ABSTRACT The study aimed to evaluate the rates of visual oestrous and conception in Saanen goats subjected to oestrus synchronization at two seasons of the year. Hormonal synchronization was done using an intravaginal sponge impregnated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP), for 11 days. In addition, 48 hours before sponge removal, 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 125 µg cloprostenol were administered. The goats that showed heat were mounted by fertile males. The pregnancy diagnosis was done 60 days after the service by transrectal ultrasound. The rate of presentation of heat was 86.7 and 96.7% for the anoestrous season (January-February) and the cyclicity season (March-April), respectively, without significant difference between periods. The conception rate was 88.5 and 62.1% for the periods January-February and March-April, respectively (p<0.05). It is concluded that the use of MAP impregnated intravaginal sponges for the synchronization of oestrus in Saanen goats is effective, regardless of the time of year.

RESUMEN El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las tasas de presentación de celo y concepción en cabras Saanen con sincronización del estro en dos épocas del año. La sincronización hormonal se hizo mediante una esponja intravaginal impregnada con acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP), durante 11 días. Además, 48 horas antes del retiro de la esponja se administró 300 UI de gonadotropina coriónica equina (eCG) y 125 µg de cloprostenol. Las cabras que mostraron celo fueron sometidas a un empadre controlado por monta natural. El diagnóstico de gestación se hizo 60 días después de la monta mediante ultrasonografía transrectal. La tasa de presentación de celo fue de 86.7 y 96.7% para la época de anestro (enero-febrero) y ciclicidad (marzo-abril), respectivamente, sin diferencia significativa entre periodos. La tasa de concepción fue de 88.5 y 62.1% para los periodos enero-febrero y marzo-abril, respectivamente (p<0.05). Se concluye que el uso de esponjas intravaginales impregnadas con MAP para la sincronización del estro en cabras Saanen es eficaz, independientemente de la época del año.

Abstract: In this paper we present photometric CCD observations of the globular cluster NGC 6093 (M80) in filters B, V, R and I. We produce the colour-magnitude diagrams for this object and obtain values for its metallicity [Fe/H], reddening E(V - B), E(V - I) and distance modulus (m - M)0.

Resumen: En este artículo presentamos observaciones fotométricas del cúmulo globular NGC 6093 (M80) en los filtros B, V, R e I. Producimos los diagramas color-magnitud para este objeto y obtenemos los valores de su metalicidad [Fe/H], enrojecimiento E(V - B), E(V - I), y módulo de distancia (m - M)0.

AbstractIn this paper, three quality or performance indices (Luyben's capacity factor, total annual costs, and annual profit) were applied for the design of a batch distillation column working at variable reflux. This work used the Fenske-Underwood-Gilliland short-cut method to solve a problem of four components (benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and ortho-xylene) that needed to be separated and purified to a mole fraction of 0.97 or better. The performance of the system was evaluated using distillation columns with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 theoretical stages with a boil-up vapor flow set at 100 kmol/h. It was found that the annual profit was the best quality index, while the best case for variable reflux was the column with 50 stages. It was confirmed that the best case always required a reflux ratio close to the minimum.

Descreve-se aqui pela primeira vez a presença de Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) e do seu parasitóide Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) na Tunísia, assim como a presença de P. bliteus em Portugal. Foram recolhidos dados relativos à sua distribuição geográfica, plantas hospedeiras e taxas de parasitismo. G. brimblecombei foi observado pela primeira vez na Tunísia em 2010 nas regiões costeiras do norte, tendo sido observado unicamente em Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.. As principais plantas hospedeiras em Portugal são E. camaldulensis, E. tereticornis Sm., E. rudis Endl. e E. ovata Labill. Nove outras espécies amostradas, incluindo E. globulus Labill., mostraram-se resistentes. Na Tunísia, as taxas de infestação foram superiores na região ocidental (80,5%±4,0) por comparação com a região oriental (8,8% ±4,4). Em geral, as taxas de parasitismo encontradas foram fracas, em média 6,5%±0,8. Em Portugal, as taxas de infestação variaram de 5 a 75%, mas sem uma tendência geográfica notória. As taxas de parasitismo variaram em função da estação, de 1% em Maio até 35% em Outubro, correspondendo ao período de desenvolvimento e colapso da população de G. brimblecombei. Um modelo de resposta dependente da densidade é sugerido pelo atraso de três semanas entre o pico de parasitismo das ninfas em relação ao número total de ninfas de G. brimblecombei. Serão necessários trabalhos adicionais para avaliar a eficácia deste parasitóide no controlo da psila do eucalipto.

