Fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de zinco e cobre como melhoradores de desempenho em leitões desmamados

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos para avaliar fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de zinco e cobre nas dietas e seus efeitos no desempenho de leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Em cada experimento, foram utilizados 90 leitões em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco dietas, seis repetições e três animais por parcela. As dietas utilizadas nos experimentos 1 e 2 continham 120 ppm de zinco e 10 ppm de cobre na forma de sulfato. No experimento 1, foram suplementadas com 0, 300, 600 e 900 ppm de zinco na forma orgânica ou 2.400 ppm na forma de óxido (ZnO) e, no experimento 2, com 0, 50, 100 e 150 ppm de cobre na forma orgânica ou 240 ppm de cobre na forma de sulfato (CuSO4 H2O). No experimento 1, os níveis de zinco de fonte orgânica tiveram efeito linear no consumo de ração e no ganho de peso nos períodos de 0 a 15 dias e de 0 a 21 dias pós-desmame. O ganho de peso nas fases de 0 a 35 dias e de 0 a 42 dias pós-desmame e o consumo de ração dos leitões que receberam a dieta com 900 ppm de zinco de fonte orgânica não diferiram dos valores observados naqueles que receberam a dieta com 2.400 ppm de zinco na forma inorgânica. A suplementação da dieta com zinco na forma orgânica (900 ppm) ou inorgânica (2.400 ppm) aumentou o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de leitões nas primeiras três semanas após o desmame. A suplementação da dieta com 2.400 ppm de zinco na forma inorgânica reduziu a incidência de diarreia nas primeiras três semanas pós-desmame. No experimento 2, os níveis de cobre de fonte orgânica tiveram efeito quadrático no consumo de ração dos leitões nos períodos de 0 a 31 e de 0 a 40 dias pós-desmame. A suplementação da dieta com cobre, tanto de fonte orgânica (90 ppm) como inorgânica (240 ppm), aumenta o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de leitões nos primeiros 40 dias pós-desmame.

Energy and amino acid content in phase 1 nursery diet: piglet performance and body chemical composition

It was evaluated the effects of metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible lysine (dLYS) densities on performance and body composition of weaned piglets. The study used 114 piglets weaned at 7.4 ± 0.80 kg, out of which 108 were allotted in the nursery and 6 were slaughtered on the weaning day to determine comparative data of body chemical composition. Six nutrients densities were stipulated from a previous study based on the highest nitrogen retention, maintaining the following ME:LYS relationship in the experimental diets: 3,390:1.291; 3,450:1.409; 3,650:1.411; 3,780:1.461; 3,940:1.507; and 4,109 kcal/kg ME:1.564% dLYS. The experimental diets were offered for 13 days when the piglets reached 12.986 ± 1.449 kg of body weight. The probable residual effects of nutritional density on the subsequent performance of the piglets were evaluated. At the end of initial phase 1, six piglets from each density were slaughtered to determine their chemical composition in body fractions and empty body. There was no significant influence of nutritional levels on the performance of the piglets at the end of the evaluation. The results of food conversion and body composition confirm the level indicated in the previous study, 4 g dLYS/Mcal of ME. The increase of energy and lysine densities confirms the need for a correct relationship among both of them to assure better performance of the piglets at the beginning of the growing phase.

Transition to complete synchronization in phase-coupled oscillators with nearest neighbor coupling

We investigate synchronization in a Kuramoto-like model with nearest neighbor coupling. Upon analyzing the behavior of individual oscillators at the onset of complete synchronization, we show that the time interval between bursts in the time dependence of the frequencies of the oscillators exhibits universal scaling and blows up at the critical coupling strength. We also bring out a key mechanism that leads to phase locking. Finally, we deduce forms for the phases and frequencies at the onset of complete synchronization.

Evaluation of Ti(3)Si Phase Stability from Heat-Treated, Rapidly Solidified Ti-Si Alloys

Ti-base alloys containing significant amounts of silicon have been considered for high temperature structural applications. Thus, information concerning phase stability on the Ti-Si system is fundamental and there are not many investigations covering the phase stability of the Ti(3)Si phase, specially its dependence on oxygen/nitrogen contamination. In this work the stability of this phase has been evaluated through heat-treatment of rapidly solidified Ti-rich Ti-Si alloys at 700 A degrees C and 1000 A degrees C. The rapidly solidified splats presented nanometric scale microstructures which facilitated the attainment of equilibrium conditions. The destabilization of Ti(3)Si due to oxygen/nitrogen contamination has been noted.

