A
bstract
In this work we derive for the first time the complete gravitational cubic-in-spin effective action at the next-to-leading order in the post-Newtonian (PN) expansion for the interaction of ...generic compact binaries via the effective field theory for gravitating spinning objects, which we extend in this work. This sector, which enters at the fourth and a half PN (4.5PN) order for rapidly-rotating compact objects, completes finite-size effects up to this PN order, and is the first sector completed beyond the current state of the art for generic compact binary dynamics at the 4PN order. At this order in spins with gravitational nonlinearities we have to take into account additional terms, which arise from a new type of worldline couplings, due to the fact that at this order the Tulczyjew gauge for the rotational degrees of freedom, which involves the linear momentum, can no longer be approximated only in terms of the four-velocity. One of the main motivations for us to tackle this sector is also to see what happens when we go to a sector, which corresponds to the gravitational Compton scattering with quantum spins larger than one, and maybe possibly also get an insight on the inability to uniquely fix its amplitude from factorization when spins larger than two are involved. A general observation that we can clearly make already is that even-parity sectors in the order of the spin are easier to handle than odd ones. In the quantum context this corresponds to the greater ease of dealing with bosons compared to fermions.
Abstract
Forest ecosystems sequester large amounts of atmospheric CO
2
, and the contribution from seasonally dry tropical forests is not negligible. Thus, the objective of this study was to quantify ...and evaluate the seasonal and annual patterns of CO
2
exchanges in the
Caatinga
biome, as well as to evaluate the ecosystem condition as carbon sink or source during years. In addition, we analyzed the climatic factors that control the seasonal variability of gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (R
eco
) and net ecosystem CO
2
exchange (NEE). Results showed that the dynamics of the components of the CO
2
fluxes varied depending on the magnitude and distribution of rainfall and, as a consequence, on the variability of the vegetation state. Annual cumulative NEE was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in 2014 (−169.0 g C m
−2
) when compared to 2015 (−145.0 g C m
−2
) and annual NEP/GPP ratio was 0.41 in 2014 and 0.43 in 2015. Global radiation, air and soil temperature were the main factors associated with the diurnal variability of carbon fluxes. Even during the dry season, the NEE was at equilibrium and the
Caatinga
acted as an atmospheric carbon sink during the years 2014 and 2015.
Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) pulp, seeds, and skin are widely known because of their nutritional properties. However, the seed coat has never been studied as a source of bioactive compounds. Herein, ...we characterized the phenolic composition, the antioxidant activity, and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) of three different extracts (water, propanone, and ethanol) from this residue and assessed the structure-activity using bivariate and multivariate statistical approaches. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography while the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), inhibition of lipid peroxidation using egg yolk and Wistar rat brain, scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical, Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity (FCRC), and the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) by the extracts were also analyzed. t-Resveratrol was found in camu-camu seed coat for the first time. The aqueous extract had the highest total phenolic content, FRAP, DPPH•, FCRC, and inhibition of lipid oxidation using both chemical and biological assays, while the propanone extract showed the opposite behavior but it presented higher in vitro antihypertensive activity. The ethanolic extract exhibited intermediate values for the responses. The association between chemical composition and the functional properties of the camu-camu seed coat extracts were revealed using correlation analysis and principal component analysis.
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The fungal endophyte community associated with Baccharis trimera, a Brazilian medicinal plant, was characterized and screened for its ability to present antimicrobial activity. By using molecular ...methods, we identified and classified the endophytic fungi obtained into 25 different taxa from the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. The most abundant species were closely related to Diaporthe phaseolorum, Pestalotiopsis sp. 1, and Preussia pseudominima. The differences observed in endophytic assemblages from different B. trimera specimens might be associated with their crude extract activities. Plants that had higher α-biodiversity were also those that contributed more to the regional (γ) diversity. All fungal isolates were cultured and their crude extracts screened to examine the antimicrobial activities. Twenty-three extracts (12.8%) displayed antimicrobial activities against at least one target microorganism. Among these extracts, those obtained from Epicoccum sp., Pestalotiopsis sp. 1, Cochliobolus lunatus, and Nigrospora sp. presented the best minimum inhibitory concentration values. Our results show that the endophytic fungal community associated with the medicinal plant B. trimera included few dominant bioactive taxa, which may represent sources of compounds with antifungal activity. Additionally, the discovery of these bioactive fungi in association with B. trimera suggests that Brazilian plants used as folk medicine may shelter a rich fungal diversity as well as taxa able to produce bioactive metabolites with antimicrobial activities.
