Galactic cold dark matter as a Bose-Einstein condensate of WISPs

We propose here the dark matter content of galaxies as a cold bosonic fluid composed of Weakly Interacting Slim Particles (WISPs), represented by spin-0 axion-like particles and spin-1 hidden bosons, thermalized in the Bose-Einstein condensation state and bounded by their self-gravitational potential. We analyze two zero-momentum configurations: the polar phases in which spin alignment of two neighbouring particles is anti-parallel and the ferromagnetic phases in which every particle spin is aligned in the same direction. Using the mean field approximation we derive the Gross-Pitaevskii equations for both cases, and, supposing the dark matter to be a polytropic fluid, we describe the particles density profile as Thomas-Fermi distributions characterized by the halo radii and in terms of the scattering lengths and mass of each particle. By comparing this model with data obtained from 42 spiral galaxies and 19 Low Surface Brightness (LSB) galaxies, we constrain the dark matter particle mass to the range $10^{-6}-10^{-4} eV$ and we find the lower bound for the scattering length to be of the order $10^{-14} fm$.Comment: 13 pages; 6 figures; references added; v.3: typo corrected in the abstract, published in JCA

Structural Aspects of Two-Dimensional Anomalous Gauge Theories

A foundational investigation of the basic structural properties of two-dimensional anomalous gauge theories is performed. The Hilbert space is constructed as the representation of the intrinsic local field algebra generated by the fundamental set of field operators whose Wightman functions define the model. We examine the effect of the use of a redundant field algebra in deriving basic properties of the models and show that different results may arise, as regards the physical properties of the generalized chiral model, in restricting or not the Hilbert space as representation of the intrinsic local field algebra. The question referring to considering the vector Schwinger model as a limit of the generalized anomalous model is also discussed. We show that this limit can only be consistently defined for a field subalgebra of the generalized model.Comment: 40 pages. Latex, to appear in Annals of Physic

Phytochemicals and bioactive properties of Ilex paraguariensis: an in-vitro comparative study between the whole plant, leaves and stems

Leaves, stems and whole plant of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) were characterized in terms of their chemical composition and biological activities in order to determine which part of the plant is more interesting to develop bioactive formulations. The yerba mate samples contain at least five free sugars, five organic acids, eighteen fatty acids, one tocopherol, nine hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives and two flavonols. The leaves extract revealed the highest antioxidant activity, correlating with its highest levels of phenolic compounds. By contrast, the stems extract showed the highest anti-inflammatory potential and was also the most potent against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines, probably due to the presence of other phytochemicals. The absence of hepatotoxicity of the extracts was confirmed in porcine liver primary cells. Although the yerba mate extracts have been widely studied, this report shows for the first time the distinct potentialities of each individual part of the plant.The authors are grateful to Foundation for Science and Technology (FTC, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (Pest-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014), L. Barros research contract (“Compromisso para a Ciência”) and R.C. Calhelha grant (SFRH/BPD/68344/2010). R.C.G. Correa and A. H. P. Souza thank CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil (CAPES fellows, process numbers BEX 3974/14-6 and BEX 3972/14-03, respectively). The authors also thank to A. Fernandes for all the support in some of the laboratorial work

How likely are adaptive responses to mitigate the threats of climate change for amphibians globally?

Whether species are capable of adapting to rapid shifts in climate raises considerable interest. Analyses based on niche models often assume niche conservatism and equilibrium with climate, implying that species will persist only in regions where future climatic conditions match their current conditions and that they will colonize these regions promptly. However, species may adapt to changing climate and persist where future climates differ from their current optimum. Here, we provide a first macroecological generalization to the approach of evolutionary rescue, by comparing the expected shift in mean temperature within the geographic range of 7193 species of amphibians worldwide, under alternative warming scenarios. Expected evolutionary change is expressed in units of standard deviations of mean temperature, per generation (Haldanes) and compared with theoretical models defining the maximum sustainable evolutionary rates (MSER) for each species. For the pessimistic emission scenario RCP8.5, shifts in mean temperature vary between near-zero and 6°C within the geographic ranges for most species, with a median equal to 3.75°C. The probability of evolutionary rescue in temperature peaks is higher than 0.05 for about 55% of the species and higher than 0.95 for only 12% of the species. Therefore, the predicted shift in mean temperature would be too extreme to deal with for almost half of the species. When evolutionary plasticity is incorporated, this scenario becomes more optimistic, with about 44% of the species being likely to shift their thermal peaks tracking future warming. These figures are not random in geographical space: evolutionary rescue would be unlikely in the tropics, especially in South America (Amazonia), parts of Africa, Indonesia, and in the Mediterranean region. Given the uncertainty in demographic and genetic parameters for species’ responses to climate change, we caution that it remains difficult to assess the realism of the macroecological generalization. In any case, it may be precautionary to assume that our results are not liberal, showing low probability of adaptation for most of the species and thus that the persistence of populations by evolutionary rescue may, in general, be unlikely in the long term

