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The feeding of bees is an important factor for their survival, and currently, the use of transgenics is common among producers, since the use of these has reduced production costs, however, there is a great debate as to whether transgenics can harm pollinators. that are in farming regions. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the longevity of Apis mellifera bees using different compositions of transgenic and conventional soy and corn diets, foods that can be substitutes for pollen as a protein source for the hive. For that, the theory of Survival Analysis was used, where the data were constituted by interval censorship, because the time of death is not exactly known. The survival function was estimated using the Weibull regression model with the presence of two covariables: whether the diet is transgenic or not, and the protein content. The adequacy of the model was verified by the graphs of the linearizations using a script developed for the Survival package of the R software, in addition to carrying out the likelihood ratio test at 1% probability, concluding that the presence of the two covariables in the model is significant. In this way, the survival curves of the bees and the estimated risk were constructed, concluding that the GM foods did not have a negative effect on the survival of the bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for sustainability in integrated production systems is a constant challenge, especially when it comes to balancing the levels of shading provided by trees in agroforestry systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three shading levels (0, 30 and 60%) casted by native Babaçú trees (Attalea speciosa, Mart) on the agronomic and structural characteristics of Mombaça grass in the ecotone Cerrado-Amazon. A total area of 3 ha was stratified into 36 subdivisions measuring 270 m² each, in order to collect agronomic samples from the three shading levels, totaling 108 experimental units, where the structural and agronomic characteristics of Mombaça grass were assessed. Increased shading leads to reduction in tiller population density, forage volumetric density, leaf area index and yield and proportion of morphological components of Mombaça grass, reducing forage yield. The 65% and 78% reduction in tiller population in areas with 30 and 60% shading, respectively, in comparison to full sun light exposure, was the main factor in the reduced productivity of the grasses managed in the agropastoral system. Therefore, Mombaça grass should be managed at a level of 30% shading, which can be considered adequate to maximize forage yield, balancing the benefits of soil and water conservation with the possible negative impacts on forage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the spin-polarized transport of GaMnAs nanolayers in which a ferromagnetic order exists below a certain transition temperature. Our calculation for the self-averaged resistivity takes into account the existence of an impurity band determining the extended ('metallic' transport) or localized (hopping by thermal excitation) nature of the states at and near the Fermi level. Magnetic order and resistivity are inter-related due to the influence of the spin polarization of the impurity band and the effect of the Zeeman splitting on the mobility edge. We obtain, for a given range of Mn concentration and carrier density, a 'metallic' behavior in which the transport by extended carriers dominates at low temperature, and is dominated by the thermally excited localized carriers near and above the transition temperature. This gives rise to a conspicuous hump of the resistivity which has been experimentally observed and brings light onto the relationship between transport and magnetic properties of this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined linear and nonlinear characteristics of superconductor superlattice perpendicular conduction. Linear mobilities from the balance-equation theory; Comparisons between theories and experiments; Conclusions.

The magnetic order in the diluted magnetic semiconductor barrier of double AlAs/GaAs:Mn quantum well structures is investigated by Monte Carlo simulations. A confinement adapted RKKY mechanism is implemented for indirect exchange between Mn ions mediated by holes. It is shown that, depending on the barrier width and the hole concentration, a ferromagnetic or a spin-glass order can be established. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objectives were to determine the effects of an injectable formulation of calcitriol on mineral metabolism and immune function in postpartum Holstein cows that received an acidogenic diet prepartum to minimize hypocalcemia. In experiment 1, cows within 6 h of calving received calcitriol (0, 200, or 300 µg) to determine the dose needed to increase plasma concentrations of Ca; 300 µg was sufficient to sustain Ca for at least 3 d. In experiment 2, multiparous cows were assigned randomly to receive only vehicle (control, n = 25) or 300 µg of calcitriol (n = 25) subcutaneously within the first 6 h after calving. Blood was sampled before treatment and 12 h later, then daily until 15 d in milk (DIM), and analyzed for concentrations of ionized Ca (iCa), total Ca (tCa), total Mg (tMg), and total P (tP), metabolites, and hormones. Urine was sampled in the first 7 DIM and analyzed for concentrations of tCa, tMg, and creatinine. Neutrophil function was evaluated in the first week postpartum. Dry matter intake and production performance were evaluated for the first 36 DIM. Calcitriol administration increased concentrations of calcitriol in plasma within 12 h of application from 51 to 427 pg/mL, which returned to baseline within 5 d. Concentrations of iCa and tCa increased 24 h after treatment with calcitriol. Concentrations of iCa (control = 1.08 vs. calcitriol = 1.20 mM), tCa (control = 2.23 vs. calcitriol = 2.33 mM), and tP (control = 1.47 vs. calcitriol = 1.81 mM) remained elevated in cows treated with calcitriol until 3, 5, and 7 DIM, respectively, whereas