Cyclotides are a family of small and macrocyclic proteins that have been found in Violacaee and Rubiaceae plant species. These proteins contain a cystine knot: two disulfides bonds together with their connecting peptide backbone form an embedded ring which is penetrated by a third disulfide bond. The cyclotides have been attributed a wide range of biological activities, which in combination with their chemical stability and structural plasticity have made them attractive tools for pharmaceutical applications. The sequence of eleven novel cyclotides, vibi A-K, from Viola biflora was determined by the use of both chemical (extraction and characterization) and molecular biology (cDNA analyses) approaches. A clear discrepancy in the results from the two methods was observed. Additionally, one novel cyclotide, vodo O, was isolated from Viola odorata. To correlate cytotoxic potency to sequence, vodo O and vibi D, E, G and H were tested on a lymphoma cell line. Based on the presence or absence of a cis-Pro bond, the cyclotides are divided into the Möbius and bracelet subfamilies. The bracelet proteins have a higher net charge and are more cytotoxic potent than the Möbius ones. To explore these differences, charged and hydrophobic residues in varv A (Möbius) and cycloviolacin O2 (bracelet) were chemically modified and tested for their cytotoxicity. The net-charge of the two proteins was not important for the potency. The Glu residue in cycloviolacin O2 was crucial, while this residue was of minor importance in varv A. Oxidation of the single Trp residue declined the potency significantly in both proteins. To evaluate how the surface properties correlate to the degree of cytotoxic potency, models of all cyclotides hitherto tested were constructed by homology modelling. Calculations showed that the membrane orientation of varv A and cycloviolacin O2 differed significantly, which might explain their difference in potency

The purpose of this qualitative study was to give voice to the experiences of African American female pastors of African American churches and their perceptions of gender and equity as it pertains to their role in the pastorate. This phenomenological study identified the lived experiences of each participant through her personal narrative, which reflects her path from birth to present. Participants’ experiences as a senior pastor provided a personal historical path of the journey of female pastors for a span of four decades. This dissertation shares the challenges, barriers, and support to female pastors. This study examined personal characteristics, acts of leadership, and acts of negotiating the system within the African American church. The participants’ ages ranged from 40-70+. The findings of this study indicated that there has been a slow change in the acceptance of female pastors. Female pastors have been a part of our culture since biblical times, but resistance is still present.

在迴歸分析中，若變數間具有非線性的關係時，B-Spline線性迴歸是以無母數的方式建立模型。B-Spline函數為具有節點(knots)的分段多項式，選取合適節點的位置對B-Spline的估計有重要的影響，在近年來許多的文獻中已提出一些尋找節點位置的估計方法，而本文中我們提出了一種基於Bayesian information criterion(BIC)的節點估計方式。 我們想要深入了解在不同類型的迴歸函數間，各種選取節點方法的配適效果與模擬時間，並且加以比較，在使用B-Spline函數估計時，能夠使用合適的方法尋找節點。 / In regression analysis, when the relation between the response variable and the explanatory variable is nonlinear, one can use nonparametric methods to estimate the regression function. B-Spline regression is one of the popular nonparametric regression methods. B-Splines are piecewise polynomial joint at knots, and the choice of knot locations is crucial. Zhou and Shen (2001) proposed to use spatially adaptive regression splines (SARS), where the knots are estimated using a selection scheme. Dimatteo, Genovese, and Kass (2001) proposed to use Bayesian adaptive regression splines (BARS), where certain priors for knot locations are considered. In this thesis, a knot estimation method based on the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) is proposed, and simulation studies are carried out to compare BARS, SARS and the proposed BIC-based method.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1919. / Title from added collective thesis title page. Part 1 reprinted from Phytopathology, vol. 4, no. 4 (Aug. 1914), p. [323]-326, plate XXI ; Part 2 reprinted from Phytopathology, vol. IX, no. 2 (Feb. 1919), p. [93]-103, plate IX ; Part 3: Bulletin / United States Department of Agriculture, no. 818 (5 Jan. 1920) (see OCLC #16627505), 14 p., V p. of plates ; Part 4: Bulletin / United States Department of Agriculture, no. 842 (7 Sept. 1920) (see OCLC #16627722), 40 p., VI p. of plates. Includes bibliographical references.

