The Brazilian Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE) publications printed on 2011 and indexed by Web of Sciences

(www.isiwebofknowledge.com) are listed below in chronological order. Criteria for articles selection Fill (CTBE OR Bioethanol OR Bioetanol) AND Brazil in the Address Search form. Total of CTBE Journal Articles 36.

36. Evolution of cellulose crystals during prehydrolysis and soda delignification of sugarcane lignocellulose Author(s): Driemeier, C; Pimenta, MTB; Rocha, GJM; Oliveira, MM; Mello, DB; Maziero, P; Goncalves, AR | E-mail: carlos.driemeier@bioetanol.org.br Source: CELLULOSE Volume: 18 Issue: 6 Pages: 1509-1519 | DOI: 10.1007/s10570-011-9592-1 | Published: DEC 2011 Abstract: This work investigates the evolution of cellulose crystals from sugarcane lignocellulose (bagasse and leaves) submitted to prehydrolysis (hydrothermal, dilute acid, or steam explosion) and soda delignifications. Raw and treated materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction with modeling of area-detector patterns. Three treatment effects are correlated: increase in cellulose content, quantified by strong acid hydrolysis; increase in average cellulose crystallite width, inferred from sharper 200 diffraction peaks; and decrease in crystallite distortion, evidenced by d(200)-spacing approaching reference values. Crystal contents measured according to recent developments (in Driemeier and Calligaris, J Appl Cryst 44: 184-192, 2011) are compared to cellulose contents. Limitations for this comparison are discussed. Results are consistent with minimum non-crystalline cellulose in raw lignocellulose, and with partial cellulose decrystallization or more defective crystallites in treated materials. Full Text: www.springerlink.com/content/y31pj045884h312n/ Addresses: [Driemeier, Carlos; Pimenta, Maria T. B.; Rocha, George J. M.; Oliveira, Marcelo M.; Mello, Danilo B.] Bioetanol, CTBE, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Rocha, George J. M.; Maziero, Priscila; Goncalves, Adilson R.] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biotecnol, Escola Engn Lorena, BR-12602810 Sao Paulo, Brazil

35. High soil penetration resistance reduces sugarcane root system development Author(s): Otto, R; Silva, AP; Franco, HCJ; Oliveira, ECA; Trivelin, PCO | E-mail: henrique.franco@bioetanol.org.br Source: SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH Volume: 117 Pages: 201-210 | DOI: 10.1016/j.still.2011.10.005 | Published: DEC 2011

Abstract: Although mechanized harvesting of sugarcane can benefit the soil-environment system, successive harvests can compromise the physical soil quality. Information on the growth and distribution of the sugarcane root system and its relationship with physical soil properties are scarce in the literature. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships between the spatial distribution of physical soil properties and sugarcane root density in a mechanically harvested area. The study was carried out in Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil in a Typic Kandiudox and with the SP81 3250 cultivar. Sugarcane plots were established in April 2005, and samples were taken from four trenches in July 2008 after three successive harvests. In each trench, 15 undisturbed soil samples were collected to evaluate bulk density (Ds), penetration resistance (Pr), total porosity (Tp) and moisture at field capacity (theta(fc)), and 15 monoliths were collected to evaluate the root density (Rd), root length (RI), root area (Ra) and root moisture (Rm) at different depths and plant locations. Soil moisture was balanced to the field capacity before Pr determination. The hypothesis that the sugarcane root system varied vertically and horizontally relative to the central axis of the plant and in relation to physical soil parameters was validated. Soil physical parameters varied significantly in the vertical direction, but sugarcane root system varied both vertically and horizontally. Ds values were 1.57, 1.55 and 1.39 g cm(-3) for layers between 0 and 0.2 m, 0.2 and 0.4 m and 0.4 and 0.6 m, respectively. For the same layers, the Pr was 1.42, 1.20 and 0.87 MPa. The largest Pr value (1.93 MPa) was obtained near the surface in the space between rows. As Ds increased, Tp decreased and Pr increased. A consistent relationship was observed between Ds and Pr in all layers, and restrictions on root growth (Pr > 2.0 MPa) may occur when Ds >= 1.78 g cm(-3). The multivariate boundary line approach, in combination with nonlinear multiple regression analysis, successfully quantified the effects of Pr on Rd, RI and Ra. Sugarcane root growth was not affected below Pr values of 0.75 MPa, but decreased significantly between 0.75 and 2.0 MPa. Root growth was severely restricted when Pr > 2.0 MPa. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942211003864 Addresses: [Otto, R.; Silva, A. P.; Oliveira, E. C. A.] ESALQ USP, Dept Ciencia Solo, BR-13418900 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Franco, H. C. J.] CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Trivelin, P. C. O.] CENA USP, BR-13400970 Sao Paulo, Brazil

34. Cell wall polysaccharides from fern leaves: Evidence for a mannan-rich Type III cell wall in Adiantum raddianum Author(s): Silva, GB; Ionashiro, M; Carrara, TB; Crivellari, AC; Tine, MAS; Prado, J; Carpita, NC; Buckeridge, MS | E-mail: marcos.buckeridge@bioetanol.org.br Source: PHYTOCHEMISTRY Volume: 72 Issue: 18 Pages: 2352-2360 | DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.08.020 | Published: DEC 2011 Abstract: Primary cell walls from plants are composites of cellulose tethered by cross-linking glycans and embedded in a matrix of pectins. Cell wall composition varies between plant species, reflecting in some instances the evolutionary distance between them. In this work the monosaccharide compositions of isolated primary cell walls of nine fern species and one lycophyte were characterized and compared with those from Equisetum and an angiosperm dicot. The relatively high abundance of mannose in these plants suggests that mannans may constitute the major cross-linking glycan in the primary walls of pteridophytes and lycophytes. Pectin-related polysaccharides contained mostly rhamnose and uronic acids, indicating the presence of rhamnogalacturonan I highly substituted with galactose and arabinose. Structural and fine-structural analyses of the hemicellulose fraction of leaves of Adiantum raddianum confirmed this hypothesis. Linkage analysis showed that the mannan contains mostly 4-Man with very little 4,6-Man, indicating a low percentage of branching with galactose. Treatment of the mannan-rich fractions with endo-p-mannanase produced characteristic mannan oligosaccharides. Minor amounts of xyloglucan and xylans were also detected. These data and those of others suggest that all vascular plants contain xyloglucans, arabinoxylans, and (gluco)mannans, but

in different proportions that define cell wall types. Whereas xyloglucan and pectin-rich walls define Type I walls of dicots and many monocots, arabinoxylans and lower proportion of pectin define the Type II walls of commelinoid monocots. The mannan-rich primary walls with low pectins of many ferns and a lycopod indicate a fundamentally different wall type among land plants, the Type III wall. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942211003864 Addresses: [Silva, Giovanna B.; Ionashiro, Mari; Carrara, Thalita B.; Crivellari, Augusto C.; Buckeridge, Marcos S.] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Fisiol Ecol Plantas LAFIECO, Dept Bot, Inst Biociencias, BR-05422970 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Tine, Marco A. S.; Buckeridge, Marcos S.] Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab CTBE, BR13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Prado, Jefferson] Inst Bot Sao Paulo, Secao Curadoria Herbario, BR-04045972 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Carpita, Nicholas C.] Purdue Univ, Dept Bot & Plant Pathol, W Lafayette, IN 47907 USA

33. Characterization of sugarcane bagasse powders Author(s): Driemeier, C; Oliveira, MM; Mendes, FM; Gomez, carlos.driemeier@bioetanol.org.br Source: POWDER TECHNOLOGY Volume: 214 Issue: 1 Pages: 10.1016/j.powtec.2011.07.043 | Published: NOV 25 2011 EO | E-mail: | DOI:

111-116

Abstract: Sugarcane bagasse is a promising renewable lignocellulosic feedstock. Hence, proper characterization of bagasse powders is important for the development of novel technologies based on this resource. In this work, bagasse powders are prepared by sieve fractionation followed by cutting milling and rotor milling (which acts by impact, shear, and friction). The generated powders are characterized by techniques commonly applied to other particulate systems, namely scanning electron microscopy, light scattering particle sizing, and nitrogen adsorption. Particle size distribution, envelope density, specific surface areas, and effective cell wall thickness are determined. Results obtained from different techniques are compared. Finally, the applicability of the analytical techniques to sugarcane bagasse powders is discussed. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032591011003949 Addresses: [Driemeier, C; Oliveira, MM; Mendes, FM; Gomez, EO] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Sao Paulo, Brazil

