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Major mergers between massive clusters have a profound effect in the intracluster gas, which may be used as a probe of the dynamics of structure formation at the high end of the mass function. An example of such a merger is observed at the northern component of Abell 1758, comprising two massive sub-clusters separated by approximately 750 kpc. One of the clusters exhibits an offset between the dark matter and the intracluster gas. We aim to determine whether it is possible to reproduce the specific morphological features of this cluster by means of a major merger. We perform dedicated SPH (smoothed particle hydrodynamics) N-body simulations in an attempt to simultaneously recover several observed features of Abell 1758, such as the X-ray morphology and the separation between the two peaks in the projected galaxy luminosity map. We propose a specific scenario for the off-axis collision of two massive clusters. This model adequately reproduces several observed features and suggests that Abell 1758 is seen approximately 0.4 Gyr after the first pericentric passage, and that the clusters are already approaching their maximum separation. This means that their relative velocity is as low as 380 km s$^-1$. At the same time, the simulated model entails shock waves of \tilde4500 km s$^-1$, which are currently undetected presumably due to the low-density medium. We explain the difference between these velocities and argue that the predicted shock fronts, while plausible, cannot be detected from currently available data.
The intracluster plasma of Abell 2052 exhibits in X-rays a spiral structure extending more than 250 kpc, which is comprised of cool gas. This feature is understood to be the result of gas sloshing caused by the off-axis collision with a smaller subcluster. We aim to recover the dynamical history of Abell 2052 and to reproduce the broad morphology of the spiral feature. To this end, we perform hydrodynamical N-body simulations of cluster collisions. We obtain two regimes that adequately reproduce the desired features. The first scenario is a close encounter and a recent event (0.8 Gyr since pericentric passage), while the second scenario has a larger impact parameter and is older (almost 2.6 Gyr since pericentric passage). In the second case, the simulation predicts that the perturbing subcluster should be located approximately 2 Mpc from the centre of the major cluster. At that position, we are able to identify an observed optical counterpart at the same redshift: a galaxy group with M$_500$ = (1.16 \plusmn 0.43) \times 10$^13$ M$_⊙$.
We investigate-through simulations and analytical calculations-the consequences of uniaxial lateral compression applied to the upper layer of multilayer graphene. The simulations of compressed graphene show that strains larger than 2.8% induce soliton-like deformations that further develop into large, mobile folds. Such folds were indeed experimentally observed in graphene and other solid lubricants two-dimensional (2D) materials. Interestingly, in the soliton-fold regime, the shear stress decreases with the strain s, initially as s(-2/3) and rapidly going to zero. Such instability is consistent with the recently observed negative dynamic compressibility of 2D materials. We also predict that the curvatures of the soliton-folds are given by r(c) = delta root beta/2 alpha, where 1 <= delta <= 2, and beta and alpha are respectively related to the layer bending modulus and to the interlayer binding energy of the material. This finding might allow experimental estimates of the beta/alpha a ratio of 2D materials from fold morphology.
We investigate-through simulations and analytical calculations-the consequences of uniaxial lateral compression applied to the upper layer of multilayer graphene. The simulations of compressed graphene show that strains larger than 2.8% induce soliton-like deformations that further develop into large, mobile folds. Such folds were indeed experimentally observed in graphene and other solid lubricants two-dimensional (2D) materials. Interestingly, in the soliton-fold regime, the shear stress decreases with the strain s, initially as s(-2/3) and rapidly going to zero. Such instability is consistent with the recently observed negative dynamic compressibility of 2D materials. We also predict that the curvatures of the soliton-folds are given by r(c) = delta root beta/2 alpha, where 1 <= delta <= 2, and beta and alpha are respectively related to the layer bending modulus and to the interlayer binding energy of the material. This finding might allow experimental estimates of the beta/alpha a ratio of 2D materials from fold morphology.
Recently, the inhibitor dipeptidyl peptidase-4 has been reported to be beneficial in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. For the first time, this study evaluates the effect of vildagliptin on β -cell neogenesis and lipid homeostasis in a later phase of type 1 diabetes. In Fischer rats, diabetes was induced with alloxan. After confirmation of diabetic status, the animals received no treatment for 30 days to establish a late phase of the disease these animals. After this period, the animals were treated with vildagliptin via gavage for 30 consecutive days. Fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile and pancreatic histology were evaluated. Treatment with vildagliptin increased serum levels of insulin, improved beta cell function and improved the lipid profile. Histological analyses revealed that this treatment increased the populations of pancreatic β-cells in the diabetic animals. The treatment was effective in improving the mass and function of β-cells and contributed to lipid homeostasis, in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes.
Acetaminophen is a common analgesic and antipyretic compound which, when administered in high doses, has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality, secondary to hepatic toxicity. Although this may be due to a direct interaction of reactive acetaminophen metabolites with hepatocyte proteins, recent studies have suggested that reactive species produced by neutrophils also contribute to the pathophysiological process. Researches on the chemical composition of B. trimera show that this plant has bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, related to the organism's protection against free radicals. Therefore, in the present study, using Fischer rats, the effect of B. trimera on the antioxidant defense system, the production of nitric oxide (NO) and on the expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and of the subunits of the NADPH oxidase in neutrophils was evaluated in a model of phagocytosis induced by zimosan (ZC3b) and in a model of inflammation induced by acetaminophen. The results show that the treatment with B. trimera improves the defense system of antioxidant and restores the balance ROS / NO that is altered in the inflammatory process induced by APAP. In conclusion, B. trimera extracts exert antioxidant properties by scavenging ROS and decrease the expression of genes responsible by reactive species production in neutrophils.
Oxidative stress is a disturbance in the oxidant-antioxidant balance leading to potential cellular damage. Most cells can tolerate a mild degree of oxidative stress because they have a system that counteracts oxidation that includes antioxidant molecules such as glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Disruption of the host antioxidant status has been recognized as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of many viruses. Caraparu virus (CARV) is a member of group C of the Bunyaviridae family of viruses. In South American countries, group C bunyaviruses are among the common agents of human febrile illness and have caused multiple notable outbreaks of human disease in recent decades; nevertheless, little is known about the pathogenic characteristics of these viruses. The purpose of this study was to examine the hepatic pathogenesis of CARV in mice and the involvement of oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses on this pathology. Following subcutaneous infection of BALB/c mice, CARV was detected in the liver, and histopathology revealed acute hepatitis. Increased serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST/ALT) and greater hepatic expression of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were found in infected animals. CARV infection did not alter the biomarkers of oxidative stress but caused an increase in GSH content and altered the expression and activity of SOD. This is the first report of an alteration of oxidative homeostasis upon CARV infection, which may, in part, explain the hepatic pathogenesis of this virus, as well as the pathogenesis of other Bunyaviridae members.
Self-consistent N-body simulations are efficient tools to study galactic dynamics. However, using them to study individual trajectories (or ensembles) in detail can be challenging. Such orbital studies are important to shed light on global phase space properties, which are the underlying cause of observed structures. The potentials needed to describe self-consistent models are time dependent. Here, we aim to investigate dynamical properties (regular/chaotic motion) of a non-autonomous galactic system, whose time-dependent potential adequately mimics certain realistic trends arising from N-body barred galaxy simulations. We construct a fully time-dependent analytical potential, modelling the gravitational potentials of disc, bar and dark matter halo, whose time-dependent parameters are derived from a simulation. We study the dynamical stability of its reduced time-independent 2-degrees of freedom model, charting the different islands of stability associated with certain orbital morphologies and detecting the chaotic and regular regions. In the full 3-degrees of freedom time-dependent case, we show representative trajectories experiencing typical dynamical behaviours, i.e. interplay between regular and chaotic motion for different epochs. Finally, we study its underlying global dynamical transitions, estimating fractions of (un)stable motion of an ensemble of initial conditions taken from the simulation. For such an ensemble, the fraction of regular motion increases with time.
