Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto

About: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 2143 authors who have published 3674 publications receiving 71071 citations. The organization is also known as: FFCLRP & FFCLRP-USP.

Structural and biochemical correlates of Na+,K+-ATPase driven ion uptake across the posterior gill epithelium of the true freshwater crab, Dilocarcinus pagei (Brachyura, Trichodactylidae).

Abstract: To better comprehend the structural and biochemical underpinnings of ion uptake across the gills of true freshwater crabs, we performed an ultrastructural, ultracytochemical and morphometric investigation, and kinetically characterized the Na+,K+-ATPase, in posterior gill lamellae of Dilocarcinus pagei. Ultrastructurally, the lamellar epithelia are markedly asymmetrical: the thick, mushroom-shaped, proximal ionocytes contain elongate mitochondria (41% cell volume) associated with numerous (≈14 µm2 membrane per µm3 cytoplasm), deep invaginations that house the Na+,K+-ATPase, revealed ultracytochemically. Their apical surface is amplified (7.5 µm2 µm−2) by stubby evaginations whose bases adjoin mitochondria below the subcuticular space. The apical membrane of the thin, distal ionocytes shows few evaginations (1.6 µm2 µm−2), each surrounding a mitochondrion, abundant in the cytoplasm below the subcuticular space; basolateral invaginations and mitochondria are few. Fine basal cytoplasmic bridges project across the hemolymph space, penetrating into the thick ionocytes, suggesting ion movement between the epithelia. Microsomal Na+,K+-ATPase specific activity resembles marine crabs but is ≈5-fold less than in species from fluctuating salinities, and freshwater shrimps, suggesting ion loss compensation by strategies other than Na+ uptake. Enzyme apparent K+ affinity attains 14-fold that of marine crabs, emphasizing the relevance of elevated K+ affinity to the conquest of fresh water. Western blotting and biphasic ouabain inhibition disclose two α-subunit isoforms comprising distinct functional isoenzymes. While enzyme activity is not synergistically stimulated by NH and K+, each increases affinity for the other, possibly assuring appropriate intracellular K+ concentrations. These findings reveal specific structural and biochemical adaptations that may have allowed the establishment of the Brachyura in fresh water. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:508–523, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Water diversion in Brazil threatens biodiversity

Abstract: Construction of water diversions is a common response to the increasing demands for freshwater, often resulting in benefits to communities but with the risk of multiple environmental, economic, and social impacts. Water-diversion projects can favor massive introductions and accelerate biotic homogenization. This study provides empirical evidence on the consequences of a proposed law intended to divert water from two large and historically isolated river basins in Brazil: Tocantins to Sao Francisco. Compositional similarity (CS) and β-diversity were quantified encompassing aquatic organisms: mollusks, zooplankton, crustaceans, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and plants. For CS we (i) considered only native species, and (ii) simulated the introduction of non-natives and assumed the extinction of threatened species due to this water-diversion project. We highlight the environmental risks of such large-scale projects, which are expected to cause impacts on biodiversity linked to bioinvasion and homogenization, and we recommend alternatives in order to solve water-demand conflicts.

Molecular simulation of LiCl aqueous solutions

Abstract: Non-primitive LiCl aqueous electrolyte solutions were studied at 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 M concentrations by molecular dynamics simulations. It was observed that the ion hydration structure is progressively lost with increasing concentration. The ions are aggregated in small clusters at C = 1.0 M. However, at this concentration, two large clusters were detected that are an initial step in an aggregation process. At C = 5.0 M, the highly unstable ion clustering seems to correspond to an intermediary state between low concentration states with poor aggregation and states where the ions are highly aggregated, as observed at C = 10.0 M where almost all the ions are clustered in one cluster. This cluster does not present a crystal-like structure. The high solubility of LiCl in aqueous solutions can consequently be explained as a result of the large radii difference between the anion and the cation that results in the instability of the ionic aggregates, which makes the formation of crystal seeds difficult.

Susceptibility weighted imaging: differentiating between calcification and hemosiderin

Abstract: Objective:To present a detailed explanation on the processing of magnetic susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), demonstrating the effects of echo time and sensitive mask on the differentiation between calcification and hemosiderin.Materials and Methods:Computed tomography and magnetic resonance (magnitude and phase) images of six patients (age range 41– 54 years; four men) were retrospectively selected. The SWI images processing was performed using the Matlab’s own routine.Results:Four out of the six patients showed calcifications at computed tomography images and their SWI images demonstrated hyperintense signal at the calcification regions. The other patients did not show any calcifications at computed tomography, and SWI revealed the presence of hemosiderin deposits with hypointense signal.Conclusion:The selection of echo time and of the mask may change all the information on SWI images, and compromise the diagnostic reliability. Amongst the possible masks, the authors highlight that the sigmoid mask allows for contrasting calcifications and hemosiderin on a single SWI image.