Dynamical properties for a mixed Fermi accelerator model

The behavior of the decay of velocity in a semi-dissipative one-dimensional Fermi accelerator model is considered. Two different kinds of dissipative forces were considered: (i) F∝−v$F\propto -v$ and; (ii) F∝−v²$F\propto -v^2$. We prove the decay of velocity is linear for (i) and exponential for (ii). During the decay, the particles move along specific corridors which are constructed by the borders of the stable manifolds of saddle points. These corridors organize themselves in a very complicated way in the phase space leading the basin of attraction of the sinks to be seemingly of fractal type.     

Thermal and mechanical characteristics of polyurethane/curaua fiber composites

Polyurethane composites reinforced with curaua fiber at 5, 10 and 20% mass/mass proportions were prepared by using the conventional melt-mixing method. The influence of curaua fibers on the thermal behavior and polymer cohesiveness in polyurethane matrix was evaluated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This specific interaction between the fibers and the hard segment domain was influenced by the behavior of the storage modulus E′ and the loss modulus E″ curves. The polyurethane PU80 is much stiffer and resistant than the other composites at low temperatures up to 70°C. All samples were thermoplastic and presented a rubbery plateau over a wide temperature range above the glass transition temperature and a thermoplastic flow around 170°C.     

A modified epidemiological model for computer viruses

Since the computer viruses pose a serious problem to individual and corporative computer systems, a lot of effort has been dedicated to study how to avoid their deleterious actions, trying to create anti-virus programs acting as vaccines in personal computers or in strategic network nodes. Another way to combat viruses propagation is to establish preventive policies based on the whole operation of a system that can be modeled with population models, similar to those that are used in epidemiological studies. Here, a modified version of the SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Removed) model is presented and how its parameters are related to network characteristics is explained. Then, disease-free and endemic equilibrium points are calculated, stability and bifurcation conditions are derived and some numerical simulations are shown. The relations among the model parameters in the several bifurcation conditions allow a network design minimizing viruses risks.     

Simultaneous determination of Cd and Fe in grain products using direct solid sampling and high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Cadmium and iron are antagonistic elements in the sense that they produce different effects in the human body. Both elements have to be determined routinely in grain products, cadmium because of its toxicity, and iron because all grain products, according to Brazilian law, have to contain a minimum of 42 mg kg⁻¹ Fe to combat anemia. A routine screening method has been developed for the quasi simultaneous determination of cadmium and iron using high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and direct solid sampling. The primary absorption line at 228.802 nm has been used for Cd, and an adjacent secondary line at 228.726 nm for the determination of Fe. Various chemical modifiers have been investigated, and a mixture of tungsten and iridium, applied as a permanent modifier, showed the best performance; it stabilized Cd up to a pyrolysis temperature of 700 °C and did not over-stabilize Fe. Two atomization temperatures were used sequentially, 1700 °C for Cd and 2600 °C for Fe, because of their significantly different volatilities. The characteristic masses obtained were 0.9 pg for Cd and 1.2 ng for Fe. The limits of detection (3σ, n = 10) were 0.6 μg kg⁻¹ for Cd and 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ for Fe. The relative standard deviation ranged from 3 to 7% for Cd and from 4 to 13% for Fe, which is satisfactory for the purpose. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by the analysis of three certified reference materials; the results were in agreement with the certified values at a 95% confidence interval. The Cd content in the investigated grain products was between 0.9 and 10.5 μg kg⁻¹, but most of them did not contain the required minimum amount of iron.     

Sequential injection system for phospholipase A2 activity evaluation: Studies on liposomes using an environment-sensitive fluorescent probe

This work reports the development of an automatic methodology based on the use of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) as an interfacial fluorescent probe for detecting the hydrophobic environment shift around the probe, caused by the hydrolytic action of PLA₂ on the liposomes. The implementation of this reaction in a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system along with the use of the mixing chambers permitted the evaluation of PLA₂ activity and assessment of the inhibitory effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on PLA₂ activity.Several studies were performed with the aim of establishing the appropriate flow system configuration: the liposome substrate; PLA₂ and ANS optimum concentrations and incubation times before and after the enzyme addition. Based on these studies, the optimum reaction conditions were selected. It was shown that PLA₂ is effectively inhibited by the NSAIDs tested (meloxicam, tolmetin and ibuprofen) and by the α-lipoic acid, used as a positive control.Results obtained from the flow system are in agreement with those provided by the comparison batch procedures. The proposed methodology is in fact more efficient and rapid than the comparison batch experiments, enabling the exact timing of fluidic manipulations and precise control of the reaction conditions.     

