Forward elastic scattering and Pomeron models

Recent data from LHC13 by the TOTEM Collaboration indicate an unexpected decrease in the value of the ρ parameter and a σtot value in agreement with the trend of previous measurements at 7 and 8 TeV. These data at 13 TeV are not simultaneously described by the predictions from Pomeron models selected by the COMPETE Collaboration but show agreement with the maximal Odderon dominance, as recently demonstrated by Martynov and Nicolescu. Here, we present a detailed analysis on the applicability of Pomeron dominance by means of a general class of forward scattering amplitude, consisting of even-undercrossing leading contributions associated with single, double, and triple poles in the complex angular momentum plane and subleading even and odd Regge contributions. The analytic connection between σtot and ρ is obtained by means of singly subtracted dispersion relations, and we carry out fits to pp and ¯pp data in the interval 5 GeV–13 TeV. The data set comprises all the accelerator data below 7 TeV, and we consider two independent ensembles by adding either only the TOTEM data or the TOTEM and ATLAS data at the LHC energy region. In the data reductions to each ensemble, the uncertainty regions are evaluated with both one and two standard deviations (∼68% and ∼95% CL, respectively). Besides the general analytic model, we investigate four particular cases of interest, three of them typical of outstanding models in the literature. We conclude that, within the experimental and theoretical uncertainties and both ensembles, the general model and three particular cases are not able to describe the σtot and ρ data at 13 TeV simultaneously. However, if the discrepancies between the TOTEM and ATLAS data are not resolved, one Pomeron model, associated with double and triple poles and with only 7 free parameters, seems not to be excluded by the complete set of experimental information presently available

Agenda 2030 e PNAE: importante ferramenta para implementação do ODS 2 nas escolas públicas

O Objetivo de Desenvolvimento Sustentável 2 (ODS 2), Fome Zero e Agricultura Sustentável, fazem parte da Agenda 2030 que foi construída a partir dos 8 Objetivos de Desenvolvimento do Milênio, enquanto o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) tem sua origem no início da década de 40 no Brasil como política pública de alimentação escolar. O objetivo central desse trabalho é contribuir com o debate sobre efetividade do PNAE como ferramenta para implementação do ODS 2 nas escolas públicas. Os dados foram coletados no setor financeiro da unidade escolar “Colégio Estadual Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes” de Araguaína, Tocantins, dos anos de 2017, 2018 e 2019, e no site oficial da Diretoria Regional de Ensino de Araguaína, chamadas públicas 001/2019, 002/2019 e 001/2020. O estudo revela alguns gargalos no processo de aquisição de gêneros alimentícios diretamente da agricultura familiar. Os resultados mostraram que o fornecimento de frutas, legumes, verduras e grãos integrais saudáveis não foram identificados nas chamadas públicas em função da inexistência da intenção da compra de produtos orgânicos e/ou agroecológicos, evidenciando fragilidades no processo, indicando que tal prática precisa ser estabelecida, para evitar compra exclusivamente de alimentos da produção convencional. Como conclusão, entendemos que a contribuição dessa pesquisa fará as unidades escolares abrirem o seu olhar do quanto podem colaborar no alcance dos ODS até o ano de 2030 no seu universo de ensino como fora dele

Forward elastic scattering : dynamical gluon mass and semihard interactions

The role of low-x parton dynamics in dictating the high-energy behavior of forward scattering observables at LHC energies is investigated using a QCD-based model with even-under-crossing amplitude dominance at high-energies. We explorethe effects of different sets of pre-and post-LHC fine-tuned parton distributions on the forward quantities σtot and ρ, from pp and ¯pp scattering in the interval 10 GeV–13 TeV. We also investigate the role of the leading soft contribution, the low-energy cuttoff, and the energy dependence of the semihard form factor on these observables. We show that in all cases investigated the highly restrictive data on ρ parameter at √s = 13 TeV indicate that a crossing-odd component may play a crucial role in forward elastic scattering at the highest energies, namely the Odderon contribution

