Pi5 and Pi6, two undescribed peptides from the venom of the scorpion Pandinus imperator and their effects on K + -channels

K

Isolation, chemical and functional characterization of several new K+-channel blocking peptides from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides tecomanus

K

Lot streaming and batch scheduling: splitting and grouping jobs to improve production efficiency

This thesis deals with issues arising in manufacturing, in particular related to production efficiency. Lot streaming refers to the process of splitting jobs to move production through several stages as quickly as possible, whereas batch scheduling refers to the process of grouping jobs to improve the use of resources and customer satisfaction. We use a network representation and critical path approach to analyse the lot streaming problem of finding optimal sublot sizes and a job sequence in a two-machine flow shop with transportation and setup times. We introduce a model where the number of sublots for each job is not predetermined, presenting an algorithm to assign a new sublot efficiently, and discuss a heuristic to assign a fixed number of sublots between jobs. A model with several identical jobs in an multiple machine flow shop is analysed through a dominant machine approach to find optimal sublot sizes for jobs. For batch scheduling, we tackle the NP-hard problem of scheduling jobs on a batching machine with restricted batch size to minimise the maximum lateness. We design a branch and bound algorithm, and develop local search heuristics for the problem. Different neighbourhoods are compared, one of which is an exponential sized neighbourhood that can be searched in polynomial time. We develop dynamic programming algorithms to obtain lower bounds and explore neighbourhoods efficiently. The performance of the branch and bound algorithm and the local search heuristics is assessed and supported by extensive computational tests

Primary structure and electrophysiological characterization of two almost identical isoforms of toxin from Isometrus vittatus (family: Buthidae) scorpion venom.

Two almost identical proteins with 70 amino acid residues each, closely packed by four disufide bridges, and molecular masses of 7899.5 and 7884.7 were isolated and sequenced from the venom of the scorpion Isometrus vittatus from Pakistan. They differ by an acidic amino acid residue (glutamic or aspartic) at the same position 55 of the peptide chain, however, they exhibit the same length, the same charge and are undistinguishable when separated by C(18) reverse phase HPLC. The mixture of the two proteins called IsomTx1 depolarizes the cockroach isolated axon; artificial repolarization is followed by sustained repetitive activity, artificial hyperpolarization facilitates bursting activity observed as an answer to rapid depolarization to -60 mV. The depolarization is antagonized by TTX. In voltage-clamp experiments IsomTx1 increases axonal sodium permeability which has a particular importance between resting and threshold potentials and moderately slows down the fast inactivation. These characteristics closely resemble those of other anti-insect scorpion toxins classified as contractive toxins from Androctonus and Buthotus venoms

Giro Cultural: os desafios de uma proposta inovadora na USP

In this article we present the Giro Cultural Program, reporting all stages of its conception, development and implementation. This program proposal is to accomplish the difficult task of presenting and sharing with the general society the rich cultural heritage belonging to the University of São Paulo, including objects, buildings and even gardens that are not opened to visitors in the traditional way. We choose to create a schedule of monitored tours in the city of São Paulo presenting the visitors the history of the city and the conditions of the implementation of the University of São Paulo and, at the same time, allowing them the contact to the biodiversity of the campuses and the collections that are exposed in different colleges of the University.Neste artigo vamos apresentar a proposta do programa Giro Cultural, relatando todas as etapas de sua criação e implantação. O programa se propõe a difícil tarefa de apresentar à sociedade, de forma regular e contínua, os diferentes patrimônios que estão sob a guarda da Universidade de São Paulo, inclusive aqueles que não estão expostos da maneira tradicional. Assim, criou-se um programa de visitas monitoradas, com diferentes roteiros que permitem ao visitante entrar em contato com a biodiversidade dos campi, as coleções que estão expostas nas unidades ou fazer um percurso pela cidade de São Paulo, conhecendo a história da cidade e as condições da criação e implantação da USP

Percepção e adaptação às mudanças climáticas na produção de uvas dentro das vinícolas gaúchas

As mudanças climáticas são uma realidade posta, com evidencias irrefutáveis e impactos incalculáveis. A agricultura é um dos setores que mais sofrem com os impactos das mudanças do clima e muitos são os estudos que buscam entender os impactos das mudanças climáticas e lançar estratégias de adaptação para o setor frente ao incerto futuro climático. No entanto, o entendimento sobre a percepção das mudanças climáticas e o comportamento adaptativo dos produtores locais ainda é muito limitado, principalmente em setores como a fruticultura. Diante disso o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi analisar a percepção das mudanças climáticas na produção de uva pelas vinícolas gaúchas e observar as estratégias de adaptação adotadas. A coleta de dados foi feita através de entrevistas, os dados de percepção foram contrapostos com dados de estações meteorológicas do INMET, buscando entender se tais percepções estão de acordo com a realidade climática. Observamos que existe sim um processo de percepção das mudanças climáticas dentro das vinícolas, com destaque para a elevação da temperatura e diminuição das chuvas no verão, tais percepções condizem com a realidade climática da região. De acordo com nossos resultados ao perceberem as mudanças climáticas e seus impactos no processo produtivo da uva, estratégias de adaptação de curto e de longo prazo são adotadas, a escolha das estratégias de adaptação tem como impulsionador principal as questões econômicas e variam conforme as especificidades de cada vinícola.Climate change is a given reality, with irrefutable evidence and incalculable impacts. Agriculture is one of the sectors that suffer most from the impacts of climate change and there are many studies that seek to understand, minimize and adapt the sector for the climate future. However, understanding about the perception of climate change and the adaptive behavior of local producers is still very limited, especially in sectors such as fruit growing. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze the perception of climate change in grape production by wineries in Rio Grande do Sul and observe the adaptation strategies adopted, aiming to shed light on a very vulnerable sector. We observed that there is indeed a process of perception of climate change within the wineries, with emphasis on the increase in temperature and the decrease in rainfall in the summer, such perceptions are consistent with the climate reality of the region. According to our results, when realizing climate change and its impacts on the grape production process, short- and long-term adaptation strategies are adopted. each winery