cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992438.v1
title: Exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic field changes the efficiency of the scorpion alpha toxin

description: AbstractBackground Extremely low-frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is produced by electric power transmission lines and electronic devices of everyday use. Some phenomena are proposed as “first effects” of ELF-EMF: the discrete changes in the membrane potential and the increase of the calcium channel activity as well as the intracellular concentration of Ca 2+ . Interaction of the scorpion alpha toxin with the sodium channel depends on the orientation of the charges and may be perturbed by changes in the membrane polarization. The toxin induces overexcitability in the nervous system and an increase in the neurotransmitters released with different consequences, mainly the paralysis of muscles. We assumed that the exposure to ELF-EMF 0.7 mT will change the effects of the insect selective scorpion alpha toxin (recombinant LqhαIT from Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus) at the level of the cercal nerve function, the synaptic transmission and on the level of entire insect organism. Taking into account the compensatory mechanisms in organisms, we tested in addition ten times higher ELF-EMF on whole insects.Methods Experiments were performed in vivo on cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and in vitro – on isolated cockroach abdominal nerve cord with cerci. In biotests, the effects of LqhαIT (10 −8 M) were estimated on the basis of the insect ability to turn back from dorsal to ventral side. Three groups were compared: the control one and the two exposed to ELF-EMF – 0.7 and 7 mT. Bioelectrical activity of the cercal nerve and of the connective nerve that leaves the terminal abdominal ganglion was recorded using extracellular electrodes. LqhαIT (5 × 10 −8 M) induced modifications of neuronal activity that were observed in the control cockroach preparations and in the ones exposed to ELF-EMF (0.7 mT). The exposure to ELF-EMF was carried out using coils with a size appropriate to the examined objects.Results The exposure to ELF-EMF (0.7 mT) modified the effects of LqhαIT (5 × 10−8 M) on activity of the cercal nerve and of the connective nerve. We observed a decrease of the toxin effect on the cercal nerve activity, but the toxic effect of LqhαIT on the connective nerve was increased. Biotests showed that toxicity of LqhαIT (10 −8 M) on cockroaches was reduced by the exposure to ELF-EMF (0.7 and 7 mT).Conclusions The exposure to 50 Hz ELF-EMF modified the mode of action of the anti-insect scorpion alpha toxin LqhαIT at cellular level of the cockroach nervous system and in biotests. Toxin appeared as a usefull tool in distinguishing between the primary and the secondary effects of ELF-EMF.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992432
title: Changes in phenotypic variability of two tropical woody species due to short and long-term exposure to different irradiances

description: ABSTRACT Studies addressing the physiological and anatomical responses of plants under different light intensities normally are performed in short term. Thus, the present study includes a long term analysis. This study aims to verify whether the phenotypic variability off attributes in two woody tropical specieis, Paquira aquatica and Sterculia foetida, are compatible both under short term exposure to different light availability levels (full-light and half-light local irradiance) and long-term exposure in the same conditions. The study was developed in two phases: phase I (short term) and phase II (long term). The variables measured were referent to CO2 assimilation responses to light intensity, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chlorophyll content, morpho-anatomical attributes and phenotypic variability. In phase I, P. aquatica had differences between treatments in Amax (maximum net photosynthesis) and LCP (light compensation point), without differences in these attributes in phase II. S. foetida plants had differences only in phase I in Amax. In anatomical attributes, P. aquatica had a higher palisade and spongy parenchyma and mesophyll thickness compared to S. foetida plants, without differences between light treatments. In S. foetida, the aforementioned cell layers were thicker in full-light treatment. Both species showed a higher phenotypic variability in the same physiological attributes in phase I and similar attributes for mesophyll thickness of the abaxial epidermis in phase II. The species showed different anatomical and physiological strategies, however with plastic responses in similar attributes, only observable after a longer period of exposure. The results indicated the importance of lengthy exposure to light, mainly in tropical species, wich are naturally exposed to elevated irradiance levels for an extended period of time in the field.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992435.v1
title: A bradykinin-potentiating peptide (BPP-10c) from Bothrops jararaca induces changes in seminiferous tubules