We apply first-principles methods to investigate the electronic properties of semiconductor carbon nanotubes deposited on hydrogen-terminated diamond surfaces. We found that the band gap of the diamond-nanotube system can be continuously varied (from 0 to 0.8 eV) through the application of an external electric field. The metal semiconductor transition occurs for values of field between 0.03 and 0.035 V/angstrom, which could make viable the production of stable field-effect devices at nanometric scale. We also found that at zero value of electric field the nanotube electrical behavior can be modified by changing the diamond surface termination, which may be useful for producing ohmic metal semiconductor contacts. On the other hand, at zero values of field, tubes deposited on nitrogen-doped diamond are metallic regardless of the surface termination. Thus, nitrogen doping could be useful in situations in which the atomistic details of the diamond surface are difficult to control.
This work presents a study of corrosion resistance and cell viability of carbon films on bare and nitrided Ti-6Al-4V. Films deposited on bare alloy significantly improve the corrosion resistance. Unexpectedly, films deposited on nitrided alloy present delamination and cracking after 16 days. We associate, film failure with the presence of pores combined with a weak film/substrate interaction that allows diffusion of ions at the interface. We found that films tend to diminish the osteoblastic cell viability and the observed variations on film roughness do not improve cell viability. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
This work presents a study of corrosion resistance and cell viability of carbon films on bare and nitrided Ti-6Al-4V. Films deposited on bare alloy significantly improve the corrosion resistance. Unexpectedly, films deposited on nitrided alloy present delamination and cracking after 16 days. We associate, film failure with the presence of pores combined with a weak film/substrate interaction that allows diffusion of ions at the interface. We found that films tend to diminish the osteoblastic cell viability and the observed variations on film roughness do not improve cell viability. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Dibenzothiophene (DBT) and its oxidized derivative dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBTO2) are important representatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to the importance of PAHs in oncogenesis and the lack of toxicological investigations related to DBT and DBTO2, this work proposes to assess their toxic and molecular effects caused by chronic treatment of Wistar rats. In parallel, their effects were compared to those caused by treatment with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), a classic mutagenic agent. At the 14th day post-treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood withdrawn for hematology and evaluation of liver and pancreatic functions. No significant alterations were observed. Nevertheless, histopathological analyses revealed dysplastic lesions in the intestines of animals treated with DBT and DBTO2. CD44 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) staining demonstrated an approximately 3-fold increase in expression of both tissue markers for animals administered DBT, DBTO2, and DMH. A comparative two-dimensional gel analysis revealed additional 23 proteins exhibiting altered levels in the small intestines caused by exposure to DBT and DBTO2. At last, a protein-metabolite interaction map provided major insights into the metabolism of the dysplastic tissues. Our results provided strong evidence that DBT and its derivative could potentially act as cancer inducers, highlighting their toxicological and environmental relevance.
Dibenzothiophene (DBT) and its oxidized derivative dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBTO2) are important representatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to the importance of PAHs in oncogenesis and the lack of toxicological investigations related to DBT and DBTO2, this work proposes to assess their toxic and molecular effects caused by chronic treatment of Wistar rats. In parallel, their effects were compared to those caused by treatment with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), a classic mutagenic agent. At the 14th day post-treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood withdrawn for hematology and evaluation of liver and pancreatic functions. No significant alterations were observed. Nevertheless, histopathological analyses revealed dysplastic lesions in the intestines of animals treated with DBT and DBTO2. CD44 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) staining demonstrated an approximately 3-fold increase in expression of both tissue markers for animals administered DBT, DBTO2, and DMH. A comparative two-dimensional gel analysis revealed additional 23 proteins exhibiting altered levels in the small intestines caused by exposure to DBT and DBTO2. At last, a protein-metabolite interaction map provided major insights into the metabolism of the dysplastic tissues. Our results provided strong evidence that DBT and its derivative could potentially act as cancer inducers, highlighting their toxicological and environmental relevance.
Nowadays, dropping out of engineering courses occurs in practically all universities of the world. Over the past few years, active learning has been recognized by the educational community as the most effective learning method. In this paper we discuss the educational experience involving the design and development of a low-cost robot manipulator with six degrees of freedom, to motivate undergraduate students of control and automation engineering and mechanical engineering, who attended the robotics elements subject in 2012 and 2013. Moreover, the students' activities during the execution of the work are presented as well as the results of their evaluation of the methodology proposed.
de Almeida JE, Almeida DEV. DIREITO À "MORTE" DIGITAL?. In: Direito e Novas Tecnologias II. Direito e Novas Tecnologias II. CONPEDI; 2014.
Este estudo objetivou conhecer as preferências musicais de estudantes do Real Conservatório Superior de Música “Victoria Eugenia”, em Granada (Espanha). Contemplando uma amostra de 140 alunos, com idades entre 16 e 31 anos, esta pesquisa adotou uma versão adaptada ao contexto local do Questionário sobre preferência de estilos musicais (Lorenzo; Herrera; Cremades, 2008). Os resultados mostraram que 1) as preferências dos participantes foram similares a de jovens comuns (não estudantes de música), utilizando-a também como fonte de pesquisa; 2) tais preferências sofrem grande influência dos meios de comunicação de massa; 3) os conhecimentos musicais obtidos durante os estudos pré-universitários não foram relevantes para a eleição da música que se deseja consumir. Palavras-chave: Preferências musicais; Graduação em música; Conservatório; influências musicais formais e informais.
Smoking during pregnancy is directly associated with numerous serious conditions, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality. We quantitatively evaluated histological inflammatory alterations, oxidative damage by lipid peroxidation, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the lungs of mice exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy. Eight female and four male mice were mated for five days. Pregnant female mice were randomly allocated to the control group or to the cigarette smoke group (n = 8) in which they were exposed to 12 cigarettes per day in an exposure chamber, three times a day for 21 days. The control group (CG; n = 8) was kept in the exposure chamber for the same duration, but without exposure to cigarette smoke. Six newborn mice from both groups were weighed 24 hours after birth and then euthanized. Lung tissue was collected and subjected to histomorphometric and biochemical analyses. The cigarette smoke group showed a significant reduction in snout-vent length compared to the control group. Histomorphometric analysis indicated increased alveolar septal thickness and a larger alveolar lumen in mice exposed to cigarette smoke than in mice in the control group. We observed increased alveolar inflammatory infiltrate, decreased SOD activity, and significantly higher oxidative damage in the cigarette smoke group. Our data indicate that cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy decreases body length at birth, changes lung tissue, and causes redox imbalance and histological damage in newborn mice.
A hybrid structure that presents phases of three extended allotropes of carbon, nanotube, graphene, and diamond, is proposed in this work. According to our first-principles calculations, such structure can be made energetically stable through the application of pressures of the order of 100 kbar to alternate graphene nanotube layers, which were recently synthesized in large-area films. The existence of sp(3) dangling bonds in the hybrid structure gives rise to an exceptionally large density of states near the Fermi level, leading to a ferromagnetic ground state.
A hybrid structure that presents phases of three extended allotropes of carbon, nanotube, graphene, and diamond, is proposed in this work. According to our first-principles calculations, such structure can be made energetically stable through the application of pressures of the order of 100 kbar to alternate graphene nanotube layers, which were recently synthesized in large-area films. The existence of sp(3) dangling bonds in the hybrid structure gives rise to an exceptionally large density of states near the Fermi level, leading to a ferromagnetic ground state.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether a hypercholesterolemic diet induces hepatic steatosis, alterations in mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase subunits, and antioxidant defenses.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fischer rats were divided into two groups of eight animals according to the treatment, control (C) and hypercholesterolemic diet (H). Those in group C were fed a standard diet (AIN-93M), and those of the group H were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (25% soybean oil and 1% cholesterol).
RESULTS: The hypercholesterolemic diet did not affect body weight, but resulted in the accumulation of lipids in the liver, increased serum activities of aminotransferases and cholesterol levels. Biomarker of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase subunits p22(phox) and p47(phox) were increased in the liver of animals in group H. Besides, the activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes were altered.
CONCLUSION: The results show increased mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase subunits and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in diet-induced hepatic steatosis.
