Neutral pion production in Au plus Au collisions at root s(NN)=200 GeV

The results of midrapidity (0 < y < 0.8) neutral pion spectra over an extended transverse momentum range (1 < p(T) < 12 GeV/c) in root s(NN) = 200 GeV Au + Au collisions, measured by the STAR experiment, are presented. The neutral pions are reconstructed from photons measured either by the STAR Barrel Electro-Magnetic Calorimeter or by the Time Projection Chamber via tracking of conversion electron-positron pairs. Our measurements are compared to previously published pi(+/-) and pi(0) results. The nuclear modification factors R(CP) and R(AA) of pi(0) are also presented as a function of p(T). In the most central Au + Au collisions, the binary collision scaled pi(0) yield at high p(T) is suppressed by a factor of about 5 compared to the expectation from the yield of p + p collisions. Such a large suppression is in agreement with previous observations for light quark mesons and is consistent with the scenario that partons suffer considerable energy loss in the dense medium formed in central nucleus-nucleus collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.

J/psi production at high transverse momenta in p plus p and Cu plus Cu collisions at root s(NN)=200 GeV

The STAR Collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider presents measurements of J/psi e(+) e(-) at midrapidity and high transverse momentum (pT > 5 GeV/c) in p + p and central Cu + Cu collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV. The inclusive J/psi production cross section for Cu + Cu collisions is found to be consistent at high p(T) with the binary collision-scaled cross section for p + p collisions. At a confidence level of 97%, this is in contrast to a suppression of J/psi production observed at lower p(T). Azimuthal correlations of J/psi with charged hadrons in p + p collisions provide an estimate of the contribution of B-hadron decays to J/psi production of 13% +/- 5%.

Hadronic resonance production in d+Au collisions at root S(NN) = 200 GeV measured at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

We present the first measurements of the rho(770)(0),K(*)(892),Delta(1232)(++),Sigma(1385), and Lambda(1520) resonances in d+Au collisions at s(NN)=200 GeV, reconstructed via their hadronic decay channels using the STAR detector (the solenoidal tracker at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider). The masses and widths of these resonances are studied as a function of transverse momentum p(T). We observe that the resonance spectra follow a generalized scaling law with the transverse mass m(T). The < p(T)> of resonances in minimum bias collisions are compared with the < p(T)> of pi,K, and p. The rho(0)/pi(-),K(*)/K(-),Delta(++)/p,Sigma(1385)/Lambda, and Lambda(1520)/Lambda ratios in d+Au collisions are compared with the measurements in minimum bias p+p interactions, where we observe that both measurements are comparable. The nuclear modification factors (R(dAu)) of the rho(0),K(*), and Sigma(*) scale with the number of binary collisions (N(bin)) for p(T)> 1.2 GeV/c.

Fluorescence spectroscopy for the detection of tongue carcinoma - validation in an animal model

The efficacy of fluorescence spectroscopy to detect squamous cell carcinoma is evaluated in an animal model following laser excitation at 442 and 532 nm. Lesions are chemically induced with a topical DMBA application at the left lateral tongue of Golden Syrian hamsters. The animals are investigated every 2 weeks after the 4th week of induction until a total of 26 weeks. The right lateral tongue of each animal is considered as a control site (normal contralateral tissue) and the induced lesions are analyzed as a set of points covering the entire clinically detectable area. Based on fluorescence spectral differences, four indices are determined to discriminate normal and carcinoma tissues, based on intraspectral analysis. The spectral data are also analyzed using a multivariate data analysis and the results are compared with histology as the diagnostic gold standard. The best result achieved is for blue excitation using the KNN (K-nearest neighbor, a interspectral analysis) algorithm with a sensitivity of 95.7% and a specificity of 91.6%. These high indices indicate that fluorescence spectroscopy may constitute a fast noninvasive auxiliary tool for diagnostic of cancer within the oral cavity. (C) 2008 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Hybrid layer-by-layer assembly based on animal and vegetable structural materials: multilayered films of collagen and cellulose nanowhiskers

Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly was used to combine crystalline rod-like nanoparticles obtained from a vegetable source, cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), with collagen, the main component of skin and connective tissue found exclusively in animals. The film growth of the multilayered collagen/CNW was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy and ellipsometry measurements, whereas the film morphology and surface roughness were characterized by SEM and AFM. UV-Vis spectra showed the deposition of the same amount of collagen, 5 mg m(-2), in each dipping cycle. Ellipsometry data showed an increment in thickness with the number of layers, and the average thickness of each bilayer was found to be 8.6 nm. The multilayered bio-based nanocomposites were formed by single layers of densely packed CNWs adsorbed on top of each thin collagen layer where the hydrogen bonding between collagen amide groups and OH groups of the CNWs plays a mandatory role in the build-up of the thin films. The approach used in this work represents a potential strategy to mimic the characteristics of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) which can be used for applications in the biomedical field.

