The vinyl bromide optically pumped far infrared laser: New large offset emissions

We present the results of a study on vinyl bromide for the search for new far infrared (FIR) laser lines. As the pump source, we use a CW waveguide CO2 laser with a tunability of 290 MHz around each line in order to pump large offset vibrational transitions. As a consequence, we obtained 28 new FIR laser emissions; 24 of them have wavelengths greater than 500 mum and are, therefore, suitable to be used in high-field EPR spectroscopy, For each of the new lines, we give the wavelength, the offset of the pumping transition with respect to the center Frequency of the CO2 emission, the polarization relative to that of the pumping laser line, the operating pressure, and the relative intensity. We also present a catalog including data of all of the FIR laser lines observed from this molecule up to now.

DCOOD optically pumped by a (CO2)-C-13 laser: new terahertz laser lines

In this work we report on new optically pumped THz laser lines from deuterated formic acid (DCOOD). An isotopic (CO2)-C-13 laser was used for the first time as a pump source for this molecule, and a Fabry-Perot cavity was used as a THz laser resonator. Optoacoustic absorption spectra were used as a guide to search for new THz laser lines. We could observe six new laser lines in the range from 303.8 mu m (0.987 THz) to 725.1 mu m (0.413 THz). The lines were characterized according to wavelength, relative polarization, relative intensity, and optimum working pressure. The transferred lamb-dip technique was used to measure the frequency absorption transition for both of these laser lines. Furthermore, we also present a catalogue of all THz laser lines generated from DCOOD.

Thermally stimulated crystallization glass system of (20-x)LiO2-80TeO(2)-xWO(3)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Evaluation of zona pellucida birefringence intensity during in vitro maturation of oocytes from stimulated cycles

Background: This study evaluated whether there is a relationship between the zona pellucida birefringence (ZP-BF) intensity and the nuclear (NM) and cytoplasmic (CM) in vitro maturation of human oocytes from stimulated cycles.Results: The ZP-BF was evaluated under an inverted microscope with a polarizing optical system and was scored as high/positive (when the ZP image presented a uniform and intense birefringence) or low/negative (when the image presented moderate and heterogeneous birefringence). CM was analyzed by evaluating the distribution of cortical granules (CGs) throughout the ooplasm by immunofluorescence staining. CM was classified as: complete, when CG was localized in the periphery; incomplete, when oocytes presented a cluster of CGs in the center; or in transition, when oocytes had both in clusters throughout cytoplasm and distributed in a layer in the cytoplasm periphery Nuclear maturation: From a total of 83 germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes, 58 of oocytes (69.9%) reached NM at the metaphase II stage. From these 58 oocytes matured in vitro, the high/positively scoring ZP-BF was presented in 82.7% of oocytes at the GV stage, in 75.8% of oocytes when at the metaphase I, and in 82.7% when oocytes reached MII. No relationship was observed between NM and ZP-BF positive/negative scores (P = 0.55). These variables had a low Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.081). Cytoplasmic maturation: A total of 85 in vitro-matured MII oocytes were fixed for CM evaluation. Forty-nine oocytes of them (57.6%) showed the complete CM, 30 (61.2%) presented a high/positively scoring ZP-BF and 19 (38.8%) had a low/negatively scoring ZP-BF. From 36 oocytes (42.3%) with incomplete CM, 18 (50%) presented a high/positively scoring ZPBF and 18 (50%) had a low/negatively scoring ZP-BF. No relationship was observed between CM and ZP-BF positive/negative scores (P = 0.42). These variables had a low Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.11).Conclusions: The current study demonstrated an absence of relationship between ZP-BF high/positive or low/negative score and nuclear and cytoplasmic in vitro maturation of oocytes from stimulation cycles.

Biological differences between reflux stimulated proliferative stomal lesions and N-methyl-N '-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine induced carcinomas in Wistar rats.

