Dynamics of a charged particle in a dissipative Fermi-Ulam model

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Chemical, enzymatic and cellular antioxidant activity studies of Agaricus blazei Murrill

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

Removal of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and helminth eggs in Swine production wastewater treated in anaerobic and aerobic reactors

The present work evaluated the performance of two treatment systems in reducing indicators of biological contamination in swine production wastewater. System I consisted of two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, with 510 and 209 L in volume, being serially arranged. System II consisted of a UASB reactor, anaerobic filter, trickling filter, and decanter, being also organized in series, with volumes of 300, 190, 250, and 150 L, respectively. Hydraulic retention times (HRT) applied in the first UASB reactors were 40, 30, 20, and 11 h in systems I and II. The average removal efficiencies of total and thermotolerant coliforms in system I were 92.92% to 99.50% and 94.29% to 99.56%, respectively, and increased in system II to 99.45% to 99.91% and 99.52% to 99.93%, respectively. Average removal rates of helminth eggs in system I were 96.44% to 99.11%, reaching 100% as in system II. In reactor sludge, the counts of total and thermotolerant coliforms ranged between 10(5) and 10(9) MPN (100 mL)(-1), while helminth eggs ranged from 0.86 to 9.27 eggs g(-1) TS.

Analysis of residual stress and hardness in regions of pre-manufactured and manual bends in fixation plates for maxillary advancement

The aim of this study was to analyze, through Vickers hardness test and photoelasticity analysis, pre-bent areas, manually bent areas, and areas without bends of 10-mm advancement pre-bent titanium plates (Leibinger system). The work was divided into three groups: group I-region without bend, group II-region of 90° manual bend, and group III-region of 90° pre-fabricated bends. All the materials were evaluated through hardness analysis by the Vickers hardness test, stress analysis by residual images obtained in a polariscope, and photoelastic analysis by reflection during the manual bending. The data obtained from the hardness tests were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests at a significance level of 5 %. The pre-bent plate (group III) showed hardness means statistically significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the other groups (I-region without bends, II-90° manually bent region). Through the study of photoelastic reflection, it was possible to identify that the stress gradually increased, reaching a pink color (1.81 δ / λ), as the bending was performed. A general analysis of the results showed that the bent plate region of pre-bent titanium presented the best results.

Thermal analysis of coordination compounds. Part 3. Thermal decomposition of platinum complexes containing triphenylphosphine, triphenylarsine and triphenylstibine

Studies by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) of the complexes [PtCl2L2] (L is PPh3, AsPh3, SbPh3), [PtLn] (n = 3, L is SbPh3; n = 4, L is PPh3, AsPh3); [(PtL3)2N2]; [(PtL3)2C2] and [Pt(CO)2L2] (L is SbPh3) are described. Analysis of the TG and DTA curves showed that Pt(II) complexes of the type [PtCl2L2] have a higher thermal stability than the corresponding Pt(0) complexes of the type [PtLn], with the exception of [Pt(SbPh3)3], which is more stable than [PtCl2(SbPh3)2]. Thermal stabilities of each of the complexes are compared with those of the others in the series. Mechanisms of thermal decomposition of complexes of the types [PtCl2L2] and [PtLn] are proposed. Residues of the samples were characterized by chemical tests and IR spectroscopy. The residue from the thermal decomposition of [PtCl2L2] (L is PPh3, AsPh3) and [Pt(PPh3)4] is metallic platinum. For [Pt(AsPh3)4] the residue is a mixture of Pt and As, whereas for the complexes containing SbPh3 the residues are mixtures of Pt and Sb. In these cases, the proportional contents of Pt and As or Pt and Sb correspond to the stoichiometry of these elements in the respective complexes. The complexes {[Pt(SbPh3)3]2N2}, {[Pt(SbPh3)3]2C2} lose N2 or the ethynediyl group at 130-150°C and are transformed into [Pt(SbPh3)3]. © 1995.

