Network Synchronization, Diffusion, and the Paradox of Heterogeneity

Many complex networks display strong heterogeneity in the degree (connectivity) distribution. Heterogeneity in the degree distribution often reduces the average distance between nodes but, paradoxically, may suppress synchronization in networks of oscillators coupled symmetrically with uniform coupling strength. Here we offer a solution to this apparent paradox. Our analysis is partially based on the identification of a diffusive process underlying the communication between oscillators and reveals a striking relation between this process and the condition for the linear stability of the synchronized states. We show that, for a given degree distribution, the maximum synchronizability is achieved when the network of couplings is weighted and directed, and the overall cost involved in the couplings is minimum. This enhanced synchronizability is solely determined by the mean degree and does not depend on the degree distribution and system size. Numerical verification of the main results is provided for representative classes of small-world and scale-free networks.Comment: Synchronization in Weighted Network

Evaluación de la atención en deportistas de artes marciales : expertos vs. novatos

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las diferencias en el desempeño de una tarea de atención en relación con la pericia en artes marciales. Participaron 12 deportistas de artes marciales expertos y 13 novatos. Se les aplicó el Test of Variables of Attention (Greenberg, 1996) y se analizaron los datos de la prueba para cada variable, condición y segmentos en los que se divide, con un método estadístico no-paramétrico de permutaciones. Las comparaciones intergrupos indicaron una tendencia a que el puntaje global de Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH) de la prueba fuera mejor en los expertos que en los novatos. Se hizo un análisis intragrupo para conocer el comportamiento de cada grupo a lo largo de la prueba; los resultados indicaron que los deportistas expertos muestran mayor consistencia en el número de aciertos y tiempos de reacción a lo largo de la prueba, lo que se traduce como un mejor desempeño cuando se compara con la forma en que los deportistas novatos responden a la tarea. Los resultados sugieren que el entrenamiento físico y mental de las disciplinas de artes marciales podría producir una mejora en las capacidades de atención de los deportistas.The aim of this study is to determine differences in the performance of an attention-related task involving martial arts skills. 12 expert martial arts athletes and 13 novices took part, performing the Test of Variables of Attention (Leark, Greenberg, Kindschi, Dupuy and Hughes, 2007). Using a non-parametric statistical permutation method, the test data for each variable, condition and segment of the test was analysed. Comparisons of the groups showed a trend toward a higher global Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) score by the expert athletes as compared with the novices. In order to find out each group's performance during the test, a statistical intra-group analysis was performed. Generally, the results revealed more consistent accuracy and response times by the experts than by the novice athletes. The results suggest that physical and mental training in the martial arts may increase the attention skills of sportsmen and women.O objectivo do estudo foi determinar as diferenças no desempenho de uma tarefa atencional tendo em conta a perícia em artes marciais.Participaram no estudo 12 desportistas especialistas em artes marciais e 13 iniciantes. Foi aplicado aos participantes o Test of Variables of Attention (Greenberg, 1996) e analisaram-se os dados do teste para cada variável, condição e segmentos em que se dividem, através de um método estatístico nãoparamétrico de permutações. As comparações intergrupos indicaram uma tendência para que a pontuação global de Transtorno do Défice de Atenção e Hiperactividade (TDAH) fosse maior nos especialistas do que nos iniciantes. Foi realizada uma análise intragrupo para conhecer o comportamento de cada grupo ao longo da prova; os resultados indicaram que os desportistas especialistas revelaram maior consistência no número de acertos e tempos de reacção ao longo da prova, o que se traduz num melhor desempenho quando comparados com a forma como os desportistas iniciantes respondem à tarefa. Os resultados sugerem que o treino físico e mental das disciplinas de artes marciais poderia produzir uma melhoria nas capacidades atencionais dos desportistas

PROCESO DE MUERTE: EXPERIENCIA DE UN REGISTRO ENFERMERO COMO SOPORTE AL PROFESIONAL DE CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS

Cancer patients' last days’ condition has been described as multiple, multi-faceted and changing symptoms that mean high emotional, social and spiritual impact and requires specific attention from palliative care professionals. Since the starting period of the Palliative Care Unit at the Institut Català of Oncology (ICO) in Barcelona, the necessity of a record sheet was discovered, in order to record the whole process of the agony condition. The study has a double objective; on one hand to describe the complexity of last days’ condition that is recorded in the nursing records and how these records are useful for the following-up of the mourning period and the intervention of other professionals. On the other hand, it asses, from a qualitative point of view, its validity for the professionals themselves. This descriptive study was designed in three stages following a different methodology in each. During the first stage, records were analyzed of the condition of the last days of 150 patients that died in the unit over a year, so as to detect the need of following-up on mourning. In the second stage, by consensus in a meeting, the points that should be contained in the record sheet that were going to be used were defined and the modifications were written In the third stage, filling out, satisfaction and utility as an instrument of a specific record were assessed. As a result, it was discovered that one of every four conditions of death registered in our sample were "complex processes” with a high emotional impact for the team. A percentage of 27 % required mourning tracking by the social worker or a professional from the Psychiatry Department for pathologic cases. Regarding the satisfaction of the record itself, nursing professionals stated it was useful, particularly for this condition and that it could be improved. Being involved in the practice of these results allows us to better approach the process of the last days, to dictate complex conditions, and to prepare future actions for the mourning period.La situación de últimos días se caracteriza por la presencia de síntomas múltiples, multifactoriales y cambiantes, con alto impacto emocional, social y espiritual que precisa de atención específica del profesional en Cuidados Paliativos. Desde el inicio de su funcionamiento como Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos en el Instituto Catalán de Oncología, se detectó la necesidad de tener una hoja de registro donde plasmar todo el proceso de la situación de agonía. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es doble, por un lado describir la complejidad de la situación de últimos días que se refleja en los registros de Enfermería y cómo estos registros resultan de utilidad para el seguimiento posterior de duelo e intervención de otros profesionales, y por otro valorar de manera cualitativa su validez para los propios profesionales. Este estudio descriptivo se diseñó en tres fases, con diferente metodología en cada una de ellas. En la primera fase, se analizaron los registros de la situación de últimos días de 150 enfermos durante 1 año que fallecieron en la unidad para detectar su necesidad de seguimiento del duelo. En la segunda fase se definen, en reuniones de consenso, los puntos que debe contener la hoja de registro que se va a utilizar y se diseñan sus cambios. En la tercera fase se evalúa de manera cualitativa la cumplimentación, satisfacción y utilidad como instrumento de registro específico. Como resultante se detecta que una de cada cuatro situaciones de muerte recogidas en nuestra muestra son “procesos con complejidad”, con alto impacto emocional para el equipo. 27% requirió seguimiento de duelo, bien por trabajadora social o por profesional de Psiquiatría en casos patológicos. Con respecto a la satisfacción del propio registro, los profesionales enfermeros valoran que sí resultaba útil, específico para esta situación y mejorable. La implicación en la práctica de estos resultados permite abordar mejor el proceso de últimos días, dictaminar situaciones complejas y elaborar unas actuaciones posteriores en el duelo

Effect of silvicultural treatment of individual selection on the horizontal structure of a pine-oak forest in northern Mexico

In sustainable forest management it is essential to conserve and maintain biodiversity, the floristic composition and the mixture of its species. For this purpose, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the selection silvicultural treatment as a function of time, on the horizontal structure of a Pine-Oak Forest in northern Mexico. Nine sampling points were established to analyze the structure of the Initial Condition of the forest in 2012, the Recruitment of 2022 and the Final Condition of 2022. In addition, the Jaccard similarity coefficient and the Margalef wealth index were estimated. Likewise, Shannon true diversity index, the importance value index and the forest value index were calculated for each species. The analysis of variance with a confidence of 95% was used to evaluate the studied variables, multiple comparisons were made with Duncan's test to group the species in ranges of statistical importance. The results indicated that the forest not presented a change in similarity, richness and diversity of species due to the application of the selection silvicultural treatment, without statistical differences according to the mix and distribution of the species in the forest, this indicates that selective logging does not change the composition of forest species. Regarding the indices of true diversity, value of importance and forest value by species, no significant differences were observed in terms of the application of silvicultural treatment. According to these results, it was possible to identify groups of forest importance and value, where Pinus durangensis Martínez was the most representative species

Deep Learning for Fatigue Estimation on the Basis of Multimodal Human-Machine Interactions

The new method is proposed to monitor the level of current physical load and accumulated fatigue by several objective and subjective characteristics. It was applied to the dataset targeted to estimate the physical load and fatigue by several statistical and machine learning methods. The data from peripheral sensors (accelerometer, GPS, gyroscope, magnetometer) and brain-computing interface (electroencephalography) were collected, integrated, and analyzed by several statistical and machine learning methods (moment analysis, cluster analysis, principal component analysis, etc.). The hypothesis 1 was presented and proved that physical activity can be classified not only by objective parameters, but by subjective parameters also. The hypothesis 2 (experienced physical load and subsequent restoration as fatigue level can be estimated quantitatively and distinctive patterns can be recognized) was presented and some ways to prove it were demonstrated. Several "physical load" and "fatigue" metrics were proposed. The results presented allow to extend application of the machine learning methods for characterization of complex human activity patterns (for example, to estimate their actual physical load and fatigue, and give cautions and advice).Comment: 12 pages, 10 figures, 1 table; presented at XXIX IUPAP Conference in Computational Physics (CCP2017) July 9-13, 2017, Paris, University Pierre et Marie Curie - Sorbonne (https://ccp2017.sciencesconf.org/program

mcr-Colistin resistance genes mobilized by IncX4, IncHI2, and IncI2 plasmids in Escherichia coli of pigs and white stork in Spain

