Market Integration in the Golden Periphery - the Lisbon/London Exchange, 1854-1891

The existence of a self-regulating arbitrage mechanism under the gold standard has been traditionally considered as one of its main advantages, and attracted a corresponding research interest. This research is arguably relevant not only to test for the efficiency of the “gold points”, but also to study the evolution of financial integration during the so-called first era of globalization. Our first aim with this paper is to contribute to the enlargement of the scope of the literature by considering the case of Portugal that adhered to the system, in 1854, at a much earlier phase than the majority of countries, thus allowing for a broader perspective on the evolution of the efficiency of the foreign exchange market. As a typical “peripheral” country, Portugal can be used as the starting point for a study of the degree of integration of the periphery within the system. Furthermore, the Portuguese exchange also illustrates the role in practice of large players in sustaining currency stability, over and beyond the atomistic forces of arbitrage and speculation assumed in conventional theoretical frameworks. We also address the question of the credibility of the authorities’ commitment to the standard, through the perspective of the target zone literature.

Market Integration in the Golden periphery The Lisbon/London Exchange, 1854-1891.

The existence of a self-regulating arbitrage mechanism under the gold standard has been tradi- tionally considered as one of its main advantages, and attracted a corresponding research interest. This research is arguably relevant not only to test for the e±ciency of the \gold points", but also to study the evolution of ¯nancial integration during the so-called ¯rst era of globalization. Our ¯rst aim with this paper is to contribute to the enlargement of the scope of the literature by considering the case of Portugal that adhered to the system, in 1854, at a much earlier phase than the ma- jority of countries, thus allowing for a broader perspective on the evolution of the e±ciency of the foreign exchange market. As a typical \peripheral" country, Portugal can be used as the starting point for a study of the degree of integration of the periphery within the system. Furthermore, the Portuguese exchange also illustrates the role in practice of large players in sustaining currency stability, over and beyond the atomistic forces of arbitrage and speculation assumed in conven- tional theoretical frameworks. We also address the question of the credibility of the authorities' commitment to the standard, through the perspective of the target zone literature

Myoelectric Signal Monitoring System

The Electromyography (EMG) is an important tool for gait analyzes and disorders diagnoses. Traditional methods involve equipment that can disturb the analyses, being gradually substituted by different approaches, like wearable and wireless systems. The cable replacement for autonomous systems demands for technologies capable of meeting the power constraints. This work presents the development of an EMG and kinematic data capture wireless module, designed taking into account power consumption issues. This module captures and converts the analog myoeletric signal to digital, synchronously with the capture of kinetic information. Both data are time multiplexed and sent to a PC via Bluetooth link. The work carried out comprised the development of the hardware, the firmware and a graphical interface running in an external PC. The hardware was developed using the PIC18F14K22, a low power family of microcontrollers. The link was established via Bluetooth, a protocol designed for low power communication. An application was also developed to recover and trace the signal to a Graphic User Interface (GUI), coordinating the message exchange with the firmware. Results were obtained which allowed validating the conceived system in static and with the subject performing short movements. Although it was not possible to perform the tests within more dynamic movements, it is shown that it is possible to capture, transmit and display the captured data as expected. Some suggestions to improve the system performance also were made

Frequência e manifestações clínicas da síndrome pós-poliomielite em um centro terciário brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and clinical manifestations of patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) in a Brazilian division of neuromuscular disorders. METHODS: A total of 167 patients with prior history of paralytic poliomyelitis was investigated for PPS, based on international diagnostic criteria. Other variables analyzed were: gender, race, age at poliomyelitis infection, age at PPS onset, and PPS symptoms. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients presented PPS, corresponding to 77.2% of the studied population. 62.8% were women and 37.2% were men. Mean age of patients with PPS at onset of PPS symptoms was 39.9±9.69 years. Their main clinical manifestations were: new weakness in the previously affected limbs (69%) and in the apparently not affected limbs (31%); joint pain (79.8%); fatigue (77.5%); muscle pain (76%); and cold intolerance (69.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients of our sample presented PPS. In Brazil, PPS frequency and clinical features are quite similar to those of other countries.OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência e as manifestações clínicas de pacientes com síndrome pós-poliomielite (SPP) em um setor terciário de doenças neuromusculares brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Um total de 167 pacientes com história prévia de poliomielite paralítica foi estudado para diagnóstico de SPP, de acordo com critérios diagnósticos internacionais. Além da SPP, as variáveis analisadas foram: gênero, raça, idade à época da poliomielite aguda e idade no início dos sintomas da SPP. RESULTADOS: Cento e vinte e nove pacientes apresentaram SPP, correspondendo a 77,2% da população estudada. Mulheres constituíram 62,8% dos pacientes e os homens, 37,2%. A média de idade dos pacientes com SPP à época do início dos sintomas foi de 39,9±9,69 anos. Suas principais manifestações clínicas foram: manifestações novas de fraqueza em membros previamente afetados (69%) e em membros aparentemente não afetados (31%); dores articulares (79,8%); fadiga (77,5%); dor muscular (76%) e intolerância ao frio (69,8%). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos pacientes da presente casuística apresentou SPP. No Brasil, a frequência e as características clínicas da SPP são similares às observadas em outros países.Federal University of São Paulo Division of Neuromuscular Disorders Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryCentro Universitário Adventista de São Paulo Neurologic Rehabilitation Service of the PoliclínicaUNIFESP, Division of Neuromuscular Disorders Department of Neurology and NeurosurgerySciEL

