4,935 research outputs found
The prebiotic role of Liquid Crystal self-assembly of DNA oligomers
No full textMolecular crowding has a crucial role in tuning the hierarchical self-assembly of complex macromolecular structures and in boosting chemical reactions, allowing the proximity of reactants.
It has been recently shown that at high concentration (> 200 mg/ml) short DNA oligomers (4-20 bases) associated in double helices may order into Liquid Crystal (LC) phases despite their nearly globular shape [1]. In these systems the formation of LC is mediated by the end-to-end aggregation of DNA duplexes into columns of chemically distinct but physically continuous duplexes.
LC ordering of DNA oligomers appears to be a robust phenomenon even in crowded molecular mixtures. Indeed LC phases are found in concentrated solution of random sequence DNA oligomers [2], and in systems in which double stranded DNA is mixed with DNA single strands or with poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains [3]. In these systems the formation of LC domains is associated with phase separations providing a mechanism of self-selection and compartmentalization of DNA in water, otherwise unusual without the presence of vesicle membrane (see cartoons in Fig.). Moreover we found that DNA-PEG phase separation influences the quality and the yield of non-enzymatic ligation of DNA duplexes, catalyzing the formation of longer strands (graph in Fig.). 1) M. Nakata et al.,Science, 318, 1276 (2007).
2) T. Bellini et al., PNAS, 109, 1110 (2012).
3) G. Zanchetta, M. Nakata, M. Buscaglia, T. Bellini, N.A. Clark, PNAS, 105, 1111 (2008)
Liquid Crystal Ordering of Four-Base-Long DNA Oligomers with Both G–C and A–T Pairing
No full textWe report the liquid crystal (LC) ordering in an aqueous solution of four-base-long DNA oligomers 5′-GCTA-3′. In such systems, the formation of the chiral nematic (N*) LC phase is the result of a continuous self-assembly process in which double helix stability is achieved only through linear chaining of multiple DNA strands. The thermal stability of the aggregates and their LC phase diagram have been experimentally investigated, quantitatively interpreted with theoretical models and compared with recent results on four-base sequences with only G–C or only A–T pairing motifs. N* phase is found at GCTA concentration, cDNA, between 240 and 480 mg/mL and at temperature T < 30 °C. The twist of the nematic director is found to be left-handed with pitch (p) in the optical range, increasing with cDNA and decreasing with T
Differential dynamic microscopy of fluctuating liquid crystals
No full textFluctuations of the director orientation in liquid crystalline samples can reveal precious information about their viscoelasticity. Laser light scattering (LLS) is a well established tool for extracting such information and has been extensively used for a long time [1]. Although these fluctuations can be easily seen in depolarized microscopy with the naked eye, only in a few isolated cases a quantitative study was attempted [2-4]. We present here experimental results obtained with the recently introduced Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM) [5,6] on thin layers of nematic liquid crystals (LC). DDM allows to obtain scattering information from the study of microscopy images. We show that depolarized DDM is perfectly suitable to determine the viscoelastic properties of thin layers of nematic LC, providing direct access to the intermediate scattering function at small scattering wavevectors, which are precluded to ordinary LLS. The differential nature of the technique allows also relaxing the strict cleanliness requirements typically needed in LLS experiments. With a single experiment less than 4 s long, all the three viscoelastic ratios can be measured in a LC sample with suitable alignment, thereby demonstrating a very powerful tool for the rapid characterization of LC. Our results, in agreement with literature values, suggest a routine use of microscopes for the determination of the viscoelastic properties of thermotropic and lyotropic LCs in harsh conditions and for the characterization of various optically anisotropic fluids. References
[1] H. F. Gleeson in Handbook of Liquid Crystals, edited by D. Demus, J. Goodby, G. W. Gray, H.-W. Spiess (Wiley-VCH, Halle, 2008), pp. 699-718.
