Mixing and motion of rice particles in a rotating drum

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

Search for neutral, long-lived particles decaying into two muons in p(p)over-bar collisions at root s=1.96 TeV

We present a search for a neutral particle, pair produced in pp collisions at root s=1.96 TeV, which decays into two muons and lives long enough to travel at least 5 cm before decaying. The analysis uses approximate to 380 pb(-1) of data recorded with the D0 detector. The background is estimated to be about one event. No candidates are observed, and limits are set on the pair-production cross section times branching fraction into dimuons + X for such particles. For a mass of 10 GeV and lifetime of 4x10(-11) s, we exclude values greater than 0.14 pb (95% C.L.). These results are used to limit the interpretation of NuTeV's excess of dimuon events.

Stability analysis of the D-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation with trap and two- and three-body interactions

Considering the static solutions of the D-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation with trap and attractive two-body interactions, the existence of stable solutions is limited to a maximum critical number of particles, when D greater than or equal to 2. In case D = 2, we compare the variational approach with the exact numerical calculations. We show that, the addition of a positive three-body interaction allows stable solutions beyond the critical number. In this case, we also introduce a dynamical analysis of the conditions for the collapse. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

DM particles: how warm they can be?

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Size distributions of fine silicate and other particles in Masaya's volcanic plume

Direct-sampling and remote-sensing measurements were made at the crater rim of Masaya volcano (Nicaragua) to sample the aerosol plume emanating from the active vent. We report the first measurements of the size distribution of fine silicate particles (d <10 mu m) in Masaya's plume, by automated scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) analysis of a particle filter. The particle size distribution was approximately lognormal with modal d similar to 1.15 mu m. The majority of these particles were found to be spherical. These particles are interpreted to be droplets of quenched magma produced by a spattering process. Compositional analyses confirm earlier reports that the fine silicate particles show a range of compositions between that of the degassing magma and nearly pure silica and that the extent of compositional variability decreases with increasing particle size. These results indicate that fine silicate particles are altered owing to reactions with acidic droplets in the plume. The emission flux of fine silicate particles was estimated as similar to 10(11) s(-1), equivalent to similar to 55 kg d(-1). Sun photometry, aerosol spectrometry, and thermal precipitation were used to determine the overall particle size distribution of the plume (0.01 < d(mu m) < 10). Sun photometry and aerosol spectrometry measurements indicate the presence of a large number of particles (assumed to be aqueous) with d similar to 1 mu m. Aerosol spectrometry measurements further show an increase in particle size as the nighttime approached. The emission flux of particles from Masaya was estimated as similar to 10(17) s(-1), equivalent to similar to 5.5 Mg d(-1) where d < 4 mu m.

Analysis of Ca-PZT powder obtained by the Pechini and partial oxalate methods

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Time analysis for temporary gravitational capture - Stable orbits

In a previous work, Vieira Neto & Winter (2001) numerically explored the capture times of particles as temporary satellites of Uranus. The study was made in the framework of the spatial, circular, restricted three-body problem. Regions of the initial condition space whose trajectories are apparently stable were determined. The criterion adopted was that the trajectories do not escape from the planet during an integration of 10(5) years. These regions occur for a wide range of orbital initial inclinations (i). In the present work it is studied the reason for the existence of such stable regions. The stability of the planar retrograde trajectories is due to a family of simple periodic orbits and the associated quasi-periodic orbits that oscillate around them. These planar stable orbits had already been studied (Henon 1970; Huang & Innanen 1983). Their results are reviewed using Poincare surface of sections. The stable non-planar retrograde trajectories, 110 degrees less than or equal to i < 180, are found to be tridimensional quasi-periodic orbits around the same family of periodic orbits found for the planar case (i = 180 degrees). It was not found any periodic orbit out of the plane associated to such quasi-periodic orbits. The largest region of stable prograde trajectories occurs at i = 60 degrees. Trajectories in such region are found to behave as quasi-periodic orbits evolving similarly to the stable retrograde trajectories that occurs at i = 120 degrees.

