Narrow-band search of continuous gravitational-wave signals from Crab and Vela pulsars in Virgo VSR4 data

In this paper we present the results of a coherent narrow-band search for continuous gravitational-wave signals from the Crab and Vela pulsars conducted on Virgo VSR4 data. In order to take into account a possible small mismatch between the gravitational-wave frequency and two times the star rotation frequency, inferred from measurement of the electromagnetic pulse rate, a range of 0.02 Hz around two times the star rotational frequency has been searched for both the pulsars. No evidence for a signal has been found and 95% confidence level upper limits have been computed assuming both that polarization parameters are completely unknown and that they are known with some uncertainty, as derived from x-ray observations of the pulsar wind torii. For Vela the upper limits are comparable to the spin-down limit, computed assuming that all the observed spin-down is due to the emission of gravitational waves. For Crab the upper limits are about a factor of 2 below the spin-down limit, and represent a significant improvement with respect to past analysis. This is the first time the spin-down limit is significantly overcome in a narrow-band search.

Directed search for gravitational waves from Scorpius X-1 with initial LIGO data

We present results of a search for continuously emitted gravitational radiation, directed at the brightest low-mass x-ray binary, Scorpius X-1. Our semicoherent analysis covers 10 days of LIGO S5 data ranging from 50-550 Hz, and performs an incoherent sum of coherent F-statistic power distributed amongst frequency-modulated orbital sidebands. All candidates not removed at the veto stage were found to be consistent with noise at a 1% false alarm rate. We present Bayesian 95% confidence upper limits on gravitational-wave strain amplitude using two different prior distributions: a standard one, with no a priori assumptions about the orientation of Scorpius X-1; and an angle-restricted one, using a prior derived from electromagnetic observations. Median strain upper limits of 1.3 x 10(-24) and 8 x 10(-25) are reported at 150 Hz for the standard and angle-restricted searches respectively. This proof-of-principle analysis was limited to a short observation time by unknown effects of accretion on the intrinsic spin frequency of the neutron star, but improves upon previous upper limits by factors of similar to 1.4 for the standard, and 2.3 for the angle-restricted search at the sensitive region of the detector.

Advanced LIGO

The Advanced LIGO gravitational wave detectors are second-generation instruments designed and built for the two LIGO observatories in Hanford, WA and Livingston, LA, USA. The two instruments are identical in design, and are specialized versions of a Michelson interferometer with 4 km long arms. As in Initial LIGO, Fabry-Perot cavities are used in the arms to increase the interaction time with a gravitational wave, and power recycling is used to increase the effective laser power. Signal recycling has been added in Advanced LIGO to improve the frequency response. In the most sensitive frequency region around 100 Hz, the design strain sensitivity is a factor of 10 better than Initial LIGO. In addition, the low frequency end of the sensitivity band is moved from 40 Hz down to 10 Hz. All interferometer components have been replaced with improved technologies to achieve this sensitivity gain. Much better seismic isolation and test mass suspensions are responsible for the gains at lower frequencies. Higher laser power, larger test masses and improved mirror coatings lead to the improved sensitivity at mid and high frequencies. Data collecting runs with these new instruments are planned to begin in mid-2015.

An��lise Biomec��nica em implantes com diferentes tipos de conex��o: estudo pelo MEF-3D

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of different implant connection types, by means of three-dimensional finite element analysis. 3 Three-dimensional models were created with a graphic modeling software: SolidWorks 2006 and Rhinoceros 4.0, and InVesalius (CTI, S��o Paulo, Brasil), the bone was obtained by computerized tomography of a sagittal section of the molar region. The model was composed by bone block with an implant (4 x 10 mm) (Conex��o Sistemas de Pr��tese, S��o Paulo), with different implant connections: external hex, internal hex and Morse-taper with the corresponding prosthetic component Ucla or Morse-taper abutment. The Three-dimensional models were transferred to finite element software Femap 10.0 (Siemens PLM Software Inc., CA, USA), to generate a mesh, boundary conditions and loading. An axial (200N) and oblique load (100N) was applied on the occlusal surface of the crowns. Analyses were performed using the finite element software NEiNastran 9.0 (Noran Engineering, Inc., USA) and transferred to the Femap 10.0 to obtain the results; after the results were visualized using von Mises stress maps and Maximum stress principal. The results showed the stress distribution was similar between models, with a little superiority of Morse-taper connection. It was concluded that: the three connection types were biomechanical viable; The Morse-taper connection presented the better internal stress distribution; there was not significant biomechanical differences on the bone.

