A COMPARISON OF THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF MODERATE EXERCISE IN THE EARLY MORNING AND LATE AFTERNOON ON CORE TEMPERATURE AND CUTANEOUS THERMOREGULATORY MECHANISMS

Twelve healthy male subjects each undertook two bouts of moderate exercise (70% VO₂max for 30 minutes) in the morning (08:00) and late afternoon (18:00) at least 4 days apart. Measurements were made of heart rate, core (rectal) temperature, sternum skin temperature, and forearm skin blood flow during baseline conditions, during the bout of exercise, and throughout a 30-minute recovery period. Comparisons were made of the changes of heart rate, temperature, and skin blood flow produced by the exercise at the two times of day. Student t tests indicated that baseline values for core temperature (37.15°C ±. 06°C vs. 36.77°C ± 0.06°C) and sternum temperature (33.60°C ± 0.29°C vs. 32.70°C ± 0.38°C) were significantly (p <. 05) higher in the late afternoon than the early morning. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the increases in core and sternum temperatures during exercise were significantly less (p =. 0039 and. 0421, respectively) during the afternoon bout of exercise compared with the morning, even though the work loads, as determined by changes in heart rate, were not significantly different (p =. 798) at the two times of testing. There were also tendencies for resting forearm skin blood flow to be higher in the afternoon than in the morning and for exercise to produce a more rapid rise in this variable in the afternoon. The possible mechanisms producing these responses to exercise are discussed in terms of those that are responsible for the normal circadian rhythm of core temperature. It is concluded that the body's ability to remove a heat load is less in the early morning, when the circadian system is in a “heat gain” mode, than in the late afternoon, when heat gain and “heat loss” modes are balanced more evenly. (Chronobiology International, 17(2), 197–207, 2000)     

A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Heat Transfer in the Forearm

The finite element method was used to analyze heat transfer within a section of the forearm while exposed to different ambient conditions and with different metabolic states. The three-dimensional model accounts for the different material properties of bone, muscle and blood and incorporates a single artery-vein pair for counter-current heat exchange. The geometry of the model was developed from anatomical cross-sectional images of the forearm. The model was used to determine the effects or rest vs. exercise, free vs. forced surface convection and 0 degrees C vs. -20 degrees C external temperatures. The results of the model were compared to experimental data and the model exhibits qualitatively correct behaviour. This model can be used to study hyperthermia, burns and cryogenic freezing of tissue.     

The effect of stimulus number on the stability of responses for an extensive heat pain test

Background.?The use of relatively lower stimulus presentation numbers in quantitative sensory testing may influence the computation accuracy of participants’ discriminability. The minimum trial number for obtaining a stabilized participant discrimination ability was determined.

Materials and methods.?Twelve participants’ ability to discriminate between noxious heat stimuli pairs (45°C/46°C, 46°C/47°C, and 47°C/48°C) was assessed using a six-category confidence rating scale. Heat stimuli were administered to the forearm. Two conditions with presentation numbers of 17 trials per stimulus (representing the median number of trials in previous studies) and 40 trials per stimulus (used in a previous study with a similar protocol) were used.

Results and discussion.?Participants’ discriminability stabilized at approximately the 20th trial based on the lowest frequency of indeterminate and non-model conforming results under both conditions. A simple linear regression model showed a statistically significant positive relationship between discriminability for the two conditions (slope?=?0.65, p?<?0.001; constant?=?0.33, p?=?0.02; r^2?=?0.51). As a rule of thumb, approximately 20 trials per stimulus intensity could be used to obtain a stabilized discriminability outcome.     

Thermoregulation in premature infants: A mathematical model

PurposeIn 2010, approximately 14.9 million babies (11.1%) were born preterm. Because preterm infants suffer from an immature thermoregulatory system they have difficulty maintaining their core body temperature at a constant level. Therefore, it is essential to maintain their temperature at, ideally, around 37 °C. For this, mathematical models can provide detailed insight into heat transfer processes and body-environment interactions for clinical applications.MethodsA new multi-node mathematical model of the thermoregulatory system of newborn infants is presented. It comprises seven compartments, one spherical and six cylindrical, which represent the head, thorax, abdomen, arms and legs, respectively. The model is customizable, i.e. it meets individual characteristics of the neonate (e.g. gestational age, postnatal age, weight and length) which play an important role in heat transfer mechanisms. The model was validated during thermal neutrality and in a transient thermal environment.ResultsDuring thermal neutrality the model accurately predicted skin and core temperatures. The difference in mean core temperature between measurements and simulations averaged 0.25±0.21 °C and that of skin temperature averaged 0.36±0.36 °C. During transient thermal conditions, our approach simulated the thermoregulatory dynamics/responses. Here, for all infants, the mean absolute error between core temperatures averaged 0.12±0.11 °C and that of skin temperatures hovered around 0.30 °C.ConclusionsThe mathematical model appears able to predict core and skin temperatures during thermal neutrality and in case of a transient thermal conditions.     

