Inflammatory Process Modulation by Homeopathic Arnica montana 6CH: The Role of Individual Variation

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Microhabitat and morphometric variation of two chaetophoracean (chaetophorales, chlorophyta) species in tropical streams of southeastern Brazil

Two populations of Chaetophora elegans (Roth) C. Agardh and two of Stigeoclonium helveticum Vischer were investigated for microhabitat characteristics and morphological variation in streams of Sao Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. Different patterns of microhabitat distribution were found between species investigated. Populations of C. elegans were distributed under relatively narrow microhabitat conditions (high irradiance, low depth, moderate to high current velocity, rocky substrata and lower values of niche width) and showing little morphometric variation (colony diameter, main axis cell size, and apical branch number). Stigeoclonium helveticum occurred under more diverse microhabitat conditions, revealed by lack of significant difference between sampling units with and without the alga and wider niche width, but also exhibited relatively narrow morphometric variation (plant length, main axis cell and lateral branch cell sizes). The narrow microhabitat conditions and smaller niche width of C. elegans can explain its low abundance (percentage cover) in streams from the area studied as well as in other regions of Sao Paulo State. In contrast, the wider variation of microhabitat conditions and the higher niche widths of S. helveticum suggest that this green alga is able to grow in a high number of stream ecosystems in the region investigated, ranging from undisturbed to highly disturbed habitats. Thus, the results suggest that S. helveticum is a generalist species.

Nonlinear effects generation in suspended core chalcogenide fibre

In this work we report our achievements in the elaboration and optical characterizations of low-losses suspended core optical fibers elaborated from As2S3 glass. For preforms elaboration, alternatively to other processes like the stack and draw or extrusion, we use a process based on mechanical drilling. The drawing of these drilled performs into fibers allows reaching a suspended core geometry, in which a 2 μm diameter core is linked to the fiber clad region by three supporting struts. The different fibers that have been drawn show losses close to 0.9 dB/m at 1.55 μm. The suspended core waveguide geometry has also an efficient influence on the chromatic dispersion and allows its management. Indeed, the zero dispersion wavelength, which is around 5 μm in the bulk glass, is calculated to be shifted towards around 2μm in our suspended core fibers. In order to qualify their nonlinearity we have pumped them at 1.995 μm with the help of a fibered ns source. We have observed a strong non linear response with evidence of spontaneous Raman scattering and strong spectral broadening. © 2011 SPIE.

Study of temperature variation in cortical bone during osteotomies with trephine drills

The purpose of this study was to compare temperature variation during osteotomies with trephine drills under different irrigation conditions: without irrigation, external irrigation, and double irrigation.Synthetic blocks of bone (type I density) were used for drilling procedures with an experimental computed machine, which measured the maximum temperature in the cortical bone during osteotomy with a bone cut that was 5 mm in both diameter and depth. Three groups were formed depending on the irrigation conditions: no irrigation (G1), external irrigation (G2), and double irrigation (G3). Fifty drillings were performed for each group.The average thermal increase in the groups was 21.7 +/- 1.52 A degrees C in G1, 14.2 A +/- 0.70 A degrees C in G2, and 12.4 A +/- 0.75 A degrees C in G3. The results presented statistically significant differences among all groups (alpha = 0.05).The double irrigation technique resulted in a smaller increase in temperature in the cortical bone model, demonstrating a greater efficiency, which may be beneficial when compared to external irrigation alone.The trephine has been widely used in removing small blocks for bone graft, especially the posterior mandible, where the possibility of heating may be higher due to the density of cortical bone in this area. So it is important that the professionals select instruments that can reduce the risks of complications in the proposed treatment.

