This paper reports a numerical approach for modelling the thermal behavior and heat accumulation/liberation of sustainable cementitious composites made with Recycled Brick Aggregates (RBAs) employed as carriers for Phase-Change Materials (PCMs). In the framework of the further development of the fixed grid modelling method, classically employed for solving the well-known Stefan problem, an enthalpy-based approach and an apparent calorific capacity method have been proposed and validated. More specifically, the results of an experimental program, following an advanced incorporation and immobilization technique, developed at the Institut für Werkstoffe im Bauwesen for investigating the thermal responses of various combinations of PCM-RBAs, have been considered as the benchmark to calibrate/validate the numerical results. Promising numerical results have been obtained, and temperature simulations showed good agreement with the experimental data of the analyzed mixtures.

Environmentally friendly lubricants are in demand in response to the rising concerns and restrictive legislation that surround the use of mineral oil lubricants. One area of importance is understanding the service life of the environmentally friendly base oils of these non-toxic, biodegradable and renewable alternatives. The service life of a lubricant is directly influenced by its degradation behavior, especially oxidation.  In this research, selected environmentally friendly base oils; Glycerol, Rapeseed oil, Polypropylene glycol, Polyethylene glycol, Bis(di-2-ethyl hexyl) sebacate, Squalene and reference mineral oil; paraffin,  were subjected to thermo-oxidative ageing at 150oC. The changes in the chemical structures of the samples were followed using Spectroscopic, chromatographic, rheological and corrosivity studies. Tribological tests were also carried out to quantify the changes in these lubricants. The results obtained showed that the thermal oxidation affected the physicochemical properties and the lubricating ability of the base oils. However, each base oil degraded distinctly to the accelerated ageing conditions.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a molecular and prognostic heterogeneous disease. Three main genetic subtypes are called germinal center-like DLBCL (GC-like DLBCL), non-germinal center-like DLBCL (nonGC-like DLBCL) and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL). These subtypes can be reliably distinguished only with usage of gene expression profiling (GEP). The GEP method can be applied only when fresh frozen tissue is available. The method is technically difficult and expensive. Thus, it is not used routinely. Since the DLBCL subtypes differ in prognosis, it is extremely important to be able to distinguish them. The presented thesis is focused on distinguishing of PMBL diagnosis in the group of DLBCL. Easily stored formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) and gene expression analysis using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) are used. In the first step, PMBL and DLBCL cases were distinguished with an internationally accepted clinical-pathological method. The agreement between clinical-pathological diagnosis and GEP is only 76%. In the presented text a genetic algorithm for PMBL/DLBCL distinguishing is suggested. It uses three carefully chosen genes and their expression is measured with RTqPCR. Both, the...

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a molecular and prognostic heterogeneous disease. Three main genetic subtypes are called germinal center-like DLBCL (GC-like DLBCL), non-germinal center-like DLBCL (nonGC-like DLBCL) and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL). These subtypes can be reliably distinguished only with usage of gene expression profiling (GEP). The GEP method can be applied only when fresh frozen tissue is available. The method is technically difficult and expensive. Thus, it is not used routinely. Since the DLBCL subtypes differ in prognosis, it is extremely important to be able to distinguish them. The presented thesis is focused on distinguishing of PMBL diagnosis in the group of DLBCL. Easily stored formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) and gene expression analysis using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) are used. In the first step, PMBL and DLBCL cases were distinguished with an internationally accepted clinical-pathological method. The agreement between clinical-pathological diagnosis and GEP is only 76%. In the presented text a genetic algorithm for PMBL/DLBCL distinguishing is suggested. It uses three carefully chosen genes and their expression is measured with RTqPCR. Both, the...