Although iron is a first-line pro-oxidant that modulates clinical manifestations of various systemic diseases, including diabetes, the individual tissue damage generated by active oxidant insults has not been demonstrated in current animal models of diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress is involved in the severity of the tissues injury when iron supplementation is administered in a model of type 1 diabetes. Streptozotocin (Stz)-induced diabetic and non-diabetic Fischer rats were maintained with or without a treatment consisting of iron dextran ip at 0.1 mL day(-1) doses administered for 4 days at intervals of 5 days. After 3 weeks, an extensive increase (p < 0.001) in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neutrophils of the diabetic animals on iron overload was observed. Histological analysis revealed that this treatment also resulted in higher (p < 0.05) tissue iron deposits, a higher (p < 0.001) number of inflammatory cells in the pancreas, and apparent cardiac fibrosis, as shown by an increase (p < 0.05) in type III collagen levels, which result in dysfunctional myocardial. Carbonyl protein modification, a marker of oxidative stress, was consistently higher (p < 0.01) in the tissues of the iron-treated rats with diabetes. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between ROS production and iron pancreas stores (r = 0.42, p < 0.04), iron heart stores (r = 0.54, p < 0.04), and change of the carbonyl protein content in pancreas (r = 0.49, p < 0.009), and heart (r = 0.48, p < 0.02). A negative correlation was still found between ROS production and total glutathione content in pancreas (r = -0.50, p < 0.03) and heart (r = -0.45, p < 0.04). In conclusion, our results suggest that amplified toxicity in pancreatic and cardiac tissues in rats with diabetes on iron overload might be attributed to increased oxidative stress.
Nowadays the dropout of engineering courses occurs almost in every university in the world. Over the past few years, active learning has been known by the education community as the most effective learning method. In this paper it is discussed the educational experience associated to the design and development of a low cost tank level control system to motivate students of Control and Automation Engineering, who enrolled in the subject of Applied Control to Thermal and Fluid Mechanics Systems from 2012 to 2013. The main objectives of learning and the resources used to achieve them as well as the results of the students evaluation of this experience will be detailed in this paper.
Este trabalho consiste na aplicação do método de Decomposição de Benders Especializado para a resolução do Problema de Localização em dois Níveis de Facilidades não Capacitadas.Trata-se de um problema da área de Otimização de Sistemas de Grande Porte que tem grande aplicabilidade nos mais variados modelos de sistemas logísticos existentes. O grande desafio de problemas dessa natureza é estabelecer quais facilidades serão instaladas de forma a garantir uma configuração viável de custo mínimo que implique na eficiência máxima no atendimento dos clientes em uma rede. O problema pode ser modelado de inúmeras formas, sendo que em todas elas a ideia é estabelecer o quantitativo de fluxo que sai de uma facilidade de primeiro nível, passa por outra de segundo nível e atende um cliente final. Para demonstrar a eficiência do método proposto serão feitas análises em relação ao tempo computacional de resolução e qualidade da solução.
SCOPE: We have previously shown an increase in adipocyte size and lipid content in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (rWAT) induced by an eight-week high-sugar diet (HSD). In this study, we assessed the effect of a HSD on the transcriptional activity of adipogenic genes in a time-course study to provide insight regarding the genetic networks involved in the rWAT response to dietary sugar.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Weaned male Wistar rats were fed a standard (STD) or HSD (68% carbohydrates) for 4, 8 or 12 weeks, and rWAT was removed for histopathology and PCR array (adipogenesis) analyses. The HSD induced adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia in rWAT after 12 weeks of ingestion. Additionally, the HSD altered serum VLDLc, triacylglycerol, and glucometabolic parameters. Hierarchical clustering revealed HSD-induced changes in the expression patterns of the tested gene set. Pathway analysis, which used the enrichment analysis algorithm of the Thompson Reuters MetaCore platform, associated a cluster of differentially expressed genes with canonical pathways related to regulating adipocyte differentiation and proliferation (P-value < 10(-7) ).
CONCLUSION: HSD feeding post-weaning increased both the adipocyte size and number by simultaneously up-regulating pro-adipogenic signals (the PPARγ pathway) and down-regulating anti-adipogenic signals (Wnt pathway) in young adults. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Societies are built on social interactions among individuals. Cooperation represents the simplest form of a social interaction: one individual provides a benefit to another one at a cost to itself. Social networks represent a dynamical abstraction of social interactions in a society. The behaviour of an individual towards others and of others towards the individual shape the individual’s neighbourhood and hence the local structure of the social network. Here we propose a simple theoretical framework to model dynamic social networks by focussing on each individual’s actions instead of interactions between individuals. This eliminates the traditional dichotomy between the strategy of individuals and the structure of the population and easily complements empirical studies. As a consequence, altruists, egoists and fair types are naturally determined by the local social structures, while globally egalitarian networks or stratified structures arise. Cooperative interactions drive the emergence and shape the structure of social networks.
As feiras, além da comercialização de mercadorias, são, desde a antiguidade, formas de valorização
do patrimônio cultural. A Feira de Artesanato em Pedra Sabão de Ouro Preto-MG,
principal ponto de comercialização desse tipo de artesanato, carece de maiores estudos do artesanato
como produto turístico. No contexto deste trabalho, objetivou-se compreender o empreendimento
na visão dos artesãos, identificando forças e carências do atrativo como possível
produto turístico. Para tanto, a metodologia utilizada se deu com base em pesquisas bibliográficas
e 15 entrevistas qualiquantitativas. Constatou-se que, embora o artesanato em pedra-sabão
represente genuinamente uma herança cultural local — com material oriundo, em sua maioria,
do distrito de Santa Rita de Ouro Preto —, são necessárias ainda ações que visem a atender aos
artesãos no que tange à organização cooperativista, às melhorias na infraestrutura, ao maior
envolvimento do setor público e ao apoio na divulgação dos trabalhos.
Gusmão KAG, Gurgel LVA, Melo TMS, de Carvalho CF, Gil LF.
. Journal of Environmental Management. 2014;133:332-342.Abstract
In this study sugarcane bagasse was modified with succinic anhydride and EDTA dianhydride to obtain SCB 2 and EB adsorbents, respectively. These adsorbents were used to remove etherdiamine, which is used for iron ore flotation from single aqueous solutions. The removal and recovery of etherdiamine is important for environmental and economic reasons due to its toxicity and high cost. The results demonstrated that adsorption of etherdiamine by SCB 2 and EB was better fitted by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model than pseudo-first-order and Elovich models. Adsorption isotherms were better fitted by the Langmuir model rather than the Freundlich, Sips, and Temkin models. The maximum adsorption capacities (Qmax) of SCB 2 and EB for etherdiamine adsorption were found to be 869.6 and 1203.5 mg/g, respectively. The calculated ΔG° values for adsorption of etherdiamine on SCB 2 (−22.70 kJ/mol) and EB (−19.10 kJ/mol) suggested that chemisorption is the main mechanism by which etherdiamine is removed from the aqueous solution for both adsorbents. The high Qmax values showed that SCB 2 and EB are potential adsorbents for recovering the etherdiamine and treating effluents produced from iron ore flotation.
Os experimentos práticos são de extrema importância para a formação de engenheiros. É através deles que os alunos são capazes de aplicar os conceitos aprendidos em sala de aula, observando as possíveis limitações destas técnicas em sistemas reais. Os experimentos apresentam situações de sistemas não lineares e ruídos, e espera-se que seja adquirida experiência no tratamento destes fenômenos. Dentro desse contexto, esse trabalho consiste na modelagem do sistema, obtenção dos parâmetros do sistema, e projeto de controladores por três diferentes métodos, para a comparação do desempenho do sistema de controle de nível do processo de dois tanques acoplados. Essas atividades foram realizadas durante um semestre da disciplina de Controle Aplicado a Sistemas Térmicos e Fluidomecânicos.