32. Delignification of sugarcane bagasse using glycerol-water mixtures to produce pulps for saccharification Author(s): Novo, LP; Gurgel, LVA; Marabezi, K; Curvelo, AAD | E-mail: aprigio@iqsc.usp.br Source: BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY Volume: 102 Issue: 21 Pages: 10040-10046 | DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.08.050 | Published: NOV 2011 Abstract: This paper describes the organosolv delignification of depithed bagasse using glycerolwater mixtures without a catalyst. The experiments were performed using two separate experimental designs. In the first experiment, two temperatures (150 and 190 degrees C), two time periods (60 and 240 min) and two glycerol contents (20% and 80%, v/v) were used. In the second experiment, which was a central composite design, the glycerol content was maintained at 80%, and a range of temperatures (141.7-198.3 degrees C) and time (23277 min) was used. The best result, obtained with a glycerol content of 80%, a reaction time of 150 min and a temperature of 198.3 degrees C, produced pulps with 54.4% pulp yield, 7.75% residual lignin, 81.4% delignification and 13.7% polyose content. The results showed that high contents of glycerol tend to produce pulps with higher delignification and

higher polyoses content in relation to the pulps obtained from low glycerol content reactions. In addition, the proposed method shows potential as a pretreatment for cellulose saccharification. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852411011564 Addresses: [Novo, LP; Gurgel, LVA; Marabezi, K; Curvelo, AAD] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim Sao Carlos, Dept Quim Fis, Grp Fis Quim Organ, BR-13560970 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Curvelo, AAD] Ctr Pesquisa Energia & Mat CNPEM, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

31. Transcriptome analysis of Aspergillus niger grown on sugarcane bagasse Author(s): de Souza, WR; de Gouvea, PF; Savoldi, M; Malavazi, I; Bernardes, LAD; Goldman, MHS de Vries, RP Oliveira, JVD; Goldman, GH | E-mail: gustavo.goldman@bioetanol.org.br Source: BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS Volume: 4 Article Number: 40 | DOI: 10.1186/17546834-4-40 | Published: OCT 18 2011 Abstract: Background: Considering that the costs of cellulases and hemicellulases contribute substantially to the price of bioethanol, new studies aimed at understanding and improving cellulase efficiency and productivity are of Paramount importance. Aspergillus niger has been shown to produce a wide spectrum of polysaccharide hydrolytic enzymes. To understand how to improve enzymatic cocktails that can hydrolyze pretreated sugarcane bagasse, we used a genomics approach to investigate which genes and pathways are transcriptionally modulated during growth of A. niger on steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse (SEB). Results: Herein we report the main cellulase-and hemicellulase-encoding genes with increased expression during growth on SEB. We also sought to determine whether the mRNA accumulation of several SEB-induced genes encoding putative transporters is induced by xylose and dependent on glucose. We identified 18 (58% of A. niger predicted cellulases) and 21 (58% of A. niger predicted hemicellulases) cellulase-and hemicellulaseencoding genes, respectively, that were highly expressed during growth on SEB. Conclusions: Degradation of sugarcane bagasse requires production of many different enzymes which are regulated by the type and complexity of the available substrate. Our presently reported work opens new possibilities for um derstanding sugarcane biomass saccharification by A. niger hydrolases and for the construction of more efficient enzymatic cocktails for secondgeneration bioethanol. Full Text: www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/4/1/40 Addresses: [de Souza, Wagner R.; de Gouvea, Paula F.; Savoldi, Marcela; Goldman, Gustavo H.] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Malavazi, Iran] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, CCBS, Dept Genet & Evolucao, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil [de Souza Bernardes, Luciano A.] Univ Estadual Santa Cruz, Dept Ciencias Exatas & Tecnol, BR45662000 Iiheus, BA, Brazil [Goldman, Maria Helena S.] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, BR14040901 Sao Paulo, Brazil [de Vries, Ronald P.] CBS KNAW Fungal Biodivers Ctr, NL-3584 CT Utrecht, Netherlands [de Castro Oliveira, Juliana V.; Goldman, Gustavo H.] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas,

30. An experimental and theoretical investigation into positron and electron scattering from formaldehyde Author(s): Zecca, A; Trainotti, E; Chiari, L; Garcia, G; Blanco, F; Bettega, MHF; Varella, MTD; Lima, MAP; Brunger, MJ | E-mail: maplima@bioetanol.org.br

Source: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS B-ATOMIC MOLECULAR AND OPTICAL PHYSICS Volume: 44 Issue: 19 Article Number: 195202 | DOI: 10.1088/0953-4075/44/19/195202 | Published: OCT 14 2011 Abstract: We report on measurements of total cross sections (TCSs) for positron scattering from the fundamental organic molecule formaldehyde (CH(2)O). The energy range of these measurements was 0.26-50.3 eV, whereas the energy resolution was similar to 260 meV. To assist us in interpreting these data, Schwinger multichannel level calculations for positron elastic scattering from CH(2)O were also undertaken (0.5-50 eV). These calculations, incorporating an accurate model for the target polarization, are found to be in good qualitative agreement with our measured data. In addition, in order to compare the behaviour of positron and electron scattering from this species, independent atom model-screened additivity rule theoretical electron TCSs, now for energies in the range 1-10 000 eV, are also reported. Full Text: http://iopscience.iop.org/0953-4075/44/19/195202/ Addresses: [Zecca, A; Trainotti, E; Chiari, L] Univ Trent, Dept Phys, I-38123 Povo, Trento, Italy [Chiari, L; Brunger, MJ] Flinders Univ S Australia, Sch Chem & Phys Sci, ARC Ctr Antimatter Matter Studies, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia [Garcia, G] CSIC, Inst Matemat & Fis Fundamental, E-28006 Madrid, Spain [Blanco, F] Univ Complutense, Fac Ciencias Fis, Dept Fis Atom Mol & Nucl, E-28040 Madrid, Spain [Bettega, MHF] Univ Fed Parana, Dept Fis, BR-81531990 Curitiba, Parana, Brazil [Varella, MTD] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis, BR-05315970 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Lima, MAP] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Fis Gleb Wataghin, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Lima, MAP] CNPEM, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Brunger, MJ] Univ Malaya, Inst Math Sci, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

29. Comparative Genomic Paracoccidioidomycosis

Analysis

of

Human

Fungal

Pathogens

Causing

Author(s): Desjardins, CA; Champion, MD; Holder, JW; Muszewska, A; Goldberg, J; Bailao, AM; Brigido, MM; Ferreira, MED; Garcia, AM; Grynberg, M; Gujja, S; Heiman, DI; Henn, MR; Kodira, CD; Leon-Narvaez, H; Longo, LVG; Ma, LJ; Malavazi, I; Matsuo, AL; Morais, FV; Pereira, M; RodriguezBrito, S; Sakthikumar, S; Salem-Izacc, SM; Sykes, SM; Teixeira, MM; Vallejo, MC; Walter, MEMT; Yandava, C; Young, S; Zeng, QD; Zucker, J; Felipe, MS; Goldman, GH; Haas, BJ; McEwen, JG; NinoVega, G; Puccia, R; San-Blas, G; Soares, CMD; Birren, BW; Cuomo, CA | E-mail: gustavo.goldman@bioetanol.org.br Source: PLOS GENETICS Volume: 7 Issue: 10 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002345 | Published: OCT 2011 Article Number: e1002345 | DOI:

