Optimization of parameters of asymptotically stable systems

This work deals with numerical methods of parameter optimization for asymptotically stable systems.We formulate a special mathematical programming problem that allows us to determine optimal parameters of a stabilizer. This problem involves solutions to a differential equation. We show how to chose the mesh in order to obtain discrete problem guaranteeing the necessary accuracy. The developed methodology is illustrated by an example concerning optimization of parameters for a satellite stabilization system.FCT, QREN, FEDER, COMPET

Parameter optimization for stabilizers

The aim of this work is to develop an effective numerical tool oriented to optimization of stabilizer parameters according to different criteria that appear in engineering practice. We formulate a special optimization problem that allows us to determine optimal parameters of a stabilizer. The obtained results are applied to choose parameters of a spacecraft stabilization system. We discuss the choice of optimization criteria comparing the degree of stability objective function, the H _inf norm of the system transfer matrix, and the minimal “peak” criterion.Portuguese National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN)Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)European Regional Development Fund (FEDER)Portuguese Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors (COMPETE

Influence of saliva and mucin on the adhesion of Candida oral clinical isolates

Objectives: This research work intends to clarify the role of artificial saliva, in particularly the role of mucin, a salivary protein, on the surface properties and adhesion ability of Candida spp. oral clinical isolates to abiotic surfaces. Methods: Four oral clinical isolates of Candida spp. were used: two Candida albicans strains (AC; AM) and two Candida parapsilosis strains (AD; AM2). The strains were isolated from patients using oral prosthesis. The microorganisms were cultured in the absence or presence of mucin and artificial saliva, and their adhesion to an abiotic surface (coated with mucin and artificial saliva) was evaluated. Results: The presence of mucin per se onto the abiotic surface decreased the adhesion of all strains, although the combination of mucin with artificial saliva had reduced this effect. No direct correlation between adhesion and the surface free energies of adhesion of the microorganisms was found. Significance: Candida spp. were human commensal microorganisms that became pathogenic when the host immune defenses were compromised. Medical devices were colonized by Candida spp. particularly, oral prostheses, which might lead to the degradation of the prostheses and systemic infections. The salivary secretions that constantly cover the oral cavity influenced Candida spp. adhesion process. Therefore, it was important to understand the interactions between Candida spp., salivary proteins and the characteristic of oral prosthesis when developing materials for oral prostheses.The authors thank the Project “BioHealth-Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality”, Ref. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000027, co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2-O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. The would also like to thank the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia for the Strategic Project Pest-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) for Ana Oliveira PhD Grant (SFRH/BD/68588/2010) and Catarina L. Seabra PhD Grant (SFRH/BD/89001/2012). The authors would also like to acknowledge Professora Rosário Oliveira, which is no longer with us, for her exceptional contribution and dedication to this work

Metabolic and energetics characterization and gender comparison in prepubertal karate practitioners

[EN] The number of children practicing karate is constantly increasing. It is necessary to provide correct information to the karate masters/coaches about this specific population, so they can properly developkarate training processes without causing any harm to practitioners but, on the contrary, contribute to theharmonious development of children and youths. This study was carried out with twenty-one prepubertal karate practitioners, male and female. They were analyzed on their maturational development, metabolic and energetic behavior in an incremental test until exhaustion. Only the energetic variables presented significant differences between gender, so it seems that the karate practice has a similar metabolic impact in the development of the prepubertal karate practitioners of both genders

Estudio exploratorio sobre maduración y nivel de competición en jóvenes practicantes de karate

