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It is important to understand the stability of the formed gels and the factors that affect the behavior of these agents in a complex system to impart desirable properties to a new product. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the morphological structure of gelling agents, LM-pectin, kappa-carrageenan and guar gum and to study the effects of these gelling agents in low-calorie fruit jelly model systems. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis allowed us to recognize the morphology of the gelling agents of interest, and showed that only the powdered samples of LM-pectin and kappa-carrageenan presented structures that collaborate for the process of gelling. Based on all the information gathered through the analysis of low-calorie fruit jelly modeling systems using the gelling agents studied, we suggest that the best combinations among the formulations tested were those containing concentrations higher or equal than 75% LM-pectin.

There is a growing demand for reduced-calorie products today due to changing dietary habits of the population. This challenges the food industry to design products that resemble conventional ones concerning physical, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and physicochemical properties and perception of the liking of conventional and low-calorie orange jellies. Two different formulations (conventional and low-calorie) of each type of orange jelly were prepared and assessed under physical, physicochemical, sensory, and statistical analysis. The results showed that the formulated jellies presented differences in terms of the physical and physicochemical parameters studied, except for the color parameter a*. Conventional jelly had lower values of pH, acidity, and soluble solids, and higher moisture content. Additionally, conventional jelly was found to be lighter, more yellow, less rigid, and less viscous, than low-calorie orange jellies most likely due to its shorter cooking time. The two sensorial methodologies (time-intensity and temporal dominance of sensations analysis) used showed differences in perception of the evaluated stimuli, with the conventional orange jelly having higher dominance intensities for sweet taste and acidity. The low-calorie orange jelly presented a bitter taste, most likely due to the use of sweeteners.

Trypanosoma cruzi; Benznidazol; Estratègies terapèutiques Trypanosoma cruzi; Benznidazol; Estrategias terapéuticas Trypanosoma cruzi; Benznidazole; Therapeutic strategies As the development of new drugs for Chagas disease is not a priority due to its neglected disease status, an option for increasing treatment adherence is to explore alternative treatment regimens, which may decrease the incidence of side effects. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of different therapeutic schemes with benznidazole (BNZ) on the acute and chronic phases of the disease, using mice infected with strains that have different BNZ susceptibilities. Our results show that the groups of animals infected by VL-10 strain, when treated in the chronic phase with a lower dose of BNZ for a longer period of time (40 mg/kg/day for 40 days) presented better treatment efficacy than with the standard protocol (100 mg/kg/day for 20 days) although the best result in the treatment of the animals infected by the VL-10 strain was with100 mg/kg/day for 40 days. In the acute infection by the Y and VL-10 strains of T. cruzi, the treatment with a standard dose, but with a longer time of treatment (100 mg/kg/day for 40 days) presented the best results. Given these data, our results indicate that for BNZ, the theory of dose and time proportionality does not apply to the phases of infection. Funding was provided by the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), research fellowships from CNPq (Carneiro CM, Correa-Oliveira R), CAPES—Science Without Borders and Senior Research Visitor (Molina I, Correa-Oliveira R), and BERENICE (Collaborative Project supported by the European Commission under the Health Innovation Work Programme of the 7th Framework Programme). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:40:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-04-01 Trường Đại học Kinh tế - Luật, Đại học Quốc gia Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh This study aims to unveil the heterogeneous impacts of import product diversification and institutional factors for achieving energy efficiency in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. In doing so, the study employs robust econometric techniques such as Fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) co-integration, pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), pool mean group regressions, fixed effects, and random effects for panel data from 1990 to 2015 for selected OECD countries. The detailed empirical outcomes suggest that import product diversification is conducive to reducing the energy and carbon intensity (improvement in energy efficiency) in OECD countries. The empirical conclusions provide various guidelines to achieve cleaner and greener growth and align with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and SDG 13: Climate action) of OECD countries. The paper elaborates fruitful policy suggestions regarding the diversification of imports and energy use-carbon emission-nexus for the OECD member nations. Based on the findings, policymakers and environmental scientists should strengthen the trade-energy and import portfolio policies to attain energy efficiency. Department of Economics Suleyman Demirel University Department of Economics Federal University of Ouro Preto (DEECO-UFOP), Rua do Catete 166 – Centro, Mariana Innovation Economics Institute of Economics University of Hohenheim Department of Production Engineering School of Engineering of Bauru Campus Bauru São Paulo State University (UNESP) S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) UEH Institute of Innovation (UII) University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), 59C Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3, Vietnam Department of Production Engineering School of Engineering of Bauru Campus Bauru São Paulo State University (UNESP) Trường Đại học Kinh tế - Luật, Đại học Quốc gia Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh: 2022-03-11-0887

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:14:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-12-01 This work investigates the dynamics of the Chua circuit with cubic polynomial nonlinearity using methods for stability analysis based on linearization and frequency response. Root locus technique maps eigenvalues of the linearized system in order to analyze the local stability, which allows to verify dynamic features, motion patterns, and attractor topologies. The method based on describing functions allows analyze effects of the cubic nonlinearity in the system, as well as predict equilibrium and fixed points, periodic and chaotic orbits, limit cycles, multistability and hidden dynamics, unstable states, and bifurcations. The stability of the Chua circuit with cubic polynomial nonlinearity is analyzed using both approaches in order to identify and map dynamics in parameter spaces. Numerical investigations based on computational simulations corroborate the theoretical results obtained using this stability analysis. This theoretical analysis and the numerical investigations present interesting insights about the dynamics of the Chua circuit with cubic polynomial nonlinearity and provides a design tool for electro-electronic implementations. Federal University of Ouro Preto - UFOP/EM/DEMEC Campus Morro do Cruzeiro Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP/DF Campus Diadema São Paulo State University - UNESP/IGCE/DF Campus Rio Claro São Paulo State University - UNESP/IGCE/DF Campus Rio Claro

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:39:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-02-01 The development of indexes for human development and environmental sustainability issues are an emerging topic in the current literature. However, the literature has put less emphasis on municipal indexes, which is the focus of this research. In this paper, we considered municipal environmental management as the adoption of environmental activities and the development of infrastructural and technical capacities in municipalities. This article aims to create a sustainable human development index with municipal data from the state of São Paulo in Brazil. Using information from the Municipal Human Development Index (IDHm) and the GreenBlue Municipal Program (PMVA), we applied the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique to connect human development and environmental sustainability in 645 Brazilian municipalities. Our findings show that regions with higher human development present better DEA scores on the Sustainable Human Development Index. In contrast, regions with a low or a middle level of human development do not present significant change considering both dimensions. Moreover, our findings reveal that PMVA certification has a different and statistically significant impact on the DEA score considering certified, qualified, or not qualified regions. We found similar results for urbanized and service-oriented municipalities. Our indicator is an essential and straightforward tool for regional policymakers, helping to allocate resources and to find human development and environmental sustainability benchmarks among developing regions. Department of Production Engineering School of Engineering of Bauru São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Bauru Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering School of Engineering of Bauru São Paulo University (UNESP), Campus Bauru Department of Production Engineering Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campus Nova Andradina Innovation Economics Institute of Economics University of Hohenheim Department of Economics Institute of Social and Applied Sciences Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) Department of Production Engineering School of Engineering of Bauru São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Bauru Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering School of Engineering of Bauru São Paulo University (UNESP), Campus Bauru

