Near-infrared leaf reflectance modeling of Annona emarginata seedlings for early detection of variations in nitrogen concentration

Nitrogen(N)monitoring is essential in nurseries to ensure the production of high-quality seedlings.Nearinfrared spectroscopy(NIRS)is an instantaneous,nondestructive method to monitor N.Spectral data such as NIRS can also provide the basis for developing a new vegetation spectral index(VSI).Here,we evaluated whether NIRS combined with statistical modeling can accurately detect early variations in N concentration in leaves of young plants of Annona emargiaata and developed a new VSI for this task.Plants were grown in a hydroponics system with 0,2.75,5.5or 11 mM N for 45 days.Then we measured gas exchange,chlorophylla fluorescence,and pigments in leaves;analyzed complete leaf nutrients,and recorded spectral data for leaves at 966 to 1685 nm using NIRS.With a statistical learning approach,the dimensionality of the spectral data was reduced,then models were generated using two classes(N deficiency,N)or four classes(0,2.75,5.5,11 mM N).The best combination of techniques for dimensionality reduction and classification,respectively,was stepwise regression(PROC STEPDISC)and linear discriminant function.It was possible to detect N deficiency in seedlings leaves with 100%precision,and the four N concentrations with93.55%accuracy before photosynthetic damage to the plant occurred.Thereby,NIRS combined with statistical modeling of multidimensional data is effective for detecting N variations in seedlings leaves of A.emarginata.

New Screening Approach for Ocular Diseases

Objective: Present a new screening approach for ocular diseases. Method: Transversal, retrospective, single center study that analyzed medical records of patients from a social project on the prevention of blindness and amblyopia, which aimed at: 1) Detect the main ocular disorders such as amblyopia, primary angle-closure suspect (PACS);glaucoma suspect (GS);predisposing retinal detachment lesions (PRDL);age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR);2) Perform cataract diagnosis;3) Provide guidance and treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. 4) Prescribe glasses for children until 14 years of age. Participants were examined by a single specialist, holder of a post-doctoral degree in ophthalmology, with 36 years of experience and a sub-specialization in retina and vitreous. All data were analyzed in 2022. Results: The examiner diagnosed 42 cases of PACS, 21 of GS, 8 of PRDL, 14 of AMD, 3 of DR, 40 of cataract and 31 cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Thirty-three participants younger than 14 were prescribed glasses. Other pathologies included retinal detachment, papilledema, corneal ulcer, suspected conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, retinal vasculitis, strabismus, uveitis, bilateral papilla paleness and lacrimal duct obstruction. Out of the 297 cases examined, 168 participants presented some type of alteration that could compromise their vision. Conclusion: The examiner’s experience and knowledge were decisive factors for the quick diagnosis, advice, screening and/or treatment of several ocular diseases. The social project results reveal that the primary care and/or the screening performed by a specialist are likely to reduce blindness cases.

Pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and drugs used in associated digestive tract diseases

Cystic fibrosis(CF)causes chronic infections in the respiratory tract and alters the digestive tract.This paper reviews the most important aspects of drug treatment and changes in the digestive tract of patients with CF.This is a review of the literature,emphasizing the discoveries made within the last 15 years by analyzing scientific papers published in journals indexed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online,Sciences Information,United States National Library of Medicine and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online databases,both in English and Portuguese,using the key words:cystic fibrosis,medication,therapeutic,absorption,digestion.Randomized,observational,experimental,and epidemiological clinical studies were selected,among others,with statistical significance of 5%.This review evaluates the changes found in the digestive tract of CF patients including pancreatic insufficiency,constipation and liver diseases.Changes in nutritional status are also described.Clinical treatment,nutritional supplementation and drug management were classified in this review as essential to the quality of life of CF patients,and became available through public policies for monitoring and treating CF.The information gathered on CF and a multi professional approach to the disease is essential in the treatment of these patients.

Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of Ground Cherry(Physalis angulata L.)standardized CO2 phytopharmaceutical preparation

AIM To investigate the effects of Ground Cherry(Physalis angulata L.)standardized supercritical CO_2 extract in trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid(TNBS)model of rat intestinal inflammation.METHODS The animals were divided into groups that received vehicle or P.angulata extract(PACO_2)orally at the doses 25,50 and 100 mg/kg daily by 5 d before TNBS damage.Protective effects of PACO_2 were assessed by macroscopic analysis,biochemical determinations of the levels of myeloperoxidase(MPO),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),glutathione and cytokines(such as INF-γ,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-10 and TNF-α),gene expression evaluation(including Hsp70,heparanase,NF-κB,mitogenactivated protein kinases(Mapk)1,3,6 and 9,and the mucins genes Muc 1,2,3 and 4)and histopathological studies using optical,and electronic(transmission and scanning)microscopy.RESULTS PACO2 extract promoted a significant reduction in MPO and ALP activities,reducing oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration.These effects were accompanied by significant reduction of colonic levels of IFN-γand IL-6 and down-regulation of heparanase,Hsp70,Mapk3,Mapk9,Muc1 and Muc2 genes expression when compared with TNBS-control animals.In addition,protective effects were also evidenced by reduced neutrophil infiltration,recovery of cell architecture and replacement of mucin by histopathological and ultrastructural analysis.CONCLUSION Physalis angulata supercritical CO2 extract is an intestinal anti-inflammatory product that modulates oxidative stress,immune response and expression of inflammatory mediators,with potentially utility for treating inflammatory bowel disease.

Quantitative Analysis of Photodynamic Therapy Effects in Rat Mammary Tumor Vascular Density Using Image-Pro plus Software

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality that has advanced rapidly in recent years. It causes tissue and vascular damage with the interaction of a photosensitizing agent (PS), light of a proper wavelength, and molecular oxygen. Evaluation of vessel damage usually relies on histopathology evaluation. Results are often qualitative or at best semi-quantitative based on a subjective system. The aim of this study was to evaluate, using CD31 immunohistochemistry and image analysis software, the vascular damage after PDT in a well-established rodent model of chemically induced mammary tumor. Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats received a single dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthraxcene (80 mg/kg by gavage), treatment efficacy was evaluated by comparing the vascular density of tumors after treatment with Photogem&reg?as a PS, intraperitoneally, followed by interstitial fiber optic lighting, from a diode laser, at 200 mW/cm and light dose of 100 J/cm directed against his tumor (7 animals), with a control group (6 animals, no PDT). The animals were euthanized 30 hours after the lighting and mammary tumors were removed and samples from each lesion were formalin-fixed. Immunostained blood vessels were quantified by Image Pro-Plus version 7.0. The control group had an average of 3368.6 ± 4027.1 pixels per picture and the treated group had an average of 779 ± 1242.6 pixels per area (P 0.01), indicating that PDT caused a significant decrease in vascular density of mammary tumors. The combined immunohistochemistry using CD31, with selection of representative areas by a trained pathology, followed by quantification of staining using Image Pro-Plus version 7.0 system was a practical and robust methodology for vessel damage evaluation, which probably could be used to assess other antiangiogenic treatments.

金龟子绿僵菌分生孢子暴露在B段紫外光下毒力的降低

The UV-A and UV-B wavelengths of solar radiation may seriously reduce viability of Metarhizium anisopliae conidia,a fungus used extensively in Brazil for insect pest control.The conidial tolerances to UV-A and UV-B radiation were studied for one isolate(IBCB 425) commercially available product produced on rice grains.Aqueous or oil emulsion conidial suspensions were irradiated for 0(control),2,or 3 h using the solar simulator filtered with diacetate filter to remove UV-C radiation which afforded 652 mW·m-2 in the spectral range of 280～370 nm.The UV tolerance was based on conidial germination(viability) and virulence to Diatraea saccharalis larvae.Conidia formulated with oil emulsion had higher survival after 3 h of UV exposure,but the virulence of the conidia previously exposed to 2 h of UV radiation were similar when oil formulated or not.The mortality of D.saccharalis caterpillars exposed to non-UV-irradiated conidia was greater than that of larvae exposed to irradiated conidia,and the LT50 values were lower for the non-irradiated suspensions than for those irradiated.This apparent reduction in virulence was directly related reduction in viability or delay of germination of UV-irradiated conidia.