Effects of different doses of sodium monensin on feeding behaviour, dry matter intake variation and selective consumption of feedlot Nellore cattle

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

Recruitment and growth variation of Ophionereis reticulata (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)

Two growth patterns are recognized in shallow-water ophiuroids: (I) slow growth and early reproductive maturity over a long life span and (2) rapid growth with a short life span. For species with the first pattern, both growth and recruitment would reflect a reproductive pattern with long periods of resting and spawning concentrated in certain months of the year. To evaluate this hypothesis, the recruitment, population dynamics, and growth of the intertidal brittle star Ophionereis reticulata were analyzed from January 2001 to December 2002 at the Baleciro Isthmus on the southeast coast of Brazil. The species shows an annual gametogenic cycle with spawning taking place in summer. Densities varied from 0.46 to 9.46 individuals m(-2). Density variations and seawater temperature were not significantly correlated. The population structure of O. reticulata was polymodal, with at least four co-occurring cohorts. Recruitment events were recorded in March 2001, October 2001, January 2002, and September 2002. As indicated by the asymptote size (D(infinity)=11.47 mm +/- 1.46), growth constant (K=0.42 year(-1)+/- 0.12), and oscillation index (C=0.97 +/- 0.51), the growth pattern of O. reticulata seems to be based on high survivorship of juveniles and adults, where sexual maturity is reached at a small size with rapid growth in the first 2 years of life. A low level of settlement is to be expected based on these data; however, there must be a minimum successful survivorship and development for juveniles and adults. Another explanation for the lack of small individuals (disc diameter <1.0 mm) could be that recruitment is located in a different area and a post-settlement migration might be involved in the maintenance of the population.

Height-diameter relationships of tropical Atlantic moist forest trees in southeastern Brazil

Site-specific height-diameter models may be used to improve biomass estimates for forest inventories where only diameter at breast height (DBH) measurements are available. In this study, we fit height-diameter models for vegetation types of a tropical Atlantic forest using field measurements of height across plots along an altitudinal gradient. To fit height-diameter models, we sampled trees by DBH class and measured tree height within 13 one-hectare permanent plots established at four altitude classes. To select the best model we tested the performance of 11 height-diameter models using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The Weibull and Chapman-Richards height-diameter models performed better than other models, and regional site-specific models performed better than the general model. In addition, there is a slight variation of height-diameter relationships across the altitudinal gradient and an extensive difference in the stature between the Atlantic and Amazon forests. The results showed the effect of altitude on tree height estimates and emphasize the need for altitude-specific models that produce more accurate results than a general model that encompasses all altitudes. To improve biomass estimation, the development of regional height-diameter models that estimate tree height using a subset of randomly sampled trees presents an approach to supplement surveys where only diameter has been measured.

Sulcus anatomy and diameter in pseudophakic eyes and correlation with biometric data: Evaluation with a 50 MHz ultrasound biomicroscope

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sulcus anatomy and possible correlations between sulcus diameter and white-to-white (WTW) diameter in pseudophakic eyes, data that may be important in the stability of add-on intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: University Eye Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: In pseudophakic eyes, the axial length (AL) and horizontal WTW were measured by the IOLMaster device. Cross-sectional images were obtained with a 50 MHz ultrasound biomicroscope on the 4 meridians: vertical, horizontal (180 degrees), temporal oblique, and nasal oblique. Sulcus-to-sulcus (STS), angle-to-angle (ATA), and sclera-to-sclera (ScTSc) diameters were measured. The IOL optic diameter (6.0 mm) served as a control. To test reliability, optic measurements were repeated 5 times in a subset of eyes. RESULTS: The vertical ATA and STS diameters were statistically significantly larger than the horizontal diameter (P=.0328 and P=.0216, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in ScTSc diameters. A weak correlation was found between WTW and horizontal ATA (r = 0.5766, P<.0001) and between WTW and horizontal STS (r = 0.5040, P=.0002). No correlation was found between WTW and horizontal ScTSc (r = 0.2217, P=.1217). CONCLUSIONS: The sulcus anatomy had a vertical oval shape with the vertical meridian being the largest, but it also had variation in the direction of the largest meridian. The WTW measurements showed a weak correlation with STS. In pseudophakic eyes, Soemmerring ring or a bulky haptic may affect the ciliary sulcus anatomy.

