Experimental study of phase equilibria in the PbO-ZnO-"Fe2O3"-(CaO+SiO2) system in air for the lead and zinc blast furnace sinters (CaO/SiO2 weight ratio of 0.933 and PbO/(CaO+SiO2) ratios of 2.0 and 3.2)

Experimental studies on phase equilibria and liquidus in the multicomponent system PbO-ZnO-CaO-SiO2-FeO-Fe2O3 in air have been conducted over the temperature range between 1323 K (1050 degreesC) and 1623 K (1350 degreesC) to characterize the phase relations of the complex slag systems encountered in lead and zinc blast furnace sinters. The liquidus in two pseudoternary sections ZnO-Fe2O3-(PbO + CaO + SiO2) with the CaO/SiO2 weight ratio of 0.933 and PbO/(CaO + SiO2) weight ratios of 2.0 and 3.2 have been constructed.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 involvement in canine tumors

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes implicated in the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix and in vascularization. They are also involved in pathologic processes such as tumor invasion and metastasis in experimental cancer models and in human malignancies. We used gelatin zymography and inummohistochemistry to determine whether MMP-2 and MMP-9 are present in canine tumors and normal tissues and whether MMP production correlates with clinicopathologic parameters of prognostic importance. High levels of pro-MMP-9, pro-MMP-2, and active MMP-2 were detected in most canine tumors. Significantly higher MMP levels were measured in canine tumors than in nontumors, malignancies had higher MMP levels than benign tumors, and sarcomas had higher active MMP-2 than carcinomas. Cartilaginous tumors produced higher MMP levels than did nonsarcomatous malignancies, benign tumors, and normal tissues, and significantly greater MMP-2 than osteosarcomas and fibrosarcomas. Pro-MMP-9 production correlated with the histologic grade of osteosarcomas. The 62-kd form of active MMP-2 was detected only in high-grade, p53-positive, metastatic malignancies. Zymography proved to be a sensitive and quantitative technique for the assessment of MMP presence but has the limitation of requiring fresh tissue; inummohistochemistry is qualitative and comparatively insensitive but could be of value in archival studies. MMP presence was shown in a range of canine tumors, and their link to tumor type and grade was demonstrated for the first time. This study will allow a substantially improved evaluation of veterinary cancer patients and provides baseline information necessary for the design of clinical trials targeting MMPs.

Phylogeny of the Sporobolus indicus complex, based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences

The entire internal transcribed spacer ( ITS) region, including the 5.8S subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA ( rDNA), was sequenced by direct double-stranded sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified fragments. The study included 40 Sporobolus ( Family Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae) seed collections from 14 putative species ( all 11 species from the S. indicus complex and three Australian native species). These sequences, along with those from two out-group species [ Pennisetum alopecuroides ( L.) Spreng. and Heteropogon contortus ( L.) P. Beauv. ex Roemer & Schultes, Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae], were analysed by the parsimony method (PAUP; version 4.0b4a) to infer phylogenetic relationships among these species. The length of the ITS1, 5.8S subunit and ITS2 region were 222, 164 and 218 base pairs ( bp), respectively, in all species of the S. indicus complex, except for the ITS2 region of S. diandrus P. Beauv. individuals, which was 217 bp long. Of the 624 characters included in the analysis, 245 ( 39.3%) of the 330 variable sites contained potential phylogenetic information. Differences in sequences among the members of the S. pyramidalis P. Beauv., S. natalensis (Steud.) Dur & Schinz and S. jacquemontii Kunth. collections were 0%, while differences ranged from 0 to 2% between these and other species of the complex. Similarly, differences in sequences among collections of S. laxus B. K. Simon, S. sessilis B. K. Simon, S. elongatus R. Br. and S. creber De Nardi were 0%, compared with differences of 1-2% between these four species and the rest of the complex. When comparing S. fertilis ( Steud.) Clayton and S. africanus (Poir.) Robyns & Tourney, differences between collections ranged from 0 to 1%. Parsimony analysis grouped all 11 species of the S. indicus complex together, indicating a monophyletic origin. For the entire data set, pair-wise distances among members of the S. indicus complex varied from 0.00 to 1.58%, compared with a range of 20.08-21.44% among species in the complex and the Australian native species studied. A strict consensus phylogenetic tree separated 11 species of the S. indicus complex into five major clades. The phylogeny, based on ITS sequences, was found to be congruent with an earlier study on the taxonomic relationship of the weedy Sporobolus grasses revealed from random amplified polymorphic DNA ( RAPD). However, this cladistic analysis of the complex was not in agreement with that created on past morphological analyses and therefore gives a new insight into the phylogeny of the S. indicus complex.

