Integração de práticas culturais e redução da dose do bentazon na cultura da soja: I - efeitos sobre o crescimento da cultura

O trabalho foi desenvolvido no município de Jaboticabal, SP, no ano agrícola de 1990/91, onde testou-se a integração de práticas culturais e menor dose de herbicida aplicado em pósemergência na cultura da soja, cultivar Paraná. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com dezesseis tratamentos e quatro repetições, no esquema fatorial 4x2x2, sendo quatro tipos de manejos de plantas daninhas: testemunha infestada, 50% da dose recomendada (360 g ia/ha) do herbicida bentazon, dose recomendada do herbicida bentazon (720 g ia/ha) e testemunha capinada; dois espaçamentos entre-linhas: 30 cm e 60 cm; e duas densidades: normal e reduzida (média de 20 e 10 plantas por metro, respectivamente). Observou-se que a quantidade de matéria seca das plantas daninhas por época da colheita da soja, foi significativamente maior nos tratamentos com espaçamento maior e densidade reduzida. O arranjo proporcionado pela densidade normal (média de 20 plantas /m) e menor espaçamento (30 cm) entre-linhas, proporcionou sombreamento mais precoce do solo e foi a melhor opção de controle cultural das plantas daninhas em todos os tratamentos testados. Não foi observado sintomas de intoxicação e nem efeitos negativos sobre a nodulação das plantas de soja, por parte do herbicida aplicado, em ambas as doses testadas.

Quantidade de transposição do líquido pulverizado sobre palha de cana-de-açúcar com pontas de pulverização tipo leque e cone

A colheita da cana-crua promove aumento de restos culturais de cobertura morta sobre o solo. Esse novo componente altera a dinâmica de infestação de plantas daninhas e atua também como barreira física e química à ação dos herbicidas. Visando melhorar a qualidade da deposição dos herbicidas no solo, objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a eficiência das pontas de pulverização e sua capacidade de transposição sobre a palha de cana-deaçúcar. O experimento foi instalado em Maringá-PR. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 8 x 7, sendo oito pontas de pulverização (AD 110 02, ADIA 110 02, TT 110 02, TTIA 110 02, CV-IA02, MAG 2, ST 02 e TJ60 110 02) e sete quantidades de palha (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10 t ha-1). Assim, observou-se que grandes quantidades de palha reduzem a quantidade do líquido pulverizado que foi depositado na superfície coletora. As pontas de pulverização leque antideriva (AD 110 02) e cone vazio com indução de ar (CV-IA 02) foram as mais eficientes.

Suunnistussovelluksen suunnittelu Windows Phonelle

Tässä työssä luotiin suunnistussovelluksen demo Windows Phone 8:lle. Työn tavoite oli tehdä sovellus, jonka kanssa suunnistaminen tuntuisi mahdollisimman samalta, kuin oikeakin suunnistus. Työssä kiinnitettiin huomiota lähinnä sovelluksen tekniseen toteutukseen sekä paikannuksen riittävään tarkkuuteen. Työssä vertaillaan eri mobiilialustoja, selainten tietokantaratkaisuja, erilaisia selaimen ja serverin tietokantojen synkronointimenetelmiä sekä olemassaolevia suunnistussovelluksia. Työssä käytettiin indeksitietokantaa, jQuery mobilea ja Cordovaa sekä JSON:ia tietokantojen synkronointiin. Työssä tehty demo on lupaava esitys siitä, miten suunnistustaitojaan voisi harjoittaa tekniikkaa apuna käyttäen. Lopuksi työssä käydään vielä läpi sitä, mitä tällaiseen palveluun voisi toteuttaa työssä toteutetun demon lisäksi.