Microstructural Evidence of beta Co(2)Si- phase Stability in the Co-Si System

The aim of this work was to verify the stability of the beta Co(2)Si phase in the Co-Si system. The samples were produced via arc-melting and characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). The results have confirmed the stability of the beta Co(2)Si phase, however, a modification of the shape of beta CoSi phase field is proposed in order to fully explain the results.

Phase transformation and residual stress probed by Raman spectroscopy in diamond-turned single crystal silicon

Single-point diamond turning of monocrystalline semiconductors is an important field of research within brittle materials machining. Monocrystalline silicon samples with a (100) orientation have been diamond turned under different cutting conditions (feed rate and depth of cut). Micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy have been used to assess structural alterations and surface finish of the samples diamond turned under ductile and brittle modes. It was found that silicon undergoes a phase transformation when machined in the ductile mode. This phase transformation is evidenced by the creation of an amorphous surface layer after machining which has been probed by Raman scattering. Compressive residual stresses are estimated for the machined surface and it is observed that they decrease with an increase in the feed rate and depth of cut. This behaviour has been attributed to the formation of subsurface cracks when the feed rate is higher than or equal to 2.5 mu m/rev. The surface roughness was observed to vary with the feed rate and the depth of cut. An increase in the surface roughness was influenced by microcrack formation when the feed rate reached 5.0 mu m/rev. Furthermore, a high-pressure phase transformation induced by the tool/material interaction and responsible for the ductile response of this typical brittle material is discussed based upon the presented Raman spectra. The application of this machining technology finds use for a wide range of high quality components, for example the creation of a micrometre-range channel for microfluidic devices as well as microlenses used in the infrared spectrum range.

Gait kinematic analysis in patients with a mild form of central cord syndrome

Background: Central cord syndrome (CCS) is considered the most common incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Independent ambulation was achieved in 87-97% in young patients with CCS but no gait analysis studies have been reported before in such pathology. The aim of this study was to analyze the gait characteristics of subjects with CCS and to compare the findings with a healthy age, sex and anthropomorphically matched control group (CG), walking both at a self-selected speed and at the same speed. Methods: Twelve CCS patients and a CG of twenty subjects were analyzed. Kinematic data were obtained using a three-dimensional motion analysis system with two scanner units. The CG were asked to walk at two different speeds, at a self-selected speed and at a slower one, similar to the mean gait speed previously registered in the CCS patient group. Temporal, spatial variables and kinematic variables (maximum and minimum lower limb joint angles throughout the gait cycle in each plane, along with the gait cycle instants of occurrence and the joint range of motion ROM) were compared between the two groups walking at similar speeds. Results: The kinematic parameters were compared when both groups walked at a similar speed, given that there was a significant difference in the self-selected speeds (p < 0.05). Hip abduction and knee flexion at initial contact, as well as minimal knee flexion at stance, were larger in the CCS group (p < 0.05). However, the range of knee and ankle motion in the sagittal plane was greater in the CG group (p < 0.05). The maximal ankle plantar-flexion values in stance phase and at toe off were larger in the CG (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The gait pattern of CCS patients showed a decrease of knee and ankle sagittal ROM during level walking and an increase in hip abduction to increase base of support. The findings of this study help to improve the understanding how CCS affects gait changes in the lower limbs.

Diffractive phase-shift lithography photomask operating in proximity printing mode

A phase shift proximity printing lithographic mask is designed, manufactured and tested. Its design is based on a Fresnel computer-generated hologram, employing the scalar diffraction theory. The obtained amplitude and phase distributions were mapped into discrete levels. In addition, a coding scheme using sub-cells structure was employed in order to increase the number of discrete levels, thus increasing the degree of freedom in the resulting mask. The mask is fabricated on a fused silica substrate and an amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a:C-H) thin film which act as amplitude modulation agent. The lithographic image is projected onto a resist coated silicon wafer, placed at a distance of 50 mu m behind the mask. The results show a improvement of the achieved resolution - linewidth as good as 1.5 mu m - what is impossible to obtain with traditional binary masks in proximity printing mode. Such achieved dimensions can be used in the fabrication of MEMS and MOEMS devices. These results are obtained with a UV laser but also with a small arc lamp light source exploring the partial coherence of this source. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America

Border figure detection using a phase oscillator network with dynamical coupling

Oscillator networks have been developed in order to perform specific tasks related to image processing. Here we analytically investigate the existence of synchronism in a pair of phase oscillators that are short-range dynamically coupled. Then, we use these analytical results to design a network able of detecting border of black-and-white figures. Each unit composing this network is a pair of such phase oscillators and is assigned to a pixel in the image. The couplings among the units forming the network are also dynamical. Border detection emerges from the network activity.

FILTERING TECHNIQUES APPLIED ON RAW CARRIER PHASE FOR GPS DETECTING SMALL DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENTS

This work is part of a research under construction since 2000, in which the main objective is to measure small dynamic displacements by using L1 GPS receivers. A very sensible way to detect millimetric periodic displacements is based on the Phase Residual Method (PRM). This method is based on the frequency domain analysis of the phase residuals resulted from the L1 double difference static data processing of two satellites in almost orthogonal elevation angle. In this article, it is proposed to obtain the phase residuals directly from the raw phase observable collected in a short baseline during a limited time span, in lieu of obtaining the residual data file from regular GPS processing programs which not always allow the choice of the aimed satellites. In order to improve the ability to detect millimetric oscillations, two filtering techniques are introduced. One is auto-correlation which reduces the phase noise with random time behavior. The other is the running mean to separate low frequency from the high frequency phase sources. Two trials have been carried out to verify the proposed method and filtering techniques. One simulates a 2.5 millimeter vertical antenna displacement and the second uses the GPS data collected during a bridge load test. The results have shown a good consistency to detect millimetric oscillations.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of Vandetanib Plus Docetaxel/Prednisolone in Patients with Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer

Vandetanib (ZACTIMA(TM)) is a once-daily oral anticancer drug that selectively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and rearranged during transfection signaling. This randomized (1: 1), double-blind study evaluated vandetanib (100mg/day) or placebo in combination with docetaxel (D; 75mg/m(2) every 3 weeks) and prednisolone (P; 2 x 5 mg/day) in 86 patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC). The primary assessment was prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (confirmed reduction of >= 50% from baseline) and a greater number of patients showed a PSA response with placebo + DP (67%) versus vandetanib + DP (40%); hazard ratio = 2.23 (one-sided 80% confidence limit = 2.90; one-sided p = 0.99). More patients experienced progression events (disease progression or death from any cause) with vandetanib + DP (65%) versus placebo + DP (60%); hazard ratio = 1.13 (one-sided 80% confidence limit = 1.44; one-sided p = 0.67). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, although more patients experienced adverse events, leading to permanent discontinuation with vandetanib + DP (28%) versus placebo + DP (12%). However, the safety and tolerability profile for vandetanib was similar to that previously reported; adverse events that occurred more frequently in the vandetanib + DP arm were hypertension (14% vs. 2%), erythematous rash (14% vs. 2%), and exfoliative rash (12% vs. 2%). In this study of patients with mHRPC, vandetanib + DP did not demonstrate any efficacy benefit, compared with placebo + DP.

Two successful pregnancies in a woman with chronic myeloid leukemia exposed to nilotinib during the first trimester of her second pregnancy: case study

The occurrence of chronic myeloid leukemia in pregnancy is rare and its management poses a clinical challenge for physicians treating these patients. We report a 30-year-old woman with chronic myeloid leukemia who became pregnant twice successfully. Philadelphia-positive CML in its chronic phase was diagnosed at 16 weeks of her first gestation. At that time, she received no treatment throughout her pregnancy. At 38 weeks of gestation, a normal infant was delivered by cesarean section. At six weeks postpartum, the patient underwent imatinib mesylate therapy but she could not tolerate the treatment. The treatment was then changed to nilotinib at 400 mg orally b.i.d. Two years later, she became pregnant again while she was on nilotinib 200 mg b.i.d. The unplanned pregnancy was identified during her 7.4 weeks of gestation. Because the patient elected to continue her pregnancy, nilotinib was stopped immediately, and no further treatment was given until delivery. Neither obstetrical complications nor structural malformations in neonates in both pregnancies were observed. Both babies' growth and development have been normal. Although this experience is limited to a single patient, the success of this patient demonstrates that the management of chronic myeloid leukemia in pregnant women may be individualized based on the relative risks and benefits of the patient and fetus.

