Caracterização mecânica e térmica da borracha natural formulada e vulcanizada dos clones: GT 1, IAN 873, PB 235 e RRIM 600

Neste trabalho estudou-se o desempenho mecânico e térmico de compostos de borracha natural (Hevea brasiliensis) de 4 diferentes clones (GT 1, IAN 873, PB 235 e RRIM 600) cultivados no Estado de São Paulo, assim como de uma mistura destes clones e de uma borracha comercial, GEB-1. Estas borrachas foram formuladas e vulcanizadas com tempos de 5, 7 e 9 minutos. A caracterização foi realizada por calorimetria exploratória diferencial, termogravimetria, ensaios de resistência à tração, análise dinâmico-mecânica, medidas de dureza Shore A, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia na região do infravermelho. Os resultados permitiram concluir que o tempo de vulcanização e o tipo de clone não influenciaram na temperatura de transição vítrea (Tg) dos compostos. Os valores de Tg obtidos por DMA foram de cerca de -62 °C, e os resultados ensaios de dureza apresentaram valores próximos de 60 para todos os compostos estudados. Os ensaios de resistência à tração mostraram que o melhor desempenho mecânico foi obtido pelo clone RRIM 600. De acordo com os resultados obtidos neste trabalho, todos os clones atingiram as propriedades reportadas na literatura, podendo ser utilizados, em princípio, nas indústrias de artefatos de borracha separadamente ou na forma de mistura.

Jornal da UNESP, 2015, ano XXXI, n. 312

Jornal elaborado pela Assessoria de Comunicação e Imprensa da Reitoria da UNESP

Characterization of the ligand-binding site of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor: the role of glutamate residues 97, 224, AND 235.

Ligand-gated ion channels of the Cys loop family are receptors for small amine-containing neurotransmitters. Charged amino acids are strongly conserved in the ligand-binding domain of these receptor proteins. To investigate the role of particular residues in ligand binding of the serotonin 5-HT3AS receptor (5-HT3R), glutamate amino acid residues at three different positions, Glu97, Glu224, and Glu235, in the extracellular N-terminal domain were substituted with aspartate and glutamine using site-directed mutagenesis. Wild type and mutant receptor proteins were expressed in HEK293 cells and analyzed by electrophysiology, radioligand binding, fluorescence measurements, and immunochemistry. A structural model of the ligand-binding domain of the 5-HT3R based on the acetylcholine binding protein revealed the position of the mutated amino acids. Our results demonstrate that mutations of Glu97, distant from the ligand-binding site, had little effect on the receptor, whereas mutations Glu224 and Glu235, close to the predicted binding site, are indeed important for ligand binding. Mutations E224Q, E224D, and E235Q decreased EC50 and Kd values 5-20-fold, whereas E235D was functionally expressed at a low level and had a more than 100-fold increased EC50 value. Comparison of the fluorescence properties of a fluorescein-labeled antagonist upon binding to wild type 5-HT3R and E235Q, allowed us to localize Glu235 within a distance of 1 nm around the ligand-binding site, as proposed by our model.

Low Cost Techniques of Base Stabilization, HR-312, 1994

This project was initiated in 1988 to study the effectiveness of four different construction techniques for establishing a stable base on a granular surfaced roadway. After base stabilization, the roadway was then seal coated, eliminating dust problems associated with granular surfaced roads. When monies become available, the roadway can be surfaced with a more permanent structure. A 2.8 mi (4.5 km) section of the Horseshoe Road in Dubuque County was divided into four divisions for this study. This report discusses the procedures used during construction of these different divisions. Problems and possible solutions have been analyzed to better understand the capabilities of the materials and construction techniques used on the project. The project had the following results: High structural ratings and soil K factors for the BIO CAT and Consolid bases did not translate to good roadway performance; the macadam base had the best overall performance; the tensar fabric had no noticeable effect on the macadam base; and the HFE-300 performed acceptably.

