Large time behaviour for functional differential equations with dominant eigenvalues of arbitrary order

The spectral theory for linear autonomous neutral functional differential equations (FDE) yields explicit formulas for the large time behaviour of solutions. Our results are based on resolvent computations and Dunford calculus, applied to establish explicit formulas for the large time behaviour of solutions of FDE. We investigate in detail a class of two-dimensional systems of FDE. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oscillation for a second-order neutral differential equation with impulses

We consider a certain type of second-order neutral delay differential systems and we establish two results concerning the oscillation of solutions after the system undergoes controlled abrupt perturbations (called impulses). As a matter of fact, some particular non-impulsive cases of the system are oscillatory already. Thus, we are interested in finding adequate impulse controls under which our system remains oscillatory. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On the dominance of roots of characteristic equations for neutral functional differential equations

We present a sufficient condition for a zero of a function that arises typically as the characteristic equation of a linear functional differential equations of neutral type, to be simple and dominant. This knowledge is useful in order to derive the asymptotic behaviour of solutions of such equations. A simple characteristic equation, arisen from the study of delay equations with small delay, is analyzed in greater detail. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Benders, metric and cutset inequalities for multicommodity capacitated network design

Solving multicommodity capacitated network design problems is a hard task that requires the use of several strategies like relaxing some constraints and strengthening the model with valid inequalities. In this paper, we compare three sets of inequalities that have been widely used in this context: Benders, metric and cutset inequalities. We show that Benders inequalities associated to extreme rays are metric inequalities. We also show how to strengthen Benders inequalities associated to non-extreme rays to obtain metric inequalities. We show that cutset inequalities are Benders inequalities, but not necessarily metric inequalities. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a cutset inequality to be a metric inequality. Computational experiments show the effectiveness of strengthening Benders and cutset inequalities to obtain metric inequalities.

Invariants of binary differential equations

In this paper, we study binary differential equations a(x, y)dy (2) + 2b(x, y) dx dy + c(x, y)dx (2) = 0, where a, b, and c are real analytic functions. Following the geometric approach of Bruce and Tari in their work on multiplicity of implicit differential equations, we introduce a definition of the index for this class of equations that coincides with the classical Hopf`s definition for positive binary differential equations. Our results also apply to implicit differential equations F(x, y, p) = 0, where F is an analytic function, p = dy/dx, F (p) = 0, and F (pp) not equal aEuro parts per thousand 0 at the singular point. For these equations, we relate the index of the equation at the singular point with the index of the gradient of F and index of the 1-form omega = dy -aEuro parts per thousand pdx defined on the singular surface F = 0.

Differential effects of TR ligands on hormone dissociation rates: Evidence for multiple ligand entry/exit pathways

Some nuclear receptor (NR) ligands promote dissociation of radiolabeled bound hormone from the buried ligand binding cavity (LBC) more rapidly than excess unlabeled hormone itself This result was interpreted to mean that challenger ligands bind allosteric sites on the LBD to induce hormone dissociation, and recent findings indicate that ligands bind weakly to multiple sites on the LBD surface. Here we show, that a large fraction of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) ligands promote rapid dissociation (T(1/2) < 2 h) of , radiolabeled T(3) vs. T(3) (T(1/2), approximate to 5-7 h). We cannot discern relationships between this effect and ligand size, activity or affinity for TR beta. One ligand, GC-24, binds the TR LBC and (weakly) to the TR beta-LBD surface that mediates dimer/heterodimer interaction, but we cannot link this interaction to rapid T(3) dissociation. Instead, several lines of evidence suggest that the challenger ligand must interact with the buried LBC to promote rapid T(3) release. Since previous molecular dynamics simulations suggest that TR ligands leave the LBC by several routes, we propose that a subset of challenger ligands binds and stabilizes a partially unfolded intermediate state of TR that arises during T(3) release and that this effect enhances hormone dissociation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exact penalties for variational inequalities with applications to nonlinear complementarity problems

In this paper, we present a new reformulation of the KKT system associated to a variational inequality as a semismooth equation. The reformulation is derived from the concept of differentiable exact penalties for nonlinear programming. The best theoretical results are presented for nonlinear complementarity problems, where simple, verifiable, conditions ensure that the penalty is exact. We close the paper with some preliminary computational tests on the use of a semismooth Newton method to solve the equation derived from the new reformulation. We also compare its performance with the Newton method applied to classical reformulations based on the Fischer-Burmeister function and on the minimum. The new reformulation combines the best features of the classical ones, being as easy to solve as the reformulation that uses the Fischer-Burmeister function while requiring as few Newton steps as the one that is based on the minimum.

