Spatial distribution of triatomines in domiciles of an urban area of the Brazilian Southeast Region

Reports of triatomine infestation in urban areas have increased. We analysed the spatial distribution of infestation by triatomines in the urban area of Diamantina, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Triatomines were obtained by community-based entomological surveillance. Spatial patterns of infestation were analysed by Ripley’s K function and Kernel density estimator. Normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land cover derived from satellite imagery were compared between infested and uninfested areas. A total of 140 adults of four species were captured (100 Triatoma vitticeps, 25 Panstrongylus geniculatus, 8 Panstrongylus megistus, and 7 Triatoma arthurneivai specimens). In total, 87.9% were captured within domiciles. Infection by trypanosomes was observed in 19.6% of 107 examined insects. The spatial distributions of T. vitticeps, P. geniculatus, T. arthurneivai, and trypanosome-positive triatomines were clustered, occurring mainly in peripheral areas. NDVI values were statistically higher in areas infested by T. vitticeps and P. geniculatus. Buildings infested by these species were located closer to open fields, whereas infestations of P. megistus and T. arthurneivai were closer to bare soil. Human occupation and modification of natural areas may be involved in triatomine invasion, exposing the population to these vectors.

Risk management for mathematical optimization under uncertainty

We present a general multistage stochastic mixed 0-1 problem where the uncertainty appears everywhere in the objective function, constraints matrix and right-hand-side. The uncertainty is represented by a scenario tree that can be a symmetric or a nonsymmetric one. The stochastic model is converted in a mixed 0-1 Deterministic Equivalent Model in compact representation. Due to the difficulty of the problem, the solution offered by the stochastic model has been traditionally obtained by optimizing the objective function expected value (i.e., mean) over the scenarios, usually, along a time horizon. This approach (so named risk neutral) has the inconvenience of providing a solution that ignores the variance of the objective value of the scenarios and, so, the occurrence of scenarios with an objective value below the expected one. Alternatively, we present several approaches for risk averse management, namely, a scenario immunization strategy, the optimization of the well known Value-at-Risk (VaR) and several variants of the Conditional Value-at-Risk strategies, the optimization of the expected mean minus the weighted probability of having a "bad" scenario to occur for the given solution provided by the model, the optimization of the objective function expected value subject to stochastic dominance constraints (SDC) for a set of profiles given by the pairs of threshold objective values and either bounds on the probability of not reaching the thresholds or the expected shortfall over them, and the optimization of a mixture of the VaR and SDC strategies.

Síntese e análise fotofísica de híbridos de cumarinas-chalconas

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia Química e Biológica, 2016.

Ribeira, técnica versus natureza: transformações em prol de um projeto de modernização (1860-1932)

The necessity of the insertion of the capital of Rio Grande do Norte in the world-wide commercial scene and its claim as the seat of political power, in ends of nineteenth and beginning of twentieth century, determined the direction of urban interventions undertaken by government to restructure the city. In that matter, there were several actions of improvements and embellishment in Natal, which had, as a starting point, the adequacy works of the port, located in the Ribeira quarter, with the aim of ending the physical isolation that reinforced its economic stagnation. Besides the problems faced in the opening bar of the Potengi River, and would complement the required improvements, other barriers demonstrate the tension established between the physic-geographic field and the man: the flooded and slope which connected Cidade Alta and Ribeira the first two quarters of the city.The execution of these works demanded knowledge whose domain and application it was for engineering. But, how the actions done for the engineers, in sense to transform natural areas into constructed spaces made possible the intentional conformation of the quarter of the Ribeira in a commercial and politician-administrative center, in the middle of the XIX century and beginning of the XX? Understand, therefore, the employment effects of technology on the physical-geographical Ribeira, is the objective of this work that uses theoretical and methodological procedures of Urban Environmental History, by analyzing the relationship between the environment and the man, mediated by knowledge and use of technologies. The documental research was used, as primary sources, the Messages of the Provincial Assembly Government that later became the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Norte reports and articles on specialized publications, in addition to local newspapers. The work is structured in five chapters. First, some comments about Urban Environmental History (Chapter 1) supplemented with analysis of the conceptual construction of nature in the Contemporary Era and its application in the city (chapter 02), the following chapters (03 and 04) deal with the rise of engineers as a active group in the Brazilian government frameworks and their vision about the nature inside the urban environment and it is studied how the professional technicians dealt with the improvement work of the harbor and in the shock with the natural forces. Other works that would complement this "project" of modernization and had had natural obstacles to be removed the Ribeira flood and slope constitute the subject of the fifth chapter. Finally, some final considerations retake the initial discussions aiming an association between the technique and the nature as junction elements inside the process of constitution of a Modern Natal