An��lise da distribui����o de tens��es em reabilita����o com implantes cone morse em maxilar posterior: estudo pelo MEF 3D n��o linear

Funda����o de Amparo �� Pesquisa do Estado de S��o Paulo (FAPESP)

Ultrassonografia modo b e elastografia arfi pulmonar e hep��tica fetal como m��todo preditivo para a maturidade dos conceptos em fase final de gesta����o de cadelas

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient��fico e Tecnol��gico (CNPq)

O uso das tecnologias no cotidiano, na educac��a��o e no ensino musical sob uma perspectiva educacional e sociocultural

Coordena����o de Aperfei��oamento de Pessoal de N��vel Superior (CAPES)

Comparative performance evaluation of hepatitis C virus genotyping based on the 5' untranslated region versus partial sequencing of the NS5B region of brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis C

Background Genotyping of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become an essential tool for prognosis and prediction of treatment duration. The aim of this study was to compare two HCV genotyping methods: reverse hybridization line probe assay (LiPA v.1) and partial sequencing of the NS5B region. Methods Plasma of 171 patients with chronic hepatitis C were screened using both a commercial method (LiPA HCV Versant, Siemens, Tarrytown, NY, USA) and different primers targeting the NS5B region for PCR amplification and sequencing analysis. Results Comparison of the HCV genotyping methods showed no difference in the classification at the genotype level. However, a total of 82/171 samples (47.9%) including misclassification, non-subtypable, discrepant and inconclusive results were not classified by LiPA at the subtype level but could be discriminated by NS5B sequencing. Of these samples, 34 samples of genotype 1a and 6 samples of genotype 1b were classified at the subtype level using sequencing of NS5B. Conclusions Sequence analysis of NS5B for genotyping HCV provides precise genotype and subtype identification and an accurate epidemiological representation of circulating viral strains.

Avalia����o da interfer��ncia do ��cido asc��rbico na detec����o da glicos��ria

INTRODU����O: O ��cido asc��rbico (vitamina C) �� comumente ingerido como suplemento vitam��nico. �� uma vitamina hidrossol��vel, excretada pela urina e pode interferir nos ensaios laboratoriais, como nas rea����es de oxirredu����o para detec����o da glicos��ria. OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a interfer��ncia do ��cido asc��rbico na detec����o de glicos��ria pelo m��todo de qu��mica seca por meio do uso de tiras reagentes. MATERIAIS E M��TODOS: Amostras de urina foram avaliadas no analisador da marca Clinitek Atlas (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., EUA). Foram selecionadas quatro amostras de urina com diferentes concentra����es de glicose: 100 mg/dl, 250 mg/dl, 500 mg/dl e 1.000 mg/dl. Para cada concentra����o de glicose foram criadas cinco al��quotas, adicionando-se uma solu����o de ��cido asc��rbico 200 mg/dl, suficiente para obter uma concentra����o final de ��cido asc��rbico de 20 mg/dl no primeiro tubo, de 50 mg/dl no segundo tubo, de 270 mg/dl no terceiro tubo, de 1.000 mg/dl no quarto tubo e de 2.000 mg/dl no quinto tubo. Ap��s essa adi����o, as amostras foram novamente avaliadas no analisador Clinitek Atlas. RESULTADOS: Nas amostras com concentra����o de 20 mg/dl de ��cido, n��o se evidenciou interfer��ncia. Nas concentra����es iguais e acima de 50 mg/dl, a interfer��ncia do ��cido asc��rbico se fez presente, sendo que o fato foi caracterizado pelos resultados falso negativos para detec����o da glicose urin��ria. CONCLUS��O: Os resultados demonstraram a interfer��ncia do ��cido asc��rbico no m��todo da qu��mica seca (tiras reagentes), subestimando o n��vel de glicose urin��ria.