Abstract: Paracoccidioides is a fungal pathogen and the cause of paracoccidioidomycosis, a healththreatening human systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America. Infection by Paracoccidioides, a dimorphic fungus in the order Onygenales, is coupled with a thermally regulated transition from a soildwelling filamentous form to a yeast-like pathogenic form. To better understand the genetic basis of growth and pathogenicity in Paracoccidioides, we sequenced the genomes of two strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb03 and Pb18) and one strain of Paracoccidioides lutzii (Pb01). These genomes range in size from 29.1 Mb to 32.9 Mb and encode 7,610 to 8,130 genes. To enable genetic studies, we mapped 94% of the P. brasiliensis Pb18 assembly onto five chromosomes. We characterized gene family content across Onygenales and related fungi, and within Paracoccidioides we found expansions of the fungal-specific kinase family FunK1. Additionally, the Onygenales have lost many genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and fewer genes involved in protein metabolism, resulting in a higher ratio of proteases to carbohydrate active enzymes in the Onygenales

than their relatives. To determine if gene content correlated with growth on different substrates, we screened the non-pathogenic onygenale Uncinocarpus reesii, which has orthologs for 91% of Paracoccidioides metabolic genes, for growth on 190 carbon sources. U. reesii showed growth on a limited range of carbohydrates, primarily basic plant sugars and cell wall components; this suggests that Onygenales, including dimorphic fungi, can degrade cellulosic plant material in the soil. In addition, U. reesii grew on gelatin and a wide range of dipeptides and amino acids, indicating a preference for proteinaceous growth substrates over carbohydrates, which may enable these fungi to also degrade animal biomass. These capabilities for degrading plant and animal substrates suggest a duality in lifestyle that could enable pathogenic species of Onygenales to transfer from soil to animal hosts. Full Text: http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.1002345 Addresses: [Desjardins, CA; Champion, MD; Holder, JW; Goldberg, J; Gujja, S; Heiman, DI; Henn, MR; Kodira, CD; Ma, LJ; Sakthikumar, S; Sykes, SM; Yandava, C; Young, S; Zeng, QD; Zucker, J; Haas, BJ; Birren, BW; Cuomo, CA] Broad Inst MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA [Champion, MD] MIT, Dept Biol, Cambridge, MA USA [Muszewska, A; Grynberg, M] Polish Acad Sci, Inst Biochem & Biophys, Warsaw, Poland [Bailao, AM; Pereira, M; Salem-Izacc, SM; Soares, CMD] Univ Fed Goias, Mol Biol Lab, Inst Ciencias Biol, Goiania, Go, Brazil [Brigido, MM; Grynberg, M; Felipe, MS] Univ Brasilia, Inst Ciencias Biol, Brasilia, DF, Brazil [Ferreira, MED; Malavazi, I; Goldman, GH] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, Brazil [Garcia, AM; McEwen, JG] Corp Invest Biol, Unidad Biol Celular & Mol, Medellin, Colombia [Leon-Narvaez, H; Rodriguez-Brito, S; Nino-Vega, G; San-Blas, G] Inst Venezolano Invest Cient, Ctr Microbiol & Biol Celular, Caracas, Venezuela [Longo, LVG; Matsuo, AL; Morais, FV; Vallejo, MC; Puccia, R] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, Escola Paulista Med, Sao Paulo, Brazil [Morais, FV] Univ Vale Paraiba, Inst Pesquisa & Desenvolvimento, Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil [Walter, MEMT] Univ Brasilia, Inst Ciencias Exatas, Brasilia, DF, Brazil [Goldman, GH] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, Sao Paulo, Brazil [McEwen, JG] Univ Antioquia, Fac Med, Medellin, Colombia

28. Farnesol-induced cell death in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans Author(s): Dinamarco, TM (Dinamarco, Taisa Magnani); Goldman, MHS (Goldman, Maria Helena S.); Goldman, GH (Goldman, Gustavo Henrique) Source: BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS Volume: 39 Pages: 1544-1548 | DOI: 10.1042/BST0391544 | Published: OCT 2011 Abstract: FOH (farnesol), a non-sterol isoprenoid produced by dephosphorylation of farnesyl pyrophosphate, has been shown to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. We have been using Aspergillus nidulans and FOH as a model system and cell death stimulus, respectively, aiming to understand by which means filamentous fungi are driven towards cell death. Here, we review some of our findings about FOH-induced cell death in A. nidulans. Addresses: [Dinamarco, TM; Goldman, GH] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil [Goldman, MHS] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil [Goldman, GH] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

27. Second generation ethanol in Brazil: Can it compete with electricity production?

Author(s): Dias, MOS; Cunha, MP; Jesus, CDF; Rocha, GJM; Pradella, JGC; Rossell, CEV; Maciel, R; Bonomi, A | E-mail: marina.dias@bioetanol.org.br Source: BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY Volume: 102 Issue: 19 Pages: 8964-8971 | DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.06.098 | Published: OCT 2011 Abstract: Much of the controversy surrounding second generation ethanol production arises from the assumed competition with first generation ethanol production: however, in Brazil, where bioethanol is produced from sugarcane, sugarcane bagasse and trash will be used as feedstock for second generation ethanol production. Thus, second generation ethanol production may be primarily in competition with electricity production from the lignocellulosic fraction of sugarcane. A preliminary technical and economic analysis of the integrated production of first and second generation ethanol from sugarcane in Brazil is presented and different technological scenarios are evaluated. The analysis showed the importance of the integrated use of sugarcane including the biomass represented by surplus bagasse and trash that can be taken from the field. Second generation ethanol may favorably compete with bioelectricity production when sugarcane trash is used and when low cost enzyme and improved technologies become commercially available. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852411009254 Addresses: [Dias, MOS; Cunha, MP; Jesus, CDF; Rocha, GJM; Pradella, JGC; Rossell, CEV; Maciel, R; Bonomi, A] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTRE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Dias, MOS; Maciel, R] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Chem Engn, BR-13083852 Campinas, SP, Brazil

26. Using Neural Networks to Solve Nonlinear Differential Equations in Atomic and Molecular Physics Author(s): Caetano, C; Reis, JL; Amorim, J; Lemes, MR; Dal Pino, A | E-mail: jayr.amorim@bioetanol.org.br Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY Volume: 111 Issue: 12 Pages: 2732-2740 | DOI: 10.1002/qua.22572 | Published: OCT 2011 Abstract: To represent the solution of a differential equation by an artificial neural network (ANN) was an idea introduced by Lagaris. Sugawara applied this concept to solve Schrodinger's equation for select systems. We have submitted their method to a new kind of application. Here, for the first time, the approach is applied to the equations derived from density functional theory (DFT). At first, we have tested the procedure for two simple systems: the double harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. The ANN solutions obtained for these simple systems reproduced the analytical results easily. Next, we have moved to the Tomas-Fermi theory and the Kohn-Sham formulation of DFT. In order to show the feasibility of the ANN representation of electronic density, we have solved the Hooke model-atom and two light atoms: helium and lithium. The ANN results match well with the analytical solution to the Hooke model-atom and with the numerical solutions for helium and lithium. Full Text: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/qua.22572/abstract Addresses: [Caetano, C; Reis, JL; Dal Pino, A] Inst. Technol & Aeronaut, Dept Fis, BR-12228900 Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil [Reis, JL] Univ Paulista, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil [Amorim, J] Assoc Brasileira Tecnol Luz Sincrotron, Ctr Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-10000 Campinas, Brazil [Lemes, MR] Fac Anhanguera Taubate, Taubate, SP, Brazil

25. Life cycle assessment of Brazilian sugarcane products: GHG emissions and energy use Author(s): Seabra, JEA; Macedo, IC; Chum, HL; Faroni, CE; Sarto, CA | E-mail: jeaseabra@gmail.com Source: BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR Volume: 5 Issue: 5 Pages: 519-532 | DOI: 10.1002/bbb.289 | Published: SEP-OCT 2011 Abstract: Sugarcane is currently the main renewable energy source in Brazil. Due to the importance of the cane industry and its contribution to a wide range of biobased energy and other products, LCA studies regarding cane-derived products are needed to assess their environmental benefits. The main objective of this work was the assessment of life cycle energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to cane sugar and ethanol, considering bagasse and electricity surpluses as coproducts. We performed an overall balance for the Brazilian Center-South Region, adopting different methods to evaluate sugar and ethanol production separately. The GREET 1.8c.0 model was used for the 'well-to-wheels' calculations but adapted to the comprehensive set of Brazilian parameters that best represent the Center-South Region. For the reference case, fossil energy use and GHG emissions related to sugar production were evaluated as 721 kJ/kg and 234 g CO(2)eq/kg, respectively. For the ethanol life cycle, these values were 80 kJ/MJ and 21.3 g CO(2)eq/MJ. Special attention was paid to the variation of some parameters among producing units based on data collected by industry. The consequent uncertainties in ethanol life cycle emissions were assessed through a Monte Carlo analysis based on assigned distribution of probability curves for eleven selected parameters and informed by partial statistical data available from industry for distribution generation. Projections were also made for 2020 scenario parameters based on the best in current class technologies and technological improvements deemed commercially possible today. Full Text: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bbb.289/full Addresses: [Seabra, JEA; Macedo, IC] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil [Seabra, JEA] Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab CTBE, Sao Paulo, Brazil [Chum, HL] Natl Renewable Energy Lab NREL, US DOE, Golden, CO USA [Faroni, CE; Sarto, CA] Ctr Tecnol Canavieira CTC, Sao Paulo, Brazil