The burden of neck pain: its meaning for persons with neck pain and healthcare providers, explored by concept mapping

PURPOSE: To empirically define the concept of burden of neck pain. The lack of a clear understanding of this construct from the perspective of persons with neck pain and care providers hampers adequate measurement of this burden. An additional aim was to compare the conceptual model obtained with the frequently used Neck Disability Index (NDI). METHODS: Concept mapping, combining qualitative (nominal group technique and group consensus) and quantitative research methods (cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling), was applied to groups of persons with neck pain (n = 3) and professionals treating persons with neck pain (n = 2). Group members generated statements, which were organized into concept maps. Group members achieved consensus about the number and description of domains and the researchers then generated an overall mind map covering the full breadth of the burden of neck pain. RESULTS: Concept mapping revealed 12 domains of burden of neck pain: impaired mobility neck, neck pain, fatigue/concentration, physical complaints, psychological aspects/consequences, activities of daily living, social participation, financial consequences, difficult to treat/difficult to diagnose, difference of opinion with care providers, incomprehension by social environment, and how person with neck pain deal with complaints. All ten items of the NDI could be linked to the mind map, but the NDI measures only part of the burden of neck pain. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the relevant domains for the burden of neck pain from the viewpoints of persons with neck pain and their care providers. These results can guide the identification of existing measurements instruments for each domain or the development of new ones to measure the burden of neck pain.

Controlling the supramolecular architecture of molecular gels with surfactants

Manipulating molecular assembly is significant for achieving materials with desirable performances. In this paper, two nonionic surfactants, Span 20 and Triton X-100, are used to tune the nucleation and fiber growth of a molecular gelator 2,3-di-n-decyloxyanthracene (DDOA). Confocal microscopic images show that Span 20 induces elongation of DDOA spherulites, and promotes fiber side branching. In contrast, Triton X-100 enhances the primary nucleation of DDOA leading to the formation of smaller DDOA spherulites, and promotes fiber tip branching. (1)H NMR investigation demonstrates strong interactions between the hydrophobic tails of the surfactants and the alkyl chains of DDOA molecules.The interactions significantly reduce the diffusion of DDOA molecules. The different effects of the two surfactants could be attributable to their different alkyl hydrophobic tails. The hydrophobic tail of Span 20 is similar to the alkyl chain of DDOA, which could promote the adsorption of Span 20 on the fiber side surface rich in alkyl chains of DDOA.While the benzene ring in the hydrophobic tail of Triton X-100 could facilitate the primary nucleation of DDOA and the adsorpion of Triton X-100 on the fiber tip surface rich in aromatic structure of DDOA. The observations of this work will help the development of a convenient approach to tune the fiber network structure of molecular gels.

Enhancement of ion dynamics in organic ionic plastic crystal/PVDF composite electrolytes prepared by co-electrospinning

Electrospun fibers are widely used in composite material design and fabrication due to their high aspect ratio, high surface area and favorable mechanical properties. In this report, novel organic ionic plastic crystal (OIPC) modified poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) composite fiber membranes were prepared by electrospinning. These composite materials are of interest for application as solid electrolytes in devices including lithium and sodium batteries. The influence of the OIPC, N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate [C2mpyr][BF4], on the morphology and phase behavior of the composite fibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Compared with pure electrospun PVDF fibers, which have an electroactive β phase and a small amount of non-polar α phase, the ion-dipole interaction between OIPC and the polymer in the co-electrospun composite system can reduce the non-polar α phase PVDF, resulting in almost entirely electroactive β phase PVDF. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that the ion-dipole interaction between the OIPC and PVDF can also interrupt the crystalline structure of the OIPC. Solid state NMR analysis also reveals different molecular dynamics of the [C2mpyr][BF4] in co-electrospun fibers compared with pure OIPC. Thus, electrospun [C2mpyr][BF4]/PVDF composite fibers that combine both increased ionic conductivity and almost pure β phase PVDF are demonstrated.

