The conversion of foreign debt viewed from Latin America

Includes bibliography

Myogenin, MyoD and IGF-I regulate muscle mass but not fiber-type conversion during resistance training in rats

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that skeletal muscle adaptations induced by long-term resistance training (RT) are associated with increased myogenic regulatory factors (MRF) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA expression in rats skeletal muscle. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: 8-week control (C8), 8-week trained (T8), 12-week control (C12) and 12-week trained (T12). Trained rats were submitted to a progressive RT program (4 sets of 10-12 repetitions at 65-75% of the 1RM, 3 day/week), using a squat-training apparatus with electric stimulation. Muscle hypertrophy was determined by measurement of muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscle fibers, and myogenin, MyoD and IGF-I mRNA expression were measured by RT-qPCR. A hypertrophic stabilization occurred between 8 and 12 weeks of RT (control-relative % area increase, T8: 29% vs. T12: 35%; p>0.05) and was accompanied by the stabilization of myogenin (control-relative % increase, T8: 44.8% vs. T12: 37.7%, p>0.05) and MyoD (control-relative % increase, T8: 22.9% vs. T12: 22.3%, p>0.05) mRNA expression and the return of IGF-I mRNA levels to the baseline (control-relative % increase, T8: 30.1% vs. T12: 1.5%, p<0.05). Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between the muscle fiber CSA and mRNA expression for MyoD (r=0.85, p=0.0001), myogenin (r=0.87, p=0.0001), and IGF-I (r=0.88, p=0.0001). The significant (p<0.05) increase in myogenin, MyoD and IGF-I mRNA expression after 8 weeks was not associated with changes in the fiber-type frequency. In addition, there was a type IIX/D-to-IIA fiber conversion at 12 weeks, even with the stabilization of MyoD and myogenin expression and the return of IGF-I levels to baseline. These results indicate a possible interaction between MRFs and IGF-I in the control of muscle hypertrophy during long-term RT and suggest that these factors are involved more in the regulation of muscle mass than in fiber-type conversion. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Debt conversion and territorial change

Includes bibliography

Degree of conversion of polymer-matrix composite assessed by FTIR analysis

Aims and objectives: The behavior of polymer-matrix composite is dependent on the degree of conversion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion of two resin cements following storage at 37°C immediately, 24 and 48 hours, and 7 days after light-curing by FTIR analysis. Materials and methods: The specimens were made in a metallic mold and cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/cm2 for 30 seconds. The specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FTIR following storage times. Statistical analysis used: ANOVA (two-way) and Tukey's post hoc. Results: To the polymer-matrix composites between 24 and 48 hours does not show a significant increase (p > 0.05), however, the highest values were found after 7 days. Conclusion: The polymer-matrix composites used in this study showed similarity on the degree of conversion and increased of according to the time of storage.

EIF5A dimerizes not only in vitro but also in vivo and its molecular envelope is similar to the EF-P monomer

The protein eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is highly conserved among archaea and eukaryotes, but not in bacteria. Bacteria have the elongation factor P (EF-P), which is structurally and functionally related to eIF5A. eIF5A is essential for cell viability and the only protein known to contain the amino acid residue hypusine, formed by post-translational modification of a specific lysine residue. Although eIF5A was initially identified as a translation initiation factor, recent studies strongly support a function for eIF5A in the elongation step of translation. However, the mode of action of eIF5A is still unknown. Here, we analyzed the oligomeric state of yeast eIF5A. First, by using size-exclusion chromatography, we showed that this protein exists as a dimer in vitro, independent of the hypusine residue or electrostatic interactions. Protein-protein interaction assays demonstrated that eIF5A can form oligomers in vitro and in vivo, in an RNA-dependent manner, but independent of the hypusine residue or the ribosome. Finally, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments confirmed that eIF5A behaves as a stable dimer in solution. Moreover, the molecular envelope determined from the SAXS data shows that the eIF5A dimer is L-shaped and superimposable on the tRNAPhe tertiary structure, analogously to the EF-P monomer. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Infrared to visible up-conversion emission in Er3+/Yb 3+ codoped fluoro-phosphate glass-ceramics

