Mean-field equations for cigar- and disc-shaped Bose and Fermi superfluids

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

Gap solitons in a model of a superfluid fermion gas in optical lattices

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

Spontaneous symmetry breaking of Bose-Fermi mixtures in double-well potentials

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Método da histerese por auto-ajuste para minimização de esforço de controle no separador submarino VASPS

Neste trabalho apresenta-se o estudo do desenvolvimento de um controlador não-tradicional baseado em um mecanismo de histerese com auto-ajuste para o controle de nível de líquido de um sistema de separação e bombeio submarino conhecido como VASPS. O controlador desenvolvido gera sinais enviados para a bomba centrífuga submersa para controlar o nível de líquido no tanque do separador, evitando que ele atinja valores muito baixos que poderiam danificar a bomba ou valores muito altos que reduziriam a eficiência da separação líquido/gás. Os sinais de controle gerados pelo controlador visam solicitar a bomba o mínimo possível de modo a evitar o seu desgaste e falhas prematuras. Nas simulações, o controlador desenvolvido foi testado sob grandes variações nas condições de operação, tais como golfadas, produzindo resultados bastante satisfatórios e promissores.

A two band model for superconductivity: probing interband pair formation

We propose a two band model for superconductivity. It turns out that the simplest nontrivial case considers solely interband scattering, and both bands can be modeled as symmetric (around the Fermi level) and flat, thus each band is completely characterized by its half-band width Wn (n=1,2). A useful dimensionless parameter is d, proportional to W2 - W1. The case delta = 0 retrieves the conventional BCS model. We probe the specific heat, the ratio gap over critical temperature, the thermodynamic critical field and tunneling conductance as functions of d and temperature (from zero to Tc). We compare our results with experimental results for MgB2 and good quantitative agreement is obtained, indicating the relevance of interband coupling. Work in progress also considers the inclusion of band hybridization and general interband as well as intra-band scattering mechanisms.

Citogenética de jumentos da raça Marchadora Brasileira

Jumentos da raça Marchadora Brasileira foram cariotipados e bandeados com C, G e NOR, sendo 2n = 62 e NF = 107. O trabalho visou a contribuir com a cariotipagem da espécie e verificar polimorfismos presentes nos animais. O cariótipo foi organizado em seis grupos, possuindo o primeiro sete pares submetacêntricos a metacêntricos, o segundo, seis subtelocêntricos, o terceiro, cinco acrocêntricos e o quarto, dois subgrupos de três cada um, subtelocêntricos e submetacêntricos. O quinto grupo continha os menores metacêntricos e os sexuais, X submetacêntrico e Y acrocêntrico, ao lado do terceiro grupo. No bandeamento C, o cromossomo 7 foi fortemente marcado, o G permitiu pareamento dos homólogos e o NOR marcou sete pares.

Aerobic training, but not creatine supplementation, alters the gluteus medius muscle

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oral supplementation of creatine on the muscular responses to aerobic training. Twelve purebred Arabian horses were submitted to aerobic training for 90 d, with and without creatine supplementation, and evaluated with respect to BW and BCS and to the area and frequency of the different types of muscle fibers in the gluteus medius. Supplementation consisted of the daily administration of 75 g of creatine monohydrate mixed into the ration for the 90 d of training. Physical conditioning was conducted on a high-performance treadmill, and training intensity was stipulated by calculating the velocity at which blood lactate reaches 4 mmol/L, determined monthly for each animal. The individual intensity of physical force at 80% of aerobic threshold was established. Morphometry of glutens medius muscle fibers was performed on frozen sections processed for histochemical analysis of myosin adenosine triphosphatase and immunohistochemistry of slow-contracting myosin. The results demonstrated that the animals maintained a moderate BCS without alteration of BW during the course of training, providing evidence of equilibrium between food intake and caloric expenditure during the study period. The present study demonstrated that aerobic training for 90 d caused hypertrophy of fiber types I (P = 0.04), IIA (P = 0.04), and IIX (P = 0.01), as well as an increase in the relative area occupied by type I fibers (P = 0.02) at the expense of type IIX fibers (P = 0.03), resulting in modifications of the contractile and metabolic characteristics of the gluteus medius muscle. It was not possible to show any beneficial effect from creatine on the skeletal muscle characteristics examined.

Ovarian follicle diameter at timed insemination and estrous response influence likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy after estrous synchronization with progesterone or progestin-based protocols in suckled Bos indicus cows

