Modular classes of Poisson-Nijenhuis Lie algebroids

The modular vector field of a Poisson-Nijenhuis Lie algebroid $A$ is defined and we prove that, in case of non-degeneracy, this vector field defines a hierarchy of bi-Hamiltonian $A$-vector fields. This hierarchy covers an integrable hierarchy on the base manifold, which may not have a Poisson-Nijenhuis structure.Comment: To appear in Letters in Mathematical Physic

Numerical Evaluation of the Direct Method for Cohesive Law Extraction in Shear by the End-Notched Flexure Test

With adhesive bonding, design can be oriented towards lighter structures, not only regarding the direct weight saving advantages of the joint over fastened or welded joints, but also because of flexibility to joint different materials. Cohesive Zone Models (CZM) are a powerful design tool, although the CZM laws of the adhesive bond in tension and shear are required as input in the models. This work evaluated the shear fracture toughness and CZM laws of bonded joints. The End-Notched Flexure (ENF) test geometry was used with this purpose. The experimental work consisted on the shear fracture characterization of the bond by conventional and the J-integral techniques. Additionally, by the J-integral technique, the precise shape of the cohesive law was defined. Numerical Finite Element (FE) simulations were carried out in Abaqus® to assess the accuracy of the obtained CZM laws in predicting the experimental behaviour of the ENF tests, with positive results. As output of this work, fracture data is provided in shear for the selected adhesive, allowing the subsequent strength prediction of bonded joints.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A supergeometric approach to Poisson reduction

This work introduces a unified approach to the reduction of Poisson manifolds using their description by graded symplectic manifolds. This yields a generalization of the classical Poisson reduction by distributions (Marsden-Ratiu reduction). Further it allows one to construct actions of strict Lie 2-groups and to describe the corresponding reductions.Comment: 40 pages. Final version accepted for publicatio

Numerical evaluation of dissimilar cohesive models to predict the behavior of Double-Cantilever Beam specimens

Adhesive bonding is a widely used joining method in industries such as aerospace, aeronautical and automotive because of specific advantages compared to the traditional fastening methods. Numerical approaches for the damage simulation of bonded joints based on fracture mechanics usually rely on Cohesive Zone Models (CZM). CZM suppose the characterization of the CZM laws in tension and shear, which are combined in mixed-mode criteria to predict the strength of bonded joints. This work evaluated the tensile fracture toughness (Gm) and CZM laws of bonded joints for two adhesives with distinct ductility. The Double-Cantilever Beam (DCB) test was used. The experimental work consisted of the tensile fracture characterization by the J-integral technique. A digital image correlation method was used for the evaluation of the tensile relative displacement (delta(n)) of the adhesive layer at the crack tip. Finite Element (FE) simulations were carried out to assess the accuracy of triangular, trapezoidal and linear-exponential CZM laws in predicting the experimental behaviour of the DCB tests. As output of this work, information regarding the applicability of these CZM laws to each type of adhesive is provided, allowing the subsequent strength prediction of bonded joints.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

All Stable Characteristic Classes of Homological Vector Fields

An odd vector field $Q$ on a supermanifold $M$ is called homological, if $Q^2=0$. The operator of Lie derivative $L_Q$ makes the algebra of smooth tensor fields on $M$ into a differential tensor algebra. In this paper, we give a complete classification of certain invariants of homological vector fields called characteristic classes. These take values in the cohomology of the operator $L_Q$ and are represented by $Q$-invariant tensors made up of the homological vector field and a symmetric connection on $M$ by means of tensor operations.Comment: 17 pages, references and comments adde

Differential expression of genes related to the immune response of anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi in the brazilian amazon basin

Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi is the primary vector of human malaria in South America. Immune responses in mosquito vectors of malaria are mainly regulated by genes of the Toll and IMD pathways through the transcription factors NF-kappa-β, Rel1 and Rel2, which are controlled by the negative regulatory genes Cactus and Caspar. We measured the expression levels of Rel1, Rel2, Caspar and Cactus genes, which are related to the immune system, in adult females of A. darlingi after blood feeding compared to adult females without blood feeding (controls) due to their possible effects on the ability of becoming infected with species of Plasmodium and spreading malaria. Quantitative expression was determined by real-time PCR, using the reference genes GAPDH and β-actin. The expression levels of Rel1, Rel2, Caspar and Cactus varied significantly at 4, 8, 14 and 24 h in mosquitoes that had fed on blood compared to control insects (0 h), with significantly greater expression at 24 h after blood feeding. Relative expression levels among these genes varied at the different post blood feeding times. This information adds to our understanding of the insect immune response system and related questions involved in understanding the biology and control of this mosquito. © FUNPEC-RP

