Spin-glass behaviour on random lattices

The ground-state phase diagram of an Ising spin-glass model on a random graph with an arbitrary fraction w of ferromagnetic interactions is analysed in the presence of an external field. Using the replica method, and performing an analysis of stability of the replica-symmetric solution, it is shown that w = 1/2, corresponding to an unbiased spin glass, is a singular point in the phase diagram, separating a region with a spin-glass phase (w < 1/2) from a region with spin-glass, ferromagnetic, mixed and paramagnetic phases (w > 1/2).

Thermo and mechanical cycling and veneering method do not influence Y-TZP core/veneer interface bond strength

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermal and mechanical cycling and veneering technique on the shear bond strength of Y-TZP (yttrium oxide partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal) core–veneer interfaces. Materials and methods: Cylindrical Y-TZP specimens were veneered either by layering (n = 20) or by pressing technique (n = 20). A metal ceramic group (CoCr) was used as control (n = 20). Ten specimens for each group were thermal and mechanical cycled and then all samples were subjected to shear bond strength in a universal testing machine with a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Mean shear bond strength (MPa) was analysed with a 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test ( p < 0.05). Failure mode was determined using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Thermal and mechanical cycling had no influence on the shear bond strength for all groups. The CoCr group presented the highest bond strength value ( p < 0.05) (34.72 7.05 MPa). There was no significant difference between Y-TZP veneered by layering (22.46 2.08 MPa) or pressing (23.58 2.1 MPa) technique. Failure modes were predominantly adhesive for CoCr group, and cohesive within veneer for Y-TZP groups. Conclusions: Thermal and mechanical cycling, as well as the veneering technique does not affect Y-TZP core–veneer bond strength. Clinical significance: Different methods of veneering Y-TZP restorations would not influence the clinical performance of the core/veneer interfaces.

CT-guided percutaneous drilling is a safe and reliable method of treating osteoid osteomas

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drilling is an alternative for osteoid osteoma treatment. This study aims to evaluate the remodeling of the drill orifice. The success rate and complications were also recorded and compared with other treatment methods.

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion on the dimension of the nasal cavity and on facial morphology assessed by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on facial morphology and on nasal cavity dimensions of mouth breathing children by acoustic rhinometry and computed rhinomanometry. METHODS: Cohort; 29 mouth breathing children with posterior crossbite were evaluated. Orthodontic and otorhinolaryngologic documentation were performed at three different times, i.e., before expansion, immediately after and 90 days following expansion. RESULTS: The expansion was accompanied by an increase of the maxillary and nasal bone transversal width. However, there were no significant differences in relation to mucosal area of the nose. Acoustic rhinometry showed no difference in the minimal cross-sectional area at the level of the valve and inferior turbinate between the periods analyzed, although rhinomanometry showed a statistically significant reduction in nasal resistance right after expansion, but were similar to pre-treatment values 90 days after expansion. CONCLUSION: The maxillary expansion increased the maxilla and nasal bony area, but was inefficient to increase the nasal mucosal area, and may lessen the nasal resistance, although there was no difference in nasal geometry. Significance: Nasal bony expansion is followed by a mucosal compensation.

Tributyltin in Crustacean Tissues: Analytical Performance and Validation of Method

The hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus is a typical organism from intertidal regions being considered as a good bioindicator of tributyltin presence at these environments. Thus this study presents the analytical performance and validation method for TBT quantification in tissues of C. vittatus by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD) after extraction with an apolar solvent (toluene) and Grignard derivatization. The limits of detection of the method (LOD) were 2.0 and 2.8 ng g(-1) for TBT and DBT (dibutyltin), respectively, and its limits of quantification (LOQ) were 6.6 and 8.9 ng g(-1) for TBT and DBT, respectively. The method was applied to samples from Santos Estuary, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. TBT and DBT concentrations ranged from 26.7 to 175.0 ng g(-1) and from 46.2 to 156.0 ng g(-1), respectively. These concentrations are worrisome since toxic effects (such as endocrine disruption) have been reported for other organisms even under lower levels of registred at this study.

Evaluation of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Determining Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn in Bovine Semen Samples using a Simple Sample Dilution Method

A simple and fast method for the determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn in bovine semen by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (q-ICP-MS) is described. Prior to analysis, samples (200 mu L) were diluted 1:50 in a solution containing 0.01% v/v Triton (R) X-100 and 0.5% v/v nitric acid and directly analyzed by ICP-MS. The limits of detection of the method are 0.3, 0.03, 0.2, 0.04, 0.04, 0.03 and 0.03 mu g L-1 for Ca-44, Cu-63, Fe-57, Mg-24, Zn-64, Se-82 and Mn-55, respectively. For purposes of comparison and method validation, four ordinary bovine semen samples were directly analyzed by ICP-MS and by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS), with no statistical difference between the techniques at the 95% level when applying the t-test. Then, the proposed method was applied in the determinations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn in collected samples of bovine semen from different breeds, which are used in reproduction programs and artificial insemination.