Avaliação do ângulo nasolabial, em radiografias cefalométricas laterais, dividido em ângulo superior e inferior, por uma linha paralela ao plano de frankfort, em índividuos portadores de má-oclusão classe II e classe III de angle

Pós-graduação em Biopatologia Bucal - ICT

Sílica mesoporosa como suporte sólido para o ancoramento da molécula 4-amino-3-hidrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole e aplicação na adsorção de Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) e Co(II) em amostras aquosas

Pós-graduação em Química - IQ

Investigation of the Transmission of Mycobacterium bovis from Deer to Cattle Through Indirect Contact

Objective—To investigate the infection of calves with Mycobacterium bovis through oral exposure and transmission of M bovis from experimentally infected white-tailed deer to uninfected cattle through indirect contact. Animals—24 11-month-old, white-tailed deer and 28 6-month-old, crossbred calves. Procedure—In the oral exposure experiment, doses of 4.3 X 106 CFUs (high dose) or 5 X 103 CFUs (low dose) of M bovis were each administered orally to 4 calves; as positive controls, 2 calves received M bovis (1.7 X 105 CFUs) via tonsillar instillation. Calves were euthanatized and examined 133 days after exposure. Deer-to-cattle transmission was assessed in 2 phases (involving 9 uninfected calves and 12 deer each); deer were inoculated with 4 X 105 CFUs (phase I) or 7 X 105 CFUs (phase II) of M Bovis. Calves and deer exchanged pens (phase I; 90 days’ duration) or calves received uneaten feed from deer pens (phase II; 140 days’ duration) daily. At completion, animals were euthanatized and tissues were collected for bacteriologic culture and histologic examination. Results—In the low- and high-dose groups, 3 of 4 calves and 1 of 4 calves developed tuberculosis, respectively. In phases I and II, 9 of 9 calves and 4 of 9 calves developed tuberculosis, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that experimentally infected deer can transmit M bovis to cattle through sharing of feed. In areas where tuberculosis is endemic in free-ranging white-tailed deer, management practices to prevent access of wildlife to feed intended for livestock should be implemented.

Clusters of leprosy transmission and of late diagnosis in a highly endemic area in Brazil: focus on different spatial analysis approaches

Objective The Brazilian National Hansens Disease Control Program recently identified clusters with high disease transmission. Herein, we present different spatial analytical approaches to define highly vulnerable areas in one of these clusters. Method The study area included 373 municipalities in the four Brazilian states Maranha o, Para ', Tocantins and Piaui '. Spatial analysis was based on municipalities as the observation unit, considering the following disease indicators: (i) rate of new cases / 100 000 population, (ii) rate of cases < 15 years / 100 000 population, (iii) new cases with grade-2 disability / 100 000 population and (iv) proportion of new cases with grade-2 disabilities. We performed descriptive spatial analysis, local empirical Bayesian analysis and spatial scan statistic. Results A total of 254 (68.0%) municipalities were classified as hyperendemic (mean annual detection rates > 40 cases / 100 000 inhabitants). There was a concentration of municipalities with higher detection rates in Para ' and in the center of Maranha o. Spatial scan statistic identified 23 likely clusters of new leprosy case detection rates, most of them localized in these two states. These clusters included only 32% of the total population, but 55.4% of new leprosy cases. We also identified 16 significant clusters for the detection rate < 15 years and 11 likely clusters of new cases with grade-2. Several clusters of new cases with grade-2 / population overlap with those of new cases detection and detection of children < 15 years of age. The proportion of new cases with grade-2 did not reveal any significant clusters. Conclusions Several municipality clusters for high leprosy transmission and late diagnosis were identified in an endemic area using different statistical approaches. Spatial scan statistic is adequate to validate and confirm high-risk leprosy areas for transmission and late diagnosis, identified using descriptive spatial analysis and using local empirical Bayesian method. National and State leprosy control programs urgently need to intensify control actions in these highly vulnerable municipalities.

