Turbidity Control in Sedimentation Columns by Direction Dependant Models

Sedimentation is a crucial phenomenon in recovering water from slurries by separating solid-liquid. Thickeners and sedimentation columns are equipment widely used in the process industry to reclaim water from process slurries. This contribution addresses the problem of controlling the turbidity of the recovered water in a sedimentation column by manipulating the underflow. The phenomenological model describing the turbidity is too complex to be used in a control strategy, and it is difficult to identify its parameters using plant measurements. This work proposes an empirical piece-wise time-delay model for modeling the turbidity at the top of the column to circumvent these problems. A systematic design procedure is developed to tune a Proportional Integral controller guaranteeing closed-loop stability for systems modeled as a piece-wise time delay model. Experiments in a pilot plant validate the theoretical results and illustrate the control performance under various operational scenarios

The S-matrix bootstrap. Part I : QFT in AdS.

We propose a strategy to study massive Quantum Field Theory (QFT) using conformal bootstrap methods. The idea is to consider QFT in hyperbolic space and study correlation functions of its boundary operators. We show that these are solutions of the crossing equations in one lower dimension. By sending the curvature radius of the background hyperbolic space to infinity we expect to recover flat-space physics. We explain that this regime corresponds to large scaling dimensions of the boundary operators, and discuss how to obtain the flat-space scattering amplitudes from the corresponding limit of the boundary correlators. We implement this strategy to obtain universal bounds on the strength of cubic couplings in 2D flat-space QFTs using 1D conformal bootstrap techniques. Our numerical results match precisely the analytic bounds obtained in our companion paper using S-matrix bootstrap techniques

Forward-angle incoherent photoproduction of pseudoscalar mesons off nuclei

The mechanism of forward angle incoherent photoproduction of pseudoscalar mesons off nuclei is revisited via the time-dependent multicollisional Monte Carlo (MCMC) intranuclear cascade model. Our results-combined with recent developments to address coherent photoproduction-reproduce with good accuracy recent JLab data of pi(0) photoproduction from carbon and lead at an average photon energy k similar to 5.2 GeV. For the case of. photoproduction, our results for k = 9 GeV suggest that future measurements to extract the eta ->gamma gamma decay width via the Primakoff method should be focused on light nuclei, where the disentanglement between the Coulomb and strong amplitudes is more easily achieved. The prospects to use heavy nuclei data to access the unknown eta N cross section in cold nuclear matter are also presented.Brazilian agency FAPES

Community effectiveness of indoor spraying as a dengue vector control method: A systematic review

The prevention and control of dengue rely mainly on vector control methods, including indoor residual spraying (IRS) and indoor space spraying (ISS). This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on community effectiveness of indoor spraying

Mandibular metastasis of adenocarcinoma from prostate cancer: case report according to epidemiology and current therapeutical trends of the advanced prostate cancer

Prostate cancer represents the most frequent non-cutaneous neoplasia in males. This type of neoplasia can develop peculiar patterns of evolution, presenting, in many cases, precocious relapses and metastasis. Bone metastasis in the mouth is extremely rare, and represents 1% of all malignant mouth neoplasias. The aim of the present study is to report a clinical case of bone metastasis in the mandibular region associated with a tumoral prostate adenocarcinoma, as well as to discuss connected aspects about diagnosis, prognosis and integrated treatment of this condition

Variação temporal da comunidade fitoplanctônica em curtos intervalos amostrais no reservatório de Mundaú, Nordeste brasileiro