Entrevista a Manuel Ram��rez S��nchez sobre el movimiento de Acceso Abierto

Profesor titular de Universidad de Ciencias y T��cnicas Historiogr��ficas de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria y Director del Instituto Universitario de An��lisis y Aplicaciones Textuales (IATEXT), en la que manifiesta su opini��n sobre el movimiento del Acceso Abierto. La conversaci��n tuvo lugar en la Sala Lothar Siemens del Edificio Central de la Biblioteca Universitaria. La entrevista est�� subtitulada en ingl��s.

Riabilitazione protesica ed implanto-protesica di pazienti in et�� evolutiva affetti da Displasia Ectodermica

Introduction. Ectodermal Dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders characterized by dysplasia of tissues of ectodermal origin (hair, nails, teeth, skins and glands). Clinically, it may be divided into two broad categories: the X-linked hypoidrotic form and the hidrotic form. Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (H.E.D) is characterized by the triad oligo-anodontia, hypotricosis, hypo-anhydrosis (Christ-Siemens-Tourane syndrome). The incidence of HED is about 1/100,000. Mutation in the actodysplasin-A (EDA) and ectodysplasin-A receptor (EDAR) genes are responsible for X-linked and autosomal HED. The clinical features include sparse, fine hair, missing or conical-shaped teeth, decreased sweat and mucous glands, hypoplastic skin, and heat intolerance with exercise or increased ambient temperature. Complete or partial anodontia and malformation of teeth are the most frequent dental findings. Incisors and canines are often conical-shaped while primarily second molars, if present, are mostly affected by taurodontism. Treatment is supportive and includes protection from heat exposure, early prosthetic rehabilitation, skin, hair ear, nose and nail care, and genetic counseling for family planning. The diagnosis of HED in the neonatal and early infancy period may be difficult since sparse hair and absent teeth are normal finding at this age. In childhood the diagnosis is more easily made on the basis of history and clinical examination. Dental abnormalities are the most common complaint. Prosthetic rehabilitation has been recommended as an essential part of the management of HED because is important from functional, esthetic, and psychological standpoint. A team approach that includes input from a pediatric dentist, an orthodontist, a prosthodontist, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is necessary for a successful outcome. Conventional prosthodontic rehabilitation in young patient is often difficult because of the anatomical abnormalities of existing teeth and alveolar ridges. The conical shaped teeth and ���knife-edge��� alveolar ridges result in poor retention and instability of dentures. Moreover, denture must permit jaws expansion and a correct pattern of growth. Materials and Methods. Complete removable dentures were provided to allow for normal physiological development and a corrected masticatory function. Initial maxillary and mandibular impressions were made with smallest stock trays and irreversible hydrocolloid and then final impressions ware made with light-bodied polysulfide rubber base impression material. A base of autopolymerizing resin was constructed and a wax rim was added to the base. The patient���s vertical dimension of occlusion was established by assessing phonetic and esthetic criteria. Preliminary occlusal relations were recorded, and the mandibular cast was mounted on the articulator. Acrylic resin teeth specific for children dentures were selected and mounted. The dentures were tried in and, after proper adjustments, were inserted. The patients were monitored clinically every month to fit prostheses. Cephalometric radiographs were taken every 6 month with the prostheses in place in order to evaluate correct pattern of growth. Cephalometric measurements were realized and used to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation on craniofacial growth. Cephalometric measurements of sound patients were compared with ED patients. After two month expander screws (three-way screw in the upper denture and two-way the lower one)were inserted in each denture in order to permit the expansion of the denture and the jaws growth. Where conical teeth were present, composite crown were realized and luted to improve the esthetic and phonesis. In order to improve retention the placement of endosseous implants was carried out. TC 3D Accuitomo was performed and a resin model of mandibular bone of the patient was realized. At the age of 11 years two implants were inserted into anterior mandible in a child with anodontia. Despite a remarkable multi-dimensional atrophy of the mandibular alveolar process, the insertion of two tapered screw implants (SAMO Smiler, diameter 3.8, length 10 mm). After a submerged healing period of two-three month, the implants were exposed. Implants were connected with an expansion guide that permits mandibular growth and prosthetic retention. The amount of mandibular growth was also evaluate dusing the expansion guide. Results. Early oral rehabilitation improve oral function, phonesis and esthetic, reducing social impairment. Treated patients showed normal cephalometric measurement. Early rehabilitation is able to prevent the prognatissm of the mandibula . The number of teeth was significantly related to several changes in craniofacial morphology. Discussion. In the present study the 5,3% of ED patients showed hypodontia, the l���89,4% di oligodontia, and the 5,3% di anodontia. The cephalometric analysis supports that ED patients showed midface hypoplasia. ED groups showed an increased pogonion to nasion measurement than sound patients, indicative of class III tendency. The present study demonstrated that number of teeth was significantly correlated with deviation of cephalometric measurements from normality. Oligoanodontia is responsible for changing of cephalometric measuraments also on sagittal plane with a class III tendency. Maxillary jaw showed a retrused position related to the presence of hypodontia.