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate factors associated with estrous synchronization responses and pregnancy per insemination (P/AI) in Bos indicus beef cows submitted to progesterone-based fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols. A total of 2388 cows (1869 Nellore and 519 crossbred Nellore x Angus) from 10 commercial farms were evaluated to determine the relationships among breed, body condition score (BCS) on the first day of the FTAI protocol, the occurrence of estrus between progesterone device removal and FTAI and diameter of largest ovarian follicle (LF) at FTAI on estrous synchronization responses and P/AI. Cows (n=412 primiparous; 1976 multiparous) received an intravaginal device containing progesterone or an ear implant containing norgestomet (a progestin), and an injection of estradiol at the beginning of the estrous synchronization protocol. Body condition was scored using a 1-5 scale on the first day of the FTAI protocol and at 30-60 days postpartum. Females received 300IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and PGF(2 alpha) on the day the progesterone device/implant was removed and were inseminated 48-60h later. At insemination, cows (n=2388) were submitted to an ultrasonographic exam to determine the diameter of the LF. Follicles were classified into four categories based on mean and standard deviation (SD) of the LF (LF1 = two SD below the mean; LF2 = mean minus one SD; LF3 = mean plus one SD; LF4 = two SD above the mean). Ovulation rate was determined in a subset of cows (n=813) by three consecutive ultrasonographic exams: (1) at time of progesterone device/implant removal, (2) at time of FTAI and (3) 48 h after FTAI. Ovulation was defined as the disappearance of a large follicle (>= 8.0 mm) that was previously recorded. Estrus was determined in a subset of the cows (n = 445) by the activation of a detection of estrous patch placed on the tail head on the day of progesterone device/implant removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30 days after FTAI. Pregnancy was influenced (P = 0.001) by follicle diameter [LF1 = 27.5% (81/295), LF2 = 46.6% (328/705), LF3 = 57.9% (647/1118), LF4 = 63.3% (171/270)] and the occurrence of estrus [estrus = 67.7% (174/257) and no estrus = 36.2% (68/188)]. Follicle diameter at FTAI influenced ovulation rate [LF1 = 42.5% (34/80), LF2 = 73.9% (161/218), LF3 = 95.8% (407/425), LF4 = 97.8% (88/90)], the occurrence of estrus [LF1 = 54.8% (51/93), LF2 = 33.6% (43/128), LF3 = 68.9% (126/183), LF4 = 90.2% (37/41)] and P/AI among cows that had ovulations [LF1 =32.4% (11/34), LF2 = 50.3% (81/161), LF3 = 60.0% (244/407), LF4 = 68.2% (60/88)]. Improving estrous responses between progesterone device withdrawal and FTAI and increasing the diameter of the LF at FTAI may be important aspects to achieve improved estrous synchronization responses and P/AI following progesterone/progestin and estradiol based FTAI protocols in suckled Bos indicus cows. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeitos de baixas doses de cloprostenol via intramuscular ou submucosavulvar na indução do estro e taxas de prenhez em vacas Nelore

The present study aims to compare the effects of lower doses of cloprostenol intramuscular (IM) or into vulvar submucosa (IVS) on estrus induction and pregnancy rate in Nelore cows. A total of 100 cycling Nelore cows with body condition score (BCS 3.5) 1 to 5 scale (Radostitis; Blood, 1986) and 170 +/- 11 days postpartum. Females were randomly divided in 5 groups (N=20) G1 to G5 and treated with cloprostenol (Ciosin (R)) on day 0 (D0) and on day 11 (D11) if not detected in estrus. Cows were injected with 500 mu g IM (G1), 250 mu g IM (G2), 125 mu g IM (G3), 250 mu g IVS (G4) and 125 mu g IVS (G5). Estrus was observed twice a day and the females artificially inseminated 12 hours after heat detection. There was no statistical difference (P>0.80) between groups in the estrus induction (first injection to estrus interval): 16/20-96.00 hours (G1), 13/20-90.42 hours (G2), 10/20-84.45 hours (G3), 15/20-87.86 hours (G4), 12/20-81.25 hours (G5) and second injection (P>0.10): 4/20-67.50 hours (G1), 7/20-85.50 hours (G2), 10/20-57.00 hours (G3), 5/20-70.60 hours (G4), 8/20-60.00 hours (G5). There was no statistical difference (0.65(ns)) between groups in the pregnancy rates: 40% (G1), 45% (G2), 50% (G3), 40% (G4), 40% (G5). The results demonstrate that the treatments with lower doses of cloprostenol intramuscular or into vulvar submucosa may be used to induce heat with similar pregnancy rates in cycling Nelore cows with good body condition.

Observed supersymmetry in baryon and meson spectra with IBFM, the interacting Boson-fermion model

Supersymmetry is already observed in (i) nuclear physics where the same empirical formula based on a graded Lie group described even-even and odd-even nuclear spectra and (ii) in Nambu-BCS theory where there is a simple relationship between the energy gap of the basic fermion and the bosonic collective modes. We now suggest similar relationships between the large number of mesonic and baryonic excitations based on the SU(3) substructure in the U(15/30) graded Lie group.

Absence of Cooper-type bound states in three- and few-electron systems

It is shown that the appearance of a fixed-point singularity in the kernel of the two-electron Cooper problem is responsible for the formation of the Cooper pair for an arbitrarily weak attractive interaction between two electrons. This singularity is absent in the problem of three and few superconducting electrons at zero temperature on the full Fermi sea. Consequently, such three- and few-electron systems on the full Fermi sea do not form Cooper-type bound states for an arbitrarily weak attractive pair interaction.

