Consistência hidrológica de modelos digitais de elevação (MDE) para definição da rede de drenagem na sub-bacia do horto florestal Terra Dura, Eldorado do Sul, RS

O desenvolvimento da erosão hídrica ocorre em resposta ao modo como a água se move através e sobre uma determinada paisagem. O modelo digital de elevação (MDE) deve, portanto, ser o mais preciso possível, uma vez que constitui a base para a análise do relevo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo definir um modelo digital de elevação hidrologicamente consistente (MDEHC) e o método de direção de fluxo mais adequado para a definição da rede de drenagem na sub-bacia do horto florestal Terra Dura, município de Eldorado do Sul, RS. Foram testados os modelos gerados com os interpoladores Topogrid e redes triangulares irregulares (Triangulated Irregular Network -TIN) linear (TIN L) e TIN natural neighbor (TIN NN). A qualidade em relação às análises hidrológicas foi avaliada por meio da comparação das curvas de nível geradas pelos modelos testados com as curvas originais da sub-bacia (escala 1:10.000); da avaliação da quantidade de áreas planas; e da comparação da drenagem gerada pelos modelos a partir dos métodos de direção de fluxo Deterministic (D8) e Deterministic infinity (D∞ ou D infinito) com a drenagem original. Entre os modelos avaliados, o Topogrid apresentou maior consistência hidrológica, verificada na melhor continuidade das curvas de nível (menos arestas) e maior detalhamento da área de drenagem e divisores, acarretando menor quantidade de áreas planas e caminhos de fluxo mais detalhados, independentemente do método de direção de fluxo utilizado. Em relação à rede de drenagem, o método distribuído D∞ obteve melhor desempenho na descrição dos caminhos de fluxo, comparado ao método de direção única D8. O MDEHC Topogrid associado ao método D∞ proporcionou a identificação mais precisa dos caminhos preferenciais do fluxo que formam a rede de drenagem.

Soil physical properties and grape yield influenced by cover crops and management systems

The use of cover crops in vineyards is a conservation practice with the purpose of reducing soil erosion and improving the soil physical quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate cover crop species and management systems on soil physical properties and grape yield. The experiment was carried out in Bento Gonçalves, RS, Southern Brazil, on a Haplic Cambisol, in a vineyard established in 1989, using White and Rose Niagara grape (Vitis labrusca L.) in a horizontal, overhead trellis system. The treatments were established in 2002, consisting of three cover crops: spontaneous species (SS), black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) (BO), and a mixture of white clover (Trifolium repens L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and annual rye-grass (Lolium multiflorum L.) (MC). Two management systems were applied: desiccation with herbicide (D) and mechanical mowing (M). Soil under a native forest (NF) area was collected as a reference. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized blocks, with three replications. The soil physical properties in the vine rows were not influenced by cover crops and were similar to the native forest, with good quality of the soil structure. In the inter-rows, however, there was a reduction in biopores, macroporosity, total porosity and an increase in soil density, related to the compaction of the surface soil layer. The M system increased soil aggregate stability compared to the D system. The treatments affected grapevine yield only in years with excess or irregular rainfall.

Caracterização de vertissolos da ilha de Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

O Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha (FN) possui solos pouco desenvolvidos das classes dos Cambissolos, Vertissolos e Neossolos, com características peculiares relacionadas ao material de origem vulcânico, clima tropical com franco domínio oceânico e relevo ondulado a forte ondulado. Os Vertissolos de FN são formados a partir de rochas básicas, tufos vulcânicos e sedimentos aluvionares e estão associados às superfícies rebaixadas com drenagem impedida do planalto central ou da baixada litorânea. Tendo em vista a necessidade de preservação ambiental, uso agrícola ou geotécnico e características peculiares desse ambiente insular, os Vertissolos de FN precisam de melhor entendimento de seus atributos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi, portanto, caracterizar morfológica, física, química e mineralogicamente Vertissolos de ocorrência comum na ilha de Fernando de Noronha. Três perfis de Vertissolos derivados de diferentes materiais de origem, classes de drenagem e níveis de salinidade e sodicidade foram descritos e coletados para realização das análises de caracterização. Os solos estudados foram: Vertissolo Háplico órtico solódico (P01), Vertissolo Háplico sálico gleissólico (P02) e Vertissolo Háplico sódico gleissólico (P03). Os Vertissolos de FN apresentam feições típicas da ordem, como a textura argilosa a muito argilosa, as superfícies de fricção (slickensides) e o fendilhamento horizontal e vertical quando secos. Esses solos são imperfeitamente a maldrenados e sofrem alagamento temporário no período de maior concentração das chuvas. Apresentam elevados valores de soma e saturação por bases, além de teores altos a muito altos de P extraível, de distribuição irregular entre perfis e com dominância de formas inorgânicas. Não obstante, esses apresentam problemas de acumulação de sais, o que restringe a utilização agrícola ou geotécnica deles. Os principais minerais da fração argila dos solos são do grupo das esmectitas, seguidos por caulinitas e, ou, haloisitas. A fração silte é constituída por hematita, goethita, magnetita/maghemita, ilmenita, mica e feldspato e por minerais pouco comuns em solos brasileiros como crandalita e holandita.