concentration of tMg (control = 0.76 vs. calcitriol = 0.67 mM) was less in calcitriol cows than control cows until 3 DIM. Concentrations of parathyroid hormone decreased in calcitriol cows compared with control cows (control = 441 vs. calcitriol = 336 pg/mL). Calcitriol tended to increase plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and serotonin, but concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, and C-telopeptide of type I collagen in plasma did not differ between treatments. Cows treated with calcitriol excreted more urinary tCa (control = 0.5 vs. calcitriol = 2.1 g/d) and tMg (control = 4.5 vs. calcitriol = 5.0 g/d) in the first 7 and 2 DIM, respectively, than control cows. Compared with control, calcitriol improved the proportion of neutrophils with oxidative burst (control = 31.9 vs. calcitriol = 40.6%), mean fluorescence intensity for oxidative burst (control = 90,900 vs. calcitriol = 99,746), and mean fluorescence intensity for phagocytosis (control = 23,887 vs. calcitriol = 28,080). Dry matter intake, yields of milk, and milk components did not differ between treatments. Administration of 300 µg of calcitriol at calving was safe and effective in increasing blood concentration of iCa and plasma concentrations of calcitriol, tCa, and tP for the first 6 d after treatment, and improved measures of innate immune function in early-lactation Holstein cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We calculate the power spectral density and velocity correlations for a turbulent flow of a fluid inside a duct. Turbulence is induced by obstructions placed near the entrance of the flow. The power spectral density is obtained for several points at cross-sections along the duct axis, and an analysis is made on the way the spectra changes according to the distance to the obstruction. We show that the differences on the power spectral density are important in the lower frequency range, while in the higher frequency range, the spectra are very similar to each other. Our results suggest the use of the changes on the low frequency power spectral density to identify the occurrence of obstructions in pipelines. Our results show some frequency regions where the power spectral density behaves according to the Kolmogorov hypothesis. At the same time, the calculation of the power spectral densities at increasing distances from the obstructions indicates an energy cascade where the spectra evolves in frequency space by spreading the frequency amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous media investigation by X-ray microtomography allows obtaining valuable quantitative and qualitative information, while preserving sample integrity. Modern X-ray nanotomography or Synchrotron radiation systems may distinguish structures sized only hundreds of nanometers. However, pores sized less than a few microns (microporosity) may be undetectable due to the system’s spatial resolution and noise in microfocus sources, compromising the quality of the measurement. In this study a dual-energy methodology was developed to generate density-based images from two scans made at two different voltages (80 kV and 130 KV) with a microfocus bench-top microtomography system. The images obtained were quantized in 256 gray levels, where the lowest value (zero) corresponded to voids and the highest value (255) corresponded to the densest regions mapped. From density images and single energy images, porosity was evaluated and compared. Results indicate that density images present better results than single energy images when both are compared with porosity obtained by the helium injection method. In addition, images acquired in dual-energy show good agreement with the sample’s real density values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial biofilm has already being used to remove metals and other pollutants from wastewater. In this sense, our proposal was to isolate and cultivate bacteria consortia from mangrove’s sediment resistant to Zn (II) and Cu (II) at 50 mg L −1 and to observe, through synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (microXRF), whether the biofilm sequestered the metal. The biofilm area analyzed was 1 mm 2 and a 2D map was generated (pixel size 20×20 μm 2 , counting time 5 s/point). The biofilm formation and retention followed the sequence Zn>Cu. Bacterial consortium zinc resistant formed dense biofilm and retained 63.83% of zinc, while the bacterial consortium copper resistant retained 3.21% of copper, with lower biofilm formation. Dehydrogenase activity of Zn resistant bacterial consortium was not negatively affect by 50 mg ml −1 zinc input, whereas copper resistant bacterial consortium showed a significant decrease on dehydrogenase activity (50 mg mL −1 of Cu input). In conclusion, biofilm may protect bacterial cells, acting as barrier against metal toxicity. The bacterial consortia Zn resistant, composed by Nitratireductor spp. and Pseudomonas spp formed dense biofilm and sequestered metal from water, decreasing the metal bioavailability. These bacterial consortia can be used in bioreactors and in bioremediation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography is a nondestructive technique that allows the visualization of internal structures of a sample. However, the attenuation coefficient of a material to radiation, shown in grayscale levels, can be interpreted as the combination of parameters of density and atomic number. Thus, the separation of different structures of equal attenuation is no simple task, requiring prior knowledge of the sample composition, which is usually not available. By calibration of a high-resolution microtomographic system through the dual-energy technique, using materials of known composition, it is possible to identify and segment images to obtain the spatial distribution of parameters of density and atomic number. As the combination of these two data is unique to each material, it allows the identification and separation of regions, indistinguishable in common grayscale images obtained by microtomography. In this work, we developed a methodology for the evaluation of the dual-energy technique, as well as assessment, segmentation, and reconstruction of images on a scale of density and atomic number; added to this, we sought to develop a code in MatLab® for data, image processing, and mineralogical segmentation. The results show the capabilities of the dual-energy technique, combined with the microtomography technique, to obtain information on the composition of the sample, its three-dimensional spatial distribution, and separation of structures of the same composition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling of an electron gas confined by a harmonic potential and submitted to a strong magnetic field tilted in relation to the confining direction creates an excitation called here magneto-polariton. This work describes the origin of this excitation and calculates the energy eigenvalues for different tilted angles. It presents the reasons leading to the crossings and repulsions of the energy bands, the degeneracy of the states, the way the Fermi levels change with the magnetic field, the influence of an external electric field, and how the Hall resistance plateaus change with the change in the tilted angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtomographic (µCT) and thin section (TS) images were analyzed and compared regarding porosity and its distribution along the samples. The results show that µCT, although limited by its resolution, shows relevant information about the distribution of porosity and quantification of connected and non-connected pores. TS have no limitations concerning resolution, but are limited by the experimental data and can only give information about connected pores. These two methods have their own advantages but when paired together they are able to make for a more complete analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are autoantibodies directed to intracellular components of neutrophils and are present in several vasculitic syndromes. Recently, these autoantibodies have been described in other autoimmune disorders as well as in infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). As there are some clinical similarities between TB and granulomatosis with polyangiitis, we searched for ANCA in a group of patients with proven TB. Patients with TB confirmed by chest X-ray and sputum bacilloscopy either before or within 30 days after beginning treatment were included in this study. Anti-MPO and anti-PR3 antibodies were studied using well-standardized ELISA kits (INOVA Diagnostics, Inc.). ANCA were also investigated by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Fifty TB patients (26 females, mean age 47.34 ± 17 years) were enrolled in the present study. No patient tested positive for ANCA by IIF, or anti-MPO or anti-PR3 antibodies by ELISA. Although previous studies have shown the presence of ANCA in some infectious diseases, the findings of the present study demonstrated the absence of such antibodies in TB. The discrepancy in the prevalence of ANCA in TB among different studies may be attributed to methodological factors and/or the genetic background of the studied populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dual energy technique for computerized microtomography shows itself as a promising method for identification of mineralogy on geological samples of heterogeneous composition. It can also assist with differentiating very similar objects regarding the attenuation coefficient, which are usually not separable during image processing and analysis of microtomographic data. Therefore, the development of a feasible and applicable methodology of dual energy in the analysis of microtomographic images was sought. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigate the spin-polarized transport of holes in GaMnAs/GaAs heterostructures with Mn concentration 5% in which a ferromagnetic order is known to exist. Disorder enters the problem both in the random distribution of Mn centers and impurities, and also in the orientation of the magnetic moments at the Mn sites. We take into account the existence of an impurity band determining the extended or localized nature of the states at and near the Fermi level. Magnetic order and resistivity are inter-related due to the influence of the spin polarization of the impurity band and the effect of the Zeeman splitting on the mobility edge. We obtain two channels of transport, one provided by the extended states above the mobility edge, when this lies below the Fermi level, the other coming out of the thermal excitation of the localized states through a hopping mechanism. We discuss the competition between these two channels in determining, once having obtained the dependence of the resistance on temperature, the metallic or non-metallic nature of the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bone quality is an evaluation index often applied in order to interpret clinical observations made upon bone health, such as bone mineral density, micro and macro architecture, and mineral content. Conventional inspection techniques do not provide full information on trabecular bone quality. This study shows the high resolution potential and the non-destructive character of X-ray microtomography and microfluorescence upon the application of such techniques for evaluating bone quality. The mineral content assessment was performed by two-dimensional concentration mappings of calcium, zinc, and strontium. The results showed significant changes in bone morphology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study presents the pore-space system analysis of the 2-ITAB-1-RJ well cores, which were drilled in the São José do Itaboraí Basin, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. The analysis presented herein has been developed based on two techniques: nuclear logging and 3D high-resolution X-ray computed microtomography. Nuclear logging has been proven to be the technique that provides better quality and more quantitative information about the porosity using radioactive sources. The Density Gamma Probe and the Neutron Sonde used in this work provide qualitative information about bulk density variations and compensated porosity of the geological formation. The samples obtained from the well cores were analyzed by microtomography. The use of this technique in sedimentary rocks allows quantitative evaluation of pore system and generates high-resolution 3D images (∼microns order). The images and data obtained by microtomography were integrated with the response obtained by nuclear logging. The results obtained by these two techniques allow the understanding of the pore-size distribution and connectivity, as well as the porosity values. Both techniques are important and they complement each other. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The X-ray microtomography is a non-destructive image technique that allows evaluation of inner structure of several kinds of materials, such as trabecular bone. The microarchitecture of osteoporosis bone becomes more fragile and susceptible to fractures. Strontium ranelate (Protos®) is a current oral medication used in the treatment of osteoporosis diseases, which promises to act stimulating the proliferation of osteoblasts, as well as inhibiting the proliferation of osteoclasts. In the present work, two ways to administer strontium ranelate are studied in experiments with rats and mice: via oral and via intra-peritoneal injections. Intra-peritoneal injections are easier and not susceptible to gastrointestinal tract issues such as diarrhoea and absorption variations. However, the only method to administrate the strontium ranelate described in literature is still the gavage. In order to establish the best technique for future experiments, structural bone changes in rats were evaluated. The results show that bone porosity parameter at the femoral head decreased after 23 days of treatment when both oral and intraperitoneal routes of strontium ranelate administration were applied, suggesting an improved bone microarchitecture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Synchrotron X-ray imaging systems with fluorescence techniques was developed for biomedical researches in Brazilian Synchrotron Laboratory. An X-ray fluorescence microtomography system was implemented to analyse human prostate and breast samples and an X-ray microfluorescence system was implemented to study bone sites of human and animal samples with and without bone disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Characterization of trabeculae structures is one of the most important applications of imaging techniques in the biomedical area. The aim of this study was to investigate structure modifications in trabecular and cortical bones using non destructive techniques such as X-ray microtomography, X-ray microfluorescence by synchrotron radiation and scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained reveal the potential of this computational technique to verify the capability of characterization of internal bone structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years, the 3D X-ray microcomputed tomography (3DμCT) has become a useful method to access the internal geometry based microarchitecture of bones. All measurements are based on the image quality. In this context, the aim of this work is to investigate bone quality in terms of strength parameters determined by 3DμCT. The system that was used to do the 3DμCT was a microfocus Fein Focus which has a microfocus X-ray tube, adjustment of the magnification factor of the captured image by mobile supports and an image intensifier with a diameter of 9in. The results show that microtomography by microfocus X-ray tube is a powerful technique that can be used to analyze bone microstructures. A quantification procedure conducted with a locally developed program, produced images with 20μm of resolution for different bone samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main goal of this research is to carry out a high resolution analysis in vitro of biomedical samples as well as of industrial components by Microcofus 3D X-Ray Computed Tomography. This technique was able to provide information in a noninvasive way for different compositions, size and structure mapping out the shape and size distribution of porosity parameter. The performance of different kinds of samples demonstrates the capability of this technique in order to access volumetric data of microstrutures and establish it as an important probe and diagnostic tool for investigation in materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The abnormal accumulation or deficiency of trace elements may theoretically impair the formation of bone and contribute to osteoporosis. In this context, the knowledge of major and trace elements is very important in order to clarify many issues regarding diseases of the bone, such as osteoporosis, that remain unresolved. Several kinds of imaging techniques can be useful to access morphology and the minerals present in osteoporotic bones. In this work, synchrotron radiation X-ray microfluorescence was used as an X-ray imaging technique to investigate bone structures. Therefore, this research aims to improve the knowledge about some aspects of bone quality. The measurements were carried out at the Brazilian Synchrotron Laboratory Light Laboratory, in Brazil. A white beam with an energy range of 4–23keV, a 45°/45° geometry and a capillary optics were used. It was demonstrated that bone quality can and must be evaluated not only by considering the architecture of bones but also by taking into account the concentration and the distribution of minerals. Our results showed that the elemental distributions in bone zones on a micron scale were very helpful to understand functions in those structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, two X-ray techniques used were 3D microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and X-ray microfluorescence (micro-XRF) in order to investigate the internal structure of the bone samples. Those two techniques work together, e.g. as a complement to each other, to