Evaluation of autogenous bone grafts, particulate or collected during osteotomy with implant burs: Histologic and histomorphometric analysis in rabbits

Purpose: the aim of this study was to evaluate bone regeneration in bone cavities filled with particulate autogenous bone either harvest in blocks and subjected to milling procedures or collected during osteotomy with implant burs. Materials and Methods: In 12 rabbits, 3 noncritical unicortical cavities 7 mm in diameter were prepared with a trephine drill on the right tibia. The cavities were filled respectively with particulate autogenous bone achieved with a manual bone crusher ( particulate group), with particulate autogenous bone obtained using bone collector during osteotomy ( collected group), and with blood clot ( control group). Animals were sacrificed at 7, 15, and 30 days after surgery ( 4 animals for each time period). The sections were examined by histologic and histomorphometric analysis. Results: At 7 days, the samples were filled by coagulum, and bone particles were observed only in the collected (24%) and particulate groups (44.75%). At 15 days, there was connective differentiation in all groups, with presence of grafted bone particles and onset of newly formed bone in the collected (38.88%) and particulate groups (46.0%). At 30 days, there was bone fill ( immature trabecular bone) of the cavities in the control (50%), collected (64.63%) and particulate groups (66%). Conclusion: No significant difference was demonstrated between noncritical unicortical bone defects in rabbit tibiae filled with particulate bone harvested as a block and subjected to milling and those filled with bone collected during osteotomy with implant drills when the defects were observed up to 30 days following their creation.

Analysis of camphorquinone in composite resins as a function of shade

Objective. To identify and quantify the camphorquinone (CQ) used in different brands of composite resins as a function of the shade analyzed.Materials and methods. Filtek Z250 A3 (FZA3), Filtek Z-250 Incisal (FZI), Pyramid Enamel A1 (PEA1), Pyramid Enamel Translucent (PET), Filtek Supreme A3E (FSA3) and Filtek Supreme GT (FSGT) were used. Five hundred milligrams of each resin were weighed and then dissolved in 1.0 ml of methanol. The samples were centrifuged to accelerate the sedimentation of the inorganic particles. 0.8 ml of the supernatant solution was collected with a pipette and assessed under gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results were compared to pure CQ solutions, used as a standard. Student's t-test, (p = 0.05) significant at the level of 5%, compared the results of each brand shade.Results. A smaller amount of camphorquinone was found in Filtek Z-250 (FZI) resin incisal shade when compared to (FZA3) A3 shade. on the other hand, Filtek Supreme resin featured a statistically larger camphorquinone amount in the incisal shade. in Pyramid Enamel resin camphorquinone was found only in shade Al, while the photoinitiator used in the Translucent shade was not identified.Significance. Based on the data obtained, it is possible to conclude that a single composite resin brand may feature differences in amount and type of photoinitiator used. (C) 2006 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of sugar cane combustion particles in the Araraquara region, Southeast Brazil

Biomass burning is an important primary and secondary source of aerosol particles. The presence of carbonaceous particles in the respirable size range makes the study of this fraction important in view of possible health and climatic effects. The annual burning of sugar cane plantations causes emission of huge amounts of pyrogenic particles. Aerosol samples were collected in Araraquara city, São Paulo state, Brazil, during the harvest season for fine and coarse particles and bulk; they were analysed by electron-probe microanalysis, including facilities for low-Z element determination (low-Z EPMA) and by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), in order to investigate the elemental composition of individual particles and bulk samples, respectively. Numerical analysis of the EPMA results by hierarchical clustering shows high contributions of carbonaceous particles that can be distinguished mainly in two different types: biogenic and carbon-rich. Additionally, two significant contributions of aluminosilicate particles were identified: as rather pure aluminosilicates or mixed with carbonaceous species. The EDXRF results are compatible with those of aerosol particles in Amazon, which is nowadays one of the main sources of biogenic particles in the world.