Steel fibre reinforced concrete pipes. Part 2: numerical model to simulate the crushing test

This paper is part of an extensive work about the technological development, experimental analysis and numerical modeling of steel fibre reinforced concrete pipes. The first part ("Steel fibre reinforced concrete pipes. Part 1: technological analysis of the mechanical behavior") dealt with the technological development of the experimental campaign, the test procedure and the discussion of the structural behavior obtained for each of the dosages of fibre used. This second part deals with the aspects of numerical modeling. In this respect, a numerical model called MAP, which simulates the behavior of fibre reinforced concrete pipes with medium-low range diameters, is introduced. The bases of the numerical model are also mentioned. Subsequently, the experimental results are contrasted with those produced by the numerical model, obtaining excellent correlations. It was possible to conclude that the numerical model is a useful tool for the design of this type of pipes, which represents an important step forward to establish the structural fibres as reinforcement for concrete pipes. Finally, the design for the optimal amount of fibres for a pipe with a diameter of 400 mm is presented as an illustrating example with strategic interest.

Inherited and noninherited sources of variation in metastasis and the growth rate of tumors: Implications for tumor evolution and therapy

I have undertaken measurements of the genetic (or inherited) and nongenetic (or noninherited) components of the variability of metastasis formation and tumor diameter doubling time in more than 100 metastatic lines from each of three murine tumors (sarcoma SANH, sarcoma SA4020, and hepatocarcinoma HCA-I) syngeneic to C3Hf/Kam mice. These lines were isolated twice from lung metastases and analysed immediately thereafter to obtain the variance to spontaneous lung metastasis and tumor diameter doubling time. Additional studies utilized cells obtained from within 4 passages of isolation. Under the assumption that no genetic differences in metastasis formation or diameter doubling time existed among the cells of a given line, the variance within a line would estimate nongenetic variation. The variability derived from differences between lines would represent genetic origin. The estimates of the genetic contribution to the variation of metastasis and tumor diameter doubling time were significantly greater than zero, but only in the metastatic lines of tumor SANH was genetic variation the major source of metastatic variability (contributing 53% of the variability). In the tumor cell lines of SA4020 and HCA-I, however, the contribution of nongenetic factors predominated over genetic factors in the variability of the number of metastasis and tumor diameter doubling time. A number of other parameters examined, such as DNA content, karyotype, and selection and variance analysis with passage in vivo, indicated that genetic differences existed within the cell lines and that these differences were probably created by genetic instability. The mean metastatic propensity of the lines may have increased somewhat during their isolation and isotransplantation, but the variance was only slightly affected, if at all. Analysis of the DNA profiles of the metastatic lines of SA4020 and HCA-I revealed differences between these lines and their primary parent tumors, but not among the SANH lines and their parent tumor. Furthermore, there was a direct correlation between the extent of genetic influence on metastasis formation and the ability of the tumor cells to develop resistance to cisplatinum. Thus although nongenetic factors might predominate in contributing to metastasis formation, it is probably genetic variation and genetic instability that cause the progression of tumor cells to a more metastatic phenotype and leads to the emergence of drug resistance. ^

Animal Guts as Nonideal Chemical Reactors: Partial Mixing and Axial Variation in Absorption Kinetics

Animal guts have been idealized as axially uniform plug-flow reactors (PFRs) without significant axial mixing or as combinations in series of such PFRs with other reactor types. To relax these often unrealistic assumptions and to provide a means for relaxing others, I approximated an animal gut as a series of n continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) and examined its performance as a Function of n. For the digestion problem of hydrolysis and absorption in series, I suggest as a first approximation that a tubular gut of length L and diameter D comprises n=L/D tanks in series. For n greater than or equal to 10, there is little difference between performance of the nCSTR model and an ideal PFR in the coupled tasks of hydrolysis and absorption. Relatively thinner and longer guts, characteristic of animals feeding on poorer forage, prove more efficient in both conversion and absorption by restricting axial mixing, in the same total volume, they also give a higher rate of absorption. I then asked how a fixed number of absorptive sites should be distributed among the n compartments. Absorption rate generally is maximized when absorbers are concentrated in the hindmost few compartments, but high food quality or suboptimal ingestion rates decrease the advantage of highly concentrated absorbers. This modeling approach connects gut function and structure at multiple scales and can be extended to include other nonideal reactor behaviors observed in real animals.