description: Background The testis-specific isoform of angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) is exclusively expressed in germ cells during spermatogenesis. Although the exact role of tACE in male fertility is unknown, it clearly plays a critical function in spermatogenesis. The dipeptidase domain of tACE is identical to the C-terminal catalytic domain of somatic ACE (sACE). Bradykinin potentiating peptides (BPPs) from snake venoms are the first natural sACE inhibitors described and their structure-activity relationship studies were the basis for the development of antihypertensive drugs such as captopril. In recent years, it has been showed that a number of BPPs - including BPP-10c - are able to distinguish between the N- and C-active sites of sACE, what is not applicable to captopril. Considering the similarity between tACE and sACE (and since BPPs are able to distinguish between the two active sites of sACE), the effects of the BPP-10c and captopril on the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium were characterized in the present study. BPP-10c and captopril were administered in male Swiss mice by intraperitoneal injection (4.7 μmol/kg for 15 days) and histological sections of testes were analyzed. Classification of seminiferous tubules and stage analysis were carried out for quantitative evaluation of germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) permeability and distribution of claudin-1 in the seminiferous epithelium were analyzed by hypertonic fixative method and immunohistochemical analyses of testes, respectively. Results The morphology of seminiferous tubules from animals treated with BPP-10c showed an intense disruption of the epithelium, presence of atypical multinucleated cells in the lumen and degenerated germ cells in the adluminal compartment. BPP-10c led to an increase in the number of round spermatids and total support capacity of Sertoli cell in stages I, V, VII/VIII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, without affecting BTB permeability and the distribution of claudin-1 in the seminiferous epithelium. Interestingly, no morphological or morphometric alterations were observed in animals treated with captopril. Conclusions The major finding of the present study was that BPP-10c, and not captopril, modifies spermatogenesis by causing hyperplasia of round spermatids in stages I, V, and VII/VIII of the spermatogenic cycle.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992432.v1
title: Changes in phenotypic variability of two tropical woody species due to short and long-term exposure to different irradiances

description: ABSTRACT Studies addressing the physiological and anatomical responses of plants under different light intensities normally are performed in short term. Thus, the present study includes a long term analysis. This study aims to verify whether the phenotypic variability off attributes in two woody tropical specieis, Paquira aquatica and Sterculia foetida, are compatible both under short term exposure to different light availability levels (full-light and half-light local irradiance) and long-term exposure in the same conditions. The study was developed in two phases: phase I (short term) and phase II (long term). The variables measured were referent to CO2 assimilation responses to light intensity, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chlorophyll content, morpho-anatomical attributes and phenotypic variability. In phase I, P. aquatica had differences between treatments in Amax (maximum net photosynthesis) and LCP (light compensation point), without differences in these attributes in phase II. S. foetida plants had differences only in phase I in Amax. In anatomical attributes, P. aquatica had a higher palisade and spongy parenchyma and mesophyll thickness compared to S. foetida plants, without differences between light treatments. In S. foetida, the aforementioned cell layers were thicker in full-light treatment. Both species showed a higher phenotypic variability in the same physiological attributes in phase I and similar attributes for mesophyll thickness of the abaxial epidermis in phase II. The species showed different anatomical and physiological strategies, however with plastic responses in similar attributes, only observable after a longer period of exposure. The results indicated the importance of lengthy exposure to light, mainly in tropical species, wich are naturally exposed to elevated irradiance levels for an extended period of time in the field.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992426
title: Environmental integrity preliminary assessment of valley bottoms

description: ABSTRACT Urban growth has a significant impact on natural environments, particularly in valley bottom areas. This paper aimed to elaborate a tool for the preliminary assessment of the environmental integrity of valley bottoms in order to provide preliminary support to managers of public administration in the diagnosis and decision-making to intervene in these areas. Therefore, we chose environmental indicators and the tool was applied to assess the environmental situation of two valley bottoms located in the city of Maringá, Paraná State, Mandacaru and Betty streams. The indicators were selected using literature as references and underwent the assessment of 30 professionals who work in drainage projects or environmental management, so that they attributed weights according to the relevance of the indicator to assess the environmental condition of valley bottoms located in medium-sized cities, with consolidated urbanization and infrastructure. At the end of the application of indicators, the rate of compliance with the proposed indicators (I) was calculated. To characterize the two valley bottoms, which are the fields of study, thematic maps were prepared and we consulted published studies on the region and conducted fieldworks. The Mandacaru stream presented services to the proposed indicators (I) equal to 35.88% and the Betty stream was equal to 43.20%. Both streams have their environmental condition classified as poor, according to the applied methodology.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992429
title: Nontraditional undergraduates’ academic literacy in higher technological courses: evaluating an experience of pedagogic mediation

