Lipid bilayer pre-transition as the beginning of the melting process

We investigate the bilayer pre-transition exhibited by some lipids at temperatures below their main phase transition, and which is generally associated to the formation of periodic ripples in the membrane. Experimentally we focus on the anionic lipid dipalmytoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) at different ionic strengths, and on the neutral lipid dipalmytoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). From the analysis of differential scanning calorimetry traces of the two lipids we find that both pre- and main transitions are part of the same melting process. Electron spin resonance of spin labels and excitation generalized polarization of Laurdan reveal the coexistence of gel and fluid domains at temperatures between the pre- and main transitions of both lipids, reinforcing the first finding. Also, the melting process of DPPG at low ionic strength is found to be less cooperative than that of DPPC. From the theoretical side, we introduce a statistical model in which a next-nearest-neighbor competing interaction is added to the usual two-state model. For the first time, modulated phases (ordered and disordered lipids periodically aligned) emerge between the gel and fluid phases as a natural consequence of the competition between lipid-lipid interactions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Regression analysis of mean quality-adjusted survival time based on pseudo-observations

Regression models for the mean quality-adjusted survival time are specified from hazard functions of transitions between two states and the mean quality-adjusted survival time may be a complex function of covariates. We discuss a regression model for the mean quality-adjusted survival (QAS) time based on pseudo-observations, which has the advantage of directly modeling the effect of covariates in the QAS time. Both Monte Carlo Simulations and a real data set are studied. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Towards a measure of income inequality freed from the volatility caused by variations in the rate of unemployment

By mixing together inequalities based on cyclical variables, such as unemployment, and on structural variables, such as education, usual measurements of income inequality add objects of a di§erent economic nature. Since jobs are not acquired or lost as fast as education or skills, this aggreagation leads to a loss of relavant economic information. Here I propose a di§erent procedure for the calculation of inequality. The procedure uses economic theory to construct an inequality measure of a long-run character, the calculation of which can be performed, though, with just one set of cross-sectional observations. Technically, the procedure is based on the uniqueness of the invariant distribution of wage o§ers in a job-search model. Workers should be pre-grouped by the distribution of wage o§ers they see, and only between-group inequalities should be considered. This construction incorporates the fact that the average wages of all workers in the same group tend to be equalized by the continuous turnover in the job market.

Effect of breed and corpus luteum on pregnancy rate of bovine embryo recipients

The objective of this study was to evaluate pregnancy rates of recipients of different breed groups (Nellore and crossbreed), as well as the effects of size and type of the corpus luteum (CL) on plasmatic concentrations of progesterone and pregnancy rates of embryo recipients. A total of 152 heifers were synchronized with progesterone implants and on the day of embryo transfer, previously obtained by superovulation and frozen in ethylene glycol, the diameter and type of the corpus luteum (cavitary and compact) was measured and blood was collected for progesterone measurement. The pregnancy rate was 44.1%, with a diameter of corpus luteum higher in recipients that became pregnant (2.03±0.41) compared with non-pregnant ones (1.86±0.34 cm). Plasmatic concentrations of progesterone did not differ between pregnant (1.50±1.05) and non-pregnant (1.31±0.91 ng/mL) animals. The type of corpus luteum did not influence the pregnancy rates. Only Angus and crossbred Marchigiana differ among themselves in pregnancy rates (33.3 and 59.2%, respectively). The pregnancy probability was affected only by CL diameter, but not by P4 plasmatic concentration. Selection of the corpus luteum size at the time of embryo transfer is an important factor to increase pregnancy rates in recipients, and compact and cavitary corpora lutea do not influence the pregnancy rates of bovine embryo recipients. Nellore recipients have pregnancy rates that are satisfactory and comparable to crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) recipients.

Electrical properties of polymer/metal interface in polymer light-emitting devices: electron injection barrier suppression

The electrical characterization of a high efficient multilayer polymer light emitting diode using poly[(2-methoxy-5-hexyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] as the emissive layer and an anionic fluorinated surfactant as the electron transport layer was performed. For the sake of comparison, a conventional single layer device was fabricated. The density current vs. voltage measurements revealed that the conventional device has a higher threshold voltage and lower current compared to the surfactant modified device. The effective barrier height for electron injection was suppressed. The influence of the interfaces and bulk contributions to the dc and high frequencies conductivities of the devices was also discussed. (c) 2006 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.