Cytotoxic iron chelators: Characterization of the structure, solution chemistry and redox activity of ligands and iron complexes of the di-2-pyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) analogues

Di-2-pyridyl ketone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (HPKIH) and a range of its analogues comprise a series of monobasic acids that are capable of binding iron (Fe) as tridentate (N,N,O) ligands. Recently, we have shown that these chelators are highly cytotoxic, but show selective activity against cancer cells. Particularly interesting was the fact that cytotoxicity of the HPKIH analogues is maintained even after complexation with Fe. To understand the potent anti-tumor activity of these compounds, we have fully characterized their chemical properties. This included examination of the solution chemistry and X-ray crystal structures of both the ligands and Fe complexes from this class and the ability of these complexes to mediate redox reactions. Potentiometric titrations demonstrated that all chelators are present predominantly in their charge-neutral form at physiological pH (7.4), allowing access across biological membranes. Keto-enol tautomerism of the ligands was identified, with the tautomers exhibiting distinctly different protonation constants. Interestingly, the chelators form low-spin (diamagnetic) divalent Fe complexes in solution. The chelators form distorted octahedral complexes with Fe-II, with two tridentate ligands arranged in a meridional fashion. Electrochemistry of the Fe complexes in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions revealed that the complexes are oxidized to their ferric form at relatively high potentials, but this oxidation is coupled to a rapid reaction with water to form a hydrated (carbinolamine) derivative, leading to irreversible electrochemistry. The Fe complexes of the HPKIH analogues caused marked DNA degradation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. This observation confirms that Fe complexes from the HPKIH series mediate Fenton chemistry and do not repel DNA. Collectively, studies on the solution chemistry and structure of these HPKIH analogues indicate that they can bind cellular Fe and enhance its redox activity, resulting in oxidative damage to vital biomolecules.

Digital radiography detectors - A technical overview: Part 2

Digital X-ray detector technologies provide several advantages when compared with screen-film (SF) systems: better diagnostic quality of the radiographic image, increased dose efficiency, better dynamic range and possible reduction of radiation exposure to the patient. The transition from traditional SF systems to digital technology-based systems highlights the importance of the discussion around technical factors such as image acquisition, themanagement of patient dose and diagnostic image quality. Radiographers should be aware of these aspects concerning their clinical practice regarding the advantages and limitations of digital detectors. Newdigital technologies require an up-to-date of scientific knowledge concerning their use in projection radiography. This is the second of a two-part review article focused on a technical overview of digital radiography detectors. This article provides a discussion about the issues related to the image acquisition requirements and advantages of digital technologies, the management of patient dose and the diagnostic image quality.

Magnetic properties of Co-doped TiO(2) anatase nanopowders

This letter reports on the magnetic properties of Ti(1-x)Co(x)O(2) anatase phase nanopowders with different Co contents. It is shown that oxygen vacancies play an important role in promoting long-range ferromagnetic order in the material studied in addition to the transition-metal doping. Furthermore, the results allow ruling out the premise of a strict connection between Co clustering and the ferromagnetism observed in the Co:TiO(2) anatase system.

SU(5) x SU(5) unification revisited

The idea of grand unification in a minimal supersymmetric SU(5) x SU(5) framework is revisited. It is shown that the unification of gauge couplings into a unique coupling constant can be achieved at a high-energy scale compatible with proton decay constraints. This requires the addition of minimal particle content at intermediate energy scales. In particular, the introduction of the SU(2)(L) triplets belonging to the (15, 1)+((15) over bar, 1) representations, as well as of the scalar triplet Sigma(3) and octet Sigma(8) in the (24, 1) representation, turns out to be crucial for unification. The masses of these intermediate particles can vary over a wide range, and even lie in the TeV region. In contrast, the exotic vector-like fermions must be heavy enough and have masses above 10(10) GeV. We also show that, if the SU(5) x SU(5) theory is embedded into a heterotic string scenario, it is not possible to achieve gauge coupling unification with gravity at the perturbative string scale.