Prediction of the economic activity from the short and long-term interest rate differential: new evidences in Chile and the United States of America cases

The purpose of this work is to verify the stability of the relationship between real activity and interest rate spread. The test is based on Chen (1988) and Osorio and Galea (2006). The analysis is applied to Chile and the United States, from 1980 to 1999. In general, in both cases the relationship was statistically significant in early 80s, but a break point is found in both countries during that decades, suggesting that the relationship depends on the monetary rule follow by the Central Bank.

On Approximate KKT Condition and its Extension to Continuous Variational Inequalities

In this work, we introduce a necessary sequential Approximate-Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (AKKT) condition for a point to be a solution of a continuous variational inequality, and we prove its relation with the Approximate Gradient Projection condition (AGP) of Garciga-Otero and Svaiter. We also prove that a slight variation of the AKKT condition is sufficient for a convex problem, either for variational inequalities or optimization. Sequential necessary conditions are more suitable to iterative methods than usual punctual conditions relying on constraint qualifications. The AKKT property holds at a solution independently of the fulfillment of a constraint qualification, but when a weak one holds, we can guarantee the validity of the KKT conditions.

Protein variation in blood-dwelling schistosome worms generated by differential splicing of micro-exon gene transcripts

Schistosoma mansoni is a well-adapted blood-dwelling parasitic helminth, persisting for decades in its human host despite being continually exposed to potential immune attack. Here, we describe in detail micro-exon genes (MEG) in S. mansoni, some present in multiple copies, which represent a novel molecular system for creating protein variation through the alternate splicing of short (<= 36 bp) symmetric exons organized in tandem. Analysis of three closely related copies of one MEG family allowed us to trace several evolutionary events and propose a mechanism for micro-exon generation and diversification. Microarray experiments show that the majority of MEGs are up-regulated in life cycle stages associated with establishment in the mammalian host after skin penetration. Sequencing of RT-PCR products allowed the description of several alternate splice forms of micro-exon genes, highlighting the potential use of these transcripts to generate a complex pool of protein variants. We obtained direct evidence for the existence of such pools by proteomic analysis of secretions from migrating schistosomula and mature eggs. Whole-mount in situ hybridization and immunolocalization showed that MEG transcripts and proteins were restricted to glands or epithelia exposed to the external environment. The ability of schistosomes to produce a complex pool of variant proteins aligns them with the other major groups of blood parasites, but using a completely different mechanism. We believe that our data open a new chapter in the study of immune evasion by schistosomes, and their ability to generate variant proteins could represent a significant obstacle to vaccine development.

Differential Acetyl Cholinesterase Inhibition by Volatile Oils from two Specimens of Marlierea racemosa (Myrtaceae) Collected from Different Areas of the Atlantic Rain Forest

The volatile oil composition and anti-acetyl cholinesterase activity were analyzed in two specimens of Marlierea racemosa growing in different areas of the Atlantic Rain Forest (Cananeia and Caraguatatuba, SP, Brazil). Component identifications were performed by GUMS and their acetyl cholinesterase inhibitory activity was measured through colorimetric analysis. The major constituent in both specimens was spathulenol (25.1 % in Cananeia and 31.9% in Caraguatatuba). However, the first one also presented monoterpenes (41.2%), while in the Carguatatuba plants, this class was not detected. The oils from the plants collected in Cananeia were able to inhibit the acetyl cholinesterase activity by LIP to 75%, but for oils from the other locality the maximal inhibition achieved was 35%. These results suggested that the monoterpenes are more effective in the inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase activity than sesquiterpenes as these compounds are present in higher amounts in the M. racemosa plants collected in Cananeia.

