Sensilla styloconica on the proboscis of 107 species of North American and tropical butterflies were comparatively studied using the scanning electron microscope. Focus was on 76 species of North American Nymphalidae representing 45 genera and 11 subfamilies. Nomenclature for generalized and specific types of nymphalid sensilla is proposed. Written descriptions and micrographs are presented for each species studied. Morphological features were generally consistent for all or most species within genera and sometimes within subfamilies, with specified exceptions. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for six of eight variables tested between two distinct feeding guilds of North American Nymphalidae. Average number, density, extent of proboscis coverage with sensilla, their total length, and shoulder spine length were all significantly greater in the non-nectar feeding guild than in nectar feeders, and may indicate adaptation for greater efficiency in feeding on flat surfaces. The greater frequency of apical shoulder spines in non-nectar feeders may represent adaptation for protection of sensory pegs from mechanical abrasion during feeding, or for anchoring the flexible proboscis tip to the surface. Correlation analysis revealed 9 out of 28 positive correlations in nectar feeders and 5 out of 28 in non-nectar feeders. Results of preliminary cladistic analysis were not considered to be meaningfully robust due to few available characters. The stylar characters identified in this study should be more useful in future analyses when included with characters from other lines of evidence. The presence of sensilla styloconica in all subfamilies of Nymphalidae, except Danainae, largely supports Ehrlich's (1958) higher classification concept for the family. The presence of less conspicuous sensilla in the Danainae, and other characteristics are presented as further evidence that they should be reconsidered for full family status. Sensilla styloconica in nymphalid butterflies appear to function as extensions that provide greater sensory reach during feeding. The role of these sensilla in liquid uptake, pollen feeding, and host plant selection is discussed.

After nearly 100 years of particle acceleration, particle accelerator experiments continue providing results within the field of high energy physics. Particle acceleration is used worldwide in practical applications such as radiation therapy and materials science research. Unfortunately, these accelerators are large and expensive. Dielectric Laser Acceleration (DLA) is a promising technique for accelerating particles with high acceleration gradients, without requiring large-scale accelerators. DLA utilizes the electric field of a high energy laser to accelerate electrons in the proximity of a nanostructured dielectric surface.The aim of this project was limited to laser beam routing and imaging techniques for a DLA experiment. The goal was to design the laser beam pathway between the laser and the dielectric sample, and testing a proposed imaging system for aiming the laser. This goal was achieved in a test setup using a low-energy laser. In the main setup including a femtosecond laser, the result indicated lack of focus. For a full experimental setup, a correction of this focus is essential and the beam path would need to be combined with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) as an electron source.

Microrganismos endofíticos são definidos como organismos que habitam em pelo menos durante um período de seu ciclo vital, o interior de um vegetal, sem causar aparentemente nenhum dano a este. Na busca de novos organismos e novos metabólitos secundários, um estudo foi conduzido visando avaliar a diversidade química de bactérias endofíticas por meio do isolamento e identificação de metabólitos secundários produzido por bactérias endofíticas de etnovariedades de mandioca, mantidas por tribos indígenas da Amazônia brasileira. Sessenta e sete bactérias endofíticas de mandioca foram selecionadas e submetidas à uma seleção através de testes de antagonismo in vitro. A bactéria endofítica, Bacillus pumilus foi a que apresentou forte ação inibitória contra os fitopatógenos Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium e Sclerotium rolfsii. Essa bactéria foi identificada através do sequenciamento de um fragmento do gene de 16S rRNA e por meio da análise de ácidos graxos (FAME). A obtenção dos metabólitos da bactéria selecionada foi realizada através da extração dos meios de cultura com os solventes hexano, acetato de etila e diclorometano. Após a concentração dos extratos, seus constituintes químicos foram realizados através de cromatografia em camada delgada, cromatografia em coluna, cromatografia gasosa acoplada ao espectrômetro de massas CG-EM) e cromatografia líquida acoplada ao espectrômetro de massas (CL-EM). Os extratos obtidos por meio de diclorometano e acetato de etila continham diferentes componentes químicos que mostraram atividade inibitória contra os três fitopatógenos testados. O método cromatográfico CL-EM permitiu a identificação de uma substância antifúngica produzida pela bactéria endofítica, Bacillus pumilus, conhecida como pumilacidina. / Endophytic microorganisms are defined as organisms that inhabit the interior of a vegetable at least during a period of the vital cycle, without causing any apparent damage. In the search for new organisms and new secondary metabolites, a study was conducted to evaluate the chemical diversity of endophytic bacteria through the isolation and identification of secondary metabolites produced by endophytic bacteria of cassava cultivated by Brazilian Amazon Indian tribes. Sixty seven endophytic bacteria isolated from cassava were screened using in vitro antagonisms tests. An endophytic bacterium, the Bacillus pumilus, which showed a strong inhibitory activity against Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium aphanidermatum and Sclerotium rolfsii was selected. This bacterium was identified by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and by FAME. The bacterial endophytic localization was confirmed by cassava cell tissue examination using scanning electron microscopy. The bacterial metabolites were extracted from the culture media using the solvents hexan, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane. After concentrate the extracts their chemical constituents were analyzed using thin layer chromatography (TLC), chromatography column, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The extracts obtained with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate contained different chemical compounds that showed inhibitory activity against the three plant-pathogenic fungi tested. The LC/MS method allowed the identification of an antifungal compound produced by the B. pumilus, which is known as pumilacidin.

