Pitfalls driven by the sole use of local updates in dynamical

The recent claim that the exit probability (EP) of a slightly modified version of the Sznadj model is a continuous function of the initial magnetization is questioned. This result has been obtained analytically and confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations, simultaneously and independently by two different groups (EPL, 82 (2008) 18006; 18007). It stands at odds with an earlier result which yielded a step function for the EP (Europhys. Lett., 70 (2005) 705). The dispute is investigated by proving that the continuous shape of the EP is a direct outcome of a mean-field treatment for the analytical result. As such, it is most likely to be caused by finite-size effects in the simulations. The improbable alternative would be a signature of the irrelevance of fluctuations in this system. Indeed, evidence is provided in support of the stepwise shape as going beyond the mean-field level. These findings yield new insight in the physics of one-dimensional systems with respect to the validity of a true equilibrium state when using solely local update rules. The suitability and the significance to perform numerical simulations in those cases is discussed. To conclude, a great deal of caution is required when applying updates rules to describe any system especially social systems. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2011

The generalized log-gamma mixture model with covariates: local influence and residual analysis

In a sample of censored survival times, the presence of an immune proportion of individuals who are not subject to death, failure or relapse, may be indicated by a relatively high number of individuals with large censored survival times. In this paper the generalized log-gamma model is modified for the possibility that long-term survivors may be present in the data. The model attempts to separately estimate the effects of covariates on the surviving fraction, that is, the proportion of the population for which the event never occurs. The logistic function is used for the regression model of the surviving fraction. Inference for the model parameters is considered via maximum likelihood. Some influence methods, such as the local influence and total local influence of an individual are derived, analyzed and discussed. Finally, a data set from the medical area is analyzed under the log-gamma generalized mixture model. A residual analysis is performed in order to select an appropriate model.

Histological, physiological and molecular investigations of Fagus sylvatica seedlings infected with Phytophthora citricola

P>The aim of the work was to shed light into histological, physiological and molecular changes of Fagus sylvatica seedlings infected with the root pathogen Phytophthora citricola with the final goal to distinguish between local and systemic responses. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis proved that P. citricola was able to grow from infected roots into hypocotyl and epicotyl tissue of F. sylvatica seedlings. Light microscopy showed many collapsed parenchyma cells of the cortex without being penetrated by the pathogen. Hyphae were mainly growing intracellular in parenchyma and xylem tissue. Transmission electron microscopy displayed disintegration of xylem vessels and of parenchyma cells. Inhibition of water uptake of infected beech seedlings was positively correlated with the concentration of zoospores used in the experiment. In addition, a split root experiment indicated that invertases were possibly involved locally and systemically in the conversion of sucrose of P. citricola infected roots. During the growth of the pathogen in roots, a transient expression of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)-oxidase gene was quantified in leaves which was detected in parallel with the first peak of a biphasic ethylene outburst. Additionally a systemic upregulation of aquaporin transcripts was mainly detected in leaves of beech seedlings infected with P. citricola.

Variable Demand and Profitability in Service Companies: a case study in the information technology sector

Managing a variable demand scenario is particularly challenging on services organizations because services companies usually have a major part of fixed costs. The article studies how a services organization manages its demand variability and its relation with the organization`s profitability. Moreover, the study searched for alternatives used to reduce the demand variability`s impact on the profitability of the company. The research was based on a case study with a Brazilian services provider on information technology business. The study suggests that alternatives like using outsourced employees to cover demand peaks may bring benefits only on short term, reducing the profitability of the company on long term: Some options are revealed, like the internationalization of employees and the investment on developing its own workforce.