Bioactive formulations prepared from fruiting bodies and submerged culture mycelia of the Brazilian edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatoroseus Singer

Pleurotus ostreatoroseus is a Brazilian edible mushroom whose chemical characterization and bioactivity still remain underexplored. In this study, the hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds as well as the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of formulations (ethanol extracts) prepared with its fruiting bodies and submerged culture mycelia were compared. The bioactive formulations contain at least five free sugars, four organic acids, four phenolic compounds and two tocopherols. The fruiting body-based formulation revealed higher reducing power, DPPH scavenging activity, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and lipid peroxidation inhibition in brain homogenates than the mycelium-based preparation, as well as higher anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The absence of hepatotoxicity was confirmed in porcine liver primary cells. These functional responses can be related to the levels of bioactive components including phenolic acids, organic acids and tocopherols.The authors are grateful to Foundation for Science and Technology (FTC, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (Pest-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014), L. Barros research contract (“Compromisso para a Ciência”) and R.C. Calhelha grant (SFRH/BPD/68344/2010), and to the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development for the Grant No 173032. R.C.G. Correa thanks CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil (CAPES fellow, process number BEX 3974/14-6). R.M. Peralta and A. Bracht are Research Fellows of CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico). The authors also thank to A. Fernandes for all the support in some of the laboratorial work

Indicadores De Desenvolvimento Em Crianças E Adolescentes Com Qi Igual Ou Inferior A 70

This study aimed to identify development indicators in children and adolescents with learning difficulties, with IQ equal to or below 70 in the WISC-IV test (compatible to the delimited value for diagnosis of intellectual disability). It was based on the historical-cultural perspective of human development proposed by Vygostsky, especially in relation to the distinction between real and potential development. This research reports two case studies with a child and a teenager. Data was collected from audio recordings of semi-structured interviews with parents/responsible person and the professionals of the schools they were enrolled, as well as video recordings of the service sessions in an informal educational project the child and teenager regularly attended. Data analysis involved transcriptions of the interview and construction of tables with the child/teenager’s social participation modes and superior mental processes, analysis of the service sessions recordings with transcriptions and micro genetic analysis of significant episodes. Data suggest that, when emphasizing the search for development indicators, it is possible to have a wide view of each case in a way to contemplate, beyond limitations, children and teenagers’ potentialities. © 2016, Associacao Brasileira de Pesquisadores em Educacao Especial. All rights reserved.22449351

Pre-M Phase-promoting Factor Associates with Annulate Lamellae in Xenopus Oocytes and Egg Extracts

We have used complementary biochemical and in vivo approaches to study the compartmentalization of M phase-promoting factor (MPF) in prophase Xenopus eggs and oocytes. We first examined the distribution of MPF (Cdc2/CyclinB2) and membranous organelles in high-speed extracts of Xenopus eggs made during mitotic prophase. These extracts were found to lack mitochondria, Golgi membranes, and most endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but to contain the bulk of the pre-MPF pool. This pre-MPF could be pelleted by further centrifugation along with components necessary to activate it. On activation, Cdc2/CyclinB2 moved into the soluble fraction. Electron microscopy and Western blot analysis showed that the pre-MPF pellet contained a specific ER subdomain comprising "annulate lamellae" (AL): stacked ER membranes highly enriched in nuclear pores. Colocalization of pre-MPF with AL was demonstrated by anti-CyclinB2 immunofluorescence in prophase oocytes, in which AL are positioned close to the vegetal surface. Green fluorescent protein-CyclinB2 expressed in oocytes also localized at AL. These data suggest that inactive MPF associates with nuclear envelope components just before activation. This association may explain why nuclei and centrosomes stimulate MPF activation and provide a mechanism for targeting of MPF to some of its key substrates

Las garrapatas de Uruguay : especies, hospedadores, distribución e importancia sanitaria

