The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO): overview of pilot measurements on ecosystem ecology, meteorology, trace gases, and aerosols

Andreae, M. O.,Acevedo, O. C.,Araù,jo, A.,Artaxo, P.,Barbosa, C. G. G.,Barbosa, H. M. J.,Brito, J.,Carbone, S.,Chi, X.,Cintra, B. B. L.,da Silva, N. F.,Dias, N. L.,Dias-Jú,nior, C. Q.,Dita Copernicus GmbH 2015 Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Vol.15 No.18

<P>Abstract. The Amazon Basin plays key roles in the carbon and water cycles, climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and biodiversity. It has already been changed significantly by human activities, and more pervasive change is expected to occur in the coming decades. It is therefore essential to establish long-term measurement sites that provide a baseline record of present-day climatic, biogeochemical, and atmospheric conditions and that will be operated over coming decades to monitor change in the Amazon region, as human perturbations increase in the future. The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) has been set up in a pristine rain forest region in the central Amazon Basin, about 150 km northeast of the city of Manaus. Two 80 m towers have been operated at the site since 2012, and a 325 m tower is nearing completion in mid-2015. An ecological survey including a biodiversity assessment has been conducted in the forest region surrounding the site. Measurements of micrometeorological and atmospheric chemical variables were initiated in 2012, and their range has continued to broaden over the last few years. The meteorological and micrometeorological measurements include temperature and wind profiles, precipitation, water and energy fluxes, turbulence components, soil temperature profiles and soil heat fluxes, radiation fluxes, and visibility. A tree has been instrumented to measure stem profiles of temperature, light intensity, and water content in cryptogamic covers. The trace gas measurements comprise continuous monitoring of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and ozone at five to eight different heights, complemented by a variety of additional species measured during intensive campaigns (e.g., VOC, NO, NO2, and OH reactivity). Aerosol optical, microphysical, and chemical measurements are being made above the canopy as well as in the canopy space. They include aerosol light scattering and absorption, fluorescence, number and volume size distributions, chemical composition, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations, and hygroscopicity. In this paper, we discuss the scientific context of the ATTO observatory and present an overview of results from ecological, meteorological, and chemical pilot studies at the ATTO site. </P>

Pyrearinus termitilluminans larval click beetle luciferase: active site properties, structure and function relationships and comparison with other beetle luciferases

Neto, A.J.Silva,Scorsato, V.,Arnoldi, F.G.C.,Viviani, V.R. Korean Society of Photoscience 2009 Photochemical & photobiological sciences Vol.8 No.12

Several beetle luciferases have been cloned and sequenced. However, most studies on structure and function relationships and bioanalytical applications were done with firefly luciferases, which are pH sensitive. Several years ago we cloned Pyrearinus termitilluminans larval click beetle luciferase, which displays the most blue-shifted bioluminescence among beetle luciferases and is pH insensitive. This enzyme was expressed in E. coli, purified, and its properties investigated. This luciferase shows slower luminescence kinetics, $K_M$ values comparable to other beetle luciferases and high catalytic constant. Fluorescence studies with 8-anilino-1-naphtalene-sulfonic acid (1,8-ANS) and modeling studies suggest that the luciferin binding site of this luciferase is very hydrophobic, supporting the solvent and orientation polarizability effects as determining mechanisms for bioluminescence colors. Although pH insensitive in the range between pH 6-8, at pH 10 this luciferase displays a remarkable red-shift and broadening of the bioluminescence spectrum. Modeling studies suggest that the residue C312 may play an important role in bioluminescence color modulation. Compared to other beetle luciferases, Pyrearinus termitilluminans luciferase also displays higher thermostability and sustained luminescence in a bacterial cell environment, which makes this luciferase particularly suitable for in vivo cell analysis and bioimaging.