Research in Data Envelopment Analysis has created rankings of the ecological efficiency of countries' economies. At the same time, research in economic complexity has provided new methods to depict productive structures and has analyzed how economic diversification and sophistication affect environmental pollution indicators. However, no research so far has compared the ecological efficiency of countries with similar productive structures and levels of economic complexity, combining the strengths of both approaches. In this article, we use data on 774 different types of exports, CO2 emissions, and the ecological footprint of 99 countries to create a relative ecological pollution ranking (REPR). Moreover, we use methods from network science to reveal a benchmark network of the best learning partners based on country pairs with a large extent of export similarity, yet significant differences in pollution values. This is important because it helps to reveal adequate benchmark countries for efficiency improvements and cleaner production, considering that countries may specialize in substantially different types of economic activities. Finally, the article (i) illustrates large efficiency improvements within current global output levels, (ii) helps to identify countries that can best learn from each other, and (iii) improves the information base in international negotiations for the sake of a clean global production system., Comment: 35 pages, 5 Figures, 5 tables

International audience; Ants are a major ecological group in tropical rainforests. Few studies in the Neotropics have documented the distribution of ants from the ground to the canopy, and none have included the understorey. A previous analysis of an intensive arthropod study in Panama, involving 11 sampling methods, showed that the factors influencing ant β diversity (i.e., changes in assemblage composition) were, in decreasing order of importance, the vertical (height), temporal (season), and horizontal (geographic distance) dimensions. In the present study, we went one step further and aimed (1) to identify the best sampling methods to study the entire ant assemblage across the three strata, (2) to test if all strata show a similar horizontal β diversity and (3) to analyze the functional structure of the entire ant assemblage. We identified 405 ant species from 11 subfamilies and 68 genera. Slightly more species were sampled in the canopy than on the ground; they belonged to distinct sub-assemblages. The understorey fauna was mainly a mixture of species found in the other two strata. The horizontal β diversity between sites was similar for the three strata. About half of the ant species foraged in two (29%) or three (25%) strata. A single method, aerial flight interception traps placed alongside tree trunks, acting as arboreal pitfall traps, collected half of the species and reflected the vertical stratification. Using the functional traits approach, we observed that generalist species with mid-sized colonies were by far the most numerous (31%), followed by ground- or litter-dwelling species, either specialists (20%), or generalists (16%), and arboreal species, either generalists (19%) or territorially dominant (8%), and finally army ants (5%). Our results reinforce the idea that a proper understanding of the functioning of ant assemblages requires the inclusion of arboreal ants in survey programs.

Lyso-7 is a novel synthetic thiazolidinedione, which is a receptor (pan) agonist of PPAR α,β/δ,γ with anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the cardiotoxicity of free Lyso-7 in vitro (4.5–450 nM), and Lyso-7 loaded in polylactic acid nanocapsules (NC) in vivo (Lyso-7-NC, 1.6 mg/kg). In previous work, we characterized Lyso-7-NC. We administered intravenously Lyso-7, Lyso-7-NC, control, and blank-NC once a day for seven days in mice. We assessed cell contraction and intracellular Ca2+ transients on single mice cardiomyocytes enzymatically isolated. Lyso-7 reduced cell contraction and accelerated relaxation while lowering diastolic Ca2+ and reducing Ca2+ transient amplitude. Lyso-7 also promoted abnormal ectopic diastolic Ca2+ events, which isoproterenol dramatically enhanced. Incorporation of Lyso-7 in NC attenuated drug effects on cell contraction and prevented its impact on relaxation, diastolic Ca2+, Ca2+ transient amplitude, Ca2+ transient decay kinetics, and promotion of diastolic Ca2+ events. Acute effects of Lyso-7 on cardiomyocytes in vitro at high concentrations (450 nM) were globally similar to those observed after repeated administration in vivo. In conclusion, we show evidence for off-target effects of Lyso-7, seen during acute exposure of cardiomyocytes to high concentrations and after repeated treatment in mice. Nano-encapsulation of Lyso-7 in polymeric NC attenuated the unwanted effects, particularly ectopic Ca2+ events known to support life-threatening arrhythmias favored by stress or exercise.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:46:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 Managers of exploratory projects might face uncertainties over long timeframes at different levels (e.g., project, portfolio, organization, and network). Although literature offers some guidance on how to deal with uncertainties (mainly at the project level), there is a need for more empirical ground and theoretical development of a systemic approach to the management of uncertainties. To fill this gap, this article employs a multiple case approach in two established firms, investigating six exploratory projects. As main contributions, we identified new categories of uncertainties (primitive, structural, and elementary) and aspects related to managing these uncertainties. Operations Management Department School of Economics Business Administration and Accounting University of São Paulo Production Engineering Department Polytechnic School University of São Paulo Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus of Itapeva Production Engineering Department Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Campus of João Monlevade Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus of Itapeva

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:01:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-07-01 Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj) is the most significant aboveground walnut bacterial pathogen. Disease management uses copper-based pesticides which induce pathogen resistance. We examined the genetic repertoire associated with adaptation and virulence evolution in Xaj. Comparative genomics of 32 Xaj strains reveal the possible acquisition and propagation of virulence factors via insertion sequences (IS). Fine-scale annotation revealed a Tn3 transposon (TnXaj417) encoding copper resistance genes acquired by horizontal gene transfer and associated with adaptation and tolerance to metal-based pesticides commonly used to manage pathogens in orchard ecosystems. Phylogenomic analysis reveals IS involvement in acquisition and diversification of type III effector proteins ranging from two to eight in non-pathogenic strains, 16 to 20 in pathogenic strains, besides six other putative effectors with a reduced identity degree found mostly among pathogenic strains. Yersiniabactin, xopK, xopAI, and antibiotic resistance genes are also located near ISs or inside genomic islands and structures resembling composite transposons. Center of Research in Biological Science Federal University of Ouro Preto Department of Plant Sciences University of California Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of Jaboticabal (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Department of Technology Cell Cycle Laboratory Butantan Institute Department of Biochemistry Chemistry Institute University of Sao Paulo School of Computing Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul Department of Biological Science Institute of Exact and Biological Science Federal University of Ouro Preto Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of Jaboticabal (FCAV) Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Department of Technology