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders that mainly affect children and are grouped together by similar clinical features and the accumulation ...of autofluorescent storage material. More than a dozen genes containing nearly 400 mutations underlying human NCLs have been identified. Most of the mutations in these genes are associated with a typical disease phenotype, but some result in variable disease onset, severity and progression. There are still disease subgroups with unknown molecular genetic backgrounds. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses or Batten Disease.
•Number of genes and mutations that cause NCL summarized•Correlation between genotype and phenotype discussed•Outlook on genotype and phenotype presented
The abilities of stem cells to self-renew and form different mature cells expand the possibilities of applications in cell-based therapies such as tissue recomposition in regenerative medicine, drug ...screening, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to stem cells found in the embryo, various adult organs and tissues have niches of stem cells in an undifferentiated state. In the central nervous system of adult mammals, neurogenesis occurs in two regions: the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. The generation of the different neural lines originates in adult neural stem cells that can self-renew or differentiate into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or neurons in response to specific stimuli. The regulation of the fate of neural stem cells is a finely controlled process relying on a complex regulatory network that extends from the epigenetic to the translational level and involves extracellular matrix components. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying how the process of neurogenesis is induced, regulated, and maintained will provide elues for development of novel for strategies for neurodegenerative therapies. In this review, we focus on describing the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the neuronal differentiation process by transcription factors, microRNAs, and extracellular matrix components.
•Neurogenesis in vitro and during brain development•Transcription factors and microRNA involved in NSC differentiation•Divergence between in vitro and in vivo routes of differentiation•Regulatory mechanisms of the ECM for NSC differentiation•Transdifferentiation tools into induced-neuron cells
Mesenchymal Stem/ Stromal Cells assume a supporting role to the intrinsic mechanisms of tissue regeneration, a feature mostly assigned to the contents of their secretome. A comparative study on the ...metabolomic and bioactive molecules/factors content of the secretome of Mesenchymal Stem/ Stromal Cells derived from two expanding sources: the umbilical cord stroma and the dental pulp is presented and discussed. The metabolic profile (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) evidenced some differences in the metabolite dynamics through the conditioning period, particularly on the glucose metabolism. Despite, overall similar profiles are suggested. More prominent differences are highlighted for the bioactive factors (Multiplexing Laser Bear Analysis), in which Follistatin, Growth Regulates Protein, Hepatocyte Growth Factor, Interleukin-8 and Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 dominate in Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem/ Stromal Cells secretion, while in Dental Pulp Stem/ Stromal Cells the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A and Follistatin are more evident. The distinct secretory cocktail did not result in significantly different effects on endothelial cell populations dynamics including proliferation, migration, tube formation capacity and in vivo angiogenesis, or in chemotaxis for both Mesenchymal Stem/ Stromal Cells populations.
Maternal effects have been reported to alter offspring phenotype in laying hens. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal environment and maternal age on egg traits and offspring ...development and behaviour. For this, we ran two experiments. First (E1), commercial hybrid hens were reared either in aviary or barren brooding cages, then housed in aviary, conventional cages or furnished (enriched) cages, thus forming different maternal housing treatments. Hens from each treatment were inseminated at three ages, and measures of egg composition, yolk testosterone concentration and offspring's development, anxiety and fearfulness were assessed. In experiment 2 (E2), maternal age effects on offspring's growth and behaviour were further investigated using fertile eggs from commercial breeder flocks at three different ages. Results from E1 showed that Old hens laid heavier eggs with less yolk testosterone and produced offspring with fewer indicators of anxiety and fearfulness. Maternal rearing and housing affected egg traits, offspring weight and behaviour, but not in a consistent way. Effects of maternal age were not replicated in E2, possibly due to differences in management or higher tolerance to maternal effects in commercial breeders. Overall, our research confirms that maternal age and maternal environment affects egg composition, with maternal age specifically affecting yolk testosterone concentration, which may mediate physical and behavioural effects in offspring.
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