Microhabitat selection and daily movements of two rodents (Necromys lasiurus and Oryzomys scotti) in Brazilian Cerrado, as revealed by a spool-and-line device

Studies on patterns of habitat use by mammals are necessary for understanding the mechanisms involved in their distribution and abundance. In this study, we used the spool-and-line method to investigate habitat utilization by two sigmodontine rodents from Brazilian Cerrado, Necromys lasiurus and Oryzomys scotti. We conducted the study in a Cerrado area in central Brazil (15°56′S and e 47°56′W) where the animals were caught in an area of 7.68 ha of Cerrado sensu stricto. Captured individuals were marked, equipped with a spool-and-line device, and released at the same capture point. The next day we followed the thread to record their daily movements and find their nests. To investigate microhabitat selection we compared habitat characteristics along trails of each studied species with general habitat characteristics of the study area. Although the mean 24-h distance was greater for N. lasiurus (mean ± SE: 41.9 ± 42.2 m, N=3) than for O. scotti (28.7 ± 14.2 m, N=6) this difference was not significant (Mann–Whitney test, U=26, P>0.6). We detected significant differences among observed microhabitats variables of both species and available microhabitat characteristics as determined by discriminant analysis (Wilks′s lambda F=3.001; df=14, 116; P<0.001). Both species were associated to microhabitat characteristics whose values differed markedly from the overall available habitat. Along the first canonical discriminant function of the DFA both them were associated with greater grass height than the mean height available and along the second axis N. lasiurus selected areas with higher fruit availability and more shelters than those selected by O. scotti. For stronger inferences regarding differential patterns of habitat utilization by Cerrado rodents we suggest the simultaneous use of both spool-and-line and standard trapping methods.     

Territorial damselfish enhances multi-species co-existence of foraminifera mediated by biotic habitat structuring

The structures of benthic foraminiferal communities inside and outside the territory of the pomacentrid damselfish Stegastes nigricans on coral rocks in a moat of Sesoko Is. (26°38′N, 127°52′E) in Okinawa, Japan were compared. Inside the territory, an algal farm, i.e., a dense stand of a filamentous rhodophyte, Womersleyella setacea, was maintained throughout the year. Outside the territory, in areas subjected to intensive and continuous grazing by various grazers, the flora was composed of mat-like cyanophytes, a prostrate turf-form Padina sp., microscopically thin filaments and scattered filamentous rhodophytes. Algal biomass was greater inside the territory than outside the territory of the damselfish. These differences were reflected by the structure of the associated foraminiferal communities. We classified foraminiferal species based on their microhabitat use around algal communities into four life types: free-living type, crawling type, sedentary type, and sessile type. The abundance of foraminifera, especially the free-living type (e.g., Peneroplis pertusus and Quinqueloculina seminulum) and sedentary type (Rosalina globularis and Cymbaloporetta squammosa), was greater inside the territory of the damselfish than outside the territory. Species richness was also higher inside the territory, mainly due to an increase in species richness of the free-living and sedentary types. These increases in abundance and species richness were caused by habitat structuring. W. setacea is a relatively tall and complicated alga with tangled rhizoids. Its dense stand inside the territory trapped a larger amount of sediment, which provided free-living foraminifera with heterogeneous and stable habitats. In addition, the dense stand of W. setacea provided sedentary-type foraminifera with a large, complex substratum, providing refuge and food inside the territory. This assumption was confirmed by the results of plate experiments showing that foraminiferal community structures were controlled by associations between foraminifera and algae. We showed that habitat-conditioning is an important process in biotic habitat-structuring and that habitat-conditioning by territorial damselfish maintains and enhances multi-species coexistence of foraminifera on coral rocks in a coral reef.     

