Biostimulant and substrates on litchi tree propagation by air layering

The production of quality seedlings is important for the crop cycle and the main propagation type is by the air layering technique, which can be enhanced by using different substrates and plant growth regulators. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a biostimulant and substrate types in the propagation of litchi tree by air layering. The experiment was installed in a commercial area in the city of Mogi Mirim, SP, Brazil and conducted in a randomized block design with a 5x2 factorial with four replications. The treatments consisted of five Stimulate® biostimulant concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 ml L-1) and two substrate types (Plantmax® and earthworm humus). After 120 days, the root length (cm), number of roots, calloused and rooted layers percentage (%), root fresh and dry mass (g) and root volume (cm3) were evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that the concentrations of 6.1 and 6.9 ml L-1 promoted greater success in litchi tree propagation and that the layers can be produced on both evaluated substrates.The production of quality seedlings is important for the crop cycle and the main propagation type is by the air layering technique, which can be enhanced by using different substrates and plant growth regulators. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a biostimulant and substrate types in the propagation of litchi tree by air layering. The experiment was installed in a commercial area in the city of Mogi Mirim, SP, Brazil and conducted in a randomized block design with a 5x2 factorial with four replications. The treatments consisted of five Stimulate® biostimulant concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 ml L-1) and two substrate types (Plantmax® and earthworm humus). After 120 days, the root length (cm), number of roots, calloused and rooted layers percentage (%), root fresh and dry mass (g) and root volume (cm3) were evaluated. Based on the results, it was found that the concentrations of 6.1 and 6.9 ml L-1 promoted greater success in litchi tree propagation and that the layers can be produced on both evaluated substrates.

The Spider Silk Standardization Initiative (S3I): A powerful tool to harness biological variability and to systematize the characterization of major ampullate silk fibers spun by spiders from suburban Sydney, Australia

The true stress-true strain curves of 11 Australian spider species from the Entelegynae lineage were tensile tested and classified based on the values of the alignment parameter, α*, in the framework of the Spider Silk Standardization Initiative (S3I). The application of the S3I methodology allowed the determination of the alignment parameter in all cases, and were found to range between α* = 0.03 and α* = 0.65. These data, in combination with previous results on other species included in the Initiative, were exploited to illustrate the potential of this approach by testing two simple hypotheses on the distribution of the alignment parameter throughout the lineage: (1) whether a uniform distribution may be compatible with the values obtained from the studied species, and (2) whether any trend may be established between the distribution of the α* parameter and phylogeny. In this regard, the lowest values of the α* parameter are found in some representatives of the Araneidae group, and larger values seem to be found as the evolutionary distance from this group increases. However, a significant number of outliers to this apparent general trend in terms of the values of the α* parameter are described

body2vec: 3D Point Cloud Reconstruction for Precise Anthropometry with Handheld Devices

Current point cloud extraction methods based on photogrammetry generate large amounts of spurious detections that hamper useful 3D mesh reconstructions or, even worse, the possibility of adequate measurements. Moreover, noise removal methods for point clouds are complex, slow and incapable to cope with semantic noise. In this work, we present body2vec, a model-based body segmentation tool that uses a specifically trained Neural Network architecture. Body2vec is capable to perform human body point cloud reconstruction from videos taken on hand-held devices (smartphones or tablets), achieving high quality anthropometric measurements. The main contribution of the proposed workflow is to perform a background removal step, thus avoiding the spurious points generation that is usual in photogrammetric reconstruction. A group of 60 persons were taped with a smartphone, and the corresponding point clouds were obtained automatically with standard photogrammetric methods. We used as a 3D silver standard the clean meshes obtained at the same time with LiDAR sensors post-processed and noise-filtered by expert anthropological biologists. Finally, we used as gold standard anthropometric measurements of the waist and hip of the same people, taken by expert anthropometrists. Applying our method to the raw videos significantly enhanced the quality of the results of the point cloud as compared with the LiDAR-based mesh, and of the anthropometric measurements as compared with the actual hip and waist perimeter measured by the anthropometrists. In both contexts, the resulting quality of body2vec is equivalent to the LiDAR reconstruction.Fil: Trujillo Jiménez, Magda Alexandra. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Navarro, Pablo Eugenio. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Pazos, Bruno Alfredo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Morales, Arturo Leonardo. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras; ArgentinaFil: Ramallo, Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Paschetta, Carolina Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; ArgentinaFil: de Azevedo, Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Ruderman, Anahí. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Luis Orlando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; ArgentinaFil: Delrieux, Claudio Augusto. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y de Computadoras; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez-Jose, Rolando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; Argentin

Análisis estructural considerando interacción suelo - estructura en centro educativo Puente Piedra

