Molecular cloning of two novel NPR1 homologue genes in coconut palm and analysis of their expression in response to the plant defense hormone salicylic acid

Germán Nic‑Matos,María Narváez,Santy Peraza‑Echeverría,Luis Sáenz,Carlos Oropeza 한국유전학회 2017 Genes & Genomics Vol.39 No.9

Nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related gene 1 (NPR1) codes for a transcription cofactor involved in the activation of systemic acquired resistance, a salicylic acid (SA)-dependent defense response. This work reports the cloning and characterization of two new genes, CnNPR1 and CnNPR3 from coconut, homologous to AtNPR1 of Arabidopsis thaliana. The cDNA deduced amino acid sequence contains the protein–protein interaction domains the BTB/POZ and ANKYRIN repeat domains, and a nuclear localization site (NLS). Phylogenetic analysis grouped CnNPR1 in a clade with AtNPR1 and CnNPR3 in a clade with AtNPR3, both reported genes of A. thaliana. Exogenous application of SA to coconut plantlets induced changes in the expression of CnNPR1 and CnNPR3 in leaf, stem and root tissues, providing evidence of their possible role in the signaling cascade leading to SAR in coconut palm. This is the first report on the cloning of putative key genes in the SAR-type defense mechanism in coconut palm.

A method using artificial neural networks to morphologically assess mouse blastocyst quality

Matos, Felipe Delestro,Rocha, Jose Celso,Nogueira, Marcelo Fabio Gouveia Korean Society of Animal Sciences and Technology 2014 한국축산학회지 Vol.56 No.4

Background: Morphologically classifying embryos is important for numerous laboratory techniques, which range from basic methods to methods for assisted reproduction. However, the standard method currently used for classification is subjective and depends on an embryologist's prior training. Thus, our work was aimed at developing software to classify morphological quality for blastocysts based on digital images. Methods: The developed methodology is suitable for the assistance of the embryologist on the task of analyzing blastocysts. The software uses artificial neural network techniques as a machine learning technique. These networks analyze both visual variables extracted from an image and biological features for an embryo. Results: After the training process the final accuracy of the system using this method was 95%. To aid the end-users in operating this system, we developed a graphical user interface that can be used to produce a quality assessment based on a previously trained artificial neural network. Conclusions: This process has a high potential for applicability because it can be adapted to additional species with greater economic appeal (human beings and cattle). Based on an objective assessment (without personal bias from the embryologist) and with high reproducibility between samples or different clinics and laboratories, this method will facilitate such classification in the future as an alternative practice for assessing embryo morphologies.

Health Monitoring System (HMS) for structural assessment

e Matos, Jose Campos,Garcia, Oscar,Henriques, Antonio Abel,Casas, Joan Ramon,Vehi, Josep Techno-Press 2009 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.5 No.3

As in any engineering application, the problem of structural assessment should face the different uncertainties present in real world. The main source of uncertainty in Health Monitoring System (HMS) applications are those related to the sensor accuracy, the theoretical models and the variability in structural parameters and applied loads. In present work, two methodologies have been developed to deal with these uncertainties in order to adopt reliable decisions related to the presence of damage. A simple example, a steel beam analysis, is considered in order to establish a liable comparison between them. Also, such methodologies are used with a developed structural assessment algorithm that consists in a direct and consistent comparison between sensor data and numerical model results, both affected by uncertainty. Such algorithm is applied to a simple concrete laboratory beam, tested till rupture, to show it feasibility and operational process. From these applications several conclusions are derived with a high value, regarding the final objective of the work, which is the implementation of this algorithm within a HMS, developed and applied into a prototype structure.