Nous signalons la présence, pour la première fois, de Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) et son parasitoïde Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) en Tunisie et, également, la présence pour la première fois de P. bliteus au Portugal. Des données relatives à leur distribution géographique, leurs plantes hôtes et les taux de parasitisme son collectées. G. brimblecombei a été observé pour la première fois en Tunisie en 2010 dans les régions côtières du Nord où il a été noté, uniquement, sur Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.. Ses principales espèces hôtes au Portugal sont E. camaldulensis, E. tereticornis Sm., E. rudis Endl. et E. ovata Labill.. Neuf autres espèces, incluant E. globulus Labill., semblent être résistantes. En Tunisie, les taux d'infestation sont élevés dans les régions de l'Ouest (80,5%±4,0) comparés à ceux des régions de l'Est (8,8% ±4,4). En général, les taux de parasitisme trouvés sont faibles, avec une moyenne de 6,5%±0,8. Au Portugal, les niveaux d'infestation varient de 5 à 75% mais aucune tendance géographique n'émerge. Les taux de parasitisme varient en fonction de la saison, de 1% en Mai à 35% en Octobre, correspondant à la période de formation et celle de l'effondrement de la population de G. brimblecombei. Un modèle de densité-dépendance, d'une durée de trois semaines, est suggéré pour le parasitisme des nymphes en relation avec le nombre total des nymphes de G. brimblecombei. D'autres travaux seront nécessaires pour évaluer l'efficacité du parasitoïde dans le contrôle de ce psylle.

We report here for the first time the presence of Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and its parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Tunisia, as well as the first record of the presence of P. bliteus in Portugal. Data regarding their geographical distribution, host plants and parasitism rates in Tunisia and Portugal, were collected. G. brimblecombei was observed for the first time in Tunisia in 2010 in the North coastal regions where it was found only on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Main host species in Portugal were E. camaldulensis, E. tereticornis Sm., E. rudis Endl. and E. ovata Labill.. Nine other species, including E. globulus Labill. were found to be resistant. In Tunisia, infestation levels were higher on the West regions (80.5%±4.0) compared to those on the East (8.8% ±4.4). Overall, parasitism rates were found to be low, on average 6.5%±0.8. In Portugal infestation levels varied from 5 to 75% but no geographical pattern emerged. Parasitism rates varied seasonally, from 1% in May to 35% in October, corresponding to the period of build-up and collapse of G. brimblecombei population. A density-dependence pattern is suggested by three weeks delay on the parasitized nymphs in relation to the total nymphs of G. brimblecombei. Further work will be needed to evaluate the efficacy of the parasitoid in controlling this psyllid.

Six new composites derived from the intercalation of the MPS3 phases (M = MnII, CdIII) with the macrocyclic manganese(III) complex [MnL(H2O)2].NO3(H2O) (LH2 = Schiff base macrocyclic ligand derived from the condensation of 2-hydroxy-5-methy1-1,3-benzene-dicarbaldehyde and 1,2-diamine-benzene) were obtained by two different synthetic procedures: a conventional and a microwave assisted method. The composites [MnL]0.25K0.15Mn0.80 PS3(H2O)~1.0 (1), and [MnL]0.25K0.15Cd 0. 80PS3(H2O)~0.5 (2) were obtained by the conventional method, after stirring a suspension of the corresponding potassium precursor and the macrocyclic complex for two weeks, while [MnL]0.35K0.15Mn0.80 PS3(H2O)~1.0 (3) and [MnL]0.25K0.15Cd 0. 80PS3(H2O)~0.5 (4) after stirring for four weeks at room temperature. Using a microwave assisted reaction permitted to obtain in a shorter period of time as compared with the conventional method, composites [MnL]0.20K0.15Mn0.80 PS3(H2O)~1.0 (5) and [MnL]0.15K0.15Cd 0. 80PS3(H2O)~0.5 (6). All the M = MnII, MnIII composites show a bulk antiferromagnetic behavior. However, the spontaneous magnetization present at low temperature in the potassium precursor K0.40Mn0.80 PS3(H2O)~1.0 is observable in composite [MnL]0.20K0.15Mn0.80 PS3(H2O)~1.0 (5), while it is completely absent in composites [MnL]0.25K0.15Mn0.80 PS3(H2O)~1.0 (1) and [MnL]0.35K0.15Mn0.80 PS3(H2O)~1.0 (3).

