Capacity of Active Power Reserve for Frequency Control Enhanced by Distributed Generators

Usually, ancillary services are provided by large conventional generators; however, with the growing interest in distributed generation to satisfy energy and environmental requirements, it seems reasonable to assume that these services could also be provided by distributed generators in an economical and efficient way. In this paper, a proposal for enhancement of the capacity of active power reserve for frequency control using distributed generators is presented. The goal is to minimize the payments done by the transmission system operator to conventional and distributed generators for this ancillary service and for the energy needed to satisfy loads and system losses, subject to a set of constraints. In order to perform analysis, the proposal was implemented using data of the IEEE 30-bus transmission test system. Comparisons were performed considering conventional generators without and with distributed generators installed in the system.

Diastolic function and functional capacity after a single session of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with compensated heart failure

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influence of the Extractant on the Complexing Capacity of Humic Substances from Peat for Macro and Micronutrients Using Continuous Flow: Agricultural Application and Environmental Impacts

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Improving postcryopreservation survival capacity: an embryo-focused approach

The major challenge for a greater dissemination of in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos is to improve embryonic survival after cryopreservation. The involvement of embryonic lipids on this issue is well documented. However, it has been recognized that not only the amount of lipids that affects embryo cryotolerance, but the embryo survival capacity after cryopreservation is a rather multifactorial event. In this review, some strategies to improve embryonic lipid composition and postcryopreservation survival by modifying the embryos themselves to make them more cryopreservable are overviewed. The use of semi-defined and defined serum-free culture media, the addition of some chemicals in the culture media to modify embryo lipid composition, and the modulation of embryo cell membrane fluidity by cholesterol or unsaturated fatty acids added to the culture media and oocyte/embryo donor nutritional management with a diet enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, were described as alternatives for the improvement of IVP embryo survival after cryopreservation.

Influence of beta(S) allele in the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity parameters

Introduction: The oxidative process plays a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia (SCA), and population and environmental characteristics may influence redox balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in Brazilian Hb S carriers undergoing different therapies.MethodsBlood samples from 270 individuals were analyzed (Hb SS, n=68; Hb AS, n=53, and Hb AA, n=149). Hemoglobin genotypes were assessed through cytological, electrophoretic, chromatographic, and molecular methods. Plasma lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity were measured by spectrophotometric methods.ResultsPatients with SCA who used iron-chelating drugs combined with hydroxyurea, associated with regular transfusions, showed lower levels of TBARS (P <= 0.05), higher levels of TEAC (P <= 0.01), and lower TBARS/TEAC ratio (R=255.8). The redox profile of Hb AS subjects was not statistically different (P>0.05) from that of Hb AA subjects.ConclusionThe data suggest that oxidative stress is lower in the patients with SCA who received regular blood transfusions associated with the combined use of HU and iron chelators than the group received only HU. The redox system of the Hb AS carriers is compatible with the control group.

Copper(II) and Nickel (II) Complexation Capacity of Dissolved Organic Matter from Rivers of Agricultural and Urban Areas in the State of Sao Paulo

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Electrochemical investigations on the capacity of flavonoids to protect DNA against damage caused by textile disperse dyes

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Influence of the resistance training on heart rate variability, functional capacity and muscle strength in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with the strength and resistance decreasing in addition to the dysfunction on autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aerobic training isolated or in association with the resistance training showed evidence of beneficial effects on an autonomic modulation of COPD; however, there are no studies addressing the effect of isolated resistance training.Aims. This study aims at investigating the influence of resistance training on an autonomic modulation through heart rate variability (HRV), functional capacity and muscle strength in individuals with COPD.Design. Clinical series study.Setting. Outpatients.Population. The study involved 13 individuals with COPD.Methods. The experimental protocol was composed by an initial and final evaluation that consisted in autonomic evaluations (HRV), cardiopulmonary functional capacity evaluation (6-minute walk test) and strength evaluation (dynamometry) in addition by the resistance training performed by 24 sessions lasted 60 minutes each one and on a frequency of three times a week. The intensity was determined initially with 60% of one maximum repetition and was progressively increased in each five sessions until 80%.Results. The HRV temporal and spectral indexes analysis demonstrates improvement of autonomic modulation, with significant statistical increases to sympathetic and parasympathetic components of ANS representing by SDNN, LF and HF. In addition, it was observed significant statistical increases to shoulder abduction and. knee flexion strength and functional capacity.Conclusion. The exclusive resistance training performed was able to positively influence the autonomic modulation; in addition it promoted benefits on cardiorespiratory functional capacity and strength benefits in individuals with COPD.Clinical Rehabilitation Impact. This study could contribute to clinical and professionals researchers that act with COPD, even though the resistance component of pulmonary rehabilitation presents consensual benefits on several healthy indicators parameters. There is no evidence about the effects on HRV before. Moreover, this study showed, on clinical practice, the HRV uses as an ANS activity on sinus node evaluation and highlights further importance on scientific context.

