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This study evaluates the dynamic shift in the microbiota at the peri-implant site of titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) implants subjected to experimental peri-implantitis (PI) and, for the first time, of implants made of ceria-stabilized alumina-reinforced zirconia (Ce-TZP/Al), a revolutionary zirconia that is set to play a key role in modern implant dentistry. One- and two-piece (TP) implants, including Ce-TZP/AL TP/G3 glass, were placed bilaterally (six implants/side) in five beagle dogs to mimic a natural vs. ligature-induced PI following a split-mouth design. The experiment spanned 30 weeks from tooth extraction. Both PI models promoted plaque deposition at peri-implant sites. Comparatively, the PI induced by ligatures favored the deposition of anaerobes (p = 0.047 vs. natural). Regardless of the model, the plaque deposition pattern was entirely dependent on the implanted material. Ligated Ti and Zr implant sites accumulated up to 2.14 log CFU/mL unit anaerobic load (p ≤ 0.033 vs. non-ligated implant sites), predominantly comprising obligate anaerobes. Naturally occurring PI induced the deposition of co-occurring networks of obligate anaerobes and less oxygen-dependent bacteria. PI induction favored the enrichment of Ti and Zr sites with bacterial taxa belonging to the orange and red complexes (up to 28% increase naturally and up to 71% in the ligated hemiarch). Anaerobic deposition was significantly lower in ligated Ce-TZP/Al implant sites (p ≤ 0.014 vs. TI and Zr) and independent of the induction model (0.63–1 log units of increase). Facultative bacteria prevailed at Ce-TZP/AL sites. The abundance was lower in the Ce-TZP/AL TP implant. Unlike Ti and Zr sites, taxa from the orange and red complexes were negligible. Biofilms configured at the Ti and Zr sites after ligation-induced PI resemble those found in severe IP. We hypothesize that, although surface properties (surface energy and surface roughness) and physicochemical properties of the substrate play an important role in bacterial adhesion and subsequent plaque formation, Ce-TZP/Al modulates several biological activities that preserve the integrity of the gingival seal by limiting PI progression. In conclusion, biofilm progression differs in peri-implant sites according to the specific properties of the material. Ce-TZP/A, unlike titanium or zirconia, prevents dysbiosis in sites subjected to experimental PI and preserves the microbial signature of emergent obligate anaerobes related to PI development.

RESUMO: Um dos fatores de maior preocupação dos pais de filhos com autismo é o déficit na comunicação social. O ensino dos pais de como desenvolver tal habilidade em seu filho, além de ser uma forma de ampliar o tempo de intervenção é um tratamento com resultados satisfatórios. Destaca-se a importância do ensino do ecoico no desenvolvimento da fala da criança por ser um prérequisito para a instalação de comportamentos mais complexos. No que se refere ao cenário pandêmico de isolamento social, faz-se necessária uma intervenção comportamental a distância, e o pacote de Behavior Skills Training (BST) tem sido útil para ensinar pais a aplicarem procedimentos comportamentais em seus filhos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos do pacote de treinamento ministrado de modo remoto aos pais sobre o ensino da aplicação do protocolo teste do repertório de ecoico a crianças com autismo. Por meio de um delineamento de linha de base múltipla, foram observados os resultados de três mães participantes, das quais uma apresentou 24% de acertos em linha de base, atingindo 100% após a introdução do BST, o que indicou a eficácia do procedimento de ensino. Após o aprendizado, as mães não voltaram a aplicar o procedimento nos filhos.

The form of a verbal response allows for reinforcement mediation and language transmission across cultures. Reinforcement, in turn, plays a decisive role in learning verbal forms. The present work addresses methodological limitations of previous studies, providing further evidence of the role of automatic reinforcement in achieving parity with vocal models. In the first experiment, 4 preschool-age children heard the experimenter describe drawings of different actions in the passive voice. Participants were then asked to describe analogous drawings. They used the passive voice after the model was presented and continued to do so even when preferred explicit consequences followed diverging descriptions (i.e., in the active voice). To further investigate the effects of explicit reinforcement and of the passive-voice model, in Experiment 2, we altered the number of trials with explicit reinforcement and with the model. Three of four participants used the passive voice to describe the drawings, despite greater exposure to explicit consequences following descriptions diverging from the model.

Matching-to-sample (MTS) training consists of presenting a stimulus as a sample followed by stimuli called comparisons from which a subject makes a choice. This study presents results of a pilot investigation comparing two packages for teaching university students to conduct MTS training. Two groups--control and experimental--with 2 participants in each group were used. Accuracy in conducting MTS training was assessed during baseline and post-training. During training the control group received a manual, and the experimental group received both the manual and computer-aided personalized system of instruction or CAPSI. Baseline and post-training combined scores for control and experimental groups were 72.5% and 100%, and 72.7% and 95%, respectively. Results showed that the manual and the manual-plus-CAPSI packages produced similar effects in delivering knowledge in MTS training. We suggest that future studies using a larger sample size are necessary. In addition, we suggest that it is necessary to test new versions of the manual and the interaction of CAPSI with other components, such as demonstration videos.