Follow-up care amongst long-term childhood cancer survivors: a report from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

In the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we aimed to assess the proportion of long-term survivors attending follow-up care, to characterise attendees and to describe the health professionals involved. We sent a questionnaire to 1252 patients, of whom 985 (79%) responded, aged in average 27 years (range 20-49). Overall, 183 (19%) reported regular, 405 (41%) irregular and 394 (40%) no follow-up. For 344, severity of late effects had been classified in a previous medical examination. Only 17% and 32% of survivors with moderate and severe late effects respectively had made regular visits a decade later. Female gender, after a shorter time since diagnosis, had radiotherapy, and having suffered a relapse predicted follow-up. In the past year, 8% had seen a general practitioner only, 10% a paediatric or adult oncologist and 16% other health specialists for a cancer related problem. These findings underline the necessity to implement tailored national follow-up programmes.

INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF A VERMICULAR IRONSTONE AS DETERMINED BY X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNING

Ironstones or petroplinthites are common materials in soils under humid tropical climate, generally defined as the result of Fe oxide accumulation in areas where the water table oscillates, and may exhibit considerable morphological variability. The aim of this study was to examine the internal structure and porosity of an ironstone fragment from a Petroferric Acrudox in Minas Gerais, Brazil, by computed tomography (CT) and conventional techniques. The sample analyzed had total porosity of 59.5 %, with large macropores in the form of tubular channels and irregular vughs, the latter with variable degrees of infilling by material released from the ironstone walls or the soil matrix. The CT scan also showed that the ironstone has wide variation in the density of the solid phase, most likely due to higher concentrations or thick intergrowths of hematite and magnetite/maghemite, especially in its outer rims. The implications of these results for water retention and soil formation in ironstone environments are briefly discussed.

Variabilidade Espacial da Resistência à Penetração em Neossolo Litólico Degradado

RESUMO A resistência à penetração permite avaliar o comportamento do solo diante do manejo adotado. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento da resistência à penetração nos períodos seco e chuvoso por meio da variabilidade espacial em uma área degradada em Gilbués, PI. O estudo foi conduzido em uma área experimental de 4 ha, pertencente à Embrapa Meio Norte, no período de 2010/2011. O solo da área é um Neossolo Litólico Eutrófico com exposição do horizonte C. Construíram-se um grid irregular e uma transecção próximos à parte central da área, espaçada da seguinte forma: os pontos de número 1 a 21 apresentaram espaçamento de 30 × 30 m; de 22 a 52, distanciamento a cada 5 m; de 52 a 53, com 15 m de espaçamento; e de 54 a 79, a cada 30 m, totalizando 79 pontos. Em cada ponto, foi verificada a resistência à penetração e coletadas amostras com estrutura alterada de solo para ser quantificada a umidade do solo, em três profundidades (0,00-0,10; 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,30 m) nos períodos seco e chuvoso. A resistência à penetração do solo evidenciou, em geral, moderada dependência espacial nos períodos seco e chuvoso. A umidade influenciou fortemente os valores de resistência à penetração no período chuvoso.

Prothèses totales de genoux. Analyse clinique et numérique des micromouvements de l'implant tibial [Total knee prosthesis. Clinical and numerical study of micromovements of the tibial implant].