En la actual Norma Peruana de Diseño Sismorresistente, las características del suelo de fundación y su impacto en la respuesta de la estructura se representan en una modificación de la aceleración en el sitio de la edificación. Dicho factor se magnifica en la medida de la cantidad de energía remanente después de la disipada por la deformación del suelo debido a un determinado nivel de sismo. Por lo tanto, el efecto del suelo incide directamente en la construcción del espectro de diseño. Sin embargo, no se acompaña dicha consideración de las propiedades del terreno durante el proceso de análisis. El desarrollo de la investigación y planteamiento de modelos más acertados con el comportamiento estructural surge con la necesidad de incrementar la confiabilidad de los resultados acordes a los objetivos de la ingeniería de desempeño y resiliencia. Por tal motivo, la interacción suelo-estructura es una de las principales líneas de estudio y busca conocer la modificación del movimiento del sistema de fundación. En el presente trabajo de investigación se realiza un análisis modal espectral de un pabellón escolar de dos niveles y una azotea de muros de concreto armado, cimentado sobre un suelo arcilloso de baja plasticidad (clasificación S2 según Norma E.030). Se pretende validar los modelos dinámicos de interacción suelo-estructura propuestos en las guías de diseño sismorresistente ASCE 41-13 y GBDS 2020. Asimismo, se compara los resultados obtenidos frente a un modelo de base fija en términos de fuerzas y desplazamientos del sistema y los elementos estructurales, dentro de los lineamientos de la Norma Peruana. Finalmente, a partir de las comparaciones de cada modelo, se concluye que la flexibilización de la base genera un estiramiento del periodo, incremento de las derivas, así como problemas de irregularidad torsional. Asimismo, la incidencia en las fuerzas de diseño tiene una mayor variabilidad según el tipo de elemento y su ubicación

Seahorse (Hippocampus reidi) as a bioindicator of crude oil exposure

This study explored the suitability of the seahorse Hippocampus reidi (Ginsburg, 1933) for assessing biomarkers of genotoxic effects and its use as a sentinel organism to detect the effects of acute exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons. Fish were exposed to three concentrations of crude oil (10, 20 and 30. g/kg) for 96. h, and the activity of phase II biotransformation enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) was measured. In addition, we performed genotoxicity assays, such as comet assay, micronucleus (MN) test and nuclear abnormalities (NA) induction, on the erythrocytes of the fish species. Our results revealed that the inhibition of hepatic GST activity in H. reidi was dependent on increasing crude oil concentrations. In contrast, an increase in the damage index (DI) and MN frequency were observed with increased crude oil concentrations. These results indicate that the alkaline comet assay and micronucleus test were suitable and useful in the evaluation of the genotoxicity of crude oil, which could improve determinations of the impact of oil spills on fish populations. In addition, H. reidi is a promising "sentinel organism" to detect the genotoxic impact of petroleum hydrocarbons. © 2015

Síndrome de Pendred causada por mutação em homozigoze no gene SLC26A4 em uma família brasileira consangüínea

