Design and characterization of bridged loop-gap resonators for use in electron paramagnetic resonance measurements

This paper revisits the design of L and S band bridged loop-gap resonators (BLGRs) for electron paramagnetic resonance applications. A novel configuration is described and extensively characterized for resonance frequency and quality factor as a function of the geometrical parameters of the device. The obtained experimental results indicate higher values of the quality factor (Q) than previously reported in the literature, and the experimental analysis data should provide useful guidelines for BLGR design.

Metal-insulator transition in Nd(1-x) Eu(x) NiO(3) probed by specific heat and anelastic measurements

Oxides RNiO(3) (R - rare-earth, R not equal La) exhibit a metal-insulator (MI) transition at a temperature T(MI) and an antiferromagnetic (AF) transition at T(N). Specific heat (C(P)) and anelastic spectroscopy measurements were performed in samples of Nd(1-x)Eu(x)NiO(3), 0 <= x <= 0.35. For x - 0, a peak in C(P) is observed upon cooling and warming at essentially the same temperature T(MI) - T(N) similar to 195 K, although the cooling peak is much smaller. For x >= 0.25, differences between the cooling and warming curves are negligible, and two well defined peaks are clearly observed: one at lower temperatures that define T(N), and the other one at T(MI). An external magnetic field of 9 T had no significant effect on these results. The elastic compliance (s) and the reciprocal of the mechanical quality factor (Q(-1)) of NdNiO(3), measured upon warming, showed a very sharp peak at essentially the same temperature obtained from C(P), and no peak is observed upon cooling. The elastic modulus hardens below T(MI) much more sharply upon warming, while the cooling and warming curves are reproducible above T(MI). Conversely, for the sample with x - 0.35, s and Q(-1) curves are very similar upon warming and cooling. The results presented here give credence to the proposition that the MI phase transition changes from first to second order with increasing Eu doping. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3549615]

A novel subwavelength plasmon-polariton optical filter based on tilted coupled structures

This work proposes a completely new approach for the design of resonant structures aiming at wavelength-filtering applications. The structure consists of a subwavelength metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide presenting tilted coupled structures transversely arranged in the midpoint between the input and output ports. The cavity-like response of this device has shown that this concept can be particularly attractive for optical filter design for telecom applications. The extra degree of freedom provided by the tilting of the cavity has proved to be not only very effective on improving the quality factor of these structures, but also to be an elegant way of extending the range of applications for tuning multiple wavelengths, if necessary.

Coda wave attenuation in the Parecis Basin, Amazon Craton, Brazil: sensitivity to basement depth

Small local earthquakes from two aftershock sequences in Porto dos GaA(0)chos, Amazon craton-Brazil, were used to estimate the coda wave attenuation in the frequency band of 1 to 24 Hz. The time-domain coda-decay method of a single backscattering model is employed to estimate frequency dependence of the quality factor (Q (c)) of coda waves modeled usingwhere Q (0) is the coda quality factor at frequency of 1 Hz and eta is the frequency parameter. We also used the independent frequency model approach (Morozov, Geophys J Int, 175:239-252, 2008), based in the temporal attenuation coefficient, chi(f) instead of Q(f), given by the equation for the calculation of the geometrical attenuation (gamma) and effective attenuation Q (c) values have been computed at central frequencies (and band) of 1.5 (1-2), 3.0 (2-4), 6.0 (4-8), 9.0 (6-12), 12 (8-16), and 18 (12-24) Hz for five different datasets selected according to the geotectonic environment as well as the ability to sample shallow or deeper structures, particularly the sediments of the Parecis basin and the crystalline basement of the Amazon craton. For the Parecis basin for the surrounding shield and for the whole region of Porto dos GaA(0)chos Using the independent frequency model, we found: for the cratonic zone, gamma = 0.014 s (-aEuro parts per thousand 1), nu a parts per thousand 1.12; for the basin zone with sediments of similar to 500 m, gamma = 0.031 s (-aEuro parts per thousand 1), nu a parts per thousand 1.27; and for the Parecis basin with sediments of similar to 1,000 m, gamma = 0.047 s (-aEuro parts per thousand 1), nu a parts per thousand 1.42. Analysis of the attenuation factor (Q (c)) for different values of the geometrical spreading parameter (nu) indicated that an increase of nu generally causes an increase in Q (c), both in the basin as well as in the craton. But the differences in the attenuation between different geological environments are maintained for different models of geometrical spreading. It was shown that the energy of coda waves is attenuated more strongly in the sediments, (in the deepest part of the basin), than in the basement, (in the craton). Thus, the coda wave analysis can contribute to studies of geological structures in the upper crust, as the average coda quality factor is dependent on the thickness of sedimentary layer.

