Mass/charge balance as a tool to estimate dimensional change in polypyrrole-based actuators

The deconvolution of the voltammograms of polypyrrole electrochemistry has proved to be possible through the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance data using the F(dm/dQ) function. This deconvolution allows the evolution of the thickness of the polypyrrole films during their redox processes to be estimated and therefore, the mechanical contraction/decontraction of this polymer as a function of the ionic exchange processes can be evaluated. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NOVEL EVIDENCE THAT BETA-ADRENOCEPTORS OF THE MEDIAL SEPTAL AREA REGULATE BLOOD-PRESSURE AND ELECTROLYTE BALANCE

We investigated the participation of the beta-adrenoceptors of the septal area (SA) in sodium and potassium excretion and urine flow. The alterations in arterial pressure and some renal functions were also investigated. The injection of 2.10(-9) to 16.10(-9)M of isoproterenol, through a cannula permanently implanted into the SA produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in urinary Na+ and K+ excretion and urinary flow. Pretreatment with 16.10(-9) M butoxamine antagonized the effect of 4.10(-9) M isoproterenol but pretreatment with 16.10(-9) M practolol did not abolish the effect of isoproterenol. The beta 2-agonist terbutaline and salbutamol (4.10(-9) M when injected intraseptally also caused a decrease in urine flow and in renal Na+ and K+ excretion. After injection of isoproterenol or salbutamol (4.10(-9) M) into the SA, the arterial pressure, glomerular, filtration rate (GFR) and filtered Nd were reduced while Na+ fractional reabsorption was increased. The results indicate that the beta 2-adrenoceptors of the SA play a role in the decrease of Na+, K+ and urine flow and this effect may be due to a drop in GFR and filtered Na+ and to the rise in tubular Na+ reabsorption.

Water balance in goats under feed restriction

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

Greenhouse gas balance due to the conversion of sugarcane areas from burned to green harvest in Brazil

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

Repair characteristics of horizontal root fracture: a case report

Radicular fractures in permanent teeth are uncommon injuries among dental traumas, comprising 0.5-7% of the cases. Fracture occurs most often in the middle-third of the root and rarely at the apical-third. The present paper reports a clinical case of a horizontal radicular fracture located between the middle- and apical-third of a upper left-central incisor followed-up for over 3 years. The tooth was extracted owing to periodontal reasons. Histomorphologically, it showed pulp-vitality preservation and root healing by hard-tissue deposition.

Development and energy balance of sugarcane in the norte fluminense, Brazil

The growing concern for renewable and cleaner energy sources has increased the demand for biofuels, pointing out the ethanol from sugarcane. The aim of this study was quantify the partition of energy balance components and monitor the physiological development indexes of the sugarcane, relating them to water availability conditions of climate and soil in Campos dos Goytacazes, Norte Fluminense, Brazil. To this end, a micrometeorological station was settled in an area of 13 ha in commercial cultivation. The culture was regularly monitored at 85, 102, 128, 149, 174, 194, 215, 235, 255 and 280 days after cutting (DAC). The variations in water availability directly influenced the rates of crop growth and energy balance. Under the conditions studied most of the available energy (53%) was consumed by the latent heat flux.

Revisiting horizontal transfer of transposable elements in Drosophila

Horizontal transfer ( HT), defined as the transfer of genetic material between species, is considered to be an essential step in the 'life cycle' of transposable elements. We present a broad overview of suspected cases of HT of transposable elements in Drosophila. Hundred-one putative events of HT have been proposed in Drosophila for 21 different elements (5.0% refer to non-long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, 42.6% to LTR retrotransposons and 52.4% to DNA transposons). We discuss the methods used to infer HT, their limits and the putative vectors of transposable elements. We outline all the alternative hypotheses and ask how we can be almost certain that phylogenetic inconsistencies are due to HT.

Interference of high-heeled shoes in static balance among young women

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of the use of high-heeled shoes on static balance in young adult women. Fifty-three women between 18 and 30 years of age and accustomed to wearing high-heeled shoes participated in the study. None of the participants had any orthopedic or neurologic alterations. Static balance was assessed using a force plate. Oscillations from the center of pressure in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions were measured both when barefoot and when wearing high-heeled shoes [7 centimeters (cm) in height and 1 cm in diameter] under the conditions of eyes open and eyes closed. Two-way analysis of variance was employed for the statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at 5% (p < .05). The results revealed statistically significant differences between tests when barefoot and when wearing high-heeled shoes as well as with eyes open and eyes closed (p < .01). With the use of high-heeled shoes, there was a significant increase in mediolateral oscillation with eyes closed (p < .01). The present study demonstrates that the use of seven-cm high heels altered static balance in the healthy young women analyzed, increasing the oscillation of the center of pressure, regardless of visual restriction. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WATER BALANCE and SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION of AN ANURAN COMMUNITY FROM BRAZIL

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Greenhouse gas balance due to the conversion of sugarcane areas from burned to green harvest, considering other conservationist management practices

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Horizontal distribution of megalopae of Brachyura (Crustacea, Decapoda) in a South American tropical estuary

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Static balance and function in children with cerebral palsy submitted to neuromuscular block and neuromuscular electrical stimulation: Study protocol for prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Background: The use of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) for the treatment of lower limb spasticity is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Following the administration of BT-A, physical therapy plays a fundamental role in potentiating the functionality of the child. The balance deficit found in children with CP is mainly caused by muscle imbalance (spastic agonist and weak antagonist). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a promising therapeutic modality for muscle strengthening in this population. The aim of the present study is to describe a protocol for a study aimed at analyzing the effects of NMES on dorsiflexors combined with physical therapy on static and functional balance in children with CP submitted to BT-A.Methods/Design: Protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled trial with a blinded evaluator. Eligible participants will be children with cerebral palsy (Levels I, II and III of the Gross Motor Function Classification System) between five and 12 years of age, with independent gait with or without a gait-assistance device. All participants will receive BT-A in the lower limbs (triceps surae). The children will then be randomly allocated for either treatment with motor physical therapy combined with NMES on the tibialis anterior or motor physical therapy alone. The participants will be evaluated on three occasions: 1) one week prior to the administration of BT-A; 2) one week after the administration of BT-A; and 3) four months after the administration of BT-A (end of intervention). Spasticity will be assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale and Modified Tardieu Scale. Static balance will be assessed using the Medicapteurs Fusyo pressure platform and functional balance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale.Discussion: The aim of this protocol study is to describe the methodology of a randomized, controlled, clinical trial comparing the effect of motor physical therapy combined with NMES on the tibialis anterior muscle or motor physical therapy alone on static and functional balance in children with CP submitted to BT-A in the lower limbs. This study describes the background, hypotheses, methodology of the procedures and measurement of the results.

The copia retrotransposon and horizontal transfer in Drosophila willistoni

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)