Overexpression of adenosine A2A receptors in rats: effects on depression, locomotion, and anxiety

Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) are a sub-type of receptors enriched in basal ganglia, activated by the neuromodulator adenosine, which interact with dopamine D2 receptors. Although this reciprocal antagonistic interaction is well-established in motor function, the outcome in dopamine-related behaviors remains uncertain, in particular in depression and anxiety. We have demonstrated an upsurge of A2AR associated to aging and chronic stress. Furthermore, Alzheimer's disease patients present A2AR accumulation in cortical areas together with depressive signs. We now tested the impact of overexpressing A2AR in forebrain neurons on dopamine-related behavior, namely depression. Adult male rats overexpressing human A2AR under the control of CaMKII promoter [Tg(CaMKII-hA2AR)] and aged-matched wild-types (WT) of the same strain (Sprague-Dawley) were studied. The forced swimming test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), and the open-field test (OFT) were performed to evaluate behavioral despair, anhedonia, locomotion, and anxiety. Tg(CaMKII-hA2AR) animals spent more time floating and less time swimming in the FST and presented a decreased sucrose preference at 48 h in the SPT. They also covered higher distances in the OFT and spent more time in the central zone than the WT. The results indicate that Tg(CaMKII-hA2AR) rats exhibit depressive-like behavior, hyperlocomotion, and altered exploratory behavior. This A2AR overexpression may explain the depressive signs found in aging, chronic stress, and Alzheimer's disease

Expressão da esterilidade feminina e da carpeloidia em mamoeiro sob diferentes ambientes de cultivo protegido.

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de esterilidade feminina e de carpeloidia em mamoeiros hermafroditas 'Baixinho-de-Santa Amália' cultivados sob manejo orgânico, em diferentes tipos de ambiente de proteção,e conduzido com ou sem bifurcação do tronco no transcorrer das quatro estações do ano. Foram construídos três tipos de estruturas de proteção contíguas: (i) estufa (cobertura de plástico); (ii) estufa sombreada (cobertura adicional de tela 'sombrite' - 30% sobre o plástico), e (iii) telado (cobertura exclusiva de tela 'sombrite' - 30%), ao lado de uma área de ambiente natural, a pleno sol. Nestes locais, foram cultivados, dentro das normas técnicas da agricultura orgânica, mamoeiros da cv. Baixinho-de-Santa-Amália. Em metade das plantas, abrangendo todos os ambientes de cultivo, a gema apical foi incisada, logo após a sexagem, visando à bifurcação do tronco. Para efeito de análise de variância, foram considerados quatro blocos por ambiente de cultivo, tendo cada bloco três repetições relativas ao modo de condução das plantas (com e sem bifurcação do tronco). Para análise estatística, procedeu-se à "análise conjunta de experimentos", no caso, os ambientes de cultivo. Nos mamoeiros com tronco bifurcado, houve diminuição do número de frutos carpeloides e aumento do número de flores fêmeas estéreis. No entanto, essa bifurcação não influenciou a frequência de frutos normais. Durante a primavera (setembro a dezembro), e notadamente na estufa, o maior número de frutos carpeloides por planta correlacionou-se a temperaturas mais elevadas, maior amplitude térmica e maior vigor vegetativo; já, a maior ocorrência de flores estaminadas correlacionou-se também a temperaturas elevadas, baixa luminosidade e menor vigor vegetativo. Por outro lado, essas mesmas condições ambientais e fenológicas favoráveis à carpeloidia aumentaram a quantidade de frutos normais, assim contribuindo positivamente para a produtividade do mamoeiro

