Search for gravitational radiation from intermediate mass black hole binaries in data from the second LIGO-Virgo joint science run

This paper reports on an unmodeled, all-sky search for gravitational waves from merging intermediate mass black hole binaries (IMBHB). The search was performed on data from the second joint science run of the LIGO and Virgo detectors (July 2009-October 2010) and was sensitive to IMBHBs with a range up to similar to 200 Mpc, averaged over the possible sky positions and inclinations of the binaries with respect to the line of sight. No significant candidate was found. Upper limits on the coalescence-rate density of nonspinning IMBHBs with total masses between 100 and 450 M-circle dot and mass ratios between 0.25 and 1 were placed by combining this analysis with an analogous search performed on data from the first LIGO-Virgo joint science run (November 2005-October 2007). The most stringent limit was set for systems consisting of two 88 M-circle dot black holes and is equal to 0.12 Mpc(-3) Myr(-1) at the 90% confidence level. This paper also presents the first estimate, for the case of an unmodeled analysis, of the impact on the search range of IMBHB spin configurations: the visible volume for IMBHBs with nonspinning components is roughly doubled for a population of IMBHBs with spins aligned with the binary's orbital angular momentum and uniformly distributed in the dimensionless spin parameter up to 0.8, whereas an analogous population with antialigned spins decreases the visible volume by similar to 20%.

First all-sky search for continuous gravitational waves from unknown sources in binary systems

We present the first results of an all-sky search for continuous gravitational waves from unknown spinning neutron stars in binary systems using LIGO and Virgo data. Using a specially developed analysis program, the TwoSpect algorithm, the search was carried out on data from the sixth LIGO science run and the second and third Virgo science runs. The search covers a range of frequencies from 20 Hz to 520 Hz, a range of orbital periods from 2 to similar to 2,254 h and a frequency-and period-dependent range of frequency modulation depths from 0.277 to 100 mHz. This corresponds to a range of projected semimajor axes of the orbit from similar to 0.6 x 10(-3) ls to similar to 6,500 ls assuming the orbit of the binary is circular. While no plausible candidate gravitational wave events survive the pipeline, upper limits are set on the analyzed data. The most sensitive 95% confidence upper limit obtained on gravitational wave strain is 2.3 x 10(-24) at 217 Hz, assuming the source waves are circularly polarized. Although this search has been optimized for circular binary orbits, the upper limits obtained remain valid for orbital eccentricities as large as 0.9. In addition, upper limits are placed on continuous gravitational wave emission from the low-mass x-ray binary Scorpius X-1 between 20 Hz and 57.25 Hz.

Improved Upper Limits on the Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background from 2009-2010 LIGO and Virgo Data

Gravitational waves from a variety of sources are predicted to superpose to create a stochastic background. This background is expected to contain unique information from throughout the history of the Universe that is unavailable through standard electromagnetic observations, making its study of fundamental importance to understanding the evolution of the Universe. We carry out a search for the stochastic background with the latest data from the LIGO and Virgo detectors. Consistent with predictions from most stochastic gravitational-wave background models, the data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. Assuming a gravitational-wave spectrum of Omega(GW)(f) = Omega(alpha)(f/f(ref))(alpha), we place 95% confidence level upper limits on the energy density of the background in each of four frequency bands spanning 41.5-1726 Hz. In the frequency band of 41.5-169.25 Hz for a spectral index of alpha = 0, we constrain the energy density of the stochastic background to be Omega(GW)(f) < 5.6 x 10(-6). For the 600-1000 Hz band, Omega(GW)(f) < 0.14(f/900 Hz)(3), a factor of 2.5 lower than the best previously reported upper limits. We find Omega(GW)(f) < 1.8 x 10(-4) using a spectral index of zero for 170-600 Hz and Omega(GW)(f) < 1.0(f/1300 Hz)(3) for 1000-1726 Hz, bands in which no previous direct limits have been placed. The limits in these four bands are the lowest direct measurements to date on the stochastic background. We discuss the implications of these results in light of the recent claim by the BICEP2 experiment of the possible evidence for inflationary gravitational waves.