XAS characterization of the RuO(2)-Ta(2)O(5) system local (crystal) structure

The influence of the preparation method on the structural properties of the RuO(2)-Ta(2)O(5) system was investigated. Both thin films on Ti substrates and powder samples of nominal composition Ti/RuO(2)-Ta(2)O(5) (Ru:Ta = 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 30:70, and 0:100 at.%) were prepared through thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors (DPP). The thin films and powder samples were investigated using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). XANES analyses showed that Ru and Ta are present in the Ru(IV) and Ta(V) oxidation states. EXAFS signals of all the samples were analyzed, to obtain the average bond length (r), coordination number, and the Debye-Waller factor (sigma(2)) for each Ru-O, Ru-Ru, Ta-O nearest-neighbor. The first shell Ru-O distance was found at 1.91-1.92 angstrom with coordination number of 1.8-2.1, and at 2.01-2.02 angstrom with coordination number of 3.9-4.1. The Ta-O distance obtained for all the samples and in both modes (transmission and fluorescence) had significantly different values from the theoretical ones. The results revealed that the local structure around both the Ru and Ta sites are similar, and that they consist of distorted M-O(6) octahedra (where M = Ru or Ta). (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Local delivery of EGF-liposome mediated bone modeling in orthodontic tooth movement by increasing RANKL expression

Aims: It has long been demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) has catabolic effects oil bone. Thus. we examined the role of EGF in regulating mechanically induced bone modeling in a rat model of orthodontic tooth movement. Main methods: The maxillary first molars of rats were moved mesially using an orthodontic appliance attached to the maxillary incisor teeth. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: (G1) administration of PBS (Phosphate buffer saline Solution (n = 24); (G2) administration of empty liposomes (it = 24): (Q) administration 20 rig of EGF Solution (n = 24): and (G4) 20 ng of EGF-liposomes Solution (it = 24). Each Solution was injected in the mucosa of the left first molar adjacent to the appliance. At days 5, 10, 14 and 2 1 after drug administration. 6 animals of each group were sacrificed. Histomorphometric analysis was used to quantify osteoclasts (Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) + cells) and tooth movement. Using immunohistochemistry assay we evaluated the RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Key findings: The EGF-liposome administration showed an increased tooth movement and osteoclast numbers compared to controls (p<0.05). This was correlated with intense RANKL expression. Both osteoblasts and osteoclasts expressed EGFR. Significance: Local delivery of EGF-liposome stimulates, osteoclastogenesis and tooth movement. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Local immunological factors associated with recurrence of mucosal leishmaniasis

Recurrence of mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) is frequent, but the causative mechanisms are unknown. Our aim was to compare cellular and cytokine patterns of lesions from ML that evolved to recurrence or cure in order to determine the risk factor associated with recurrence. Lesions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry before and after therapy, and patients were followed-up for five years. Higher levels of CD4(+) T and IFN-gamma-producing cells were detected in active lesions and decreased after therapy. Macrophages and IL-10 were markedly increased in cured patients. Conversely, CD8(+) T and NK cells were higher in relapsed than in cured cases. Notably, a decrease in these cells in addition to decreased IL-10 and IFN-gamma was also observed after therapy. These data suggest that exacerbated CD8(+) activity, in addition to a poor regulatory response, could underlie an unfavorable fate with regard to ML. These markers may be useful for predicting the prognosis of ML in lesion studies. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surgical Correction of Aesthetically Deformed Eyebrows Using Local Transposition Flaps

Eyebrow positions differ in many ways. They vary in shape, thickness, length, and distance between the eyebrows, making the face more or less harmonious. When a large distance exists between the eyebrows and the medial brow is slanting downward, the glabellar area is larger, giving the face an awkward appearance. To correct this deformity, the authors propose using two Z-plasties to allow transposition of flaps in the region of the medial brow. The Z-shaped flap is outlined at the medial third of the brow, in the glabellar region, with the eyebrow centered in the lower portion of the ""Z"" and the hairless skin in the upper portion. The flaps then are transposed and sutured. Transposition of the flaps, lifting the brow flap to the glabellar region, results in horizontal positioning of the medial and central third of the eyebrow. The proposed transpositioning of ""Z"" flaps in this region corrects this type of deformity of the medial and central portions of the eyebrows, with an aesthetically satisfactory result.