[2] Y. Galerne, I. Poinsot, and D. Schaegis, Appl. Phys. Lett. 71, 222 (1997)
[3] H. Orihara, A. Sakai, and T. Nagaya, Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst. 366, 143 (2001)
[4] A. Yethiraj, R. Mukhopadhyay, and J. Bechhoefer Phys. Rev. E 65, 021702 (2002)
[5] R. Cerbino, and V. Trappe, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 188102 (2008)
[6] F. Giavazzi, D. Brogioli, V. Trappe, T. Bellini, and R. Cerbino, Phys. Rev. E 80, 031403 (2009
Innovative Technologies for Smarter and Efficient Operating Room Scheduling
No full textAn optimized scheduling system for surgical procedures is considered fundamental for maximizing hospital resource utilization and improving patient outcomes. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and New Technologies is paramount in this project to enable personalized patient care and optimize perioperative clinical pathways. We read with interest the manuscript by Parks et al., which developed a predictive model of surgical case durations. The model appears to adopt a pragmatic approach by analyzing tangible variables and undergoing validation across various types of surgical procedures, which suggests potential avenues for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in healthcare practices. However, we have some observations, particularly regarding the feasibility and practical implementation of the proposed model. A key limitation of the model is the precise definition of surgical duration, which requires further specification. To effectively translate the model into a practical scheduling approach, it is essential to consider total Operating Room (OR) occupancy time as a critical determinant of surgical planning and resource allocation. This includes not only the actual procedural time but also preoperative preparation, anesthesia induction and recovery, cleaning, and material restocking, all of which significantly impact overall scheduling efficiency. Another critical aspect concerns the quality and reliability of the input data, which is fundamental for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the model. Furthermore, the adoption of new technologies should be regarded not merely as an innovation but as a means to develop high-performance, efficient tools that enhance current clinical practice. In this context, machine learning models should not only serve as analytical instruments but also as actionable tools, enabling the transition from predictive insights to strategic planning and optimized scheduling, ultimately improving decision-making and resource allocation. While making accurate predictions is a good starting point, maintaining an active AI model requires investment in resources, such as an increase in the number of surgical cases compared to the current organizational system. It may be beneficial to consider the creation of a multidisciplinary group that could promote the integration of AI with other emerging technologies
A definition of internal constancy and homeostasis in the context of non-equilibrium thermodynamics
No full textThe constancy of the internal environment, internal homeostasis, and its stability are necessary conditions for the survival of a biologica system within its environment. In humans, two resting spontaneous homeostatic states are: 1) The conscious state of quiet wakefulness, 2) the unconscious stable state of non rapid eye movement sleep. Exercise may be described as a non-resting, unstable active state far away from equilibrium and hibernation is a resting, time-independent steady state very near equilibrim. The range between sleep and exercise is neurohumorally regulated. For spontaneously stable states to occur, slowing of the metabolic rate, withdrawal of the sympathetic drive and reinforcement of the vagal tone to the heart and circulation are required, thus confirming that the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is the main controller of homeostasi
Un modello statistico per l'analisi della dipendnza temporale dei tassi bancari dai tassi interbancari
