Saliva: reflection of the body

Saliva has become an important resource for evaluating physiological and pathological conditions in humans. The use of saliva has many advantages, including the simple and non-invasive method of collection and its easy, low-cost storage. With the addition of modern techniques and chemical instrumentation equipment, there has been an increase in its use for laboratory investigations, applicable for basic and clinical analyses in the fields of medicine and dentistry. The value of these methods for the diagnosis of oral and systemic diseases has been the subject of study by several researchers with the aim of increasing its use alongside complementary exams. (C) 2009 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reliability of a method for evaluating porosity in denture base resins

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

Evidences of non-additive effects of multiple parasitoids on Diatraea saccharalis Fabr. (Lep., Crambidae) populations in sugarcane fields in Brazil

Biological control is a relatively benign method of pest control. However, considerable debate exists over whether multiple natural enemies often interact to produce additive or non-additive effects on their prey or host populations. Based on the large data set stored in the Sao Joao and Barra sugarcane mills (state of São Paulo, Brazil) regarding the programme of biological control of Diatraea saccharalis using the parasitoids Cotesia flavipes and tachinid flies, in the present study the author investigated whether the parasitoids released into sugarcane fields interfered significantly with the rate of parasitized D. saccharalis hosts. The author also observed whether there was an additive effect of releasing C. flavipes and tachinids on the rate of parasitized hosts, and looked for evidence of possible negative effects of the use of multiple parasitoid species in this biological control programme. Results showed that C. flavipes and the tachinids were concomitantly released in the Barra Mill, but not in the Sao Jao Mill. Furthermore, in the Barra Mill there was evidence that the parasitoids interacted because the percentage of parasitism did not increase after the release of either C. flavipes or tachinids. In the Sao Joao Mill, when both parasitoid species were released out of synchrony, both the percentage of parasitism by C. flavipes as well as that of the tachinids increased. When large numbers of tachinids were released in the Barra Mill, they caused a significant lower percentage of parasitism imposed by C. flavipes. The implications of the results as evidence of non-additive effects of C. flavipes plus tachinids on D. saccharalis populations are discussed.

A simple method for estimating global DNA methylation using bisulfite PCR of repetitive DNA elements

We report a method for studying global DNA methylation based on using bisulfite treatment of DNA and simultaneous PCR of multiple DNA repetitive elements, such as Alu elements and long interspersed nucleotide elements (LINE). The PCR product, which represents a pool of approximately 15000 genomic loci, could be used for direct sequencing, selective restriction digestion or pyrosequencing, in order to quantitate DNA methylation. By restriction digestion or pyrosequencing, the assay was reproducible with a standard deviation of only 2% between assays. Using this method we found that almost two-thirds of the CpG methylation sites in Alu elements are mutated, but of the remaining methylation target sites, 87% were methylated. Due to the heavy methylation of repetitive elements, this assay was especially useful in detecting decreases in DNA methylation, and this assay was validated by examining cell lines treated with the methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine (DAC), where we found a 1-16% decrease in Alu element and 18-60% LINE methylation within 3 days of treatment. This method can be used as a surrogate marker of genome-wide methylation changes. In addition, it is less labor intensive and requires less DNA than previous methods of assessing global DNA methylation.

Renormalizing the NN interaction with multiple subtractions

The aim of this work is to show how to renormalize the nucleon-nucleon interaction at next-to-next-to-leading order using a. systematic subtractive renormalization approach with multiple subtractions. As an example, we calculate the phase shifts for the partial waves with total angular momentum J = 2. The intermediate driving terms at each recursive step as well as the renormalized T-matrix are also shown. We conclude that our method is reliable for singular potentials such as the two-pion exchange and derivative contact interactions.

Characterization of multiple reflections and phase space properties for a periodically corrugated waveguide

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Standartization of broth microdilution method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Indirect drug susceptibility tests of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was done to investigate the accuracy and feasibility of a broth microdilution method (BMM) for determining minimal inhibitory concentrations of conventional drugs against M. tuberculosis. Test drugs included isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R), ethambutol (E), streptomycin (S) and pyrazinamide (Z). Fifty isolates of M. tuberculosis from patients who had never received drug therapy, and H37Rv strain for control, were evaluated in the system. When comparing this method with the gold standard proportional method in Lowenstein-Jensen medium, sensitivity of 100% for all drugs and specifities of 91, 100, 96, 98 and 85% were observed respectively for H, R, E, S and Z. The BMM was read faster (14-20 days) than the proportional method (20-28 days). The microdilution method evaluated allows the testing of multiple drugs in multiple concentrations. It is easy to perform and does not require special equipment or expensive supplies. In contrast to radiometric method it does not use radioactive material.

THE REDUCTIVE PERTURBATION METHOD AND THE KORTEWEG-DE VRIES HIERARCHY

By using the reductive perturbation method of Taniuti with the introduction of an infinite sequence of slow time variables tau(1), tau(3), tau(5), ..., we study the propagation of long surface-waves in a shallow inviscid fluid. The Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation appears as the lowest order amplitude equation in slow variables. In this context, we show that, if the lowest order wave amplitude zeta(0) satisfies the KdV equation in the time tau(3), it must satisfy the (2n+1)th order equation of the KdV hierarchy in the time tau(2n+1), With n = 2, 3, 4,.... AS a consequence of this fact, we show with an explicit example that the secularities of the evolution equations for the higher-order terms (zeta(1), zeta(2),...) of the amplitude can be eliminated when zeta(0) is a solitonic solution to the KdV equation. By reversing this argument, we can say that the requirement of a secular-free perturbation theory implies that the amplitude zeta(0) satisfies the (2n+1)th order equation of the KdV hierarchy in the time tau(2n+1) This essentially means that the equations of the KdV hierarchy do play a role in perturbation theory. Thereafter, by considering a solitary-wave solution, we show, again with an explicit, example that the elimination of secularities through the use of the higher order KdV hierarchy equations corresponds, in the laboratory coordinates, to a renormalization of the solitary-wave velocity. Then, we conclude that this procedure of eliminating secularities is closely related to the renormalization technique developed by Kodama and Taniuti.

