Numerical investigation of viscoplastic fluids on natural convection in open cavities with solid obstacles.

This study investigates the natural convection process within open cavities filled with viscoplastic fluid following the Bingham model with solid square conductive blocks uniformly distributed throughout the cavity. The problem is modeled as a two-dimensional laminar in a steady state with the heated surface parallel to the cavity opening and the other adiabatic surfaces. Three geometries are analyzed: the downward-facing cavity, side-facing cavity, and upward-facing cavity. Parametric analysis is performed in terms of Rayleigh number and Bingham number. The solid-fluid thermal conductivity ratio, the number of blocks, the Prandtl number, and the solid volume fraction within the cavity are fixed, with values of 10, 16, 500, and 0.36, respectively. The results are presented in streamlines, isotherms, unyielded regions, dimensionless velocity, dimensionless temperature, and Nusselt number on the heated surface. A comparison with the closed square cavity is performed, and it is noted that the natural convection has a greater magnitude in the open cavity. Rayleigh and Bingham's numbers have opposite effects on heat transfer. Effects of block interference and channeling of flow within the cavity are observed. For a given value of the Bingham number, there is an abrupt transition from the advective to conductive regime inside the cavity and a critical Bingham number (Bnmax) in which unyielded regions fill the entire geometry, i.e., without flow. Finally, average Nusselt number correlations for each geometry and flow, and no-flow diagrams are presented.

Diálisis peritoneal en paciente adulto críticamente enfermo. Respecto a un reporte de caso / Peritoneal dialysis in critical ill patient. Regard a case report / Diálise peritoneal em paciente adulto em estado crítico. A respeito de um relato de caso

Resumen: La insuficiencia renal aguda al interior de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos es una condición clínica muy frecuente. Es consecuencia de los múltiples escenarios presentados durante el tiempo de estancia que pueden ir desde los diferentes tipos de choque, pasando por las intoxicaciones e infecciones hasta la polimedicación de nuestros pacientes. Su manifestación depende de la predisposición genética, del tipo de injuria, del grado de respuesta del huésped y su relación en la línea de tiempo en términos de disfunción orgánica múltiple, lo cual hace impredecible su instauración. El uso de la membrana peritoneal al interior de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos como primera línea de intervención para realizar diálisis de solutos y de solventes en pacientes adultos críticamente enfermos no es usual; sin embargo, la utilización de diálisis peritoneal se relaciona con excelentes resultados en términos de tiempo de estancia, mortalidad, infecciones adquiridas al interior de la unidad y recuperación de función renal residual consistente con la revisión en la literatura médica. Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer en la sexta década de la vida, quien desarrolló falla renal aguda, desde el riesgo de injuria renal pasó rápidamente a la injuria renal leve y a la insuficiencia, por lo que requirió diálisis peritoneal que se sumó a una importante casuística clínica generada en los últimos cinco años al interior de nuestra organización.

Abstract: Acute renal failure within the intensive care unit is a very frequent clinical condition. Is the consequence of the multiple settings presented during the stay that can goes from the different types of shock, through poisonings and infections to the polymedication of our patients. Its manifestation depends on the genetic predisposition, the type of injury, the degree of response of the host and its relationship in the timeline in terms of multiple organ dysfunction, which makes its establishment unpredictable. The use of the peritoneal membrane inside the intensive care unit as the first line of intervention to perform dialysis of solutes and solvents in critically ill adult patients is not usual, however the peritoneal dialysis has shown excellent results in time of stay, mortality, infections acquired inside the unit and recovery of residual renal function consistent with medical literature. We present the clinical case of a woman in the sixth decade of life who developed acute renal failure from the risk of renal injury quickly moving to renal injury and failure requiring peritoneal dialysis, adding to an important clinical casuistry generated in the last five years within our organization.

Resumo: A insuficiência renal aguda dentro da unidade de terapia intensiva é uma condição clínica muito frequente. É consequência dos múltiplos cenários apresentados durante a estadia que vão desde os diferentes tipos de choque, passando por intoxicações e infecções até à polimedicação dos nossos doentes. Sua manifestação depende da predisposição genética, do tipo de lesão, do grau de resposta do hospedeiro e de sua relação na linha do tempo em termos de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos, o que torna seu estabelecimento imprevisível. A utilização da membrana peritoneal dentro da unidade de terapia intensiva como primeira linha de intervenção para realização de diálise de solutos e solventes em pacientes adultos em estado grave não é usual; no entanto, o uso da diálise peritoneal está associado a excelentes resultados em termos de tempo de internação, mortalidade, infecções adquiridas na unidade e recuperação da função renal residual condizente com a revisão da literatura médica. Apresentamos o caso clínico de uma mulher na sexta década de vida que desenvolveu insuficiência renal aguda com risco de lesão renal passando rapidamente para lesão renal leve e insuficiência com necessidade de diálise peritoneal, somando-se a um importante casuística clínica gerada nos últimos cinco anos dentro de nossa organização.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity, phenolic content, anthocyanins, and flavonoids of fresh and dried 'Biloxi' blueberries / Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante, contenido fenólico, antocianinas y flavonoides de arándanos 'Biloxi' frescos y secos