Trends in properties of para-substituted 3-(phenylhydrazo)pentane-2,4-diones

Trends between the Hammett's sigma(p) and related normal sigma(n)(p), inductive sigma(I), resonance sigma(R), negative sigma(-)(p) and positive sigma(+)(p) polar conjugation and Taft's sigma(o)(p) substituent constants and the N-H center dot center dot center dot O distance, delta(N-H) NMR chemical shift, oxidation potential (E-p/2(ox), measured in this study by cyclic voltammetry (CV)) and thermodynamic parameters (pK, Delta G(0), Delta H-0 and Delta S-0) of the dissociation process of unsubstituted 3-(phenylhydrazo)pentane-2,4-dione (HL1) and its para-substituted chloro (HL2), carboxy (HL3), fluoro (HL4) and nitro (HL5) derivatives were recognized. The best fits were found for sigma(p) and/or sigma(-)(p) in the cases of d(N center dot center dot center dot O), delta(N-H) and E-p/2(ox), showing the importance of resonance and conjugation effects in such properties, whereas for the above thermodynamic properties the inductive effects (sigma(I)) are dominant. HL2 exists in the hydrazo form in DMSO solution and in the solid state and contains an intramolecular H-bond with the N center dot center dot center dot O distance of 2.588(3)angstrom. It was also established that the dissociation process of HL1-5 is non-spontaneous, endothermic and entropically unfavourable, and that the increase in the inductive effect (sigma(I)) of para-substitutents (-H < -Cl < -COOH < -F < -NO2) leads to the corresponding growth of the N center dot center dot center dot O distance and decrease of the pK and of the changes of Gibbs free energy, of enthalpy and of entropy for the HL1-5 acid dissociation process. The electrochemical behaviour of HL1-5 was interpreted using theoretical calculations at the DFT/HF hybrid level, namely in terms of HOMO and LUMO compositions, and of reactivities induced by anodic and cathodic electron-transfers. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Biological activity and cellular uptake of [Ru(eta(5)-C5H5)(PPh3)(Me(2)bpy)][CF3SO3] complex

Anticancer activity of the new [Ru(eta(5)-C5H5)(PPh3)(Me(2)bpy)][CF3SO3] (Me(2)bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) complex was evaluated in vitro against several human cancer cell lines, namely A2780, A2780CisR, HT29, MCF7, MDAMB231 and PC3. Remarkably, the IC50 values, placed in the nanomolar and sub-micromolar range, largely exceeded the activity of cisplatin. Binding to human serum albumin, either HSA (human serum albumin) or HSA(faf) (fatty acid-free human serum albumin) does not affect the complex activity. Fluorescence studies revealed that the present ruthenium complex strongly quench the intrinsic fluorescence of albumin. Cell death by the [Ru(eta(5)-C5H5)(PPh3)(Me(2)bpy)][CF3SO3] complex was reduced in the presence of endocytosis modulators and at low temperature, suggesting an energy-dependent mechanism consistent with endocytosis. On the whole, the biological activity evaluated herein suggests that the complex could be a promising anticancer agent. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prática de ensino supervisionado no 1.º e 2.º ciclo do ensino básico: a comunicação (em) matemática em contexto de sala de aula

Relatório de Estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa para obtenção de grau de mestre em Ensino do 1.º e 2.º ciclo do Ensino Básico

Does diaphragmatic breathing technique really improve its range of motion? An objective assessment

Purpose - To verify the results of a diaphragmatic breathing technique (DBT) on diaphragmatic range of motion in healthy subjects. Methods - A total of 51 healthy subjects (10 male; 41 female), mean age 20 years old and a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 15.6 to 34.9 kg/m2, were enrolled in this study. Diaphragmatic range of motion was assessed by M-mode ultrasound imaging. Measurements were made before and after the DBT implementation in a standard protocol, based on 3 seconds of inspiration starting from a maximum expiration. Differences between assessments were analyzed by descriptive statistics and t-test (p < 0.05). Results - Mean value range of motion before DBT was 55.3 ± 13.4 mm and after DBT was 63.8 ± 13.2 mm showing a significant improvement of 8.5 ± 14.7 mm (p < 0.001). A strong correlation between the slope and the range of motion was found (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Conclusions - Based on ultrasound measurements, it has been proved that DBT really contributes to a higher diaphragmatic range of motion. Future studies are needed in order to understand the influence of protocol parameters (e.g. inspiration time). Clinical implications - In the contest of evidence-based practice in physiotherapy, it has been showed by objective measurements that DBT improves the diaphragm range of motion, translating into a more efficient ventilatory function and thus can be used in clinical setting. To our knowledge this is the first study to assess the effects of DBT on range of motion of diaphragm muscle with ultrasound imaging.

