Random regression models using different functions to model test-day milk yield of Brazilian Holstein cows

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Chronic fluoxetine treatment alters cardiovascular functions in unanesthetized rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Bloch-Kohn and Wannier-Kohn functions in one dimension

Bloch and Wannier functions of the Kohn type for a quite general one-dimensional Hamiltonian with inversion symmetry are studied. Important clarifications on null minigaps and the symmetry of those functions are given, with emphasis on the Kronig-Penney model. The lack of a general selection rule on the miniband index for optical transitions between edge states in semiconductor superlattices is discussed. A direct method for the calculation of Wannier-Kohn functions is presented.

Wannier functions of isolated bands in one-dimensional crystals

We present a simple procedure to obtain the maximally localized Wannier function of isolated bands in one-dimensional crystals with or without inversion symmetry. First, we discuss the generality of dealing with real Wannier functions. Next, we use a transfer-matrix technique to obtain nonoptimal Bloch functions which are analytic in the wave number. This produces two classes of real Wannier functions. Then, the minimization of the variance of the Wannier functions is performed, by using the antiderivative of the Berry connection. In the case of centrosymmetric crystals, this procedure leads to the Wannier-Kohn functions. The asymptotic behavior of the Wannier functions is also analyzed. The maximally localized Wannier functions show the expected exponential and power-law decays. Instead, nonoptimal Wannier functions may show reduced exponential and anisotropic power-law decays. The theory is illustrated with numerical calculations of Wannier functions for conduction electrons in semiconductor superlattices.

Wannier functions of a one-dimensional photonic crystal with inversion symmetry

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

An approach to generalized holomorphic functions

A study of the generalized holomorphic functions, HG(Omega), having in mind its strict elements, i.e. those which are in HG(Omega) - H(Omega), as well as the possibility of the existence of hybrid elements, i.e. elements which have, in a part of a domain Omega subset of C-n, the strict behaviour and, in another part of the same domain, the classical behaviour, is carried out in this work. The study of hybrid elements is important in the approach of a concept of generalized domain of holomorphy.

On extension theorems for holomorphic generalized functions

We present two extension theorems for holomorphic generalized functions. The first one is a version of the classic Hartogs extension theorem. In this, we start from a holomorphic generalized function on an open neighbourhood of the bounded open boundary, extending it, holomorphically, to a full open. In the second theorem a generalized version of a classic result is obtained, done independently, in 1943, by Bochner and Severi. For this theorem, we start from a function that is holomorphic generalized and has a holomorphic representative on the bounded domain boundary, we extend it holomorphically the function, for the whole domain.

Parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions for state-derivative feedback control in polytopic linear systems

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Heaviside generalized functions and shock waves for a Burger kind equation

The purpose of the work is to study the existence and nonexistence of shock wave solutions for the Burger equations. The study is developed in the context of Colombeau's theory of generalized functions (GFs). This study uses the equality in the strict sense and the weak equality of GFs. The shock wave solutions are given in terms of GFs that have the Heaviside function, in x and ( x, t) variables, as macroscopic aspect. This means that solutions are sought in the form of sequences of regularizations to the Heaviside function, in R-n and R-n x R, in the distributional limit sense.

Composition and invertibility for a class of generalized functions in the Colombeau's theory

In this work we define the composite function for a special class of generalized mappings and we study the invertibility for a certain class of generalized functions with real values.

On Complementary Root Locus of Biproper Transfer Functions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of renal and hepatic functions in dogs naturally infected by visceral leishmaniasis submitted to treatment with meglumine antimoniate

The present study aimed to evaluate the renal and hepatic responses in eight dogs with visceral leishmaniasis submitted to treatment with meglumine antimoniate and to verify the occurrence of possible side effects. Urinalysis, hepatic and renal function tests were carried out in all animals at up to seven moments. After the end of a six-month observation period, all dogs were euthanized. Before the beginning of the experiment urinary and biochemical alterations were observed in four dogs due to the changes caused by the parasite itself. These alterations included the presence of renal cells, cylindruria, proteinuria, azotemia, hyperproteinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. One dog died on the third day after treatment because an aggravation of the clinical picture, probably due to the medication. During the course of the study, an increase in hepatic enzymes was verified in two animals. Sixty days after the beginning of the treatment four dogs showed remission of clinical signs. The other three were asymptomatic with persistent biochemical alterations. From these, two presented recurrence of clinical signs about 150 days after the beginning of the treatment while in the other, hyperproteinemia persisted. Meglumine antimoniate was not efficient to treat dogs with severe renal dysfunction and the side effects observed were pain at the site of injection and the probable transient hepatotoxicity, evidenced by biochemical examinations, but without the presence of clinical signs. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Distinct mitochondrial HSP70 homologues conserved in various Leishmania species suggest novel biological functions

We report the identification of two distinct homologues of the 70-kDa mitochondrial heat shock protein (mtHSP70) from Leishmania chagasi/Leishmania infantum (Lc2.1 and Lc2.2). in Leishmania species, multiple genes encoding Lc2.2 are present whilst single genes encode Lc2.1. Strikingly, genes encoding Lc2.1-like proteins are absent from Trypanosoma species. Lc2.2 is characterized by a poly-glutamine rich C-terminus, absent from Lc2.1 or mtHSP70 homologues outside the trypanosomatids. Lc2.1 displays unique substitutions within its peptide-binding domain which modify amino acids strictly conserved in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial HSP70 proteins alike. Affinity purified antibodies recognize mainly a single protein in extracts from promastigotes/epimastigotes of various Leishmania/Trypanosoma species. Upon differentiation of Leishmania amazonensis into amastigotes a second protein (presumably Lc2.1) is induced and becomes the predominant mtHSP70 homologue expressed. Subcellular localization of these proteins was investigated and ratified a distribution throughout the mitochondrial matrix. Our results imply novel mtHSP70 functions which evolved within the genus Leishmania. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ROLE of TLR2 and TLR4 on human neutrophil functions against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

In paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), studies have focused on the role of neutrophils that are involved in the primary response to the fungus. Neutrophil functions are regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Molecular mechanisms involved in this process are not fully understood, but there are strong evidences about the involvement of toll-like receptors (TLRs). We aimed at evaluating TLR2 and TLR4 expression on human neutrophils activated by GM-CSF, IL-15, TNF-alpha or IFNgamma and challenged with a virulent strain of P. brasiliensis (Pb18). Moreover, we asked if these receptors have a role on fungicidal activity, H(2)O(2) and IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha and IL-10 production, by activating and challenging cells. All cytokines increased TLR2 and TLR4 expression. Pb18 also increased TLR2 expression, inducing an additional cytokine effect. on the contrary, it inhibited TLR4 expression. All cytokines increased neutrophil fungicidal activity and H(2)O(2) production; however, this process was not associated with TLR2 or TLR4. Neutrophil activation by GMCSF and TNF-alpha resulted in a significant increase of IL-8 production, while IL-15 and IFN-alpha have no effect. Pb18 also augmented IL-8 expression, inducing an additional effect to that of cytokines. None of the cytokines activated neutrophils by releasing IL-10. This cytokine was only detected after Pb18 challenge. Interestingly, IL-8 and IL-10 production involved TLR2 and mainly TLR4 modulation. The present results suggest that Pb18 interaction with neutrophils through TLR2 and TLR4 with consequent IL-8 and IL-10 production may be considered a pathogenic mechanism in paracoccidioidomycosis.

Role of TLR2 and TLR4 in Human Neutrophil Functions Against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)