Abstract: Provided a two-dimensional photonic crystal device in which are inserted three waveguides and one resonant cavity by the creation of linear and local defects. Due to the photonic band gap related to the photonic crystal, electromagnetic signals are confined to the interior of waveguides and resonant cavity. By exciting dipole modes in the resonant cavity, with orientation that depends on the intensity of the applied DC magnetic field, the present circulator device can provide the nonreciprocal transmission of signals in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. It can fulfill the isolation function and it is fork-shaped, providing greater flexibility in the design of integrated optical communication systems.

Abstract: A process and molecular biomarker for platelets stored in blood banks provides for efficient verification of which platelet concentrate bags are in good condition for transfusion by measuring, by real-time polymerase chain reaction, expression levels of hsa-miR-127 and hsa-miR-320a microRNAs as the first process and biomarker predictor of platelet's cell aging during storage and the consequent presence of storage lesions as a quality test of these bags.

Abstract: A two-dimensional photonic crystal in which are inserted four waveguides and a resonant cavity. Owing to the existence of the photonic band gap, an electromagnetic signal propagating through the device is confined within the guides and the cavity and, through the adjustment of the orientation of a dipole mode generated within the cavity, is able to function in three distinct regimes. In regime 1, subjected to an external DC magnetic field +H0, it functions as a two-way divider, with isolation of the input relative to the two outputs, and, upon reversal of the field signal, it functions as an optical key. In regime 2, with the use of a DC magnetic field ?H0, it functions as a waveguide bender, with the input isolated from the output, and, upon reversal of the field signal, functions as an optical key. In regime 3, subject to the application of an external DC magnetic field +H1, the device functions as a three-way divider.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of HMP (a secondary metabolite obtained from Aspergillus fungi) as an agent that intensifies the mechanism of macrophage activation, leading to the death of L. (Leishmania) amazonensis, the etiologic agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The main mechanism of action of this agent is the activation of the microbicidal activity of host cells, through increased superoxide production, number of lysosomes, actin and microtubule filament polymerization and increased spreading, typical of activated cells. Additionally, HMP represents a molecule of easy acquisition, presents an efficient combat mechanism with no adverse reactions and capacity to inhibit the development of promastigotes and amastigotes forms. Finally, results suggest HMP to be a potential candidate for use against cutaneous leishmaniasis at a minimal concentration of 50 ?g/mL.

Abstract: A new and low cost method for producing single wall nanotubes and other allotropic forms of carbon. The method uses a high electric current and 127 VAC or 220 VAC power supplies to sublimation of a solid precursor, which material can be made of graphite. The solid precursor is connected to metallic electrodes, so that an intense electric current cross the contacts to pulverize the graphite under high temperature. The carbon materials are deposited in the wall of the reactor as well as in the electrodes, in an atmospheric pressure. The obtained material is purified in acids and, then, the carbon nanotubes are separated. In general, the synthesis is characterized by the absence of a metal catalyst, the employ of a short circuit current with an agent to produce carbon materials, the low pressure into reaction, and the assembly of the apparatus involving a low voltage of operation.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a new and low cost method for producing single wall nanotubes and other allotropic forms of carbon. Said method uses a high electric current and 127 VAC or 220 VAC power supplies to sublimation of a solid precursor, which material can be made of graphite. The solid precursor is connected to metallic electrodes, so that an intense electric current cross the contacts to pulverize the graphite under high temperature. The carbon materials are deposited in the wall of the reactor as well as in the electrodes, in an atmospheric pressure. The obtained material is purified in acids and, then, the carbon nanotubes are separated. In general, this new synthesis is characterized by the absence of a metal catalyst, the employ of a short circuit current with an agent to produce carbon materials, the low pressure into reaction, and the assembly of the apparatus involving a very low cost and a low voltage of operation.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a composition for evidencing bacterial plaque based on natural colorants comprising at least one concentrated solution of natural colorant selected from the group consisting of colorants extracted from the aai (Euterpe oleracea) and colorants extracted from urucum (Bixa orellana), in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and, optionally, acceptable pharmaceutical additives. Preferentially, in the case of the aai solution, the concentration varies from 60 to 95% of concentrated extract, whilst for the urucum solution, the concentration varies between 56 and 90% of concentrated extract. Also preferentially, in solutions containing a mixture of the extracts, these will be present in a proportion that varies from 10:1 to 1:1.