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine relation between glycemia to the admitions and the evolution of the adult patients admitted to UCIA (Adult Intensive Care Unit) Methods: retrospective cohorte study of patients files admitted in the UCIA, taking sampling of evaluation of the patients according to different levels of glycemia in mg/dL (Gl=65, G2 66 to 79, G3 80 to 199 and G4200). Results: We evaluate 413 patients admitted UCIA, mid age was 48,89±19 years; mean glycemia at admition was 168,8 mg/dL ±93. Were diabetic knowned 11.9% Score Apache II mean 16 (±9), a global mortality in 39.7%; intrahospital infections were found in 22.8%. Mortality in G4 group was of 49.5% versus 35.4% in G3 (RR 1.41 p= 0.008). Intrahospital infections in G4 was 16,2% versus 26,4% in G3 (RR 0.54 p=0.03) Mortality in programmed surgeries in G4 was 30,6% versus 14.7% in G3 (RR 2.07 p=0.04).Had significant tendency in the cardiac surgeries (RR 2.33 p=0.11) and neurological (RR 3.33 p=0,26) bud non-significant in abdominal programmed surgeries G4 12.5% versus 10% in G3 (RR 0,83 p=0.85). Mortality in urgency surgeries was in G4 44,4% versus 44.1% in G3 (RR 1.01 p=0.97). In medical cases, non-surgically treated, mortality was 76,3% in G4 versus 45% in G3 (RR 1.53, p=0.004). Among coronary events, mortality was observed as significantly different comparing G4 vs G3 (42% and 10% respectively, RR 7.13 p=0.001). Regarding hypoglycemia general mortality was higher in those in group G1<65mg/dL the in comparison to groups G2 and G3 (RR 1.80, p=0.05) Conclusions: Greater general mortality was observed among the programmed surgery population and those with acute coronary events, specially in those patients admitted with 200 mg/dL of glycemia. Keywords: Glycemia, risk factor, Critical Care Unit.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre glucemias al ingreso y la evolución de los pacientes admitidos a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Adultos (UCIA). Material y Métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes en la UCIA, tomando un muestreo, según distintos estratos de glucemia en mg/dL (Gl=65; G2 66 a 79; G3 80 a 199 y G4=200). Resultados: 413 pacientes, con edad media 48.89 años ±19; glucemia media al ingreso de 168.8 mg/dL (±93). 11.9% eran diabéticos conocidos. Al ingreso el Apache II fue 16±9, con una mortalidad global de 39.7%. Se constataron infecciones intrahospitalarias en 22.8%. La mortalidad en G4 fue de 49,5% vs. 35.4% en G3 (RR 1,41 p=0.008); en cirugías programadas fue en G4 de 30.6% y 14.7% en G3 (RR 2,07 p=0,04), con una tendencia significativa en las cirugías cardiacas (RR 2,33 p=0,11) y neurológicas (RR 3,33 p=0,26); la mortalidad en las cirugías de urgencia fue en G4 44,4% vs. 44,1% en G3 (RR 1,01 p=0,97). Los cuadros médicos en general presentaron una mortalidad de 76 % en G4 vs. 45% en G3 (RR 1,53 p=0,004). Los cuadros coronarios reportaron una mortalidad en G4 de 42 % vs. 10% en G3 (RR 7,13 p=0,001); en cuanto a hipoglucemia, existió una tendencia a mayor mortalidad general en G1 en comparación a G2 y G3 (35% vs. 63,6%) (RR 1,80 p=0,05) Conclusiones: La mortalidad general, de cirugías programadas y síndromes coronarios agudos fue mayor en forma significativa cuando la glucemia de ingreso fue =200 mg/dL. Palabras clave: Glucemia, factor de riesgo, Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.

