Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre a síntese e propriedades do copolímero poli(l,l-lactídeo-stat-e-caprolactona)-bloco-poli(óxido de etileno)-bloco-poli(l,l-lactideostat-e-caprolactona). Poli(óxido de etileno) de massa molar 20.000 u.m.a. e poli(óxido de etileno) modificado, preparado a partir de poli(glicol etilênico) de massa molar 4.000 u.m.a., foram selecionados para o processo da síntese. A reação foi feita pela polimerização por abertura de anel em massa a 120ºC usando octoanato de estanho como iniciador. A composição química de cada amostra foi determinada com auxílio de RMN-1H e RMN-13C e suas propriedades mecânicas foram verificadas e comparadas utilizando análises térmicas como DMTA, DSC, TG e a aplicação da MEV como análise complementar. A observação pelas fotos de MOLP permitiu a visualização do comportamento de nucleação dos copolímeros e as características de sua cristalinidade. Seu grau de cristalinidade e as fases cristalinas foram identificados por difração de raios X (WAXS). A biocompatibilidade do material também foi examinada pela cultura de células. Os resultados de caracterização indicam o sucesso da copolimerização, as propriedades elastoméricas e, sua não citotoxidade comprovaram a possibilidade do uso destes copolímeros como biomateriais. Contudo, o tempo prolongado de reação e baixa incorporação do monômero lactídeo ainda são questões a serem melhoradas para a viabilização do copolímero como material de implante na área biomédica. / This work includes the study of the synthesis and characterization of the copolymer poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone)-b-PEG-b-poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone). Poly (ethylene oxide) with molar weight 20.000 and poly(ethylene oxide) modified, prepared from poly(ethylene oxide) with molar weight 4000 have been selected for this synthesis process. The reaction was done by ring-opening bulk polymerization, using stannous octoate as initiator at 120ºC. The chemical composition of samples were determined by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR and their mechanical properties were verified using thermal analyses like DMTA, DSC and TG. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied as a complementary analysis. The pictures of polarizing optical microscopy showed us the copolymer\'s nucleation behaviors and their respective crystallization. The degrees of crystallinity and phase of copolymers were determined by WAXS. The biocompatibility of the copolymer was examined by cell cultivation test. The result of these analyses above indicated the success of synthesis. Their rubbery properties and non-toxicity allowed their application as biomaterial. However, the long reaction time and low incorporation of monomer of lactide might to be improved to increase its potential use in biomedical area in the future.

Legionella pneumophila (Lp) est un pathogène accidentel de l'homme capable d'infecter les macrophages alvéolaires et les pneumocytes. Au cours de l'infection, Legionella se confronte à différents types d'agents antibactériens, dont les peptides antimicrobiens (PAMs) produit par l'hôte et les antibiotiques à activité intracellulaire administrés aux patients. Le mécanisme d'action des PAMs humains à l'encontre de Legionella, ainsi que le niveau de résistance aux antibiotiques de la bactérie sont à ce jour encore peu documentés. Mes travaux ont pour but de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance de l'activité anti-Legionella de ces molécules. La première partie de cette étude a consisté à évaluer la sensibilité d'isolats cliniques de Lp sg 1 à 8 antibiotiques, afin de déterminer le seuil épidémiologique de sensibilité de la bactérie à ces différentes molécules. Nous avons démontré que l'ensemble des isolats cliniques sont sensibles aux antibiotiques testés. Les résultats ont révélé l'existence d'une sous-population présentant une sensibilité réduite aux macrolides. L'analyse des génomes a permis de corréler cette sensibilité diminuée à la présence de la pompe à efflux LpeAB spécifique des macrolides. Cette pompe est présente uniquement dans trois complexes clonaux centrés sur le ST1, le ST701 et le ST1335.La seconde partie de cette étude a été consacrée à la caractérisation de l'activité antibactérienne des PAMs humains LL-37 et HBD-3, ainsi qu'à l'identification de leur(s) mécanisme(s) d'action contre Legionella. L'ensemble des tests réalisés montre que LL-37 et HBD-3 induisent une perte de cultivabilité des légionelles par des modes d'action différents. Les résultats suggèrent que LL-37 agit par perméabilisation des membranes de L. pneumophila. Nos résultats ont également montré que les deux peptides exercent une activité inhibitrice sur la réplication intracellulaire des légionelles, au moins en partie grâce à une collaboration avec la cellule hôte / Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is an accidental human pathogen which can infect alveolar macrophages and pneumocytes. During infection, Legionella have to deal with to various types of antibacterial agents, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by the host, and antibiotics with intracellular activity administered to patients. The mechanism of action of human AMPs against Legionella, and the resistance level to antibiotics of the bacterium are still poorly described. Our work aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the anti-Legionella activity of these molecules. The first part of this study consisted in the evaluation of the susceptibility of clinical Lp sg1 isolates to 8 antibiotics, to determine the epidemiological cut-off values of these different molecules. We demonstrated that all clinical isolates are susceptible to the tested antibiotics. The results revealed the presence of a subpopulation displaying a reduced susceptibility to macrolides. The analysis of the genomes allowed us to correlate this reduced susceptibility to le presence of the LpeAB macrolides efflux pump, found specifically in the sequence types ST1, ST701 and ST1335.The second part of this study was dedicated to the characterization of the antibacterial activity of the human AMPs LL-37 and HBD-3, and to the identification of their mechanism(s) of action against Legionella. All of the experiments show that LL-37 and HBD-3 induce a loss of cultivability by different mode of action. The results suggest that LL-37 is able to permeabilize the membrane of the L. pneumophila cells. Our findings also show that both peptides inhibit the intracellular replication of L. pneumophila, in part through collaboration with the host cell

