O complexo nuclear vestibular do sagui (callithrix jacchus): caracterização citoarquitetônica e neuroquímica

To the vertebrates, maintain body balance against the gravitational field and be able to orient themselves in the environment are fundamental aspects for survival, in which the participation of vestibular system is essential. As part of this system, the vestibular nuclear complex is the first central station that, by integrating many information (visual, proprioceptive), and the vestibular, assumes the lead role in maintaining balance. In this study, the vestibular nuclear complex was evaluated in relation to its cytoarchitecture and neurochemical content of cells and axon terminals, through the techniques of Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for neuronal specific nuclear protein (NeuN), glutamate (Glu), substance P (SP), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) (enzyme that synthesizes acetylcholine-Ach) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) (enzyme that synthesizes gamma-amino butyric acid-GABA). The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) was used as experimental animal, which is a small primate native from the Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian Northeast. As results, the Nissl technique, complemented by immunohistochemistry for NeuN allowed to delineate the vestibular nucleus superior, lateral, medial and inferior (or descending) in the brain of the common marmoset. Neurons and terminals immunoreactive to Glu and ChAT and only immunoreactive terminals to SP and GAD were seen in all nuclei, although in varying density. This study confirms the presence in the vestibular nuclei of the common marmoset, of Glu and SP in terminals, probably from the first order neurons of vestibular ganglion, and of GABA in terminals, presumably from Purkinge cells of the cerebellum. Second-order neurons of the vestibular nuclei seem to use Glu and Ach as neurotransmitters, judging by their expressive presence in the cell bodies of these nuclei in common marmosets, as reported in other species

Oxygen diffusion in superconducting oxides

Since the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity of cuprate oxides, it has been clear that it is strongly affected by the oxygen content, which is also a crucial factor to determine other physical properties of high T-c superconductors. Non-stoichiometric (interstitial) oxygen strongly influences the physical properties of various superconducting oxides, in particular by creating conducting holes. It is now ascertained that the amount of holes injected depends not only on the content of interstitial oxygen, but also on its ordering. Rearrangement of the oxygen ordering may occur even below room temperature due to the unusual high mobility of these atoms. This way, mechanical spectroscopy is one of the most adequate techniques for the study of the mobility (diffusion) of oxygen atoms. This technique allows the determination of the jump frequency of an atomic species precisely, regardless of the model or the different possible types of jumps. In order to evaluate the mobility and the effect of oxygen content on these oxides, ceramic samples we prepared and submitted to several oxygen removal cycles alternately with mechanical relaxation measurements. As for SBCO, it was assumed that the peak was due to O(1)-O(5) jumps of oxygen atoms at the chain terminals or in chain fragments in the orthorhombic phase. In the case of BSCCO, the results showed complex anelastic relaxation structures, which were attributed to interstitial oxygen atom jumps between two adjacent CuO planes.

"O núcleo supraquiasmático e o folheto intergeniculado do mocó (Kerodon rupestris): Projeções retinianas e caracterização imuno-histoquímica

In this study, two circadian related centres, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) were evaluated in respect to their cytoarchitecture, retinal afferents and chemical content of major cells and axon terminals with a tract tracer and immunohistochemical techniques in the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a Brazilian caviidae rodent species. The rock cavy SCN is innervated in its ventral portion by terminals from the predominantly contralateral retina. It also contains neurophisin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactive cell bodies and neuropeptide Y and enkephalin immunopositive fibres and terminals and is marked by intense GFAP immunoreactivity. The IGL receives a predominantly contralateral retinal projection, contains neuropeptide Y and nitric oxide synthase producing neurons and enkephalin immunopositive terminals and is characterized by dense GFAP immunoreactivity. This is the first report examining the neural circadian system in a crepuscular rodent species for which circadian properties have been described. The results are discussed comparing with what has been described for other species and in the context of the functional significance of these centres

Centros subcorticais dos sistemas visual primário e óptico acessório no mocó (kerodon rupestris): caracterização pela projeção retiniana e citoarquitetura.

The primary and accessory optic systems comprise two set of retinorecipient neural clusters. In this study, these visual related centers in the rock cavy were evaluated by using the retinal innervations pattern and Nissl staining cytoarchigtecture. After unilateral intraocular injection of cholera toxin B subunit and immunohistochemical reaction of coronal and sagittal sections from the diencephalon and midbrain region of rock cavy. Three subcortical centres of primary visual system were identified, superior colliculus, lateral geniculate complex and pretectal complex. The lateral geniculate complex is formed by a series of nuclei receiving direct visual information from the retina, dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus. The pretectal complex is formed by series of pretectal nuclei, medial pretectal nucleus, olivary pretectal nucleus, posterior pretectal nucleus, nucleus of the optic tract and anterior pretectal nucleus. In the accessory optic system, retinal terminals were observed in the dorsal terminal, lateral terminal and medial terminal nuclei as well as in the interstitial nucleus of the superior fasciculus, posterior fibres. All retinorecipient nuclei received bilateral input, with a contralateral predominance. This is the first study of this nature in the rock cavy and the results are compared with the data obtained for other species. The investigation represents a contribution to the knowledge regarding the organization of visual optic systems in relation to the biology of species.

