Studies on structural, morphological and electrical properties of Ce1-xErxO2-delta (x=0.05-0.20) as solid electrolyte for IT - SOFC

A series of four different powders ceria doped Ce1-xErxO2-delta (0.05 <= x <= 0.20) were synthesized by applying self-propagating reaction at room temperature (SPRT method). SPRT procedure is based on the self-propagating room temperature reaction between metal nitrates and sodium hydroxide, wherein the reaction is spontaneous and terminates extremely fast. The method is known to assure very precise stoichiometry of the final product in comparison with a tailored composition. XRPD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM and BET measurements were used to characterize the nanopowders at room temperature. It was shown that all obtained powders were single phase solid solutions with a fluorite-type crystal structure and all powder particles have nanometric size (about 3-4 nm). Densification was performed at 1550 degrees C, in an air atmosphere for 2 h. XRPD, SEM and complex impedance method measurements were carried out on sintered samples. Single phase form was evidenced for each sintered materials. The best value of conductivity at 700 degrees C amounted to 1.10 x 10(-2) Omega(-1) cm(-1) for Ce0.85Er0.O-3(2-delta) sample. Corresponding activation energies of conductivity amounted to 0.28 eV in the temperature range 500-700 degrees C. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Polar(®) RS800G3(™) heart rate monitor with Polar(®) S810i(™) and electrocardiogram to obtain the series of RR intervals and analysis of heart rate variability at rest

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evaluation of the marsh deer stifle joint by imaging studies and gross anatomy

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

Direct retrospective comparison of adalimumab and infliximab in preventing early postoperative endoscopic recurrence after ileocaecal resection for crohn's disease: results from the MULTIPER database

Both adalimumab [ADA] and infliximab [IFX] seem to be effective in the prevention of early postoperative endoscopic recurrence [EPER] after ileocaecal resection in Crohn's disease [CD] patients. There is lack of data with direct comparison between the two agents in the postoperative scenario. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of EPER in patients treated with ADA and IFX after ileocaecal resection for CD. This was a multicentre retrospective analysis of EPER rates in CD patients after ileocaecal resections, from seven referral centres in three countries. Endoscopic recurrence was defined as Rutgeerts' score ≥ i2. The patients were allocated according to treatment to two groups: ADA or IFX. The EPER rates were compared between the two treatment groups. Among the 168 patients included in the database, 96 received anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] agents after resection [37 in the ADA and 59 in the IFX groups] and were included in this comparative study. The groups were comparable in all baseline characteristics, mainly age, gender, previous resections, perianal CD, and mono or combination therapy. EPER was identified in 9/37 [24.32%] in the ADA group vs 16/59 [27.12%] in the IFX group [p = 0.815]. In this retrospective direct comparison between ADA and IFX therapy after ileocaecal resection, there was no significant difference between the two anti-TNF agents in terms of EPER rates. However, prospective randomised studies are needed to confirm these data and better define the role of each agent in the prevention of EPER.

Comparison of Botanical Composition, Soil Carbon Content, and Root Distribution of Subirrigated Meadows in The Nebraska Sandhills

Characterizing vegetation composition, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) content of soils, and root-mass distribution is critical to understanding carbon sequestration potential of subirrigated meadows in the Nebraska Sandhills. Five subirrigated meadows dominated by cool-season (C3) graminoids and five meadows dominated by warm-season (C4) grasses were selected throughout the Nebraska Sandhills. Vegetation, soil carbon and nitrogen, and root-mass density distribution were sampled in each meadow. Meadows dominated by C3 vegetation had 12% greater (P < 0.1) yields than meadows dominated by C4 vegetation. Total root-mass density was 30% greater (P < 0.1) in C4-dominated meadows than C3-dominated meadows. Total carbon and nitrogen content was 65% and 53% greater (P < 0.1), respectively, in the A horizon of C3-dominated meadows, but was 43% and 52% greater (P < 0.1), respectively, in the C horizon of C4-dominated meadows. Although meadows dominated by C3 vegetation had more carbon in the soil profile, much of the carbon in C3-dominated meadows appeared to be recalcitrant C4 carbon from historic vegetation.

