Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ativação de receptores nicotínicos modula a atividade de células dendríticas OVA sensibilizadas

PINHEIRO, M. L. Nicotinic receptors activation modulates OVA sensitized dendritic cells activity [Ativacao de receptors nicotinicos modula a atividade de celulas dendriticas OVA sensibilizadas] 2011. 105 f. Tese (Doutorado) Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, 2011. Immune responses might be regulated by the SNS and by PNS. Recently, it was shown the existence of a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway that connects vagus nerve afferent/efferent fibers to immune system cells within some organs. These connections make possible a neural control of the inflammatory response both throught a direct and reflex mechanism; the so called “inflammatory reflex”. Therefore, we thougth that it would be relevant to study the influences of PNS on DCs function in an antigen specific inflammatory process induced by OVA. As pharmacological tools: Bethanechol (muscarinic agonist), Atropine (muscarinic antagonist), Anabasine (nicotinic agonist) and Mecamylamine (nicotinic antagonist) were used. We showed that anabasine increased the percentage of splenocytes expressing co-stimulatory molecules (B7.1 and B7.2) and decreased IL-12p40 production in co-cultured (adherent:non-adherent) splenocytes supernatant. Bethanechol had no effects on DCs phenotype and cytokines production whatsoever. Mecamylamine and atropine also had no effects on DCs phenotype and on cytokines production, as well. Anabasine: decreased co-stimulatory molecules (B7.1 and B7.2) expression on DCs present in lymph nodes.Anabasine also decreased MHC-II expression, while increased the co-stimulatory molecules (B7.1 and B7.2) expression on DCs present in the spleen.Additionally, anabasine decreased intracellular IL-12 expression, while increased NF-B expression in splenocytes culture. Interestingly, anabasine decreased both TNF and MCP-1 and increased IL-6 serum levels. Anabasine also decreased a delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response in OVA-sensitized mice. Moreover, Anabasine increased both MHC-II expression and
Application of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy to the complete analysis of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of d-biotin in aqueous solution

The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of d-biotin were observed at 400 and 100 MHz, respectively. Various types of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy were performed to assign the spectra. The previous assignment of 13C NMR spectrum of d-biotin reported by Bradbury and Johnson was modified, and the dihedral angles between the CH bonds of the ring were determined. The populations of the conformers produced by internal rotation around the C-2C-δ bond were estimated.
The Effects of Consumption L-Arabinose on Metabolic Syndrome in Humans

Abstract: On the basis of results in rat, L-arabinose decreased total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and enhanced the glucose tolerance. The primary purposes of the present study was to determine the effects of consumption L-arabinose on metabolic syndrome in humans. All volunteers received L-Arabinose by dissolving it in water. The volunteers didnâ€™t change the diet habits and lifestyles during the whole experiment. The trial lasted for 6 months, and experimental indicators were assayed every two months, which including weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, TG, TC, HDLC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), fasting plasma glucose, erum uric acid, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Our results showed that the L-arabinose decreased waist circumference, TC, fasting glucose, serum uric acid, ALT and slightly increased HDLC and slightly decreased diastolic blood pressure after 6 months. A tendency for decreased waist circumference, TC, fasting glucose, serum uric acid, ALT after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment with L-arabinose was observed. In addition, L-arabinose decreased TC, LDLC and body weight. No effects on Scr, BUN, AST. In conclusions , L-arabinose would reduce most the metabolic syndrome risk factors(decreased circumference, TC, fasting glucose, and so on), and treat the metabolic syndrome as a whole. The present study would provides strong evidence that long-term received L-arabinose would be manage metabolic syndrome.
FACTORS AFFECTING ETHYLENE ACCUMULATION IN A NORFOLK SANDY LOAM SOIL

