It has recently been shown that elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with a blunted systemic endothelial vasodilator function, indicative of a systemic inflammatory response. It has also been recognized that inflammation may contribute to all stages of the atherosclerotic process. Several prospective studies have shown that the level of CRP is a strong predictor of future myocardial dysfunction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and vascular death among individuals without known cardiovascular disease. CRP is also found in association with the senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer disease. Hence, determination of the blood serum levels of CRP is of a great clinical importance. / This thesis discusses the results on the development of two electrochemical immunosensors: (i) the avidin (model) immunosensor, and (ii) the CRP immunosensor. The suitability of using a range of electrochemical techniques in probing antibody-antigen interactions was also investigated. / It was shown that a gold working electrode surface could be successfully modified by covalent binding of NHS-biotin to a self-assembled-monolayer of cystamine dihydrochloride, resulting in the construction of the avidin immunosensor. Avidin could then bind to this immunosensor (biotinated electrode) and detected using the electrochemical techniques of cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CA). It was also shown that polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize avidin bound to the immunosensor. The results demonstrated that all experimental techniques used were suitable in characterizing with high sensitivity the avidin-biotin interaction, and the amount of avidin in solution. The avidin calibration curves showed high linearity in concentrations ranging from 10-10 to 5 x 10-7 M. AFM imaging confirmed that avidin forms clusters upon binding to the immunosensor, with the cluster size ranging between 28 and 33 nm. The avidin-biotin binding constant was determined to be 3.09 x 1012 M-1 . It was also determined that the avidin-biotin equilibrium is reached in ca. 20 minutes. / The CRP immunosensor was then designed on the basis of the avidin immunosensor architecture. Using a range of electrochemical techniques and PM-IRRAS, it was demonstrated that a gold electrode surface could be functionalized by CRP antibodies, covalently attached to the surface through a duplex cystamine/glutaraldehyde layer. This architecture represents the CRP immunosensor. It was then shown that CRP antigen specifically binds to the CRP immunosensor (i.e. the immobilized CRP antibody). This interaction could be characterized with high sensitivity using the electrochemical techniques of CV, EIS, DPV and CA. The CRP concentration range investigated was 10-14 to 10-8 M. A linear calibration plot was obtained. The CRP antibody-antigen binding constant was determined to be 3+/-1 x 108 M-1. The corresponding binding equilibrium is reached in ca. 10 minutes. The results show that the developed CRP immunosensor is a good candidate for further research towards developing a commercial CRP immunosensor.