Deposição efetiva do produto pulverizado sobre cobertura vegetal de aveia-preta por diferentes pontas de pulverização

A cobertura vegetal que permanece no solo após a colheita beneficia as características físicas e químicas do solo. No entanto, essa palha torna-se uma barreira para a aplicação de herbicidas pré-emergentes, pois impede que eles atinjam o alvo. Nesses casos, a escolha ideal da ponta de pulverização, bem como o tamanho da gota, são imprescindíveis para o sucesso da aplicação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de transposição do líquido pulverizado, dependente do tamanho de gotas, produzido por vários modelos de ponta de pulverização sobre diferentes densidades de palha de aveia-preta. O trabalho foi realizado em Maringá-PR. Foram utilizadas caixas tipo gerbox como unidades coletoras, cobertas por diferentes quantidades de palha de aveia. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 8 x 7, sendo oito pontas de pulverização (leque e cone) e sete quantidades crescentes de palha de aveia-preta. O produto retido na superfície coletora foi colhido e mediu-se a absorbância. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, e as médias, comparadas entre si por meio do teste de agrupamento Skott-Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Pode-se concluir que o tamanho das gotas é extremamente importante na transposição da palha de aveia. Gotas muito finas e muito grossas não conseguem transpor a barreira formada pela palha de maneira eficiente. Pontas de pulverização que produzem gotas de tamanho médio (CV-IA 02 e ST 02) apresentam volume de transposição maior do que o das demais, sendo recomendadas em aplicações de herbicidas pré-emergentes em plantio-direto até 4 t ha-1 de cobertura morta.

Renkaiden ja tienpinnan välisen kitkakertoimen mittausjärjestelmän suunnittelu ja toteutus

Teiden liukkauden mittaaminen on herättänyt kiinnostusta viime vuosina. Liikenneturvallisuutta pystyttäisiin parantamaan ja teiden talvikunnossapitoa tehostamaan, mikäli kitkakerroin voitaisiin mitata tiestöä käyttävissä ajoneuvoissa. Tässä työssä suunnitellaan ja toteutetaan ajoneuvon pituussuuntaiseen dynamiikkaan perustuva kitkakertoimen mittausjärjestelmä. Pyörien luisto ja ajoneuvon nopeus, sekä pyöriin ja ajoneuvoon kohdistuvat voimat selvitetään CAN – väylästä luettavien ajoneuvon antureiden ja IMU:n avulla. Järjestelmää simuloidaan käyttämällä Matlab:ia ja testataan käytännössä VW Transporter pakettiautossa. Testitulokset osoittavat järjestelmän toimivan tarkasti ja että ajoneuvon dynamiikkaan perustuvan kitkakertoimen mittauksen on käyttökelpoinen ja kustannustehokas tapa teiden liukkauden valvomiseen.

Horizontal projections of area 17 in Cebus monkeys: metric features, and modular and laminar distribution

Metric features and modular and laminar distributions of intrinsic projections of area 17 were studied in Cebus apella. Anterogradely and retrogradely labeled cell appendages were obtained using both saturated pellets and iontophoretic injections of biocytin into the operculum. Laminar and modular distributions of the labeled processes were analyzed using Nissl counterstaining, and/or cytochrome oxidase and/or NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. We distinguished three labeled cell types: pyramidal, star pyramidal and stellate cells located in supragranular cortical layers (principally in layers IIIa, IIIb a, IIIb ß and IIIc). Three distinct axon terminal morphologies were found, i.e., Ia, Ib and II located in granular and supragranular layers. Both complete and partial segregation of group I axon terminals relative to the limits of the blobs of V1 were found. The results are compatible with recent evidence of incomplete segregation of visual information flow in V1 of Old and New World primates

Respiratory effects of kynurenic acid microinjected into the ventromedullary surface of the rat

Several studies demonstrate that, within the ventral medullary surface (VMS), excitatory amino acids are necessary components of the neural circuits involved in the tonic and reflex control of respiration and circulation. In the present study we investigated the cardiorespiratory effects of unilateral microinjections of the broad spectrum glutamate antagonist kynurenic acid (2 nmol/200 nl) along the VMS of urethane-anesthetized rats. Within the VMS only one region was responsive to this drug. This area includes most of the intermediate respiratory area, partially overlapping the rostral ventrolateral medulla (IA/RVL). When microinjected into the IA/RVL, kynurenic acid produced a respiratory depression, without changes in mean arterial pressure or heart rate. The respiratory depression observed was characterized by a decrease in ventilation, tidal volume and mean inspiratory flow and an increase in respiratory frequency. Therefore, the observed respiratory depression was entirely due to a reduction in the inspiratory drive. Microinjections of vehicle (200 nl of saline) into this area produced no significant changes in breathing pattern, blood pressure or heart rate. Respiratory depression in response to the blockade of glutamatergic receptors inside the rostral VMS suggests that neurons at this site have an endogenous glutamatergic input controlling the respiratory cycle duration and the inspiratory drive transmission.