Impacto da nutrição materna sobre a homeostase glicêmica e a capacidade aeróbia da prole

A síndrome metabólica é um mal que, segundo projeções, poderá no ano de 2010, acometer de 50 a 75 milhões de pessoas somente nos Estados Unidos. Dessa forma, é de grande interesse a implementação de procedimentos mais eficazes para prevenção e tratamento desta doença. Uma vez que existem limitações nas pesquisas com seres humanos, torna-se necessário o desenvolvimento de modelos experimentais apropriados ao estudo desta questão. Na busca de um modelo experimental adequado ao estudo do papel do exercício na prevenção e no tratamento da síndrome metabólica, o presente estudo analisou o perfil metabólico e a capacidade aeróbia de ratos mantidos com dieta rica em frutose, substrato que tem sido associado à síndrome metabólica, na vida intra-uterina e pós-natal. Foram utilizadas ratas adultas (90 dias) da linhagem Wistar, alimentadas durante a prenhez e a lactação com dois tipos de dieta: balanceada (AIN-93G) e rica em frutose (60% de frutose). Durante a amamentação, os filhotes foram distribuídos em ninhadas pequenas (4/mãe) ou adequadas (8/mãe). Após o desmame, manteve-se as mesmas dietas até os 90 dias, quando foram analisados: tolerância à glicose (teste de tolerância à glicose), sensibilidade periférica à insulina (teste de tolerância à insulina); capacidade aeróbia (determinação da máxima fase estável de lactato em natação), conteúdo pancreático de insulina; peso e concentração de lipídios totais no tecido adiposo de diferentes regiões e concentrações séricas de glicose, insulina, triglicerídeos, colesterol total, colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL. Constatou-se que a dieta rica em frutose conduziu os animais a resistência à insulina. O grupo FP apresentou dislipidemia, com aumento nas concentrações séricas de colesterol total e triglicerídeos, mostrando que o modelo animal avaliado é potencialmente interessante para o estudo da síndrome metabólica.

Cinética de lactato sanguíneo durante exercício de natação em ratos desnutridos recém-desmamados

Sabe-se que a desnutrição protéica fetal/neonatal pode predispor à resistência à insulina e à síndrome metabólica após recuperação nutricional. O treinamento físico, por sua vez, melhora a tolerância à glicose e a sensibilidade à insulina, além de exercer efeitos benéficos ao crescimento somático. Por outro lado, faltam informações quanto à habilidade de organismos desnutridos muito jovens para a realização do exercício. Modelos animais podem auxiliar a investigação desta questão, uma vez que o estudo em humanos apresenta limitações. Alimentação de ratos com dietas isocalóricas com baixo teor protéico é um modelo de desnutrição bastante utilizado para simular a desnutrição humana. Assim sendo, o presente estudo foi delineado para avaliar a cinética de lactato sanguíneo durante uma sessão de natação de ratos recém desmamados submetidos à restrição protéica fetal/neonatal. Foram avaliados dois grupos de animais recém-desmamados (21 dias, machos), contendo 8 animais em cada um: Normoprotéico (NP), crias de ratas alimentados com dieta normoprotéica (AIN 93G, 17% caseína) durante a gestação e a lactação e Hipoprotéico (HP):crias de ratas alimentados com dieta normoprotéica (6% caseína) durante a gestação e a lactação. Foram analisados peso ao nascer, concentrações séricas de proteínas totais e albumina dos recém-nascidos assim como ao desmame. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste t de student não pareado, sendo o nível de significância pré-estabelecido em 5%. Quando se avaliou os animais recémnascidos observou-se que a restrição protéica neonatal foi eficaz na instalação do quadro de desnutrição visto menores valores referente ao peso corporal, proteínas... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)

Retroviroses em felinos domésticos

The retrovirus are recognized as pathogenic group of virus for domestic animals. The particularitities of these viruses are the necessity of the enzyme transcriptase reversa, for the conversion of the viral RNA in viral DNA (provirus) and the incorporation in the DNA of the cell, what it confers to the infection the lifetime character, due to all the infected cells present the provirus our DNA. Among the retroviruses in domestic felines, the leukaemia and immunossupressive virus represent the more important diseases. The main form of transmission of the virus of the FeLV is occur by close contact and the saliva presents high viral concentration. For the FIV, the main form of transmission is represented by wounds of bite. The retrovírus, replicate mainly in high metabolization cells. The infection for FeLV cause mieloproliferativas and degenerative illnesses, while the FIV are related imunossupressora illness. The treatment for these retroviroses is symptomatic associated to imunomodulatory drugs, none of these drugs are capable to eliminate the virus. For the prevention of these retrovirus are used vaccines. However only the vaccine against FeLV have showed efficiency. Thus , the more important measures in control of these diseases is prevent the contact between infected and health felines. The ain of present study was reviewed the more important aspects of retroviruses in domestic felines, with emphasis to virulence properties, epidemiology, fisiopathogeny, clinical manifestations, methods of diagnosis, therapy, and control measures

