Smooth landscape solvent dynamics in electron transfer reactions

Solvent effects play a major role in controlling electron-transfer reactions. The solvent dynamics happens on a very high-dimensional surface, and this complex landscape is populated by a large number of minima. A critical problem is to understand the conditions under which the solvent dynamics can be represented by a single collective reaction coordinate. When this unidimensional representation is valid, one recovers the successful Marcus theory. In this study the approach used in a previous work [V. B. P. Leite and J. N. Onuchic; J. Phys. Chem. 100, 7680 (1996)] is extended to treat a more realistic solvent model, which includes energy correlation. The dynamics takes place in a smooth and well behaved landscape. The single shell of solvent molecules around a cavity is described by a two-dimensional system with periodic boundary conditions with nearest neighbor interaction. It is shown how the polarization-dependent effects can be inferred. The existence of phase transitions depends on a factor y proportional to the contribution from the two parameters of the model. For the present model, γ suggests the existence of weak kinetic phase transitions, which are used in the analysis of solvent effects in charge-transfer reactions. © 1999 American Institute of Physics.

The effects of wet suits on physiological and biomechanical indices during swimming

The objectives of this study were to verify the effects of wet suits (WS) on the performance during 1500m swimming (V1500), on the velocity corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (VAT) and on the drag force (AD) as well as its coefficient (Cx). 19 swimmers randomly completed the following protocols on different days (with and without WS): 1) maximal performance of 1500m swimming; 2) VAT in field test, with fixed concentration of blood lactate (4 mM) and 3) determination of hydrodynamic indices (AD and Cx). The results demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the VAT (1.27±0.09; 1.21±0.06 m.s-1), and in the V1500 (1.21±0.08; 1.17±0.08 m.s-1), with and without WS, respectively. However the AD, and its Cx did not present significant differences (p>0.05) for the respective maximal speeds of swimming. In summary, we can conclude that WS allows swimmers to reach greater speeds in both, long- and short-course swims. This improvement can be related to the decrease of the AD, since with higher speeds (with WS) the subjects presented the same resistance, as they did when compared to speeds without a WS. Moreover, these data suggest that the methodology used in this study to determine the Cx is unable to detect the improvement caused by WS.

Transient stability indices from a hybrid approach

This paper deals with hybrid method for transient stability analysis combining time domain simulation and a direct method. Nowadays, the step-by-step simulation is the best available tool for allowing the uses of detailed models and for providing reliable results. The main limitation of this approach involves the large time of computational simulations and the absence of stability margin. On the other hand, direct methods, that demand less CPU time, did not show ample reliability and applicability yet. The best way seems to be using hybrid solutions, in which a direct method is incorporated in a time domain simulation tool. This work has studied a direct method using the transient potential and kinetic energy of the critical machine only. In this paper the critical machine is identified by a fast and efficient method, and the proposal is new for using to get stability margins from hybrid approaches. Results from systems, like 16-machine, show stability indices to dynamic security assessment. © 2001 IEEE.

Optimized allocation of sectionalizing switches and control and protection devices for reliability indices improvement in distribution systems

Reliability of power supply is related, among other factors, to the control and protection devices allocation in feeders of distribution systems. In this way, optimized allocation of sectionalizing switches and protection devices in strategic points of distribution circuits, improves the quality of power supply and the system reliability indices. In this work, it is presented a mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) model, with real and binary variables, for the sectionalizing switches and protection devices allocation problem, in strategic sectors, aimed at improving reliability indices, increasing the utilities billing and fulfilling exigencies of regulatory agencies for the power supply. Optimized allocation of protection devices and switches for restoration, allows that those faulted sectors of the system can be isolated and repaired, re-managing loads of the analyzed feeder into the set of neighbor feeders. Proposed solution technique is a Genetic Algorithm (GA) developed exploiting the physical characteristics of the problem. Results obtained through simulations for a real-life circuit, are presented. © 2004 IEEE.

A new method for real time computation of power quality indices based on instantaneous space phasors

One of the important issues about using renewable energy is the integration of dispersed generation in the distribution networks. Previous experience has shown that the integration of dispersed generation can improve voltage profile in the network, decrease loss etc. but can create safety and technical problems as well, This work report the application of the instantaneous space phasors and the instantaneous complex power in observing performances of the distribution networks with dispersed generators in steady state. New IEEE apparent power definition, the so called Buccholz-Goodhue apparent power, as well as new proposed power quality (oscillation) index in the three-phase distribution systems with unbalanced loads and dispersed generators, are applied. Results obtained from several case studies using IEEE 34 nodes test network are presented and discussed.