Implications of Longterm Diameter-Limit Harvesting: Effects on Radial Growth of Red Spruce (Picea rubens) and Genetic Diversity of White Pine (Pinus strobus)

For over 3 centuries, diameter-limit harvesting has been a predominant logging method in the northeastern United States. Silvicultural theory asserts that such intensively selective harvesting can lead to genetic degradation. A decrease in softwood productivity has recently been reported in Maine - has a long history of dysgenic selection degraded the genetic resources of Maine softwoods, contributing to a decrease in growth and productivity? This study examines two aspects of potential implications of diameter-limit harvesting: effects on residual phenotypes of red spruce and impacts on genetic diversity of white pine. Radial growth of residual red spruce trees in stands experiencing 50 years of fixed diameter-limit harvesting was measured using annual increment rings and compared with residual red spruce trees in positive selection stands. Trees remaiaing after several rounds of diameter-limit harvesting exhibited sigdicantl y smaller radial sizes throughout their lives, and displayed significantly slower growth rates for the first 80 years of measured growth. These results strongly suggest that the largest and fastest-growing genotypes and their respective gene complexes determining good radial growth have been removed from the diameter-limit stand. Dysgenic selection can be observed in fixed diarneter-limit stands, resulting in a diminished genetic resource and decreased residual stand value. To examine more direct genetic implications of long-term diameter-limit harvesting, microsatellite DNA markers were implemented to study genetic diversity of eastern white pine in Maine. Three age groups of trees were studied: mature trees older than 200 years, juvenile trees 5-30 years old, and embryos. Trees were genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci. Overall genetic diversity levels of eastern white pine in Maine were extremely high, with an average observed heterozygosity of 0.762. Genetic differentiation was minimal among and between all three age groups, although an excess of heterozygotes was shown in the mature and juvenile groups that was not reflected in the embryo group, which actually had a slight heterozygote deficiency. Allele frequencies did not differ significantly between age groups, but did reveal more rare and low frequency alleles in the embryo groups than in the mature group. Overall, low frequency alleles comprise the largest portion of alleles in the sample population, with no common alleles evident overall. These results suggest that significant genetic degradation has either not occurred for white pine, or that the results of dysgenic selection have not yet emerged. It is clear, however, that selective harvesting could result in a loss of low frequency alleles, which are a primary reserve of evolutionary potential in a species. Implications of these studies affect industrial forestry, regional economics, and ecological concerns for the northeast. Long-term diameter-limit harvesting can lead to a degradation of residual phenotypes, and an overall decrease in stand quality. Potentially, a loss of low frequency, locally adapted alleles could result in a decrease of allelic richness and degradation of the regidnal genetic resource. Decreased genetic variation can lead to seriously limited evolutionary potential of species and ecosystems, particularly in rapidly changing environments. Based on these findings, I recommend a reassessment of any harvesting prescription that includes fixed diameter-limit removals, particularly for species that have low natural genetic diversity levels or a limited natural range, such as red spruce. Maintenance of a healthy genetic reserve can avoid effects of dysgenic harvesting.

Shell size variation of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sin. in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea during the last 1.3 Myr