characterize bones structure and composition. Initially, the specimens were used to do the scan procedure in the microcomputer tomography system and the second step consists of doing the X-ray microfluorescence analysis. The results show that both techniques are powerful methods for analyzing, inspecting and characterizing bone samples: they are alternative procedures for examining bone structures and compositions and they are complementary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The study of trabecular structures is important for understanding the mechanism of alcohol related to bone changes. Alcohol consumption can compromise the body mineral composition, affecting the bone metabolism and compromising the skeleton. The effects of the ethanol treatment on the internal microarchitecture of bone samples through 3D microcomputed tomography are shown in this study. The data was acquired from a radiographic system with a micro focus X-ray conic beam and it was used the Feldkamp''s technique was used to carry out the 3D reconstructions. The measured microstructure parameters, which were based on stereological concepts, were bone volume fraction, relationship between bone surface and volume, trabecular number, separation and thickness. The results show that this technique is able to analyze these kinds of structures, especially rat bone, as these structures in rats (trabecular diameter) are thinner than in human bones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents results of titanium implant for bone analyses using three-dimensional microtomography (3D-μCT). The aim of this work is investigate the internal structure of those kinds of samples, computing parameters that are very important to characterize the type of the titanium sample. These parameters are: the material volume to total volume, the material surface to material volume, the bar thickness, the bar separation, the bar number and the preferential degree—anisotropy. The results are important to prove the potential of the μCT in respect to analyze this kind of microstructure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A self-consistent calculation of the density of states and the spectral density function is performed in a two-dimensional spin-polarized hole system based on a multiple-scattering approximation. Using parameters corresponding to GaMnAs thin layers, a wide range of Mn concentrations and hole densities have been explored to understand the nature, localized or extended, of the spin-polarized holes at the Fermi level for several values of the average magnetization of the Mn system. If the impurity concentration is below a certain threshold, the increase of the magnetization does not lead to a significant change in the localized character of the spin-polarized states. Above this threshold, we reach conditions allowing the occurrence of spin-polarized extended states at the Fermi level—more properly extended states in a very dirty metal—which are very sensitive to the average magnetization. The occurrence of a metal-to-non-metal transition has been surveyed around an optimum combination of the Mn concentration and the free carriers density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the great 3D micro tomography (3D-mCT) applications in the medical area is the characterization of bone architecture, especially when it is spoken in osteoporosis because, among other factors, is characterized by the deterioration of the architecture. This work shows the 3D quantification, based on stereological concepts, of the bone tissue through 3D-mCT in real time. The analyses were carried out in femur rat and the 3D visualizations helped to understand bones morphology. The results showed the potential of this computational technique to verify the capability of characterization of the internal bone structures and the importance of the threshold level in the binarization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an analytical method using a nuclear-related technique for the detection of forbidden doping substances in the urine of race horses. The proposed method, adapted from the Méthode Alcaline Sur C-18 developed by the French Laboratoire de Contrôle Antidopage, is based on gas chromatography separation followed by mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was validated for caffeine, identified as the most frequent doping substance in the Brazilian horseracing activity. This validation is also a major requirement to achieve ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation. The validation has led to several metrological challenges because the decisions are largely based on qualitative results (“false-positive” and/or “false-negative”) and the degree of accuracy, as well as the traceability had to be determined in the absence of certified matrix reference materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The group chain U(8)⊃O(8)⊃SU(3) plays an important role in many particle systems whenever the fundamental particles have eight degrees of freedom. As a particular example, the systems of many gluons and pairs of quark-antiquark are discussed, which can be coupled to a flavor octet. In order to determine the explicit structure of states and decay probabilities, the calculation of the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients (CGC) of this group chain is indispensable. In this contribution, the polynomial states of the U(8) chain are constructed and also the isoscalar factors of the CGC’s. Tables of isoscalar factors are presented. The method shown serves as an example for higher rank groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To test the suitability of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (AMT) method with Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, a fungal pathogen that causes diseases in a wide range of insects including whiteflies. Methods and Results: Conidia of P. fumosoroseus were successfully transformed to hygromycin B resistance using the hph gene of Escherichia coli as the selectable marker. Transformation frequencies were 58·3 ± 18·5, 