The unified power controller (UPFC) is, the most comprehensive device emanated so far from the FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) initiative. Installation of UPFC to control power flow has become an emerging topic in today¡¦s power industry, especially the deregulated market. By the use of UPFC, a high-speed and low-cost power electronic device, the line flows can be controlled in such a way that thermal limits are kept, losses minimized, stability increased, and contractual requirements fulfilled without violating the economic generation dispatch. To coupe with control signals to attain various control capabilities, it can be used to control both the active and reactive powers and voltage magnitudes altogether. This thesis aims to study static UPFC models for power flow calculations. Basic operation of UPFC will be briefly reviewed. A new UPFC current-based model is proposed in this paper to improve existing power-based model by using the Norton Equivalent Theorem. The proposed model can be integrated with the ECI power flow model easily. The equivalent relationships between the new model and the traditional model will also be investigated. And the proposed current-based UPFC model will provide better convergent characteristics. The Evolutionary Programming (EP) method was also proposed in this research to solve the UPFC control parameters to attain a global optimum. EP is an artificial intelligence process including reproduction, mutation, competition, and selection. Being a stochastic method, EP can avoid the local convergence problem and provide a better opportunity to reach the global or near global optimum. Using the test cases of 5-bus and Taipower systems, the test results proves that the new UPFC new model can successfully control active power and reactive power, and voltage magnitudes simultaneously with an effective process and a feasible solution.

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O escorpião Tityus serrulatus é o responsável pelos acidentes mais graves no Brasil. Dentre os componentes já estudados de sua peçonha estão neurotoxinas capazes de interagir com canais iônicos, além de peptídeos biologicamente ativos também estarem presentes. Neste estudo foram isolados peptídeos da fração de baixa massa molecular da peçonha que interagiram com as oligopeptidases timet oligopeptidase (EP24.15) e neurolisina (EP24.16) através do emprego de substratos fluorescentes específicos como ferramentas. Usando espectrometria de massas, as sequências KEILG, FTR, YLPT e do análogo KELLG foram determinadas e posteriormente sintetizadas. In vitro, os peptídeos não foram substratos para enzimas já citadas, além de testes com a neprelisina e ECA. Em relação à inibição, os destaques ficam por conta de KELLG e KEILG, capazes de inibirem a EP 24.15 e de não inibirem a EP 24.16. Outro destaque foi o YLPT, apresentando um Ki de 0,94 mM perante a neprilisina. In vivo os peptídeos foram testados em relação à nocicepção, rolamento de leucócitos e reatividade vascular, onde se destacou o FTR, apresentando efeito antinociceptivo e o KEILG, capaz de aumentar o número de leucócitos, ressaltando a importância de pequenas moléculas na composição da peçonha. / The scorpion Tityus serrulatus is responsible for the most serious accidents in Brazil. Among the components already studied in its venom, neurotoxins are able to interact with ion channels, and peptides with biological activity are also present. In this study, peptides from low molecular weight fraction of the venom that interacted with the oligopeptidases thimet oligopeptidase (EP24.15) and neurolysin (EP24.16) were isolated using specific fluorescent substrates as a tool. Sequences from the peptides KEILG, FTR, YLPT and the analogue KELLG were determined by mass spectrometry and subsequently synthesized. In vitro, the peptides were not substrates for those enzymes, neither for neprilysin and ACE enzymes. Concerning inhibition, the highlights are the KELLG and KEILG, which were able to inhibit EP 24.15 but not EP 24.16. Another peptide thats worth to mention is YLPT, with a Ki of 0.94 mM for neprilysin. In vivo, the peptides were tested for nociception, rolling of leukocytes and vascular reactivity, being the FTR distinguished to be able to cause antinociceptive effect and KEILG to increase the number of leukocytes. These results emphasize the importance of small molecules in the scorpion venom constitution.

Angiogenesis is a fundamental process in reproduction and wound healing. Angiogenesis is also indispensable for solid tumor growth and metastasis, and also associated with angiogenic diseases. Beta-endorphin (£]-EP), derived from its precursor pro-opiomelancortin (POMC), is well known for its role in nociception and immune regulation. However, the function of morphine and £]-EP during angiogenesis remains characterization. One previous study indicated that morphine inhibited the proliferation and hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release of endothelial cells. Contrastingly, another report found that morphine via Ras/PI3k/MAPK/ERK signaling promotes the survival and angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Besides, endogenous opioid peptides stimulated angiogenesis in chicken allantoic membrane assay through opioid receptors. Thus, the function and mechanism of £]-EP and opioid receptors in angiogenesis are controversial. This study evaluated the culture effects of £]-EP and morphine on angiogenesis . It was found that £]-EP stimulated the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Morphine at a high dose inhibited the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. In the ex vivo rat aortic ring assay, £]-EP enhanced, whereas morphine perturbed, the microvessel sprouting. We also confirmed the expression of MOR¡ADOR¡AKOR opioid receptor in endothelial cells. Application of naloxone, a selective opioid antagonist, and neutralizing antibodies of MOR abolished the angiogenic effect of £]-EP and morphine. Thus £]-EP and morphine exert the pro- and anti-angiogenic effect via MOR, respectively .Besides, £]-EP can be regarded as a novel angiogenic factor.