Binding sites and actions of Tx1, a neurotoxin from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, in guinea pig ileum

Tx1, a neurotoxin isolated from the venom of the South American spider Phoneutria nigriventer, produces tail elevation, behavioral excitation and spastic paralysis of the hind limbs after intracerebroventricular injection in mice. Since Tx1 contracts isolated guinea pig ileum, we have investigated the effect of this toxin on acetylcholine release, as well as its binding to myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle membranes from the guinea pig ileum. [125I]-Tx1 binds specifically and with high affinity (Kd = 0.36 ± 0.02 nM) to a single, non-interacting (nH = 1.1), low capacity (Bmax 1.1 pmol/mg protein) binding site. In competition experiments using several compounds (including ion channel ligands), only PhTx2 and PhTx3 competed with [125I]-Tx1 for specific binding sites (K0.5 apparent = 7.50 x 10-4 g/l and 1.85 x 10-5 g/l, respectively). PhTx2 and PhTx3, fractions from P. nigriventer venom, contain toxins acting on sodium and calcium channels, respectively. However, the neurotoxin PhTx2-6, one of the isoforms found in the PhTx2 pool, did not affect [125I]-Tx1 binding. Tx1 reduced the [3H]-ACh release evoked by the PhTx2 pool by 33%, but did not affect basal or KCl-induced [3H]-ACh release. Based on these results, as well as on the homology of Tx1 with toxins acting on calcium channels (w-Aga IA and IB) and its competition with [125I]-w-Cono GVIA in the central nervous system, we suggest that the target site for Tx1 may be calcium channels.

Ultrasonographic determination of goiter prevalence in southern Brazilian schoolchildren

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of goiter in schoolchildren in a formerly iodine-deficient region in southern Brazil by assessing the relationship between body surface area (m²) and thyroid volume (ml) measured by ultrasonography. A population-based sample of 1,094 randomly selected schoolchildren (6 to 14 years; 556 boys and 538 girls) underwent clinical evaluation. A total of 119 (10.9%) children were diagnosed with goiter upon clinical examination according to WHO criteria (grade Ia: 65, grade Ib: 24, grade II: 29, grade III: 1). Of these, 85 underwent ultrasonography. In order to ascertain the absence of goiter in the 975 schoolchildren with a negative result upon clinical examination, one of ten children was randomly selected for ultrasonography. Sixty-two children agreed to be submitted to the exam. Thus, 147 schoolchildren were evaluated by ultrasonography (7.5-MHz transducer). Goiter was considered to be present when the thyroid volume:body surface area index was >6.2 ml/m². The estimated prevalence of goiter if all schoolchildren had been submitted to thyroid volume measurement by ultrasound was 7.2%; it was higher in the lower socioeconomic class (8.2%) than in the upper (7.8%) and middle classes (6.5%). In conclusion, the prevalence of goiter in schoolchildren of this region was higher than in other iodine-sufficient areas, especially in lower socioeconomic classes. Goiter in this region may be associated with naturally occurring goitrogens that operate more intensively among less privileged individuals.

Substance P immunoreactivity in the lumbar spinal cord of the turtle Trachemys dorbigni following peripheral nerve injury

Immunoreactive substance P was investigated in turtle lumbar spinal cord after sciatic nerve transection. In control animals immunoreactive fibers were densest in synaptic field Ia, where the longest axons invaded synaptic field III. Positive neuronal bodies were identified in the lateral column of the dorsal horn and substance P immunoreactive varicosities were observed in the ventral horn, in close relationship with presumed motoneurons. Other varicosities appeared in the lateral and anterior funiculi. After axotomy, substance P immunoreactive fibers were reduced slightly on the side of the lesion, which was located in long fibers that invaded synaptic field III and in the varicosities of the lateral and anterior funiculus. The changes were observed at 7 days after axonal injury and persisted at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days after the lesion. These findings show that turtles should be considered as a model to study the role of substance P in peripheral axonal injury, since the distribution and temporal changes of substance P were similar to those found in mammals.