Columbia revisited: Paleomagnetic results from the 1790 Ma colider volcanics (SW Amazonian Craton, Brazil)

In an attempt to improve our understanding of the Paleoproterozoic geodynamic evolution, a paleomagnetic study was performed on 10 sites of acid volcanic rocks of the Colider Suite, southwestern Amazonian Craton. These rocks have a well-dated zircon U-Pb mean age of 1789 +/- 7 Ma. Alternating field and thermal demagnetization revealed northern (southern) directions with moderate to high upward (downward) inclinations. Rock magnetism experiments and magnetic mineralogy show that this characteristic magnetization is carried by Ti-poor magnetite or by hematite that replaces magnetite by late-magmatic cleuteric alteration. Both magnetite and hematite carry the same characteristic component. The mean direction (Dm = 183.0 degrees, Im = 53.5 degrees, N = 10, alpha(95) = 9.8 degrees, K = 25.2) yielded a paleomagnetic pole located at 298.8 degrees E, 63.3 degrees S (alpha(95) = 10.2 degrees, K = 23.6), which is classified with a quality factor Q = 5. Paleogeographic reconstructions using this pole and other reliable Paleoproterozoic poles suggest that Laurentia, Baltica, North China Craton and Amazonian Craton were located in laterally contiguous positions forming a large continental mass at 1790 Ma ago. This is reinforced by geological evidence which support the existence of the supercontinent Columbia in Paleoproterozoic times. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Micro Far-Infrared Reflectivity of CaNb(2)O(6) Single Crystal Fibers Grown by the Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth Technique

CaNb(2)O(6) single crystal fibers were grown by the laser-heated pedestal growth technique, directly from the starting reagents. Optically transparent fibers were obtained in the form of rods with elliptical cross-section, free from cracks, impurities, and secondary phases, with an average diameter of 0.4 mm and about 20 mm of length. The fibers grew within the orthorhombic Pbcn columbite structure, with the growth axis nearly parallel to the crystallographic a-direction. The parameters b and c were parallel to the shorter and larger ellipsis axes. A special setup using a microscope was developed to obtain the far-infrared reflectivity spectra of these micrometer-sized fibers, allowing the identification and assignment of 34 of the 38 polar phonons foreseen for the material. From these phonons, the intrinsic dielectric constant ( = 18.2) and quality factor ( of 185 THz) could be estimated, showing the potential of the material for applications in microwave circuitry. These results, along with previous polarized Raman data (Cryst. Growth Des. 2010, 10, 1569), allow us to present a comprehensive set of optical phonon modes and to discuss the potential use of designed CaNb(2)O(6) microcrystals in compact optical devices.

Quality of life before surgery is a predictive factor for satisfaction among patients undergoing sympathectomy to treat hyperhidrosis

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) experienced among a group of 1167 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) to treat primary hyperhidrosis, as compared with the presurgical QOL. Methods: Between February 2002 and June 2007, 1167 patients who had undergone VATS were surveyed. The majority had presented with palmar hyperhidrosis (794 patients; 68%), while 340 (29%) had presented with axillary hyperhidrosis. Based on data obtained from the QOL protocol applied to all of the patients preoperatively, the patients were divided into two groups according to the level of their QOL: group 1 consisted of 312 patients (27%) with poor QOL and group 2 of 855 patients (73%) with very poor QOL. The same protocol was applied postoperatively, and five different levels of satisfaction were obtained. The same parameters were evaluated for both the palmar and the axillary hyperhidrosis subgroups. Results: The patients with very poor QOL had much better results in terms of improvement in QOL than did those with poor QOL ( P < .05). The same result was observed for both the palmar and. axillary hyperhidrosis subgroups (P < .05). Conclusion: The worse the preoperative QOL among patients undergoing sympathectomy to treat primary hyperhidrosis is, the better the postoperative improvement in QOL will be. (J Vase Surg 2010;51:1190-4.)