Mast cells play key roles in allergy, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions, and defense against pathogens/toxins. These cells contain cytoplasmic granules with a wide spectrum of pleotropic mediators that are released upon activation. While mast cell degranulation (MCD) occurs upon clustering of the IgE receptor bound to IgE and antigen, MCD is also triggered through non-IgE-mediated mechanisms, one of which is via Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2). MRGPRX2 can be activated by many basic biogenic amines and peptides. Consequently, MRGPRX2-mediated MCD is an important potential safety liability for peptide therapeutics. To facilitate peptide screening for this liability in early preclinical drug development, a rapid, high-throughput engineered CHO-K1 cell-based MRGPRX2 activation assay was evaluated and compared to histamine release in CD34+ stem cell-derived mature human mast cells as a reference assay, using 30 positive control and 29 negative control peptides for MCD. Both G protein-dependent (Ca2+ endpoint) and -independent (β-arrestin endpoint) pathways were assessed in the MRGPRX2 activation assay. The MRGPRX2 activation assay had a sensitivity of 100% for both Ca2+ and β-arrestin endpoints and a specificity of 93% (β-arrestin endpoint) and 83% (Ca2+ endpoint) compared to histamine release in CD34+ stem cell-derived mature human mast cells. These findings suggest that assessing MRGPRX2 activation in an engineered cell model can provide value as a rapid, high-throughput, economical mechanism-based screening tool for early MCD hazard identification during preclinical safety evaluation of peptide-based therapeutics.

This study evaluates the dynamic shift in the microbiota at the peri-implant site of titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) implants subjected to experimental peri-implantitis (PI) and, for the first time, of implants made of ceria-stabilized alumina-reinforced zirconia (Ce-TZP/Al), a revolutionary zirconia that is set to play a key role in modern implant dentistry. One- and two-piece (TP) implants, including Ce-TZP/AL TP/G3 glass, were placed bilaterally (six implants/side) in five beagle dogs to mimic a natural vs. ligature-induced PI following a split-mouth design. The experiment spanned 30 weeks from tooth extraction. Both PI models promoted plaque deposition at peri-implant sites. Comparatively, the PI induced by ligatures favored the deposition of anaerobes (p = 0.047 vs. natural). Regardless of the model, the plaque deposition pattern was entirely dependent on the implanted material. Ligated Ti and Zr implant sites accumulated up to 2.14 log CFU/mL unit anaerobic load (p ≤ 0.033 vs. non-ligated implant sites), predominantly comprising obligate anaerobes. Naturally occurring PI induced the deposition of co-occurring networks of obligate anaerobes and less oxygen-dependent bacteria. PI induction favored the enrichment of Ti and Zr sites with bacterial taxa belonging to the orange and red complexes (up to 28% increase naturally and up to 71% in the ligated hemiarch). Anaerobic deposition was significantly lower in ligated Ce-TZP/Al implant sites (p ≤ 0.014 vs. TI and Zr) and independent of the induction model (0.63–1 log units of increase). Facultative bacteria prevailed at Ce-TZP/AL sites. The abundance was lower in the Ce-TZP/AL TP implant. Unlike Ti and Zr sites, taxa from the orange and red complexes were negligible. Biofilms configured at the Ti and Zr sites after ligation-induced PI resemble those found in severe IP. We hypothesize that, although surface properties (surface energy and surface roughness) and physicochemical properties of the substrate play an important role in bacterial adhesion and subsequent plaque formation, Ce-TZP/Al modulates several biological activities that preserve the integrity of the gingival seal by limiting PI progression. In conclusion, biofilm progression differs in peri-implant sites according to the specific properties of the material. Ce-TZP/A, unlike titanium or zirconia, prevents dysbiosis in sites subjected to experimental PI and preserves the microbial signature of emergent obligate anaerobes related to PI development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Há uma crescente representatividade das pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) por meio das mídias sociais e engajamento de familiares de crianças, jovens e de adultos com TEA nas discussões de políticas públicas que visem o acesso pleno aos direitos. Considerando que a inclusão de adultos com TEA no mercado de trabalho é um direito assegurado por lei e que a inclusão escolar deve auxiliar na preparação para o mercado de trabalho, a fim de oportunizar acesso à cidadania, este artigo objetivou verificar a produção acadêmica acerca da inclusão de adultos autistas no mercado de trabalho, buscando experiências desta inclusão. O procedimento de coleta de dados foi uma revisão de literatura nas bases de dados Scielo, Google Acadêmico e Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, entre os anos 2010 e 2019. A análise dos dados consistiu na apresentação dos dados quantitativos e na análise qualitativa dos trabalhos encontrados, considerando o objetivo deste estudo. Foram encontrados treze artigos dentro da temática, contudo apenas três relatavam experiências de inclusão no mercado de trabalho de adultos com TEA. É possível constatar que há insuficiência de estudos na área. Todas as publicações evidenciam a necessidade de sensibilização dos empregadores, acesso a informação sobre as especificidades do TEA, conhecimento sobre os direitos da pessoa com TEA no ambiente de trabalho, criação de política de inclusão da instituição empregadora, participação e apoio da família das pessoas com TEA nesse processo de inserção no mercado de trabalho.

In this two-phase study, it was shown that a mixture with equal parts of manure and resulting animal blood was the optimal combination for obtaining biogas and biol. A quadratic growth trend in variable gas pressure over time—as well as its behavior—was confirmed for pHs around the neutral value for the substrate used in both the pilot phase and in the microplant, which had a mechanical implementation and mechatronic system for the control of variables that intervene in the anaerobic digestion process; this allowed for the confirmation of the results found in the first phase of research—without concerns that a lack of control over the process variables would cause—in such a way that it constituted a path for the industrialization of the waste treatment process in slaughterhouses that could be optimized by the use of the optimal combination that produces the greatest cm3 amount of gas. Anaerobic digestion in biodigesters is carried out at different constant temperature values within the mesophilic range, with a hydraulic retention time of 25 days. A direct relationship was found between temperature, biogas production and pH behavior in the buffer(s). The pH remained close to neutral and the gas pressure increased from 15 to 20. The findings indicated that the value for the C/N ratio of the blood of four was compensated for by its buffer system, composed of bicarbonate, hemoglobin, proteins and phosphates.