Η τοπολογική ταξινόμηση και μελέτη διανυσματικών πεδίων αποτελεί το κύριο θέμα αυτής της διατριβής. Στο Κεφάλαιο 1 δίνονται οι απαραίτητοι ορισμοί, καθώς και τα αποτελέσματα επί της ταξινόμησης διανυσματικών πεδίων σε μονοδιάστατες και δισδιάτατες πολλαπλότητες. Στο Κεφάλαιο 2 τεχνικές της Θεωρίας Κόμβων χρησιμοποιούνται προκειμένου να μελετηθεί η τοπολογική δομή ορισμένων παράξενων ελκυστών που εμφανίζονται στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία. Στο Κεφάλαιο 3 αναπτύσσεται μία μέθοδος η οποία επιτρέπει την ολική τοπολογική ταξινόμηση διανυσματικών πεδίων σε ευκλείδειους χώρους οποιασδήποτε διάστασης. Η μέθοδος αυτή έπειτα εφαρμόζεται στην ταξινόμηση διανυσματικών πεδίων του R^2 και του R^3. Στο Κεφάλαιο 4 μελετάται ένα διανυσματικό πεδίο του R^3 αμετάβλητο από την D_2 ομάδα. Δίνεται η ολική του μελέτη, για διάφορες τιμές των παραμέτρων, και το μερικό του διάγραμμα διακλάδωσης. Αποδεικνύεται η ύπαρξη χάους και συνδέεται με τις συμμετρικές ιδιότητες του συστήματος, ενώ η μελέτη ολοκληρώνεται με τη συμπεριφορά του συστήματος στο άπειρο. / The topological classification and study of vector fields is the subject of this thesis. In Chapter 1 the necessary definitions are given, along with the known results on the classification of vector fields on 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional manifolds. In Chapter 2 methods of Knot Theory are used for the clarification of the topological study of some strange attractors found in the bibliography. In Chapter 3 a technique is developed, which can be used to classify globally vector fields defined on Euclidean spaces of any dimension. This technique is then used to classify some vector fields of R^2 and R^3. In the final Chapter 4 a vector field of R^3 is studied which is invariant under the D_2 symmetry group. We present its global phase portrait, for various parameter values, and its partial bifurcation diagram. The existence of chaos is proven and its connection to the symmetry properties of the attractor is discussed. We end its study presenting its behavior at infinity.

Les nématodes à galles (Meloidogyne spp.) sont des pathogènes cosmopolites extrêmement polyphages. L’emploi de la majorité des nématicides chimiques étant désormais interdit, la meilleure alternative repose sur l’utilisation de gènes majeurs de résistance (gènes R). Cependant, il existe un risque de contournement de ceux-ci et les ressources génétiques en termes de gènes R sont limitées. Une gestion qui permette de pérenniser l’utilisation de ces ressources d’intérêt agronomique est donc primordiale. Me1 et Me3 sont deux gènes R à large spectre du piment actuellement utilisés dans les programmes de sélection. La confrontation vis-à-vis de M. incognita de différents génotypes possédant l’un de ces deux gènes a montré que (1) le fond génétique de la plante joue un rôle clé sur l’efficacité de ces gènes R, (2) il n’existe pas d’effet du dosage d’allèles pour ces gènes R. Suite à ces résultats, une recherche de loci à caractère quantitatif (QTLs) a été réalisée afin d’identifier et de localiser des facteurs de résistance partielle susceptibles d’expliquer les différences observées entre les différents fonds génétiques. L’étude de tels facteurs vis-à-vis de M. incognita, M. arenaria et M. javanica, les trois principales espèces de nématodes à galles, a mis en évidence quatre nouveaux QTLs. Tous sont regroupés sur le chromosome P1 du piment, sauf un efficace vis-à-vis de M. javanica situé sur le chromosome P9. C’est la première fois que des facteurs de résistance aux nématodes à galles sont localisés sur le chromosome P1. Ce travail ouvre de nouvelles perspectives quant à la création de nouvelles variétés avec un potentiel accru en termes de résistance aux Meloidogyne. / Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., are extremely polyphagous plant parasites worldwide. Since the use of most chemical nematicides is being prohibited, genetic resistance is an efficient alternative way to protect crops against these pests. However, nematode populations proved able to breakdown plant resistance, and genetic resources in terms of resistance genes (R-genes) are limited. Sustainable management of these valuable resources is thus a key point of R-gene durability. In pepper, Me1 and Me3 are two dominant major R-genes, currently used in breeding programs to control M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica, the three main RKN species. Challenging these two genes in different genetic backgrounds against M. incognita demonstrated that (1) the efficiency of the R-genes in reducing the reproductive potential of RKNs is strongly affected by the plant genetic background, (2) the allelic status of the R-genes has no effect on nematode reproduction. According to these first results, a QTL analysis was performed to identify and to localize partial resistance factors against RKNs which could explain the differences observed between the genetic backgrounds. Focusing on M. incognita, M. arenaria and M. javanica, four new major QTLs were localized. They are all regrouped on pepper chromosome P1 except one QTL efficient against M. javanica, which was located on pepper chromosome P9. The cluster on chromosome P1, regrouping most of the newly discovered resistance factors, is described for the first time with respect to RKN resistance. As a conclusion, this work should contribute to the breeding of new pepper varieties with a high level of resistance against RKNs.