Laboratory incubation studies of a Norfolk sandy loam (Typic Paleudult), a soil typical of the southeastern Coastal Plains, were conducted to assess factors affecting ethylene accumulation. Soil from the Ap horizon accumulated more ethylene than soil from either the A2 or B horizon. In the presence of initially high oxygen and methionine, the Ap soil accumulated 35 nanograms of ethylene per gram of soil in 14 days. The same soil with methionine incubated under initial oxygen levels less than 10 percent, however, accumulated less than 5 nanograms per gram of ethylene in 14 days. When incubated under low (< 1 percent) initial oxygen concentrations, ethylene accumulation from soils from all three horizons was unaffected by the addition of methionine. Since methionine did not increase the ethylene concentration in soil with low oxygen concentrations, significant methionine-induced ethylene accumulation in the fields of Norfolk sandy loam does not appear probable. Unamended Ap soil incubated under high oxygen levels did not accumulate significant ethylene unless the water content was near saturation (> 28 percent water by weight). Adding finely ground Bermudagrass residue (0.5 to 2.0 percent) induced an increase in ethylene accumulation. The time required for peak ethylene accumulation decreased with increasing amounts of added plant residue. Nitrate, particularly at concentrations greater than 75 milligrams per kilogram, suppressed the accumulation of ethylene. The research suggests that ethylene accumulation in Norfolk sandy loam is enhanced by high moisture, low oxygen, and added organic matter, and is suppressed by high nitrate concentrations.
Identification of organic solvents by a virtual multisensor system with hierarchical classification

To improve the selectivity of semiconductor gas sensors temperature modulation is often used We present a study showing the potential of this technique with information gained comparable to multisensor systems. A dynamic operating mode coupled with a low complexity evaluation strategy allows identification of six organic solvent vapors over a wide concentration range (2 - 200 ppm) with a single sensor, for example for leak detection systems. The system features low false alarm rates, in addition interference by other gases such as CO or NO/sub 2/ can be suppressed For even higher identification power switching on-line between different temperature cycles was studied, which provides better information for critical decisions.
Evaluación de la presencia de confusión en algunos miembros de la familia exponencial

A technique to detect confounding, which is recommended in the literature to detect confounders in the Cox models, is adapted and applied to some models of the exponential family. The aim is to assess whether this technique is useful in the logistic, Poisson and linear models. An alternative technique, based on the odds, is proposed for the case of the logistic model. The results show that the techniques have a similar behavior when confusion is present in the model; however, the proposed technique proved to be more effective in scenarios in which this phenomenon was absent.
Bound to continuum superlattice miniband long wavelength GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs photoconductors

We have measured and theoretically analyzed the optical absorption and hot electron transport physics of a new long wavelength (λ=5–9 μm) infrared miniband photoconductor based on a GaAs/AlxGa1−x superlattice. The optical absorption photoexcites an electron from the lowest miniband below the barriers to the excited state which is designed to be above the top of the barriers. This bound to continuum absorption leads to more than an order of magnitude improvement in electron transport and detector performance, compared with previous bound state miniband photoconductors.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Minimally Processed Mango and Pineapple Fruits

ABSTRACT: Market increase efforts for tropical fruits have been previously limited by short shelf life. A modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system for pineapple and mango was developed to increase shelf life of the fruits. Sample preparation consisted of hand-peeling, dicing, blanching, dipping in ascorbic acid and packaging. The treatments were: gas mixture (4% O2, 10% CO2 and 86% N2); vacuum packaging; 100% oxygen, and control. Microbial growth, texture, and color were significantly (P < 0.005) different between the gas and other treatments. The gas mixture treatment achieved the longest shelf life. The sensory analysis showed slight difference between fresh and MAP mango and no difference between fresh and MAP pineapple. MAP could be used as a technology to extend the shelf life of mango and pineapple.
Change of Damage Mechanism by the Frequency of Applied Pulsed DC in the Ge2Sb2Te5 Line