Short- and medium-term effects of manual therapy on cervical active range of motion and pressure pain sensitivity in latent myofascial pain of the upper trapezius muscle: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of different manual techniques on cervical ranges of 17 motion and pressure pain sensitivity in subjects with latent trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle. 18 Methods: One hundred seventeen volunteers, with a unilateral latent trigger point on upper trapezius due to computer 19 work, were randomly divided into 5 groups: ischemic compression (IC) group (n = 24); passive stretching group (n = 20 23); muscle energy technique group (n = 23); and 2 control groups, wait-and-see group (n = 25) and placebo group 21 (n = 22). Cervical spine range of movement was measured using a cervical range of motion instrument as well as 22 pressure pain sensitivity by means of an algometer and a visual analog scale. Outcomes were assessed pretreatment, 23 immediately, and 24 hours after the intervention and 1 week later by a blind researcher. A 4 × 5 mixed repeated- 24 measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of the intervention and Cohen d coefficient was used. 25 Results: A group-by-time interaction was detected in all variables (P b .01), except contralateral rotation. The 26 immediate effect sizes of the contralateral flexion, ipsilateral rotation, and pressure pain threshold were large for 3 27 experimental groups. Nevertheless, after 24 hours and 1 week, only IC group maintained the effect size. 28 Conclusions: Manual techniques on upper trapezius with latent trigger point seemed to improve the cervical range of 29 motion and the pressure pain sensitivity. These effects persist after 1 week in the IC group. (J Manipulative Physiol 301 Ther 2013;xx:1-10)

Density measurements of compressed dipropyl, dibutul, bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipates from (293 to 373K) at pressures up to about 68MPa

The article reports density measurements of dipropyl (DPA), dibutyl (DBA) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) (DEHA) adipates, using a vibrating U-tube densimeter, model DMA HP, from Anton Paar GmbH. The measurements were performed in the temperature range (293 to 373) K and at pressures up to about 68 MPa, except for DPA for which the upper limits were 363 K and 65 MPa, respectively. The density data for each liquid was correlated with the temperature and pressure using a modified Tait equation. The expanded uncertainty of the present density results is estimated as 0.2% at a 95% confidence level. No literature density data at pressures higher than 0.1 MPa could be found. DEHA literature data at atmospheric pressure agree with the correlation of the present measurements, in the corresponding temperature range, within +/- 0.11%. The isothermal compressibility and the isobaric thermal expansion were calculated by differentiation of the modified Tait correlation equation. These two parameters were also calculated for dimethyl adipate (DMA), from density data reported in a previous work. The uncertainties of isothermal compressibility and the isobaric thermal expansion are estimated to be less than +/- 1.7% and +/- 1.1%, respectively, at a 95% confidence level. Literature data of isothermal compressibility and isobaric thermal expansivity for DMA have an agreement within +/- 1% and +/- 2.4%, respectively, with results calculated in this work. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeitos imediatos da técnica de desrotação do atlas de Rocabado e do SNAG C1/2 de Mulligan na amplitude do teste de flexão-rotação em indíviduos com cefaleia cervicogénica : um ensaio clínico aleatório

