Discovery in IC10 of the farthest known symbiotic star

We report the discovery of the first known symbiotic star in IC10, a starburst galaxy belonging to the Local Group, at a distance of ~750kpc. The symbiotic star was identified during a survey of emission-line objects. It shines at V = 24.62+-0.04, V - R_C = 2.77+-0.05 and R_C - I_C = 2.39+-0.02 and suffers from E(B-V) = 0.85+-0.05 reddening. The spectrum of the cool component well matches that of solar neighborhood M8III giants. The observed emission lines belong to Balmer series, [SII], [NII] and [OIII]. They suggest a low electronic density, negligible optical depth effects and 35,000K < T_eff < 90,000K for the ionizing source. The spectrum of the new symbiotic star in IC10 is an almost perfect copy of that of Hen 2-147, a well known Galactic symbiotic star and Mira.Comment: 5 pages including 3 figures. MNRAS Letters accepted. Also available at http://pessoais.ov.ufrj.br/denise

A methodology for including suspension dynamics in a simple context of rail vehicle simulations

The running behaviour of rail vehicles is highly influenced by suspension components. Dealing with ride comfort, secondary suspensions are adopted to reduce the vibrations transmitted to the carbody. In this context, the dynamics of the suspension elements themselves has to be properly included in multibody system. This paper proposes a strategy for modelling the passive vertical secondary suspension in the frequency domain. To this aim, a mathematical model is defined and its parameters are tuned to be representative of a real system. Then, a sensitivity analysis over the model parameters is proposed to discuss the suspension performances in terms of dynamic stiffness. Finally, a finite element model of the carbody is considered and coupled to the rear and front suspensions. The model is adopted to simulate the vehicle running on a rail track irregularity in the frequency domain, in the 0-30 Hz frequency range

An in plane flexible ring model for the analysis of the free and forced response of a rolling tyre

The increased demand for vibroacoustic comfort as well as regulations on noise and vibration levels made the NVH performances of a vehicle one of the fundamental design criteria. Therefore, predictive models for the analysis of noise and vibration transmission mechanisms represent interesting tools to support the R&amp;D department of the automotive companies. Focusing the attention on passenger’s comfort, the vibrations induced by the tyre/road interaction propagate from the contact area to the hub and finally inside the cockpit through structure-borne transmission paths. This can be regarded as one of the major contributors to car cabin interior noise at low frequencies (20-500 Hz). Simplified models able to interpret the waves propagating inside the tyre structure and influenced by the angular speed may support the studies in this research field. To this end, an analytical model based on the theory of the flexible ring on elastic foundation was developed. It allows analysing the tyre dynamics in both static and rotating conditions. Model parameters were calibrated based on an Experimental Modal Analysis of the static tyre. The free response of the tyre shows the bifurcation effect at different rotating speeds, while a cleat test simulation allows investigating the forced response of the tyre

Effects of zoledronic acid and dexamethasone on early phases of socket healing after tooth extraction in rats : a preliminary macroscopic and microscopic quantitative study

The exact pathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is still unknown. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of zoledronic acid and dexamethasone on the early phases of socket healing in rats subjected to tooth extractions. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: pharmacologically treated group (T, n=20) and non-pharmacologically treated group (C, n=10). T group rats received 0.1 mg/Kg of zoledronic acid (ZOL) and 1 mg/Kg of dexamethasone (DEX) three times a week for 10 consecutive weeks. C group rats were infused with vehicle. After 9 weeks from the first infusion, first maxillary molars were extracted in each of the rats. Quantitative macroscopic and microscopic analysis was performed to evaluate socket healing 8 days after extraction. Pharmacologically treated rats showed significant inhibition of bone remodeling. Connective tissue/alveolar bone ratio, osteoclast number and woven bone deposition were significantly reduced in group T compared to group C. Conversely, the proportion of necrotic bone was higher in group T compared to group C (0.8% and 0.3%, respectively. P=0.031). ZOL plus DEX do not cause gross effects on socket healing at a macroscopic level. Our findings confirmed that exposure to ZOL plus DEX impairs alveolar wound repair. Inhibition of osteoclastic resorption of socket walls after tooth extraction and the inability to dispose of the necrotic bone may be considered the initial steps of MRONJ onset

New "Green" approaches to the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives.

A novel approach to the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives from tosylhydrazones of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds possessing a beta-hydrogen is proposed, exploiting microwave (MW) activation coupled with solvent free reaction conditions. The cycloaddition was studied on three ketones (trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one, beta-ionone and trans-chalcone). The corresponding 3,5-disubstituted-1H-pyrazoles were obtained in high yields and after short reaction times. In order to simplify and point out the green chemistry features of the method, a further improvement was achieved under the same catalytic conditions with a "one pot" synthesis of these heterocyclic compounds, starting directly from their carbonyl precursors via tosylhydrazones generated in situ. For an exhaustive study, the dielectric properties of the solid reaction mixtures were also measured, in order to obtain input data for the numerical simulation of their heating behaviour in the single mode MW cavity which was used for experimental work. In order to supply a valid methodology and tool for measuring the environmental impact, a comparative study between the synthetic route proposed and the classical synthetic route has been carried out

