The objective of this work was to determine if summer dormancy of boxwood could be removed either through nutritional or hormonal means. Buxus sempervirens L. "Suffruticosa", B. sempervirens "Vardar Valley", and B sinica var. insularis (Nakai) "Justin Brouwers" were used for these studies. In the nutrition study, experiments were conducted to examine the effects of various levels of Osmocote 15-9-12 and liquid 10-4-6 on growth of boxwood. Optimal shoot dry weight was achieved at applications of 12 to 16 g Osmocote and 100 – 150 ppm N liquid fertilizer. Leachate EC corresponding to optimal shoot dry weight ranged from 0.5 to 0.7 dS/m for Osmocote and from 0.7 to 1.5 dS/m for liquid fertilizer. While the fertilizer requirements for boxwood optimal dry weight accumulation were determined, additional flushes of growth subsequent to the initial spring flush did not occur for "Vardar Valley" and English boxwood. In the phytohormone study, experiments were conducted that examined the effects of pruning, Promalin (GA4+7 and BA), and defoliation on the growth of three boxwood species. While Promalin applied alone or in conjunction with pruning shows promise of increasing new shoot growth, its response was not consistent from experiment to experiment. In fact, when it was applied in conjunction with defoliation, it dramatically decreased number of new shoots and actually resulted in some shoot mortality. Pruning was also erratic in its promotion of new shoots. Defoliation increased new shoot number dramatically and shows the most promise in overcoming summer dormancy. / Master of Science

Atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are commonly used for thermal protection of components in modern gas turbine application such as power generation, marine and aero engines. TBC is a duplex material system consisting of an insulating ceramic topcoat layer and an intermetallic bondcoat layer. TBC microstructures are highly heterogeneous, consisting of defects such as pores and cracks of different sizes which determine the coating's final thermal and mechanical properties, and the service lives of the coatings. Failure in APS TBCs is mainly associated with the thermo-mechanical stresses developing due to the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer growth at the topcoat-bondcoat interface and thermal expansion mismatch during thermal cycling. The interface roughness has been shown to play a major role in the development of these induced stresses and lifetime of TBCs.The objective of this thesis work was two-fold for one purpose: to design an optimised TBC to be used for next generation gas turbines. The first objective was to investigate the relationships between coating microstructure and thermal-mechanical properties of topcoats, and to utilise these relationships to design an optimised morphology of the topcoat microstructure. The second objective was to investigate the relationships between topcoat-bondcoat interface roughness, TGO growth and lifetime of TBCs, and to utilise these relationships to design an optimal interface. Simulation technique was used to achieve these objectives. Important microstructural parameters influencing the performance of topcoats were identified and coatings with the feasible identified microstructural parameters were designed, modelled and experimentally verified. It was shown that large globular pores with connected cracks inherited within the topcoat microstructure significantly enhanced TBC performance. Real topcoat-bondcoat interface topographies were used to calculate the induced stresses and a diffusion based TGO growth model was developed to assess the lifetime. The modelling results were compared with existing theories published in previous works and experiments. It was shown that the modelling approach developed in this work could be used as a powerful tool to design new coatings and interfaces as well as to achieve high performance optimised morphologies.

Carcinoma adenóide cístico é uma neoplasia maligna de glândula salivar com alto grau de recorrência e metástase. Células tumorais que invadem tecidos subjacentes formam invadopódios, protrusões de membrana ricas em actina, cortactina e MT1-MMP capazes de degradar a matriz extracelular (MEC). Proteólise de moléculas da MEC, como a laminina, promove liberação de fragmentos e peptídeos bioativos. Nesse trabalho, estudamos o papel dos peptídeos AG73 e C16, da laminina-111, na atividade de invadopódios de células derivadas de carcinoma adenóide cístico (CAC2). Nossos resultados mostram que AG73 e C16 regulam atividade de invadopódio e aumentam a expressão de MT1-MMP em células CAC2. Silenciamento da integrina <font face=\"Symbol\">b1 e inibição da via ERK diminuem a atividade de invadopódio induzida por esses peptídeos. Já a inibição da via Rac diminui a atividade de invadopódios induzida apenas por AG73. Propomos que os peptídeos AG73 e C16 regulariam a atividade de invadopódios através da integrina <font face=\"Symbol\">b1 e da via ERK 1/2. Já a via Rac1 transduziria sinais gerados apenas pelo peptídeo AG73. / Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a frequently occurring malignant salivary gland neoplasm with high level of recurrence and metastasis. Tumor cells that invade surrounding tissues rely on invadopodia to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadopodia are actin and cortactin-rich membrane protrusions that localize MT1-MMP required for ECM degradation. Breakdown of ECM molecules, such as laminins, releases fragments and bioactive peptides. Here we addressed the role of laminin-111 peptides AG73 and C16 in invadopodia activity of cells derived from human adenoid cystic carcinoma (CAC2). Our results show that AG73 and C16 increase invadopodia activity and MT1-MMP expression in CAC2 cells. Silencing of <font face=\"Symbol\">b1 integrin and ERK pathway inhibition decrease AG73 and C16-induced invadopodia. Rac1 pathway inhibition decreases only AG73-induced invadopodia formation. We propose that AG73 and C16 increase invadopodia activity in CAC2 cells through <font face=\"Symbol\">b1 integrin. ERK1/2 pathway would transduce signals generated by both peptides, while Rac1 pathway is related to AG73 signaling.

