Reciprocal Effects on Neurocognitive and Metabolic Phenotypes in Mouse Models of 16p11.2 Deletion and Duplication Syndromes.

The 16p11.2 600 kb BP4-BP5 deletion and duplication syndromes have been associated with developmental delay; autism spectrum disorders; and reciprocal effects on the body mass index, head circumference and brain volumes. Here, we explored these relationships using novel engineered mouse models carrying a deletion (Del/+) or a duplication (Dup/+) of the Sult1a1-Spn region homologous to the human 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 locus. On a C57BL/6N inbred genetic background, Del/+ mice exhibited reduced weight and impaired adipogenesis, hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, and recognition memory deficits. In contrast, Dup/+ mice showed largely opposite phenotypes. On a F1 C57BL/6N × C3B hybrid genetic background, we also observed alterations in social interaction in the Del/+ and the Dup/+ animals, with other robust phenotypes affecting recognition memory and weight. To explore the dosage effect of the 16p11.2 genes on metabolism, Del/+ and Dup/+ models were challenged with high fat and high sugar diet, which revealed opposite energy imbalance. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the majority of the genes located in the Sult1a1-Spn region were sensitive to dosage with a major effect on several pathways associated with neurocognitive and metabolic phenotypes. Whereas the behavioral consequence of the 16p11 region genetic dosage was similar in mice and humans with activity and memory alterations, the metabolic defects were opposite: adult Del/+ mice are lean in comparison to the human obese phenotype and the Dup/+ mice are overweight in comparison to the human underweight phenotype. Together, these data indicate that the dosage imbalance at the 16p11.2 locus perturbs the expression of modifiers outside the CNV that can modulate the penetrance, expressivity and direction of effects in both humans and mice.

Estudo das propriedades ópticas em vidros 0,3La2S3-0,7Ga2S 3

In this work we describe the synthesis and characterization of chalcogenide glass (0.3La2S3-0.7Ga2S 3) with low phonons frequencies. Several properties were measured like Sellmeier parameters, linear refractive index dispersion and material dispersion. Samples with the composition above were doped with Dy2S3. The absorption and emission characteristics were measured by electronic spectroscopy and fluorescence spectrum respectively. Raman and infrared spectroscopy shows that these glasses present low phonons frequencies and strucuture composed by GaS4 tetrahedrals. The Lines model was used for calculate the coefficients values of the non linear refractive index.

Surgical treatment of hamstring injuries and disorders – the clinical spectrum from chronic tendinopathy to complete rupture

Hamstring muscle injuries and tendon disorders are common, especially in sports. They can be severe and difficult to treat, often resulting in impaired athletic performance and long rehabilitation times. Previous studies considering treatment of these problems are scarce. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of surgery on different types of hamstring muscle injuries and on proximal hamstring tendinopathy. In addition, we wanted to study the typical histopathological findings relating to proximal hamstring tendinopathy. In the study of complete (all three muscles torn) proximal hamstring avulsions (41 patients), our results showed that early operative treatment gives significantly better results than late surgery, and is therefore recommended. Despite this, considerable improvement of symptoms could also be achieved in chronic cases. In the study of partial (one or two muscles torn) proximal hamstring tears (47 patients), we observed that these injuries can cause significant functional deficit and impaired performance in athletes. The main finding was that after surgical repair most of the patients were able to return to their pre-injury level of sports. In the study of distal hamstring tears (18 patients), the results showed that surgical treatment had a good effect in the majority of these cases. In proximal hamstring tendinopathy, the main problem is pain which limits sports. In this study (90 patients), we found that after unsuccessful conservative treatment, surgery was a good treatment option resulting in full return to sports in most cases. In tendinopathic hamstring tendons, the morphological changes of tendinosis were largely identical to those previously described in other common (e.g. Achilles and patellar) tendinopathies. In chronic proximal hamstring avulsions, and also in reoperations, a large defect between distally retracted tendons and the ischial tuberosity may occasionally prevent anatomic reinsertion. We have described a reconstruction method using fascia lata autograft augmentation to be used in these most challenging repairs. This technique was utilized in the treatment of five patients, with encouraging results.