Dendroecology of Prosopis flexuosa woodlands in the Monte desert: Implications for their management

In the Monte desert of Argentina open woodlands of several species of Prosopis occur in areas with accessible underground water. The great latitudinal extent of the Monte (26–43°S) exhibits strong climatic gradients involving temperature, rainfall seasonality, and wind regime. Prosopis woodlands have been a source of subsistence for human communities for several centuries and continue to be exploited by the local inhabitants. The “mining” of this resource has led to severe desertification and consequent impoverishment of the local people. In order to suggest strategies for the better management and recuperation of these woodlands we studied the population structure and productivity of Prosopis flexuosa from multiple plots at Pipanaco (27°58′S), Telteca (32°20′S), and Ñacuñán (34°03′S). For each plot we measured the density of P. flexuosa trees, number of stems, basal diameter (DAB), height and canopy diameter of each tree. Tree ring data were used to determine the growth rates, annual wood production and biological rotation age for each area. The ecological structure of the woodlands differs between the three sites. Along this north–south transect, there is a decrease in adult tree density, mean basal diameter, mean tree height, canopy cover, productivity and total wood biomass. Consequently, the potential sustainable use of these woodlands varies. Only the northern, Pipanaco, woodlands have the potential for lumber production. In contrast, the short, multi-stem and low-productivity trees in the Telteca and Ñacuñán areas can only sustain a combination of local firewood production and activities such as extensive grazing by livestock. The present, uniform regulations for harvesting wood in these areas must be changed to acknowledge these differences in order to optimize wood production in, and conservation of, these woodlands.     

Effects of constant and cycling hot environments on mitogen-stimulated proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from sows and litters

1. 1. Lymphocytes from sows maintained in a constant hot environment (32°C) showed reduced proliferative responses to mitogens PHA (P < 0.02) and PWM (P < 0.01) in comparison to sown maintained in a constant cool environment (21°C). In the piglets the hot constant temperature slightly reduced (P < 0.05) proliferative responses of lymphocytes to PHA.

2. 2. No significant effects of a cycling hot environment (27–32°C) were found for any proliferative responses of lymphocytes from sows and litters.

3. 3. In the constant hot environment, serum cortisol concentrations were significantly reduced in the sows (P < 0.0001) while no differences in serum cortisol concentrations were found in the litters.

     

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate related changes in retention of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D-receptor ligands in rat intestinal mucosa cell nuclei

After feeding rats a vitamin B-6-deficient diet, we observed a decrease in pyridoxal 5′-phosphate concentrations in intestinal mucosa cells to 32 and 48% of control in cytoplasm and cell nuclei, respectively. Correlation analysis suggested that there were two pyridoxal 5′-phosphate pools in the nuclei: a “mobile” pool (equivalent to about 5% the concentration of the cytoplasmic pyridoxal 5′-phosphate), and a “stable” pool, which was independent of cytoplasmic fluctuations of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (about 9 pmol pyridoxal 5′-phosphate/mg DNA). Reduction in pyridoxal 5′-phosphate content in the cells of vitamin B-6-deficient animals was accompanied by a substantial increase in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-receptor ligand concentration in the cell nuclei (76.6 ± 19.7 vs 762 ± 291 fmol/mg DNA, mean ± SEM). The degree of 1,25-dihydrovitamin D accumulation in the nuclei appeared to be an exponential function of the “mobile” nuclear pyridoxal 5′-phosphate concentration. Semilogarithmic transformation of the data yielded a straight line, representing an inverse correlation between the cytoplasm-related nuclear pool of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and the logarithm of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration in the nuclei (r=−0.95). These data suggest that pyridoxal 5′-phosphate may be related to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D retention in the nuclei, possibly through interaction of the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate with the vitamin D receptor protein in the nuclei.     