FUNDAMENTO: Diferenças entre regiões geográficas em relação à características de pacientes e desfechos, particularmente em síndromes coronarianas agudas, tem sido demonstradas em testes clínicos. Os desfechos clínicos após intervenções coronarianas percutâneas com o stent eluidor de Zotarolimus em uma população real foram analisados com o tempo. OBJETIVO: A influência da localização geográfica sobre os desfechos clínicos com o stent eluidor de Zotarolimus foi avaliada em três regiões: Pacífico Asiático, Europa e América Latina. MÉTODOS: Um total de 8.314 pacientes (6.572 da Europa, 1.522 do Pacífico Asiático e 220 da América Latina) foram acompanhados por 1 ano; 2.116 desses (1.613, 316, e 187, respectivamente) foram acompanhados por 2 anos. Características dos pacientes e lesões, terapia antiplaquetária dupla e desfechos clínicos foram comparados entre a América Latina e as outras duas regiões. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes da América Latina apresentavam a maior proporção de fatores de risco e infarto do miocárdio prévio. O uso da terapia antiplaquetária dupla declinou rapidamente na América Latina, de 44,9% em 6 meses para 22,5% em 1 ano e 7,8% em 2 anos (Europa: 87,4%, 61,5%, 19,7%; Pacífico Asiático: 82,4%, 67,0%, 45,7%, respectivamente). Não houve diferenças significantes entre a América Latina e a Europa ou Pacífico Asiático para qualquer desfecho em qualquer ponto do tempo. A incidência de trombose de stent provável e definitiva pelo Academic Research Consortium foi baixa (<1,2%) entre todos os pacientes em 1 ano e 2 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Os desfechos clínicos foram comparáveis entre os pacientes da América Latina e Europa, e América Latina e Pacífico Asiático, a despeito dos subgrupos clínicos menos favoráveis na América Latina, perfil de risco mais elevado e menor uso acentuado de terapia antiplaquetária dupla com o tempo.

BACKGROUND: Differences between geographic regions in patient characteristics and outcomes, particularly for acute coronary syndromes, have been demonstrated in clinical trials. Clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions with the Zotarolimus-eluting stent in a real-world population were assessed over time. OBJECTIVE: The influence of geographic location on clinical outcomes with the Zotarolimus-eluting stent was assessed in 3 regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. METHODS: A total of 8,314 patients (6,572 Europe, 1,522 Asia Pacific, and 220 Latin America) were followed for 1 year; 2,116 of these (1,613, 316, and 187, respectively) were followed for 2 years. Patient and lesion characteristics, dual antiplatelet therapy, and clinical outcomes were compared between Latin America and the other regions. RESULTS: Patients in Latin America had the highest proportions of risk factors and prior myocardial infarction. Dual antiplatelet therapy usage rapidly declined in Latin America, from 44.9% at 6 months to 22.5% at 1 year and 7.8% at 2 years (Europe: 87.4%, 61.5%, 19.7%; Asia Pacific: 82.4%, 67.0%, 45.7%). There were no significant differences between Latin America and Europe or Asia Pacific for any outcome at either time point. The incidence of Academic Research Consortium definite and probable stent thrombosis was low (<1.2%) among all patients at 1 year and 2 years. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes were comparable between patients in Latin America and Europe, and Latin America and Asia Pacific, despite less favorable clinical subsets in Latin America, a higher risk profile, and markedly lower use of dual antiplatelet therapy over time.

FUNDAMENTO: Las diferencias entre las regiones geográficas en relación con las características de pacientes y desenlaces, sobre todo en los síndromes coronarios agudos se ha demostrado en ensayos clínicos. Los desenlaces clínicos después de las intervenciones coronarias percutáneas con stent liberador de zotarolimus en una población real se analizaron a través del tiempo. Objetivos: La influencia de la ubicación geográfica sobre los desenlaces clínicos con el stent liberador de zotarolimus se evaluó en tres regiones: Pacífico Asiático, Europa y América Latina. MÉTODOS: A total of 8,314 patients (6.572 Europe, 1.522 Asia Pacific, and 220 Latin America) were followed for 1 year; 2.116 of these (1.613, 316, and 187, respectively) were followed for 2 years. Patient and lesion characteristics, dual antiplatelet therapy, and clinical outcomes were compared between Latin America and the other regions. RESULTADOS: Los pacientes en América Latina tuvieron la mayor proporción de factores de riesgo e infarto de miocardio previo. Hubo un rápido descenso en el uso de la terapia antiplaquetaria en América Latina, el 44,9% en 6 meses para 22,5% en 1 año y 7,8% en 2 años (Europa: un 87,4%, un 61,5%, un 19,7%; Pacífico Asiático: un 82,4%, un 67,0%, un 45,7%, respectivamente). No hubo diferencias significativas entre América Latina y Europa o Pacífico Asiático para cualquier desenlace en cualquier momento. La incidencia de trombosis de stent probable y definitiva por el Academic Research Consortium fue baja (< 1,2%) entre todos los pacientes en 1 año y 2 años. CONCLUSIONES: Los desenlaces clínicos fueron comparables entre los pacientes de América Latina y Europa, y América Latina y Pacífico Asiático, pese a los subgrupos clínicos menos favorables en América Latina, perfil de riesgo más elevado y menor uso acentuado de terapia antiplaquetaria doble con el tiempo. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2011;96(5):353-362)

