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Summary The mobility of salt rocks may cause problems, such as stuck pipe, high torque, casing collapse, and hole closure, promoting enormous losses in different areas. The drilling mud weight generates a hydrostatic pressure that serves as a counterpressure to the displacement of the salt. Sometimes this measure is not enough, leading to the backreaming operation, which reconditions the diameter of the wellbore to its original state. Given the importance of backreaming during drilling operations in salt rocks, its incorporation into computational tools is necessary. Through the finite element method (FEM), we developed a program to identify and simulate the effects of the backreaming operations in vertical wells in the presence of salt layers. We proposed a simulator that associates 1D axisymmetric multilayers with unit thickness through a coupling strategy between them, considering a lesser number of degrees of freedom when compared to conventional 2D modeling. We checked the performance of multilayers strategy when compared with 2D axisymmetric modeling of the hole closure problem in the commercial software ABAQUS® (Dassault Systèmes, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France); for the radial displacement histories, the multilayer strategy presented similarity with ABAQUS for cases that consider interaction, with the advantage of a low computational cost provided by the 1D formulation. We demonstrated the modeling of backreaming through the proposed tool.

Background Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized the study of transcriptomes, arising as a powerful tool for discovering and characterizing cell types and their developmental trajectories. However, scRNA-seq analysis is complex, requiring a continuous, iterative process to refine the data and uncover relevant biological information. A diversity of tools has been developed to address the multiple aspects of scRNA-seq data analysis. However, an easy-to-use web application capable of conducting all critical steps of scRNA-seq data analysis is still lacking. Summary We present Asc-Seurat, a feature-rich workbench, providing an user-friendly and easy-to-install web application encapsulating tools for an all-encompassing and fluid scRNA-seq data analysis. Asc-Seurat implements functions from the Seurat package for quality control, clustering, and genes differential expression. In addition, Asc-Seurat provides a pseudotime module containing dozens of models for the trajectory inference and a functional annotation module that allows recovering gene annotation and detecting gene ontology enriched terms. We showcase Asc-Seurat’s capabilities by analyzing a peripheral blood mononuclear cell dataset. Conclusions Asc-Seurat is a comprehensive workbench providing an accessible graphical interface for scRNA-seq analysis by biologists. Asc-Seurat significantly reduces the time and effort required to analyze and interpret the information in scRNA-seq datasets.

MEMS micromirror is playing more important roles in various applications. To increase the detection range and field-ofview (FOV), bigger aperture size with larger rotation angle (θopt⋅D) is always preferred. However, it comes with the cost of worse collimation performance due to larger dynamic deformation. A backside rib support design can be added to the mirror which can reduce dynamic deformation while keeping rotational inertia of moment low. Meanwhile, integrated piezoelectric actuator can be adopted to provide large driving force and to increase the rotation angle. In this paper, we demonstrate a MEMS micromirror actuated by integrated PZT thin film, with a large aperture size of 12mm×18mm and resonant frequency of 1.65 kHz can achieve 4.8° optical angle under 20 Vpp driving voltage. Design rules are deduced from the theoretical analysis to improve the performance of piezoelectric-actuated MEMS mirror.

The present paper proposes a methodology based on the implementation and assessment of autoregressive (AR) solar radiation models for generating synthetic series and providing guidance on bidding strategies for power purchase agreements. The work considered conventional and periodic AR models with different lag orders, assessing the models against real solar radiation measurements. The synthetic series generation process developed 1000 1-year monthly solar radiation scenarios that were later employed for simulating electric energy production and power purchase agreement models. This application allowed one to evaluate the risk associated with the energy supply security, supporting bidding strategies in energy auctions. A real study case is also illustrated in detail, referring to a spot in the Brazilian best irradiance area.

O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar a presenca de efeitos colaterais avaliados pelo metodo de avaliacao clinica e laboratorial em caes com dermatopatias tratados com prednisona em dose anti-inflamatoria. Para isso, foram utilizados 11 caes que apresentassem alguma dermatopatia alergica. Todos esses foram submetidos a terapia com prednisona durante 20 dias, nas doses de 0,25 mg/kg/BID/5 dias, 0,25 mg/kg/Sid/5 dias e 0,25 mg/kg/EDA/10 dias. Exames laboratoriais (hemograma, bioquimicos da funcao renal, funcao e lesao hepatica, glicemia, colesterol, triglicerides, urinalise, UPC e pressao arterial sistemica) foram realizados em dois momentos (antes e apos o tratamento). Apos analise dos resultados nao foram observadas alteracoes estatisticas relacionadas a utilizacao do corticoide entre os dois momentos estudados. Por tanto, conclui-se que a ausencia de alteracoes pode sugerir que a dose e o tempo de tratamento foram seguros, porem estudos com a utilizacao de prednisona em doses mais altas e com periodos maiores devem ser realizados afim de demonstrar a relacao da corticoidoterapia com efeitos colaterais.

This study reports on the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and follow-up treatment of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) infection in lung's mice. We also reports on the introduction of a new drug carrier system [nanoparticle-Amphotericin B (NP-AmB)], comprising magnetic NP surface functionalized with AmB, and its use in the treatment of infected and non-infected mice. SERS was successfully used to monitor the efficacy of the mice's treatment using the new NP-AmB, while free AmB (F-AmB), considering the current drug of choice for treatment of Pb infection, was also used and taken as reference for the treatment. We found SERS provides a robust platform to discriminate infected lung tissues from non-infected ones based on fingerprints assessed via SERS spectra and focused on the redox state of heme groups present in the collected biological material. Finally, SERS data reported in this study indicated that the new NP-AmB formulation provides similar clinical response as the F-AmB, although incorporating 40% lower content of AmB and administered in a time interval schedule (every 72 h) three times longer than F-AmB (every 24 h). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise training (AT) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and anti-inflammatory cytokines in an asthma model. BALB/c mice were divided into groups control (CT; nonsensitized/nontrained), aerobic training (AT; nonsensitized/trained), ovalbumin (OVA; sensitized/not trained), and OVA+AT (sensitized/trained). OVA groups received OVA by inhalation, and the AT groups completed 1, 3, or 7 days of exercise (60 min/session). Expression of GR, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-1ra, NF-κB, TGF-β, VEGF, ICAM-1, VCAM-1; eosinophils counting; and airway remodeling (AR) features [airway smooth muscle (ASM) and epithelial thickness and collagen fiber deposition] were quantified. OVA sensitization induced a decrease in the expression of GR and increases in the eosinophil, IL-4, IL-5, NF-κB, TGF-β, VEGF, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and AR features (P 0.05). After 3 days, AT reversed the OVA-induced reduction in the expression of GR, and subsequently induced increases in the expression of IL-10 and IL-1ra (seventh day). In contrast, the eosinophil migration, the expression of NF-κB, IL-4, IL-5, TGF-β, RANTES, VEGF, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and the AR features (P 0.05) were reduced. AT increases the expression of GR and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1ra) and reduces the expression of inflammatory mediators and airway inflammation in an animal model of asthma.

The aim of this study was to investigate if the aerobic training (AT) reverses airway remodeling (AR) in an asthma model. BALB/c were divided into four groups: control (unsensitized and untrained); ovalbumin (OVA: sensitized and untrained); AT (unsensitized and trained) and OVA + AT. Allergic inflammation was induced with intraperitoneal and OVA inhalation. AT (low intensity; 5×/week; 60 min/session) was performed at 7, 15, and 30 days. Leukocyte counting in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; the expression of IL-5, eotaxin, RANTES, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1); AR features (airway smooth muscle, epithelium thickness, collagen and elastic fibers, mucus production); and AR inducers (transforming growing factor-beta, osteopontin, vascular endothelial growth factor). OVA induced an increase in leukocyte airway migration and increased AR features (P 0.05). After 7 days, AT reversed the OVA-induced eosinophil and macrophage airway migration, the expression of IL-5, eotaxin, RANTES, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and all AR inducers. However, total reversion of the AR features and inducers and airway inflammation occurred only after 15 days of AT compared with the OVA groups (P 0.05) and the effects were maintained until the 30th day. AT reverses AR after 15 days and this effect is preceded by the inhibition of leukocyte migration and occurs simultaneously with the reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators and AR inducers.

Recent studies have emphasized the beneficial effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on neurone survival and Schwann cell proliferation. VEGF is a potent angiogenic factor, and angiogenesis has long been recognized as an important and necessary step during tissue repair. Here, we investigated the effects of VEGF on sciatic nerve regeneration.Using light and electron microscopy, we evaluated sciatic nerve regeneration after transection and VEGF gene therapy. We examined the survival of the neurones in the dorsal root ganglia and in lumbar 4 segment of spinal cord. We also evaluated the functional recovery using the sciatic functional index and gastrocnemius muscle weight. In addition, we evaluated the VEGF expression by immunohistochemistry.Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran) fluorescence of nerves and muscles revealed intense staining in the VEGF-treated group. Quantitative analysis showed that the numbers of myelinated fibres and blood vessels were significantly higher in VEGF-treated animals. VEGF also increased the survival of neurone cell bodies in dorsal root ganglia and in spinal cord. The sciatic functional index and gastrocnemius muscle weight reached significantly higher values in VEGF-treated animals.We demonstrate a positive relationship between increased vascularization and enhanced nerve regeneration, indicating that VEGF administration can support and enhance the growth of regenerating nerve fibres, probably through a combination of angiogenic, neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects.