Rapid palaeoceanographic changes in the Benguela Upwelling System for the last 160,000 years as indicated by abundances of planktonic foraminifera

Two sediment cores retrieved from the continental slope in the Benguela Upwelling System, GeoB 1706 (19°33.7′S 11°10.5′E) and GeoB 1711 (23°18.9′S, 12°22.6′E), reveal striking variations in planktonic foraminiferal abundances during the last 160,000 years. These fluctuations are investigated to assess changes in the intensity and position of the upwelling centres off Namibia. Four species make up over 95% of the variation within the core, and enable the record to be divided into episodes characterized by particular planktonic foraminiferal assemblages. The fossil assemblages have meaningful ecological significance when compared to those of the modern day and the relationship to their environment. The cold-water planktonic foraminifer, Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sinistral [N. pachyderma (s)], dominates the modern-day, coastal upwelling centres, and Neogloboquadrina pachyderma dextral and Globigerina bulloides characterize the fringes of the upwelling cells. Globorotalia inflata is representative of the offshore boundary between newly upwelled waters and the transitional, reduced nutrient levels of the subtropical waters. In the fossil record, episodes of high N. pachyderma (s) abundances are interpreted as evidence of increased upwelling intensity, and the associated increase in nutrients. The N. pachyderma (s) record suggests temporal shifts in the intensity of upwelling, and corresponding trophic domains, that do not follow the typical glacial-interglacial pattern. Periods of high N. pachyderma (s) abundance describe rapid, discrete events dominating isotope stages 3 and 2. The timing of these events correlates to the temporal shifts of the Angola-Benguela Front (Jansen et al., 1997) situated to the north of the Walvis Ridge. Absence of high abundances of N. pachyderma (s) from the continental slope of the southern Cape Basin indicates that Southern Ocean surface water advection has not exerted a major influence on the Benguela Current System. The coincidence of increased upwelling intensity with the movement of the Angola-Benguela Front can be interpreted mainly by changes in strength and zonality of the trade wind system.     

A new species of Acaenodera (Digenea: Acanthocolpidae) parasitizing Conger orbignyanus (Pisces: Congridae) from the coasts of Argentina

A new species, Acaenodera spinosior, is described based on specimens collected from the intestine of Conger orbignyanus Valenciennes (Pisces: Congridae) caught in waters off Mar del Plata (38°08′S, 57°32′W), Argentina. Five of 36 congers examined were parasitized (prevalence: 13.9%, mean intensity: 2.6 ± 1.52, range: 1–5). The new species is distinguished from its only congener, Acaenodera placophora Manter and Pritchard, 1960, a parasite of congers off Hawaii, by its larger size, lacking eyespots, and exhibiting a greater number of circumoral, mid-ventral and lateral spines. This is the first record of Acaenodera Manter and Pritchard, 1960 in Atlantic waters.     

Influence of sucrose on the rheology and granule size of cross-linked waxy maize starch dispersions heated at two temperatures

Cross-linked waxy maize (CWM) starch dispersions (STDs) of concentration 50 g kg⁻¹ were heated in sucrose solutions containing 0–600 g kg⁻¹ (g sucrose/kg dispersion) at 85 °C at low shear and in intermittently agitated cans at 110 °C. The STDs heated in 0–300 g kg⁻¹ sucrose exhibited antithixotropic behavior, while those heated in 400–600 g kg⁻¹ sucrose exhibited thixotropic behavior. The mean starch granule diameter of the starch dispersions did not show strong dependence on sucrose concentration. The dispersions, especially those with high sucrose concentrations and heated at 110 °C, exhibited G′ versus frequency (ω) profiles of gels. The STDs exhibited first normal stress differences that increased in magnitude with the concentration of sucrose. Values of the first normal stress coefficient of canned dispersions calculated from dynamic rheological data plotted against ω and experimental values plotted against shear rate of some of the STDs overlapped.     