. Journal of Physical Chemistry B. 2014;118(32):9792-9799.Abstract
In this work, we make use of an atomic layer deposition (ALD) surface reaction based on trimethyl-aluminum (TMA) and water to modify O–H terminated self-assembled layers of octadecylphosphonic acid (OPA). The structural modifications were investigated by X-ray reflectivity, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. We observed a significant improvement in the thermal stability of ALD-modified molecules, with the existence of a supramolecular packing structure up to 500 °C. Following the experimental observations, density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate the possibility of formation of a covalent network with aluminum atoms connecting OPA molecules at terrace surfaces. Chemical stability is also achieved on top of such a composite surface, inhibiting further ALD oxide deposition. On the other hand, in the terrace edges, where the covalent array is discontinued, the chemical conditions allow for oxide growth. Analysis of the DFT results on band structure and density of states of modified OPA molecules suggests that besides the observed thermal resilience, the dielectric character of OPA layers is preserved. This new ALD-modified OPA composite is potentially suitable for applications such as dielectric layers in organic devices, where better thermal performance is required.
Cocota JANJ, D'Angelo T, Oliveira JVP, Castro A, Meireles LV, Turci L.
Uma importante ferramenta no aprendizado da robótica básica é o estudo prático desta disciplina. Contudo, os manipuladores robóticos para fins educacionais disponíveis no mercado são onerosos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo dar continuidade ao projeto de construção e controle de um robô antropomórfico de baixo custo, auxiliando na compreensão dos conceitos teóricos estudados na disciplina de Elementos de Robótica. Utilizou-se o MATLAB® para a simulação e o Arduino para o controle cinemático de um robô manipulador de seis graus de liberdade.
. XI Congreso de Tecnologías, Aprendizaje y Enseñanza de la Electrónica. 2014:455-458.Abstract
Nos últimos anos, o desenvolvimento tecnológico tem resultado na evolução das interfaces de comunicação de dispositivos de aquisição de dados e de controle. Logo, o ensino de engenharia associado à pratica com esses dispositivos tornou-se uma metodologia indispensável na formação dos estudantes de graduação. Entretanto, tem se observado ausência de bibliografia para apoiar as práticas dos discentes com a interface USB, em especial na área de instrumentação e de controle. Esse trabalho se deu no desenvolvimento de uma bibliografia de apoio e roteiros de práticas para a disciplina de Introdução a Sistemas de Aquisição de Dados e Controle.
, in XXII Seminário de Iniciação Científica (SEIC). XXII Seminário de Iniciação Científica (SEIC). Ouro Preto: UFOP; 2014.Abstract
Nas últimas décadas, a aquisição de dados e o controle por meio de hardware acompanhado de software tem ganhado espaço na indústria e na academia, em especial no controle de processos. Com a finalidade de se criar um hardware capaz de trabalhar com sinais digitais e analógicos, possuindo funções pré-programadas para interface com usuário por meio do MATLAB, foi feita uma revisão na literatura de interfaceamento via USB e programação de PIC. A metodologia adotada no trabalho foi de aprendizagem baseada em projeto (do inglês, PBL), no qual foram estabelecidos os objetivos e os prazos a serem cumpridos pelo bolsista. A primeira etapa do trabalho foi a identificação dos materiais necessários para o desenvolvimento do hardware proposto. Com a disponibilidade dos materiais necessários, na segunda etapa foram realizados testes em uma matriz de contato a partir do circuito simulado no aplicativo PROTEUS. Uma vez validado o circuito que foi projetado, foi confeccionado o hardware em uma placa de circuito impresso para 16 entradas/saídas em tensão e corrente. Para o controle do hardware foi utilizado um PIC16F873, e para a comunicação com o microcomputador foi utilizado um conversor TATO USB2, que possui integrado um conversor USB/RS232 da FTDI Chip. O principal resultado foi o desenvolvimento do hardware para aquisição de dados e controle por meio do software MATLAB, que possibilita o seu uso em aplicações de aquisição de dados e de controle de processos contínuos e discretos.
. FIE - Frontiers in Education Conference. 2014:1487-1494.Abstract
Nowadays, dropping out of engineering courses practically occurs in all universities worldwide. Over the past few years, the educational community has been recognizing active learning as a very effective learning method. This article discusses the educational experience associated with conception and development of a low-cost manipulator robot of six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) used to motivate undergraduate students of control and automation engineering and mechanical engineering who had attended robotics elements subject between 2012 and 2013. Moreover, this paper reports the activities executed by the students during this study, and also shows the students review about the methodology applied.
In recent years, technological development has resulted in evolution of communication interfaces for data acquisition and control devices. Therefore, engineering education combined with practice with such devices has become an essential methodology in the learning process of undergraduate students. However, it has been noticed lack of literature to support undergraduate practical classes with USB interface, particularly in the area of instrumentation and control. This work is based upon development of a supporting bibliography and practical scripts for Introduction to Data Acquisition Systems and Control discipline.
. Industrial Crops and Products. 2014;57:141-149.Abstract
Liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment associated with high pressure carbon dioxide (HP-CO2) was evaluated as a potential green pretreatment technology for extraction of hemicelluloses from depithed sugarcane bagasse to produce fermentable sugars. Developing a technology based on the use of low cost, non-corrosive, and recoverable chemicals as CO2 can result in a more efficient and economic process. In this study, depithed sugarcane bagasse was treated with LHW and HP-CO2 at milder temperatures in comparison with LHW pretreatment alone. To assess the effects of varying pretreatment operational conditions on extraction of xylo-oligosaccharides and xylose release with cellulose preservation a central composite design (CCD) of experiments was used. The pretreatments were carried out at temperatures ranging from 93.8 °C (8.62 MPa) to 136.2 °C (12.96 MPa) and times from 17.6 to 102.4 min with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 12:1. The maximum xylan and xylose concentrations were achieved by treating depithed bagasse at 100 °C for 30 min and 115 °C for 60 min, respectively. At these conditions the amount of xylan equivalent ranged 10–12 g/L. At 115 °C for 60 min, the cellulose preservation achieved 97.2%. The obtained results showed that HP-CO2 proved to be an efficient hydrolysis agent. Samples of LHW-HP-CO2 pretreated bagasse were tested for enzymatic digestibility. Depithed bagasse pretreated at 115 °C for 60 min after enzymatic hydrolysis had a glucose yield of 30.43 g/L and a cellulose conversion of 41.17%.
With the teaching of robotics it is possible to explore the multidisciplinary formation of the engineering student. The use of an appropriate learning methodology enables the development of transversal skills in this educational formation. In this paper we discuss a new experience with Project-Based Learning (PBL) involving the design and development of a low-cost robot manipulator with six degrees of freedom, to motivate the undergraduate students studying Robotics Elements discipline in Control and Automation Engineering and Mechanical Engineering courses of the Escola de Minas at the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, carried out during two years (from 2012 to 2014). The key learning objectives and the tools used to implement this project will be detailed. Evaluation results show that this project was effective in engaging the students.
We investigate, by means of first-principles calculations, the role of hBN point defects on the energetical stability and electronic structure of heterostructures composed of graphene atop hBN, rotated at angles of 13.17°, 9.43° and 7.34°. We consider, as possible point defects, boron and nitrogen vacancies and antisites, substitutional oxygen at the nitrogen site ON, substitutional carbon dimers, and nitrogen interstitials. The electronic and structural properties of all defects were analyzed. Among these, the most stable is ON, with negative formation energies at several possible rotation angles and chemical environments. Under such conditions, ON doping can raise the Fermi level of the neutral system by as much as 1 eV relative to graphene's Dirac point, reaching the band crossing between adjacent Dirac cones at the M point of the heterostructure Brillouin zone. This could lead to interesting electronic transport properties without the need for electrostatic doping.
. XI Congreso de Tecnologías, Aprendizaje y Enseñanza de la Electrónica. 2014:486-492.Abstract
Atualmente, a evasão dos cursos de engenharia ocorre praticamente em todas as universidades do mundo. Ao longo dos últimos anos, a aprendizagem ativa tem sido reconhecida pela comunidade educacional como o método de aprendizagem mais eficaz. Nesse artigo vamos discutir a experiência educacional associada ao projeto e desenvolvimento de um sistema de controle de nível de tanques de baixo custo para motivar os alunos de Engenharia de Controle e Automação, que cursaram a disciplina de Controle Aplicado a Sistemas Térmicos e Fluidomecânicos no período de 2012 a 2013. Os principais objetivos de aprendizagem e os recursos utilizados para alcançá-los, bem como os resultados da avaliação dessa experiência pelos discentes serão detalhados.