Malaltia de Chagas; Trypanosoma cruzi; Variabilitat genètica Chagas disease; Trypanosoma cruzi; Genetic variability Enfermedad de Chagas; Trypanosoma cruzi; Variabilidad genética Background: Trypanosoma cruzi has a high rate of biological and genetic variability, and its population structure is divided into seven distinct genetic groups (TcI-TcVI and Tcbat). Due to immigration, Chagas disease (ChD), caused by T. cruzi, has become a serious global health problem including in Europe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of genetic variability within discrete typing unit (DTU) TcV of T. cruzi in Bolivian patients with chronic ChD residing in Barcelona, Spain. Methods: The DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of 27 patients infected with T. cruzi DTU TcV and the fragments of the genetic material were amplificated through the low stringency single primer-polymerase chain reaction (LSSP-PCR). The data generated after amplification were submitted to bioinformatics analysis. Results: Of the 27 patients evaluated in the study, 8/27 (29.6%) were male and 19/27 (70.4%) female, 17/27 (62.9%) were previously classified with the indeterminate clinical form of Chagas disease and 10/27 (37.1%) with Chagas cardiomyopathy. The LSSP-PCR detected 432 band fragments from 80 to 1,500 bp. The unweighted pair-group method analysis and principal coordinated analysis data demonstrated the existence of three distinct genetic groups with moderate-high rates of intraspecific genetic variability/diversity that had shared parasite's alleles in patients with the indeterminate and cardiomyopathy forms of ChD. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the existence of a moderate to high rate of intra-DTU TcV variability in T. cruzi. Certain alleles of the parasite were associated with the absence of clinical manifestations in patients harboring the indeterminate form of ChD. These results support the need to search for increasingly specific targets in the genome of T. cruzi to be correlated with its main biological properties and clinical features in patients with chronic ChD. This work was supported by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)- fapesp.br/en (Grant No. 2018/22093-4), São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)- fapesp.br/en (Grant No. 2019/11943-0), São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)- fapesp.br/en (Grant No. 2016/25403-9), and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Spain.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:28:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-04-02 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) There is much discussion on the non-linear relationship between economic growth and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Additionally, the effects of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the environment are ambiguous, as both beneficial (i.e., pollution-halo) and harmful (i.e., pollution-haven) effects were found. Therefore, the literature presents no consensus on either of these topics. This is especially problematic for developing regions, as these regions represent growing economies interested in receiving foreign investments, and their CO2-related research is limited. This study aims to understand the impacts of economic growth and FDI on the CO2 emissions of São Paulo state, Brazil. To perform this study, a unique dataset on regional FDI was built, and 592 municipalities were included. The analyses combine linear and non-linear estimations, and the results suggest a non-linear relationship between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and CO2 emissions, along with a negative association between FDI and CO2. Finally, this study discusses possible policy implications and contributes to the international literature. Department of Production Engineering (DEP) Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) Department of Economics (DEECO) Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Innovation Economics University of Hohenheim Department of Production Engineering Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) Department of Production Engineering Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC) University of São Paulo (USP) Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) CNPq: 140263/2020-9 FAPESP: 2019/19905-0

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:40:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Traditional analytical methods were applied to microparticles synthesized using a mixture of polymers. The microparticles containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) were developed for application as a controlled release alternative to traditional fertilizers. Thus, analytical methods for the evaluation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (essential nutrients for plants) in polymeric microparticles were applied and the results validated for this kind of sample. The linearity of the methods was established in the range of 10 to 20 mg L-1 for N, 0 to 2 mg L-1 for P and 0 to 2.4 mg L-1 for K. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of intermediate precision of the method was < 1% and recoveries from 99 to 108% for all nutrients were reached. The method proved to be selective, linear, precise and accurate for quantifying NPK in polymeric microparticles. In this way, it was possible to evaluate the correct nutrient encapsulation capacity in the synthetized polymeric microparticles, which is of fundamental importance since this will directly interfere in the success of the intended fertilization process. Federal University of Ouro Preto Graduate Program in Chemistry Federal University of Ouro Preto Department of Chemistry São Paulo State University Department of Environmental Engineering Federal University of Viçosa Department of Chemistry São Paulo State University Department of Environmental Engineering

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:58:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-08-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Aim: There is growing evidence about the ability of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling and nonselective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors on mitigate muscle atrophy. PDE4 accounts for the major cAMP hydrolyzing activity in skeletal muscles, therefore advances are necessary about the consequences of treatment with PDE4 inhibitors on protein breakdown in atrophied muscles. We postulated that rolipram (selective PDE4 inhibitor) may activate cAMP downstream effectors, inhibiting proteolytic systems in skeletal muscles of diabetic rats. Main methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with 2 mg/kg rolipram for 3 days. Changes in the levels of components belonging to the proteolytic machineries in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were investigated, as well as cAMP effectors. Key findings: Treatment of diabetic rats with rolipram decreased the levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in soleus and EDL, and reduced the activities of calpains and caspase-3; these findings partially explains the low ubiquitin conjugates levels and the decreased proteasome activity. The inhibition of muscle proteolysis may be occurring due to phosphorylation and inhibition of forkhead box O (FoxO) factors, probably as a consequence of the increased cAMP levels, followed by the activation of PKA and Akt effectors. Akt activation may be associated with the increased levels of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC). As a result, rolipram treatment spared muscle mass in diabetic rats. Significance: The antiproteolytic responses associated with PDE4 inhibition may be helpful to motivate future investigations about the repositioning of PDE4 inhibitors for the treatment of muscle wasting conditions. São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Clinical Analysis Department of Physiology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Department of Biological Sciences Federal University of Ouro Preto Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo São Paulo State University (Unesp) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Clinical Analysis CNPq: 479817/2013-8