Ce travail expérimental s’est intéressé aux lésions osseuses produites par des scies et par une hachette, sur des échantillons humains et animaux. En ce qui concerne les scies, 170 faux départs ont été étudiés au stéréomicroscope en utilisant cinq scies différentes. Les scies universelles se comportent comme les scies à tronçonner, du fait de l’inclinaison vers l’arrière de chaque dent. La largeur minimum du faux départ permet de classer les lésions selon les catégories de Symes. Les profils convexes indiquent l’utilisation d’une scie universelle ou d’une scie à tronçonner. Les profils concaves sont beaucoup plus variés, et indiquent l’utilisation d’une scie à refendre. La forme des murs permet de déterminer le type d’avoyage sauf quand ils sont droits ou difficiles à analyser. Parmi les critères secondaires, l’aspect des stries au fond de la lésion s’est révélé de grande importance pour identifier le type d’avoyage. En ce qui concerne la hachette, nous avons utilisé un protocole standardisé produisant des lésions osseuses de petites dimensions. Le stéréomicroscope a constaté le caractère vertical des stries, qui s’explique par le mouvement vertical effectué par l’instrument au moment de l’impact. Le microscope électronique à balayage a permis de décrire parfaitement les lésions, de comprendre la surélévation des berges (« uprising ») et l’effet exercé à distance (« lateral pushing back »). La présence du latéral pushing back et de stries verticales permet d’affirmer que les lésions osseuses ont été produites par un instrument tranchant contondant. Ces caractères se pérennisent même après carbonisation. / In this experimental work bone lesions produced by saws and a hatchet on human and animal samples were analyzed. With regard to the saws, 170 experimental false starts lesions were studied under stereomicroscope produced by five different saws. Universal saws behave like crosscut saws, because each tooth displays a tilt backwards. The minimum width of the kerf makes it possible to classify bone lesions according to Symes’ categories. Convex profiles indicate the use of a universal or crosscut saw. Concave profiles vary a great deal and indicate the use of a rip saw. The shape of the walls allows for determining the type of set except when they are straight or difficult to analyze. Among the secondary criteria, the appearance of the striae on the kerf floor is able to point the type of set. For the study of bone lesions by a hatchet a standardized device was used to produce small bone lesions. The stereomicroscope was able to observe the vertical striae explained by the vertical movement of the instrument at the time of impact. The scanning electron microscope allowed for a detailed analysis of bone lesions and made it possible to understand the uprising and the lateral pushing back. The presence of a lateral pushing back and of vertical striae is sufficient to determine that the bone lesions were achieved by a sharp blunt instrument. These characters are visible even after carbonization.