Anti-inflammatory intestinal activity of Combretum duarteanum Cambess. in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis model

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory intestinal effect of the ethanolic extract (EtOHE) and hexane phase (HexP) obtained from the leaves of Combretum duarteanum (Cd).METHODSInflammatory bowel disease was induced using trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid in acute and relapsed ulcerative colitis in rat models. Damage scores, and biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated.RESULTSBoth Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP caused significant reductions in macroscopic lesion scores and ulcerative lesion areas. The vegetable samples inhibited myeloperoxidase increase, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 also increased in animals treated with the tested plant samples. The anti-inflammatory intestinal effect is related to decreased expression of cyclooxygenase-2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and an increase in superoxide dismutase.CONCLUSIONThe data indicate anti-inflammatory intestinal activity. The effects may also involve participation of the antioxidant system and principal cytokines relating to inflammatory bowel disease.

青少年乒乓运动员的焦虑和运动成绩关系(英文)

多维焦虑理论认为认知和躯体焦虑对运动成绩会产生不同的影响。根据这个理论,运动员在赛前具有较高的认知焦虑水平或躯体焦虑水平出现极端值(过高或过低)或自信心较低时,他们将取得较差的运动成绩。先前的研究还认为焦虑与运动成绩间的关系还取决于所要完成动作的特点。不同的运动技能有各自最佳的焦虑水平。总的来说,焦虑水平较高有利于完成体力消耗较大的运动项目。而焦虑水平较低时,则有利于完成精确类项目。就乒乓球项目而言,它既需要体力又需要精确性,因此,本研究调查分析了乒乓球运动员赛前焦虑水平与运动成绩间的关系。研究对象:36 名青少年乒乓球运动员,男、女运动员各18 名,平均年龄为12.28±0.74岁。研究方法:采用运动竞赛状态焦虑量表(CSAI-2C)。让运动员在参加地区赛第一场比赛的赛前30分填写问卷。研究结果:认知状态焦虑水平不能用来预测运动员的成绩。获胜运动员和失利运动员赛前的躯体状态焦虑和自信心没有差异。这表明本研究没有支持多维焦虑理论的假设,或许是乒乓球运动的特点和运动员的个体差异比运动员的焦虑水平对运动成绩的影响更大。因此,如果运动员的个人特点与他们的技术风格相适应,不同焦虑水平的运动员都可能取得好成绩。

A Review of Telemetry Data Transmission in Unconventional Petroleum Environments Focused on Information Density and Reliability

The paper addresses a literature review of the technologies used in the transmission of measuring and logging data during well drilling. It presents a discussion about efficiency in data density transmission and reliability, especially when it comes to software and automated tools. Initially, this paper analyzes the principle of the telemetry systems, considering the mud pulse telemetry, acoustic telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry and wired drill pipe telemetry. They were detailed highlighting information about functionality, data transmission and its linkage to supporting software. Focus is also given to details of the main advantages and disadvantages of each technology considering the influences of lithology, drilling fluid and formation fluids in the reliability and capacity of data transmission.

Mixed Model, AMMI and Eberhart-Russel Comparison via Simulation on Genotype ×Environment Interaction Study in Sugarcane

Brazil is the world leader in sugarcane production and the largest sugar exporter. Developing new varieties is one of the main factors that contribute to yield increase. In order to select the best genotypes, during the final selection stage, varieties are tested in different environments (locations and years), and breeders need to estimate the phenotypic performance for main traits such as tons of cane yield per hectare (TCH) considering the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effect. Geneticists and biometricians have used different methods and there is no clear consensus of the best method. In this study, we present a comparison of three methods, viz. Eberhart-Russel (ER), additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and mixed model (REML/BLUP), in a simulation study performed in the R computing environment to verify the effectiveness of each method in detecting GEI, and assess the particularities of each method from a statistical standpoint. In total, 63 cases representing different conditions were simulated, generating more than 34 million data points for analysis by each of the three methods. The results show that each method detects GEI differently in a different way, and each has some limitations. All three methods detected GEI effectively, but the mixed model showed higher sensitivity. When applying the GEI analysis, firstly it is important to verify the assumptions inherent in each method and these limitations should be taken into account when choosing the method to be used.