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:45:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Several studies analyzed the importance of absorptive capacity (AC) to achieve economic development. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study compares the building blocks (BBs) of AC between developed and emergent economies. This paper aims to identify and analyze the impact of the BBs on AC under distinct levels of development (i.e., developed vs. emerging economies) using systematic literature review (SLR) and econometrics. Specifically, both linear and nonlinear analyses were employed. Our findings show that BBs in developed and emergent regions are different. For both groups, R&D, FDI (foreign direct investment), infrastructure, and HDI (human development index) variables are BBs of AC. For developed economies, BBs also contemplate secondary education enrollments, the higher education index, and the percentage of GDP spent on higher education. Moreover, the thresholds of BBs also differ between developed and emergent economies. This identification of BBs and possible AC thresholds is valuable, as it provides information to set goals and strategies before a foreign investment attraction policy. Thus, the results facilitate the development of more suitable strategies to enhance positive productivity spillovers and avoid negative spillovers whenever possible. These results show that policymakers cannot employ the same policies for the development of developed and emerging countries. Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) Department of Economics Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Economics of Innovation University of Hohenheim Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:30:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Since energy is one of the basic inputs for development, emerging economies should make an effort to investigate the environmental impacts of their fast economic growth. However, large emerging economies present significant regional heterogeneity that is usually uncounted for. This study uses the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model and regional data on the 27 Brazilian states to investigate the growth-CO2 nexus under distinct development stages. To perform this analysis, we divided the states into three groups according to their average annual GDP (i.e., richer, intermediate, and poorer regions). The results suggest that richer and poorer regions, particularly, present economic and demographic developments that are environmentally costly. Also, population and per capita GDP have the largest influences on CO2 emissions. The roles of the industrial sector and the ascending service sector are also subject to criticism. Moreover, Brazil arguably suffers from technological stagnation as its energy intensity is growing and boosting CO2 emissions. We discuss the policy implications of these findings and suggest a future research agenda. Production Engineering Department Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rod. Washington Luís – Km 235 Department of Economics Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) University of Hohenheim Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:15:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Many developing countries have highly unequal health systems across their regions. The pandemic of COVID-19 brought an additional challenge, as hospital structures equipped with doctors, intensive care units and respirators are not available to a sufficient extent in all regions. Using Data Envelopment Analysis, we create a COVID Index to verify whether the hospital structures in 543 Brazilian microregions are adequate to deal with COVID-19 and to verify whether public policies were implemented in the right direction. The results indicate that hospital structures in the poorest microregions were the most vulnerable, although the peak of COVID-19 occurred in the richest microregions (Sao Paulo). The Southeast states could relocate hospital resources or even patients between their regions. The relocation was not possible in many states in the Northeast, as the health system poorly assisted the interior of these states. These findings reveal that the heterogeneity of microregions’ hospital structures follows the patterns of socioeconomic inequalities. We conclude that it is easier for the wealthier regions to reallocate hospital resources internally than for the poorest regions. By using the COVID Index, policymakers and hospital managers have straightforward information to decide which regions must receive new investments and reallocate underutilized resources. Department of Innovation Economics University of Hohenheim, Wollgrasweg 23, 2nd floor, Room 520i Department of Economics Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Rua do Catete 166 Centro Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) Núcleo Residencial Presidente Geisel, Avenida Engenheiro Luiz Edmundo Carrijo Coube, 14-01 Department of Gerontology Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rod. Washington Luiz, s/n Department of Production Engineering Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Rod. Washington Luiz, s/n DST/NRF South African Chair in Industrial Development College of Business and Economics University of Johannesburg, 31 Henley Road Department of Production Engineering Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rua Passo da Pátria, Campus Praia Vermelha, Bloco D - sala 309 Department of Production Engineering Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Av. Senador Salgado Filho, n° 3000, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova - Centro de Tecnologia Department of Production Engineering University of São Paulo (EESC/USP), Av. Trab. São Carlense, 400 - Parque Arnold Schimidt Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) Núcleo Residencial Presidente Geisel, Avenida Engenheiro Luiz Edmundo Carrijo Coube, 14-01

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:18:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 This study evaluated the use of biomass of Chlorella minutissima grown in 40-L photobioreactors using a Guillard f/2 biomass at over 80% moisture content as feedstock to produce ethyl esters. The study design investigated the influence of acid catalyst type (HCl or H2SO4) and concentration (0.3 or 0.6 mol L−1), co-solvent to ethanol ratio (1:10 or 1:5 v/v), and acyl acceptor to biomass ratio (25 mL g−1 or 50 mL g−1) on ester yield and conversion. An L8 Taguchi design was used to evaluate the influence of the factors, demonstrating a range of conversion ranging from 37 to 98%. Furthermore, the effects of reaction conditions on the residual biomass were assessed by measuring the concentration of acid-labile carbohydrates, which could be utilized in integrated sugar- and lipid-based algal refineries. It was found that in situ transesterification using HCl can provide easily accessible and fermentable carbohydrates at concentrations of about 32 wt% in residual biomass. In this sense, the findings of this study demonstrate a further step in the integration of microalgae biomass in the development of liquid-fuel biorefineries. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] Engineering School of Lorena University of São Paulo Laboratory of Technological and Environmental Chemistry Department of Chemistry Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences Federal University of Ouro Preto Center for Monitoring and Research of the Quality of Fuels Biofuels Crude Oil and Derivatives (CEMPEQC) Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University Mato Grosso Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology, Cuiabá Campus EARTH University Engineering Faculty of Guaratinguetá São Paulo State University (UNESP) Center for Monitoring and Research of the Quality of Fuels Biofuels Crude Oil and Derivatives (CEMPEQC) Institute of Chemistry São Paulo State University Engineering Faculty of Guaratinguetá São Paulo State University (UNESP)

The Carajas Basin, Amazonian Craton, hosts extensive Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic sedimentary archives, which are still poorly constrained regarding their depositional settings, ages, and type of basin in which they have been deposited. In this study, we performed detailed sedimentological investigations and U-Pb dating of detrital zircon in four drill cores intercepting the recently defined Serra Sul Formation. Our data show that this formation corresponds to various shallow to deep subaqueous environments. Shallow water environments are characterized by local occurrences of microbially-mediated structures, while deep water environments are characterized by polymictic conglomerates resulting from the mixing of materials of different origins during downslope debris flow. Both sedimentary facies and common occurrence of syn-sedimentary deformations attest for recurrent slope instabilities. Geochronological investigations allow to define a maximum depositional age of 2684 ± 10 Ma, that is several tens million years younger than other Neoarchean sedimentary units of the Carajas Basin. Major peaks in age distribution indicate that the Serra Sul Formation derives from local sources that constitute the basement of the Carajas Basin. The infilling of the Carajas Basin by local sources, together with sedimentary facies and depositional environments attesting for slope instabilities, suggest that the Serra Sul Formation was deposited during an active extensional tectonic phase. Such Neoarchean to early Paleoproterozoic tectonic setting compares with those documented in many other cratons worldwide and suggests that it could correspond to the break-up of one of the first documented supercontinent.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:45:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-07-01 Ultrasonic phase velocity spectroscopy is a very sensitive technique used in the measurement of material properties. In a phase velocity calculation, ambiguities can arise in the spectral phases, in the form of integer multiples of 2π rad, which, if not corrected, results in large errors. In this work, we propose a method for determining these ambiguities, more specifically, the number of 2π rad phase jumps, using the Kramers-Kronig relations, for samples exhibiting a frequency power-law attenuation coefficient. The method is based on a first estimate of the phase velocity from group velocity and attenuation coefficient that are not affected by phase jumps. This estimated phase velocity is used to obtain the number of 2π rad phase jumps, which in turn is used to calculate the corrected phase velocity. The method was tested with samples of liquids with a frequency power-law attenuation coefficient (exponent y varying from 1.5 to 2) and a solid [polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)] with y ∼ 1, and velocity dispersions ranging from 0 to 34 (cm/s)/MHz. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Instituto de Tecnologías Físicas y de la Información Department of Electrical Engineering Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences (ICEA) Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) School of Engineering of Ilha Solteira São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Engineering of Ilha Solteira São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:36:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-05-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The activation of GABA, opioid or α2 adrenergic mechanisms in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) facilitates hypertonic NaCl intake in rats. In the present study, we combined opioid or α2 adrenergic antagonists with GABA agonists into the LPBN in order to investigate if NaCl intake caused by GABAergic activation in normohydrated rats depends on opioid or α2-adrenergic mechanisms in this area. Male Holtzman rats with stainless steel cannulas implanted bilaterally in the LPBN were used. Bilateral injections of muscimol or baclofen (GABAA and GABAB agonists, respectively, 0.5 nmol/0.2 μl) into the LPBN induced strong ingestion of 0.3 M NaCl (45.8 ± 7.3 and 21.8 ± 4.8 ml/240 min, respectively) and water intake (22.7 ± 3.4 and 6.6 ± 2.5 ml/240 min, respectively). Naloxone (opioid antagonist, 150 nmol/0.2 μl) into the LPBN abolished 0.3 M NaCl and water intake to muscimol (2.0 ± 0.6 and 0.9 ± 0.2 ml/240 min, respectively) or baclofen (2.3 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 0.4 ml/240 min, respectively). RX 821002 (α2 adrenoceptor antagonist, 10 nmol/0.2 μl) into the LPBN reduced 0.3 M NaCl intake induced by the injections of muscimol or baclofen (26.6 ± 8.0 and 10.1 ± 4.9 ml/240 min, respectively). RX 821002 reduced water intake induced by muscimol (7.7 ± 2.9 ml/240 min), not by baclofen. The results suggest that sodium intake caused by gabaergic activation in the LPBN in normohydrated rats is totally dependent on the activation of opioid mechanisms and partially dependent on the activation of α2 adrenergic mechanisms in the LPBN. Department of Biological Sciences DECBI-NUPEB Federal University of Ouro Preto Department of Physiology and Pathology School of Dentistry São Paulo State University UNESP Department of Physiology and Pathology School of Dentistry São Paulo State University UNESP

