Estudo comparativo sobre filtragem de sinais instrumentais usando transformadas de Fourier e Wavelet

A comparative study of the Fourier (FT) and the wavelet transforms (WT) for instrumental signal denoising is presented. The basic principles of wavelet theory are described in a succinct and simplified manner. For illustration, FT and WT are used to filter UV-VIS and plasma emission spectra using MATLAB software for computation. Results show that FT and WT filters are comparable when the signal does not display sharp peaks (UV-VIS spectra), but the WT yields a better filtering when the filling factor of the signal is small (plasma spectra), since it causes low peak distortion.

Characterization of Unye bentonite after treatment with sulfuric acid

Unye bentonite was found to consist predominantly of a dioctahedral smectite along with quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, and minor fractions of feldspar and anatase. A considerable amount of Al was retained as a constituent in acid-resistant impurities following the decomposition of the montmorillonite via acid treatment at an acid/clay ratio of 0.4. These impurities were mesoporous with a maximum surface area of 303.9±0.4 m² g-1. A sharp decrease in the d001 lattice spacing of the montmorillonite to 15.33 Å reflected the reduction of the crystallinity in the activated products. In addition, the increase in the ease with which newly formed hydroxyl groups were lost paralleled the severity of the acid treatment.

Distribuição dos Hydrozoa até agora conhecidos nas costas do Brasil

This work was done with the aim of computing all the species of Hydrozoa (Siphonophora excluded) that have been collected on the Brazilian coast, or in the pelagial, near the coast (some of the "Meteor" Stations). Nutting's (1900, 1904, 1915) and Mayer's (1910) monographs were taken as starting points and later papers and the Zoological Record used to check posterior findings. As a whole, 116 different valid names, among species and forms, have been mentioned from the Brazilian coast, distributed among 60 genera. Of the 116 species, 82 are represented by hydropolyps, 30 by hydromedusae (11 of which belong to the Trachylina and therefore lack a polypoid generation) and finally, by 4 species of which are known both polypoid and medusoid generations. The subdivision of the coast has been made at random, on account of the scarcity of the findings, except for the best known district, that goes from the latitude of Vitoria (State of Espirito Santo, at about 20ºlat.S.) to the bay of Santos (State of São Paulo, about 24ºlat.S.). The latitude of Cabo Frio (23ºlat.S.) was considered as a possible natural barrier, and the results of the global counting of the distribution of the hydropolyps North and South of 23ºlat.S. is the following: 29 species are known only North of Cabo Frio, 26 only from the same latitude (see direction of the coast, along parallel 23ºS.) or further South and 28 species are known both North and South of the coast (of these, 5 species are "cosmopolitan"). Therefore it seems quite possible that Cabo Frio really is a barrier to the distribution of 55 species. 26 species are endemic to the Brazilian coast, of these, only 5 are found both North and South of the Cape, while-14 are found only North and 7 only South. No studies can be done, on the bathymetric distribution in relation to the latitude. These results must be considered as provisory since more extensive researches will probably alter these figures. However, I believe that they are significative as a mean index of the condition of the hydrozoan fauna of the Brazilian coast. A tentative working hypothesis is presented as to the possible factors that confer such a zoogeographic importance to the region of Cabo Frio, a fact that has been foreseen by Ekman (1935, p. 73). Geographic position, currents, latitude and nature of the sea bottom between the continent and the oceanic island of Trindade have been taken in consideration, and all of them seem to be possible eficient factors of separation. Furthermore, according to the data obtained by the "Meteor" Expedition in July 2, 1926, at station 164 (23º8'lat.S. - 42º5'long.W.) and station 165 (23º35'lat.S. - 40º52'long.W.) and by what is known by hearsay and local experience of the region (exact continued study is urgently needed), it seems possible that, off from the sharp curve that the coast has at Cabo Frio, there may be an irregularity of the general scheme of the current and local upwelling may be present that would explain the local low temperature, low salinity and high density of the superficial layers as well as the abundance of fishes; these factors might contribute towards the establishement of a zoogeographical barrier. Further work is needed and nothing more than an hypothesis can be presented for the moment.