"The Analysis of Verbal Behavior" ("TAVB") is the only journal focused on theoretical and empirical research in verbal behavior. An assessment of authorship trends can provide a critical perspective on practices in verbal behavior analysis (e.g., participation by non-US institutions, contributions by female authors). The present study examines authorship trends in all articles published in "TAVB" since its inception (between 1982 and 2016). All authors and their affiliations were listed and the first authors denoted as such. Authors were characterized as follows: prolificacy, new vs. frequent contributor status, number of co-authors, editor status, fellow status in a professional organization, and gender. Institutional affiliations were characterized as follows: academic vs. nonacademic institutions, prolificacy, and location (country). The review included 383 articles by 487 authors from 200 institutions. Our findings revealed areas in which "TAVB" is reaching maturity (e.g., author gender) and areas in which further action by contributors and editors is needed (e.g., international participation).

Context: Bauhinia L. species, including Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud. (Fabaceae), have traditionally been used to treat diabetes. Bauhinia is a complex botanical genus, and the indiscriminate use of the diverse Bauhinia species is reflected in the experimental divergence of their medicinal potential. Objective: The hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects, molecular mechanism of action and phytochemical properties of an authentic extract of B. holophylla leaves were evaluated. Materials and methods: A phytochemical study of a 70% EtOH extract was performed using FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MSn and HPLC-PAD-ESI-IT-MS. The extract (200 or 400 mg/kg b.w.) was administered for 14 days to streptozotocin-induced diabetic Swiss mice. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, blood parameters, gene and protein expression, and the in vivo and in vitro inhibition of intestinal glucosidases were assessed. Results: HPLC-PAD-ESI-IT-MS analysis identified flavonoid derivatives of quercetin, myricetin, luteolin and kaempferol. Treatment with 400 mg/kg of the extract reduced blood glucose (269.0 ± 32.4 mg/dL vs. 468.0 ± 32.2 mg/dL for diabetic animals), improved glucose tolerance, decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increased the mRNA expression of proteins involved in glucogenesis in the liver and muscle, such as PI3-K/Akt, GS, GSK3-β (ser-9), AMPK and Glut4. The activity of intestinal maltase was inhibited in vitro (IC50: 43.0 µg/mL for the extract compared to 516.4 µg/mL for acarbose) and in vivo. Discussion and conclusions: Treatment with B. holophylla was associated with a marked hypoglycaemic effect through the stimulation of glycogenesis and inhibition of gluconeogenesis and intestinal glucose absorption, without increasing basal insulinaemia.

In the Andeans, it is common to find homemade containers, chairs, structures made with Schoenoplectus californicus sub. californicus, commonly known as totora. Popularly is known that the homemade products possess resistance and durability due to the incorporation of this fiber, although nowadays the mechanic properties of this material are unknown. This research begins with the study of the variety of the totora which is present in the Province of Imbabura, Ecuador. Considering the geometrical variation of the stem, it is divided in three parts. Based on standard ASTM D4761-02a totora is characterized under tension. Finally, the mechanic characteristics under tension of Schoenoplectus californicus are presented from the stress-strain curve and its comparative analysis among the groups of transversal sections. It is determined that its behavior corresponds to a fragile material with an average of maximum stress up to 88.501 6.92 MPa, and an average of a maximum strain of 0.05132 0.00610 mm/mm.

Discrete-trial instruction (DTI) is a behavioral method of teaching young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that has received a significant amount of research support. Because of a lack of qualified trainers in many areas of the world, researchers have recently begun to investigate alternative methods of training professionals to implement behavioral teaching procedures. One promising training method is interactive computer training, in which slides with recorded narration, video modeling, and embedded evaluation of content knowledge are used to teach a skill. In the present study, the effectiveness of interactive computer training developed by Pollard, Higbee, Akers, and Brodhead (2014), translated into Brazilian Portuguese, was evaluated with 4 university students (Study 1) and 4 special education teachers (Study 2). We evaluated the effectiveness of training on DTI skills during role-plays with research assistants (Study 1) and during DTI sessions with young children with ASD (Studies 1 and 2) using a multiple baseline design. All participants acquired DTI skills after interactive computer training, although 5 of 8 participants required some form of feedback to reach proficiency. Responding generalized to untaught teaching programs for all participants. We evaluated maintenance with the teachers in Study 2, and DTI skills were maintained with 3 of 4 participants.

Recently, there has been a proliferation of research on the functional independence of two of Skinner's (1957) verbal operants, the mand, and the tact. This research has produced highly variable results. In this article, we provide a critical review of the literature on mand-tact independence, a literature that has implications for both theory and practice. Included in the review are 17 studies with a total of 66 participants who were tested for mand emergence following tact training, tact emergence following mand training, or both, and 11 additional studies that systematically manipulated variables expected to affect the outcomes of such tests. A primary finding is that most studies to date suffer from problems with construct validity. However, it may be justifiable to conclude that the literature provides at least weak support for the functional independence of mands and tacts. Future investigators should avoid the major construct validity pitfalls described in this article, describe participant characteristics more thoroughly, and consider alternative approaches to studying mand-tact independence.

En el presente trabajo se evaluó la capacidad aislante de paneles elaborados a base de la Typha Latifolia en diferentes formas. Los resultados muestran una capacidad aislante relevante, catalogando la totora como un elemento de potencial aplicación como aislamiento en edificaciones. El desarrollo de aislantes térmicos basados en residuos de biomasa es una línea de investigación prometedora que permitirá la mejora sustancial de la eficiencia energética, así como el confort térmico del hábitat con soluciones sustentables de bajo coste. El desarrollo de elementos constructivos contemporáneos como paneles o mantas de totora, permitirá la mejora de la sustentabilidad de soluciones industriales, así como la reducción importante del coste de producción de estas. In this paper the insulating capacity of panels made of Typha latifolia in different forms was evaluated. The results show a significant insulating capacity, placing the cattail as a potential isolating element in buildings. The development of thermal insulation elements based on biomass residues is a promising line of research that will provide substantial improvement in energy efficiency and thermal comfort with sustainable habitat solutions at low cost. The development of contemporary construction elements such as panels or blankets of totora, will permit the improvement of industrial solutions sustainability and a significant reduction in the cost of its production.

En esta investigación se realiza un análisis de las prestaciones y emisiones de un motor Petter mono-cilíndrico de inyección directa al usar como combustible una emulsión de 5% de agua, 2%de surfactante y combustible diesel. Los resultados obtenidos con la emulsión muestran un ligero incremento en el torque y la potencia efectiva, así como en el consumo específico de combustible y el retardo de la ignición. Respecto a las emisiones de gases contaminantes, los hidrocarburos noquemados (HC) y el monóxido de carbono (CO) para la emulsión aumentaron en comparación con los resultados obtenidos para el combustible diesel. En ambos casos, los aumentos son unaconsecuencia de la disminución de las temperaturas en el interior de la cámara de combustión, los aumentos en el retardo de la ignición y al enfriamiento de la llama. In this investigation an analysis based on the performances and emission of a Petter single cylinder direct injection diesel engine when using an emulsion of 5% of water, 2% of surfactant and dieselfuel as fuel is carried out. The result obtained with the emulsion tested shown slight increase in effective torque and power output, but also increases in brake specific fuel consumption and ignition delay. Concerning the exhausts, increases in hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide(CO) emissions for emulsion were obtained. In both cases the increases are due to the effect of lower temperatures inside the combustion chamber, longer ignition delays and quenching of the flame.

This study investigated the effect of matching-to-sample and mimetic-relations teaching on the emergence of signed tact and textual repertoire through a multiple-baseline design, across three groups of three words in children with and without hearing impairments and with no reading repertoire. Following mimetic-relations teaching and the establishment of nine three-member stimulus classes containing signs, pictures, and printed words via matching-to-sample procedure, including the mimetic relation as the differential observing response, tact (signing in the presence of a picture) and textual (signing in the presence of a printed word) emergent repertoires were tested. Results showed the emergence of signed tact and textual responses. The mimetic relation brought in under the contextual control of a matching-to-sample task may have allowed participants to simultaneously learn speaker and listener relations to the particular signs used. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)

The purpose of the current study was to assess whether individuals with intellectual disabilities would emit untrained speaker responses (i.e., signed tacts and mands) after being taught listener behaviors. Listener relations were trained via an automated matching-to-sample (MTS) procedure. Following mastery, the emergence of signed tacts, generalized tacts, and mands was tested. All participants met criterion in listener relations training and showed the emergence of almost all relations. Results suggest that teaching listener relations first, through MTS tasks, is a viable way to produce emergence of speaker relations. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)

The objective of this study was to teach manual signs through an automated matching-to-sample procedure and to test for the emergence of new conditional relations and imitative behaviors. Seven adults with mild to severe mental retardation participated. Four were also hearing impaired. Relations between manual signs (set A) and pictures (set B) were initially taught, followed by the training of corresponding printed words (set C) and pictures (set B). Further presentations of conditional discriminations tested for the emergence of AC, followed by tests for the emergence of imitative signing behavior (D) in the presence of either pictures (B) or printed words (C). Each stimulus set was comprised of 9 elements. The stimuli were still pictures, printed words, and dynamic presentations of manual signs. A pretest was conducted to determine which signs the participants could make pre-experimentally. Teaching was arranged in a multiple baseline design across 3 groups of 3 words each.The purpose of the present study was to determine whether participants would emit manual signs in expressive signs tests as a result of observation (video modeling) during match-to-sample training in the absence of explicit training. Five of the 7 subjects passed tests of emergence and emitted at least 50% of the signs. Two were hearing impaired with signing experience, and 3 were not hearing impaired and had no signing experience. Thus, observation of video recorded manual signs in a matching-to-sample training procedure was effective at establishing some signs by adults with mental retardation. (Contains 4 tables and 5 figures.)

A aprendizagem das relações verbais de tato podem apresentar características de emergência e manutenção diferentes das relações textuais. Essas diferenças despertam particular interesse quando os estímulos que controlam tais operantes verbais pertencem à mesma classe de equivalência e a topografia da resposta é semelhante. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o papel da função reforçadora de cada uma dessas relações na emergência de novas relações. Inicialmente, seis universitários participaram do estudo. Primeiro, foram ensinadas, através de tarefas de matching-to-sample, relações de ouvinte entre palavras ditadas e figuras, e entre palavras ditadas e palavras impressas. Após ensino, foram testadas as relações de equivalência, e a emergência de relações de tato e textual - consideradas relações de falante. Em seguida, os participantes foram submetidos a esquemas concorrentes com encadeamento para verificar a preferência por tarefas. Os resultados indicaram indiferença na preferência por tarefas, o que é consistente com o estabelecimento das relações de equivalência e com o fato dos participantes demonstrarem desempenho similar nos testes de tato e leitura. A ausência de preferência pode ter sido observada em função da indiferença da função reforçadora desses operantes, mas também pelo fato dos participantes terem um vasto e sofisticado repertório verbal.

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar el desempeño de un motor diesel en cuanto a sus prestaciones y al retardo de la ignición, al operar bajo diferentes regímenes de carga, empleando mezclas de aceite de Jatropha y combustible diesel. Para esto se determinó la característica exterior de velocidad al emplear las mezclas, y se compararon estos resultados con los obtenidos durante los ensayos con combustible diesel patrón; estableciendo el grado de afectación del motor al sustituir parte del combustible diesel por aceite de Jatropha. Se observó una disminución del torque y la potencia efectiva, y un aumento del consumo específico de combustible al emplear un mayor porciento de aceite de Jatropha en las mezclas. Por otra parte, en comparación con el combustible diesel, el retardo de la ignición no mostró una variación significativa al emplear las mezclas de aceite de Jatropha y combustible diesel.The present study aims to characterize the benefits of a diesel engine in terms of performance and ignition delay, operating under different loading regimes, using Jatropha oil and diesel fuel blends. We determined the speed exterior feature when using mixtures, and compared these results with those obtained during tests with standard diesel fuel, establishing the degree of involvement of the engine to replace some diesel fuel for Jatropha oil. There was a decrease in the torque and effective power, and increased specific fuel consumption by using a higher percentage of Jatropha oil in blends. Moreover, compared to diesel fuel, the ignition delay showed no significant variation by employing Jatropha oil and diesel fuel blends.

Se estudia la influencia del silicio y el tratamiento térmico sobre la microestructura y la resistencia al desgaste abrasivo y por fricción seca de una fundición con 3 % C y 12 % Cr, obtenida en condiciones de rápida solidificación. La rápida solidificación disminuye el volumen de carburos, la finura y dispersión de éstos aumentan con el incremento del silicio. Todas las muestras presentaron matrices perlíticas, variando en finura con el tratamiento. No se apreciaron productos de transformación intermedios. Las durezas tuvieron poca variación. Los tratamientos de austenización mostraron poca efectividad, con tendencia a desgastes más elevados que en estado bruto de colada y con tratamiento de mantenimiento. Los comportamientos ante la abrasión y la fricción seca en las condiciones ensayadas fueron similares. Se evidenció alta influencia de la morfología de los carburos en el desgaste abrasivo.

El número de cetano (CN) es una de las propiedades más importantes para evaluar la calidad del proceso de combustión de un combustible tipo diesel. El CN de biocombustibles derivados de aceites vegetales está influenciado por su composición de ácidos grasos. El objetivo de esta investigación es obtener dos modelos físico-matemáticos que establezcan una relación entre el número de cetano de biocombustibles derivados de aceites vegetales y su composición de ácidos grasos esenciales. Para predecir el CN se desarrollaron dos modelos mediante un análisis de regresión múltiple, basado en datos experimentales extraídos de bases de datos referenciadas. El ajuste de los coeficientes del modelo se basa en la obtención de residuales mínimos. Se realiza una validación parcial del modelo y se establecen las pautas para la validación total del mismo. A partir de estos resultados queda establecida una herramienta muy útil para la determinación del número de cetano. Palabras claves: número de cetano, biodiesel, aceites vegetales, ácidos grasos.______________________________________________________________________________ Abstract The cetane number is one of the main properties for characterization of the ignition quality of a fuel for its use in a diesel engine. The cetane number of biofuels obtained from different vegetable oils is strongly considerably by their fatty acid composition. The scope of this research is to obtain two physical-mathematical models that establish a relationship between the cetane number and the composition of different biofuels derived from vegetable oils. The models were developed using an analysis of multiple regression, based on experimental data available in the literature. The coefficients adjustment of the model was based on the obtaining of lower residual in the capacity of prediction of the model. A partial validation of the model was developed. Starting from these results it a very useful tool for the determination of such an important parameter was established. Key words: cetane number, biodiesel, vegetable oils, fatty acid.

Miconia is one of the largest genus of the Melastomataceae, with approximately 1,000 species. Studies aiming to describe the diverse biological activities of the Miconia species have shown promising results, such as analgesic, antimicrobial and trypanocidal properties. M. albicans leaves were dried, powdered and extracted to afford chloroformic and methanolic extracts. Total phenolic contents in the methanolic extract were determined according to modified Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was measured using AAPH and DPPH radical assays. Chemical analysis was performed with the n-butanol fraction of the methanolic extract and the chloroformic extract, using different chromatographic techniques (CC, HPLC). The structural elucidation of compounds was performed using 500 MHz NMR and HPLC methods. The methanolic extract showed a high level of total phenolic contents; the results with antioxidant assays showed that the methanolic extract, the n-butanolic fraction and the isolated flavonoids from M. albicans had a significant scavenging capacity against AAPH and DPPH. Quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin, 3-(E)-p-coumaroyl-α-amyrin was isolated from the n-butanolic fraction and α-amyrin, epi-betulinic acid, ursolic acid, epi-ursolic acid from the chloroformic extract. The results presented in this study demonstrate that M. albicans is a promising species in the search for biologically active compounds.

La hidroxiapatita es catalogada como un material bioactivo cuya capacidad de interacción con el hueso ha permitido su uso de forma satisfactoria para aplicaciones ortopédicas y dentales. En el presente trabajo la hidroxiapatita producida por el Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas fue proyectada mediante una antorcha de plasma atmosférico sobre un sustrato de acero inoxidable austenítico. El tamaño de partículas fue determinado por dispersión láser y la distancia de proyección fue variada entre 20 y 60 mm. La microestructura y composición de fase del polvo, así como la del recubrimiento obtenido fueron examinados por microscopia óptica, microscopia electrónica de barrido y difracción de rayos X (DRX). La composición química puntual del recubrimiento fue analizada por espectrometría de dispersión de energía (EDS), también fueron medidos la dureza, el espesor de capa y la cristalinidad. Los resultados indican que la cristalinidad disminuye con el incremento de la distancia de proyección, no así su dureza y espesor de capa.Hydroxyapatite is classified as a bioactive material whose ability of interaction with bone allowed its use in a satisfactory way for orthopedic and dental application. In present paper the hydroxyapatite produced by the National Center of Scientific Researches, was projected by means of an atmospheric plasma torch on an austenitic stainless steel substrate. The particles' size was determined by laser dispersion and the projection distance fluctuates between 20 and 60 mm. The microstructure and the powder phase composition, as well as the coating achieved were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-rays diffraction (XRD). The coating's point chemical composition was analyzed by energy-dispersion spectrometry (EDS) and the hardness, layer thickness and crystallization were measured. Results showed that crystallization decreases according to the increase of projection distance, but not its hardness and layer thickness.

Objetivo: Describir la expresión clínica del síndrome de muerte súbita cardíaca en poblaciones de Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba, durante el período 2000-2004. Diseño: Observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal. Métodos: Se estudiaron las muertes naturales atribuibles a causas cardíacas, durante 5 años, y se determinaron cuáles de estas fueron súbitas. El estudio SUCADES I (SUdden CArdiac DEath Study I) fue realizado en la municipalidad de Arroyo Naranjo con una población de 210 000 hab, incluyó 5 098 decesos por muerte natural, de los cuales, 474 fueron por muerte súbita. Se documentó la expresión clínica del síndrome a partir del tiempo de aparición, tiempo de inicio de los síntomas y síntomas premonitorios en los sucesos instantáneos y los no instantáneos. El lugar de presentación incluyó el medio extrahospitalario y el intrahospitalario. Resultados: El 45,4 % de las muertes súbitas fueron instantáneas, el 38,2 % ocurrió en la primera hora del inicio de los síntomas, en el horario de 06:00-11:59 a.m. (30,0 %). La pérdida de la conciencia (72,4 %) y la disnea (36,9 %) fueron los síntomas premonitorios de muerte instantánea y no instantánea más frecuentes, respectivamente. El 66,2 % de las paradas cardíacas se iniciaron en el ámbito extrahospitalario, predominó el domicilio de las víctimas (35,0 %). Conclusiones: Clínicamente la muerte súbita se manifestó por pérdida de la conciencia (instantánea), durante la primera hora del inicio de los síntomas, en el domicilio de las víctimas, en el período de 06:00-11:59 a.m.Objective: To describe the clinical expression of cardiac sudden death syndrome in populations from Ciudad de La Habana over 2000-2004. Design: Observational, descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional. Methods: The natural deaths attributable to cardiac causes over 5 years determining which of them were sudden. The SUCADES I study (Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome) was conducted in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality with a population of 210 000 inhabitants and included 5 098 deceases from natural death, from which 474 were sudden deaths. The clinical expression of the syndrome was documented from the time of appearance, time of onset of the premonitory symptoms and warning symptoms in instantaneous and non-instantaneous events. The place of presentation included the outside hospital environment. Results: The 45,4% of sudden events were instantaneous, the 38,2% occurred during the first hour of the onset of symptoms at 06.00-11.59 hours (30%). The consciousness loss (72,4%) and dyspnea (36,9%) were the more frequent premonitory symptoms of instantaneous ad non-instantaneous death, respectively. The 66,2% of cardiac arrest occurred outside the hospital mainly at home of victims (35,0%). Conclusions: Clinically, the sudden death is characterized by the consciousness loss (instantaneous) during the first hour of symptoms onset, at home and at 06.00-11.59 hours.

Esse estudo investigou o processo de aquisição do conceito de número por pessoas com deficiência intelectual. Dele participaram duas pessoas, respectivamente de idade 16 e 20 anos de idade, alunos de uma escola especial. Para avaliar o repertório inicial dos participantes utilizou-se um programa computacional baseado na noção de rede de relações entre estímulos e entre estímulos e respostas. Depois foram ensinadas as relações tidas como necessárias para a avaliação de repertório, seguidas de testes para avaliar as relações emergentes. Os resultados mostraram a eficácia do currículo informatizado sugerido e dos procedimentos de ensino utilizados, tendo sido constatada a aquisição do conceito de número em reduzido período de tempo. Uma rede de relações matemáticas foi formada a partir do ensino direto de apenas duas relações. O ensino informatizado otimizou o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, aumentou a confiabilidade dos dados e controlou as contingências, de forma a ensinar conforme o planejado.Este estudio evaluó la adquisición del concepto de número por personas com deficiencia intelectual. Dos personas participaron, edad entre 16 y 20 años, estudiantes de una escuela de educación especial. Un programa de ordenador evaluó el repertorio de los participantes basados en una tela de relaciones entre estímulos y entre estímulos y respuestas, identificando las relaciones presentes y ausentes, y para la enseñanza y la prueba de las relaciones condicionales. La fase próxima consistió en la enseñanza de las relaciones reveladas necesarias, seguidas por la prueba inmediata para evaluar relaciones inesperadas. Los resultados demonstraron la eficacia del plan de estudios computarizado sugerido y la eficacia de los procedimientos de enseñanza usados, debido la adquisición del concepto de número en un período de tiempo reducido. Una tela de relaciones matemáticas se formó con la enseñanza directa de solamente dos relaciones. La enseñanza computarizada optimizó el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje, aumento la confiabilidad de los datos y controlo las contingências, permitiendo exactamente la enseñanza de lo que se había planeado.This study investigated the process involved in the acquisition of number concepts by intellectually disabled adults. Two individuals, aged between 16 and 20 years old, attending a special education school participated. A computer program assessed the participants' initial repertoire based on a stimulus-stimulus and stimulus-response relational network, identifying present and absent relations, which served as a basis for the teaching and testing of conditional relations thereafter. Next phase consisted of teaching the necessary relations, followed by immediate tests to evaluate emerging relations. The results showed the efficacy of the suggested computer-based curriculum and the efficacy of the used teaching procedures, due to the concept number acquisition in a reduced period of time. A complex relational network involving number, digits and values was formed through direct teaching of only two relations. The computer based teaching procedures optimized the learning process, increased data collection and procedural reliability and controlled contingencies that allowed precise teaching.

Los diagramas Tiempo Temperatura Transformación (TTT) de los aceros son de vital importancia para la industriavinculada a la elaboración de los aceros. El desarrollo alcanzado en la obtención de modelos matemáticos de estas curvasha permitido acercar al ingeniero investigador de la industria y al estudiante, a la comprensión de las variables influyentesen la transformación austenítica, y el impacto que éstas tienen en la modelación de las curvas. En el presente trabajo sevaloran diferentes modelos presentados en la literatura consultada. Como resultado, se muestra un modelo para las curvasde inicio de la transformación perlítica, conociendo la composición de los aceros, el tamaño de grano, el sobreenfriamientoy la energía de activación, que son las variables que determinan las diferentes formas que adoptan las curvas. Laimplementación del modelo seleccionado, ofrece un acercamiento a la posibilidad de crear un aula virtual utilizando unametodología de cálculo, y una herramienta para continuar avanzando en la dirección de perfeccionar y ampliar lasposibilidades del resultado presentado.Palabras claves: modelos de transformación austenítica, diagramas de transformación isotérmica, diagramasTTT.____________________________________________________________________________Abstract:Time-Temperature-Transformation diagrams of steels are of great importance for industry related to steel manufacturing.The development reached in obtaining mathematic models for these curves has allowed the industry research engineer andstudent to be closer to the comprehension of the influential variables in the austenitic transformation. In this paper differentmodels presented in the consulted literature were valorated. As a result, we show a model for the starting pearlitictransformation curves, depending of the steel composition, the grain size, the undercooling temperature, and the activationenergy. The mentioned determine the different shapes the curves. The use of this model gives us the possibility ofapproaching to the creation of a virtual classroom using the calculation methodology, as well as a tool to improve andwiden the possibilities of the result presented in this work.Key word: Kirkaldy model, TTT, diffusional transformation austenite.

Modulating natural killer cell functions in human immunity and reproduction are diverse interactions between the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) of Natural Killer (NK) cells and HLA class I ligands on the surface of tissue cells. Dominant interactions are between KIR2DL1 and the C2 epitope of HLA-C and between KIR2DL2/3 and the C1 epitope of HLA-C. KhoeSan hunter-gatherers of Southern Africa represent the earliest population divergence known and are the most genetically diverse indigenous people, qualities reflected in their KIR and HLA genes. Of the ten KhoeSan KIR2DL1 alleles, KIR2DL1*022 and KIR2DL1*026 likely originated in the KhoeSan, and later were transmitted at low frequency to the neighboring Zulus through gene flow. These alleles arose by point mutation from other KhoeSan KIR2DL1 alleles that are more widespread globally. Mutation of KIR2DL1*001 gave rise to KIR2DL1*022, causing loss of C2 recognition and gain of C1 recognition. This makes KIR2DL1*022 a more avid and specific C1 receptor than any KIR2DL2/3 allotype. Mutation of KIR2DL1*012 gave rise to KIR2DL1*026, causing premature termination of translation at the end of the transmembrane domain. This makes KIR2DL1*026 a membrane-associated receptor that lacks both a cytoplasmic tail and signaling function. At higher frequencies than their parental allotypes, the combined effect of the KhoeSan-specific KIR2DL1*022 and KIR2DL1*026 is to reduce the frequency of strong inhibitory C2 receptors and increase the frequency of strong inhibitory C1 receptors. Because interaction of KIR2DL1 with C2 is associated with risk of pregnancy disorder, these functional changes are potentially advantageous. Whereas all other KhoeSan KIR2DL1 alleles are present on a wide diversity of centromeric KIR haplotypes, KIR2DL1*026 is present on a single KIR haplotype and KIR2DL1*022 is present on two very similar haplotypes. The high linkage disequilibrium across their haplotypes is consistent with a recent emergence for these KIR2DL1 alleles that have distinctive functions.

Este trabalho de pesquisa desenvolveu e avaliou um procedimento de formação de um grupo de planejamento de programa de suporte comunitário, visando atender a necessidade de preparação, encaminhamento, colocação e apoio ao jovem e adulto com deficiência mental no ambiente natural de trabalho. O procedimento procurou integrar as diferentes agências já existentes na comunidade para planejar, desenvolver, implementar e avaliar diversos serviços relativos à formação do deficiente mental para o trabalho, desde a transição da escola especial para o trabalho até a colocação e manutenção em uma ocupação remunerada. Foram convidados para participar no grupo, representantes de setores expressivos da comunidade local. Sete passos referentes à organização grupo foram implementados: 1) constituição da equipe; 2) identificação e descrição das necessidades da comunidade; 3) identificando os membros da equipe; 4) inicio do planejamento; 5) definição da missão do grupo; 6) avaliação de oportunidades de mudança e 7) estabelecimento de objetivos e atividades. Os resultados apontaram onze aspectos de conteúdo para análise do processo realizado. Observaram-se grandes dificuldades na manutenção do grupo, o que impediu que o procedimento fosse aplicado até o final do planejamento. Foi apresentado uma análise das possíveis razões dessas dificuldades, e proposto um curso para divulgar e discutir o conceito de planejamento de programa de suporte para o trabalho do deficiente mental adulto e estimular novos grupos em outras comunidades.This research attempted to develop a community program planning to meet the needs derived from the development, training, placement and support of mentally retarded adults working in the natural environment. Community program planning requires the integration of several agencies in the community in order to plan, implement and assess services. Representatives of several community agencies participated. Seven steps leading to the organization of the proposed group were implemented: 1) starting the team; 2) defining community needs; 3) identifying team members; 4) starting the planning meeting; 5) defining the mission of the community program planning group; 6) evaluating the opportunity to change; 7) proposing objectives and activities. The results showed that the objectives proposed were partially met. However, great difficulties were observed in group maintenance. The proposal had to be interrupted before the end of the program. The reasons for such difficulties were analyzed and publication and discussion of the concept of community program planning teams was proposed to meet the needs involved in supporting the work of mentally retarded adults. It was also proposed that the procedure be replicated in different communities, to control for local variables, and as an incentive to the development of new work groups.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o comportamento de escolha de adultos com deficiência mental sob duas condições de trabalho com e sem arranjo instrucional e avaliar a influência da situação de escolha sobre parâmetros de desempenho nessas condições. Três adultos com deficiência mental aprenderam, inicialmente, uma tarefa de trabalho com e sem o referido arranjo, através de técnicas de controle de estímulos, modelagem e esvanecimento, e instruções verbais. O arranjo, desenvolvido para a tarefa específica de trabalho, contém dispositivos para colocação de papel picado, fundo de capas de bloco de anotações e cola. Seus objetivos específicos foram prover assistência imediata; aumentar ou manter a freqüência do comportamento e prevenir erros na rotina da tarefa. A estratégia experimental consistiu de cinco fases: ensino da tarefa (em grupo), pré-treino (em grupo), treino individualizado (com e sem arranjo instrucional), treino para escolha, e avaliação sob extinção. Os resultados mostraram que a introdução do arranjo instrucional diminuiu o tempo de realização da tarefa e a média de erros durante a execução da mesma. Pode-se afirmar que o arranjo instrucional permitiu maior controle dos participantes sobre a situação de trabalho e, aliado à oportunidade de escolha, possibilitou que trabalhassem mais estimulados e com maior independência.Choice in mentally retarded participants was investigated under two work conditions with and without environmental support. It was also assessed how choosing a work condition interferes in the work performance. Three mentally retarded adults learned a work task with and without environmental support. The teaching was conducted with stimulus control techniques, shaping, fading, and verbal instructions. An environmental support developed solely for the purposes of the task displayed containers to place its different components, such as small pieces of paper, paper sheets cut in small notepad size, glue stick, and the final product. This environmental support was designed to provide immediate feedback, to increase or maintain the rate of work response and to prevent errors during the task routine. The experimental design consisted of five phases: teaching the task collectively, pre-training, individual training with and without the support, choice training, and follow-up. The results showed that when the environmental support was introduced, the time spent to finish the task decreased, and so did the average number of errors performing the task. The results also suggested that the environmental support yielded greater control over work and the opportunity to make choices engendered more motivation and work independence on the participants.

El presente trabajo constituye un análisis teórico que tiene como objetivo la determinación de cuáles serían las aleaciones autilizar y la tecnología de colada adecuada para la fabricación de los martillos de los desmeduladores de bagazo a partir dealeaciones fundidas resistentes al desgaste.Se analizan los resultados de las experiencias realizadas con recubrimientos por soldadura de recargue duro, con los cualesse corroboraron las hipótesis sobre los mecanismos de desgaste ocurrentes y las estructuras metalográficas adecuadas paracada perfil del martillo.Se propone la realización de ensayos de campo con martillos construidos con hierros al cromo debido a que se caracterizanpor poseer carburos de cromo con la posibilidad de obtener diferentes contenidos y distribución de los mismos en matricesque van desde la austenítica a martensítica. Se propone realizar los ensayos con las aleaciones 15-3 y 20-3 con y sintratamiento térmico y con colada en coquilla, con diferentes velocidades de enfriamiento en cada perfil de trabajo con el finde obtener la estructura metalográfica adecuada.Palabras claves: Aleaciones, martillos desmenuzadores de bagazo, recubrimiento por soldadura.____________________________________________________________________________Abstract.The present paper constitutes a theoretical analysis for the determination of an appropriate cast technology determinationfor the production of bagasse crush hammers with wear cast iron alloys.The results of welding hard facing coatings with the wear mechanisms hypothesis and appropriate metallographic structureswere corroborated.Field tests with chromium cast iron hammers are proposed due that this alloys is characterized to posses chromiumcarbides, with the possibility to obtain different contents and distribution in austenitic, martensitic or intermediate metalmatrices. Tests with 15-3 and 20-3 alloys with or without thermal treatment and metal mold casting with different coolingspeeds in each work profile with the objective to obtain the appropriate metallographic structure are proposed too.Keywords: Alloys, bagasse crush, mills hammers, welding coating.

Concebida pelos Estados Unidos da América (EUA), a iniciativa da Área de Livre Comércio das Américas (Alca), pela forma jurídica apresentada, constitui um sistema anacrônico e discriminatório, por assegurar a descabida manutenção da primazia da lei interna norte-americana sobre os tratados internacionais, por estabelecer ofertas discriminatórias, principalmente sob a ótica tarifária; e por co-optar o infame modelo de arbitragem da Organização Mundial do Comércio (OMC). Da forma como está estruturada, ainda que fossem favoráveis os argumentos macroeconômicos ao ingresso do Brasil na Alca, apenas a situação jurídica desencorajaria qualquer tipo de entendimento.The framework of the initiative of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), as conceived by the United States of America (USA) and presented to the other countries of the hemisphere, is, from a legal perspective, both discriminatory and anachronic. This is so because the adopted structure allows for the superiority of US internal laws over treaty obligations; because the offers made by the USA are discriminatory; and because thedispute resolution system contemplated for the FTAA is based on the World Trade Organization (WTO) model, which has fallen into disrepute as a result of its manipulation in detriment of developing countries and is now undergoing a thorough process of revision within the ambit of the Doha Round.