O escorpião Tityus serrulatus é o responsável pelos acidentes mais graves no Brasil. Dentre os componentes já estudados de sua peçonha estão neurotoxinas capazes de interagir com canais iônicos, além de peptídeos biologicamente ativos também estarem presentes. Neste estudo foram isolados peptídeos da fração de baixa massa molecular da peçonha que interagiram com as oligopeptidases timet oligopeptidase (EP24.15) e neurolisina (EP24.16) através do emprego de substratos fluorescentes específicos como ferramentas. Usando espectrometria de massas, as sequências KEILG, FTR, YLPT e do análogo KELLG foram determinadas e posteriormente sintetizadas. In vitro, os peptídeos não foram substratos para enzimas já citadas, além de testes com a neprelisina e ECA. Em relação à inibição, os destaques ficam por conta de KELLG e KEILG, capazes de inibirem a EP 24.15 e de não inibirem a EP 24.16. Outro destaque foi o YLPT, apresentando um Ki de 0,94 mM perante a neprilisina. In vivo os peptídeos foram testados em relação à nocicepção, rolamento de leucócitos e reatividade vascular, onde se destacou o FTR, apresentando efeito antinociceptivo e o KEILG, capaz de aumentar o número de leucócitos, ressaltando a importância de pequenas moléculas na composição da peçonha. / The scorpion Tityus serrulatus is responsible for the most serious accidents in Brazil. Among the components already studied in its venom, neurotoxins are able to interact with ion channels, and peptides with biological activity are also present. In this study, peptides from low molecular weight fraction of the venom that interacted with the oligopeptidases thimet oligopeptidase (EP24.15) and neurolysin (EP24.16) were isolated using specific fluorescent substrates as a tool. Sequences from the peptides KEILG, FTR, YLPT and the analogue KELLG were determined by mass spectrometry and subsequently synthesized. In vitro, the peptides were not substrates for those enzymes, neither for neprilysin and ACE enzymes. Concerning inhibition, the highlights are the KELLG and KEILG, which were able to inhibit EP 24.15 but not EP 24.16. Another peptide thats worth to mention is YLPT, with a Ki of 0.94 mM for neprilysin. In vivo, the peptides were tested for nociception, rolling of leukocytes and vascular reactivity, being the FTR distinguished to be able to cause antinociceptive effect and KEILG to increase the number of leukocytes. These results emphasize the importance of small molecules in the scorpion venom constitution.

