356 research outputs found
Os modos de projeção do cantor‐ator: a importância deste princípio para o desenvolvimento cênico dos cantores líricos
No full textThe present article is an excerpt from the doctoral thesis defended by the author (GUSE, 2018), in which a compendium of exercises is proposed aimed at the scenic development of the classical Singer, based on the principles of the methodology of the North‐American director Wesley Balk (1981, 1989 e 1991) as the main theoretical foundation. The purpose of this excerpt is to present the principle of the projective modes of this methodology, through the review of the literature of this author. Balk divides the singer’s expressive system in three projective modes – hearing/vocal, kinesthetic and facial/emocional – with the intention of synthesizing the integration of abilities between singing and acting in a three‐part system that works synergistically. In this way, the parts of this system would work in such a way as serve its assertive needs of communication in the performance, as its integrative needs avoiding superfluous tensions coming from the “entanglements”.O presente artigo é um recorte da tese de doutorado defendida pela autora (GUSE, 2018), em que é proposto um compêndio de exercícios direcionados ao desenvolvimento cênico do cantor lírico, partindo dos princípios da metodologia do diretor norte‐americano Wesley Balk (1981, 1989 e 1991) como fundamentação teórica principal. Este recorte tem como objetivo apresentar o princípio dos modos de projeção desta metodologia, através da revisão da literatura deste autor. Balk divide o sistema expressivo do cantor em três modos de projeção – vocal/auditivo, cinestésico e facial/emocional – na intenção de sintetizar a integração das habilidades entre cantar e atuar em um sistema de três partes que trabalha sinergicamente. Dessa forma, as partes desse sistema trabalhariam de maneira tanto a atender suas necessidades assertivas de comunicação na performance, como as suas necessidades integrativas evitando tensões supérfluas vindas dos “enredamentos”
The singer-actor's projective modes: an important principle for the scenic development of classical singers
No full textThe present article is an excerpt from the doctoral thesis defended by the author (GUSE, 2018), in which a compendium of exercises is proposed aimed at the scenic development of the classical Singer, based on the principles of the methodology of the North-American director Wesley Balk (1981, 1989 e 1991) as the main theoretical foundation. The purpose of this excerpt is to present the principle of the projective modes of this methodology, through the review of the literature of this author. Balk divides the singer's expressive system in three projective modes - hearing/vocal, kinesthetic and facial/emocional - with the intention of synthesizing the integration of abilities between singing and acting in a three-part system that works synergistically. In this way, the parts of this system would work in such a way as serve its assertive needs of communication in the performance, as its integrative needs avoiding superfluous tensions coming from the entanglements.Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Sao Paulo, Brazi
Monolithic triglyceride matrices: a controlled-release system for proteins
No full textMatrices made of glyceryl trimyristate as a bioerodible and biocompatible material were manufactured by compression in dimensions that would still allow an application via injection. Pyranine, as a low molecular hydrophilic compound with a low detection limit, and tetramethylrhodamine labeled bovine serum albumin (TAMRA-BSA), as a high molecular weight (66 kDa) protein compound, served as model drugs for release investigations. In vitro studies with pyranine revealed that release depends substantially on the gelatin content of the matrices, which proved to be a useful tool as a release modifier. The duration of the drug release period can be adjusted to a desired time interval ranging from days to weeks by choosing the right gelatin content. Moreover, results illustrated the importance of the molecular weight and the nature of the compound to be incorporated into such matrices, since investigations with TAMRA-BSA showed a more pronounced burst release and altered release profiles and periods. Experiments with hyaluronidase, which served as a model enzyme to assess the problem of protein integrity in such matrices, suggested that proteins may display sufficient stability during the manufacturing procedure of the cylinders or while in contact with the triglyceride matrices. In addition to in vitro investigations, a study in mice revealed that after 15 days of subcutaneous implantation the matrices showed a good in vivo stability. The main conclusion that could be drawn from these results was that triglycerides are a promising alternative to biodegradable polymers for the development of parenteral release systems for protein and peptide drugs
The role of NAADP for Ca2+-signaling in T cells of the rat and ventricular cardiomyocytes of the mouse
No full textA sustainable business hub - stimulating upgrading by spatial intervention for the embattled area of Dharavi-Mumbai-India