O transplante cardíaco é a última opção terapêutica para pacientes portadores de insuficiência cardíaca grave. Apesar dos avanços na terapia imunossupressora, a rejeição continua sendo o principal obstáculo para o sucesso do transplante. No presente estudo, propõe-se avaliar o perfil de expressão gênica no tecido cardíaco. Com isso, espera-se contribuir para o melhor entendimento do processo de rejeição a nível molecular. Foram analisadas as amostras sequenciais (1, 3 e 6 meses, 1 e 2 anos pós-transplante) de biópsias endomiocárdicas em parafina de 63 indivíduos transplantados cardíacos. O diagnóstico de rejeição humoral foi realizado pela detecção de C3d e C4d do complemento na reação de imuno-histoquímica, e as expressões dos genes protetores (ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, HMOXO-1, BCL2L1 e VEGF) e genes associados à inflamação (IL-6, TNF?, IFN?, TGF-?, AIF-1, NOS2, ICAM, VCAM e MCP-1); foram avaliadas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real (qPCR). As frequências de indivíduos positivos para C4d (28,6%) e vasculite (20,0%) foram significantemente maiores em relação ao teste de reatividade de anticorpos realizado nos receptores antes do transplante (6,3%). Houve mudança no perfil de expressão gênica no tecido cardíaco após o transplante, com aumento da expressão dos genes inflamatórios (AIF-1, TNF?, IL-6, NOS2 e VCAM) e diminuição da expressão dos genes protetores (ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, BCL2L1 e VEGF). Além disso, as expressões dos genes ADIPOR1 e ADIPOR2 foram significantemente menores nos indivíduos positivos para C4d (p<0,001) e gene VEGF (p<0,001) no grupo com vasculite. Houve também uma correlação positiva entre a expressão do gene VEGF e ADIPOR1 (r=0,5688) e ADIPOR2 (r=0,5191). Por outro lado, a expressão aumentada do gene VCAM (p<0,001) foi detectada em todos os tipos de rejeição. Conclui-se que, depois do transplante, o sistema imune do receptor passou a reconhecer os antígenos do órgão transplantado. Com isso, ocorreu uma mudança no perfil de expressão gênica no enxerto cardíaco, caracterizada pela expressão aumentada dos genes inflamatórios e diminuição dos genes protetores. A expressão aumentada do gene VCAM associada à baixa expressão dos genes protetores: ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, BCL2L1 e VEGF resultaram em maior gravidade da rejeição celular, humoral e vasculopatia do aloenxerto cardíaco. / Heart transplantation is the ultimate treatment for patients with severe heart failure. Despite advances in immunosuppressive therapy, rejection still remains the main obstacle to successful transplant. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the gene expression profile in cardiac tissue. With this we hope to contribute to a better understanding of the rejection process at the molecular level. Sequential samples (1, 3, and 6 months, 1 to 2 years post-transplant) endomyocardial biopsies paraffin of 63 heart transplant subjects were analyzed. The diagnosis of humoral rejection was performed by detection of C3d and C4d complement in immunohistochemistry and the expression of protective genes (ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, HMOXO-1, and VEGF BCL2L1) and genes associated with inflammation (IL-6,TNF?, IFN?, TGF-?, AIF-1, NOS2, ICAM, VCAM and MCP-1); were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The frequency of individuals positive for C4d (28.6%) and vasculitis (20.0%) were significantly higher compared to antibodies reactivity test conducted in the recipients before transplantation (6.3%). There was a change in the gene expression profile in cardiac tissue after transplantation, with increased expression of inflammatory genes (AIF-1,TNF?, IL-6, NOS2, and VCAM) and a decreased expression of protective genes (ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, BCL2L1, and VEGF). Furthermore, the expressions of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 genes were significantly lower in C4d positive individuals (p<0,001), and VEGF (p<0,001) in the group with vasculitis. There was also a positive correlation between VEGF expression and ADIPOR1 (r=0.5688) and DIPOR2 (r=0.5191). Moreover, increased expression of VCAM (p<0,001) was detected in all types of rejection. We conclude that, after transplantation, the recipient\'s immune system began to recognize the antigens of the transplanted organ. Thus, a change in gene expression profile in cardiac graft is characterized by increased inflammatory genes and decreased expression of protective genes. Increased VCAM gene associated with lower expression of protective genes expression: ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, BCL2L1 and VEGF resulted in increased severity of cellular and humoral rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