INTRODUCTION: The importance of the micromovements in the mechanism of aseptic loosening is clinically difficult to evaluate. To complete the analysis of a series of total knee arthroplasties (TKA), we used a tridimensional numerical model to study the micromovements of the tibial implant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty one patients (with 57 cemented Porous Coated Anatomic TKAs) were reviewed (mean follow-up 4.5 year). Radiolucency at the tibial bone-cement interface was sought on the AP radiographs and divided in 7 areas. The distribution of the radiolucency was then correlated with the axis of the lower limb as measured on the orthoradiograms. The tridimensional numerical model is based on the finite element method. It allowed the measurement of the cemented prosthetic tibial implant's displacements and the micromovements generated at bone-ciment interface. A total load (2000 Newton) was applied at first vertically and asymetrically on the tibial plateau, thereby simulating an axial deviation of the lower limbs. The vector's posterior inclination then permitted the addition of a tangential component to the axial load. This type of effort is generated by complex biomechanical phenomena such as knee flexion. RESULTS: 81 per cent of the 57 knees had a radiolucent line of at least 1 mm, at one or more of the tibial cement-epiphysis jonctional areas. The distribution of these lucent lines showed that they came out more frequently at the periphery of the implant. The lucent lines appeared most often under the unloaded margin of the tibial plateau, when axial deviation of lower limbs was present. Numerical simulations showed that asymetrical loading on the tibial plateau induced a subsidence of the loaded margin (0-100 microns) and lifting off at the opposite border (0-70 microns). The postero-anterior tangential component induced an anterior displacement of the tibial implant (160-220 microns), and horizontal micromovements with non homogenous distribution at the bone-ciment interface (28-54 microns). DISCUSSION: Comparison of clinical and numerical results showed a relation between the development of radiolucent lines and the unloading of the tibial implant's margin. The deleterious effect of lower limbs' axial deviation is thereby proven. The irregular distribution of lucent lines under the tibial plateau was similar of the micromovements' repartition at the bone-cement interface when tangential forces were present. A causative relation between the two phenomenaes could not however be established. Numerical simulation is a truly useful method of study; it permits to calculate micromovements which are relative, non homogenous and of very low amplitude. However, comparative clinical studies remain as essential to ensure the credibility of results.

Informação, trabalho e tempo livre: políticas de informação para o século XXI

Discussão e problematização das ações de informação no contexto da chamada sociedade global, que põe em cena dilemas, conflitos e paradoxos, sacudindo as cidades, redesenhando a geografia do mundo e desvelando aos nossos olhos a exacerbação da intolerância materializada em guerras civis e étnicas. Diante do processo mais amplo de desindustrialização, das novas modalidades de trabalho, precário e irregular, alguns desafios se impõem: como desenhar e direcionar políticas de informação que venham a dar conta de uma imensa massa de excluídos, desempregados, exilados, marginalizados? No plano coletivo, existiriam agenciamentos que viessem a dar conta das novas subjetividades coletivas e das múltiplas identidades em jogo? Diante desse globalismo, é preciso problematizar outros valores e colocar em pauta novas formas de cidadania. A nova revolução deverá ser ética e estética.

An optimized method for establishing high purity murine CD8(+) T cell cultures.

Establishing CD8(+) T cell cultures has been empirical and the published methods have been largely individual laboratory based. In this study, we optimized culturing conditions and show that IL-2 concentration is the most critical factor for the success of establishing CD8(+) T cell cultures. High IL-2 concentration encouraged T cells to non-specifically proliferate, express a B cell marker, B220, and undergo apoptosis. These cells also lose typical irregular T cell morphology and are incapable of sustaining long-term cultures. Using tetramer and intracellular cytokine assessments, we further demonstrated that many antigen-specific T cells have been rendered nonfunctional when expanded under high IL-2 concentration. When IL-2 is used in the correct range, B220-mediated cell depletion greatly enhanced the success rate of such T cell cultures.

Behavior of nuclear matrix proteins during camptothecin-induced apoptosis in HL-60 human leukemia cells.