No full textLepidocyrtus sotoi Bellini & Godeiro, sp. nov.
No full textLepidocyrtus sotoi Bellini & Godeiro sp. nov. Figs 1–21, Table 1 Type material. Holotype female on slide, Brazil, Paraíba State, João Pessoa municipality, Penha beach (7 °09' 23 "S; 34 ° 47 ' 45 "W), Atlantic Forest, 28.iii. 2008. Bellini, B.C. & A.P. Pais coll. Paratypes 4 males and 4 females on slides, plus one adult on 70 % ethanol, same data as Holotype. Type material deposited at Collembola Collection of DBEZ / UFRN. Description. Total length (head + trunk) of holotype 1.58 mm. Habitus typical entomobryoid (Fig. 1). Specimens in alcohol pale yellow with dark blue pigment covering eyepatches and antennae, light blue pigment covering legs, manubrium and distal lateral borders of Abd. IV–VI (Fig. 1). Brownish finely striate scales, apically rounded or slightly truncate, covering: both faces of head, dorsal thorax and abdomen, ventral face of manubrium and dentes. Antennae, legs and ventral tube without scales. Head. Antennae shorter than body (Fig. 1). Ant. IV not annulated, without apical bulb, with ciliate normal chaetae, two types of smooth chaetae (small and normal) and some blunt s-chaetae (Fig. 2). Ant. III sense organ as in Fig. 3, with 2 rods and 3 surrounding guard sensilla; different types of apical chaetae as in Fig. 3. Eyes 8 + 8, lenses A to F well developed, lenses G and H smaller; eyepatch valley with 5 chaetae (s, q, t, r as ciliate mesochaetae; p as macrochaeta), interocular scales absent (Fig. 4). Dorsal chaetotaxy as in Fig. 14, with 11 preantennal macrochaetae (An series); 6 anterior chaetae (A0, A 2, A 3 and A 5 as macrochaetae; A 1 and A 4 as microchaetae) plus additional surrounding microchaetae; 3 medio-ocellar chaetae (M 2 and M 3 as microchaetae; M 4 as macrochaeta) plus 4 microchaetae near M 4; 4 sutural microchaetae (S 2, S 3, S 4 and S 6; S 5 absent); 3 postsutural microchaetae (Ps 2, Ps 3 and Ps 5); 6 post-occipital anterior chaetae (Pa 1–5 as microchaetae; Pa 6 as postocular bothriotrichum); 2 post-occipital medial microchaetae (Pm 1 and Pm 3); and 3 post-occipital posterior microchaetae (Pp 1–3). Prelabral chaetae weakly ciliate (4), labral chaetae smooth (5 - 5 - 4) (Fig. 5). Labral papillae as in Fig. 6, without spine-like lateral structures. Maxillary palp with apical and basal appendages smooth, subequal in size; sublobal plate with 3 smooth appendages (Fig. 7). Labial palp papilla E with 4 appendages, lateral process apex rounded (Fig. 8). Five proximal chaetae of labial palp smooth. Labial triangle chaetae: M 1, M 2, E, L 1 and L 2 ciliate, M 1 smaller than M 2; r reduced; A 1–5 smooth (Fig. 9). All post labial chaetae ciliate. Thorax. Mesothorax slightly projected forward, hood-shaped. Thorax without macrochaetae (excluding anterior chaetal collar). Chaetotaxy of Th. II as in Fig. 15, with 2 anterior microchaetae (a 2 p? and a 5) plus 2 other microchaetae of uncertain homology (?); 3 medial microchaetae (m 4, m 5 and m 5 a) plus 2 other microchaetae of uncertain homology (?) near the pseudopore; and 7 posterior microchaetae (p 1–6 + p 6 e). Sensillum s and accessory microsensillum ms present. Chaetotaxy of Th. III as in Fig. 16, with 6 anterior microchaetae (a 1, a 2?, a 3, a 4, a 6 and a 7); 7 medial microchaetae (m 2, m 4 –m 6, m 6 p, m 6 e and m 7); and 6 posterior microchaetae (p 1–6) plus 2 other microchaetae of uncertain homology (?). Sensillum s present. Abdomen. Abd. IV more than three times the length (in the midline) of Abd. III (Fig. 1). Chaetotaxy of Abd. I as in Fig. 17, with 5 or 6 anterior microchaetae (a 1, a 2, a 3, a 5 and a 6 always present; a 1 a present or absent); 5 medial microchaetae (m 2–6); and 2 posterior microchaetae (p 5 and p 6). Accessory microsensillum ms present near a 6. Chaetotaxy of Abd. II as in Fig. 18, with 4 anterior chaetae (a 2, a 3 and a 6 as microchaetae; a 5 as bothriotrichum); 7 medial chaetae (m 3 e, m 4, m 6 and m 7 as microchaetae; m 3 and m 5 as macrochaetae; m 2 as bothriotrichum); and 4 posterior microchaetae (p 4–7). Accessory sensillum as near a 2; el present as mesochaeta. Chaetotaxy