Source populations in coastal crabs: parameters affecting egg production

Benthic marine invertebrates may form metapopulations connected via propagule dispersal. Conservation efforts often target potential source coastlines to indirectly benefit areas depending on allochthonous offspring production. Besides population density, adult size structure, sex ratio, brooding frequency and the proportion of breeding individuals may significantly influence the reproductive output of benthic populations, but these effects have seldom been tested. We used rocky shore crabs to assess the spatial variability of such parameters at relevant scales for conservation purposes and to test their consistency over 2 consecutive years; we then used the data to address whether bottom-up processes or biological interactions might explain the patterns observed. We decomposed egg production rates into their components for the 2 most abundant brachyuran species inhabiting the intertidal rocky habitat. Adult density and brooding frequency varied consistently among shores for both species and largely explained the overall spatial trends of egg production. Temporally consistent patterns also included among-shore differences in the size of ovigerous females of the grapsid Pachygrapsus transversus and between-bay differences in the fecundity of the spider crab Epialtus brasiliensis. Sex ratio was remarkably constant in both. We found no positive or negative correlations between adult density and brooding frequency to support either the existence of a component Allee effect (lack of mate encounters) or an effect of intra-specific competition. Likewise, shore-specific potential growth in P. transversus does not negatively correlate with frequency of ovigerous individuals, as would be expected under a critical balance between these 2 processes. The patterns observed suggest that bottom-up drivers may best explain spatial trends in the reproductive output of these species.

Net greenhouse gas fluxes in Brazilian ethanol production systems

Biofuels are both a promising solution to global warming mitigation and a potential contributor to the problem. Several life cycle assessments of bioethanol have been conducted to address these questions. We performed a synthesis of the available data on Brazilian ethanol production focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon (C) sinks in the agricultural and industrial phases. Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) from fossil fuels, methane (CH(4)) and nitrous oxide (N(2)O) from sources commonly included in C footprints, such as fossil fuel usage, biomass burning, nitrogen fertilizer application, liming and litter decomposition were accounted for. In addition, black carbon (BC) emissions from burning biomass and soil C sequestration were included in the balance. Most of the annual emissions per hectare are in the agricultural phase, both in the burned system (2209 out of a total of 2398 kg C(eq)), and in the unburned system (559 out of 748 kg C(eq)). Although nitrogen fertilizer emissions are large, 111 kg C(eq) ha-1 yr-1, the largest single source of emissions is biomass burning in the manual harvest system, with a large amount of both GHG (196 kg C(eq) ha-1 yr-1). and BC (1536 kg C(eq) ha-1 yr-1). Besides avoiding emissions from biomass burning, harvesting sugarcane mechanically without burning tends to increase soil C stocks, providing a C sink of 1500 kg C ha-1 yr-1 in the 30 cm layer. The data show a C output: input ratio of 1.4 for ethanol produced under the conventionally burned and manual harvest compared with 6.5 for the mechanized harvest without burning, signifying the importance of conservation agricultural systems in bioethanol feedstock production.

Effect of some essential oils on in vitro methane emission

The objectives of this study were to characterise four essential oils (EO) chemically and to evaluate their effect on ruminal fermentation and methane emission in vitro. The investigated EO were isolated from Achillea santolina, Artemisia judaica, Schinus terebinthifolius and Mentha microphylla, and supplemented at four levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 l) to 75ml of buffered rumen fluid plus 0.5 g of substrate. The main components of the EO were piperitone (49.1%) and camphor (34.5%) in A. judaica, 16-dimethyl 15-cyclooactdaiene (60.5%) in A. santolina, piperitone oxide (46.7%) and cis-piperitone oxide (28%) in M. microphylla, and -muurolene (45.3%) and -thujene (16.0%) in S. terebinthifolius. The EO from A. santolina (at 25 and 50 l), and all levels of A. judaica increased the gas production significantly, but S. terebinthifolius (at 50 and 75 l), A. santolina (at 75 l) and all levels of M. microphylla decreased the gas production significantly in comparison with the control. The highest levels of A. santolina and A. judaica, and all doses from M. microphylla EO inhibited the methane production along with a significant reduction in true degradation of dry matter and organic matter, protozoa count and NH3-N concentration. It is concluded that the evaluated EO have the potential to affect ruminal fermentation efficiency and the EO from M. microphylla could be a promising methane mitigating agent.

Phytomass production and nitrogen accumulation in maize cultivated with different doses of (15)N-urea

This work aimed to study the possible alterations in production, accumulation of the vegetative phytomass and nitrogen efficiency use of the maize crop, in different doses of N applied in the fertilization, by using the technique of isotopic dilution of (15)N. The completely randomized block experimental design was adopted, with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The following treatments were constituted in the doses in covering: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha(-1) of N, with fertilization of N-urea, respectively. Comparisons among the treatments had been run for crop productivity; nitrogen accumulation for the plant, and use of the nitrogen of the urea-(15)N for the crop. The increase of the dose of N-fertilizer resulted in increase of the dry matter mass, of the dry matter yield crop tax, of the productivity and accumulation of N in the maize plants.