Este artigo discute o contexto do turismo na comunidade denominada
Patrimônio da Penha, localizada no entorno do Parque Nacional do Caparaó,
especificamente no município de Divino de São Lourenço (ES), local que
possui grande biodiversidade e com isso muitos atrativos naturais. Analisam-
se aspectos institucionais passando por suas estratégias de manejo e dados
sobre o uso público. A partir do método etnográfico (Alberti, 1989), realiza-se
um estudo de caso sobre o turismo na referida comunidade, ressaltando-se
aspectos socioculturais constatados em pesquisas de campo, que
demonstram o desenvolvimento turístico no distrito e as influências advindas
da existência de uma unidade de conservação na região.
Cocota JANJ, Santos TP, Castro F, Barbosa F, Machado G, Carneiro M, Louzada V.
Uma importante parte no aprendizado da robótica básica é o estudo prático desta disciplina. Contudo, os manipuladores robóticos para fins educacionais disponíveis no mercado são onerosos. Este trabalho visou dar continuidade ao projeto de construção e controle de um robô antropomórfico de baixo custo, auxiliando na compreensão dos conceitos teóricos estudados na disciplina de Elementos de Robótica da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP). Utilizou-se o Arduino e o MATLAB® para o controle do robô de seis graus de liberdade e interfaceamento homem-máquina (IHM), respectivamente.
Cocota JANJ, Monteiro PMB, Magalhães PHV, D'Angelo T.
. XI Congreso en Tecnologías, Aprendizaje y Enseñanza de la Electrónica. 2014:29-35.Abstract
Atualmente, a evasão dos cursos de engenharia ocorre praticamente em todas as universidades do mundo. Ao longo dos últimos anos, a aprendizagem ativa tem sido reconhecida pela comunidade educacional como o método de aprendizagem mais eficaz. Nesse artigo vamos discutir a experiência educacional associada à concepção e desenvolvimento de um robô manipulador de baixo custo com seis graus de liberdade (6-DOF) para motivar os alunos de graduação dos cursos de Engenharia de Controle e Automação e de Engenharia Mecânica, que cursaram a disciplina de Elementos de Robótica no período de 2012 a 2013. Além disso, são apresentadas as atividades efetuadas pelos alunos durante a execução do trabalho, bem como o resultado da avaliação pelos discentes da metodologia que foi proposta.
BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic. When administered in high doses, APAP is a clinical problem in the US and Europe, often resulting in severe liver injury and potentially acute liver failure. Studies have demonstrated that antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents effectively protect against the acute hepatotoxicity induced by APAP overdose.
METHODS: The present study attempted to investigate the protective effect of B. trimera against APAP-induced hepatic damage in rats. The liver-function markers ALT and AST, biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant parameters, and histopathological changes were examined.
RESULTS: The pretreatment with B. trimera attenuated serum activities of ALT and AST that were enhanced by administration of APAP. Furthermore, pretreatment with the extract decreases the activity of the enzyme SOD and increases the activity of catalase and the concentration of total glutathione. Histopathological analysis confirmed the alleviation of liver damage and reduced lesions caused by APAP.
CONCLUSIONS: The hepatoprotective action of B. trimera extract may rely on its effect on reducing the oxidative stress caused by APAP-induced hepatic damage in a rat model. General Significance. These results make the extract of B. trimera a potential candidate drug capable of protecting the liver against damage caused by APAP overdose.
BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic. When administered in high doses, APAP is a clinical problem in the US and Europe, often resulting in severe liver injury and potentially acute liver failure. Studies have demonstrated that antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents effectively protect against the acute hepatotoxicity induced by APAP overdose.
METHODS: The present study attempted to investigate the protective effect of B. trimera against APAP-induced hepatic damage in rats. The liver-function markers ALT and AST, biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant parameters, and histopathological changes were examined.
RESULTS: The pretreatment with B. trimera attenuated serum activities of ALT and AST that were enhanced by administration of APAP. Furthermore, pretreatment with the extract decreases the activity of the enzyme SOD and increases the activity of catalase and the concentration of total glutathione. Histopathological analysis confirmed the alleviation of liver damage and reduced lesions caused by APAP.
CONCLUSIONS: The hepatoprotective action of B. trimera extract may rely on its effect on reducing the oxidative stress caused by APAP-induced hepatic damage in a rat model. General Significance. These results make the extract of B. trimera a potential candidate drug capable of protecting the liver against damage caused by APAP overdose.
Esse trabalho relata a experiência de desenvolvimento de um supervisório/sistema especialista, que tem como objetivo auxiliar os discentes em aulas práticas de controle nas atividades relacionadas à identificação dos parâmetros de um processo de quatro tanques acoplados, através da ferramenta GUIDE do programa MATLAB.
The involvement of TNF-α type 1 receptor (TNFR1) in memory deficits induced by sepsis was explored by using TNFR1 knockout (KO) mice. We reported that wild type (WT) mice presented memory deficits in the novel object recognition test 10 days after sepsis induced by cecum ligation and perforation (CLP). These deficits were not observed in TNFR1 KO mice. The involvement of serum and brain cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10 was then investigated. TNFR1 KO mice had higher serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and brain levels of TNF-α than WT mice. After CLP, the brain levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ increased in both WT and KO mice. Our next step was to determine the expression of inflammatory cytokines, BDNF and TrKb in the hippocampus. The absence of TNFR1 in mice subjected to polymicrobial sepsis resulted in higher BDNF expression in the hippocampus. In conclusion, after CLP, memory is preserved in the absence of TNFR1. This finding was associated with increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus.
Polyaniline (PAni) films obtained by means of pulsed potentiostatic electropolymerization were used as hole-transporting layer in organic photovoltaic devices. PAni films were deposited onto Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) from an acid solution containing 0.1 M aniline monomer at pulsed potentials of 1 V and 1.5V. The PAni films were characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Cyclic voltammetry and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The active layer of poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was spin coated onto PAni films to obtain the ITO/PAni/MDMO-PPV\_PCBM/Al photovoltaic device structures. The power conversion efficiency (.) of multilayered devices was evaluated by current density-voltage (J-V) curves. The results indicate that devices obtained with PAni films exhibit a 4-fold increase in conversion efficiency compared to devices without PAni films.
. In: As Formas do Império Romano. Vol. Fábio Faversani. Fábio Duarte Joly. As Formas do Império Romano. Ouro Preto; 2014.
Leoni JL, Nogueira J, Campos MFM, Macedo DF, Salvador EM, Mota VFS, Resende DB, Silva VF, Correia LH, Vieira LFM, et al.Real-time monitoring of transmission lines using wireless sensor networks, in Transmission & Distribution Conference and Exposition-Latin America (PES T&D-LA), 2014 IEEE PES. Transmission & Distribution Conference and Exposition-Latin America (PES T&D-LA), 2014 IEEE PES. IEEE; 2014:1–6.
Among insect taxa, ants exhibit one of the most variable chromosome numbers ranging from n = 1 to n = 60. This high karyotype diversity is suggested to be correlated to ants diversification. The karyotype evolution of ants is usually understood in terms of Robertsonian rearrangements towards an increase in chromosome numbers. The ant genus Mycetophylax is a small monogynous basal Attini ant (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), endemic to sand dunes along the Brazilian coastlines. A recent taxonomic revision validates three species, Mycetophylax morschi, M. conformis and M. simplex. In this paper, we cytogenetically characterized all species that belongs to the genus and analyzed the karyotypic evolution of Mycetophylaxin the context of a molecular phylogeny and ancestral character state reconstruction. M. morschi showed a polymorphic number of chromosomes, with colonies showing 2n = 26 and 2n = 30 chromosomes. M. conformis presented a diploid chromosome number of 30 chromosomes, while M. simplex showed 36 chromosomes. The probabilistic models suggest that the ancestral haploid chromosome number of Mycetophylax was 17 (Likelihood framework) or 18 (Bayesian framework). The analysis also suggested that fusions were responsible for the evolutionary reduction in chromosome numbers of M. conformis and M. morschi karyotypes whereas fission may determines the M. simplex karyotype. These results obtained show the importance of fusions in chromosome changes towards a chromosome number reduction in Formicidae and how a phylogenetic background can be used to reconstruct hypotheses about chromosomes evolution.