description: ABSTRACT This paper is part of a wider research that evaluates an experience of pedagogical mediation for the academic literacy of students regarded as “nontraditional” inhigher technological courses at federal institutes. In this paper, we present the results obtained through reading comprehension tests, interactional protocols, chat diaries, and final questionnaire. Our objective is to show that a mediation based on the concepts of metacognition, as defended by Flavell (1979) and Brown (1987), can help remedy these students’ reading problems, avoiding course dropout.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992429.v1
title: Nontraditional undergraduates’ academic literacy in higher technological courses: evaluating an experience of pedagogic mediation

description: ABSTRACT This paper is part of a wider research that evaluates an experience of pedagogical mediation for the academic literacy of students regarded as “nontraditional” inhigher technological courses at federal institutes. In this paper, we present the results obtained through reading comprehension tests, interactional protocols, chat diaries, and final questionnaire. Our objective is to show that a mediation based on the concepts of metacognition, as defended by Flavell (1979) and Brown (1987), can help remedy these students’ reading problems, avoiding course dropout.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992423
title: Irrigation management methods for the production of bell pepper in agricultural substrates

description: ABSTRACT This study’s objective was to assess the response and effectiveness of irrigation management systems for the production of bell pepper with different agricultural substrates, under protected conditions. The current study was conducted in a greenhouse located in Juazeiro, BA, in the northwest of Brazil. The experiment design was completely randomized in a split-plot system, with two irrigation treatments as the main plots (the drainage lysimeter and the Piché evaporimeter) and two substrates in each sub-plot (coconut fiber and pinus bark), with 5 replications per treatment. Harvest was conducted from 86 to 151 days after transplanting, and the following characteristics were evaluated: total, marketable and unmarketable yields, production per plant, fresh mass of fruits, fruit number per plant, length and diameter of fruits, length/diameter ratio, water use efficiency, pulp thickness, fruit pH, soluble solids, and titratable acidity. No interaction effects between irrigation treatments and substrates were observed on the following variables: total yield, marketable yield, non-marketable yield, production per plant, mean mass, and diameter of marketable fruits. Irrigation treatments and substrates did not show a significant effect on bell pepper yield. Drainage lysimeter-based management and coconut fiber substrate had the best results in terms of the physical quality of fruits, whereas pinus bark-based substrate positively influenced all chemical variables and the Piché evaporimeter-based irrigation management showed a good performance raising fruit pH in relation to fruits cultivated in lysimeter with pinus bark. Additional research is required under different environmental conditions so that this crop fully expresses its yield potential.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992426.v1
title: Environmental integrity preliminary assessment of valley bottoms

description: ABSTRACT Urban growth has a significant impact on natural environments, particularly in valley bottom areas. This paper aimed to elaborate a tool for the preliminary assessment of the environmental integrity of valley bottoms in order to provide preliminary support to managers of public administration in the diagnosis and decision-making to intervene in these areas. Therefore, we chose environmental indicators and the tool was applied to assess the environmental situation of two valley bottoms located in the city of Maringá, Paraná State, Mandacaru and Betty streams. The indicators were selected using literature as references and underwent the assessment of 30 professionals who work in drainage projects or environmental management, so that they attributed weights according to the relevance of the indicator to assess the environmental condition of valley bottoms located in medium-sized cities, with consolidated urbanization and infrastructure. At the end of the application of indicators, the rate of compliance with the proposed indicators (I) was calculated. To characterize the two valley bottoms, which are the fields of study, thematic maps were prepared and we consulted published studies on the region and conducted fieldworks. The Mandacaru stream presented services to the proposed indicators (I) equal to 35.88% and the Betty stream was equal to 43.20%. Both streams have their environmental condition classified as poor, according to the applied methodology.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992420
title: Development of a calculation model and production cost index for feedlot beef cattle

