Bell inequalities for K-0(K)over-bar(0) pairs from Phi-resonance decays

We analyze the premises of recent propositions to test local realism via the Bell inequalities using neutral kaons from φ resonance decays as entangled Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pairs. We pay special attention to the derivation of the Bell inequalities, or related expressions, for unstable and oscillating kaon quasispin states and to the possibility of the actual identification of these states through their associated decay modes. We discuss an indirect method to extract probabilities to find these states by combining experimental information with theoretical input. However, we still find inconsistencies in previous derivations of the Bell inequalities. We show that the identification of the quasispin states via their associated decay mode does not allow the free choice to perform different tests on them, a property which is crucial to establish the validity of any Bell inequality in the context of local realism. In view of this we propose a different kind of Bell inequality in which the free choice or adjustability of the experimental setup is guaranteed. We also show that the proposed inequalities are violated by quantum mechanics. ©1999 The American Physical Society.

Prediction of crude protein digestibility of animal by-product meals for dogs by the protein solubility in pepsin method

Animal by-product meals have large variability in crude protein (CP) content and digestibility. In vivo digestibility procedures are precise but laborious, and in vitro methods could be an alternative to evaluate and classify these ingredients. The present study reports prediction equations to estimate the CP digestibility of meat and bone meal (MBM) and poultry by-product meal (PM) using the protein solubility in pepsin method (PSP). Total tract CP digestibility of eight MBM and eight PM samples was determined in dogs by the substitution method. A basal diet was formulated for dog maintenance, and sixteen diets were produced by mixing 70 % of the basal diet and 30 % of each tested meal. Six dogs per diet were used to determine ingredient digestibility. In addition, PSP of the MBM and PM samples was determined using three pepsin concentrations: 0·02, 0·002 and 0·0002 %. The CP content of MBM and PM ranged from 39 to 46 % and 57 to 69 %, respectively, and their mean CP digestibility by dogs was 76 (2·4) and 85 (2·6) %, respectively. The pepsin concentration with higher Pearson correlation coefficients with the in vivo results were 0·0002 % for MBM (r 0·380; P = 0·008) and 0·02 % for PM (r 0·482; P = 0·005). The relationship between the in vivo and in vitro results was better explained by the following equations: CP digestibility of MBM = 61·7 + 0·2644 × PSP at 0·0002 % (P = 0·008; R (2) 0·126); and CP digestibility of PM = 54·1 + 0·3833 × PSP at 0·02 % (P = 0·005; R (2) 0·216). Although significant, the coefficients of determination were low, indicating that the models were weak and need to be used with caution.

Uma nova estratégia na determinação de macroelementos :'K', 'Ca', e 'Mg em plantas medicinais empregando espectrometria de absorção atômica com fonte contínua e alta resolução

A simple and fast method to determine Ca, K and Mg in a single aliquot of medicinal plants by HR-CS FAAS is proposed. The secondary lines for Ca (239.856 nm) and K (404.414 nm), and the alternate line measured at wing of the secondary line for Mg at (202.588 nm) allowed calibration within the 20 - 500 mg.L-1 Ca and K, and 1.0 - 80 mg.L-1 Mg. Twenty samples and three plant certified materials were analyzed. Results were in agreement at a 95% confidence level with reference values. Limits of detection were 2.4 mg.L-1 Ca, 1.9 mg.L-1 K and 0.3 mg.L-1 Mg. The RSD (n=12) were ≤ 5.1% and recoveries were between 83 and 108% for all analytes.

A VALIDATED HPLC ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SOLASONINE AND SOLAMARGINE IN IN VITRO SKIN PENETRATION STUDIES

To assess topical delivery studies of glycoalkaloids, an analytical method by HPLC-UV was developed and validated for the determination of solasonine (SN) and solamargine (SM) in different skin layers, as well as in a topical formulation. The method was linear within the ranges 0.86 to 990.00 mu g/mL for SN and 1.74 to 1000.00 mu g/mL for SM (r = 0.9996). Moreover, the recoveries for both glycoalkaloids were higher than 88.94 and 93.23% from skin samples and topical formulation, respectively. The method developed is reliable and suitable for topical delivery skin studies and for determining the content of SN and SM in topical formulations.