Divergent seed production responses of white and blue flowers of Gentiana leucomelaena (Gentianaceae) to warming and watering

Background: The adaptation, evolution and function of flower colour diversity in response to changing environments are one of the oldest puzzles in plant ecology. It is logical that comparative studies on fitness of flower colour would be the most meaningful if they were conducted on the same genotype.

Aims: We used Gentiana leucomelaena, which produces both white and blue flowers on different tillers of the same individual, as a model species to test adaption and fitness differences of contrasting flowers in contrasting environments.

Methods: We examined seed production by white and blue flowers in response to increased temperatures (28 °C/2 °C vs. 12 °C/2 °C; 12 h light/12 h dark) in a climate chamber study and to watering in the field (+1.5 l m^?2 d^?1 vs. control with no supplementary irrigation).

Results: For white and blue flowers warming decreased but watering increased seed number. Increased temperature and watering increased the size of seeds from white flowers, but neither warming nor watering significantly changed seed size of blue flowers. Seed size was significantly negatively correlated with seed number in the temperature treatments but positively correlated in watering treatments. The positive correlation was strong in white flowers, but the negative correlation was stronger in blue than in white flowers.

Conclusions: Water availability and low temperature confer an advantage to white flowers, while warming and dry habitats favour blue flowers. These divergent responses may influence total plant fitness and thus help explain the adaptive value and evolution of flower colour diversity.     

Differential responses of bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos to heat shock

The authors sought to determine whether developmental differences in the magnitude of embryonic mortality caused by heat stress in vivo are caused by changes in resistance of embryos to elevated temperature. In this regard, responses of oocytes, two-cell embryos, four- to eight-cell embryos, and compacted morulae to heat shock were compared. An additional goal was to define further the role of cumulus cells and glutathione in thermoprotection of oocytes. In experiment 1, heat shock (41°C for 12 hr) decreased the number of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage for two-cell (26% vs. 0%) and four- to eight-cell (25% vs. 10%) embryos but did not affect morulae (37% vs. 42%). In experiment 2, exposure of two-cell embryos to 41°C for 12 hr reduced the number of four- to eight-cell embryos present 24 hr after the end of heat shock (88% vs. 62%). In experiment 3, heat shock reduced the number of two-cell embryos developing to blastocyst (49% vs. 8%) but did not affect subsequent development of oocytes when heat shock occurred during the first 12 hr of maturation (46% vs. 41% development to blastocyst); membrane integrity was not altered. In experiment 4, oocytes were cultured with an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, _DL-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO), for 24 hr and exposed to 41°C for the first 12 hr of maturation. Percentages of blastocysts were 35% (39°C), 18% (41°C), 17% (39°C+BSO), and 11% (41°C+BSO). For experiment 5, oocytes were either denuded or left with cumulus intact and were then radiolabeled with [³⁵S]methionine and [³⁵S]cysteine at 39°C or 41°C for 12 hr. Exposure of oocytes to 41°C for 12 hr reduced overall synthesis of ³⁵S-labeled TCA-precipitable intracellular proteins (18,160 vs. 14,594 dpm/oocyte), whereas presence of cumulus increased synthesis (9,509 vs. 23,246). Analysis by two-dimensional SDS PAGE and fluorography revealed that heat shock protein 68 (HSP68) and two other putative heat shock proteins, P71 and P70, were synthesized by all oocytes regardless of treatment. Heat shock did not alter the synthesis of HSP68 or P71 but decreased amounts of newly synthesized P70. Cumulus cells increased synthesis of P71 and P70. Results indicate there is a biphasic change in resistance to elevations in temperature as oocytes mature, become fertilized, and develop. Resistance declines from the oocyte to the two-cell stage and then increases. Evidence suggests a role for cumulus cells in increasing HSP70 molecules and protein synthesis. Data also indicate a role for glutathione in oocyte function. Mol Reprod Dev 46:138–145, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Accuracy of real-time MR temperature mapping in the brain: A comparison of fast sequences