Treinamento aeróbio na prevenção de alterações cardíacas decorrentes da obesidade em ratos (Rattus Norvegicus Albinus, Wistar)

A obesidade é um problema de saúde pública mundial e está fortemente associada à doença cardíaca isquêmica, aterosclerose, hipertensão arterial, entre outros problemas cardiovasculares. Na atualidade, o tratamento sugerido para as doenças cardiovasculares, comumente decorrentes da obesidade, consiste na diminuição da ingestão de gordura aliada à atividade física. Contudo, pouco se sabe quanto aos protocolos de treinamento mais adequados para a prevenção ou tratamento dessas doenças. O presente estudo objetivou analisar os efeitos do exercício físico na intensidade de 80% do limiar anaeróbio (LAn) sobre os aspectos bioquímicos cardíacos de ratos obesos. Para a indução da obesidade, os animais, a partir dos 90 dias de idade, foram mantidos com dieta hiperlipídica/hipercalórica (35% de gordura animal/vegetal) e os animais controles, mantidos com dieta balanceada (AIN-93M). Todos os animais pertencentes ao grupo treinado foram submetidos a testes de lactato mínimo para a identificação do limiar anaeróbio (LAn) durante exercício de natação, treinando desde os 28 dias de idade até aos 90 dias em intensidade equivalente a 80% do LAn 1 h/dia, 5 dias/semana. Depois dos 90 dias uma parte dos animais treinados interrompeu o treinamento ficando em observação até o final do experimento (150 dias de idade). Os demais animais permaneceram sedentários ao longo de todo o experimento. Foram analisados: peso corporal, tolerância à glicose e à insulina (TTGo e TTI), perfil lipídico sérico (colesterol total, triglicerídeos, AGL e HDL), concentrações séricas de glicose e insulina e alíquotas do ventrículo esquerdo foram retiradas para análise das concentrações de triglicerídeos, glicogênio, proteína/DNA e atividade lipogênica. Os animais tratados com dieta hiperlipídica tiveram aumento significativo no peso corporal, intolerância à glicose e resistência à insulina e o treinamento físico neutralizou tais...

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.

Legumin from chickpea: hypolipidemic effect in the liver of hypercholesterolemic rats

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the effects of 11S globulin isolated from Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) on lipid metabolism in animals subjected to a hypercholesterolemic and hyperlipidemic diet and compared to the drug simvastatin. Design/methodology/approach – Thirty-six male Wistar rats, kept in individual cages and under appropriate conditions, were separated into groups that were fed a normal diet (STD) containing casein as protein source and according to AIN-93G; a high-cholesterol diet (HC), normal diet plus 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.5 per cent cholic acid and 20 per cent coconut oil; HC diet plus the isolated 11S globulin (300 mg/kg/day); and HC diet plus the simvastatin (50 mg/kg/day), both dissolved in saline and administered by gavage for 28 days. After this time, the animals were killed. Findings – The results indicated that the addition of 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.5 per cent cholic acid induced hypercholesterolemia in the animals without interfering with their weight gain. Analyses of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) in the plasma, and TC and TG in the liver were made. The results show that the protein isolated from chickpea, and given as a single daily dose, did not affect the levels of plasma TC and its fractions, although decreasing the TG levels. Unlike the simvastatin, the chickpea protein significantly reduced TC and TG in the liver relative to HC group. Originality/value – A single daily dose of 11S globulin from chickpea contributed as only as additional 2.8 per cent of dietary protein intake. These findings demonstrate that 11S chickpea protein acts as a functional agent in the lipid metabolism in addition to its nutritional properties.