Effect of Feed Additives in Growing Lambs Fed Diets Containing Wet Brewers Grains

Aguilera-Soto, J.I.,Ramirez, R.G.,Arechiga, C.F.,Mendez-Llorente, F.,Lopez-Carlos, M.A.,Silva-Ramos, J.M.,Rincon-Delgado, R.M.,Duran-Roldan, F.M. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.10

The study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of feed additives on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility and performance of lambs fed diets containing 60% wet brewers grains (WBG). In Experiment 1, two simultaneous trials were conducted. Fifty intact ($20.2{\pm}0.8kg\;BW$) lambs were used in a feedlot trial and 10 (rumen cannulated; $32{\pm}1kg\;BW$) in a digestion trial. The pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia-N in lambs were also estimated. Lambs were randomly assigned to one of five diets: i) without additives (Con), ii) with 1% bicarbonate (Bic), iii) with 1% bentonite (Ben), iv) with 33 mg/kg monensin (Mon) and v) with 200 mg/kg fibrolityc enzymes (Enz). In Experiment 2, 120 RambouilletPelibuey intact male lambs ($19.5{\pm}1.5kg\;BW$) were used in a feedlot trial and randomly assigned to four diets: i) without additives (control), ii) with 1% Bic, iii) with 33 mg/kg Mon and iv) with 1% Bic and 33 mg/kg Mon. In Experiment 1, lambs fed diets containing Bic or Mon had significantly higher final weight, DMI, ADG than other lambs. However, apparent DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF digestibilities and ruminal individual VFA content were similar (p>0.05) among treatments. Conversely, treatmentcollection period interaction was significant for ruminal pH and NH3. In Experiment 2, lambs fed diets containing a Bic and Mon combination had significantly higher final weight, DMI and ADG. It is concluded lambs fed Bic or Mon or Bic and Mon combination had better performance characteristics than lambs on Ben or Enz.

Meat Quality of Lambs Fed on Palm Kernel Meal, a By-product of Biodiesel Production

Ribeiro, R.D.X.,Oliveira, Ronaldo Lopes,Macome, F.M.,Bagaldo, A.R.,Silva, M.C.A.,Ribeiro, C.V.D.M.,Carvalho, G.G.P.,Lanna, D.P.D. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2011 Animal Bioscience Vol.24 No.10

This study aimed to establish the optimum level of palm kernel meal in the diet of Santa Ines lambs based on the sensorial characteristics and fatty acid profile of the meat. We used 32 lambs with a starting age of 4 to 6 months and mean weight of $22{\pm}2.75kg$, kept in individual stalls. The animals were fed with Tifton-85 hay and a concentrate mixed with 0.0, 6.5, 13.0 or 19.5% of palm kernel meal based on the dry mass of the complete diet. These levels formed the treatments. Confinement lasted 80 days and on the last day the animals were fasted and slaughtered. After slaughter, carcasses were weighed and sectioned longitudinally, along the median line, into two antimeres. Half-carcasses were then sliced between the 12th and 13th ribs to collect the loin (longissimus dorsi), which was used to determine the sensorial characteristics and fatty acid profile of the meat. For sensorial evaluation, samples of meat were given to 54 judges who evaluated the tenderness, juiciness, appearance, aroma and flavor of the meat using a hedonic scale. Fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. The addition of palm kernel meal to the diet had no effect on the sensorial characteristics of meat juiciness, appearance, aroma or flavor. However, tenderness showed a quadratic relationship with the addition of the meal to the diet. The concentration of fatty acids C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 increased with the addition of palm kernel meal, as did the sum of medium-chain fatty acids and the atherogenicity index. Up to of 19.5% of the diet of Santa Ines lambs can be made up of palm kernel meal without causing significant changes in sensorial characteristics. However, the fatty acid profile of the meat was altered.

Grazing Behavior and Locomotion of Young Bulls Receiving Different Nutritional Plans in a Tropical Pasture

Valente, E.E.L.,Paulino, M.F.,Detmann, E.,Filho, S.C. Valadares,Chizzotti, M.L.,Silva, A.G.,Maciel, I.F.S. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.12