Evaluation of the light polymerization efficiency of copolymers used in dental formulations by differential scanning calorimetry

Different compositions of visible-light-curable triethylene glycol dimethacrylate/bisglycidyl methacrylate copolymers used in dental resin formulations were prepared through copolymerization photoinitiated by a camphorquinone/ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate system irradiated with an Ultrablue IS light-emitting diode. The obtained copolymers were evaluated with differential scanning calorimetry. From the data for the heat of polymerization, before and after light exposure, obtained from exothermic differential scanning calorimetry curves, the light polymerization efficiency or degree of conversion of double bonds was calculated. The glass-transition temperature also was determined before and after photopolymerization. After the photopolymerization, the glass-transi-tion temperature was not well defined because of the breadth of the transition region associated with the properties of the photocured dimethacrylate. The glass-transition temperature after photopolymerization was determined experimentally and compared with the values determined with the Fox equation. In all mixtures, the experimental value was lower than the calculated value. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphological differences in the prepared copolymer structures. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of Postpolymerization as a Function of the Storage Time of Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate/2,2-Bis[4-(2-Hydroxy-3-Methacryloxy-Prop-1-Oxy)-Phenyl]-propane Bisphenyl-alpha-Glycidyl Ether Dimethacrylate Copolymers Used in Dental Resins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the storage time on the thermal properties of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate/2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxy-prop-1-oxy)-phenyl]propane bisphenyl-alpha-glycidyl ether dimethacrylate (TB) copolymers used in formulations of dental resins after photopolymerization. The TB copolymers were prepared by photopolymerization with an Ultrablue IS light-emitting diode, stored in the dark for 160 days at 37 degrees C, and characterized with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection. DSC curves indicated the presence of an exothermic peak, confirming that the reaction was not completed during the photopolymerization process. This exothermic peak became smaller as a function of the storage time and was shifted at higher temperatures. In DMA studies, a plot of the loss tangent versus the temperature initially showed the presence of two well-defined peaks. The presence of both peaks confirmed the presence of residual monomers that were not converted during the photopolymerization process. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 679-684, 2009

Thermal stability of extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus: Determination of activation parameters by optical spectroscopic and differential scanning calorimetric studies

Glossoscolex paulistus hemoglobin (HbGp) was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), optical absorption spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). At pH 7.0, cyanomet-HbGp is very stable, no oligomeric dissociation is observed, while denaturation occurs at 56 degrees C, 4 degrees C higher as compared to oxy-HbGp. The oligomeric dissociation of HbGp occurs simultaneously with some protein aggregation. Kinetic studies for oxy-HbGp using UV-VIS and DES allowed to obtain activation energy (E(a)) values of 278-262 kJ/mol (DES) and 333 kJ/mol (UV-VIS). Complimentary DSC studies indicate that the denaturation is irreversible, giving endotherms strongly dependent upon the heating scan rates, suggesting a kinetically controlled process. Dependence on protein concentration suggests that the two components in the endotherms are due to oligomeric dissociation effect upon denaturation. Activation energies are in the range 200-560 kJ/mol. The mid-point transition temperatures were in the range 50-65 degrees C. Cyanomet-HbGp shows higher mid-point temperatures as well as activation energies, consistent with its higher stability. DSC data are reported for the first time for an extracellular hemoglobin. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous Differential Pulse Voltammetric Determination of Ascorbic Acid and Caffeine in Pharmaceutical Formulations Using a Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode

A cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode was used for the simultaneous anodic determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and caffeine (CAF) by differential pulse voltammetry Linear calibration curves (r = 0 999) were obtained from 1 9 x 10(-5) to 2 I x 10(-4) mol L(-1) for AA and from 9 7 x 10(-6) to 1 1 x 10-4 mol L(-1) for CAF. with detection limits of 19 wool L(-1) and 7 0 mu nol L(-1). respectively This method was successfully applied for the determination of AA and CAF in pharmaceutical formulations. with results equal to those obtained using a HPLC reference method