INTRODUÇÃO: A punção aspirativa por agulha fina guiada por ecoendoscopia (PAAF-EE) é método consagrado para o diagnóstico de lesões sólidas de pâncreas. A aplicação de pressão negativa (PN) durante a PAAF-EE tem objetivo de manter o tecido junto à ponta cortante da agulha durante sua passagem através da lesão, resultando no desprendimento e retenção de células. A capilaridade (CP) é outra técnica que utiliza a retirada gradual do estilete durante a PAAF-EE e parece ser igualmente eficaz, além de evitar aspiração indesejada de hemácias e coágulos. OBJETIVO: Analisar o rendimento da ecopunção de lesões sólidas pancreáticas utilizando PN versus (vs) CP e os aspectos citológicos qualitativos e semiquantitativos da celularidade e contaminação por sangue dos grupos estudados. MÉTODO: No estudo, foram randomizados 50 pacientes com lesões sólidas de pâncreas para realização de PAAF-EE. Cada paciente foi submetido a quatro punções, intercalando as duas técnicas. A ordem das punções foi randomizada por computador. O grupo A (PN, CP, PN, CP) e o grupo B (CP, PN, CP, PN). RESULTADOS: As sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia da PN vs CP foram 95,2% vs 92,3%; 100% vs 100%; 95,7% vs 93%, respectivamente. Quando foi considerada a associação das duas técnicas (PN+CP), os resultados da sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia foram 95,6%, 100% e 96%. O valor preditivo positivo (VPP) foi alto para todas técnicas (100%) e os valores preditivos negativos (VPN) para PN, CP e associação dos métodos foram de 66,7% vs 57,1% vs 66,7%, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatística no rendimento diagnóstico entre a PN e CP: 88% vs 80% (p=0,344), entretanto as técnicas somadas (PN+CP) foi superior à CP isolada: 94% vs 80% (p=0,016). A avaliação citológica qualitativa e semi-quantitativa de celularidade e contaminação por sangue no esfregaço e emblocado pelas técnicas de PN e CP não apresentou diferença estatística (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O rendimento diagnóstico da PAAF-EE pela técnica de PN versus CP de massas sólidas de pâncreas não apresenta diferença estatística, entretanto a utilização das técnicas combinadas é superior, particularmente em relação à CP isolada. A celularidade e contaminação por sangue é semelhante independente da técnica utilizada (PN ou CP) ou do tipo de preparação citológica (esfregaço ou emblocado) / BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an established diagnostic method for solid pancreatic masses. Application of negative pressure (NP) during EUS-FNA has the purpose of holding tissue against the cutting edge of the needle as it is moved through the lesion leading to cell detachment and drawing them up. Capillary (CP) sampling is another technique that removes the needle stylet gradually and continuously during the EUS-FNA and seems to have comparable results with less blood and clot aspiration. AIM: Analyze diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of pancreatic solid mass using NP versus CP and evaluate cytological qualitative and semi-quantitative features of cellularity and blood contamination of each group. METHOD: A total of 50 patients were randomized for NP or CP EUSFNA with a standard 22G needle. Each patient had four passes using NP and CP in an alternate fashion. Computer randomization generated two groups. Group A (NP, CP, NP, CP) and group B (CP, NP, CP, NP). RESULTS: Diagnostic yield of NP versus CP had no statistical difference (p=0.344). Both techniques (NP+CP) was superior to CP alone (p=0.016), but not to NP alone (p=0.25). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of NP vs CP were 95.2% vs 92.3%; 100% vs 100%; 95.7% vs 93%, respectively. Results for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of both NP+CP were 95.6%, 100% and 96%. Positive predictive value was high for all techniques (100%) and Negative predictive value for NP, CP and both techniques were 66.7%, 57.1% and 66.7%, respectively. NP and CP smears and cell blocks had no statistical differences in qualitative and semi-quantitative citological evaluation for cellularity and bloodiness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NP versus CP in EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic mass yielded similar overall outcomes in terms of diagnostic performance, however the combination of both techniques is superior, particularly compared to CP alone. Cellularity and bloodiness are equivalent no matter which technique (NP or CP) or type of cytological preparation (smear or cell block) is used