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:44:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province National Natural Science Foundation of China China faces the challenge of promoting high-tech industries and concomitantly reduces ecological footprints. This research analyzes the directional spillover impacts and connectedness for financial and trade globalization, high-tech industries, and environmental footprints of China. The authors used the data of financial globalization, trade globalization, economic complexity, middle and high-tech industrial contribution, and ecological footprint of China throughout 1996Q1 to 2019Q4. The empirics contribute to the debate on the impacts of the high technology industry, financial globalization for the environmental sustainably in the era of the digital economy. The study finds positive spillover effects from financial globalization (FGI), and economic complexity towards ecological footprints. Further, the high technology industrial contribution has a less significant impact on reducing environmental footprints. Overall, the findings are robust to the presence of structural change effects and the cleaner production objectives for China's case. Concomitantly, the empirical findings allow us to report innovative conclusions and implications regarding the sustainable development goals (SDG-7, 10), high-industry, and environmental sustainability in China. School of Statistics and Applied Mathematics Anhui University of Finance and Economics Innovation Economics Institute of Economics University of Hohenheim Department of Economics Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Banking University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City Center for Environmental Economics and Policy Anhui University of Finance and Economics Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province: No. 2108085Y24 National Natural Science Foundation of China: No. 71974001

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:43:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Anhui University of Finance and Economics Shandong University The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) economies face the challenges of rising energy demand, urbanization, and growing environmental issues (rising ecological footprint and less biodiversity). The primary objective of this article is to explore the role of environmental taxes and economic growth on the growing ecological footprint in 29 OECD economies. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach and the related intermediate estimators are used to attain the purpose. The two substitute single equation estimators, DOLS, FMOLS, and fixed effect, are also employed to check the robustness of the ARDL estimator. Empirical results reveal that environmental-related taxes, economic growth, foreign direct investment, energy use, urbanization, renewable energy, and industrialization significantly influence the long-term ecological footprint in OECD countries. The dynamics of the studied variables got changed when time is considered. In the short-term, these dynamics are mixed while staying similar in the long-term across the OECD countries. This is attributed to varying levels of renewable energy use and industrialization progress in OECD countries. The empirical conclusions suggest that OECD economies need careful monitoring of environmental regulations for energy usage policies and cleaner production goals. Center for Economic Research Shandong University, 27-Shanda Nanlu School of Economics and Management Huzhou University Innovation Economics Institute of Economics University of Hohenheim Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Economics Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) Department of Production Engineering São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T07:58:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-11-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Petrobras The Lower Cretaceous Araripina Formation records deposition in a distributive fluvial system that is a part of the post-rift sequence of the Araripe Basin, NE Brazil. Following the opening of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, the reactivation of regional faults of the Paleoproterozoic basement resulted in tectonic subsidence and formation of a regional-scale DFS. The Araripina Formation is an up to 40-m-thick succession of rhythmically interbedded sandstone and mudstone, organized in two depositional sequences separated by a regional disconformity. We recognized and grouped nine sedimentary facies into six facies associations that we interpreted as deposits of meandering channels, ribbon channels, minor channels, floodplain, lateral and terminal splays, and distal floodplain. The lower sequence facies associations suggest deposition in the medial to distal part of a distributive fluvial system in a tectonically active, interior basin subjected to episodic flooding. The periodic inundations were responsible for activating ephemeral channels and producing sheetfloods, followed by deposition of lateral and terminal splays in distal flooded areas. Syn-sedimentary deformation structures are present in rhythmite facies (truncating surfaces, load structures, injectite and convoluted folds) in the upper part of the lower sequence. The upper sequence was formed after a period of intense tectonic activity in a large distal floodbasin dominated by suspension. The deposition culminates in an interval with pedogenetic deposits cross-cut by a regional disconformity with the upper Exu Formation. Paleocurrent data from both depositional sequences indicate paleodepositional slope towards southeast and east with source-areas located to the northwest and west. This pattern is similar to that observed in the lower Santana Group and opposite to the westward direction of sedimentary transport in the overlying Exu Formation implying significant change of source region, basin topography and continental paleodrainage in the Araripe Basin after the Albian. Department of Geology IGCE São Paulo State University, Avenida 24A, 1515 Department of Geology School of Mines Federal University of Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro CECS Federal University of ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001 Geography Institute Federal University of Uberlândia, Rodovia LMG-746 Km 01 Department of Geology IGCE São Paulo State University, Avenida 24A, 1515