Hydrogeophysical Characterization of Anisotropy in the Biscayne Aquifer Using Geophysical Methods

The anisotropy of the Biscayne Aquifer which serves as the source of potable water for Miami-Dade County was investigated by applying geophysical methods. Electrical resistivity imaging, self potential and ground penetration radar techniques were employed in both regional and site specific studies. In the regional study, electrical anisotropy and resistivity variation with depth were investigated with azimuthal square array measurements at 13 sites. The observed coefficient of electrical anisotropy ranged from 1.01 to 1.36. The general direction of measured anisotropy is uniform for most sites and trends W-E or SE-NW irrespective of depth. Measured electrical properties were used to estimate anisotropic component of the secondary porosity and hydraulic anisotropy which ranged from 1 to 11% and 1.18 to 2.83 respectively. 1-D sounding analysis was used to models the variation of formation resistivity with depth. Resistivities decreased from NW (close to the margins of the everglades) to SE on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Porosity calculated from Archie's law, ranged from 18 to 61% with higher values found along the ridge. Higher anisotropy, porosities and hydraulic conductivities were on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge and lower values at low lying areas west of the ridge. The cause of higher anisotropy and porosity is attributed to higher dissolution rates of the oolitic facies of the Miami Formation composing the ridge. The direction of minimum resistivity from this study is similar to the predevelopment groundwater flow direction indicated in published modeling studies. Detailed investigations were carried out to evaluate higher anisotropy at West Perrine Park located on the ridge and Snapper Creek Municipal well field where the anisotropy trend changes with depth. The higher anisotropy is attributed to the presence of solution cavities oriented in the E-SE direction on the ridge. Similarly, the change in hydraulic anisotropy at the well field might be related to solution cavities, the surface canal and groundwater extraction wells.

Complications of pneumococcal bacteremia after 13-valent conjugate vaccine withdrawal

In the Region of Madrid, universal immunization with the 13-serotypes pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) started in May 2010. In July 2012, public funding ceased. Vaccination coverage decreased from >95% to 82% in 2013 and to 67% in 2014. Our aim was to investigate the impact of PCV13 withdrawal from Madrid Region's universal immunization program on the incidence of complicated pneumococcal bacteremia. We performed a multi-center retrospective cohort study, from 2009 to 2014. Participants were children aged <14 years with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia. Complications were defined as any condition requiring intensive care or surgery. Sequelae were conditions lasting ≥90 days. A total of 168 patients were recruited. One-fourth of both immunized and non-immunized patients had complications. Global complications increased after PCV13 withdrawal. A total of 28% of PCV13 serotypes presented complications. Complications due to PCV13 serotypes did not increase after July 2012. No-PCV13 serotypes increased progressively from 2009 on, and 23% presented complications. A significant risk of complications was found for patients with meningitis, empyema, C-reactive protein >100 mg/L, and serotype 1. A multivariate analysis indicated that complications were associated with meningitis and hospital admission after July 2012. Sequelae were significantly associated with children <2 years of age, meningitis and no-PCV13 serotypes. The incidence of complications due to PCV13 serotypes did not increase two years after PCV13 withdrawal. Nevertheless, all-serotypes complications increased. The likely cause was that no-PCV13 serotypes (associated with meningitis) are on the rise.

Análisis de las sanciones internacionales en el marco del tratado de no proliferación nuclear. Estudio de caso: energía atómica en Irán (2006-2015)

El presente trabajo de Grado tiene como propósito examinar la incidencia de las sancionesinternacionales en el marco del régimen de no proliferación nuclear en el caso de Irán durante el periodo 2006-2015, teniendo en cuenta factores históricos de años anteriores. Se analiza y explica cómo las sanciones internacionales pueden ser una medida persuasiva por violar ciertos artículos del Tratado de no Proliferación Nuclear. Finalmente identifica y analiza los tipos de sanciones económicas, financieras y comerciales que los Estados y el Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas le han impuesto a Irán, así como la manera en que estas han incidido en la esfera política iraní y mundial.

Tiempo promedio del efecto máximo de la insulina análoga en la glucemia postprandial y factores relacionados

Introducción: El tiempo promedio del efecto máximo de la insulina regular rápida en la glucemia postprandial ha sido considerado durante años de 120 minutos. En pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus (DM) que usan insulinas análogas este tiempo y los factores asociados no se encuentran reportados para ser aplicados en el automonitoreo. El objetivo de este estudio fue calcular el tiempo y factores relacionados al efecto máximo de la insulina en la glucemia postprandial. Metodología: Se desarrolló un estudio longitudinal retrospectivo a partir de una fuente secundaria donde se realizó un análisis descriptivo y bivariado con las variables demográficas y clínicas presentes en la población. Resultados: El tiempo promedio del pico máximo de insulina en pacientes con DM1 fue de 78.4 (DE± 16.512) y DM2 75.01(DE± 12.02) minutos. El 75% de la población con DM1 y el 54.2% en DM2 era de sexo femenino, la edad promedio en DM1 era 42.38 años y en DM2 68 años, en cuanto a la categorización del IMC el 50% de la población en DM1 y el 37.5% en DM2 estaban dentro del rango de obesidad y se encontró una relación con respecto al tipo de comida “desayuno-cena” vs el tiempo promedio del efecto máximo de la insulina calculado para ambos grupos (p:0.010). Conclusiones: El tiempo promedio del efecto máximo de la insulina calculado fue menor al tiempo reportado en la literatura clínica de 120 minutos. El tipo de comida principal mostró una relación con el tiempo promedio del efecto máximo en ambos grupos.

