Showing papers by "Sao Paulo State University published in 1997"
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that a spinless particle can be written in terms of magnitudes related to either the teleparallel or the Riemannian structures induced in spacetime by the presence of the gravitational field.
Abstract: In the context of a gauge theory for the translation group, we have obtained, for a spinless particle, a gravitational analogue of the Lorentz force. Then, we have shown that this force equation can be rewritten in terms of magnitudes related to either the teleparallel or the Riemannian structures induced in spacetime by the presence of the gravitational field. In the first case, it gives a force equation, with torsion playing the role of force. In the second, it gives the usual geodesic equation of general relativity. The main conclusion is that scalar matter is able to feel any one of the above spacetime geometries, the teleparallel and the metric ones. Furthermore, both descriptions are found to be completely equivalent in the sense that they give the same physical trajectory for a spinless particle in a gravitational field. @S0556-2821~97!05620-8#
249 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used ultrasonography on cows and heifers of the Nelore breed of Bos indicus cattle to study the growth of the follicle in the first and second stages of the natural or prostaglandin-induced estrous cycle.
241 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the X-bar chart with variable sampling intervals (VSI) and the variable sample size (VSS) are compared to the traditional X-Bar chart in detecting shifts in the process.
Abstract: Recent theoretical studies have shown that the X-bar chart with variable sampling intervals (VSI) and the X-bar chart with variable sample size (VSS) are quicker than the traditional X-bar chart in detecting shifts in the process. This article considers..
204 citations
10 Mar 1997
TL;DR: The paper describes a technique for automatic estimation of crowd density, which is a part of the problem of automatic crowd monitoring, using texture information based on grey level transition probabilities on digitised images.
Abstract: Human beings perceive images through their properties, like colour, shape, size, and texture. Texture is a fertile source of information about the physical environment. Images of low density crowds tend to present coarse textures, while images of dense crowds tend to present fine textures. The paper describes a technique for automatic estimation of crowd density, which is a part of the problem of automatic crowd monitoring, using texture information based on grey level transition probabilities on digitised images. Crowd density feature vectors are extracted from such images and used by a self organising neural network which is responsible for the crowd density estimation. Results obtained respectively to the estimation of the number of people in a specific area of Liverpool Street Railway Station in London (UK) are presented.
173 citations
TL;DR: A theoretical approach to the energy transfer process that occurs between a ligand and a rare-earth ion in luminescent complexes is presented in this article, where a discussion on energy transfer mechanisms involved and on the associated selection rules is made.
154 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that the CoO and Nb2O5 doped SnO2 ceramic is single phase and presents varistor behaviour with AE 8.0.
Abstract: Tin dioxide (SnO2) is an n type semiconductor with crystalline structure of rutile type and has low densification rate due to its high surface diffusion at low temperatures and high SnO2 partial pressure at high temperatures [1]. Dense SnO2 based ceramics can be achieved by introducing dopants [2–5] or by hot isostatic pressure processing [6, 7]. Dopants with valence 2 can promote densification of SnO2 ceramics due to the formation of solid solution with the creation of oxygen vacancies. In our previous work [8, 9] we have shown that the CoO and Nb2O5 doped SnO2 ceramic is single phase and presents varistor behaviour with AE 8.0. By adding 0.05 mol % Cr2O3 the system is still a single phase with the non-linear coefficient increasing to AE 41. The electrical behaviour of varistors is governed by the presence of voltage barriers at the grain boundaries [10, 11]. For a given varistor system each voltage barrier is characterized by a specific value vb. The reference voltage barrier for a varistor is determined by the average number of barriers n in series multiplied by vb, that is: Vr n:vb (1)
131 citations
TL;DR: This study demonstrates the usefulness of dominant markers, both RAPD and AFLP, for estimating the outcrossing rate in breeding and natural populations of forest trees.