We present measurements of the maximum diameter of the planktonic foraminifer Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sin. from six sediment cores (Ocean Drilling Program sites 643, 644, 907, 909, 985 and 987) from the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. Our data show a distinct net increase in mean shell size of N. pachyderma sin. at all sites during the last 1.3 Ma, with largest shell sizes reached after 0.4 Ma. External factors such as glacial-interglacial variability and carbonate dissolution alone cannot account for the observed variation in mean shell size of N. pachyderma sin. We consider the observed shell size increase to mirror an evolutionary trend towards better adaptation of N. pachyderma sin. to the cold water environment after 1.1-1.0 Ma. Probably, the Mid Pleistocene climate shift and the associated change of amplitude and frequency of glacial-interglacial fluctuations have triggered the evolution of this planktonic foraminifer. Oxygen and carbon stable isotope analyses of different shell size classes indicate that the observed shell size increase could not be explained by the functional concept that larger shells promote increasing sinking velocities during gametogenesis. For paleoceanographic reconstructions, the evolutionary adaptation of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma sin. to the cold water habitat has significant implications. Carbonate sedimentation in highest latitudes is highly dependent on the presence of this species. In the Norwegian-Greenland Sea, carbonate-poor intervals before 1.1 Ma are, therefore, not necessarily related to severe glacial conditions. They are probably attributed to the absence of this not yet polar-adapted species. Further, transfer function and modern analog techniques used for the reconstruction of surface water conditions in high latitudes could, therefore, contain a large range of errors if they were applied to samples older than 1.1-1.0 Myrs.

Quantification of soluble fibre in feedstuffs for rabbits and evaluation of the interference between the determinations of soluble fibre and intestinal mucin.

This work compared the quantification of soluble fibre in feeds using different chemical and in vitro approaches, and studied the potential interference between soluble fibre and mucin determinations. Six ingredients: sugar beet pulp (SBP), SBP pectins, insoluble SBP, wheat straw, sunflower hulls and lignocellulose, and seven rabbit diets, differing in soluble fibre content, were evaluated. In experiment 1, ingredients and diets were analyzed for total dietary fibre (TDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF), soluble dietary fibre (SDF), aNDFom (corrected for protein, aNDFom-cp) and 2-step pepsin/pancreatin in vitro DM indigestibility (corrected for ash and protein, ivDMi2). Soluble fibre was estimated by difference using three procedures: TDF?IDF (SDFIDF), TDF?ivDMi2 (SDFivDMi2), and TDF?aNDFom-cp (SDFaNDFom-cp). Soluble fibre determined directly (SDF) or by difference as SDFivDMi2 were not different (109 g/kg DM, on average). However, when it was calculated as SDFaNDFom-cp the value was 40% higher (153 g/kg DM, P menor que 0.05), whereas SDFIDF (124 g/kg DM) did not differ from any of the other methods. The correlation between the four methods was high (r ? 0.96; P ? 0.001; n = 13), but it decreased or even disappeared when SBP pectins and SBP were excluded and a lower and more narrow range of variation of soluble fibre was used. In experiment 2, the ivDMi2 using crucibles (reference method) were compared to those made using individual or collective ankom bags in order to simplify the determination of SDFivDMi2. The ivDMi2 was not different when using crucibles or individual or collective ankom bags. In experiment 3, the potential interference between soluble fibre and intestinal mucin determinations was studied using rabbit intestinal raw mucus, digesta and SBP pectins, lignocelluloses and a rabbit diet. An interference was observed between the determinations of soluble fibre and crude mucin, as contents of TDF and apparent crude mucin were high in SBP pectins (994 and 709 g/kg DM) and rabbit intestinal raw mucus (571 and 739 g/kg DM). After a pectinase treatment, the coefficient of apparent mucin recovery of SBP pectins was close to zero, whereas that of rabbit mucus was not modified. An estimation of the crude mucin carbohydrates retained in digesta TDF is proposed to correct TDF and soluble fibre digestibility. In conclusion, the values of soluble fibre depend on the methodology used. The contamination of crude mucin with soluble fibre is avoided using pectinase.