OBJECTIVES: To describe preparation of a medical mission from a pharmacy team's perspective. METHODS: Essential components of the medication planning process include the development of a separate medication budget, a medication formulary (based on needs assessment and availability) and acquisition of medications and medical supplies. RESULTS: For the medical mission to Jamaica, medications are often purchased or donated from various locations, including retail pharmacies, drug wholesalers, medication drives, pharmaceutical companies, and medication assistance programmes specific to medical missions. It is essential to understand the policy associated with the importation of medications which can be found in the Approval Process for Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Medical devices, Precursor Chemicals and Narcotics, a paper developed by the Ministry of Health, Jamaica. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of planning and preparation are required for the medical mission to Jamaica to be a success; assistance and cooperation is necessary from all members of the interdisciplinary medical mission team. It is imperative to plan ahead, be organized and equipped to handle unexpected situations so that quality care can be delivered to the patients to be served.

OBJETIVO: Describir la preparación de una misión médica desde la perspectiva de un team de farmacia. MÉTODOS: Componentes esenciales del proceso de planificación de la medicación incluyen el desarrollo de un presupuesto separado de medicamentos, un formulario de medicamentos (basado en la evaluación de las necesidades y la disponibilidad) y la adquisición de medicamentos y suministros médicos. RESULTADOS: Para la misión médica a Jamaica, se obtienen medicamentos a menudo comprados o donados desde varias localidades, incluyendo farmacias minoristas, mayoristas de medicamentos, campañas de venta de medicamentos, compañías farmacéuticas y programas de asistencia de medicamentos específicos para misiones médicas. Es esencial comprender la política asociada con la importación de medicamentos que se pueden hallar en el Proceso de Aprobación para Alimentos, Medicamentos, Cosméticos, Equipos Médicos, Precursores Químicos y Narcóticos - un documento elaborado por Ministerio de Salud, Jamaica. CONCLUSIONES: Se requieren niveles elevados de planificación y preparación para que la misión médica a Jamaica sea un éxito. Hace falta la asistencia y cooperación de todos los miembros del equipo médico interdisciplinario de la misión. Es imperativo planificar con tiempo, ser organizados, y estar bien equipados a fin de dar solución a situaciones inesperadas, de manera que se pueda ofrecer una atención de calidad a los pacientes.

O desenvolvimento de solda sem chumbo tem sido uma tarefa árdua para cientistas de materiais pelas preocupações com a saúde e com o meio ambiente devido ao conteúdo de chumbo das soldas convencionais. O objetivo do presente trabalho é investigar a influência dos parâmetros da microestrutura dendrítica nas propriedades mecânicas das ligas sem chumbo: Sn-4 e 12%p Zn. Amostras das ligas em estudo foram obtidas por experimentos de solidificação conduzidos em um aparato que proporciona uma solidificação unidirecional vertical ascendente refrigerado à água (25 °C ±2°C), o qual garante a extração de calor apenas pela base do lingote em regime transitório de extração de calor. Os resultados experimentais permitiram estabelecer correlações entre parâmetros térmicos e espaçamentos dendríticos secundários com a resistência à tração e alongamento. Conclui-se dos resultados experimentais que o alongamento específico mostra-se significantemente melhorado (em torno de 10%) com o refino microestrutural para ambas as ligas. Encontrou-se também que em taxas de resfriamento na faixa entre 0,5 e 10 ºC/s, a liga Sn-4%p Zn é aquela que apresenta a menor variação entre limites de resistência à tração (31 a 32 MPa) e alongamento que a liga Sn-12%p Zn (29 a 33 MPa).

The development of lead-free solder has been an urgent and hard task for material due to health and environmental concerns over the lead content of conventional solders. The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of microstructural dendritic array parameters of a Sn-4wt% and 12 wt% Zn lead-free solder alloys on its mechanical properties. A water-cooled (25 °C ±2°C) unidirectional solidification system was used in the experiments. The solidification set-up was designed in such way that the heat was extracted only through the water-cooled bottom, promoting vertical upward directional solidification. The experimental results permitted to establish correlations between thermal parameters and secondary dendrite arm spacings with ultimate tensile strength and elongation. It was concluded that the microstructural refinement has significantly improved the elongation (of about 10%). It was also found that, in a range of the cooling rate of about 0.5 and 10 ºC/s, the Sn-4 wt% Zn solder alloy has lower variation of the tensile strength (31 to 32 MPa) and elongation than the Sn-12 wt% Zn solder alloy (29 to 33 MPa).

