Synthetic and natural polycations for gene therapy: State of the art and new perspectives

Currently, the major drawback of gene therapy is the gene transfection rate. The two main types of vectors that. are used in gene therapy are based on viral or non-viral gene delivery systems. There are several non-viral systems that can be used to transfer foreign genetic material into the human body. In order to do so, the DNA to be transferred must escape the processes that affect the disposition of macromolecules. These processes include the interaction with blood components, vascular endothelial cells and uptake by the reticuloendothelial system. Furthermore, the degradation of therapeutic DNA by serum nucleases is also a potential obstacle for functional delivery to the target cell. Cationic polymers have a great potential for DNA complexation and may be useful as non-viral vectors for gene therapy applications. The objective of this review was to address the state of the art in gene therapy using synthetic and natural polycations and the latest strategies to improve the efficiency of gene transfer into the cell.

Analysis and design of constant-frequency peak-current-controlled high-power-factor boost rectifier with slope compensation

This paper presents the analysis and the design of a peak-current-controlled high-power-factor boost rectifier, with slope compensation, operating at constant frequency. The input current shaping is achieved, with continuous inductor current mode, with no multiplier to generate a current reference. The resulting overall circuitry is very simple, in comparison with the average-current-controlled boost rectifier. Experimental results are presented, taken from a laboratory prototype rated at 370 W and operating at 67 kHz. The measured power factor was 0.99, with a input current THD equal to 5.6%, for an input voltage THD equal to 2.26%.

Computer tools to aid the learning and design steps for photovoltaic systems

This paper presents novel simulation tools to assist the lecturers about learning processes on renewable energy sources, considering photovoltaic (PV) systems. The PV behavior, functionality and its interaction with power electronic converters are investigated in the simulation tools. The main PV output characteristics, I (current) versus V (voltage) and P (power) versus V (voltage), were implemented in the tools, in order to aid the users for the design steps. In order to verify the effectiveness of the developed tools the simulation results were compared with Matlab. Finally, a prototype was implemented with the purpose to compare the experimental results with the results from the proposed tools, validating its operational feasibility. © 2011 IEEE.

Titanium in Dentistry: Historical development, state of the art and future perspectives

Titanium is a metallic element known by several attractive characteristics, such as biocompatibility, excellent corrosion resistance and high mechanical resistance. It is widely used in Dentistry, with high success rates, providing a favorable biological response when in contact with live tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the different uses of titanium in Dentistry, reviewing its historical development and discoursing about its state of art and future perspective of its utilization. A search in the MEDLINE/PubMed database was performed using the terms 'titanium', 'dentistry' and 'implants'. The title and abstract of articles were read, and after this first screening 20 articles were selected and their full-texts were downloaded. Additional text books and manual search of reference lists within selected articles were included. Correlated literature showed that titanium is the most used metal in Implantology for manufacturing osseointegrated implants and their systems, with a totally consolidated utilization. Moreover, titanium can be also employed in prosthodontics to obtain frameworks. However, problems related to its machining, casting, welding and ceramic application for dental prosthesis are still limiting its use. In Endodontics, titanium has been used in association to nickel for manufacturing rotatory instruments, providing a higher resistance to deformation. However, although the different possibilities of using titanium in modern Dentistry, its use for prostheses frameworks still needs technological improvements in order to surpass its limitations. © 2012 Indian Prosthodontic Society.

OVO: o hibridismo no design brasileiro contemporâneo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Design/empresa/sociedade

O presente trabalho se propôs a estudar, através de um levantamento sobre o estado da arte do ensino do design no Brasil, da sua prática pelos designers e da visibilidade das condições daí resultantes, discutir eventuais estratégias que tornem tanto o ensino como os seus produtos condizentes com a realidade nacional sem perda da universalidade. Os resultados estão fortemente subsidiados pelo estágio de pós-doutorado cumprido na Universidade de Arte e Design de Helsinque entre agosto de 2006 e maio de 2007

Artemídia escrevente: a caligrafia entre a arte e o design

The term “writing media art” expresses an artisticscientific process performed in the Art-Science Communication interface presented as Final Paper in Visual Arts baccalaureate modality. The first part gathers, in artistic-scientific research, a historical overview of the relation between image and writing, which its main focus is calligraphy and its different expressions in art and design, including their interrelations. The identification is made from bibliographical and iconographical survey, both printed and virtual materials. This approach involves the selection of authors’ statements and comments in order to offer a deeper historical basis, since it comes to facts and events. The second part relates to the set of works produced during the four-year period of the Visual Arts course, including a reflection about the creation process and all that surrounds it – influences, memories, visions etc. – to finally establish a connection between all these elements in order to make clear this incredible web of creation. This work is inserted in the line of research “Artistic Processes and Procedures” of the Department of Fine Arts of the Art Institute of UNESP and describes: creative process, production and influences. The methodology used was Freinetiana Educational Cybernetics, developed in the research group “Art media and Videoclip”, whose leading advisor is the one from this Final Paper. The result and discussion of the artistic-scientific research were reported in monography in the following versions: PDF File repository for dissemination in the virtual library of the Institute of Arts; hardcover version for physical collection in the Library of the Institute of Arts; paper version for the committee; template version appropriate for submission to International Scientific Congress in the area of Arts