An optimization study of PtSn/C catalysts applied to direct ethanol fuel cell: Effect of the preparation method on the electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts

The aim of this work was to perform a systematic study of the parameters that can influence the composition, morphology, and catalytic activity of PtSn/C nanoparticles and compare two different methods of nanocatalyst preparation, namely microwave-assisted heating (MW) and thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors (DPP). An investigation of the effects of the reducing and stabilizing agents on the catalytic activity and morphology of Pt75Sn25/C catalysts prepared by microwave-assisted heating was undertaken for optimization purposes. The effect of short-chain alcohols such as ethanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol as reducing agents was evaluated, and the use of sodium acetate and citric acid as stabilizing agents for the MW procedure was examined. Catalysts obtained from propylene glycol displayed higher catalytic activity compared with catalysts prepared in ethylene glycol. Introduction of sodium acetate enhanced the catalytic activity, but this beneficial effect was observed until a critical acetate concentration was reached. Optimization of the MW synthesis allowed for the preparation of highly dispersed catalysts with average sizes lying between 2.0 and 5.0 nm. Comparison of the best catalyst prepared by MW with a catalyst of similar composition prepared by the polymeric precursors method showed that the catalytic activity of the material can be improved when a proper condition for catalyst preparation is achieved. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production on Co/CeO²-ZRO² catalysts prepared by polymerization method

Catalysts containing 10%Co supported on CexZr1-xO2 (0 < x < 1) were applied to ethanol steam reforming reactions. The catalysts were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, XANES-H-2 and DRS-UV-Vis. The catalytic tests were conducted at 673, 773 and 873 K, with molar ratios of H2O:ethanol = 3:1. The ethanol conversion and H-2 selectivity were temperature dependent and the association of CeO2 with ZrO2 in the support led to show a low formation of CO, due to the higher mobility of oxygen. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Novel Method of Evaluating Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: Dynamic Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Compared to Standard Modalities to Assess Urinary Obstruction in a Swine Model

Purpose: Dynamic near infrared fluorescence imaging of the urinary tract provides a promising way to diagnose ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Initial studies demonstrated the ability to visualize urine flow and peristalsis in great detail. We analyzed the efficacy of near infrared imaging in evaluating ureteropelvic junction obstruction, renal involvement and the anatomical detail provided compared to conventional imaging modalities. Materials and Methods: Ten swine underwent partial or complete unilateral ureteral obstruction. Groups were survived for the short or the long term. Imaging was performed with mercaptoacetyltriglycine diuretic renogram, magnetic resonance urogram, excretory urogram, ultrasound and near infrared imaging. Scoring systems for ureteropelvic junction obstruction were developed for magnetic resonance urogram and near infrared imaging. Physicians and medical students graded ureteropelvic junction obstruction based on magnetic resonance urogram and near infrared imaging results. Results: Markers of vascular and urinary dynamics were quantitatively consistent among control renal units. The same markers were abnormal in obstructed renal units with significantly different times of renal phase peak, start of pelvic phase and start of renal uptake. Such parameters were consistent with those obtained with mercaptoacetyltriglycine diuretic renography. Near infrared imaging provided live imaging of urinary flow, which was helpful in identifying the area of obstruction for surgical planning. Physicians and medical students categorized the degree of obstruction appropriately for fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance urogram. Conclusions: Near infrared imaging offers a feasible way to obtain live, dynamic images of urine flow and ureteral peristalsis. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were comparable to those of conventional imaging. Findings support fluorescence imaging as an accurate, easy to use method of diagnosing ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

A Simple Method to Evaluate, Correlate and Predict Boiling and Flash Points of Alkynes

Boiling points (T-B) of acyclic alkynes are predicted from their boiling point numbers (Y-BP) with the relationship T-B(K) = -16.802Y(BP)(2/3) + 337.377Y(BP)(1/3) - 437.883. In turn, Y-BP values are calculated from structure using the equation Y-BP = 1.726 + A(i) + 2.779C + 1.716M(3) + 1.564M + 4.204E(3) + 3.905E + 5.007P - 0.329D + 0.241G + 0.479V + 0.967T + 0.574S. Here A(i) depends on the substitution pattern of the alkyne and the remainder of the equation is the same as that reported earlier for alkanes. For a data set consisting of 76 acyclic alkynes, the correlation of predicted and literature T-B values had an average absolute deviation of 1.46 K, and the R-2 of the correlation was 0.999. In addition, the calculated Y-BP values can be used to predict the flash points of alkynes.