RESUMO: A cefaleia cervicogénica é uma forma comum de dor de cabeça, que tem sido associada à existência de uma disfunção das estruturas da coluna cervical superior. Estudos recentes mostram uma grande incidência dessa disfunção a nível de C1-C2, avaliada pelo teste de flexão-rotação. Vários terapeutas manuais, como Brian Mulligan e Mariano Rocabado, têm sido sugerido técnicas de tratamento para este tipo de disfunção. Contudo, a evidência acerca da efectividade dessas técnicas é escassa. Desenho do estudo: Foi efectuado um ensaio clínico aleatório, duplamente cego, composto por três fases: pré-intervenção, intervenção e pós-intervenção. Objectivos: Avaliar e comparar os efeitos imediatos de duas técnicas de Terapia Manual Ortopédica (SNAG C1/2 de Mulligan e técnica de desrotação do atlas de Rocabado), na amplitude de movimento de rotação do segmento vertebral C1-C2, em indivíduos com história de cefaleia cervicogénica e com limitação no teste de flexão-rotação. As técnicas de tratamento foram usadas de forma isolada, em comparação a um grupo placebo. Métodos: Uma amostra de 60 indivíduos, com cefaleia cervicogénica e limitação do teste de flexão-rotação, foram aleatoriamente distribuídos por três grupos: SNAG C1/2 de Mulligan, técnica de desrotação do atlas de Rocabado e grupo placebo. O outcome primário foi a amplitude de movimento obtida no teste de flexão-rotação, que foi medido antes e imediatamente após a intervenção. Resultados: Imediatamente após a intervenção, a amplitude verificada no teste de flexão-rotação aumentou 21.8º (DP, 4.68) no grupo submetido ao SNAG C1/2 de Mulligan, 15º (DP, 5.07) no grupo em que foi aplicada a técnica de desrotação do atlas de Rocabado e 0.65º (DP, 0.67) no grupo placebo. Uma ANOVA modelo misto, 2 por 3, revelou efeito principal significativo do tempo (p<.001) e grupo (p<.001), assim como uma interacção significativa entre grupo e tempo (p<.001), relativamente à variável amplitude do teste de flexão-rotação. Estes resultados indicam que as diferenças verificadas entre os grupos eram dependentes do momento de avaliação. Uma comparação múltipla post hoc revelou que quer as técnicas de Mulligan, quer de Rocabado, produziram efeitos significativamente maiores que a intervenção placebo na amplitude de movimento do teste de flexão-rotação (p<.001 e p=.001, respectivamente). No entanto,não se verificou uma diferença significativa no que diz respeito à efectividade de ambas as técnicas de Terapia Manual Ortopédica aplicadas (p=.42). Conclusão: Esta investigação sugere que as duas técnicas de Terapia Manual Ortopédica avaliadas produziram efeito clínica e estatisticamente significativo na amplitude do teste de flexão-rotação. No entanto, não se verificaram diferenças entre as duas técnicas, no que diz respeito ao seu efeito no ganho de amplitude de movimento. Os resultados obtidos fornecem evidência preliminar sobre a efectividade de ambas as intervenções no tratamento da redução de amplitude de movimento em indivíduos com história de cefaleia cervicogénica.-------------------------------ABSTRACT:Background: Cervicogenic headache is a common form of headache arising from dysfunction in structures of the upper cervical spine. Recent studies have shown a high incidence of C1/2 dysfunction, evaluated by the flexion-rotation test (FRT). Several manual therapists have suggested different approaches to manage that dysfunction, such as Brian Mulligan and Mariano Rocabado. However, the evidence of the effectiveness of those manual techniques is anedoctal. Design: Randomized double blinded controlled trial with three phases: pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention. Objectives: To determine and compare the immediate effects of two manual therapy techniques (Mulligan’s SNAG C1/2 and Rocabado’s atlas’ derotation technique) in the range of motion of C1-C2 vertebral segments, in cervicogenic headache patients and with limitation on the flexion-rotatoin test. The treatment techniques were used as single treatments against a placebo group. Methods: A sample of 60 subjects with cervicogenic headache and FRT limitation were randomly allocated into one of three groups: Mulligan’s C1/2 SNAG, Rocabado’s atlas derotation technique or placebo group. The primary outcome was the flexion rotation test range, which was measured before and immediately after the intervention. Results: Immediately after the application of the interventions, FRT range increased by 21.8º (SD, 4.68) for the Mulligan’s C1-2 SNAG group, 15º (SD, 5.07) for the Rocabado’s atlas derotation technique and 0.65º (SD, 0.67) for the placebo group. A 2-by-3 mixedmodel ANOVA a significant main effect of time (p<.001) and group (p<.001), as well as a significant interaction between group and time (p<.001) for the variable FRT range. These results indicate that group differences were dependent on time. A pairwise post hoc comparison revelad that both the Mulligan and Rocabado techniques produced significantly more effect on FRT range of motion than the placebo intervention (p<.001 and p=.001, respectively). However, there was not a significant difference between the effectiveness of the two manual therapy techniques (p=.42).Conclusion: This investigation’s findings suggest that both Mulligan’s C1/2 SNAG and Rocabado’s atlas derotation techniques produced a clinically and statistically significant effect on FRT range, but there were no changes between the two techniques in their effectiveness. These results provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of both manual therapy techniques in the management of individuals with cervicogenic headache and FRT limitation.

A molecularly imprinted sensor for sensitive detection of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) oxidative stress biomarker

6th Graduate Student Symposium on Molecular Imprinting