Evans functions for integral neural field equations with Heaviside firing rate function

In this paper we show how to construct the Evans function for traveling wave solutions of integral neural field equations when the firing rate function is a Heaviside. This allows a discussion of wave stability and bifurcation as a function of system parameters, including the speed and strength of synaptic coupling and the speed of axonal signals. The theory is illustrated with the construction and stability analysis of front solutions to a scalar neural field model and a limiting case is shown to recover recent results of L. Zhang [On stability of traveling wave solutions in synaptically coupled neuronal networks, Differential and Integral Equations, 16, (2003), pp.513-536.]. Traveling fronts and pulses are considered in more general models possessing either a linear or piecewise constant recovery variable. We establish the stability of coexisting traveling fronts beyond a front bifurcation and consider parameter regimes that support two stable traveling fronts of different speed. Such fronts may be connected and depending on their relative speed the resulting region of activity can widen or contract. The conditions for the contracting case to lead to a pulse solution are established. The stability of pulses is obtained for a variety of examples, in each case confirming a previously conjectured stability result. Finally we show how this theory may be used to describe the dynamic instability of a standing pulse that arises in a model with slow recovery. Numerical simulations show that such an instability can lead to the shedding of a pair of traveling pulses.

Evaluación in vitro de hongos nativos antagonistas de Moniliophthora rereri (Cif. & Par., Evans et al.,) en el cultivo de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

El cacao es afectado por una diversidad de microorganismos patógenos, entre ellos el hongo Moniliophthora roreri (Cif. & Par., Evans et al.,) causante de la moniliasis, que es una de las enfermedades de mayor importancia de este cultivo. El uso irracional de plaguicidas sintéticos para el manejo de esta enfermedad ha generado problemas al agroecosistema y la salud humana, por lo que se está demandando el uso de alternativas agroecológicas. En este contexto, el objetivo principal de esta investigación fue generar información acerca de la capacidad antagónica in vitro mostrada por hongos nativos contra la moniliasis del cacao. Se recolectaron muestras de suelo, hojas, corteza, frutos sanos y enfermos en tres zonas cacaoteras de Nicaragua para la caracterización morfológica del patógeno y de los potenciales microorganismos antagonistas. Las pruebas de antagonismo “in vitro” se realizaron a través de la técnica del cultivo dual. Se evaluó el crecimiento radial del patógeno y de los antagonistas, el porcentaje de inhibición del crecimiento radial (PICR) del patógeno y la capacidad de control biológico de los hongos antagonistas. Se probaron cuatro técnicas para la conservación de los hongos antagonistas. Se obtuvieron cuatro aislados del patógeno M. roreri y 17 aislados de hongos antagonistas. El PICR del patógeno ejercida por aislados del antagonista Trichoderma varió de 40.13% a 46.77%, en los aislados del antagonista Paecilomyces el PICR osciló entre 59.38% y 67.43%, en el único aislado del antagonista Clonostachys el PICR fue de 62.33%-67.22%. Los 17 aislados se ubicaron en las clases 1, 2 y 3 de la escala de valoración de antagonismo. La mejor técnica de conservación de hongos antagonistas y de M. roreri fue la de conservación con glicerol. Los resultados de este estudio indican que en el agroecosistema de cacao existen microorganismos nativos que tienen potencial para ser usados como agentes de control biológico del patógeno M. roreri.