of Abd. III as in Fig. 19, with 6 anterior chaetae (a 2 as fan-shaped scale; a 3, a 6, am 6 and a 7 as microchaetae; a 5 as bothriotrichum); 6 medial chaetae (m 2 and m 5 as bothriotricha; m 3, m 4, m 7 and m 7 a as microchaetae) plus 1 microchaeta of uncertain homology (?); and 5 posterior chaetae (p 4 and p 5 as microchaetae; pm 6 and p 6 as macrochaetae; p 7 as mesochaeta). Microchaetae em and emp present, near a 5; accessory sensillum as near m 3; microsensillum d 2 near p 5. Chaetotaxy of Abd. IV as in Fig. 20, with 4 microchaetae in A series (A 3– 6); 6 chaetae in B series (B 1–2 as microchaetae; B 3–6 as macrochaetae); Be 3 microchaeta present; 5 microchaetae in C series (C 1, C 1 p, C 2, C 3 and C 4), 7 chaetae in T series (T 1, T 3, T 5 and T 7 as microchaetae; T 6 as mesochaeta; T 2 and T 4 as bothriotricha); 5 chaetae in D series (D 1 as a fan-shaped scale; D 1 p and D 3 as microchaetae; D 2 as macrochaeta; D 3 p as mesochaeta); 6 chaetae in E series (E 1, E 2, E 3, E 4 p and E 4 p 2 as macrochaetae; E 4 as microchaeta); 3 chaetae in F series (F 1 as mesochaeta; F 2 as microchaeta; F 3 as macrochaeta); and 4 chaetae in Fe series (Fe 1 and Fe 2 as microchaetae; Fe 3 and Fe 5 as mesochaetae). Sensillum near T 7; ps sensillum near D 3 p; r sensillum near Fe 2; 5 unnamed microchaetae plus 2 sensilla between A and C series; 7 posterior chaetae. Chaetotaxy of Abd. V as in Fig. 21, with 5 anterior chaetae (a 1, a 3, a 5 i and a 6 as macrochaetae; a 5 as microchaeta); 9 medial chaetae (m 2, m 3, m 4, m 4 a, m 5 and m 6 as macrochaetae; m 3 a, m 5 a? and m 5 e as microchaetae); and 7 posterior chaetae (p 3 a, p 3, p 4, p 5 i, p 5 and p 6 as macrochaetae; pp 6 as mesochaeta). Five unnamed microchaetae plus 3 sensilla (s). Legs, Ventral Tube and Furcula. Trochanteral organ well developed, with approximately 27 small spine-like chaetae (Fig. 10). Hind empodial complex as in Fig. 11, tenent-hair smooth and spatulate, similar in length to unguis; unguis with 4 inner teeth, basal pair similar in size to the unpaired teeth; external teeth inserted apically in the outer edge of unguis; unguiculus lanceolate, with outer margin finely serrated. All unguiculi (legs 1–3) with similar morphology. Smooth posterior-distal chaeta on hind tibiotarsus present. Ventral tube without scales; chaetotaxy unclear. Manubrium with 3 + 3 ventral subapical chaetae; dens crenulate, without spines; dental appendix present and apically rounded (Fig. 12); mucro bidentate, with dental spine carrying a single spinelete (Fig. 13). Etymology. The new species was named after our friend Felipe N. Soto-Adames due to his significant contributions to the knowledge of the Entomobryoidea. Habitat. Lepidocyrtus sotoi sp. nov. specimens were collected from Restinga woods of Praia da Penha, João Pessoa municipality, within the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, during the start of raining season. The specimens were abundantly collected from leaf litter and sandy soil of a fragment of forest approximately 100 meters far from urban surroundings, near to garbage dumps. This fact suggests the species can be resistant to some anthropic soil contamination. Remarks. Lepidocyrtus sotoi sp. nov. differs from other Neotropical species of Lepidocyrtus by the combination of: absence of head macrochaetae outside An and A series, only two macrochaetae (pm 6 and p 6) near m 5 bothriotrichum on Abd. III, presence of four macrochaetae (B 3–6) on inner Abd. IV, and six macrochaetae (E 1–3, E 4 p, E 4 p 2 and F 3 p) on outer Abd. IV, 5 interocular chaetae and absence of interocular scales, absence of scales on antennae and legs, and trochanteral organ with less than 30 spine-like chaetae (Mari Mutt 1983, 1986, 1988). Among the Neotropical species, L. nigrosetosus Folsom, 1927, L. finus Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980 and L. biphasis Mari Mutt, 1986 show more morphological similarities with the new described species, especially in color pattern and dorsal macrochaetotaxy. With L. nigrosetosus the new species shares: similar labial