Suppression subtractive hybridization profiles of radial growth phase and metastatic melanoma cell lines reveal novel potential targets

Background: Melanoma progression occurs through three major stages: radial growth phase (RGP), confined to the epidermis; vertical growth phase (VGP), when the tumor has invaded into the dermis; and metastasis. In this work, we used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to investigate the molecular signature of melanoma progression, by comparing a group of metastatic cell lines with an RGP-like cell line showing characteristics of early neoplastic lesions including expression of the metastasis suppressor KISS1, lack of alpha v beta 3-integrin and low levels of RHOC. Methods: Two subtracted cDNA collections were obtained, one (RGP library) by subtracting the RGP cell line (WM1552C) cDNA from a cDNA pool from four metastatic cell lines (WM9, WM852, 1205Lu and WM1617), and the other (Met library) by the reverse subtraction. Clones were sequenced and annotated, and expression validation was done by Northern blot and RT-PCR. Gene Ontology annotation and searches in large-scale melanoma expression studies were done for the genes identified. Results: We identified 367 clones from the RGP library and 386 from the Met library, of which 351 and 368, respectively, match human mRNA sequences, representing 288 and 217 annotated genes. We confirmed the differential expression of all genes selected for validation. In the Met library, we found an enrichment of genes in the growth factors/receptor, adhesion and motility categories whereas in the RGP library, enriched categories were nucleotide biosynthesis, DNA packing/repair, and macromolecular/vesicular trafficking. Interestingly, 19% of the genes from the RGP library map to chromosome 1 against 4% of the ones from Met library. Conclusion: This study identifies two populations of genes differentially expressed between melanoma cell lines from two tumor stages and suggests that these sets of genes represent profiles of less aggressive versus metastatic melanomas. A search for expression profiles of melanoma in available expression study databases allowed us to point to a great potential of involvement in tumor progression for several of the genes identified here. A few sequences obtained here may also contribute to extend annotated mRNAs or to the identification of novel transcripts.

Occurrence of Neospora caninum antibodies in capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) from Sao Paulo State, Brazil

Capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) is a large rodent distributed throughout tropical America. Antibodies to Neospora caninum in 213 feral capybaras from 11 counties of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. were assessed using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (titer >= 1:25) and found in 20 (9.4%), with titers of 1:25 in 4, 1:50 in 7, and 1:100 in 9 animals. This is the first report of occurrence of N. caninum antibodies in capybaras.

Increased Occurrence of Dental Anomalies Associated with Second-Premolar Agenesis

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in patients with agenesis of second premolars and compare the findings with the prevalence of these anomalies in the general population. Materials and Methods: A Brazilian sample of 203 patients aged 8 to 22 years was selected. All patients presented agenesis of at least one second premolar. Panoramic and periapical radiographs and dental casts were used to analyze the presence of other associated dental anomalies, including agenesis of other permanent teeth, ectopia of unerupted permanent teeth, infraocclusion of deciduous molars, microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors, and supernumerary teeth. The occurrence of these anomalies was compared with occurrence data previously reported for the general population. Statistical testing was performed using the chi-square test (P < .05) and the odds ratio. Results: The sample with agenesis of at least one second premolar presented a significantly increased prevalence rate of permanent tooth agenesis (21%), excluding third molars. Among the sample segment aged 14 years or greater (N = 77), occurrence of third-molar agenesis (48%) exceeded twice its normal frequency. Significant increases in occurrence of microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors (20.6%), infraocclusion of deciduous molars (24.6%), and distoangulation of mandibular second premolars (7.8%) were observed. Palatally displaced canine anomaly was also significantly elevated (8.1%). Conclusion: The results provide evidence that agenesis of other permanent teeth, microdontia, deciduous molar infraocclusion, and certain dental ectopias are the products of the same genetic mechanisms that cause second-premolar agenesis. (Angle Orthod. 2009;79:436-441.)