BACKGROUND: The phytochemical content present in blueberries has generated great interest, especially in the nutra-pharmaceutical industry, where it is known as the "super fruit" due to its prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, among others). OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the functional potential of fresh blueberries and dried blueberries using forced convection by measuring phytochemical content to conclude if this drying technology is convenient for prolonging the product's shelf life. METHODS: For this purpose, antioxidant activity, phenolic content, total anthocyanins, and total flavonoids of 'Biloxi' blueberry cultivars were determined. Fresh and dried blueberries' results were studied. Fruit extracts were analyzed to determine antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as a free radical, total phenolic content with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, total anthocyanins by pH differential method, and total flavonoids by Aluminum Chloride method. RESULTS: Results for fresh blueberries yielded ranges of antioxidant activity (90.8-93.9% Free radical scavenging rate), total phenolic content (275 to 645mgGAE/100gFW), total anthocyanins content (28.55 to 43.75mgCy3G/100gFW) and total flavonoids content (159.92 to 335.75mgQE/100gFW). For the forced convection oven process, ranges of antioxidant activity (85.5-92.6% Free radical scavenging rate), total phenolic content (261 to 308mgGAE/100gFW), total anthocyanins content (4.74 to 5.12mgCy3G/100gFW) and total flavonoids content (30.66±0.38mgQE/100gFW) were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: In general, blueberries studied proved to have similar concentrations of functional properties compared to a wide variety of cultivars grown around the globe. Furthermore, higher concentrations of phytochemical content than those reported previously for strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries were evidenced. Although dried blueberries studied proved to have diminished phytochemical content, this functional component content stands out among the fruits market and give nutritional value to end consumers. Drying processes could potentially increase the commerce of blueberries by significantly reducing their perishable nature

CONTEXTO: El contenido fitoquímico presente en los arándanos ha generado gran interés, especialmente en la industria nutra-farmacéutica donde es conocido como una "super fruta" debido a su ayuda en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades neurodegenerativas, enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes, cáncer, entre otras. OBJETIVOS: Este estudio evaluó el potencial funcional de arándanos frescos y deshidratados por convección forzada mediante la determinación de su contenido fitoquímico con el objetivo de concluir si esta tecnología de secado es conveniente para aumentar la vida útil del producto. MÉTODOS: Para este propósito, se determinó la actividad antioxidante, el contenido fenólico, las antocianinas totales y los flavonoides totales de cultivos de arándanos 'Biloxi' La información recopilada de la literatura fue analizada. Se estudió el contenido en compuestos funcionales en arándanos frescos y deshidratados. Los extractos de fruta fueron analizados para determinar actividad antioxidante por medio de 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazilo (DPPH) como radical libre, fenólicos totales con el reactivo Folin-Ciocalteu, antocianinas totales usando el método diferencial de pH y flavonoides totales con el método de Cloruro de Aluminio. RESULTADOS: Para los arándanos frescos se obtuvieron rangos de actividad antioxidante de 90.8-93.9% Tasa de captación de radicales libres, contenido fenólico total de 275-645mgEAG/100gPF, contenido de antocianinas totales de 28.55-43.75mgCy3G/100gPF y contenido total de flavonoides de 159.92-335.75mgEQ/100gPF. Para los arándanos deshidratados por convección forzada, se obtuvieron rangos de actividad antioxidante de 85.5-92.6% Tasa de captación de radicales libres, contenido fenólico total de 261-308mgEAG/100gPF, contenido de antocianinas totales de 4.74-5.12mgCy3G/100gPF y contenido total de flavonoides de 30.24-30.96mgEQ/100gPF. CONCLUSIONES: En general, los arándanos estudiados probaron tener concentraciones similares de propiedades funcionales comparados con una amplia variedad de cultivos alrededor del mundo. Además, fueron evidenciadas concentraciones más altas de contenido fitoquímico comparadas con las reportadas previamente para fresas, moras y frambuesas. Aunque los arándanos secos estudiados demostraron tener menor contenido fitoquímico, la cantidad de estos componentes funcionales destaca dentro del mercado de las frutas y dan valor nutricional a los consumidores. Los procesos de secado pueden potencialmente incrementar el comercio de arándanos derivado de una disminución significativa en su naturaleza perecedera

Computational Study of Thermal Comfort and Reduction of CO2 Levels inside a Classroom.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, guaranteeing thermal comfort and low CO2 levels in classrooms through efficient ventilation has become vitally important. This study presents three-dimensional simulations based on computational fluid dynamics of airflow inside an air-conditioned classroom located in Veracruz, Mexico. The analysis included various positions of an air extractor, Reynolds numbers up to 3.5 × 104, four different concentrations of pollutant sources, and three different times of the day. The simulations produced velocity, air temperature, and CO2 concentrations fields, and we calculated average air temperatures, average CO2 concentrations, and overall ventilation effectiveness. Our results revealed an optimal extractor position and Reynolds number conducive to thermal comfort and low CO2 levels due to an adequate ventilation configuration. At high pollutant concentrations, it is necessary to reduce the number of students in the classroom to achieve safe CO2 levels.

Carbon dioxide levels and ventilation in Acromyrmex nests: significance and evolution of architectural innovations in leaf-cutting ants.