Expressão de fos após pulso de escuro no núcleo pré- geniculado do tálamo do sagui (Callithrix jacchus)

The pregeniculate nucleus (PGN) of the primate s thalamus is an agglomerate neuronal having a cap shaped located dorsomedially to the main relay visual information to the cerebral cortex, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (GLD). Several cytoarchitectonic, neurochemical and retinal projections studies have pointed PGN as a structure homologous to intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of rodents. The IGL receives retinal terminals and appears to be involved in the integration of photic and non-photic information relaying them, through geniculo-hypothalamic tract (TGH), to the main circadian oscillator in mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Thus, the IGL participates in the control of the biological rhythm by modulating the activity of the SCN. Pharmacological and IGL injury studies conclude that it is critical in the processing of non-photic information which is transmitted to the SCN. Other studies have found that especially neurons immunoreactive to neuropeptide Y (NPY) respond to this type of stimulation, determined by its colocation with the FOS protein. Has not been determined if the PGN responds, expressing the FOS protein, to the non-photic stimulus nor the neurochemical nature of these cells. Thus, we apply a dark pulse in the specifics circadian phases and analyze the pattern of expression of FOS protein in PGN of the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). We found that in all animals analyzed the FOS expression was higher in the experimental than in the control group. There was a higher expression of FOS when the dark pulse was applied during the subjective day between the groups. Still, a subregion of the PGN, known by immunoreactive to NPY, had a greater number of FOS-positive cells in relation to his other just close dorsal region. Our data corroborate the theory that the PGN and IGL are homologous structures that were anatomically modified during the evolutionary process, but kept its main neurochemical and functional characteristics. However, injury and hodological studies are still needed for a more accurate conclusion

Centros rombencefálicos de processamento auditivo do sagui (Callithrix jacchus): uma análise citoarquitetônica e neuroquímica

The auditory system is composed by a set of relays from the outer ear to the cerebral cortex. In mammals, the central auditory system is composed by cochlear nuclei, superior olivary complex, inferior colliculus and medial geniculate body. In this study, the auditory rombencephalic centers, the cochlear nuclear complex and the superior olivary complex were evaluated from the cytoarchitecture and neurochemical aspects, thorough Nissl staining and immunohistochemical techniques to reveal specific neuron nuclear protein (NeuN), glutamate (Glu), glutamic acid decarboxilase (GAD), enkephalin (ENK), serotonin (5-HT), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and calcium-binding proteins calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), and parvalbumin (PV). The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a little native primate of the Brazilian atlantic forest was used as an experimental animal. As results, it was noted that the cochlear nuclear complex is composed by anteroventral, posteroventral and dorsal nuclei, and the superior olivary complex is constituted by the lateral and medial superior olivary nuclei and the trapezoid body nucleus. Glu, GAD, ENK, ChAT, CB, CR, PV-immunoreactive cells, fibers and terminals besides besides only 5-HT terminals were found unhomogeneously in all nuclei, of both complex. The emerging data are discussed in a comparative and functional context, and represent an important contribution to knowledge of the central auditory pathways in the common marmoset, and then in primates

O Núcleo genuíno lateral dorsal do tálamo do sagüi (callithrix jacchus): Pprojeção retiniana, caracterização citoarquitetônica e neuroquimica da principal estação visual primária.

The thalamus plays an important role in the sensorial processing information, in this particular case, the visual information. Several neuronal groups have been characterized as conductors and processors of important sensorial information to the cerebral cortex. The lateral geniculate complex is one to them, and appears as a group very studied once it is responsible, in almost all totality, for the processing of visual information. Among the nuclei that constitute the lateral geniculate complex we highlight the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (DLG), the main thalamic relay for the visual information. This nucleus is located rostral and lateral to medial geniculate nucleus and ventral to thalamic pulvinar nucleus in most of the mammals. In the primates humans and non-humans, it presents as a laminate structure, arranged in layers, when observed in coronal sections. The objective of this work was to do a mapping of the retinal projections and a citoarchictetonic and neurochemical characterization of DLG in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World primate. The retinal projections were traced by anterograde transport of subunit b of cholera toxin (CTb), the citoarchicteture was described by Nissl method, and to neurochemical characterization immunohistochemicals technical were used to examine the main neurotransmitters and neuroatives substances present in this neural center. In DGL of marmoset thalamus, in coronal sections labeled by Nissl method, was possible to visualize the division of this nucleus in four layers divided in two portions: magnocellular and parvocellular. The retinal projections were present being visualized fibers and terminals immunorreactives to CTb (IR-CTb) in the DLG ipsilateral and contralateral. And through the immunohistochemicals techniques was observed that DLG contain cells, fibers and/or terminals immunoreactives against neuronal nuclear protein, subunits of AMPA 15 glutamate receptors (GluR1, GluR2/3, GluR4), choline acetyltransferase, serotonin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, binding calcium proteins (calbindin, parvalbumin and calretinin), vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and an astrocyte protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein.

Caracterização citoarquitetônica, neuroquímica e de aferência óptica do complexo parabraquial do sagui (Callithrix jacchus)

The parabrachial complex (PB) is an area of the brainstem responsible for the processing and transmission of essential physiologic information for the survival of the organisms. This region is subdivided in approximately nine subregions, considering morphology, cytoarchitectural and functional characteristic. Its neurons have an extensive network of connections with other regions of the nervous system. The objective in this work was to map the retinal projection to the PB and make a citoarchitectonic and neurochemical characterization of this region in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a primate of the New World. The retinal projections were mapped by anterograde transport of the choleric toxin subunit b (CTb). The citoarchitecture was described through the Nissl method, and the neurochemical characterization was made through immunohistochemical technique to the some neurotransmitters and neuroactives substances present in this neural center. In marmoset PB, in the coronal sections labeled by Nissl method, we found a similar pattern to that evidenced in other animal species. The immunoreactivity against CTb was verified in the PBMv in fibers/terminal, characterizing such as retinal innervations in this area. The immunohistochemical technique reveled that the PB contain cells, fibers and/or terminals immunoreactives to the neuronal nuclear protein, Choline acetyl transferase, nitric oxide synthase, serotonin, enkephalin, substance P, Calcium-binding proteins (calbindin, calretinin e parvalbumin), and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The histochemical technique reveled cells and fibers NADPH-diaphorase reactive. Each one of those substances presented a characteristic pattern of demarcation in PB, and some serve as specific markers of subregions

Análise imunoistoquímica da distribuição de Serotonina, transportador de serotonina e receptores de serotonina no hipotálamo do sagui (callithrix jacchus)

The hypothalamus is a diencephalic portion located around the third ventricle below the hypothalamic sulcus, limited by the optic chiasm, and by the mammillary bodies, acting as a center that integrates behavioral and homeostatic functions. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced in limited sites in the midbrain and brain stem, but is distributed throughout the central nervous system and has many functions, acting through specific receptors that are also distributed throughout the nervous system. Using immunohistochemical techniques, the aim of this study was to delineate the hypothalamic nuclei of the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and study the distribution of serotonin transporter and serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus of this species. We used the Nissl method to determine the cytoarchitecture of the hypothalamic nuclei, and immunohistochemistry to reveal the presence of NeuN as a method to determine the contours of the hypothalamic nuclei. As a result, we found serotonin containing fibers and terminals throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the hypothalamus, more concentrated in some nuclei, and even absent in some. Like serotonin, serotonin transporter was observed between pre-optic area and tuberal region of the hypothalamus, in densities and distribution similar to serotonin. The 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors were found with minor differences among itselves regarding the disposition and intensity of staining.

Análise citoarquitetônica dos componentes do sistema de temporização circadiana do sagui (Calithrix jacchus), comparada com a inervação das suas principais aferências

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus, together with the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of the thalamus are considered the central components of the circadian timing system (CTS) of mammals. This system is responsible for the generation and regulation of circadian rhythms by establishing a temporal organization of physiological processes and behaviors. The neuronal specific nuclear protein (NeuN) has been widely used as a neuronal marker in several studies. Since glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a component of intermediate filaments found in the cytoplasm of astrocytes and is commonly used as a specific marker for these cells. This study aims to identify, in the marmoset, the NeuN immunoreactive neurons and glial cells immunoreactive to GFAP, as well as map the major route of photic synchronization of the STC, retinohypothalamic tract (RHT), and identify the indirect pathway to the SCN and pregeniculate nucleus (PGN) - structure homologous to IGL rodents, using immunohistochemical and cytoarchitectonic techniques. Observed in SCN the presence of neurons immunoreactive to NeuN and terminals immunoreactive subunit b of cholera toxin (CTb), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and serotonin (5- HT). In the PGN noted the presence of the NeuN and NPY immunoreactive neurons and the immunoreactive terminals CTb and 5-HT. Astrocytes are present throughout the extent of the SCN and the PGN this New World primate

Reactive power dispatch and planning using a non-linear branch-and-bound algorithm

