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Este trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito do projeto “Instalação eficiente de povoamentos de eucalipto” com o objetivo de estudar alternativas de mobilização do solo ajustadas à escala da propriedade (minifúndio dominante no Centro/Norte do país), associadas a menor intervenção e impacto ambiental. Foram consideradas para comparação algumas técnicas de mobilização utilizadas em propriedades de maior dimensão. Instalaram-se 4 ensaios na região Centro (três em Cantanhede e um em Mortágua; cada um com 65 a 270 plantas, considerando 3 repetições). A rearborização com eucalipto implicou em todos os casos destroçamento de cepos com enxó. O tratamento convencional - “Operacional” consistiu numa gradagem contínua seguida de ripagem. Em Cantanhede foram colocados dois tratamentos a teste: T1 ripagem (tri-riper) e T2 coveamento (com enxó) para plantação entre cepos. Em Mortágua, devido à dimensão das varas, diferentes opções de gestão de sobrantes foram testadas. O tratamento “Operacional”, com a incorporação de sobrantes durante a gradagem, foi comparado com os tratamentos teste “TA” e “TB”, ambos sem gradagem e, ainda, sem vs.com remoção de sobrantes, respetivamente. Nos tratamentos “TA e TB” testou-se a ripagem na linha (ripado) vs.coveamento na linha de plantação (coveado). Em Mortágua, comparou-se ainda com a construção de terraços, técnica generalizada na região, dada a orografia com declive acentuado. Ao fim de um ano, nos 4 ensaios, os tratamentos em teste não diferiram significativamente do operacional no tocante à taxa de sobrevivência. Mas, em Cantanhede (nos 3 ensaios), o tratamento operacional apresentou um acréscimo em altura significativamente superior aos tratamentos teste. O acréscimo em altura mostrou variar numa razão direta com os teores em matéria orgânica do solo e potássio. Ao fim de 3 anos, o volume médio/árvore não mostrou diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos (Operacional vs.Teste), em 2 ensaios em Cantanhede, mantendo-se significativamente superior no outro ensaio. Em Mortágua a altura média superior foi de 2,75±0,06m (1 ano) em terraços (tratamento com maior mobilização do solo), mas, sem diferenças significativas para o TA-coveado (alinhamento de resíduos na entrelinha e coveamento na linha). No âmbito do projeto tenciona-se dar continuidade à monitorização dos ensaios no sentido de corroborar os resultados do presente estudo obtidos na fase inicial do ciclo de crescimento do povoamento, altura em que as técnicas de preparação do terreno terão, previsivelmente, maior impacte.

Unlike secondary alkyl amines and electron-rich anilines, secondary electron-poor anilines are challenging amine sources to explore the chemical space of Lewis acid-catalyzed condensation-based transformations with furfural. In this work, we report the efficient synthesis of trans-4,5-diamino cyclopentenones (DCP) using a high-pressure promoted Nazarov-like electrocyclization of Stenhouse salts arising from the Sc(III)-catalyzed condensation of furfural with secondary electron-poor anilines. The reaction enables access to otherwise difficult-to-access DCP and compatibility with a large scope of alkyl and aryl secondary amines. A 2- to 18-fold increase in yields for electron-poor anilines was highlighted using this approach in the synthesis of a pharmacologically active compound.

This work investigates the effect of welding on microstructure and microhardness of the clad plate of ASTM A516 steel Grade 70 coated with AISI 904L steel, used in the manufacture of oil separator vessels. The plates were welded with a V-groove butt joint by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW) employing mild steel filler wires. The joint back was then cladded with electroslag strip cladding using a single pass of Inconel 625 alloy. Microstructural characterization by optical microscopy reveals predominantly dendritic microstructures and hot cracks at the A516/904L and 904L/IN625 interfaces, with sensitization occurring at the A516/904L interface. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy indicates a strong dispersion of deleterious phases identified as laves, sigma, and the NbC in the vicinity of the partially diluted zones, harmful to properties such as toughness and corrosion resistance. The A516/904L interface presented microhardness regions with values around 400 HV in partially diluted zones, equivalent to martensitic structures, usually associated with stress concentration and reduced fracture strength of the welded joint.