Tributyltin in crustacean tissues: analytical performance and validation of method

The hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus is a typical organism from intertidal regions being considered as a good bioindicator of tributyltin presence at these environments. Thus this study presents the analytical performance and validation method for TBT quantification in tissues of C. vittatus by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD) after extraction with an apolar solvent (toluene) and Grignard derivatization. The limits of detection of the method (LOD) were 2.0 and 2.8 ng g-1 for TBT and DBT (dibutyltin), respectively, and its limits of quantification (LOQ) were 6.6 and 8.9 ng g-1 for TBT and DBT, respectively. The method was applied to samples from Santos Estuary, São Paulo State, Brazil. TBT and DBT concentrations ranged from 26.7 to 175.0 ng g-1 and from 46.2 to 156.0 ng g-1, respectively. These concentrations are worrisome since toxic effects (such as endocrine disruption) have been reported for other organisms even under lower levels of registred at this study.

Evaluation of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for determining Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn in bovine semen samples using a simple sample dilution method

A simple and fast method for the determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn in bovine semen by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (q-ICP-MS) is described. Prior to analysis, samples (200 µL) were diluted 1:50 in a solution containing 0.01% v/v Triton® X-100 and 0.5% v/v nitric acid and directly analyzed by ICP-MS. The limits of detection of the method are 0.3, 0.03, 0.2, 0.04, 0.04, 0.03 and 0.03 µg L-1 for 44Ca, 63Cu, 57Fe, 24Mg, 64Zn, 82Se and 55Mn, respectively. For purposes of comparison and method validation, four ordinary bovine semen samples were directly analyzed by ICP-MS and by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS), with no statistical difference between the techniques at the 95% level when applying the t-test. Then, the proposed method was applied in the determinations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se and Zn in collected samples of bovine semen from different breeds, which are used in reproduction programs and artificial insemination.

Prenatal detection and postnatal management of an intranasal glioma

Nasal gliomas are rare benign congenital midline tumors composed of heterotopic neuroglial tissue. They have potential for intracranial extension through a bony defect in the skull base. Neuroimaging is essential for identifying nasal lesions and for determining their exact location and any possible intracranial extension. Computed tomography is often the initial imaging study obtained because it provides good visualization of the bony landmarks of the skull base; it is not, however, well suited for soft tissue imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging has better soft tissue resolution and may be the best initial study in patients seen early in life because the anterior skull base consists of an unossified cartilage and may falsely appear as if there is a bony dehiscence on computed tomography. A frontal craniotomy approach is recommended if intracranial extension is identified, followed by a transnasal endoscopic approach for intranasal glioma. A case is presented of a huge fetal facial mass that was shown by ultrasound that protruded through the left nostril at 33 weeks of gestation. Computed tomography of the neonate suggested a transethmoidal encephalocele. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a huge mass occupying the nasopharynx and the nasal cavity and protruding externally to the face but ruled out bony discontinuity in the skull base and, therefore, any intracranial connection. The infant underwent an endoscopic resection of the mass via oral and nasal routes and pathologic examination revealed intranasal glioma. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in hospitalized patients at the dermatology clinical ward of a university hospital

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in hospitalized patients at the dermatology ward at a university hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in hospitalized patients at the dermatology ward at a university hospital in Sao Paulo. METHOD: A total of 75 patients, men and women, aged between 18 and 76 years, took part in the research. The study employed a descriptive, cross sectional and correlational method. The data was collected by means of a social demographic questionnaire and the PRIME-MD. RESULTS: It was found that 45.3 percent of the subjects presented with depressive symptoms, and 52 percent presented with symptoms of anxiety and that this survey showed moderate and high significant correlations (p<0,01; r= 0,616) for depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: These facts could evidence the relationship between physical and psyche, just as the literature presents.

Aspisoma lineatum (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) Firefly: Description of the Immatures, Biological, and Ecological Aspects

(Gyllenhal) is a common firefly in the Southeastern region of Brazil. Adults and larvae were collected in the municipality of Campinas, state of So Paulo, Brazil, and the immature stages were described and reared in the laboratory. Four generations were reproduced in the laboratory, and a method for its rearing was established. The life cycle usually lasts 6 months, but under optimal laboratory conditions, it lasted from 2 to 4 months. Larvae were fed with and snails since the beginning of the larval stage. This species was found to be easily adapted to environments under anthropic influence, such as urban areas and farms.

Transformer Operation at Deep Saturation: Model and Parameter Determination

This paper proposes a model that adequately describes the operation of the transformer at deep saturation, suitable for power-electronics applications, and a method for determining its parameters. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the validity of the model and the method.