Pitfalls of artificial grouping and stratification of scientific journals based on their Impact Factor: a case study in Brazilian Zoology

The present contribution explores the impact of the QUALIS metric system for academic evaluation implemented by CAPES (Coordination for the Development of Personnel in Higher Education) upon Brazilian Zoological research. The QUALIS system is based on the grouping and ranking of scientific journals according to their Impact Factor (IF). We examined two main points implied by this system, namely: 1) its reliability as a guideline for authors; 2) if Zoology possesses the same publication profile as Botany and Oceanography, three fields of knowledge grouped by CAPES under the subarea "BOZ" for purposes of evaluation. Additionally, we tested CAPES' recent suggestion that the area of Ecology would represent a fourth field of research compatible with the former three. Our results indicate that this system of classification is inappropriate as a guideline for publication improvement, with approximately one third of the journals changing their strata between years. We also demonstrate that the citation profile of Zoology is distinct from those of Botany and Oceanography. Finally, we show that Ecology shows an IF that is significantly different from those of Botany, Oceanography, and Zoology, and that grouping these fields together would be particularly detrimental to Zoology. We conclude that the use of only one parameter of analysis for the stratification of journals, i.e., the Impact Factor calculated for a comparatively small number of journals, fails to evaluate with accuracy the pattern of publication present in Zoology, Botany, and Oceanography. While such simplified procedure might appeals to our sense of objectivity, it dismisses any real attempt to evaluate with clarity the merit embedded in at least three very distinct aspects of scientific practice, namely: productivity, quality, and specificity.

Improvement in Quality of Life of An Oncological Patient by Laser Phototherapy

Objective and Background Data: Common side effects of radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck include oral mucositis, xerostomia, and severe pain. The aim of this study is to report improvement in the quality of life of an oncological patient by laser phototherapy (LPT). Clinical Case and Laser Phototherapy Protocol: The patient, a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, underwent surgical excision of a tumor of the left palatomaxilla. After that, she was subjected to 35 sessions of RT (2 Gy/d). Clinical examination revealed the spread of severe ulcerations to the jugal mucosa, gums, lips, hard palate, and tongue (WHO mucositis score 3). She had difficulty in moving her tongue and she was unable to eat any solid food. Oral hygiene orientation and LPT were performed throughout all RT sessions. A continuous diode laser, 660 nm, 40 mW, 6 J/cm(2), 0.24 J per point in contact mode, with spot size of 0.04 cm(2) was used in the entire oral cavity. A high-power diode laser at 1 W, 10 sec per cm of mucositis, approximately 10 J/cm(2), was used in defocused mode only on ulcerative lesions. After the first laser irradiation session, decreases in pain and xerostomia were reported; however, a more significant improvement was seen after five sessions. At that point although the mucositis score was still 2, the patient reported that she was free of pain, and consequently a palatine plate could be made to rehabilitate the entire surgical area. Seventeen laser irradiation sessions were necessary to eliminate all oral mucositis lesions. Conclusion: Normal oral function and consequent improvements in the quality of life of this oncologic patient were observed with LPT.

High gravity batch and continuous processes for beer production: Evaluation of fermentation performance and beer quality

This study deals with two innovative brewing processes, high gravity batch and complete continuous beer fermentation systems. The results show a significant influence of the variables such as concentration and temperature on the yield factor of the substrate into ethanol and consequently on the productivity of the high gravity batch process. The technological feasibility of continuous production of beer based on yeast immobilization on cheap alternative carriers was also demonstrated. The influence of process parameters on fermentation performance and quality of the obtained beers was studied by sensorial analysis. No significant difference in the degree of acceptance between the obtained products and some traditional market brands was found. (c) 2008 Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Factors affecting fertilisation and early embryo quality in single- and superovulated dairy cattle

Data on fertilisation and embryo quality in dairy cattle are presented and the main factors responsible for the low fertility of single-ovulating lactating cows and embryo yield in superovulated dairy cattle are highlighted. During the past 50 years, the fertility in high-producing lactating dairy cattle has decreased as milk production increased. Recent data show conception rates to first service to be approximately 32% in lactating cows, whereas in heifers it has remained above 50%. Fertilisation does not seem to be the principal factor responsible for the low fertility in single-ovulating cows, because it has remained above 80%. Conversely, early embryonic development is impaired in high-producing dairy cows, as observed by most embryonic losses occurring during the first week after fertilisation. However, in superovulated dairy cattle, although fertilisation failure is more pronounced, averaging approximately 45%, the percentage of fertilised embryos viable at 1 week is quite high (>70%). Among the multifactorial causes of low fertility in lactating dairy cows, high feed intake associated with low concentrations of circulating steroids may contribute substantially to reduced embryo quality. Fertilisation failure in superovulated cattle may be a consequence of inappropriate gamete transport due to hormonal imbalances.