Discrete generator coordinate: Symmetry restoration in finite-dimensional spaces

Group theoretical-based techniques and fundamental results from number theory are used in order to allow for the construction of exact projectors in finite-dimensional spaces. These operators are shown to make use only of discrete variables, which play the role of discrete generator coordinates, and their application in the number symmetry restoration is carried out in a nuclear BCS wave function which explicitly violates that symmetry. © 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Nutritional support and outcome in hospitalized dogs and cats

This study investigated the effect of assisted nutritional support on the outcome and time of hospitalization (TH) of dogs and cats. The study compared two groups of 400 hospitalized animals. The animals in group 1 did not receive assisted nutritional support because they were hospitalized before the clinical nutrition service was implemented; animals in group 2 were nutritionally managed. Animals in group 1 received a low-cost diet with no consumption control. Group 2 animals had their maintenance energy requirement (MER) calculated, received a high-protein and high-energy super-premium diet, had their caloric intake (CI) monitored, and received enteral and parenteral nutritional support when necessary. The statistical analysis of the results included the standard T test (group 1 versus group 2) and chisquare and Spearman's correlation to evaluate group 2 (CI and outcome, body condition score (BCS) and outcome, BCS and CI). For group 2, favorable outcome (FO), defined as the percent responding to therapy and dis-charged from the hospital, was 83%, and the TH was 8.59 days. These values were lower (P < .001) for group 1 (63.2% FO and TH of 5.7 days). For group 2, 65.5% of the animals received voluntary consumption (93.1% outcome), 14.5% received enterai support (67.9% FO), 6.5% received parenteral support (68% FO), and 6.17% did not eat (38.5% FO), demonstrating an association between the type of nutritional support and outcome (P < .01). Group 2 animals that received 0% to 33% of their MER had 62.9% FO, and those receiving more than 67% had 94.3% FO, which shows that lower mortality rates are associated with higher CI (P < .001). TH was higher for animals with higher CI (P < .001). The BCS did not correlate with Cl (P > .05) but did correlate with outcome (P < .01). FO was 68.7% for animals with low BCS, 85.7% for animals with ideal BCS, and 86.6% for overweight animals. Nutritional support could allow for longer therapies, thus increasing the TH and FO rate.

Variabilidade temporal e meridional de estimativas de Satélite da concentração de clorofila superficial na plataforma continental brasileira

Forecast of biological consequences of climate changes depend on both long-term observations and the establishment of carbon budgets within pelagic ecosystems, including the assessment of biomasses and activities of all players in the global carbon cycle. Approximately 25% of oceanic primary happen over continental shelves, so these are important sites for studies of global carbon dynamics. The Brazilian Continental Shelf (BCS) has sparse and non-systematic in situ information on phytoplankton biomass, making products derived from ocean color remote sensing extremely valuable. This work analyzes chlorophyll concentration (Chl) estimated from four ocean color sensors (CZCS, OCTS, SeaWiFS and MODIS) over the BCS, to compare Chl and annual cycles meridionally. Also, useful complementary ocean color variables are presented. Chl gradients increased from the central region towards north and south, limited by estuarine plumes of Amazon and La Plata rivers, and clear annual Chl cycles appear in most areas. In southern and central areas, annual cycles show strong seasonal variability while interannual and long-term variability are equally important in the remaining areas. This is the first comparative evaluation of the Chl over the BCS and will aid the understanding of its long-term variability; essential initial step for discussions of climate changes.

Short communication: Acute but transient increase in serum insulin reduces messenger RNA expression of hepatic enzymes associated with progesterone catabolism in dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of glucose infusion on serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, and progesterone (P4), as well as mRNA expression of hepatic CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in nonlactating, ovariectomized cows in adequate nutritional status. Eight Gir × Holstein cows were maintained on a low-quality Brachiaria brizantha pasture with reduced forage availability, but they individually received, on average, 3. kg/cow daily (as fed) of a corn-based concentrate from d -28 to 0 of the experiment. All cows had an intravaginal P4-releasing device inserted on d -14, which remained in cows until the end of the experiment (d 1). On d 0, cows were randomly assigned to receive, in a crossover design containing 2 periods of 24. h each (d 0 and 1), (1) an intravenous glucose infusion (GLUC; 0.5. g of glucose/kg of BW, over a 3-h period) or (2) an intravenous saline infusion (SAL; 0.9%, over a 3-h period). Cows were fasted for 12. h before infusions, and they remained fasted during infusion and sample collections. Blood samples were collected at 0, 3, and 6. h relative to the beginning of infusions. Liver biopsies were performed concurrently with blood collections at 0 and 3. h. After the last blood collection of period 1, cows received concentrate and returned to pasture. Cows gained BW (16.5 ± 3.6. kg) and BCS (0.08 ± 0.06) from d -28 to 0. Cows receiving GLUC had greater serum glucose and insulin concentrations at 3. h compared with SAL cohorts. No treatment effects were detected for serum P4 concentrations, although mRNA expression of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 after the infusion period was reduced for cows in the GLUC treatment compared with their cohorts in the SAL treatment. In conclusion, hepatic CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 mRNA expression can be promptly modulated by glucose infusion followed by acute increases in circulating insulin, which provides novel insight into the physiological mechanisms associating nutrition and reproductive function in dairy cows. © 2013 American Dairy Science Association.