Singularities of affine equidistants: projections and contacts

Using standard methods for studying singularities of projections and of contacts, we classify the stable singularities of affine $\lambda$-equidistants of $n$-dimensional closed submanifolds of $\mathbb R^q$, for $q\leq 2n$, whenever $(2n,q)$ is a pair of nice dimensions.Comment: 18 pages, v2 (minimal changes) agrees with version to appear in Journal of Singularitie

Reproductive isolation in the Aegean Ophrys omegaifera complex (Orchidaceae)

The orchid genus Ophrys operates a system of sexual deception by which high specificity of pollination is attained. Reproductive isolation in Ophrys mainly rests upon prezygotic isolation mechanisms. The level of genetic separateness of Ophrys taxa with different pollinators is therefore likely determined by the fidelity of pollinators. The present study employs genetic fingerprinting to investigate this in the east Aegean Ophrys omegaifera s.l. complex, also including O. dryis, a west Mediterranean species of this complex. Ophrys fleischmannii, O. basilissa, and the west Mediterranean O. dyris, are found to be well-separated genetic entities whereas O. omegaifera s.str. and the putative hybrid taxon, O. sitiaca, are found to be genetically inseparable across their entire range of co-occurrence. This suggests that specific pollinators have high enough fidelity to act as effective isolating factors in east Aegean O. omegaifera s.l. as a whole, but that the situation in the species pair of O. sitiaca and O. omegaifera is likely to be more comple

Genetic variability in Brazilian Capsicum baccatum germplasm collection assessed by morphological fruit traits and AFLP markers.

<div><p><i>Capsicum baccatum</i> is one of the main pepper species grown and consumed in South America. In Brazil, it is commonly cultivated by family farmers, using mostly the genotypes bishop's hat genotypes (locally <i>cambuci</i>) and red chili pepper (<i>dedo-de-moça</i>). This study had the objective of characterizing 116 <i>C</i>. <i>baccatum</i> accessions from different regions of Brazil, based on morphological fruit descriptors and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) markers. Broad phenotypic variability among the <i>C</i>. <i>baccatum</i> accessions was detected when using morphological fruit descriptors. The Ward modified location model (Ward-MLM) discriminated five groups, based mainly on fruit shape. Six combinations of AFLP primers detected polymorphism in 97.93% of the 2466 identified bands, indicating the high genetic variability in the accessions. The UPGMA coincided with the Bayesian clustering analysis and three large groups were formed, separating the wild variety <i>C</i>. <i>baccatum</i> var. <i>praetermissum</i> from the other accessions. There was no relation between genetic distance and geographical origin of the accessions, probably due to the intense exchange of fruits and seeds between farmers. Morphological descriptors used together with AFLP markers proved efficient in detecting the levels of genetic variability among the accessions maintained in the germplasm collections. These results can be used as an additional source of helpful information to be exploited in <i>C</i>. <i>baccatum</i> breeding programs.</p></div

The early exercise boundary under the jump to default extended CEV model

This paper proves the existence, uniqueness, monotonicity and continuity of the early exercise boundary attached to American-style standard options under the jump to default extended constant elasticity of variance model of Carr and Linetsky (Financ Stoch 10(3):303–330, 2006).info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Pricing and static hedging of American-style options under the jump to default extended CEV model

This paper prices (and hedges) American-style options through the static hedge approach (SHP) proposed by Chung and Shih (2009) and extends the literature in two directions. First, the SHP approach is generalized to the jump to default extended CEV UDCEV) model of Carr and Linetsky (2006), and plain-vanilla American-style options on defaultable equity are priced. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed pricing solutions are compared with the optimal stopping approach offered by Nunes (2009), under both the JDCEV framework and the nested constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model of Cox (1975), using different elasticity parameter values. Second, the early exercise boundary near expiration is derived under the JDCEV model.info:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio

ArtinM offers new perspectives in the development of antifungal therapy

The thermally dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most frequent systemic mycosis that affects the rural populations in Latin America. Despite significant developments in antifungal chemotherapy, its efficacy remains limited since drug therapy is prolonged and associated with toxic side effects and relapses. In response to these challenges, it is now recognized that several aspects of antifungal immunity can be modulated to better deal with fungal infections. A common idea for halting fungal infections has been the need to activate a cell-based, pro-inflammatory Th1 immune response to improve the fungal elimination. ArtinM, a D-mannose binding lectin from Artocarpus heterophyllus, has the property of modulating immunity against several intracellular pathogens. Here, we review the immunomodulatory activity of ArtinM during experimental PCM in mice. Both prophylactic and therapeutic protocols of ArtinM administration promotes a Th1 immune response balanced by IL-10, which outstandingly reduces the fungal load in organs of the treated mice while maintaining a controlled inflammation at the site of infection. A carbohydrate recognition-based interaction of ArtinM with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) accounts for initiating the immunomodulatory effect of the lectin. The precise identification of the TLR2 N-glycan(s) targeted by ArtinM may support novel basis for the development of antifungal therapy

Complete Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium longum W11 (LMG P-21586), Used as a Probiotic Strain

We report the complete genome sequence of Bifidobacterium longum W11 (LMG P-21586) isolated from the intestinal microbiota of a healthy man. The analysis of the sequence may provide insights into the microbiological characteristics and the functional activity of this probiotic strain

An 11th century a.d. burnt granary at La Gravette, south-western France : preliminary archaeobotanical results

International audienceA thick layer of carbonised seeds was encountered in an 11th century a.d. room situated in the seigneurial part of the village of La Gravette. This paper presents the first results of charcoal and seed analyses which give information on the food products stored in the granary and on their arrangement there. Triticum aestivum/durum/turgidum was by far the most important stored crop, while Avena sp., then Hordeum vulgare, Secale cereale, Triticum monococcum and Vitis vinifera were secondary. Weeds were poorly represented. Charcoals were dominated by deciduous Quercus sp., and 11 additional wood taxa were recorded, including especially Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus sp., Rosaceae, Corylus avellana, Acer campestre and Ulmus sp. According to the charcoal distribution, Quercus and Fagus were probably building materials while most of other taxa would have been used for basketry, wattling or joinery work. In the western part of the granary, naked wheat was stored in bulk. In the eastern part, various crops (at least naked wheat, barley, rye, oat and grape) were stored in small amounts, most of which were probably separated by light wooden structures. The cereal crops had largely been processed and cleaned. The stored products probably represent taxes paid to the lord who owned the granary

Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers in a Portuguese hospital

"Background: Health care workers (HCW) are presumably exposed to a higher risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and could possibly represent a source of transmission to susceptible patients. Thus, characterization of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCW is necessary to better understand the determinants of viral transmission and properly implement strategies to prevent dissemination and protect HCW and vulnerable patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in a Portuguese tertiary hospital, in the period of July 2020 to March 2021, before the generalized use of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, characterize its evolution over time, and identify risk factors associated with seroconversion. Methods: HCW were approached to collect serum samples for qualitative SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing and completion of an online survey capturing demographics, previous symptoms, and details of health care and community exposure. Odds ratio with bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess characteristics associated with seroprevalence. Results: One thousand HCW were included for analysis. Two hundred nineteen HCW (22%) were seropositive for immunoglobulin G against SARS-CoV-2, and 166 (17%) were seropositive for immunoglobulin M, most of whom reported a previous diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk factors associated with seroconversion included a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, contact with patients, occupational contact with colleagues, and outside contact. However, in a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only a previous diagnosis and outside contact were associated with seroconversion. Seropositivity decreased over time, especially 28 weeks after infection. Conclusion: HCWs have a high seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 infection, probably due to a combination of health care and community exposure. Seropositivity decreases over time, but further studies are needed to better understand our adaptive immune response.