Spin alignment of leading K∗(892)0K^{*}(892)^{0} mesons in hadronic Z0Z^0 decays

Helicity density matrix elements for inclusive K*(892)^0 mesons from hadronic Z^0 decays have been measured over the full range of K^*0 momentum using data taken with the OPAL experiment at LEP. A preference for occupation of the helicity zero state is observed at all scaled momentum x_p values above 0.3, with the matrix element rho_00 rising to 0.66 +/- 0.11 for x_p > 0.7. The values of the real part of the off-diagonal element rho_1-1 are negative at large x_p, with a weighted average value of -0.09 +/- 0.03 for x_p > 0.3, in agreement with new theoretical predictions based on Standard Model parameters and coherent fragmentation of the qq(bar) system from the Z^0 decay. All other helicity density matrix elements measured are consistent with zero over the entire x_p range. The K^*0 fragmentation function has also been measured and the total rate determined to be 0.74 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.02 K*(892)^0 mesons per hadronic Z^0 decay.Helicity density matrix elements for inclusive K*(892)^0 mesons from hadronic Z^0 decays have been measured over the full range of K^*0 momentum using data taken with the OPAL experiment at LEP. A preference for occupation of the helicity zero state is observed at all scaled momentum x_p values above 0.3, with the matrix element rho_00 rising to 0.66 +/- 0.11 for x_p > 0.7. The values of the real part of the off-diagonal element rho_1-1 are negative at large x_p, with a weighted average value of -0.09 +/- 0.03 for x_p > 0.3, in agreement with new theoretical predictions based on Standard Model parameters and coherent fragmentation of the qq(bar) system from the Z^0 decay. All other helicity density matrix elements measured are consistent with zero over the entire x_p range. The K^*0 fragmentation function has also been measured and the total rate determined to be 0.74 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.02 K*(892)^0 mesons per hadronic Z^0 decay.Helicity density matrix elements for inclusive K*(892)^0 mesons from hadronic Z^0 decays have been measured over the full range of K^*0 momentum using data taken with the OPAL experiment at LEP. A preference for occupation of the helicity zero state is observed at all scaled momentum x_p values above 0.3, with the matrix element rho_00 rising to 0.66 +/- 0.11 for x_p > 0.7. The values of the real part of the off-diagonal element rho_1-1 are negative at large x_p, with a weighted average value of -0.09 +/- 0.03 for x_p > 0.3, in agreement with new theoretical predictions based on Standard Model parameters and coherent fragmentation of the qq(bar) system from the Z^0 decay. All other helicity density matrix elements measured are consistent with zero over the entire x_p range. The K^*0 fragmentation function has also been measured and the total rate determined to be 0.74 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.02 K*(892)^0 mesons per hadronic Z^0 decay.Helicity density matrix elements for inclusive K*(892)^0 mesons from hadronic Z^0 decays have been measured over the full range of K^*0 momentum using data taken with the OPAL experiment at LEP. A preference for occupation of the helicity zero state is observed at all scaled momentum x_p values above 0.3, with the matrix element rho_00 rising to 0.66 +/- 0.11 for x_p > 0.7. The values of the real part of the off-diagonal element rho_1-1 are negative at large x_p, with a weighted average value of -0.09 +/- 0.03 for x_p > 0.3, in agreement with new theoretical predictions based on Standard Model parameters and coherent fragmentation of the qq(bar) system from the Z^0 decay. All other helicity density matrix elements measured are consistent with zero over the entire x_p range. The K^*0 fragmentation function has also been measured and the total rate determined to be 0.74 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.02 K*(892)^0 mesons per hadronic Z^0 decay.Helicity density matrix elements for inclusive K ∗ (892) 0 mesons from hadronic Z 0 decays have been measured over the full range of K ∗ 0 momentum using data taken with the OPAL experiment at LEP. A preference for occupation of the helicity zero state is observed at all scaled momentum x p values above 0.3, with the matrix element ϱ 00 rising to 0.66 ± 0.11 for x p > 0.7. The values of the real part of the off-diagonal element ϱ 1 - 1 are negative at large x p , with a weighted average value of −0.09 ± 0.03 for x p > 0.3, in agreement with new theoretical predictions based on Standard Model parameters and coherent fragmentation of the q q system from the Z 0 decay. All other helicity density matrix elements measured are consistent with zero over the entire x p range. The K ∗ 0 fragmentation function has also been measured and the total rate determined to be 0.74 ± 0.02 ± 0.02 K ∗ (892) 0 mesons per hadronic Z 0 decay