Low Level Laser Therapy as an Adjunctive Technique In the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of low level laser therapy on subjects with intra-articular temporomandibular disorders (IA-TMD), and to quantify and compare severity of signs and symptoms before, during, and after the laser applications. The sample consisted of 45 subjects randomly divided into three groups (G) of 15 subjects each: G-I: 15 individuals with IA-TMD submitted to an energy dose of 52.5 J/cm(2); G-II: dose of 105.0 J/cm(2); and G-III: placebo group (0 J/cm(2)). In all groups, the applications were performed on condylar points on the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles. Two weekly sessions were held for five weeks, totaling 10 applications. The assessed variables were: mandibular movements and painful symptoms evoked by muscle palpation. These variables were measured before starting the study, then immediately after the first, fifth, and tenth laser application, and finally, 32 days after completing the applications. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences for G-I and G-II at the level of 1% between the doses, as well as between assessments. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of low level laser increased the mean mandibular range of motion and reduced painful symptoms in the groups that received effective treatment, which did not occur in the placebo group.

TOMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF ANATOMICAL PARAMETERS OF THE AXIS IN CHILDREN

Objective: To carry out an anatomical study of the axis with the use of computed tomography (CT) in children aged from two to ten years, measuring the lamina angle, lamina and pedicle length and thickness, and lateral mass length. Methods: Sixty-four CTs were studied from patients aged 24 to 120 months old, of both sexes and without any cervical anomaly. The measurements obtained were correlated with the data on age and sex of the patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the Students "t" tests. Results: We found that within the age range 24-48 months, 5.5% of the lamina and 8.3% of the pedicles had thicknesses of less than 3.5mm, which is the minimum thickness needed for insertion of the screw. Between 49 and 120 months, there were no lamina thicknesses of less than 3.5mm, and 1.2% of the pedicle thicknesses were less than 3.5mm values. Neither of the age groups had any lamina and pedicle lengths of less than 12mm, or lateral mass lengths greater than 12mm. Conclusion: The analysis of the data obtained demonstrates that most of the time, is possible to use a 3.5mm pedicle screw in the laminas and pedicles of the axis in children. Level of Evidence: II, Development of diagnostic criteria in consecutive patients.

Introducing education for sustainable development in the undergraduate laboratory: quantitative analysis of bioethanol fuel and its blends with gasoline by using solvatochromic dyes

The concept of Education for Sustainable Development, ESD, has been introduced in a period where chemistry education is undergoing a major change, both in emphasis and methods of teaching. Studying an everyday problem, with an important socio-economic impact in the laboratory is a part of this approach. Presently, the students in many countries go to school in vehicles that run, at least partially, on biofuels; it is high time to let them test these fuels. The use of renewable fuels is not new: since 1931 the gasoline sold in Brazil contains 20 to 25 vol-% of bioethanol; this composition is being continually monitored. With ESD in mind, we have employed a constructivist approach in an undergraduate course, where UV-vis spectroscopy has been employed for the determination of the composition of two fuel blends, namely, bioethanol/water, and bioethanol/gasoline. The activities started by giving a three-part quiz. The first and second ones introduced the students to historical and practical aspects of the theme (biofuels). In the third part, we asked them to develop a UV-vis experiment for the determination of the composition of fuel blends. They have tested two approaches: (i) use of a solvatochromic dye, followed by determination of fuel composition from plots of the empirical fuel polarity versus its composition; (ii) use of an ethanol-soluble dye, followed by determination of the blend composition from a Beer's law plot; the former proved to be much more convenient. Their evaluation of the experiment was highly positive, because of the relevance of the problem; the (constructivist) approach employed, and the bright colors that the solvatochromic dye acquire in these fuel blends. Thus ESD can be fruitfully employed in order to motivate the students; make the laboratory "fun", and teach them theory (solvation). The experiments reported here can also be given to undergraduate students whose major is not chemistry (engineering, pharmacy, biology, etc.). They are low-cost and safe to be introduced at high-school level.

Photo-induced electron transfer in supramolecular materials of titania nanostructures and cytochrome c