Cette thèse présente la construction de courbes tropicales réelles dans R^3 dont la projectivisation, qui est un entrelacs projectif dans IRP^3, est constituée de 2 composantes, I'une étant isotope à un noeud donné au départ. Dans le cas de certains noeuds toriques, il est possible de modifier cette construction pour que I'entrelacs projectif correspondant ait une seule composante isotope au noeud torique considéré. Pour chacune de ces courbes tropicales réelles, nous faisons appel au théorème récent de G. Mikhalkin, qui affirme l'existence d'une algébrique réelle non singulière dans IRP^3, de même genre et degré que la courbe tropicale réelle considérée, et qui est isotope à l'entrelacs projectif correspondant. / In this thesis, we construct real tropical curves in R^3 whose projectivization - which is a projective link in RP^3 - has 2connected components, one of them being isotopic to a given knot. For some torus knots, it is possible to modify thetropical construction such that the corresponding projective link is a knot (with a single component) isotopic to the giventorus knot. For each of these real tropical curve, we use a recent result of G. Mikhalkin, asserting the existence of a realnon singular algebraic curve in RP^3, of the same genus and degree as the real tropical curve, and isotopic to thecorresponding projective link.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-12-12Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:04:54Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 almeida_ej_dr_jabo.pdf: 2925633 bytes, checksum: 1794e969fffc6c2ce4cdd74354b559fc (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Este trabalho teve os objetivos de estudar comparativamente os caracteres morfológicos e morfométricos úteis para distinção entre Meloidogyne mayaguensis e M. incognita; quantificar os danos causados à goiabeira ‘Paluma’, em formação, por M. mayaguensis em níveis crescentes de inóculo; caracterizar o desbalanço nutricional e a fenologia da goiabeira ‘Paluma’ face à infecção pelo nematóide; avaliar a hospedabilidade de outras frutíferas e plantas invasoras a esse patógeno; estudar a flutuação populacional do nematóide em pomar de goiabeira ‘Paluma’; prospectar materiais resistentes a M. mayaguensis dentre diversos acessos de Psidium guajava e Psidium spp. e avaliar a compatibilidade desses materiais como porta-enxerto para goiabeira ‘Paluma’. Os dados indicam que a morfologia do padrão perineal e da região labial dos machos são suficientes para a distinção segura entre M. mayaguensis e M. incognita. As medidas do diâmetro do tronco, comprimento das três pernadas, massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, retirada nas podas, área de folhas individuais, comprimento, largura, número por planta e massa dos frutos foram inversamente proporcionais aos níveis de inóculo de 0, 10, 100, 1.000 e 10.000 ovos e juvenis/planta. Os teores de N, P e K decresceram de folhas sem sintomas para folhas com o sintoma leve e severo, nas análises realizadas em fevereiro e agosto. / This work had the objectives of to study the morphologic characters and useful morfometric comparatively for distinction between Meloidogyne mayaguensis and M. incognita; to quantify the damages caused to the guava 'Paluma', in growing, for M. mayaguensis in growing levels of inocula; to characterize the nutritional imbalance and the fenology of the guava 'Paluma' face to the infection for the nematode; to evaluate the host suitability of other fruitful ones and its weeds to that pathogen; to study the population fluctuation of the plant parasitic nematode in guava orchard 'Pedro Sato'; resistant material prospect to M. mayaguensis between several accesses of Psidium guajava and Psidium spp. and to evaluate the compatibility of those materials as rootstock for guava 'Paluma'. The data indicate that the morphology of the perineal pattern and of the labial area of the males they are enough for the distinction it holds between M. mayaguensis and M. incognita. The measures of the diameter of the log, length of the three blanches, fresh and dry mass of the blanches, retreat in the pruning, area of individual leaves, length, width, number for plant and mass of the fruits was inversely proportional at the levels of inocula of 0; 10; 100; 1,000 and 10,000 eggs and juveniles/plant. The tenors of N, P and K decreased of leaves without symptoms for leaves with the light and severe symptom, in the analyses accomplished in February and August. The Ca had your concentration increased with the worsening of the symptoms, in February and August and Mg only in August. Sulfur had a larger concentration in leaves without symptoms, in February. In August, the leaves with severe symptoms presented larger concentrations of S.