Bone tissue response to plasma-nitrided titanium implant surfaces

FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOA current goal of dental implant research is the development of titanium (Ti) surfaces to improve osseointegration. Plasma nitriding treatments generate surfaces that favor osteoblast differentiation, a key event to the process of osteogenesis. Based on this, it is possible to hypothesize that plasma-nitrided Ti implants may positively impact osseointegration. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo bone response to Ti surfaces modified by plasma-nitriding treatments. Material and Methods: Surface treatments consisted of 20% N-2 and 80% H-2, 450 degrees C and 1.5 mbar during 1 h for planar and 3 h for hollow cathode. Untreated surface was used as control. Ten implants of each surface were placed into rabbit tibiae and 6 weeks post-implantation they were harvested for histological and histomorphometric analyses. Results: Bone formation was observed in contact with all implants without statistically significant differences among the evaluated surfaces in terms of bone-to-implant contact, bone area between threads, and bone area within the mirror area. Conclusion: Our results indicate that plasma nitriding treatments generate Ti implants that induce similar bone response to the untreated ones. Thus, as these treatments improve the physico-chemical properties of Ti without affecting its biocompatibility, they could be combined with modifications that favor bone formation in order to develop new implant surfaces.A current goal of dental implant research is the development of titanium (Ti) surfaces to improve osseointegration. Plasma nitriding treatments generate surfaces that favor osteoblast differentiation, a key event to the process of osteogenesis. Based on this, it is possible to hypothesize that plasma-nitrided Ti implants may positively impact osseointegration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo bone response to Ti surfaces modified by plasma-nitriding treatments. Surface treatments consisted of 20% N-2 and 80% H-2, 450 degrees C and 1.5 mbar during 1 h for planar and 3 h for hollow cathode. Untreated surface was used as control. Ten implants of each surface were placed into rabbit tibiae and 6 weeks post-implantation they were harvested for histological and histomorphometric analyses. Results: Bone formation was observed in contact with all implants without statistically significant differences among the evaluated surfaces in terms of bone-to-implant contact, bone area between threads, and bone area within the mirror area. Our results indicate that plasma nitriding treatments generate Ti implants that induce similar bone response to the untreated ones. Thus, as these treatments improve the physico-chemical properties of Ti without affecting its biocompatibility, they could be combined with modifications that favor bone formation in order to develop new implant surfacesUSP/Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru231913FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOFAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOsem informaçãosem informaçãoBauru, S

Bone response to a Ca- and P-enriched titanium surface obtained by anodization

This study evaluated bone response to a Ca- and P- enriched titanium (Ti) surface treated by a multiphase anodic spark deposition coating (BSP-AK). Two mongrel dogs received bilateral implantation of 3 Ti cylinders (4.1 x 12 mm) in the humerus, being either BSP-AK treated or untreated (machined - control). At 8 weeks postimplantation, bone fragments containing the implants were harvested and processed for histologic and histomorphometric analyses. Bone formation was observed in cortical area and towards the medullary canal associated to approximately 1/3 of implant extension. In most cases, in the medullary area, collagen fiber bundles were detected adjacent and oriented parallel to Ti surfaces. Such connective tissue formation exhibited focal areas of mineralized matrix lined by active osteoblasts. The mean percentages of bone-to-implant contact were 2.3 (0.0-7.2 range) for BSP-AK and 0.4 (0.0-1.3 range) for control. Although the Mann-Whitney test did not detect statistically significant differences between groups, these results indicate a trend of BSP-AK treated surfaces to support contact osteogenesis in an experimental model that produces low bone-to-implant contact values.O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a resposta do tecido ósseo à superfície de titânio (Ti) enriquecida com Ca e P obtida por anodização (BSP-AK). Três cilindros de Ti (4,1 x 12 mm) BSP-AK ou usinado (controle) foram implantados bilateralmente nos úmeros de dois cães de raça indefinida. Oito semanas após a implantação, os fragmentos ósseos contendo os implantes foram removidos e processados para análises histológica e histomorfométrica. A formação óssea foi observada na região cortical e no canal medular até aproximadamente um terço da extensão do implante. Na maioria dos casos, feixes de fibras colágenas dispostos paralelamente à superfície do implante foram observados na região medular. Nessa região observaram-se também áreas focais de formação de matriz mineralizada e osteoblastos ativos. Os implantes do grupo BSP-AK apresentaram média de contato osso-implante 2,3%, com medidas variando de 0,0 a 7,2% e os do grupo controle tiveram média 0,4%, com medidas variando de 0,0 a 1,3%. Apesar do teste de Mann-Whitney não mostrar diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos, nossos resultados indicaram uma tendência para a ocorrência de osteogênese de contato na superfície BSP-AK em um modelo experimental que resulta em baixos valores de contato osso-implante.FAPES