Genetic variability of hepatitis A virus isolates in Rio de Janeiro: implications for the vaccination of school children

The epidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is shifting from high to intermediate endemicity in Brazil, resulting in increased numbers of susceptible individuals and a greater potential for the emergence of outbreaks. Universal vaccination against HAV has been recommended for children, but updated sero-epidemiological data are necessary to analyze the level of natural immunity and to identify candidates for preventive measures. In addition, more molecular studies are necessary to characterize the genotypes involved in HAV infections and outbreaks. Sera from 299 school children (5-15 years old) and 25 school staff members, collected during an outbreak of HAV at a rural public school in June 2000, were tested for IgM and total anti-HAV antibodies (ELISA). Viral RNA was amplified by RT-PCR from anti-HAV IgM-positive sera and from 19 fecal samples. Direct nucleotide sequencing of the VP1/2A region was carried out on 18 PCR-positive samples. Acute HAV infection was detected by anti-HAV IgM in 93/299 children and in 3/25 adult staff members. The prevalence of total anti-HAV antibodies in IgM-negative children under 5 years of age was only 10.5%. HAV-RNA was detected in 46% IgM-positive serum samples and in 16% stool samples. Sequence analysis showed that half the isolates belonged to subgenotype IA and the other half to IB. On the basis of these data, mass vaccination against HAV is recommended without prevaccination screening, especially for children before they enter school, since nearly 90% of the children under 5 years were susceptible. Molecular characterization indicated the endemic circulation of specific HAV strains belonging to subgenotypes IA and IB.

Differential effect of plant lectins on mast cells of different origins

Histamine release induced by plant lectins was studied with emphasis on the carbohydrate specificity, external calcium requirement, metal binding sites, and mast cell heterogeneity and on the importance of antibodies bound to the mast cell membrane to the lectin effect. Peritoneal mast cells were obtained by direct lavage of the rat peritoneal cavity and guinea pig intestine and hamster cheek pouch mast cells were obtained by dispersion with collagenase type IA. Histamine release was induced with concanavalin A (Con A), lectins from Canavalia brasiliensis, mannose-specific Cymbosema roseum, Maackia amurensis, Parkia platycephala, Triticum vulgaris (WGA), and demetallized Con A and C. brasiliensis, using 1-300 µg/ml lectin concentrations applied to Wistar rat peritoneal mast cells, peaking on 26.9, 21.0, 29.1, 24.9, 17.2, 10.7, 19.9, and 41.5%, respectively. This effect was inhibited in the absence of extracellular calcium. The lectins were also active on hamster cheek pouch mast cells (except demetallized Con A) and on Rowett nude rat (animal free of immunoglobulins) peritoneal mast cells (except for mannose-specific C. roseum, P. platycephala and WGA). No effect was observed in guinea pig intestine mast cells. Glucose-saturated Con A and C. brasiliensis also released histamine from Wistar rat peritoneal mast cells. These results suggest that histamine release induced by lectins is influenced by the heterogeneity of mast cells and depends on extracellular calcium. The results also suggest that this histamine release might occur by alternative mechanisms, because the usual mechanism of lectins is related to their binding properties to metals from which depend the binding to sugars, which would be their sites to bind to immunoglobulins. In the present study, we show that the histamine release by lectins was also induced by demetallized lectins and by sugar-saturated lectins (which would avoid their binding to other sugars). Additionally, the lectins also released histamine from Rowett nude mast cells that are free of immunoglobulins.