The oxyacetylene torch brazing of stainless steel plates using silver-based filler metals (Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn) was investigated. Filler metals with silver quantities of 25%, 35%, and 45% were used to evaluate the influence of silver contents on the processing of joints. The brazed joints were evaluated in accordance with brazing qualification standards. Further, the number of pores from cross sections in different samples for each brazed joint condition was evaluated. The results revealed that the brazed joints exhibited pores, however, did not exceed the maximum percentage allowed in the same cross section. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the brazed joints are mainly composed of Ag solid solution, Cu solid solution and (Ag + Cu) eutectic microconstituent. Furthermore, the Vickers microhardness test indicated the presence of microstructural discontinuities in the joints 25 and 35 Ag. Finally, the shear strength testing revealed that the joint 45 Ag has a higher average performance.

Friction stir welding is a manufacturing process with several positive outputs for duplex stainless steel joints, such as improved mechanical resistance and the maintenance of optimal phase fraction. Duplex steels are vastly used in naval and petrochemical operations, being commonly manufactured and joined via welding processes. Thus, there is a high demand for straightforward methods of thermal evaluation of friction stir welded joints. In this sense, numerical models are a practical tool for assessing the joints’ welding condition. However, the vast majority of works concerning numerical modeling of FSW of duplex steels are limited, by some considerations regarding the heat source modeling, by neglecting the material’s flow convective influence, and by omitting the thermomechanical properties of individual phases. This work focused on the development and application of a more complete coupled numerical model for friction stir welding of UNS S32205 plates in order to correlate processing conditions with microstructure evolution. A peak temperature of 1213 °C at the joint’s central line was observed. Distributions of temperature and material flow through the joint cross-section indicate that a more intense material flow at the retreating side favors coarser grain size. Simulation results indicated that the strain rate plays a more intense effect in microstructure development compared to the welding peak temperatures. The coupled numerical model was additionally used to obtain the temperature profile of the tool, which was thermally stable even after standing temperature values greater than 1200 °C. Even after 18 cm of welding procedure, thermal damage of the tool was not observed, leading to sound welded joints.

Introduction: Shorter courses of antimicrobials have been shown to be non-inferior to longer, “traditional” duration of therapies, including for some severe healthcare-associated infections, with a few exceptions. However, evidence is lacking regarding shorter regimes against severe infections by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB), which are often caused by distinct strains and commonly treated with second-line antimicrobials. In the duratiOn of theraPy in severe infecTIons by MultIdrug-reSistant gram-nEgative bacteria (OPTIMISE) trial, we aim to assess the non-inferiority of 7-day versus 14-day antimicrobial therapy in critically ill patients with severe infections caused by MDR-GNB. Methods: This is a randomized, multicenter, open-label, parallel controlled trial to assess the non-inferiority of 7-day versus 14-day of adequate antimicrobial therapy for intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired severe infections by MDR-GNB. Adult patients with severe infections by MDR-GNB initiated after 48 h of ICU admission are screened for eligibility. Patients are eligible if they proved to be hemodynamically stable and without fever for at least 48 h on the 7th day of adequate antimicrobial therapy. After consenting, patients are 1:1 randomized to discontinue antimicrobial therapy on the 7th (± 1) day or to continue for a total of 14th (± 1) days. Planned Outcomes: The primary outcome is treatment failure, defined as death or relapse of infection within 28 days after randomization. Non-inferiority will be achieved if the upper edge of the two-tailed 95% confidence interval of the difference between the clinical failure rate in the 7-day and the 14-day group is not higher than 10%. Conclusion: The OPTIMISE trial is the first randomized controlled trial specifically designed to assess the duration of antimicrobial therapy in patients with severe infections by MDR-GNB. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05210387. Registered on 27 January 2022. Seven Versus 14 Days of Antibiotic Therapy for Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacilli Infections (OPTIMISE).

