New Constraints on the Variable Equation of State Parameter from X-Ray Gas Mass Fractions and SNe Ia

Recent measurements are suggesting that we live in a flat Universe and that its present accelerating stage is driven by a dark energy component whose equation of state may evolve in time. Assuming two different parameterizations for the function $\omega(z)$, we constrain their free parameters from a joint analysis involving measurements from X-Ray luminosity of galaxy clusters and SNe type Ia data.Comment: paper, 6 pages, 1 figure Accepted by Int. Journal of Modern Physics D (IJPMD

The Existence of an Old Quasar at z=3.91z = 3.91 and its Implications for Λ(t)\Lambda(t) Deflationary Cosmologies

We investigate some observational constraints on decaying vacuum cosmologies based on the recently discovered old high redshift quasar APM 08279+5255. This object is located at $z = 3.91$ and has an estimated age of 2-3 Gyr. The class of $\Lambda(t)$ cosmologies is characterized by a positive $\beta$ parameter smaller than unity which quantifies the ratio between the vacuum and the total energy density. Assuming the lower limit age (2 Gyr) and that the cold dark matter contributes with $\Omega_{\rm M}=0.2$ we show that $\beta$ is constrained to be $\ge 0.07$ while for an age of 3 Gyr and $\Omega_{\rm M}=0.4$ the $\beta$ parameter must be greater than 0.32. Our analysis includes closed, flat and hyperbolic scenarios, and it strongly suggests that there is no age crisis for this kind of $\Lambda(t)$ cosmologies. Lower limits to the redshift quasar formation are also briefly discussed to the flat case. For $\Omega_{\rm M}=0.4$ we found that the redshift formation is constrained by $z_{f}\ge 8.0$.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, submitted to IJMP

Hydrodynamics and seed dispersal in the lower Amazon.

The transport of seeds by water, i.e. hydrochory, is a key mechanism of long-distance dispersal constrained by the attributes of the seed and hydrodynamics. In the freshwater Amazon estuary, river hydrodynamics are influenced by seasonal changes in precipitation and tidal cycles. It is not known to what extent a hydrodynamic model may be able to predict seed dispersal. Here we parameterised a simulation model (SisBaHia) to estimate maximum seed dispersal distances per tidal cycle, which were then compared with data from in situ seed dispersal experiments. The study was conducted along a 27-km stretch of a tributary of the Amazon estuary, using the seeds of a widely distributed riparian tree?Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae). Based on the simulation model, maximum potential seed dispersal distance was higher in the rainy season (c. 8.7 km) when compared with the dry season (5.6 km), for one tidal cycle (12 hr). The seeds of C. guianensis were dispersed further during the ebb than flood tide during the rainy season, the period of seed dispersal. Average dispersal distances observed in seed dispersal experiments conducted during the rainy season, and those predicted by SisBaHia for the same period were within the same order of magnitude. The results of this study confirm that the period of higher precipitation provides favourable hydrological conditions for hydrochory in the Amazon river-estuary complex. The fact that the time taken for the tide to fall is longer in relation to the time taken for it to rise also favours the arrival of the seeds in the main channel of the Amazon, thereby increasing the probability of long-distance dispersal events

Ervas daninhas do Brasil. Solanaceae I. Gênero Solanum L.

bitstream/item/100434/1/Ervas-daninhas-brasil.pd

Estimação da equação de demanda brasileira por importação de arroz do Uruguai.

Considerando que o Uruguai é outro importante exportador de arroz para o Brasil, esse estudo vem preencher a lacuna sobre o tema, tendo como objetivo principal estimar a equação de demanda por importação de arroz deste país

Intraclonal diversity in a Sezary syndrome with a differential response to 2‐deoxycoformycin of the two lymphoma cell populations

Br J Haematol. 2002 Dec;119(3):629-33. Intraclonal diversity in a Sezary syndrome with a differential response to 2-deoxycoformycin of the two lymphoma cell populations. Granjo E, Lima M, Lopes JM, Cunha N, Teixeira Mdos A, Santos F, Candeias J, Resende C, Santos AH, Balanzategui A, Orfão A, Matutes E. Department of Clinical Haematology, Hospital Geral de São João, Porto, Portugal. [email protected] Abstract We report a case of Sezary syndrome with two abnormal CD4+ T-cell populations detected in the peripheral blood by flow cytometry immunophenotyping and DNA cell content, suggesting a biclonal T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Despite these findings, molecular analysis of the T-cell receptor genes was consistent with a monoclonal T-cell proliferation, supporting the existence of intraclonal diversity rather than a true biclonal disease. The patient achieved a transient response with 2-deoxycoformycin, with a selective decrease of the larger/hyperploid T-cell population; later on, an increased representation of this T-cell population was observed concomitantly with clinical relapse. PMID: 12437636 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

Epidemiologia da Infeção por Clostridioides Difficile em Portugal: um Estudo Retrospetivo, Observacional em Doentes Hospitalizados

Introduction: Clostridioides difficile is the main cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea in Europe and North America. The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and clinical burden of Clostridioides difficile infection among hospitalized patients in Portugal. Material and methods: Retrospective study conducted in six public hospital centers in Portugal. All primary Clostridioides difficile infection episodes and related recurrences occurring in 2017, as well as episodes developing two to eight weeks after the last episode diagnosed in that year, were documented. The National Reference Laboratory (National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge) provided national surveillance data on Clostridioides difficile infection. Results: A total of 385 inpatients with at least one primary episode diagnosed in 2017 were included. Most patients were aged over 70 years-old (73.2%). The included patients developed 451 episodes during the observation period. Approximately 44% of primary episodes were community-associated. Most episodes (94.9%) occurred in patients with one or more risk factors, with recent antibiotic exposure being particularly common (86.0%). All-cause in-hospital mortality was 19.5%, being significantly higher in patients aged over 65 years-old versus those aged 18 to 64 years-old (22.4% vs 7.8%, respectively). Over 50 different ribotypes were observed among 206 Clostridioides difficile strains received by the National Reference Laboratory. Conclusion: In Portugal, hospitalized patients with Clostridioides difficile infection are mostly older patients presenting risk factors for the development of this infection, particularly recent antibiotic exposure. Mortality is disproportionately high among the older population. Community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection is common among inpatients with this infection.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio