Magnetic field profile of a mesoscopic SQUID-shaped superconducting film

Using a genuinely tridimensional approach to the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory, we have studied the local magnetic field profile of a mesoscopic superconductor in the so-called SQUID geometry, i.e., a square with a hole at the center connected to the outside vacuum through a very thin slit. Our investigation was carried out in both the Meissner and the mixed state. We have also studied the influence of the temperature on the space distribution of the local magnetic field. © 2013 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Giant Chemo-Resistance of SnO disk-like structures

Single crystalline SnO micro-disks, synthesized by a carbothermal reduction process, exhibited a nearly 1000-fold increase in resistance upon exposure to 100 ppm of NO2 without addition of catalysts or dopants nor the existence of nano-sized dimensions. Moreover, the SnO displayed a greater than 100-fold selectivity to NO2 over potential interferents including CO, H2 and CH4. The high sensor signal and exceptional selectivity for this novel sensor material are attributed to the existence of a high density of active lone pair electrons on the exposed (0 0 1) planes of the single crystalline SnO disks. This, thereby, identifies new means, not utilizing nano-dimensions, to achieve high gas sensitivity. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estudo de filmes supercondutores de espessura finita em forma de SQUID

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais - FC

The history of the introduction of the giant river prawn, Macrobrachium cf. rosenbergii (Decapoda, Palaemonidae), in Brazil: new insights from molecular data

The giant river prawn, Macrobrachium cf. rosenbergii, is one of the most cultivated freshwater prawns in the world and has been introduced into more than 40 countries. In some countries, this prawn is considered an invasive species that requires close monitoring. Recent changes in the taxonomy of this species (separation of M. rosenbergii and M. dacqueti) require a re-evaluation of introduced taxa. In this work, molecular analyses were used to determine which of these two species was introduced into Brazil and to establish the geographic origin of the introduced populations that have invaded Amazonian coastal waters. The species introduced into Brazil was M. dacqueti through two introduction events involving prawns originating from Vietnam and either Bangladesh or Thailand. These origins differ from historical reports of the introductions and underline the need to confirm the origin of other exotic populations around the world. The invading populations in Amazonia require monitoring not only because the biodiversity of this region may be affected by the introduction, but also because admixture of different native haplotypes can increase the genetic variability and the likelihood of persistence of the invading species in new habitats.

Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Medium-Density Fiberboard Made from Giant Bamboo

The objective of this study was to evaluate the density, density profile, water swelling and absorption, modulus of elasticity and rupture from static bending, and tensile strength of experimental medium-density fiberboards manufactured using Dendrocalamus giganteus (Munro bamboo). The fiber production was carried out through the chemo-thermo-mechanical pulping process with four different conditions. The panels were made with 10% urea formaldehyde resin based on dry weight of the fibers, 2.5% of a catalyzer (ammonium sulfate) and 2% paraffin. The results indicate that treatments with the highest alkali (NaOH) percentage, time and splinter heating temperature improved the physical properties of the panels. The root-fiber interface was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy in fracture zones, which revealed fibers with thick, inflexible walls. The panels' mechanical properties were affected due to the fiber wall characteristics and interaction with resin. Giant bamboo fiber has potential for MDF production, but other studies should be carried out.

A study of low velocities regions near the Roche lobe during the gas giant planets formation

In this paper were studied regions close to the Roche lobe of a planet like Jupiter, in order to find regions with low velocities. We simulated a two dimensional and non-self-gravitating disk, where tidal and viscous torques are considered, using the hydrodynamic numerical integrator FARGO 2D. As stated earlier we are interested in find low velocities regions for in future works study the possibility of satellites formation in these regions.

Ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and operative findings in dogs infested with giant kidney worms (Dioctophyme renale)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Total Spontaneous Regression of a Central Giant Cell Granuloma After Incisional Biopsy: A Four-Year Follow-Up Case Report