Gliomas são tumores do sistema nervoso central e o glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) é sua forma mais comum e de pior prognóstico. A proliferação desordenada, migração estão entre os processos biológicos que conferem ao GBM um comportamento altamente agressivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar in vitro o papel de PGE2 na proliferação, migração e apoptose da linhagem de glioma humano T98G através de tratamento com ácido gama-linolênico (GLA), Ibuprofeno (IBU) e adição de prostaglandina E1 (PGE1) e prostaglandina E2 (PGE2) exógeno. Nossos resultados demonstraram através uma diminuição nas taxas de proliferação e de migração e uma indução de apoptose nas células T98G tratadas com GLA ou IBU. Por outro lado, a adição exógeno de PGE1 ou PGE2 resultou num aumentou da proliferação e da migração e numa inibição da apoptose. Esses resultados demonstram a influência de PGE2 na linhagem T98G. / Gliomas are tumors of the central nervous system and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form with the worst prognosis. Uncontrolled cell proliferation, migration are among the biological processes that give GBM a highly aggressive behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze in vitro the role of PGE2 the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of the T98G human glioma cell line through treatment with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), ibuprofen (IBU) and the addition of exogenous prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Our results demonstrated through various tests a decrease in the rates of proliferation and migration and an induction of apoptosis in T98G cells treated with GLA or IBU. On the other hand, the addition of exogenous PGE1 or PGE2 resulted in increased proliferation and migration and inhibition of apoptosis. These results demonstrate the influence of PGE2 in the T98G cell line.

A maioria dos tumores sólidos apresentam características aneuplóides. Porém a relação entre aneuploidia e transformação maligna, ainda não está definida. Nos últimos anos diversas proteínas têm sido descritas como reguladoras de eventos durante a divisão celular, principalmente as relacionadas com a formação do fuso bipolar e segregação equacional dos cromossomos. Neste estudo propomo-nos a analisar os efeitos da interferência em dois pontos críticos da mitose, a segregação cromossômica e a citocinese, em relação à aneuploidia e à instabilidade genética tumoral. Nossos dados mostraram que o tratamento sequencial de Monastrol e Blebistatina determinou o surgimento de fusos mitóticos anormais, amplificação centrossômica, localização ectópica de Aurora A e aumento de micronúcleos. Esta interferência pode levar a um quadro de instabilidade genética e, consequentemente a progressão tumoral, abrindo novas possibilidades para o estudo dos mecanismos moleculares envolvidos na regulação do ponto de checagem mitótico e resistência a quimioterápicos. / Most solid tumors have aneuploid feature. Therefore the relationship between aneuploidy and malignant transformation is not yet understood. In the last years it has been described many proteins involved in regulation of mitosis, mainly those related to bipolar spindle and chromosome segregation. In this work we propose to study the effects of the interference on two mitotic critical points, the chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, in relation to aneuploidy and genetic tumor instability. Our data showed that sequential treatment with Monastrol and Blebbistatin led to abnormal mitotic spindle, centrosome amplification, Aurora A ectopic and micronucleus increased. This interference can lead to genetic instability and may be involved in a tumor progression, opening news possibilities to study the molecular mechanisms involved in regulation the checkpoint mitotic and resistance to chemotherapy found in genetically unstable cells.

