History and philosophy of science in Biology teaching

Neste trabalho, buscamos evidenciar a concepção de História da Biologia que é veiculada nos livros didáticos. Para tanto, analisamos três coleções de livros de Biologia destinados ao Ensino Médio, e alguns livros universitários usados em cursos de formação de professores. Ao analisar este material curricular foi possível observar que a história apresentada é desvinculada do contexto cultural de cada período histórico, o que pode levar o aluno a construir uma falsa representação da ciência e do fazer científico.In this work, we search forto evidences the conception of the History of Biology being is propagated in textbooks. We analyze three Biology book collections designed estined forto middle schooledium education, and some university books used in teacher education courses. When analyzing this curricular material it was possible to observe that the history of biology presented is disengaged from entailedofthe cultural context of each historical period, and this what can lead the student to construct a false representation of science and of scientific meaning making

Increases in sampling support the southern Gondwanan hypothesis for the origin of dinosaurs

Dinosaurs were ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems through most of the Mesozoic and are still diversely represented in the modern fauna in the form of birds. Recent efforts to better understand the origins of the group have resulted in the discovery of many new species of early dinosaurs and their closest relatives (dinosauromorphs). In addition, recent re-examinations of early dinosaur phylogeny have highlighted uncertainties regarding the interrelationships of the main dinosaur lineages (Sauropodomorpha, Theropoda and Ornithischia), and questioned the traditional hypothesis that the group originated in South Gondwana and gradually dispersed over Pangaea. Here, we use a historical approach to examine the impact of new fossil discoveries and changing phylogenetic hypotheses on biogeographic scenarios for dinosaur origins over 20 years of research time, and analyse the results in the light of different fossil record sampling regimes. Our results consistently optimize South Gondwana as the ancestral area for Dinosauria, as well as for more inclusive clades including Dinosauromorpha, and show that this hypothesis is robust to increased taxonomic and geographic sampling and divergent phylogenetic results. Our results do not find any support for the recently proposed Laurasian origin of dinosaurs and suggest that a southern Gondwanan origin is by far the most plausible given our current knowledge of the diversity of early dinosaurs and non-dinosaurian dinosauromorphs

Avaliação de RPAs para pulverização em diferentes culturas

The present work had as objective to study and to validate the application of defenses through RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft), commonly denominated Drones. The experiment happened at APTA East Center in Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo. The herbicide solution glyphosate 1.5 kg ha-1 (Roundup WG®) was used using 15 L ha-1 of syrup volume. The RPA that overflew the study area at three different altitudes together with three different spray nozzle models in a range of 50 m x 5 m, with water-sensitive papers being distributed in these bands to verify the size, quantity and distribution of drops that fell on the plants. Once the information was counted, it was expected that it would be possible to create different application models, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness of the applications. In addition, avoid waste of defense, contributing to decrease environmental impacts and increase safety in the field (lower risk of intoxication). The results allowed to identify competitive advantages, highlighting the practicality and speed, besides allowing localized control of weeds, without the need of tractors, which increases soil compaction and requires greater investment in equipment. From these results, use protocols will beestablished for various agricultural crops, such as: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), Soya (Glycine max L.), Maize (Zea mays).O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar e validar a aplicação de defensivos através de RPAs (Aeronave Remotamente Pilotadas), comumente denominadas de Drones. O experimento foi realizado na APTA Centro Leste no município do Ribeirão Preto, SP. Foi utilizado a: solução de herbicida glifosate 1.5 kg ha-1 (Roundup WG®) utilizando 15 L ha-1 de volume de calda. O RPA que sobrevoou a área de estudo em três diferentes altitudes, juntamente com três diferentes modelos de bicos pulverizadores em uma faixa compreendida de 50 m x 5 m, sendo que nessas faixas foram distribuídos papéis sensíveis à água, para verificar o tamanho, quantidade e distribuição de gotas que caíram sobre as plantas. Uma vez contabilizadas as informações, esperou-se que fosse possível criar diferentes modelos de aplicações, levando a uma maior eficiência e eficácia das aplicações. Além disso, evitar desperdício de defensivo, contribuindo para diminuição dos impactos ambientais e aumento da segurança no campo (menor risco de intoxicações). Os resultados permitiram identificar vantagens competitivas, com destaque para a praticidade e rapidez, além de permitir controle localizado de plantas daninhas, sem a necessidade de uso de tratores, o qual aumenta compactação do solo e requer maior investimento em equipamentos. A partir destes resultados, serão estabelecidos protocolos de utilização para diversas culturas agrícolas, tais como: Amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.), Cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), Soja (Glycine max L.), Milho (Zea mays)