Warrants for Rumble Strips on Rural Highways, HR-235, 1982

Research was undertaken, sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation, to identify specific locations where rumble strips could be expected to improve highway safety. The objective of the research was to recommend warrants for their use on rural highways. An inventory of rumble strip installations on the rural highway systems in the state was conducted in 1981. A total of 685 installations was reported on secondary roads and 147 on primary highways. Over 97 percent of these were in advance of stop signs at. intersections. Most of the other installations were in advance of railroad grade crossings. The accident experience with and without rumble strips was compared in two ways. A before-and-after comparison was made for the same location if accident records were available for at least one full year both preceding and following the installation of rumble strips. Accident records for this purpose were available from a statewide computerized record system covering the period from 1977 through 1980. The accident experience at locations having rumble strips installed before 1978 was compared with a sample of comparable locations not having rumble strips.

Friday Facts, December 5, 2014, Vol. 235

Bureau of Nutrition and Health Promotion part of the Iowa Department of Public Health produces of weekly newsletter about the Iowa WIC Program for the State of Iowa citizen.

Brain Spectrins 240/235 and 240/235E: Differential Expression During Development of Chicken Dorsal Root Ganglia in vivo and in vitro.

Brain spectrin, a membrane-related cytoskeletal protein, exists as two isoforms. Brain spectrin 240/235 is localized preferentially in the perikaryon and axon of neuronal cells and brain spectrin 240/235E is found essentially in the neuronal soma and dendrites and in glia (Riederer et al., 1986, J. Cell Biol., 102, 2088 - 2097). The sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia, devoid of any dendrites, make a good tool to investigate such differential expression of spectrin isoforms. In this study expression and localization of both brain spectrin isoforms were analysed during early chicken dorsal root ganglia development in vivo and in culture. Both isoforms appeared at embryonic day 6. Brain spectrin 240/235 exhibited a transient increase during embryonic development and was first expressed in ventrolateral neurons. In ganglion cells in situ and in culture this spectrin type showed a somato - axonal distribution pattern. In contrast, brain spectrin 240/235E slightly increased between E6 and E15 and remained practically unchanged. It was localized mainly in smaller neurons of the mediodorsal area as punctate staining in the cytoplasm, was restricted exclusively to the ganglion cell perikarya and was absent from axons both in situ and in culture. This study suggests that brain spectrin 240/235 may contribute towards outgrowth, elongation and maintenance of axonal processes and that brain spectrin 240/235E seems to be exclusively involved in the stabilization of the cytoarchitecture of cell bodies in a selected population of ganglion cells.

Détection et prévention de l'état confusionnel aigu chez des personnes âgées à domicile après une hospitalisation ou maladie aiguë récente : une étude clinique randomisée pilote