Leaf-cutting ant colonies largely differ in size, yet all consume O2 and produce CO2 in large amounts because of their underground fungus gardens. We have shown that in the Acromyrmex genus, three basic nest morphologies occur, and investigated the effects of architectural innovations on nest ventilation. We recognized (i) serial nests, similar to the ancestral type of the sister genus Trachymyrmex, with chambers excavated along a vertical tunnel connecting to the outside via a single opening, (ii) shallow nests, with one/few chambers extending shallowly with multiple connections to the outside, and (iii) thatched nests, with an above-ground fungus garden covered with plant material. Ventilation in shallow and thatched nests, but not in serial nests, occurred via wind-induced flows and thermal convection. CO2 concentrations were below the values known to affect the respiration of the symbiotic fungus, indicating that shallow and thatched nests are not constrained by harmful CO2 levels. Serial nests may be constrained depending on the soil CO2 levels. We suggest that in Acromyrmex, selective pressures acting on temperature and humidity control led to nesting habits closer to or above the soil surface and to the evolution of architectural innovations that improved gas exchanges.

Hydrogeological constraints for the genesis of the extreme lithium enrichment in the Salar de Atacama (NE Chile): A thermohaline flow modelling approach.

The Salar de Atacama (SdA) is the largest Li reserve globally. The origin of Li, together with the rest of solutes, has been object of debate. Thus, rock weathering at low temperature, hydrothermal leaching or magmatic origin together with subsequent evaporation has been hypothesized. However, the extreme Li enrichment (>4000 mg/L) and the location of the Li-Mg-rich brines around the Salar Fault System (SFS) that crosses the nucleus of the SdA in half remain unexplained. The objective of this work is to define the thermohaline groundwater flow in the SdA basin to account for the genesis of its extreme Li enrichment. Thermohaline flow modelling has demonstrated the critical effect of the minimum hydraulic head (MHH) of the regional water table on the groundwater flow of salt flats. The MHH divides the basin into two isolated hydrodynamic systems and constitutes the endpoint towards which the most evaporated brines converge. The spatial mismatch between the locations of the Li-Mg-rich brines in the central-western zone of the nucleus (in the SFS) and the MHH in the easternmost zone of the nucleus discards recent evaporative concentration of the recharge water as the main mechanism of Li enrichment. Moreover, the persistence of a saline interface surrounding the nucleus at depth, regardless of the temperature gradient, also precludes lateral recharge (predominantly from the east) to ascend along the SFS. On the other hand, the computed thermohaline flow is compatible with the remobilization of buried layers of Li-Mg-enriched salts and/or clays by dilute recharge waters coming from the west or southwest of the basin. Here, the role of faults and density-driven flow is key to allow efficient downward and upward flow rates that favour the remobilization of Li and Mg.

Diel pattern driven by free convection controls leaf-cutter ant nest ventilation and greenhouse gas emissions in a Neotropical rain forest.

Leaf-cutter ant nests are biogeochemical hot spots where ants live and import vegetation to grow fungus. Metabolic activity and (in wet tropical forests) soil gas flux to the nest may result in high nest CO2 concentrations if not adequately ventilated. Wind-driven ventilation mitigates high CO2 concentrations in grasslands, but little is known about exchange for forest species faced with prolonged windless conditions. We studied Atta cephalotes nests located under dense canopy (leaf area index > 5) in a wet tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, where wind events are infrequent. We instrumented nests with thermocouples and flow-through CO2 sensing chambers. The results showed that CO2 concentrations exiting leaf-cutter ant nests follow a diel pattern with higher values at night. We developed an efflux model based on pressure differences that evaluated the observed CO2 diel pattern in terms of ventilation by (1) free convection (warm, less dense air rises out the nest more prominently at night) and (2) episodic wind-forced convection events providing occasional supplemental ventilation during daytime. Average greenhouse gas emissions were estimated through nest vents at about 78 kg CO2eq nest-1 year-1. At the ecosystem level, leaf-cutter ant nest vents accounted for 0.2% to 1% of total rainforest soil emissions. In wet, clayey tropical soils, leaf-cutter ant nests act as free convection-driven conduits for exporting CO2 and other greenhouse gases produced within the nest (fungus and ant respiration, refuse decay), and by roots and soil microbes surrounding the nest. This allows A. cephalotes nests to be ventilated without reliable wind conditions.

Convection combined microwave drying affect quality of volatile oil compositions and quantity of curcuminoids of turmeric raw material

Abstract The aim of the work was to estimate the quality of some compositions in turmeric volatile oil and quantity of individual and total curcuminoids in turmeric powder dried under different conditions. Effect of convection time (0-30 min) and microwave time (20-60 min) on quality of volatile oil compositions and quantity of curcuminoids were investigated using computer software. Quality of volatile oil obtained from the hydrodistillation of dried turmeric was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The quantity of individual curcuminoids (bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin) and total curcuminoids were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Ten volatile compounds in turmeric volatile oil were used to estimate the variation of their quality. Results showed that ar-turmerone, turmerone, and curlone were the three major compounds found in turmeric volatile oil. The quality of the ten volatile compounds varied depending on convection time and microwave time. The three principal curcuminoids were found in turmeric dried at long convection time and medium microwave time. However, curcumin was also found in high amount in turmeric dried at short convection time and long microwave time. Total curcuminoids in dried turmeric were equal to or greater than 5% (w/w) as stated in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. It was found that almost all of the drying procedure achieved the standard of the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia except at short convection time and short microwave time. In summary, convection combined with microwave drying affected the quality of volatile oil compositions and quantity of curcuminoids of turmeric raw material.

