Caracterização dos tipos de fibras musculares e das isoformas da MyHC e suas relações com a qualidade da carne de bovinos nelore superprecoces

Pós-graduação em Zootecnia - FMVZ

Qualidade da carne de cordeiros terminados com dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar ou silagem de milho

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Leucine and HMB differentially modulate proteasome system in skeletal muscle under different sarcopenic conditions

In the present study we have compared the effects of leucine supplementation and its metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) on the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the PI3K/Akt pathway during two distinct atrophic conditions, hindlimb immobilization and dexamethasone treatment. Leucine supplementation was able to minimize the reduction in rat soleus mass driven by immobilization. On the other hand, leucine supplementation was unable to provide protection against soleus mass loss in dexamethasone treated rats. Interestingly, HMB supplementation was unable to provide protection against mass loss in all treatments. While solely fiber type I cross sectional area (CSA) was protected in immobilized soleus of leucine-supplemented rats, none of the fiber types were protected by leucine supplementation in rats under dexamethasone treatment. In addition and in line with muscle mass results, HMB treatment did not attenuate CSA decrease in all fiber types against either immobilization or dexamethasone treatment. While leucine supplementation was able to minimize increased expression of both Mafbx/Atrogin and MuRF1 in immobilized rats, leucine was only able to minimize Mafbx/Atrogin in dexamethasone treated rats. In contrast, HMB was unable to restrain the increase in those atrogenes in immobilized rats, but in dexamethasone treated rats, HMB minimized increased expression of Mafbx/Atrogin. The amount of ubiquitinated proteins, as expected, was increased in immobilized and dexamethasone treated rats and only leucine was able to block this increase in immobilized rats but not in dexamethasone treated rats. Leucine supplementation maintained soleus tetanic peak force in immobilized rats at normal level. On the other hand, HMB treatment failed to maintain tetanic peak force regardless of treatment. The present data suggested that the anti-atrophic effects of leucine are not mediated by its metabolite HMB.

Diseño de una red de acceso mediante fibra óptica

Con el objetivo de consolidar los conocimientos en Sistemas de Telecomunicación, se pretende diseñar una red para la distribución de servicios avanzados, como televisión, internet de banda ancha y telefonía, mediante el uso de la tecnología FTTH. La red será totalmente pasiva, óptica, y de gran ancho de banda, Tipo PON (Passive Optical Network), de manera que el haz de luz del emisor se distribuye hacia múltiples fibras siguiendo diferentes direcciones, o las confina en el sentido opuesto usando técnicas WDM y TDMA. En primer lugar, es preciso realizar un estudio teórico sobre las características de la fibra óptica, junto con las propiedades de los elementos activos y pasivos que interactúan con ella, para poder comprender la tecnología en la que se basa y así ofrecer una solución final acorde a las necesidades que se presenten. Tras un vistazo general a la tecnología de fibra óptica, se procede a estudiar las características y topologías de las redes de acceso basadas en la misma, junto con los requisitos de cara al diseño de la redes y a la gestión de proyectos. Se definirán los objetivos de la red, ya que la complejidad de la red depende de factores como la extensión y cobertura de la misma, o el ancho de banda. Posteriormente se irá diseñando la red en una arquitectura descendente hasta destinar una única fibra óptica para cada hogar dentro de la cobertura de la red. Se detallarán todas las especificaciones necesarias para definir la red, (potencias, modulaciones y tipos de fibra) así como el instrumental y demás medios necesarios para operar con la misma. Aunque el diseño de una red FTTH contempla muchos más aspectos de los estudiados en el presente proyecto, se tomó como objetivo el diseño y planificación correspondientes a una sección de un área de escasa población donde la instalación se tomó como viable, obviando así pequeños detalles y centrándose en el despliegue de fibra óptica. Se pretende así ofrecer una solución de infraestructura doméstica de telecomunicaciones, apta para las futuras necesidades que implican la creciente demanda de servicios como internet de banda ancha o almacenamiento y procesado de aplicaciones en nube. La fibra óptica tiene mucho que ofrecer a las telecomunicaciones, y cada vez es más frecuente encontrar redes de fibra óptica como parte de un servicio de telecomunicaciones, tanto como para particulares como empresas. ABSTRACT. Aiming to strengthen knowledge in Telecommunications Systems, is intended to design a network for advanced services broadcasting, including digital TV, broadband internet and telephony, by using FTTH technology. This network will be entirely passive optic, and high bandwidth, PON type (Passive Optical Network) so that the transmitter beam is broadcasting to multiple optical fibers, branching out in different ways or joining them in the opposite. First, it is necessary to perform a theoretical study on the characteristics of the optical fiber, along with the properties of the active and passive elements that interact with it, to understand the technology that is based and offer a final solution according needs that arise. After an overview of the optical fiber technology, we proceed to study the characteristics and topologies access networks based on that, together with the requirements to face the network design and project management. System objectives will be determined, since the complexity of the network depends on factors such as the size and scope of it, or bandwidth. Later, the network will be designing in downstream architecture to deliver a single optical fiber to each household within the network area. All necessary specifications to define the network (power, modulation and fiber types) will be determined, as instruments and other means to operate it. Although FTTH network design includes many more aspects of those studied in this project, it was taken as objective the network design and planning corresponding to a section of a sparsely populated area where the facility was taken as feasible thus obviating small details and focus on the deployment of optical fiber. This is intended to provide a solution of household telecommunications infrastructure suitable for future needs involving the growing demand for services such as broadband internet or processing storage and cloud applications. The optical fiber has much to offer to telecommunications, and it is increasingly common to find fiber optic networks as part of a telecommunications service, both to individuals and businesses.