Effect of activation and preactivation on the mechanical behavior and neutral position of stainless steel and beta-titanium T-loops

Saul Matos de Castro,Rui Moreira,Ana Cristina Braga,Afonso Pinhao Ferreira,Maria Cristina Pollmann 대한치과교정학회 2015 대한치과교정학회지 Vol.45 No.4

Objective: To quantify, for each activation, the effect of preactivations of differing distribution and intensity on the neutral position of T-loops (7-mm height), specifically the horizontal force, moment to force (M/F) ratio, and load to deflection ratio. Methods: A total 100 loops measuring 0.017 × 0.025 inches in cross-section were divided into two groups (n = 50 each) according to composition, either stainless steel or beta-titanium. The two groups were further divided into five subgroups, 10 loops each, corresponding to the five preactivations tested: preactivations with occlusal distribution (0°, 20°, and 40°), gingival distribution (20°), and occlusal-gingival distribution (40°). The loops were subjected to a total activation of 6-mm with 0.5-mm iterations. Statistical analysis was performed using comprised ANOVA and Bonferoni multiple comparison tests, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The location and intensity of preactivation influenced the force intensity. For the M/F ratio, the highest value achieved without preactivation was lower than the height of the loop. Without preactivation, the M/F ratio increased with activation, while the opposite effect was observed with preactivation. The increase in the M/F ratio was greater when the preactivation distribution was partially or fully gingival. Conclusions: Depending on the preactivation distribution, displacement of uprights is higher or lower than the activation, which is a factor to consider in clinical practice.

The influence of different scan resolutions on the detection of proximal caries lesions

Liana Matos Ferreira,Polyane Mazucatto Queiroz,Gustavo Machado Santaella,Ann Wenzel,Francisco Carlos Groppo,Francisco Haiter-Neto 대한영상치의학회 2019 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.49 No.2

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different spatial resolutions of a photostimulable phosphor plate (PSP) radiography system on the detection of proximal caries lesions. Materials and Methods: Forty-five extracted human permanent teeth were radiographed using a PSP system (VistaScan Perio Plus) and scanned at the 4 resolutions (10 lp/mm, 20 lp/mm, 25 lp/mm, and 40 lp/mm) available in the system. Three independent examiners scored the images for the presence and absence of proximal caries lesions using a 5-point scale. The presence or absence of caries was confirmed by histological sections of the examined teeth (defined as the gold standard). Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was calculated by the weighted kappa test. One-way analysis of variance with the post hoc Tukey test was used to compare the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the classifications made with each resolution. Results: For the detection of enamel lesions, the spatial resolution of 10 lp/mm was significantly superior to the other resolutions. However, the spatial resolution did not affect the detection of caries lesions in dentin (P>0.05). Conclusion: Spatial resolution may influence the accuracy of the detection of incipient caries lesions in radiographs with PSP plates. Images with low spatial resolution seem to be more appropriate for this purpose.

RESEARCH : Open Access ; A method using artificial neural networks to morphologically assess mouse blastocyst quality

( Felipe Delestro Matos ),( Jose Celso Rocha ),( Marcelo Fabio Gouveia Nogueira ) 한국동물자원과학회(구 한국축산학회) 2014 한국축산학회지 Vol.56 No.15

Background: Morphologically classifying embryos is important for numerous laboratory techniques, which range from basic methods to methods for assisted reproduction. However, the standard method currently used for classification is subjective and depends on an embryologist’s prior training. Thus, our work was aimed at developing software to classify morphological quality for blastocysts based on digital images. Methods: The developed methodology is suitable for the assistance of the embryologist on the task of analyzing blastocysts. The software uses artificial neural network techniques as a machine learning technique. These networks analyze both visual variables extracted from an image and biological features for an embryo. Results: After the training process the final accuracy of the system using this method was 95%. To aid the end-users in operating this system, we developed a graphical user interface that can be used to produce a quality assessment based on a previously trained artificial neural network. Conclusions: This process has a high potential for applicability because it can be adapted to additional species with greater economic appeal (human beings and cattle). Based on an objective assessment (without personal bias from the embryologist) and with high reproducibility between samples or different clinics and laboratories, this method will facilitate such classification in the future as an alternative practice for assessing embryo morphologies.