Erbium Er3+ and ytterbium Yb3+ codoped fluoro-phosphate glasses belonging to the system NaPO3-YF 3-BaF2-CaF2 have been prepared by the classical melt-quenching technique. Glasses containing up to 10 wt% of erbium and ytterbium fluorides have been obtained and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and UV-visible and near-infrared spectroscopy. Transparent and homogeneous glass-ceramics have been then reproducibly synthetized by appropriate heat treatment above glass transition temperature of a selected parent glass. Structural investigations of the crystallization performed through X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have evidenced the formation of fluorite-type cubic crystals based during the devitrification process. Finally, infrared to visible up-conversion emission upon excitation at 975 nm has been studied on the Er3+ and Yb 3+ codoped glass-ceramics as a function of thermal treatment time. A large enhancement of intensity of the up-conversion emissions-about 150 times- has been observed in the glass-ceramics if compared to the parent glass one, suggesting an incorporation of the rare-earth ions (REI) into the crystalline phase. © 2012 The American Ceramic Society.

Evaluation of degree of conversion and hardness of dental composites photoactivated with different light guide tips

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and hardness of different composite resins, photo-activated for 40 s with two different light guide tips, fiber optic and polymer. Methods: Five specimens were made for each group evaluated. The percentage of unreacted carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1637 cm-1) against internal standard before and after curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1610 cm-1. The Vickers hardness measurements were performed in a universal testing machine. A 50 gf load was used and the indenter with a dwell time of 30 seconds. The degree of conversion and hardness mean values were analyzed separately by ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: The mean values of degree of conversion for the polymer and fiber optic light guide tip were statistically different (P<.001). The hardness mean values were statistically different among the light guide tips (P<.001), but also there was difference between top and bottom surfaces (P<.001). Conclusions: The results showed that the resins photo-activated with the fiber optic light guide tip promoted higher values for degree of conversion and hardness.

Influence of plaster drying on the amount of residual monomer in heat-cured acrylic resins

Aim: To evaluate the influence of plaster condition, dry or not, on the amount of residual monomer in heat-cured acrylic resin. Methods: Thirty acrylic resin specimens (65×10×3 mm) were fabricated and randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=6). The evaluated resins were heat-cured acrylic resins by conventional or microwave polymerization techniques and the plaster was previously dried in microwave oven in two groups. Each specimen was individually immersed in a test tube containing methanol (7 days) for surface analysis. In the groups for which internal monomer was evaluated, the specimens were fragmented and the small fragments were weighed prior to immersion in methanol. The analysis was made by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (p<5%) Results: showed statistical differences among the groups. Conclusions: The previous plaster drying influenced the residual monomer amount showing a decrease of these levels.

Chemical characterization and flexural strength of a denture base acrylic resin with monomer 2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to investigate the flexural strength (FS) and chemical interaction between 2-tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate (TBAEMA) and a denture base acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: Specimens were divided into five groups according to the concentration of TBAEMA incorporated in acrylic resin Onda-Cryl (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%) and were submitted to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (XPS-ESCA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. FS of the specimens was tested, and results were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey's test (α < 0.05). Results: Different nitrogen ratios were observed on specimens' surfaces: 0.36%, 0.54%, 0.35%, and 0.20% for groups 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. FTIR indicated copolymerization of acrylic resin and TBAEMA, and DSC results demonstrated a decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg). Significant differences were found for FS (p < 0.05). The mean values were 91.1 ± 5.5,A 77.0 ± 13.1,B 67.2 ± 12.5,B 64.4 ± 13.0,B and 67.2 ± 5.9B MPa for groups 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%, respectively (same superscript letters indicate no significant difference). Conclusions: The incorporation of TBAEMA in acrylic resin resulted in copolymerization and the presence of amine groups on specimens' surfaces, and in decreases of Tg and FS. © 2012 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Effect of the ZrO2 phase on the structure and behavior of supported Cu catalysts for ethanol conversion

The effect of amorphous (am-), monoclinic (m-), and tetragonal (t-) ZrO2 phase on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of supported Cu catalysts for ethanol conversion was studied. The electronic parameters of Cu/ZrO2 were determined by in situ XAS, and the surface properties of Cu/ZrO2 were defined by XPS and DRIFTS of CO-adsorbed. The results demonstrated that the kind of ZrO2 phase plays a key role in the determination of structure and catalytic properties of Cu/ZrO 2 catalysts predetermined by the interface at Cu/ZrO2. The electron transfer between support and Cu surface, caused by the oxygen vacancies at m-ZrO2 and am-ZrO2, is responsible for the active sites for acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate formation. The highest selectivity to ethyl acetate for Cu/m-ZrO2 catalyst up to 513 K was caused by the optimal ratio of Cu0/Cu+ species and the high density of basic sites (O2-) associated with the oxygen mobility from the bulk m-ZrO2. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Degree of conversion and hardness of two different systems of the vitrebond™ glass ionomer cement light cured with blue LED