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:29:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still not known, but the interaction of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors seem to be involved. This study aimed to investigate genetic alterations and the vitamin D status in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). A total of 53 patients (29 RRMS; 24 SPMS) and 25 healthy subjects were recruited to evaluate the micronucleated cell (MNC) frequency and nuclear abnormalities in the buccal mucosa, gene expression profiling in mononuclear cells, and plasmatic vitamin D concentration in the blood. Results showed a higher frequency of cells with karyorrhexis (SPMS) and lower frequencies of nuclear pyknosis (RRMS and SPMS) and karyolysis (SPMS) in patients with MS. Significant increase in the frequency of MNC was detected in the buccal mucosa of RRMS and SPMS patients. HIF1A, IL13, IL18, MYC, and TNF were differentially expressed in MS patients, and APP was overexpressed in cells of RRMS compared to SPMS patients. No relationship was observed between vitamin D level and the differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, the cytogenetic alterations in the buccal mucosa can be important indicators of genetic instability and degenerative processes in patients with MS. Furthermore, our data introduced novel biomarkers associated with the molecular pathogenesis of MS. Faculty of Medicine UNESP–São Paulo State University Health Science Dept. UNINOVE–Nove de Julho University CESMAC–University Center Faculty of Pharmacy UFOP–Federal University of Ouro Preto Faculty of Medicine UNESP–São Paulo State University CNPq: (CNPq - 471312/2012-6)

International audience; A bioadsorbent (CEDA) capable of adsorbing As(V) and Cu(II) simultaneously was prepared by tosylation of microcrystalline cellulose (MC) and nucleophilic substitution of the tosyl group by ethylenediamine. MC, tosyl cellulose, and CEDA were characterized by elemental C, H, N, and S analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The adsorption of As(V) and Cu(II) on CEDA was evaluated as a function of solution pH, contact time, and initial solute concentration. The maximum adsorption capacities of CEDA for As(V) and Cu(II) were 1.62 and 1.09 mmol g−1, respectively. The interactions of As(V) and Cu(II) with CEDA were elucidated using thermodynamic parameters, molecular quantum mechanics calculations, and experiments with ion exchange of Cd(II) by Cu(II), and As(V) by SO4 2−. Adsorption enthalpies were determined as a function of surface coverage of the CEDA, using isothermal titration calorimetry, with ΔadsH° values of −32.24 ± 0.07 and −93 ± 2 kJ mol−1 obtained for As(V) and Cu(II), respectively. The potential to reuse CEDA was evaluated and the interference of other ions in the adsorption of As(V) and Cu(II) was investigated. Multi-component experiments showed that Cd(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) did not interfere in the adsorption of Cu(II), while SO4 2− inhibited As(V) adsorption.

International audience; Late Cenozoic deep-sea deposits of the Bengal – Nicobar Fan recorded the events of Himalayan accretion during the India – Asia collision. IODP Expedition 362 – The Sumatra Subduction Zone – recovered a sedimentary section at the Nicobar Fan that comprises Early Miocene to Holocene strata. This work aims to identified potential sources and the evolution of the fluvial system that fed into the Nicobar Fan during that interval. For this, we analyzed zircon U-Pb-Hf in seven samples from sandy and silty turbidite deposits of U1480 and U1481 Sites. U-Pb zircon ages range from 22 to 3358 Ma and εHf −33.7 to +15, originated from Central and Eastern Himalayan, Lhasa Block, peninsular India and Indo Burma Ranges, the Ganges – Brahmaputra rivers drained areas. Our data suggest a significant reorganization of source areas since the Late Miocene. Rapid uplift of the Himalayan syntaxis in the Late Miocene to Pleistocene exposed distinct source rocks, altering the provenance signature and enhancing sediment delivery towards the sink. This is evidenced by gradually switched in first cycle zircons in the Nicobar Fan from the Lhasa Block and Gangdese Batholith to the Bomi-Chayu and Lohit Batholiths. Sediment provenance shifted since the Pliocene, with an increase in Ganges-derived Archean peninsular India, Cambro-Ordovician granites and Greater Himalaya orthogneisses at the Nicobar Fan. We attribute this shift to the rise of the Shillong Plateau, which projected the Brahmaputra delta to the west towards the Ganges river. This rise of the Shillong Plateau and the sea level fall at the Plio-Pleistocene enabled the merge of the Brahmaputra and Ganges deltas for the first time. Our data suggest that the Nicobar Fan was majorly supplied by the Brahmaputra River during the Tortonian, with an only minor contribution from the Ganges river. Following that, an increase in sediment contribution from the Ganges River is observed.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T16:01:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 This work describes the development and tests of a new ultrasonic spectrometer for liquids based on the use of commercial cuvettes for sample handling. The spectrometer operates in the frequency range from 20 to 80 MHz and gathers some important characteristics, which are its high thermal stability (better than 0.01 °C), by the use of Peltier cells, and practical sample handling with small volume (≤3 ml) samples placed inside cuvettes which can be easily removed from the spectrometer, cleaned/sterilized, or simply discarded. Through-transmission operation is used to measure propagation velocity and attenuation coefficient, and the spectrometer was tested with mixtures of water and NaCl, which have attenuations smaller than that of distilled water, and higher attenuation samples of silicone and castor oil. Backscattering studies of polystyrene particles of 10-and 15-μ m diameters were also conducted, showing the versatility of the instrument. Department of Electrical Engineering Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences Federal University of Ouro Preto Department of Electrical Engineering School of Engineering Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP Campus of Ilha Solteira CSIC Instituto de Tecnologías Físicas y de la Información Institute of Physics Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Do sul Department of Electrical Engineering School of Engineering Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP Campus of Ilha Solteira

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:53:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-05-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Introduction In addition to conventional therapies, several new strategies have been proposed for modulating autoimmune diseases, including the adoptive transfer of immunological cells. In this context, dendritic cells (DCs) appear to be one of the most promising treatments for autoimmune disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of adoptive transfer of DCs obtained from both naïve and ovalbumin (OVA)-tolerant mice on the severity of TNBS induced colitis and analyze the eventual protective mechanisms. Methods and results To induce oral tolerance, BALB/c mice were fed 4mg/mL OVA solution for seven consecutive days. Spleen DCs were isolated from tolerant (tDC) and naïve (nDC) mice, and then adop-tively transferred to syngeneic mice. Three days later, colitis was induced in DC treated mice by intrarectal instillation of 100μg2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in 50% ethanol. Control subjects received only intrarectal instillation of either TNBS solution or a vehicle. Five days later, mice from all groups were euthanized and examined for physiological and immunological parameters. Regarding the phenotype, we observed that the frequencies of CD11+ MHC II+ and CD11+ MHCII+ CD86+ cells were significantly lower in DCs isolated from tolerant mice than in those from naive mice. However, pretreatment with both types of DCs was able to significantly reduce clinical signs of colitis such as diarrhea, rectal prolapse, bleeding, and cachexia, although only treatment with tDCs was able to prevent weight loss from instillation of TNBS. In vitro proliferation of spleen cells from mice treated with either type of DCs was significantly lower than that observed in splenic cell cultures of naïve mice. Institute of Biosciences Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP Faculty of Food Engineering University of Campinas UNICAMP Department of Food School of Nutrition Federal University of Ouro Preto Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology Institute of Biology University of Campinas UNICAMP Department of Genetics Evolution Microbiology and Immunology Institute of Biology University of Campinas UNICAMP Department of Biomedical Science Faculty of Americana FAM Institute of Biosciences Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP FAPESP: 2013/20258-2 FAPESP: 2014/08591-0 FAPESP: 2014/086192 FAPESP: 2014/167010 FAPESP: 2015/09326-1

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:32:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-04-01 Simultaneous use of cisplatin (CIS) and gemcitabine (GEN) for treating bladder cancer has increased because of their complementary effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the activities of these two antineoplastic drugs are not fully known. Here, molecular biology techniques and microscopy were used to investigate transcriptomic and morphological changes in low and high-grade urinary bladder transitional carcinoma cell lines [RT4 - wild type TP53; 5637 - two TP53 mutations, one in codon 72 (Arg-Pro) and other in codon 280 (Arg-Thr) and T24 - in-frame deletion of tyrosine 126 in the TP53 allele] simultaneously treated with CIS/GEN. Gene expression profile was evaluated by PCR arrays; cell morphology by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and apoptosis was analyzed using fluorescent dye. Results showed concomitantly upregulation of CDKN2B (G1/S transition), GADD45A (DNA repair and apoptosis) and SERTAD1 (regulation of transcription) gene, increased number of nuclear chamfers and apoptotic cells, and reduced number of microfilaments, organelles and in the size of the nucleus in 5637 and T24 cells after simultaneous treatment with CIS/GEN. In conclusion, independently of the TP53 mutation status and tumor grade, CIS/GEN induced gene modulation accompanied by changes in cell morphologies, which confirm the antiproliferative activity of the treatment protocol. These findings help to understand the pathways modulated by these antineoplastic agents and may provide insights for anti-cancer chemotherapy. School of Pharmacy UFOP – Federal University of Ouro Preto Escola de Farmácia Departamento de Análises Clínicas UFOP – Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto Institute of Physics USP – University of São Paulo Medical School UNESP – State University of São Paulo Medical School UNESP – State University of São Paulo

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:48:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-12-15 This study evaluated the synergistic efficiency of crude enzymatic extracts (CEE) produced by fungal strains Aspergillus fumigatus SCBM6 (AFE) and Aspergillus niger SCBM1 (ANE) in the hydrolysis of alkali pretreated sugarcane bagasse (2% NaOH (w v−1), ∼100 °C, 4 h and liquid-to-solid ratio of 25 (v w−1)). CEEs were produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF) and presented high concentration of β-glucosidase (AFE = 78.4 U g−1 and ANE = 43.02 U g−1), β-xylosidase (ANE = 78.0 U g−1) and xylanase (AFE = 1774.5 U g−1 and ANE = 3289.6 U g−1). A 24 full design of experiments was used to optimize the hydrolysis of pretreated bagasse as a function of time, temperature, amount of pretreated bagasse and AFE-to-ANE ratio. After hydrolysis optimization, the maximum concentration of total reducing sugars (TRS) was 21.68 g L−1. It was also noticed a significant production of xylose (135.59 mg) and arabinose (58.10 mg) per gram of hemicelluloses and a slight production of glucose (20.18 mg) per gram of cellulose. As fungi consortium were excellent producers of hemicellulases, it is suggested that they could be used for pentoses saccharification and production of ethanol via C-5 fermentation, xylitol, biopolymers, among other bioproducts. Institute of Agricultural Sciences Federal University of Uberlândia (ICIAG-UFU), Uberlândia Institute of Biosciences Humanities and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University (IBILCE-UNESP), São Jose do Rio Preto Technical School of Health Federal University of Uberlândia (ESTES-UFU), Uberlândia Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences Federal University of Ouro Preto (ICEB-UFOP) Institute of Chemistry Federal University of Uberlândia (IQ-UFU), Uberlândia Institute of Biosciences Humanities and Exact Sciences São Paulo State University (IBILCE-UNESP), São Jose do Rio Preto

Artemether (ATM) cardiotoxicity, its short half-life and low oral bioavailability are the major limiting factors for its use to treat malaria. The purposes of this work were to study free-ATM and ATM-loaded poly-ε-caprolactone nanocapules (ATM-NC) cardiotoxicity and oral efficacy on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. ATM-NC was obtained by interfacial polymer deposition and ATM was associated with polymeric NC oily core. For cardiotoxicity evaluation, male black C57BL6 uninfected or P. berghei-infected mice received, by oral route twice daily/4 days, vehicle (sorbitol/carboxymethylcellulose), blank-NC, free-ATM or ATM-NC at doses 40, 80 or 120 mg kg−1. Electrocardiogram (ECG) lead II signal was obtained before and after treatment. For ATM efficacy evaluation, female P. berghei-infected mice were treated the same way. ATM-NC improved antimalarial in vivo efficacy and reduced mice mortality. Free-ATM induced significantly QT and QTc intervals prolongation. ATM-NC (120 mg kg−1) given to uninfected mice reduced QT and QTc intervals prolongation 34 and 30%, respectively, compared with free-ATM. ATM-NC given to infected mice also reduced QT and QTc intervals prolongation, 28 and 27%, respectively. For the first time, the study showed a nanocarrier reducing cardiotoxicity of ATM given by oral route and it was more effective against P. berghei than free-ATM as monotherapy.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:49:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst Humic substances (HS) are ubiquitous organic compounds able to affect mobility and availability of arsenic (As) in aquatic systems. Although it is known that associations between HS and As occur mainly via iron (Fe)-cationic bridges, the behaviour and distribution of this metalloid in HS- and Fe-rich environments is still not fully understood. In this paper, the quality of HS from different rivers in Brazil and Germany and its influence on the behaviour of As(V) under different Fe(III) concentrations were investigated. HS were extracted from four different rivers (Cascatinha, Holtemme, Selke and Warme Bode), characterised and fractionated into different molecular weight sizes (10, 5 and 1 kDa). Complexation tests were performed using an ultrafiltration system and 1 kDa membranes. All data was analysed using the Kohonen neural network (SOM – Self organising maps). All samples, except Selke, exhibited similar results of free As (10 kDa) and lower (

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:41:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-06-02 The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two forms of basic granular activated carbon (GAC), mineral (pH = 10.5) and vegetal (pH = 9), for the removal of three pharmaceuticals, as sulphamethoxazole (SMX), diclofenac (DCF) and 17β-estradiol (E2), from two different matrices: fortified distilled (2.4-3.0mgL-1 and pH from 5.5 to 6.5) and natural (∼1.0mgL-1 and pH from 7.1 to 7.2) water in a bench scale. The Rapid Small-Scale Column Test used to assess the ability of mineral and vegetal GAC on removal of such pharmaceuticals led to removal capacities varying from 14.9 to 23.5mgg-1 for E2, from 23.7 to 24.2mgg-1 for DCF and from 20.5 to 20.6mgg-1 for SMX. Removal efficiencies of 71%, 88% and 74% for DCF, SMX and E2, respectively, were obtained at breakthrough point when using mineral GAC, whereas for the vegetal GAC the figures were 76%, 77% and 65%, respectively. The carbon usage rate at the breakthrough point varied from 11.9 to 14.5Lg-1 for mineral GAC and from 8.8 to 14.8Lg-1 for vegetal GAC. Mineral CAG also exhibited the best performance when treating fortified natural water, since nearly complete removal was observed for all contaminants in the column operated for 22h at a carbon usage rate of 2.9Lg-1. Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Engineering São Paulo State University (Unesp) Department of Chemistry Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Faculty of Engineering Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Engineering São Paulo State University (Unesp)