Aesthetic Quality of the Nipple-Areola Complex in Breast Reconstruction with a New Local Graft Technique

Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is the last stage of breast reconstruction and represents the search for symmetry in regard to the contralateral breast. The objective of this study was to present an areola reconstruction technique with local skin graft to improve the texture and aspect of the reconstructed areola, searching for a natural look. This technique was performed on 122 patients who in the period from January 2000 to December 2005 were submitted to nipple and areola reconstruction. Once the position of the new nipple was determined, markings were made for the reconstruction of the areola. Then the external limit of the new areola was incised and the skin was centripetally deepidermized up to 85% of its diameter. After this procedure the detached skin was repositioned in its bed as a graft and sutured with 4.0 mononylon thread. Incisions with an 11-blade scalpel were then made in V and C forms associated with the detachment of this skin of the receptor area along the local graft so that at the end of the healing process they would determine alterations in the areolar texture mimicking the texture of a normal areola. All patients underwent tattooing 3 months after reconstruction of the NAC taking into account the different shades of the contralateral areola and nipple colors. The use of a local skin graft associated with C and V incisions allowed alteration in the texture of the reconstructed areola. The use of different ink shades for tattooing helped to give a tridimensional aspect to this areola. These factors determined a good aesthetic result in these patients. This areola reconstruction using a local skin graft allows change in the areola texture and a tridimensional aspect similar to that of a normal areola without the inconvenience of grafting from a distance.

Effect of phototherapy with low intensity laser on local and systemic immunomodulation following focal brain damage in rat

Brain injury is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in trauma patients, but controversy still exists over therapeutic management for these patients. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of phototherapy with low intensity lasers on local and systemic immunomodulation following cryogenic brain injury. Laser phototherapy was applied (or not-controls) immediately after cryogenic brain injury performed in 51 adult male Wistar rats. The animals were irradiated twice (3 h interval), with continuous diode laser (gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs), 780 nm, or indium-gallium-aluminum-phosphide (InGaAlP), 660 nm) in two points and contact mode, 40 mW, spot size 0.042 cm(2), 3 J/cm(2) and 5 J/cm(2) (3 s and 5 s, respectively). The experimental groups were: Control (non-irradiated), RL3 (visible red laser/ 3 J/cm(2)), RL5 (visible red laser/5 J/cm(2)), IRL3 (infrared laser/ 3 J/cm(2)), IRL5 (infrared laser/5 J/cm(2)). The production of interleukin-1IL-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was analyzed by enzyme immunoassay technique (ELISA) test in brain and blood samples. The IL-1 beta concentration in brain of the control group ;was significantly reduced in 24 h (p < 0.01). This reduction was also observed in the RL5 and IRL3 groups. The TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) in the blood of all groups, except by the IRL3 group. The IL-6 levels in RL3 group were significantly smaller than in control group in both experimental times. IL-10 concentration was maintained stable in all groups in brain and blood. Under the conditions of this study, it is possible to conclude that the laser phototherapy can affect TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 levels in the brain and in circulation in the first 24 h following cryogenic brain injury. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microcirculatory effects of local and remote ischemic preconditioning in supraceliac aortic clamping

Introduction: Supraceliac aortic clamping in major vascular procedures promotes splanchnic ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury that may induce endothelial dysfunction, widespread inflammation, multiorgan dysfunction, and death. We tested the hypothesis that local or remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC) may be protective against injury after supraceliac aortic clamping through the modulation of mesenteric leukocyte-endothelial interactions, as evaluated with intravital microscopy and expression of adhesion molecules. Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats (weight, 190 to 250 g), were divided into four groups of 14 rats each: control sham surgery without aortic occlusion; I/R through supraceliac aortic occlusion for 20 minutes, followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion; local IPC through supraceliac aortic occlusion for two cycles of 5 minutes of ischemia and 5 minutes of reperfusion, followed by the same protocol of the IR group; remote IPC through infrarenal aortic occlusion for two cycles of 10 minutes of ischemia and 10 minutes of reperfusion, followed by the same protocol of the IR group. Seven animals per group were used to evaluate in vivo leukocyte-endothelial interactions in postcapillary venules with intravital microscopy and another seven animals per group were used to collect mesentery samples for inmmnohistochemistry demonstration of adhesion molecules expression. Results: Supraceliac aortic occlusion increased the number of rolling leukocytes with slower velocities and increased the number of adherent leukocytes to the venular surface and leukocyte migration to the interstitium. The expression of P-selectin, E-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was also increased significantly after I/R. Local or remote IPC reduced the leukocyte recruitment in vivo and normalized the expression of adhesion molecules. Conclusions: Local or remote IPC reduces endothelial dysfunction on mesenteric microcirculation caused by I/R injury after supraceliac aortic clamping. (J Vase Surg 2010;52:1321-9.) Clinical Relevance: The present study demonstrates that ischemia and reperfusion injury induced by supraceliac aortic occlusion promotes endothelial dysfunction and leukocyte recruitment on mesenteric microcirculation. Local and remote preconditioning reduced leukocyte-endothelial interactions and normalized the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules involved in this process. Although we recognize the limitation of an experimental model, our findings suggest that local and remote ischemic preconditioning minimize the endothelial dysfunction and leukocyte recruitment events that play a central role in systemic inflammation and multiorgan dysfunction after major aortic reconstructions.