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar os efeitos da agitação mecânica e de adição de refinador de grão na macro e microestrutura e propriedades mecânicas resultantes de três (03) diferentes procedimentos de fundição utilizando-se de uma liga Al-10%Sn. Os processos de fundição para obtenção das amostras foram: i)fundição por gravidade convencional, ii) fundição por gravidade com agitação mecânica do líquido em resfriamento, iii) fundição por gravidade com adição de refinadores de grão, particularmente adição de 1,5% (em peso) da liga-mãe Al-5%Ti-1%B e iv) fundição por gravidade com adição de refinador de grão e agitação mecânica. Resultados experimentais mostraram que os diferentes procedimentos de fundição propiciaram diferentes valores médios dos tamanhos dos grãos correlacionados com diferentes taxas de resfriamento. Taxas na ordem de 0,60 a 0,75 ºC/s propiciaram microestruturas celulares e taxas na ordem de 1,75 a 2,55 ºC/s resultaram em morfologias dendríticas. Foram avaliados também os níveis de porosidade entre as amostras estudadas. Foram correlacionados os resultados do comportamento mecânico, particularmente, limite de resistência à tração, limite de escoamento e alongamento específico com os tamanhos dos grãos, os espaçamentos dendríticos e celulares e os níveis de porosidade resultantes dos três diferentes procedimentos de obtenção das amostras. Conclui-se que o controle da microestrutura do lingote pode ser usado como um método alternativo para produzir componentes fundidos com melhores resultados de propriedades mecânicas e qualidade dos fundidos.

The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of mechanical stirring and grain refiner addition in three different Al-10wt%Sn casting alloys on their resulting macro and microstructures and mechanical properties. These samples were obtained by using: i) die casting, ii) casting with mechanical stirring, iii) die casting using grain refiner (master alloy Al-5wt%Ti-1wt%B) and iv) die casting with grain refiner and mechanical stirring. Experimental results presented different mean grain sizes and different cooling rates when different casting procedures were applied. Cellular and dendritic morphologies were observed when ranges of cooling rates of about 0.6 to 0.75 ºC/s and of 1.75 to 2.55 ºC/s were employed, respectively. Porosity levels of all studied alloy samples were also analyzed. Results of the mechanical behavior, particularly, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and specific elongation were correlated with mean grain sizes, dendritic arm and cellular spacings and porosity levels attained for the three different cast Al-10wt%Sn alloy samples. The control of the resulting microstructure of the as-cast product may be used as an alternative way to produce sound casting alloy components with improvement in the mechanical properties.

O presente trabalho analisa os efeitos da taxa de resfriamento no crescimento celular da liga Pb-0,85%Sb e avalia a influência do tamanho das células e perfil de macrosegregação na resistência à corrosão. No sentido de se obter amostras brutas de solidificação foi utilizado um dispositivo de solidificação unidirecional refrigerado à água. Esse tipo de dispositivo, em função da ampla faixa de taxas de resfriamento que possibilita alcançar, permitiu a formação de microestruturas celulares com diferente grau de refino. Os aspectos microestruturais resultantes foram caracterizados por microscopia ótica e eletrônica. Amostras com diferentes aspectos microestruturais foram submetidas a testes de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica em uma solução 0,5M de H2SO4 à temperatura de 25˚C e também analisadas pela técnica de extrapolação de Tafel para avaliação da resistência à corrosão. Os resultados mostraram que a densidade de corrente corrosão diminui com o aumento dos espaçamentos celulares. Esses resultados podem ser utilizados na programação prévia da microestrutura como uma forma de produzir componentes fundidos de ligas Pb-Sb, como placas de baterias, com melhor resistência à corrosão.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cooling rate on the cellular growth of a Pb-0.85wt%Sb alloy and to evaluate the influences of cell size and of the corresponding macrosegregation profile on the resultant corrosion behavior. In order to obtain the as-cast samples a water-cooled unidirectional solidification system was used. Such experimental set-up has permitted the development of a clear cellular structural array even for relative high cooling rates and has allowed a wide range of solidification conditions to be analyzed. Microstructural aspects along the casting were characterized by optical microscopy and SEM techniques. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique and potentiodynamic curves (Tafel extrapolation) were used to analyze the corrosion resistance of samples collected along the casting length and immersed in a 0.5M H2SO4 solution at 25ºC. It was found that the corrosion current density decreases with increasing cell spacing and that the pre-programming of microstructure cell size can be used as an alternative way to produce as-cast components of Pb-Sb alloys, such as battery grids, with better corrosion resistance.