International audience; In this work, we present a generic fast hue-preserving histogram equalization method based on the RGB color space for image contrast enhancement and two instantiation of that generic process. The first method uses R-red, G-green, and B-blue 1D histograms to estimate a RGB 3D histogram to be equalized, whereas the second method uses RG, RB, and GB 2D histograms. The histogram equalization is performed using shift hue-preserving transformations, avoiding unrealistic colors. Our methods have linear time and space complexities with respect to the size of the image and do not need to apply conversions from a color space to another in order to perform the image enhancement. Such design complies with real-time applications requirements. An objective assessment comparing our methods and others is performed using a contrast measure and a color image quality measure, where the quality is established as a weighting of the naturalness and colorfulness indexes. We analyze 300 images from the dataset of the University of Berkeley. Experiments show that the value of the image contrast produced by our methods is in average 50% greater than the original image value, keeping the quality of the produced images close to the original one.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:41:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-06-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell cultures were grown on surfaces lithographed with periodic 3D hexagonal microcavity array morphology. The range of microcavity size (inscribed circle diameter) was from 12 μm to 560 μm. CHO cells were grown also on flat surfaces. The characterization was performed with respect to cell growth density (number of nuclei per unit area) by fluorescence optical microscopy and evaluated by correlation function analysis. We found that optimum microcavity radius was 80 μm, concerning to the maximum cell growth density, being even greater than the growth density on a flat (unstructured) substrate of the same material. This finding can be important for optimization of biotechnological processes and devices. Institute of Physics University of São Paulo, C.P. 66318 Pharmacy School UFOP Federal University of Ouro Preto Botucatu Medical School UNESP São Paulo State University Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road Botucatu Medical School UNESP São Paulo State University CNPq: CNPq-157021/2011-4

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:29:06Z No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2014-05-27T14:32:31Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 2-s2.0-84876976727.pdf: 581835 bytes, checksum: 89e04e8aa3827fba1d824fa0912c32b9 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:29:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-05-03 Background: Activation of GABAB receptors with baclofen into the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) induces ingestion of water and 0.3 M NaCl in fluid replete rats. However, up to now, no study has investigated the effects of baclofen injected alone or combined with GABAB receptor antagonist into the LPBN on water and 0.3 M NaCl intake in rats with increased plasma osmolarity (rats treated with an intragastric load of 2 M NaCl). Male Wistar rats with stainless steel cannulas implanted bilaterally into the LPBN were used.Results: In fluid replete rats, baclofen (0.5 nmol/0.2 μl), bilaterally injected into the LPBN, induced ingestion of 0.3 M NaCl (14.3 ± 4.1 vs. saline: 0.2 ± 0.2 ml/210 min) and water (7.1 ± 2.9 vs. saline: 0.6 ± 0.5 ml/210 min). In cell-dehydrated rats, bilateral injections of baclofen (0.5 and 1.0 nmol/0.2 μl) into the LPBN induced an increase of 0.3 M NaCl intake (15.6 ± 5.7 and 21.5 ± 3.5 ml/210 min, respectively, vs. saline: 1.7 ± 0.8 ml/210 min) and an early inhibition of water intake (3.5 ± 1.4 and 6.7 ± 2.1 ml/150 min, respectively, vs. saline: 9.2 ± 1.4 ml/150 min). The pretreatment of the LPBN with 2-hydroxysaclofen (GABAB antagonist, 5 nmol/0.2 μl) potentiated the effect of baclofen on 0.3 M NaCl intake in the first 90 min of test and did not modify the inhibition of water intake induced by baclofen in cell-dehydrated rats. Baclofen injected into the LPBN did not affect blood pressure and heart rate.Conclusions: Thus, injection of baclofen into the LPBN in cell-dehydrated rats induced ingestion of 0.3 M NaCl and inhibition of water intake, suggesting that even in a hyperosmotic situation, the blockade of LPBN inhibitory mechanisms with baclofen is enough to drive rats to drink hypertonic NaCl, an effect independent of changes in blood pressure. © 2013 Kimura et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. Department of Basic Sciences School of Dentistry UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Rodovia Marechal Rondom, km 527, Araçatuba, São Paulo 16018-805 Department of Biological Sciences DECBI-NUPEB Federal University of Ouro Preto, UFOP, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais Department of Physiology and Pathology School of Dentistry UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo Department of Basic Sciences School of Dentistry UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Rodovia Marechal Rondom, km 527, Araçatuba, São Paulo 16018-805 Department of Physiology and Pathology School of Dentistry UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo

In the past few years, numerous methods for damage assessment for structural health monitoring were proposed in the literature. Several problems are raised for making these approaches practical for the engineer. The first concern is to determine whether a structure presents an abnormal behavior or not. Statistical inference is concerned with the implementation of algorithms that analyze the distribution of extracted features in an effort to make decisions on damage diagnosis. Learning algorithms have extensively been applied to classification and pattern recognition problems in the past years and deserve to be used for structural health monitoring. In addition, data acquisition campaigns of civil engineering structures can last from several minutes to years. Dealing with large amounts of data is not an easy task and suitable tools are required to correctly extract important features from them: symbolic data analysis (SDA) is such an approach. In this paper, some supervised learning methods (Bayesian decision trees, neural networks and support vector machines) are introduced to discriminate structural features and are developed within the concept of symbolic data analysis in order to compress data without losing its inherent variability. To highlight the different features of these techniques for structural health monitoring, this paper focuses attention on the monitoring of a railway bridge belonging to the high speed track between Paris and Lyon. During the month of June 2003, a strengthening procedure was carried out on this bridge. In so doing, vibration measurements were recorded under three different structural conditions: before, during strengthening. In the following years (2004, 2005 and 2006), new tests were performed to observe how the dynamic behavior of the bridge evolved, especially for the case of frequency changes. The objective was to verify whether the strengthening procedure was still effective or not, in other terms if the new data could be still assigned to the condition .after strengthening.. This paper reports the major results obtained and shows how the supervised learning techniques can be applied to cluster structural behaviors and classify new data. An original assignment approach is also presented: based on dissimilarity measures this approach shows that in fact the structural behavior of the bridge seems totally different of the initial behaviors used for training the supervised learning methods. Supervised learning algorithms