Antimony glasses with large nonlinear refractive indices, small two-photon absorption coefficients and ultrafast response at telecom wavelengths

Nonlinear (NL) optical properties of antimony oxide based glasses (AG) were characterized for excitation wavelengths from 800 to 1600 m. The NL refractive indices, n2, and the two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficient, β, have been evaluated using the Z-scan technique. Values of n2≈ 10-15 - 10-14 cm2/W of electronic origin were measured and negligible TPA coefficients (β < 0.003 cm/GW) were determined. The response time of the nonlinearity is faster than 100 fs as determined using the Kerr shutter technique. The figure-of-merit usually considered for all-optical switching, T = 2βλ/n2 , indicates that AG are very good materials for ultrafast switches at telecom wavelengths. © 2007 IEEE.

Analysis of direct and indirect selection and indices in soybean segregating populations

Estimates of gain with selection are very useful in breeding programs to predict the success of selection. Index-based simultaneous selection makes breeding more successful. The objective of this report was to estimate and compare the genetic gain obtained by direct and indirect selection and using the classical and based on desired gain indices. The experiment was set up in the design of families with intercalated checks with 293 F3 soybean genotypes, distributed in 32 families derived from five crosses. Individual gains obtained with direct selection among and within families and mass selection were similar and in most cases higher than selection by indices. On the other hand, the highest total gains were obtained with selection indices and distributed across all traits. The classical index obtained the highest genetic gains.

The new global financial landscape under stress

Includes bibliography

Landscape reshaping of the asylum of san francisco de paula, located in jaboticabal, Sao Paulo State, Brazil

It is a commonly known fact that there are elderly who have no family or who do not receive any kind of help from their relatives, as the family does not normally have good financial conditions to help them. These elderly live in private or public shelters and generally, they do not have enough money to cover all the necessary costs, and are forced to survive from donations. Those shelters are based, primarily, on nutrition and health. Leisure and wellbeing are usually treated with little attention, but it could be obtained in a simple and effective way: green areas, which normally exist at the site, are often misused, so they can become rest areas through simple landscape projects. It is important to mention that a garden is not just a beautiful place, but it becomes important for the daily life of older people. The objective of this work was to study the need for contemplative leisure and labor in order to improve the life quality of the elderly that live at the San Francisco de Paula Asylum, in Jaboticabal City, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. In this study, a topographic and a photographic survey was conducted and an analysis of the local ground was done. The preferences of the employees and the visitors of the building were also recorded, as well as the critical points of the area. After this primary analysis, the landscape planning was done, with the help of the AutoCAD 2004 software, prioritizing the use of plants that are not dangerous and that are easy maintained. An orchid nursery was also created in order to provide weekly workshops of orchid cultivation.

Republica Dominicana: estimacion de los principales indices demograficos (1950). Proyeccion de la poblacion total por sexo y grupos quinquenales de edad, 1950-1980

Incluye Bibliografía

Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of linear and nonlinear indices of heart rate variability in stable angina patients

Background: Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is related to higher morbidity and mortality. In this study we evaluated the linear and nonlinear indices of the HRV in stable angina patients submitted to coronary angiography. Methods. We studied 77 unselected patients for elective coronary angiography, which were divided into two groups: coronary artery disease (CAD) and non-CAD groups. For analysis of HRV indices, HRV was recorded beat by beat with the volunteers in the supine position for 40 minutes. We analyzed the linear indices in the time (SDNN [standard deviation of normal to normal], NN50 [total number of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration greater than 50ms] and RMSSD [root-mean square of differences]) and frequency domains ultra-low frequency (ULF) ≤ 0,003 Hz, very low frequency (VLF) 0,003 - 0,04 Hz, low frequency (LF) (0.04-0.15 Hz), and high frequency (HF) (0.15-0.40 Hz) as well as the ratio between LF and HF components (LF/HF). In relation to the nonlinear indices we evaluated SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, approximate entropy (-ApEn), α1, α2, Lyapunov Exponent, Hurst Exponent, autocorrelation and dimension correlation. The definition of the cutoff point of the variables for predictive tests was obtained by the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC). The area under the ROC curve was calculated by the extended trapezoidal rule, assuming as relevant areas under the curve ≥ 0.650. Results: Coronary arterial disease patients presented reduced values of SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, HF, SD1, SD2 and -ApEn. HF ≤ 66 ms§ssup§2§esup§, RMSSD ≤ 23.9 ms, ApEn ≤-0.296 and NN50 ≤ 16 presented the best discriminatory power for the presence of significant coronary obstruction. Conclusion: We suggest the use of Heart Rate Variability Analysis in linear and nonlinear domains, for prognostic purposes in patients with stable angina pectoris, in view of their overall impairment. © 2012 Pivatelli et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Indices of body fat distribution for assessment of lipodysthrophy in people living with HIV/AIDS