Desenvolvimento de colônias de abelhas com diferentes alimentos protéicos Development of honeybee colonies under protein diets

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de produtos regionais do Nordeste na alimentação de colônias de abelhas (Apis mellifera), em um período de escassez de floradas. Foram fornecidas dietas às abelhas, contendo 20% de proteína bruta, à base de feno de mandioca (Manihot esculenta) e farinha de vagem de algaroba (Prosopis juliflora), feno de mandioca e farelo de babaçu (Orbygnia martiana), farelo de babaçu e Purilac (sucedâneo para bezerros da marca Purina) e pólen apícola de Palmae. As colônias foram analisadas quanto ao peso e às áreas de alimento e cria. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os tratamentos em relação às áreas de cria. Apesar de a pasta com pólen ser a mais consumida, este alimento mostrou conversão alimentar menor do que as demais dietas fornecidas. As colônias que receberam pasta de feno de mandioca com farelo de babaçu tiveram maior peso final. Todos os alimentos mostraram-se eficientes na manutenção das colônias.<br>The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of some regional products of Brazil Northeast to feed Apis mellifera colonies. Diets with 20% of crude protein made of cassava hay (Manihot esculenta) and mesquite pod meal (Prosopis juliflora), cassava hay and babassu bran (Orbygnia martiana), babassu bran and Purilac (succedaneous for calfskin from Purina) and Palmae pollen were offered to the honeybees. Colonies were evaluated for weight gain, store area and brood area. There was no significant difference among the treatments in relation to the brood areas. Pollen treatment showed the highest intake but also showed the lowest food conversion. Beehives that received diet with cassava hay and babassu flour showed greater final weight gain. All diets were efficient in the maintenance of the colonies

Search for a scalar top quark using the OPAL detector

Contains fulltext : 124482.pdf (preprint version ) (Open Access

Rare mutations in SQSTM1 modify susceptibility to frontotemporal lobar degeneration

Mutations in the gene coding for Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) have been genetically associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Paget disease of bone. In the present study, we analyzed the SQSTM1 coding sequence for mutations in an extended cohort of 1,808 patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), ascertained within the European Early-Onset Dementia consortium. As control dataset, we sequenced 1,625 European control individuals and analyzed whole-exome sequence data of 2,274 German individuals (total n = 3,899). Association of rare SQSTM1 mutations was calculated in a meta-analysis of 4,332 FTLD and 10,240 control alleles. We identified 25 coding variants in FTLD patients of which 10 have not been described. Fifteen mutations were absent in the control individuals (carrier frequency <0.00026) whilst the others were rare in both patients and control individuals. When pooling all variants with a minor allele frequency <0.01, an overall frequency of 3.2 % was calculated in patients. Rare variant association analysis between patients and controls showed no difference over the whole protein, but suggested that rare mutations clustering in the UBA domain of SQSTM1 may influence disease susceptibility by doubling the risk for FTLD (RR = 2.18 [95 % CI 1.24-3.85]; corrected p value = 0.042). Detailed histopathology demonstrated that mutations in SQSTM1 associate with widespread neuronal and glial phospho-TDP-43 pathology. With this study, we provide further evidence for a putative role of rare mutations in SQSTM1 in the genetic etiology of FTLD and showed that, comparable to other FTLD/ALS genes, SQSTM1 mutations are associated with TDP-43 pathology

Topological search for the production of neutralinos and scalar particles

Contains fulltext : 124609pre.pdf (preprint version ) (Open Access) Contains fulltext : 124609pub.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Test of QCD analytic predictions for the multiplicity ratio between gluon and quark jets

Contains fulltext : 124606pub.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access) Contains fulltext : 124606pre.pdf (preprint version ) (Open Access

The Brazilian Soil Spectral Library (BSSL): A general view, application and challenges