ABSTRACTPendred Syndrome (PS) is an autossomal recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness, goiter and iodide organification defect. The hearing loss is associated with inner ear abnormalities, ranging from an isolated enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) to a typical coclear dysplasia. Mutations in the gene that encodes pendrin (SLC26A4), a chloride/iodide transporter, have been shown to be associated with PS. We describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of a large consanguineous family harboring a mutation in the SLC26A4 gene. The proband was a 26-year-old deaf Brazilian woman who presented a bulky multinodular goiter and hypothyroidism since puberty. Five other siblings were deaf: one brother had a similar phenotype, three siblings also had goiters but normal thyroid function tests, and one brother had only a subtle thyroid enlargement. Other 4 siblings had no thyroid or hearing disorder. Parents were first degree cousins and had normal hearing. The mother was healthy, except for subclinical hypothyroidism; the father was deceased. A perchlorate test in the proband showed a discharge of 21% of the incorporated iodide 2h after the administration of 1g of KClO4. Audiological examinations showed profound hearing loss in all deaf subjects; CT and MRI of the temporal bones showed EVA in all of them. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood, from the 6 affected and 4 unaffected siblings, the mother and control. The coding region of the PDS gene (exons 2-21), including exon/intron boundaries, were amplified by PCR and sequenced. A single base-pair (T) deletion at position 1197 of exon 10 was detected in homozygous state in the 6 deaf siblings. The mother and 2 unaffected siblings were heterozygous for this mutation, which has been described by Everett et al. The 1197delT mutation is predicted to result in a frameshift and a truncated protein. The existence of PS phenocopies and intrafamilial phenotypic variability are well documented. The definite diagnosis requires molecular analysis. Our study illustrates the value and challenges of mutational analysis in selected patients with PS. __________________________________________________________________________________ RESUMOA syndrome de Pendred (SP) é uma doença autossômica recessiva caracterizada por surdez neurossensorial, bócio e defeito de organificação do iodo. A perda auditiva está associada a anormalidades do ouvido interno, desde a dilatação isolada do aqueduto vestibular (DAV) até uma típica displasia coclear. Mutações no gene que codifica a pendrina (SLC26A4), um transportador de cloreto/iodeto, têm sido associadas à SP. Descrevemos as características clínicas e moleculares de uma grande família consangüínea portadora de uma mutação no gene SLC26A4. O caso-índice era uma paciente do sexo feminino, brasileira, 26 anos, portadora de surdez congênita, que apresentava um volumoso bócio multinodular e hipotireoidismo desde a puberdade. Outros cinco irmãos eram surdos: um irmão tinha fenotipo semelhante, três também tinham bócio, porém com função tiroideana normal e um irmão tinha apenas um discreto aumento da tiróide. Outros quatro irmãos não apresentavam alteração tiroideana ou auditiva. Os pais eram primos de primeiro grau e tinham audição normal. A mãe era saudável, exceto por hipotireoidismo subclínico; o pai era falecido. O teste do perclorato no caso-índice revelou a liberação de 21% do iodo incorporado duas horas após a administração de 1 g de KClO4. Os exames audiológicos mostraram perda auditiva profunda em todos os indivíduos afetados; TC e RMN dos ossos temporais mostraram DAV em todos eles. O DNA genômico foi isolado do sangue total dos seis irmãos afetados e dos quatro não-afetados, da mãe e do controle. A região codificante do gene PDS (éxons 2-21), incluindo as junções éxon/íntron, foram amplificadas por PCR e seqüenciadas. Foi detectada a deleção de uma base (T) na posição 1197 do éxon 10, em homozigoze, nos seis irmãos afetados. A mãe e dois irmãos não-afetados eram heterozigotos para a mutação, que foi descrita inicialmente por Everett e cols. A mutação 1197delT provavelmente resulta em um erro de fase de leitura (frameshift) e em uma proteína truncada. A existência de fenocópias da SP e a variabilidade fenotípica intrafamiliar são bem conhecidas. O diagnóstico definitivo requer análise molecular. O presente estudo ilustra o valor e os desafios da análise mutacional em pacientes selecionados com SP

La extensión como herramienta para la transversalidad en la formación social del ingeniero

Es objetivo del presente trabajo incentivar la reflexión sobre el cambio en la formación del futuro Ingeniero al incorporar temáticas sociales en su currícula, con continuidad a través del tiempo, en forma ordenada y de ser posible en forma obligatoria. Dichos contenidos se incorporarían de manera práctica, permitiendo además una aplicación y apropiación de los conocimientos impartidos.Publicado en Terceras Jornadas de Investigación, Transferencia y Extensión. La Plata : Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 2015.Facultad de Ingenierí

La extensión como herramienta para la transversalidad en la formación social del ingeniero

Es objetivo del presente trabajo incentivar la reflexión sobre el cambio en la formación del futuro Ingeniero al incorporar temáticas sociales en su currícula, con continuidad a través del tiempo, en forma ordenada y de ser posible en forma obligatoria. Dichos contenidos se incorporarían de manera práctica, permitiendo además una aplicación y apropiación de los conocimientos impartidos.Publicado en Terceras Jornadas de Investigación, Transferencia y Extensión. La Plata : Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 2015.Facultad de Ingenierí

Angina bullosa haemorrhagica:a 14-year multi-institutional retrospective study from Brazil and literature review

Angina bullosa haemorrhagica (ABH) is characterized by the recurrent appearance of blood blisters on the oral mucosa, mainly in adults' soft palate. In general, the blisters rupture spontaneously, lacking the necessity for biopsy. We report the clinical features of 23 ABH cases, emphasizing the clinical behavior and the management of these conditions. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 12,727 clinical records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from four dental services in Brazil were analyzed. Clinical data were collected from the clinical records and evaluated. The series comprised 12 males (52.2%) and 11 females (47.8%), with a mean age of 56.8?±?14.6?years (ranging: 24-82?years) and a 1.1:1 male-to-female ratio. Most of the lesions affected the soft palate (n = 15, 65.2%). Clinically, the lesions presented mainly as an asymptomatic (n = 17, 73.9%) blood-filled blister that ruptured after a few minutes or hours, leaving an erosion. The masticatory trauma was the most frequent triggering event. No patient had coagulation disorders. A biopsy was performed in only four cases (17.4%). Treatment was symptomatic with a favorable outcome. ABH is still poorly documented in the literature, and its etiology remains uncertain. ABH mainly affects the soft palate of elderly adults and has a favorable evolution in a few days. The therapeutic approach is often focused only on the relief of symptoms. However, it can share some clinical features with more serious diseases. Therefore, clinicians must recognize these lesions to avoid misdiagnosis