and most trunk macrochaetotaxy (excluding am 6 on Abd. III and considering C 1 in Abd. IV is actually B 3 in L. nigrosetosus), and differs in: absence of macrochaetae in outer Abd. IV (in L. nigrosetosus), presence of interocular and appendicular scales (absent in the new species) and approximately 40 spines on trochanteral organ in L. nigrosetosus. Lepidocyrtus sotoi sp. nov. is similar to L. finus in the absence of scales on antennae and legs, presence of dental appendix and labial chaetotaxy, but differs in color pattern (L. finus presents a transversal band of pigment on middle Abd. IV), chaetotaxy of Abd. IV and presence of apical bulb on Ant. IV in L. finus (absent in the new species). Finally with L. biphasis the new species share: absence of antennae and legs scales, same interocular chaetotaxy, similar empodial morphology and macrochaetotaxy of Th. II to Abd. II, while they differ almost completely in the macrochaetotaxy of Abd. IV and trochanteral organ morphology (Mari Mutt 1986). In a phylogenetic perspective, Lepidocyrtus sotoi sp. nov. is possibly more related to L. biphasis and L. finus since the phylogeny of the Neotropical Lepidocyrtini grouped taxa without scales on antennae and legs (Mari Mutt 1986, Soto-Adames 2002 a). A comparison among the cited species of Neotropical Lepidocyrtus is presented in Table 1. Lepidocyrtus sotoi sp. nov. represents the tenth species of Lepidocyrtini recorded to Brazil, along with: Lepidocyrtus maldonadoi Mari Mutt, 1986, L. nigrosetosus, L. pallidus Reuter, 1895, Pseudosinella alba (Packard, 1873), P. biunguiculata Ellis, 1967, P. brevicornis Handschin, 1924, P. dubia Christiansen, 1960, P. octopunctata Börner, 1901 and Rhynchocyrtus klausi Mendonça & Fernandes, 2007 (Bellini & Zeppelini 2009, Abrantes et al. 2010, 2012, Bellini 2014). Abbreviations used to represent characteristics: (-) absent; (+) present; (i) internal; (e) external; (?) unclear/undescribed.Published as part of Bellini, Bruno C., Cipola, Nikolas G. & Godeiro, Nerivânia N., 2015, New species of Lepidocyrtus Bourlet and Entomobrya Rondani (Collembola: Entomobryoidea: Entomobryidae) from Brazil, pp. 227-242 in Zootaxa 4027 (2) on pages 228-231, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4027.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/23581
Trogolaphysa piracurucaensis Nunes & Bellini 2018, sp. nov.
No full textTrogolaphysa piracurucaensis sp. nov. Nunes & Bellini Figs. 44‒66 Type material. Holotype female on slide, Brazil, Piauí State, Piracuruca municipality, Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades (04°05’56.94”S; 41°42’33.42”W), Caatinga (transitional zone between Caatinga and Cerrado biomes), 12‒14.v.2015, R.C. Nunes coll. Paratypes on slides, one male, two females and one juvenile, same data as holotype. Type material deposited at CC/ UFRN. Description. Total length (head + trunk) of type series ranging between 2.23‒2.64 mm (holotype 2.23 mm). Habitus typical of the genus (Fig. 44). Specimens yellowish to brownish with blue pigment covering the antennae, lateral borders of the Th. II‒III and Abd. I‒III, proximal half of subcoxae I‒III and proximal portion of the tibiotarsi I‒III; eyepatches dark (Fig. 44). Heavily ciliate apically rounded or truncate scales covering Ant. I‒II, base of Ant. III, ventral and dorsal head, dorsal trunk, ventral manubrium and dens. Legs and collophore without scales. Head (Figs 45‒52). Antennae shorter than body length, antennal ratio as I: II: III: IV = 1: 1.67‒3.45: 1.48‒ 3.09: 2.55‒5.27 (holotype 1: 1.73: 1.91: 3.35). Ant. IV annulated and not subsegmented, without apical bulb, with 1 subapical shallow sensory organite and at least three types of chaetae: blunt sensilla, pin sensilla and ciliated chaetae (Fig. 45). Ant. III sense organ with 2 rods, 3 surrounding guard sensilla (one of them as small pin sensillum), plus some surrounding blunt sensilla and ciliated chaetae (Fig. 46). One specimen atypically with 2 rods, 1 small pin sensillum, 1 isolated guard sensillum close to pin sensillum and 2 sets of 3 guard sensilla (Fig. 