Plumas em escoamento uniforme com estratificação de duas camadas / Plumes in uniform flow with two-layer stratification

RESUMO Plumas ocorrem quando um fluido é descarregado em outro fluido com densidade diferente, como poluentes na atmosfera. Neste trabalho, desenvolveu-se um estudo experimental em um tanque de água e modelagem matemática usando a abordagem integral com o intuito de investigar o escoamento gerado por plumas salinas em escoamento uniforme e com estratificação de duas camadas. Os resultados indicaram que a altura da camada superior (menos densa) aumentou com a vazão de retirada da camada inferior e diminuiu com o fluxo de empuxo da pluma, corroborando os resultados disponíveis na literatura para sistemas alimentados por fontes pontuais (não uniformes). Após ajuste de parâmetros presentes na teoria clássica para plumas turbulentas, foi possível prever a altura da interface com desvios máximos de ±8% e coeficiente de Nash-Sutcliffe de 0,98. Isso indica que o escoamento uniforme não afetou significativamente a hidrodinâmica das plumas em comparação a estudos anteriores. Por outro lado, diferentemente dos sistemas alimentados por fontes pontuais, as linhas de fluxo obtidas por meio da injeção de corante no escoamento uniforme seguiram padrão de escoamento potencial, com toda a vazão sendo direcionada para a pluma e não havendo, portanto, mistura na interface entre as duas camadas. Dessa forma, partindo do princípio de conservação de massa, foram propostas equações para gerar as linhas de fluxo ao redor das plumas, as quais foram confirmadas com os dados experimentais. Finalmente, foram apresentadas aplicações práticas do modelo proposto em sistemas de ventilação natural em edifícios e descarga de poluentes na atmosfera sob condição de inversão térmica.

ABSTRACT Plumes occur when a fluid is discharged into another fluid with different density, such as pollutants in the atmosphere. In this work, an experimental study was carried out in a water tank and a mathematical modelling using the integral approach was performed to investigate the flow generated by saline plumes in uniform flow with two-layer stratification. The results indicated that the upper layer's height (less dense) increased with the outflow from the lower layer, and decreased with the buoyancy flux of the plume, confirming the results available in the literature for systems supplied by point sources (non-uniform sources). After fitting the parameters of the classical theory for turbulent plumes, it was possible to predict the interface's height with a maximum deviation of ±8%, and a Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient of 0.98. This indicates that the uniform flow did not affect significantly the plumes' hydrodynamics compared to previous studies. On the other hand, unlike the systems supplied by point sources, the streamlines obtained through the injection of dye into the uniform flow followed a potential flow pattern, with all the flow being directed to the plume, therefore not mixing at the interface between the two layers. Thus, based on the principle of mass conservation, equations were proposed to generate the streamlines around the plumes, which were validated with the experimental data. Finally, practical applications of the proposed model in natural ventilation in buildings and pollutant discharges in the atmosphere were presented.

Morphogenesis of termite mounds.

Several species of millimetric-sized termites across Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America collectively construct large, meter-sized, porous mound structures that serve to regulate mound temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations. These mounds display varied yet distinctive morphologies that range widely in size and shape. To explain this morphological diversity, we introduce a mathematical model that couples environmental physics to insect behavior: The advection and diffusion of heat and pheromones through a porous medium are modified by the mound geometry and, in turn, modify that geometry through a minimal characterization of termite behavior. Our model captures the range of naturally observed mound shapes in terms of a minimal set of dimensionless parameters and makes testable hypotheses for the response of mound morphology to external temperature oscillations and internal odors. Our approach also suggests mechanisms by which evolutionary changes in odor production rate and construction behavior coupled to simple physical laws can alter the characteristic mound morphology of termites.

Monitoring the convection coefficient in fermentative processes using numerical methods.

This work is based on the importance of monitoring the thermodynamic variables of sugarcane juice fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using a numerical technique, and providing artifices that lead to the best performance of this bioprocess. Different combinations of yeast quantity were added to diverse dilutions of cane juice, allowing the evaluation of the fermentation performance. This was conducted by observing the temperature signal obtained from thermal probes inserted in the experimental set up. The best performances are utilized in the mathematical model evaluation. Thus, the signal reconstructed by the appropriate inverse problem and subsequently, regularized by the simplified method of least squares (the method used for adjusting the defined parameters) allows a common method to process the convection coefficient that can be monitored and controlled within an actuation range. This leads to an increased level of refinement in the technique. Results show that it is possible to determine the best parameters for this technique and observe the occurrence of fermentation by monitoring the temperature signal, thereby ensuring the realization of a high-quality and high-performance bioprocess.

Numerical solution of a spatio-temporal predator-prey model with infected prey.

