Hand receipt covering contents of components of end items (COEI), basic issue items (BII), and additional authorization list (AAL) for truck, cargo, 1 1/4 ton, 4 x 4, M880 (2320-00-579-8942)...; truck, cargo, 1 1/4 ton, 4 x 2, M890 (2320-00-579-8991)...; truck, ambulance, 1 1/4 ton, 4 x 2, M886 (2310-00-579-9078); truck, ambulance, 1 1/4 ton, 4 x 4, M893 (2310-00-125-5679); truck, telephone maintenance, tactical, 1 1/4 ton, 4 x 4, M888 (2320-01-044-0333).

"May 1983."

Treatment of partial-thickness burns: A prospective, randomized trial using Transcyte (TM)

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of three burns dressings (TransCyte, a bio-engineered skin substitute; Biobrane; and Silvazine cream (silver sulphadiazine and 0.2% chlorhexidine)), in treating children with partial-thickness burns. The primary objective was to determine the days until greater than or equal to90% re-epithelialization. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the number of wounds requiring autografting and the number of dressing changes/local wound care required. Methods: Study wounds were identified on each patient and the patients were randomized to receive TransCyte or Biobrane or Silvazine. Assessment of study wound closure began at 2 days after treatment and continued at least every other day thereafter until the wounds re-epithelialized or were autografted. A laser Doppler imaging system was used as an adjunct to assessing the depth of the burn. Results: Thirty-three patients with 58 wound sites enrolled in the study (TransCyte, n = 20, Biobrane, n = 17; Silvazine, n = 21). Mean time to re-epithelialization was 7.5 days for TransCyte, 9.5 days for Biobrane, and 11.2 days for Silvazine. The number of wounds requiring autografting were 5/21 (24%) for Silvazine, 3/17 (17%) for Biobrane, and 1/20 (5%) for TransCyte. Conclusions: When used in partial-thickness burns in children, TransCyte promotes fastest re-epithelialization and required less overall dressings then Biobrane or Silvazine. Patients who received Silvazine or Biobrane require more autografting than those treated with TransCyte.

Protease-activated receptor-2 peptides activate neurokinin-1 receptors in the mouse isolated trachea

Protective roles for protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) in the airways including activation of epithelial chloride (Cl-) secretion are based on the use of presumably PAR(2)-selective peptide agonists. To determine whether PAR(2) peptide-activated Cl- secretion from mouse tracheal epithelium is dependent on PAR(2), changes in ion conductance across the epithelium [short-circuit current (I-SC)] to PAR(2) peptides were measured in Ussing chambers under voltage clamp. In addition, epithelium and endothelium-dependent relaxations to these peptides were measured in two established PAR(2) bioassays, isolated ring segments of mouse trachea and rat thoracic aorta, respectively. Apical application of the PAR(2) peptide SLIGRL caused increases in I-SC, which were inhibited by three structurally different neurokinin receptor-1 (NK1R) antagonists and inhibitors of Cl- channels but not by capsaicin, the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37), or the nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Only high concentrations of trypsin caused an increase in I-SC but did not affect the responses to SLIGRL. Relaxations to SLIGRL in the trachea and aorta were unaffected by the NK1R antagonist nolpitantium (SR 140333) but were abolished by trypsin desensitization. The rank order of potency for a range of peptides in the trachea I-SC assay was 2-furoyl-LIGRL > SLCGRL > SLIGRL > SLIGRT > LSIGRL compared with 2-furoyl-LIGRL > SLIGRL > SLIGRT > SLCGRL (LSIGRL inactive) in the aorta relaxation assay. In the mouse trachea, PAR(2) peptides activate both epithelial NK1R coupled to Cl- secretion and PAR(2) coupled to prostaglandin E-2-mediated smooth muscle relaxation. Such a potential lack of specificity of these commonly used peptides needs to be considered when roles for PAR(2) in airway function in health and disease are determined.