47). Four prelabral ciliated chaetae. Labral formula 4 (a1–2), 5 (m0–2), 5 (p0–2), all smooth chaetae, posterior row larger (Fig. 48); two medial labral spines on papillae. Labial basolateral and basomedian labial fields with chaeta r reduced, M1–2, E, L1–2 ciliated, a1–5 smooth; one specimen with M3 ciliated chaeta on only one side of head (Fig. 49). Labial palp with five smooth proximal chaetae. Labial palp papillae (and guard chaetae) formula as: H(2), A(0), B(5), C(0), D(4), E(4) + l.p.; lateral process finger-shaped reaching the papilla base. Outer maxillary lobe with basal and distal subequal and smooth; sublobal plate with 2 smooth appendages (Fig. 50). Ventral postlabial chaetotaxy with about 26 ciliated chaetae of different sizes on latero-median field plus scales (not represented); two transversal rows of posterior ciliated chaetae, one with 0‒4 and another with 0‒2 chaetae; cephalic groove with 3+3 anterior, 1+1 medial, and 1+1 posterior marginal ciliated chaetae, medial and posterior larger than the anterior ones (Fig. 51). Eyes 8+8, G‒H lenses smaller, A‒F subequal, with 4 interocular chaetae. Dorsal chaetotaxy with 16‒18 antennal (An), 5 anterior (A0–3, A5), 4 medio-ocellar (M1–4), 4 sutural (S2–5), 2 post-sutural (Ps2, Ps5), 5 postoccipital anterior (Pa1–3, Pa5–6), 2 postoccipital medial (Pm1, Pm3) and 5 postoccipital posterior (Pp1–5) chaetae (Fig. 52). Thorax chaetotaxy (Figs 53‒54). Central mac formula from Th. II to Abd. IV as 7, 0/0,2,4,4. Th. II with 1 ms, 1 anterolateral sens (al), 2 anterior (a2?, a5), 2 medial (m2, m4) and at least 9 posterior (p3 complex, p5–6e) chaetae. Chaeta a5 and six chaetae from p3 complex as mac. Presence of 1 modified sensillum-like chaeta close to chaetal collar, at the dorsal midline, plus two posterior mic of uncertain homology, labelled with a “ ? ” (Fig. 53). Th. III with 1 anterolateral sens (al), 2 anterior (a1, a4), 2 medial (m1, m6) and 3‒4 posterior (p1–3, p6; p 1 may be absent) chaetae (Fig. 54). Abdomen chaetotaxy (Figs 55‒59). Abd. I with 1 ms, 1 anterior (a6), 4 medial (m2–4, m6) and 1 posterior (p6) mic (Fig. 55). Abd. II with 1 anterosubmedial sens (as), 5 anterior (a2–3, a5–7), 3 medial (m2–3, m5) and 2 posterior (p5–6) chaetae; ‘ el? ’ present as ciliated mes (Fig. 56). Abd. III with 1 ms, 1 anterosubmedial sens (as), 2 anterior (a5, a7), 7 medial (m2–3, m5, am6, pm6, m 7i –7), and 3 posterior (p6–7) chaetae; ‘ el? ’ present as mic (Fig. 57). Abd. IV with 1 posterior (ps), 1 anterosubmedial (as) plus several median sens; mac formula as 2 ‘A’ (A3, A5), 2 ‘B’ (B4–5), 1 ‘T’ (T6), 1 ‘Te’ (Te4), 1 ‘D’ (D3), 3 ‘E’ (E2–4), 3 ‘F’ (F1–3) and 1 ‘Fe’ (Fe2); about 10 posterior ciliate chaetae (Fig. 58). Abd. V with 1 anterosubmedial (as) and 1 accessory sens (acc.p5), acc.p4 absent; 5 anterior (a1, a3, a5–6e), 5 medial (m2–3, m5–5e) 5 posteroanterior (p3a–5a, p6ai–6ae) and 6 posterior (p1, p3–5, ap6–6e) chaetae (Fig. 59). Legs (Figs 60‒61). Subcoxae I, II and III with 2 pseudopores each. Trochanteral organ with 35‒40 spine-like chaetae (Fig. 60). Ungues with 4 inner teeth, one pair at the base, 1 unpaired median and 1 minute unpaired distal smaller tooth; outer side with 3 teeth, one basal larger and 1 pair of basal-median teeth. Unguiculi acuminate, with smooth lamellae. Tenent hairs capitate and weakly ciliated. Tibiotarsus III with a smooth inner distal chaeta, near the unguiculus (Fig. 61). Collophore (Figs 62‒63). Anterior side with 17‒19 ciliated chaetae; 3+3 distal larger (Fig. 62); lateral flap with about 7 ciliated and 7 smooth chaetae (Fig. 63); posterior face without smooth chaetae and with approximately 80 ciliated chaetae. Furcula (Figs 64‒66). Manubrium without large spines; ventral side with 3+3 apical chaetae; dorsal face with lateral rows of large ciliated mac, short and lanceolate ciliated, and ciliated chaetae of different sizes; manubrial plate with 5 ciliated chaetae and 3 pseudopores (Fig. 64). Dens dorsally with one outer row of 21‒27 robust ciliated spine-like mac (holotype with 21) and one scale-like chaeta distally; inner row with 25‒29 ciliated