This study investigated the physicochemical properties of the new formulation of the glass ionomer cements through hardness test and degree of conversion by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Forty specimens (n = 40) were made in a metallic mold (4 mm diameter × 2 mm thickness) with two resin-modified glass ionomer cements, Vitrebond™ and Vitrebond™ Plus (3M/ ESPE). Each specimen was light cured with blue LED with power density of 500 mW/cm2during 30 s. Immediately after light curing, 24h, 48h and 7 days the hardness and degree of conversion was determined. The Vickers hardness was performed by the MMT-3 microhardness tester using load of 50 gm force for 30 seconds. For degree of conversion, the specimens were pulverized, pressed with KBr and analyzed with FT-IR (Nexus 470). The statistical analysis of the data by ANOVA showed that the Vitrebond™ and Vitrebond™ Plus were no difference significant between the same storage times (p > 0.05). For degree of conversion, the Vitrebond™ and Vitrebond™ Plus were statistically different in all storage times after light curing. The Vitrebond™ showed higher values than Vitrebond™ Plus (p < 0.05). The performance of Vitrebond™ had greater results for degree of conversion than Vitrebond™ Plus. The correlation between hardness and degree of conversion was no evidence in this study.

Microwave hydrothermal synthesis, characterisation, and catalytic performance of Zn1-xMnxO in cellulose conversion

Wurtzite-type Zn1-xMnxO (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07) nanostructures were successfully synthesised using a simple microwave-assisted hydrothermal route and their catalytic properties were investigated in the cellulose conversion. The morphology of the nanocatalysts is dopant-dependent. Pure ZnO presented multi-plate morphology with a flower-like shape of nanometric sizes, while the Zn0.97Mn0.03O sample is formed by nanoplates with the presence of spherical nanoparticles; the Zn0.95Mn0.05O and Zn0.93Mn0.07O samples are mainly formed by nanorods with the presence of a small quantity of spherical nanoparticles. The catalyst without Mn did not show any catalytic activity in the cellulose conversion. The Mn doping promoted an increase in the density of weak acid sites which, according to the catalytic results, favoured promotion of the reaction. © 2013 Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Visible to infrared energy conversion in Pr3+-Yb3+ co-doped fluoroindate glasses

Processes involving visible to infrared energy conversion are presented for Pr3+-Yb3+ co-doped fluoroindate glasses. The emission in the visible and infrared regions, the luminescence decay time of the Pr 3+:3P0 → 3H4 (482 nm), Pr3+:1D2 → 3H6 (800 nm), Yb3+:2F5/2 → 2F 7/2 (1044 nm) transitions and the photoluminescence excitation spectra were measured in Pr3+ samples and in Pr3+-Yb 3+ samples as a function of the Yb3+ concentration. In addition, energy transfer efficiencies were estimated from Pr3+: 3P0 and Pr3+:1D2 levels to Yb3+:2F7/2 level. Down-Conversion (DC) emission is observed due to a combination of two different processes: 1-a one-step cross relaxation (Pr3+:3P0 → 1G4; Yb3+:2F7/2 → 2F5/2) resulting in one photon emitted by Pr3+ (1G4 → 3H5) and one photon emitted by Yb3+ (2F7/2 → 2F5/2); 2-a resonant two-step first order energy transfer, where the first part of energy is transferred to Yb3+ neighbor through cross relaxation (Pr3+:3P0 → 1G4; Yb3+:2F7/2 → 2F5/2) followed by a second energy transfer step (Pr 3+:1G4 → 3H4; Yb3+:2F7/2 → 2F5/2). A third process leading to one IR photon emission to each visible photon absorbed involves cross relaxation energy transfer (Pr3+: 1D2 → 3F4; Yb 3+:2F7/2 → 2F5/2). © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeito de tratamentos pós-polimerização sobre o peso molecular, o grau de conversão, a temperatura de transição vítrea e a liberaçãp in vitro de monômero residual, plastificante e produtos de degradação de resinas acrílicas para reembasamento imediato

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)