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Este trabalho objetiva a construção de estruturas robustas e computacionalmente eficientes para a solução do problema de deposição de parafinas do ponto de vista do equilíbrio sólido-líquido. São avaliados diversos modelos termodinâmicos para a fase líquida: equação de estado de Peng-Robinson e os modelos de coeficiente de atividade de Solução Ideal, Wilson, UNIQUAC e UNIFAC. A fase sólida é caracterizada pelo modelo Multisólido. A previsão de formação de fase sólida é inicialmente prevista por um teste de estabilidade termodinâmica. Posteriormente, o sistema de equações não lineares que caracteriza o equilíbrio termodinâmico e as equações de balanço material é resolvido por três abordagens numéricas: método de Newton multivariável, método de Broyden e método Newton-Armijo. Diversos experimentos numéricos foram conduzidos de modo a avaliar os tempos de computação e a robustez frente a diversos cenários de estimativas iniciais dos métodos numéricos para os diferentes modelos e diferentes misturas. Os resultados indicam para a possibilidade de construção de arcabouços computacionais eficientes e robustos, que podem ser empregados acoplados a simuladores de escoamento em dutos, por exemplo. / The objective of this work is to develop robust and computationally efficient frameworks devoted to the solution of the problem of paraffin deposition, from the point of view of the solid-liquid equilibrium. In this scenario, several thermodynamic models will be evaluated to the description of the behavior of the liquid phase: the Peng-Robinson cubic equation of state and the activity coefficient models of Ideal Solution, Wilson, UNIQUAC and UNIFAC. The solid phase is characterized by the Multisolid model. The formation of the solid phase is initially predicted by a thermodynamic stability test. Subsequently, the nonlinear algebraic system that describes the thermodynamic equilibrium and the material balance equations is solved by three numerical approaches: the multivariable Newton method, the Broyden method and the Newton-Armijo method. Several numerical experiments were conducted in order to evaluate computation times and robustness facing several scenarios of initial estimates of the numerical methods for various models and mixtures. The results indicate the possibility of construction of efficient and robust computational frameworks which can be used coupled with fluid flow simulators, for instance.

L’objectif de ce travail consiste en l'étude expérimentale et la modélisation du comportement thermo-hydraulique d'un fluide frigoporteur diphasique (FFD) particulier : le coulis de paraffine, en écoulement dans un canal rectangulaire simulant un échangeur à plaques. Les coulis de paraffine sont constitués de particules millimétriques de paraffine, stabilisées dans une matrice poreuse el mises en suspension dans de l'eau. Les particules de paraffines sont composées de 75% en masse de Norpar®15 et de 25% de polymère tri-block qui sert à gélifier la paraffine. Les résultats expérimentaux issus de bilans sur les veines d'essai de l'installation développée el mise en place au Centre de Thermique de Lyon (CETHIL), mettent en évidence une intensification importante du coefficient d'échange thermique, due a la présence des particules dans le fluide porteur. Pour un écoulement laminaire du coulis de paraffine dans le canal de refroidissement, une multiplication moyenne par 1 ,25 à 1 ,5 du coefficient d'échange global par rapport au fluide monophasique a été enregistrée pour des fractions massiques en particules de 6 à 12 %. Par régression linéaire des résultats expérimentaux, des corrélations pour le calcul des nombres de Nusselt local et moyen sont proposées. Une approche théorique basée sur le modèle de mélanges (Mixture Mode!) a été élaborée pour étudier le comportement hydraulique et thermique du fluide frigoporteur diphasique FFD pendant son refroidissement en écoulement laminaire dans un canal