spines (holotype with 26) and one acuminate ciliated chaeta (Fig. 65). Mucro square with 4 teeth, 3 in one dorsal row and 1 internal median (Fig. 66). Etymology. The species was named after its type locality, Piracuruca municipality, Piauí State, Northeast Brazil. Distribution and habitat. See distribution and habitat of Cyphoderus equidenticulati sp. nov. and Pseudosinella triocellata sp. nov. Remarks. Trogolaphysa piracurucaensis sp. nov. resembles T. ernersti Cipola & Bellini, 2017 (in: Bellini & Cipola 2017) from Ceará State, Brazil; and T. quisqueyana Soto-Adames, Jordana & Baquero, 2014 from Dominican Republic by 8+8 eyes, labial basomedian field with chaetae M1 and M2 ciliated, maxillary and sublobal chaetotaxy, Th. II with 6 mac in p3 complex, Th. III and Abd. I without mac, Abd. IV with 4 inner mac (A3, A5, B4, B5), unguiculus shape, and mucro with 4 teeth (Soto-Adames et al. 2014, Soto-Adames 2015, Bellini & Cipola 2017). Trogolaphysa pirarucaensis sp. nov. still resembles mostly T. ernesti by Ant. IV annulated (simple in T. quisqueyana), lack of pigmentation on mouth cone and Abd. IV (present in T. quisqueyana), and in several features of dorsal chaetotaxy of Th. II‒III and Abd. I‒V. However, the new species differs by: 1) trochanteral organ with 35‒40 spine-like chaetae (49 in T. ernesti and 28 in T. quisqueyana); 2) Collophore anterior side with 3+3 distal mac (4+ 4 in T. ernesti and 2+ 2 in T. quisqueyana); 3) Dens inner row with 25‒29 and outer row with 21‒27 spines, while in T. quisqueyana there are 35‒42 inner and 25‒28 outer spines; 4) manubrial plate with 3 pseudopores and 5 chaetae (2 pseudopores and 6 chaetae in T. ernesti). In addition, the ventral head post-labial chaetotaxy of the new species presents 3+3 anterior chaetae surrounding the ventral groove (2+ 2 in T. ernesti); unguiculi lamellae are all smooth (one serrated in T. ernesti); and D1 chaeta on Abd. IV as mic (mac in T. ernesti). A summarized comparison among Trogolaphysa piracurucaensis sp. nov., T. ernesti and T. quisqueyana is shown in Table 2. Data based in: 1 Soto-Adames et al. (2014), 2 Bellini & Cipola (2017). Legends:? = unknown, mic = microchaeta(e), mac = macrochaeta(e). Trogolaphysa piracurucaensis sp. nov. can also superficially resembles T. hirtipes Handschin, 1924 from Southern Brazil, by body mostly yellowish, Ant. IV annulated, and mucro with 4 teeth, but can be readily distinguished by the presence of dens with two rows of spines (one in T. hirtipes).Published as part of Nunes, Rudy Camilo & Bellini, Bruno Cavalcante, 2018, Three new species of Entomobryoidea (Collembola: Entomobryomorpha) from Brazilian Caatinga-Cerrado transition, with identification keys to Brazilian Cyphoderus, Pseudosinella and Trogolaphysa species, pp. 71-96 in Zootaxa 4420 (1) on pages 87-93, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4420.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/145523
Inhibition of Sendai virus hemagglutinin neuraminidase by the fusion protein
No full textThe Sendai virus envelope contains two glycoproteins: the fusion (F) protein and the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN). Inactivation of F causes the loss of fusogenic activity and an increase of the neuraminidase activity of HN. After inactivation of F, HN can be inhibited by fetuin or asialofetuin, as already observed on the water-soluble, C-terminal fragment of HN (Dallocchio, F., Bellini, T., Martuscelli, G., Baiocchi, M., & Tomasi, M. (1991) Biochem. Int. 25, 663-668). Disruption of viral envelopes by detergents does not affect the neuraminidase activity of virions containing inactive F, while it causes an increase of the neuraminidase activity in native virions. Reconstitution of HN into liposomes is accompanied by a decrease of enzymatic activity, due to the random inside-outside distribution of the protein. However, the decrease of the neuraminidase activity is higher in liposomes containing both HN and F. These data suggest that F inhibits the neuraminidase activity of HN
Tyrannoseira sex Bellini & Zeppelini 2011, n. sp.