Abstract Cyclosporine is an important immunosuppressive agent; however, nephrotoxicity is one of the main adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of inhibiting the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in nephrotoxicity caused by cyclosporine from the assessment of cell viability, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and nitric oxide (NO) production in LLC-PK1 and MDCK cell lines. Cyclosporine proved to be cytotoxic for both cell lines, as assessed by the mitochondrial enzyme activity assay (MTT), caused DNA fragmentation, determined by flow cytometry using the propidium iodide dye, and activated the PKA pathway (western blot assay). In MDCK cells, the inhibition of the PKA signaling pathway (H89 inhibitor) caused a significant reduction in DNA fragmentation. In both cell lines, the production of IL-6 proved to be a dependent PKA pathway, while TNF-α was not influenced by the inhibition of the PKA pathway. The NO production was increased when cells were pre-incubated with H89 followed by cyclosporine, and this production was dependent on the PKA pathway in LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells lines. Therefore, considering the present study's results, it can be concluded that the inhibition of PKA signaling pathway can aid in reducing the degree of nephrotoxicity caused by cyclosporine.
In this article we investigate the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions for a stochastic nonlinear parabolic coupled system of reaction-diffusion of nonlocal type, and with multiplicative white noise. An important result on the asymptotic behavior of the weak solutions is presented as well.
We will discuss here how structures observed in clusters of galaxies can provide us insight on the formation and evolution of these objects. We will focus primarily on X-ray observations and results from hydrodynamical $N$-body simulations. This paper is based on a talk given at the School of Cosmology Jose Plinio Baptista – `Cosmological perturbations and Structure Formation' in Ubu/ES, Brazil.
AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of swimming training on the mRNA expression and protein levels of the calcium handling proteins in the hearts of renovascular hypertensive rats submitted to swimming protocol during 6weeks.
MAIN METHODS: Fischer rats with renovascular hypertension 2-kidney 1-clip (2K1C) and SHAM groups were divided among sedentary and exercised groups. The exercise protocol lasted for 6weeks (1h/day, 5×/week), and the mean arterial pressure, cardiomyocytes hypertrophy parameters, mRNA expression and protein levels of some calcium handling proteins in the left ventricle were evaluated.
KEY FINDINGS: Swimming training was able to reduce the levels of mean arterial pressure in the hypertensive group compared to 2K1C SED, and to promote cardiac hypertrophy in SHAM EX and 2K1C EX groups in comparison to the respective control groups. The mRNA levels of B-type natriuretic peptide were reduced in the 2K1C EX when compared to 2K1C SED. The mRNA and protein levels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase increased after the swimming training in SHAM and 2K1C groups. The mRNA and protein levels of phospholamban, displayed an increase in their levels in the exercised SHAM and in hypertensive rats in comparison to their respective controls; while mRNA levels of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger was reduced in the left ventricle comparing to the sedentary hypertensive rats.
SIGNIFICANCE: Taken altogether, we provide evidence that the aerobic training may lead to cardiac remodeling, and modulate the calcium handling proteins expression in the heart of hypertensive rats.
AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of swimming training on the mRNA expression and protein levels of the calcium handling proteins in the hearts of renovascular hypertensive rats submitted to swimming protocol during 6weeks.
MAIN METHODS: Fischer rats with renovascular hypertension 2-kidney 1-clip (2K1C) and SHAM groups were divided among sedentary and exercised groups. The exercise protocol lasted for 6weeks (1h/day, 5×/week), and the mean arterial pressure, cardiomyocytes hypertrophy parameters, mRNA expression and protein levels of some calcium handling proteins in the left ventricle were evaluated.
KEY FINDINGS: Swimming training was able to reduce the levels of mean arterial pressure in the hypertensive group compared to 2K1C SED, and to promote cardiac hypertrophy in SHAM EX and 2K1C EX groups in comparison to the respective control groups. The mRNA levels of B-type natriuretic peptide were reduced in the 2K1C EX when compared to 2K1C SED. The mRNA and protein levels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase increased after the swimming training in SHAM and 2K1C groups. The mRNA and protein levels of phospholamban, displayed an increase in their levels in the exercised SHAM and in hypertensive rats in comparison to their respective controls; while mRNA levels of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger was reduced in the left ventricle comparing to the sedentary hypertensive rats.
SIGNIFICANCE: Taken altogether, we provide evidence that the aerobic training may lead to cardiac remodeling, and modulate the calcium handling proteins expression in the heart of hypertensive rats.
This work presents the application of Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) based algorithms to the High School Timetabling Problem. The addressed model of the problem was proposed by the Third International Timetabling Competition (ITC 2011), which released many instances from educational institutions around the world and attracted 17 competitors. Some of the VNS algorithm variants were able to outperform the winner of Third ITC solver, which proposed a Simulated Annealing – Iterated local Search approach. This result coupled with another reports in the literature points that VNS based algorithms are a practical solution method for providing high quality solutions for some hard timetabling problems. Moreover they are easy to implement with few parameters to adjust.
Fonseca GHG, Delfino TD, SANTOS HG. A Web-Software to handle XHSTT Timetabling Problems, in Proceedings of the 9th Conference on Practice and Theory of Automated Timetabling. Proceedings of the 9th Conference on Practice and Theory of Automated Timetabling. York, UK; 2014:601–605.Abstract
This work presents a Web-Software to handle XHSTT timetabling problems. The XHSTT format is complex and virtually only timetabling researchers are able to work with this file format. The software goal is to abstract the user from XHSTT knowledge and make any person able to specify and solve timetabling problems through XHSTT format. This software may popularize this file format and aid the new real world instances specification.
BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by variable coexistence of metabolic and pathophysiological alterations which are important risk factors for developing of type II diabetes and/or cardiovascular diseases. Increased of MS patients in worldwide has stimulated the development of experimental models. However, it is still challenging to find an dietetic model that most closely approximates human MS and, in addition, is not yet fully established the effect of different diets of MS in lipid metabolism in rats of different ages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different diets of MS in lipid metabolism and ectopic fat deposition and define the most appropriate diet for inducing the characteristic disturbances of the human MS in rats of different ages.
METHODS: Young (4 weeks old) and adult rats (12 weeks old) were given a high-fat (FAT) or high-fructose diet (FRU) for 13 weeks and biochemical, physiological, histological and biometric parameters were evaluated.
RESULTS: In young rats, the FAT diet induced increased mean blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), body weight after 6 to 10 weeks, and in the 13th week, increased the liver, mesenteric, retroperitoneal and epididymal fat weights, fasting glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and reduced HDL cholesterol; and also induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and renal inflammatory infiltrates. In adult rats, the FRU diet induced transient elevations of MAP and HR in the 6th week, and, at 13 weeks, increased fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, AST and ALT; increased liver, kidneys and retroperitoneal fat weights; and induced macrovesicular and microvesicular NAFLD, the presence of fat cells in the kidney, glomerular sclerosis, and liver and kidney inflammation. Additionally, the FAT and FRU diets induced, respectively, increases in liver glycogen in adults and young rats.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that FRU diet in adult rats causes biggest change on metabolism of serum lipids and lipid accumulation in liver and kidney, while the FAT diet in young rats induces elevation of MAP and HR and higher increased visceral lipid stores, constituting the best nutritional interventions to induce MS in rats.
Palladium and palladium-gold containing siliceous-MCM-41 and sol-gel palladium and palladium-gold silica composites have been prepared. The catalytic performance of incorporated Pd/MCM-41, Au-Pd/MCM-41 and Pd and Au-Pd/SiO2 sol-gel catalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction was determined and the influence of the matrix and the catalyst composition on the catalytic activity were also studied. The catalysts were characterized by N-2 physisorption (BET/BJH methods), X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction analysis, H-2 chemisorption, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and Raman spectroscopy. The silica-containing palladium and palladium-gold catalysts prepared using the MCM-41 matrix showed greater catalytic activity than using the conventional sol-gel method; however, gold had a significant influence on this reaction. The catalyst did not undergo metal leaching and could be easily recovered and re-used (reused). (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of exposure to hyperoxia (100% oxygen) on the lung histoarchitecture of neonatal mice.