A Comparison of Induction Motor Starting Methods Being Powered by a Diesel-Generator Set

Starting induction motors on isolated or weak systems is a highly dynamic process that can cause motor and load damage as well as electrical network fluctuations. Mechanical damage is associated with the high starting current drawn by a ramping induction motor. In order to compensate the load increase, the voltage of the electrical system decreases. Different starting methods can be applied to the electrical system to reduce these and other starting method issues. The purpose of this thesis is to build accurate and usable simulation models that can aid the designer in making the choice of an appropriate motor starting method. The specific case addressed is the situation where a diesel-generator set is used as the electrical supplied source to the induction motor. The most commonly used starting methods equivalent models are simulated and compared to each other. The main contributions of this thesis is that motor dynamic impedance is continuously calculated and fed back to the generator model to simulate the coupling of the electrical system. The comparative analysis given by the simulations has shown reasonably similar characteristics to other comparative studies. The diesel-generator and induction motor simulations have shown good results, and can adequately demonstrate the dynamics for testing and comparing the starting methods. Further work is suggested to refine the equivalent impedance presented in this thesis.

Comparison of the Fuel Needed to Transport Plastic Recyclables Verses Aluminum Recyclables from Yellowstone National Park

Research has provided no definitive answers on whether PET plastic bottles or aluminum cans are a more environmentally sustainable choice as soda containers. This paper researches the fuel used in recycling each of these materials from Yellowstone National Park to processing locations. The data is used to determine which of these alternatives use less fuel in this process. It was found that plastics use more fuel when transported from Yellowstone National Park to the processing center. Aluminum uses less fuel per ton to transport from Yellowstone to the processing center. The conclusions from this research may have implications on which material would be advised to use in selling soda in Yellowstone National Park.

Theoretical and Experimental Studies in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a tool used to probe the physical and chemical environments of specific atoms in molecules. This research explored small molecule analogues to biological materials to determine NMR parameters using ab initio computations, comparing the results with solid-state NMR measurements. Models, such as dimethyl phosphate (DMP) for oligonucleotides or CuCl for the active site of the protein azurin, represented computationally unwieldy macromolecules. 31P chemical shielding tensors were calculated for DMP as a function of torsion angles, as well as for the phosphate salts, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADHP), diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and magnesium dihydrogen phosphate. The computational DMP work indicated a problem with the current standard 31P reference of 85% H3PO4(aq.). Comparison of the calculations and experimental spectra for the phosphate salts indicated ADHP might be a preferable alternative as a solid state NMR reference for 31P. Experimental work included magic angle spinning experiments on powder samples using the UNL chemistry department’s Bruker Avance 600 MHz NMR to collect data to determine chemical shielding anisotropies. For the quadrupolar nuclei of copper and scandium, the electric field gradient was calculated in diatomic univalent metal halides, allowing determination of the minimal level of theory necessary to compute NMR parameters for these nuclei.

A 30-year quantitative comparison of the bird community of a semideciduous forest remnant in the state of Sao Paulo

A 30-year quantitative comparison of the bird community of a semideciduous forest remnant in the state of Sao Paulo. Few studies have evaluated long-term changes in avian abundance in forest remnants. To compare both species richness and abundance of the bird community in a forest fragment located in the municipality of Galia, state of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil, we surveyed forest birds using transect counts. We compared our results with a survey conducted 30 years earlier at the same locality and further classified bird species according to their food habits to eventually predict fluctuations of specific abundance. Although species with population declines predominated in the community, all trophic categories had species which increased their abundances. Most species prone to move around remnants decreased in abundance. We suggest that, regarding specific abundances, trophic categories may be equally affected as a result of fragmentation processes and that the forest regeneration of this remnant may have led to the loss of edge species. Species that suffered from abundance loss during this time period may become locally extinct in the near future.