In this study we focused our attention on the behavior of four nuclear matrix proteins during the various stages of apoptosis in the HL-60 cell line exposed to the DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor, camptothecin. We have examined the following antigens by immunocytochemical techniques: (i) the 180-kDa nucleolar isoform of DNA topoisomerase II; (ii) a 126-kDa polypeptide of nuclear bodies; (iii) a 125-kDa protein; and (iv) a 160-kDa polypeptide which are known to be components of the matrix inner network. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments were performed to follow these nuclear matrix antigens during apoptosis. Moreover, the ultrastructural localization of both 125- and 160-kDa proteins was investigated by electron microscope immunocytochemistry with gold-conjugated secondary antibodies. While the antibody to the nucleolar isoform of DNA topoisomerase II gave a fluorescent pattern that was well-maintained until the late phases of apoptosis, the other three nuclear antigens showed marked modifications in their distribution. A common feature, particularly evident for 125- and 160-kDa proteins, was their absence from cap-shaped chromatin marginations, whereas they were present in the areas of remaining decondensed chromatin. The 126-kDa polypeptide concentrated progressively in an irregular mass at the opposite side of the crescentic caps and then broke up in fine spots. The 125- and 160-kDa proteins localized in the nucleolus and precisely within certain granules which are known to appear in the nucleolar area after camptothecin administration. These results show that, in addition to the well-known chromatin changes, nuclear organization undergoes other rearrangements during the apoptotic process.

El mostratge fitocenològic a Catalunya

irregular. With reference to the 10 km UTM network, the number of relevés per cell ranges between 0 and 527, with a mean of 36, the most exhaustively prospected areas lying in the Pyrenean range. On the other hand, 44 cells spread ± regularly over the Catalan territory have not available relevés yet, the larger spot lying in the Lluçanés area (C Catalonia). As a general rule. communities seem to be rather adequately prospected and no great discordances between syntaxa have been observed. However. further studies may be required for several alliances such as Berberidion, Pruno-Rubion ulmifolii, Taeniathero-Aegilopion, Alkanno-Malcolmion, Thero-Suaedion, Posidonion or Rupion maritimae. Key words: Phytocoenology, Relevés Database, Geographical prospection, Syntaxonomical prospection, Catalonia.

Progresso genético obtido pelo melhoramento do arroz de sequeiro em 21 anos de pesquisa em Minas Gerais

Este trabalho objetivou estimar o ganho genético obtido pelo programa de melhoramento de arroz de sequeiro (Oryza sativa L.) desenvolvido em Minas Gerais cooperativamente pela Epamig/Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Arroz e Feijão (CNPAF)/UFLA/UFV, no período de 1974/75 a 1994/95. Para tanto, utilizaram-se os dados dos ensaios comparativos avançados de cultivares e linhagens de arroz de sequeiro conduzidos no referido período. Em virtude da distribuição irregular de chuvas e da resposta diferenciada dos materiais de ciclos diferentes às condições climáticas, optou-se por dividi-los em dois grupos; um contendo os genótipos precoces e o outro os de ciclo médio. Os resultados alcançados mostraram que ocorreu um ganho genético médio anual de 1,26% e de 3,37% em relação ao grupo precoce e ao de ciclo médio, respectivamente. O grupo precoce superou estatisticamente (P<=0,01) em produtividade de grãos o grupo de ciclo médio, indicando que em Minas Gerais deve-se dar preferência ao plantio de cultivares de ciclo curto.

Velar verbs and verbal classes in catalan

There is in Catalan a set of verbs, the so-called «velar verbs», whose differential characteristic consists in presenting a velar segment between the root and the inflectional suffixes in certain morphosyntactic contexts. This velar segment has traditionally been considered as being part of the root in the contexts where it occurs, and has been made responsible for the typical allomorphic character of velar verbs. Under the assumption that regular verbs are only one-root verbs, velar verbs have been treated as irregular verbs. Nevertheless, neither the phonic character of the velar segment nor the marginal character of velar verbs is clear. The aim of this paper is to present a different account of velar verbs on the basis of the inflectional morphological character of the velar segment. The work is split into two parts. The first one focuses on standard Catalan, and tries to show that in this variety velar verbs are better treated as regular verbs. The second one focuses on other Catalan varieties, and aims to exhibit the incoherence implied in the traditional treatment of velar verbs in the context of the Catalan language as a whole. The discussion is mainly developed on morphological grounds, halfway between theory and description.

Perforation colique néonatale focale spontanée en dehors de la grande prématurité : rare et potentiellement insidieuse [Focal spontaneous colic perforation in term or near-term neonates: rare and potentially insidious].