description: ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to develop a feedlot beef cattle calculation model and production cost analysis and, from the results obtained, devise a production cost index. A case study was conducted to understand the characteristics of the productive processes of a commercial feedlot. Then, based on the Economic Theory, cost items of the farm under analysis were identified and transferred to a spreadsheet. The survey included ten feedlot farmers from the state of São Paulo and other nine from the state of Goiás and was carried out to determine representative properties, and prices of items used were monitored. Production costs of each farm were calculated, and theoretical concepts of index numbers were used to devise the feedlot cattle production cost index. The cost allocation scheme was divided into four cost groups: variable, semi-fixed, fixed, and production remuneration factors. The developed model allowed a cost prognosis of the analyzed systems. Highest total costs for São Paulo State feedlots were R$ 9.17 kg−1 and R$ 9.08 kg−1 for average-sized and large farms, respectively, as contrasted to that of Goiás, of R$ 8.29 kg−1. Between the months April and June, the cost of production for feedlot beef cattle showed reductions of 1.48 and 1.40% for the average and large feedlots in the State of São Paulo and 9.13% for the Goiás feedlot by the Konüs Exact Index, respectively. Studies available in literature were compared and it was concluded that the model can help feedlot cattle farmers take production decisions. The Konüs Index allows for a methodological advancement in relation to other studies carried out on the Brazilian livestock industry; besides, it can contribute to the sector organization.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992423.v1
title: Irrigation management methods for the production of bell pepper in agricultural substrates

description: ABSTRACT This study’s objective was to assess the response and effectiveness of irrigation management systems for the production of bell pepper with different agricultural substrates, under protected conditions. The current study was conducted in a greenhouse located in Juazeiro, BA, in the northwest of Brazil. The experiment design was completely randomized in a split-plot system, with two irrigation treatments as the main plots (the drainage lysimeter and the Piché evaporimeter) and two substrates in each sub-plot (coconut fiber and pinus bark), with 5 replications per treatment. Harvest was conducted from 86 to 151 days after transplanting, and the following characteristics were evaluated: total, marketable and unmarketable yields, production per plant, fresh mass of fruits, fruit number per plant, length and diameter of fruits, length/diameter ratio, water use efficiency, pulp thickness, fruit pH, soluble solids, and titratable acidity. No interaction effects between irrigation treatments and substrates were observed on the following variables: total yield, marketable yield, non-marketable yield, production per plant, mean mass, and diameter of marketable fruits. Irrigation treatments and substrates did not show a significant effect on bell pepper yield. Drainage lysimeter-based management and coconut fiber substrate had the best results in terms of the physical quality of fruits, whereas pinus bark-based substrate positively influenced all chemical variables and the Piché evaporimeter-based irrigation management showed a good performance raising fruit pH in relation to fruits cultivated in lysimeter with pinus bark. Additional research is required under different environmental conditions so that this crop fully expresses its yield potential.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992414
title: Genetic diversity of promising ‘conilon’ coffee clones based on morpho-agronomic variables

description: Abstract Knowledge of the genetic variability of a population is essential to guide its preservation and maintenance in addition to increasing the efficiency of genetic breeding programs. On this basis, this study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity of Coffea canephora genotypes using multivariate statistical procedures applied to a set of morpho-agronomic variables. The materials employed in this study constitute a crop located in Vila Valério - ES, Brazil, where the genotypes are arranged in a randomized-blocks experimental design with four replicates. Significant differences were detected by the F test at the 1% or 5% probability levels among the genotypes for all evaluated traits, demonstrating heterogeneity of genetic constitution in the studied population, which is favorable to breeding, as it indicates the possibility to identify superior and divergent individuals. Based on the generalized Mahalanobis distance, the most divergent combinations were obtained between genotypes 23 and 10 (256.43) and 23 and 17 (250.09). The clusters formed by Tocher’s optimization and the UPGMA hierarchical method agreed, both similarly grouping the genotypes into three clusters. Of the analyzed traits, mature fruit weight (19.08%), yield (15.50%), plant diameter (12.42%), and orthotropic-shoot internode length (10.94%) were the most efficient to explain the dissimilarity among the genotypes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992417
title: Adequacy of mortality data and correction of reported deaths from the Proactive Search of Deaths

description: Abstract The aim of this paper is to propose indicators of adequacy and to estimate correction factors for deaths reported to SIM. In 2014, we carried out a Proactive Search to capture deaths that occurred in 2012 in a sample of municipalities in the regions North and Northeast, and the states of Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso and Goiás. To characterize the coverage of deaths information, we proposed indicators of adequacy by municipality. Correction factors were estimated for individuals one year of age or older and younger than 1 year old. Among the deaths of people aged one year or more, the coverage was above 90% in 12 states. As for infant deaths, the coverage was less than 80% in 7 states. The results of the regression models showed association between the correction factors estimated and the proposed indicators of adequacy. We found very poor death information in 227 municipalities, for which the reported number of infant deaths even after correction, could not reach the minimum expected. Although the progress made in information of vital data in Brazil is recognized, the results show that our greatest challenge is to reach rural and remote municipalities, which do not yet have adequate vital information.