PurposeTo compare magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry based on the proton resonance frequency (PRF) method using a single shot echoplanar imaging (ss EPI) sequence to both of the standard sequences, gradient echo (GRE) and segmented echoplanar imaging (seg EPI) in the in vivo human brain, at 1.5T and 3T.Material and methodsRepetitive MR thermometry was performed on the brain of six volunteers using GRE, seg EPI, and ss EPI sequences on whole-body 1.5T and 3T clinical systems using comparable acquisition parameters. Phase stability and temperature data precision in the human head were determined over 12 min for the three sequences at both field strengths. An ex-vivo swine skeletal muscle model was used to evaluate temperature accuracy of the ss EPI sequence during heating by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).ResultsIn-vivo examinations of brain revealed an average temperature precision of 0.37 °C/0.39 °C/0.16 °C at 3T for the GRE/seg EPI/ss EPI sequences. At 1.5T, a precision of 0.58 °C/0.63 °C/0.21 °C was achieved. In the ex-vivo swine model, a strong correlation of temperature data derived using ss EPI and GRE sequences was found with a temperature deviation <1 °C.ConclusionThe ss EPI sequence was the fastest and the most precise sequence for MR thermometry, with significantly higher accuracy compared to GRE.     

Sex difference in cerebral blood flow velocity during exercise hyperthermia

IntroductionCerebral blood flow and thermal perception during physical exercise under hyperthermia conditions in females are poorly understood. Because sex differences exist for blood pressure control, resting middle cerebral artery velocity (MCA_Vmean), and pain, we tested the hypothesis that females would have greater reductions in MCAv_mean and increased thermal perceptual strain during exercise hyperthermia compared to males.MethodsTwenty-two healthy active males and females completed 60 min of matched exercise metabolic heat production in a 1) control cool (24.0 ± 0.0 °C; 14.4 ± 3.4% Rh) and 2) hot (42.3 ± 0.3 °C; 28.4 ± 5.2% Rh) conditions in random order, separated by at least 3 days while MCAv_mean, thermal comfort, and preference was obtained during the exercise.ResultsCompared to 36 °C mean body temperature (M^bt), as hyperthermia increased to 39 °C Mbt, females had a greater reduction in absolute (MCAv_mean), and relative change (%Δ MCAv_mean) and conductance (%Δ MCAv_mean conductance) in MCA_Vmean compared to males (Interaction: Temperature x Sex, P ≤ 0.002). During exercise in cool conditions, absolute and conductance MCAv_mean was maintained from rest through exercise; however, females had greater MCA_Vmean compared to males (Main effect: Sex, P < 0.0008). We also found disparities in females' perceptual thermal comfort and thermal preference. These differences may be associated with a greater reduction in partial pressure of end-tidal CO₂, and different cardiovascular and blood pressure control to exercise under hyperthermia.ConclusionsIn summary, females exercise cerebral blood flow velocity is reduced to a greater extent (25% vs 15%) and the initial reduction occurs at lower hyperthermia mean body temperatures (~38 °C vs ~39 °C) and are under greater thermal perceptual strain compared to males.     

Development of two forensically important blowfly species (Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at four temperatures in India

The development of the Oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), and hairy maggot blowfly, C. rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was studied at four different temperatures (22°C, 25°C, 29°C and 31°C) in order to draw correlations between larval age, body length and body dry weight. The mean larval body length increased steadily from a minimum of 1.4 mm for C. megacephala and 1.8 mm for C. rufifacies to a maximum of 17.4 mm for C. megacephala and 15.9 mm for C. rufifacies at different temperatures. Similarly, the mean dry weight increased steadily from a minimum of 0.0007 g for C. megacephala (second instar) and 0.0008 g for C. rufifacies (second instar) to a maximum of 0.0290 g for C. megacephala and 0.0270 g for C. rufifacies at different temperatures. Entomological evidence is often used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI) and both of these species are important from a forensic point of view. Graphs of age of larvae vs. body length and age of larvae vs. dry body weight at different temperatures can be used to estimate the larval age of these two species.     