Bone morphogenetic proteins: from structure to clinical use

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors belonging to the transforming growth factor ß superfamily. Family members are expressed during limb development, endochondral ossification, early fracture, and cartilage repair. The activity of BMPs was first identified in the 1960s but the proteins responsible for bone induction were unknown until the purification and cloning of human BMPs in the 1980s. To date, about 15 BMP family members have been identified and characterized. The signal triggered by BMPs is transduced through serine/threonine kinase receptors, type I and II subtypes. Three type I receptors have been shown to bind BMP ligands, namely: type IA and IB BMP receptors and type IA activin receptors. BMPs seem to be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and apoptosis, but their hallmark is their ability to induce bone, cartilage, ligament, and tendon formation at both heterotopic and orthotopic sites. This suggests that, in the future, they may play a major role in the treatment of bone diseases. Several animal studies have illustrated the potential of BMPs to enhance spinal fusion, repair critical-size defects, accelerate union, and heal articular cartilage lesions. Difficulties in producing and purifying BMPs from bone tissue have prompted the attempts made by several laboratories, including ours, to express these proteins in the recombinant form in heterologous systems. This review focuses on BMP structure, molecular mechanisms of action and significance and potential applications in medical, dental and veterinary practice for the treatment of cartilage and bone-related diseases.

Comportamento do óleo de soja refinado utilizado em fritura por imersão com alimentos de origem vegetal

A fritura é uma operação que confere aos alimentos características de odor, sabor, cor e textura de grande aceitabilidade sensorial. O óleo ou gordura pode, entretanto, se tornar um ingrediente capaz de introduzir alterações químicas provocadas pelo aquecimento prolongado. Neste trabalho, estudou-se o comportamento do óleo de soja refinado em fritura de imersão intermitente, em restaurante universitário, sob temperatura controlada entre 170ºC e 180ºC, por um período de 30 horas. Foram utilizados 101 litros de óleo de soja para processar 373kg de vegetais, como batata, couve-flor, abobrinha e mandioca. Analisou-se o óleo mediante determinações físicas de absortividade no u.v. (A232nm e A270nm) e cor (Lovibond), e químicas (índice de acidez (IA) e compostos polares (CP)). Análise sensorial de aceitabilidade foi realizada nos produtos. Os parâmetros-limite que determinaram o descarte do óleo foram: 25% de compostos polares, 1% de ácidos graxos livres e média de 7,0 para o teste de aceitabilidade. Os resultados ao final do período foram: IA, 0,282; CP, 18,8%; cor Lovibond 14Y/2R; A232nm de 9,213; A270nm de 2,409 e 7,96 para o teste de aceitabilidade. Com base nos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que, apesar do aquecimento do óleo ter levado a alterações hidrolíticas e oxidativas, os parâmetros não atingiram o nível de descarte, indicando que o óleo de soja submetido a essas condições de fritura pode ser usado por 30 horas.

Aproveitamento industrial de marisco na produção de lingüiça

Foram estudadas as condições do processamento e a aceitabilidade da lingüiça de vongole (Anomalocardia brasiliana), além de avaliar a estabilidade do produto congelado sob os aspectos químico, físico-químico, microbiológico e sensorial. O produto final obedeceu a seguinte formulação: 48% vongole, 5% proteína texturizada de soja, 15% água, 25% gordura suína, 3% albumina, 2% pré-mistura (sais de cura e NaCl), 1,5% condimentos e 0,5% urucum. O produto congelado ficou armazenado à temperatura de -18ºC durante três meses; periodicamente foi avaliado quanto ao pH, umidade, proteínas, lipídios, NBV, índice de peróxidos, reação de Kreiss, quanto à presença de microrganismos patogênicos e toxigênicos e quanto à aparência, aroma, sabor, textura. Os resultados apontaram que a lingüiça de vongole teve uma boa aceitação, com IA entre 78-87% para todos os atributos avaliados, especialmente em relação ao sabor e textura. As amostras foram avaliadas como sabor ideal de marisco e sabor ideal de condimentos por 66,67% e 73,33% dos provadores, respectivamente. Os resultados com o teste de atitude de intenção de compra mostraram que 46,67% dos consumidores tinham intenção provável ou certa de compra do produto. Os resultados da avaliação microbiológica, físico-química, química e sensorial da lingüiça de vongole, indicaram que o produto manteve-se estável, durante 90 dias de armazenamento a temperatura de -18ºC.