Confluências entre mito, literatura e direito em Édipo Rei, de Sófocles

Pós-graduação em Letras - IBILCE

Funções penalidade para o tratamento das variáveis discretas do problema de fluxo de potência ótimo reativo

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Resposta dos tecidos periodontais aos cimentos de silicato tricálcico associado ao óxido de zircônio ou óxido de nióbio usados no selamento de perfurações de furca em molares de ratos

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

Efeito do gradiente interior-borda-matriz, e do tipo de matriz sobre a entomofaúna edáfica em fragmentos de cerrado

edge effect. Thus, under the influence of the adjacent matrix, fragments undergo microclimatic alterations that accentuate changes in species composition and community structure. In order to better understand edge and matrix effects on the richness and abundance of edaphic arthropods, this study assessed: (a) the difference between habitat (fragment) and non-habitat (matrix); (b) whether there is a continuous interior-edge-matrix gradient; and (c) the difference between matrices for arthropod orders richness and abundance. We selected 15 landscapes, 5 of which contained a cerrado fragment surrounded by sugarcane cultivation, 5 with a cerrado fragment within eucalyptus and 5 with a cerrado fragment within pasture. In each landscape the soil fauna was collected along with the soil and then extracted with the aid of the modified Berlese-Tullgren funnel. We chose the orders Coleoptera, Collembola, Mesostigmata and Oribatida for analysis, and after separation of the individuals we used model selection analysis via AIC. The model type fragment x matrix was the most likely to explain richness, total and relative abundances of the four orders (wAICc between 0,6623 and 1,0). The model of edge distance (edge effect) was plausible to total abundance and relative abundance of Mesostigmata order (wAICc=0,2717 and 0,186). Local environmental variables (soil texture, temperature and relative humidity), and fragment size were also measured to avoid confounding factors and were not presented as plausible models to explain the patterns. So edaphic arthropods, despite protecting themselves under the ground, are extremely sensitive to fragmentation, even with the replacement of natural habitat by agricultural use, such as sugarcane, pasture and eucalyptus. This group should be studied environmental impact assessments because provides important ecosystem se ravincde s inacnludd eisd ainn efficient bio-indicator

Resposta dos tecidos periodontais aos cimentos de silicato tricálcico associado ao óxido de zircônio ou óxido de nióbio usados no selamento de perfurações de furca em molares de ratos

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

Efeito do gradiente interior-borda-matriz, e do tipo de matriz sobre a entomofaúna edáfica em fragmentos de cerrado

edge effect. Thus, under the influence of the adjacent matrix, fragments undergo microclimatic alterations that accentuate changes in species composition and community structure. In order to better understand edge and matrix effects on the richness and abundance of edaphic arthropods, this study assessed: (a) the difference between habitat (fragment) and non-habitat (matrix); (b) whether there is a continuous interior-edge-matrix gradient; and (c) the difference between matrices for arthropod orders richness and abundance. We selected 15 landscapes, 5 of which contained a cerrado fragment surrounded by sugarcane cultivation, 5 with a cerrado fragment within eucalyptus and 5 with a cerrado fragment within pasture. In each landscape the soil fauna was collected along with the soil and then extracted with the aid of the modified Berlese-Tullgren funnel. We chose the orders Coleoptera, Collembola, Mesostigmata and Oribatida for analysis, and after separation of the individuals we used model selection analysis via AIC. The model type fragment x matrix was the most likely to explain richness, total and relative abundances of the four orders (wAICc between 0,6623 and 1,0). The model of edge distance (edge effect) was plausible to total abundance and relative abundance of Mesostigmata order (wAICc=0,2717 and 0,186). Local environmental variables (soil texture, temperature and relative humidity), and fragment size were also measured to avoid confounding factors and were not presented as plausible models to explain the patterns. So edaphic arthropods, despite protecting themselves under the ground, are extremely sensitive to fragmentation, even with the replacement of natural habitat by agricultural use, such as sugarcane, pasture and eucalyptus. This group should be studied environmental impact assessments because provides important ecosystem se ravincde s inacnludd eisd ainn efficient bio-indicator

Optimal reactive power flow via the modified barrier Lagrangian function approach

A new approach called the Modified Barrier Lagrangian Function (MBLF) to solve the Optimal Reactive Power Flow problem is presented. In this approach, the inequality constraints are treated by the Modified Barrier Function (MBF) method, which has a finite convergence property: i.e. the optimal solution in the MBF method can actually be in the bound of the feasible set. Hence, the inequality constraints can be precisely equal to zero. Another property of the MBF method is that the barrier parameter does not need to be driven to zero to attain the solution. Therefore, the conditioning of the involved Hessian matrix is greatly enhanced. In order to show this, a comparative analysis of the numeric conditioning of the Hessian matrix of the MBLF approach, by the decomposition in singular values, is carried out. The feasibility of the proposed approach is also demonstrated with comparative tests to Interior Point Method (IPM) using various IEEE test systems and two networks derived from Brazilian generation/transmission system. The results show that the MBLF method is computationally more attractive than the IPM in terms of speed, number of iterations and numerical conditioning. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Loss of Interleukin-10 Signaling and Infantile Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Homozygous loss of function mutations in interleukin-10 (IL10) and interleukin-10 receptors (IL10R) cause severe infantile (very early onset) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was reported to induce sustained remission in 1 patient with IL-10R deficiency. We investigated heterogeneity among patients with very early onset IBD, its mechanisms, and the use of allogeneic HSCT to treat this disorder. METHODS: We analyzed 66 patients with early onset IBD (younger than 5 years of age) for mutations in the genes encoding IL-10, IL-10R1, and IL-10R2. IL-10R deficiency was confirmed by functional assays on patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses). We assessed the therapeutic effects of standardized allogeneic HSCT. RESULTS: Using a candidate gene sequencing approach, we identified 16 patients with IL-10 or IL-10R deficiency: 3 patients had mutations in IL-10, 5 had mutations in IL-10R1, and 8 had mutations in IL-10R2. Refractory colitis became manifest in all patients within the first 3 months of life and was associated with perianal disease (16 of 16 patients). Extraintestinal symptoms included folliculitis (11 of 16) and arthritis (4 of 16). Allogeneic HSCT was performed in 5 patients and induced sustained clinical remission with a median follow-up time of 2 years. In vitro experiments confirmed reconstitution of IL-10R-mediated signaling in all patients who received the transplant. CONCLUSIONS: We identified loss of function mutations in IL-10 and IL-10R in patients with very early onset IBD. These findings indicate that infantile IBD patients with perianal disease should be screened for IL-10 and IL-10R deficiency and that allogeneic HSCT can induce remission in those with IL-10R deficiency.

Structure and Ionic Conductivity in the Mixed-Network Former Chalcogenide Glass System [Na2S](2/3)[(B2S3)(x)(P2S5)(1-x)](1/3)

Glasses in the system [Na2S](2/3)[(B2S3)(x)(P2S5)(1-x)](1/3) (0.0 <= x <= 1.0) were prepared by the melt quenching technique, and their properties were characterized by thermal analysis and impedance spectroscopy. Their atomic-level structures were comprehensively characterized by Raman spectroscopy and B-11, P-31, and Na-23 high resolution solid state magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR techniques. P-31 MAS NMR peak assignments were made by the presence or absence of homonuclear indirect P-31-P-31 spin-spin interactions as detected using homonuclear J-resolved and refocused INADEQUATE techniques. The extent of B-S-P connectivity in the glassy network was quantified by P-31{B-11} and B-11{P-31} rotational echo double resonance spectroscopy. The results clearly illustrate that the network modifier alkali sulfide, Na2S, is not proportionally shared between the two network former components, B and P. Rather, the thiophosphate (P) component tends to attract a larger concentration of network modifier species than predicted by the bulk composition, and this results in the conversion of P2S74-, pyrothiophosphate, Na/P = 2:1, units into PS43-, orthothiophosphate, Na/P = 3:1, groups. Charge balance is maintained by increasing the net degree of polymerization of the thioborate (B) units through the formation of covalent bridging sulfur (BS) units, B S B. Detailed inspection of the B-11 MAS NMR spectra reveals that multiple thioborate units are formed, ranging from neutral BS3/2 groups all the way to the fully depolymerized orthothioborate (BS33-) species. On the basis of these results, a comprehensive and quantitative structural model is developed for these glasses, on the basis of which the compositional trends in the glass transition temperatures (T-g) and ionic conductivities can be rationalized. Up to x = 0.4, the dominant process can be described in a simplified way by the net reaction equation P-1 + B-1 reversible arrow P-0 + B-4, where the superscripts denote the number of BS atoms for the respective network former species. Above x = 0.4, all of the thiophosphate units are of the P-0 type and both pyro-(B-1) and orthothioborate (B-0) species make increasing contributions to the network structure with increasing x. In sharp contrast to the situation in sodium borophosphate glasses, four-coordinated thioborate species are generally less abundant and heteroatomic B-S-P linkages appear to not exist. On the basis of this structural information, compositional trends in the ionic conductivities are discussed in relation to the nature of the charge-compensating anionic species and the spatial distribution of the charge carriers.

Can we predict which patients will evolve to chronic kidney disease after nephrectomy for cortical renal tumors?

Introduction: While some studies show that patients submitted to radical nephrectomy have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), some studies report that carefully selected living kidney donors do not present a higher risk for CKD. Here, we aim to study predictive factors of CKD after radical nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: Between January 2006 to January 2010, 107 patients submitted to radical nephrectomy for cortical renal tumors at our institution were enrolled in this study. Demographic data were recorded, modified Charlson-Romano Index was calculated, and creatinine clearance was estimated using abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation. Pathological characteristics, surgical access and surgical complications were also reviewed. The end-point of the current study was new onset estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 and less than 45 mL/minute/1.73 m(2). Results: Age, preoperative eGFR, Charlson-Romano Index and hypertension were predictive factors of renal function loss, when the end-point considered was eGFR lower than 60 mL/minute/1.73 m(2). Age and preoperative eGFR were predictive factors of renal function loss, when the end-point considered was eGFR lower than 45 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Moreover, each year older increased 1.1 times the risk of eGFR lower than 60 and 45 mL/minute/1.73 m(2). After multivariate logistic regression, only age remained as an independent predictive factor of eGFR loss. Conclusion: Age is an independent predictive factor of GFR loss for patients submitted to radical nephrectomy for cortical renal tumors.

Mapeamento de solos e da produtividade de plantações de Eucalyptus grandis, com uso de sistema de informação geográfica

Detailed environmental land characterization is essential for technical and financial planning, for both the scientific point of view and technological application. This work aimed at the physiographic and pedological characterization and eucalyptus productivity mapping at Itatinga Forest Sciences Experimental Station (southeastern Brazil), using geographic information systems in order to identify possible cause-effect relationships between forest productivity and soil attributes. The digital cartographic dataset was structured as follows: as primary source of data, aerial photograph and field survey were used and, as a secondary source, topographical, geological and land use occupation maps were used. For mapping wood productivity at age six (MAI6, Mean Annual Increment), inventory data of permanent plots (same species, provenance and age) were used, which were obtained from Eucalyptus grandis plantations. Using simple linear correlation and backward stepwise multiple regression analysis, the dependent variable (MAI) was related with physical and chemical characteristics of the soils. Two standards of contour curves were identified, one with close curves, narrow and surrounding the drainage network, in the steeper and lower altitude areas; the other, with spaced contour lines, in the areas of higher altitude and with plane relief. Six types of soils were characterized as being highly related to the physiographic patterns of the area: loamy sandy to sandy clayey Typic Hapludox (LVAd, 47.5%), clayey Rhodic Hapludox (LVd1, 33.4%), sandy clay Rhodic Hapludox (LVd2, 6%), clayey Rhodic Hapludox (LVdf, 9.1%), Entisols (G, 3.4%) and Fluvents soil (RY, 0.6%). There were large variations in wood productivity in the Eucalyptus grandis plantations, characterized in six classes, ranging from 26 to 52 m(3) ha(-1) yr(-1). These productivity changes were strictly related to soil mapping units. Through multiple regression analysis, we found that clay and organic matter contents were the attributes which most strongly explained the productivity differences.

Pancreatic islet transplantation

Abstract Background No formulation of exogenous insulin available to date has yet been able to mimic the physiological nictemeral rhythms of this hormone, and despite all engineering advancements, the theoretical proposal of developing a mechanical replacement for pancreatic β cell still has not been reached. Thus, the replacement of β cells through pancreas and pancreatic islet transplantation are the only concrete alternatives for re-establishing the endogenous insulin secretion in type 1 diabetic patients. Since only 1 to 1.5% of the pancreatic mass corresponds to endocrine tissue, pancreatic islets transplantation arises as a natural alternative. Data from the International Islet Transplant Registry (ITR) from 1983 to December 2000 document a total of 493 transplants performed around the world, with progressively worse rates of post-transplant insulin independence. In 2000, the "Edmonton Protocol" introduced several modifications to the transplantation procedure, such as the use of a steroid-free immunosuppression regimen and transplantation of a mean islet mass of 11,000 islet equivalents per kilogram, which significantly improved 1-year outcomes. Although the results of a 5-year follow-up in 65 patients demonstrated improvement in glycemic instability in a significant portion of them, only 7.5% of the patients have reached insulin independence, indicating the need of further advances in the preservation of the function of transplanted islet. In addition to the scarcity of organs available for transplantation, islets transplantation still faces major challenges, specially those related to cell loss during the process of islet isolation and the losses related to the graft site, apoptosis, allorejection, autoimmunity, and immunosuppression. The main strategies to optimize islet transplantation aim at improving all these aspects. Conclusion Human islet transplantation should be regarded as an intervention that can decrease the frequency of severe hypoglycemic episodes and improve glycemic control in selected patient for whom benefits of 4-5 years duration would be very valuable. Its limitations, however, indicate that the procedure in its current format is not suitable for all patients with type 1 diabetes.

Frequency and precision of feedback and the adaptive process of learning a dual motor task

This work investigated the effects of frequency and precision of feedback on the learning of a dual-motor task. One hundred and twenty adults were randomly assigned to six groups of different knowledge of results (KR), frequency (100%, 66% or 33%) and precision (specific or general) levels. In the stabilization phase, participants performed the dual task (combination of linear positioning and manual force control) with the provision of KR. Ten non-KR adaptation trials were performed for the same task, but with the introduction of an electromagnetic opposite traction force. The analysis showed a significant main effect for frequency of KR. The participants who received KR in 66% of the stabilization trials showed superior adaptation performance than those who received 100% or 33%. This finding reinforces that there is an optimal level of information, neither too high nor too low, for motor learning to be effective.

Space-temporal dynamics of limnological variables in a floodplain wetland located at Ribeira do Iguape Valley (São Paulo, Brazil) at different hydrological periods

AIM: The main goal of this research was to investigate the influence of the hydrological pulses on the space-temporal dynamics of physical and chemical variables in a wetland adjacent to Jacupiranguinha River (São Paulo, Brazil); METHODS: Eleven sampling points were distributed among the wetland, a tributary by its left side and the adjacent river. Four samplings were carried out, covering the rainy and the dry periods. Measures of pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and redox potential were taken in regular intervals of the water column using a multiparametric probe. Water samples were collected for the nitrogen and total phosphorus analysis, as well as their dissolved fractions (dissolved inorganic phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate). Total alkalinity and suspended solids were also quantified; RESULTS: The Multivariate Analysis of Variance showed the influence of the seasonality on the variability of the investigated variables, while the Principal Component Analysis gave rise in two statistical significant axes, which delimited two groups representative of the rainy and dry periods. Hydrological pulses from Jacupiranguinha River, besides contributing to the inputs of nutrients and sediments during the period of connectivity, accounted for the decrease in spatial gradients in the wetland. This "homogenization effect" was evidenced by the Cluster Analysis. The research also showed an industrial raw effluent as the main point source of phosphorus to the Jacupiranguinha River and, indirectly, to the wetland; CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, considering the scarcity of information about the wetlands in the study area, this research, besides contributing to the understanding of the influence of hydrological pulses on the investigated environmental variables, showed the need for adoption of conservation policies of these ecosystems face the increase anthropic pressures that they have been submitted, which may result in lack of their ecological, social and economic functions.

A core calculus for the analysis and implementation of biologically inspired languages

The application of Concurrency Theory to Systems Biology is in its earliest stage of progress. The metaphor of cells as computing systems by Regev and Shapiro opened the employment of concurrent languages for the modelling of biological systems. Their peculiar characteristics led to the design of many bio-inspired formalisms which achieve higher faithfulness and specificity. In this thesis we present pi@, an extremely simple and conservative extension of the pi-calculus representing a keystone in this respect, thanks to its expressiveness capabilities. The pi@ calculus is obtained by the addition of polyadic synchronisation and priority to the pi-calculus, in order to achieve compartment semantics and atomicity of complex operations respectively. In its direct application to biological modelling, the stochastic variant of the calculus, Spi@, is shown able to model consistently several phenomena such as formation of molecular complexes, hierarchical subdivision of the system into compartments, inter-compartment reactions, dynamic reorganisation of compartment structure consistent with volume variation. The pivotal role of pi@ is evidenced by its capability of encoding in a compositional way several bio-inspired formalisms, so that it represents the optimal core of a framework for the analysis and implementation of bio-inspired languages. In this respect, the encodings of BioAmbients, Brane Calculi and a variant of P Systems in pi@ are formalised. The conciseness of their translation in pi@ allows their indirect comparison by means of their encodings. Furthermore it provides a ready-to-run implementation of minimal effort whose correctness is granted by the correctness of the respective encoding functions. Further important results of general validity are stated on the expressive power of priority. Several impossibility results are described, which clearly state the superior expressiveness of prioritised languages and the problems arising in the attempt of providing their parallel implementation. To this aim, a new setting in distributed computing (the last man standing problem) is singled out and exploited to prove the impossibility of providing a purely parallel implementation of priority by means of point-to-point or broadcast communication.