PZT FOR MEASURING ENERGY FLUENCE RATE of X-RAY USED IN SUPERFICIAL CANCER THERAPY

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

Seasonal variability in the fertilization rate of women undergoing assisted reproduction treatments

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether seasonality affects human-assisted reproduction treatment outcomes. For this, 1932 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were assigned to a season group according to the day of oocyte retrieval: winter (n = 435), spring (n = 444), summer (n = 469) or autumn (n = 584). Analysis of variance was used to compare the ICSI outcomes. The fertilization rate was increased during the spring (winter: 67.9%, spring: 73.5%, summer: 68.7% and autumn: 69.0%; p < 0.01). In fact, a nearly 50% increase in the fertilization rate during the spring was observed (odds ratio 1.45, confidence interval 1.20-1.75; p < 0.01). The oestradiol concentration per number of oocytes was significantly higher during the spring (winter: 235.8 pg/mL, spring: 282.1 pg/mL, summer: 226.1 pg/mL and autumn: 228.7 pg/mL; p = 0.030). This study demonstrates a seasonal variability in fertilization after ICSI, where fertilization is higher during the spring than at any other time.

Serum progesterone concentration and conception rate of beef cows supplemented with ground corn after a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol

Avaliaram-se os efeitos de diferentes níveis de ingestão de suplemento com milho moído finamente (MF) em vacas de corte, mantidas em pasto, após inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), sobre a concentração sérica de progesterona (P4) no dia 7, e sobre a concepção no dia 28 pós IATF. Trezentas e sessenta e quatro vacas Brangus, multíparas lactantes, tiveram as atividades folicular e luteal sincronizadas por tratamento com benzoato de estradiol (Estrogin; 2,0mg IM) e inserção de dispositivo intravaginal de P4 (CIDR) no dia -11, seguido por tratamento com PGF2 α (Lutalyse; 25mg IM) no dia - 4, retirada do CIDR e remoção temporária de bezerros no dia -2, e tratamento com GnRH (Fertagyl; 100 µ g IM), IATF e retorno dos bezerros no dia 0. No dia 0, as vacas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas para receber um dos quatro tratamentos: G1 -2kg/dia de MF do dia 0 ao dia 21; G2 -2kg/dia de MF do dia 0 ao dia 7, e 6kg/dia de MF do dia 8 ao dia 21; G3 -6kg/dia de MF do dia 0 ao dia 7, e 2kg/dia de MF do dia 8 ao dia 21; G4 -6kg/dia de MF do dia 0 ao dia 21. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas no dia 7, e o diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado por ultrassonografia no dia 28. As vacas suplementadas com 2kg/dia de MF apresentaram maior concentração sérica de P4 no dia 7 em relação às vacas suplementadas com 6kg/dia (1,58 vs. 1,28ng/mL; P<0,01, EPM=0,08). As vacas do G4 apresentaram maior taxa de concepção em relação às vacas do G1 (58,4 vs. 41,9%, respectivamente; P<0,05). O nível de consumo do suplemento energético após a IATF é negativamente associado às concentrações séricas de P4, porém positivamente associado à taxa de concepção em vacas de corte em pasto.

Etch and rinse versus self-etching adhesives systems: Tridimensional micromechanical analysis of dentin/adhesive interface

The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the hybrid layer produced by two adhesive systems using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). Four FEA models (M) were developed: Mc, a representation of a dentin specimen (41 x 41 x 82 mu m) restored with composite resin, exhibiting the adhesive layer, hybrid layer (HL), resin tags, peritubular dentin, and intertubular dentin to simulate the etch-and-rinse adhesive system; Mr, similar to Mc, with lateral branches of the adhesive; Ma, similar to Mc, however without resin tags and obliterated tubule orifice, to simulate the environment for the self-etching adhesive system; Mat, similar to Ma, with tags. A numerical simulation was performed to obtain the maximum principal stress (sigma(max)). The highest sigma(max) in the HL was observed for the etch-and-rinse adhesive system. The lateral branches increased the sigma(max) in the HL. The resin tags had a little influence on stress distribution with the self-etching system. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Success rate of immediate nonfunctional loaded single-tooth implants: Immediate versus delayed implantation