98·3 ± 24·8 and 169·7 ± 35·5 (±SEM) transformants per 105, 106 and 107 target conidia respectively. After confirmation by PCR, transformants were subjected to Southern analysis, and the results revealed that 45% (four of nine) of the transformants contained single-copy integration of the T-DNA. Conclusions: In our AMT system, we efficiently transformed conidia of P. fumosoroseus. The employment of this method circumvents time-consuming protoplast preparation and allows the isolation of transformants containing single-copy integration of the T-DNA. Significance and Impact of the Study: Considering the efficiency of Ag. tumefaciens-mediated transformation, this method represents a useful tool for insertional mutagenesis to characterize genes that are important for the pathogenicity of P. fumosoroseus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a candidate gene for bipolar disorder (BPD). It has been investigated for association with the illness in a series of studies, but overall results have been inconsistent and its role in the disorder remains controversial. Systematic reviews using meta-analytical techniques are a useful method for objectively and reproducibly assessing individual studies and generating combined results. We performed two meta-analyses of published studies—both population-based and family-based studies—investigating the association between BPD and the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and the intron 2 variable numbers of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms. The literature was searched using Medline and Embase to identify studies for inclusion. We statistically joined population-based and family-based studies into a single meta-analysis. For both polymorphisms, our review revealed significant pooled odds ratios (ORs): 1.12 (95% CI 1.03–1.21) for the 5-HTTLPR and 1.12 (95% CI 1.02–1.22) for the intron 2 VNTR. Meta-regression showed that neither the study type (population-based vs family-based; P=0.41 for the 5-HTTLPR and P=0.91 for the intron 2 VNTR) nor the sample ethnicity (Caucasian vs non-Caucasian; P=0.35 for the 5-HTTLPR and P=0.66 for the intron 2 VNTR) significantly contributed to the heterogeneity of the meta-analyses. The observed ORs could be regarded simply as a very small but detectable effect of the 5-HTT, which has an additive effect when combined with other susceptibility loci. Alternative hypotheses on this finding were also discussed: a stronger effect of the haplotypes involving the two polymorphisms or other SNP markers; a more direct effect of these polymorphisms on specific phenotypes of BPD; and the presence of gene–environment interaction as a mediator of the genetic effects of 5-HTT.Molecular Psychiatry (2005) 10, 771–781. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001663; published online 12 April 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking into consideration the mass spectrum in a flattened differentially rotating disk, we calculate the critical parameters for local instability relative to small radial perturbations. We investigate the stability conditions in the general case when different relationships between element mass and random velocity may exist in different regions of the mass spectrum. In particular, we find some interesting results for the case of no relationship between the above quantities in which the effects of the mass spectrum on the stability conditions appear more clearly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Family and twin studies have supported a strong genetic factor in the etiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), although the precise mechanism of inheritance is unclear. Clinical and pharmacological studies have implicated the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in disease pathogenesis. In this cross-sectional study, we have examined the allelic and genotypic frequencies of a Val-158-Met substitution in the COMT gene, a 44-base pair (bp) length variation in the regulatory region of the serotonin transporter gene ( 5-HTTLPR) and the T102C and C516T variants in the serotonin receptor type 2A ( 5HT2A) gene in 79 OCD patients and 202 control subjects. There were no observed differences in the frequencies of allele and genotype between patients and control groups for the COMT, the 5HTTLPR and the T102C 5HT2A gene polymorphisms. In contrast, a statistically significant difference between OCD patients and controls was observed on the genotypic distribution (χ2 = 16.7, 2df, P = 0.0002) and on the allelic frequencies (χ2 = 15.8, 1df, P = 0.00007) for the C516T 5HT2A gene polymorphism. The results suggest that the C516T variant of the 5HT2A gene may be one of the genetic risk factors for OCD in our sample. However, further studies using larger samples and family based methods are recommended to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commercial peanut flour (12% fat) was mixed with water (30% w/w), homogenized and drum-dried in a double drum dryer. The drum clearance was adjusted to result in thin dried sheets which on milling resulted in a very fine, single banded particle size flour. The flour was no longer gritty and was used to dilute fat by mixing with full fat (52.5%) paste to obtain a 30% fat reduction in the peanut butter product. Response surface methodology, RSM, was used to optimize drum temperature (T), speed (S), and clearance (C) in order to minimize stickiness and hardness, maximizing oil separation and particle size. Based on surface responses and contour plots, optimum conditions were: T = 135 °C, S = 1 rpm and C = 0.33 mm. Optimum values predicted by RSM for peanut flour particle size, peanut butter stickiness, hardness, and oil separation were: 49.65 µm, 12347 N, 311.4 N and 6.87% respectively. Close agreement between experimental and predicted values was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate the quantification process of geometric parameters when different computed microtomography spatial resolutions are employed. To this end, one reservoir rock sample was scanned with a 3D high energy