This paper deals with different variants of grammar systems. Grammar systems combine the simplicity of Context Free Grammars with the generative power of more complex gammars. There are two main variants of grammar systems described in this paper: PC grammar systems and CD grammar systems. New type of grammar system, which is a modification of the CD grammar systems, is also described in the paper.  New method of parsing, based on this new grammar system is proposed in the paper. This new parser consists of several smaller parsers, which work in both top down and bottom up way.

Multygeneratic system is based on cooperation action of infinity count of context-free grammars. All this context free-grammars parallel and synchronous derivate individual sentential form. During generation came in each specific derivation step to checking of correction of each generated sentential forms. This checking can be made by different ways. Solution is then so-called multistring (vector of strings), so by the help of this is defined generated language.

The thesis introduces new models for formal languages, the m-limited state   grammar and the deep pushdown automaton. Their basic definitions are presented,   so is their mutual equivalence and the characteristics of the language family they describe.   Following, a parsing method based on these models is presented. The method is an extension   of a similar method used for context-free languages, the table driven parsing.   The final part of the thesis describes the implementation of a parser based on the method.

This thesis explores a novel’s potential transformations when adapted into the easy-reader format. In early 2021, two distinct easy-reader adaptations of George Orwell’s 1984 were published, accompanied by a new translation of the original full-length version. This analysis primarily seeks to study whether the theme of surveillance undergoes alteration in the easy- reader adaptations, potentially becoming stricter or facilitating a more nuanced interpretation. A notable difference in length among the three versions was observed; when compared as audiobooks at a consistent speed (words per minute), their durations are as follows: the original text: 10 hours and 7 minutes, adapted text 1 by Book Publisher Hedvig: 2 hours and 9 minutes, and adapted text 2 by Vilja Publisher: 33 minutes. Employing comparative close reading and drawing on narratological theory, this study is inspired by the distinctions between round and flat characters, as discussed by E.M. Forster, Maria Nikolajeva, and Mieke Bal. Regarding the theme of surveillance, the thesis concludes that the adaptations do not exhibit as drastic changes as one might anticipate. Analysis of the characters’ transformations in response to surveillance reveals that their portrayal becomes harsher and more rugged in the easy-reader versions compared to the original text. Nevertheless, the shortest adapted text maintains the closest resemblance to the original.