Problemas reprodutivos ocorrem no hipo e no hipertireoidismo, mas pouco se conhece a respeito das bases moleculares destas alterações. Avaliou-se o efeito da administração de triiodotironina na atividade do gonadotrofo em ratos Wistar tireoidectomizados. O hipotireoidismo ocasionou elevação no TSH e do LH sérico, aumento do conteúdo do mRNA e redução do conteúdo protéico do LH e do FSH, redução da cauda poli (A), redução da testosterona e do FSH séricos, redução da expressão do receptor de LH, aumento da expressão do receptor de andrógenos testiculares e epididimais. O tratamento com T3 acarretou a diminuição do mRNA e aumento do conteúdo protéico de LH, aumento do FSH sérico, diminuição do conteúdo do mRNA e aumento do conteúdo protéico do FSH, aumento da expressão do receptor de LH, redução da expressão de receptores de andrógenos testiculares e epididimais. Esses resultados sugerem que o T3 age na modulação da função do gonadotrofo e na modulação da expressão dos receptores em tecidos-alvo. / Reproductive disorders occur in hypo and hyperthyroidism, but little is known about the molecular basis of these alterations. The effect of administration of triiodothyronine (T3) on the activity of gonadotropes in thyroidectomyzed male Wistar rats was evaluated. Hypothyroidism caused increased on TSH and LH serum concentrations, increased of mRNA content and decreased in protein content of LH and FSH, reduction in the length of poli(A) tail of LH, reduction in testosterone and FSH serum concentrations, reduction in the expression of LH receptor, increased in the expression of androgen receptors in the testis and epididymis. T3 treatment caused reduction on mRNA and increased on mRNA of LH and FSH, increased serum FSH, increased the expression of LH receptor, and reduction of the expression of androgen receptors in the testis and epididymis. These results suggest that T3 modulates the function of gonadotrope and the expression of the receptors in target-tissues.

[pt] Este trabalho utiliza uma reforma de crédito quase-experimental no Brasil para entender os efeitos da liberalização financeira e os canais através dos quais ela promove crescimento econômico. Utiliza-se dados em painel de todos os 5.500 municípios brasileiros e explora-se questões legais que envolvem essa política para quantificar os impactos macroeconômicos da eliminação de barreiras ao crédito em uma economia aberta. A reforma parece aumentar o montante total emprestado, além de estimular outros serviços bancários. Os achados indicam ainda um aumento substancial nos salários e nos lucros das firmas, e a redução do setor informal. Ademais, a análise sugere a presença de efeitos dinâmicos importantes e que os impactos sejam mais intensos em economias mais abertas, mais ricas, menos agrícolas e mais financeiramente desenvolvidas. / [en] This work uses a quasi-experimental credit reform in Brazil to understand the effects of financial liberalization and the channels through which it promotes economic growth. We use panel data for all 5,500 Brazilian municipalities and exploit legal issues underlying the policy in order to quantify the macroeconomic impacts of eliminating credit barriers in an open economy. The reform appears to rise total borrowing, besides stimulating other banking services. Our findings also indicate substantial increases in wages and business profits, and the reduction of the informal sector. Furthermore, the analysis suggests the presence of important dynamic effects and that impacts are greater in more opened, wealthier, less rural and more financially developed economies.

O câncer cervical é o terceiro tipo de câncer mais comum entre as mulheres, sendo a infecção por HPV16 o principal fator de risco para sua etiopatogênese. Neste trabalho avaliamos o potencial profilático e terapêutico da vacina proteica E6E7, constituída de epítopos imunogênicos de E6 e E7 do HPV16, com ou sem Ubiquitina (Ub) fusionada (E6E7Ub e UbE6E7), contra tumor de células TC-1. A vacina E6E7 conferiu total proteção contra a formação de tumores em animais C57BL/6 selvagens, CD4 nocautes e TLR4 deficientes previamente imunizados e posteriormente desafiados com células TC-1. Entretanto, em animais imunizados após desafio, a fusão da Ub no antígeno E6E7 foi crucial para a vacina promover a regressão do tumor em 60% dos animais. Além da fusão da Ub na extremidade N-terminal do antígeno (UbE6E7) aumentar a poliubiquitinação in vitro, essa estratégia de fusão promoveu uma melhor resposta imunoterapêutica contra o tumor que E6E7 e E6E7Ub, sendo promissora para o desenvolvimento de vacinas terapêuticas contra câncer cervical e também contra outros tipos de câncer. / Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer women worldwide and HPV16 infection is a major risk factor for its ethiopathogenesis. In this study we evaluated in mice the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of the E6E7 proteic vaccine, consisting of immunogenic HPV16 E6 and E7 epitopes, with or without Ubiquitin-fused (E6E7Ub and UbE6E7), against TC-1 tumor cells. The E6E7 vaccine conferred complete protection against tumor growth in previously immunized wild-type, CD4 knockout and TLR4 deficient mice challenged with TC-1 cells. However, immunization of previously challenged animals with TC-1 cells, Ubiquitin-fused antigens promoted tumor regression in 60% of mice against 0% in non-Ubiquitinfused antigens. Besides, the fusion of Ubiquitin at the N-terminus of the antigen (UbE6E7) seems to enhance polyubiquitination in vitro, this Ubiquitin fusion strategy promoted an effective immunotherapeutic response against the tumor, being promising for the development of therapeutic cervical cancer vaccines and also other types of tumor.

