A new intraoral device to facilitate preparation of the guide plane for removable dental prostheses

The design of the ParalAB device facilitates transfer of the path of insertion from the diagnostic cast to the mouth quickly and efficiently.

Measurement of the underlying event activity in pp collisions at √s = 0.9 and 7 TeV with the novel jet-area/median approach

The first measurement of the charged component of the underlying event using the novel jet-area/median approach is presented for proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 0.9 and 7 TeV. The data were recorded in 2010 with the CMS experiment at the LHC. A new observable, sensitive to soft particle production, is introduced and investigated inclusively and as a function of the event scale defined by the transverse momentum of the leading jet. Various phenomenological models are compared to data, with and without corrections for detector effects. None of the examined models describe the data satisfactorily. © 2012 SISSA.

A simple procedure for the preparation of laponite and thermoplastic starch nanocomposites: Structural, mechanical, and thermal characterizations

The aim of this article is to propose advances for the preparation of hybrid nanocomposites prepared by the combination of intercalation from solution and melt-processing methods. This research investigates the effect of the laponite RDS content on the thermal, structural, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS). X-ray diffraction was performed to investigate the dispersion of the laponite RDS layers into the TPS matrix. The results show good nanodispersion, intercalation, and exfoliation of the clay platelets, indicating that these composites are true nanocomposites. The presence of laponite RDS also improves the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the TPSmatrix due to its reinforcement effect which was optimized by the high degree of exfoliation of the clay. Thus, these results indicate that the exfoliated TPS-laponite nanocomposites have great potential for industrial applications and, more specifically, in the packaging field. © The Author(s) 2011 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Esophageal transit time assessed by magnetic methods: An in vitro feasibility study of the novel alternating current biosusceptometry with 3-axis magnetorresistor

A hybrid magnetic instrumentation to detect a magnetic field from a permanent magnet, and to detect magnetic markers and tracers using alternating current biosusceptometry (ACB) is discussed. The instrument was used to in vitro evaluation of the esophageal transit time. The sensitivity between both magnetic methods was compared, showing sensitivity for in vivo applications. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.

Processes for the preparation of piperidinic derivatives and pharmaceutic compositions containing the same

Production processes for preparing pharmaceutical compositions containing new molecules capable of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, thus being useful in the treatment of pathologies associated to cholinergic transmission, such as memory related disorders, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Miastenia Gravis or in the treatment of intoxications induced by chemical agents of central action.

Biotechnology of polyketides: new breath of life for the novel antibiotic genetic pathways discovery through metagenomics

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

Identification of two novel cytolysins from the hydrozoan Olindias sambaquiensis (Cnidaria)

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

Use of a cashew nut shell liquid resin as a potential replacement for phenolic resins in the preparation of panels - a review

The Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) can be considered as a versatile raw material with wide applications in the form of surface coatings, paints and varnishes, as well as the production of polymers. Within this context, the chemical constituents of CNSL (anarcadic acid, cardanol, 2-cardol and methylcardol) become promising in the development of new materials components. Once separated, CNSL can be used in the research and development of additives, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, polymers, resins and others. Being a byproduct, CNSL used in the preparation of new materials is characterized as a truly technological innovation.

Screening of Conditions for the Preparation of Poly( -Caprolactone) Nanocapsules Containing the Local Anesthetic Articaine

The local anesthetic articaine (ATC) is widely used in dentistry; however, its side effects can include paresthesia and nerve injury. Polymeric nanocapsules (PN) can be used as carriers for drugs, and help to reduce undesirable symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different factors on the average size, polydispersion, and encapsulation efficiency of PN containing ATC. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules containing ATC were prepared by the oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation method. The final ATC concentration was 2%. The preparation conditions were optimized using a central composite blocked cube-star design to investigate the influence of two variables at five levels, with 22 factorial points (–1 and +1), two replicates of the central point, 2×2 axial points (–1.414 and +1.414), and an orthogonal distribution, resulting in 10 experiments. The factors varied were the PVA concentration and the sonication time. The nanocapsules showed a satisfactory size range, a polydispersivity index less than 0.2, and high encapsulation efficiency. The values of the factors had no significant influence on either average size or polydispersion, although the encapsulation efficiency was significantly influenced by the sonication time. Improved formulations were identified using the central composite design, which revealed that the main consideration in selecting a suitable formulation was the encapsulation efficiency. Two of the formulations showed both high encapsulation efficiency and colloidal characteristics appropriate for the route of administration.

Effect of human whole saliva on the in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to a denture base acrylic resin: a focus on collection and preparation of saliva samples

Objective In studies on Candida albicans adhesion to surfaces, diverse protocols have been used for collection and preparation of saliva samples. Thus, this study investigated whether variations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva would influence the adhesion of C. albicans to a denture base resin. Methods Resin acrylic samples (n = 72) were made and then divided into four groups: (a) control – specimens were left without preconditioning in saliva; (b) three experimental groups, in which the specimens were preconditioned with saliva collected from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G1); from 15 volunteers and centrifuged at 18 000 g for 30 min (G2); and from one volunteer and centrifuged at 12 000 g for 5 min (G3). Candida adhesion was evaluated by both the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction method and crystal violet staining. Data were analyzed by one-way analyses of variance (P = 0.05). Results For XTT reduction assay, groups G2, G3, and control were not significantly different, whereas group G1 showed significantly higher absorbance value than control. For crystal violet staining there were no significant differences among all groups. Conclusion Variations in the centrifugation parameters and number of donors of saliva may influence C. albicans adhesion to denture base resins.