Avalia-se o colapso de um solo residual, de comportamento laterítico, para líquidos inundantes de diferentes composições químicas, em profundidades de 1 até 4 metros, empregando-se provas de carga diretas e ensaios de adensamento. Explica-se o fenômeno do colapso, para cada líquido inundante, utilizando-se parâmetros obtidos em ensaios de caracterização, difração de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e ensaios químicos. A pesquisa é desenvolvida no Campo Experimental da UNESP de Bauru (SP), cujo solo local é uma areia fina argilosa, residual de arenito, enquadrada como Latossolo vermelho escuro a amarelo. / The collapse of a lateritic residual soil is evaluated, using liquid of different chemical compositions, in depths from 1 to 4 meters, and using plate load and oedometer tests. This work explains the phenomenon of the collapse, for each liquid, employing parameters obtained in characterization tests, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and chemical tests. The research is developed in the Experimental Field of the Civil Engineering Department of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), at Bauru (SP), where the local soil is residual derived from sandstone, and according to grain size classification it is a clayey fine sand. In the pedological classification it is a dark red to yellow Latosol.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a capacidade da remoção da camada de smear das paredes do canal radicular, pelas soluções de EDTA a 15%, ácido cítrico a 10%, citrato de sódio a 10%, vinagre de maçã, ácido acético a 5%, ácido málico a 5% e hipoclorito de sódio a 1% por meio da microscopia eletrônica de varredura e quantificar a concentração de ions cálcio presentes nessas soluções após suas utilizações, por meio da espectrofotometria de absorção atômica de chama. Utilizaram-se 42 dentes incisivos centrais superiores, nos quais se realizou a cirurgia de acesso, remoção de ombro cervical e desgaste compensatório. Aferiu-se o comprimento de trabalho com uma lima tipo K, diâmetro #10 introduzida no canal radicular de cada dente até ser visualizada no ápice, subtraindo-se um milímetro. Determinou-se também o diâmetro anatômico do canal do dente no comprimento de trabalho por meio da introdução de instrumentos tipo K da primeira série com diâmetros sucessivamente maiores, que foi anotado quando um dos instrumentos sofresse resistência ao ser retirado do comprimento de trabalho. Todos os dentes que apresentaram diâmetro anatômico do canal acima de 40 centésimos de milímetros foram descartados e repostos por outros. Desta forma, garantiu-se o desgaste de 20 centésimos de milímetros no terço apical. A técnica utilizada foi a Free Tip Preparation (PECORA et al. 2002) até que um instrumento de diâmetro #60 e taper .04 percorresse todo o comprimento de trabalho. Utilizou-se a solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 1,0% durante todo o preparo biomecânico. Os dentes tiveram seus canais radiculares lavados com 20 mililitros de água deionizada para a remoção de possíveis raspas de dentina soltas no interior do canal radicular. Após o término do preparo biomecânico, os dentes foram divididos aleatoriamente em 7 grupos de 6 dentes cada, de acordo com a substância química utilizada para a irrigação final, a saber: G1 - solução de EDTA a 15,0%; G2 - solução de ácido cítrico a 10,0%; G3 - solução de citrato de sódio a 10,0%; G4 - vinagre de maçã; G5 - solução de ácido acético a 5,0%; G6 - solução de ácido málico a 5,0% e G7 - sem irrigação final (controle negativo). O tempo de permanência das soluções nos canais radiculares foi de 5 minutos. Os dentes foram clivados no sentido vestíbulo-palatino e encaminhados para a microscopia eletrônica de varredura, em que se obtiveram fotomicrografias com o aumento de 1000 vezes. As soluções coletadas foram encaminhadas para a análise química, realizada com um espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica de chama. Concluiu-se que o EDTA a 15% e o ácido cítrico a 10% são eficientes para a remoção da camada de smear. O vinagre de maçã, o citrato de sódio a 10%, os ácidos acético e málico a 5% e o hipoclorito de sódio não foram eficientes para a mesma finalidade. O EDTA a 15% apresentou a maior concentração de ions cálcio em solução; o ácido cítrico a 10% ficou na segunda posição e a terceira foi ocupada pelo vinagre de maçã e os ácidos acético e málico a 5%. A menor concentração de íons cálcio foi encontrada no citrato de sódio a 10%. / This study evaluated the smear layer removal capacity of 15% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 10% sodium citrate, apple vinegar, 5% acetic acid and 1% sodium hypochlorite using scanning electron microscopy and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Forty two central superior incisives were used. On these teeth, it were accomplished the access surgery, removal of cervical shoulder and compensatory wear. The working length was checked with a #10 K-type file that was introduced in the radicular canal of each tooth until be visualized at the apex, then a millimeter was subtracted. The anatomical diameter of the canal in the working length was also determined through the introduction of K-type instruments of the first series with successively larger diameters. The anatomical diameter of the radicular canal was notated when one of the instruments showed resistance to be removed from the working length. All the teeth that presented the canal diameter in the working length above 40 hundredths millimeters were discarded and replaced by other. This way, it was obtained a standard wear of 20 hundredths millimeters in the apical third. The Free Tip Preparation technique (PECORA et al. 2002) was used until a #60- diameter instrument and .04 taper reached the entire working length. The 1.0% sodium hypoclorite solution was used during biomechanical preparation. The teeth had their radicular canals washed with 20 milliliters of deionized water, using Milli-Q® water purification system, for removal of possible dentine chips presented inside the root canal. After the biomechanical preparation, the teeth were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 teeth each: group 1: teeth with final irrigation with 15% EDTA solution, group 2: teeth with final irrigation with 10%citric acid solution, group 3: final irrigation with 10% sodium citrate solution, group 4: final irrigation with apple vinegar, group 5: final irrigation with 5% acetic acid solution, group 6: final irrigation with 5% maleic acid solution and group 7: teeth only instrument and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite, without final irrigation. Each solution remained 5 minutes in the radicular canal. The cleavage of teeth was done in buccal-palatine direction and they were subjected to the scanning electron microscopy and photographed at 1000X. The collected solutions were submitted to chemical analysis through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. It was concluded that 15% EDTA and 10% citric acid, used for 5 minutes, are effective in removing the smear layer. The apple vinegar, 10% sodium citrate, 5% acetic and maleic acids and sodium hypochlorite were not effective in removing the smear layer from root canal. 15% EDTA presented a higher concentration of calcium ions in solution, followed by 10% citric acid. Intermediary results were observed by apple vinegar, 5% acetic and maleic acids, and the inferior concentration of calcium ions was obtained with the 10% sodium citrate.