The problem of retrieving images from a database is considered. In particular, we retrieve images belonging to one of the following six categories: 1) commercial planes in land, 2) commercial planes in air, 3) war planes in land, 4) war planes in air, 5) small aircraft in land, and 6) small aircraft in the air. During training, a wavelet-based description of each image is first calculated using Daubechies 4-wavelet transformation. The resulting coefficients are used to train a neural network (NN). During classification, test images are treated by the already trained NN. Three different ways to obtain the coefficients of the Daubechies transform were proposed and tested: from the entire image color channels, from the histogram of the biggest circular window inside the image color channels, and from the histograms of the square sub-images in the image color channels of the original image. 120 images were used for training and 240 for testing. The best efficiency of 88% was obtained with the third method.

Se considera el problema de la recuperación de imágenes desde una base de datos de imágenes. En particular, se recuperan las imágenes que pertenecen a una de las siguientes seis categorías: 1) aviones comerciales en la tierra, 2) aviones comerciales en el aire, 3) aviones de guerra en la tierra, 4) aviones de guerra en el aire, 5) avionetas en la tierra, y 6) avionetas en el aire. Primeramente se calcula una descripción con base en la transformada ondeleta de cada imagen mediante la ondeleta Daubechies-4. Los coeficientes resultantes se usan para entrenar una red neuronal. Durante la clasificación, se prueba el sistema con imágenes ya tratadas por la ya entrenada red neuronal. Se propusieron y probaron tres métodos diferentes para obtener los coeficientes de la ondeleta Daubechies-4: desde los canales de color RGB de la imagen completa, desde el histograma de la mayor ventana circular inscrita en los canales de color RGB de la imagen, y desde los histogramas de sub-imágenes cuadradas insertadas en los canales de color RGB de la imagen. Se usaron 120 imágenes para el entrenamiento de la red neuronal y 240 para probar el sistema. La mejor eficiencia de 88% se obtuvo con el tercer método.

RESUMO Hypothenemus hampei, é uma importante praga do café no Brasil e no mundo. A maioria dos trabalhos referentes à associação entre este inseto e fungos teve como alvo a parte aérea de plantas de Coffea canephora. Estudos de campo foram realizados em plantios de C. canephora, em Ouro Preto do Oeste, Rondônia, para levantar a micota associada à broca e frutos de café. Brocas e galerias foram obtidas a partir da dissecção de frutos de C. canephora brocados e não brocados. Os resultados mostraram que existe uma grande diversidade de fungos associados aos insetos. Nas brocas do solo foram encontrados 110 isolados (10 gêneros) e na parte aérea 91 isolados (10 gêneros). Em relação aos frutos brocados (galerias) foram registrados 5 gêneros no solo e 2 na parte aérea e nos frutos não brocados estes valores foram 6 e 5, respectivamente. O "ambiente" solo mostrou maior riqueza que a "parte aérea", tanto para brocas como para frutos brocados. Em relação aos frutos não brocados esta diferença não foi significativa revelando a ação da broca na dispersão destes microrganismos entre os dois ambientes. Este trabalho oferece uma descrição da micota associada à H. hampei em C. canephora e mostra a influência do ambiente na sua diversidade.

ABSTRACT Hypothenemus hampei is an important pest of coffee in Brazil and the world. The majority of thestudies concerning the association between this insect and fungus were lead in the aerial part of plants of Coffea canephora. Field studies were carried out on C. canephora, in Ouro Preto do Oeste, Rondônia, to determine the mycobiota associated with coffee berry borer and coffee fruits. Bored and unbored fruits were collected from plants of C. canephora and, borers and galleries were obtained from the disection of the infested fruits. The results that there is a great diversity of fungus associated to the insects. In the borers of the soil there were registered 110 isolates (10 genera) and in the aerial part there were found 91 isolates (5 genera). In relation to the bored fruits (galleries) there were registered 5 genera in the soil and 2 in the aerial parts of plants, and for unbored fruits these values were 6 and 5, respectively. The "soil environment" showed greater diversity than the "aerial part" as much borers as bored fruits. In relation to unbored fruits this difference was not significant, showing the action of the borer in the dispersion of these microorganisms between these two environments. This work offers a description of mycota associated to H. hampei in C. canephora and shows the influence of the environment in the diversity of this mycota.