Off-road driving operations can be a challenging environment for human conductors as they are subject to accidents, repetitive and tedious tasks, strong vibrations, which may affect their health in the long term. Therefore, they can benefit from a successful implementation of autonomous vehicle technology, improving safety, reducing labor costs and fuel consumption, and increasing operational efficiency. The main contribution of this paper is the experimental validation of a path tracking control strategy, composed of longitudinal and lateral controllers, on an off-road scenario with a fully loaded heavy-duty truck. The longitudinal control strategy relies on a nonlinear model predictive controller, which considers the path geometry and simplified vehicle dynamics to compute a smooth and comfortable input velocity, without violating the imposed constraints. The lateral controller is based on a robust linear quadratic regulator, which considers a vehicle model subject to parametric uncertainties to minimize its lateral displacement and heading error, as well as ensure stability. Experiments were carried out using a fully loaded vehicle on unpaved roads in an open-pit mine. The truck followed the reference path within the imposed constraints, showing robustness and driving smoothness.

Phytase hyper-dosing is a recent concept in nutrition based on the use of high doses of the enzyme with growth promoting effect. Supplementary release of inosotol, rapid and strong destruction of phytic acid and other non-phosphoric effects are proposed mechanisms for the positive results found on pig growth. The hypothesis of this concept would be to accelerate this destruction of the phytate improving feed conversion ratio (FCR). A second hypothesis is that this increased destruction of the phytate may generate decreased concentrations of cortisol, because the inositol has insulin-like effects, reducing glycemy and reducing cortisol concentrations and FCR. To evaluate these hypotheses, two different studies were conducted, in Brazil and Mexico, using Quantum Blue (AB Vista) in two formulation strategies, Control Group - a dose and nutritional matrix of 750 FTU/kg; Hyper-dosing Group - a dose strategy of 4,500 FTU/kg (but with the same matrix of 750 FTU/kg). In the Brazilian evaluation (Trial 1 - RESTRICTED feed consumption trial), 364 animals/treatment were used, divided into 26 replications of 14 animals each (13 pens of males and 13 pens of females). In the Mexican evaluation (Trial 2 – NO restricted feed consumption trial), 400 animals/treatment were used, divided into 8 replications of 50 animals each, all animals used in this evaluation were males. In both studies, body weight gain, feed intake and FCR were evaluated. In the Brazilian study, in addition, the blood cortisol concentration of the animals was also evaluated. The data from each experiment were analyzed using the GLM platform (Minitab 18), and ANOVA used to assess differences on treatments (P≤ 0.05). As presented in Table 1, in Trial 1, no differences were noted (P> 0,05) with the Hyper-dosing strategy for males; however, for females, this strategy improved (P≤ 0.05) the FCR in Hyper-dosing Group versus Control Group. This difference in results between sexes can be explained by the feeding rate adopted in this experiment, which was similar for all animals (highly restrictive), what may have penalized some animals more because of the greater maintenance costs. The analysis of the blood parameters of these animals demonstrated a reduction (P≤ 0.05) in cortisol concentrations, indicating that the use of phytase Hyper-dosing can be even better in situations of thermal or environmental stress. Also presented in Table 1, in the Mexican study the results were possible to observe a statistical trend (P≤ 0.05 and > 0.10) for the use of the Hyper-dosing concept for FCR. In conclusion, the use of 4,500 FTU/kg of Quantum Blue in the last 30 d of finishing pigs helps to improve performance and reduce blood cortisol concentrations of these animals, especially in situations where the production efficiency rate is moderate.

Type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common global cause of kidney disease and failure. Obesity is a major risk factor for DKD due to its causal relationship with diabetes, hypertension, and other factors promoting kidney disease. We therefore investigated whether metabolic surgery such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is more effective than state-of-the-art medical therapy (i.e., renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) in treating DKD.

The environmental crisis has raised serious concerns regarding fuel consumption, inciting a race to reduce vehicles’ weight. The design of structures combining different materials is a common factor in various industries, where the synergy between steel and aluminum is the starting point for many applications. Metallurgical challenges and the implementation of joining processes for thin sheets are some challenges that friction stir welding has overcome in the last two decades. In this manuscript, the methodology for joining aluminum alloy 6063-T5 and SAE 1020 steel, in thin sheets, employing friction stir welding, is presented. The research evaluated the offset in obtaining joints with complete joint penetration, heat generation, and microstructural changes. Joints with no defects were obtained, with a low thermal input, which favored the formation of tiny grain size in the stir zone, as well as an interface free of intermetallic compounds.

Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) have emerged as one of the most promising model systems to study cancer biology and to develop new antineoplastic drugs. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents up to 90% of all kidney tumors, exhibits aggressive behavior, and has a propensity for metastasis. At diagnosis, 30% of patients with RCC have metastases, while up to 50% of those with localized disease treated with curative protocols experience recurrence. This study aimed to establish an RCC PDX platform to identify novel clinical and molecular biomarkers of recurrence risk in order to facilitate precision medicine. Tumor samples were obtained from surgical specimens of 87 RCC patients; fragments were implanted in immunodeficient NOD/SCID/gamma (NSG) mice. 17 Fragments were implanted subcutaneously in an initial group while a second group of 70 samples were implanted orthotopically in the subcapsular space. A total of 19 PDX developed only after orthotopic implantation, and included 15 cases of clear cell RCC subtype, 3 cases of papillary subtype, and 1 unclassifiable tumor. 1 PDX of clear cell RCC recapitulated the phenotype of vena caval tumor thrombus extension that had been diagnosed in the source patient. PDX characterization by immunohistochemistry and targeted sequencing indicated that all PDXs preserved RCC identity and major molecular alterations. Moreover, the capacity of tumor engraftment was a strong prognostic indicator for patients with locally advanced disease. Taken together, these results suggest that the orthotopic xenograft model of RCC represents a suitable tool to study RCC biology, identify biomarkers, and to test therapeutic candidates.

Monitoring hygiene and motivation factors from Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory is a popular way of understanding the influential aspects for employee satisfaction and motivation. The increased availability of employee feedback comprised in online employer reviews yields a promising data source to learn more about these influential factors and the theory itself. However, the application of the Two-Factor Theory to such reviews is yet missing. Thus, this article demonstrates how to apply this theory to more than 2 million online employer reviews. For that, review aspects as well as review ratings are leveraged to study factors that influence employee satisfaction with respect to the theory. Based on the gained insights, a prediction experiment is conducted to forecast employee satisfaction through the textual content of reviews. The presented approach identifies relevant aspects for satisfied and dissatisfied employees working in 43 different industries and 4 different countries. Overall, the results indicate that hygiene factors are most relevant for reviewers, while motivation factors are rather incidental. The prediction experiment achieves a mean balanced accuracy of 0.87, suggesting that review text is predictive for employee satisfaction. Further, the article adds useful input to the discussion of the Two-Factor Theory by providing comparative results across a plethora of different employers, industries and countries.

Recently, developments in the technology used in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) have provided greater control over the parameters, reducing the heat generated, in addition to addressing limitations previously linked to the conventional process. In this work, in comparison to the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), the application of the controlled short-circuit GMAW in AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel was evaluated, with and without the use of purging gas to protect the root pass, analyzing the microstructural characteristics and the mechanical behavior, through the microscopy analysis, microhardness, bending, and tensile tests performed on the joints. The heat input associated with the controlled short circuit has shown a significant reduction concerning those produced by the GTAW, affecting the dilution. The application of different processes did not modify the microstructural characteristics due to the similarity in the composition of the filler metals used, presenting the solidification mode in the fusion zone, of the ferrite–austenite. The application of the controlled short circuit resulted in higher microhardness, with 211 HV, the highest value. From the results of the bending tests, it was possible to verify that the ductility of the material was not affected by the application of arc welding processes and was not influenced by the lack of purging protection in the root. The tensile strength limit values associated with the different applications satisfied the minimum requirements for the used materials, and the application of the controlled short circuit without purging has shown the highest value, 615 MPa.