Effect of high temperature treatment on disinfestation and quality characteristics of sorghum

Sorghum grain (two varieties) was modified to different water contents (12% to 16% wet weight basis) and heated to 60°C, 70°C and 80°C for periods of 4, 8 and 12 min. Germination, seedling vigour, seedling dry matter, free fatty acid (FFA) content, fungal contamination and infestation with the insect pest Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) were all markedly affected by heat treatment. The effectiveness of the heat treatment was also influenced by the size of the sample used. Heat treatment at 60°C and 70°C resulted in germination being unaffected or stimulated while at 80°C and the higher water contents significantly reduced, when compared to untreated controls. The dry matter of seedlings, and seedling vigour was positively correlated with germination and heat treatment. Heat treatment had no effect on FFA. All stages of the insect pest, R. dominica, were destroyed at 70°C and an 8 min exposure time. However, the water content of the sorghum was critical in determining the efficacy against this pest. The percentage fungal contamination of grain was reduced from 90% to about 25% by heat treatment. However, some grain fungi, particularly Eurotium spp., Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. could still be isolated from sorghum grain treated at 80°C for up to 12 minutes.     

Fan-precooling effect on heat strain while wearing protective clothing

This study compared heat strain during walking while wearing impermeable protective suits between fan-precooling and nonprecooling conditions. Six males engaged in 60 min of walking at a moderate speed (～2.5 km/h) in a hot environment (37 °C, 40 % relative humidity). Fanning using a fan (4.5 m/s) and spraying water over the body before wearing the suits produced significantly lower rectal temperature before the walking (37.3?±?0.1 °C vs. 37.0?±?0.1 °C, P?P?相似文献   

Self-selected fluid volume and flavor strength does not alter fluid intake,body mass loss,or physiological strain during moderate-intensity exercise in the heat

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ad libitum flavor and fluid intake on changes in body mass (BM) and physiological strain during moderate intensity exercise in the heat.MethodsTen subjects (24±3yrs, 7M/3F) performed 60 min of treadmill walking at 1.3 m/s and 7% grade in an environmental chamber set to 33 °C and 10% relative humidity while carrying a 22.7 kg pack on two different occasions. Subjects consumed either plain water or water plus flavor (Infuze), ad libitum, at each visit. Pre and post exercise, fluid consumption (change in fluid reservoir weight) and BM (nude) were measured. During exercise, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen consumption (VO₂), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), core temperature (T_C), and physiological strain index (PSI) were recorded every 15 min during exercise.ResultsNo significant differences were observed for fluid consumption between fluid conditions (512 ± 97.2 mL water vs. 414.3 ± 62.5 mL Infuze). Despite a significant decrease from baseline, there were no significant differences in overall change of BM (Δ −1.18 vs. −0.64 Kg) or percent body weight loss for water and Infuze conditions, respectively (1.58 ± 0.6 and 0.79 ± 0.2%). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in HR (144 ± 6 vs. 143 ± 8 bpm), SBP (157 ± 5 vs. 155 ± 5 mmHg), RPE, VO₂ (27.4 ± 0.9 vs. 28.1 ± 1.2 ml/Kg/min), RER, T_C (38.1 ± 0.1 vs. 37.0 ± 0.1 °C), and peak PSI (5.4 ± 0.4 vs. 5.7 ± 0.8) between conditions.ConclusionsOffering individuals the choice to actively manipulate flavor strength did not significantly influence ad libitum fluid consumption, fluid loss, or physiological strain during 60 min of moderate intensity exercise in the heat.     

Arabidopsis: Sensitivity of growth to high temperature

Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings as measured by an electrolyte leakage assay, have been found to be extremely sensitive to high temperature stress as compared to a high temperature tolerant variety (Tracy) of soybean. Over 50% ion leakage occurred in Arabidopsis leaves during a 15-minute exposure to 50°C, indicating a heat killing time of less than 15 minutes. In contrast, the heat killing time for soybean at 50°C was over five times longer. When soybean or Arabidopsis seedlings in culture plates were exposed to 37°C for 2 hours and then returned to 23°C, they suffered no apparent short-term or long-term damage. Soybean seedlings given a 42°C, treatment for 2 hours also showed no damage. Arabidopsis seedlings after a 42°C treatment for 2 hours showed no apparent immediate damage, but 48 hours after return to 23°C severe damage symptoms were visible and after 96 hours all the seedlings were dead. Both soybean and Arabidopsis seedlings synthesize heat shock proteins (hsps) when exposed to 42°C for 2 hours. The hsps synthesized are of similar molecular weights, although the relative abundances of the different size classes are very different in the two plants. Even though hsps are produced in Arabidopsis seedlings after a 2 hour exposure to 42°C their presence is not sufficient for the seedlings to recover from the effects of rhe heat shock when returned to 23°C. Our results show that Arabidopsis has a heat sensitive genotype. This along with its other characteristics should make it a good model system in which to assay in transgenic plants, the functions of homologous and heterologous genes that might be candidates for determining heat tolerance in plants.     