Flowering of Sugarcane Genotypes under Different Artificial Photoperiod Conditions

Flowering is essential in any breeding programme, particularly in genetic introgression programmes in which flowering synchronism is required. In this work, 16 sugarcane genotypes were evaluated using three different flowering-inductive photoperiod treatments (30 s, 45 s, and 1 min of a daily photoperiod decrease from 12 h 55 of light). Each genotype was planted in 43 L pots (equal proportion of soil, sand, and substrate) with three tillers per pot. Plants with 4 to 6 internodes were placed in a photoperiod facility with three controlled chambers, each chamber containing all 16 genotypes (one treatment per chamber). The temperature range (21°C to 32°C) and humidity were the same for all of the treatments. The flower induction started in September 2010 and ended in April 2011. The plant elongation and flag leaf and inflorescence emergence were recorded and the pollen viability was evaluated by using the iodine staining method. The photoperiod facility provided suitable conditions for flowering, as the plants in the three treatments successfully flowered. The genotypes in the three treatments behaved differently in relation to the date of panicle emergence, with the treatment of 45 s showing better results. The results here presented contribute to synchronise flowering for desired sugarcane crosses, particularly those from introgression programmes between commercial cultivars and species from the Saccharum complex.

Circulating leptin and its muscle gene expression in Nellore cattle with divergent feed efficiency

Background： Leptin has a strong relation to important traits in animal production, such as carcass composition,feed intake, and reproduction. It is mainly produced by adipose cells and acts predominantly in the hypothalamus.In this study, circulating leptin and its gene expression in muscle were evaluated in two groups of young Nellore bulls with divergent feed efficiency. Individual dry matter intake（DMI） and average daily gain（ADG） of 98 Nellore bulls were evaluated in feedlot for 70 d to determinate the residual feed intake（RFI） and select 20 animals for the high feed efficient（LRFI） and 20 for the low feed efficient（HRFI） groups. Blood samples were collected on d 56 and at slaughter（80 d） to determine circulating plasma leptin. Samples of Longissimus dorsi were taken at slaughter for leptin gene expression levels.Results： DMI and RFI were different between groups and LRFI animals showed less back fat and rump fat thickness,as well as less pelvic and kidney fat weight. Circulating leptin increased over time in all animals. Plasma leptin was greater in LRFI on 56 d and at slaughter（P = 0.0049）. Gene expression of leptin were greater in LRFI animals（P = 0.0022） in accordance with the plasma levels. The animals of the LRFI group were leaner, ate less, and had more circulating leptin and its gene expression.Conclusion： These findings demonstrated that leptin plays its physiological role in young Nellore bulls, probably controlling food intake because feed efficient animals have more leptin and lower residual feed intake.

Energy, Social and Economic Indicators for Evaluation of Retrofit Buildings： The Brazilian Perspective on Sustainable Development

This paper aims to establish a methodological frame work and its validation as a response to the need of a demand management tool in the face of recurring comparisons of building revitalization or retrofits. As the investment and implementation actions improve and the social economic criteria are delimited by regulatory frameworks, it is extremely necessary to monitor previous performances and further prospects, regarding projects, it is necessary to measure the extent of which efforts have been meeting regulatory requirements and aiming to contribute with sustainable development. In this context, the use of indicators has been a major management tool.

Current trending and beyond for solar-driven water splitting reaction on WO_(3)photoanodes

This review shows the importance of WO_(3)photoanode as a potentially low-cost,efficient,stable,and photoactive material for light-driven water splitting.For such,this manuscript aims to review the most recent publications regarding the strategies to improve the phoelectroactivity of WO_(3)films for water oxidation.In addition,this review aims to graphically highlight and discuss the general trendings of the photocurrent density response and stability test of the recent outstanding studies in the literature for photoelectrochemical water splitting application.The strategies covered in this review will not only concern the WO_(3)morphology and crystal plane growth,but also the many arrangements possibilities to improve the WO_(3)efficiency for water photoelectrooxidation,such as defect engineering based on oxygen vacancies,doping,decorations,and homo and heterojunctions.All these strategies are compared by the photocurrent density results and by the stability of these photocatalysts.The best results in this sense were observed in cases where the use of heterojunction was applied together with a desired morphology and crystal plane of the WO_(3)photoanode.However,the modifications that caused a decrease in the photocurrent density reaching values that are even lower than the pure WO_(3)were also discussed.In this way,this review intends to improve the knowledge about the synthesis and design of WO_(3)photoanodes to further obtain an efficient photocatalyst to minimize the recombination losses or losses across the interfaces and improve the photoelectroactivity for water splitting in the large-scale application.