Detta arbeta har utförts för att undersöka hur höstplantering av täckrotsodlad gran (Picea abies) och tall (Pinus sylvestris) överlever och utvecklas jämfört med vårplanterad. Detta i ett led för att se om man kan utöka planteringssäsongen för att få en jämnare arbetsbelastning över säsongen både i plantskolorna och ute i fält. Man har undersökt hur en planteringstidpunkt på sensommaren och hösten påverkar granplantors överlevnad jämfört med plantering på våren. Studien är utförd som en survey studie i södra Sverige på täckrotsplantor av gran som planterats på medelboniteter 2007-2009 och inventerats 2010. Höst och vårplanterade granplantor är jämförda parvis med samma planttyp, ålder, proveniens och geografiskt område. Följande saker har jämförts; plantor per hektar, höjdtillväxt, toppskottstillväxt, rothalsdiametern, frostskador, viltskador samt snytbaggeskador. Höstplantering av täckrotsodlad gran (Picea abies) ger ett lika bra resultat som vårplantering vad gäller överlevnad hos plantor. Höjdtillväxt och diametertillväxt blev något bättre på de höstplanterade plantorna jämfört med vårplanterade efterföljande vår. Höstplanterade plantor skadades något mer av frost än de vårplanterade gjorde, speciellt första säsongen. Vårplanterade plantor fick något mer viltskador än höstplanterade vilket kan bero på färre frostskador. Vårplanterade plantor skadades något mer av snytbagge än de höstplanterade. Snytbaggeskadorna var störst på de torra jordarna i östra området. Höstplantering av täckrotsodlad tall (Pinus sylvestris) gav ett lika bra resultat när det gäller överlevande plantor som gran. / This work has been performed in order to investigate if Norway spruce (Picea abies) and pine (Pinus sylvestris) container-grown seedlings planted in autumn gives the same quality as planting in spring in terms of surviving plants. This is in part to see if one can extend the planting season to get a more even workload over the season, both in nurseries and in the field. The study is designed as a survey study in Southern Sweden on container-grown seedlings of Norway spruce and pine planted 2007-2009 and inventoried 2010. The following things have been compared; plants per hectare, height growth, leading shoot growth, stem diameter, frost damage, damage by wild animals and pine weevil damage. Planting of Norway spruce (Picea abies) container-grown seedlings in autumn gives the same quality as planting in spring in terms of surviving plants. Height growth and diameter growth were slightly better the following season for seedlings planted in autumn compared to seedlings planted in spring. Seedlings planted in autumn were damaged by frost more than seedlings planted the spring, especially the first season. Seedlings planted in spring were slightly more damaged by wild animals than seedlings planted in autumn which may be because of less frost damage. Seedlings planted in spring were slightly a little more damaged by pine weevil than seedlings planted in autumn. Pine weevil damage was greatest in the arid soils in the eastern area. Container-grown seedlings of pine (Pinus sylvestris) planted in autumn gave equally good results as seedlings planted of Norway spruce.

Electrochemical copolymerizations of thiophene (Th) and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) was performed in this study. Incorporation of Th with EDOT units have accelerated deposition rate in relative to the simple polymerization behavior of EDOT. The electrochemical properties of poly(thiophene-co-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PTh-EDOT) are different from the homopolymers of polythiophene (PTh) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). PTh-EDOT were then served as cathode materials of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to test their capability to transfer lithium ion in 1.0 M LiPF6/ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate solution. PTh-EDOT copolymer prepared from the monomer ratio of 1/1 (Th/EDOT) shows better stability than PEDOT and PTh homopolymers, polymer property enhancement by copolymerization is thus demonstrated. A composite electrode material PEDOT/LiCoO2 was prepared from the electrochemical polymerization of EDOT on LiCoO2 electrode was primarily prepared to inspect the influence of PEDOT on the electrochemical features of LiCoO2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) show the successful deposition of PEDOT over LiCoO2 particles. Compared to the simple LiCoO2 electrode, PEDOT/LiCoO2 composite cathode shows enhanced properties including rate capability and cycle stability for potential Li-ion battery application. Nevertheless, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scans on the fully charged cathodes imply that PEDOT may reduce the thermal stability of LiCoO2. Two carbon materials, vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCF) and nano-scaled Ketjen black EC (KB), were implemented into LiCoO2 electrode. The influence of different carbon additive and their content on the performance of LiCoO2 such as rate capability and cycle ability has been evaluated. KB shows more positive effects than VGCF even in the case of a low 1 wt% content. Furthermore, incorporation of PEDOT was made by electrochemical deposition of EDOT on the preformed LiCoO2-VGCF and LiCoO2-KB composite electrodes. The influence of the carbon additives and the conductive PEDOT polymer on LiCoO2 was then investigated. Compared to the electrodes without PEDOT coating, PEDOT-incorporated composite electrodes show larger capacity, better transfer rate of lithium ions in electrolytes, and enhanced cycle ability. The electrochemical deposition of PEDOT on the LiCoO2/nano-carbon cathodes provides a new approach to implement the conducting polymers in Li-ion batteries.