Comparison of Laser Versus Sclerotherapy in the Treatment of Lower Extremity Telangiectases: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND Lower extremity telangiectasia affects approximately 40% of women. The demand for aesthetic treatment of these veins continues to grow. Few studies have compared laser and sclerotherapy to treat leg telangiectasias. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of conventional sclerotherapy and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of leg telangiectasias. METHODS AND MATERIALS Thirty women were enrolled in the study. One leg was randomly assigned laser treatment and the other sclerotherapy with 75% glucose solution. All patients were photographed before and after treatment. The applying physician and two independent observers rated photographic improvement of the treated areas. Complications and adverse effects were noted during follow-up. Patients answered a questionnaire that addressed pain, clearing of the vessels, and satisfaction with the results. RESULTS There was a significant difference between the modes of treatment regarding pain. Twelve patients using laser and 16 using sclerotherapy considered the clearing of the vessels to be good to excellent after three sessions of both laser and scleratherapy. Mean scores after photographic assessment were 7.9 for laser and 7.0 for sclerotherapy. CONCLUSION Lower extremity telangiectases may be treated equally well using Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser or conventional sclerotherapy.

Quantitative proteomic analysis and functional studies reveal that nucleophosmin is involved in cell death in glioblastoma cell line transfected with siRNA

Previously, we reported that nucleophosmin (NPM) was increased in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). NPM is a phosphoprotein related to apoptosis, ribosome biogenesis, mitosis, and DNA repair, but details about its function remain unclear. We treated U87MG and A172 cells with small interference RNA (siRNA) and obtained a reduction of 80% in NPM1 expression. Knockdown at the protein level was evident after the 4th day and was maintained until the 7th day of transfection that was investigated by quantitative proteomic analysis using isobaric tags. The comparison of proteomic analysis of NPM1-siRNA against controls allowed the identification of 14 proteins, two proteins showed increase and 12 presented a reduction of expression levels. Gene ontology assigned most of the hypoexpressed proteins to apoptosis regulation, including GRP78. NPM1 silencing did not impair cell proliferation until the 7th day after transfection, but sensitized U87MG cells to temozolomide (TMZ), culminating with an increase in cell death and provoking at a later period a reduction of colony formation. In a large data set of GBM patients, both GRP78 and NPM1 genes were upregulated and presented a tendency to shorter overall survival time. In conclusion, NPM proved to participate in the apoptotic process, sensitizing TMZ-treated U87MG and A172 cells to cell death, and in association with upregulation of GRP78 may be helpful as a predictive factor of poor prognosis in GBM patients.

Three in one: fixing marine nematodes for ecological, molecular, and morphological studies

Multidisciplinary benthic studies are still hindered by the lack of a unique fixative that satisfactorily preserves morphology and DNA, and that is simultaneously adequate for ecological surveys. The objective of this study is to test the performance of five fixatives: formalin, ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide with EDTA and NaCl salts (DESS), methanol with acetic acid (METHAC), and ethanol with acetic acid (ETHAC), for the preservation of estuarine and exclusively marine nematode assemblages for morphological, molecular, and ecological studies. The presence of the stain rose bengal in each fixative was also evaluated in the yield of PCR reactions. For molecular analyses, one species of each habitat was considered. Results revealed that fixative performance for morphological studies is habitat-and species-dependent. For studies of estuarine sediment nematodes, we recommend the use of pure ethanol, because it caused little morphological distortion (<10% of the assemblage), preserved all the species for ecological studies, and yielded high quality DNA sequences. For studies of exclusively marine environments, METHAC or DESS are the most adequate. The first performed better for morphological and ecological surveys, whereas the second was more appropriate for molecular research. For ecological studies, DESS should be used in comparison with formalin, in order to cross check the results. Finally, staining of samples with rose bengal is not recommended, because it hindered DNA amplification regardless of the fixative used.