Bakgrund: Diabetes mellitus typ 2 (DMT2) är en folksjukdom som påverkas av ohälsosamma levnadsvanor. För att förhindra sjukdomsprogression och komplikationer krävs det av personer med DMT2 att utföra egenvårdsinsatser. Egenvårdsinsatser omfattar självmedicinering, regelbundna blodsockerkontroller, fysisk aktivitet och kostrestriktioner. Egenvårdsinsatserna hjälper till att reglera sjukdomen och reducera risken för kardiovaskulära sjukdomar samt tidig död. Personer med DMT2 upplevs av vårdpersonal som svårmotiverade till livsstilsförändringar vilket skapar frustration bland vårdpersonalen när inga framsteg identifieras vid hälsokontroller. Syftet: Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var att beskriva personers erfarenheter och upplevelser av egenvård vid diabetes typ 2. Metod: En deskriptiv litteraturstudie baserad på resultatet från tio kvalitativa studier och en mixad metod-studie. Studierna relevans- och kvalitetsgranskades utifrån mallar utarbetade av högskolan i Gävle. Resultatet framställdes med hjälp av en tematisk analysmetod. Huvudresultat: Resultatet redovisas under två huvudteman; inre faktorer och yttre faktorer. De uppmärksammade inre faktorerna av betydelse för implementering av egenvårdsinsatser  var olika attityder, inställningar kring fysisk aktivitet och kostrestriktioner, nivå av sjukdomsinsikt, ekonomisk situation, fysiska funktionsnedsättningar och multisjuklighet. De yttre faktorerna av betydelse för egenvårdsföljsamheten ansågs vara stödet från familjen, brist på valmöjligheter i samband med  sociala event, samt nivån av delaktighet i samband med vårdkontakt. Slutsats: Personer med DMT2 upplever svårigheter med egenvårdföljsamhet och livsstilsförändringar som är beroende av individuella faktorer. Sjuksköterskor behöver därför identifiera brister hos personer med DMT2 utifrån en helhetssyn med ett personcentrerat förhållningssätt, detta för att bättre anpassa omvårdnaden efter patientens behov. / Background: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is a common disease influenced by unhealthy lifestyle habits. In order to prevent the disease progression and complications it requires people with DMT2 to perform self-care measures. Self-care measures includes self-medication, continuous glucose self-monitoring, physical activity and dietary restrictions. Self-care interventions help in controlling the diabetes disease and also reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and an early death. People with DMT2 are perceived by healthcare professionals as difficult to motivate in making lifestyle changes, this in turn creates frustration among healthcare professionals when no progress is identified during health checkups. Aim: The aim of this literature study was to describe people's experiences of self-care in regard to type 2 diabetes. Method: A descriptive literature study based on the results of ten qualitative studies and one mixed method study. The studies were reviewed for relevance and quality through templates developed by the University of Gävle. The results were presented using a thematic analysis method. Main results: The results are presented under two main themes: internal factors and external factors. The noted internal factors of importance for the implementation of self-care interventions were; different attitudes towards physical activity and dietary restrictions, level of disease insight, financial situation, physical disabilities and multimorbidity. The external factors of importance for adherence to self-care interventions were considered to be; family support, lack of choices in regard to diet management during social events, and the level of involvement during contact with health care professionals. Conclusion: People with DMT2 experienced difficulties with self-care adherence and lifestyle modifications dependent on individual factors. Therefore, nurses need to identify deficiencies in people with DMT2 from a holistic and person-centered approach in order to better adapt nursing care to the patient's needs.

Clostridium difficile (CD) is the leading cause of bacterial hospital-associated infection in North America. How CD colonizes the human host, including its response to the innate immune system and other stresses, is poorly understood. This work considers CD's defenses against two stresses found in the host - the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and reactive oxygen species (ROS). LL-37 had bactericidal activity against CD. CD strains varied in their sensitivity to the peptide, and epidemic-associated strains were more resistant to LL-37 than others. CD became more resistant to LL-37 following exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of the peptide, suggesting the presence of inducible resistance mechanisms. A quantitative proteomics analysis revealed definite alterations in CD protein expression caused by LL-37. Specific changes included increased expression of DltB, a protein previously reported to confer resistance against other antimicrobial peptides. Notably, disruption of individual LL-37-induced genes did not sensitize CD to the peptide. This suggests functional redundancy, and that LL-37 may cause global changes in protein expression, not limited to antimicrobial peptide resistance determinants. One of the proteins most strongly induced by LL-37 was a predicted superoxide reductase (SOR). As CD is considered a strict anaerobe, expression of a predicted antioxidant protein was an interesting finding. Heterologous expression of CD SOR in a superoxide dismutase-deficient E. coli strain confirmed its action as a superoxide scavenger. Insertional inactivation of SOR rendered CD more sensitive to oxygen and ROS-generating compounds, indicating that SOR contributes to antioxidant defense in CD. SOR mutants were impaired in their ability to cause disease in hamsters, indicating a role for this protein in infection.