Background: Metabolic and morphological changes associated with excessive abdominal fat, after the introduction of Antiretroviral Therapy, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA). Accurate methods for body composition analysis are expensive and the use of anthropometric indices is an alternative. However the investigations about this subject in PLWHA are rare, making this research very important for clinical purpose and to advance scientific knowledge. The aim of this study is to correlate results of anthropometric indices of evaluation of body fat distribution with the results obtained by Dual-energy X-Ray Absorptiometry(DEXA) , in people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods. The sample was of 67 PLWHA(39 male and 28 female), aged 43.6+7.9 years. Body mass index, conicity index, waist/hip ratio, waist/height ratio and waist/thigh were calculated. Separated by sex, each index/ratio was plotted in a scatter chart with linear regression fit and their respective Pearson correlation coefficients. Analyses were performed using Prism statistical program and significance was set at 5%. Results: The waist/height ratio presented the highest correlation coefficient, for both male (r=0.80, p<0.001) and female (r=0.87, p <001), while the lowest were in the waist/thigh also for both: male group (r=0.58, p<0.001) and female group (r=0.03, p=0.86). The other indices also showed significant positive correlation with DEXA. Conclusion: Anthropometric indices, especially waist/height ratio may be a good alternative way to be used for evaluating the distribution of fat in the abdominal region of adults living with HIV/ADIS. © 2012 Segatto et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Evaluation of mature cow weight: Genetic correlations with traits used in selection indices, correlated responses, and genetic trends in Nelore cattle

Genetic correlations of selection indices and the traits considered in these indices with mature weight (MW) of Nelore females and correlated responses were estimated to determine whether current selection practices will result in an undesired correlated response in MW. Genetic trends for weaning and yearling indices and MW were also estimated. Data from 612,244 Nelore animals born between 1984 and 2010, belonging to different beef cattle evaluation programs from Brazil and Paraguay, were used. The following traits were studied: weaning conformation (WC), weaning precocity (WP), weaning muscling (WM), yearling conformation (YC), yearling precocity (YP), yearling muscling (YM), weaning and yearling indices, BW gain from birth to weaning (BWG), postweaning BW gain (PWG), scrotal circumference (SC), and MW. The variance and covariance components were estimated by Bayesian inference in a multitrait analysis, including all traits in the same analysis, using a nonlinear (threshold) animal model for visual scores and a linear animal model for the other traits. The mean direct heritabilities were 0.21 ± 0.007 (WC), 0.22 ± 0.007 (WP), 0.20 ± 0.007 (WM), 0.43 ± 0.005 (YC), 0.40 ± 0.005 (YP), 0.40 ± 0.005 (YM), 0.17 ± 0.003 (BWG), 0.21 ± 0.004 (PWG), 0.32 ± 0.001 (SC), and 0.44 ± 0.018 (MW). The genetic correlations between MW and weaning and yearling indices were positive and of medium magnitude (0.30 ± 0.01 and 0.31 ± 0.01, respectively). The genetic changes in weaning index, yearling index, and MW, expressed as units of genetic SD per year, were 0.26, 0.27, and 0.01, respectively. The genetic trend for MW was nonsignificant, suggesting no negative correlated response. The selection practice based on the use of sires with high final index giving preference for those better ranked for yearling precocity and muscling than for conformation generates only a minimal correlated response in MW. © 2013 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.

Analysis of genetic correlations of hip height with selection indices and mature weight in Nelore cattle

Body size is directly related to the productive and reproductive performance of beef cattle raised under free-range conditions. In an attempt to better plan selection criteria, avoiding extremes in body size, this study estimated the heritabilities and genetic correlations of yearling hip height (YH) and mature hip height (MH) with selection indices obtained at weaning (WI) and yearling (YI) and mature weight (MW). Data from 102,373 Nelore animals born between 1984 and 2010, which belong to 263 farms that participate in genetic evaluation programmes of beef cattle conducted in Brazil and Paraguay, were used. The (co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by Bayesian inference in multi-trait analysis using an animal model. The mean heritabilities for YH, MH and MW were 0. 56 ± 0. 06, 0. 47 ± 0. 02 and 0. 42 ± 0. 02, respectively. The genetic correlation of YH with WI (0. 13 ± 0. 01) and YI (0. 11 ± 0. 01) was practically zero, whereas a higher correlation was observed with MW (0. 22 ± 0. 03). Positive genetic correlations of medium magnitude were estimated between MH and WI and YI (0. 23 ± 0. 01 and 0. 43 ± 0. 02, respectively). On the other hand, a high genetic correlation (0. 68 ± 0. 03) was observed between the indicator traits of mature body size (MH and MW). Considering the top 20 % of sire (896 sires) in terms of breeding values for the yearling index, the rank sire correlations between breeding values for MH and MW was 0. 62. In general, the results indicate that selection based on WI and YI should not lead to important changes in YH. However, an undesired correlated response in mature cow height is expected, particularly when selection is performed using YI. Therefore, changes in the body structure of Nelore females can be obtained when MH and MW is used as a selection criterion for cows. © 2012 Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan.