O género na construção de personagens 3D: do binário ao fluído

Relatório de estágio de mestrado em Média Interativos

Reconstruction of the regulatory network for Bacillus subtilis and reconciliation with gene expression data

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb. 2016.00275

A critical evaluation of methods for the reconstruction of tissue-specific models

Under the framework of constraint based modeling, genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) have been used for several tasks, such as metabolic engineering and phenotype prediction. More recently, their application in health related research has spanned drug discovery, biomarker identification and host-pathogen interactions, targeting diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer, obesity or diabetes. In the last years, the development of novel techniques for genome sequencing and other high-throughput methods, together with advances in Bioinformatics, allowed the reconstruction of GSMMs for human cells. Considering the diversity of cell types and tissues present in the human body, it is imperative to develop tissue-specific metabolic models. Methods to automatically generate these models, based on generic human metabolic models and a plethora of omics data, have been proposed. However, their results have not yet been adequately and critically evaluated and compared. This work presents a survey of the most important tissue or cell type specific metabolic model reconstruction methods, which use literature, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics data, together with a global template model. As a case study, we analyzed the consistency between several omics data sources and reconstructed distinct metabolic models of hepatocytes using different methods and data sources as inputs. The results show that omics data sources have a poor overlapping and, in some cases, are even contradictory. Additionally, the hepatocyte metabolic models generated are in many cases not able to perform metabolic functions known to be present in the liver tissue. We conclude that reliable methods for a priori omics data integration are required to support the reconstruction of complex models of human cells.

The results of the Campaign for evaluating sphygmomanometers accuracy and their physical conditions

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sphygmomanometers calibration accuracy and the physical conditions of the cuff-bladder, bulb, pump, and valve. METHODS: Sixty hundred and forty five aneroid sphygmomanometers were evaluated, 521 used in private practice and 124 used in hospitals. Aneroid manometers were tested against a properly calibrated mercury manometer and were considered calibrated when the error was <=3mm Hg. The physical conditions of the cuffs-bladder, bulb, pump, and valve were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the aneroid sphygmomanometers tested, 51% of those used in private practice and 56% of those used in hospitals were found to be not accurately calibrated. Of these, the magnitude of inaccuracy ranged from 4 to 8mm Hg in 70% and 51% of the devices, respectively. The problems found in the cuffs - bladders, bulbs, pumps, and valves of the private practice and hospital devices were bladder damage (34% vs. 21%, respectively), holes/leaks in the bulbs (22% vs. 4%, respectively), and rubber aging (15% vs. 12%, respectively). Of the devices tested, 72% revealed at least one problem interfering with blood pressure measurement accuracy. CONCLUSION: Most of the manometers evaluated, whether used in private practice or in hospitals, were found to be inaccurate and unreliable, and their use may jeopardize the diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension.

Tapping the wealth of microbial data in high-throughput metabolic model reconstruction

Genome-scale metabolic models are valuable tools in the metabolic engineering process, based on the ability of these models to integrate diverse sources of data to produce global predictions of organism behavior. At the most basic level, these models require only a genome sequence to construct, and once built, they may be used to predict essential genes, culture conditions, pathway utilization, and the modifications required to enhance a desired organism behavior. In this chapter, we address two key challenges associated with the reconstruction of metabolic models: (a) leveraging existing knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, and available omics data to produce the best possible model; and (b) applying available tools and data to automate the reconstruction process. We consider these challenges as we progress through the model reconstruction process, beginning with genome assembly, and culminating in the integration of constraints to capture the impact of transcriptional regulation. We divide the reconstruction process into ten distinct steps: (1) genome assembly from sequenced reads; (2) automated structural and functional annotation; (3) phylogenetic tree-based curation of genome annotations; (4) assembly and standardization of biochemistry database; (5) genome-scale metabolic reconstruction; (6) generation of core metabolic model; (7) generation of biomass composition reaction; (8) completion of draft metabolic model; (9) curation of metabolic model; and (10) integration of regulatory constraints. Each of these ten steps is documented in detail.

Fração de ejeção e volumes do ventrículo esquerdo medidos com eco 3D e com tomografia ultra-rápida

FUNDAMENTO: O ecocardiograma tridimensional em tempo real (ECO 3D) e a tomografia computadorizada ultra-rápida (CT) são dois novos métodos de análise da fração de ejeção e dos volumes do VE. OBJETIVO: Comparar as medidas da FEVE e dos volumes do VE aferidos pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra-rápida. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados pelo ECO 3D e pela CT ultra-rápida de 64 cortes, 39 pacientes consecutivos (27 homens, média etária de 57±12 anos). Foram analisados: FEVE e volumes do VE. Análise estatística: coeficiente de correlação (r: Pearson), teste de Bland & Altman, teste de regressão linear, 95 % IC, p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Medidas do ECO 3D: a FEVE variou de 56,1 a 78,6 (65,5±5,58)%; volume diastólico final variou de 49,6 a 178,2 (87±27,8)ml; volume sistólico final variou de 11,4 a 78 (33,1±13,6)ml. Medidas da CT: a FEVE variou de 53 a 86 (67,8±7,78)%; volume diastólico final variou de 51 a 186 (106,5±30,3) ml; volume sistólico final variou de 7 a 72 (35,5±13,4)ml. As correlações entre ECO 3D e CT foram: FEVE (r: 0,7888, p<0,0001, 95% IC 0,6301 a 0,8843); volume diastólico final (r: 0,7695, p<0,0001, 95% IC 0,5995 a 0,8730); volume sistólico final (r: 0,8119, p<0,0001, 95% IC 0,6673 a 0,8975). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta série, foi observada boa correlação entre as medidas da FEVE e entre os volumes ventriculares aferidos pelo ECO3D e pela CT ultra-rápida de 64 cortes.

The importance and accuracy of wind power forecasts

Due to the global crisis o f climate change many countries throughout the world are installing the renewable energy o f wind power into their electricity system. Wind energy causes complications when it is being integrated into the electricity system due its intermittent nature. Additionally winds intennittency can result in penalties being enforced due to the deregulation in the electricity market. Wind power forecasting can play a pivotal role to ease the integration o f wind energy. Wind power forecasts at 24 and 48 hours ahead of time are deemed the most crucial for determining an appropriate balance on the power system. In the electricity market wind power forecasts can also assist market participants in terms o f applying a suitable bidding strategy, unit commitment or have an impact on the value o f the spot price. For these reasons this study investigates the importance o f wind power forecasts for such players as the Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Investigation in this study is also conducted into the impacts that wind power forecasts can have on the electricity market in relation to bidding strategies, spot price and unit commitment by examining various case studies. The results o f these case studies portray a clear and insightful indication o f the significance o f availing from the information available from wind power forecasts. The accuracy o f a particular wind power forecast is also explored. Data from a wind power forecast is examined in the circumstances o f both 24 and 48 hour forecasts. The accuracy o f the wind power forecasts are displayed through a variety o f statistical approaches. The results o f the investigation can assist market participants taking part in the electricity pool and also provides a platform that can be applied to any forecast when attempting to define its accuracy. This study contributes significantly to the knowledge in the area o f wind power forecasts by explaining the importance o f wind power forecasting within the energy sector. It innovativeness and uniqueness lies in determining the accuracy o f a particular wind power forecast that was previously unknown.

"Hiper-resposta" avaliada pelo eco 3D após terapia de ressincronização cardíaca

A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca consiste em tratamento promissor para pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca grave, porém cerca de 30% dos pacientes não apresentam melhora clínica com este tratamento. Por outro lado, aproximadamente 10% dos pacientes submetidos a essa terapia podem apresentar hiper resposta, e a ecocardiografia tridimensional pode oferecer uma opção interessante para a seleção e avaliação de tratamento desses pacientes.