Abstract: Eucalyptus breeding is typically conducted by selection in open-pollinated progenies. As mating is controlled only on the female side of the cross, knowledge of outcrossing versus selfing rates is essential for maintaining adequate levels of genetic variability for continuous gains. Outcrossing rate in an open-pollinated breeding population of Eucalyptus urophylla was estimated by two PCR-based dominant marker technologies, RAPD and AFLP, using 11 open-pollinated progeny arrays of 24 individuals. Estimated outcrossing rates indicate predominant outcrossing and suggest maintenance of adequate genetic variability within families. The multilcous outcrossing rate (tm) estimated from RAPD markers (0.93±0.027), although in the same range, was higher (α>0.01) than the estimate based on AFLP (0.89±0.033). Both estimates were of similar magnitude to those estimated for natural populations using isozymes. The estimated Wright’s fixation index was lower than expected based on tm possibly resulting from selection against selfed seedlings when sampling plants for the study. An empirical analysis suggests that 18 is the minimum number of dominant marker loci necessary to achieve robust estimates of tm. This study demonstrates the usefulness of dominant markers, both RAPD and AFLP, for estimating the outcrossing rate in breeding and natural populations of forest trees. We anticipate an increasing use of such PCR-based technologies in mating-system studies, in view of their high throughput and universality of the reagents, particularly for species where isozyme systems have not yet been optimized.
121 citations
TL;DR: The experimental ELISA described may prove to be a practical serological test for bovine Babesia infection with the choice of specific test antigen for B. bovis antigen.
116 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that chemical communication decreases aggression in this species by inducing an alarm reaction and increasing conspecific recognition (thus stabilizing the dominance hierarchy).
109 citations
TL;DR: Cross-infection was shown to occur involving some species, however, with time the animals apparently eliminate the species that are not well adapted to them, and grazing management systems using cattle and sheep appear to be promising for worm control in southeastern Brazil.
107 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the edge effect caused by habitat fragmentation was assessed by overlaying, on a geographic information system (GIS), the land use and land cover data with the spectral ratio.
TL;DR: In conclusion, in spite of an obvious foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree many cases are not diagnosed, and a longstanding foreignBody in the airway may be responsible for irreversible complications.
Abstract: A 20-year experience with the treatment of 74 patients (83.8% children) for foreign body aspiration is reviewed. The object of this review is to show the clinical manifestations, the radiological findings, the nature and distribution in the bronchial tree, and complications due to longstanding (months or years) foreign bodies in the bronchial tree. The most common foreign bodies found were peanuts (13.5%), corn (13.5%), and beans (13.5%). The most frequent clinical manifestation was choking (67.5%), and the most frequent radiological finding was atelectasis (41.8%). The most serious complication was bronchiectasis needing resection in six patients who had the foreign body retained for years in the bronchial tree. In conclusion, in spite of an obvious foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree many cases are not diagnosed, and a longstanding foreign body in the airway may be responsible for irreversible complications.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the work of the Departamento de Engenharia Termica e Fluidos Faculdade de Engenição Mecânica (FEMFEM) in Campinas, Brazil.
Abstract: Departamento de Engenharia Termica e Fluidos Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica - UNICAMP, Caixa Postal 6122, CEP 13083-970, Campinas (SP)
TL;DR: Biosensors for determination of carbamates in vegetables based on five different cholinesterase as biorecognition elements and a screen-printed electrode system as an amperometric transducer were developed Measurements were simply performed by dropping solutions (either sample or substrate) directly on the biosensor as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Biosensors for determination of carbamates in vegetables based on five different cholinesterase as biorecognition elements and a screen-printed electrode system as an amperometric transducer were developed Measurements were simply performed by dropping solutions (either sample or substrate) directly on the biosensor The response of biosensors to selected carbamates (aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, methomyl and propoxur) was characterized The performance was evaluated on extracts of potatoes and carrots, the results from the AChE biosensor and a standard HPLC procedure were compared Finally, the biosensor was used for the direct analysis of vegetable juices without any pretreatment steps In this case, 10 μg/L levels of added carbofuran and propoxur were reliably identified The whole procedure takes less than 20 min including 10 min incubation with samples The concentrations of carbamates determined with biosensor agreed well for carbofuran Lower response was observed for propoxur
TL;DR: The Instituto de Quimica Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, PO Box 355, 355, 14801-970 Araraquara, SP
TL;DR: The computed tomography device consistently delivered higher doses than the Tomax Ultrascan to all anatomic locations; the differences were most pronounced when only one or two implant sites were evaluated.