Physiological ecology of photosynthesis of five sympatric species of Velloziaceae in the rupestrian fields of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Comparative ecophysiology of photosynthesis of five sympatric Velloziaceae species (Liliidae, Monocotyledonae) in the savanna- or cerrado-like rupestrian fields of Serra do Cipó, southeastern Brazil (19°17′S; 43°33′W, 1170 m a.s.l.), was assessed by field measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters on 3 consecutive days in October 2002. The species investigated co-occurred in a plot of 50 m×50 m. The chosen species were distinguished by different architectures, mainly tallness of the plants. They were Vellozia variabilis Mart. ex Shult. f.>Vellozia glabra J.C. Mikan>Vellozia nivea L.B.Sm. et Ayensu=Vellozia alata L.B.Sm.>Barbacenia involucrata L.B.Sm. In the open highly sun exposed habitat there was no photoinhibition in any of the five species being not reversible within 30 min at any time during the day including the afternoon. There was a slightly but not statistically significant better instantaneous performance of the taller species. Significant differences showing a higher intrinsic photosynthetic capacity of the taller as compared to the smaller species were revealed by photosynthetic parameters extracted from light dependence curves obtained in the morning and at midday. Light dependence curves of all five species showed a significant and substantial drop of intrinsic photosynthetic capacity when measured in the afternoon as compared to the morning and midday. As this cannot be explained by a build up of photoinhibition during the day this is a novel observation made here with the Velloziaceae.     

On the ecological energetics of 0-group Carcinus maenas (L.) from a shallow sandy bottom in gullmar fjord, Sweden

0-group Carcinus maenas (L.) was investigated from June 1975 to September 1976 on a shallow sandy bottom at Kvarnbukten Bay, Gullmar Fjord (58° 15′N: 11°28′E), Sweden, at an average salinity of 25% and a range of monthly mean temperatures of −0.3 to 197. °C.

The new year-class settles from August to early September at a carapace breath of 2 to 3 mm and a calorific content of 32 cal. The distribution is restricted to clusters of the mussel Mytilus edulis L. Depth, type of substratum, and patches of the eel-grass Zostera marina L. are of no importance for their spatial distribution. There is no migration to deeper water in the autumn. The carapace breadth is ≈ 9.5 mm after one year of benthic life. Sexual maturity is reached after two years. Growth occurs at temperatures above 10 °C, i.e., from August to October and from May to July. During the first year of benthic life the animals moult 7 times. The 0-group seems to be micro-carnivores feeding on the sediment meiofauna.

The individual energy budget for the first year of benthic life is: consumption (C_c) 905 cal., production (P_1c) 236 cal., cast carapaces (P_2c) 153 cal., respiration (R_c) 404 cal., and rejectiction (F_c) 112 cal. The assimilation efficiency (U_c⁻¹) is 88%, the gross growth efficiency (K_1c) 43%, and the net growth efficiency (K_2c) 49%.

At Kvarnbukten Bay there are large variations in size between the separate year-classes. The energy content of the food consumed by the 1975/76 cohort was used as follows: 4% was stored in living biomass after one year, 36% was released to other trophic levels as dead animals and cast carapaces, 13% rejected as faeces, and 47% was lost through respiration.     

Characterisation of Archaeglobus fulgidus AlkA hypoxanthine DNA glycosylase activity

The AlkA protein from the archaebacterium Archaeglobus fulgidus was characterised with respect to release of hypoxanthine from DNA. The hypoxanthine glycosylase activity had optimal activity at 60°C at pH 5.0. The enzyme released hypoxanthine from substrates with a preference for dI:dGdI:dT>dI:dC>dI:dA. The presence of a mismatch on either side of the dIMP in the substrate reduced excision efficiency of the hypoxanthine residue at neutral pH, while a mismatch on both sides of the dIMP resulted in total loss of excision. Release of hypoxanthine from DNA required a minimum of two bases on the 5′ side and four bases on the 3′ side of the dIMP residue.     