Electrometric studies on formation of cerium vanadates as a function of pH

The precise nature of the reaction between nitric acid and sodium ortho-vanadate solutions has been studied by means of electrometric techniques involving potentiometric and conductometric titrations. The well defined inflections and breaks in the titration curves confirm the existence of the anions, pyro-V2O7(4-), meta-VO3- and poly-H2V10O28(4-) corresponding to the ratios of VO4(3-):H+ as 1:1, 1:2 and 1:2.6 in the neighborhood of pH 10.5, 7.4 and 3.6, respectively. The interaction of cerium(III) nitrate with sodium vanadate solutions, at specific pH levels 12.4, 10.5, 7.4 and 3.6 was also studied by potentiometric and conductometric titrations between the reactants. The end-points obtained from the sharp inflections in the titration curves provide definite evidence for the formation and precipitation of cerium ortho-Ce2O3.V2O5, pyro-2Ce2O3.3V2O5 and meta-Ce2O3.3V2O5 vanadates in the neighborhood of pH 7.4, 6.2 and 4.8, respectively. Analytical investigations on the precipitates formed confirm the results of the electrometric study.

Diameter structure of stratum and ecological groups of a Semideciduous Forest area in Dionísio-MG

The objective of this study was to obtain homogeneous groups of species and information on their density, dominance and volume, in terms of ecological group and diameter structure of an area of Submontane Semideciduous forest (Mata do Mumbaça) in Dionísio, MG. This work was conducted with data of the diameter distribution per species from floristic and phytosociological (Mata do Mumbaça) survey of 120 plots with 10 x 10 m each one. The 120 plots were contiguous and corresponding to a total sample area of 12,000 m² distributed over the topographic units (Low Ramp, Lower Slope, Upper Slope and Hill Top). The topographic units Low Ramp, Lower Slope and Upper Slope were in the middle stage of succession as they presented incipient stratification into two strata (canopy and understory) i.e. canopy ranging from 5 to 12 m high. However, the stratum Hill Top was classified as intermediate/advanced succession because it had a total height equal to or greater than 12 m. The distribution of individual trees of the four strata on diameter classes showed a typical J-inverted pattern that is, high concentration of individuals in smaller diameter classes and a sharp reduction towards the larger classes. In relation to absolute dominance and total volume of species, the ecological group that stood out in the four strata (Low Ramp, Lower Slope, Upper Slope and Hill Top) was the initial secondary, which were in the intermediate stage of secondary, rapidly developing into the mature phase.

Protocolo eletrônico para coleta estruturada de dados clínicos para pacientes pediátricos em terapia nutricional utilizando o SINPE© (Sistema Integrado de Protocolos Eletrônicos)

OBJETIVO: Criar uma base de dados clínicos de terapia nutricional de pacientes pediátricos, informatizar os dados transformando-os em protocolo eletrônico, criar um meio de integração com outros centros médicos a fim de aplicar a base de dados de maneira multicêntrica. MÉTODO: a base de dados foi desenvolvida a partir de busca na literatura médica, em livros-texto e artigos científicos sobre terapia nutricional em pediatria. Inicialmente foi organizado um protocolo mestre, e posteriormente o mesmo foi dividido em dois protocolos específicos, um de admissão e outro de evolução do paciente. A informatização da base de dados foi realizada mediante programa de computador, desenvolvido em linguagem C# (C - Sharp), pelo laboratório eletrônico de pesquisas clínicas do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. RESULTADOS: o protocolo eletrônico desenvolvido permite armazenar informações clínicas, laboratoriais e complementares de pacientes pediátricos em terapia nutricional. Após a inclusão hierarquizada de todos os itens, foram distribuídos 6694 itens no protocolo mestre, sendo 392 no item Admissão e 6302 em Evolução. CONCLUSÃO: a criação de uma base de coleta de dados de pacientes pediátricos em terapia nutricional foi possível, a informatização da mesma foi factível e existe a possibilidade de integração de diferentes centros para realização de estudos multicêntricos.

Prevalence of radiographic markers of femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic adults

OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in asymptomatic adults and correlate them with data from physical examinations. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 82 asymptomatic volunteers, 164 hips, between 40 and 60 years of age, selected by convenience. They were submitted to anamnesis and clinical examination of the hip, anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs with three incidences, Dunn 45&#176; and Lequesne false profile of each hip, to measure the variables. We measured the alpha angle, anterior offset of the femoral neck, cervical diaphyseal angle, CE angle of Wiberg, acetabular index, Sharp angle, and the crossing, ischial spine and posterior wall signs. RESULTS: our sample consisted of 66% women, mean age of 50.4 years. The average alpha angle was 45.10&#176;, SD=8.6. One quarter of the hips showed alpha angle greater than or equal to 50&#176;; among men the prevalence was 34%, and among women, 11%. We found indicative radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement in 42.6% of hips, whether femoral or acetabular, and the increased alpha angle was related to the decrease in hip internal rotation (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: the radiographic findings of femoroacetabular impingement in asymptomatic patients were frequent in the studied sample. The increase in alpha angle was associated with decreased internal rotation.