Membrane interaction of a new synthetic antimicrobial lipopetide sp-85 with broad spectrum activity

Antimicrobial peptides offer a new class of therapeutic agents to which bacteria may not be able todevelop genetic resistance, since their main activity is in the lipid component of the bacterial cell mem-brane. We have developed a series of synthetic cationic cyclic lipopeptides based on natural polymyxin,and in this work we explore the interaction of sp-85, an analog that contains a C12 fatty acid at theN-terminus and two residues of arginine. This analog has been selected from its broad spectrum antibac-terial activity in the micromolar range, and it has a disruptive action on the cytoplasmic membrane ofbacteria, as demonstrated by TEM. In order to obtain information on the interaction of this analog withmembrane lipids, we have obtained thermodynamic parameters from mixed monolayers prepared withPOPG and POPE/POPG (molar ratio 6:4), as models of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, respec-tively. LangmuirBlodgett films have been extracted on glass plates and observed by confocal microscopy,and images are consistent with a strong destabilizing effect on the membrane organization induced bysp-85. The effect of sp-85 on the membrane is confirmed with unilamelar lipid vesicles of the same com-position, where biophysical experiments based on fluorescence are indicative of membrane fusion andpermeabilization starting at very low concentrations of peptide and only if anionic lipids are present.Overall, results described here provide strong evidence that the mode of action of sp-85 is the alterationof the bacterial membrane permeability barrier.

Fourier self-deconvolution in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectrum analysis

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy is rapidly developing into a unique microscopic tool in biophysics, biology and the material sciences. The nonlinear nature of CARS spectroscopy complicates the analysis of the received spectra. There were developed mathematical methods for signal processing and for calculations spectra. Fourier self-deconvolution is a special high pass FFT filter which synthetically narrows the effective trace bandwidth features. As Fourier self-deconvolution can effectively reduce the noise, which may be at a higher spatial frequency than the peaks, without losing peak resolution. The idea of the work is to experiment the possibility of using wavelet decomposition in spectroscopic for background and noise removal, and Fourier transformation for linenarrowing.

Preparação e caracterização do complexo cobaloxima e sua utilização na construção de um eletrodo modificado: um experimento eletroquímico no curso de graduação

The present experiment describes the preparation, characterization of n-butyl(pyridil)cobaloxime complex and its electrochemical property. The infrared and uv-visible absorption spectra were used to characterize the complex obtained. The infrared spectrum of the compound showed characteristics bands that indicated the formation of the Co-C chemical bond formation. The electronic absorption spectrum in acetonitrile showed transition bands attributed to p-p*, metal-to-ligand charge transfer, d-d transitions and charge transfer Co-C. The electrochemical property was investigated by the pulse differential voltammetry technique. Two oxidation processes: Co(I)/Co(II) at -423 mV and Co(II)/Co(III) at 752 mV were observed.

Hybrid LC Filter for Power Electronic Drives: Theory and Implementation

Power electronic converter drives use, for the sake of high efficiency, pulse-width modulation that results in sequences of high-voltage high-frequency steep-edged pulses. Such a signal contains a set of high harmonics not required for control purposes. Harmonics cause reflections in the cable between the motor and the inverter leading to faster winding insulation ageing. Bearing failures and problems with electromagnetic compatibility may also result. Electrical du/dt filters provide an effective solution to problems caused by pulse-width modulation, thereby increasing the performance and service life of the electrical machines. It is shown that RLC filters effectively decrease the reflection phenomena in the cable. Improved (simple, but effective) solutions are found for both differential- and common-mode signals; these solutions use a galvanic connection between the RLC filter star point and the converter DC link. Foil chokes and film capacitors are among the most widely used components in high-power applications. In actual applications they can be placed in different parts of the cabinet. This fact complicates the arrangement of the cabinet and decreases the reliability of the system. In addition, the inductances of connection wires may prevent filtration at high frequencies. This thesis introduces a new hybrid LC filter that uses a natural capacitance between the turns of the foil choke based on integration of an auxiliary layer into it. The main idea of the hybrid LC filter results from the fact that both the foil choke and the film capacitors have the same roll structure. Moreover, the capacitance between the turns (“intra capacitance”) of the foil inductors is the reason for the deterioration of their properties at high frequencies. It is shown that the proposed filter has a natural cancellation of the intra capacitance. A hybrid LC filter may contain two or more foil layers isolated from each other and coiled on a core. The core material can be iron or even air as in the filter considered in this work. One of the foils, called the main foil, can be placed between the inverter and the motor cable. Other ones, called auxiliary foils, may be connected in star to create differential-mode noise paths, and then coupled to the DC link midpoint to guarantee a traveling path, especially for the common-mode currents. This way, there is a remarkable capacitance between the main foil and the auxiliary foil. Investigations showed that such a system can be described by a simple equivalent LC filter in a wide range of frequencies. Because of its simple hybrid construction, the proposed LC filter can be a cost-effective and competitive solution for modern power drives. In the thesis, the application field of the proposed filter is considered and determined. The basics of hybrid LC filter design are developed further. High-frequency behaviour of the proposed filter is analysed by simulations. Finally, the thesis presents experimental data proving that the hybrid LC filter can be used for du/dt of PWM pulses and reduction of common-mode currents.