Adipose tissue engineering based on the controlled release of fibroblast growth factor-2 in a collagen matrix

Adipose tissue forms when basement membrane extract ( Matrigel (TM)) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) are added to our mouse tissue engineering chamber model. A mouse tumor extract, Matrigel is unsuitable for human clinical application, and finding an alternative to Matrigel is essential. In this study we generated adipose tissue in the chamber model without using Matrigel by controlled release of FGF-2 in a type I collagen matrix. FGF-2 was impregnated into biodegradable gelatin microspheres for its slow release. The chambers were filled with these microspheres suspended in 60 mu L collagen gel. Injection of collagen containing free FGF-2 or collagen containing gelatin microspheres with buffer alone served as controls. When chambers were harvested 6 weeks after implantation, the volume and weight of the tissue obtained were higher in the group that received collagen and FGF-2 impregnated microspheres than in controls. Histologic analysis of tissue constructs showed the formation of de novo adipose tissue accompanied by angiogenesis. In contrast, control groups did not show extensive adipose tissue formation. In conclusion, this study has shown that de novo formation of adipose tissue can be achieved through controlled release of FGF-2 in collagen type I in the absence of Matrigel.

Evidence that interaction between conserved residues in transmembrane helices 2, 3, and 7 are crucial for human VPAC1 receptor activation

The VPAC(1) receptor belongs to family B of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR-B) and is activated upon binding of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Despite the recent determination of the structure of the N terminus of several members of this receptor family, little is known about the structure of the transmembrane (TM) region and about the molecular mechanisms leading to activation. In the present study, we designed a new structural model of the TM domain and combined it with experimental mutagenesis experiments to investigate the interaction network that governs ligand binding and receptor activation. Our results suggest that this network involves the cluster of residues Arg(188) in TM2, Gln(380) in TM7, and Asn(229) in TM3. This cluster is expected to be altered upon VIP binding, because Arg(188) has been shown previously to interact with Asp(3) of VIP. Several point mutations at positions 188, 229, and 380 were experimentally characterized and were shown to severely affect VIP binding and/or VIP-mediated cAMP production. Double mutants built from reciprocal residue exchanges exhibit strong cooperative or anticooperative effects, thereby indicating the spatial proximity of residues Arg(188), Gln(380), and Asn(229). Because these residues are highly conserved in the GPCR-B family, they can moreover be expected to have a general role in mediating function.

Molecular basis for reduced estrone sulfate transport and altered modulator sensitivity of transmembrane helix (TM) 6 and TM17 mutants of multidrug resistance protein 1 (ABCC1)

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) confers drug resistance and also mediates cellular efflux of many organic anions. MRP1 also transports glutathione (GSH); furthermore, this tripeptide stimulates transport of several substrates, including estrone 3-sulfate. We have previously shown that mutations of Lys(332) in transmembrane helix (TM) 6 and Trp(1246) in TM17 cause different substrate-selective losses in MRP1 transport activity. Here we have extended our characterization of mutants K332L and W1246C to further define the different roles these two residues play in determining the substrate and inhibitor specificity of MRP1. Thus, we have shown that TM17-Trp(1246) is crucial for conferring drug resistance and for binding and transport of methotrexate, estradiol glucuronide, and estrone 3-sulfate, as well as for binding of the tricyclic isoxazole inhibitor N-[3-(9-chloro-3-methyl-4-oxo-4H-isoxazolo-[4,3-c]quinolin-5-yl)-cyclohexylmethyl]-benzamide (LY465803). In contrast, TM6-Lys(332) is important for enabling GSH and GSH-containing compounds to serve as substrates (e.g., leukotriene C(4)) or modulators (e.g., S-decyl-GSH, GSH disulfide) of MRP1 and, further, for enabling GSH (or S-methyl-GSH) to enhance the transport of estrone 3-sulfate and increase the inhibitory potency of LY465803. On the other hand, both mutants are as sensitive as wild-type MRP1 to the non-GSH-containing inhibitors (E)-3-[[[3-[2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl]phenyl][[3-(dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl]thio]methyl]thio]-propanoic acid (MK571), 1-[2-hydroxy-3-propyl-4-[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]phenyl]-ethanone (LY171883), and highly potent 6-[4'-carboxyphenylthio]-5[S]-hydroxy-7[E], 11[Z]14[Z]-eicosatetrenoic acid (BAY u9773). Finally, the differing abilities of the cysteinyl leukotriene derivatives leukotriene C(4), D(4), and F(4) to inhibit estradiol glucuronide transport by wild-type and K332L mutant MRP1 provide further evidence that TM6-Lys(332) is involved in the recognition of the gamma-Glu portion of substrates and modulators containing GSH or GSH-like moieties.