Quality of life in elderly with dizziness

Dizziness is frequent in elderly people. Aims: To evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) in elderly subjects with dizziness, relate it with gender and age. Material and Method: A prospective study comprising 120 elderly patients with dizziness evaluated with Brazilian versions of the Whoqol-bref and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). The factor analysis (FA), the Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests, and the Spearman correlation were applied to study the results. Results: The most compromised domains were the DHI physical domain and the Whoqol-bref physical and environment domains. FA resulted in 3 factors in the DHI and 5 factors in the Whoqol-bref. There was a moderate correlation (-0.596) in the total scores of both instruments. Males had a better QoL in the ""environment perception and introspectivity"" and ""health perception"" factors of the Whoqol-bref test. Females had a better QoL in the ""functionality perception"" factor of the Whoqol-bref test. There were no significant age differences. Conclusions: Elderly patients with dizziness have a worse QoL. Elderly females with dizziness have worse QoL scores in ""environment perception and introspectivity"" and ""health perception"" and better QoL in the ""functionality perception"" factor compared to elderly males.

Increased basal FSH levels as predictors of low-quality follicles in infertile women with endometriosis

Objective: To determine whether basal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), and the numbers of dominant follicles, oocytes, and mature oocytes retrieved after ovarian stimulation differed between infertile women with endometriosis and healthy women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Method: Of 77 consecutive ART candidates, 27 were infertile and had endometriosis. A male factor caused the infertility of the other 50, who acted as controls. Results: The AMH and AFC levels were similar in the 2 groups. The FSH levels were higher (8.28 mIU/ML [range, 5.25-24.1 mIU/ML] vs 5.91 mIU/mL [range, 2.47-18.7 mIU/ML]; P<0.01) in the study group. And the numbers of retrieved (n = 5 [range, 0-12] vs n = 9 [range, 0-27]; P<0.05) and mature oocytes (n = 4 [range, 0-11] vs n = 5 [range, 0-16]; P<0.05) were less in the study group. Conclusion: Because AMH levels were unchanged, endometriosis seems not to damage the primordial pool of follicles and oocytes, but to lessen the quality of the ovarian response to the hCG injection. Basal FSH levels may be of value in predicting ART success in women with the disease. (C) 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin on Plasma Concentrations of Insulin-like Growth Factor I, Insulin and Membrane Integrity of Bull Spermatozoa

Contents This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the exogenous recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin and semen quality of bulls. Twenty bulls (Aberdeen Angus and Brangus) were divided by breed into two groups. Placebo group was injected with NaCl 0.9% (s.c.) and treatment group with rbST (s.c., 500 mg) at days 0 and 14 of the experiment. Immediately after semen collection, blood samples were taken on days 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56 of the experiment. Semen was also collected on day 70 of the experiment. Evaluation of sperm motility was performed at pre-freezing and post-thawing stage, whereas assessment of sperm membrane integrity was performed after freezing and thawing. Analysis of data revealed that the effect of treatment and treatment-by-collection day on plasma concentrations of IGF-I and insulin was not significant. However, mean plasma concentrations of IGF-I and insulin were affected (p < 0.0001) by days of blood sampling. Effect of treatment and treatment-by-collection day on motility of spermatozoa was similar (p > 0.05) at pre-freezing and post-thawing stage. Intactness of plasmalemma and tail membrane of spermatozoa at post-thawing stage was higher (p < 0.05) in rbST-treated group than in control. In conclusion, rbST did not affect plasma concentrations of IGF-I and insulin, however, it did improve post-thaw sperm membrane integrity.

Morphodigital study of bone quality in the mandibular angle in patients with third molar impacted

The aim of this study was to analyze if the presence of impacted third molars, and their positions in the mandibular angle, can change the bone quality in this area, considering the measure of the cortical thickness in this region as representative or not for mandible fracture risk. Software was used to analyze 50 digital images from panoramic radiographs of patients who had one or two impacted third molars in the mandible, and 30 digital images of patients with agenesis of the mandibular third molar. The thickness of the cortical region of the mandible was measured; it was possible to draw a parallel line to the posterior portion of the mandible and a parallel line to the body of this bone on each side of the image. At the intersection of these lines near the distal portion of the second molar, another line was set up to serve as reference in the cortical thickness measurement. It could be concluded that the cortical thickness of the mandibular angle in male patients without impacted third molars was greater than the thickness in patients with these teeth, and no difference in thickness was found for the female group.