METHODS: Neonatal Balb/c mice were exposed to hyperoxia (HG) (100% oxygen) (n= 10) in a chamber (15 x 20 x 30 cm) for 24 hours with a flow of 2 L/min. The control group (CG) (n = 10) was exposed to normoxia in the same type of chamber and for the same time. After exposure, the animals were euthanized by decapitation; the lungs were removed and processed for histological examination according to the laboratory routine. Three-mm thick sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The morphometric analysis was performed with in order to analyze the macrophages present in the alveolar lumen, surface density (Sv) of gas exchange, volume density (Vv) of lung parenchyma, and areas of atelectasis.
RESULTS: A decrease in the number of alveolar macrophages (MØ) was observed in the HG (HG = 0.08 ±0.01 MØ/mm(2), CG = 0.18 ± 0.03 MØ/mm(2), p=0.0475), Sv of gas exchange in HG (HG = 8.08 ± 0.12 mm(2)/mm(3), CG=8.65 ± 0.20mm(2)/mm(3), p = 0.0233), Vv of lung parenchyma in HG (HG = 54.7/33.5/83.5%/mm(2); CG = 75/56.7/107.9%/mm(2), p<0.0001) when compared with the CG. However, there was an increase in areas of atelectasis in HG (HG = 17.5/11.3/38.4 atelectasis/mm(2), CG = 14/6.1/24.4 atelectasis/mm(2), p=0.0166) when compared with the CG.
CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that hyperoxia caused alterations in lung histoarchitecture, increasing areas of atelectasis and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.
Contemporary society is demanding a dynamic profile of professional, creative, reflective, competent and ethical. Whereas training courses distance learning, there can be different, the model developed ABP/EaD- Project Based Learning applied to EaD. This model aims to: (1) stimulate motivation, (2) promote learning focused on the student, (3) foster group work, (4) develop initiative and creativity, (5) develop communication skills, (6 ) critical thinking, (7) relate interdisciplinary content in an integrated way. For evaluation scale was developed EAABP/EaD based on Learning Strategies Scale developed and validated by Zerbini and Abbad (2008). The developed model was applied in a pilot study.
Keywords: Learning, Project Based Learning, Distance Education, Distance Education Management
Resumo. A sociedade contemporânea está exigindo dos profissionais um perfil dinâmico, criativo, reflexivo, competente e ético. Considerando que a formação em cursos EaD, não pode ser diferente, desenvolvemos o modelo ABP/EaDAprendizagem Baseada em Projeto aplicada a EaD. Este modelo tem como objetivo: (1) estimular a motivação; (2) promover a aprendizagem focada no aluno; (3) fomentar o trabalho em grupo; (4) desenvolver iniciativa e criatividade; (5) desenvolver capacidades de comunicação; (6) desenvolver o pensamento crítico; (7) relacionar conteúdos interdisciplinares de forma integrada. Para avaliação foi desenvolvido escala ABP/EaD, baseada na Escala de Estratégias de aprendizagem desenvolvida e validada por Zerbini e Abbad (2008). O modelo desenvolvido foi aplicado em um estudo piloto.
Palavras-chave: Aprendizagem; Aprendizagem Baseada em Projeto; Educação a Distancia; Gestão da EAD.
We follow the formation and evolution of bars in N-body simulations of disc galaxies with gas and/or a triaxial halo. We find that both the relative gas fraction and the halo shape play a major role in the formation and evolution of the bar. In gas-rich simulations, the disc stays near-axisymmetric much longer than in gas-poor ones, and, when the bar starts growing, it does so at a much slower rate. Because of these two effects combined, large-scale bars form much later in gas-rich than in gas-poor discs. This can explain the observation that bars are in place earlier in massive red disc galaxies than in blue spirals. We also find that the morphological characteristics in the bar region are strongly influenced by the gas fraction. In particular, the bar at the end of the simulation is much weaker in gas-rich cases. The quality of our simulations is such as to allow us to discuss the question of bar longevity because the resonances are well resolved and the number of gas particles is sufficient to describe the gas flow adequately. In no case did we find a bar which was destroyed. Halo triaxiality has a dual influence on bar strength. In the very early stages of the simulation it induces bar formation to start earlier. On the other hand, during the later, secular evolution phase, triaxial haloes lead to considerably less increase of the bar strength than spherical ones. The shape of the halo evolves considerably with time. We confirm previous results of gas-less simulations that find that the inner part of an initially spherical halo can become elongated and develop a halo bar. However we also show that, on the contrary, in gas-rich simulations, the inner parts of an initially triaxial halo can become rounder with time. The main body of initially triaxial haloes evolves towards sphericity, but in initially strongly triaxial cases it stops well short of becoming spherical. Part of the angular momentum absorbed by the halo generates considerable rotation of the halo particles that stay located relatively near the disc for long periods of time. Another part generates halo bulk rotation, which, contrary to that of the bar, increases with time but stays small. Thus, in our models there are two non-axisymmetric components rotating with different pattern speeds, namely the halo and the bar, so that the resulting dynamics have strong similarities to the dynamics of double bar systems.
Surface characteristics such as roughness and contact angle of flat and nanostructured titanium samples and diamond-like carbon films (DLC) electrodeposited on the nanostructured samples were evaluated. Also, the mechanical properties and the corrosion resistance of the samples were evaluated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Biocompatibility was assessed by analyzing an in vitro cell culture. Nanostructured samples presented better cell biocompatibility. DLC deposited onto nanostructured samples remained with nanostructured morphology, presented high hardness and improved corrosion resistance compared to bare titanium. The DLC films electrodeposited from acetonitrile presented higher corrosion resistance in PBS solution when compared to DLC films deposited from N,N-dimethylformamide. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
CASTRO E SILVA A, KEESEN F, PINHEIRO CFS, ARASHIRO E. Computer simulation for Sapajus robustus in a fragmented environment, in Models in Population Dynamics and Ecology - MPDE 13 - Abstract book Models in Population Dynamics and Ecology - MPDE 13. Models in Population Dynamics and Ecology - MPDE 13 - Abstract book Models in Population Dynamics and Ecology - MPDE 13. Osnabruck, Germany; 2013.
This work presents a comparative wear, corrosion and wear-corrosion (the last one in a simulated physiological solution) study of graphite-like a-C:H (GLCH) films deposited on bare and nitrided Ti6Al4V alloy. Films, deposited by r.f. PACVD, presented low porosity and promoted high corrosion resistance. The friction coefficient of the films was very low with appreciable wear resistance at room conditions. However, due to the simultaneous action of both load and the corrosive environment in wear-corrosion tests a marked reduction in the coating lifetime was observed. Unexpectedly, films deposited on the nitrided alloy presented a lifetime at least ten times shorter than that of films on bare alloy. We explain such a result in terms of film/substrate interaction. The weak GLCH/nitrided alloy interaction facilitates fluid penetration between the film and the substrate which leads to a fast film delamination. Such an interpretation is supported by force curve measurements, which show that the interaction between GLCH and nitrided alloy is four times weaker than that between GLCH and bare alloy. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
This work presents a comparative wear, corrosion and wear-corrosion (the last one in a simulated physiological solution) study of graphite-like a-C:H (GLCH) films deposited on bare and nitrided Ti6Al4V alloy. Films, deposited by r.f. PACVD, presented low porosity and promoted high corrosion resistance. The friction coefficient of the films was very low with appreciable wear resistance at room conditions. However, due to the simultaneous action of both load and the corrosive environment in wear-corrosion tests a marked reduction in the coating lifetime was observed. Unexpectedly, films deposited on the nitrided alloy presented a lifetime at least ten times shorter than that of films on bare alloy. We explain such a result in terms of film/substrate interaction. The weak GLCH/nitrided alloy interaction facilitates fluid penetration between the film and the substrate which leads to a fast film delamination. Such an interpretation is supported by force curve measurements, which show that the interaction between GLCH and nitrided alloy is four times weaker than that between GLCH and bare alloy. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Pinheiro CFS, Bernardes AT. Hierarchies behind the failure of heterogeneous media, in XXXIII Dynamics Days Europe - Book of Abstracts XXXIII Dynamics Days Europe Madrid. XXXIII Dynamics Days Europe - Book of Abstracts XXXIII Dynamics Days Europe Madrid. General Foundation of the Technical University of Madrid; 2013:207.