A spatio-temporal eco-epidemiological model is formulated by combining an available non-spatial model for predator-prey dynamics with infected prey [D. Greenhalgh and M. Haque, Math. Meth. Appl. Sci., 30 (2007), 911-929] with a spatio-temporal susceptible-infective (SI)-type epidemic model of pattern formation due to diffusion [G.-Q. Sun, Nonlinear Dynamics, 69 (2012), 1097-1104]. It is assumed that predators exclusively eat infected prey, in agreement with the hypothesis that the infection weakens the prey, making it available for predation otherwise we assume that the predator has essentially no access to healthy prey of the same species. Furthermore, the movement of predators is described by a non-local convolution of the density of infected prey as proposed in [R.M. Colombo and E. Rossi, Commun. Math. Sci., 13 (2015), 369-400]. The resulting convection-diffusion-reaction system of three partial differential equations for the densities of susceptible and infected prey and predators is solved by an efficient method that combines weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) reconstructions and an implicit-explicit Runge-Kutta (IMEX-RK) method for time stepping. Numerical examples illustrate the formation of spatial patterns involving all three species.

Soft Collagen-Gelatine Sponges by Convection Drying

This study showed that thermally labile fibrillar collagen could be processed continuously in combination with gelatine as foaming additive by convection drying. The procedure led to stable sponges with similar structural and physical properties as found for freeze-dried collagen samples. The fibrillar collagen remained native, while gelatine acted as foaming additive. The absorbency of the sponges was improved by opening the surface with abrasives. A use as medical device with hemostyptic properties would be possible.

PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF DRUG DISTRIBUTION DURING INFUSIONS INTO THE BRAIN USING AN AXISYMMETRIC MODEL WITH BACKFLOW / ANÁLISIS PARAMÉTRICO DE LA DISTRIBUCIÓN DE DROGA DURANTE INFUSIONES EN EL CEREBRO CON UN MODELO AXISIMÉTRICO CON REFLUJO / A ANÁLISE PARAMÉTRICA DE DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE DROGAS NO CÉREBRO DURANTE INFUSÕES COM UM MODELO AXISYMMETRIC COM REFLUXO

Convection-enhanced delivery as a means to deliver therapeutic drugs directly to the brain has shown limited clinical efficacy, primarily attributed to the phenomena of backflow, in which the infused fluid flows preferentially along the shaft catheter rather than forward into the tissue. We have previously developed a finite element model of backflow that includes both material and geometric nonlinearities and the free boundary conditions associated with the displacement of the tissue away from the external surface of the catheter. However, that study was limited to predictions of the tissue deformation and resulting convective fluid velocity in the interstitial space. In this study, we use results from that model to solve for the distribution of the infused therapeutic agent. We demonstrate that a significant percentage of the infused drug is not transported into the region of tissue located forward from the catheter tip, but instead is transported into the region along the lateral sides of the catheter. For lower flow rates, this study suggests that the use of a catheter with a larger radius may be preferable since it will provide the higher amount of drug to be transported to the tissue in front of the catheter. In contrast, for higher flow rates consistent with clinical infusions, the radius of the infusion catheter had minimal effect on the distribution of the infused drug, with most being transported into the tissue around the shaft of the catheter.

Convection-enhanced delivery es una técnica que permite transportar drogas directamente en el cerebro para el tratamiento de enfermedades del sistema nervioso central. Este método ha mostrado una eficacia limitada debido principalmente al fenómeno de reflujo (backflow), según el cual, el fluido inyectado fluye preferiblemente a lo largo del catéter y no hacia el tejido delante de la punta. Previamente desarrollamos un modelo de elementos finitos para representar el reflujo, el cual incluye las no linealidades geométricas y del material y las condiciones de borde libre asociadas con el desplazamiento del tejido en la superficie externa del catéter. Sin embargo, ese modelo solo predice la deformación del tejido y el campo de velocidades en el espacio intersticial. En este estudio, hemos utilizado los resultados provenientes del mencionado modelo bifásico para resolver la ecuación de transporte de masa y predecir la distribución de droga suministrada. Se pudo demostrar que un porcentaje significativo de droga no penetra en el tejido ubicado delante de la punta del catéter, sino que es transportado hacia el tejido ubicado alrededor del catéter. Para bajo caudales, este estudio sugiere que el uso de un catéter con un radio mayor permitiría transportar una mayor cantidad de droga hacia el tejido al frente de la punta. Por otro lado, para los mayores caudales usados en la práctica clínica, el radio del catéter tiene un efecto marginal en la distribución del fármaco, y la mayor cantidad de droga se transporta hacia el tejido ubicado alrededor del catéter.

Convection-enhanced delivery é uma técnica para o transporte de drogas directamente no cérebro para tratar doenças do sistema nervoso central. Este método tem demonstrado eficácia limitada devido, principalmente, ao fenómeno de refluxo (refluxo), através do qual, de preferência, o fluido injectado flui através do cateter para o tecido e não à frente da ponta. Anteriormente desenvolvido um modelo de elementos finitos para representar a refluxo, que inclui geométricas e não-linearidades do material e as condições associadas com a extremidade livre de deslocamento da trama na superfície exterior do cateter. No entanto, este modelo apenas prevê deformação do tecido e campo de velocidades no espaço intersticial. Neste estudo, foram utilizados os resultados do modelo de duas fases acima referidas, para resolver a equação de transporte e prever a distribuição de massa de medicamentos fornecidos. Demonstrou-se que uma percentagem significativa da droga não penetra no tecido localizado em frente da ponta do cateter, que é transportado para o tecido que rodeia o cateter. Para as taxas de fluxo baixas, este estudo sugere que o uso de um cateter com um raio maior do que transportar uma maior quantidade de droga para o tecido em frente da ponta. Além disso, para taxas de fluxo mais elevadas utilizadas na prática clínica, o raio do cateter tem um efeito marginal sobre a distribuição da droga, e tanto fármaco é transportado para o tecido que rodeia o cateter.