Submitted by Valquíria Barbieri (kikibarbi@hotmail.com) on 2018-03-19T20:47:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS_2014_Dilania Lopes de Matos.pdf: 684417 bytes, checksum: 4a602d4c8c97f6b4eabd1bfe8db64e3e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jordan (jordanbiblio@gmail.com) on 2018-04-10T18:14:50Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS_2014_Dilania Lopes de Matos.pdf: 684417 bytes, checksum: 4a602d4c8c97f6b4eabd1bfe8db64e3e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-10T18:14:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS_2014_Dilania Lopes de Matos.pdf: 684417 bytes, checksum: 4a602d4c8c97f6b4eabd1bfe8db64e3e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-21 / CAPES / Nematoides do gênero Meloidogyne, constituem-se em importante grupo de fitoparasitas causadores de danos em culturas de grande importância econômica. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a reação de genótipos de arroz de altas a M. javanica, realizado em condições de casa de vegetação. Foram utilizados genótipos de arroz de terras altas, oriundos do programa de melhoramento genético da Embrapa Arroz e Feijão. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com 37 tratamentos, sendo 36 genótipos de arroz e uma cultivar de soja (BRSMG 760RR) utilizada como testemunha suscetível, em quatro repetições cada. A população de nematoide das galhas foi mantida em plantas de tomateiro. As plantas de arroz foram inoculadas com 1000 ovos + juvenil segundo estádio (J2), 30 dias após semeadura. Aos 60 dias após inoculação, foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: Massa Fresca da Raiz (MFR), massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, número de massa de ovos, número de ovos + J2 por sistema radicular, para determinação do índice de massa de ovos (IMO) e fator de reprodução (FR). Foi verificado os coeficientes de correlação linear entre as variáveis IMO x FR, IMO x MFR e MFR x Pf. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que 72% dos genótipos de arroz destacaram-se positivamente, com comportamento de resistência a M. javanica. Verificou-se que nem sempre uma maior população de nematoides no sistema radicular, indica menor massa de raiz e área foliar. Além disso, a avaliação somente do índice de massa de ovos não é suficiente para determinação de resistência ou suscetibilidade a M. javanica de genótipos de arroz, sendo necessário avaliar o fator reprodução. Todas as correlações foram significativas e positivas, indicando que o comportamento dos parâmetros avaliados foi sempre no mesmo sentido. / Nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne, constitute an important group of plant parasites that cause damage to crops of economic importance. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of upland rice genotypes to M. javanica, conducted in a greenhouse. Were used genotypic materials upland rice, originating from the breeding program of Embrapa Arroz e Feijão. The experimental design was completely randomized with 37 treatments and 36 genotypes of rice and cultivar soybean (BRSMG 760RR) as susceptible, and four replications each. The root-knot nematode populations were maintained on tomato plants, tobacco and soybeans. The rice plants were inoculated with 1000 eggs + second-stage juvenile (J2), 30 days after sowing. After 60 days inoculation the following variables were evaluated: fresh root mass (MFR), fresh and dry weight of shoots, number of egg mass, number of eggs + J2 per root system, for determining mass index eggs (IMO) and reproduction factor (FR), obtained by dividing the final population (Pf) and initial (Pi) of the nematode (FR = Pf / Pi). Was found the coefficient of linear correlation between the variables IMO x FR, IMO x MFR e MFR x Pf. The results indicated that 72% of the xiii genotypes of rice stood out positively with resistance the M. javanica, it was found that a larger population of nematodes in root, does not indicate lower root mass and leaf area. Furthermore, only mass index egg is not sufficient to determine the resistance or susceptibility of rice genotypes the M. javanica, being necessary to evaluate the reproduction factor. All correlations were significant and positive, indicating that the behavior of the evaluated parameters was always in the same direction.