computed microtomography system. The results show a strong difference in the acquisition, reconstruction and image processes, but do not present a significant loss of information on the microstructural parameters in the higher resolutions. However, it has been significantly loss of information in the lower resolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by symmetric polyarthritis, rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity, and bone erosions. Recently, research has been conducted on anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs) to which there are greater sensitivity and specificity than RF. However, these antibodies have also been described in infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB), placing the high specificity of the test in doubt. The aim of this research was to study the prevalence of ACPAs in TB, RA, and healthy controls. Patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis, RA (ACR criteria), in addition to healthy controls were included. ACPAs were researched by: anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), anti-modified citrullinated vimentin (MCV), and RF by ELISA. The study was conducted in 50 TB patients, 50 with RA, and 20 controls. Anti-CCP antibodies were found in 39 (78 %) of the RA patients (median titer, 128 U), whereas anti-MCV antibodies were found in 25 (50 %). Of the patients with TB, two (4 %) had positivity for anti-CCP and anti-MCV and no patient in the control group tested positive for these antibodies. Sensitivity of anti-CCP for RA was 78 % (confidence interval (CI), 63 to 88 %) and specificity was 97 % (CI, 89 to 99 %) while the sensitivity of anti-MCV was 50 % (CI, 35-64 %) and specificity was 97 % (CI, 89 to 99 %). RF was positive in 40 samples (80 %) of RA, in 30 (60 %) of TB, and in 1 (5 %) of the controls. Our findings showed high sensitivity of anti-CCP and high specificity of both anti-CCP and anti-MCV antibodies for RA, even in a population with high incidence of tuberculosis. The higher frequency of positivity of ACPA in TB observed in previous studies may be attributed to methodological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Characterization of porosity in carbonate rocks is important in the oil and gas industry since a major hydrocarbons field is formed by this lithology and they have a complex media porous. In this context, this research presents a study of the pore space in limestones rocks by x-ray microtomography. Total porosity, type of porosity and pore size distribution were evaluated from 3D high resolution images. Results show that carbonate rocks has a complex pore space system with different pores types at the same facies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Cancer treatment–related cognitive impairment (CTRCI) can substantially reduce the quality of life of cancer survivors. Many treatments of CTRCI have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including psychological interventions, pharmacologic interventions, and other therapies. There is a pressing need to establish the benefits and harms of previously studied CTRCI treatments. The proposed systematic review and network meta-analyses will assess the relative efficacy and safety of competing interventions for the management of CTRCI. Methods: In consultation with the review team, an experienced medical information specialist will draft electronic search strategies for MEDLINE®, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Trials Registry. We will seek RCTs of interventions for the treatment of CTRCI in adults with any cancer, except cancers/metastases of the central nervous system. Due to the anticipated high search yields, dual independent screening of citations will be expedited by use of an artificial intelligence/machine learning tool. The co-primary outcomes of interest will be subjective and objective cognitive function. Secondary outcomes of interest will include measures of quality of life, mental and physical health symptoms, adherence to treatment, and harms (overall and treatment-related harms and harms associated with study withdrawal), where feasible, random-effects meta-analyses and network meta-analyses will be pursued. We will address the anticipated high clinical and methodological heterogeneity through meta-regressions, subgroup analyses, and/or sensitivity analyses. Discussion: The proposed systematic review will deliver a robust comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of existing therapies for the management of CTRCI. These findings will inform clinical decisions, identify evidence gaps, and identify promising therapies for future evaluation in RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay between disorder and spin polarization in a GaMnAs thin layer results into spin-polarized impurity hole bands. A figure of merit is defined to label the nature of the sample as metallic or nonmetallic. It is shown that samples with the highest figures of merit have a ratio between the extended hole density and the Mn concentration near 0.2, in agreement with the ratio of 0.1–0.25 known to occur among samples produced with the highest Curie temperatures. Both the nonmetal-to-metal and the metal-to-nonmetal transitions experimentally observed in the ferromagnetic regime are obtained as the Mn concentration increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferromagnetism in Mn-doped ZnO is investigated by Monte Carlo simulations assuming indirect exchange interaction via two different competing mechanisms: (i) antiferromagnetic superexchange and (ii) an oscillating carrier mediated interaction. The calculations are performed for p- and n-type samples. The Mn ion is taken as a substitutional impurity and its concentrations varied from 3% to 20%. The carrier concentrations (holes or electrons) were tested in the range of 1×1016–1×1020 cm-3. These simulations showed paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, and spin-glass behaviors for the p-type samples depending on the Mn and hole concentrations. On the other hand, no phase transition was