Mating Patterns and Post-Mating Isolation in Three Cryptic Species of the Engystomops Petersi Species Complex

Determining the extent of reproductive isolation in cryptic species with dynamic geographic ranges can yield important insights into the processes that generate and maintain genetic divergence in the absence of severe geographic barriers. We studied mating patterns, propensity to hybridize in nature and subsequent fertilization rates, as well as survival and development of hybrid F1 offspring for three nominal species of the Engystomops petersi species complex in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. We found at least two species in four out of six locations sampled, and 14.3% of the wild pairs genotyped were mixed-species (heterospecific) crosses. We also found reduced fertilization rates in hybrid crosses between E. petersi females and E. “magnus” males, and between E. “magnus” females and E. “selva” males but not in the reciprocal crosses, suggesting asymmetric reproductive isolation for these species. Larval development times decreased in F1 hybrid crosses compared to same species (conspecific) crosses, but we did not find significant reduction in larval survival or early metamorph survival. Our results show evidence of post-mating isolation for at least two hybrid crosses of the cryptic species we studied. The general decrease in fertilization rates in heterospecific crosses suggests that sexual selection and reinforcement might have not only contributed to the pattern of call variation and behavioral isolation we see between species today, but they may also contribute to further signal divergence and behavioral evolution, especially in locations where hybridization is common and fertilization success is diminished

Mating Patterns and Post-Mating Isolation in Three Cryptic Species of the Engystomops Petersi Species Complex

Determining the extent of reproductive isolation in cryptic species with dynamic geographic ranges can yield important insights into the processes that generate and maintain genetic divergence in the absence of severe geographic barriers. We studied mating patterns, propensity to hybridize in nature and subsequent fertilization rates, as well as survival and development of hybrid F1 offspring for three nominal species of the Engystomops petersi species complex in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador. We found at least two species in four out of six locations sampled, and 14.3% of the wild pairs genotyped were mixed-species (heterospecific) crosses. We also found reduced fertilization rates in hybrid crosses between E. petersi females and E. “magnus” males, and between E. “magnus” females and E. “selva” males but not in the reciprocal crosses, suggesting asymmetric reproductive isolation for these species. Larval development times decreased in F1 hybrid crosses compared to same species (conspecific) crosses, but we did not find significant reduction in larval survival or early metamorph survival. Our results show evidence of post-mating isolation for at least two hybrid crosses of the cryptic species we studied. The general decrease in fertilization rates in heterospecific crosses suggests that sexual selection and reinforcement might have not only contributed to the pattern of call variation and behavioral isolation we see between species today, but they may also contribute to further signal divergence and behavioral evolution, especially in locations where hybridization is common and fertilization success is diminished

Body Composition Measurement in Children with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Pediatric obesity is a major health concern that has an increased prevalence in children with special needs. In order to categorize a child’s weight, an assessment of body composition is needed. Obtaining an accurate body composition measurement in children with special needs has many challenges associated with it. This perplexing scenario limits the provider’s ability to screen, prevent and treat an abnormal weight status in this vulnerable population. This systematic review summarizes common methods of body composition measurements, their strengths and limitations and reviews the literature when measurements were used in children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and spinal cord injury. Following PRISMA guidelines, 222 studies were identified. The application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded a final sample of nine studies included in this review. Overall, articles reinforced the inconsistencies of body composition measurement and methodology when used with children with special needs. Concerns include small sample sizes, the need to validate prediction equations for this population, and the lack of controlled trials and reporting of measurement methodology. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the complexities associated with measuring body composition in children with special needs and advocate for further testing of these measurements. Additional studies addressing the reliability and validity of these measures are needed to facilitate appropriate health promotion in children

THEORETICAL ASSESSMENT OF A STIRLING ENGINE 'AMAZON' BY USING PROSA AND MATHCAD

This study describes how to build a prototype Stirling engine named Amazon, focusing on how to apply it to generate electric power in remote areas, with an expected power of 8 kW. Such engine was assessed theoretically by using two different computer software, i.e. PROSA and 'a model to simulate Stirling engines by the theory of Schmidt', which was formulated in Mathcad. The results from Mathcad software were on average 6.8% higher than the results from PROSA software. Such fact occurs since Mathcad does not consider the losses in a real system. Hence, the PROSA is generally more accurate in its results. Modeling performed in Mathcad presents higher values for partial loads and similar values for the project operating point

HST Fine Guidance Sensor Astrometric Parallaxes for Three Dwarf Novae: SS Aurigae, SS Cygni, and U Geminorum

We report astrometric parallaxes for three well known dwarf novae obtained using the Fine Guidance Sensors on the Hubble Space Telescope. We found a parallax for SS Aurigae of Pi = 5.00 +/- 0.64 mas, for SS Cygni we found Pi = 6.02 +/- 0.46 mas, and for U Geminorum we obtained Pi = 10.37 +/- 0.50 mas. These represent the first true trigonometric parallaxes of any dwarf novae. We briefly compare these results with previous distance estimates. This program demonstrates that with a very modest amount of HST observing time, the Fine Guidance Sensors can deliver parallaxes of unrivaled precision.Comment: 15 pages, 2 Table