Uso de infravermelho próximo para estimativa das falhas no estande e produtividade do amendoim

This research aims to study the use of NIR images for peanut production estimates in three different planting processes (conventional tillage, no-tillage, and planting Rip Strip) relating productivity information with extracted parameters Orthophoto generated by an Air Vehicle No manned (UAV). The images 0.2 cm error range compounds were analyzed in extracts of two central lines launched in all replicates of the various treatments. For each line, 100 linear meters were measured and quantified the existence of faults; subsequently determined the actual planting observed in each treatment and correlated with output in the treatments. planting lines and identified failures were analyzed through the Geographic Information System (GIS) Quantum Gis. The results of the correlation tended to a positive correlation between the failure data and foliar weight and yield, is a positive indicator of the use of the tool for productivity measurements by the NIR. The studies will be repeated in different conditions and variables for an improvement in productivity analysis and estimationO presente trabalho tem por objetivo estudar o uso de imagens NIR para estimativa de produção de amendoim em três diferentes processos de Plantio (plantio convencional, plantio direto e plantio Rip Strip) relacionando informações de produtividade com parâmetros extraídos de Ortofoto gerada por um Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado (VANT). As imagens em escala de erro de 0.2 cm foram analisadas em extratos compostos de duas linhas centrais lançados em todas as repetições dos diferentes tratamentos. Para cada linha, com 100 metros lineares foram medidas e quantificadas a existência de falhas; posteriormente determinou-se o efetivo plantio verificado em cada tratamento e correlacionou- se com a produção obtida nos tratamentos. As linhas de plantio e as falhas identificadas, foram analisadas, através do Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) Quantum Gis. Os resultados da correlação tenderam a uma correlação positiva entre os dados de falhas e massa foliar e produtividade, sendo um indicador positivo de uso desta ferramenta para medições de produtividade através de NIR. Os estudos serão repetidos em diferentes condições e variáveis para um aprimoramento da análise e estimativa de produtividade

Building an Aerial-Ground Robotics System for Precision Farming: An Adaptable Solution

[No abstract available

Stress echo 2020: The international stress echo study in ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease

Abstract Background Stress echocardiography (SE) has an established role in evidence-based guidelines, but recently its breadth and variety of applications have extended well beyond coronary artery disease (CAD). We lack a prospective research study of SE applications, in and beyond CAD, also considering a variety of signs in addition to regional wall motion abnormalities. Methods In a prospective, multicenter, international, observational study design, > 100 certified high-volume SE labs (initially from Italy, Brazil, Hungary, and Serbia) will be networked with an organized system of clinical, laboratory and imaging data collection at the time of physical or pharmacological SE, with structured follow-up information. The study is endorsed by the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Echography and organized in 10 subprojects focusing on: contractile reserve for prediction of cardiac resynchronization or medical therapy response; stress B-lines in heart failure; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; mitral regurgitation after either transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement; outdoor SE in extreme physiology; right ventricular contractile reserve in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot; suspected or initial pulmonary arterial hypertension; coronary flow velocity, left ventricular elastance reserve and B-lines in known or suspected CAD; identification of subclinical familial ..

The Synovial Sarcoma-Associated SYT-SSX2 Oncogene Antagonizes the Polycomb Complex Protein Bmi1

This study demonstrates deregulation of polycomb activity by the synovial sarcoma-associated SYT-SSX2 oncogene, also known as SS18-SSX2. Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue cancer associated with a recurrent t(X:18) translocation event that generates one of two fusion proteins, SYT-SSX1 or SYT-SSX2. The role of the translocation products in this disease is poorly understood. We present evidence that the SYT-SSX2 fusion protein interacts with the polycomb repressive complex and modulates its gene silencing activity. SYT-SSX2 causes destabilization of the polycomb subunit Bmi1, resulting in impairment of polycomb-associated histone H2A ubiquitination and reactivation of polycomb target genes. Silencing by polycomb complexes plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes. In recent years, numerous reports have implicated gain of polycomb silencing function in several cancers. This study provides evidence that, in the appropriate context, expression of the SYT-SSX2 oncogene leads to loss of polycomb function. It challenges the notion that cancer is solely associated with an increase in polycomb function and suggests that any imbalance in polycomb activity could drive the cell toward oncogenesis. These findings provide a mechanism by which the SYT-SSX2 chimera may contribute to synovial sarcoma pathogenesis