Evaluation of oral-motor movements and speech in patients with tetanus of a public service in Brazil

The characterisation of oral-motor movements and speech of patients with tetanus were investigated to determine the existence of possible signs that are characteristic of this pathology. Thirteen patients clinically diagnosed with tetanus (10 with severe tetanus and three with very severe tetanus) and admitted to an intensive care unit underwent clinical evaluation of oral-motor movements and speech. Statistical analysis indicated significant between-group differences for speech motor functions, suggesting that individuals with very severe tetanus present rigidity as a characteristic interfering in articulatory precision (P = 0 035) and movement rate (P = 0 038). For lip closure, tongue movement, palatal elevation, gag reflex and voice quality, no between-group differences were identified for the specific abnormal characteristics. The observed abnormal results indicate that muscle strength and functional status of the oral-motor system presented by most of the participants of the study did not ensure the necessary integrity for satisfactory performance. The characterisation of the oral myofunctional aspects of patients with tetanus provides medical teams, patients and families with a wider and better description of the clinical situation, giving support to the diagnosis, prognostics and treatment.

Predictive factors for local recurrence and incomplete resection of early gastric cancer treated by endoscopic resection: A Western experience

BACKGROUND: Early gastric cancer (EGC) is defined as adenocarcinoma limited to the mucosa or submucosa regardless of lymph node involvement. Local EGC recurrence rates have been described ill Lip to 6% of cases. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate predictive factors for incomplete resection and local recurrence of EGC treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) that was followed up for at least one year. METHODS: From June 1994 to December 2005, 46 patients with EGC underwent EMR. Possible predictive factors for incomplete endoscopic resection and local recurrence were identified by medical chart analysis. Demographic, endoscopic and histopathological data were retrospectively evaluated. EMR was considered complete or incomplete. Patients from the complete resection group were divided into subgroups (with and without local EGC recurrence). RESULTS: Complete resection was possible in 36 cases (76.6%). Predictive factors for incomplete resection were turnout location (P=0.035), histological type (P=0.021), lesion size (P=0.022) and number of resected fragments (P=0.013). On multivariate analysis, undifferentiated histological type (OR 0.8; 95% Cl 0.036 to 0.897) and number of resected fragments (OR 7.34; 95% Cl 1.266 to 42.629) were independent predictive factors for incomplete resection. In the complete resection group, a larger lesion size was associated with a higher the number of resected fragments (P=0.018). Local recurrence occurred in nine cases (25%). Use of the cap technique was the only predictive factor for local recurrence in five of seven cases (71.4%) (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: A larger lesion size was associated with a higher number of resected fragments. Undifferentiated adenocarcinoma and piecemeal resection were predictive factors for incomplete resection. Technique type was a predictive factor for local EGC recurrence.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor added to a sciatic nerve fragment grafted in a spinal cord gap ameliorates motor impairments in rats and increases local axonal growth