Effect of focal adhesion kinase inhibition on osteoblastic cells grown on titanium with different topographies

Objective:The present study aimed to investigate the participation of focal adhesion kinases (FAK) in interactions between osteoblastic cells and titanium (Ti) surfaces with three different topographies, namely, untreated (US), microstructured (MS), and nanostructured (NS). Methodology; Osteoblasts harvested from the calvarial bones of 3-day-old rats were cultured on US, MS and NS discs in the presence of PF-573228 (FAK inhibitor) to evaluate osteoblastic differentiation. After 24 h, we evaluated osteoblast morphology and vinculin expression, and on day 10, the following parameters: gene expression of osteoblastic markers and integrin signaling components, FAK protein expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. A smooth surface, porosities at the microscale level, and nanocavities were observed in US, MS, and NS, respectively. Results: FAK inhibition decreased the number of filopodia in cells grown on US and MS compared with that in NS. FAK inhibition decreased the gene expression of Alp, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and ALP activity in cells grown on all evaluated surfaces. FAK inhibition did not affect the gene expression of Fak, integrin alpha 1 ( Itga1 ) and integrin beta 1 ( Itgb1 ) in cells grown on MS, increased the gene expression of Fak in cells grown on NS, and increased the gene expression of Itga1 and Itgb1 in cells grown on US and NS. Moreover, FAK protein expression decreased in cells cultured on US but increased in cells cultured on MS and NS after FAK inhibition; no difference in the expression of vinculin was observed among cells grown on all surfaces. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the relevance of FAK in the interactions between osteoblastic cells and Ti surfaces regardless of surface topography. Nanotopography positively regulated FAK expression and integrin signaling pathway components during osteoblast differentiation. In this context, the development of Ti surfaces with the ability to upregulate FAK activity could positively impact the process of implant osseointegration

Glycerol Acetylation with Propionic Acid Using Iron and Cobalt Oxides in Al-MCM-41 Catalysts

In this work, Al-MCM-41 molecular sieves were synthesized, containing iron and/or cobalt oxides, impregnated by incipient wetness method, characterized and applied as catalysts in the acetylation reaction of glycerol with propionic acid to produce green glyceryl propionate molecules of high commercial value. According to this, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR), adsorption/desorption N2 isotherms, textural analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis were recorded to evaluate the main characteristics of materials. The presence of Lewis and Brønsted acidic sites and catalysts surface area were observed as important key points to functionalize acetylation reaction. Thus, time reaction, temperature, and glycerol / propionic acid ratio varied to improve the most suitable reaction conditions and behaviors. As a result, glycerol conversion was above 96%, followed by 68% of selectivity to glyceryl monopropionate as well as the formation of glyceryl di- and tri- propionate and a small amount of ethylene glycol dipropionate as an undesired product. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

In silico evaluation of potassium USNATE: A composite promiser in the Covid-19 combat

A new coronavirus appears in China in December 2019, subsequently threatening the world, it was identified as Covid-19. Its main symptomatic characteristic is directly linked to acute respiratory failure, however there are asymptomatic cases of the disease, mainly in the group not considered at risk. For the treatment of the disease a variety ofantiviral drugs have been tested, with conflicting results. The use of computer-assisted drugs is essential for the development of new therapeutic alternatives for various diseases, once they reduce the time consumed in the initial screening tests, in addition to determining the possible mechanisms of action and reducing toxicity. In our study, we evaluated the interaction of viral components of the coronavirus with potassium usnate, salt derived from lichenic origin and with proven antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Derived from ussic acid, potassium usnate showed low energy for complex formation, this interaction occurs between the usnate salt and the structures of proteinase 3CLpro and enzyme Mpro, all key parts of Covid-19. In addition, in order to prove in silico the use of potassium usnate, they were tested and compared with other approved drugs and candidates for clinical trials to combat the new coronavirus