In vivo evaluation of needle force and friction stress during insertion at varying insertion speed into the brain.

BACKGROUND: Convection enhanced delivery (CED) infuses drugs directly into brain tissue. Needle insertion is required and results in tissue damage which can promote flowback along the needle track and improper targeting. The goal of this study was to evaluate friction stress (calculated from needle insertion force) as a measure of tissue contact and damage during needle insertion for varying insertion speeds. NEW METHOD: Forces and surface dimpling during needle insertion were measured in rat brain in vivo. Needle retraction forces were used to calculate friction stresses. These measures were compared to track damage from a previous study. Differences between brain tissues and soft hydrogels were evaluated for varying insertion speeds: 0.2, 2, and 10mm/s. RESULTS: In brain tissue, average insertion force and surface dimpling increased with increasing insertion speed. Average friction stress along the needle-tissue interface decreased with insertion speed (from 0.58 ± 0.27 to 0.16 ± 0.08 kPa). Friction stress varied between brain regions: cortex (0.227 ± 0.27 kPa), external capsule (0.222 ± 0.19 kPa), and CPu (0.383 ± 0.30 kPa). Hydrogels exhibited opposite trends for dimpling and friction stress with insertion speed. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Previously, increasing needle damage with insertion speed has been measured with histological methods. Friction stress appears to decrease with increasing tissue damage and decreasing tissue contact, providing the potential for in vivo and real time evaluation along the needle track. CONCLUSION: Force derived friction stress decreased with increasing insertion speed and was smaller within white matter regions. Hydrogels exhibited opposite trends to brain tissue.

Respiratory heat loss in Morada Nova sheep in Brazilian semi-arid regions / Perda de calor respiratório em ovinos Morada Nova no semiárido brasileiro

This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory heat loss in sheep from the equations developed for this species and its relations with meteorological variables in semi-arid regions. The respiratory heat loss (sensible and latent) was estimated through the equations in the literature for four 12-month-old male Morada Nova sheep, kept in an installation with shading of ceramic tiles and a 3-meter-high ceiling. The following environmental variables were measured: air temperature (TA), wind speed (U), relative humidity (RH) and partial vapor pressure (PP{tA}). The physiological variables measured: rectal temperature (TR) and respiratory rate (RR). Statistical analysis was performed based on regression using PROC REG procedure in SAS. The latent respiratory heat loss showed a linear and positive correlation with ambient temperature. However, the respiratory convection showed a linear and negative correlation, but with incipient values. Therefore, the latent heat loss is more important than the sensible one in the respiratory system to maintain thermoregulation of sheep in a semi-arid region of Brazil.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a perda decalor respiratório em ovinos através de equaçõesdesenvolvidas para a espécie e suas relações com as variáveismeteorológicas em região semiárida. A perda de calorrespiratório (sensível e latente) foi estimada através deequações encontradas na literatura para quatro ovinos da raçaMorada Nova com 12 meses de idade, mantidos em umainstalação com sombreamento fornecido por telhas cerâmicase pé-direito igual a 3 metros de altura. As seguintes variáveisambientais foram aferidas: temperatura do ar (TA),velocidade do vento (U), umidade relativa (UR) e da pressãoparcial de vapor (PP {tA}). As variáveis fisiológicas aferidasforam: temperatura retal (TR) e frequência respiratória (FR).A análise estatística foi realizada com base em equações deregressão utilizando o pacote PROC REG do SAS. A perdade calor latente respiratório apresentou uma relação linear epositiva com a temperatura ambiente. No entanto, aconvecção respiratória apresentou uma relação linear enegativa, mas com os valores baixos. Assim, a perda de calorlatente é mais importante do que a sensível no sistemarespiratório para manter a termorregulação de ovinos MoradaNova na região semiárida do Brasil.(AU)

Respiratory heat loss in Morada Nova sheep in Brazilian semi-arid regions / Perda de calor respiratório em ovinos Morada Nova no semiárido brasileiro