No full textCities all over the world need to respond to the demographic and economic pressure that is causing urban growth1. In this aspect, the Indian government, classified as a developing nation with a fast growing urban economy, is impatient to see big changes that can classify India as a power Nation and Mumbai as the Asian financial Capital. Parts of the government changes include disappearing all decrepit areas to make way for new modern spaces. One of these areas is Dharavi-Mumbai. However, Dharavi is not just an example of how rural population is concentrated chaotically in the suburbs of a coast line city, where the lack of basic infrastructure and government support, trapped one million habitants in the cycle of poverty. Dharavi is also a land of opportunities where the hard working residents are unconsciously trying to break out the social caste system throughout a progressing informal industry. The graduation project formulates an alternative plan to reach the goal that the government wants: a “Sustainable, slum free Dharavi of middle class people”, while: \u95 integrating bottom-up strategies by taking the needs, wishes and foremost the skills of the slum dwellers in the whole design process; \u95 using sustainable design principles from the concept phase till the construction detail. This study used the backcasting2 method as a tool to determine the desired future vision for Dharavi and to stimulate the creative process of adaptation in order to attain this future. The resulting methodology is called urban acupuncture. New elements are put into the city as generators to provoke pre-determined changes. The city will change by itself, and the generators are starting and guiding this change. This previous definition is translated into a concept plan for Dharavi based on a node that will generate positive ripple effects. This concept stimulates independency from the surroundings in basic services (water and energy). The design intervention is called “the master pilot project”. The intervention is going to be the node that intends to introduce quality to the area and connect Dharavi to unused economic potentials. The general intervention concept: to organize the “lucrative artisanal occupations of Dharavi”3 in a way that it can be exposed and accessible to external consumers. The goal is to intensify the commercialization of their products. The three phases of the project summarized: 1.- Macro Phase: reciprocity between the design project and the context. Includes the following elements: . The boulevard: increase connections on city level and on province level. . The Mahim Creek: stimulate new incomes by alternative agriculture such as bamboo plantation. . The Mithi River: improve water quality by introducing water plants (reed and lilies) and increase productivity via floating agriculture and floating market. 2.- Meso Phase: the design proposal The first architectural element proposed is the so-called “the craft tower”. The building will attract new market potentials and will exteriorize its content “craft show room-production “and it gives space to people, animals and plants. The low-tech icon is an eight floors open plan structure conceived as a multilayer building. The layers of the building consist of a climbing plants system, a structural bamboo system and a rammed earth skin. Other aspects such as position of the volume, rainwater collection, night cross ventilation, and replacing the bamboo columns are part of the design principles used. The second architectural element, called “the community centre”, deals with the need that the area has to generate a common space where the community can interact culturally and organizationally. It is organized in two scales depending of its type of activity: the “open air theatre” and the “main hall”. The third architectural component is the integrator feature called the “living bridge”. The main function of the bridge is to introduce consumers into Dharavi in a friendly and captivating way. 3.- Micro Phase: detail level . This phase included the structural analyses of the living bridge. For which a constant interaction was necessary within Bentley GenerativeComponents (GC) program and the finite element analysis program Diana. With the parametric module developed in GC different parameters were established allowing the remodelling of changes more easily and visually. Furthermore, Diana has been used as a technical tool to optimize the bamboo structure. In order to understand the behaviour of bamboo as a building material better a testing experiment was carried out. The goal of this experiment was to know whether structural continuity exists between bamboo and concrete. To test the approach of the proposed module for the living bridge a prototype scale one to one has been built. The prototype concerns one node of the bridge which contains the highest amount of connections between bamboo elements. Based on what is already there, coming from inside out, working with local culture and local workmanship, trying to keep the economy together, are the foundations for the new development proposal in this graduation project.Architectural Engineering and Building TechnologyArchitectur
Integrating catchment properties in small scale species distribution models of stream macroinvertebrates
No full textSpecies distribution models are increasingly applied to freshwater ecosystems. Most applications use large scales, coarse resolutions and anthropocentric modelling extents, thus not being able to consider important environmental predictors and ecological processes detectable within a catchment and at finer scales. Moreover, high resolution predictions of species distribution in streams can help improve our understanding of how environmental variables within a catchment affect the distribution of stream macroinvertebrates. We built models at a resolution of 25 m x 25 m for a 488 km(2) catchment in northern Germany to determine whether the spatial approach in which environmental predictors are implemented in the model affects the overall performance. We used predictors from four different categories relevant to freshwater ecosystems: bioclimatic, topographic, hydrologic and land use. Two spatial approaches were tested: a local one, or grid based and a cumulative for the upstream area, or subcatchment specific. Models were evaluated in terms of model performance and accuracy in order to identify the approach best suited for each category, as well as the most important predictor in each. In the case of the land use category, the subcatchment approach made a significant difference, increasing performance. A final model, calibrated with the selected predictors, resulted in the highest model performance and accuracy. Our results indicate that species distribution models perform well and are accurate at high resolutions, within small catchments. We conclude that catchment wide models, especially when using predictors from multiple categories, have the potential to significantly improve modelling framework of species distribution in freshwater ecosystems. The information produced by accurate, small scale, species distribution models can guide managers and conservation practitioners, by predicting the effects of management decisions within a catchment. We suggest that highly resolved predictors be applied in models using the catchment approach. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Species distribution models are increasingly applied to freshwater ecosystems. Most applications use large scales, coarse resolutions and anthropocentric modelling extents, thus not being able to consider important environmental predictors and ecological processes detectable within a catchment and at finer scales. Moreover, high resolution predictions of species distribution in streams can help improve our understanding of how environmental variables within a catchment affect the distribution of stream macroinvertebrates. We built models at a resolution of 25 m x 25 m for a 488 km(2) catchment in northern Germany to determine whether the spatial approach in which environmental predictors are implemented in the model affects the overall performance. We used predictors from four different categories relevant to freshwater ecosystems: bioclimatic, topographic, hydrologic and land use. Two spatial approaches were tested: a local one, or grid based and a cumulative for the upstream area, or subcatchment specific. Models were evaluated in terms of model performance and accuracy in order to identify the approach best suited for each category, as well as the most important predictor in each. In the case of the land use category, the subcatchment approach made a significant difference, increasing performance. A final model, calibrated with the selected predictors, resulted in the highest model performance and accuracy. Our results indicate that species distribution models perform well and are accurate at high resolutions, within small catchments. We conclude that catchment wide models, especially when using predictors from multiple categories, have the potential to significantly improve modelling framework of species distribution in freshwater ecosystems. The information produced by accurate, small scale, species distribution models can guide managers and conservation practitioners, by predicting the effects of management decisions within a catchment. We suggest that highly resolved predictors be applied in models using the catchment approach. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
Diadenosine homodinucleotide products of ADP-ribosyl cyclase behave as modulators of the purinergic receptor P2X7
No full textADP-ribosyl cyclases from both vertebrates and invertebrates were previously shown to produce two isomers of P1,P2 diadenosine 5',5'"-P1, P2-diphosphate, P18 and P24, from cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and adenine. P18 and P24 are characterized by an unusual N-glycosidic linkage in one of the adenylic mononucleotides (Basile, G., Taglialatela-Scafati, O., Damonte, G., Armirotti, A., Bruzzone, S., Guida, L., Franco, L., Usai, C., Fattorusso, E., De Flora, A., and Zocchi, E. (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 102, 14509-14514). P24, but not P18, proved to increase the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in HeLa cells and to negatively affect mitochondrial function. Here we show that micromolar P24, but not P18, triggers a slow and sustained influx of extracellular Ca(2+) through the opening of the purinergic receptor/channel P2X7. On the other hand, P18 inhibits the Ca(2+) influx induced by 0.6 mm ATP in HEK293 cells stably transfected with P2X7, with an IC(50) of approximately 1 mum. Thus, P18 is devoid of intrinsic P2X7 stimulatory activity and behaves as an ATP antagonist. A P2X7-mediated increase of the basal [Ca(2+)](i) has been demonstrated to negatively affect Schwann cell (SC) function in rats with the inherited, peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A) (Nobbio, L., Sturla, L., Fiorese, F., Usai, C., Basile, G., Moreschi, I., Benvenuto, F., Zocchi, E., De Flora, A., Schenone, A., and Bruzzone S. (2009) J. Biol. Chem. 284, 23146-23158). Preincubation of CMT1A SC with 200 nm P18 restored the basal [Ca(2+)](i) to values similar to those recorded in wild-type SC. These results identify P18 as a new P2X7 antagonist, potentially useful in the treatment of CMT1A
- …