Purpose: The aversive nature of regenerative milieu is the main problem related to the failure of neuronal restoration in the injured spinal cord which however might be addressed with an adequate repair intervention. We evaluated whether glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) may increase the ability of sciatic nerve graft, placed in a gap promoted by complete transections of the spinal cord, to enhance motor recovery and local fiber growth. Methods: Rats received a 4 mm-long gap at low thoracic level and were repaired with a fragment of the sciatic nerve. GDNF was added (NERVE+GDNF) or not to the grafts (NERVE-GDNF). Motor behavior score (BBB) and sensorimotor tests-linked to the combined behavior score (CBS), which indicate the degree of the motor improvement and the percentage of functional deficit, respectively, and also the spontaneous motor behavior in an open field by means of an infrared motion sensor activity monitor were analyzed. At the end of the third month post surgery, the tissue composed by the graft and the adjacent regions of the spinal cord was removed and submitted to the immunohistochemistry of the neurofilament-200 (NF-200), growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43), microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP-2), 5-hidroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). The immunoreactive fibers were quantified at the epicenter of the graft by means of stereological procedures. Results: Higher BBB and lower CBS levels (p < 0.001) were found in NERVE+GDNF rats. GDNF added to the graft increased the levels of individual sensorimotor tests mainly at the third month. Analysis of the spontaneous motor behavior showed decreases in the time and number of small movement events by the third month without changes in time and number of large movement events in the NERVE+GDNF rats. Immunoreactive fibers were encountered inside the grafts and higher amounts of NF-200, GAP-43 and MAP-2 fibers were found in the epicenter of the graft when GDNF was added. A small amount of descending 5-HT fibers was seen reentering in the adjacent caudal levels of the spinal cords which were grafted in the presence of GDNF, event that has not occurred without the neurotrophic factor. GDNF in the graft also led to a large amount of MAP-2 perikarya and fibers in the caudal levels of the cord gray matter, as determined by the microdensitometric image analysis. Conclusions: GDNF added to the nerve graft favored the motor recovery, local neuronal fiber growth and neuroplasticity in the adjacent spinal cord.

Involvement of Astroglial Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Microglia in the Nigral 6-OHDA Parkinsonism and a Possible Role of Glucocorticoid Hormone on the Glial Mediated Local Trophism and Wound Repair

We have observed in previous studies that 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesions in the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) system promote increases of the astroglial basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2, bFGF) synthesis in the ascending DA pathways, event that could be modified by adrenosteroid hormones. Here, we first evaluated the changes of microglial reactivity in relation to the FGF-2-mediated trophic responses in the lesioned nigrostriatal DA system. 6-OHDA was injected into the left side of the rat substantia nigra. The OX42 immunohistochemistry combined with stereology showed the time course of the microglial activation. The OX42 immunoreactivity (IR) was already increased in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) 2 h after the 6-OHDA injection, peaked on day 7, and remained increased on the 14th day time-interval. In the neostriatum, OX42 immunoreactive (ir) microglial profiles increased at 24 h, peaked at 72 h, was still increased at 7 days but not 14 days after the 6-OHDA injection. Two-colour immunofluorescence analysis of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and OX42 IRs revealed the presence of small patches of TH IR within the activated microglia. A decreased FGF-2 IR was seen in the cytoplasm of DA neurons of the SNc and VTA as soon as 2 h after 6-OHDA injection. The majority of the DA FGF-2 ir cells of these regions had disappeared 72 h after neurotoxin. The astroglial FGF-2 IR increased in the SNc and VTA, which peaked on day 7. Two-colour immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase analyses of the FGF-2 and OX42 IRs revealed no FGF-2 IR within the reactive or resting microglia. Second, we have evaluated in a series of biochemical experiments whether adrenocortical manipulation can interfere with the nigral lesion and the state of local astroglial reaction, looking at the TH and GFAP levels respectively. Rats were adrenalectomized (ADX) and received a nigral 6-OHDA stereotaxical injection 2 days later and sacrificed up to 3 weeks after the DA lesion. Western blot analysis showed time-dependent decrease and elevation of TH and GFAP levels, respectively, in the lesioned versus contralateral midbrain sides, events potentiated by ADX and worsened by corticosterone replacement. ADX decreased the levels of FGF-2 protein (23 kDa isoform) in the lesioned side of the ventral midbrain compared contralaterally. The results indicate that reactive astroglia, but not reactive microglia, showed an increased FGF-2 IR in the process of DA cell degeneration induced by 6-OHDA. However, interactions between these glial cells may be relevant to the mechanisms which trigger the increased astroglial FGF-2 synthesis and thus may be related to the trophic state of DA neurons and the repair processes following DA lesion. The findings also gave further evidence that adrenocortical hormones may regulate astroglial-mediated trophic mechanisms and wound repair events in the lesioned DA system that may be relevant to the progression of Parkinson`s disease.