InAs/AlSb widely tunable external cavity quantum cascade laser around 3.2 μm

Room temperature, tunable, external-cavity short-wavelength InAs/AlSb quantum cascade laser (QCL) is reported. Wavelength tuning of 85 nm for the spectral range between 3190 nm and 3275 nm has been achieved by rotating the diffraction grating forming the external cavity. To suppress lasing inside the QCL cavity, its ridge was tilted by 7° at the external cavity end. The optimal tilting angle of the laser ridge was chosen by careful consideration of the return losses of the TM-polarized waveguide mode from the diffraction grating in a quasi-Littrow configuration and the Fabry-Pérot feedback from the tilted laser facet. No antireflection coating was used. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.

Consulting Services to Determine the Effectiveness of Vegetation Classification Using WorldView 2 Satellite Data for the Greater Everglades

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the use of remote sensing 1) to detect and map Everglades wetland plant communities at different scales; and 2) to compare map products delineated and resampled at various scales with the intent to quantify and describe the quantitative and qualitative differences between such products. We evaluated data provided by Digital Globe’s WorldView 2 (WV2) sensor with a spatial resolution of 2m and data from Landsat’s Thematic and Enhanced Thematic Mapper (TM and ETM+) sensors with a spatial resolution of 30m. We were also interested in the comparability and scalability of products derived from these data sources. The adequacy of each data set to map wetland plant communities was evaluated utilizing two metrics: 1) model-based accuracy estimates of the classification procedures; and 2) design-based post-classification accuracy estimates of derived maps.

Queilite actínica: expressão imuno-histoquímica da cox-2 e avaliação do diclofenaco sódico gel como uma terapia alternativa

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant disorder which affects the lip vermilion and results from chronic exposure to sunlight. Currently, it is not possible to predict which cases of AC may progress to squamous cell carcinoma, and therefore, some biomolecular markers have been researched. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is an enzyme associated with inflammatory response which is overexpressed in oral cancer; however, little is known about the role of this protein in actinic cheilitis. About the treatment of this lesion, currently available therapeutic modalities to AC may cause cytotoxic effects and deleterious results to patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of COX-2 in AC of different risks of malignant transformation and analyse, through clinical follow-up, the efficacy of diclofenac sodium 3% gel in the treatment of this condition. Epithelial immunoexpression of COX-2 was analysed semi-quantitatively in 90 cases of AC classified as low risk (n = 55) and high risk (n = 35) of malignant transformation, in which the scores were assigned: (0) 0 to 5% of positive cells - Negative; (1) 6 to 30% of positive cells - Low expression; (2) 31 to 100% of positive cells - High expression. The chi-square test of Pearson was conducted to verify possible associations between immunoexpression of COX-2 and histologic grade of actinic cheilitis. The weighted kappa coefficient denoted a good interobserver agreement (0.677). Nineteen patients diagnosed with AC were instructed to perform topical application of the gel three times a day for a period of 90 days. In each biweekly visit, a follow-up record was accomplished through digital photographs and after treatment was completed, two researchers analysed all the images to assess clinical aspects of the lip. Furthermore, tolerability to the drug and patient satisfaction after treatment were evaluated. COX-2 was overexpressed in 74.4% of AC cases. Both low and high-risk groups revealed predominance of score 3, followed by scores 2 and 1. There was no significant association (p = 0.315) between COX-2 expression and histological grading. Among the total number of participants of this clinical study, ten showed total remission of all clinical features of the lesion and three had partial improvement of these characteristics. One participant presented worsening of the clinical condition. In five cases, the treatment was discontinued due to development of mild adverse effects at the site of gel application. Regarding analysis of satisfaction and tolerability to the drug, most patients were fully satisfied with the therapy (n = 11) and reported that the drug was not irritating to the lips (n = 9). Our study demonstrates that high expression of COX-2 is common in AC; however, this protein was not associated with malignant transformation risk of the analysed cases. Topical application of diclofenac sodium 3% gel provided a convenient and well tolerated approach in most cases, and may be a promising alternative for the treatment of actinic cheilitis.