Side detection of strong radiation-mode out-coupling from blazed FBGs in single-mode and multimode fibers

We report on the effective side detection of radiation-mode out-coupling from blazed fiber Bragg gratings (BFBGs) fabricated in single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF). The far-field radiation power distribution from BFBGs have been measured achieving a high spatial-spectral resolution (0.17 mm/nm). We have also investigated comparatively the transmission-loss characteristics of BFBGs in both fiber types, fabricated using phase-mask and holographic inscription techniques. Our results reveal clearly that the radiation out-coupling from BFBGs is significantly stronger and spectrally more confined in MMF than in SMF.

Avaliação das propriedades das fibras de algodões coloridos naturalmente e ecologicamente corretas cultivados nos assentamentos do município de Guamaré/RN

In this work evaluate the technical characteristics of the fibers grown in settlements Guamaré, colored cotton seeds were donated existing in the Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Cotton. We sought through the breeding program, raising the resistance, fineness, length and uniformity of cotton fibers, as well as stabilize the staining of fibers in the BRS Topaz, BRS Brown and BRS Green shades and raise their productivity in the field. First, the individual selections to test progeny seeds, and thereafter the hybridization method followed by family selection to obtain variations in the color tones were performed. The BRS Topaz, BRS Brown and BRS Green varieties were produced, analyzed and compared with existing cottons in the region which is the White cotton. The properties amount of impurities and neps, length, length uniformity, short fiber content, fineness and tensile strength of the fibers were sized in Classifiber, NATI, Pressley and Micronaire devices. 10 trials each with 10 tests for all four fiber types were carried out. The White and Topaz fibers showed greater length (32-34mm) and greater resistance (7.94 lb/mg and 7.97 lb/mg respectively) and showed finesse with lower micronaire index 3,71μg/inch and 3, 73μg/inch and a low rate of short fibers. The results were very promising for the use of genetically improved cotton in the manufacturing of fabric and yarn in the textile industry. The fibers were brown colored cotton used in the manufacture of a composite fiber with thermoplastic resin

Seleção de características para identificação de diferentes proporções de tipos de fibras musculares por meio da eletromiografia de superfície