Organogenesis and embryogenesis in several hypericum perforatum genotypes

St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a valuable plant used as a herbal remedy or in phytopharmaceutical drugs to treat a variety of physical ailments. Much research has been performed to study the biochemical production of secondary metabolites of in vitro cultured plants or organs. However, all of these studies have looked at the regeneration of plants from explants in only one genotype. In addition, no study has revealed the mechanism of plant regeneration in H. perforatum, i.e. organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis. We found that different genotypes Helos, Topas, Elixir, and Numi responded similarly to regeneration medium. The regeneration responses (i.e. callus, root, or shoot production) of identical explants from different genotypes were similar. However, the source of explant material (leaves, hypocotyls, and roots) from the same genotype had significant effects on the response to media and plant regeneration frequency. Using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, the progress of organogenesis and embryogenesis under similar culture conditions was recorded. Root segments were the most responsive explants, producing the maximum number of shoots per explant of all the genotypes.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCTI/AGR/40 283/2001, SFRH/BPD/17102/2004

Comparative patterns of plant invasions in the mediterranean biome

The objective of this work was to compare and contrast the patterns of alien plant invasions in the world’s five mediterranean-climate regions (MCRs). We expected landscape age and disturbance history to have bearing on levels of invasion. We assembled a database on naturalized alien plant taxa occurring in natural and semi-natural terrestrial habitats of all five regions (specifically Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus from the Mediterranean Basin, California, central Chile, the Cape Region of South Africa and Southwestern - SW Australia). We used multivariate (hierarchical clustering and NMDS ordination) trait and habitat analysis to compare characteristics of regions, taxa and habitats across the mediterranean biome. Our database included 1627 naturalized species with an overall low taxonomic similarity among the five MCRs. Herbaceous perennials were the most frequent taxa, with SW Australia exhibiting both the highest numbers of naturalized species and the highest taxonomic similarity (homogenization) among habitats, and the Mediterranean Basin the lowest. Low stress and highly disturbed habitats had the highest frequency of invasion and homogenization in all regions, and high natural stress habitats the lowest, while taxonomic similarity was higher among different habitats in each region than among regions. Our analysis is the first to describe patterns of species characteristics and habitat vulnerability for a single biome. We have shown that a broad niche (i.e. more than one habitat) is typical of naturalized plant species, regardless of their geographical area of origin, leading to potential for high homogenization within each region. Habitats of the Mediterranean Basin are apparently the most resistant to plant invasion, possibly because their landscapes are generally of relatively recent origin, but with a more gradual exposure to human intervention over a longer period

Cytosolic SYT/SS18 Isoforms Are Actin-Associated Proteins that Function in Matrix-Specific Adhesion

SYT (SYnovial sarcoma Translocated gene or SS18) is widely produced as two isoforms, SYT/L and SYT/S, that are thought to function in the nucleus as transcriptional coactivators. Using isoform-specific antibodies, we detected a sizable pool of SYT isoforms in the cytosol where the proteins were organized into filamentous arrays. Actin and actin-associated proteins co-immunoprecipitated with SYT isoforms, which also co-sedimented and co-localized with the actin cytoskeleton in cultured cells and tissues. The association of SYT with actin bundles was extensive yet stopped short of the distal ends at focal adhesions. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton also led to a breakdown of the filamentous organization of SYT isoforms in the cytosol. RNAi ablation of SYT/L alone or both isoforms markedly impaired formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions but did not affect formation of cortical actin bundles. Furthermore, ablation of SYT led to markedly impaired adhesion and spreading on fibronectin and laminin-111 but not on collagen types I or IV. These findings indicate that cytoplasmic SYT isoforms interact with actin filaments and function in the ability cells to bind and react to specific extracellular matrices