observed for the n-type samples, whatever the Mn and electron concentrations used in the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of the inflammatory response system has been observed in the schizophrenia and affective disorders. Investigations of the role of the inflammatory response in these psychiatric disorders include analysis of the immune mediators at the gene level, so the genetic polymorphism of specific cytokine loci has been investigated in psychiatric disorders. In the present investigation, researchers performed cross-sectional study to verify whether the G308A gene polymorphism was associated with a predisposition to schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in a Brazilian sample. A total of 657 controls were randomly recruited from unrelated subjects admitted to a routine checkup outpatient clinic. Results showed an association between the G308A TNF-α polymorphism and schizophrenia.

The optimised use of mixed crude glycerin (MCG) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) in diets for finishing pigs requires a better understanding of glycerol metabolism. Therefore, the present study evaluated the performance, blood parameters, metabolite concentrations in the Longissimus lumborum muscle and the activity of enzymes in the liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue and kidney of pigs fed diets containing MCG and/or RH. According to the initial weight, 64 barrows were distributed in a 4 × 2 factorial design, corresponding to four concentrations of MCG (0, 100, 150, and 200 g/kg) in diets containing 0 or 10 mg/kg of RH. There was no MCG × RH interaction for any of the evaluated parameters (P > 0.05). Moreover, there was no isolated effect of dietary MCG or RH on the weight gain and the blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, creatinine, cortisol and lactate (P > 0.05). There was a higher rate of phosphorylation of glycerol in the liver, stimulation of lipogenesis in adipose tissue and a likely increase in the utilisation of glycerol by muscle fibres in response to an increased concentration of circulating glycerol from the diet (P < 0.05). In contrast, when the diet contained up to 200 g/kg MCG and 10 mg/kg RH, there were indications of a lower utilisation of glycerol for the synthesis of triacylglycerols in muscle, liver and adipose tissue, in addition to increased oxidation of amino acids in the liver followed by improved feed conversion of pigs (P < 0.05). Crude glycerin is an important alternative energy ingredient in the diet of pigs and the ractopamine is a feed additive that has been associated with improvements in animal performance and meat quality. The present study contributes to the advancement of the animal science, because it provides information about a subject that remains still little explored, namely, the glycerol metabolism in pigs fed diets containing glycerin and ractopamine. Such understanding is necessary to contribute to the formulation of diets that are nutritionally more adequate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrometric studies and orbital modelling of planetary moons have contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of their orbital dynamics. These studies require precise positions measured over extended periods. In this paper, we present the results of the 2021 Brazilian Jovian mutual phenomena campaign. The data correspond to eight events between Galilean satellites, in addition to a rare eclipse of Thebe, an inner satellite, totalling nine events. A geometric model along with the DE440/JUP365 ephemerides was used to reproduce the events and simulate the light curves. A Monte Carlo method and chi-squared statistics were used to fit the simulated light curves to the observations. The reflectance model adopted for our simulations was the complete version of the Oren–Nayer model. The average uncertainty of the relative positions of the Galilean satellites was 5 mas (15 km) and for the inner Thebe satellite 32 mas (96 km). The seven mutual events (nine independent observations) here analysed represent an addition of 17 per cent events (10 per cent light curves) with respect to the 2021 international mutual phenomena campaign. Furthermore, our result of Thebe eclipse is only the second measurement published to date. Our results contribute to the ephemeris data base, being fundamental to improving satellite orbits and thus minimizing their uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic order resulting from an indirect exchange between magnetic moments in the metallic phase of a Ga[SUB1-x]Mn[SUBx]As bilayered structure is studied via Monte Carlo simulation. The coupling mechanism involves a perturbative calculation in second order of the interaction between the magnetic moments and carriers (holes). We take into account a possible polarization of the hole gas establishing, thus self-consistency between the magnetic order and the electronic structure. It leads to a ferromagnetic order even in the case of thin layers. This fact is analyzed in terms of the inter-and intralayer interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study is to apply the micro-CT technique to assess recent microbialite samples from a hypersaline coastal lagoon in the Rio de Janeiro State. The study comprises structural assessment, mineralogical characterization and porosity distribution of each sample. Micro-CT is increasingly present in geological reservoir analyses, and has advantages over other laboratory techniques since it is non-invasive and allows 2D/3D visualization of inner structures without previous preparation method, such as slabbing, polishing, thinning or impregnation. This technique renders structural analyses which can be spatially resolved to a scale of micrometers. Results show that micro-CT technique is also adequate for the characterization of carbonate microbialites, providing excellent high resolution 3D images, that enabled to distinguish different mineralogies and porosity distribution beyond it is inner structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]