Effect of sample pre-cracking method and notch geometry in plane strain fracture toughness tests as applied to a PMMA resin

The influence of test method factors (notch shape, square or angular, and pre-cracking method, by tapping onto or pressing a razor blade) on the results obtained in plane strain fracture toughness test according to standard ASTM D5045 using SENB specimens made of a commercial PMMA resin were investigated. Results were analyzed quantitatively by comparing the obtained K-IC values and qualitatively by observing their effect on the Moire fringes observed using photoelasticity, showing that, at 95% significance level, the K-IC values are affected by the pre-cracking method, with the most conservative value being obtained when natural pre-cracks were introduced by tapping onto a razor blade (K-IC = 1.15 +/- 0.11 MPa.m(0.5)). This correlates with a perturbation in the stress field close to the pre-crack tip observed in the photoelasticity test sample when it was introduced by pressing the razor blade. Surprisingly, notch geometry only slightly affects the results. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel SrTi1-xFexO3 nanocubes synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method

We report herein for the first time a facile synthesis method to obtain SrTi1-xFexO3 nanocubes by means by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) method at 140 degrees C. The effect of iron addition on the structural and morphological properties of SrTiO3 was investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements show that all STFO samples present a cubic perovskite structure. X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Fe absorption K-edge measurements revealed that iron ions are in a mixed Fe2+/Fe3+ oxidation state and preferentially occupy the Ti4+-site. UV-visible spectra reveal a reduction in the optical gap (E-gap) of STFO samples as the amount of iron is increased. An analysis of the data obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy points out that the nanoparticles present a cubic morphology independently of iron content. According to high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results, these nanocubes are formed by a self-assembly process of small primary nanocrystals.

High precision astrometry mission for the detection and characterization of nearby habitable planetary systems with the Nearby Earth Astrometric Telescope (NEAT)

A complete census of planetary systems around a volume-limited sample of solar-type stars (FGK dwarfs) in the Solar neighborhood (d a parts per thousand currency signaEuro parts per thousand 15 pc) with uniform sensitivity down to Earth-mass planets within their Habitable Zones out to several AUs would be a major milestone in extrasolar planets astrophysics. This fundamental goal can be achieved with a mission concept such as NEAT-the Nearby Earth Astrometric Telescope. NEAT is designed to carry out space-borne extremely-high-precision astrometric measurements at the 0.05 mu as (1 sigma) accuracy level, sufficient to detect dynamical effects due to orbiting planets of mass even lower than Earth's around the nearest stars. Such a survey mission would provide the actual planetary masses and the full orbital geometry for all the components of the detected planetary systems down to the Earth-mass limit. The NEAT performance limits can be achieved by carrying out differential astrometry between the targets and a set of suitable reference stars in the field. The NEAT instrument design consists of an off-axis parabola single-mirror telescope (D = 1 m), a detector with a large field of view located 40 m away from the telescope and made of 8 small movable CCDs located around a fixed central CCD, and an interferometric calibration system monitoring dynamical Young's fringes originating from metrology fibers located at the primary mirror. The mission profile is driven by the fact that the two main modules of the payload, the telescope and the focal plane, must be located 40 m away leading to the choice of a formation flying option as the reference mission, and of a deployable boom option as an alternative choice. The proposed mission architecture relies on the use of two satellites, of about 700 kg each, operating at L2 for 5 years, flying in formation and offering a capability of more than 20,000 reconfigurations. The two satellites will be launched in a stacked configuration using a Soyuz ST launch vehicle. The NEAT primary science program will encompass an astrometric survey of our 200 closest F-, G- and K-type stellar neighbors, with an average of 50 visits each distributed over the nominal mission duration. The main survey operation will use approximately 70% of the mission lifetime. The remaining 30% of NEAT observing time might be allocated, for example, to improve the characterization of the architecture of selected planetary systems around nearby targets of specific interest (low-mass stars, young stars, etc.) discovered by Gaia, ground-based high-precision radial-velocity surveys, and other programs. With its exquisite, surgical astrometric precision, NEAT holds the promise to provide the first thorough census for Earth-mass planets around stars in the immediate vicinity of our Sun.