Identification of acridinyl hydrazides as potent aspartic protease inhibitors

We have identified acridinyl derivatives as potent aspartic protease inhibitors by virtual screening of in-house library of synthetic compounds. Enzyme inhibition experiments showed that both compounds inhibit human cathepsin D and Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsin-II in nanomolar ranges. The IC₅₀ values against cathepsin D and plasmepsin-II of compound-Nar103 were found to be 9.0 ± 2.0 and 4.0 ± 1.0 nM and of compound-Nar110 were 0.5 ± 0.05 and 0.13 ± 0.03 nM, respectively. Ligand docking predicted the binding of acridinyl derivatives at the substrate-binding cleft, where hydrazide part of the inhibitors interact with the S1–S1′ subsite residues including catalytic aspartates. The phenyl ring and acridinyl moiety of the inhibitors were predicted to interact with S2/S3 and S2′/S3′ subsite residues.     

Thermodynamics of the disproportionation of adenosine 5'-diphosphate to adenosine 5'-triphosphate and adenosine 5'-monophosphate, II. Experimental data

High-pressure liquid-chromatography and microcalorimetry have been used to determine equilibrium constants and enthalpies of reaction for the disproportionation reaction of adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) to adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) andadenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP). Adenylate kinase was used to catalyze this reaction. The measurements were carried out over the temperature range 286 to 311 K, at ionic strengths varying from 0.06 to 0.33 mol kg⁻¹, over the pH range 6.04 to 8.87, and over the pMg range 2.22 to 7.16, where pMg = -log a(Mg²⁺). The equilibrium model developed by Goldberg and Tewari (see the previous paper in this issue) was used for the analysis of the measurements. Thus, for the reference reaction: 2 ADp³⁻ (ao) AMp²⁻ (ao)+ ATp⁻ (ao), K° = 0.225 ± 0.010, ΔG° = 3.70 +- 0.11 kJ mol ⁻¹, ΔH° = −1.5 ± 1. 5 kJ mol ⁻¹, °S ° = −17 ± 5 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, and ACP_p°≈ = −46 J mo1l⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 298.15 K and 0.1 MPa. These results and the thermodynamic parameters for the auxiliary equilibria in solution have been used to model the thermodynamics of the disproportionation reaction over a wide range of temperature, pH, ionic strength, and magnesium ion morality. Under approximately physiological conditions (311.15 K, pH 6.94, [Mg²⁺] = 1.35 × 10⁻³ mol kg⁻¹, and I = 0.23 mol kg⁻¹) the apparent equilibrium constant (K_A′ = m(ΣAMP)m(ΣATP)/[ m(ΣADP)]²) for the overall disproportionation reaction is equal to 0.93 ± 0.02. Thermodynamic data on the disproportionation reaction and literature values for this apparent equilibrium constant in human red blood cells are used to calculate a morality of 1.94 × 10⁻⁴ mol kg⁻¹ for free magnesium ion in human red blood cells. The results are also discussed in relation to thermochemical cycles and compared with data on the hydrolysis of the guanosine phosphates.     

Regulation of colominic acid biosynthesis by temperature: role of cytidine 5''-monophosphate N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase

Synthesis of colominic acid in Escherichia coli K-235 is strictly regulated by temperature. Evidence for the role of cytidine 5′-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac) synthetase in this regulation was obtained by measuring its level in E. coli grown at 20 and 37°C. No activity was found in E. coli grown at 20°C. CMP-Neu5Ac started to be quickly synthesized when bacteria grown at 20°C were transferred to 37°C and was halted when cells grown at 37°C were transferred to 20°C. These findings suggest that temperature regulates the synthesis of this enzyme and therefore the concentration of CMP-Neu5Ac necessary for the biosynthesis of colominic acid.     