O ouro, assim como outros bens minerais, é uma commodity, ou seja, um produto não diferenciado, com preço determinado pelo mercado internacional, sem a interferência de seus produtores. Diante desse cenário, associado à exaustão dos depósitos minerais de maiores teores, as mineradoras vêm buscando melhores formas de aproveitamento de matérias-primas minerais mais complexas quanto à extração e ao beneficiamento. Os retornos financeiros são obtidos no estrito controle da produção com redução de custos e mitigação de perdas nas operações unitárias. A caracterização tecnológica está inserida como uma abordagem multidisciplinar e fundamental para o melhor aproveitamento dos bens minerais. Possibilita um maior conhecimento do minério e das associações minerais presentes, que auxiliará no desenvolvimento das alternativas de explotação e na otimização do processo em funcionamento. Dentre os procedimentos de caracterização das associações minerais mais acurados citam-se os sistemas automatizados de análise de imagens adquiridas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Permitem a avaliação qualitativa ou quantitativa de grande número de partículas quanto à composição química e mineral, partição de elementos nos minerais presentes, formas de associações e liberação entre os minerais. Este estudo se concentra na caracterização de quatro amostras mineralizadas a ouro, de diferentes regiões do Brasil, pela análise automatizada de imagens e por métodos laboratoriais de separações minerais e extração hidrometalúrgica do ouro. A combinação de procedimentos laboratoriais com a análise de imagens permitiu confrontar os resultados das recuperações potenciais, fornecendo subsídios para abordagens de processo, para obtenção da máxima recuperação do ouro e para diagnosticar as características interferentes nesses processos. / Gold and other mineral goods are considered commodities, i.e., a non-differentiated product, at a price determined by the international market, without control of its producers. Given this, coupled with the exhaustion of mineral deposits of higher content, mining companies have been trying to find best procedure alternatives of more complex raw mineral matter. The financial returns are achieved by means of strict production controls, cost reduction and mitigation of losses in unit operations. In this context, process mineralogy is a multidisciplinary and fundamental approach to the better use of mineral goods. Enables a greater knowledge of the ore and its associations, to assist in the development of process alternatives to optimize mineral beneficiation plants. SEM-based automated images analysis is one of the most precise procedures to characterize mineral associations. These systems allow the qualitative or quantitative evaluation of a large number of particles, both as to its chemical and mineralogical content, partition of elements of interest among different minerals, phase\'s associations and liberation. This study focus on the characterization of four gold-mineralized samples from different regions of Brazil, through SEM-based automated image analysis and mineral separations at laboratory scale. The combination of experimental procedures with images analysis allowed the comparison of the results of possible recoveries, providing subsidies for process approaches, to obtain the maximum recovery of gold, and to diagnose the interfering features in these processes.

