Analysis of a Reconfigurable Bandpass Circular Patch Filter

This paper presents an analysis of a reconfigurable patch filter based on a triple-mode circular patch resonator with four radial slots. The analysis has been carried out thanks to the development of a new theoretical approach of the tunable patch filter based on the coupling matrix. The coefficients of the coupling matrix related to the tunable behavior have been identified and some rules for their evolution have been derived. For a proof-of-concept, a bandpass filter has been designed with a continuous tunability obtained with varactors connected across the slots. State-of-the-art results have been obtained, with a frequency tuning range of 27% from 1.95 to 2.43 GHz and a change in fractional bandwidth from 8.5% to 31.5% for the respective frequencies. In the entire tuning range, the return loss is better than 10 dB and the maximum insertion loss is 2 dB. Due to the newly developed coupling matrix, measurements, simulations, and theory showed great agreement.

A TRIPLE-MODE BANDPASS FILTER USING A MODIFIED CIRCULAR PATCH RESONATOR

This article presents a triple-mode bandpass filter using a modified circular patch resonator. Etched slots in the resonator split the TM(1, 1, 0)(z) degenerate fundamental modes and also perturb the TM(2, 1, 0)(z) mode, approximating their resonant frequencies to form a third-order bandpass filter. A 2.42 GHz centered filter was designed and fabricated. Experimental results showed a fractional bandwidth of 29%, return loss better than 16 dB, insertion loss of 0.5 dB, and good second harmonic band rejection. The filter exhibited a size reduction of 51% compared with a filter using an unperturbed circular patch resonator at the same frequency. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 178-182, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23950

Kelp gulls, Larus dominicanus (Aves: Laridae), breeding in Keller Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula

We examined the distribution, abundance and density of the Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus (Lichtenstein, 1823), at Keller Peninsula on two occasions during the breeding season of 2007-2008 (once for incubation and once for chick stages) and compared our results with previously published data. We present information on the number of eggs, incubation success, and initial development of L. dominicanus chicks in the studied sites. The abundance and density of the species has remained statistically similar in Keller Peninsula over the last 30 years (since 1978-1979). Although the abundance and density were almost unchanged, we recorded alterations in the occupation of the breeding areas by L. dominicanus, mainly the abandonment of breeding sites in the eastern portion of Keller Peninsula. The results of the present study compared with similar previous investigations on the abundance of L. dominicanus indicate that the populations have been in equilibrium over the years.

Mechanical strength and thermal conductivity of low-porosity gypsum plates

The thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of gypsum and gypsum-cellulose plates made from commercial plaster by a new process have been measured. The gypsum parts made by the new process, 'novogesso', have high mechanical strength and low porosity. The gypsum strength derives from both the high aspect ratio of the gypsum crystals and the strong adhesion among them by nano-flat layers of confined water, which behaves as supercooled water. Another contribution to the strength comes from the nano-flatness of the lateral surfaces of the gypsum single crystals. The bending and compression strengths, σB and σc, of gypsum plates prepared by this new technique can be as high as 30 and 100 MPa, respectively. The way gypsum plates have been assembled as well as their low thermal conductivity allowed for the construction of a low-cost experimental house with thermal and acoustic comfort.

O papel do polimorfismo funcional VNTR da região promotora do gene MAOA nos transtornos psiquiátricos