Lectin histochemical aspects of the ovarian lamellae epithelium of Genypterus blacodes (Schneider, 1801)

The composition and distribution of the glycoconjugates (GCs) secreted by the epithelium of ovarian lamellae with reference to the reproductive biology of Genypterus blacodes (Schneider, 1801) through lectin hi stochemistry is here discussed. In this species, the epithelial cells that line the ovarian cavity presented sharp morphological variations along the reproductive cycle related to the mucus secretion that accompanies oocyte ma turation. During sp awning season, residues of mannose and N-acetylglucosamine were detected in the glycocalyx of those cells using lectinhistochemistry. N- acetylgalactosamine and fucose were also observed in the same zone. The greatest variations in the lectinhistochemical pattern were found in the apical cytoplasm composition in comparison to the basal zone of the cells. The results of the present study were discussed by comparing their possible functional implications.

Decreased expression of cardiac troponin C is associated with cardiac lesions in Amorimia exotropica poisoned cattle

The plants which cause sudden death of cattle in Brazil occupy a leading position for losses in the cattle industry. Amorimia exotropica is one of the plants pertaining to this group. Diagnostic findings in these cases may be inconclusive; further knowledge is necessary. This paper identifies cardiac lesions through anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC) immunehistochemistry performed in tissues from cattle poisoned after consumption of A.exotropica in southern Brazil. Heart fragments from nine A. exotropica-poisoned cattle were studied immunohistochemically using anti-human cTnC as the primary antibody. In the hearts from all of the poisoned cattle, there was a sharp decrease in the cTnC expression level in the cytoplasm of groups of cardiomyocytes. A significant decrease in anti-cTnC immunoreactivity occurred particularly in degenerated or necrotic cardiomyocytes. Occasional groups of cells showed complete loss of immunolabeling. In the remaining intact cardiomyocytes from poisoned cattle and in cardiomyocytes from six cattle that died from other causes there was intense cytoplasmic staining.

Macroscopic description of the external and middle ear of paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766)

Abstract: Paca (Cuniculus paca), one of the largest rodents of the Brazilian fauna, has inherent characteristics of its species which can conribute as a new option for animal experimantation. As there is a growing demand for suitable experimental models in audiologic and otologic surgical research, the gross anatomy and ultrastructural ear of this rodent have been analyzed and described in detail. Fifteen adult pacas from the Wild Animals Sector herd of Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Unesp-Jaboticabal, were used in this study. After anesthesia and euthanasia, we evaluated the entire composition of the external ear, registering and ddescribing the details; the temporal region was often dissected for a better view and detailing of the tympanic bulla which was removed and opened to expose the ear structures analyzed mascroscopically and ultrastructurally. The ear pinna has a triangular and concave shape with irregular ridges and sharp apex. The external auditory canal is winding in its path to the tympanic mebrane. The tympanic bulla is is on the back-bottom of the skull. The middle ear is formed by a cavity region filled with bone and membranous structures bounded by the tympanic membrane and the oval and round windows. The tympanic membrane is flat and seals the ear canal. The anatomy of the paca ear is similar to the guinea pig and from the viewpoint of experimental model has major advantages compared with the mouse ear.

Inverse convection problem of simultaneous estimation of two boundary heat fluxes in parallel plate channels

This paper deals with the use of the conjugate gradient method of function estimation for the simultaneous identification of two unknown boundary heat fluxes in parallel plate channels. The fluid flow is assumed to be laminar and hydrodynamically developed. Temperature measurements taken inside the channel are used in the inverse analysis. The accuracy of the present solution approach is examined by using simulated measurements containing random errors, for strict cases involving functional forms with discontinuities and sharp-corners for the unknown functions. Three different types of inverse problems are addressed in the paper, involving the estimation of: (i) Spatially dependent heat fluxes; (ii) Time-dependent heat fluxes; and (iii) Time and spatially dependent heat fluxes.

The erythrocyte cytoskeleton protein 4.2 is not demonstrable in several mammalian species

Erythrocyte membrane proteins from 44 representative mammals were studied. Protein 4.2 was not detected in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) (N = 14), Southern Brazilian swamp large rats (Myocastor coypus) (N = 2), cutias (Dasyprocta sp) (N = 4), and horses (Equus caballus) (N = 13). These animals also presented high ankyrin concentrations except for the horse which did not exhibit a sharp band, although minor components located between proteins 2 and 3 could account for the ankyrin family. The rodents studied did present band 6, which was not detectable in other common rodents such as white rats (Rattus norvegicus) (N = 9) and mice (Mus musculus) (N = 12). Since the absence of protein 4.2 does not disrupt the cytoskeleton membrane, we suggest that it is not an essential protein. Its absence may be compensated physiologically by the higher ankyrin concentration observed.