This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory heat loss in sheep from the equations developed for this species and its relations with meteorological variables in semi-arid regions. The respiratory heat loss (sensible and latent) was estimated through the equations in the literature for four 12-month-old male Morada Nova sheep, kept in an installation with shading of ceramic tiles and a 3-meter-high ceiling. The following environmental variables were measured: air temperature (TA), wind speed (U), relative humidity (RH) and partial vapor pressure (PP{tA}). The physiological variables measured: rectal temperature (TR) and respiratory rate (RR). Statistical analysis was performed based on regression using PROC REG procedure in SAS. The latent respiratory heat loss showed a linear and positive correlation with ambient temperature. However, the respiratory convection showed a linear and negative correlation, but with incipient values. Therefore, the latent heat loss is more important than the sensible one in the respiratory system to maintain thermoregulation of sheep in a semi-arid region of Brazil.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a perda decalor respiratório em ovinos através de equaçõesdesenvolvidas para a espécie e suas relações com as variáveismeteorológicas em região semiárida. A perda de calorrespiratório (sensível e latente) foi estimada através deequações encontradas na literatura para quatro ovinos da raçaMorada Nova com 12 meses de idade, mantidos em umainstalação com sombreamento fornecido por telhas cerâmicase pé-direito igual a 3 metros de altura. As seguintes variáveisambientais foram aferidas: temperatura do ar (TA),velocidade do vento (U), umidade relativa (UR) e da pressãoparcial de vapor (PP {tA}). As variáveis fisiológicas aferidasforam: temperatura retal (TR) e frequência respiratória (FR).A análise estatística foi realizada com base em equações deregressão utilizando o pacote PROC REG do SAS. A perdade calor latente respiratório apresentou uma relação linear epositiva com a temperatura ambiente. No entanto, aconvecção respiratória apresentou uma relação linear enegativa, mas com os valores baixos. Assim, a perda de calorlatente é mais importante do que a sensível no sistemarespiratório para manter a termorregulação de ovinos MoradaNova na região semiárida do Brasil.

Termorregulação de colméias de Apis mellifera em ambientes de sol e sombra no semiárido pernambucano / Thermoregulation of the hive of honey bees, Apis mellifera, in environments of sun and shadow in the semi-arid of Pernambuco, Brazil

O experimento foi conduzido no período de outubro a dezembro de 2011, na cidade de Ibimirim com o propósito de avaliar o efeito do sombreamento natural e artificial sobre a termorregulação individual e das colônias de Apis mellifera africanizadas. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado sendo três tratamentos (colmeias modelo Langstroth ao sol, sob sombrite e sob sombra natural) com cinco repetições. As variáveis estudadas foram: temperatura e umidade internas, temperatura torácica das abelhas operárias. A leitura da temperatura e umidade relativa no interior das colmeias foi obtida utilizando um termoigrômetro digital através de um orifício de 25 mm de diâmetro, por trás da caixa, apropriado para a introdução do sensor no centro do ninho na profundidade de 17 cm da colmeia. Para avaliação da temperatura torácica das abelhas, 80 operárias em cada tratamento, foram imobilizadas em uma gaiola de contenção para rainha, aferindo a temperatura com mini-termopar tipo T - 50 (Cobre/Constantan). As varáveis climáticas foram monitoradas sempre no mesmo horário das coletas das variáveis internas das colmeias e da temperatura torácica das abelhas, por intermédio de um abrigo termométrico instalado no centro do apiário. Foi realizada correlação de Pearson entre a temperatura torácica das abelhas e o ambiente interno e externo das colmeias. Análise de variância e teste de médias entre as variáveis medidas nos três tratamentos também foram realizadas por meio do programa R 2.14 (2011). Foi observada diferença significativa (p0,05) para a umidade relativa nos três tratamentos. A carga térmica radiante (W.m-2) apresentou maior (p0,05) entre as temperaturas torácicas das abelhas. As correlações, de forma geral, mantiveram-se muito baixas. O sombreamento natural favoreceu a termorregulação interna das colônias de Apis mellifera, mas não influenciou a termorregulação individual das abelhas operárias.

The experiment was conducted from October to December 2011, in the city of Ibimirim in semiarid of Pernambuco from Brazil with the purpose to evaluate the effect of natural and artificial shadow on individual thermoregulation and of the colonies of Africanized Apis mellifera in the warm period of the year. The delineation was completely randomized with three treatments (model Langstroth hives bees exposed directly the light in the sun, shadowing artificial and under natural shadow) with five repetition. The variables studied were internal temperature and humidity, thoracic temperature of the workers bees. The measuring of the temperature and relative humidity inside the hive was obtained using the sensors of a digital thermohygrometer through a hole 25 mm in diameter behind the box, suitable for the introduction of the sensor in the center of the nest 17 cm within of the hive. To measure the thoracic temperature of bees, 80 workers bees in each treatment were immobilized in a restraint cage for queen, checking the temperature with mini-thermocouple type T - 50 (Copper / Constantan). The climatic variables were monitored in the same time the measuring of the internal variables of the hives and the thoracic temperature of bees through a shelter thermometric installed in the center of the apiary. Pearson correlation was performed between the thoracic temperature of bees and the internal and external environment of the hives. Analysis of variance and mean test between the variables measured in the three treatments were also performed using the program R 2.14 (2011). Significant difference (p 0.05) for relative humidity in the three treatments. The radiant thermal load (W m-2) showed great than (p 0.05) between the thoracic temperature of bees. The correlations in general, remained very low. The natural shadow favored the thermoregulation of the internal colonies of Apis mellifera, but did not influence the thermoregulation of individual worker bees.