Magnetostratigraphy and mid-palaeolatitude VGP dispersion during the Permo-Carboniferous Superchron: results from Parana Basin (Southern Brazil) rhythmites

A detailed magnetostratigraphic and rock-magnetism study of two Late Palaeozoic rhythmite exposures (Itu and Rio do Sul) from the Itarare Group (Parana Basin, Brazil) is presented in this paper. After stepwise alterning-field procedures and thermal cleaning were performed, samples from both collections show reversed characteristic magnetization components, which is expected for Late Palaeozoic rocks. However, the Itu rocks presented an odd, flat inclination pattern that could not be corrected with mathematical methods based on the virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) distributions. Correlation tests between the maximum anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility axis (K1) and the magnetic declination indicated a possible mechanical influence on the remanence acquisition. The Rio do Sul sequence displayed medium to high inclinations and provided a high-quality palaeomagnetic pole (after shallowing corrections of f = 0.8) of 347.5 degrees E 63.2 degrees S (N = 119; A95 = 3.3; K = 31), which is in accordance with the Palaeozoic apparent wander pole path of South America. The angular dispersion (Sb) for the distribution of the VGPs calculated on the basis of both the 45 degrees cut-off angle and Vandamme method was compared to the best-fit Model G for mid-latitudes. Both of the Sb results are in reasonable agreement with the predicted (palaeo) latitudinal S-? relationship during the Cretaceous Normal Superchron (CNS), although the Sb value after the Vandamme cut-off has been applied is a little lower than expected. This result, in addition to those for low palaeolatitudes during the Permo-Carboniferous Reversed Superchron (PCRS) previously reported, indicates that the low secular variation regime for the geodynamo that has already been discovered in the CNS might have also been predominant during the PCRS.

Extraoral Implants in the Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Defects: Implant and Prosthesis Survival Rates and Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Evaluation

Purpose: Few reports have evaluated cumulative survival rates of extraoral rehabilitation and peri-implant soft tissue reaction at long-term follow-up. The objective of this study was to evaluate implant and prosthesis survival rates and the soft tissue reactions around the extraoral implants used to support craniofacial prostheses. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed of patients who received implants for craniofacial rehabilitation from 2003 to 2010. Two outcome variables were considered: implant and prosthetic success. The following predictor variables were recorded: gender, age, implant placement location, number and size of implants, irradiation status in the treated field, date of prosthesis delivery, soft tissue response, and date of last follow-up. A statistical model was used to estimate survival rates and associated confidence intervals. We randomly selected 1 implant per patient for analysis. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test to compare survival curves. Results: A total of 150 titanium implants were placed in 56 patients. The 2-year overall implant survival rates were 94.1% for auricular implants, 90.9% for nasal implants, 100% for orbital implants, and 100% for complex midfacial implants (P = .585). The implant survival rates were 100% for implants placed in irradiated patients and 94.4% for those placed in nonirradiated patients (P = .324). The 2-year overall prosthesis survival rates were 100% for auricular implants, 90.0% for nasal implants, 92.3% for orbital implants, and 100% for complex midfacial implants (P = .363). The evaluation of the peri-implant soft tissue response showed that 15 patients (26.7%) had a grade 0 soft tissue reaction, 30 (53.5%) had grade 1, 6 (10.7%) had grade 2, and 5 (8.9%) had grade 3. Conclusions: From this study, it was concluded that craniofacial rehabilitation with extraoral implants is a safe, reliable, and predictable method to restore the patient's normal appearance. (C) 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:1551-1557, 2012

Simultaneous determination of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan and doxylamine in human plasma by HPLC coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a pharmacokinetic study

In the present study, a fast, sensitive and robust method to quantify dextromethorphan, dextrorphan and doxylamine in human plasma using deuterated internal standards (IS) is described. The analytes and the IS were extracted from plasma by a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) using diethyl-ether/hexane (80/20, v/v). Extracted samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Chromatographic separation was performed by pumping the mobile phase (acetonitrile/water/formic acid (90/9/1, v/v/v) during 4.0 min at a flow-rate of 1.5 mL min(-1) into a Phenomenex Gemini (R) C18, 5 mu m analytical column (150 x 4.6 mm id.). The calibration curve was linear over the range from 0.2 to 200 ng mL(-1) for dextromethorphan and doxylamine and 0.05 to 10 ng mL(-1) for dextrorphan. The intra-batch precision and accuracy (%CV) of the method ranged from 2.5 to 9.5%, and 88.9 to 105.1%, respectively. Method inter-batch precision (%CV) and accuracy ranged from 6.7 to 10.3%, and 92.2 to 107.1%, respectively. The run-time was for 4 min. The analytical procedure herein described was used to assess the pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan and doxylamine in healthy volunteers after a single oral dose of a formulation containing 30 mg of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 12.5 mg of doxylamine succinate. The method has high sensitivity, specificity and allows high throughput analysis required for a pharmacokinetic study. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.