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Retinal projections and neurochemical characterization of the pregeniculate nucleus of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Localização de faltas em linhas de transmissão usando morfologia matemática

This work an algorithm for fault location is proposed. It contains the following functions: fault detection, fault classification and fault location. Mathematical Morphology is used to process currents obtained in the monitored terminals. Unlike Fourier and Wavelet transforms that are usually applied to fault location, the Mathematical Morphology is a non-linear operation that uses only basic operation (sum, subtraction, maximum and minimum). Thus, Mathematical Morphology is computationally very efficient. For detection and classification functions, the Morphological Wavelet was used. On fault location module the Multiresolution Morphological Gradient was used to detect the traveling waves and their polarities. Hence, recorded the arrival in the two first traveling waves incident at the measured terminal and knowing the velocity of propagation, pinpoint the fault location can be estimated. The algorithm was applied in a 440 kV power transmission system, simulated on ATP. Several fault conditions where studied and the following parameters were evaluated: fault location, fault type, fault resistance, fault inception angle, noise level and sampling rate. The results show that the application of Mathematical Morphology in faults location is very promising

Comitês de Classificadores para o Reconhecimento Multibiométrico em Dados Biométricos Revogáveis

This work discusses the application of techniques of ensembles in multimodal recognition systems development in revocable biometrics. Biometric systems are the future identification techniques and user access control and a proof of this is the constant increases of such systems in current society. However, there is still much advancement to be developed, mainly with regard to the accuracy, security and processing time of such systems. In the search for developing more efficient techniques, the multimodal systems and the use of revocable biometrics are promising, and can model many of the problems involved in traditional biometric recognition. A multimodal system is characterized by combining different techniques of biometric security and overcome many limitations, how: failures in the extraction or processing the dataset. Among the various possibilities to develop a multimodal system, the use of ensembles is a subject quite promising, motivated by performance and flexibility that they are demonstrating over the years, in its many applications. Givin emphasis in relation to safety, one of the biggest problems found is that the biometrics is permanently related with the user and the fact of cannot be changed if compromised. However, this problem has been solved by techniques known as revocable biometrics, which consists of applying a transformation on the biometric data in order to protect the unique characteristics, making its cancellation and replacement. In order to contribute to this important subject, this work compares the performance of individual classifiers methods, as well as the set of classifiers, in the context of the original data and the biometric space transformed by different functions. Another factor to be highlighted is the use of Genetic Algorithms (GA) in different parts of the systems, seeking to further maximize their eficiency. One of the motivations of this development is to evaluate the gain that maximized ensembles systems by different GA can bring to the data in the transformed space. Another relevant factor is to generate revocable systems even more eficient by combining two or more functions of transformations, demonstrating that is possible to extract information of a similar standard through applying different transformation functions. With all this, it is clear the importance of revocable biometrics, ensembles and GA in the development of more eficient biometric systems, something that is increasingly important in the present day

Post-operative analgesic effects of butorphanol or firocoxib administered to dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

ObjectiveTo compare the post-operative analgesic effects of butorphanol or firocoxib in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial.AnimalsTwenty-five dogs > 1 year of age.MethodsDogs received acepromazine intramuscularly (IM), 0.05 mg kg-1 and either butorphanol IM, 0.2 mg kg-1 (BG, n = 12) or firocoxib orally (PO), 5 mg kg-1 (FG, n = 13), approximately 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia with propofol. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. Ovariohysterectomy was performed by the same surgeon. Pain scores using the dynamic and interactive visual analog scale (DIVAS) were performed before and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 20 hours after the end of surgery by one observer, blinded to the treatment. Rescue analgesia was provided with morphine (0.5 mg kg-1) IM and firocoxib, 5 mg kg-1 (BG only) PO if DIVAS > 50. Groups were compared using paired t-tests and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). Data are presented as mean +/- SD.ResultsThe BG required significantly less propofol (BG: 2.6 +/- 0.59 mg kg-1; FG: 5.39 +/- 0.7 mg kg-1) (p < 0.05) but the anesthesia time was longer (BG: 14 +/- 6, FG: 10 +/- 4 minutes). There were no differences for body weight (BG: 7.9 +/- 5.0, FG: 11.5 +/- 4.6 kg), sedation scores, and surgery and extubation times (BG: 10 +/- 2, 8 +/- 5 minutes; FG: 9 +/- 3, 8 +/- 4 minutes, respectively) (p > 0.05). The FG had significantly lower pain scores than the BG at 1, 2 and 3 hours following surgery (p < 0.05). Rescue analgesia was administered to 11/12 (92%) and 2/13 (15%) dogs in the BG and FG, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusion and clinical relevanceFirocoxib produced better post-operative analgesia than butorphanol. Firocoxib may be used as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol but may not be effective as a sole analgesic.