24. Structure of a novel thermostable GH51 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Thermotoga petrophila RKU-1 Author(s): Souza, TACB; Santos, CR; Souza, AR; Oldiges, DP; Ruller, R; Prade, RA; Squina, FM; Murakami, MT | E-mail: fabio.squina@bioetanol.org.br Source: PROTEIN SCIENCE Volume: 20 Issue: 9 Pages: 1632-1637 | DOI: 10.1002/pro.693 | Published: SEP 2011 Abstract: alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases (EC 3.2.1.55) participate in the degradation of a variety of Larabinose-containing polysaccharides and interact synergistically with other hemicellulases in the production of oligosaccharides and bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels. In this work, the structure of a novel thermostable family 51 (GH51) alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Thermotoga petrophila RKU-1 (TpAraF) was determined at 3.1 angstrom resolution. The TpAraF tertiary structure consists of an (alpha/beta)-barrel catalytic core associated with a C-terminal beta-sandwich domain, which is stabilized by hydrophobic contacts. In contrast to other structurally characterized GH51 AraFs, the accessory domain of TpAraF is intimately linked to the active site by a long beta-hairpin motif, which modifies the catalytic cavity in shape and volume. Sequence and structural analyses indicate that this motif is unique to Thermotoga AraFs. Small angle X-ray scattering investigation showed that TpAraF assembles as a hexamer in solution and is preserved at the optimum catalytic temperature, 65 degrees C, suggesting functional significance. Crystal packing analysis shows that

the biological hexamer encompasses a dimer of trimers and the multiple oligomeric interfaces are predominantly fashioned by polar and electrostatic contacts. Full Text: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pro.693/full Addresses: [Souza, TACB; Santos, CR; Souza, AR; Oldiges, DP; Murakami, MT] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, LNBio, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Ruller, R; Squina, FM] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Ciencia Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Prade, RA] Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Microbiol & Mol Genet, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA

23. Production of bioethanol, methane and heat from sugarcane bagasse in a biorefinery concept Author(s): Rabelo, SC; Carrere, H; Filho, RM; Costa, AC | E-mail: sarita.rabelo@bioetanol.org.br Source: BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY Volume: 102 Issue: 17 Pages: 7887-7895 | DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2011.05.081 | Published: SEP 2011 Abstract: The potential of biogas production from the residues of second generation bioethanol production was investigated taking into consideration two types of pretreatment: lime or alkaline hydrogen peroxide. Bagasse was pretreated, enzymatically hydrolyzed and the wastes from pretreatment and hydrolysis were used to produce biogas. Results have shown that if pretreatment is carried out at a bagasse concentration of 4% DM, the highest global methane production is obtained with the peroxide pretreatment: 72.1 L methane/kg bagasse. The recovery of lignin from the peroxide pretreatment liquor was also the highest, 112.7 +/- 0.01 g/kg of bagasse. Evaluation of four different biofuel production scenarios has shown that 63-65% of the energy that would be produced by bagasse incineration can be recovered by combining ethanol production with the combustion of lignin and hydrolysis residues, along with the anaerobic digestion of pretreatment liquors, while only 32-33% of the energy is recovered by bioethanol production alone. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852411007887 Addresses: [Rabelo, SC; Carrere, H] INRA, Lab Biotechnol Environm, UR50, F-11100 Narbonne, France [Rabelo, SC; Filho, RM; Costa, AC] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Fac Engn Quim, BR13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

22. Scientific challenges of bioethanol production in Brazil Author(s): Amorim, HV; Lopes, ML; Oliveira, JVD; Buckeridge, MS; Goldman, GH | E-mail: gustavo.goldman@bioetanol.org.br Source: APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY Volume: 91 Issue: 5 Pages: 12671275 | DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3437-6 | Published: SEP 2011 Abstract: Bioethanol (fuel alcohol) has been produced by industrial alcoholic fermentation processes in Brazil since the beginning of the twentieth century. Currently, 432 mills and distilleries crush about 625 million tons of sugarcane per crop, producing about 27 billion liters of ethanol and 38.7 million tons of sugar. The production of bioethanol from sugarcane represents a major large-scale technology capable of producing biofuel efficiently and economically, providing viable substitutes to gasoline. The combination of immobilization of CO(2) by sugarcane crops by photosynthesis into biomass together with alcoholic fermentation of this biomass has allowed production of a clean and high-quality liquid fuel that contains 93% of the original energy found in sugar. Over the last 30 years, several innovations have been introduced to Brazilian alcohol distilleries resulting in the improvement of plant

efficiency and economic competitiveness. Currently, the main scientific challenges are to develop new technologies for bioethanol production from first and second generation feedstocks that exhibit positive energy balances and appropriately meet environmental sustainability criteria. This review focuses on these aspects and provides special emphasis on the selection of new yeast strains, genetic breeding, and recombinant DNA technology, as applied to bioethanol production processes. Full Text: www.springerlink.com/content/u4r316032q021537/ Addresses: [Goldman, GH] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, INCT Bioetanol, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Buckeridge, MS] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, INCT Bioetanol, Dept Bot, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Oliveira, JVD; Buckeridge, MS; Goldman, GH] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, Sao Paulo, Brazil [Amorim, HV; Lopes, ML] Fermentec, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

21. Anomalous Doppler broadening caused by exothermic reactions: application to hydrogen Balmer lines Author(s): Loureiro, J; Amorim, J | E-mail: jayr.amorim@bioetanol.org.br Source: EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL D Volume: 63 Issue: 3 Pages: 421-429 | DOI: 10.1140/epjd/e2011-20028-1 | Published: AUG 2011 Abstract: The three- and one-dimensional velocity distributions of a product species created by an exothermic reaction are calculated using the energy conservation, with the aim of evaluating the impact of such processes on the anomalous broadening of Doppler lines. The calculations are performed to the reaction H (2) (+) + H(2) -> H (3) (+) + H, in which according to Christoffersen (1964) an amount of 1.56 eV is transferred to the product species. It is shown that the deviations relatively to Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions are significant as the internal energy defect Delta E increases, even within energies lower than 1.56 eV, and hence the profiles of excited H(au) atoms, associated with the emission of hydrogen Balmer lines, created in the sequence of H(n = 1) produced by the above reaction are not of Gaussian-type. The profiles are markedly flatter and squarer than Gaussian distributions. The validity of the species temperature determined from the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the lines, as well as the fit of the lines by multimodal Gaussian functions, is then analyzed. Full Text: http://epjd.edpsciences.org/index.php?option=com_article&access=standard&Itemid=129&url=/articles /epjd/abs/2011/09/d110028/d110028.html Addresses: [Loureiro, J] Univ Tecn Lisbon, Inst Super Tecn, Inst Plasmas & Fus Nucl Lab Associado, P-1049001 Lisbon, Portugal [Amorim, J] CTBE, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

20. Simulation of integrated first and second generation bioethanol production from sugarcane: comparison between different biomass pretreatment methods Author(s): Dias, MOS; Cunha, MP; Maciel, R; Bonomi, A; Jesus, CDF; Rossell, CEV | E-mail: marina.dias@bioetanol.org.br Source: JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY Volume: 38 Issue: 8 Pages: 955-966 | DOI: 10.1007/s10295-010-0867-6 | Piblished: AUG 2011 Abstract: Sugarcane bagasse is used as a fuel in conventional bioethanol production, providing heat and power for the plant; therefore, the amount of surplus bagasse available for use as raw material for

second generation bioethanol production is related to the energy consumption of the bioethanol production process. Pentoses and lignin, byproducts of the second generation bioethanol production process, may be used as fuels, increasing the amount of surplus bagasse. In this work, simulations of the integrated bioethanol production process from sugarcane, surplus bagasse and trash were carried out. Selected pre-treatment methods followed, or not, by a delignification step were evaluated. The amount of lignocellulosic materials available for hydrolysis in each configuration was calculated assuming that 50% of sugarcane trash is recovered from the field. An economic risk analysis was carried out; the best results for the integrated first and second generation ethanol production process were obtained for steam explosion pretreatment, high solids loading for hydrolysis and 24-48 h hydrolysis. The second generation ethanol production process must be improved (e.g., decreasing required investment, improving yields and developing pentose fermentation to ethanol) in order for the integrated process to be more economically competitive. Full Text: www.springerlink.com/content/q8nw98211726527l/ Addresses: [Dias, MOS; Cunha, MP; Maciel, R; Jesus, CDF; Rossell, CEV] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Dias, MOS; Maciel, R; Rossell, CEV] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Fac Engn Quim, BR13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

