Utilization of nondestructive techniques for analysis of the Martian meteorite NWA 6963 and its implications for astrobiology

Martian meteorites are excellent study materials for understanding the present and past of Mars, as they are important historical astrophysical artifacts because they possess information about Martian geological evolution and physical and chemical characteristics. In our case, we analyzed the NWA 6963 Martian meteorite classified as basaltic shergottite because of its chemical structure. A computerized microtomography (μCT) study in the NWA 6963 Martian meteorite provided us with 2D and 3D images that were extremely useful for ascertaining the internal structure of the analyzed sample and gave us the opportunity to find a crumpled material with a very peculiar structural format. In addition, it was possible to observe through the μCT that this encrusted material also has a completely different density of the meteorite. Calcium, strontium, and potassium were detected qualitatively, among others through the technique of X‐ray fluorescence.     

Thermal lens investigation in amorphous SiN

In this work we report the use of thermal lens (TLs) technique to determine the thermo-optical parameters, such as thermal conductivity (K), thermal diffusivity (D) and the optical path dependence with temperature (ds/dT) of amorphous SiN. Our results indicate that ds/dT is positive at room temperature. Moreover, the obtained values of thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity are in good agreement with that found in the literature.     

The influence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Some factors have been associated with the etiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), among them the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in CLL. A case‐control study was conducted with 219 individuals from Brazilian central population. MTHFR C677T polymorphism was determined through PCR‐RFLP followed by PAGE. The T allele frequence was higher in patients diagnosed with CLL than healthy subjects. However, when stratified by gender, the TT genotype was exclusively found in men diagnosed with CLL (p < 0.05). Adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age was significantly linked to CLL predisposition (odds ratio = 1.08; p < 0.001). Studies evaluating the influence of genetic factors may provide insights on susceptibility for CLL.     

In vitro antioxidant potential and in vivo effects of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi leaf extract in diabetic rats and determination of chemical composition by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

The present study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition of Schinus terebinthifolia, which is widely used in folk medicine for various therapeutic purposes. The in vitro analyses indicated that the hydroethanolic extract (HE) had 312.50 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g of total phenols. It also presented anti-DPPH? and anti-ABTS?⁺ activity, reduced phosphomolybden and metal ions and blocked the bleaching of β-carotene. The HE at concentrations of 3.0 and 2.0 μg/mL had TRAP values of 2.223 ± 0.018 and 1.894 ± 0.026 μM Trolox, respectively. The HE increased the availability of antioxidants in plasma in treated animals in vivo. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS indicated the presence of 11 phenols: cumaric acid, (+)-catechin, myricetin-3-O-glicuronide, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, myricetin, myricitrin, quercetin, gallic acid, methyl galate, pentagalloyl glucose and ethyl galate. Thus, S. terebinthifolia has potential for the prevention or treatment of diseases that are related to oxidative stress, such as diabetes mellitus.     

Study of the D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay and measurement of f(0) masses and widths

From a sample of 848+/-44 D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)(s)-->straight phipi(+)) = 0.245+/-0.028(+0.019)(-0.012). Using a Dalitz plot analysis of this three body decay, we find significant contributions from the channels rho(0)(770)pi(+), rho(0)(1450)pi(+), f(0)(980)pi(+), f(2)(1270)pi(+), and f(0)(1370)pi(+). We also present the values obtained for masses and widths of the resonances f(0)(980) and f(0)(1370).