Effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on gastrointestinal peristaltism in dogs

The article has no abstract

Pointwise estimates for the Bergman kernel of the weighted Fock space

We prove upper pointwise estimates for the Bergman kernel of the weighted Fock space of entire functions in $L^2(e^{-2\phi})$ where $\phi$ is a subharmonic function with $\Delta \phi$ a doubling measure. We derive estimates for the canonical solution operator to the inhomogeneous Cauchy-Riemann equation and we characterize the compactness of this operator in terms of $\Delta \phi$

D-string on near horizon geometries and infinite conformal symmetry

We show that the symmetries of effective D-string actions in constant dilaton backgrounds are directly related to homothetic motions of the background metric. In presence of such motions, there are infinitely many nonlinearly realized rigid symmetries forming a loop (or loop like) algebra. Near horizon (AdS) D3 and D1+D5 backgrounds are discussed in detail and shown to provide 2d interacting field theories with infinite conformal symmetry.Comment: 5 pages, revtex, no figures; symmetry transformations for BI action added, coupling of D-string to RR 2-form in D1-D5 background corrected; final version, to appear in Phys. Rev. Let

A_4-based neutrino masses with Majoron decaying dark matter

We propose an A_4 flavor-symmetric SU(3)xSU(2)xU(1) seesaw model where lepton number is broken spontaneously. A consistent two-zero texture pattern of neutrino masses and mixing emerges from the interplay of type-I and type-II seesaw contributions, with important phenomenological predictions. We show that, if the Majoron becomes massive, such seesaw scenario provides a viable candidate for decaying dark matter, consistent with cosmic microwave background lifetime constraints that follow from current WMAP observations. We also calculate the sub-leading one-loop-induced decay into photons which leads to a mono-energetic emission line that may be observed in future X-ray missions such as Xenia.Comment: 16 pages, 6 eps figures. Minor corrections. To appear in Phys. Rev.

Betão auto-compactável reforçado com fibras de aço para o reforço à flexâo de estruturas laminares

Com o objectivo de avaliar a influência da adição de fibras discretas de aço no reforço à flexão de estruturas laminares de betão auto-compactável, foi realizado um programa experimental que consistiu no ensaio de faixas de laje armadas com distinta percentagem de armadura longitudinal, mantendo-se constante uma percentagem de fibras de aço julgada adequada para estruturas com elevado grau de hiperestaticidade.Os autores agradecem o apoio da FCT por intermédio do Projecto FICOFIRE - POCTI/ECM/57518/2004 e da empresa Maprel – Empresa de Pavimentos e materiais Pré-Esforçados, Lda. O 1º Autor agradece o apoio financeiro obtido por intermédio da bolsa, ao abrigo do projecto acima referido. À Empresa Bekaert S.A. um reconhecimento pelas fibras gentilmente oferecidas

High strength and ductile fibrous concrete of enhanced fire resistance

In the present work a Fiber Reinforced Concrete of Enhanced Fire Resistance (FRCEFR) was developed and its properties are characterized by experimental research. This concrete is intended to have enough resistance for the most structural engineering applications and is reinforced with a fibrous system to assure the necessary ductility and to improve its fire resistance. Two types of fibers are used to accomplish the aforementioned requisites for the concrete. The research performed for the selection of a nonmetallic fiber type for inclusion on the FRCEFR is resumed. The experimental programs carried out to evaluate the residual compressive and flexural behavior of the developed FRCEFR are presented and the main obtained results are analyzed. The tests were executed at 28 days after FRCEFR have been exposed to the following distinct levels of temperature: 250ºC, 500ºC, 750ºC and 1000ºC

Fibrous reinforcing system to increase the shear resistance of high strength concrete

The available research has evidenced that discrete steel fibers can increase significantly the shear resistance of High Strength Concrete (HSC) structural elements when High Strength Fiber Reinforced Concrete (HSFRC) is designed in such way that fiber reinforcing mechanisms are optimized. In general, the increase of the concrete compressive strength is associated to an increase of its compactness, resulting benefits in terms of durability, but a strong concern emerges related to the integrity of this material, since it fails in a too brittle mode when submitted to high temperatures. To contribute for the knowledge about the benefits provided by discrete steel fibers when added to HSC applied to laminar structures, an experimental program composed of slab strips submitted to shear loading configuration was carried out. Uniaxial compression tests with cylinders of 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height, and bending tests with 600×150×150 mm3 beams were executed to assess the compression and bending behavior of the developed HSFRC. To evaluate the influence of the percentage of fibers in the shear resistance of laminar structures, three point loading tests with slab strips of 800×170×150 mm3 dimensions were performed. Taking the obtained experimental results, the applicability of the formulation proposed by RILEM TC 162-TDF was evaluated. Test results showed that, even with relative low dosages of steel fibers, the increment in shear resistance was significantly increased. The main obtained results in the research program are presented and discussed in this paper.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCTI/ECM/57518/200

