Thermodynamic formalism for general iterated function systems with measures

This paper introduces a theory of Thermodynamic Formalism for Iterated Function Systems with Measures (IFSm). We study the spectral properties of the Transfer and Markov operators associated to a IFSm. We introduce variational formulations for the topological entropy of holonomic measures and the topological pressure of IFSm given by a potential. A definition of equilibrium state is then natural and we prove its existence for any continuous potential. We show, in this setting, a uniqueness result for the equilibrium state requiring only the G\^ateaux differentiability of the pressure functional.Comment: 25 pages, 1 figure. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1707.0189

Galaxy cluster mergers as triggers for the formation of jellyfish galaxies: case study of the A901/2 system

The A901/2 system is a rare case of galaxy cluster interaction, in which two galaxy clusters and two smaller groups are seen in route of collision with each other simultaneously. Within each of the four substructures, several galaxies with features indicative of jellyfish morphologies have been observed. In this paper, we propose a hydrodynamic model for the merger as a whole, compatible with its diffuse X-ray emission, and correlate the gas properties in this model with the locations of the jellyfish galaxy candidates in the real system. We find that jellyfish galaxies seem to be preferentially located near a boundary inside each subcluster where diffuse gas moving along with the subcluster and diffuse gas from the remainder of the system meet. The velocity change in those boundaries is such that a factor of up to $\sim$1000 increase in the ram pressure takes place within a few hundred kpc, which could trigger the high rate of gas loss necessary for a jellyfish morphology to emerge. A theoretical treatment of ram pressure stripping in the environment of galaxy cluster mergers has not been presented in the literature so far; we propose that this could be a common scenario for the formation of jellyfish morphologies in such systems.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 10 pages, 9 figure

The bile duct ligated rat : a relevant model to study muscle mass loss in cirrhosis

Muscle mass loss and hepatic encephalopathy (complex neuropsychiatric disorder) are serious complications of chronic liver disease (cirrhosis) which impact negatively on clinical outcome and quality of life and increase mortality. Liver disease leads to hyperammonemia and ammonia toxicity is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. However, the effects of ammonia are not brain-specific and therefore may also affect other organs and tissues including muscle. The precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying muscle wasting in chronic liver disease remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we characterized body composition as well as muscle protein synthesis in cirrhotic rats with hepatic encephalopathy using the 6-week bile duct ligation (BDL) model which recapitulates the main features of cirrhosis. Compared to sham-operated control animals, BDL rats display significant decreased gain in body weight, altered body composition, decreased gastrocnemius muscle mass and circumference as well as altered muscle morphology. Muscle protein synthesis was also significantly reduced in BDL rats compared to control animals. These findings demonstrate that the 6-week BDL experimental rat is a relevant model to study liver disease-induced muscle mass loss

Toxicity of neem oil to the cassava green mite Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

O artigo não contém o resumo português.Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.)-derived pesticides have been used against a wide range of agricultural pests including tetranychid mites. Approaches combining lethal and sublethal toxicity studies of neem pesticides towards tetranychid mites are necessary to a comprehensive evaluation of such products. Here, we evaluated the lethal and sublethal toxicity of the neem oil Bioneem to the cassava green mite Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) by integrating lethal concentration (LC) with population growth and biological parameter studies. According to Probit analyses the concentration of neem oil Bioneem which kills 50% of the population (LC50) of M. tanajoa was 3.28 μL cm^-2, which is roughly twice the field concentration recommended of this biopesticide to control pest mites (1.7 μL cm^-2). The growth rate of the cassava green mite steadily decreased with dosages of neem oil. Furthermore, sublethal concentrations of the neem oil corresponding to the LC50 reduced the periods of the immature stages of M. tanajoa resulting in a shorter developmental time. Similarly, the number of eggs per day and the number of eggs per female per day, a proxy for fecundity, were drastically reduced in M. tanajoa females exposed to the LC50 of neem oil. Based on our comprehensive approach we conclude that the neem oil showed lethal as well as sublethal toxicity on growth rate and biological parameters such as duration of immature stages and fecundity of the cassava green mite M. tanajoa and it could be used as an ecological alternative for the management of this pest

Environmental characterization of a dredging disposal site on the continental shelf of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Dredge material placement is among the major problems in coastal management. Sedimentation caused by dredge-spoil disposal presents a series of impacts, including the burial of benthos and the suffocation of filter-feeding benthic organisms. To minimize dredging impacts, studies in dredging disposal sites shall be performed to allow better approaches to adverse ecological risks. The goal of the present study was to map the sea bottom environment of a potential dredge disposal site by performing its geomorphology and ecology characterization, in the continental shelf of Espírito Santo state. Acoustic images were obtained using side scan sonar to characterize sediment texture and the geometry of deposits, along with a bathymetric survey. Additionally, underwater footage provided images and the description of the biota communities. The bathymetric survey revealed a relatively plain and homogenous bottom, with the presence of a paleochannel. Smooth elevations, with approximately 0.50m high, were found and characterized as calcareous biogenic concretions, among benthic and nektonic organisms. The organisms revealed a heterogeneous composition and a scattered distribution throughout the sampling stations, with the presence of a threatened species

Macro ergonomics and product quality: a study of popular Brazilian cars

Once the challenge of developing and trading national cars has been overcome, the new challenge becomes the accessibility/costs ratio. The answer to it was 1.000 cc engine cars which are called popular cars in Brazil. Nowadays, this segment represents over 50.0% of the Brazilian fleet. Economical issues are the major concern in the Brazilian market, rather than attributes like safety, comfort and energetic efficiency, project quality, production, etc. This paper presents the results of an analysis developed over the principal popular national car, with the focus on ergonomics application in its interior and its impact on the general quality of the product

Development of Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity after Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Is Accompanied by Time-Dependent Changes in Lumbosacral Expression of Axonal Growth Regulators

Thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in urinary dysfunction, which majorly affects the quality of life of SCI patients. Abnormal sprouting of lumbosacral bladder afferents plays a crucial role in this condition. Underlying mechanisms may include changes in expression of regulators of axonal growth, including chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs), myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs) and repulsive guidance molecules, known to be upregulated at the injury site post SCI. Here, we confirmed lumbosacral upregulation of the growth-associated protein GAP43 in SCI animals with bladder dysfunction, indicating the occurrence of axonal sprouting. Neurocan and Phosphacan (CSPGs), as well as Nogo-A (MAI), at the same spinal segments were upregulated 7 days post injury (dpi) but returned to baseline values 28 dpi. In turn, qPCR analysis of the mRNA levels for receptors of those repulsive molecules in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons showed a time-dependent decrease in receptor expression. In vitro assays with DRG neurons from SCI rats demonstrated that exposure to high levels of NGF downregulated the expression of some, but not all, receptors for those regulators of axonal growth. The present results, therefore, show significant molecular changes at the lumbosacral cord and DRGs after thoracic lesion, likely critically involved in neuroplastic events leading to urinary impairment