A columnar-supporting mode of astroglial architecture in the cerebral cortex of adult primates?

Neuronal modular (columnar) organisation of the cerebral cortex may represent an evolutionary acquisition that could optimize communication and information processing with the least volume compromise in terms of wiring. Yet, for such columns to be functionally operative adequate isolation from neighbouring units would be required, otherwise their spatial definition could be compromised. Evidence for "cable-like" processes stemming from astroglial cells has been recently presented although their existence has been forgotten for more than a century. These processes tend to form a sort of "palisade" or "brush" whose spatial distribution appears to correlate with the distribution of apical dendrites within the supragranular cortical layers. Patterned neuronal organization in the striate cortex is associated with a patterned distribution of GFAP-IR processes, both at the cellular and cell-aggregate levels. It can be tentatively proposed that evolutionary pressures resulted, in primates, in the progressive appearance of an increased length of astroglial processes in the supragranular region which may be associated with optimization of cerebral cortex modular (columnar) organization. It is interesting that this cortical region has undergone the larger growth among mammalian species during evolution, and would bear a crucial role in corticocortical interactions.

Efeito do valor de pH do meio na estabilidade da peroxidase e de carotenos de cenoura (Daucus carota L.). / Effect of pH on stability of peroxidase and of carotenes in carrot (Daucus carota L.)

Estudou-se a influencia do valor de pH do meio na atividade enzimatica da peroxidase e na estabilidade de beta-caroteno de cenoura fresca. Os valores de pH estudados foram de 4,0; 5,0; 6,0; 6,2; 6,4; 6,6; 6,8; 7,0 e 8,0.A atividade enzimatica maxima foi verificada na faixa de pH compreendida entre 6,0 e 6,4.O teor de beta-caroteno manteve-se inalterado para todos os valores de pH ensaiados

[Use of chemical disinfectants in alcoholic fermentation of must of sugar cane molasses]. / Emprego de desinfetante químico em fermentação alcoólica de mosto de malaço de cana.

The use of hexaclorophene as desinfectant for alcoholic fermentation was studied. Its effect upon alcoholic yield and acidity levels of "beers" and "spirit" was observed. The optimal concentration of hexaclorophene in fermentation broth was found to be 4%.

[Influence of proles vegetable enzymes on meat]. / Influência da ação de enzimas vegetais proteolíticas sobre a carne

Studies on the enzymatic digestion of food proteins are being carried out "in vitro" in order to prepare protein hydrolysates to be added to specific diet. The digested product is lyophilized to preserve its solubility characteristics.

[Acid hydrolysis of mandioca]. / Hidrólise acida da mandioca

The influence of time of hydrolysis, pression of the process, ratio of mass of flour and volume and concentration of the acid solution was studied in the hydrolytic processes for Cassava flour. The aim was to obtain fermentable sugars, and the results were submitted to variance analysis.