The search potential of a Standard Model Higgs boson in the Vector Boson Fusion production mechanism with Higgs boson decaying to two leptons and two neutrinos via decay to two Z bosons with the ATLAS detector is investigated. The ATLAS detector is a general purpose detector in operation at CERN measuring proton-proton collisions produced by the Large Hadron Collider. This channel has been shown to have high sensitivity at large Higgs mass, where large amounts of missing energy in the signal provide good discrimination over expected backgrounds. This work takes a first look at whether the sensitivity of this channel may be improved using the remnants of the vector boson fusion process to pro- vide extra discrimination, particularly at lower mass where sensitivity of the main analysis is reduced because of lower missing energy. Simulated data samples at centre of mass energy 7 Te V are used to derive signal significances over the mass range between 200-600 Ge V / c2. Because of varying signal properties with mass, a low and a high mass event selection were developed and optimized. A comparison between simulated and real data (collected in 2010) is made of variables used in the analysis and the effect of pileup levels corresponding to those in the 2010 data is investigated. Possible methods to estimate some of the main backgrounds to this search are described and discussed. The impact • of important theoretical and detector related systematics are taken into account. Final results are presented in the form of 95 % Confidence Level exclusion limits on the signal cross section relative to the SM prediction as a function of Higgs boson mass, based on an integrated luminosity of 33.4 pb -1 of data collected during 2010.

Amino acid biosynthesis is an essential process in living organisms. Certain amino acids can be synthesized by some organisms but not by others. L-Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that bacteria can synthesize but humans cannot. This is somewhat inconvenient for humans as much of their L-lysine must come from their diet. However, the lack of the lysine biosynthetic pathway in humans makes the bacterial enzymes within the pathway attractive drug targets. Recently, a novel lysine biosynthetic pathway was discovered in plants, Chlamydiae and some archaea. It is called the diaminopimelate aminotransferase (DAP-AT) pathway. In this pathway, LL-DAP-AT plays a key role by directly converting L-tetrahydrodipicolinate to LL-DAP in a single step. This is a quite interesting characteristic of LL-DAP-AT as the above conversion takes three sequential enzymatic steps in the previously known lysine biosynthetic pathways. Due to its absence in humans, LL-DAP-AT would be an attractive target for the development of novel antibiotics. In order to understand the catalytic mechanism and substrate recognition of LL-DAP-AT, the structural characterization of LL-DAP-AT is of paramount importance. In this thesis, the overall architecture of LL-DAP-AT and its substrate recognition mechanism revealed by the crystal structures of LL-DAP-AT from Arabidopsis thaliana and Chlamydia trachomatis will be discussed. The crystal structure of the native LL-DAP-AT from A. thaliana (AtDAP-AT) presented in this thesis is the first structure of LL-DAP-AT to be determined. This structure revealed that LL-DAP-AT forms a functional homodimer and belongs to the type I fold family of PLP dependent aminotransferases. The subsequent determination of the substrate-bound AtDAP-AT structure showed how the two substrates, (LL-DAP and L-Glu) significantly different in size, are recognized by the same set of residues without significant conformational changes in the backbone structure. In addition, the LL-DAP-bound AtDAP-AT structure shows that the C-amino group of LL-DAP is recognized stereospecifically by the active site residues that are unique to the family of LL-DAP-AT enzymes. Lastly, the chlamydial LL-DAP-AT presented in this thesis shows a new open conformation for LL-DAP-AT. The implications of the conformational flexibility of CtDAP-AT on the differences in substrate specificities among LL-DAP-AT are discussed.