[pt] Este trabalho apresenta um modelo de previsão de curto prazo para cargas reativas horárias. Tal modelo é uma extensão do método desenvolvido por P. C. Gupta no qual utiliza-se um procedimento de previsão que combina idéias e procedimentos de duas abordagens: o método de amortecimento exponencial e o modelo de Box e Jenkins. Até os dias atuais os estudos nesta área foram elaborados para potência ativa da carga. Como praticamente não existem na literatura especializada métodos de previsão para a carga reativa, este trabalho pretende iniciar a modelagem destes dados, o qual é de grande importância para o novo modelo do Setor Elétrico Brasileiro. Desta forma o desenvolvimento desta ferramenta tem a intenção de aprimorar a avaliação do comportamento desta carga, contribuindo para o melhor desempenho operacional do sistema elétrico. Com a evolução das técnicas, este trabalho utiliza também métodos inteligentes para fazer a previsão de carga reativa. Sendo assim foram utilizadas Redes Neurais Artificiais, a título de comparação dos resultados com o modelo proposto. / [en] This dissertation presents a reactive load forecast model for power systems. The model is an extension of P. C. Gupta s method, including ideas and procedures from exponential smoothing and Box and Jenkins models. A wide variety of studies has been developed in the last years on load forecast model for active power only. On the other hand, reactive load forecast works haven t been commonly implemented. The introduction of this new concept intends to fulfill this gap of reactive load forecast studies due to their importance to the Brazilian Power System. An improved load behavior evaluation and a better electric system operation could arise with the adoption and development of this tool. Comparisons with as neural network models were also done.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / O lapachol, uma naftoquinona natural, e seus derivados sintÃticos tÃm demonstrado, nos Ãltimos anos, importantes aÃÃes citotÃxicas contra varias linhagens de cÃlulas tumorais, assim como significante atividade antitumoral contra alguns tumores. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o mecanismos de aÃÃo citotoxica em cÃlulas HL-60 de duas naftoquinonas sintÃticas anÃlogas do lapachol (compostos 1 e 2). Inicialmente foi investigado a atividade antiproliferativa dessas naftoquinonas apÃs um perÃodo de incubaÃÃo de 72h em cÃlulas leucÃmicas (HL-60) e cÃlulas mononucleadas do sangue perifÃrico (CMSP) onde foi observado que essas naftoquinonas mostraram-se ativas para estas linhagens com CI50 de 12 ÂM, 2,3 ÂM e 4,3 ÂM para o lapachol, composto 1 e composto 2, respectivamente em cÃlulas HL-60 e 13,7 ÂM e 34,0 ÂM para o composto 1 e 2 em cÃlulas CMSP, respectivamente. A atividade antiproliferativa em cÃlulas HL-60 apÃs 24 horas de incubaÃÃo foi avaliada com e sem co-tratamento com o antioxidante n-acetilcisteÃna (NAC). Assim, a CI50 sem NAC apÃs 24 horas de exposiÃÃo ao lapachol, composto 1 e composto 2 foi de 42,9 μM, 2,7 ÂM e 4,3 ÂM , respectivamente. JÃ CI50 com NAC (5 ÂM) apÃs 24 horas de exposiÃÃo ao lapachol, composto 1 e composto 2 foi de 180,0 μM, 46,0 ÂM e 18,0 ÂM , respectivamente. Estudos feitos em cÃlulas HL-60 indicaram que o lapachol e seus dois anÃlogos induzem morte celular por apoptose e necrose, como mostrado pelas mudanÃas morfolÃgicas avaliadas atravÃs do uso de coloraÃÃo May-GrÃnwald-Giemsa. Nos ensaios realisados por citometria de fluxo foi revelado que estes compostos promovem a geraÃÃo de espÃcies reativas de oxigÃnio (EROs) 18,86%, 13,31% e 39,11% respectivamente para o lapachol (82 ÂM) e compostos 1 e 2 (3,5 ÂM) e 40,94% e 60,49% para os compostos 1 e 2 (7,0 ÂM), respectivamente. O lapachol (82 ÂM) e os compostos 1 e 2 (3,5 ÂM) diminuÃram o nÃmero de cÃlulas com membrana Ãntegra 26,51%, 34,78% e 29,58% respectivamente e os compostos 1 e 2 (7,0 ÂM) diminuÃram 75,3% e 71,1%, respectivamente. A fragmentaÃÃo do DNA promovida por esses compostos foi observada a partir de 3 horas de exposiÃÃo sendo mais intensa apÃs 24 horas de exposiÃÃo aos compostos testados. O lapachol e os compostos 1 e 2 tambÃm promoveram a ativaÃÃo de caspases relacionadas com a via intrÃnseca de morte celular. AlÃm disso, mostraram induzir a quebra de fitas de DNA. Todos os efeitos citotÃxicos foram abolidos quando os compostos 1 e 2 foram co-incubados com o NAC, mostrando, dessa forma, a participaÃÃo de EROs na citotÃxicidade destas naftoquinonas. / The lapachol, one naphthoquinone natural, and its derivatives synthetic have demonstrated, in recent years, important actions cytotoxic against several lineages of tumor cells, well as signifier antitumoral activity against some tumors. Thus, the objective this work was to evaluate the mechanisms of action cytotoxic in cells HL-60 of two naphthoquinones synthetic analogous of lapachol (compounds 1 and 2). Initially was investigated at antiproliferative activity these naphthoquinones after a incubation period of 72 hours in leukemic cells (HL-60) and peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMC) where was observed that these naphthoquinones were active for these lines with IC50 of 12 ÂM , 2.3 ÂM and 4.3 ÂM for the lapachol, compound 1 and compound 2, respectively in cells HL-60 and 13.7 ÂM and 34.0 ÂM for compound 1 and 2 in cells PBMC, respectively. The antiproliferative activity in cells HL-60 after 24 hours incubation was evaluated with and without co-treatment with the antioxidant n-acetylcysteine (NAC). Thus, IC50 without NAC after 24 hours of exposure to lapachol, compound 1 and compound 2 was 42.9 ÂM, 2.7 ÂM and 4.3 ÂM, respectively. Have IC50 with NAC (5 ÂM) after 24 hours of exposure to lapachol, compound 1 and compound 2 was 180.0 ÂM, 46.0 ÂM and 18.0 ÂM, respectively. Studies done in HL-60 cells indicated that the lapachol and its two analogues induce cell death by apoptosis and necrosis, as shown by morphological changes evaluated through the use of staining May-GrÃnwald-Giemsa. In trials realisados by flow cytometry was revealed that these compounds promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) 18.86%, 13.31% and 39.11% respectively for the lapachol (82 ÂM) and compounds 1 and 2 (3,5 ÂM) and 40.94% and 60.49% for the compounds 1 and 2 (7.0 ÂM), respectively. The lapachol (82 ÂM) and the compounds 1 and 2 (3.5 ÂM) decreased the number of cells with intact membrane 26.51%, 34.78% and 29.58% respectively and the compounds 1 and 2 (7, 0 ÂM) decreased 75.3% and 71.1%, respectively. The DNA fragmentation promoted by such compounds was observed starting from 3 hours of exposure being more intense after 24 hours of exposure to tested compounds. The lapachol and the compounds 1 and 2 also promoted the activation of caspases related to intrinsic pathway of cell death. Furthermore, showed induce the synthesis of DNA strands. All cytotoxic effects were abolished when the compounds 1 and 2 were co-incubated with the NAC, showing thus the participation ROS in cytotoxicity these naphthoquinones.