The objectives of this study were to compare visual observation and an electronic grazing time method and to evaluate the effects of nutritional plans on intake, grazing behavior and horizontal and vertical locomotion of young bulls in a tropical pasture. Thirty-nine Nellore young bulls with an average body weight of $345{\pm}9.3$ kg kept in pasture were used. The experimental treatments consisted of: restricted: animals kept in a plot with a low mass of forage receiving mineral mixture only; control: animals receiving mineral mixture only; HPHC: a high protein and high carbohydrate supplement; HPLC: a high protein and low carbohydrate supplement; LPHC: a low protein and high carbohydrate supplement; LPLC: a low protein and low carbohydrate supplement. GPS collars equipped with activity sensors were used. Information about head position, latitude, longitude and altitude were recorded. Daytime grazing behavioral patterns monitored by a continuous focal animal recording method was compared to behavior estimated by the activity sensor. Feed intake was estimated by a marker method. The Restricted group presented lower (p<0.05) intake of dry matter and TDN. However, difference in dry matter intake was not found (p>0.05) between non-supplemented and supplemented animals. Difference was not found (p>0.05) in daytime grazing time obtained by visual observation or the activity sensor method. The restricted group showed longer (p<0.05) grazing time (9.58 h/d) than other groups, but difference was not found (p>0.05) in the grazing time between Control (8.35 h/d) and supplemented animals (8.03 h/d). The Restricted group presented lower (p<0.05) horizontal locomotion distance (2,168 m/d) in comparison to other groups (2,580.6 m/d). It can be concluded that the use of activity sensor methods can be recommended due to their being similar to visual observation and able to record 24-h/d. While supplements with high carbohydrates reduce pasture intake, they do not change grazing behavior. Moderate supplementation (until 50% of protein requirement and 30% of energy requirement) of beef cattle on tropical pasture has no effect on daily locomotion.

Trisodium phosphate dip, hot water dip, and combination dip with/without brushing on broiler carcass decontamination

Singh, P.,Lee, H.C.,Silva, M.F.,Chin, K.B.,Kang, I. Elsevier 2017 FOOD CONTROL Vol.77 No.-

<P>The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of trisodium phosphate dip (TSP), hot water dip (HWD) and their combination dip with/without brushing on broiler breast skin for bacterial reduction and structural changes. Eviscerated broiler carcasses were obtained from a local slaughter plant and immediately subjected to one of six treatments: 1) two tap water dips at 25 degrees C (TWD/TWD), 2) TWD/ TWD with brushing (TWD/TWD/B), 3) TWD and TSP at 8%/25 degrees C (TWD/TSP), 4) TWD and HWD at 71 degrees C (TWD/HWD), 5) TSP and HWD (TSP/HWD), and 6) TSP/HWD with brushing (TSPIHWD/B). Each dip was conducted for 45 s with or without brushing at 5 s on/off during the second dip. Compared to the control (TWD/TWD), TSP/HWD significantly reduced mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and total coliforms by 1.1, 0.9 and 1.0 log CFU/g, respectively, and Salmonella prevalence by 53.3% (P < 0.05), whereas TWD/TSP and TWD/HWD showed intermediate reductions (P < 0.05). Upon brushing, TSP/HWD/B reduced populations of MAB, E. coli, and total coliforms, and the prevalence of Salmonella more effectively than control of brushing (TWID/TWD/B) (P < 0.05). When two sampling methods were compared, the method of stomaching released fewer MAB and total coliforms (named loosely-associated cells) than the grinding of the stomached skin (named tightly-associated cells). Compared to controls (TWD/TWD and TWD/TWD/B), both TSP/HWD and TSP/HWD/B generally resulted in darker, less reddish, and more yellowish breast skin. Scanning electron microscope and histological images indicated that both TSP/HWD and TSP/HWD/B had deeper skin penetration than controls or TWD/HWD and TWD/TSP. Overall, TSP/HWD/B showed the most effectiveness in broiler carcass decontamination. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.</P>

Modeling lactose hydrolysis for efficiency and selectivity: Toward the preservation of sialyloligosaccharides in bovine colostrum whey permeate

de Moura Bell, J.M.L.N.,Aquino, L.F.M.C.,Liu, Y.,Cohen, J.L.,Lee, H.,de Melo Silva, V.L.,Rodrigues, M.I.,Barile, D. American Dairy Science Association 2016 Journal of dairy science Vol.99 No.8

<P>Enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose has been shown to improve the efficiency and selectivity of membrane-based separations toward the recovery of bioactive oligosaccharides. Achieving maximum lactose hydrolysis requires intrinsic process optimization for each specific substrate, but the effects of those processing conditions on the target oligosaccharides are not well understood. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of pH (3.25-8.25), temperature (35-55 degrees C), reaction time (6 to 58 min), and amount of enzyme (0.05-0.25%) on the efficiency of lactose hydrolysis by beta-galactosidase and on the preservation of biologically important sialyloligosaccharides (3'-siallylactose, 6-siallylactose, and 6'-sialyl-N-acetyllactosamine) naturally present in bovine colostrum whey permeate. A central composite rotatable design was used. In general, beta-galactosidase activity was favored at pH values ranging from 3.25 to 5.75, with other operational parameters having a less pronounced effect. A pH of 4.5 allowed for the use of a shorter reaction time (19 min), lower temperature (40 degrees C), and reduced amount of enzyme (0.1%), but complete hydrolysis at a higher pH (5.75) required greater values for these operational parameters. The total amount of sialyloligosaccharides was not significantly altered by the reaction parameters evaluated, suggesting specificity of beta-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae toward lactose as well as the stability of the oligosaccharides at pH, temperature, and reaction time evaluated.</P>