[ES] El establecimiento de categorías en competiciones de jóvenes mejora las posibilidades de éxito y reduce las lesiones en el deporte. A pesar de que existen diferencias de maduración, la edad cronológica sigue siendo el criterio principal para igualar los niveles de competición, lo cual tiene una eficiencia limitada. En karate, el peso también se utiliza para agrupar atletas. Hemos investigado si existe asociación entre la edad cronológica y los indicadores de maduración y si es posible encontrar modelos sencillos que permitan plantear nuevas formas para evaluarla. Se recogieron datos de 54 jóvenes practicantes de karate (edad: 12,67 ± 2,49 años; experiencia: 4,99 ± 2,44 años, altura: 150,45 ± 15,25 cm, peso: 43,09 ± 14,17 kg, 20 niñas). La edad se correlacionó significativamente con la auto-observación de la maduración sexual (rho = 0,838, p < 0,01). Se encontraron modelos de regresión sencillos, utilizando variables como la altura, peso y perímetro del brazo, que explican moderadamente la maduración. Estos resultados deben hacer reflexionar a las entidades competentes sobre cómo agrupar a los atletas en las competiciones de manera justa en términos de maduración.[EN] Paring children improve the chance for success and reduce injury in sport. Despite the maturity differences between children, chronological age remains the main criterion to equalize competition levels, but with limited efficiency. However, in Karate, weight is also considered. We went to investigate the association between chronological age and maturational indicators and find simple models to put on reflection new ways to assess the maturity. Data were collected in 54 young Karate practitioners (age: 12.67 ± 2.49 years, experience: 4.99 ± 2.44 years, height: 150.45 ± 15.25 cm, weight: 43.09 ± 14, 17 kg, 20 girls). Age correlated significantly with self-observation of sexual maturation (rho = 0.838; p< 0.01), and it was possible to find simple regression models that have a moderate explanation in maturation, using only simple measurable variables such as the height, weight and arm circumference. These results should lead the competent entities to reflect on the way of pairing of the athletes in the competitions, in a fair way in terms of maturation.[PT] Emparelhar crianças propicia sucesso e reduz lesões no desporto. Apesar das diferenças de maturação entre crianças, a idade cronológica mantém-se o principal critério para equalizar os níveis de competição, mas com uma eficiência limitada. No entanto, no karaté, o peso também é considerado. Fomos verificar se existe associação entre a idade cronológica e os indicadores maturacionais e, encontrar modelos simples que permitam colocar em reflexão novas formas de avaliação da maturação. Foram recolhidos dados em 54 jovens praticantes de karaté (idade: 12,67± 2,49anos; experiência: 4,99 ± 2,44 anos; altura: 150,45 ± 15,25cm; peso: 43,09± 14,17 kg, 20 raparigas). A idade correlacionou-se significativamente com auto-observação da maturação sexual (rho = 0,838;p < 0,01), e foi possível encontrar modelos de regressão simples que têm uma explicação moderada na maturação, apenas utilizando variáveis de medição simples, tal como a altura, o peso e o perímetro do braço. Estes resultados devem levar as entidades competentes a refletir acerca do modo de emparelhamento dos atletas nas competições de uma forma justa em termos de maturação

Diversidad de cultivos y estructuras de almacenaje en el poblado de Crastoeiro (Noroeste de la Península Ibérica): nuevos enfoques