Effect of valsartan and ramipril on atrial fibrillation recurrence and P-wave dispersion in hypertensive patients with recurrent symptomatic lone atrial fibrillation

This study compared the effect of antihypertensive treatment with valsartan or ramipril on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, on P-wave dispersion, (PWD) and on serum procollagen type I carboxy terminal peptide (PIP).A total of 369 mild hypertensive (systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 and/or 90 < diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 110 mm Hg) outpatients in sinus rhythm but with at least two episodes of AF in the previous 6 months were randomized to valsartan (n = 122), ramipril (n = 124), or amlodipine (n = 123) for 1 year. Clinic blood pressure (BP) and a 24-h electrocardiogram (ECG) were evaluated monthly. Patients were asked to report any episode of symptomatic AF and to perform an ECG as early as possible. PWD and serum PIP levels were evaluated before and after each treatment period.SBP and DBP were significantly reduced by the three treatments (P < 0.001). A total of 46 (47.4\%) patients treated with amlodipine had a recurrence of AF as did 26 (27.9\%) patients treated with ramipril (P < 0.01 vs. amlodipine) and 16 (16.1\%) patients treated with valsartan (P < 0.01 vs. amlodipine and P < 0.05 vs. ramipril). The Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed a significant reduction of AF episodes in the valsartan group (P = 0.005 log-rank test) as well as in the ramipril group (P = 0.021), even if at a lesser degree. PWD values were significantly reduced by ramipril (-4.2 ms, P < 0.05) and even more by valsartan (-11.2 ms, P < 0.01), the difference being significant (P < 0.01). Serum PIP levels were reduced by ramipril (-49.7 microg, P < 0.001) and valsartan (-49.3 microg, P < 0.001).Despite similar BP lowering, valsartan and ramipril were more effective than amlodipine in preventing new episodes of AF, but the effect of valsartan was greater than that of ramipril. This could be related to the greater PWD reduction observed with valsartan

Avaliação do desempenho do CAGE com pacientes psiquiátricos ambulatoriais

Descriptive and transversal study to evaluate the performance of CAGE among psychiatric outpatients at a tertiary-level university hospital. Convenience sample composed of patients from HCFMRP-USP (n=127). The instruments used were CAGE and the diagnostic interview based on ICD-10 criteria for harmful use and alcohol dependence. The performance of CAGE scores was evaluated through the analysis of ROC curve, using the ICD-10 clinical diagnostic as a gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity in accordance with the cut-off points are: >;0, Sens=100%, Spec=0%; >;1, Sens=100%, Spec=73.7%; >;2, Sens=53.8%, Spec=87.7%; >;3, Sens=53.8%, Spec=94.7%; >;4, Sens=0%; Spec=100%. Score 1 showed to be the ideal critical point for sensibility/specificity. >;1 was the best cut-off point for CAGE among psychiatric outpatients from a tertiary-level university hospital. To increase the diagnostic power of the test and the reliability of its results, its performance in the study population should be assessed.Estudio descriptivo, transversal, con objeto de evaluar el desempeño del CAGE entre pacientes psiquiátricos ambulatorios de un hospital universitario terciario. Muestra de conveniencia con pacientes del HCFMRP-USP (n=127). Fue aplicado el CAGE y entrevista diagnóstica del CID-10 para uso nocivo y dependencia de alcohol. El desempeño de la puntuación en el CAGE fue evaluado a través del análisis de la curva ROC, usando los diagnósticos del CID-10 como patrón-oro. La sensibilidad y especificidad de acuerdo con punto de corte: >;0, S=100%, E=0%; >;1, S=100%, E=73,7%; >;2, S=53,8%, E=87,7%; >;3, S=53,8%, E=94,7%; >;4, S=0%, E=100%. La puntuación 1 mostró ser el punto crítico ideal sensibilidad/especificidad. Entre pacientes psiquiátricos ambulatorios de un hospital universitario terciario el punto de corte más adecuado del CAGE fue >;1. A fin de aumentar el poder diagnóstico del test y la seguridad de sus resultados se recomienda que se realice la evaluación del desempeño del test en la población estudiada.Estudo descritivo, transversal com objetivo de avaliar o desempenho do CAGE entre pacientes psiquiátricos ambulatoriais de um hospital universitário terciário. Amostra de conveniência, pacientes do HCFMRP-USP (n=127). Aplicaram-se o CAGE e a entrevista diagnóstica da CID-10 para uso nocivo e dependência de álcool. O desempenho dos escores do CAGE foi avaliado através da análise de curva ROC, tendo os diagnósticos clínicos da CID-10 como padrão-ouro. Sensibilidade e especificidade de acordo com o ponto de corte: >;0, S=100%, E=0%; >;1, S=100%, E=73,7%; >;2, S=53,8%, E=87,7%; >;3, S=53,8%, E=94,7%; >;4, S=0%, :E=100%. O escore 1 mostrou ser o ponto crítico ideal sensibilidade/especificidade. Entre pacientes psiquiátricos ambulatoriais de um hospital universitário terciário, o ponto de corte mais adequado do CAGE foi >;1. A fim de aumentar o poder diagnóstico do teste e a segurança dos seus resultados, recomenda-se a avaliação do desempenho deste na população estudada