O glioblastoma (GBM) é o tumor mais frequente do sistema nervoso central com um alto grau de malignidade e um prognóstico desfavorável. Apesar dos avanços nas técnicas cirúrgicas e de radioterapia e/ou quimioterapia, não há tratamento eficiente disponível para o GBM. Os prostanoide são derivados do ácido araquidônico e estão envolvidas com vários processos do desenvolvimento e progressão do câncer. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar in vitro o perfil de diferentes prostanoides nas linhagens de GBM. Além de analisar o papel dos prostanoides e dos receptores na migração celular de GBM. Os resultados demostraram um perfil dos prostanoides da série 2 diferente entre as linhagens, além da expressão dos genes envolvidos na biossíntese de PGE2. Nos ensaios de migração os dados demostraram que os tratamentos realizados com os prostanoides exógenos aumentaram a migração celular e os tratamentos com os antagonistas de EP2 e EP4 diminuiram a migração. Em conjunto esses resultados, demonstram o papel importante dos prostanoides, especialmente PGE2, no processo de migração das células de GBM. / Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common tumor of the central nervous system with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Despite advances in surgical techniques and radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, there is no effective treatment available for GBM. The prostanoid are derived from arachidonic acid and are involved in many processes of development and progression of cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze in vitro profile of different prostanoids in the lines of GBM. In addition to analyzing the role of prostanoids and receptors on the cell migration of GBM. The results showed a profile of series 2 prostanoids the different between the cell lines, in addition to expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of PGE2. In migration testing data showed that the treatments performed with exogenous prostanoids increased cell migration and treatment with antagonists of EP2 and EP4 decreased migration. Together these results demonstrate the important role of prostanoids, especially PGE2, in the migration process of the GBM cells.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:38:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JUNELLE PAGANINI.pdf: 1464336 bytes, checksum: 1653172f2b7622ec9bfc539b7c96c595 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-06-01 / Breast cancer affects more than one million women worldwide and about 400,000 patients die each year due to this illness. Breast cancer has progressively affected a larger number of young women and mortality is also increasing in Brazil. For about two decades, several studies on breast cancer focused the expression and the possible cellular pathways of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM). Ep-CAM is one of the most completely investigated proteins in human cancers. Because of its high expression in various carcinomas, Ep-CAM is a potential target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between Ep-CAM protein overexpression and the clinical and pathological features of a group comprising 239 patients with breast carcinomas. Ep-CAM overexpression was observed in 96 tumors (40%), reduced expression was detected in 66 tumors (28%) and 66 tumors (28%) did not express Ep-CAM protein. Eleven cases (4.6%) were excluded from the group, because the material was not sufficient for analysis. Prognostic factors that significantly influenced overall survival of the patients included: tumor size, lymph node metastasis, clinical staging, the presence of distant metastasis, the triple negative phenotype and Ep-CAM overexpression. Ep-CAM overexpression was also significantly associated with a worse five years overall survival, with the absence of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone), the triplenegative phenotype and with the presence of distant metastasis. Based on the results, we suggest that Ep-CAM overexpression might be considered as a potential prognostic marker in breast carcinomas, allowing more appropriate therapeutic choices for the patients. / O câncer de mama afeta mais de um milhão de mulheres em todo o mundo, e cerca de 400.000 pacientes morrem devido a esta doença a cada ano. Essa patologia vem atingindo progressivamente um número maior de mulheres, em faixas etárias mais baixas e a mortalidade também é crescente no Brasil. Diversos estudos sobre câncer de mama analisam a expressão e as possíveis rotas de sinalização celular da molécula de adesão celular epitelial (Ep-CAM). Ep-CAM é uma das proteínas mais amplamente investigadas em cânceres humanos. Por conta de seu alto nível de expressão em vários carcinomas, é um potencial alvo para o diagnóstico e terapia tumoral. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as possíveis associações entre a superexpressão da proteína Ep-CAM e os aspectos clínicos e histopatológicos de 239 pacientes com carcinomas mamários. A superexpressão de Ep-CAM foi observada em 96 tumores (40%), a baixa expressão em 66 (28%), a ausência da expressão da proteína em 66 tumores (28%) e 11 (4,6%) casos foram excluídos porque não apresentaram material suficiente para a análise. Os fatores prognósticos que influenciaram a sobrevida global das pacientes foram: o tamanho do tumor, o comprometimento linfonodal, o estadiamento clínico, a presença de mestástases à distância, o fenótipo de carcinoma mamário triplo-negativo e a superexpressão da proteína Ep-CAM. A superexpressão da proteína Ep-CAM associou-se de forma significativa com pior sobrevida global em cinco anos, com a ausência de receptores hormonais (estrógeno e progesterona), com o fenótipo triplo-negativo e com a ausência de mestástase à distância. Com base nos resultados, sugere-se que a superexpressão de Ep-CAM seja considerada como potencial marcador prognóstico em carcinomas mamários, possibilitando escolhas terapêuticas mais adequadas para pacientes diagnosticadas com câncer de mama.

O glioblastoma (GBM) é o tumor mais frequente do sistema nervoso central com um alto grau de malignidade e um prognóstico desfavorável. Apesar dos avanços nas técnicas cirúrgicas e de radioterapia e/ou quimioterapia, não há tratamento eficiente disponível para o GBM. Os prostanoide são derivados do ácido araquidônico e estão envolvidas com vários processos do desenvolvimento e progressão do câncer. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar in vitro o perfil de diferentes prostanoides nas linhagens de GBM. Além de analisar o papel dos prostanoides e dos receptores na migração celular de GBM. Os resultados demostraram um perfil dos prostanoides da série 2 diferente entre as linhagens, além da expressão dos genes envolvidos na biossíntese de PGE2. Nos ensaios de migração os dados demostraram que os tratamentos realizados com os prostanoides exógenos aumentaram a migração celular e os tratamentos com os antagonistas de EP2 e EP4 diminuiram a migração. Em conjunto esses resultados, demonstram o papel importante dos prostanoides, especialmente PGE2, no processo de migração das células de GBM. / Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common tumor of the central nervous system with a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. Despite advances in surgical techniques and radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, there is no effective treatment available for GBM. The prostanoid are derived from arachidonic acid and are involved in many processes of development and progression of cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze in vitro profile of different prostanoids in the lines of GBM. In addition to analyzing the role of prostanoids and receptors on the cell migration of GBM. The results showed a profile of series 2 prostanoids the different between the cell lines, in addition to expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of PGE2. In migration testing data showed that the treatments performed with exogenous prostanoids increased cell migration and treatment with antagonists of EP2 and EP4 decreased migration. Together these results demonstrate the important role of prostanoids, especially PGE2, in the migration process of the GBM cells.