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:42:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-11-15Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The present study was developed in a joint partnership with the Brazilian pedometrics community to standardize and evaluate spectra within the 350–2500 nm range of Brazilian soils. The Brazilian Soil Spectral Library (BSSL) began in 1995, creating a protocol to gather soil samples from different locations in Brazil. The BSSL reached 39,284 soil samples from 65 contributors representing 41 institutions from all 26 states. Through the BSSL spectra database, it was possible to estimate important soil attributes, such as clay, sand, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, pH and base saturation, resulting in differences among the multi-scale models taking Brazil (overall), regional and state scale. In general, spectral descriptive and quantitative behavior indicated important relationship with physical, chemical and mineralogical properties. Statistical analyses showed that six basic patterns of spectral signatures represent the Brazilian soils types and that environmental conditions explain the differences in spectra. This study demonstrates that spectroscopy analyses along with the establishment of soil spectral libraries are a powerful technique for providing information on a national and regional levels. We also developed an interactive online platform showing soil sample locations and their contributors. As soil spectroscopy is considered a fast, simple, accurate and nondestructive analytical procedure, its application may be integrated with wet analysis as an alternative to support the sustainable management of soils.Department of Soil Science Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ) University of São Paulo (USP), Ave. Pádua Dias 11, Cx. Postal 9Department of Soil Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000Geographical Sciences Department Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Ac. Hélio Ramos, s/nDepartment of Agronomy State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo 5790Department of Agriculture Biodiversity and Forestry Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi 3000 - Km 3Federal Rural University of Amazon, Ave. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine University of BrasíliaEMBRAPA - Solos, R. Antônio Falcão, 402, Boa ViagemCenter of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA) USP, Av. Centenário 303CDRS/Secretary of Agriculture of São Paulo State, R. Campos Salles 507Department of Soils Federal University of Viçosa, Ave. Peter Henry Rolfs s/nEMBRAPA – Informática Agropecuária, Ave. André Tosello, 209Department of Nuclear Energy Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Luis Freire 1000Department of Geography Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, R. Joaquim Gregório s/nAgronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC), Ave. Barão de Itapura 1481Institute of Agricultural Sciences Federal Rural University of Amazônia, Ave. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501, 66.077-830Department of Soil Science Federal University of LavrasFederal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa 2367Department of Soils Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, Km 07 s/nSoil and Water Sciences Department University of Florida, 2181 McCarty Hallr, PO Box 110290EMBRAPA - Solos, R. Jardim Botânico, 1024Department of Soils and Fertilizers School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies São Paulo State University (FCAV-UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/nFederal University of Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon s/nGraduate Program in Earth Sciences (Geochemistry) Department of Geochemistry Federal Fluminense University, Outeiro São João Batista, s/nFederal Institute of the Southeast of Minas Gerais, R. Monsenhor José Augusto 204Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, R. Joaquim Gregório s/nFederal University of PiauíEMBRAPA Milho e Sorgo, Rod MG 424 Km 45Institute of Agricultural Sciences Federal University of Jequitinhonha e Mucuri Valleys, Ave. Ver. João Narciso 1380Department of Biosystems Engineering ESALQ USP, Ave. Pádua Dias 11, Cx. Postal 9Federal University of Acre, Rodovia BR 364 Km 04Federal University of Amazonas, Av. General Rodrigo O. J. Ramos 1200EMBRAPA Clima Temperado, BR-392, km 78Department of Agronomy Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, R. Manuel de Medeiros s/nEMBRAPA Cocais, Quadra 11, Av. São Luís Rei de França 4Paraense Emílio Goeldi Museum, Av. Gov. Magalhães Barata 376Exata Laboratory, Rua Silvestre Carvalho Q 11Federal University of Rondônia, BR 364, Km 9.5Nacional Institute for Amazonian Research, Ave. André Araújo 2936Department of Forestry Sciences ESALQ-USP, Ave. Pádua Dias 11, Cx. Postal 9Department of Soils and Fertilizers School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies São Paulo State University (FCAV-UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/nFAPESP: 2014/22262-0FAPESP: 2016/26176-6FAPESP: 2017/03207-

Electroweak measurements in electron–positron collisions at w-boson-pair energies at lep

Contains fulltext : 121524.pdf (preprint version ) (Open Access