Resumo Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) é uma planta pioneira com rápido crescimento, rusticidade, potencial nitrificador e importante em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas. O objetivo foi avaliar a distribuição e a diversidade funcional das interações e a dominância-K de grupos de artrópodes em árvores jovens de A. mangium. Os números de indivíduos de onze espécies de insetos fitófagos, três de abelhas e quatorze de inimigos naturais foram maiores na superfície adaxial de folhas dessa planta. A abundância, diversidade e riqueza de espécies de insetos fitófagos e inimigos naturais, e a abundância e riqueza de espécies de polinizadores foram maiores na face adaxial de folhas de A. mangium. A distribuição de cinco espécies de hemípteros sugadores de seiva e seis de formigas protocooperantes (Hymenoptera), com interação positiva entre esses grupos, e três de abelhas (Hymenoptera) foi agregada em folhas de plantas jovens de A. mangium. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) e Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. e Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); e Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foram os insetos fitófagos, inimigos naturais e polinizadores mais dominantes, respectivamente, em folhas de A. mangium. A definição da superfície foliar preferida pode auxiliar programas de manejo integrado de pragas.

Abstract Acacia mangium (Willd., 1806) (Fabales: Fabaceae) is a fast growing, rustic, pioneer species, with potential to fix nitrogen, and for programs to recover degraded areas. The objective was to evaluate the distribution and the functional diversity of interactions and the K-dominance of arthropod groups on A. mangium saplings. The number of individuals of eleven species of phytophagous insects, three bee species, and fourteen natural enemy species were highest on the adaxial leaf surface of this plant. Abundance, diversity and species richness of phytophagous insects and natural enemies, and abundance and species richness of pollinators were highest on the adaxial A. mangium leaf surface. The distribution of five species of sap-sucking hemipterans and six of protocooperating ants (Hymenoptera), with positive interaction between these groups, and three bee species (Hymenoptera) were aggregated on leaves of A. mangium saplings. Aethalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) and Bemisia sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae); Brachymyrmex sp. and Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); and Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were the most dominant phytophagous insects, natural enemies, and pollinators, respectively, on A. mangium leaves. Knowledge of preferred leaf surfaces could help integrated pest management programs.

Resumo As indústrias de fundição de ferro fundido usam em seu processo grande quantidade de sucata zincada, o que tem contribuído para a redução da campanha do revestimento refratário de fornos de indução a cadinho já que o vapor de zinco formado no aquecimento migra para o centro do refratário, condensando em regiões externas do forno, próximo à bobina refrigerada, gerando curto circuito entre as espiras. O revestimento refratário usado é uma massa seca à base de sílica conformada por vibração. Foram comparadas quatro massas de sílica, com base na morfologia e distribuição granulométrica, para explicar o comportamento de adensamento. Foram avaliadas também a porosidade aberta, absorção de água e retração linear das massas sinterizadas. A massa que apresentou maior densidade vibrada e sinterizada foi indicada para minimizar penetração de vapores e escórias. A única restrição seria a maior influência do processo de compactação sobre o adensamento deste material.

Abstract The cast iron foundry industries use a large amount of scrap zinc in their process which has contributed to the reduction of the refractory campaign on induction furnaces by the generation of zinc vapor that migrates to the center of the refractory lining, condensing in outer regions of the furnace which generates a short circuit between the turns. The refractory lining used in the furnaces is a dry mass based on silica conformed by vibration. Four silica refractories were compared, based on the morphology and particle size distribution to explain the densification behavior. Open porosity, water absorption and linear retraction of the sintered mass were also evaluated. The mass that presented a higher vibrated and sintered density would be indicated to minimize the penetration of vapors and slags. The only restriction would be the greater influence of the compaction process of this material.

Abstract Although fluidized bed in situ desulphurization from coal combustion has been widely studied, there are aspects that remain under investigation. Additionally, few publications address Brazilian coal desulphurization via fluidized beds. This study used a 250 kWth bubbling fluidized bed pilot plant to analyze different aspects of the dolomite desulphurization of two Brazilian coals. Superficial velocities of 0.38 and 0.46 m/s, flue gas recycling, Ca/S molar ratios and elutriation were assessed. Results confirmed the influence of the Ca/S molar ratio and superficial velocity - SO2 conversion up to 60.5% was achieved for one coal type, and 70.9% was achieved for the other type. A recycling ratio of 54.6% could increase SO2 conversion up to 86.1%. Elutriation and collection of ashes and Ca-containing products did not present the same behavior because a lower wt. % of CaO was collected by the gas controlled mechanism compared to the ash.