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of maxillary immediate nonfunctional single-tooth loaded implants used into fresh extraction sites (immediate placement condition) or healed ridge (delayed placement condition).Materials and Methods: Eighty-two dental implants were placed in the maxilla of 64 consecutive patients from Private practice office and from a specialization course in Implantology. Forty-six implants were inserted under immediate placement condition, and 36 were inserted under delayed placement condition. The criteria used to evaluate success rate were those previously described by Albrektsson and Zarb (Int J Prosthodont 1993;6: 95-105), and follow-up period ranged from 18.0 to 39.7 months.Results: Seventy-nine implants fulfilled the success rate criteria (96.3%). Moreover, differences concerning implantation condition were not significant (P = 0.33, Qui-square test): three of the failed implants were from immediate placement group (success rate of 93.5%), and none was from delayed placement group (success rate of 100.0%).Conclusion: In the present sample, no statistically significant differences were detected for immediate nonfunctional single-tooth loaded implants under immediate placement condition in comparison with those inserted under delayed placement condition; both protocols had high success rate in maxillary incisors, canines, and premolars areas.

Comparative assessment of the flow rate of root canal sealers

OBJETIVO: Este estudo avaliou o escoamento do Acroseal, AH Plus, Endomethasone N, Sealapex e ActiV GP de acordo com a especificação ISO 6876/2001. METODOLOGIA: Um volume de 0,05 mL do cimento manipulado de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante foi colocado numa placa de vidro. Aos 180±5 s após o início da espatulação, uma segunda placa de vidro foi colocada sobre o cimento, seguida por um peso de massa de 100 g para fazer um total de 120±2 g. Dez minutos após o começo da manipulação o peso foi removido e o valor do diâmetro do disco de cimento foi mensurado. A média de 3 mensurações para cada cimento foi tomada como o escoamento do material. Os dados foram comparados estatisticamente pelos testes ANOVA e Tukey. RESULTADOS: Os escoamentos obtidos foram: Acroseal 21.,4 mm, AH Plus 22,72 mm, ActiV GP 24,90 mm, Endomethasone N 18,76 mm e Sealapex 25,15 mm. CONCLUSÃO: Apenas o Endomethasone N não se enquadrou na especificação ISO a qual requer que o cimento tenha um diâmetro não inferior a 20 mm. O Sealapex alcançou o melhor escoamento, mas não foi estatisticamente diferente do Activ GP e AH Plus (P>0,05).

Growth rate of the crab Dissodactylus crinitichelis Moreira, 1901 (Crustacea : Decapoda : Pinnotheroidea) under laboratory conditions

The goal of the present study was to investigate the growth rate of the crab Dissodactylus crinitiehelis, its molt increments, and the duration of the intermolt intervals under laboratory conditions, focusing on differences between sexes and between juvenile and adult phases. Crabs were collected at Flamengo Beach, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil, by scuba divers. In the laboratory, individuals were maintained in isolation and fed nauplii of Artemia sp. daily. The sex and carapace width of exuviae and dead crabs were recorded. During the juvenile phase, mean growth was 11.8 +/- 2.7% in males and 11.2 +/- 3.6% in females, with their respective intermolt intervals 25.4 +/- 9.2 and 26.4 +/- 8.3 d (mean +/- SD). After reaching morphological sexual maturity, the intermolt intervals increased to 33.4 10.1 d in males and 32.7 +/- 10.4 d in females, and the growth rates of both sexes slowed to 6.4 +/- 1.9% in males and 5.7 +/- 1.6% in females. There was a significant decrease in molt increment and an increase in intermolt intervals associated with the maturation from juveniles to adults, evidencing differential energy allocation during the last phase of ontogeny.