We investigated the damage on the Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 line structure by pulsed-dc stressing with various frequencies. The line immediately burnt out due to Joule heating under constant dc stress 2.5 MA/cm 2 . However, when pulsed dc 2.5 MA/cm 2 was stressed at the frequency of 5 MHz, failure due to thermal fatigue damage was observed. At higher frequency such as 10 MHz, no noticeable damage was observed, yet the compositional change in constitutive elements by electromigration was detected. The change of damage mechanism by varying of frequency is explained by the difference in thermal cycling extent in response to the pulsed-current operation at various frequencies, which is computed using a finite-difference method.
Localized intermolecular electronic coupling in two-dimensional self-assembled 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide nanoarchitectures

Tailoring the structural and electronic properties of perylene diimide derivative films is essential for developing next generation organic photovoltaic devices. Here we show that 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) molecules self-assemble into a new two-dimensional structure after annealing. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) reveals strong localized inter-molecular electronic coupling at room temperature when molecules are arranged in a side-by-side packing.
ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI SPECIES IN LONG-TERM SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Soil fertility management systems (SFMS) can influence the community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Hence, long-term SFMS was studied. The SFMS comprised three legume combinations, urea application and solely maize as control. Spores were extracted by wet sieving, characterized and identified using their morphology. Interrelationships between cropping systems and occurrence of AMF species were analyzed with genotype by environment (GGE) biplot. Seventeen species were identified with Glomus species (47.05%) having highest value while Gigaspora species had the least (11.76%). Legume residues significantly (P < 0.05) increased spore population with the highest spore count (120 spores/100 g soil) obtained in plot under cowpea residue. Shannon Weiner index (H′) of maize/Lablab purpureus plot was highest (1.996) while that of sole maize system was the least (1.550). The GGE indicated Glomus intraradices as a stable species across all the SFMS. Community structure of AMF and function can be preserved using appropriate SFMS.
The crystal structure of ganomalite, Pb9Ca5.44Mn0.56Si9O33

A redetermination of the crystal structure of ganomalite, with composition PbgCas.44(1)MnO.S6( 1)Sig033, using new single crystal X-ray diffraction data is reported. Hexagonal space group symmetry P6, with Z = I and unit cell parameters a = 9.8456(3) A and c = 10.1438(4) A. The refinement of a structural model based on the PbSGe3011 structure, with a partially occupied manganese position, resulted in an R-value of 0.031. The arrangement of the Si04 tetrahedra in ganomalite is an intermediate between the nasonite and pyromorphite structure, and the structure can be described as containing "lead tunnels" based on Pb9021 units extending through the structure.
Variation of the Backbone Conjugation in NLO Model Compounds: Torsion‐Angle‐Restricted, Biphenyl‐Based Push‐Pull‐Systems

Terminal piperidinyl- and nitro-functionalized biphenyls, bridged between the 2 and 2prime positions by a variable number of methylene groups, are synthesized and fully characterized. These push-pull systems with defined and restricted torsion angles between their phenyl rings are ideal model compounds to investigate the influence of the chromophore's conjugation in nonlinear optic (NLO) responses. A general synthetic route that can be implemented to access these model compounds is reported, starting from dibromo or ditriflate biphenyls. Hartwig-Buchwald cross-coupling, a selective azacycloalkylation of diaminobiphenyls and a mild oxidation of primary amines to nitro groups in the presence of a tertiary amine summarizes the synthetic pathway towards the desired model compounds. NLO properties of the series of torsionally constrained push-pull biphenyls are collected by electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation (EFISH) experiments. The results agree qualitatively with semi-empirical simulations based on the AM1 Hamiltonian. A linear dependence of the quadratic response on the cos2(Phi) of the inter-aryl dihedral angle is observed, which points to oscillator strength loss as the dominant effect of increasing backbone twist.
Drying-Induced Cracks in Thin Film Fabricated from Colloidal Dispersions

As a colloidal dispersion is coated and dried on a nonporous rigid substrate, the enormous stresses developing during the drying process can fracture the thin film. The drying-induced cracks can produce serous technological consequences and even destroy the efficacy of coatings, which is not desirable in most industrial cases. Therefore, as the first step of controlling cracks in thin film, understanding of crack properties and cracking mechanisms leading to fracture is of vital significance. Although numerous experiments and models have been proposed for cracking during drying of colloidal dispersions, there is little consensus on even the most basic mechanisms, and the effect of heat transfer on cracks as well as optimization of drying process are rarely taken into account. Additional, the broad employments of nanosuspensions bring both opportunities and challenges for this area. This review will give a comprehensive physical picture of thin film fabrication by drying of colloidal dispersions and cracking phenomenon, present current investigations for drying-induced cracks, and point out some prospects for cracking researches especially for industrial R&D, as well as propose combination of thin film preparation with drying technique for exploring crack-free thin film.
Effectofviscoelasticityondropdynamicsin5:1:5contraction/expansion microchannelflow

Recently, we reported how viscoelasticity affects drop dynamics in a microchannel flow using the finite element-front tracking method (FE-FTM). In this work, we investigate drop dynamics for a wider range of parameters: viscosity ratio between droplet and medium (), capillary number (Ca), droplet size, and fluid elasticity. The Oldroyd-B model is adopted as the constitutive equation for the viscoelastic fluid. We observe that the drop deformation in a microfluidic channel is dependent on Ca ,w hich is more pronounced for smaller values. The present work shows that viscoelasticity plays an important role in drop dynamics with increasing values for Newtonian droplet in viscoelastic medium, which can be attributed to high normal stress developed in narrow film thickness between droplet and channel for higher values. We also study circulation problem inside droplets, which is important in practice, such as in droplet reactor application. The present work shows that circulation intensity is enhanced with decreasing values. We find that the relevance of viscoelastic effects on internal circulation is dependent on values, and the circulation intensity is distinctively decreased with increasing elasticity for high values for Newtonian droplet in viscoelastic medium. We expect that the present work be helpful not only in controlling droplets but also to improve our physical insight on drop dynamics in microchannel flows.
Improved Open Circuit Voltage in Nano-Porous Silicon Based Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Hydrogen fuel cell generates electrical energy from the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with water vapor as a by-product. Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) which are normally utilized for portable applications are not only costly due to platinum electrodes, polymer membrane and supply of hydrogen or methanol as a fuel but also not integrable with silicon fabrication technology. Novel fuel cell based on nanoporous silicon (PS) as Metal/nanoPS/silicon Schottky type structure is under development and Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) upto 550 mV with Au as anode catalyst has been reported. Such fuel cell uses nanoporous silicon layer as proton exchange membrane. This type of structure is found to show humidity-voltaic effect i.e. generation of voltage in humid ambient. Humidity-stimulated voltage generation is facilitated by the hydrogen component of water present in the atmosphere. In the present work, our main objective was to improve Voc. We achieved Voc upto 1.118 V by restricting the pore size of nanoporous silicon to 4-5 nm and thickness of the Cu film to 100 nm. These results suggest that this type of fuel cell could be utilized to develop self-powered integrated circuit.
Structure‐Based Design of Nonpeptidic Thrombin Inhibitors: Exploring the D‐Pocket and the Oxyanion Hole

Structure-activity relationships for new members of a class of nonpeptidic, low-molecular-weight inhibitors of thrombin, a key serine protease in the blood coagulation cascade, are described. These compounds, which originate from X-ray-structure-based design, feature a conformationally rigid, bi- or tricyclic core from which side chains diverge into the four major binding pockets (distal D, proximal P, recognition or specificity S1, and oxyanion hole O) at the thrombin active site (Fig. 1). Phenylamidinium is the side chain of choice for the S1 pocket, while the most active inhibitors orient an i-Pr group into the P-pocket (Table 1). The key step in the synthesis of the inhibitors is the construction of the central bi- or tricyclic scaffold by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an in situ prepared azomethine ylide and an N-substituted maleimide (Schemes 1–3, and 8–10). One series of compounds was designed to explore the binding features of the large hydrophobic D pocket. This pocket provides space for lipophilic residues as bulky as benzhydryl groups. A new strategy was developed, allowing introduction of these sterically demanding substituents very late in the synthesis (Schemes 5 and 6). Benzhydryl derivative (±)-2 was found to be the most selective member (Ki (trypsin)/Ki (thrombin)=1200) of this class of nonpeptidic thrombin inhibitors, while the ‘dipiperonyl' analog (±)-3 (Ki=9 nM, 7.60-fold selectivity) displays the highest potency of all compounds prepared so far (Table 1). A second series of inhibitors features side chains designed to orient into the oxyanion hole and to undergo H-bonding with the backbone NH groups lining the catalytic site of the enzyme. Unfortunately, neither activity nor selectivity could be substantially improved by introduction of these substituents (Table 2). Presumably, the high degree of pre-organization and the rigidity of the tightly bound scaffolds prevents the new substituents from assuming a position that would allow favorable interactions in the oxyanion hole. However, the oxyanion hole and the S1′ pocket next to it were found to be capable of accommodating quite large groups, which leaves much room for further exploration.
Distribution of chain ends at the surface of a polymer melt: Compensation effects and surface tension

We consider the surface of a nearly incompressible polymer melt, extending the usual ground-state analysis of self-consistent field theory to describe finite length polymers in the ground-state potential. To maintain self-consistency, further corrections to the potential are calculated within linear response theory. From this, we find an excess of ends near the surface, followed by a compensating depletion on the Rg length scale, which relies crucially on the finite compressibility of the melt. The attraction of ends to the surface can be described as resulting from a surface potential for ends with a strength on the order of kBT. Our results address the long-standing controversies of the distribution of chain ends, the chain-length dependence of the surface tension, and the interaction between objects immersed in a melt. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Deuterium Isotope Effect on Solution Behavior of Thermoresponsive Star-Shaped Poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)

Thermosensitive star-shaped poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (molar mass M≈21000 g mol−1) in D2O solution was studied by the static and dynamic light scattering methods. The behavior of the polymer investigated in deuterated water is similar qualitatively to that observed previously in undeuterated water. At the same time, the considerable quantitative changes of polymer behavior in D2O were seen. Deuterium substitution of solvent affects the phase transition temperature by decreasing its value by 1°C. The temperature interval of phase transition in D2O solution expands (by about 1°C) in comparison with that in H2O solution.
Screening of supports for immobilization of commercial porcine pancreatic lipase

The aim of this work is to report the performance of different supports for the immobilization of commercial porcine pancreatic lipase. The immobilization tests were carried out in several types of Accurel, activated alumina, kaolin, montmorillonite, ion exchange resins and zeolites. The characterization of the supports showed differences in terms of specific area and morphology. The characteristics of the supports influenced the amount of enzyme adsorbed, yield of immobilization and esterification activity of the resulting immobilized catalyst. The clays KSF and natural and pillared montmorillonites presented potential for use as support for lipase immobilization in terms of yield and esterification activity. Yields of immobilization of 76.32 and 52.01% were achieved for clays KSF and natural montmorillonite, respectively. Esterification activities of 754.03, 595.51, 591.88 and 515.71 U.g-1 were obtained for lipases immobilized in Accurel MP-100, Amberlite XAD-2, mordenite and pillared montmorillonite, respectively.
Characterization of Bread Enriched with Jerusalem Artichoke Powder Content

Helianthus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem artichoke) tubers are good source of dietary fiber (inulin) due to which are beneficial to human health. The objective of this study was to characterize wheat bread enriched with content of Jerusalem artichoke powder by organoleptic properties, nutritional and caloric value, microbiological safety, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). The bread was made from yeast dough of the following content: 75% of wheat flour and 25% of Jerusalem artichoke powder. Glycemic index and load were determined according to the FAO/WHO protocol. The bread contained 41.64% of water, 58.36% of dry matter, 0.27% of lipids, 8.25% of proteins, 47.64% of carbohydrates, and 6.15% of dietary fiber. Caloric value of was 226 Kcal / 100 g of bread. The glycemic index was 53.70, while glycemic load value was 7.67. The bread enriched with J. artichoke powder showed optimal nutritional and caloric value, low glycemic index and low glycemic load values.