No description available.

Occupational exoskeletons are designed to reduce workplace injury risk by decreasing work demands. Due to their relatively recent development, there has been limited research into potential unintended and undesirable consequences of wearing them. The goal of this thesis was to investigate the effects of exoskeleton use on reactive balance in response to simulated slips and trips. Five representative exoskeletons were investigated including leg-, back, and shoulder-support exoskeletons. This thesis consists of two studies: a smaller study investigating one exoskeleton and a larger one investigating multiple exoskeletons. Participants stood on a specialized treadmill, then abruptly and unexpectedly changing treadmill belt speed to simulate trip-like forward losses of balance or slip-like backward losses of balance. The results of the first study showed that a passive leg-support exoskeleton adversely reactive balance for both slips and trips. The results of the second study showed that back-support exoskeletons had a greater adverse effect on reactive balance compared to shoulder-support exoskeletons for both slips and trips. These exoskeletons affected reactive balance due to their interaction with stepping kinematics and movement constraints. This thesis provides important information that can be used to warn users of potential increased fall risks and inform exoskeleton manufacturers who may be able to modify designs to reduce any additional fall risk. / Master of Science / Occupational exoskeletons reduce muscle workload for workers during manual tasks. However, because of their additional weight and how they restrict movement, they can increase the risk of falling after a slip or a trip. The goal of this thesis was to see how exoskeletons affect balance after simulated slips and trips. Five exoskeletons were studied; These exoskeletons supported the legs, back, and shoulders. This thesis includes two studies: a smaller study with one exoskeleton and a larger one with multiple exoskeletons. In order to simulate a slip and trip, participants stood on a treadmill and then the treads would unexpectedly accelerate to a speed to make them lose their balance. The results of the first study showed that an exoskeleton that supported the legs negatively affected balance for both slips and trips. The results of the second study showed that exoskeletons that supported the back negatively affected balance more than those that supported the shoulders for both slips and trips. These exoskeletons affected balance due to them interacting with the legs and affected stepping. This thesis provides important information that can be used to warn workers of potential increased fall risks and inform exoskeleton manufacturers who may be able to help reduce any fall risk.

The production of 7-tetradecene was examined. Properties for this compound were estimated using group contribution methods and compared to experimental data. Process simulation was used as a tool to identify competitive processing strategies. For reactive distillation, three different models were compared to determine the model complexity needed to describe the process: Model A, with the assumption of physical and chemical equilibrium; Model B, with kinetics described by a second order reaction and physical equilibrium; and Model C, a non-equilibrium stage model that accounts for mass transfer. A conceptual design was obtained with Model B and was checked with Model C, which described the process more accurately but was more difficult to converge. Since, Model A was easier to converge, it was used to predict process conversions at different pressures. Predictions favor working at 1 bar, due to the lower heat duty and the minimum stages required.

Based on the unique clinical correlates of two subtypes of childhood aggression (reactive and proactive), this study examined possible differential treatment effects for children with varying degrees of reactive or proactive aggression receiving one of two types of psychosocial treatment aimed at addressing these unique characteristics. Forty-seven affectively dysregulated children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) participated in the study. Results suggest a main effect for type of treatment, modest support for the moderating role of proactive aggression, and no support for reactive aggression as a moderator of treatment outcome. Implications for assessment and treatment of aggression are discussed. / Master of Science