Trichomonas vaginalis and Chlamydia trachomatis Prevalence,Incidence and Associated Factors in Pregnant Adolescents from Belém City,in the Brazilian Amazon

Background: Adolescents are disproportionally affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI). Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are the most frequent curable STI in adolescents, causing serious consequences for their reproductive health. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of CT and TV, as well as their risk factors in pregnant adolescents from Belém, northern Brazilian Amazon. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 199 adolescents up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. They were scheduled for follow-up visit between 28 and 29 weeks of pregnancy. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were obtained by interview. Cervicovaginal samples were taken to test for TV, CT, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and bacterial vaginosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to test the association of prevalent/incident CT and TV with the variables. Results: Prevalence of cervical CT infection was 33.7% (n = 67/ 199), and for trichomoniasis it was 4.0% (n = 8/199). Cervical ectopy increased the risk for prevalent CT (OR, 1.93;95% CI, 1.01 - 3.70), while having treated vaginal discharge in the past (OR, 0.51;95% CI, 0.26 - 0.98) and being married (OR, 0.10;95% CI, 0.01 - 0.83) were protective against current CT and TV, respectively. Among the 95 (47.7%) adolescents who completed follow-up, 15 cases of incident CT were identified. Incident CT was associated with having a formal or informal job (OR, 28.4;95% CI, 2.1 - 391.6) and bacterial vaginosis treatment at the baseline (OR, 0.08;95% CI, 0.01 - 0.69). Conclusion: Prevalence and incidence rates of TV and CT are high in this population devoid of STI routine screening. Treatment of bacterial vaginosis may benefit this population by reducing risk for CT acquisition.

A measure of ionospheric irregularities:zonal velocity and its implications for L-band scintillation at low-latitudes

We estimate the zonal drift velocity of small-scale ionospheric irregularities at low latitude by leveraging the spaced-receivers technique applied to two GNSS receivers for scintillation monitoring installed along the magnetic parallel passing in Presidente Prudente(Brazil,magnetic latitude 12.8°S).The investigated ionospheric sector is ideal to study small-scale irregularities,being located close to the expected position of the southern crest of the equatorial ionospheric anomaly.The measurement campaign took place between September 2013 and February 2014,i.e.equinox and summer solstice seasons under solar maximum,during which the probability of formation of small-scale irregularities is expected to maximize.We found that the hourly average of the velocity increases up to 135 m/s right after the local sunset at ionospheric altitudes and then smoothly decreases in the next hours.Such measurements are in agreement with independent estimations of the velocity made by the Incoherent Scatter Radar located at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory(magnetic latitude 0.1°N),by the Boa Vista Ionosonde(magnetic latitude 12.0°N),and by applying a recently-developed empirical regional short-term forecasting model.Additionally,we investigated the relationship with the percentage occurrence of amplitude scintillation;we report that it is exponentially dependent on the zonal velocity of the irregularities that cause it.

Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases in the state of Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil

BACKGROUND This is the first study on the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)in Rio Grande do Sul(RS),the southernmost state of Brazil with the country’s fifth largest population.Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC)are collectively termed IBDs.They have high incidence and prevalence rates in highincome countries,although in recent years there has been a change in the classic geographical distribution of IBDs,with growing rates in traditionally lowincidence regions.AIM To estimate the incidence and prevalence of IBDs in the RS state,Brazil,between 2014 and 2019.METHODS This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study.Patients with IBD who had initiated treatment and met the inclusion criteria of the RS state free drug distribution program were included.Data were obtained from registration or renewal records of the RS state specialty pharmacy.The male,female,and total populations were estimated according to mid-year data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics,which served as a reference for calculating the incidence and prevalence rates of IBDs during the study period.Results were described using mean,standard deviation,and range.RESULTS We included 1082 patients with IBD,of whom 57.5%were female and 42.5% were male.Patients with CD accounted for 72.45% of the sample,and those with UC accounted for 27.54%.IBD prevalence during the study period was 9.51 per 100000 population,of which 6.89 corresponded to people with CD and 2.62,to people with UC.Incidence rates per 100000 population/year were 2.54 in 2014,2.61 in 2015,1.91 in 2016,0.80 in 2017,0.83 in 2018,and 0.96 in 2019.The mean IBD incidence rate per 100000 population was 1.61,of which 1.17 corresponded to CD and 0.44,to UC.The mean age was 41 years,and patients were mostly aged 30-40 years.Prevalence by region was higher in the state capital metropolitan area:12.69 per 100000 population.CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated an IBD prevalence of 9.51% and incidence of 1.61 per 100000 population.The patients were predominantly female,and CD was more prevalent than UC.