Some deviations of form: a little essay on psychoanalysis, art and aesthetics

This work intends to investigate the use of psychoanalytical theory within the aesthetic and critical contemporary art field. To this purpose, it focuses on two philosophers who have become significant in our time: the art critic Hal Foster and the art historian Georges Didi-Huberman. This study aims to show how far the concepts generated in psychoanalytic praxis allowed interpretations that disrupt the traditional aesthetics field. This type of analysis is possible once we abandon the paradigm of “applied psychoanalysis”, which is still current in non-clinical setting. Finally, the proposal wants to argue that the category of the amorphous may clarify certain aesthetic experiences that range from the modernity of art through postmodernity.

Finite element analysis of the influence of geometry and design of zirconia crowns on stress distribution

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of the geometry and design of prosthetic crown preparations on stress distribution in compression tests, using finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: Six combinations of 3D drawings of all-ceramic crowns (yttria-stabilized zirconia framework and porcelain veneer) were evaluated: F, flat preparation and simplified crown; FC, flat preparation and crown with contact point; FCM, flat preparation and modified crown; A, anatomical preparation and simplified anatomical crown framework; AC, anatomical preparation and crown with contact point; and ACM, anatomical preparation and modified crown. Bonded contact types at all interfaces with the mesh were assigned, and the material properties used were according to the literature. A 200 N vertical load was applied at the center of each model. The maximum principal stresses were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Results: The highest values of tensile stress were observed at the interface between the ceramics in the region under the load application for the simplified models (F and A). Reductions in stress values were observed for the model with the anatomical preparation and modified infrastructure (ACM). The stress distribution in the flat models was similar to that of their respective anatomical models. Conclusions: The modified design of the zirconia coping reduces the stress concentration at the interface with the veneer ceramic, and the simplified preparation can exert a stress distribution similar to that of the anatomical preparation at and near the load point, when load is applied to the center of the crown.

OVO: o hibridismo no design brasileiro contemporâneo

The present study, is characterized as qualitative investigative, has as main objective to analyze the convergence between the fields of the visual arts and design. To base the analysis, it was developed a bibliographical research that raised the concept of hybrid language, the mixing of different races in Brazilian design, the relations between art and design and the Design Prize Museum of Brazilian House (MCB). As shown on the basis of this theoretical survey, it was presented the designers Luciana Martins and Gerson de Oliveira, from the company, OVO, and the objects selected for this study, that are the two products awarded from the MCB, which contain artistic characteristics and are commercialized and recognized as objects of Brazilian design. These products were analyzed and the hybrid characteristics of them were raised.

A ornamentação contemporânea em arte e design: função estética, anagógica, terapêutica

Taking as a starting point the reflection on the ornament, is delineated an interpretative analysis of delimitation between art and design in the extent of the aesthetics. Presupposing the ornament as an elementary and universal form of the all aesthetics’ manifestations, trying to work, through recent contributions and in an unified way, concepts regarding the aesthetics in parallel with the phenomenon of the perception. The ornament as element previously “ordered” front to the organization need that the interpretation demands, it constitutes fertile philosophical instrument, for all the art forms and of design, which seeks to provide an aesthetic sensation. Returned to the thoughtful function, the ornament has as essential purpose to stimulate the aesthetic experimentation, capable to induce the perception to subtler states of conscience similar of to the ecstasy, where the spirit from whom contemplates, can live experiences of extreme freedom and intense pleasure. . Establishing semiotics foundations capable of evidencing a function anagogic-therapeutics in the action of conceiving and to meditating, alternately, an object with function strictly ornamental (aesthetics), also intending the reflection of moral stamp on the ornamental concept of the decency as conciliatory solution in the intersection between art and design, concerning the creativity of the formative process.

Dos readymade ao design contemporâneo

From Marcel Duchamp’s readymade, tried to establish a historical overview with emphasis on the possible affinities between art and design from modernity, seeking to end weave such a reflection on the contemporary condition.