19. Ethanol production from enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse pretreated with lime and alkaline hydrogen peroxide Author(s): Rabelo, SC; Fonseca, NAA; Andrade, RR; Maciel, R; Costa, AC | E-mail: sarita.rabelo@bietanol.org.br Source: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY Volume: 35 Issue: 7 Pages: 2600-2607 | DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.02.042 | Published: JUL 2011 Abstract: In this work we evaluated ethanol production from enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse. Two pretreatments agents, lime and alkaline hydrogen peroxide, were compared in their performance to improve the susceptibility of bagasse to enzymatic action. Mild conditions of temperature, pressure and absence of acids were chosen to diminish costs and to avoid sugars degradation and consequent inhibitors formation. The bagasse was used as it comes from the sugar/ethanol industries, without grinding or sieving, and hydrolysis was performed with low enzymes loading (3.50 FPU g(-1) dry pretreated biomass of cellulase and 1.00 CBU g(-1) dry pretreated biomass of beta-glucosidase). The pretreatment with alkaline hydrogen peroxide led to the higher glucose yield: 691 mg g(-1) of glucose for pretreated bagasse after hydrolysis of bagasse pretreated for 1 h at 25 degrees C with 7.35% (v/v) of peroxide. Fermentation of the hydrolyzates from the two pretreatments were carried out and compared with fermentation of a glucose solution. Ethanol yields from the hydrolyzates were similar to that obtained by fermentation of the glucose solution. Although the preliminary results obtained in this work are promising for both pretreatments considered, reflecting their potential for application, further studies, considering higher biomass concentrations and economic aspects should be performed before extending the conclusions to an industrial process. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0961953411001176 Addresses: [Rabelo, SC] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Rabelo, SC; Fonseca, NAA; Andrade, RR; Maciel, R; Costa, AC] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Fac Engn Quim, BR-13083970 Sao Paulo, Brazil

18. Improving bioethanol production from sugarcane: evaluation of distillation, thermal

integration and cogeneration systems Author(s): Dias, MOS; Modesto, M; Ensinas, AV; Nebra, SA; Maciel, R; Rossell, CEV | E-mail: marina.dias@bioetanol.org.br Source: ENERGY Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Special Issue: SI Pages: 3691-3703 | DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2010.09.024 | Published: JUN 2011 Abstract: Demand for bioethanol has grown considerably over the last years. Even though Brazil has been producing ethanol from sugarcane on a large scale for decades, this industry is characterized by low energy efficiency, using a large fraction of the bagasse produced as fuel in the system to supply the process energy requirements. The possibility of selling surplus electricity to the grid or using surplus bagasse as raw material of other processes has motivated investments on more efficient cogeneration systems and process thermal integration. In this work simulations of an autonomous distillery were carried out, along with utilities demand optimization using Pinch Analysis concepts. Different cogeneration systems were analyzed: a traditional Rankine Cycle, with steam of high temperature and pressure (80 bar, 510 degrees C) and back pressure and condensing steam turbines configuration, and a BIGCC (Biomass Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle), comprised by a gas turbine set operating with biomass gas produced in a gasifier that uses sugarcane bagasse as raw material. Thermoeconomic analyses determining exergy-based costs of electricity and ethanol for both cases were carried out. The main objective is to show the impact that these process improvements can produce in industrial systems, compared to the current situation. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544210005037 Addresses: [Dias, MOS; Rossell, CEV] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Dias, MOS; Maciel, R; Rossell, CEV] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sch Chem Engn, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Modesto, M; Ensinas, AV] Fed Univ ABC, Ctr Engn Modeling & Appl Social Sci, CECS, BR-09210170 Santo Andre, SP, Brazil [Nebra, SA] Univ Estadual Campinas, Interdisciplinary Ctr Energy Planning NIPE, BR-13400970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

17. Heterologous expression of an Aspergillus niveus xylanase GH11 in Aspergillus nidulans and its characterization and application Author(s): Damasio, ARD; Silva, TM; Almeida, FBD; Squina, FM; Ribeiro, DA; Leme, AFP; Segato, F; Prade, RA; Jorge, JA; Terenzi, HF; Polizeli, MDTM | E-mail: fabio.squina@bioetanol.org.br Source: PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Pages: 1236-1242 | DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2011.01.027 | Published: JUN 2011 Abstract: A xylanase was cloned from Aspergillus niveus and successfully expressed in Aspergillus nidulans (XAN). The full-length gene consisted of 890 bp and encoded 275 mature amino acids with a calculated mass of 31.3 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence was highly homologous with the xylanase belonging to family 11 of the glycoside hydrolases. The recombinant protein was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by anion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The optima of pH and temperature for the recombinant enzyme were 5.0 and 65 degrees C, respectively. The thermal stability of the recombinant xylanase was extremely improved by covalent immobilization on glyoxyl agarose with 91.4% of residual activity after 180 min at 60 degrees C, on the other hand, the free xylanase showed a half-life of 9.9 min at the same temperature. Affinity chromatography on Concanavalin A- and Jacalin-agarose columns followed by SDS-PAGE analyses showed that the XAN has O- and N-glycans. XAN promotes hydrolysis of xylan resulting in

xylobiose, xylotriose and xylotetraose. Intermediate degradation of xylan resulting in xylo-oligomers is appealing for functional foods as the beneficial effect of oligosaccharides on gastrointestinal micro flora includes preventing proliferation of pathogenic intestinal bacteria and facilitates digestion and absorption of nutrients. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135951131100033X Addresses: [Silva, TM; Jorge, JA; Terenzi, HF; Polizeli, MDTM] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil [Damasio, ARD] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Bioquim & Imunol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil [Almeida, FBD] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol Celular & Mol & Bioagentes Patogen, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil [Squina, FM; Ribeiro, DA] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat CNPEM, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, Campinas, SP, Brazil [Leme, AFP] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Biociencias LNBio, Campinas, SP, Brazil [Segato, F; Prade, RA] Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Mol Biol & Microbiol, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA

16. Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated sugar cane bagasse using Penicillium funiculosum and Trichoderma harzianum cellulases Author(s): Maeda, RN; Serpa, VI; Rocha, VAL; Mesquita, RAA; Santa Anna, LMM; de Castro, AM; Driemeier, CE; Pereira, N; Polikarpov, I | E-mail: carlos.driemeier@bioetanol.org.br Source: PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY Volume: 46 Issue: 5 Pages: 1196-1201 | 10.1016/j.procbio.2011.01.022 | Published: MAY 2011

DOI:

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse using eight different enzymatic blends obtained from concentrated crude enzyme extracts produced by Penicillium funiculosum and Trichoderma harzianum as well as from the extracts in combination with a commercial enzymatic cocktail. The influence of different levels of biomass delignification, degree of crystallinity of lignicellulose, composition of enzymatic activities and BSA on enzymatic hydrolysis yields (HYs) was evaluated. Our X-ray diffraction studies showed that crystallinity of lignocellulose is not a key determinant of its recalcitrance toward enzymatic hydrolysis. In fact, under the experimental conditions of our study, an increase in crystallinity of lignocellulosic samples resulted in increased glucose release by enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, under the same conditions, the addition of BSA had no significant effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. The most efficient enzyme blends were obtained by mixing a commercial enzymatic cocktail with P. funiculosum or T. harzianum cellulase preparations (HYs above 97%) followed by the concentrated extract of P. funiculosum alone (HY= 88.5%). Increased hydrolytic efficiencies appeared to correlate with having an adequate level of both betaglucosidase and xylanase activities in the blends. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359511311000286 Addresses: [Serpa, VI; Mesquita, RAA; Polikarpov, I] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis Sao Carlos, Lab Cristalog, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil [Maeda, RN; Rocha, VAL; Pereira, N] Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Ctr Tecnol, Escola Quim, Lab Desenvolvimento Bioproc, Ilha Fundao, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil [Santa Anna, LMM; de Castro, AM] Ilha Fundao, Ctr Pesquisas Desenvolvimento Petrobras, BR21949900 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil [Driemeier, CE] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, Sao Paulo, Brazil