Skeletal muscle consists of muscle fiber types that have different physiological and biochemical characteristics. Basically, the muscle fiber can be classified into type I and type II, presenting, among other features, contraction speed and sensitivity to fatigue different for each type of muscle fiber. These fibers coexist in the skeletal muscles and their relative proportions are modulated according to the muscle functionality and the stimulus that is submitted. To identify the different proportions of fiber types in the muscle composition, many studies use biopsy as standard procedure. As the surface electromyography (EMGs) allows to extract information about the recruitment of different motor units, this study is based on the assumption that it is possible to use the EMG to identify different proportions of fiber types in a muscle. The goal of this study was to identify the characteristics of the EMG signals which are able to distinguish, more precisely, different proportions of fiber types. Also was investigated the combination of characteristics using appropriate mathematical models. To achieve the proposed objective, simulated signals were developed with different proportions of motor units recruited and with different signal-to-noise ratios. Thirteen characteristics in function of time and the frequency were extracted from emulated signals. The results for each extracted feature of the signals were submitted to the clustering algorithm k-means to separate the different proportions of motor units recruited on the emulated signals. Mathematical techniques (confusion matrix and analysis of capability) were implemented to select the characteristics able to identify different proportions of muscle fiber types. As a result, the average frequency and median frequency were selected as able to distinguish, with more precision, the proportions of different muscle fiber types. Posteriorly, the features considered most able were analyzed in an associated way through principal component analysis. Were found two principal components of the signals emulated without noise (CP1 and CP2) and two principal components of the noisy signals (CP1 and CP2 ). The first principal components (CP1 and CP1 ) were identified as being able to distinguish different proportions of muscle fiber types. The selected characteristics (median frequency, mean frequency, CP1 and CP1 ) were used to analyze real EMGs signals, comparing sedentary people with physically active people who practice strength training (weight training). The results obtained with the different groups of volunteers show that the physically active people obtained higher values of mean frequency, median frequency and principal components compared with the sedentary people. Moreover, these values decreased with increasing power level for both groups, however, the decline was more accented for the group of physically active people. Based on these results, it is assumed that the volunteers of the physically active group have higher proportions of type II fibers than sedentary people. Finally, based on these results, we can conclude that the selected characteristics were able to distinguish different proportions of muscle fiber types, both for the emulated signals as to the real signals. These characteristics can be used in several studies, for example, to evaluate the progress of people with myopathy and neuromyopathy due to the physiotherapy, and also to analyze the development of athletes to improve their muscle capacity according to their sport. In both cases, the extraction of these characteristics from the surface electromyography signals provides a feedback to the physiotherapist and the coach physical, who can analyze the increase in the proportion of a given type of fiber, as desired in each case.

Natural Fibers for the Production of Green Composites

Development of green composite from natural fibers has gained increasing interests due to the environmental and sustainable benefits when compared with petroleum based non-degradable materials. However, a big challenge of green composites is the diversity of fiber sources, because of the large variation in the properties and characteristics of the lignocellulosic renewable resource. The lignocellulosic fibers/natural fibers used to reinforce green composites are reviewed in this chapter. A classification of fiber types and sources, the properties of various natural fibers, including structure, composition, physical and chemical properties are focused; followed by the impacts of natural fibers on composite properties, with identification of the main pathways from the natural fibers to the green composite. Furthermore, the main challenges and future trend of natural fibers are highlighted.

Use of dual-grating sensors formed by different types of fiber Bragg gratings for simultaneous temperature and strain measurements

We report on a systematic investigation of the dependence of both temperature and strain sensitivities on the fiber Bragg grating type, including the well-known Type I, Type IIA, and a new type that we have designated Type IA, using both hydrogen-free and hydrogenated B/Ge codoped fibres. We have identified distinct sensitivity characteristics for each grating type, and we have used them to implement a novel dual-grating, dual-parameter sensor device. Three dual-grating sensing schemes with different combinations of grating type have been constructed and compared, and that of a Type IA-Type IIA combination exhibits the best performance, which is also superior to that of previously reported grating-based structures. The characteristics of the measurement errors in such dual-grating sensor systems is also presented in detail. © 2004 Optical Society of America.

The influence of storage condition and duration on the resistance to fracture of different fiber post systems

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of storage condition and duration on the resistance to fracture of different fiber post systems (and to morphologically assess the post structure before and after storage. Methods: Three types of fiber posts (DT Light Post, GC Post, FRC Postect Plus) were divided in different groups (n=12) according to the storage condition (dry at 37 degrees C; saline water at 37 degrees C; mineral oil at 37 degrees C and storage inside the roots of extracted human teeth immersed in saline water at 37 degrees C and duration (6, 12 months). A universal testing machine loading at a 90 degrees angle was employed for the three-point bending test. The test was carried out until fracture of the post. A 3-way ANOVA and Tukey`s test (alpha= 0.05) were used to compare the effect of the experimental factors on the fracture strength. Two posts of each group were observed before and after the storage using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Storage condition and post type had a significant effect on post fracture strength (P< 0.05). The interaction between these factors was significant (P< 0.05). Water storage significantly decreased the fracture strength, regardless of the post type and the storage duration. Storage inside roots, in oil, and at dry conditions did not significantly affect post fracture strength. SEM micrographs revealed voids between fibers and resin matrix for posts stored in water. Posts stored under the other conditions showed a compact matrix without porosities. (Am J Dent 2009;22:366-370).

Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Weakened Roots After Resin Restoration With Different Light-Curing Times

Introduction: This study evaluated the bond strength of translucent fiber posts to experimentally weakened radicular dentin restored with composite resin and polymerized with different light-exposure time. Methods: Roots of 60 maxillary incisors were used. Twenty-four hours after obturation, the filling materials of root canals were removed to a depth of 12 mm, and 4 groups were randomly formed. In 3 groups, root dentin was flared to produce a space between fiber post and canal walls. In the control group, the roots were not experimentally weakened. The flared roots were bulk restored with composite resin, which was light-activated through the translucent post for 40, 80, or 120 seconds. Posts were cemented, and after 24 hours, all roots were sectioned transversely in the coronal, middle, and apical regions, producing 1-mm-thick slices. Push-out test was performed, and failure modes were observed. Results The quantitative analysis showed significant statistical difference only among groups (P <.001). Comparing the weakened/restored groups, composite light-exposure time did not influence the results. Overall, adhesive failures occurred more frequently than other types of failures. Cohesive failures occurred only in the weakened/restored roots. Conclusions Intracanal root restoration with composite resin and translucent fiber posts provided similar or higher bond strength to dentin than the control group, regardless of the light-exposure time used for polymerization. (J Endod 2009;35:1034-1039)

The surplus value of Azorean macroalgae as health-promoting food. Protein, fiber, carbohydrates, lipids and vitamins determination

AICMA 2012 (BIT's 1st Annual International Congress of Marine Algae), World Expo Center, Dalian, China, 20-23 de Setembro.

Estudo da ligação entre componentes estruturais de GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer) e componentes estruturais em betão

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Civil

Performance of Randomly Oriented, Fiber-Reinforced Roadway Soils, HR-211, 1982

Several primary techniques have been developed through which soil aggregate road material properties may be improved. Such techniques basically involve a mechanism of creating a continuous matrix system of soil and/or aggregate particles, interlocked through the use of some additive such as portland cement, lime, or bituminous products. Details by which soils are stabilized vary greatly, but they are dependent on the type of stabilizing agent and nature of the soil, though the overall approach to stabilization has the common feature that improvement is achieved by some mechanism(s) forcing individual particles to adhere to one another. This process creates a more rigid material, most often capable of resisting the influx of water during freezing, loss of strength due to high moisture content and particle dispersion during thawing, and loss of strength due to migration of fines and/or water by capillarity and pumping. The study reported herein, took a new and relatively different approach to strengthening of soils, i.e., improvement of roadway soils and/or soil-aggregate materials by structural reinforcement with randomly oriented fibers. The purpose of the study was to conduct a laboratory and field investigation into the potential of improving (a) soil-aggregate surfaced and subgrade materials, including those that are frost-prone and/or highly moisture susceptible, and (b) localized base course materials, by uniting such materials through fibrous reinforcement. The envisioned objective of the project was the development of a simple construction technique(s) that could be (a) applied on a selective basis to specific areas having a history of poor performance, or (b) used for improvement of potential base materials prior to surfacing. Little background information on such purpose and objective was available. Though the envisioned process had similarities to fibrous reinforced concrete, and to fibrous reinforced resin composites, the process was devoid of a cementitious binder matrix and thus highly dependent on the cohesive and frictional interlocking processes of a soil and/or aggregate with the fibrous reinforcement; a condition not unlike the introduction of reinforcing bars into a concrete sand/aggregate mixture without benefit of portland cement. Thus the study was also directed to answering some fundamental questions: (1) would the technique work; (2) what type or types of fibers are effective; (3) are workable fibers commercially available; and (4) can such fibers be effectively incorporated with conventional construction equipment, and employed in practical field applications? The approach to obtaining answers to these questions, was guided by the philosophy that an understanding of basic fundamentals was essential to developing a body of engineering knowledge, that would serve as the basis for eventual development of design procedures with fibrous products for the applications previously noted.