Estudo da variabilidade da cobertura de nuvens altas na Amazônia Central

The meteorological phenomena that occur in the Central Amazonia (Manaus) are studied from ISCCP-C1 Satellite- based data. The oscillations that contribute more significantly to the cloud cover variability and its relation to El Niño and La Niña events case identified. The annual and semi-annual oscillation times scales are the main responsible for the variability of the high cloud cover over Manaus. The inter-annual oscillations associated with El Niño and La Niña events also contribute significantly to the total variability of the high cloud cover, while intraseasonal and day-to-day oscillations show a reduced contribution. However, the intraseasonal and day-to-day oscillations are important since they do influence the predictability on short and medium range forecast. The studied region was extended to 21 sections, centered in Manaus. The 60, 45 and 30 day-oscillations exhibited a higher spectral power density percentage over eastern Manaus; the 20 day-oscillations, over the central Manaus; and the 8, 6 and 4 day-oscillations, over western Manaus. The cold fronts that reach central Amazonia modulate convective activity over Manaus region, acting as a forcing for day-to-day oscillations (47% of the cases), intraseasonal oscillations (15%), and 55 to 65 day- oscillations (13%). It is important to point out that the cold fronts did not necessarily establish the oscillations, but they may have favored or induced convection over Manaus region.

Foram estudados os fenômenos meteorológicos que ocorrem na Amazônia Central (Manaus) utilizando-se um conjunto de imagens de satélites, com o objetivo de identificar as oscilações que mais contribuem para a variabilidade da cobertura de nuvens, e verificar se há modificações nestas oscilações em anos de El Niño e La Niña. O ciclo anual e o ciclo semi-anual são os principais responsáveis pela variabilidade da cobertura de nuvens altas na região. As oscilações interanuais associadas aos fenômenos El Niño/La Niña também contribuem fortemente para a variabilidade total da cobertura de nuvens altas. As oscilações intra-sazonais e interdiurnas apresentam uma variabilidade menor. Estendendo-se a análise para uma região compreendida de 1,5ºS a 6ºS e 68ºW a 54ºW, centrados em Manaus, observa-se que os períodos de 60, 45 e 30 dias possuem maior porcentagem de potência a leste de Manaus; o período de 20 dias possui maior porcentagem de potência no centro (próximo de Manaus); e os períodos de 8, 6 e 4 dias possuem maior porcentagem de potência a oeste de Manaus. As frentes frias que alcançam a janela de 10º de longitude e 2,5º de latitude centrada em Manaus, modulam de alguma forma a atividade convectiva na região de Manaus atuando como uma forçante das oscilações interdiurnas (47% dos casos), das oscilações intra-sazonais, (15%) e das oscilações de 55 a 65 dias (13%). Convém ressaltar que não necessariamente as frentes frias causaram as oscilações. As frentes podem favorecer ou induzir a convecção no local.

Estudo da variabilidade da cobertura de nuvens altas na Amazônia Central / Study of the variability of high cloud covering over Central Amazon region

Foram estudados os fenômenos meteorológicos que ocorrem na Amazônia Central (Manaus) utilizando-se um conjunto de imagens de satélites, com o objetivo de identificar as oscilações que mais contribuem para a variabilidade da cobertura de nuvens, e verificar se há modificações nestas oscilações em anos de El Niño e La Niña. O ciclo anual e o ciclo semi-anual são os principais responsáveis pela variabilidade da cobertura de nuvens altas na região. As oscilações interanuais associadas aos fenômenos El Niño/La Niña também contribuem fortemente para a variabilidade total da cobertura de nuvens altas. As oscilações intra-sazonais e interdiurnas apresentam uma variabilidade menor. Estendendo-se a análise para uma região compreendida de 1,5°S a 6°S e 68°W a 54°W, centrados em Manaus, observa-se que os períodos de 60, 45 e 30 dias possuem maior porcentagem de potência a leste de Manaus; o período de 20 dias possui maior porcentagem de potência no centro (próximo de Manaus); e os períodos de 8, 6 e 4 dias possuem maior porcentagem de potência a oeste de Manaus. As frentes frias que alcançam a janela de 10° de longitude e 2,5° de latitude centrada em Manaus, modulam de alguma forma a atividade convectiva na região de Manaus atuando como uma forçante das oscilações interdiurnas (47 por cento dos casos), das oscilações intra-sazonais, (15 por cento) e das oscilações de 55 a 65 dias (13 por cento). Convém ressaltar que não necessariamente as frentes frias causaram as oscilações. As frentes podem favorecer ou induzir a convecção no local.

The meteorological phenomena that occur in the Central Amazonia (Manaus) are studied from ISCCP-C1 Satellite- based data. The oscillations that contribute more significantly to the cloud cover variability and its relation to El Niño and La Niña events case identified. The annual and semi-annual oscillation times scales are the main responsible for the variability of the high cloud cover over Manaus. The inter-annual oscillations associated with El Niño and La Niña events also contribute significantly to the total variability of the high cloud cover, while intraseasonal and day-to-day oscillations show a reduced contribution. However, the intraseasonal and day-to-day oscillations are important since they do influence the predictability on short and medium range forecast. The studied region was extended to 21 sections, centered in Manaus. The 60, 45 and 30 day-oscillations exhibited a higher spectral power density percentage over eastern Manaus; the 20 day-oscillations, over the central Manaus; and the 8, 6 and 4 day-oscillations, over western Manaus. The cold fronts that reach central Amazonia modulate convective activity over Manaus region, acting as a forcing for day-to-day oscillations (47 percent of the cases), intraseasonal oscillations (15 percent), and 55 to 65 day- oscillations (13 percent). It is important to point out that the cold fronts did not necessarily establish the oscillations, but they may have favored or induced convection over Manaus region.