Study of Nanoskin ECM-Bacterial Cellulose Wound Healing/United Arab Emirates

Natural extracellular matrices (ECMs) perform the tasks necessary for tissue formation, maintenance, regulation and function, providing a powerful means of controlling the biological performance of regenerative materials. In addition, biomedical materials have claimed attention because of the increased interest in tissue engineering materials for wound care and regenerative medicine. Moreover, the nanostructure and morphological similarities with collagen make BC attractive for cell immobilization, cell support and Natural Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Scaffolds. In this work, we present the extracellular matrix (ECM) using the bacterial cellulose (Nanoskin®) which regulates cell behavior by influencing cell proliferation, survival, shape, migration and differentiation. Bacterial cellulose fermentation process is modified before the bacteria are inoculated for mimicking ECM to cells support and built new local material for wound healing. Chemical groups influences and thermal behavior in bacterial cellulose were analyzed using transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Besides, In vivo analysis was evaluated with clinical study at Sharjah Kuwait Hospital.

Formation of TiO_(2) Nanotube Layer by Anodization of Titanium in Ethylene Glycol-H_(2)O Electrolyte

In orthopaedics and orthodontics, the growth of nanotubes of titanium oxide on titanium implants is a promising route for improving the osseointegration. Among the fabrication routes to produce nanotubes, anodization was generally preferred due to its simplicity and low cost. TiO2 nanotubes are formed by the simultaneous anodic reaction and chemical dissolution due to the fluoride species present in the anodization bath. In this work, the formation of TiO2 nanotubes was studied in stirred ethylene glycol-H2O electrolyte (90 - 10 v/v) containing NH4F at room temperature. In order to study the effect of NH4F concentration, voltage and anodization time, and to reduce the number of experiments, a design of experiments (DOE) based on a 2k factorial design with four replicates at the center point was used. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the effects of the factors of control and their interactions on the percentage of the titanium surface coated by nanotubes. The dimensions of nanotubes (length and diameter) were also evaluated using field emission gun scanning electron microscopy. The cristallinity and phase composition of the oxide layers was investigated by X-ray diffractometry. The electrochemical behavior of as-received and anodized titanium specimens was studied in Ringer’s solution. The statistical analysis showed that fluoride concentration is the most significant factor. The best condition according to the response surface analysis is the center point (1% NH4F, 20 V, 2 h). The nanotubular oxide layers presented an amorphous structure. Electrochemical tests showed that TiO2 nanotubes coated titanium is less corrosion resistant than as-received titanium.

Characterization of Allele Diversity in a Microsatellite Locus: A Registry for Solenopsis invicta

The genus Solenopsis includes more than 100 species in the New World. When introduced, some species cause serious harm to the native wildlife and agriculture. Two forms of social organization are known in the genus, namely, monogyne and polygyne. Here, we present the genetic profile of a Solenopsis invicta Buren 1972 colony recorded in the central region of the city of São Paulo, São Paulo state, Brazil (23°33'37.18"S;46°42'48.66"W) to describe allele diversity. Eight microsatellite loci were used for the analysis of 30 worker ants. The results show the presence of seven alleles genotyped at the same microsatellite locus. Because this is an unusual finding, all of the alleles were sequenced, and surprisingly, an eighth allele was identified. These data suggest that the intracolonial genetic profile of fire ants must be investigated more frequently because there may be unexpected, albeit unknown, genetic patterns for S. invicta that can help inform better control and management programs.