The aim of this study was to determine how abiotic factors drive the phytoplankton community in a water supply reservoir within short sampling intervals. Samples were collected at the subsurface (0.1 m) and bottom of limnetic (8 m) and littoral (2 m) zones in both the dry and rainy seasons. The following abiotic variables were analyzed: water temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, pH, total nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus and orthophosphate. Phytoplankton biomass was determined from biovolume values. The role abiotic variables play in the dynamics of phytoplankton species was determined by means of Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Algae biomass ranged from 1.17×10(4) to 9.21×10(4) µg.L-1; cyanobacteria had biomass values ranging from 1.07×10(4) to 8.21×10(4) µg.L-1. High availability of phosphorous, nitrogen limitation, alkaline pH and thermal stability all favored cyanobacteria blooms, particularly during the dry season. Temperature, pH, total phosphorous and turbidity were key factors in characterizing the phytoplankton community between sampling times and stations. Of the species studied, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii populations were dominant in the phytoplankton in both the dry and rainy seasons. We conclude that the phytoplankton was strongly influenced by abiotic variables, particularly in relation to seasonal distribution patterns.O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a influência dos fatores abióticos sobre a comunidade fitoplanctônica em um reservatório de abastecimento, em curtos intervalos amostrais. As amostras foram coletadas na subsuperfície (0,1 m) e fundo das regiões pelágica (8 m) e litorânea (2 m), durante dois períodos sazonais, estações seca e chuvosa. As variáveis abióticas analisadas foram: temperatura da água, oxigênio dissolvido, condutividade elétrica, sólidos totais dissolvidos, turbidez, pH, nitrogênio total, nitrito, nitrato, fósforo total, fósforo total dissolvido e ortofosfato. A biomassa fitoplanctônica foi determinada a partir de valores de biovolume. A influência das variáveis abióticas na dinâmica das espécies fitoplanctônicas foi determinada através da Análise de Correspondência Canônica. A biomassa algal variou de 1,17×10(4) a 9,21×10(4) µg.L-1, sendo que as cianobactérias apresentaram valores de biomassa entre 1,07×10(4) e 8,21×10(4) µg.L-1. A mais alta disponibilidade de fósforo, limitação de nitrogênio, pH alcalino e estabilidade térmica favoreceram florações de cianobactérias, especialmente durante o período seco. As diferenças entre os horários e as estações amostrais na distribuição da comunidade fitoplanctônica foram determinadas pelos valores de temperatura, pH, fósforo total e turbidez. As associações fitoplanctônicas que mais se destacaram foram do grupo funcional Sn, formado por Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, que predominou no sistema em ambos períodos sazonais. Concluiu-se que o fitoplâncton apresentou uma forte influência das variáveis abióticas especialmente no estabelecimento de padrões sazonais de distribuição.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico (CNPq

Radiographic anatomy of the proximal femur: correlation with the occurrence of fractures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between radiographic parameters of the proximal femur anatomy and fractures. METHODS: Three hundred and five digital x-rays of the pelvis were analyzed in the anteroposterior view. Of these x-rays, twenty-seven showed femoral neck or transtrochanteric fractures. The anatomical parameters analyzed were: femoral neck width (FNW), femoral neck length (FNL), femoral axis length (FAL), cervicodiaphyseal angle (CDA), acetabular tear-drop distance (ATD) and great trochanter-pubic symphysis distance (GTPSD). The analysis was performed by comparing the results of the x-rays with and without proximal femoral fracture, to establish a correlation between them. RESULTS: No differences were found between the anatomical parameters of the groups with and without proximal femoral fracture. CONCLUSION: There was no association between anatomical changes in the proximal femur and greater susceptibility to fractures. Level of evidence IV, Cross-sectional Study.OBJETIVO: Avaliar se existe correlação entre parâmetros radiográficos da anatomia da região proximal do fêmur e a ocorrência de fraturas. MÉTODOS: Trezentas e cinco radiografias digitais da bacia foram analisadas na incidência ântero-posterior. Destas radiografias, vinte e sete apresentavam fratura do colo femoral ou transtrocantérica. Os parâmetros anatômicos analisados foram: Largura do colo femoral (LCF), comprimento do colo femoral (CCF), comprimento do eixo femoral (CEF), ângulo cérvico-diafisário (ACD), distância entre as lágrimas acetabulares (DLA) e a distância grande trocânter- sínfise púbica (DGTSP).Foram analisadas, comparativamente, as radiografias com e sem fratura da região proximal do fêmur, para verificar se existem parâmetros radiográficos que estão associados com maior probabilidade de ocorrência de fratura do colo femoral ou transtrocantérica. RESULTADOS: Não foi encontrada diferença entre os parâmetros anatômicos dos grupos com e sem fratura na região proximal do fêmur. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi encontrada nenhuma associação entre alterações anatômicas na região proximal do fêmur e maior susceptibilidade à ocorrência de fraturas. Nível de evidência IV, Estudo Transversal.Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Synthetic organotelluride compounds induce the reversal of Pdr5p mediated fluconazole resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background: Resistance to fluconazole, a commonly used azole antifungal, is a challenge for the treatment of fungal infections. Resistance can be mediated by overexpression of ABC transporters, which promote drug efflux that requires ATP hydrolysis. the Pdr5p ABC transporter of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a well-known model used to study this mechanism of antifungal resistance. the present study investigated the effects of 13 synthetic compounds on Pdr5p.Results: Among the tested compounds, four contained a tellurium-butane group and shared structural similarities that were absent in the other tested compounds: a lateral hydrocarbon chain and an amide group. These four compounds were capable of inhibiting Pdr5p ATPase activity by more than 90%, they demonstrated IC50 values less than 2 M and had an uncompetitive pattern of Pdr5p ATPase activity inhibition. These organotellurides did not demonstrate cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes or S. cerevisiae mutant strains (a strain that overexpress Pdr5p and a null mutant strain) even in concentrations above 100 mu M. When tested at 100 mu M, they could reverse the fluconazole resistance expressed by both the S. cerevisiae mutant strain that overexpress Pdr5p and a clinical isolate of Candida albicans.Conclusions: We have identified four organotellurides that are promising candidates for the reversal of drug resistance mediated by drug efflux pumps. These molecules will act as scaffolds for the development of more efficient and effective efflux pump inhibitors that can be used in combination therapy with available antifungals.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)University of São Paulo through the NAP-CatSinQ (Research Core in Catalysis and Chemical Synthesis)Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Inst Microbiol Paulo Goes, Dept Microbiol Geral,Lab Bioquim Microbiana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Quim Fundamental, São Paulo, BrazilInst Fed Educ Ciencia & Tecnol Rio de Janeiro IFR, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, São Paulo, BrazilFAPERJ: E-26/111.338/2013FAPESP: 2005/59572-7FAPESP: 2008/55401-1FAPESP: 2010/17228-6FAPESP: 2011/03244-2FAPESP: 2011/11613-8FAPESP: 2012/17093-9CNPq: 470360/2012-7Web of Scienc