15. Optical and morphological properties of N-doped TiO(2) thin films

Author(s): Grigorov, KG; Oliveira, IC; Maciel, HS; Massi, M; Oliveira, MS; Amorim, J; Cunha, CA | Email: jayr.amorim@bioetanol.org.br Source: SURFACE SCIENCE Volume: 605 Issue: 7-8 Pages: 775-782 | DOI: 10.1016/j.susc.2011.01.017 | Published: APR 2011 Abstract: Nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering onto various substrates. The films were prepared in plasma of argon, oxygen, and nitrogen, with varying the nitrogen content, from 0% up to 70%. The resulting TiOx-Ny films were found to consist of cubic TiN osbornite and tetragonal TiO(2) rutile phases. Using optical spectroscopy with large spectral range from 350 to 1000 nm, the band gap width was determined and a narrowing of the optical gap from 2.76 to 2.32 eV was observed as a function of the N-content. It was found that the optical properties of the TiOx-Ny layers are influenced by the surface morphology, roughness, surface energy and phase content. The chemical composition, the crystalline structure, the surface morphology and the surface energy were thoroughly studied by the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), grazing-angle XRD, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements (wettability). respectively. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0039602811000203 Addresses: [Grigorov, KG] Technol Inst Aeronaut, Plasmas & Proc Lab, Dept Phys, BR-12228900 Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil [Grigorov, KG] Bulgarian Acad Sci, Inst Elect, BU-1784 Sofia, Bulgaria [Amorim, J] Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab CTBE CNPEM, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

14. Mode of operation and low-resolution structure of a multi-domain and hyperthermophilic endo-beta-1,3-glucanase from Thermotoga petrophila Author(s): Cota, J; Alvarez, TM; Citadini, AP; Santos, CR; Neto, MD; Oliveira, RR; Pastore, GM; Ruller, R; Prade, RA; Murakami, MT; Squina, FM | E-mail: fabio.squina@bioetanol.org.br Source: BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS Volume: 406 Issue: 4 Pages: 590-594 | DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.02.098 | Published: MAR 25 2011 Abstract: 1,3-beta-Glucan depolymerizing enzymes have considerable biotechnological applications including biofuel production, feedstock-chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Here we describe a comprehensive functional characterization and low-resolution structure of a hyperthermophilic laminarinase from Thermotoga petrophila (TpLam). We determine TpLam enzymatic mode of operation, which specifically cleaves internal beta-1,3-glucosidic bonds. The enzyme most frequently attacks the bond between the 3rd and 4th residue from the non-reducing end, producing glucose, laminaribiose and laminaritriose as major products. Far-UV circular dichroism demonstrates that TpLam is formed mainly by beta structural elements, and the secondary structure is maintained after incubation at 90 degrees C. The structure resolved by small angle X-ray scattering, reveals a multidomain structural architecture of a V-shape envelope with a catalytic domain flanked by two carbohydrate-binding modules. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X11003032 Addresses: [Cota, J; Alvarez, TM; Citadini, AP; Ruller, R; Squina, FM] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, Campinas, SP, Brazil [Santos, CR; Oliveira, RR; Murakami, MT] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Biociencias LNBio, Campinas, SP, Brazil [Neto, MD] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis Sao Carlos IFSC, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil [Cota, J; Pastore, GM] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Engn Alimentos FEA, Campinas, SP, Brazil [Prade, RA] Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Microbiol & Mol Genet, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA

13. Nitrogen derived from fertilization and straw for plant cane nutrition Author(s): Vitti, AC; Franco, HCJ; Trivelin, PCO; Ferreira, DA; Otto, R; Fortes, C; Faroni, CE | E-mail: henrique.franco@bioetanol.org.br Source: PESQUISA AGROPECUARIA BRASILEIRA Volume: 46 Issue: 3 Pages: 287-293 | Published: MAR 2011 Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the recovery, by plant cane, of the nitrogen ((15)N) from urea and from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) crop residues - straw and root system incorporated into the soil. The experiment was settled in 2005/2006 with the sugarcane cultivar SP81 3250. At planting, microplots of 2 m length and 1.5 m width were installed, and N applications were done with 80 kg ha(-1) N (urea with 5.05% in (15)N atoms) and 14 Mg ha(-1) crop residues - 9 Mg ha(1) of sugarcane straw (SS) and 5 Mg ha(-1) of root system (RS), labeled with (15)N (1.07 and 0.81% in (15)N atoms, respectively). The total N accumulation by plants was determined during the crop cycle. Although the N use by shoot from crop residue mineralization (PA and SR) increased significantly over time, this source hardly contributed to crop nutrition. The recovery of the (15)N-urea, (15)N-SS and (15)N-RS by plant cane was 30.3 +/- 3.7%, 13.9 +/- 4.5% and 6.4 +/- 0.9%, respectively, representing 15.9, 4.7 and 1.4% of total nitrogen uptake by shoot. Full Text: www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0100-204X2011000300009&script=sci_arttext Addresses: [Vitti, AC] APTA, Polo Reg Ctr Sul, BR-13400970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil [Franco, HCJ] Ctr Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Trivelin, PCO; Ferreira, DA; Otto, R; Fortes, C] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Energia Nucl Agr, BR-13400970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil [Faroni, CE] Ctr Tecnol Canavieira, BR-13400970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

12. Molecular Characterization of Propolis-Induced Cell Death in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Author(s): de Castro, PA; Savoldi, M; Bonatto, D; Barros, MH; Goldman, MHS; Berretta, AA; Goldman, GH | E-mail: gustavo.goldman@bioetanol.org.br Source: EUKARYOTIC CELL Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Pages: 398-411 | DOI: 10.1128/EC.00256-10 | Published: MAR 2011 Abstract: Propolis, a natural product of plant resins, is used by the bees to seal holes in their honeycombs and protect the hive entrance. However, propolis has also been used in folk medicine for centuries. Here, we apply the power of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism for studies of genetics, cell biology, and genomics to determine how propolis affects fungi at the cellular level. Propolis is able to induce an apoptosis cell death response. However, increased exposure to propolis provides a corresponding increase in the necrosis response. We showed that cytochrome c but not endonuclease G (Nuc1p) is involved in propolis-mediated cell death in S. cerevisiae. We also observed that the metacaspase YCA1 gene is important for propolismediated cell death. To elucidate the gene functions that may be required for propolis sensitivity in eukaryotes, the full collection of about 4,800 haploid S. cerevisiae deletion strains was screened for propolis sensitivity. We were able to identify 138 deletion strains that have different degrees of propolis sensitivity compared to the corresponding wild-type strains. Systems biology revealed enrichment for genes involved in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, vacuolar acidification, negative regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, regulation of macroautophagy associated with protein targeting to vacuoles, and cellular response to starvation.

Validation studies indicated that propolis sensitivity is dependent on the mitochondrial function and that vacuolar acidification and autophagy are important for yeast cell death caused by propolis. Full Text: http://ec.asm.org/content/10/3/398.full Addresses: [Goldman, GH] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Barros, MH] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Microbiol, Inst Ciencias Biomed, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Goldman, MHS] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Bonatto, D] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Ctr Biotecnol UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil [Goldman, GH] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-13083970 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Berretta, AA] Apis Flora Ind & Comercial, Sao Paulo, Brazil

11. Nitrogen in sugarcane derived from fertilizer under Brazilian field conditions Author(s): Franco, HCJ; Otto, R; Faroni, CE; Vitti, AC; de Oliveira, ECA; Trivelin, PCO | E-mail: henrique.franco@bioetanol.org.br Source: FIELD CROPS RESEARCH Volume: 121 Issue: 1 Pages: 29-41 | DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2010.11.011 | Published: FEB 28 2011 Abstract: Nitrogen (N) fertilization of sugarcane crops is a common practice used to reach sustainable levels of productivity, both for plant cane and especially for the ratoon. However, when evaluating the amount of N in the plant derived from fertilizer (NDDF) at harvest, this contribution is approximately 20% of total plant biomass N, which raises questions regarding the efficiency of N fertilization. The goal of this study was to evaluate the N derived from fertilizer (NDFF) during the sugarcane crop development, for both plant cane and first ratoon crop cycles. Two field experiments were performed in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in Arenic Kandiustults and in Typic Eutrustox. The sugarcane was mechanically harvested without burning. N fertilizer for both the plant cane (doses of 40,80 and 120 kg ha(-1) of N as urea) and the first ratoon (doses of 50 and 100 kg ha(-1) of N as ammonium sulfate) was labeled (15)N. The results showed that NDFF contributed up to 40% of the total N in the plant cane at initial stages of development. The magnitude of this contribution decreased during stages of maturity to approximately 10% of total N at harvest. In the first ratoon, application of N fertilizer was more effective for crop nutrition, constituting up to 70% of total N in initial stages of development and decreasing through the cycle, reaching approximately 30% at harvest. Therefore, studies that evaluate NDDF only at harvest can lead to underestimating the role of N fertilizer for sugarcane nutrition. The higher NDFF in ratoon explains why this crop cycle presents a more consistent response to N fertilization than plant cane, as observed in several studies developed under Brazilian conditions in the last decades. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378429010002947 Addresses: [Franco, HCJ; Trivelin, PCO] CENA USP, BR-13400970 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Otto, R; de Oliveira, ECA] ESALQ USP, BR-13418900 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Faroni, CE] Ctr Tecnol Canavieira, BR-13400970 Sao Paulo, Brazil Reprint Address: Franco, HCJ (reprint author), CNPEM ABTLuS, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, Rua Giuseppe Maximo Scolfaro 10-000, BR-13083970 Sao Paulo, Brazil