Although infrequent, recovery of pituitary function after necrosis of a pituitary adenoma is not an exceptional event. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman with previous surgery for an adrenal mass and signs of hypercortisolism which failed to revert postoperatively. She then developed pituitary apoplexy followed by hypopituitarism, as confirmed by hormonal measurements. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed evidence of a pituitary macroadenoma with signs of necrosis, impinging on the optic chiasm, which was excised by the trans-sphenoidal approach. Nine months later, hormone tests indicated a near total recovery of pituitary functions. The patient had a successful pregnancy three years later. After a 5-year follow-up, she remained clinically asymptomatic, with moderate reduction in cortisol and blunted growth hormone (GH) response to hypoglycemia and MRI failed to disclose any residual tumor, except for a partial arachnoidocele.

La recuperación de la función pituitaria luego de necrosis de un macroadenoma es infrecuente pero no excepcional. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 32 años de edad, previamente operada de una tumoración adrenal con signos sugestivos de hipercortisolismo que no revirtieron luego de cirugía. Más tarde presentó un cuadro de apoplejía pituitaria seguido de hipopituitarismo probado por mediciones hormonales. Una resonancia nuclear magnética (RNM) evidenció un macroadenoma pituitario con signos necróticos comprimiendo el quiasma óptico, realizándose su exéresis por vía transesfenoidal. Nueve meses después los estudios hormonales indicaron la casi total recuperación de la función pituitaria. La paciente tuvo un embarazo y parto normales tres años después. Luego de 5 años de seguimiento permanecía clínicamente asintomática, un test de hipoglucemia insulínica mostró reducción moderada en la respuesta del cortisol pero mayor en la de somatotrofina (GH) y una RMN demostró un aracnoidocele parcial, sin evidencia de tumor.

In a two-center, comparative trial, 344 adults were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of inactivated split-virion (Imovax Gripeâ) or sub-unit (Agrippal S1â) influenza vaccine (1999-2000 formulations). For analysis, study groups were subdivided into adult (18-60 years old) and elderly (over 60 years) subjects. Blood was drawn immediately before and one month after vaccination, safety was evaluated using a blind-observer design based on reporting of solicited and unsolicited adverse events. Both vaccines were very well tolerated, had similar reactogenicity profiles, and elicited fewer reports of reactions in elderly individuals. Post-vaccination Imovax Gripeâ induced seroprotective antibody titers against the three vaccine strains in 94-99% of adults and 88-97% of elderly subjects, compared with 88-100% and 88-98%, respectively, of those given Agrippal S1â. In conclusion, the split-virion and sub-unit influenza vaccines had similar safety and reactogenicity profiles, and elicited satisfactory immunity in adult and elderly subjects. However, higher post-vaccination geometric mean titer (GMT) values in response to the B strain were seen with the split vaccine Imovax Gripeâ, giving it a better overall immunogenicity.

En un ensayo comparativo realizado en dos centros, se asignaron de manera aleatoria 344 adultos para recibir una dosis de vacuna contra la gripe de virus fraccionado inactivado (Imovax Gripeâ) o de vacuna de subunidades (Agrippal S1â) (formulaciones 1999-2000). Para el análisis, los grupos estudiados fueron subdivididos en adultos (18-60 años) y ancianos (más de 60 años). La sangre fue extraída justo antes y un mes después de la vacunación. La inocuidad fue evaluada utilizando un informe sobre reacciones adversas, usando un diseño de observador a ciegas. Ambas vacunas fueron muy bien toleradas, con perfiles de reactogenicidad similares y desarrollaron escasas reacciones adversas en los individuos ancianos. La vacunación con la Imovax Gripeâ indujo títulos de anticuerpos protectores en suero contra las tres cepas de virus de la vacuna en 94-99% de los adultos y en 88-97% de los sujetos ancianos, comparado con 88-100% y 88-98%, respectivamente, con respecto a los que recibieron Agrippal S1â. En conclusión: Las vacunas contra la gripe de tipo virus fraccionado y sub-unidad presentan perfiles de inocuidad y reactogenicidad similares, y desarrollan una inmunidad satisfactoria en sujetos adultos y en ancianos. Sin embargo, luego de la vacunación, se observaron valores de medias geométricas de los títulos ("GMT") contra la cepa B superiores con la vacuna de virus fraccionado inactivado Imovax Gripeâ, dando una mejor inmunogenicidad global.