O ensino das ciências e a promoção de capacidades de pensamento crítico em alunos do 2.º ciclo do ensino básico

Relatório de estágio apresentado para a obtenção do grau de mestre em Ensino do 1º e do 2º ciclos do ensino básico

Culture_Arte : a Web 2.0 ao serviço das artes visuais

Relatório de estágio para obtenção do grau de mestre na área de Educação e Comunicação Multimédia

Flat-top supercontinuum and tunable femtosecond fiber laser sources at 1.9-2.5 μm

We report the high-energy flat-top supercontinuum covering the mid-infrared wavelength range of 1.9-2.5 μm as well as electronically tunable femtosecond pulses between 1.98-2.22 μm directly from the thulium-doped fiber laser amplifier. Comparison of experimental results with numerical simulations confirms that both sources employ the same nonlinear optical mechanism - Raman soliton frequency shift occurring inside the Tm-fiber amplifier. To illustrate that, we investigate two versions of the compact diode-pumped SESAM mode-locked femtosecond thulium-doped all-silica-fiber-based laser system providing either broadband supercontinuum or tunable Raman soliton output, depending on the parameters of the system. The first system operates in the Raman soliton regime providing femtosecond pulses tunable between 1.98-2.22 μm. Wide and continuous spectral tunability over 240 nm was realized by changing only the amplifier pump diode current. The second system generates high-energy supercontinuum with the superior spectral flatness of better than 1 dB covering the wavelength range of 1.9-2.5 μm, with the total output energy as high as 0.284 μJ, the average power of 2.1 W at 7.5 MHz repetition rate. We simulate the amplifier operation in the Raman soliton self-frequency shift regime and discuss the role of induced Raman scattering in supercontinuum formation inside the fiber amplifier. We compare this system with a more traditional 1.85-2.53 μm supercontinuum source in the external highly-nonlinear commercial chalcogenide fiber using the Raman soliton MOPA as an excitation source. The reported systems1 can be readily applied to a number of industrial applications in the mid-IR, including sensing, stand-off detection, medical surgery and fine material processing.

(Tables S1,2) Stable isotopes in muscle tissue of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from various regions of the Arctic

The relative contribution of regional contamination versus dietary differences to geographic variation in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) contaminant levels is unknown. Dietary variation between Alaska, Canada, East Greenland, and Svalbard subpopulations was assessed by muscle nitrogen and carbon stable isotope (d15N, d13C) and adipose fatty acid (FA) signatures relative to their main prey (ringed seals). Western and southern Hudson Bay signatures were characterized by depleted d15N and d13C, lower proportions of C20 and C22 monounsaturated FAs and higher proportions of C18 and longer chain polyunsaturated FAs. East Greenland and Svalbard signatures were reversed relative to Hudson Bay. Alaskan and Canadian Arctic signatures were intermediate. Between-subpopulation dietary differences predominated over interannual, seasonal, sex, or age variation. Among various brominated and chlorinated contaminants, diet signatures significantly explained variation in adipose levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants (14-15%) and legacy PCBs (18-21%). However, dietary influence was contaminant class-specific, since only low or nonsignificant proportions of variation in organochlorine pesticide (e.g., chlordane) levels were explained by diet. Hudson Bay diet signatures were associated with lower PCB and PBDE levels, whereas East Greenland and Svalbard signatures were associated with higher levels. Understanding diet/food web factors is important to accurately interpret contaminant trends, particularly in a changing Arctic.