Genetic Basis and Diagnostics of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases among Enterobacteriaceae in Finland

Since the introduction of antibiotic agents, the amount and prevalence of Beta-lactam resistant enterobacteria has become an increasing problem. Many enterobacteria are opportunistic pathogens that easily acquire resistance mechanisms and genes, which make the situation menacing. These bacteria have acquired resistance and can hydrolyse extended spectrum cephalosporins and penicillins by producing enzymes called extended-spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBLs). ESBL-producing bacteria are most commonly found in the gastro-intestinal tract of colonised patients. These resistant strains can be found in both health-care associated and community-acquired isolates. The detection and treatment of infections caused by bacteria producing ESBLs are problematic. This study investigated the genetic basis of extended-spectrum Beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae, especially in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. A total of 994 Finnish Enterobacteriaceae strains, collected at 26 hospital laboratories, during 2000 and 2007 were analysed. For the genetic basis studies, PCR, sequencing and pyrosequencing methods were optimised. In addition, international standard methods, the agar dilution and disk diffusion methods were performed for the resistance studies, and the susceptibility of these strains was tested for antimicrobial agents that are used for treating patients. The genetic analysis showed that bla_CTX-M was the most prevalent gene among the E. coli isolates, while blaS_HV-12 was the most common Beta-lactamase gene in K. pneumoniae. The susceptibility testing results showed that about 60% of the strains were multidrug resistant. The prevalence of ESBL-producing isolates in Finland has been increasing since 2000. However, the situation in Finland is still much better than in many other European countries.

Disseny pràctic d'un transmissor d'àudio complert utilitzant una modulació AM

Un transmissor d’AM (modulació per amplitud), utilitza una de les moltes tècniques de modulació existents avui en dia. És molta la importància que té la modulació de senyals i aquests en són alguns exemples: -Facilita la propagació del senyal per cable o per aire. -Ordena l’espectre, distribuint Canals a les diferents informacions. -Disminueix la dimensió de les antenes. -Optimitza l’ample de banda de cada canal. -Evita interferències entre Canals. -Protegeix la informació de les degradacions per soroll. -Defineix la qualitat de la informació transmesa. L’objectiu principal d’aquest treball, serà realitzar un transmissor d’AM utilitzant components electrònics disponibles al mercat. Això es realitzarà mitjançant diversos procediments de disseny. Es realitzarà un procediment de disseny teòric, tot utilitzant els “datasheets” dels diferents components. Es realitzarà un procediment de disseny mitjançant la simulació, gràcies al qual es podrà provar el disseny del dispositiu i realitzar-ne algunes parts impossibles a reproduir teòricament. I finalment es realitzarà el dispositiu a la pràctica. Entre les conclusions més rellevants obtingudes en aquest treball, voldríem destacar la importància de la simulació per poder dissenyar circuits de radiofreqüència. En aquest treball s’ha demostrat que gràcies a una bona simulació, el primer prototip de dispositiu creat ens ha funcionat a la perfecció. D’altre banda, també comentar la importància d’un disseny adequat d’antena per poder aprofitar al màxim el rendiment del nostre dispositiu. Per concloure, la realització d’un aparell transmissor aporta unes nocions equilibrades d’electrònica i telecomunicacions importants per al disseny de dispositius de comunicació.

Review of Robust Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Techniques for Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive radio networks sense spectrum occupancy and manage themselvesto operate in unused bands without disturbing licensed users. The detection capability of aradio system can be enhanced if the sensing process is performed jointly by a group of nodesso that the effects of wireless fading and shadowing can be minimized. However, taking acollaborative approach poses new security threats to the system as nodes can report falsesensing data to reach a wrong decision. This paper makes a review of secure cooperativespectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks. The main objective of these protocols is toprovide an accurate resolution about the availability of some spectrum channels, ensuring thecontribution from incapable users as well as malicious ones is discarded. Issues, advantagesand disadvantages of such protocols are investigated and summarized.

El comentario de textos electrónicos = Commentary on electronic texts

When sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, we read and write different kinds of texts (chats, blogs, websites,etc.) and do so differently (with links, photographs, icons, etc.). However, we still comment on as many texts as in the pastin both public and private spheres. After setting out some typical features of reading and writing electronic texts, we givesome examples of students' colloquial commentary out of school, list some of the commonest academic tasks and offersome ideas and make some recommendations for making progress in this field

Theoretical investigation of electronic excitation transfer between chlorophylls in light-harvesting antenna of photosystem ii using quantum computers

The excitation energy transfer between chlorophylls in major and minor antenna complexes of photosystem II (PSII) was investigated using quantum Fourier transforms. These transforms have an important role in the efficiency of quantum algorithms of quantum computers. The equation 2n=N was used to make the connection between excitation energy transfers using quantum Fourier transform, where n is the number of qubits required for simulation of transfers and N is the number of chlorophylls in the antenna complexes.