rectangulaire. L'évolution des valeurs expérimentales et théoriques pour la température moyenne du fluide et le coemcien1 d'échange thermique paroi - fluide montrent qu'ils sont en bon accord. Le modèle peut être considéré comme satisfaisant car les écarts entre résultats théoriques et expérimentaux n'excèdent jamais 14 %. / This work concerns the experimental investigation and modelling of the thermo hydraulic behaviour of a new Iwo-phase secondary refrigerant, the paraffin slurry, flowing through a rectangular channel of a heat plate exchanger type. The paraffin slurries are made of millimetric bullets of paraffin, stabilized in an organic porous polymeric matrix, in suspension in water serving as a carrying fluid. The paraffin particles used contain 75% of paraffin called NORPAR®15 and 25% of a tri-block polymer of styrene with High Molecular Weight (HMW). The experimental results generated by the heat balances on the test sections of the experimental setup built in the Thermal Center of Lyon (CETHIL), highlight an important increase of the heat transfer coefficient, due to the particles presence in the carrying fluid. For a laminar flow of the paraffin slurry in the cold channel, an average multiplication by 1 .25 to 1.5 of the global heat transfer coefficient compared to the single-phase fluid was recorded for particles mass fractions of 6 to 12%. By regression of the experimental results, correlations for the local and average Nusselt number calculation for the laminar flows are proposed. The particularity of the presented correlations is their validity in the case of a pure fluid as we\l as for a two-phase fluid containing so\id particles. A model for the hydraulic and thermal behaviours studies of a Iwo-phase secondary refrigerant fluid during its cooling in laminar flow through a rectangular channel was developed it is based on the mixture model and to king the slip velocity into account. The evolution of the experimental and theoretical values for the fluid average temperature, the heat flow which crosses the walls and the heat transfer coefficient between the wall and fluid shows good agreement and the model is satisfactory since the variations never exceed 14%.

Les canalopathies cardiaques congénitales constituent la principale hypothèse diagnostique dans les cas de mort subite inexpliquée chez les sujets de moins de 35 ans. Notre travail a eu pour objectif demettre au point une stratégie de détection post-mortem des mutations sur les gènes connus pour être impliqués dans les canalopathies cardiaques, applicable en routine, à partir de la principale source d’ADN post-mortem disponible en France à savoir les prélèvements fixés au formol et inclus en paraffine (FFIP). A partir d’une cohorte de 12 cas, deux techniques de détection de variants génétiques ont été évaluées, une technique de criblage par l’analyse des courbes de fusion haute résolution et une technique de génotypage par spectrométrie de masse MALDI-TOF, respectivement sur le gène KCNQ1 et le gène RyR2. Quelle que soit la technique utilisée, il n’est pas possible de s’affranchir du séquençage de type Sanger afin d’explorer les séquences d’intérêts qui n’ont pu être optimisées avec l’une ou l’autre des méthodes à la fois sur les prélèvements congelés et FFIP. L’arrivée des séquenceurs de nouvelles générations ouvrent ainsi de nouvelles perspectives dans ce domaine. / The congenital cardiac channelopathies constitute the principal diagnostic hypothesis in autopsynegative sudden unexplained death concerning people younger than 35 years old. The present study aimed to develop a strategy of mutations detection on known genes implicated in the cardiac channelopathies. This strategy of mutations detection had to be applicable to routine and has been studied on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues which are the principal DNA source available in France. On a cohort of 12 cases, two technique of sequence variants detection wereevaluated: the screening method of High Resolution Melt and the genotyping method based on a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, respectively on KCNQ1 and RyR2 genes. Whatever the technique, there is a necessity of resorting to the Sanger sequencing to explore the sequence of interest none optimized with one or the other technology both on FFEP and frozen tissues. That’s why the next generation sequencing method should open new perspectives in the post-mortem diagnostic of cardiac channelopathies.

