between river and epilimnetic reservoir water. Plunge point monitoring is essential for understanding the behavior of density currents and their implications for reservoir. The use of satellite imagery products from different sensors (Landsat TM band 6 thermal signatures and visible channels) for the characterization of the river-reservoir transition zone is presented in this study. It is demonstrated the feasibility of using Landsat TM band imagery to discern the subsurface river plumes and the plunge point. The spatial variability of the plunge point evident in the hydrologic data illustrates the advantages of synoptic satellite measurements over in situ point measurements alone to detect the river-reservoir transition zone. During the dry season, when the river-reservoir water temperature differences vanish and the river circulation is characterized by interflow-overflow, the river water inserts into the upper layers of the reservoir, affecting water quality. The results indicate a good agreement between hydrologic and satellite data and that the joint use of thermal and visible channel data for the operational monitoring of a plunge point is feasible. The deduced information about the density current from this study could potentially be assimilated into numerical models and hence be of significant interest for environmental and climatological research

Analysing multiparticle quantum states

The analysis of multiparticle quantum states is a central problem in quantum information processing. This task poses several challenges for experimenters and theoreticians. We give an overview over current problems and possible solutions concerning systematic errors of quantum devices, the reconstruction of quantum states, and the analysis of correlations and complexity in multiparticle density matrices.Comment: 20 pages, 4 figures, prepared for proceedings of the "Quantum [Un]speakables II" conference (Vienna, 2014

Does transition from an unstable labour market position to permanent employment protect mental health? Results from a 14-year follow-up of school-leavers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Having secure employment, in contrast to being unemployed, is regarded as an important determinant of health. Research and theories about the negative health consequences of unemployment indicated that transition from unemployment to a paid job could lead to improved health. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that obtaining permanent employment after being in an unstable labour market position protects mental health.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A 14-year follow-up of all graduates from compulsory school in an industrial town in northern Sweden was performed at ages 16, 18, 21 and 30 years. Complete data on the cohort were collected for 1044 individuals with the aid of a comprehensive questionnaire. The response rate was 96.4%. The health measurement used in this study was the psychological symptoms analysed by multivariate logistic regression. Those who obtained permanent employment were the focus of the analysis. This group consisted of people who were in an unstable labour market position for a year or more between the ages of 25 and 29, and who had acquired a permanent job one year before and at the time of the investigation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After controlling for gender as well as for an indicator of health-related selection, possible confounders and mediators, an association was found between the lower probability of psychological symptoms and obtaining permanent employment (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.19–0.63) as well as having permanent employment (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.10–0.51).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our findings suggest that transition from an unstable labour market position to permanent employment could be health-promoting, even after controlling for possible confounders and mediators, as well as for an indicator of health-related selection. However, as there are few studies in the field, there is a need for more longitudinal studies in order to further analyse the relationship and to examine possible explanations. The policy implication of our study is that the transformation of unstable labour market positions into permanent employment could contribute to better public health.</p