No full textTyrannoseira sex n. sp. (Figs 4-6) TYPE MATERIAL. — Brazil. Paraíba, São João do Cariri, Furna dos Ossos, 15-16.VI.2008, Farias, A.A. Coll, holotype ♂, 6 paratypes (5 ♀♀, 1 ♂) (2175, CM / MNRJ); 2 paratypes (1 ♂, 1 ♀) (EA010032, MNHN). ETYMOLOGY. — The species was named after its sexual dimorphism. DISTRIBUTION. — Good’s biogeographic zone 27 (Good 1974). HABITAT. — Tyrannoseira sex n. sp. was collected in São João do Cariri municipality, about 200 km from João Pessoa, capital of Paraíba State, northeatern Brazil. The collections were made during the wet season (June 2008) inside an archeological site named “Furna dos Ossos”. The climate of the area is “As” following Koeppen’s system (Kottek et al. 2006) and the flora is hiperxerophytic with areas of typical Caatinga forest. DESCRIPTION Total length of the holotype 1.58 mm. Habitus typically entomobryid (Fig. 4A). Color of mounted specimens pale yellow, with light blue pigment covering the antennae and dark blue pigment covering eyepatches and labrum area (Fig. 4A). Yellowish to brownish rounded scales covering head, thorax, abdomen, legs, antennal segments I and II, and basal halves of antennal segments III and IV.Ventral tube without scales. Fourth antennal segment not annulated, with a single apical bulb, without pin setae (Fig. 4B). Eyepatches oval, 8 + 8 lenses, biggest lens B and smallest lens G, two interocular feathered mesochaetae and two interocular macrochaetae (Fig. 4C). Pre-labral and labral setae feathered. Labral papillae as show in Figure 4D. Labial triangle seta r reduced M1, M2 and E feathered (Fig. 4E). Femur of the first pair of legs heavily broadened in males, bearing 10 strong spines (Fig. 4F). Male tibiotarsus of first pair of legs apically slender with one row of 10 elongated spine-like setae (Fig. 4G). Trochanteral organ V- shaped with approximately 23 short spine-like setae (Fig. 4H). All ungues with four inner teeth, one pair at the base and two distal unpaired teeth (Fig. 4I). Unguiculi acuminate, with slightly serrated edges (Figs 4I). Tenent hair capitate, slightly serrated at the edges. Venter of manubrium with 4 + 4 subapical multiciliated setae on a transversal line. No spine-like setae present on manubrium. Mucro typically falcate, without basal spine (Fig. 4J). No macrochaeta on first abdominal segment of adults, dorsal chaetotaxy of second and third abdominal segments as shown in Figure 5. Dorsal macrochaetae distribution on head and body as in Figure 6. Other characters are listed in Table 1. DISCUSSION The closest species to T. sex n. sp. is T. raptora n. comb. Both species share a similar shape of the first pair of legs on males, with heavily broadened femora against the weakly broadened femora seen in T. bicolorcornuta n. comb. Tyrannoseira sex n. sp. and T. raptora n. comb. also share a similar overall dorsal chaetotaxy, especially on cephalic regions 2, 4 and anterior 6, mesothorax and abdominal segments I, II and III (Figs 1; 6). The distribution of macrochaetae on the metathorax and the labial triangle chaetotaxy of T. sex n. sp. is similar to those of T. bicolorcornuta n. comb. However, T. sex n. sp. can be clearly distinguished from both species by lacking body dark pigment, by the presence of broadened femora with only 10 spines, against 14 or more in T. raptora n. comb., by the presence of only 2 + 2 macrochaetae on head’s posterior region 6 and by the pattern of macrochaetae on meso- and metathorax and abdominal segment IV (Fig. 6). Other characteristics of Tyrannoseira n. gen. species are compared in Table 1 and in the following key.Published as part of Bellini, Bruno Cavalcante & Zeppelini, Douglas, 2011, New genus and species of Seirini (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from Caatinga Biome, Northeastern Brazil, pp. 545-555 in Zoosystema 33 (4) on pages 553-554, DOI: 10.5252/z2011n4a6, http://zenodo.org/record/264519
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