Desenvolvimento de coleções no sistema de bibliotecas da UFES: comparativo entre os modelos teóricos de Evans e Baughman e proposta de adequação ao modelo de Evans

As Bibliotecas Universitárias (BUs) constituem unidades de informação, cujo objetivo principal é fornecer materiais informacionais aos diversificados atores que compõem o espaço universitário. No entanto, formar e desenvolver coleções nessas unidades de informação pode representar uma missão instigante e desafiadora. Isso porque, as coleções que formam os acervos das BUs não são estáticas, devendo estar em constante crescimento no intento de atender as propostas pedagógicas da universidade, viabilizando o trabalho de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Considerando as complexidades existentes no processo de formação e desenvolvimento de coleções, este estudo objetiva comparar as atividades realizadas em prol da formação e desenvolvimento de coleções do SIB/UFES, de acordo com os modelos teóricos de Evans e Baughman, propondo alternativas de melhoria conforme a proposta dos modelos, com vistas a garantir a adequação das coleções às exigências e necessidades dos usuários da coleção. Para tanto, através de pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e diagnóstico, propõe-se uma reflexão teórica acerca do desenvolvimento de coleções e sua relação com o SIB/UFES. Apresenta as características centrais dos modelos teóricos de Evans e Baughman. Compara as características desses modelos com a realidade do SIB/UFES. Por fim, os resultados confirmaram haver necessidade de adequação ao modelo holístico, consolidando uma gestão sistêmica, bem como a construção de uma política de desenvolvimento de coleções, objetivando fundamentar e nortear todas as ações em prol da constante adequação da coleção às necessidades demandadas pela comunidade universitária.

La reproducción asistida ante el Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos: de Evans c. Reino Unido a Parrillo c. Italia

Pese a que la mayoría de ordenamientos europeos regulan las técnicas de reproducción asistida, ello no reduce la diversidad existente entre los estados miembros por lo que respecta a cuestiones especialmente sensibles, tales como las condiciones de acceso estas técnicas; el uso del diagnóstico genético preimplantacional para evitar que un hijo sea portador de una determinada enfermedad genética; el recurso a técnicas heterólogas o con gametos donados; los efectos que deben otorgarse a los acuerdos de gestación por sustitución celebrados en el extranjero; o el destino de los embriones sobrantes de un ciclo de fecundación "in vitro". Las diferentes respuestas a estas cuestiones dan cuenta de la variedad de aproximaciones de los estados en la materia. Esta diversidad se ha visto fomentada, en el momento actual por el mal llamado "turismo reproductivo", un fenómeno que, como se analiza críticamente en este trabajo, se ha visto avalado por el propio TEDH.

Combined Analysis Of νμ Disappearance And νμ→νe Appearance In Minos Using Accelerator And Atmospheric Neutrinos.

We report on a new analysis of neutrino oscillations in MINOS using the complete set of accelerator and atmospheric data. The analysis combines the ν(μ) disappearance and ν(e) appearance data using the three-flavor formalism. We measure |Δm(32)(2)| = [2.28-2.46] × 10(-3) eV(2) (68% C.L.) and sin(2)θ(23) = 0.35-0.65 (90% C.L.) in the normal hierarchy, and |Δm(32)(2)| = [2.32-2.53] × 10(-3) eV(2) (68% C.L.) and sin(2)θ(23) = 0.34-0.67 (90% C.L.) in the inverted hierarchy. The data also constrain δ(CP), the θ(23} octant degeneracy and the mass hierarchy; we disfavor 36% (11%) of this three-parameter space at 68% (90%) C.L.

Intraductal Carcinoma Of The Prostate: Interobserver Reproducibility Survey Of 39 Urologic Pathologists.