Darbo tikslas: nustatyti kineziterapijos priemonių efektyvumą lyginant pasyvias (NPJT) – aktyvias (KT pratimai) kineziterapijos priemones su aktyviomis (KT pratimai) kineziterapijos priemonėmis po pilno kelio sąnario endoprotezavimo operacijos ankstyvajame pooperaciniame etape. Darbo uždaviniai: 1.Įvertinti kelio sąnario lenkimą lyginant pasyvių (NPJT) – aktyvių (KT pratimai ) kineziterapijos priemonių taikymą su aktyvių priemonių (KT pratimai ) taikymu praėjus 24 val., 72 val., 120 val. po operacijos. 2.Įvertinti ir palyginti skausmo pokyčius pagal VAS skalę taikant pasyvias ( NPJT ) - aktyvias (KT pratimai ) kineziterapijos priemones ir aktyvias ( KT ) priemones praėjus 24 val., 72 val., 120 val. po operacijos. 3. Palyginti nueitą atstumą praėjus 48 val., 120 val. po operacijos grupėse. Metodai: anketinė apklausa ir statistinė duomenų analizė. Buvo ištirta 60 asmenų, gydančių Kauno medicinos universiteto klinikų (KMUK ) Ortopedijos – Traumatologijos skyriuje (OTR). Jie buvo atsitiktinių imčių principu suskirstyti į dvi grupes: pirmai grupei buvo taikytos pasyvios kineziterapijos (KT ) priemonės- nuolatinė pasyvaus judesio terapija (NPJT) ir aktyvios kineziterapijos priemonės (KT pratimai), antrai –tik aktyvios (KT pratimai) priemonės praėjus 24 val., 72 val., 120 val. po operacijos. Grupės buvo palygintos tarpusavyje. Pildant anketą, vertinta kelio sąnario judesių amplitudė, skausmas pagal VAS skalę, matuotas nueitas atstumas. Tyrimo medžiaga apdorota... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of research: to establish the efficacy of physical therapy comparing passive-active physical therapy with active physical therapy after total knee arthroplasty in early in-patient stage. The goals: 1. Evaluate knee flexion comparing passive-active physical therapy with active physical therapy after 24 h, 72 h, and 120 h after surgery. 2. Evaluate pain changes comparing passive-active physical therapy with active physical therapy after 24 h, 72 h, and 120 h after surgery. 3. Compare the walking distance after 48 h, 120 h after surgery in groups. Methodology of research: 60 patents were observed in Kaunas Medical University Hospital, Orthopedics-Traumatology Department. They were divided into 2 groups. First group got passive-active physical therapy, second group – active physical therapy after 24 h, 72 h, and 120 h. The groups were compared. We evaluated knee range of motion of the operated knee, pain, and the distance which the patient could walk. Results. Total knee arthroplasty is done for older people. Most of them were 70,4-73,8 years old. According to the age, gender, knee deformities, the groups were homogenous. When we evaluated and compared knee range of motion in two groups, statisfically significant diference was got after 120 h after surgery (p=0,001). That means that knee range of motion in 1st group is bigger that in 2nd group. Comparing the pain in groups after 24 h, 72 h, and 120 h, we did’nt get statistically significant difference (p>0,05)... [to full text]

The cross section of the diffractive process e+p → e+Xp is measured at a centre-of-mass energies of 319 GeV, where the system X contains at least two jets and the leading final state proton p is detected in the H1 Very Forward Proton Spectrometer. The measurement is performed in photoproduction defined by photon virtualities Q2 < 2 GeV2 and in deep-inelastic scattering with 4 GeV2 < Q2 < 80 GeV2 . The results are compared to next-to-leading order QCD calculations based on diffractive parton distribution functions as extracted from measurements of inclusive cross sections in diffractive deep- inelastic scattering. A collinear QCD factorization theorem is tested against the measured cross sections and their ratios. 1