10. Involvement of an Alternative Oxidase in Oxidative Stress and Mycelium-to-Yeast Differentiation in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Author(s): Martins, VP; Dinamarco, TM; Soriani, FM; Tudella, VG; Oliveira, SC; Goldman, GH; Curti, C; Uyemura, SA | E-mail: gustavo.goldman@bioetanol.org.br

Source: EUKARYOTIC CELL Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Pages: 237-248 | DOI: 10.1128/EC.00194-10 | Published: FEB 2011 Abstract: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermodimorphic human pathogenic fungus that causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), which is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. Differentiation from the mycelial to the yeast form (M-to-Y) is an essential step for the establishment of PCM. We evaluated the involvement of mitochondria and intracellular oxidative stress in M-to-Y differentiation. M-to-Y transition was delayed by the inhibition of mitochondrial complexes III and IV or alternative oxidase (AOX) and was blocked by the association of AOX with complex III or IV inhibitors. The expression of P. brasiliensis aox (Pbaox) was developmentally regulated through M-to-Y differentiation, wherein the highest levels were achieved in the first 24 h and during the yeast exponential growth phase; Pbaox was upregulated by oxidative stress. Pbaox was cloned, and its heterologous expression conferred cyanide-resistant respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli and reduced oxidative stress in S. cerevisiae cells. These results reinforce the role of PbAOX in intracellular redox balancing and demonstrate its involvement, as well as that of other components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, in the early stages of the M-to-Y differentiation of P. brasiliensis. Full Text: http://ec.asm.org/content/10/2/237.long Addresses: [Martins, VP; Dinamarco, TM; Soriani, FM; Tudella, VG; Uyemura, SA] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Anal Clin Toxicol & Bromatol, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Goldman, GH] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Curti, C] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Quim & Fis, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Goldman, GH] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, Sao Paulo, Brazil [Oliveira, SC] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Bioquim & Imunol, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

9. The Aspergillus nidulans nucA(EndoG) Homologue Is Not Involved in Cell Death Author(s): Figueiredo, BDP; de Castro, PA; Dinamarco, TM; Goldman, MHS; Goldman, GH | E-mail: gustavo.goldman@bioetanol.org.br Source: EUKARYOTIC CELL Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Pages: 276-283 | DOI: 10.1128/EC.00224-10 | Published: FEB 2011 Abstract: Upon apoptosis induction, translocation of mammalian mitochondrial endonuclease G (EndoG) to the nucleus coincides with large-scale DNA fragmentation. Here, we describe for the first time a homologue of EndoG in filamentous fungi by investigating if the Aspergillus nidulans homologue of the EndoG gene, named nucA(EndoG), is being activated during farnesol-induced cell death. Our results suggest that NucA is not involved in cell death, but it plays a role in the DNAdamaging response in A. nidulans. Full Text: http://ec.asm.org/content/10/2/276.long Addresses: [Goldman, GH] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Goldman, MHS] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Sao Paulo, Brazil [Goldman, GH] CTBE, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

8. Theoretical and experimental developments for accurate determination of crystallinity of cellulose I materials Author(s): Driemeier, C; Calligaris, GA | E-mail: carlos.driemeier@bioetanol.org.br Source: JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY Volume: 44 Pages: 184-192 | DOI: 10.1107/S0021889810043955 | Published: FEB 2011 Abstract: This work defines the crystallinity of cellulose I materials on a dry-weight basis. Theoretical and experimental developments in X-ray diffraction lead to a crystallinity determination method that is estimated to reach 1 Sigma accuracies of better than 0.05 (crystallinity defined between 0 and 1). The method is based on Rietveld modelling, to resolve cellulose I Bragg peaks, and a standard truncated invariant integral. Corrections are derived to account for incoherent scattering, moisture content and other compositional deviations from pure cellulose. The experimental development uses X-ray diffraction in transmission fibre geometry with two-dimensional pattern Rietveld modelling, including a crystal-orientation distribution function. The crystallinities of a few commercial cellulose I materials were determined with the aim of illustrating the applicability of the method. Full Text: http://scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?S0021889810043955 Addresses: [Driemeier, C; Calligaris, GA] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, Campinas, SP, Brazil

7. Occupancy of rotational population in molecular spectra based on nonextensive statistics Author(s): Reis, JL; Amorim, J; Dal Pino, A | E-mail: jayr.amorim@bioetanol.org.br Source: PHYSICAL REVIEW E Volume: 83 Issue: 1 Article Number: 017401 2 | DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.83.017401 | Published: JAN 27 2011 Abstract: The procedure to obtain gas temperature in plasmas is to fit the experimental rotational spectrum to a theoretical one based on the Boltzmann distribution. For many systems a single distribution fails to account for the occupation of the levels. Researchers have improved the fitting by coupling two distributions and obtaining two distinct temperatures. They assigned the lowest temperature to the gas. Here, we show that these systems should be described by Tsallis nonextensive statistics and its unique associated temperature. Experimental and simulated spectra are tested and excellent agreement is obtained. Full Text: http://pre.aps.org/abstract/PRE/v83/i1/e017401 Addresses: [Reis, JL; Dal Pino, A] Inst Technol Aeronaut, Dept Fis, BR-12228900 Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil [Reis, JL] Univ Paulista, BR-12240420 Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, Brazil [Amorim, J] CTBE CNPEM, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bietanol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

6. Stigma/style cell cycle inhibitor 1 (SCI1), a tissue-specific cell cycle regulator that controls upper pistil development Author(s): DePaoli, HC; Brito, MS; Quiapim, AC; Teixeira, SP; Goldman, GH; Dornelas, MC; Goldman, MHS | E-mail: gustavo.goldman@bioetanol.org.br Source: NEW PHYTOLOGIST Volume: 190 Issue: 4 Pages: 882-895 | DOI: 10.1111/j.14698137.2011.03660.x | Published: 2011 Abstract: P>A cDNA encoding a small lysine-rich protein of unknown function was identified in a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) stigma/style suppression subtractive hybridization cDNA library. After its characterization, the corresponding gene was designated stigma/style cell cycle inhibitor 1 (SCI1).

Fluorescence microscopy with an SCI1-GFP protein fusion demonstrated its nuclear localization, which was confined to the interchromatic region. Real-time RT-PCR and in situ hybridization experiments showed that SCI1 is stigma/style-specific and developmentally regulated. SCI1 RNAi knockdown and overexpression plants had stigmas/styles with remarkably enlarged and reduced areas, respectively, which was attributable to differences in cell numbers. These results indicate that SCI1 is a tissue-specific negative cell cycle regulator. The differences in cell division had an effect on the timing of the differentiation of the stigmatic papillar cells, suggesting that their differentiation is coupled to stigma cell divisions. This is consistent with a role for SCI1 in triggering differentiation through cell proliferation control. Our results revealed that SCI1 is a novel tissue-specific gene that controls cell proliferation/differentiation, probably as a component of a developmental signal transduction pathway. Full Text: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03660.x/abstract Addresses: [DePaoli, HC; Brito, MS; Quiapim, AC; Goldman, MHS] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Pret, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, Brazil [DePaoli, HC; Brito, MS] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Genet, BR-14049900 Ribeirao Preto, Brazil [Teixeira, SP; Goldman, GH] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, Brazil [Goldman, GH] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Dornelas, MC] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Vegetal, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