Ingestive Behavior of Heifers Supplemented with Glycerin in Substitution of Corn on Brachiaria brizantha Pasture

Facuri, L.M.A.M.,Silva, Roberio Rodrigues,da Silva, F.F.,de Carvalho, G.G.P.,Sampaio, C.B.,Mendes, F.B.L.,Lisboa, M.M.,Barroso, D.S.,Carvalho, V.M.,Pereira, M.M.S. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.11

The objective was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of crossbred heifers finished on a Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture receiving four levels of glycerin in their supplementation. Thirty-six crossbred heifers with average initial weight of $264.83{\pm}3.83kg$ and 20 months of age were distributed into a completely randomized design with four treatments and nine replications: control (0%), 4.82%, 10.12%, and 15.56% glycerin in the dry matter. The grazing time reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the time spent on activities like rumination, idleness, trough and total chewing time were quadratically affected (p<0.05). Bite rate and number of bites/day were quadratically influenced (p<0.05). The number of bites/swallowed cud and the number of bites/minute, however, increased linearly (p<0.05). Although the time spent on each cud and number of chews per cud were not affected (p>0.05).The number of rumination periods reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the number of grazing, idle and trough periods, and the times per grazing, idle, rumination and trough periods were quadratically affected (p<0.05). The feed and rumination efficiencies of the dry matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, pasture dry matter and concentrate were quadratically affected (p>0.05) whereas the feed efficiency of neutral detergent fiber reduced linearly (p<0.05). Addition of glycerin in substitution of corn in supplements for animals managed on pastures does not influenced feed intake, but reduces the grazing time and increases the idle time. The supplementation also improves feed and rumination efficiencies.

Monitoring the Bacterial Community Dynamics in a Petroleum Refinery Wastewater Membrane Bioreactor Fed with a High Phenolic Load

Cynthia C. Silva,Aline F. Vireo,Ana Carolina F. Dias,Fernando D. Andreote,Ederson C. Jesus,Sergio O. De Paula,Ana Paula R. Torres,Vania M. J. Santiago,Valeria M. Oliveira 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2010 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.20 No.1

Susceptibility of Mice to Trypanosoma evansi Treated with Human Plasma Containing Different Concentrations of Apolipoprotein L-1

Aleksandro S. Da Silva,Vinicius R. Fanfa,Mateus A. Otto,Lucas T. Gressler,Kaio C.S. Tavares,Cicera R. Lazzarotto,Alexandre A. Tonin,Luiz C. Miletti,Marta M. M. F. Duarte,Silvia G. Monteiro 대한기생충학열대의학회 2011 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.49 No.4

The aim of this study was to test the susceptibility of mice to Trypanosoma evansi treated with human plasma containing different concentrations of apolipoprotein L-1 (APOL1). For this experiment, a strain of T. evansi and human plasma (plasmas 1, 2, and 3) from 3 adult males clinically healthy were used. In vivo test used 50 mice divided in 5 groups (A to E) with 10 animals in each group. Animals of groups B to E were infected, and then treated with 0.2 ml of human plasma in the following outline: negative control (A), positive control (B), treatment with plasma 1 (C), treatment with plasma 2 (D), and treatment with plasma 3 (E). Mice treated with human plasma showed an increase in longevity of 40.9±0.3 (C), 20±9.0 (D) and 35.6±9.3 (E) days compared to the control group (B) which was 4.3±0.5 days. The number of surviving mice and free of the parasite (blood smear and PCR negative) at the end of the experiment was 90%, 0%, and 60% for groups C, D, and E, respectively. The quantification of APOL1 was performed due to the large difference in the treatments that differed in the source plasma. In plasmas 1, 2, and 3 was detected the concentration of 194, 99, and 115 mg/dl of APOL1, respectively. However, we believe that this difference in the treatment efficiency is related to the level of APOL1 in plasmas.