The diagnosis of intraductal carcinoma (IDC) of the prostate remains subjective because 3 sets of diagnostic criteria are in use. An internet survey was compiled from 38 photomicrographs showing duct proliferations: 14 signed out as high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), 17 IDC, and 7 invasive cribriform/ductal carcinoma. Each image was assessed for the presence of 9 histologic criteria ascribed to IDC. Thirty-nine respondents were asked to rate images as (1) benign/reactive, (2) HGPIN, (3) borderline between HGPIN and IDC, (4) IDC, or (5) invasive cribriform/ductal carcinoma. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.68. There was 70% overall agreement with HGPIN, 43% with IDC, and 73% with invasive carcinoma (P < .001, χ(2)). Respondents considered 19 (50%) of 38 cases as IDC candidates, of which 5 (26%) had a two-thirds consensus for IDC; two-thirds consensus for either borderline or IDC was reached in 9 (47%). Two-thirds consensus other than IDC was reached in the remaining 19 of 38 cases, with 15 supporting HGPIN and 4 supporting invasive carcinoma. Findings that differed across diagnostic categories were lumen-spanning neoplastic cells (P < .001), 2× benign duct diameters (P < .001), duct space contours (round, irregular, and branched) (P < .001), papillary growth (P = .048), dense cribriform or solid growth (both P = .023), and comedonecrosis (P = .015). When the 19 of 38 images that attained consensus for HGPIN or invasive carcinoma were removed from consideration, lack of IDC consensus was most often attributable to only loose cribriform growth (5/19), central nuclear maturation (5/19), or comedonecrosis (3/19). Of the 9 histologic criteria, only 1 retained significant correlation with a consensus diagnosis of IDC: the presence of solid areas (P = .038). One case that attained IDC consensus had less than 2× duct enlargement yet still had severe nuclear atypia and nucleomegaly. Six fold nuclear enlargement was not significant (P = .083), although no image had both 6× nuclei and papillary or loose cribriform growth: a combination postulated as sufficient criteria for IDC. Finally, 20.5% of respondents agreed that an isolated diagnosis of IDC on needle biopsy warrants definitive therapy, 20.5% disagreed, and 59.0% considered the decision to depend upon clinicopathologic variables. Although IDC diagnosis remains challenging, we propose these criteria: a lumen-spanning proliferation of neoplastic cells in preexisting ducts with a dense cribriform or partial solid growth pattern. Solid growth, in any part of the duct space, emerges as the most reproducible finding to rule in a diagnosis of IDC. Comedonecrosis is a rarer finding, but in most cases, it should rule in IDC. Duct space enlargement to greater than 2× the diameter of the largest, adjacent benign spaces is usually present in IDC, although there may be rare exceptions.

Effect of nitric oxide inhibitor and donor substances on the infammatory process caused by endodontic irrigants

Nitric oxide (NO) has been considered a key molecule in infammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with L-NAME and sodium nitroprussiate, substances that inhibit and release NO, respectively, on tissue tolerance to endodontic irrigants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The vital dye exudation method was used in a rat subcutaneous tissue model. Injections of 2% Evans blue were administered intravenously into the dorsal penial vein of 14 male rats (200-300 g). The NO inhibitor and donor substances were injected into the subcutaneous tissue in the dorsal region, forming two groups of animals: G1 was inoculated with L-NAME and G2 with sodium nitroprussiate. Both groups received injections of the test endodontic irrigants: acetic acid, 15% citric acid, 17% EDTA-T and saline (control). After 30 min, analysis of the extravasated dye was performed by light absorption spectrophotometry (620 nm). RESULTS: There was statistically signifcant difference (p<0.05) between groups 1 and 2 for all irrigants. L-NAME produced a less intense infammatory reaction and nitroprussiate intensifed this process. CONCLUSIONS: Independently of the administration of NO inhibitors and donors, EDTA-T produced the highest irritating potential in vital tissue among the tested irrigating solutions.

Evaluation of the effects of ozone therapy in the treatment of intra-abdominal infection in rats