In the present paper, we report on the molecular interaction and photochemistry of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and cytochrome c systems for understanding the effects of supramolecular organization and electron transfer by using two TiO2 structures: P25 TiO2 NPs and titanate nanotubes. The adsorption and reduction of cytochrome c heme iron promoted by photo-excited TiO2, arranged as P25 TiO2 NPs and as nanotubes, were characterized using electronic absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and atomic force microscopy. In an aqueous buffered suspension (pH 8.0), the mass of cytochrome c adsorbed on the P25 TiO2 NP surface was 2.3 fold lower (0.75 mu g m(-2)) than that adsorbed on the titanate nanotubes (1.75 mu g m(-2)). Probably due to the high coverage of titanate nanotubes by adsorbed cytochrome c, the low amount of soluble remaining protein was not as efficiently photo-reduced by this nanostructure as it was by the P25 TiO2 NPs. Cytochrome c, which desorbed from both titanium materials, did not exhibit changes in its redox properties. In the presence of the TiO2 NPs, the photo-induced electron transfer from water to soluble cytochrome c heme iron was corroborated by the following findings: (i) identification by EPR of the hydroxyl radical production during the irradiation of an aqueous suspension of TiO2 NPs, (ii) impairment of a cytochrome c reduction by photo-excited TiO2 in the presence of dioxane, which affects the dielectric constant of the water, and (iii) change in the rate of TiO2-promoted cytochrome c reduction when water was replaced with D2O. The TiO2-promoted photo-reduction of cytochrome c was reverted by peroxides. Cytochrome c incorporated in the titanate nanotubes was also reversibly reduced under irradiation, as confirmed by EPR and UV-visible spectroscopy.

Assessment of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and COX-2 in normal tissue and in advanced symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques

Abstract Background Mature carotid plaques are complex structures, and their histological classification is challenging. The carotid plaques of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients could exhibit identical histological components. Objectives To investigate whether matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) have different expression levels in advanced symptomatic carotid plaques, asymptomatic carotid plaques, and normal tissue. Methods Thirty patients admitted for carotid endarterectomy were selected. Each patient was assigned preoperatively to one of two groups: group I consisted of symptomatic patients (n = 16, 12 males, mean age 66.7 ± 6.8 years), and group II consisted of asymptomatic patients (n = 14, 8 males, mean age 67.6 ± 6.81 years). Nine normal carotid arteries were used as control. Tissue specimens were analyzed for fibromuscular, lipid and calcium contents. The expressions of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and COX-2 in each plaque were quantified. Results Fifty-eight percent of all carotid plaques were classified as Type VI according to the American Heart Association Committee on Vascular Lesions. The control carotid arteries all were classified as Type III. The median percentage of fibromuscular tissue was significantly greater in group II compared to group I (p < 0.05). The median percentage of lipid tissue had a tendency to be greater in group I than in group II (p = 0.057). The percentages of calcification were similar among the two groups. MMP-9 protein expression levels were significantly higher in group II and in the control group when compared with group I (p < 0.001). TIMP-1 expression levels were significantly higher in the control group and in group II when compared to group I, with statistical difference between control group and group I (p = 0.010). COX-2 expression levels did not differ among groups. There was no statistical correlation between MMP-9, COX-2, and TIMP-1 levels and fibrous tissue. Conclusions MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are present in all stages of atherosclerotic plaque progression, from normal tissue to advanced lesions. When sections of a plaque are analyzed without preselection, MMP-9 concentration is higher in normal tissues and asymptomatic surgical specimens than in symptomatic specimens, and TIMP-1 concentration is higher in normal tissue than in symptomatic specimens.

Experimental model identification of open-frame underwater vehicles

Most of the works published on hydrodynamic parameter identification of open-frame underwater vehicles focus their attention almost exclusively on good coherence between simulated and measured responses, giving less importance to the determination of “actual values” for hydrodynamic parameters. To gain insight into hydrodynamic parameter experimental identification of open-frame underwater vehicles, an experimental identification procedure is proposed here to determine parameters of uncoupled and coupled models. The identification procedure includes: (i) a prior estimation of actual values of the forces/torques applied to the vehicle, (ii) identification of drag parameters from constant velocity tests and (iii) identification of inertia and coupling parameters from oscillatory tests; at this stage, the estimated values of drag parameter obtained in item (ii) are used. The procedure proposed here was used to identify the hydrodynamic parameters of LAURS—an unmanned underwater vehicle developed at the University of São Paulo. The thruster–thruster and thruster–hull interactions and the advance velocity of the vehicle are shown to have a strong impact on the efficiency of thrusters appended to open-frame underwater vehicles, especially for high advance velocities. Results of tests with excitation in 1-DOF and 3-DOF are reported and discussed, showing the feasibility of the developed procedure.