Se presenta una actualización de las especies de garrapatas de Uruguay. La lista comprende 31 especies que se clasificaron en las siguientes categorías: residentes (15 especies); probablemente residentes (3 especies); accidentales (1 especie); a confirmar (4 especies); diagnóstico erróneo (6 especies) y mención incorrecta (2 especies). Se indica la nueva posición sistemática de algunas especies, así como las sinonimias más relevantes, hospedadoras y distribución de las mismas en el país. Entre las especies de importancia sanitaria, Boophilus microplus continúa siendo la única especie con repercusión en la ganadería de nuestro país, en tanto que, con respecto a la salud humana, se ha detectado que Amblyomma triste es la especie de mayor importancia. Esta es la única especie incriminada en la transmisión de rickettsias al humano en Uruguay. Otras especies como Ornithodoros talaje, Ixodes pararicinus y Rhipicephalus sanguineys se identificaron como vectores potenciales de enfermedades para los animales y los humanos en Uruguay. Factores tales como el ingreso de animales portadores de microorganismos transmisibles por esas especies de garrapatas, cambios ecológicos y climáticos, y la colonización humana de ciertas áreas del país, pueden favorecer que tal riesgo potencial se transforme en real.The Iist of Uruguay tick species is actualized. The 31 Iisted specis were cIassified in the following categories: residents (15 species), probably residents (3) accidentals (1), to confirm (4), erroneous diagnosis (6), and mistaken records (2 species). The new systematic status of some species is clarified, and the more outstanding synonymies, the host and the geographical distribution within Uruguay are indicated. As regards the sanitary impact, Boophilu microplus is still the only species with economic significance to livestock whereas for human health Amblyomma triste is the most important species because is the only one involved with rickettsia's transmission in our country. Several other species, such a Ornithodoros talaje, lxodes pararicinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were identified as potential vector of diseases to animal and human. Factor as the introduction of transmissible microorganisms with carrier animals, ecological and climatic change and the human colonization of certain zone of the country, may occasione that this risk becomes a reality.EEA RafaelaFil: Venzal, José Manuel. Universidad de la República. CENUR Litoral Norte-Salto. Facultad de Veterinaria. Departamento de Parasitología; UruguayFil: Castro, Oscar. Universidad de la República. Facultad de Veterinaria. Departamento de Parasitología Veterinaria; UruguayFil: Cabrera, P.A. Universidad de la República. Facultad de Veterinaria. Departamento de Parasitología Veterinaria; UruguayFil: Souza, C.G. de. Universidad de la República. Facultad de Veterinaria. Departamento de Parasitología Veterinaria; UruguayFil: Guglielmone, Alberto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; Argentin

Treatment of Antihypertensive and Cardiovascular Drugs in Supercritical Water: An Experimental and Modeled Approach

Pharmaceutical pollutants are considered emerging contaminants, representing a significant concern to the ecosystem. Thus, this study reports on the degradation of antihypertensive and cardiovascular drugs (atenolol, captopril, propranolol hydrochloride, diosmin, hesperidin, losartan potassium, hydrochlorothiazide, and trimetazidine) present in simulated wastewater through applying the technology of oxidation using supercritical water (SCW). The operational parameters of the treatment process, particularly the feed flow rate, temperature, and concentration of H2O2, were assessed. A central composite design of experiments associated with differential evolution was employed in the optimization. Both liquid and gaseous phase products were submitted to physical–chemical characterization. As a result, the optimized conditions for the treatment were discovered to be a feed flow rate of 13.3 mL/min, a temperature of 600 °C, and a H2O2 oxidation coefficient of 0.65, corresponding to the oxygen stoichiometric coefficient in the carbon oxidation chemical reaction. Under optimal conditions, the total organic carbon (TOC) decreased from 332 to 25 mg/L (92.1%), and the pharmaceutical molecules underwent near-complete degradation. The physical–chemical parameters also met with the main environmental regulations for wastewater disposal. The compounds determined in the gaseous phase were CO2 (97.9%), H2 (1.3%), CH4 (0.3%), and CO (0.5%.). Additionally, a modeling thermodynamic equilibrium of the system was performed, based on the experimental data. The results revealed that SCW technology has a great potential to oxidize/degrade organic matter and can be applied to treat pharmaceutical pollutants

Gill parasites of fish from two estuaries in northeastern Brazil: new hosts and geographical records

Parasites are important components of communities and constitute great part of the biological diversity found in ecosystems, providing valuable information about their hosts and the environment in which they live. However, despite its importance, parasitic diversity is still not well known in some regions of Brazil, especially with respect to fish parasites in the Northeast Region. The present study aims to perform the survey of gill parasites of fish from two tropical estuaries located in northeastern Brazil: Paraíba and Mamanguape rivers. Two collections were made in each estuary, one during the dry period (November / 2013) and the other during the rainy season (July / 2014). The fish were caught using a beach seine net, dragged along the main channel margin. After the identification, biometry and necropsy of the fish, their parasites were collected, stored and identified. For each species of parasite, the values ​​of prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance were calculated. Of the 882 examined fish, belonging to four species, 145 were parasitized by at least one species of parasite. In total, 18 taxa of parasites of the groups Monogenea, Digenea, Nematoda, Copepoda and Isopoda were recorded, being the copepod Acusicola brasiliensis the most abundant species of parasite.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for the financing of the PVE/CAPES project (Process 173/2012), CAPES master scholarship and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) undergraduate scholarship