The crystal and molecular structures of lithium trimethylenediaminetetraacetatoferrate(III) trihydrate Li[Fe(trdta)]·3H2O and sodium ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetato-N,N′-di-3-propionatoferrate(II) pentahydrate Na[Fe(eddda)]·5H2O

The crystal structures of Li[Fe(trtda)]·3H₂O and Na[Fe(eddda)]·5H₂O (trtda = trimethylenediaminetetraacetate and eddda = ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetate-N,N′-di-3-propionate) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The former crystal was monoclinic with the space group P2₁/n,a = 17.775(3),b = 10.261(1),c = 8.883(2)Å, β = 95.86(4)° and Z = 4. The latter was also monoclinic with the space group P2₁/n,a = 6.894(2),b = 20.710(6),c = 13.966(3)Å, β = 101.44(2)° and Z = 4. Both complex anions were found to adopt an octahedral six-coordinated structure with all of six ligand atoms of trdta⁴⁻ or eddda⁴⁻ coordinated to the Fe(III) ion, unlike the corresponding edta⁴⁻ complex which is usually seven-coordinate with the seventh coordination site occupied by H₂O. Of the three geometrical isomers possible for the eddda complex, the trans(O₅) isomer was actually found in the latter crystal. Factors determining the structural types of metal–edta complexes are discussed in detail.     

Thermal biology of the fossorial rodent Ctenomys fulvus from the Atacama desert, northern Chile

The Andean tuco-tuco, Ctenomys fulvus (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) inhabits one of the most arid regions of the world, the Salar de Atacama, Northeast of Antofagasta, Chile (23°17′06″S, 68°05′43″W; 2.240 m.a.s.l). We found that a stable microclimate in burrows, a low evaporative water loss (EWL), and a diet of roots (59% water content) are the main factors that permit the survival of this fossorial species in harsh desert conditions. Large circadian variation in T_a was observed above ground. Daily ΔT_a (T_a max − T_a min) = 37.9±0.2°C in summer and in winter. In contrast, circadian variation of T_a inside the burrows was only 5.8±0.5°C in the same seasons. Relative humidity (RH) was 1.9–3.1% during the day, increasing to maximum values of 27% at night and early morning. Inside the burrows RH was higher and quite stable, ranging between 53.1 and 65%, independent of the time of day and season. EWL, measured between 10 and 25°C, was low (1.26 mg/g h), and a moderate increase of 13–20% was observed at higher temperatures. The low EWL may prevent dehydration. However, because of the low heat loss capability, animals became hyperthermic (0.8–1.6°C) in dry air at T_a=30–35°C. As T_a during afternoon normally exceeded 35°C, the microclimate of burrows provided the only way to avoid the lethal effects of hyperthermia.     

Photosynthetic responses of seven tropical seagrasses to elevated seawater temperature

This study uses chlorophyll a fluorescence to examine the effect of environmentally relevant (1–4 h) exposures of thermal stress (35–45 °C) on seagrass photosynthetic yield in seven tropical species of seagrasses. Acute response of each tropical seagrass species to thermal stress was characterised, and the capacity of each species to tolerate and recover from thermal stress was assessed. Two fundamental characteristics of heat stress were observed. The first effect was a decrease in photosynthetic yield (F_v / F_m) characterised by reductions in F and F_m′. The dramatic decline in F_v / F_m ratio, due to chronic inhibition of photosynthesis, indicates an intolerance of Halophila ovalis, Zostera capricorni and Syringodium isoetifolium to ecologically relevant exposures of thermal stress and structural alterations to the PhotoSystem II (PSII) reaction centres. The decline in F_m′ represents heat-induced photoinhibition related to closure of PSII reaction centres and chloroplast dysfunction. The key finding was that Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Halodule uninervis and Thalassia hemprichii were more tolerant to thermal stress than H. ovalis, Z. capricorni and S. isoetifolium. After 3 days of 4 h temperature treatments ranging from 25 to 40 °C, C. rotundata, C. serrulata and H. uninervis demonstrated a wide tolerance to temperature with no detrimental effect on F_v / F_m′ qN or qP responses. These three species are restricted to subtropical and tropical waters and their tolerance to seawater temperatures up to 40 °C is likely to be an adaptive response to high temperatures commonly occurring at low tides and peak solar irradiance. The results of temperature experiments suggest that the photosynthetic condition of all seagrass species tested are likely to suffer irreparable effects from short-term or episodic changes in seawater temperatures as high as 40–45 °C. Acute stress responses of seagrasses to elevated seawater temperatures are consistent with observed reductions in above-ground biomass during a recent El Niño event.     