Exercise Prevents Diaphragm Wasting Induced by Cigarette Smoke through Modulation of Antioxidant Genes and Metalloproteinases

Background. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of physical training on an antioxidant canonical pathway and metalloproteinases activity in diaphragm muscle in a model of cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods. Male mice were randomized into control, smoke, exercise, and exercise + smoke groups, which were maintained in trial period of 24 weeks. Gene expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1nuclear factor erythroid-2 like 2and heme-oxygenase1 by polymerase chain reaction was performed. Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 activities were analyzed by zymography. Exercise capacity was evaluated by treadmill exercise test before and after the protocol. Results. Aerobic training inhibited diaphragm muscle wasting induced by cigarette smoke exposure. This inhibition was associated with improved aerobic capacity in those animals that were submitted to 24 weeks of aerobic training, when compared to the control and smoke groups, which were not submitted to training. The aerobic training also downregulated the increase of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and upregulated antioxidant genes, such as nuclear factor erythroid-2 like 2 (NRF2) and heme-oxygenase1 (HMOX1), in exercise + smoke group compared to smoke group. Conclusions. Treadmill aerobic training protects diaphragm muscle wasting induced by cigarette smoke exposure involving upregulation of antioxidant genes and downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases.CAPES (Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior)Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) Grant [2012/15165-2]Univ Brasilia, Phys Therapy Div, Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniv Paulista, Dept Phys Therapy, Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Med LIM 20, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Postgrad Program Sci Human Movement & Rehabil, Av Ana Costa 95, BR-11060001 Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Therapy, Sao Carlos, SP, BrazilUniv Brasil, Postgrad Program Bioengn, Rua Carolina Fonseca 235, BR-08230030 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilBrazilian Inst Teaching & Res Pulm & Exercise Imm, Rua Pedro Ernesto 240, BR-12245520 Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, BrazilUniv Brasilia, Phys Therapy Div, Brasilia, DF, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Postgrad Program Sci Human Movement & Rehabil, Av Ana Costa 95, BR-11060001 Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP [2012/15165-2]Web of Scienc

Effects of light intensity and temperature on Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) with straight and coiled trichomes: growth rate and morphology

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenayya et Subba Raju (Ordem Nostocales) is one of the most troublesome bloom-forming species in Brazil. Understanding the population dynamics of the different morphotypes of C. raciborskii (straight and coiled) could assist in the prediction of favourable conditions for the proliferation of this potentially toxin-producing species. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of two different light intensities and temperatures on the growth rate and morphology of the trichomes of the straight and coiled morphotypes. For such, two non-toxin producing strains of C. raciborskii were used - one with a coiled trichome (ITEP31) and another with a straight trichome (ITEP28). The strains were cultured in BG-11 medium in a climatic chamber under controlled conditions. Two light intensities (30 and 90 mu mol.m(-2).s(-1)) were combined at temperatures of 21 and 31 degrees C and the growth rate and morphological changes were analysed. The morphotypes responded differently to the different temperatures and light intensities. Both strains exhibited faster growth velocities when submitted to higher light intensity and temperature. The lower temperature and higher luminosity hampered the development of both strains. Variations in cellular morphology and an absence of akinetes in both strains were related to the lower temperature (21 C). The coiled morphotype demonstrated considerable phenotype plasticity, changing the morphology of trichome throughout its growth curve. Although molecular analysis does not sustain the separation of the morphotypes as distinct species, their different eco-physiological responses should be considered further knowledge of extreme importance for the population control of these potentially toxic organisms.CNPQ [Proc. 300794/2004-5, 500704/2004-0]FAPESP [Proc. 2004/00939-6, 2007/57509-1