Polyolefin fibre-reinforced concrete : from material behaviour to numerical and design considerations

La presente Tesis proporciona una gran cantidad de información con respecto al uso de un nuevo y avanzado material polimérico (con base de poliolefina) especialmente adecuada para ser usada en forma de fibras como adición en el hormigón. Se han empleado fibras de aproximadamente 1 mm de diámetro, longitudes entre 48 y 60 mm y una superficie corrugada. Las prometedoras propiedades de este material (baja densidad, bajo coste, buen comportamiento resistente y gran estabilidad química) justifican el interés en desarrollar el esfuerzo de investigación requerido para demostrar las ventajas de su uso en aplicaciones prácticas. La mayor parte de la investigación se ha realizado usando hormigón autocompactante como matriz, ya que este material es óptimo para el relleno de los encofrados del hormigón, aunque también se ha empleado hormigón normal vibrado con el fin de comparar algunas propiedades. Además, el importante desarrollo del hormigón reforzado con fibras en los últimos años, tanto en investigación como en aplicaciones prácticas, también es muestra del gran interés que los resultados y consideraciones de diseño que esta Tesis pueden tener. El material compuesto resultante, Hormigón Reforzado con Fibras de Poliolefina (HRFP o PFRC por sus siglas inglesas) ha sido exhaustivamente ensayado y estudiado en muchos aspectos. Los resultados permiten establecer cómo conseguidos los objetivos buscados: -Se han cuantificado las propiedades mecánicas del PFRC con el fin de demostrar su buen comportamiento en la fase fisurada de elementos estructurales sometidos a tensiones de tracción. -Contrastar los resultados obtenidos con las bases propuestas en la normativa existente y evaluar las posibilidades para el uso del PFRC con fin estructural para sustituir el armado tradicional con barras de acero corrugado para determinadas aplicaciones. -Se han desarrollado herramientas de cálculo con el fin de evaluar la capacidad del PFRC para sustituir al hormigón armado con las barras habituales de acero. -En base a la gran cantidad de ensayos experimentales y a alguna aplicación real en la construcción, se han podido establecer recomendaciones y consejos de diseño para que elementos de este material puedan ser proyectados y construidos con total fiabilidad. Se presentan, además, resultados prometedores en una nueva línea de trabajo en el campo del hormigón reforzado con fibras combinando dos tipologías de fibras. Se combinaron fibras de poliolefina con fibras de acero como refuerzo del mismo hormigón autocompactante detectándose sinergias que podrían ser la base del uso futuro de esta tecnología de hormigón. This thesis provides a significant amount of information on the use of a new advanced polymer (polyolefin-based) especially suitable in the form of fibres to be added to concrete. At the time of writing, there is a noteworthy lack of research and knowledge about use as a randomly distributed element to reinforce concrete. Fibres with an approximate 1 mm diameter, length of 48-60 mm, an embossed surface and improved mechanical properties are employed. The promising properties of the polyolefin material (low density, inexpensive, and with good strength behaviour and high chemical stability) justify the research effort involved and demonstrate the advantages for practical purposes. While most of the research has used self-compacting concrete, given that this type of matrix material is optimum in filling the concrete formwork, for comparison purposes standard vibration compacted mixes have also been used. In addition, the interest in fibre-reinforced concrete technology, in both research and application, support the significant interest in the results and considerations provided by the thesis. The resulting composite material, polyolefin fibre reinforced concrete (PFRC) has been extensively tested and studied. The results have allowed the following objectives to be met: -Assessment of the mechanical properties of PFRC in order to demonstrate the good performance in the post-cracking strength for structural elements subjected to tensile stresses. -- Assessment of the results in contrast with the existing structural codes, regulations and test methods. The evaluation of the potential of PFRC to meet the requirements and replace traditional steel-bar reinforcement applications. -Development of numerical tools designed to evaluate the capability of PFRC to substitute, either partially or totally, standard steel reinforcing bars either alone or in conjunction with steel fibres. -Provision, based on the large amount of experimental work and real applications, of a series of guidelines and recommendations for the practical and reliable design and use of PFRC. Furthermore, the thesis also reports promising results about an innovative line in the field of fibre-reinforced concrete: the design of a fibre cocktail to reinforce the concrete by using two types of fibres simultaneously. Polyolefin fibres were combined with steel fibres in self-compacting concrete, identifying synergies that could serve as the base in the future use of fibre-reinforced concrete technology.