Petrobras / Petróleos parafínicos são complexas misturas de hidrocarbonetos saturados, aromáticos, naftênicos e, em menor quantidade, de componentes que apresentam heteroátomos como resinas e asfaltenos. Em baixas temperaturas, a solubilidade das parafinas em solução diminui e ocorre a precipitação de hidrocarbonetos no petróleo. Devido à cristalização nota-se não apenas o aumento considerável da viscosidade dos petróleos em baixas temperaturas, mas também a deposição de parafina nas paredes internas da tubulação e a gelificação do petróleo nos oleodutos em eventuais paradas da produção. Os trabalhos disponíveis na literatura mostram que os históricos térmico e de cisalhamento influenciam o comportamento mecânico de petróleos parafínicos em baixas temperaturas. No presente trabalho são apresentados resultados da influência da temperatura inicial de resfriamento na temperatura de cristalização, na temperatura de gelificação e na tensão crítica necessária para reiniciar o escoamento de petróleos parafínicos. A temperatura em que o material é submetido antes do resfriamento influencia nas propriedades reológicas do petróleo. A partir da revisão de conceitos de cristalização define-se que para a precipitação do primeiro cristal é necessário a ocorrência de super-resfriamento na solução. Em outras palavras, não é possível que ocorra a cristalização da parafina exatamente na temperatura de equilíbrio sólido-líquido, Teq,SL. É proposta uma metodologia experimental para determinar a temperatura de saturação de óleos parafínicos. A partir de resultados reométricos pode-se notar que a magnitude do superresfriamento influencia a taxa de nucleação e o tamanho final dos cristais precipitados. O tamanho da região metaestável é influenciado pela taxa de resfriamento e pela temperatura inicial do teste. A partir de microscopia de campo claro observa-se que quanto maior o superresfriamento maior o número de cristais formados. Pode-se adiantar que a morfologia e o tamanho dos cristais formados influenciam o comportamento reológico do óleo parafínico em baixas temperaturas. / Waxy crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons consisting of paraffins, aromatics, naphthenes, asphaltenes and resins. At low temperatures the solubility of high molecular weight components in the oil is decreased and especially the n-paraffins tend to precipitate as crystal structures. These crystals provide a non-Newtonian behavior to the fluid, tend to deposit in the inner surface of pipelines and are responsible for the gelation of the oil when the flow is interrupted. In such cases, the pressure needed to restart the oil flow in subsea pipelines can be much larger than the usual steady-state pressure as the temperature in such environment can be as low as 4 °C. The literature has shown that not only the temperature itself but also the fluid shear and thermal histories have significant influence on the yield stress of waxy crude oils. The current work shows the effect of the initial cooling temperature on the waxy crude oil viscosity, gelation temperature and critical stress. It is showed that the initial cooling temperature affects the mechanical behavior of crude oils at low temperature. It is presented that crystallization is the process where an ordered solid structure is formed from a disordered phase. This process involves two main stages, namely nucleation and crystals growth. As paraffins nucleation is a stochastic process, a supercooling is needed to the onset of this phenomenon. In other words precipitation of crystals could not take place at the solidliquid equilibrium thermodynamic temperature, Teq,SL. Therefore, during the cooling, it is required that the fluid reaches a certain temperature, below the Teq,SL, to initiate the nucleation process. This work proposes an experimental procedure to determine consistently the highest solid-liquid thermodynamic equilibrium temperature. By means of rheometric tests, it is showed that the supercooling affects the nucleation rate and the crystals morphology, and also it is influenced by the cooling rate and the initial cooling temperature. One can conclude that the higher the supercooling the higher the number of crystals and, as consequence, the lower the crystals length. Finally, the crystals morphology and the length affect the mechanical properties of the waxy oil.