In this study we investigated the hypothesis that a high-salt diet to hyperinsulinemic rats might impair antioxidant defense owing to its involvement in the activation of sodium reabsorption to lead to higher oxidative stress. Rats were fed a standard (CON), a high-salt (HS), or a high-fructose (HF) diet for 10 weeks after which, 50% of the animals belonging to the HF group were switched to a regimen of high-fructose and high-salt diet (HFS) for 10 more weeks, while the other groups were fed with their respective diets. Animals were then euthanized and their blood and liver were examined. Fasting plasma glucose was found to be significantly higher (approximately 50%) in fructose-fed rats than in the control and HS rats, whereas fat liver also differed in these animals, producing steatosis. Feeding fructose-fed rats with the high-salt diet triggered hyperinsulinemia and lowered insulin sensitivity, which led to increased levels of serum sodium compared to the HS group. This resulted in membrane perturbation, which in the presence of steatosis potentially enhanced hepatic lipid peroxidation, thereby decreasing the level of antioxidant defenses, as shown by GSH/GSSG ratio (HFS rats, 7.098±2.1 versus CON rats, 13.2±6.1) and superoxide dismutase (HFS rats, 2.1±0.05 versus CON rats, 2.3±0.1%), and catalase (HFS rats, 526.6±88.6 versus CON rats, 745.8±228.7 U/mg ptn) activities. Our results indicate that consumption of a salt-rich diet by insulin-resistant rats may lead to regulation of sodium reabsorption, worsening hepatic lipid peroxidation associated with impaired antioxidant defenses.
This work describes the synthesis of hydrogels of cellulose acetate (AC) crosslinked with 1,2,4,5-benzenotetracarboxylic dianhydride (PMDA). The crosslinking reaction was monitored by FTIR. Analysis of aromatic fragments from the alkaline hydrolysis of the gels by UV spectroscopy indicated that an increase in the stoichiometric ratio of dianhydride resulted in higher degrees of crosslinking. The non-porous nature of the gels was confirmed by analysis of nitrogen adsorption. Water absorption isotherms showed that as the temperature and degree of crosslinking increased, the percentage of water absorbed at equilibrium (%Seq) also increased. The hydrogels presented second order swelling kinetics.
This work presents the application of Memetic Algorithms for the High School Timetabling Problem. The addressed model of the problem was proposed by the Third International Timetabling Competition (ITC), which released many instances from educational institutions around the world and attracted seventeen competitors. The Memetic Algorithm uses as subroutine the winner algorithm of the Third ITC in the refinement phase. It consists in apply a mixed Simulated Annealing - Iterated Local Search approach to all the individuals in the population at each iteration. The Memetic Algorithms were able to overcome the winner of Third ITC solver, beating it in 10 out of 16 instances. Most of them were instances with less than 1,000 lessons to schedule, thus, we conclude that the Memetic Algorithm approach is suitable, especially to small instances of the problem.
OBJECTIVES: The cardiac form of Chagas disease is evidenced by a progressive cardiac inflammation that leads to myocarditis, fibrosis and electrocardiographic (ECG) conduction abnormalities. Considering these characteristics, the aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the early ECG changes in dogs that were experimentally inoculated with Benznidazole (Bz)-susceptibly (Berenice-78) and Bz-resistant (VL-10, and AAS) Trypanosoma cruzi strains and, later, evaluate the efficacy of Bz treatment for preventing these ECG alterations.
METHODS: Electrocardiographic changes of treated and untreated animals were prospectively evaluated for up to 270 days after infection, at which point collagen (right atrium) quantification was performed.
RESULTS: All infected dogs had a high intensity of heart fibrosis (4616.00 ± 1715.82 collagen/74931 μm(2) in dogs infected with Berenice-78 strain, 5839.2 ± 1423.49 collagen/74931 μm(2) in infected by AAS and 6294.40 ± 896.04 collagen/74931 μm(2) in animals infected with VL-10 strain), while 78.57% of all infected dogs showed ECG alterations. Bz Therapy reduced or prevented fibrosis in Bz-susceptible Berenice-78 (2813.00 ± 607.13 collagen/74931 μm(2) ) and Bz-resistant AAS strains (4024 ± 1272.44 collagen/74931 μm(2) ), coincident with only 10% de ECG alterations at 270 days. However, in those animals infected with a Bz-resistant VL-10 strain, specific treatment did not alter collagen deposition (6749.5 ± 1596.35 collagen/74931 μm(2) ) and there was first atrioventricular block and chamber overload at 120 and 270 days after infection, with 75% abnormal ECG exams.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that an effective antiparasitic treatment in the early stage of Chagas disease can lead to a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of the parasite-induced cardiac disease, even if parasites are not completely eliminated.
AIMS: The nonpeptide Ang-(1-7) analog, AVE 0991, is recognized as having beneficial cardiovascular effects similar to those induced by Ang-(1-7). In this study, we evaluated the effects of AVE 0991 on cardiovascular functions and on cardiac and renal remodeling in rats with 2K1C renovascular hypertension.
MAIN METHODS: Fisher rats underwent surgery to induce 2K1C renovascular hypertension and were then treated with AVE 0991 (1 or 3mg/kg) for 28days. At the end of treatment, the blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and baroreflex sensitivity were evaluated, in conscious animals. The rats were then euthanized and the heart and kidneys removed for subsequent histological analysis.
KEY FINDINGS: Treatment with AVE 0991 in 2K1C rats restored the baroreflex sensitivity of both bradycardic and tachycardic components to levels comparable to those of normotensive SHAM rats. At a higher dose (3mg/kg), AVE 0991 was also anti-hypertensive in 2K1C rats. Furthermore, AVE 0991 reduced the heart weight, thickness of myocardial fibers, number of inflammatory cells, and area of collagen deposition in the hearts of 2K1C rats compared to SHAM rats. The inflammatory process and tissue area of collagen deposition were decreased in the clipped kidney of AVE 0091-treated 2K1C rats.
SIGNIFICANCE: Our data showed that oral treatment with AVE 0991 reduces blood-pressure cardiac remodeling and improves baroreflex sensitivity in 2K1C renovascular hypertensive rats.
. O eixo e a roda: Revista de Literatura Brasileira. 2013;22:135-150.Abstract
O artigo tem por objetivo descrever alguns aspectos que envolvem
a chamada poesia marginal brasileira, em particular, em sua relação
com a crítica literária e com as transformações por que esta passava no
momento da eclosão do movimento, nos anos 1970. Como o título indica,
procura-se pensar tal produção poética em termos de um enquadramento
histórico, tendo em vista os princípios contrastantes que informavam as
gerações anteriores e aquelas que acabariam por abrir o caminho para
o fim do século XX, na cultura e na literatura nacionais. Pretende-se,
ainda, enfatizar uma possibilidade de distinção, e mesmo a de um juízo,
a partir da comparação entre dois importantes poetas do período.
O presente trabalho examina o percurso da avaliação da rede pública estadual de Minas Gerais, no período de 1991 a 2010, as medidas adotadas pela reforma educacional mineira, sobretudo aquelas que dizem respeito ao Programa “Choque de Gestão”, primeira e segunda gerações. Iniciando com os aspectos centrais da proposta de reestruturação da gestão pública, discute- -se, em seguida, a implementação do modelo de “Estado Contratual” e a sua interação com o sistema de avaliação implantado, em Minas, desde o início dos anos de 1990, para, finalmente, apresentar possíveis contradições que o modelo tem apresentado na área educacional.
