Information Design in Concave Games

We study information design in games with a continuum of actions such that the players’ payoffs are concave in their own actions. A designer chooses an information structure–a joint distribution of a state and a private signal of each player. The information structure induces a Bayesian game and is evaluated according to the expected designer’s payoff under the equilibrium play. We develop a method that facilitates the search for an optimal information structure, i.e., one that cannot be outperformed by any other information structure, however complex. We show an information structure is optimal whenever it induces the strategies that can be implemented by an incentive contract in a dual, principal-agent problem which aggregates marginal payoffs of the players in the original game. We use this result to establish the optimality of Gaussian information structures in settings with quadratic payoffs and a multivariate normally distributed state. We analyze the details of optimal structures in a differentiated Bertrand competition and in a prediction game

Endurance training induces depot-specific changes in IL-10/TNF-α ratio in rat adipose tissue

White adipose tissue (WAT) is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and recently, it recognized as an important source of interleukin 10 production (IL-10). Acute physical exercise induce an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile. However, the effect of chronic physical exercise in the production of IL-10 by the WAT has never been examined. IL-10 and TNF-α were assessed in WAT of rats engaged in endurance training. Animals were randomly assigned to either a sedentary control group (S, n=7) or an endurance trained group (T, n=8). Trained rats ran on a treadmill for 5 days/wk for 8 wk at 55-65% of the VO2max. Detection of IL-10 and TNF-α protein (by ELISA) and mRNA expression (by semi-quantitative PCR), as well as the mRNA of PPARγ, and immunocytochemistry to detect mononuclear phagocytes were carried out. A reduction in absolute retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RPAT) weight in T (44%; p\u3c0.01), when compared with S was observed. IL-10 and TNF-α concentration were increased (60% p\u3c0.05; 40%, p\u3c0.05, respectively), in the mesenteric adipose tissue (MEAT) from the trained group, while no change related to training was observed in RPAT. In MEAT, IL-10/TNF-α ratio was increased for T group when compared with S (30%; p\u3c0.05). PPAR-γ mRNA was increased in T (1.1 fold; p\u3c0.01) when compared with S in the same adipose depot. No monocyte infiltration was found. In conclusion, exercise training induced increased IL-10 expression in the mesenteric depot, resulting in a modified IL-10/ TNF-α ratio. We also conclude that WAT presents a depot-specific response to endurance training

Periodicity of Single-Molecule Magnet Behaviour of Heterotetranuclear Lanthanide Complexes across the Lanthanide Series: A Compendium.

Acetato-bridged palladium-lanthanide tetranuclear heterometallic complexes of the form [Pd2 Ln2 (H2 O)2 (CH3 COO)10 ]⋅2 CH3 COOH [Ln2 =Ce2 (1), Pr2 (2), Nd2 (3), Sm2 (4), Tb2 (5), Dy2 (6), Dy0.2 Y1.8 (6''), Ho2 (7), Er2 (8), Er0.24 Y1.7 (8''), Tm2 (9), Yb2 (10), Y2 (11)] were synthesised and characterised by experimental and theoretical techniques. All complexes containing Kramers lanthanide ions [Ln3+ =Ce (1), Nd (3), Sm (4), Dy (6), DyY (6''), Er (8), ErY (8''), Yb (10)] showed field-induced slow magnetic relaxation, characteristic of single-molecule magnetism and purely of molecular origin. In contrast, all non-Kramers lanthanide ions [Ln3+ =Pr (2), Tb (5), Ho (7), Tm (9), Y3+ (11) is diamagnetic and non-lanthanide] did not show any slow magnetic relaxation. The variation in the electronic structure and accompanying consequences across the complexes representing all Kramers and non-Kramers lanthanide ions were investigated. The origin of the magnetic properties and the extent to which the axial donor-acceptor interaction involving the lanthanide ions and an electron-deficient d z 2 orbital of palladium affects the observed magnetic and electronic properties across the lanthanide series are presented. Unique consistent electronic and magnetic properties of isostructural complexes spanning the lanthanide series with properties dependent on whether the ions are Kramers or non-Kramers are reported

Homology for higher-rank graphs and twisted C*-algebras

We introduce a homology theory for k-graphs and explore its fundamental properties. We establish connections with algebraic topology by showing that the homology of a k-graph coincides with the homology of its topological realisation as described by Kaliszewski et al. We exhibit combinatorial versions of a number of standard topological constructions, and show that they are compatible, from a homological point of view, with their topological counterparts. We show how to twist the C*-algebra of a k-graph by a T-valued 2-cocycle and demonstrate that examples include all noncommutative tori. In the appendices, we construct a cubical set \tilde{Q}(\Lambda) from a k-graph {\Lambda} and demonstrate that the homology and topological realisation of {\Lambda} coincide with those of \tilde{Q}(\Lambda) as defined by Grandis.Comment: 33 pages, 9 pictures and one diagram prepared in TiK

Influence of aerobic physical training in the motochondrial transport of long chain fatty acids in the skeletal muscle: role of the carnitine palmitoil transferase

O ácido graxo (AG) é uma importante fonte de energia para o músculo esquelético. Durante o exercício sua mobilização é aumentada para suprir as necessidades da musculatura ativa. Acredita-se que diversos pontos de regulação atuem no controle da oxidação dos AG, sendo o principal a atividade do complexo carnitina palmitoil transferase (CPT), entre os quais três componentes estão envolvidos: a CPT I, a CPT II e carnitina acilcarnitina translocase. A função da CPT I durante o exercício físico é controlar a entrada de AG para o interior da mitocôndria, para posterior oxidação do AG e produção de energia. Em resposta ao treinamento físico há um aumento na atividade e expressão da CPT I no músculo esquelético. Devido sua grande importância no metabolismo de lipídios, os mecanismos que controlam sua atividade e sua expressão gênica são revisados no presente estudo. Reguladores da expressão gênica de proteínas envolvidas no metabolismo de lipídios no músculo esquelético, os receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissomas (PPAR) alfa e beta, são discutidos com um enfoque na resposta ao treinamento físico.Fatty acids are an important source of energy for the skeletal muscle. During exercise, their mobilization is increased to supply the muscle energetic needs. Many points of regulation act in the fatty acids metabolism, where the carnitine palmytoiltransferase (CPT) complex is the main control system. Three compounds named CPT I, CPT II and carnitine acyl carnitine translocase (CACT) are components of this system. Its function is to control the influx of fatty acids inside the mitochondria for posterior oxidation and energy production. There is a pronounced increase in both activity and gene expression of CPT I in the skeletal muscle in response to exercise. Due to its importance in lipid metabolism, the controlling mechanisms are reviewed in the present study. The modulation of gene expression by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) alpha and beta during the physical training is also discussed in this review

Low and moderate intensity strength exercise affects more beneficially the lipid profile than high intensity strength exercise

This study aimed to compare the time-course effects of four different intensities of strength exercise (bench press) bouts on the blood lipid profile. Thirty-five Brazilian Army male soldiers were allocated randomly into five groups based at different percentages of one repetition maximum, in previous test (1-RM): 50%-1RM, 75%-1RM, 90%-1RM, 110%-1RM (this executing only eccentric phase), and control group. The total volume (sets x reps x load) of the exercise was equalized. The lipid profile (Triglycerides, VLDL, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-c/Total Cholesterol ratio and Total cholesterol) was determined at rest and after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h of the strength exercise. The 75% group demonstrated greater TG and VLDL reduction when compared with the other groups (p\u3c0.05). Additionally, the 110% group presented an increased TG and VLDL concentration when compared with the control, 50% and 75% groups (p\u3c0.05). HDL-c concentration was significantly greater after strength exercise at 50% and 75% when compared with 110% (p\u3c0.05). Accordingly, the 50% and control groups had greater HDL-c concentration than 110% group after 48 h and 72 h (p\u3c0.05). Finally, The 50% group showed lesser LDL-c concentration than 110% group after 24 h (p\u3c0.05). No significant differences were found in Total Cholesterol and HDL-c/Total cholesterol ratio concentration. Results indicate that acute strength exercise changes lipid profile in a specific-intensity manner. Overall, low and moderate exercise intensities appear to promote more benefits on lipid profile than high intensity. Long term studies should confirm these findings

Methylation of MGMT and ADAMTS14 in normal colon mucosa : biomarkers of a field defect for cancerization preferentially targeting elder African-Americans

Altres ajuts: National Institutes of Health Grant R37CA63585, RO1CA83017 i RO1CA157328Somatic hypermethylation of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene (MGMT) was previously associated with G > A transition mutations in KRAS and TP53 in colorectal cancer (CRC). We tested the association of MGMT methylation with G > A mutations in KRAS and TP53 in 261 CRCs. Sixteen cases, with and without MGMT hypermethylation, were further analyzed by exome sequencing. No significant association of MGMT methylation with G > A mutations in KRAS, TP53 or in the whole exome was found (p > 0.5 in all comparisons). The result was validated by in silico comparison with 302 CRCs from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) consortium dataset. Transcriptional silencing associated with hypermethylation and stratified into monoallelic and biallelic. We also found a significant clustering (p = 0.001) of aberrant hypermethylation of MGMT and the matrix metalloproteinase gene ADAMTS14 in normal colonic mucosa of CRC patients. This suggested the existence of an epigenetic field defect for cancerization disrupting the methylation patterns of several loci, including MGMT or ADAMTS14, that may lead to predictive biomarkers for CRC. Methylation of these loci in normal mucosa was more frequent in elder (p = 0.001) patients, and particularly in African Americans (p = 1 × 10-5), thus providing a possible mechanistic link between somatic epigenetic alterations and CRC racial disparities in North Americ

Structure and Magnetism of the Rh4+-containing perovskite oxides La0.5Sr0.5Mn0.5Rh0.5O3 and La0.5Sr0.5Fe0.5Rh0.5O3

Synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data indicate that La0.5Sr0.5Mn0.5Rh0.5O3 and La0.5Sr0.5Fe0.5Rh0.5O3 adopt distorted perovskite structures (space group Pnma) with A-site and B-site cation disorder. A combination of XPS and 57Fe Mössbauer data indicate the transition metal cations in the two phases adopt Mn3+/Rh4+ and Fe3+/Rh4+ oxidation state combinations respectively. Transport data indicate both phases are insulating, with ρ vs. T dependences consistent with 3D variable-range hopping. Magnetisation data reveal that La0.5Sr0.5Mn0.5Rh0.5O3 adopts a ferromagnetic state below Tc ∼ 60 K, which is rationalized on the basis of coupling via a dynamic Jahn–Teller distortion mechanism. In contrast, magnetic data reveal La0.5Sr0.5Fe0.5Rh0.5O3 undergoes a transition to a spin-glass state at T ∼ 45 K, attributed to frustration between nearest-neighbour Fe–Rh and next-nearest-neighbour Fe–Fe couplings

MicroRNAs miR-146-5p e let-7f como ferramenta de prognóstico para o carcinoma papilífero de tiroide: relato de caso

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most incident histotype of thyroid cancer. A certain fraction of PTC cases (5%) are irresponsive to conventional treatment, and refractory to radioiodine therapy. The current prognostic factors for aggressiveness are mainly based on tumor size, the presence of lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal invasion and, more recently, the presence of the BRAFT(1799A) mutation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as promising molecular markers for cancer as their deregulation is observed in a wide range of tumors. Recent studies indicate that the over-expression of miR-146b-5p is associated with aggressiveness and BRAFT(1799A) mutation. Furthermore, down-regulation of let-7f is observed in several types of tumors, including PTC. In this study, we evaluated the miR146b-5p and let-7f status in a young male patient with aggressive, BRAFT(1799A)-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma, with extensive lymph node metastases and short-time recurrence. The analysis of miR-146b-5p and let-7f expression revealed a distinct pattern from a cohort of PTC patients, suggesting caution in evaluating miRNA expression data as molecular markers of PTC diagnosis and prognosis. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):552-7O carcinoma papilífero (PTC) é o histotipo mais prevalente de câncer de tiroide. Cerca de 5% dos casos são refratários ao tratamento convencional e à radioiodoterapia. Os fatores prognósticos para agressividade mais utilizados atualmente são o tamanho do tumor, a presença de metástases linfonodais ao diagnóstico, a presença de invasão extratiroideana e, mais recentemente, a presença da mutação BRAFT1799A. A análise de perfil de expressão de microRNAs (miRNA) mostra que esses pequenos RNAs são marcadores moleculares promissores para o câncer, por apresentarem desregulação de sua expressão em uma ampla gama de tumores, includindo o PTC. Estudos recentes revelam a associação entre o aumento da expressão do miRNA e miR-146b-5p e a presença da mutação BRAFT1799A como um fator de pior prognóstico no PTC. Além disso, observa-se a diminuição da expressão de let-7f em diversos tipos de tumores, incluindo tumores tiroideanos. Neste relato de caso, realizamos a quantificação da expressão de miR-146b-5p e let-7f em um paciente jovem, de sexo masculino, apresentando PTC positivo para a mutação BRAFT1799A com extensas metástases linfonodais ao diagnóstico e recidiva precoce. A análise da expressão de miR-146b-5p e let-7f mostrou um padrão diferente do observado em um grupo de pacientes PTC, sugerindo a necessidade de cautela na interpretação da expressão de miRNAs como marcador molecular no diagnóstico e prognóstico de PTC. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):552-7Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (Fapesp)Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (Capes

Estratégias nutricionais no tratamento da síndrome da caquexia associada ao câncer

A síndrome da caquexia é considerada uma doença crônica degenerativa inflamatória, profundamente relacionada com o aumento de fatores pró-inflamatórios. O efeito de fatores pró-inflamatórios, é contrabalançado pelo efeito de fatores anti-inflamatórios. A perda de peso é um dos sintomas clínicos mais marcantes, essa diminuição de peso corporal, principalmente de massa gorda de massa magra era atribuída à anorexia e ao aumento do gasto energético. No entanto, a administração de suplementos nutricionais enteral ou paraenteralmente não reverte esses sintomas, refutando, dessa forma, a hipótese de que deficiência de nutrientes é o agente causador da caquexia associada ao câncer. Atualmente, acredita-se que fatores produzidos pelo tumor e fatores produzidos pelo hospedeiro induzem a anorexia e as alterações metabólicas que resultam no quadro de caquexia. A fim de combater a inflamação na doença crônica, nosso grupo tem atualmente adotado estratégias nutrucionais em modelo animal de caquexia associada ao câncer. Os efeitos dos diferentes nutrientes frente aos danos ocasionados pela sindrome da caquexia associada ao câncer são abordados na presente revisão