Prestation i fotboll beror på många olika fysiska faktorer som exempelvis styrka, uthållighet och snabbhet. Snabbheten kan delas upp i många olika faktorer exempelvis sprinter rakt fram och agility. Det finns även något som kallas reaktiv agility vilket betyder att man reagerar på ett visuellt stimuli och därefter reagerar med ett beslut. En förmåga som verkar bli mer central i fotbollen. Syftet med denna studie var att utvärdera ett kort träningsprograms påverkan på de olika snabbhetsfaktorerna, raka sprint, agility och reaktiv agility samt beräkna korrelationer mellan de olika variablerna. Metod: Före- och eftertester gjordes på 19 ungdomar från svenska U17 allsvenskan. Testpersonerna delades därefter upp i en interventionsgrupp(IG)(N=9) och en kontrollgrupp(KG)(N=10). Testerna som utfördes var Reactive agility test(RAT), Agility 5-0-5 och 10- 20- 30 meter sprint. IG fick efter testerna utföra ett träningspass i veckan under fem veckor bestående av två parövningar med fokus på reaktionssnabbhet, sprint och agility. Resultat: Inga statistisk signifikanta skillnader fanns mellan grupperna efter träningsperioden. Konklusion: Resultaten pekade mot att interventionsprogrammet inte hade någon påverkan. Däremot går det att ifrågasätta resultatet då eftertesterna utfördes på ett mindre bra sätt. / Performance in soccer can be defined in various different factors, like strength, endurance and quickness. Quickness can be divined in different sub factors for example straight sprints and agility. There is also something called reactive agility, which means that you react to a visual stimulus and therefore react and take a decision. The purpose: of this study was to investigate the effects of a short training programme that focus on the different quickness factors, straight sprints, agility and reactive agility. Method: Pre- and post-tests were made on 19 adolescents from the Swedish U17 Allsvenskan. The subjects were later divided into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The performed tests were: reactive agility test (RAT), agility 5-0-5 and 10- 20- 30 m sprint. After the tests the IG performed a five week long training programme containing two different duo exercises with focus on reaction ability, agility and sprint. Result: No statistical significant difference was detected between the groups after the training period in any of the tested variables. Conclusion: The results suggest that the intervention programme had no effect. It can, however, be challenged due to methodological issues that occurred during testing.

Software performance is of interest to all who want to lower their hardware costs and provide services with speedy responses to users, to this end reactive programming can be employed. Therefore it is important to measure the performance of tools such as reactive frameworks and to compare and contrast them with each other in order to improve the development of these tools, and help provide developers with the information they need when searching for a reactive framework that suits their project. To achieve this the study will aim to indicate the reproducibility of the research on reactive framework performance conducted by Ponge et al. on three commonly used reactive frameworks. Further, a root cause analysis to identify the sources of the identified bottlenecks will be carried out and complemented by suggestions for improving the performance of those parts in the reactive frameworks that are causing performance issues. An analysis of how performance correlates with the cyclomatic complexity of the frameworks will also be presented. We find, that in some test cases, the performance of the frameworks differs depending on the machine used, and that the latest framework versions do not show a marked performance increase. Further, we discover hotspots in the Mutiny framework and reason about potential synchronization bottlenecks. We attempt to find a novel use case for cyclomatic complexity as an indicator for performance but find that no correlation exists between cyclomatic complexity and performance for reactive frameworks.

Voltage stability is the ability of a power system to maintain acceptable voltages at all buses under normal and abnormal operating conditions. The scarcity of reactive power or reactive power imbalance is the main reason of voltage instabilities. The energy supply of Germany will be dominated by renewable energy sources (RES) within energy transition actions leading to a decrease in conventional power plants especially in the transmission grid. Since the conventional power plants are still main reactive power sources, key challenge in the future will be the provision of system services such as control of reactive power to maintain voltage stability in the transmission networks. A wide range of technology that is able to provide the required dynamic reactive power compensation is already available. However, in order to find the most effective implementation, it is necessary to investigate and compare these different technologies for a voltage stable grid operation. The main challenge regarding comparative studies that incorporate reactive power compensation devices is the development and the implementation of reliable comparison strategies. This thesis analyses the impact of reactive power on the voltage stability phenomena both in long-term and short-term time frames under various grid situations. Voltage stability margins in the long-term time frame are quantified by gradually increasing the reactive power injection into certain buses until the voltage collapses. Voltage stability in the short-term time frame is assessed by applying grid faults and simulating the time-domain grid response. A transient voltage severity ratio (TVSR) is developed in this thesis as the main comparison metric to evaluate and compare the performance of investigated compensation devices. Additionally, TVSR and other developed comparison metrics in this thesis are used to determine the optimal settings of the controller parameters of compensation devices. As a result, the submitted thesis shows a practical and reliable approach to analyze the performance of different compensation devices under different grid situations.