The structure analysis and characterization of N-100 by NMR

To improve the mechanics properties of polyurethane materials at a high or low temperature, a hydroxy compound N-100 of HDI was synthesized, The structure analysis and characterization were made by NMR (H-1, C-13, H-1-H-1 COSY, C-13-H-1 COSY), In addition, quantitative description of the network was made on the basis of some ideal assumptions, 1D and 2D NMR can differentiate four sorts of carbonyl groups and establish the connections of all carbon and hydrogen atoms of mixed structures that originated from five different substitutions, Besides, the alkene and isocyanate, urea, biuret and trimerized isocyanuric groups were also detected, Therefore, the structure of N-100 was suggested be a polyisocyanate with complicated network which contained nitrogen atom as cross-linkage, isocyanate and alkene as end groups, The consistence of calculated values with tested values of isocyanate content, mean function degree and mean molecular weight demonstrated the correct of structure characterization and the validity of network description.

Analysis of peptides in prohormone convertase 1/3 null mouse brain using quantitative peptidomics

P>Neuropeptides are produced from larger precursors by limited proteolysis, first by endopeptidases and then by carboxypeptidases. Major endopeptidases required for these cleavages include prohormone convertase (PC) 1/3 and PC2. In this study, quantitative peptidomics analysis was used to characterize the specific role PC1/3 plays in this process. Peptides isolated from hypothalamus, amygdala, and striatum of PC1/3 null mice were compared with those from heterozygous and wild-type mice. Extracts were labeled with stable isotopic tags and fractionated by HPLC, after which relative peptide levels were determined using tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 92 peptides were found, of which 35 were known neuropeptides or related peptides derived from 15 distinct secretory pathway proteins: 7B2, chromogranin A and B, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, procholecystokinin, proenkephalin, promelanin concentrating hormone, proneurotensin, propituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, proSAAS, prosomatosatin, provasoactive intestinal peptide, provasopressin, secretogranin III, and VGF. Among the peptides derived from these proteins, similar to 1/3 were decreased in the PC1/3 null mice relative to wild-type mice, similar to 1/3 showed no change, and similar to 1/3 increased in PC1/3 null. Cleavage sites were analyzed in peptides that showed no change or that decreased in PC1/3 mice, and these results were compared with peptides that showed no change or decreased in previous peptidomic studies with PC2 null mice. Analysis of these sites showed that while PC1/3 and PC2 have overlapping substrate preferences, there are particular cleavage site residues that distinguish peptides preferred by each PC.

An in vitro comparative assessment with a series of new triphenyltin(IV) 2-/4-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]benzoates endowed with anticancer activities: Structural modifications, analysis of efficacy and cytotoxicity involving human tumor cell lines

Four new triphenyltin(IV) complexes of composition Ph₃SnLH (where LH = 2-/4-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]benzoate) (1–4) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, IR, ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer) techniques in combination with elemental analysis. The ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopic data indicate a tetrahedral coordination geometry in non-coordinating solvents. The crystal structures of three complexes, Ph₃SnL¹H (1), Ph₃SnL³H (3), Ph₃SnL⁴H (4), were determined. All display an essentially tetrahedral geometry with angles ranging from 93.50(8) to 124.5(2)°; ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectral data support this assignment. The cytotoxicity studies were performed with complexes 1–4, along with a previously reported complex (5) in vitro across a panel of human tumor cell lines viz., A498, EVSA-T, H226, IGROV, M19 MEL, MCF-7 and WIDR. The screening results were compared with the results from other related triphenyltin(IV) complexes (6–7) and tributyltin(IV) complexes (8–11) having 2-/4-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]benzoates framework. In general, the complexes exhibit stronger cytotoxic activity. The results obtained for 1–3 are also comparable to those of its o-analogs i.e. 4–7, except 5, but the advantage is the former set of complexes demonstrated two folds more cytotoxic activity for the cell line MCF-7 with ID₅₀ values in the range 41–53 ng/ml. Undoubtedly, the cytotoxic results of complexes 1–3 are far superior to CDDP, 5-FU and ETO, and related tributyltin(IV) complexes 8–11. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies for the cytotoxicity of triphenyltin(IV) complexes 1–7 and tributyltin(IV) complexes 8–11 is also discussed against a panel of human tumor cell lines.