Abstract: Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to measure radiation doses at craniofacial sites in a tissue-equivalent phantom during film-based multidirectional tomography with the Tomax Ultrascan (Incubation Industries, Ivyland, Pa.) and during computed tomography with the Elscint Excel 2400 (Elscint Corp., Tel Aviv, Israel). Mean absorbed doses for presurgical mandibular and maxillary canine and molar implant assessments were converted to equivalent doses, which were then multipied by published weighting factors and summed to give effective doses. The computed tomgraphy device consistently delivered higher doses than the Tomax Ultrascan to all anatomic locations; the differences were most pronounced when only one or two implant sites were evaluated. The reasons for the dose disparities are considered both anatomically and procedurally. A survey of examination cost revealed film-based multidirectional tomography to be less expensive than computed tomography.
TL;DR: Eighty root canals of the premolars of 4 dogs, with vital pulp, were instrumented and filled during the same session with the Sealapex, CRCS, Sealer 26, and Apexit sealers, and Histopathologic analysis showed that SealapeX was the sealer that best permitted the deposition of mineralized tissue at the apical level and was the only Sealer that provided complete sealing.
TL;DR: A total of 137 yeasts associated with the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908 were characterized, being selected 93 for analysis, and four others were identified as being Candida spp.
Abstract: A total of 137 yeasts associated with the leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908 were characterized, being selected 93 for analysis. Twenty four species belonging to seven genera (Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces, Tremella, Trichosporon, Pichia) were isolated from the different analysed material. The genus Candida was widely distributed, with C. homilentoma, C. colliculosa-like, C. famata and C. colliculosa being the most prevalent. A few isolates did not fit the standard descriptions and probably some of them could be new biotypes or even new species. Three strains of black yeasts were also isolated, and four others were identified as being Candida spp. The effective number of yeast species was higher in newer sponge. The origin, distribution and relative importance of these microorganisms for the ants are discussed.
TL;DR: The trunk wood and barks from an Aniba species contain four esters of benzoic acid with cinnamyl alcohol, five benzofuran neolignans, licarin-A, burchellin, cis-burchellin-rearranged and cis-Burchellin rearranged, one tetrahydro-furan neogenan, aristolignin, three bicyclooctane guianin-type neogenans, (7 S, 8 S, 1′ R, 4′ R, 5′ S )-4,
TL;DR: Neotenic evolution seems to have acted in the skull of C. latirostris, and a posterior amplification of the early divergence led to a repatterning of the shape ontogenetic trajectory in this species.
Abstract: Ontogenetic shape changes in the skull of three species of the genus Caiman (C. latirostris, C. sclerops, and C. yacare) are compared by geometric morphometrics for three-dimensional configurations (the least-squares analysis). The technique for obtaining the landmark coordinates is a simplification of the algorithm for multidimensional scaling. The ontogenetic nonlinear shape changes are similar in the three species but occur in a lesser extent in C. latirostris. These seem to be correlated with functional changes in the skull. The uniform shape change corresponds to an elongation of the skull, dorsoventral flattening, and lateral compression in C. sclerops and C. yacare. There is some lateral broadening in C. latirostris. Differences in the ontogenetic processes probably cause the differences in diet observed between C. latirostris and the other two species. Neotenic evolution seems to have acted in the skull of C. latirostris, and a posterior amplification of the early divergence led to a repatterning of the shape ontogenetic trajectory in this species. J. Morphol. 231:53–62, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TL;DR: The purified compound showed a molecular formula of C_28H_44O_3, displaying characteristic features of epidioxy sterols and was reverted to ergosterol when submitted to S. schenckii enzymatic extract.
Abstract: Ergosterol peroxide, a presumed product of the H_2O_2-dependent enzymatic oxidation of ergosterol, has been isolated from yeast forms of the pathogenic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The substance, which may have a role in fungal virulence, has been characterized mainly using spectroscopic methods (1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and high resolution mass spectra). The purified compound showed a molecular formula of C_28H_44O_3, displaying characteristic features of epidioxy sterols and was reverted to ergosterol when submitted to S. schenckii enzymatic extract.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The results showed that Sealapex was the root canal sealer showing the highest pH, ionic calcium and total calcium values throughout the experimental period, followed by CRCS, Apexit and Sealer 26.
Abstract: The calcium hydroxide ionization of four root canal sealers (Sealapex, CRCS, Sealer 26, and Apexit) was studied by measuring conductivity and pH and by conducting atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples 6 mm in diameter and 15 mm long were prepared from these sealers. After setting and 48 h storage in a desiccator, five samples of each material were placed in 50 mL distilled water and analysed after 0,1,2,4,6 and 24 h and 5, 15 and 30 days. The results showed that Sealapex was the root canal sealer showing the highest pH, ionic calcium and total calcium values (P < 0.05) throughout the experimental period, followed by CRCS, Apexit and Sealer 26.