Possible involvement of A1 receptors in the inhibition of gonadotropin secretion induced by adenosine in rat hemipituitaries in vitro

We investigated the participation of A1 or A2 receptors in the gonadotrope and their role in the regulation of LH and FSH secretion in adult rat hemipituitary preparations, using adenosine analogues. A dose-dependent inhibition of LH and FSH secretion was observed after the administration of graded doses of the R-isomer of phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA; 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 µM and 10 µM). The effect of R-PIA (10 nM) was blocked by the addition of 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT), a selective A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, at the dose of 1 µM. The addition of an A2 receptor-specific agonist, 5-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (MECA), at the doses of 1 nM to 1 µM had no significant effect on LH or FSH secretion, suggesting the absence of this receptor subtype in the gonadotrope. However, a sharp inhibition of the basal secretion of these gonadotropins was observed after the administration of 10 µM MECA. This effect mimicked the inhibition induced by R-PIA, supporting the hypothesis of the presence of A1 receptors in the gonadotrope. R-PIA (1 nM to 1 µM) also inhibited the secretion of LH and FSH induced by phospholipase C (0.5 IU/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest the presence of A1 receptors and the absence of A2 receptors in the gonadotrope. It is possible that the inhibition of LH and FSH secretion resulting from the activation of A1 receptors may have occurred independently of the increase in membrane phosphoinositide synthesis.

Electrolocation-communication discharges of the fish Gymnotus carapo L. (Gymnotidae: Gymnotiformes) during behavioral sleep

Technical problems have hampered the study of sleep in teleosts. The electrical discharges of Gymnotus carapo L. (Gymnotidae: Gymnotiformes) were monitored to evaluate their ease and reliability as parameters to study sleep. The discharges were detected by electrodes immersed in a glass aquarium and were recorded on a conventional polygraph. G. carapo showed conspicuous signs of behavioral sleep. During these periods, opercular beat rates were counted, electric discharges recorded, and the "sharp discharge increase" (SDI) of the orienting reflex was investigated. All 20 animals monitored maintained electrical discharges during behavioral sleep. The discharge frequencies during sleep (50.3 ± 10.4 Hz) were not significantly different from those observed when the fish was awake and inactive (57.2 ± 12.1 Hz) (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test, P&gt;0.05). However, the SDI, which was prevalent in the awake fish, was not observed during periods of behavioral sleep. Additional observations showed that the species had cannibalistic habits. When presented with electrical discharges from a conspecific, the sleeping fish showed an initial decrease or pause in discharge frequency, while the awake fish did not have this response. We conclude that the electrical discharges of G. carapo were not conspicuous indicators of behavioral sleep. Discharges may have been maintained during sleep for sensory purposes, i.e., conspecific detection and avoidance of cannibalistic attacks.

Attenuation and immunogenicity of recombinant yellow fever 17D-dengue type 2 virus for rhesus monkeys

A chimeric yellow fever (YF)-dengue serotype 2 (dengue 2) virus was constructed by replacing the premembrane and envelope genes of the YF 17D virus with those from dengue 2 virus strains of Southeast Asian genotype. The virus grew to high titers in Vero cells and, after passage 2, was used for immunogenicity and attenuation studies in rhesus monkeys. Subcutaneous immunization of naive rhesus monkeys with the 17D-D2 chimeric virus induced a neutralizing antibody response associated with the protection of 6 of 7 monkeys against viremia by wild-type dengue 2 virus. Neutralizing antibody titers to dengue 2 were significantly lower in YF-immune animals than in YF-naive monkeys and protection against challenge with wild-type dengue 2 virus was observed in only 2 of 11 YF-immune monkeys. An anamnestic response to dengue 2, indicated by a sharp increase of neutralizing antibody titers, was observed in the majority of the monkeys after challenge with wild-type virus. Virus attenuation was demonstrated using the standard monkey neurovirulence test. The 17D-D2 chimera caused significantly fewer histological lesions than the YF 17DD virus. The attenuated phenotype could also be inferred from the limited viremias compared to the YF 17DD vaccine. Overall, these results provide further support for the use of chimeric viruses for the development of a new live tetravalent dengue vaccine.