Efeitos da deficiência ou suplementação de zinco sobre a hepatocarcinogênese química em camundongos

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

Análise teórico-descritiva da competência em informação de gestores como fator de competitividade das indústrias de eletroeletrônicos da cidade de Garça/SP

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry for the determination of body composition in rats: effects of high-fat and high-sucrose diets

Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the impedance of Wistar rats treated with high-fat and high-sucrose diets and correlate their biochemical and anthropometric parameters with chemical analysis of the carcass. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats were fed a standard (AIN-93), high-fat (50% fat) or high-sucrose (59% of sucrose) diet for 4 weeks. Abdominal and thoracic circumference and body length were measured. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to determine resistance and reactance. Final body composition was determined by chemical analysis. Results Higher fat intake led to a high percentage of liver fat and cholesterol and low total body water in the High-Fat group, but these changes in the biochemical profile were not reflected by the anthropometric measurements or bioelectrical impedance analysis variables. Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance analysis changes were not observed in the High-Sucrose group. However, a positive association was found between body fat and three anthropometric variables: body mass index, Lee index and abdominal circumference. Conclusion Bioelectrical impedance analysis did not prove to be sensitive for detecting changes in body composition, but body mass index, Lee index and abdominal circumference can be used for estimating the body composition of rats.

Applications of GIS and remote sensing techniques for studying the housing patterns in Cairo Governorate

The main objective of this study is to reveal the housing patterns in Cairo as one of the most rapidly urbanizing city in the developing world. The study outlines the evolution of the housing problem and its influencing factors in Egypt generally and in Cairo specifically. The study takes into account the political transition from the national state economy to the open door policy, the neo-liberal period and finally to the housing situation after the January 2011 Revolution. The resulting housing patterns in Cairo Governorate were identified as (1) squatter settlements, (2) semi-informal settlements, (3) deteriorated inner pockets, and (4) formal settlements. rnThe study concluded that the housing patterns in Cairo are reflecting a multifaceted problem resulting in: (1) the imbalance between the high demand for affordable housing units for low-income families and the oversupply of upper-income housing, (2) the vast expansion of informal areas both on agricultural and desert lands, (3) the deterioration of the old parts of Cairo without upgrading or appropriate replacement of the housing structure, and (4) the high vacancy rate of newly constructed apartmentsrnThe evolution and development of the current housing problem were attributed to a number of factors. These factors are demographic factors represented in the rapid growth of the population associated with urbanization under the dictates of poverty, and the progressive increase of the prices of both buildable land and building materials. The study underlined that the current pattern of population density in Cairo Governorate is a direct result of the current housing problems. Around the depopulation core of the city, a ring of relatively stable areas in terms of population density has developed. Population densification, at the expense of the depopulation core, is characterizing the peripheries of the city. The population density in relation to the built-up area was examined using Landsat-7 ETM+ image (176/039). The image was acquired on 24 August 2006 and considered as an ideal source for land cover classification in Cairo since it is compatible with the population census 2006.rnConsidering that the socio-economic setting is a driving force of change of housing demand and that it is an outcome of the accumulated housing problems, the socio-economic deprivations of the inhabitants of Cairo Governorate are analyzed. Small administrative units in Cairo are categorized into four classes based on the Socio-Economic Opportunity Index (SEOI). This index is developed by using multiple domains focusing on the economic, educational and health situation of the residential population. The results show four levels of deprivation which are consistent with the existing housing patterns. Informal areas on state owned land are included in the first category, namely, the “severely deprived” level. Ex-formal areas or deteriorated inner pockets are characterized as “deprived” urban quarters. Semi-informal areas on agricultural land concentrate in the third category of “medium deprived” settlements. Formal or planned areas are included mostly in the fourth category of the “less deprived” parts of Cairo Governorate. rnFor a better understanding of the differences and similarities among the various housing patterns, four areas based on the smallest administrative units of shiakhat were selected for a detailed study. These areas are: (1) El-Ma’desa is representing a severely deprived squatter settlement, (2) Ain el-Sira is an example for an ex-formal deprived area, (3) El-Marg el-Qibliya was selected as a typical semi-informal and medium deprived settlement, and (4) El-Nozha is representing a formal and less deprived area.rnThe analysis at shiakhat level reveals how the socio-economic characteristics and the unregulated urban growth are greatly reflected in the morphological characteristics of the housing patterns in terms of street network and types of residential buildings as well as types of housing tenure. It is also reflected in the functional characteristics in terms of land use mix and its degree of compatibility. It is concluded that the provision and accessibility to public services represents a performance measure of the dysfunctional structure dominating squatter and semi-informal settlements on one hand and ample public services and accessibility in formal areas on the other hand.rn