Submitted by Vasti Diniz (vastijpa@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-06T13:22:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1661491 bytes, checksum: 603ad8044463f6291792eef191227188 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-06T13:22:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1661491 bytes, checksum: 603ad8044463f6291792eef191227188 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-04-10 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The lectins are proteins capable of recognize and bond reversibly to carbohydrates without modifying them by a non-catalytic domain. In vegetables, they are synthetized as resistance factors against phytopathogens, and since they recognize structures present in the parasites, for their structural, catalytic and carbohydrate-specific characteristics give information on the action mechanisms against different parasitic species. Our study feature its catalytic activity of the lectin extracted from Abelmoschus esculentus (AEL) and evaluated their effects on phytophagous and phytopathogens for its application as a potential as crop protection and. We performed peptide analysis from AEL using mass spectrometry to determine conservative domains inherent to its molecular properties and protease activity inhibition toxicity, essays toxicity on the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and root knot nematodes Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita on their different development stages through topical application, fungistatic activity on phytopathogenic fungi. AEL presents in its composition regions that are homologous to kunitz-type protease inhibitors, with the identification of conserved peptides for this class of proteins and protease inhibition activity (92%), which reveal its catalytic function and direct their action mechanisms on the different phytopathogens. It´s displayed insecticide effect on 3rd instar larvae and pupae, nematicide effect for the root knot nematodes acting mainly in larve hatched but did not presented fungistatic activity. / Lectina é um grupo de proteínas capaz de reconhecer e se ligar a carboidratos de forma reversível sem modifica-los por domínio não catalítico. Em vegetais, são sintetizadas como fator de resistência contra fitopatógenos por reconhecer estruturas presentes nestes parasitas e e suas características estruturais, catalíticas e carboidrato-específicos fornecem informações sobre seus mecanismos de ações em diferentes espécies de parasitas. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a atividade catalítica da lectina extraída de sementes de Abelmoschus esculentus (AEL) e avaliar seus efeitos sobre organismos fitófagos e fitopatógenos para sua utilização como um possível defensivo agrícola. Foram realizadas análises dos peptídeos da AEL por espectrometria de massas para detecção de domínios conservados inerentes a sua propriedade molecular e realização de atividade de inibição de proteases e ensaios de toxicidade em mosca de fruta Ceratitis capitata e nematoides de galha Meloydogine javanica e Meloydogine incógnita, nos seus diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento através de aplicação tópica e avaliação de sua atividade fungiostática sobre fungos fitopatogênicos, AEL apresentou em sua composição regiões homólogas à inibidores de protease do tipo kunitz, com identificação de 03 peptídeos conservados nesta classe de proteínas e atividade de inibição de protease (92%), os quais revelam sua função catalítica e direcionam seus mecanismos de ações nos diferentes parasitas. Apresentou efeito inseticida sobre larvas 3º instar e pupa, apresentou efeito nematicida sobre os nematoides de galhas, atuando principalmente sobre a eclosão das larvas, mas não apresentou atividade fungiostática.