A new implementation of population based incremental learning method for optimizations in electromagnetics

To enhance the global search ability of population based incremental learning (PBIL) methods, it is proposed that multiple probability vectors are to be included on available PBIL algorithms. The strategy for updating those probability vectors and the negative learning and mutation operators are thus re-defined correspondingly. Moreover, to strike the best tradeoff between exploration and exploitation searches, an adaptive updating strategy for the learning rate is designed. Numerical examples are reported to demonstrate the pros and cons of the newly implemented algorithm.

Hybrid reflections in InGaP/GaAs(001) by synchrotron radiation multiple diffraction

Hybrid reflections (HRs) involving substrate and layer planes (SL type) [Morelhao et al., Appl. Phys. Len. 73 (15), 2194 (1998)] observed in Chemical Beam Epitaxy (CBE) grown InGaP/GaAs(001) structures were used as a three-dimensional probe to analyze structural properties of epitaxial layers. A set of (002) rocking curves (omega-scan) measured for each 15 degrees in the azimuthal plane was arranged in a pole diagram in phi for two samples with different layer thicknesses (#A -58 nm and #B - 370 nm) and this allowed us to infer the azimuthal epilayer homogeneity in both samples. Also, it was shown the occurrence of (1 (1) over bar3) HR detected even in the thinner layer sample. Mappings of the HR diffraction condition (omega:phi) allowed to observe the crystal truncation rod through the elongation of HR shape along the substrate secondary reflection streak which can indicate in-plane match of layer/substrate lattice parameters. (C) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Boussinesq solitary-wave as a multiple-time solution of the Korteweg-de Vries hierarchy

We study the Boussinesq equation from the point of view of a multiple-time reductive perturbation method. As a consequence of the elimination of the secular producing terms through the use of the Korteweg-de Vries hierarchy, we show that the solitary-wave of the Boussinesq equation is a solitary-wave satisfying simultaneously all equations of the Korteweg-de Vries hierarchy, each one in an appropriate slow time variable. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.

Surface reconstruction using multiple light sources and perspective projection

This paper presents a method to recover 3D geometry of Lambertian surfaces by using multiple images taken from the same view point and with the scene illuminated from different positions. This approach differs from Stereo Photometry in that it considers the light source at a finite distance from the object and the perspective projection in image formation. The proposed model allows local solution and recovery of 3D coordinates, in addition to surface orientation. A procedure to calibrate the light sources is also presented. Results of the application of the algorithm to synthetic images are shown.

The use of shallow seismic reflection technique in near surface exploration of urban sites: An evaluation in the city of SãO Paulo, Brazil

In order to evaluate the use of shallow seismic technique to delineate geological and geotechnical features up to 40 meters depth in noisy urban areas covered with asphalt pavement, five survey lines were conducted in the metropolitan area of São Paulo City. The data were acquired using a 24-bit, 24-channel seismograph, 30 and 100 Hz geophones and a sledgehammer-plate system as seismic source. Seismic reflection data were recorded using a CMP (common mid point) acquisition method. The processing routine consisted of: prestack band-pass filtering (90-250 Hz); automatic gain control (AGC); muting (digital zeroin) of dead/noisy traces, ground roll, air-wave and refracted-wave; CMP sorting; velocity analyses; normal move-out corrections; residual static corrections; f-k filtering; CMP stacking. The near surface is geologically characterized by unconsolidated fill materials and Quaternary sediments with organic material overlying Tertiary sediments with the water table 2 to 5 m below the surface. The basement is composed of granite and gneiss. Reflections were observed from 40 milliseconds to 65 ms two-way traveltime and were related to the silt clay layer and fine sand layer contact of the Tertiary sediments and to the weathered basement. The CMP seismic-reflection technique has been shown to be useful for mapping the sedimentary layers and the bedrock of the São Paulo sedimentary basin for the purposes of shallow investigations related to engineering problems. In spite of the strong cultural noise observed in these urban areas and problems with planting geophones we verified that, with the proper equipment, field parameters and particularly great care in data collection and processing, we can overcome the adverse field conditions and to image reflections from layers as shallow as 20 meters.

A new implementation of Population Based Incremental Learning method for optimization studies in electromagnetics

To enhance the global search ability of Population Based Incremental Learning (PBIL) methods, It Is proposed that multiple probability vectors are to be Included on available PBIL algorithms. As a result, the strategy for updating those probability vectors and the negative learning and mutation operators are redefined as reported. Numerical examples are reported to demonstrate the pros and cons of the newly Implemented algorithm. ©2006 IEEE.

P3L-3 Viscosity measurement of Newtonian liquids using the complex reflection coefficient

This work presents the implementation of the ultrasonic shear reflectance method for viscosity measurement of Newtonian liquids using wave mode conversion from longitudinal to shear waves and vice-versa. The method is based on measuring the complex reflection coefficient (magnitude and phase) at a solid-liquid interface. Viscosity measurements were made in the range from 1 to 3.5MHz at 22.5°C for automotive oil (SAE40) and at 15°C for olive oil. Moreover, measurements of the olive oil were also conducted in the range from 15 to 30°C at 3.5MHz. The experimental results agree with those provided by a rotational viscometer. © 2006 IEEE.