Chemical composition of tomato seeds affected by conventional and organic production systems

Tomato is amongst the most consumed vegetables in the world, not only for its culinary versatility but also for its high nutritional value. In the last years, consumers have shown an increased concern regarding food origin and safety. The organic tomato production has been a promising alternative for the consumer offering a safer food in relation to environmental, social and nutritional aspects. This study assessed the chemical composition of tomato seeds produced in both conventional and organic systems by INAA. The results showed significant differences (P <= 0.05) in the mass fractions of Br, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mo, Na, Rb and Sm between both systems, indicating influence of the crop management adopted in the different tomato production systems.

PRODUCTION OF (15)N-ENRICHED NITRIC ACID (H(15)NO(3))

Techniques that employ (15)N have proved to be an important tool in many areas of the agronomic and biomedical sciences. Nevertheless, their use is limited by methodological difficulties and by the price of compounds in the international market. Nitric compounds ((15)NO(3)(-)) have attracted the interest of researchers. However, these compounds are not currently produced in Brazil. Thus, in the present work H(15)NO(3) was obtained from the oxidation of anhydrous (15)NH(3). The method we used differs from the industrial process in that the absorption tower is replaced with a polytetrafluoroethylene-lined, stainless-steel hydration reactor. The process output was evaluated based on the following parameters: reaction temperature; ratio of reagents; pressure and flow of (15)NH(3(g)) through the catalyst (Pt/Rh). The results showed that, at the best conditions (500 degrees C; 50% excess O(2); 0.4 MPa; and 3.39 g. min(-1) of (15)NH(3)), a conversion percentage (N-(15)NH(3) to N-(15)NO(3)(-)) of 62.2%, an overall nitrogen balance (N-(15)NH(3) + N-(15)NO(3)(-)) of 86.8%, and purity higher than 99% could be obtained.

Partial microwave-assisted wet digestion of animal tissue using a baby-bottle sterilizer for analyte determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

A procedure for partial digestion of bovine tissue is proposed using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microvessels inside a baby-bottle sterilizer under microwave radiation for multi-element determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Samples were directly weighed in laboratory-made polytetrafluoroethylene vessels. Nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide were added to the uncovered vessels, which were positioned inside the baby-bottle sterilizer, containing 500 mL of water. The hydrogen peroxide volume was fixed at 100 mu L The system was placed in a domestic microwave oven and partial digestion was carried out for the determination of Ca, Cu, Fe. Mg, Mn and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The single-vessel approach was used in the entire procedure, to minimize contamination in trace analysis. Better recoveries and lower residual carbon content (RCC) levels were obtained under the conditions established through a 2(4-1) fractional factorial design: 650 W microwave power, 7 min digestion time, 50 mu L nitric acid and 50 mg sample mass. The digestion efficiency was ascertained according to the residual carbon content determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was checked against two certified reference materials. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The production of school numbers (1871-1931): contributions to a critical approach to statistical sources in History of Education

This article intends to contribute to the reflection on the Educational Statistics as being source for the researches on History of Education. The main concern was to reveal the way Educational Statistics related to the period from 1871 to 1931 were produced, in central government. Official reports - from the General Statistics Directory - and Statistics yearbooks released by that department were analyzed and, on this analysis, recommendations and definitions to perform the works were sought. By rending problematic to the documental issues on Educational Statistics and their usual interpretations, the intention was to reduce the ignorance about the origin of the school numbers, which are occasionally used in current researches without the convenient critical exam.

Experimental chronic low-frequency resistance training produces skeletal muscle hypertrophy in the absence of muscle damage and metabolic stress markers

Volitional animal resistance training constitutes an important approach to modeling human resistance training. However, the lack of standardization protocol poses a frequent impediment to the production of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and the study of related physiological variables (i.e., cellular damage/inflammation or metabolic stress). Therefore, the purposes of the present study were: (1) to test whether a long-term and low frequency experimental resistance training program is capable of producing absolute increases in muscle mass; (2) to examine whether cellular damage/inflammation or metabolic stress is involved in the process of hypertrophy. In order to test this hypothesis, animals were assigned to a sedentary control (C, n = 8) or a resistance trained group (RT, n = 7). Trained rats performed 2 exercise sessions per week (16 repetitions per day) during 12 weeks. Our results demonstrated that the resistance training strategy employed was capable of producing absolute mass gain in both soleus and plantaris muscles (12%, p<0.05). Furthermore, muscle tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) protein expression (soleus muscle) was reduced by 24% (p<0.01) in trained group when compared to sedentary one. Finally, serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and serum lactate concentrations were not affected in either group. Such information may have practical applications if reproduced in situations where skeletal muscle hypertrophy is desired but high mechanical stimuli of skeletal muscle and inflammation are not. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.