Bioelectrical impedance with different equations versus deuterium oxide dilution method for the inference of body composition in healthy older persons

There is no consensus regarding the accuracy of bioimpedance for the determination of body composition in older persons. This study aimed to compare the assessment of lean body mass of healthy older volunteers obtained by the deuterium dilution method (reference) with those obtained by two frequently used bioelectrical impedance formulas and one formula specifically developed for a Latin-American population. A cross-sectional study. Twenty one volunteers were studied, 12 women, with mean age 72 +/- 6.7 years. Urban community, Ribeiro Preto, Brazil. Fat free mass was determined, simultaneously, by the deuterium dilution method and bioelectrical impedance; results were compared. In bioelectrical impedance, body composition was calculated by the formulas of Deuremberg, Lukaski and Bolonchuck and Valencia et al. Lean body mass of the studied volunteers, as determined by bioelectrical impedance was 37.8 +/- 9.2 kg by the application of the Lukaski e Bolonchuk formula, 37.4 +/- 9.3 kg (Deuremberg) and 43.2 +/- 8.9 kg (Valencia et. al.). The results were significantly correlated to those obtained by the deuterium dilution method (41.6 +/- 9.3 Kg), with r=0.963, 0.932 and 0.971, respectively. Lean body mass obtained by the Valencia formula was the most accurate. In this study, lean body mass of older persons obtained by the bioelectrical impedance method showed good correlation with the values obtained by the deuterium dilution method. The formula of Valencia et al., developed for a Latin-American population, showed the best accuracy.

Effect of different surfactants on the shape, growth and photoluminescence behavior of MnWO4 crystals synthesized by the microwave-hydrothermal method

In this communication, we report the effect of different surfactants [cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT)] on the shape, growth and photoluminescence (PL) behavior of manganese tungstate (MnWO4) crystals synthesized by the microwave-hydrothermal (MH) method at 413 K for 45 min. These crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy and PL measurements. XRD patterns proved that these crystals have a monoclinic structure. FE-SEM images showed that MnWO4 crystals exhibit different shapes and growth mechanisms depending on the surfactant employed. The CTAB cationic surfactant promotes the hindrance of small nuclei that leads to the formation of flake-like nanocrystals, while SDS and AOT anionic surfactants promote a growth of crystals to plate-like and leaf-like crystals due to considerable size effect of counter-ions (RSO4- and RSO2O-) and an increase in Na+ ion remnants. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy revealed different optical band gap values due to modifications in the shape, surface and crystal size. Finally, the effect of surfactants on the crystal shapes and average crystal size distribution causing changes in the PL behavior of MnWO4 crystals was explained. (C) 2011 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.

A validated HPLC analytical method for the analysis of solasonine and solamargine in in vitro skin penetration studies

To assess topical delivery studies of glycoalkaloids, an analytical method by HPLC-UV was developed and validated for the determination of solasonine (SN) and solamargine (SM) in different skin layers, as well as in a topical formulation. The method was linear within the ranges 0.86 to 990.00 µg/mL for SN and 1.74 to 1000.00 µg/mL for SM (r = 0.9996). Moreover, the recoveries for both glycoalkaloids were higher than 88.94 and 93.23% from skin samples and topical formulation, respectively. The method developed is reliable and suitable for topical delivery skin studies and for determining the content of SN and SM in topical formulations.

A simple method to evaluate, correlate and predict boiling and flash points of alkynes

Boiling points (T B) of acyclic alkynes are predicted from their boiling point numbers (Y BP) with the relationship T B(K) = -16.802Y BP2/3 + 337.377Y BP1/3 - 437.883. In turn, Y BP values are calculated from structure using the equation Y BP = 1.726 + Ai + 2.779C + 1.716M3 + 1.564M + 4.204E3 + 3.905E + 5.007P - 0.329D + 0.241G + 0.479V + 0.967T + 0.574S. Here Ai depends on the substitution pattern of the alkyne and the remainder of the equation is the same as that reported earlier for alkanes. For a data set consisting of 76 acyclic alkynes, the correlation of predicted and literature T B values had an average absolute deviation of 1.46 K, and the R² of the correlation was 0.999. In addition, the calculated Y BP values can be used to predict the flash points of alkynes.