Thermodynamic Study of Iodocyanopindolol β-Adrenoceptors Interactions with Rat Lung and Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

(±)¹²⁵ I-cyanopindolol (±) I CYP) was used to characterize β-adrenoceptors on rat lung and cerebral cortex membranes. The affinity of (±) ICYP was higher for lung (K^d = 64.3 pM) at 37°C. The association reaction of (±) ICYP was faster with lung (k₊₁ = 1.52 × 10⁹ M^?1.min^?1) than with cerebral cortex β-adrenoceptors (k₊₁ = 1.75 × 10⁸ M^?1.min^?1). In both tissues, the dissociation reaction followed a biphasic process with a fast (t ½ = 15.4 min and 5.6 min for lung and cerebral cortex respectively) and a slow component (t ½ = 474 min and 255 min for lung and cerebral cortex respectively). The thermodynamic parameters for (±) ICYP - β-adrenoceptors binding have been determined from kinetics and equilibrium studies, for the two tissues, at several temperatures between 0° and 44° C. For lung and cerebral cortex, Arrhenius plots were linear with different energies of activation. Van't Hoff plot was not linear for lung and the standard enthalpy and entropy changes of (±) ICYP - β-adrenoceptors interaction decreased linearly with temperature : the binding occured with a negative heat capacity change (ΔCp° = -368.9 cal. moles^?1. K^?1) at 25° C. Thermodynamic and kinetic results show that binding of (±) ICYP to lung β-adrenoceptors could involve two successive equilibria with a conformational change of the β-adrenergic receptor.     

High temperature tolerance and thermal-adaptability plasticity of Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée) after a single extreme heat wave at the egg stage

Due to ongoing climate change, short-term extreme heat waves in the summer are expected to be more frequent. Insect eggs are sensitive to thermal stress. This raises the question of whether herbivore insects' thermal adaptability would be changed after a single extreme heat wave at the egg stage. In this study, we examined the developmental performance of Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée at 25?°C, 27?°C, 29?°C or 31?°C after a single extreme heat wave (42?°C) for 0?h (control), 1?h, 2?h, or 3?h at the egg stage. The results showed that O. furnacalis at the egg or larval stage was more sensitive to a single heat wave than it was at the pupae or adult stage. After a single heat wave, O. furnacalis showed a reduced egg-hatching rate or reduced larval survival rate, but the optimum temperature for egg hatching and larval survival was higher than that in the control. The upper temperature threshold and optimum temperature for larval development in the control were higher than that after a single extreme heat wave. Both male and female pupal weight decreased with increasing temperature, and pupal weight decreased faster in females than in males. The Cox proportional hazard model showed that when O. furnacalis developed at 25?°C, the instantaneous death risk of adults with a 3?h heat wave at the egg stage was higher than that of the control, but when O. furnacalis developed at 29?°C and 31?°C, the instantaneous death risk of adults after a heat wave was significantly lower than that of the control. Our study highlights the effect of a single heat wave on O. furnacalis eggs and the subsequent development of survival individuals.     

The effect of changes in joint angle on the characteristics of physiological tremor

IntroductionPhysiological tremor, as a whole, can be influenced by changes in muscle activity. However, the origin of low-frequency physiological tremor oscillations has yet to be conclusively determined. It is possible that by experimentally manipulating muscular activity, a better determination of the origin of those low-frequency oscillations can be achieved. It was demonstrated that changes in joint angle modify characteristics of muscular activity. As such, we hypothesize that changes in wrist-joint angle will alter the characteristics of low-frequency physiological tremor oscillations.ObjectiveAssess the influence of changes in joint angle of the wrist on characteristics of physiological finger tremor.MethodsPhysiological finger tremor was recorded (n = 25) using a laser displacement system while the arm and hand were supported. The relative angle between the dorsum of the hand and the forearm was altered between conditions (135°, 180°, 225° and 270°), while the hand and the finger remained parallel to the ground. EMG of the extensors and flexors were also recorded.ResultsTremor amplitude was significantly altered by changes in wrist-joint angle. This was especially the case for lower frequency oscillations. In addition, electromyography properties of forearm muscles were also significantly modified by changes in wrist-joint angles.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that changes in wrist-joint angle modify the characteristics of physiological finger tremor. This should be taken into account when interpreting tremor data as well as when developing tools to minimize tremor.     