Alkene rotation in [Ru(η-C5H5) (L2) (η-alkene][CF3SO3] with L2 = iPr- or pTol-diazabutadiene. X-ray crystal structure of [Ru(η-C5H5(pTol-DAB) (η-ethene][CF3SO3]

Reaction of RuCl(η⁵-C₅H₅(pTol-DAB) with AgOTf (OTf = CF₃SO₃) in CH₂Cl₂ or THF and subsequent addition of L′ (L′ = ethene (a), dimethyl fumarate (b), fumaronitrile (c) or CO (d) led to the ionic complexes [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(pTol-DAB)(L′)][OTf] 2a, 2b and 2d and [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(pTol-DAB)(fumarontrile-N)][OTf] 5c. With the use of resonance Raman spectroscopy, the intense absorption bands of the complexes have been assigned to MLCT transitions to the iPr-DAB ligand. The X-ray structure determination of [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(pTol-DAB)(η²-ethene)][CF₃SO₃] (2a) has been carried out. Crystal data for 2a: monoclinic, space group P2₁/n with A = 10.840(1), b = 16.639(1), C = 14.463(2) Å, β = 109.6(1)°, V = 2465.6(5) ų, Z = 4. Complex 2a has a piano stool structure, with the Cp ring η⁵-bonded, the pTol-DAB ligand σN, σN′ bonded (Ru-N distances 2.052(4) and 2.055(4) Å), and the ethene η²-bonded to the ruthenium center (Ru-C distances 2.217(9) and 2.206(8) Å). The C = C bond of the ethene is almost coplanar with the plane of the Cp ring, and the angle between the plane of the Cp ring and the double of the ethene is 1.8(0.2)°. The reaction of [RuCl(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh)₃ with AgOTf and ligands L′ = a and d led to [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)₂(L′)]OTf] (3a) and (3d), respectively. By variable temperature NMR spectroscopy the rottional barrier of ethene (a), dimethyl fumarate (b and fumaronitrile (c) in complexes [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(L₂)(η²-alkene][OTf] with L₂ = iPr-DAB (a, 1b, 1c), pTol-DAB (2a, 2b) and L = PPh₃ (3a) was determined. For 1a, 1b and 2b the barrier is 41.5±0.5, 62±1 and 59±1 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. The intermediate exchange could not be reached for 1c, and the ΔG^# was estimated to be at least 61 kJ mol⁻. For 2a and 3a the slow exchange could not be reached. The rotational barrier for 2a was estimated to be 40 kJ mol⁻. The rotational barier for methyl propiolate (HC≡CC(O)OCH₃) (k) in complex [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(iPr-DAB) η²-HC≡CC(O)OCH₃)][OTf] (1k) is 45.3±0.2 kJ mol⁻¹. The collected data show that the barrier of rotational of the alkene in complexes 1a, 2a, 1b, 2b and 1c does not correlate with the strength of the metal-alkene interaction in the ground state.     

Determination of the maximum and minimum lethal temperatures (LT50) for Loxosceles intermedia Mello-Leitão, 1934 and L. laeta (Nicolet, 1849) (Araneae, Sicariidae)

In this study, the maximum and minimum lethal temperatures (LT₅₀) of L. intermedia and L. laeta were determined in two treatments: gradual heating (25–50°C) and cooling (25°C to −5°C), and 1 h at a constant temperature. In gradual temperatures change, L. intermedia mortality started at 40°C and the LT₅₀ was 42°C; for L. laeta, mortality began at 35°C and the LT₅₀ was 40°C. At low temperatures, mortality was registered only at −5°C for both species. In the constant temperature L. intermedia showed a maximum LT₅₀ at 35°C and L. laeta at 32°C; the minimum LT for both species was −7°C.