Frederico Alan de Oliveira Cruz

Computer modeling of a spinal reflex circuit

We used a set of properties of the interactions among the spinal neurons in order to develop a computer model for a spinal reflex circuit. The model equations take into account the synaptic characteristics of the somatodendritic membrane of neurons in a morphofunctional unity of the spinal reflex activity. This model is based on the idea that the responses of spinal alpha-motoneurons to a sensorial stimulation can be modulated by the serial activation of a motor command chain. We developed a Fortran program for simulating a physiological situation. The results are discussed in terms of available experimental data for the motoneuron firing rate.

Solution of non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation for erythrocyte membrane

The space-dependent electric potential equations were determined by solution of non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, which decribes an erythrocyte membrane model which takes into account the charges of molecules associated with lipidic bilayer (glycocalyx molecules, outer side, and spectrin, inner side). It was assumed that on both sides of the membrane the charges are homogeneously distributed. Therefore, the potential was dependent on the z-coordinate only. Thus, we obtained the potential profile curve. The results are compared to previous ones obtained from more simple membrane model (Bioelectroch. Bioenerg. 1993, 32:305-315).

Risperidone interacts with serum albumin forming complex

The aim of the work is to study the mechanisms of the interaction of risperidone with human and bovine serum albumins using the fluorescence quenching technique. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat many psychiatric disorders. We selectively excited the fluorescence of tryptophan residues with a 290 nm wavelength light, and observed quenching by titrating human and bovine serum albumin solutions with risperidone. Emission spectra were recorded in the range from 300 to 450 nm for each quencher addition. Stern-Volmer graphs were plotted and quenching constants were estimated. Results showed that the drug quenches the fluorescence of the human serum albumin by the formation of a complex risperidone-albumin. Association constants calculated from Stern-Volmer equation for low concentrations (lower than 1:10 ratio risperidone/albumin) were of 2.56 × 10(5)M(-1), at 25 °C, and 1.43 × 10(5)M(-1), at 37 °C. As the quenching intensity of bovine serum albumin, which contains two tryptophan residues, was found to be higher than that of human serum albumin, which contains only one tryptophan residue. Hence, we suggest that the primary binding site for risperidone in albumin should be located in sub domain IB.

A mathematical model for nonlinear fluorescence quenching

Here, we presents a mathematical model to describe the nonlinear processes of fluorescence quenching, showing that the Stern-Volmer model can be a particular case when the quenching occurs as a linear phenomenon. The preliminary simulation, using data from the interaction of risperidone, an antipsychotic drug, with human serum albumin showed that the mathematical model may reproduce with very good approximation the nonlinear fluorescence quenching process.

Applying backpropagation neural network in the control of medullary reflex pattern

We introduced in an artificial neural network (ANN) values of the data matrix that was built with results from simulations performed with the model for the control circuit of spinal reflex presented by Dalcin et al. (2005). Standard multi-layered feed-forward backpropagation network was used to train the ANNs. Results showed that the backpropagation ANN architecture supported the specific classificatory requirements of the study.

Magnetic and electric fields across sodium and potassium channels

We determined the magnetic field around sodium and potassium ionic channels based on a physico-mathematical model that took into account charges in the surface bilayer. For the numerical simulation, we applied the finite element method. Results show that each channel produces its specific and individual response to the ion transport, according to its individual intrinsic properties. The existence of a number of active Na+-channels in a given membrane region seems not to interfere directly in the functioning of K+-channel located among them, and vice-versa.We determined the magnetic field around sodium and potassium ionic channels based on a physico-mathematical model that took into account charges in the surface bilayer. For the numerical simulation, we applied the finite element method. Results show that each channel produces its specific and individual response to the ion transport, according to its individual intrinsic properties. The existence of a number of active Na+-channels in a given membrane region seems not to interfere directly in the functioning of K+-channel located among them, and vice-versa.

Psycological and physiological responses to stress: a review based on results from PET and MRI studies

A new application for the nuclear imaging techniques is the study of organic responses to stress. Neuroimaging techniques allow the assessment of brain activation changes in association with the metabolic responses to stress. In this paper, a review of general effects of the stress on organic activity is made, emphasizing important advances introduced by studies using PET and fMRI. The importance of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis to onset the adequate psychical and organic responses to sustain the homeostasis during the stress is discussed, as well as the possibility of traumatic stressing experiences have negative effects on the brain.

A model for the neural control of pineal periodicity

The aim of this work was verify if a computational model associating the synchronization dynamics of coupling oscillators to a set of synaptic transmission equations would be able to simulate the control of pineal by a complex neural pathway that connects the retina to this gland. Results from the simulations showed that the frequency and temporal firing patterns were in the range of values found in literature.

A model for electrophoretic transport of charged particles through membrane before steady state

In this paper, we are presenting a model for electrophoretic motion of a charged particle through the membrane before it reaches the steady state, based on concepts of Physics. Some results from analysis of the model are discussed.