Orientador: Rubens Nisie Tango / Banca: Alexandre Luíz Souto Borges / Banca: Sebastião Ribeiro / Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um novo formato de pilar protético estético em zircônia (3Y-TZP) visando suprimir a utilização do parafuso trespassante utilizado no formato convencional de pilares protéticos em zircônia. Inicialmente foi feita a caracterização do material utilizado na técnica de colagem de barbotina (slip casting) através da confecção de uma barra que teve suas propriedades mecânicas, módulo de elasticidade (E) e coeficiente de Poisson (), grau de contração e dimensão de suas partículas após sinterização avaliados pelos métodos de frequências naturais de vibração e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), respectivamente. Previamente à confecção do pilar protótipo, este teve seu comportamento mecânico avaliado e comparado a um pilar de 3YTZP convencional com parafuso trespassante pela análise por elementos finitos (FEA) durante sua instalação em implante e recebendo carga oblíqua simulando força de mastigação (210,5 N). O protótipo foi confeccionado pela técnica de colagem de barbotina em um molde de gesso obtido a partir de uma duplicata ampliada em cera. A densidade final foi avaliada pelo método de Archimedes em água. Obteve-se o módulo de elasticidade de 187,97 ± 4,84 GPa e coeficiente de Poisson de 0,19 ± 0,04 para o material. O grau de contração de sinterização foi de 58 vol% e o tamanho do grão foi de 0,705 ± 0,424 μm. Na análise por FEA verificou-se concentrações de tensões na região inicial da rosca para ambos os pilares, e durante o carregamento foram observadas tensões de tração no lado em que incidiu a carga, com presença de tensões de compressão no lado oposto. Ainda, observou-se durante o carregamento do pilar protético convencional concentração de tensão na região do pescoço do parafuso trespassante. A densidade final obtida para o pilar protótipo em 3Y-TZP foi de 95,68% em ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a new esthetic zirconia (3YYTZP) implant abutment shape to suppress the use of the fixing screw commonly used by the conventional zirconia abutments. A material characterization, Young's modulus (E), Poisson's rate (), shrinkage and particles dimensions after sintering was performed for a bar shape specimen obtained by slip casting evaluated by the natural torsional and flexural vibration frequencies and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Previously to the prototype abutment confection, its mechanical behavior was evaluated and compared to a conventional zirconia abutment with a fixing screw by finite element analisys (FEA) simulating the abutment installation and oblique loading (210.5 N). The prototype was confectioned by the slip casting technique using a gypsum mould obtained from a wax expanded replica. The abutment had its density measured by Archimedes' method. Through the natural vibration frequencies a Young's modulus of 187.97 ± 4.84 GPa and a Poisson's rate of 0.19 ± 0.04 were obtained for the material. The shrinkage was 58 vol% and the grain size was 0,705 ± 0,424 μm . The FEA showed stress concentration at the first thread pitch for both abutments, and tensile stress concentration were observed at the side that received the oblique load with compressive stress at the opposite side. Whereas, for the conventional abutment model a stress concentration was observed at the screw's stem. The final density for the zirconia prototype abutment was 95.68% from the theoretical density (6.12 g.cm-3). The zirconia abutment obtained by slip casting presented satisfactory physical properties. The suppressing of the fixing screw could provide better performance to the abutment due to the lack of stress concentration in the screw when an oblique load is applied, when evaluated by FEA / Mestre

<p>Gold nanoparticles exhibit remarkable optical properties and could prove useful in sensitive biosensing applications. Upon illumination gold nanoparticles produce localized surface plasmons, which influence nearby fluorophores and an enhancement in their fluorescence intensity can be observed. This property makes gold nanoparticles attractive for enhancing optical signals.</p><p>In this project gold nanoparticles were functionalized with an antibody and immobilized to the surface of an existing biochip platform based on fluorescence. The aim was to investigate the possibility of obtaining an increased fluorescence signal from the gold nanoparticles. Two different conjugation procedures were investigated, direct physisorption and covalent attachment of the antibodies to the particles. Activity of bound antibodies was confirmed in both cases.</p><p>The on-chip fluorescence intensity produced by the different conjugates was monitored by use a specialized fluorescence reader designed for point-of-care use. AFM and SEM were used to determine the surface concentration of particles. A correlation between the produced fluorescence intensity and the surface concentration could be seen.</p>

Gold nanoparticles exhibit remarkable optical properties and could prove useful in sensitive biosensing applications. Upon illumination gold nanoparticles produce localized surface plasmons, which influence nearby fluorophores and an enhancement in their fluorescence intensity can be observed. This property makes gold nanoparticles attractive for enhancing optical signals. In this project gold nanoparticles were functionalized with an antibody and immobilized to the surface of an existing biochip platform based on fluorescence. The aim was to investigate the possibility of obtaining an increased fluorescence signal from the gold nanoparticles. Two different conjugation procedures were investigated, direct physisorption and covalent attachment of the antibodies to the particles. Activity of bound antibodies was confirmed in both cases. The on-chip fluorescence intensity produced by the different conjugates was monitored by use a specialized fluorescence reader designed for point-of-care use. AFM and SEM were used to determine the surface concentration of particles. A correlation between the produced fluorescence intensity and the surface concentration could be seen.