Biodegradation of Beta-Blockers and Fluoxetine followed by a Chiral HPLC-FD

Despite of the massive publications concerning pharmaceuticals in the environment, the problematic related with chiral compounds and enantioselective degradation are still largely unknown [1]. Enantiomers have different interactions with enzymes, receptors and other chiral molecules, leading to different biological activities. Thus, biodegradation tends to be enantioselective in contrast to abiotic degradation. However, biodegradation studies regarding enantioselectivity on the process are scarce [2].] MATERIALS AND METHODS [Four beta-blockers: alprenolol (ALP), propranolol (PHO), metoprolol (MET) and atenolol (ATE) and the antidepressant fluoxetine (FX) were enantiomerically separated by a macrocyclic antibiotic vancomycin CSP (ASTEC Chirobiotic V 5µm) under polar organic mode phase (methanol:ethanol:triethylamine:acetic acid.50:50 v/v) and fluorescence detection for enantiomeric fraction quantification. The developed methods were established using a minimal medium inoculated with activated sludge (AS) as a matrix.] RESULTS AND DISCUSSION [The Chirobiotic VTM was able to resolve ALP and PHO as well as MET, ATE and FX in two short runs. A separation factor (α) between 1.12 and 1.34 and resolution (Rs) between 1.30 and 4.35 were obtained. The methods demonstrated to be selective and linear within the range, with detection limits between 2.5 and 10ng/mL. These methods were applied to follow the biodegradation of the target compounds. The biodegradation assays were performed using AS from a municipal WWTP and the results indicate the higher degradation extents for the S- enantiomer forms at initial concentrations tenfold above those found in the environment (10ppm and 5ppm). The same assays were performed at an initial concentration of 1ppm for a singly supplementation and at 0,5ppm for a mixture of compounds, a closer situation to the real environment.] CONCLUSIONS [To our knowledge, chromatographic enantioseparations of the mixture of ALP and PHO and the mixture of MET, FX and ATE using the Chirobiotic™ V, have not been previously reported. The feasibility of this application was confirmed by two biodegradation studies using AS, with S-form being faster degraded, showing stereoselectivity

Common Bean Reaction To Angular Leaf Spot Comprises Transcriptional Modulation Of Genes In The Als10.1 Qtl

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Genetic resistance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) against angular leaf spot (ALS), caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora griseola, is conferred by quantitative trait loci (OIL). In this study, we determined the gene content of the major OIL ALS10.1 located at the end of chromosome Pv10, and identified those that are responsive to ALS infection in resistant (CAL 143) and susceptible (IAC-UNA) genotypes. Based on the current version of the common bean reference genome, the ALS10.1 core region contains 323 genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of these coding sequences revealed the presence of genes involved in signal perception and transduction, programmed cell death (PCD), and defense responses. Two putative R gene clusters were found at ALS10.1 containing evolutionary related coding sequences. Among them, the Phvu1.010G025700 was consistently up-regulated in the infected IAC-UNA suggesting its contribution to plant susceptibility to the fungus. We identified six other genes that were regulated during common bean response to P. griseola; three of them might be negative regulators of immunity as they showed opposite expression patterns during resistant and susceptible reactions at the initial phase of fungal infection. Taken together, these findings suggest that common bean reaction to F? griseola involves transcriptional modulation of defense genes in the ALS10.1 locus, contributing to resistance or susceptibility depending on the plant-pathogen interaction.6Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)FAPESP [2009/024112, 2010/51673-7]CAPES [6899/10-2

Solid Phase Extraction of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics from Wastewaters – Assessment of Different Commercial Sorbents

Microbial degradation of fluorinated pharmaceuticals during wastewater treatment processes remains inadequate in most situations. Due to incomplete elimination, these residues are continually being introduced into the aquatic environments in which they settle throughout time since many of them are resistant to degradation. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics due to its persistence and implication on resistant-bacteria development, pose special interest in environmental analysis. Due to their zwitterionic characteristics, the extraction/pre-concentration process of fluoroquinolones prior analyses is an unquestionable challenge. This work compares the solid phase extraction efficiency of four fluoroquinolones (Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin) from wastewater effluents by different commercial sorbents. Prior to wastewater analysis, preliminary tests were conducted in distilled water with a larger number of sorbents. Different experimental protocols and sorbents, namely OASIS® HLB, OASIS® WAX, OASIS® WCX (500 mg) and the molecularly imprinted polymer SupelMIP TM were applied to wastewater samples collected from a municipal wastewater treatment plant from the north of Portugal. The extracts were analyzed by a HPLC withFluorescence Detection validated method using a Luna PFP (2) 3µm column. Despite good results obtained with the molecularly imprinted polymer in distilled water, these cartridges did not perform efficiently when applied to wastewater effluents, probably due to the sample high complexity especially since their specific design for biological samples. Regarding OASIS® considered sorbents; HLB 500mg and WAX 500mg presented the best recovery rates of the fourstudied antibiotics, between 84-75% and 64-94%, respectively. Although the recoveries achievedwere not that dissimilar between the two mentioned sorbents, chromatograms of WAX extracts appear much cleaner in the antibiotics retention times while chromatograms of HLB extractsclearly show the presence of strong polar substances, probably matrix humic and fulvic acids,that behave as resilient interferences in the analysis, disturbing a proper identification of target compounds and reducing chromatographic resolution