Multi-agent system for control of robots inspired on the distributed activity and hormonal regulation of humans

Robotics is an emerging field with great activity. Robotics is a field that presents several problems because it depends on a large number of disciplines, technologies, devices and tasks. Its expansion from perfectly controlled industrial environments toward open and dynamic environment presents a many new challenges. New uses are, for example, household robots or professional robots. To facilitate the low cost, rapid development of robotic systems, reusability of code, its medium and long term maintainability and robustness are required novel approaches to provide generic models and software systems who develop paradigms capable of solving these problems. For this purpose, in this paper we propose a model based on multi-agent systems inspired by the human nervous system able to transfer the control characteristics of the biological system and able to take advantage of the best properties of distributed software systems. Specifically, we model the decentralized activity and hormonal variation.

Phagocytosis of Photoreceptor Outer Segments by Transplanted Human Neural Stem Cells as a Neuroprotective Mechanism in Retinal Degeneration

Purpose. Transplantation of human central nervous system stem cells (HuCNS-SC) into the subretinal space of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats preserves photoreceptors and visual function. To explore possible mechanism(s) of action underlying this neuroprotective effect, we performed a detailed morphologic and ultrastructure analysis of HuCNS-SC transplanted retinas. Methods. The HuCNS-SC were transplanted into the subretinal space of RCS rats. Histologic examination of the transplanted retinas was performed by light and electron microscopy. Areas of the retina adjacent to HuCNS-SC graft (treated regions) were analyzed and compared to control sections obtained from the same retina, but distant from the transplant site (untreated regions). Results. The HuCNS-SC were detected as a layer of STEM 121 immunopositive cells in the subretinal space. In treated regions, preserved photoreceptor nuclei, as well as inner and outer segments were identified readily. In contrast, classic signs of degeneration were observed in the untreated regions. Interestingly, detailed ultrastructure analysis revealed a striking preservation of the photoreceptor–bipolar–horizontal cell synaptic contacts in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of treated areas, in stark contrast with untreated areas. Finally, the presence of phagosomes and vesicles exhibiting the lamellar structure of outer segments also was detected within the cytosol of HuCNS-SC, indicating that these cells have phagocytic capacity in vivo. Conclusions. This study reveals the novel finding that preservation of specialized synaptic contacts between photoreceptors and second order neurons, as well as phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments, are potential mechanism(s) of HuCNS-SC transplantation, mediating functional rescue in retinal degeneration.

Desnervação simpática renal e sua utilização no tratamento da hipertensão resistente : caso clínico

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2014

Control of neuronal signalling pathways by CYP46A1, an enzime involved in brain cholesterol homeostasis

Tese de doutoramento, Farmácia (Biologia Celular e Molecular), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, 2016

Avaliação do reflexo baroreceptor em doentes com insuficiência cardíaca crónica submetidos a terapêutica de ressincronização cardíaca

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2014

Dos pombos descoordenados às rãs sem rumo: o ensino do encéfalo através dos manuais escolares de Ciências Naturais (1900-1950)

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é mostrar como o encéfalo foi abordado nos programas e manuais de Ciências Naturais publicados na primeira metade do século XX. Para tal, utilizou-se um método de caráter qualitativo assente no conceito de transposição didática de Chevallard. O conteúdo programático mostrou que o estudo do encéfalo foi sempre associado ao estudo do sistema nervoso. A descrição neuroanatómica e fisiológica do encéfalo nos manuais organizou-se em torno do bolbo raquidiano, cerebelo e cérebro. Os manuais publicados nas primeiras duas décadas do século XX (Aires, 1906, 1920) foram mais exaustivos na abordagem a esses órgãos do que os publicados entre as décadas de 30 e 50 (Primo, 1939; Soeiro, 1930, 1950; Lima & Soeiro,1950). A sua análise mostrou que a transposição didática do conhecimento científico sobre o encéfalo baseou-se na neuroanatomia, e menos na neurofisiologia, o que é revelador do avanço do conhecimento neuroanatómico deste órgão em comparação com a compreensão do seu funcionamento. Todos os autores ilustraram as funções dos órgãos que constituem o encéfalo através de observações e experiências realizadas em animais, como os pombos e as rãs.

Endocrine glands and the sympathetic system /

Mode of access: Internet.

Neurological bulletin. Clinical studies of nervous and mental diseases in the Neurological Department of Columbia University.

Editor: Frederick Tilney.

References to nerves : being tabular views of the motor nerves to muscles, the nervous supply of the principal articulations and of the skin, the deep and superficial origins of the cranial nerves; with the most important effects following solution of continuity of nerves.

Mode of access: Internet.

A system of surgery, theoretical and practical.

v. I. General pathology. Morbid processes. Injuries in general. Complications of injuries. Injuries of regions. 1881.--v. 2. Diseases of organs of special sense. Diseases of circulatory system. Diseases of digestive tract. Diseases of genito-urinary organs. 1881.--v. 3. Diseases of the respiratory organs. Diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles. Diseases of the nervous system. Gunshot wounds. Operative and minor surgery. Miscellaneous subjects. 1882.

Observations on the nature, causes, and cure of those disorders which have been commonly called nervous hypochondriac, or hysteric : to which are prefixed some remarks on the sympathy of the nerves /

Signatures: pi⁸ A-2I⁸ K⁴.

A manual of psychological medicine and allied nervous diseases : containing the description, etiology, diagnosis, pathology and treatment of insanity, with especial reference to the clinical features of mental diseases and the allied neuroses and its medico-legal aspects with a carefully prepared digest of the lunacy laws in the various states relating to the care, custody and responsibility of the insane /

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Spiritualism and allied causes and conditions of nervous derangement /

1871 ed. has title: The physics and physiology of spiritualism; 1881 ed. has title: On certain conditions of nervous derangement.

Essentials of nervous diseases and insanity; their symptoms and treatment.

Mode of access: Internet.

Nervous and mental disease monograph series

Mode of access: Internet.