INTRODUÇÃO: Muitos estudos têm investigado a associação do polimorfismo VNTR (número variável de repetições em série) localizado na região promotora do gene da enzima monoamina oxidase A (MAOA) com alterações no comportamento humano e em diversos transtornos psiquiátricos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi revisar a literatura sobre a participação desse polimorfismo funcional na modulação do comportamento humano para o desenvolvimento dos transtornos psiquiátricos. MÉTODO: A pesquisa foi realizada na literatura em inglês, de janeiro de 1998 a junho de 2009, disponível no Medline, Embase, Web of Science e na base de dados PsycInfo, utilizando os seguintes termos: "MAOA e comportamento humano" e "MAOA e psiquiatria". RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 3.873 estudos. Desses, 109 foram selecionados e incluídos na revisão. Encontrou-se associação de alelos de baixa atividade do VNTR com transtorno de personalidade antissocial, transtorno de conduta, transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade, jogo patológico e dependência de substâncias. Alelos da alta atividade da MAOA foram associados a depressão, ansiedade, neuroticismo e anorexia nervosa. Não se encontrou associação entre polimorfismos da MAOA e esquizofrenia e transtorno bipolar. CONCLUSÃO: Os principais achados dão suporte ao papel do polimorfismo VNTR da região promotora do gene da MAOA em alguns transtornos psiquiátricos, apesar das divergências encontradas devidas às dificuldades metodológicas de estudos em genética. De modo geral, os estudos associam os alelos de baixa atividade da MAOA com comportamentos impulsivos e agressivos ("comportamentos hiperativos"), enquanto os alelos de alta atividade do gene são mais associados a "comportamentos hipoativos".

Composição química dos frutos de Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg-Myrtaceae

Frutos in natura de C. xanthocarpa (Myrtaceae), coletados em diferentes estádios de amadurecimento na Floresta Estadual de Assis, município de Assis - SP, foram avaliados por meio de métodos tradicionais de análise, técnicas cromatográficas e de espectrometria de massas e de emissão ótica quanto à composição nutricional, ao perfil químico do óleo volátil e ao teor de elementos inorgânicos. Os resultados mostraram alto teor de água (81,4%); lipídios (1,9%); carboidratos totais (8,9%); fibra alimentar (6,3%); além de quantidades razoáveis de ácido ascórbico (17,8 mg.100 g-1); e traços de riboflavina (0,09 mg.100 g-1). No óleo volátil (0,2%), pôde-se identificar 62 componentes, correspondendo a 100% dos constituintes do óleo, destacando-se dentre eles os monoterpenos α-pineno (15%), o-cimeno (10,8%), β-pineno (10,5%). Entre os minerais (16), os principais elementos foram o K (2084 mg.kg-1), P (149 mg.kg-1), Mg (135 mg.kg-1) e, como microelementos, o Fe (6,4 mg.kg-1), Cu (93,3 mg.100 g-1) e Pb (1,3 mg.kg-1). O valor energético do fruto (57,3 kcal.100 g-1) deve-se quase que exclusivamente aos teores de carboidratos totais (8,9%).

Chorion biopsy in mongrel dogs

With the great development of the gestational studies in all of the species, we noticed the necessity of adaptations of these techniques for prenatal diagnosis in dogs. Based on this, we studied the feasibility of chorion biopsy guided by ultrasound. Our results demonstrated accuracy on the sex determination being 2 males and 12 females, as well as it would be possible to identify chromosome alteration due to the quality of samplings. Sex determination was accomplished with the identification of Y gene chromosomes in PCR technique. After the collection, fragments were prepared for light microscopy studies and revealed fetal chorion tissue, blood colloid and erythrocyte. In the whole material we found hemosiderin impregnations due to the hemolysis and to the residue of blood of the placental marginal hematomes. The submitted female dogs to this technique demonstrated normal puppy births without death.

Morphological aspects of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) umbilical cord

Buffalo is an important livestock resource, with a great participation in agricultural systems, providing milk, meat, and work power. Umbilical cord is responsible for maternal-fetal nutrients exchange during pregnancy, and its alterations can compromise the fetal development. We investigated ten pregnant uteruses collected from cross-bread buffaloes in different stages of gestation. Pregnancy and fetal age was determined by measuring the apex sacral length and development period was calculated by previously published formula. Umbilical cords were measured for length determination. Umbilical cord vascular net and anastomosis were observed by injection of Neoprene latex. Histological sections of the umbilical cord were studied after stain with HE, picrossirius, toluidine blue, orceine, and PAS reaction. Buffaloes' umbilical cord was formed by two central arteries, an allantois duct and two peripheral veins. The artery wall was composed by large quantity of collagen, elastic fibers, fibroblasts and large number of vasa vasorum. The allantois duct was located between the arteries and presented a great number of small nourishing vessels. Small nourishing vessels should be carefully considered to avoid to be mistaken to the arterials and veins vasa vasorum. Medium length of umbilical cord from buffalos was 11.8cm (minimum of 6.8cm and maximum of 17.4cm).