Synthetic organotelluride compounds induce the reversal of Pdr5p mediated fluconazole resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background: Resistance to fluconazole, a commonly used azole antifungal, is a challenge for the treatment of fungal infections. Resistance can be mediated by overexpression of ABC transporters, which promote drug efflux that requires ATP hydrolysis. the Pdr5p ABC transporter of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a well-known model used to study this mechanism of antifungal resistance. the present study investigated the effects of 13 synthetic compounds on Pdr5p.Results: Among the tested compounds, four contained a tellurium-butane group and shared structural similarities that were absent in the other tested compounds: a lateral hydrocarbon chain and an amide group. These four compounds were capable of inhibiting Pdr5p ATPase activity by more than 90%, they demonstrated IC50 values less than 2 M and had an uncompetitive pattern of Pdr5p ATPase activity inhibition. These organotellurides did not demonstrate cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes or S. cerevisiae mutant strains (a strain that overexpress Pdr5p and a null mutant strain) even in concentrations above 100 mu M. When tested at 100 mu M, they could reverse the fluconazole resistance expressed by both the S. cerevisiae mutant strain that overexpress Pdr5p and a clinical isolate of Candida albicans.Conclusions: We have identified four organotellurides that are promising candidates for the reversal of drug resistance mediated by drug efflux pumps. These molecules will act as scaffolds for the development of more efficient and effective efflux pump inhibitors that can be used in combination therapy with available antifungals.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)University of São Paulo through the NAP-CatSinQ (Research Core in Catalysis and Chemical Synthesis)Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Inst Microbiol Paulo Goes, Dept Microbiol Geral,Lab Bioquim Microbiana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Quim Fundamental, São Paulo, BrazilInst Fed Educ Ciencia & Tecnol Rio de Janeiro IFR, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, São Paulo, BrazilFAPERJ: E-26/111.338/2013FAPESP: 2005/59572-7FAPESP: 2008/55401-1FAPESP: 2010/17228-6FAPESP: 2011/03244-2FAPESP: 2011/11613-8FAPESP: 2012/17093-9CNPq: 470360/2012-7Web of Scienc

Nongenotoxic effects and a reduction of the DXR-induced genotoxic effects of Helianthus annuus Linné (sunflower) seeds revealed by micronucleus assays in mouse bone marrow

BACKGROUND: This research evaluated the genotoxicity of oil and tincture of H. annuus L. seeds using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between these preparations and the genotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DXR) was also analysed (antigenotoxicity test). METHODS: Experimental groups were evaluated at 24-48 h post treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (positive control – NEU), DXR (chemotherapeutic), NaCl (negative control), a sunflower tincture (THALS) and two sources of sunflower oils (POHALS and FOHALS). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using the sunflower tincture and oils separately and in combination with NUE or DXR. RESULTS: For THALS, analysis of the MNPCEs showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250–2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCE was observed when THALS (2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) was administered in combination with DXR (5 mg.Kg(-1)). For POHALS or FOHALS, analysis of the MNPCEs also showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250–2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) and NaCl. However, the combination DXR + POHALS (2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) or DXR + FOHALS (2,000 mg.Kg(-1)) not contributed to the MNPCEs reduction. CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests absence of genotoxicity of THALS, dose-, time- and sex-independent, and its combination with DXR can reduce the genotoxic effects of DXR. POHALS and FOHALS also showed absence of genotoxicity, but their association with DXR showed no antigenotoxic effects

Which is your diagnosis?