Este artigo aborda um estudo de monitoramento tecnológico em biopolímeros aplicados em diversas áreas, usando como fontes de informações artigos científicos e patentes. Para tanto, foram utilizados, respectivamente, o programa Scifinder Scholar, que emprega as bases de dados CAPLUS e MEDLINE, e a base de dados americana de patentes, a USPTO. Os dados foram obtidos utilizando-se como palavras-chaves "biopolymers" e "biomaterials". Foram realizadas análises "macro", "meso" e "micro" em relação às principais universidades/centros de pesquisa, países de publicação, tipos de aplicações, principais biopolímeros mencionados, principais matérias-primas utilizadas e principais métodos de produção. This paper reports a survey on the technology of biopolymers for various sector, using information extracted from scientific articles and patents. The Scifinder Scholar program based on the CAPLUS and MEDLINE databases and the USPTO databases were used as inputs, respectively. All the data were mined using biopolymers and biomaterials as keywords. The output of this research is a map of biopolymers' university/research centers, origin countries, types of biopolymers and its applications, major raw materials and production methods.

The objective of this study revolves around the analysis of the safety risks involved within a large construction project, and the respective economic effects. This analysis is fundamental for the safety management and cost reduction of accidents. The case study is the result of the safety coordination of systems, and of the harmonization between the project owner, the safety coordinator and the contractor. The result of this collaboration is and adequate strategy to prevent the risks during the construction of a large hydro-electric dam in the north of Portugal. The project is part of a governmental plan to invest in the energy obtained from hydraulic sources. The dam in the north of Portugal is located in a river and near the confluence with the river Douro. It will have a capacity of storage that will be strategic to the electricity generation in the country. It has two storage-pumped plants equipped with reversible units. The construction volume covers around 700000 m 3 of concrete, 600000 m 3 of excavation and an installed power of 170 MW. This dam presents a strategic value since it will increase the water supply reserves for domestic and industrial use. It will be the largest reserve of water in Portugal. The safety risk evaluation on this construction project was carried out using simulation tools of the different phases of construction according to the tasks of the program plan. This overall analysis of the risks related with the planned tasks provides a sequence of risks over the duration of the project. The simulation allows the analysis to identify peaks and levels of high risks that are identified. The method proposes a scale to classify risks that is compatible with probability of occurrence and gravity of the consequences. There is also a systematic

Cytogenetic monitoring of individuals occupationally exposed to chemical and biological hazards has found increased frequencies of cells with chromosomal aberrations. During the present study we analyzed the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in cells from individuals working in various chemistry and biology research laboratories of the University of Brasilia, Brazil. When evaluated jointly and compared to a control group there was no significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the laboratory personnel. However, a group constituted of individuals of the Genetics Laboratory showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of structural chromosomal aberrations of the chromatid gap type.

This study reports on the successful use of magnetic albumin nanosphere (MAN) with in vivo magnetohyperthermia (MHT) in a mouse Ehrlich tumor. Maghemite nanoparticles (8.9 nm average diameter) were encapsulated within MAN (73.0 nm average diameter). Ehrlich tumor obtained after implantation of tumor cells in the subcutaneous tissue of mice was used as a model throughout this study. MHT was performed with MAN (40 μL) containing 1.2 × 1015 particle/mL and 40 Oe amplitude ac magnetic field oscillating at 1 MHz. Animals not treated, treated with MAN, or exposed to the ac field were used as controls. Histopathological analysis was carried out after 2, 5, or 11 days of tumor implantation. We found that the MHT most efficient condition was obtained while applying the ac field protocol twice a day during three consecutive days. Further, in this ac field-treated group no proliferation cells were detected.

A container was developed for the transport and conservation of immunological products under low temperatures of between 2 and 8 º C, within a time span of 8 hours. The container is practical, simple and userfriendly, and can be used in places without electric power, and all these advantages are added of low operational costs. The container proposed aims at meeeting the demand of the Programa Nacional de Imunizações (PNI- the National Immunization Program), through Cold Chain, which sets the standards for all the procedures concerning conservation, handling, distribution and transport of the vaccine from the laboratory that produces it to the moment of inoculation.Innitially, the container was specifically developed for Vaccine for Inactive Influenza Virus against flu, which, according to a survey conducted with laboratories, is the most widely consumed, and whose conservation time span is also applicable to other immunobiologicals After the design and construction of the prototype, the container was exhaustively tested under different weather conditions. The results of the experiment are being exposed and discussed in this paper and the prototype lived up to the expectations of the reserachers in terms of the time spans and temperatures foreseen for the conservation of the vaccine selected.