Avaliação da técnica de arteriografia renal guiada por fluoroscopia em suínos

The fluoroscopy-guided renal arteriography was evaluated in order to be used as an auxiliary method in investigations and as a way to experimentally induce kidney diseases in swine. The technique was effective to obtain sharp images as well as to determine the area of renal irrigation. Despite its easiness, trained professionals are required to perform it.

Estrutura populacional do camarão-branco Litopenaeus schmitti nas regiões estuarina e marinha da baixada santista, São Paulo, Brasil

The white-shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti distributes in West Atlantic Ocean, occurring along all Brazilian cost. Population structure in the Baixada Santista region was identified from samples obtained from artisanal and industrial fishery between June of 2005 and May of 2006. A total of 2.912 specimens were collected, being 2.138 females (1.008 in the estuary and 1.130 in the marine region) and 774 males ( 334 in the estuary and 440 in the marine region). Environmental parameters were annotated together the sampling, allowing to identify that water temperature influences directly the catches. Catches variations, length composition of samples by sex and gonadal maturation of females allowed to identify that: (i) estuary is used as a nursery area by individuals with small lengths, most young; (ii) marine region is used by larger individuals ( adults) and the spawning period extend from June to February, mainly between November and January. It was verified that estuarine fishery ( artisanal) focuses immature and in development individuals, with small lengths and, the marine fishery ( industrial) focuses adults during the whole year and, only in the summer, youngling from spawn. The length of first gonadal maturation of females was estimated in 15,8mm. These results and diagnoses must be considered in the management of L. schmitti fishery in Baixada Santista region.

Temporal and spatial distribution of anurans in the Pampa Region (Santa Maria, RS).

The present study aimed to determine the richness, occurrence constancy, reproductive modes. standard of abundance distribution, season of vocalization and to test correlation among climatic variables and activity of vocalization of anurans in a region of the Pampa Biome, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State. During the period of Novernber/2001 to October/2002 monthly collections were carried out utilizing the `survey at breeding site` method and examination of specimens kept in the Colecao Herpetologica do Setor de Zoologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (ZUFSM). Tire Occurrence of 25 species of anurans was recorded. The anurofauna recorded represents 30% of the species known to Occur in Rio Grande do Sul, and comprises species generally associated with grasslands in this state and neighboring countries. Four reproductive modes were recorded: mode 1 (14 species: 58.3%) mode 11 and 30 (9 species` 37.5%) and mode 24 (1 species; 4.2%). The low diversification of reproductive modes is likely related to the homogeneity of the grassland habitat. Most species were constant or accessory in the Study area and the species abundance distribution patterns fit in the Broken Stick and Log-normal models. characterized by homogeneity of species abundance distribution. Most species showed great plasticity in habitat. but few were plastic in vocalization sites use. There was a weak positive correlation between species richness and precipitation. There was also a weak positive correlation between the abundance of species calling activity and maximum average temperatures. These correlations indicated that, in the study area. the abundance of calling males is more affected by the temperature, and species richness is more affected by precipitation, despite the fact that significantly higher species richness occurs during the hottest period of the year. These results showed that the climatological variables examined were not enough to explain the seasonal occurrence of species, thus the influence of other environmental variables merit to be tested in future studies.

Letters that construct limits: intellectual and political projects in the letters of Capistrano de Abreu to Barao do Rio Branco (1886-1903)

The intention of this paper is to analyze the letters from Capistrano de Abreu to Barao do Rio Branco in the years between 1886 and 1903. The focus will be given to the divergences around the notion of territorial formation, a basic concept for these authors who were thinking about the construction of a historical narrative at the end of the 19(th) and beginning of the 20(th) century. Later, the question is the construction of the craft of the historian in the letters of Capistrano de Abreu and his distinction and proximity to the ideas of the Barao do Rio Branco.