Background: One third of hospitalized older-adults who developed a delirium are discharged prior to complete resolution of their symptoms. Others may develop symptoms shortly after their hospital discharge or an acute illness. Therefore, strategies for early detection and prevention of delirium at home must be created and implemented. Aims: The aim of the pilot study was two-fold. First, to develop and test the effectiveness of a nursing intervention to detect and prevent delirium among older- adults who were recently hospitalized or had an acute illness. Second, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of this nursing intervention strategy with this specific population. Methods: A total of 114 patients age 65 and older were recruited in a home health service to participate between February and November 2012. Participants were randomized into an experimental group (n=56) or a control group (n=58). In addition to the control group which only receives standard home care, nursing interventions tailored to detect/prevent delirium were delivered to the experimental group at 5 time points following discharge (at 48 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days). Socio-demographic characteristics, body mass index, medications, comorbidities, delirium symptoms (Confusion Assessment Method), cognitive impairment (Mini- Mental State Examination) and functional status (Activities of Daily Living) were assessed at study entry (TT). Outcomes of delirium symptoms, cognitive impairment and functional status were assessed after one month (T2). Descriptive and bivariate methods were used to analyse the data. Results: The two groups were similar at baseline. At one month following discharge no statistical differences were observed between groups in terms of symptoms of delirium (p= 0.085), cognitive impairment (p= 0.151) and functional status (p= 0.235). However in the nursing intervention group, significant improvements in cognitive functioning (p= 0,005) and functional status (p= 0,000) as well as decreased delirium symptoms (p=0,003) were observed. The nursing intervention strategy was feasible and well received by the participants. Conclusion: Nursing intervention strategy to detect/prevent delirium appears to be effective but a larger clinical study is needed to confirm these preliminary findings. - Introduction : Un tiers des personnes âgées hospitalisées développent un état confusionnel aigu (ECA) et quittent l'hôpital sans que les symptômes ne soient résolus. D'autres peuvent développer des symptômes d'ECA à domicile après une hospitalisation ou une maladie aiguë. Pour ces raisons, des stratégies de détection et prévention précoces d'ECA doivent être développées, implantées et évaluées. But : Cette étude pilote avait pour but de développer et tester les effets d'une stratégie d'interventions infirmières pour détecter et prévenir l'ECA chez des personnes âgées à domicile après une hospitalisation ou une maladie récente. Dans un deuxième temps, la faisabilité et l'acceptabilité de l'implantation de cette stratégie auprès de cette population spécifique ainsi que de l'étude ont été évaluées. Méthode : Au total 114 personnes 65 ans) ont été recrutées entre février et novembre 2012. Les participants ont été randomisés, soit dans le groupe expérimental (GE, n=56), soit dans le groupe témoin (GT, n=58). En complément des soins usuels, une stratégie d'interventions de détection/prévention d'ECA a été dispensée au GE à 48 heures, 72 heures, 7 jours, 14 jours et 21 jours après le retour à domicile ou une maladie récente. Des données sociodémographiques et de santé (Indice de Masse Corporelle, relevé de la médication, comorbidités), la présence de symptômes d'ECA (Confusion Assessment Method), de troubles cognitifs (Mini évaluation de l'état mental) et de déficit fonctionnel (Activités de la vie quotidienne et instrumentales) ont été évalués à l'entrée de l'étude (T,). L'effet de la stratégie d'interventions a été mesuré sur le nombre de symptômes d'ECA, du déficit/état cognitif (Mini évaluation de l'état mental) et du déficit/état fonctionnel (Activités de la vie quotidienne) après un mois (T2). Des analyses descriptives et bivariées ont été effectuées. Résultats : Les deux groupes étaient équivalents au début de l'étude. Aucune différence significative n'a été retrouvée après un mois entre le GE et le GT par rapport au nombre de symptômes d'ECA (p= 0,085), au déficit cognitif (p= 0,151) et fonctionnel (p= 0,235). Toutefois, une amélioration significative a été observée dans le GE par rapport aux symptômes d'ECA (p= 0,003), aux déficits cognitifs (p= 0,005) et fonctionnels (p= 0,000) à un mois. La stratégie d'interventions s'avère faisable et a été bien acceptée par les participants. Conclusion : La stratégie d'interventions infirmières de détection/prévention d'ECA à domicile semble prometteuse, mais des études cliniques à large échelle sont nécessaires pour confirmer ces résultats préliminaires.

Evaluation of Visibeads in Epoxy markings on I-235, HR-554, 1995

In recent years, the nighttime wet pavement retroreflectivity of pavement markings has become an important issue. In a effort to continue research in this area, the Iowa Department of Transportation evaluated the effectiveness of Visibeads in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Visibeads are three to four times larger in diameter then conventional glass beads. This larger size provides for better retroreflectivity under nighttime wet pavement conditions. The areas chosen for evaluation do not have roadway lighting, therefore, making them a good choice for Visibeads. Although the DOT has tested Visibeads in the past with moderate success, it is believed that using Visibeads with longer life markings such as epoxy will improve their performance.

Low Cost Techniques of Base Stabilization, HR-312, Construction Report, 1989

This research project was initiated in 1988 to study the effectiveness of four different construction techniques for establishing a stable base on a granular surfaced roadway. After base stabilization, the roadway was then seal coated, eliminating dust problems associated with granular surfaced roads. When monies become available, the roadway can be surfaced with a more permanent structure. A 2.8 mile section of the Horseshoe Road in Dubuque County was divided into four divisions for the study. This report discusses the procedures used during construction of these different divisions. Problems and possible solutions have been analyzed to better understand the capabilities of the materials and construction techniques used on the project.