Comparison of lung preservation solutions in human lungs using an ex vivo lung perfusion experimental model

OBJECTIVE: Experimental studies on lung preservation have always been performed using animal models. We present ex vivo lung perfusion as a new model for the study of lung preservation. Using human lungs instead of animal models may bring the results of experimental studies closer to what could be expected in clinical practice. METHOD: Brain-dead donors whose lungs had been declined by transplantation teams were used. The cases were randomized into two groups. In Group 1, Perfadex (R) was used for pulmonary preservation, and in Group 2, LPDnac, a solution manufactured in Brazil, was used. An ex vivo lung perfusion system was used, and the lungs were ventilated and perfused after 10 hours of cold ischemia. The extent of ischemic-reperfusion injury was measured using functional and histological parameters. RESULTS: After reperfusion, the mean oxygenation capacity was 405.3 mmHg in Group 1 and 406.0 mmHg in Group 2 (p=0.98). The mean pulmonary vascular resistance values were 697.6 and 378.3 dyn.s.cm(-5), respectively (p=0.035). The mean pulmonary compliance was 46.8 cm H2O in Group 1 and 49.3 ml/cm H2O in Group 2 (p=0.816). The mean wet/dry weight ratios were 2.06 and 2.02, respectively (p=0.87). The mean Lung Injury Scores for the biopsy performed after reperfusion were 4.37 and 4.37 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=1.0), and the apoptotic cell counts were 118.75/mm(2) and 137.50/mm(2), respectively (p=0.71). CONCLUSION: The locally produced preservation solution proved to be as good as Perfadex (R). The clinical use of LPDnac may reduce costs in our centers. Therefore, it is important to develop new models to study lung preservation.

Microelectrode array in mixed alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers: Electrochemical studies

We report an efficient alternative to obtain recessed microelectrodes device on gold electrode surface, in which mixed self-assembled monolayer of long and short carbon alkanethiol chains was used for this purpose. Development of the modified electrodes included the chemical adsorption of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and 2-mercaptoethanol solution, as well as their mixtures, on gold surface, resulting in the final mixed self-assembled monolayer configuration. For comparison, the electrochemical performance of self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid. 3-mercaptopropionic acid, 4-mercapto-1-butanol and 6-mercapto-1-hexanol modified electrodes was also investigated. It was verified that, in the mixed self-assembled monolayer, the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid acts as a barrier for electron transfer while the short alkanethiol chair is deposited in an island-like shape through which electrons can be freely transferred to ions in solution, allowing electrochemical reactions to occur. The performance of the modified electrodes toward microelectrode behavior was investigated via cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements using [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) redox couple as a probe. In this case, sigmoidal voltammetric responses were obtained, very similar to those observed for microelectrodes. Such behavior reinforces the proposition of electron transfer through the short alkanethiol chain layer and surface blockage by the long chain one. Electrochemical impedance results allowed calculated the mean radius value of each microelectrode disks of 3.8 mu m with about 22 mu m interval between them. The microelectrode environment provided by the mixed self-assembled monolayer can be conveniently used to provide an efficient catalytic conversion in biosensing applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of 3 modes of automated weaning from mechanical ventilation: A bench study

Purpose: Automated weaning modes are available in some mechanical ventilators, but no studies compared them hitherto. We compared the performance of 3 automated modes under standard and challenging situations. Methods: We used a lung simulator to compare 3 automated modes, adaptive support ventilation (ASV), mandatory rate ventilation (MRV), and Smartcare, in 6 situations, weaning success, weaning failure, weaning success with extreme anxiety, weaning success with Cheyne-Stokes, weaning success with irregular breathing, and weaning failure with ineffective efforts. Results: The 3 modes correctly recognized the situations of weaning success and failure, even when anxiety or irregular breathing were present but incorrectly recognized weaning success with Cheyne-Stokes. MRV incorrectly recognized weaning failure with ineffective efforts. Time to pressure support (PS) stabilization was shorter for ASV (1-2 minutes for all situations) and MRV (1-7 minutes) than for Smartcare (8-78 minutes). ASV had higher rates of PS oscillations per 5 minutes (4-15), compared with Smartcare (0-1) and MRV (0-12), except when extreme anxiety was present. Conclusions: Smartcare, ASV, and MRV were equally able to recognize weaning success and failure, despite the presence of anxiety or irregular breathing but performed incorrectly in the presence of Cheyne-Stokes. PS behavior over the time differs among modes, with ASV showing larger and more frequent PS oscillations over the time. Clinical studies are needed to confirm our results. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.