Development of resistance in Cronobacter sakazakii ATCC 29544 to thermal and nonthermal processes after exposure to stressing environmental conditions

Aims: The objective was to study the response of Cronobacter sakazakii ATCC 29544 cells to heat, pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultrasound under pressure (Manosonication, MS) and ultraviolet light (UV‐C) treatments after exposure to different sublethal stresses that may be encountered in food‐processing environments. Methods and Results: Cronobacter sakazakii stationary growth‐phase cells (30°C, 24 h) were exposed to acid (pH 4·5, 1 h), alkaline (pH 9·0, 1 h), osmotic (5% NaCl, 1 h), oxidative (0·5 mmol l^?1 H₂O₂, 1 h), heat (47·5°C, 1 h) and cold (4°C, 4 h) stress conditions and subjected to the subsequent challenges: heat (60°C), PEF (25 kV cm^?1, 35°C), MS (117 μm, 200 kPa, 35°C) and UV‐C light (88·55 mW cm^?2, 25°C) treatments. The inactivation kinetics of C. sakazakii by the different technologies did not change after exposure to any of the stresses. The combinations of sublethal stress and lethal treatment that were protective were: heat shock–heat, heat shock–PEF and acid pH–PEF. Conversely, the alkaline shock sensitized the cells to heat and UV‐C treatments, the osmotic shock to heat treatments and the oxidative shock to UV‐C treatments. The maximum adaptive response was observed when heat‐shocked cells were subjected to a heat treatment, increasing the time to inactivate 99·9% of the population by 1·6 times. Conclusions: Cronobacter sakazakii resistance to thermal and nonthermal preservation technologies can increase or decrease as a consequence of previous exposure to stressing conditions. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results help in understanding the physiology of the resistance of this emerging pathogen to traditional and novel preservation technologies.     

Allosteric serine hydroxymethyltransferase from monkey liver: Temperature induced conformational transitions

The homogeneous serine hydroxymethyltransferase from monkey liver was optimally activate at 60°C and the Arrhenius plot for the enzyme was nonlinear with a break at 15°C. The monkey liver enzyme showed high thermal stability of 62°C, as monitored by circular dichroism at 222 nm, absorbance at 280 nm and enzyme activity. The enzyme exhibited a sharp co-operative thermal transition in the range of 50°–70°(T _m= 65°C), as monitored by circular dichroism. L-Serine protected the enzyme against both thermal inactivation and thermal disruption of the secondary structure. The homotropic interactions of tetrahydrofolate with the enzyme was abolished at high temperatures (at 70°C, the Hill coefficient value was 1.0). A plot ofh values vs. assay temperature of tetrahydrofolate saturation experiments, showed the presence of an intermediate conformer with anh value of 1.7 in the temperature range of 45°–60°C. Inclusion of a heat denaturation step in the scheme employed for the purification of serine hydroxymethyltransferase resulted in the loss of cooperative interactions with tetrahydrofolate. The temperature effects on the serine hydroxylmethyltransferase, reported for the first time, lead to a better understanding of the heat induced alterations in conformation and activity for this oligomeric protein.     

Germination responses of native and invasive Cerrado grasses to simulated fire temperatures

Background: Fire is an important ecological factor in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). However, comparative studies on the effect of high temperatures experienced during fires on seed germination of native and invasive grass species are few.

Aims: To assess germination responses to simulated fire temperatures by seeds of invasive and native Cerrado grasses.

Methods: Heat-shock treatments (50 °C, 70 °C, 90 °C, 110 °C, 130 °C or 150 °C) were applied to seeds of 10 species of native and invasive grasses. For each temperature, the seeds were heated in a dry-air flow for 2 or 5 min. This combination of temperatures and exposure times simulated the soil conditions during typical Cerrado fires.

Results: Temperature treatment was significantly related to germination, and the effect varied according to species. Heat shock did not increase germination in either the native or the invasive species. Exposure time was important for only two species, and four species showed a significant increase in mean germination time.

Conclusions: Species showed different tolerances to high temperatures. It was not possible to differentiate the native and invasive grasses only by their tolerance to high temperatures, suggesting that fire alone may not be an efficient management tool to control the invasive species studied here.