The Iron Age site of Crastoeiro (Mondim de Basto, Vila Real, North Portugal) revealed an interesting set of pits opened in the bedrock. Soil samples were collected from these and a carpological study was carried out in order to obtain information about crop diversity and characterize the storage structures. Nineteen samples from 4 pits yielded important results for the understanding of agriculture and storage practices in Crastoeiro. Spelt wheat (Triticum spelta) was the predominant crop in the studied pits. The presence of spikelets suggests grain was stored partially processed, which might have been a strategy to allow long-term storage. Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye (Secale cereale) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were also found. Radiocarbon dates on rye grains are the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting rye was introduced in the region in the end of the Iron Age, at the time of early Roman contacts. In a regional perspective the results from Crastoeiro highlight the use of undemanding crops well adapted to harsh environments, including cold climate and poor soils.El yacimiento de la Edad del Hierro de Crastoeiro (Mondim de Basto, Vila Real, Norte de Portugal) reveló un interesante conjunto de fosas excavadas en la roca. De su interior se recogieron muestras de sedimento y se realizó un estudio carpológico con el objetivo de obtener información sobre la diversidad de cultivos y prácticas agrícolas y de caracterizar las estructuras de almacenamiento. Los resultados del estudio de 19 muestras procedentes de 4 fosas son relevantes para la comprensión de la agricultura y las prácticas de almacenaje en el Crastoeiro. La espelta (Triticum spelta) fue el cultivo predominante en el interior de las fosas estudiadas. La presencia de espiguillas sugiere que el grano se almacenó parcialmente procesado, o bien se trató de una estrategia que permitía un almacenaje a largo plazo. Se han encontrado otros cereales, entre ellos, el mijo (Panicum miliaceum), la cebada vestida (Hordeum vulgare), el centeno (Secale cereale) y el panizo (Setaria italica). Fechas de radiocarbono a partir de granos de centeno mostraron que éstos son los más antiguos de la Península Ibérica, lo que sugiere que el centeno se introdujo en la región hacia el final de la Edad del Hierro, en el marco de los primeros contactos con los romanos. Desde una perspectiva regional los resultados obtenidos en el yacimiento de Crastoeiro se corresponden con el uso de cultivos poco exigentes, bien adaptados a entornos adversos, incluyendo los climas fríos y suelos pobres.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Phenolic compounds and antimicrobial activity of olive (Olea europaea L. Cv. Cobrancosa) leaves.

We report the determination of phenolic compounds in olive leaves by reversedphase HPLC/DAD, and the evaluation of their in vitro activity against several microorganisms that may be causal agents of human intestinal and respiratory tract infections, namely Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans). Seven phenolic compounds were identified and quantified: caffeic acid, verbascoside, oleuropein, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, rutin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside and luteolin 4’-O-glucoside. At low concentrations olive leafs extracts showed an unusual combined antibacterial and antifungal action, which suggest their great potential as nutraceuticals, particulalry as a source of phenolic compounds

Formation of lipofuscin-like autofluorescent granules in the retinal pigment epithelium requires lysosome dysfunction

Funding Information: Supported by Funda??o para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) ? Portugal co-funded by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement (to MCS, including project PTDC/MED-PAT/30385/2017, iNOVA4Health-UIDB/04462/2020, research infrastructure PPBI-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122, M-ERA.NET 2/0005/2016), Boehringer Ingelheim (to MCS), Fight for Sight UK (to MCS), Wellcome Trust grant number 212216/Z/18/Z/ (to CEF). MJH was funded by Moor-fields Eye Charity with the Bill Brown 1989 Charitable Trust PhD studentship 538158, MLS was funded by FCT-CEECIND/01536/2018, ACF was funded by FCT PhD studentship (PD/BD/135503/2018). This work was developed with the support from the research infrastructure PPBI-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122, co-financed by FCT (Portugal) and Lisboa2020, under the PORTUGAL2020 agreement (European Regional Development Fund) and this article is supported by the LYSOCIL project funded by the European Union?s Horizon 2020 programme under grant agreement No. 811087. Funding Information: Supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) – Portugal co-funded by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement (to MCS, including project PTDC/MED-PAT/30385/2017, iNOVA4Health-UIDB/04462/2020, research infrastructure PPBI-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122, M-ERA.NET 2/0005/2016), Boehringer Ingelheim (to MCS), Fight for Sight UK (to MCS), Wellcome Trust grant number 212216/Z/18/Z/ (to CEF). MJH was funded by Moor-fields Eye Charity with the Bill Brown 1989 Charitable Trust PhD studentship 538158, MLS was funded by FCT-CEECIND/01536/2018, ACF was funded by FCT PhD studentship (PD/BD/135503/2018). This work was developed with the support from the research infrastructure PPBI-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122, co-financed by FCT (Portugal) and Lisboa2020, under the PORTUGAL2020 agreement (European Regional Development Fund) and this article is supported by the LYSOCIL project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme under grant agreement No. 811087. Publisher Copyright: Copyright 2021 The AuthorsPURPOSE. We aim to characterize the pathways required for autofluorescent granule (AFG) formation by RPE cells using cultured monolayers. METHODS. We fed RPE monolayers in culture with a single pulse of photoreceptor outer segments (POS). After 24 hours the cells started accumulating AFGs that were comparable to lipofuscin in vivo. Using this model, we used a variety of light and electron microscopical techniques, flow cytometry and Western blot to analyze the formation of AFGs. We also generated a mutant RPE line lacking cathepsin D by gene editing. RESULTS. AFGs seem to derive from incompletely digested POS-containing phagosomes and after 3 days are surrounded by a single membrane positive for lysosome markers. We show by various methods that lysosome-phagosome fusion is required for AFG formation, and that impairment of lysosomal pH or catalytic activity, particularly cathepsin D activity, enhances AF accumulation. CONCLUSIONS. We conclude that lysosomal dysfunction results in incomplete POS degradation and enhanced AFG accumulation.publishersversionpublishe