This a case of study made by means of a qualitative approach which aims to know how the ostomy interferes with the experience of sexuality in women. It was conducted during the first half of 2010. The population was composed by ten women with an ostomy in a stomatherapy service at a Hospital in Southern Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews carried out at these women's house. The analysis was made by using the technique of content analysis. The analysis produced two categories: Difficulties and changes in life after surgery and Experience of sexuality. From the results, we conclude saying that it is important that health professionals implement educational strategies with these women and their partners in order to help them to overcome their difficulties, making them able to experience their sexuality pleasently.

Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa que objetivou conhecer como a estomização interfere na vivência da sexualidade de mulheres portadoras de estomia. Realizou-se no primeiro semestre de 2010. A população foi composta por dez mulheres portadoras de estomias, cadastradas em um Serviço de Estomaterapia de um Hospital do interior do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A coleta de dados deu-se por entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas no domicílio dessas mulheres. A análise dos dados foi realizada pela técnica de Análise de Conteúdo gerando duas categorias: Dificuldades e mudanças ocorridas no viver após a cirurgia e Vivências da sexualidade. Concluiu-se ser importante que os profissionais da saúde implementem estratégias educativas junto a estas mulheres e seus companheiros auxiliando-as a superarem suas dificuldades, tornando-as capazes de vivenciar sua sexualidade de forma prazerosa.

Se trata de un estudio con un enfoque cualitativo con el fin de saber cómo la estomización interfiere en la experiencia de la sexualidad de las mujeres con ostomía. Se llevó a cabo en el primer semestre de2010. La muestra se compuso de diez mujeres que se han inscrito en un Servicio de ostomía de un hospital del interior de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. La recolección de datos fue realizada por entrevistas semiestructuradas en el domicilio de estas mujeres. El Análisis de los datos se realizó mediando la técnica de análisis de contenido generando dos categorías: dificultades y cambios en la vida después de la cirugía y la experiencia de la sexualidad. De ello se concluye que es importante que los profesionales de la salud implementen estrategias educativas con estas mujeres y sus parejas para ayudarles a superar sus dificultades haciéndolas capaces de experimentar su sexualidad de una manera agradable.

Eleven dairy properties from Pernambuco State in Brasil were studied; six with hand milking and five with machine milking. The herds were constituted by animals of several races, ages and lactation periods. 185 cows were studied, resulting in 708 quarters sampled. Before sampling, the California Mastitis Test (CMT) was carried out independently of this result samples were collected for microbiologic cultures and Somatic Cells Counts (SCC) and milk composition. Prevalencies of 39,3% and 54,8% (CMT); 57,2% and 63,3% (microbiologic culture); 33,4% and 49,4% (SCC) were obtained for hand and machine milking respectively. Pathogens were isolated in 61% of the samples with higher prevalence for Corynebacterium sp. (45.0%), Staphylococcus sp. (29.6%) and Streptococcus sp. (14.6%) in hand milking; Staphylococcus sp. (36.4%), Corynebacterium sp. (27.6%), Micrococcus sp. (15.6%) and Streptococcus sp. (12.9%) in machine milking. Mechanically milked herds had higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis, both for diagnosis by CMT, as for CCS and bacteriological culture with significant differences in CMT and CCS. The sensibility pattern of the pathogens indicated bigger susceptibility for the combination Neomicine-Bacitracine-Tetracicline (NBT), Florfenicol (FLF), Cefquinome (CEQ) and Enroflorxacine (ENO) in that order; Oxaciline (OXA) was the antimicrobial with smaller percent of sensibility among the pathogens.