Two cases of neonatal focal spontaneous colic perforations are reported. The 1st infant, born at 36 3/7 weeks gestational age, presented on day 3 with crying, abdominal distension, and liquid stools. Clinical examination showed a slightly irritable hypothermic (35.7 °C) infant with a distended abdomen and few bowel sounds. Blood tests were normal apart from an elevated C-reactive protein level (59 mg/l). The abdomen x-ray was erroneously considered normal. The infant's condition remained stable for nearly 3 days. After reviewing the initial x-ray, pneumoperitoneum was suspected and confirmed by a cross-table lateral abdominal x-ray. The infant was started on antibiotics and operated. Macroscopically, the entire gut was normal apart from a focal sigmoid perforation, which was stitched. A transmural colic biopsy revealed focal vascular dilation but was negative for necrotising enterocolitis or Hirschsprung disease. The infant recovered quickly. She is now a healthy, normal 3-year-old. The 2nd infant, born at 38 5/7 weeks gestational age, presented between day 1 and 2 with clinical signs of infection associated with slowly progressive ileus. The chest and abdomen x-ray was mistakenly considered normal. Frank septicemia developed. After reviewing the initial x-ray, pneumoperitoneum was suspected and confirmed by a cross-table lateral abdominal x-ray. The infant was operated. Macroscopically, the small intestine was normal, the ascending and transverse colons were dilated, and the descending and sigmoid colons were narrow. Three cecal perforations were discovered and stitched. An ileostomy and multiple colic biopsies were also performed. The postoperative course was complicated by persistent septic ileus due to descending and sigmoid colon leaks, which led to colic resections with end-to-end anastomosis. Rectal aspiration biopsies were also performed. At 1 month of age, the infant was discharged from the hospital. The ileostomy was closed in two steps at 2 and 5 months of age. A normal sweat test excluded cystic fibrosis. All colic and rectal biopsies revealed nonspecific inflammatory signs and excluded necrotizing enterocolitis and Hirschsprung disease. Nonspecific irregular thinning of muscularis mucosae and muscularis propria were observed in the two resected colic segments. The boy is now a healthy 7-year-old. The incidence of neonatal focal spontaneous colic perforations at term or close to term is unknown but probably very rare. Our department is the neonatal referral center for approximately 14,000 annual births. In the last 10 years (2000-2009), out of 5115 neonatal admissions in our unit, only ten cases have presented a neonatal spontaneous intestinal perforation, seven of ten in very-low-birth-weight infants and three of ten in term or near-term neonates (one with Hirschsprung disease and the two cases reported herein). In the same period, 108 infants suffered from necrotizing enterocolitis, seven of 108 were term infants and 6 out of 7 had a congenital heart disease. The medical literature is poor on the subject of focal spontaneous colic perforations at term; no risk factor is described. The most specific clinical sign seems to be the abdominal distension. The presence of pneumoperitoneum on an abdominal x-ray is the most sensitive paraclinical sign. In case of an intestinal perforation, surgery must be performed quickly. The vital prognosis seems to be good. The objective of this study was to draw pediatricians' attention to focal spontaneous colic perforations in term or close to term newborns. In the cases reported, the diagnostic delays could have been prevented if the entity - with its radiological manifestation - had been well known.

Developmental changes in cardiac recovery from anoxia-reoxygenation.

The developing cardiovascular system is known to operate normally in a hypoxic environment. However, the functional and ultrastructural recovery of embryonic/fetal hearts subjected to anoxia lasting as long as hypoxia/ischemia performed in adult animal models remains to be investigated. Isolated spontaneously beating hearts from Hamburger-Hamilton developmental stages 14 (14HH), 20HH, 24HH, and 27HH chick embryos were subjected in vitro to 30 or 60 min of anoxia followed by 60 min of reoxygenation. Morphological alterations and apoptosis were assessed histologically and by transmission electron microscopy. Anoxia provoked an initial tachycardia followed by bradycardia leading to complete cardiac arrest, except for in the youngest heart, which kept beating. Complete atrioventricular block appeared after 9.4 +/- 1.1, 1.7 +/- 0.2, and 1.6 +/- 0.3 min at stages 20HH, 24HH, and 27HH, respectively. At reoxygenation, sinoatrial activity resumed first in the form of irregular bursts, and one-to-one atrioventricular conduction resumed after 8, 17, and 35 min at stages 20HH, 24HH, and 27HH, respectively. Ventricular shortening recovered within 30 min except at stage 27HH. After 60 min of anoxia, stage 27HH hearts did not retrieve their baseline activity. Whatever the stage and anoxia duration, nuclear and mitochondrial swelling observed at the end of anoxia were reversible with no apoptosis. Thus the embryonic heart is able to fully recover from anoxia/reoxygenation although its anoxic tolerance declines with age. Changes in cellular homeostatic mechanisms rather than in energy metabolism may account for these developmental variations.