Proposta de estratégia metodológica para a promoção da Cultura Digital de professores do 1º e 2º Ciclo do Ensino Secundário

A Cultura Digital é uma realidade do século XXI, onde as relações humanas são fortemente mediadas pelas tecnologias e pelo digital. O Digital tem mudado o comportamento das pessoas e influenciado o seu meio cultural. O conceito de Cultura digital inclui saber onde encontrar informação, ferramentas e sistemas, necessários para cumprir uma determinada tarefa de forma não só eficaz, mas também mais eficiente. As competências para explorar as tecnologias que o permitam, são cada vez mais exigidas na interação em sociedade. Tendo em consideração estudos existentes associados com as competências TIC, nomeadamente os propostos pela UNESCO e pelo Executivo Angolano no seu Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento para 2013-2017, em que está enquadrada a iniciativa da Rede de Mediatecas de Angola, foi tomada a Cultural Digital e a sua promoção no ambito das Mediatecas. Numa primeira avaliação desde da abertura da Mediateca em Fevereiro de 2014, verificamos uma fraca adesão dos professores na utilização dos serviços da Mediateca do Huambo – Angola. Coloca-se neste contexto a questão do porquê que é que os professores não exploram as TIC para as atividades docentes ou da sua aprendizagem? Desta forma, é considerada a questão de investigação: Quais as estratégias a desenvolver para incrementar a exploração das TIC pelos professores e como a Mediateca do Huambo pode servir de espaço para a promoção da Cultura Digital. Foi realizado um estudo de caso, no contexto da Mediateca do Huambo, em que foi efetuada uma recolha de dados pela (a) aplicação de questionários aos professores do 1º e 2º Ciclo do Ensino Secundário do Município do Huambo para mapear as competências TIC dos professores segundo os padrões da UNESCO e o apuramento da formação e uso das TIC em contexto educativo, (b) pela aplicação de um conjunto de tarefas com o objetivo de verificar quais as competências digitais dos professores e por último (c), a implementação do projeto-piloto denominado “ Mediateca +Escola” com o objetivo de levar à Mediateca professores e alunos para desenvolver um projeto TIC onde os professores teriam uma oportunidade de demostrar as competências que afirmavam possuir. Como resultado final obtido neste estudo de caso podemos concluir que 71,27% indicanos que os professores têm a perceção que necessitam de mais formação e desenvolvimento de competências TIC, 27,50% confirma que os professores creem que têm confiança nas TIC. Em face das respostas com valores negativos que apontam para a necessidade de delinear estratégia para capacitar este grupo em competências TIC de forma a incluí-los na sociedade em rede providos de uma Cultura Digital foi proposto o modelo que permite validar os dados obtidos pelo questionário permitindo também delinear estratégias com vista à promoção da Cultura Digital.

Endoscopic treatment of bleeding gastric varices with histoacryl (N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate): a South European single center experience

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is the current recommended treatment for gastric variceal bleeding. Despite the extensive worldwide use, there are still differences related to the technique, safety, and long term-results. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of cyanoacrylate in patients with gastric variceal bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1998 and January 2010, 97 patients with gastric variceal bleeding underwent endoscopic treatment with a mixture of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and Lipiodol(TM). Ninety-one patients had cirrhosis and 6 had non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Child-Pugh score at presentation for cirrhotic patients was A-12.1 %; B-53.8 %; C-34.1 % and median MELD score at admission was 13 (3-26). Successful hemostasis, rebleeding rate and complications were reviewed. Median time of follow up was 19 months (0.5-126). RESULTS: A median mixture volume of 1.5 mL (0.6 to 5 mL), in 1 to 8 injections, was used, with immediate hemostasis rate of 95.9 % and early rebleeding rate of 14.4 %. One or more complications occurred in 17.5 % and were associated with the use of Sengstaken-Blakemore tube before cyanoacrylate and very early rebleeding (p < 0.05). Hospital mortality rate during initial bleeding episode was 9.3 %. Very early rebleeding was a strong and independent predictor for in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). Long-term mortality rate was 58.8 %, in most of the cases secondary to hepatic failure. CONCLUSION: N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is a rapid, easy and highly effective modality for immediate hemostasis of gastric variceal bleeding with an acceptable rebleeding rate. Patients with very early rebleeding are at higher risk of death.