Se estudiaron 11 propiedades productoras de leche bovina del estado de Pernambuco, Brasil; seis con ordeño manual y cinco con ordeño mecánico. Los rebaños estaban constituidos por animales de varias razas, edades y periodos de lactación. Se tomaron muestras de 185 vacas, resultando en 708 cuartos muestreados. Antes de colectar se realizó la prueba de California (CMT), con independencia de este resultado fueron colectadas muestras para cultivo microbiológico y conteo de células somáticas (CCS) y composición. Se obtuvieron prevalencias de 39,3% y 54,8% (CMT), 57,2% y 63,3% (diagnóstico microbiológico), 33,4% y 49,4% (CCS), para ordeño manual y mecánico respectivamente. Se aislaron microorganismos patógenos en el 61% de las muestras con mayor prevalencia para Corynebacterium sp. (45,0%), Staphylococcus sp. (29,6%) y Streptococcus sp. (14,6%) en ordeño manual; Staphylococcus sp. (36,4%), Corynebacterium sp. (27,6%), Micrococcus sp. (15,6%) y Streptococcus sp. (12,9%) en ordeño mecánico. Los rebaños ordeñados mecánicamente tuvieron mayor prevalencia de mastitis subclínica, tanto para el diagnóstico por CMT, como para CCS y cultivo bacteriológico; con diferencias significativas en CMT y CCS. El patrón de sensibilidad de los patógenos hallados indicó mayor susceptibilidad hacia la combinación Neomicina-Bacitracina-Tetraciclina (NBT), Florfenicol (FLF), Cefquinome (CEQ) y Enroflorxacina (ENO) en ese orden; la Oxacilina (OXA) resultó ser el antimicrobiano con menor porciento de sensibilidad entre los patógenos.

We make a brief review of the Kramers escape rate theory for the probabilistic motion of a particle in a potential well U(x), and under the influence of classical fluctuation forces. The Kramers theory is extended in order to take into account the action of the thermal and zero-point random electromagnetic fields on a charged particle. The result is physically relevant because we get a non null escape rate over the potential barrier at low temperatures (T -> 0). It is found that, even if the mean energy is much smaller than the barrier height, the classical particle can escape from the potential well due to the action of the zero-point fluctuating fields. These stochastic effects can be used to give a classical interpretation to some quantum tunneling phenomena. Relevant experimental data are used to illustrate the theoretical results.

Baccharis trimera is a native Brazilian plant which has medicinal properties. In this work a method of supercritical extraction was studied to obtain the popularly essential oil from Baccharis trimera, known as carqueja. The aim was to obtain experimental data and to compare two mathematical models used in the simulation of carqueja (Baccharis trimera) oil extraction by supercritical CO2. The two mathematical models are based on mass transfer. One of the models, proposed by Reverchon, is solved numerically and requires two adjustable parameters from the experimental data. The other model chosen is the one proposed by Sovová. This model is solved analytically and requires four adjustable parameters. Numerical results are presented and discussed for the adjusted parameters. The experimental results are obtained in a temperature range of 313.15 K to 343.15 K at 90 bar. The extraction yield of carqueja essential oil using supercritical carbon dioxide ranged between 1.72 % (w/w) at 323.15 K and 2.34 % (w/w) at 343.15 K, 90 bar with a CO2 flow rate of 3.34.10-8 m³/s for a 0.0015 kg sample of Baccharis trimera.

The objective of the present study was to determine if treatment of diabetic rats with D-alpha-tocopherol could prevent the changes in glomerular and tubular function commonly observed in this disease. Sixty male Wistar rats divided into four groups were studied: control (C), control treated with D-alpha-tocopherol (C + T), diabetic (D), and diabetic treated with D-alpha-tocopherol (D + T). Treatment with D-alpha-tocopherol (40 mg/kg every other day, ip) was started three days after diabetes induction with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip). Renal function studies and microperfusion measurements were performed 30 days after diabetes induction and the kidneys were removed for morphometric analyses. Data are reported as means ± SEM. Glomerular filtration rate increased in D rats but decreased in D + T rats (C: 6.43 ± 0.21; D: 7.74 ± 0.45; D + T: 3.86 ± 0.18 ml min-1 kg-1). Alterations of tubular acidification observed in bicarbonate absorption flux (JHCO3) and in acidification half-time (t/2) in group D were reversed in group D + T (JHCO3, C: 2.30 ± 0.10; D: 3.28 ± 0.22; D + T: 1.87 ± 0.08 nmol cm-2 s-1; t/2, C: 4.75 ± 0.20; D: 3.52 ± 0.15; D + T: 5.92 ± 0.19 s). Glomerular area was significantly increased in D, while D + T rats exhibited values similar to C, suggesting that the vitamin prevented the hypertrophic effect of hyperglycemia (C: 8334.21 ± 112.05; D: 10,217.55 ± 100.66; D + T: 8478.21 ± 119.81µm²). These results suggest that D-alpha-tocopherol is able to protect rats, at least in part, from the harmful effects of diabetes on renal function.

Nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) has been used to modify the surface chemical structure of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). Grinding and polishing processes based on abrasive papers and alumina pastes have been evaluated with regard to their results on the improvement of polymer surface roughness, which has shown to be of crucial importance for hardness characterization. Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and Nanoindentation tests were used to characterize the modified surfaces. Experimental results has shown that UHMWPE surface mechanical properties such as hardness and elastic modulus can be improved by induced chain cross-linking between the macromolecules on the polymer surface caused by nitrogen PIII. The new material formed on the surface is Diamond Like Carbon (DLC). As a significant improvement in hardness was obtained by DLC synthesis on the treated surface, it is expected a dramatic improvement of abrasion resistance and overall durability of prostheses made with PIII treated UHMWPE.

To improve the performance of critical part components, new methods for surface strengthening are being developed with success, like plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and hybrid surface treatments mixing PIII and ion nitriding processes. A combination of high pressure (4 × 10¹Pa), moderate temperature (up to 450ºC) glow discharge nitriding with low pressure (8 × 10-2Pa) and low DC bias voltage ion nitriding (or DC PIII) was implemented. Depending on the particular conditions of the treatment and the depth probed, mixed phases of gammaN and epsilon were measured in the treated SS304 steel sample. This near surface modification resulted in an improved hardness (up to a factor of 2.7 ×) of the sample which could also enhance its wear properties. Surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy and SS304 steel by a combination of PIII and subsequent ion nitriding was investigated as well. Nitrogen ions were implanted into the specimens at 15 keV and then ion nitrided at low pressure (7 × 10-2Pa) with a bias of -800 V. Compared to the untreated samples, the hardness of Ti6Al4V alloy and the steels could be improved significantly. AES results indicated high retained doses in both samples, confirming the high efficiency of this hybrid process.

SAE 1020 is a widely used plain carbon steel, as mortar reinforcement in buildings and small machine parts. But aside from good mechanical properties, its surface suffer from severe corrosion and high wear rate, due to modest hardness. Chromium (Cr) in excess of 12% in Fe alloys renders them resistant to several corrosive attacks. So we tried to introduce Cr in such amounts into the surface of that steel. Cr films were deposited by electron beam on SAE 1020 steel. Bombarding the Cr film either by nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) or nitrogen ion beam (IB), Cr atoms were recoil introduced into the Fe matrix. Normally, in the recoil process, heavy atoms are used, but in this set of experiments we used a relatively lighter atom, viz. nitrogen. SRIM simulation was used to show Cr atoms range in the steel matrix after being hit by nitrogen atoms. AES analysis showed ranges far beyond the calculated figures and in percentages above 13at. %, enough to the purposes of these works. Preliminary corrosion results showed remarkable enhancement under corrosive attack.

Normal aging is accompanied by renal functional and morphological deterioration and dietetic manipulation has been used to delay this age-related decline. We examined the effects of chronic administration of diets containing 5% lipid-enriched diet (LD, w/w) on renal function of rats at different ages. Three types of LD were tested: canola oil, fish oil and butter. Mean systemic tail-cuff blood pressure and glycemia remained within the normal range whatever the age and the diet of the animals. Proteinuria began to rise from the 8th month in the groups ingesting LD, while in the control group it increased significantly (above 10 mg/24 h) only after the 10th month. With age, a significant and progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow was observed in the LD groups but after 6 months of lipid supplementation, the decline in these parameters was more marked in the butter and fish oil groups. By the 18th month, the lowest GFR level was observed in the group ingesting the butter diet (2.93 ± 0.22 vs 5.01 ± 0.21 ml min-1 kg-1 in control, P<0.05). Net acid excretion, evaluated in 9- and 18-month-old rats, was stimulated in the fish oil group when compared both to control and to the other two LD groups. These results suggest that even low levels of LD in a chronic nutritional regimen can modify the age-related changes in renal function and that the impact of different types of lipid-supplemented diets on renal function depends on the kind of lipid present in the diet.