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws represents a localized and benign neoplastic lesion sometimes characterized by aggressive osteolytic proliferation. The World Health Organization defines it as an intraosseous lesion composed of cellular and dense connective tissues that contain multiple hemorrhagic foci, an aggregation of multinucleated giant cells, and occasional bone tissue trabeculae. The origin of this lesion is uncertain; however, factors such as local trauma, inflammation, intraosseous hemorrhage, and genetic abnormalities have been identified as possible causes. CGCG generally affects those younger than 30 years and occurs more frequently in women (2: 1). This lesion corresponds to approximately 7% of all benign tumors of the jaws, with prevalence in the anterior region of the jaw. Aggressive lesions are characterized by symptoms, such as pain, numbness, rapid growth, cortical perforation, root resorption, and a high recurrence rate after curettage. In contrast, nonaggressive CGCGs have a slow rate of growth, may contain sparse trabeculation, and are less likely to move teeth or cause root resorption or cortical perforation. Nonaggressive CGCGs are generally asymptomatic lesions and thus are frequently found on routine dental radiographs. Radiographically, the 2 forms of CGCG present as radiolucent, expansive, unilocular or multilocular masses with well-defined margins. The histopathology of CGCG is characterized by multinucleated giant cells, surrounded by round, oval, and spindle-shaped mononuclear cells, scattered in dense connective tissue with hemorrhagic and abundant vascularization foci. The final diagnosis is determined by histopathologic analysis of the biopsy specimen. The preferred treatment for CGCG consists of excisional biopsy, curettage with a safety margin, and partial or total resection of the affected bone. Conservative treatments include local injections of steroids, calcitonin, and antiangiogenic therapy. Drug treatment using antibiotics, painkillers, and corticosteroids and clinical and radiographic monitoring are necessary for approximately 10 days after surgery. There are only a few cases of spontaneous CGCG regression described in the literature; therefore, a detailed case report of CGCG regression in a 12-yearold boy with a 4-year follow-up is presented and compared with previous studies. (c) 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oocyte maturation in the sloth's giant tick Amblyomma varium (Acari: Ixodidae) in an ecological context

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

First cytogenetic characterization of the giant Amazonian catfish Brachyplatystoma filamentosum (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae)

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

Central Giant Cell Granuloma in Pediatric Maxilla: Surgical Management

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an intraosseous lesion consisting of fibrous cellular tissue that contains multiple foci of hemorrhage, multinucleated giant cells, and occasional trabeculae of woven bone. An 8-year-old boy presented himself complaining of a painless swelling in the left maxilla that had started 1 year. Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a poorly defined multilocular radiolucent lesion in the left maxilla crossing the midline. The patient underwent enucleation through an intraoral approach of the lesion. The biopsy revealed multinucleated giant cells in a fibrous stroma. A CT was taken approximately 1 year postoperatively. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence. Therefore, surgical treatment of CGCG can be performed, trying to preserve the surrounding anatomic structures, which can be maintained in case the lesion does not show an aggressive clinical behavior, avoiding large surgical defects which are undesirable in children.

ONTOGENETIC DEVELOPMENT OF SENSORY STRUCTURES ON THE ANTENNULES AND ANTENNAE OF THE GIANT RIVER PRAWN MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII (DE MAN)

In this study the occurrence of sensory structures on the antennules and antennae of the giant river prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man) during postembryonic ontogenetic development were examined. Larvae and postlarvae were obtained from hatchery recirculating tanks, juveniles from indoor nursery tanks, and adults from earthen grow-out ponds. The animals were fixed with Karnovsky fixative and dissected. Antennules and antennae were removed, metal-coated, and photodocumented using a scanning electron microscope. The antennules have aesthetascs and simple plumose and pappose setae; the antennae have simple, plumose and pappose setae. These structures increase in density, covered surface, and distribution during ontogeny and should be related to chemoreception and mechanoreception. The antennular statocyst that appears during larval stage VII of the giant river prawn has an array of sensory structures that enable the perception of chemical and tactile stimuli beginning with its early life stages. The ontogenetic changes observed allow an inference that initial-stage larvae, advance-stage larvae, juveniles, and adults have different capacities to exploit the environment.

Gait analysis in giant anteater (myrmecophaga tridactyla) with the use of a pressure-sensitive walkway

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

Human death caused by a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in Brazil

The fatal outcome of a defensive attack by a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is reported. The attack occurred while the victim was hunting, and his dogs cornered the adult anteater, which assumed an erect, threatening position. The hunter did not fire his rifle because of concern about accidentally shooting his dogs. He approached the animal armed with a knife, but was grabbed by its forelimbs. When his sons freed him, he had puncture wounds and severe bleeding in the left inguinal region; he died at the scene. Necroscopic examination showed femoral artery lesions and a large hematoma in the left thigh, with death caused by hypovolemic shock. A similar case is cited, and recommendations are made that boundaries between wildlife and humans be respected, especially when they coinhabit a given area.