The morphology and evolution of epithelial lesions that developed at a gastrojejunal stoma due to reflux of duodenal contents were compared with MNNG-induced carcinomas in the pyloric mucosa of rats in a long term experiment. Random bred male Wistar rats were given MNNG in drinking water (100 mg/l) for 12 weeks and then one group was submitted to a gastrojejunal anastomosis at the greater curvature in the oxyntic mucosa, Untreated rats underwent either gastrojejunostomy or gastrotomy. The animals were killed at the 24th and 66th weeks of the experiment. The lesions obtained in the pyloric mucosa and in the mucosa of the gastrojejunal stoma were analyzed histologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for pepsinogen isoenzyme 1. Duodenal reflux induced proliferative lesions at the gastrojejunal junction that increased in incidence and size with time. Histologically they consisted of benign epithelial proliferation of gastric type. No evidence of malignant transformation within the gastric components of the proliferative lesions at the gastrojejunal stoma was observed even at the 66th week, Adenocarcinomas induced by MNNG in the pyloric mucosa increased in size during the experiment and were morphologically and histochemically distinct from the proliferative lesions at the gastrojejunal junction. In conclusion, proliferative lesions at the gastrojejunal stoma stimulated by duodenal reflux are biologically distinct from adenocarcinomas induced by MNNG in the pyloric mucosa. They do not seem to be precursor lesions of gastric carcinogenesis, as they do not undergo malignant transformation even after long-term, up to 66 weeks, follow-up. (C) 1999 Elsevier B.V. Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of alveolex on the bone defects repair stimulated by rhBMP-2: Histomorphometric study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate histomorphometrically the effect of alveolex (Propolis 10%) on the repair of bone cavities in the calvaria of rats. MATERIALS and METHODS: A 5 mm diameter bone defect was made in the calvaria of male Wistar rats using the drill-type trephine. The defects were filled with rhBMP-21Alveolex, rhBMP-2, Alveolex, or coagulum. Twenty-eight animals with seven subjects on each were sacrificed 30 days after surgery and samples were fixed and embedded in paraffin. Histological sections stained by HE (hematoxylin and eosin) were obtained from the calvaria bone defect and analyzed by a differential point-counting method. RESULTS: Group I and II, rhBMP-21Alveolex and rhBMP-2, respectively, presented higher levels of newly formed bone than other groups (P < 0.001). There were not significant differences between groups I and II (P > 0.05). In addition, there was not significant difference between groups III and IV, Control-Coagulum and Alveolex, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Alveolex has increased the bone repair in calvaria defects of rats when associated to rhBMP-2, however without significant differences for rhBMP-2 isolated group; Alveolex isolated group showed the lowest levels of newly formed bone with no significant differences to coagulum group (control). Microsc. Res. Tech. 75: 36-41, 2012. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mineral trioxide aggregate but not light-cure mineral trioxide aggregate stimulated mineralization

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the subcutaneous response of rat connective tissue to light-cure MTA and Angelus MTA. These materials were placed in polyethylene and dentin tubes and implanted into dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats for 30 and 60 days. The specimens were prepared to be stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Von Kossa, and without stain for polarized light and evaluated in an optic microscope. The Angelus MTA showed a mild inflammatory response at 30 days and none at 60 days, characterized by organized connective tissue, presence of some chronic inflammatory cells, and induction of mineralized tissue formation. Light-cure MTA presented a moderate chronic inflammatory response at 30 days that decreased at 60 days but was more intense than with Angelus MTA and without dystrophic calcifications. It was possible to conclude that light-cure MTA was similar to MTA at 60 days, but it did not stimulate mineralization.

A Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Sealer Stimulated Mineralization

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rat subcutaneous tissue response to implanted polyethylene tubes filled with Endo-CPM-Sealer (Portland Cement Modified Sealer) (EGEO S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina) compared with Sealapex (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA) and Angelus MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil). These materials were placed in polyethylene and dentin tubes and implanted into dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats for 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. The specimens were prepared to be stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Von Kossa or not stained for polarized light. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the reaction were performed. Both materials caused mild to moderate reactions at 7 days that decreased with time. The response was similar to the control on the 30th day with Endo-CPM-Sealer and Angelus MTA and on the 60th day with Sealapex. Mineralization and granulations birefringent to the polarized light were observed with all materials. it was possible to conclude that Endo-CPM-Sealer was biocompatible and stimulated mineralization. (J Endod 2009;35:256-260)

Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha and Interleukin-1 beta Modulate Calcium and Nitric Oxide Signaling in Mechanically Stimulated Osteocytes

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Correlation between Clinical/Radiographic Features and Inflammatory Cytokine Networks Produced by Macrophages Stimulated with Endodontic Content

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of Coccoloba uvifera L. on UV-stimulated melanocytes

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces generation of reactive oxygen species, production of proinflammatory cytokines and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) as well as increase in tyrosinase activity. The potential photoprotective effects of Coccoloba uvifera extract (CUE) were evaluated in UV-stimulated melanocytes.Human epidermal melanocytes were used as an in vitro model to evaluate the effects of CUE on the production interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and alpha-MSH under basal and UV-stimulated conditions. Antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities were also evaluated in membrane lipid peroxidation and mushroom tyrosinase assay, respectively.Coccoloba uvifera L. showed antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities and also inhibited the production of IL-1 alpha, TNF-alpha and alpha-MSH in melanocytes subjected to UV radiation (P < 0.01). Moreover, CUE inhibited the activity of tyrosine kinase in cell culture under basal and UV radiation conditions (P < 0.001), corroborating the findings of the mushroom tyrosinase assay.This study supports the photoprotective potential of CUE.

Incorporation of a liquid crystal to enhance the luminescence properties of Langmuir-Blodgett films of OC1OC6-PPV

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Al3+ environments in nanostructured ZnAl2O4 and their effects on the luminescence properties

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Radio luminescence properties of decaoctahedral BaZrO3

Radioluminescence (RL) emissions were obtained for the BaZrO3 self-assembled nanocrystals under decaoctahedral shape, if produced via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Trapped F centers created within the band gap are the result of order-disorder effects, which act as key factors supporting significant RL emission through a detrapping process. The influences of size and morphology on RL properties are take into account. No radiation damage or loss of emission intensity was observed. (C) 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.