TL;DR: A novel non-invasive method to study the motion associated with gastric antral contractions is discussed, based on magnetic flux changes detected by an a.c. biosusceptometer produced by a magnetic test meal within the stomach.
Abstract: A novel non-invasive method to study the motion associated with gastric antral contractions is discussed. The method is based on magnetic flux changes detected by an a.c. biosusceptometer, produced by a magnetic test meal within the stomach. Measurements are made at the surface of the torso and are easy to perform. Simultaneous measurements were made with electrogastrography and scintigraphy showing remarkable coincidence. The effect of a drug on the amplitude of antral contractions was also assayed with the new method.
TL;DR: It can be inferred that the developing form, expelled by cats, is the most important for T. gondii chicken infection and that brain is theMost infected organ in birds.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative study on thermally stratified tanks for hot storage is presented, where a two-dimensional model is employed for the pure conduction case and a numerical solution is obtained using the control-volume technique due to Patankar.
TL;DR: A simple and rapid method for the determination of 13 organophosphorus insecticides and the metabolites in olive oil by GC is described in this paper, where the pesticide was extracted from oil with acetonitrile and no cleanup was needed.
TL;DR: Data is provided to indicate that individuals who have inherited unfavorable metabolizing genes have increased body burden of toxicants to cause increased genetic damage and to have increased risk for cancer.
Abstract: Significant interindividual variations in health outcome may be caused by the inheritance of variant polymorphic genes, such as CYP2D6 and CYP2E1 for activation, and GSTM1 and GSTT1 for detoxification of chemicals. However, mechanistic studies linking the inheritance of predisposing genes with genotoxic effects towards cancer have yet to be systematically conducted. We have studied 54 lung cancer patients and 50 matched normal controls, who have been cigarette smokers, to elucidate the role of polymorphic genes in cancer. Our data indicates that the inheritance of unfavorable CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and GSTT1 genes in strongly correlated with the smoking-related lung cancer. For heavy cigarette smokers (> 30 pack-years), the smoking habit is the strongest predictor of lung cancer risk irrespective of the inheritance of unfavorable metabolizing genes. For moderate to light smokers (< 30 pack-years), the genetic predisposition plays an important role for the risk (odds ratio = 3.46; 95% Cl = 0.46-40.2). Using a subgroup of the study population, we observed that cigarette smokers having the defective GST genes have significantly more chromosome aberrations as determined by the fluorescence-in-situ-hybridization (FISH) technique than smokers with the normal GST genes (P < 0.001). In conclusion, our study provides data to indicate that individuals who have inherited unfavorable metabolizing genes have increased body burden of toxicants to cause increased genetic damage and to have increased risk for cancer. Studies like ours can be used to understand the basis for interindividual variations in cancer outcome, to identify high risk individuals and to assess health risk.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the work of the Departamento de Fisica Faculdade Engenharia Ilha Solteira UNESP, Av. Brasil, 56, 15385-000 ILHA, SP
Abstract: Departamento de Fisica Faculdade Engenharia Ilha Solteira UNESP, Av. Brasil, 56, 15385-000 Ilha Solteira, SP
TL;DR: In this paper, the depuration capacity of the Lavapes brook, which crosses Botucatu -SP, was evaluated using dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand(COD) as pollution parameters.
Abstract: To evaluate the depuration capacity of the Lavapes brook, which crosses Botucatu - SP, it was used dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) as pollution parameters. The organic pollution profile was evaluated, the depuration zone identified and hourly 24-hour collection made, the last making it possible to correlate the organic pollution with household chores. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) showed itself to be the best technique to evaluate the organic pollution profile, to identify the depuration zones and to evaluate the organic pollution punctually in this water course. Characterizing a biodegradable sewage and indicating there that is no practical addition of industrial effluents, the average relation COD/BOD was 3.4, thus making it possible to estimate the BOD by the COD. At the clean water sections, source and mouth, where de COD was below 5 mg L-1 O2 it was used the consumed oxygen values (permanganate method), which did not invalidate the depuration zones identification. However, it is necessary researches to develop the method dichromate for low levels (below 5 mg L-1 ) in order to evaluate the water stream recuperation better.