Analysis of linearity and frequency response of a novel piezoelectric flextensional actuator using a homodyne interferometer and the J(1)-J(4) method

Piezoelectric transducers are widely used in high-resolution positioning systems. This paper reports the experimental analysis of a novel piezoelectric flextensional actuator (PFA), which is designed by using the topology-optimization method through a low-cost homodyne Michelson interferometer. By applying the J(1) - J(4) method for signal demodulation, which provides a linear and direct measurement of dynamic optical phase shift independent of fading, the nanometric displacements of the PFA were determined. Linearity and frequency response of the PFA were evaluated up to 50 kHz. PFA calibration factor and amplification rate were determined for the PFA operating in the quasi-static regime. To confirm the observed frequencies of resonance, an impedance analyzer is also utilized to measure the magnitude and phase of the PFA admittance.

Preparation of a clay-modified carbon paste electrode based on 2-thiazoline-2-thiol-hexadecylammonium sorption for the sensitive determination of mercury

A montmorillonite from Wyoming-USA was used to prepare an organo-clay complex, named 2-thiazoline-2-thiol-hexadecyltrimethylammonium-clay (TZT-HDTA-clay), for the purpose of the selective adsorption of the heavy metals ions and possible use as a chemically modified carbon paste electrode (CMCPE). Adsorption isotherms of Hg 2+, Pb 2+, Cd 2+, Cu 2+, and Zn 2+ from aqueous solutions as a function of the pH were studied at 298 K. Conditions for quantitative retention and elution were established for each metal by batch and column methods. The organo-clay complex was very selective to Hg(II) in aqueous solution in which other metals and ions were also present. The accumulation voltammetry of Hg(II) was studied at a carbon paste electrode chemically modified with this material. The mercury response was evaluated with respect to the pH, electrode composition, preconcentration time, mercury concentration, cleaning solution, possible interferences and other variables. A carbon paste electrode modified by TZT-HDTA-clay showed two peaks: one cathodic peak at about 0.0 V and an anodic peak at 0.25 V, scanning the potential from -0.2 to 0.8 V (0.05 M KNO 3 vs. Ag/AgCl). The anodic peak at 0.25 V presents excellent selectivity for Hg(II) ions in the presence of foreign ions. The detection limit was estimated as 0.1 μg L -1. The precision of determination was satisfactory for the respective concentration level. 2005 © The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry.

MetaPPase by in silico analyses predicting the novel gene operate as H+ pumps.

The lastyears declined the discovery of compounds to use in industrial and naturaldiversity has been the best supplier for novel genes, enzymes and compounds inhigh demand by the biotechnology industry. We know immense diversity of microorganisms,yet most remains unexplored. For these reason we use the metagenômica approach toinvestigate the potential of uncultured microorganisms. With this purpose weused the metagenomic library of from Eucalyptus spp. arboretum (EAA), wedid screening to found positive clone and them was submitted to the process of shotgun,the data obtained was submitted a bioinformatics analyses. Our results showsthe hypothesis of high unexplored microbial diversity of soil are able to foundnovel genes and metagenomic approach is and allowed to isolate novel genes and insilico analyses are essential part to identify a novel Inorganicpyrophosphatase (PPase) prediction indicated the novel gene operate as H+ pumps. Thissuggests that a special feature, our work in situ will be cloning thegene expression vector for subsequent kinetic characterization and crystallization.

Identification of a novel melittin isoform from Africanized Apis mellifera venom

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

Effect of a novel soy fermented product enriched with isoflavones and calcium on bone tissue of rats.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of soy fermented product intake on the corporal weight and bone tissue of ovariectomized mature rats. This product was fermented with Enterococcusfaecium and Lactobacillus jugurti and enriched with isoflavones and calcium. The animals were divided in 5 groups: sham-ovariectomized; ovariectomized; ovariectomized treated with soy fermented product enriched with isoflavones and calcium; ovariectomized treated with soy fermented product enriched with calcium and ovariectomized treated with nonfermented product enriched only with calcium. In order to evaluate the effect of the tested product on bone tissue (femur and tibia), the following parameters were analyzed: length; mechanical assay of three points; density (Archimedes principle); mineral content; calcium content; measure of the trabecular widths. The corporal weight of group treated with soy fermented product containing isoflavones and calcium showed no statistical difference from sham-ovariectomized group and trabecular widths tended to have larger than ovariectomized group. However, there was no significant difference to the other evaluated parameters in result of the diverse treatments. Thus, soy fermented product enriched with isoflavones and calcium inhibited the increasing of corporal weight caused by ovariectomy and revealed a tendency to trabecular protection after castration.