A validated predictive biomarker and a potential therapeutic strategy in breast cancer

Funding Information: Funding: This work was supported by Terry Fox Research Grant 2019 from Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro; Clinical Research Prize 2018 from Consortium Tagus Tank; Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (PD/BD/114023/2015 for DPS and SFRH/BD/148422/2019 for RS) and iNOVA4Health (UIDB/04462/2020, DAI/2019/46). Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is common in breast cancer (BC) treatment, though more than half of the patients lack an effective response. Therefore, new predictive biomarkers and alternative therapies are crucial. Previously, we proposed HLA-DR-expressing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) as a potential biomarker of the response to NACT. To validate this observation and further investigate these cells, 202 BC patients were enrolled. Flow cytometry analyses were performed in 61 biopsies and 41 blood samples pre-NACT and 100 non-NACT tumor samples. All the patients were followed up for 34 months. Blood-isolated immune cells were cultured with BC cell lines in a 3D system. We confirmed that HLA-DR level in CTLs is a highly sensitive, specific, and independent biomarker to predict response to NACT and developed a predictive probability model. This biomarker was also associated with progression-free survival, regardless of the treatment. The clinical observations are substantiated by the anti-tumor properties of HLA-DR-expressing CTLs. Intriguingly, HLA-DR level in CTLs can be modulated ex vivo, boosting their capacity to kill tumor cells synergistically with doxorubicin. Thus, HLA-DR expression in CTLs is a validated tool to select patients that will actually benefit from NACT, and its stimulation might be a novel therapeutic approach for BC.publishersversionpublishe

Extremely fast and efficient methylene blue adsorption using eco-friendly cork and paper waste-based activated carbon adsorbents

For the first time the feasibility of using an alkaline wastewater coming from the pulp and paper industry as an activator, partially (50 vol%) replacing commercial sodium hydroxide, in the production of cork-based activated carbons was evaluated. The activated carbons showed the highest value of specific surface area ever reported for cork-based activated carbons (1670 m2/g), surpassing several other commercial and waste-based ones. These eco-friendly cork and paper waste-based activated carbons were then evaluated as methylene blue adsorbent materials. The influence of contact time, methylene blue initial concentration and adsorbent amount on the methylene blue removal efficiency by the activated carbons was studied. Extremely fast (>99.9% removal in 5 min) and efficient methylene blue adsorption (uptake of 350 mg/g) by the cork and paper waste-based adsorbents was achieved, which demonstrates the huge potential of these innovative adsorbents. These activated carbons were produced using two unexplored industrial by-products (alkaline wastewater and cork) and, therefore, may be an inexpensive source of activated carbons, which can be used for the effective removal of dyes from wastewaters. Furthermore, despite the very large surface area and high removal efficiency this is not a nano material (being around 30–50 μm in size), its capabilities being due to its unique cork-derived microstructure, and hence it can be handled and removed/filtered much more easily than nanocarbons, and without any associated health or environmental risks.This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007679 (FCT Ref. UID/CTM/50011/2013), financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC and when appropriate co-financed by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. R.C. Pullar wishes to thank FCT grant IF/00681/2015 for supporting this work, and R.M. Novais wishes to thank FCT project H2CORK (PTDC/CTM-ENE/6762/ 2014).publishe