Integration of Holomorphic Lie Algebroids

We prove that a holomorphic Lie algebroid is integrable if, and only if, its underlying real Lie algebroid is integrable. Thus the integrability criteria of Crainic-Fernandes do also apply in the holomorphic context without any modification. As a consequence we give another proof of the following theorem: a holomorphic Poisson manifold is integrable if, and only if, its real (or imaginary) part is integrable as a real Poisson manifold.Comment: 26 pages, second part of arXiv:0707.4253 which was split into two, v2: example 3.19 and section 3.7 adde

In vitro and in vivo ocular biocompatibility of electrospun poly(ɛ-caprolactone) nanofibers.

Biocompatibility is a requirement for the development of nanofibers for ophthalmic applications. In this study, nanofibers were elaborated using poly(ε-caprolactone) via electrospinning. The ocular biocompatibility of this material was investigated. MIO-M1 and ARPE-19 cell cultures were incubated with nanofibers and cellular responses were monitored by viability and morphology. The in vitro biocompatibility revealed that the nanofibers were not cytotoxic to the ocular cells. These cells exposed to the nanofibers proliferated and formed an organized monolayer. ARPE-19 and MIO-M1 cells were capable of expressing GFAP, respectively, demonstrating their functionality. Nanofibers were inserted into the vitreous cavity of the rat's eye for 10days and the in vivo biocompatibility was investigated using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), histology and measuring the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-1β, TNF-α, VEGF and iNOS) (real-time PCR). The OCT and the histological analyzes exhibited the preserved architecture of the tissues of the eye. The biomaterial did not elicit an inflammatory reaction and pro-inflammatory cytokines were not expressed by the retinal cells, and the other posterior tissues of the eye. Results from the biocompatibility studies indicated that the nanofibers exhibited a high degree of cellular biocompatibility and short-term intraocular tolerance, indicating that they might be applied as drug carrier for ophthalmic use

Multifunctional bioactive glass and glass-ceramic biomaterials with antibacterial properties for repair and regeneration of bone tissue

Bioactive glasses (BGs) and related glass-ceramic biomaterials have been used in bone tissue repair for over 30years. Previous work in this field was comprehensively reviewed including by their inventor Larry Hench, and the key features and properties of BGs are well understood. More recently, attention has focused on their modification to further enhance the osteogenic behaviour, or further compositional changes that may introduce additional properties, such as antimicrobial activity. Evidence is emerging that BGs and related glass-ceramics may be modified in such a way as to simultaneously introduce more than one desirable property. The aim of this review is therefore to consider the evidence that these more recent inorganic modifications to glass and glass-ceramic biomaterials are effective, and whether or not these new compositions represent sufficiently versatile systems to underpin the development of a new generation of truly multifunctional biomaterials to address pressing clinical needs in orthopaedic and dental surgery. Indeed, a number of classical glass compositions exhibited antimicrobial activity, however the structural design and the addition of specific ions, i.e. Ag(+), Cu(+), and Sr(2+), are able to impart a multifunctional character to these systems, through the combination of, for example, bioactivity with bactericidal activity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review we demonstrate the multifunctional potential of bioactive glasses and related glass-ceramics as biomaterials for orthopaedic and craniofacial/dental applications. Therefore, it considers the evidence that the more recent inorganic modifications to glass and glass-ceramic biomaterials are able to impart antimicrobial properties alongside the more classical bone bonding and osteoconduction. These properties are attracting a special attention nowadays that bacterial infections are an increasing challenge in orthopaedics. We also focus the manuscript on the versatility of these systems as a basis to underpin the development of a new generation of truly multifunctional biomaterials to address pressing clinical needs in orthopaedic, craniofacial and dental surgery

Zebrafish as an alternative animal model in human and animal vaccination research

Much of medical research relies on animal models to deepen knowledge of the causes of animal and human diseases, as well as to enable the development of innovative therapies. Despite rodents being the most widely used research model worldwide, in recent decades, the use of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model has exponentially been adopted among the scientific community. This is because such a small tropical freshwater teleost fish has crucial genetic, anatomical and physiological homology with mammals. Therefore, zebrafish constitutes an excellent experimental model for behavioral, genetic and toxicological studies which unravels the mechanism of various human diseases. Furthermore, it serves well to test new therapeutic agents, such as the safety of new vaccines. The aim of this review was to provide a systematic literature review on the most recent studies carried out on the topic. It presents numerous advantages of this type of animal model in tests of efficacy and safety of both animal and human vaccines, thus highlighting gains in time and cost reduction of research and analyzes