Comparação entre a ecocardiografia 2D e 3D na avaliação do remodelamento reverso após a TRC

FUNDAMENTO: A ecocardiografia consiste em método muito útil para seleção e avaliação de resposta à terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (TRC). O eco 3D já tem seu papel estabelecido na avaliação dos volumes ventriculares e fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE) com excelente correlação de resultados quando comparado à RNM. OBJETIVO: Comparar a avaliação dos volumes ventriculares (VDVE, VSVE), FEVE e massa do VE antes e após a TRC pela ecocardiografia bi (Eco 2D) e tridimensional (Eco 3D). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 24 pacientes com IC CFIII ou IV (NYHA), ritmo sinusal QRS > 150 ms, em vigência de terapêutica otimizada para IC submetidos a TRC. Foram realizados eletrocardiograma (ECG), avaliação clínica, Eco 2D e 3D antes, três e seis meses após a TRC. A comparação entre as técnicas foi realizada utilizando-se a correlação de Pearson (r). RESULTADOS: No momento basal, a correlação entre os métodos foi de 0,96 para avaliação do VDVE, 0,95 para avaliação do VSVE, 0,87 para FEVE, e 0,72 para massa do VE. Após três meses da TRC, a correlação entre os métodos para análise do VDVE foi de 0,96, 0,95 para VSVE, 0,95 para FEVE, e 0,77 para massa do VE. Após seis meses da TRC, a correlação entre o Eco 2D e 3D para análise do VDVE foi de 0,98, 0,91 para VSVE, 0,96 para FEVE, e 0,85 para massa do VE. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo foi observada redução dos VDVE,VSVE, além de melhora da FEVE após a TRC. Houve excelente correlação entre o Eco 2D e o 3D para avaliação dos volumes ventriculares e FEVE, e boa correlação entre os métodos para avaliação da massa ventricular esquerda antes e após a TRC.

Estudo piloto com Eco 3D das modificações geométricas do VE após infarto do miocárdio

FUNDAMENTO: Remodelamento ventricular esquerdo (RVE) após IAM caracteriza fator de mau prognóstico. Há pouca informação na literatura sobre o RVE analisado com ecocardiografia tridimensional (ECO 3D) OBJETIVO: Analisar com ECO 3D as modificações geométricas e volumétricas do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) seis meses após IAM em pacientes submetidos a tratamento primário percutâneo. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com ECO 3D de 21 indivíduos (16 homens, 56 ± 12 anos), acometidos por IAM com elevação do segmento ST. Foi feita a análise morfofuncional (VE) com ECO 3D (volumes, FEVE, índice de esfericidade 3D) até sete dias e seis meses após o IAM. RVE foi considerado para aumento > 15% do volume diastólico final do VE (VDFVE) após seis meses do IAM, comparado ao VDFVE até sete dias do evento. RESULTADOS: Oito (38%) pacientes apresentaram RVE. Medidas ecocardiográficas (n = 21 pacientes): I- até sete dias do IAM: 1- VDFVE: 92,3 ± 22,3 mL; 2- FEVE: 0,51 ± 0,01; 3- índice de esfericidade: 0,38 ± 0,05; II- após seis meses: 1- VDFVE: 107,3 ± 26,8 mL; 2- FEVE: 0,59 ± 0,01; 3- índice de esfericidade: 0,31 ± 0,05. Coeficiente de correlação (r) entre índice de esfericidade até sete dias do IAM e VDFVE aos seis meses (n = 8) após o IAM: r: 0,74, p = 0,0007; (r) entre índice de esfericidade após seis meses do IAM e VDFVE aos seis meses do IAM: r: 0,85, p < 0,0001. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta série, foi observado RVE em 38% dos pacientes seis meses após IAM. O índice de esfericidade tridimensional foi associado à ocorrência de RVE.

Frame-coherent 3D stippling for non-photorealistic computer graphics

Stipping, non-photorealistic rendering, non-photorealistic computer graphics