5. Functional and biophysical characterization of a hyperthermostable GH51 alpha-Larabinofuranosidase from Thermotoga petrophila Author(s): dos Santos, CR; Squina, FM; Navarro, AM; Oldiges, DP; Leme, AFP; Ruller, R; Mort, AJ; Prade, R; Murakami, MT | E-mail: fabio.squina@bioetanol.org.br Source: BIOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Pages: 131-137 | DOI: 10.1007/s10529010-0409-3 | Published: JAN 2011 Abstract: A hyperthermostable glycoside hydrolase family 51 (GH51) alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Thermotoga petrophila RKU-1 (TpAraF) was cloned, overexpressed, purified and characterized. The recombinant enzyme had optimum activity at pH 6.0 and 70 degrees C with linear alpha-1,5linked arabinoheptaose as substrate. The substrate cleavage pattern monitored by capillary zone electrophoresis showed that TpAraF is a classical exo-acting enzyme producing arabinose as its endproduct. Far-UV circular dichroism analysis displayed a typical spectrum of alpha/beta barrel proteins analogously observed for other GH51 alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases. Moreover, TpAraF was crystallized in two crystalline forms, which can be used to determine its crystallographic structure. Full Text: www.springerlink.com/content/w27417057jr58l17/ Addresses: [dos Santos, CR; Navarro, AM; Oldiges, DP; Leme, AFP; Murakami, MT] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Biociencias LNBio, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Squina, FM; Ruller, R] Ctr Nacl Pesquisa Energia & Mat, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Mort, AJ] Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Biochem, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA [Prade, R] Oklahoma State Univ, Dept Microbiol & Mol Genet, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA

4. The Brazilian sugarcane innovation system Author(s): Furtado, AT; Scandiffio, MIG; Cortez, LAB | E-mail: luis.cortez@bioetanol.org.br

Source: ENERGY POLICY Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Pages: 156-166 | DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2010.09.023 | Published: JAN 2011 Abstract: Ethanol has recently been of great interest worldwide because it is a viable economic alternative to petroleum products and it is a renewable source of energy that mitigates the emission of greenhouse gases. Brazilian bioethanol from sugarcane is the most successful case at the world level because of its low cost and low level of greenhouse gas emissions. Brazil's success with sugarcane cannot be understood as based solely on a natural comparative advantage, but as a result of efforts that culminated in a positive trajectory of technological learning, relying mostly on incremental innovations. The purpose of this article is to analyze the key aspects of the innovation system built around the Brazilian sugarcane industry. It is based on the national innovation systems approach according to which innovation results from the interaction of different institutional actors. Institutional arrangements are analyzed as the basis for the innovative process, in particular R&D and the innovation policies and strategies of the main players in the sugarcane sector, including sugar and ethanol mills, industrial goods suppliers, public and private research institutions, and governmental agencies. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421510007093 Addresses: [Furtado, AT] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Inst Geosci, Dept Sci & Technol Policy DPCT, Campinas, SP, Brazil [Scandiffio, MIG] Bioethanol Sci & Technol Ctr CTBE, Campinas, SP, Brazil [Cortez, LAB] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Sch Agr FEAGRI, Campinas, SP, Brazil

3. Dilute mixed-acid pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse for ethanol production Author(s): Rocha, GJD; Martin, C; Soares, IB; Maior, AMS; Baudel, HM; de Abreu, CAM | E-mail: george.rocha@bioetanol.org.br Source: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Pages: 663-670 | DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.10.018 | Published: JAN 2011 Abstract: Integral utilisation of bagasse is a high priority for the diversification of the sugarcane industry. The application of a biorefinery philosophy to bagasse utilisation requires its fractionation into its main components: cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. The first stage in that process is the pretreatment, in which a considerable part of hemicelluloses is solubilised, and cellulose is activated towards enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, a pretreatment method using a mixture of sulfuric and acetic acid is investigated. Two different solid-to-liquid ratios (1.5:10 and 1:10) were used in the pretreatment. Both conditions efficiently hydrolysed the hemicelluloses giving removals above 90%. The extractive components were also effectively solubilised, and lignin was only slightly affected. Cellulose degradation was below 15%, which corresponded to the low crystallinity fraction. The analysis of the morphology of pretreated bagasse confirmed the results obtained in the chemical characterization. Full Text: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0961953410003703 Addresses: [Rocha, GJD] Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol CTBE, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil [Martin, C] Univ Matanzas, Dept Chem & Chem Engn, Matanzas, Cuba [Soares, IB; de Abreu, CAM] Univ Fed Pernambuco, Dept Chem Engn, BR-50100100 Recife, PE, Brazil [Maior, AMS] Univ Fed Pernambuco, Dept Antibiot, BR-50100100 Recife, PE, Brazil [Baudel, HM] Ctr Sugarcane Technol, BR-13400970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

2. Environmental and Economic Assessment of Bioethanol, Sugar and Bioelectricity

Production from Sugarcane Author(s): Cavalett, O; da Cunha, MP; Junqueira, TL; Dias, MOD; de Jesus, CDF; Mantelatto, PE; Cardoso, TDF; Franco, HCJ; Maciel, R; Bonomi, A Source: PRES 2011: 14TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PROCESS INTEGRATION, MODELLING AND OPTIMISATION FOR ENERGY SAVING AND POLLUTION REDUCTION, PTS 1 AND 2 Book Series: Chemical Engineering Transactions Volume: 25 Pages: 1007-1012 | DOI: 10.3303/CET1125168 | Published: 2011 Abstract: The study of optimization scenarios taking into consideration not only technical and energy parameters but also economic and environmental aspects is fundamental for sustainability of biorefinery systems. This study focuses on the environmental and economic impacts of autonomous and annexed sugarcane processing plants in Brazil using an innovative framework, where computer simulation is linked to the environmental and economic assessment. Results showed that considering only the industrial processing stage for ethanol production, autonomous plant present better environmental performance. However it was not possible to establish significant differences between annexed and autonomous plants when the complete life cycle of the ethanol production from sugarcane is considered. Optimized biorefineries showed lower environmental impacts and better economic results in comparison to the base scenarios for both annexed and autonomous plants. Economic results also indicated that, in the base scenario, annexed plant presents slightly higher internal rate of return and slightly lower ethanol production costs. Optimized biorefinery scenarios showed that autonomous plant present higher internal rate of return while annexed and autonomous plants showed equivalent ethanol production costs. Full Text: www.aidic.it/cet/11/25/168.pdf Addresses: [Cavalett, Otavio; da Cunha, Marcelo Pereira; Junqueira, Tassia Lopes; de Souza Dias, Marina Oliveira; Farias de Jesus, Charles Dayan; Mantelatto, Paulo Eduardo; Cardoso, Terezinha de Fatima; Junqueira Franco, Henrique Coutinho; Maciel Filho, Rubens; Bonomi, Antonio] CTBE, Lab Nacl Ciencia Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP, Brazil

1. Simulation and Evaluation of Autonomous and Annexed Sugarcane Distilleries Author(s): Junqueira, TL; Dias, MOS; Jesus, CDF; Mantelatto, PE; Cunha, MP; Cavalett, O; Maciel, R; Rossell, CEV; Bonomi, A | E-mail: antonio.bonomi@bioetanol.org.br Source: PRES 2011: 14TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PROCESS INTEGRATION, MODELLING AND OPTIMISATION FOR ENERGY SAVING AND POLLUTION REDUCTION, PTS 1 AND 2 Book Series: Chemical Engineering Transactions Volume: 25 Pages: 941-946 | DOI: 10.3303/CET1125157 | Published: 2011 Abstract: Simulations of autonomous and annexed sugarcane distilleries were carried out with Aspen Plus (R). Annexed plants with different proportions of sugarcane destined for bioethanol and sugar were considered in the technical-economic analysis. This study highlighted the relationship between plant flexibility and market oscillations. It was observed that annexed plants that diverted more sugarcane for sugar production were more profitable, considering the average prices for the last 10 y in Brazil. However, autonomous distillery presented the best economic results (internal rate of return and production costs) among the evaluated scenarios. Full Text: www.aidic.it/cet/11/25/157.pdf Addresses: [Junqueira, Tassia L.; Dias, Marina O. S.; Jesus, Charles D. F.; Mantelatto, Paulo E.; Cunha, Marcelo P.; Cavalett, Otavio; Rossell, Carlos E. V.; Bonomi, Antonio] CTBE, Lab Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Bioetanol, BR-13083970 Campinas, Brazil