Steel fibres for the shear resistance of high strength concrete beams

Available research on the use of steel fibres to increase the shear resistance of concrete structures shows that the effectiveness of this type of reinforcement increases with the increase of the concrete compressive strength, as long as the fibre rupture is avoided. Experimental research has also indicated that the effectiveness of the fibre reinforcement for the shear resistance is more pronounced in shallow beams than in deep beams. In terms of analytical research, some models have been proposed and, recently, RILEM TC 162 TDF recommended an analytical approach for the prediction of the fibre reinforcement contribution in terms of shear resistance of concrete beams. The present work has the purpose to contribute for this topic, discussing the performance of RILEM TC 162 TDF approach, by using the results obtained in an experimental program composed of three point bending tests with shallow beams of high strength concrete (HSC). Six different HSC compositions were developed, varying the dosage of steel fibres (0, 60 and 75 kg/m3) and concrete strength class. The experimental program also included tests to characterize the flexural behaviour of the developed high strength steel fibre reinforced concrete (HSSFRC). Using the force-deflection relationships obtained in the three point-notched beam bending tests, and performing an inverse analysis, the values of the fracture mode I parameters of the HSSFRC were determined. These values were used on the numerical simulation of the tests carried out with HSSFRC beams failing in shear, under the framework of the material nonlinear finite element analysis, in order to evince the influence of using a softening constitutive law for modeling the crack shear sliding. In the present work, the experimental program and the numerical research are described, and the main results are presented and discussed.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - POCTI/ECM/57518/2004 “FICOFIRE : High performance fiber reinforced concrete of enhanced fire resistance

Observable Electron EDM and Leptogenesis

In the context of the minimal supersymmetric seesaw model, the CP-violating neutrino Yukawa couplings might induce an electron EDM. The same interactions may also be responsible for the generation of the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe via leptogenesis. We identify in a model-independent way those patterns within the seesaw models which predict an electron EDM at a level probed by planned laboratory experiments and show that negative searches on \tau-> e \gamma decay may provide the strongest upper bound on the electron EDM. We also conclude that a possible future detection of the electron EDM is incompatible with thermal leptogenesis, even when flavour effects are accounted for.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figure

Scaffolds and Coatings for Bone Regeneration

Bone tissue has an astonishing self-healing capacity yet only for non-critical size defects (<6â mm) and clinical intervention is needed for critical-size defects and beyond that along with non-union bone fractures and bone defects larger than critical size represent a major healthcare problem. Autografts are, still, being used as preferred to treat large bone defects. Mostly, due to the presence of living differentiated and progenitor cells, its osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties that allow osteogenesis, vascularization, and provide structural support. Bone tissue engineering strategies have been proposed to overcome the limited supply of grafts. Complete and successful bone regeneration can be influenced by several factors namely: the age of the patient, health, gender and is expected that the ideal scaffold for bone regeneration combines factors such as bioactivity and osteoinductivity. The commercially available products have as their main function the replacement of bone. Moreover, scaffolds still present limitations including poor osteointegration and limited vascularization. The introduction of pores in scaffolds are being used to promote the osteointegration as it allows cell and vessel infiltration. Moreover, combinations with growth factors or coatings have been explored as they can improve the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of the scaffold. This review focuses on the bone defects treatments and on the research of scaffolds for bone regeneration. Moreover, it summarizes the latest progress in the development of coatings used in bone tissue engineering. Despite the interesting advances which include the development of hybrid scaffolds, there are still important challenges that need to be addressed in order to fasten translation of scaffolds into the clinical scenario. Finally, we must reflect on the main challenges for bone tissue regeneration. There is a need to achieve a proper mechanical properties to bear the load of movements; have a scaffolds with a structure that fit the bone anatomy.This article is a result of the project FROnTHERA(NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000023), supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the POR-TUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European RegionalDevelopment Fund (ERDF) and is supported by Portuguese Founda-tion for Science and Technology in the scope of the projects UID/EEA/04436/2013 and NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000018-HAMaBICo. JMOthanks the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)for the funds provided under the program Investigador FCT 2015 (IF/01285/2015)