In the present study we use x-ray diffraction methods to characterize the surface of Si wafers irradiated with nitrogen by Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation. This is a non-line-of-sight ion implantation method, which allows three-dimensional treatment of materials including semiconductors, metals and dielectrics. The atomic concentration profiles in the implanted Si wafers were measured by Auger electron spectroscopy. The (004) Si rocking curve ( omega-scan) was measured in a high resolution x-ray diffractometer equipped with a Ge (220) four-crystal monochromator before and after implantation. A distortion of the Si (004)-rocking curve was clearly observed for the as-implanted sample. This rocking curve was successfully simulated by dynamical theory of x-ray diffraction, assuming a Gaussian strain profile through the implanted region. The analysis made by x-ray difraction and Auger electron spectroscopy revealed successful implantation of ions with ac- cumulated nitrogen dose of 1.5 x <FONT FACE=Symbol>10(17) </FONT>cm-3 .The Si wafers can be used as high sensitivity monitors in the Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation process, especially at the low dose range.

In previous studies we have shown stimulation of renal acid excretion in the proximal tubules of rats with diabetes of short duration, with no important alterations in glomerular hemodynamics; on the other hand, in thyroparathyroidectomized rats (TPTX model), a significant decrease in renal acid excretion, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) was detected. Since important changes in the parathyroid hormone-vitamin D-Ca axis are observed in the diabetic state, the present study was undertaken to investigate the renal repercussions of thyroparathyroidectomy in rats previously made diabetic by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). Four to 6 days after the induction of diabetes (DM), a group of rats were thyroparathyroidectomized (DM + TPTX). Renal functional parameters were evaluated by measuring the inulin and sodium para-aminohippurate clearance on the tenth day. The decrease in the GFR and RPF observed in TPTX was not reversed by diabetes since the same alterations were observed in DM + TPTX. Net acid (NA) excretion was unchanged in DM (6.19 ± 0.54), decreased in TPTX (3.76 ± 0.25) and returned to normal levels in DM + TPTX (5.54 ± 0.72) when compared to the control group (6.34 ± 0.14 µmol min-1 kg-1). The results suggest that PTH plays an important vasodilator role regarding glomerular hemodynamics, since in its absence the impairment in GFR and RPF was not reversed by the diabetic state. However, with respect to acid excretion, the presence of diabetes was able to overcome the negative stimulus represented by TPTX.

(ANP, 1 &micro;M) on the kinetics of bicarbonate reabsorption in the rat middle proximal tubule, we performed in vivo experiments using a stopped-flow microperfusion technique with the determination of lumen pH by Sb microelectrodes. These studies confirmed that ANG II added to the luminal or peritubular capillary perfusion fluid stimulates proximal bicarbonate reabsorption and showed that ANP alone does not affect this process, but impairs the stimulation caused by ANG II. We also studied the effects and the interaction of these hormones in cortical distal nephron acidification. Bicarbonate reabsorption was evaluated by the acidification kinetic technique in early (ED) and late (LD) distal tubules in rats during in vivo stopped-flow microperfusion experiments. The intratubular pH was measured with a double-barreled microelectrode with H+-sensitive resin. The results indicate that ANG II acted by stimulating Na+/H+ exchange in ED (81%) and LD (54%) segments via activation of AT1 receptors, as well as vacuolar H+-ATPase in LD segments (33%). ANP did not affect bicarbonate reabsorption in either segment and, as opposed to what was seen in the proximal tubule, did not impair the stimulation caused by ANG II. To investigate the mechanism of action of these hormones in more detail, we studied cell pH dependence on ANG II and ANP in MDCK cells using the fluorescent probe BCECF. We showed that the velocity of cell pH recovery was almost abolished in the absence of Na+, indicating that it is dependent on Na+/H+ exchange. ANP (1 &micro;M) alone had no effect on this recovery but reversed both the acceleration of H+ extrusion at low ANG II levels (1 pM and 1 nM), and inhibition of H+ extrusion at higher ANG II levels (100 nM). To obtain more information on the mechanism of interaction of these hormones, we also studied their effects on the regulation of intracellular free calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, monitored with the fluorescent probe Fura-2 in MDCK cells in suspension. The data indicate that the addition of increasing concentrations of ANG II (1 pM to 1 &micro;M) to the cell suspension led to a progressive increase in [Ca2+]i to 2-3 times the basal level. In contrast, the addition of ANP (1 &micro;M) to the cell suspension led to a very rapid 60% decrease in [Ca2+]i and reduced the increase elicited by ANG II, thus modulating the effect of ANG II on [Ca2+]i. These results may indicate a role of [Ca2+]i in the regulation of the H+ extrusion process mediated by Na+/H+ exchange and stimulated/impaired by ANG II. The data are compatible with stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange by increases of [Ca2+]i in the lower range, and inhibition at high [Ca2+]i levels