The oxy-acetylene torch brazing of copper tubes using silver-based filler metals (Ag-Cu-Zn-Cd) was investigated in this study. Filler metals containing silver content of 15% and 35%, designated by BR15 and BR35, were used to assess the influence of the silver content in the microstructure and mechanical performance of brazed joints. The brazed joints microstructure was analyzed by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The microstructures of the BR15 and BR35 samples were composed mainly of Ag–Cd-rich phase, solid solution of Cu–Zn, and a eutectic structure of Ag and Cu. The increase in the Ag content changed the solidification mode from cellular to dendritic and caused an increase in the eutectic phase volume fraction. The tensile strength of the Ag–Cu–Zn–Cd filler and the phos–copper filler metals was compared. The tensile strength of silver-based filler metal was slightly higher than the phos–copper filler metal brazed joints.

In this Journal Club, Góss dos Santos discusses a study that successfully generated sarcoma-derived organoids and utilized them to identify a novel therapeutic target.

This review focuses on the photocatalytic conversion of biomass, emphasizing several types of systems, including different photocatalysts and biomass derivatives. The strengthening of the relationship between green chemistry and heterogeneous photocatalysis is highlighted, demonstrating the possibility of obtaining chemical products for several industrial sectors, using relatively mild reaction conditions.

AbstractUsing a molecular dynamics approach, the study of the interaction between six different known ligands and a predicted pre-miRNA 149 RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structure is reported. The stabilization of rG4 structures formed within the pre-miRNA stem-loop regions using small ligands is an attractive anticancer strategy. Particularly, miRNA-149 is upregulated in a variety of cancers such as prostate cancer and is therefore a potential target for drug development. The results show that ligands C8and PhenDC3interact with the rG4 structure via stacking interactions with the end G-quartets. Ligands [16]phenN2, [32]phen2N4and pyridostatin on the other hand bind the loops/groove interface of the rG4 being H-bonding and electrostatic interactions the driving force of the interaction. The C8precursor, C8-NH2, emphasizes the structural nuances of the rG4 short loops as the lack of a large terminal aromatic moiety produced a mixed stacking-groove binding mode. Overall, this study may help the design of specific ligands for pre-miRNA rG4 towards anticancer therapeutics development.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Purpose: This study examined the moderator role of gender in the relationship between negative affect and eating psychopathology as well as gender differences in these variables. Methods: A community sample of 285 students (61.8% females), aged 13–25, was recruited in middle and high schools and universities. They filled instruments that assess negative affect and eating disordered symptoms (restraint, eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, and global scale). Results: Females scored higher both in all subscales and the global scale of eating psychopathology. The restraint subscale was the only subscale showing non-significant differences between females and males. Controlling for BMI, moderation analyses revealed that gender moderated the relationship between negative affect and eating psychopathology, except for restraint behavior. Conclusions: To deal with negative affect, females engage in more cognitive symptoms associated with disordered eating than males, but both endorse equally in eating restraint. These findings suggest that interventions focused on emotion regulation could help to reduce eating disordered symptoms among females and males. Level of evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

A pig was in left lateral recumbency with limb spasticity, accentuated prostration, and strabismus, and was euthanized. During autopsy, yellowing of the leptomeninges at the ventral pons to medulla oblongata was noted. In the cerebellar peduncles, there was a focally extensive black-to-yellow area at the level of the vestibular nuclei. Histologic examination revealed a cross-section of a nematode larva, consistent with Stephanurus dentatus, bordered by edema and marked infiltration of mononuclear cells, plasma cells, and a few eosinophils. Vacuolation of the neuropil, with rare gitter cells and axonal spheroids, was also observed. We diagnosed parasitic encephalitis caused by S. dentatusmigration based on the pathology findings and characterization of the parasite.