A magnetically drivable nanovehicle for curcumin with antioxidant capacity and MRI relaxation properties

Curcumin possesses wide-ranging anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and its biological activity can be linked to its potent antioxidant capacity. Superparamagnetic maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3), called surface-active maghemite nanoparticles (SAMNs) were surface-modified with curcumin molecules, due to the presence of under-coordinated Fe-III atoms on the nanoparticle surface. The so-obtained curcumin-modified SAMNs (SAMN@curcumin) had a mean size of 13 +/- 4 nm. SAMN@curcumin was characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, UV/Vis, FTIR, and Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, bulk susceptibility (SQUID), and relaxometry measurements (MRI imaging). The high negative contrast proclivity of SAMN@curcumin to act as potential contrast agent in MRI screenings was also tested. Moreover, the redox properties of bound curcumin were probed by electrochemistry. SAMN@curcumin was studied in the presence of different electroactive molecules, namely hydroquinone, NADH and ferrocyanide, to assess its redox behavior. Finally, SAMN@curcumin was electrochemically probed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, demonstrating the stability and reactivity of bound curcumin.

Assessment of the Removal Capacity, Tolerance, and Anatomical Adaptation of Different Plant Species to Benzene Contamination

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Leptin Effects on the Regenerative Capacity of Human Periodontal Cells

Obesity is increasing throughout the globe and characterized by excess adipose tissue, which represents a complex endocrine organ. Adipose tissue secrets bioactivemolecules called adipokines, which act at endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine levels. Obesity has recently been shown to be associated with periodontitis, a disease characterized by the irreversible destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues, that is, periodontium, and also with compromised periodontal healing. Although the underlying mechanisms for these associations are not clear yet, increased levels of proinflammatory adipokines, such as leptin, as found in obese individuals, might be a critical pathomechanistic link. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of leptin on the regenerative capacity of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and also to study the local leptin production by these cells. Leptin caused a significant downregulation of growth (TGF beta 1, and VEGFA) and transcription (RUNX2) factors as well as matrix molecules (collagen, and periostin) and inhibited SMAD signaling under regenerative conditions. Moreover, the local expression of leptin and its full-length receptor was significantly downregulated by inflammatory, microbial, and biomechanical signals. This study demonstrates that the hormone leptin negatively interferes with the regenerative capacity of PDL cells, suggesting leptin as a pathomechanistic link between obesity and compromised periodontal healing.

Improvement of Pro-Oxidant Capacity of Protocatechuic Acid by Esterification

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of age on aerobic capacity in heart failure patients under beta-blocker therapy: Possible impact in clinical decision-making?

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Assessment of reproductive capacity in females of Smith, 1869 (Brachyura, Portunoidea) during a period of high reproductive activity

The reproductive capacity of the swimming crab Callinectes danae Smith, 1869 was assessed based on the reproductive investment (RI) of ovigerous females and the gonadosomatic index (GI) of non-ovigerous adult females. Crabs were collected in June 2009 with a shrimp fishing boat at Ubatuba (23° 26′S 45° 02′W) São Paulo, Brazil. Overall, 191 adult females were analyzed, of which 108 were ovigerous and 83 non-ovigerous. The size of ovigerous females ranged from 54.5 to 79.8 mm carapace width (CW) and non-ovigerous females ranged from 56.0 to 80.9 mm CW. RI values did not differ among the size classes (ANOVA, p > 0.05), with an overall mean of 15.8%. The same occurred with the Gonadossomatic index for non-ovigerous females, for which the mean value was 11.7%. The regression between the dry weight of the egg mass and the dry weight of the crab (Student’s t, p = 0.25; ttab = 1.66; tcal = 0.66) indicated an isometric relationship for the variables analyzed. The simultaneous occurrence of gonadal maturation and embryonic development in ovigerous females suggests that these crabs may spawn at least twice in the same breeding season and reveals the need for evaluation of the allocation of energy in subsequent spawns.