INTRODUCTION: The antibacterial effect of ozone (O3) has been described in the extant literature, but the role of O3 therapy in the treatment of certain types of infection remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal (i.p.) O3 application in a cecal ligation/puncture rat model on interleukins (IL-6, IL-10) and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 serum levels, acute lung injury and survival rates. METHODS: Four animal groups were used for the study: a) the SHAM group underwent laparotomy; b) the cecal ligation/puncture group underwent cecal ligation/puncture procedures; and c) the CLP+O2 and CLP+O3 groups underwent CLP+ corresponding gas mixture infusions (i.p.) throughout the observation period. IL-6, CINC-1 and IL-10 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Acute lung injury was evaluated with the Evans blue dye lung leakage method and by lung histology. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: CINC-1 was at the lowest level in the SHAM group and was lower for the CLP+O3 group vs. the CLP+O2 group and the cecal ligation/puncture group. IL-10 was lower for the SHAM group vs. the other three groups, which were similar compared to each other. IL-6 was lower for the SHAM group vs. all other groups, was lower for the CLP+O3 or CLP+O2 group vs. the cecal ligation/puncture group, and was similar for the CLP+O3 group vs. the CLP+O2 group. The lung histology score was lower for the SHAM group vs. the other groups. The Evans blue dye result was lower for the CLP+O3 group vs. the CLP+O2 group and the cecal ligation/puncture group but similar to that of the SHAM group. The survival rate for the CLP+O3 group was lower than for the SHAM group and similar to that for the other 2 groups (CLP and CLP+O2). CONCLUSION: Ozone therapy modulated the inflammatory response and acute lung injury in the cecal ligation/puncture infection model in rats, although there was no improvement on survival rates.

Synthesis of Fe/Ti oxides from a single source alkoxide precursor under inert atmosphere

The heterometal alkoxide [FeCl{Ti2(OPr i)9}] (1) was employed as a single source precursor for the preparation of Fe/Ti oxides under inert atmosphere. Three different synthetic procedures were adopted in the processing of 1, either employing aqueous HNO3 or HCl solutions, or in the absence of mineral acids. Products were characterised by powder X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Mössbauer spectroscopies. Oxide products contained titanium(IV) and either iron(III) or iron(II), depending on reaction conditions and thermal treatment temperatures. An interesting iron(III)→iron(II) reduction was observed at 1000 ºC in the HNO3-containing system, leading to the detection of ilmenite (FeTiO3). SEM/EDS studies revealed a highly heterogeneous metal distribution in all products, possibly related to the presence of a significant content of carbon and of structural defects (oxygen vacancies) in the solids.

Phylogenetic placement of the enigmatic parasite, Polypodium hydriforme, within the Phylum Cnidaria

Background: Polypodium hydriforme is a parasite with an unusual life cycle and peculiar morphology, both of which have made its systematic position uncertain. Polypodium has traditionally been considered a cnidarian because it possesses nematocysts, the stinging structures characteristic of this phylum. However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies using 18S rDNA sequence data have challenged this interpretation, and have shown that Polypodium is a close relative to myxozoans and together they share a closer affinity to bilaterians than cnidarians. Due to the variable rates of 18S rDNA sequences, these results have been suggested to be an artifact of long-branch attraction ( LBA). A recent study, using multiple protein coding markers, shows that the myxozoan Buddenbrockia, is nested within cnidarians. Polypodium was not included in this study. To further investigate the phylogenetic placement of Polypodium, we have performed phylogenetic analyses of metazoans with 18S and partial 28S rDNA sequences in a large dataset that includes Polypodium and a comprehensive sampling of cnidarian taxa. Results: Analyses of a combined dataset of 18S and partial 28S sequences, and partial 28S alone, support the placement of Polypodium within Cnidaria. Removal of the long-branched myxozoans from the 18S dataset also results in Polypodium being nested within Cnidaria. These results suggest that previous reports showing that Polypodium and Myxozoa form a sister group to Bilateria were an artifact of long-branch attraction. Conclusion: By including 28S rDNA sequences and a comprehensive sampling of cnidarian taxa, we demonstrate that previously conflicting hypotheses concerning the phylogenetic placement of Polypodium can be reconciled. Specifically, the data presented provide evidence that Polypodium is indeed a cnidarian and is either the sister taxon to Hydrozoa, or part of the hydrozoan clade, Leptothecata. The former hypothesis is consistent with the traditional view that Polypodium should be placed in its own cnidarian class, Polypodiozoa.