Luis Barahona de Soto y la Casa de Osuna: patronazgo literario en el siglo XVI

Francisco Gomez Matos 한국스페인어문학회 2022 스페인어문학 Vol.- No.104

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Contribution of Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation for the Diagnosis of HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis

Luciana Cristina Matos Cunha,Maurício Campelo Tavares,Carlos Julio Tierra Criollo,Ludimila Labanca,Clarissa Cardoso dos Santos Couto Paz,Henrique Resende Martins,Anna Bárbara de Freitas Carneiro-Proie 대한신경과학회 2013 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.9 No.4

Background and Purpose Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a low-cost and safe examination for testing the vestibulospinal pathway. Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a slowly progressive disease that affects the vestibulospinal tract early in its course. This study compared the electromyographic (EMG) responses triggered by GVS of asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected subjects and subjects with HAM/TSP. Methods Bipolar galvanic stimuli (400 ms and 2 mA) were applied to the mastoid processes of 39 subjects (n=120 stimulations per subject, with 60 from each lower limb). Both the short latency (SL) and medium latency (ML) components of the EMG response were recorded from the soleus muscles of 13 healthy, HTLV-1-negative adults (56±5 years, mean±SD), and 26 individuals infected with HTLV-1, of whom 13 were asymptomatic (56±8 years) and 13 had HAM/TSP (60±6 years). Results The SL and ML EMG components were 55±4 and 112±10 ms, respectively, in the group of healthy subjects, 61±6 and 112±10 ms and in the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, and 67±8 and 130±3 ms in the HAM/TSP group (p=0.001). The SL component was delayed in 4/13 (31%) of the examinations in the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, while the ML component was normal in all of them. In the HAM/TSP group, the most common alteration was the absence of waves.Conclusions A pattern of abnormal vestibular-evoked EMG responses was found in HTLV1-neurological disease, ranging from delayed latency among asymptomatic carriers to the absence of a response in HAM/TSP. GVS may contribute to the early diagnosis and monitoring of nontraumatic myelopathies.

A method using artificial neural networks to morphologically assess mouse blastocyst quality

Felipe Delestro Matos,José Celso Rocha,Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira 한국축산학회 2014 한국축산학회지 Vol.56 No.5

Background: Morphologically classifying embryos is important for numerous laboratory techniques, which rangefrom basic methods to methods for assisted reproduction. However, the standard method currently used forclassification is subjective and depends on an embryologist’s prior training. Thus, our work was aimed atdeveloping software to classify morphological quality for blastocysts based on digital images. Methods: The developed methodology is suitable for the assistance of the embryologist on the task of analyzingblastocysts. The software uses artificial neural network techniques as a machine learning technique. These networks analyzeboth visual variables extracted from an image and biological features for an embryo. Results: After the training process the final accuracy of the system using this method was 95%. To aid theend-users in operating this system, we developed a graphical user interface that can be used to produce a qualityassessment based on a previously trained artificial neural network. Conclusions: This process has a high potential for applicability because it can be adapted to additional specieswith greater economic appeal (human beings and cattle). Based on an objective assessment (without personal biasfrom the embryologist) and with high reproducibility between samples or different clinics and laboratories, thismethod will facilitate such classification in the future as an alternative practice for assessing embryo morphologies.

Probabilistic-based assessment of composite steel-concrete structures through an innovative framework

José C. Matos,Isabel B. Valente,Paulo J.S. Cruz,Vicente N. Moreira 국제구조공학회 2016 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.20 No.6

This paper presents the probabilistic-based assessment of composite steel-concrete structures through an innovative framework. This framework combines model identification and reliability assessment procedures. The paper starts by describing current structural assessment algorithms and the most relevant uncertainty sources. The developed model identification algorithm is then presented. During this procedure, the model parameters are automatically adjusted, so that the numerical results best fit the experimental data. Modelling and measurement errors are respectively incorporated in this algorithm. The reliability assessment procedure aims to assess the structure performance, considering randomness in model parameters. Since monitoring and characterization tests are common measures to control and acquire information about those parameters, a Bayesian inference procedure is incorporated to update the reliability assessment. The framework is then tested with a set of composite steel-concrete beams, which behavior is complex. The experimental tests, as well as the developed numerical model and the obtained results from the proposed framework, are respectively present.