Vergleich intelligenter Nachbearbeitungsalgorithmen zur Quantifizierung des Lungenemphysems in Mehrschicht-CT-Datens��tzen

Vergleich von Datens��tzen,die mit Hilfe von den Programmen "Volume��","Pulmo��", "Yacta��" und PulmoFUNC(ILab) erstellt wurden. Dabei wurden jeweils die Lungen- und Emphysemvolumina verglichen, die mit den 4 Programmen ermittelt wurden. Au��erdem wurde noch die mittlere Lungendichte als Mittelwert aller Lungenvoxel bestimmt. Zus��tzlich wurde noch der Emphysemindex als Quotient aus Emphysem- und Lungenvolumina errechnet. Die Programme waren unterschiedlich benutzerfreundlich in der Bearbeitung: Die weitestgehend manuell zu bearbeitenden Programme Volume�� und Pulmo�� ben��tigten zur Bearbeitung deutlich mehr Zeit als die ��berwiegend automatisch arbeitenden Programme Yacta und PulmoFUNC(ILab).

Caratterizzazione di epid a silicio amorfo per controlli dosimetrici su fasci di fotoni ad alta energia.

Il presente lavoro �� stato svolto presso la struttura di Radioterapia del Policlinico S. Orsola - Malpighi e consiste nella caratterizzazione di un sistema di acquisizione per immagini portali (EPID) come dosimetro relativo bidimensionale da usare nei controlli di qualit�� sui LINAC. L���oggetto di studio �� il sistema di acquisizione di immagini portali OPTIVUE 1000ST (Siemens), dispositivo flat panel di silicio amorfo (a-Si) assemblato all���acceleratore lineare Siemens Oncor. La risposta dell���EPID �� stata analizzata variando i parametri di consegna della dose, mantenendo fissa la distanza fuoco-rivelatore. Le condizioni di stabilit��, ottimali per lavorare, si hanno intorno alle 50 U.M. Dalle curve dei livelli di grigio ottenute risulta evidente che in diverse condizioni d���irraggiamento il sistema risponde con curve di Dose-Risposta differenti, pur restando nello stesso range di dose. Lo studio include verifiche sperimentali effettuate con l���OPTIVUE e usate per espletare alcuni controlli di qualit�� di tipo geometrico come la coincidenza campo luminoso ��� campo radiante e la verifica del corretto posizionamento delle lamelle del collimatore multilamellare. Le immagini portali acquisite verranno poi confrontate con quelle ottenute irraggiando tradizionalmente una CR (computed radiography), per la coincidenza e una pellicola radiocromica EBT 3, per l���MLC. I risultati ottenuti mostrano che, per il primo controllo, in entrambi i modi, si �� avuta corrispondenza tra campo radiante e campo luminoso; il confronto fra le due metodiche di misura risulta consistente entro i valori di deviazioni standard calcolati, l���OPTIVUE pu�� essere utilizzato efficacemente in tale controllo di qualit��. Nel secondo controllo abbiamo ottenuto differenze negli errori di posizionamento delle lamelle individuati dai due sistemi di verifica dell���ordine di grandezza dei limiti di risoluzione spaziale. L���OPTIVUE �� in grado di riconoscere errori di posizionamento preesistenti con un���incertezza che ha come limite la dimensione del pixel. Il sistema EPID, quindi, �� efficace, affidabile, economico e rapido.