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Central nervous system lymphoma: iconographic essay

The authors illustrate the present pictorial essay about central nervous system lymphoma with magnetic resonance images obtained in their institution over the past 13 years. Some of the main radiological findings in primary and secondary presentations of this type of lymphoma are discussed. Central nervous system lymphoma is a relatively uncommon tumor, but magnetic resonance imaging findings may suggest the diagnosis.Ilustramos este ensaio iconográfico de linfoma do sistema nervoso central com imagens de ressonância magnética obtidas em nosso serviço nos últimos 13 anos e discutimos algumas das principais características radiológicas deste tipo de linfoma, primário e secundário. O linfoma sistema nervoso central é um tumor relativamente infrequente, mas alguns achados na ressonância magnética podem sugerir este diagnóstico.11011

COVID-19 and pulmonary embolism: do not forget the association!

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The innovations in the brazilian Denim industry

Orientador: Solange Maria CorderDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de GeociênciasResumo: A presente dissertação tem como tema a indústria brasileira de tecidos planos de algodão, com foco no denim e no jeans wear, seu principal confeccionado. Procurou-se identificar como essa indústria se organizou no Brasil para melhorar sua competitividade entre o final da década de 1990 e meados de 2000 e como as novas tecnologias e as inovações contribuíram nessa direção. O país continua com posição de destaque no segmento têxtil de algodão, inclusive por ser um dos maiores produtores da matéria-prima, mas sua situação no mercado ainda é indefinida, mesmo consideradas as empresas de maior porte. No caso do denim, o que mais afetou o mercado foi a reorganização ocorrida com as chamadas cadeias globais de valor. A competitividade ganhou um caráter mais sistêmico apoiando-se mais em fatores tecnológicos e de inovação e nas modernas técnicas organizacionais, o que ressaltou a importância da adoção de ações conjunta dos agentes econômicos envolvidos nas diferentes etapas do processo produtivo, em detrimento das ações individuais. Ganharam também destaque também os fatores de caráter interno e estrutural, os primeiros relacionados ao porte da empresa e sua capacidade de implementar inovações e o segundo ao suprimento de matérias-primas. As empresas melhoraram o índice de modernização das máquinas e equipamentos entre as décadas de 1990 e 2000, com a importação de bens de capital, adoção de novas tecnologias, inovações de produto e processo. Mas elas pouco avançaram em termos da maior cooperação e do aproveitamento das oportunidades oferecidas pelos arranjos industriais. Algumas investiram em atividades internas e externas de P&D visando ampliar a produção de itens de maior valor agregado. As principais inovações na produção do denim e dos confeccionados têxteis ocorrem nas etapas de beneficiamento secundário e terciário (lavanderia industrial), relacionando-se, portanto, diretamente com a indústria química e nos serviços. Houve iniciativas em direção ao mercado internacional, mas quenão foram bem-sucedidas obrigando a um recuo neste tipo de estratégia. Os países concorrentes continuam agressivos e buscando ampliar suas fatias de mercado também nos segmentos de maior valor agregado. Verifica-se que o processo de reorganização do mercado ainda não se estabilizouAbstract: The present dissertation has as its theme the Brazilian flat cotton fabrics industry, with focus on denim and onjeans wear, its main confection. It was sought to identify how this industry organized in Brazil to improve its competitiveness between the late 1990s and mid-2000 and how new technologies and innovations contributed in this direction. The country continues to hold a leading position in the cotton textile segment, mostly for being one of the largest producers of the raw material, but its market situation is still undefined, even considering the larger companies. In the case of denim, what mainly affected the market was the reorganization with the so-called global value chains. Competitiveness has gained a more systemic character, relying more on technological and innovation factors and on modern organizational techniques, which highlighted the importance of adopting joint actions of the economic agents involved in the different stages of the productive process, to the detriment of individual actions. Also, were emphasized internal and structural factors, the first related to the size of the company and its capacity to implement innovations and the second to the supply of raw materials.The companies improved the index of modernization of their machines and equipment between the decades of 1990 and 2000, along with the importation of capital goods, adoption of new technologies, innovations of product and process. But they have made little headway in terms of greater cooperation and use of the opportunities offered by industrial arrangements. Some have invested in internal and external R & D activities, aiming to increase the production of higher value-added items. The main innovations in the production of denim and made-up textiles occur in the secondary and tertiary processing stages (industrial laundry), consequently relating directly to the chemical industry and services. There have been initiatives towards the international market, but have not been successful forcing a retreat in this type of strategy. Rival countries remain aggressive and seek to expand their market shares also in the higher value-added segments. It appears that the process of reorganization of the market has not yet been stabilizedMestradoPolitica Cientifica e TecnologicaMestre em Política Científica e TecnológicaCAPE