Differential gene expression by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in host interaction conditions: Representational difference analysis identifies candidate genes associated with fungal pathogenesis

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes infection by the host inhalation of airborne propagules of the mycelia phase of the fungus. These particles reach the lungs, and disseminate to virtually all organs. Here we describe the identification of differentially expressed genes in studies of host-fungus interaction. We analyzed two cDNA populations of P. brasiliensis, one obtained from infected animals and the other an admixture of fungus and human blood thus mimicking the hematologic events of the fungal dissemination. Our analysis identified transcripts differentially expressed. Genes related to iron acquisition, melanin synthesis and cell defense were specially upregulated in the mouse model of infection. The upregulated transcripts of yeast cells during incubation with human blood were those predominantly related to cell wall remodeling/synthesis. The expression pattern of genes was independently confirmed in host conditions, revealing their potential role in the infection process. This work can facilitate functional studies of novel regulated genes that may be important for the survival and growth strategies of P. brasiliensis in humans. (c) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Spherical particles of phenolic resin treated with iron oxide

This paper describes the preparation and characterization of phenolic resins' thermospheres covered by a magnetic phase of iron oxide. The thermospheres were prepared by allowing phenol and formaldehyde to react under dispersion polymerization conditions and the iron oxide phase was incorporated in situ onto the phenolic resin particles by adding concentrated NH3 to FeCl2 in DMSO. This reaction was conducted at 70 degrees C under nitrogen atmosphere in a controlled temperature vessel, and the modified resin was isolated and dried in vacuo. Both pure and modified resins were characterized by DRX, TG- DTA, and MEV/ EDX. The modified particles were attracted by a magnetic field, indicating the fixation of magnetic iron oxide. No diffraction peaks were observed in DRX analysis; thermal analysis ( DTA) of both pure and modified resins presented exothermic events between 300 and 680 degrees C, and 300 and 570 degrees C, respectively, indicating the microstructure of the resin was modified after the treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis ( TGA) of the pure resin registered a 2.0% residue, compared to 8.0% for the modified resin. These residues correspond to about 7.0% of fixed iron oxide. MEV/ EDX analyses confirm the modification of the resins by the process of fixing iron oxide.

Morphology and topography analysis of mesoporous titania templated by micrometric latex sphere arrays

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

Miniaturized structures for removal or selection of particles from liquid flow

The aim of this work was the development of miniaturized structures useful for retention and/or selection of particles and viscous substances from a liquid flow. The proposed low costs structures are similar to macroscopic wastewater treatment systems, named baffles, and allow disassemble. They were simulated using FEMLAB 3.2b package and manufactured in acrylic with conventional tools. Tests for retention or selection of particles in water or air and viscous fluids in water were carried out. Either in air or water particles with 50 mu m diameter will be retained but not with 13 mu m diameter. In aqueous flow, it is also possible the retention of viscous samples, such as silicone 350 cSt. The simulated results showed good agreement with experimental measurements. These miniaturized structures can be useful in sample pretreatment for chemical analysis and microorganism manipulation. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of uniform, spherical particles of Y2O2S and Y2O2S:Eu

The preparation of spherical Y2O2S and Y2O2S:Eu particles using a solid-gas reaction of monodispersed precursors with elemental sulfur vapor under an argon atmosphere has been investigated. The precursors, undoped and doped yttrium basic carbonates, are synthesized by aging a stock solution containing the respective cation chloride and urea at 82-84 °C. Y2O2S and Y2O2S:Eu were characterized in terms of their composition, crystallinity and morphology by chemical analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Eu-doped oxysulfide was also characterized by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and luminescence spectroscopy. The spherical morphology of oxysulfide products and of basic carbonate precursors suggests a topotatic inter-relationship between both compounds.