Synthesis monitoring of SBA-15 nanostructured materials

The SBA-15 materials were synthesized by the hydrothermal method using tetraethyl orthosilicate as silica source and P123 as template agent. The synthesis process was accomplished varying the time during the hydrothermal processing. For the synthesis monitoring, a small amount of sample was removed at different times, and analyzed by thermal analysis in order to determine the temperature ranges related to water desorption, template decomposition and silanol condensation for the SBA-15 nanostructured materials, as well as to estimate their quality. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, BET surface area and pore size distribution. The activation energy relative to decomposition of P123 template was determined from TG curves, using multiple heating rates and applying the model free kinetics. From the obtained data, it is possible to monitor the hydrothermal synthesis of SBA-15 in order to control the properties and conditions to prepare ordered materials.     

Light scattering by magnetic excitons in (FeMn)F2

The transitions between the low lying crystal field split states A_1g and B_1g of the Fe²⁺ ions in pure FeF₂ and in the mixed antiferromagnet Fe_1-xMn_xF₂ have been investigated with Raman light scattering. From the Raman polarization rules the lines have been identified as arising from the magnetic excitons associated with the transitions. The energy and the line-width of the strongest line are studied as a function of the concentration x. From the energy measurement we estimate that the single ion anisotropy parameter D of the Fe²⁺ ions varies from 6.46 cm^-1 in pure FeF₂ to 8.03 cm^-1 in MnF₂: Fe.     

Wind reversals in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection

The phenomenon of irregular cessation and subsequent reversal of the large-scale circulation in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection is theoretically analyzed. The force and thermal balance on a single plume detached from the thermal boundary layer yields a set of coupled nonlinear equations, whose dynamics is related to the Lorenz equations. For Prandtl and Rayleigh numbers in the range 10(-2) < or = Pr < or = 10(3) and 10(7) < or = Ra < or = 10(12), the model has the following features: (i) chaotic reversals may be exhibited at Ra > or = 10(7); (ii) the Reynolds number based on the root mean square velocity scales as Re(rms) approximately Ra([0.41...0.47]) (depending on Pr), and as Re(rms) approximately Pr(-[0.66...0.76]) (depending on Ra); and (iii) the mean reversal frequency follows an effective scaling law omega/(nu L(-2)) approximately Pr(-(0.64 +/- 0.01))Ra(0.44 +/- 0.01). The phase diagram of the model is sketched, and the observed transitions are discussed.     

Production and Characterization of F(Ab’)<Subscript>2</Subscript> Fragments Obtained by Enzymatic Digestion from Murine Anti-MRSA PBP2a Monoclonal Antibodies

Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a worldwide health problem. In a previous study, a murine monoclonal antibody (mMAB), capable of binding to PBP2a within MRSA strains, was generated. F(ab’)₂ antibody fragments are widely described in the literature as immunochemical tools and reagents for diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly because of their low immunogenicity and rapid pharmacokinetics. In this study, F(ab’)₂ fragments from mMAB were generated by enzymatic digestion, using pepsin. They were purified by affinity chromatography using protein A and concentrated by a MWCO 50 kDa filtration unit. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain F(ab’)₂ fragments by pepsin digestion. ELISA, western blotting, and fluorescence microscopy data demonstrated that F(ab’)₂ affinity for PBP2a is not lost even after the enzymatic digestion process. As expected, in the pharmacokinetics tests, F(ab’)₂ presented a faster elimination (between 12 and 18 h) compared to IgG. These F(ab’)₂ fragments could be used in future immunodiagnostic applications, including in vitro or in situ radiolabeling and in the treatment of infections caused by this important pathogen.     

Poly(imides) containing hexoxy side groups

Novel poly(imides) containing hexoxy side groups have been prepared through the interaction of 1-hexoxy-3,5-diaminobenzene with binuclear aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides under the conditions of two-stage polycondensation in N-methylpyrrolidone. It was been shown that, upon incorporation of hexoxyl substituents, the solubility of the resulting polyimides is improved and, simultaneously, their softening and thermal degradation temperatures and dielectric constants are decreased.