General Stability Analysis of Synchronized Dynamics in Coupled Systems

We consider the stability of synchronized states (including equilibrium point, periodic orbit or chaotic attractor) in arbitrarily coupled dynamical systems (maps or ordinary differential equations). We develop a general approach, based on the master stability function and Gershgorin disc theory, to yield constraints on the coupling strengths to ensure the stability of synchronized dynamics. Systems with specific coupling schemes are used as examples to illustrate our general method.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur

Evidence that the zymogen of phospholipase A2 binds to a negatively charged lipid-water interface

Evidence is presented that the zymogen of porcine pancreatic phospholipase A2 (prophospholipase A2) interacts with a lipid-water interface provided that the interface has a net negative surface charge. Fluorescence spectroscopy and non-equilibrium gel filtration indicate that binding of prophospholipase A2 (proPLA) to mixed detergent micelles is dependent on the presence of an anionic detergent. Prophospholipase binding is accompanied by a change in the environment of the single tryptophan residue qualitatively similar to that observed when the active enzyme, phospholipase A2 (PLA), binds to micelles. In addition, the rate of tryptic activation of prophospholipase is significantly reduced in the presence of negatively-charged mixed micelles, whereas no change in rate occurs when neutral micelles are present. These observations suggest that the lack of catalytic activity of the zymogen toward organized substrates carrying a negative surface charge cannot be explained by a failure to bind at the lipid-water interface

Human and porcine Taenia solium infections in Mozambique: Identifying research priorities

The objective of this paper is to critically review and summarize available scientific and lay literature, and ongoing studies on human and porcine cysticercosis in Mozambique to identify knowledge gaps and direct immediate and long-term research efforts. Data on the spatial distribution and prevalence of the disease in human and swine populations are scarce and fragmented. Human serological studies have shown that 15–21% of apparently healthy adults were positive for cysticercosis antibodies or antigen, while in neuropsychiatric patients seroprevalence was as high as 51%. Slaughterhouse records indicate a countrywide occurrence of porcine cysticercosis, while studies have shown that 10–35% of pigs tested were seropositive for cysticercosis antibodies or antigen. Current research in Mozambique includes studies on the epidemiology, molecular biology, diagnosis and control of the disease. Future research efforts should be directed at better understanding the epidemiology of the disease in Mozambique, particularly risk factors for its occurrence and spread in human and swine populations, documenting the socio-economic impact of the disease, identifying critical control points and evaluating the feasibility and epidemiological impact of control measures and development of local level diagnostic tools for use in humans and swine