Colistin has become the last-line antimicrobial for the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales in human medicine. To date, several colistin resistance genes have been described. Of them mcr-1 is disseminated worldwide in Escherichia coli of human and animal origin. The aim of this study was to characterize mcr-mediated resistance plasmids from E. coli of animal origin in Spain. From our strain collection, 70 E. coli of pig origin collected between 2005 and 2014 (10 per year, except for years 2009-2010-2013) were randomly selected and screened for the presence of mcr-genes. Additionally, 20 E. coli isolated in 2011 from white storks (Ciconia ciconia) from the same urban household waste landfill associated colony were also included. Whole genome sequencing of mcr-positive isolates was carried out on a MiSeq (Illumina). Hybrid whole genome sequencing strategy combining nanopore and Illumina technologies were performed in a selection of isolates to close the genomes and plasmids and identify the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was used to assess the susceptibility to colistin. Mating experiments were carried out to evaluate transferability of the mcr-genes. A total of 19 mcr-1 and one mcr-4 positive isolates were detected, 15 from pigs distributed during the study period, and five from storks collected in 2011. No other mcr-variants were found. The MICs for colistin ranged between 4 and >4 mg/L. High diversity of STs were detected among the mcr-1 positive E. coli isolates, with only ST-10 shared between pigs and white storks. Except for one isolate, all were genotypic and phenotypically MDR, and five of them also harbored cephalosporin resistance genes (bla CTX-M- 14, bla SHV- 12, and three bla CMY- 2). mcr-1 genes were mobilizable by conjugation, associated with IncX4, IncHI2, and IncI2 plasmids. In our study, mcr-1 genes have been circulating in pig farms since 2005 harbored by a variety of E. coli clones. Its persistence may be driven by co-selection since plasmids containing mcr-1 also exhibit resistance to multiple drugs used in veterinary medicine. Furthermore, this is the first report of the presence of mcr-1 gene in isolates from white storks in Spain. This finding highlights the potential importance of wildlife that forage at urban household waste landfills in the transmission and spread of colistin resistance genes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pranlukast Antagonizes CD49f and Reduces Sternness in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive the initiation, maintenance, and therapy response of breast tumors. CD49f is expressed in breast CSCs and functions in the maintenance of stemness. Thus, blockade of CD49f is a potential therapeutic approach for targeting breast CSCs. In the present study, we aimed to repurpose drugs as CD49f antagonists. Materials and Methods: We performed consensus molecular docking using a subdomain of CD49f that is critical for heterodimerization and a collection of pharmochemicals clini-cally tested. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to further characterize drug-target binding. Using MDA-MB-231 cells, we evaluated the effects of potential CD49f antagonists on 1) cell adhesion to laminin; 2) mammosphere formation; and 3) cell viability. We analyzed the effects of the drug with better CSC-selectivity on the activation of CD49f-downstream signaling by Western blot (WB) and co-immunoprecipitation. Expressions of the stem cell markers CD44 and SOX2 were analyzed by flow cytometry and WB, respectively. Transactivation of SOX2 promoter was evaluated by luciferase reporter assays. Changes in the number of CSCs were assessed by limiting-dilution xenotransplantation. Results: Pranlukast, a drug used to treat asthma, bound to CD49f in silico and inhibited the adhesion of CD49f+ MDA-MB-231 cells to laminin, indicating that it antagonizes CD49f-containing integrins. Molecular dynamics analysis showed that pranlukast binding induces con-formational changes in CD49f that affect its interaction with β1-integrin subunit and constrained the conformational dynamics of the heterodimer. Pranlukast decreased the clonogenicity of breast cancer cells on mammosphere formation assay but had no impact on the viability of bulk tumor cells. Brief exposure of MDA-MB-231 cells to pranlukast altered CD49f-dependent signaling, reducing focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activation. Further, pranlukast-treated cells showed decreased CD44 and SOX2 expression, SOX2 promoter transacti-vation, and in vivo tumorigenicity, supporting that this drug reduces the frequency of CSC. Conclusion: Our results support the function of pranlukast as a CD49f antagonist that reduces the CSC population in triple-negative breast cancer cells. The pharmacokinetics and toxicology of this drug have already been established, rendering a potential adjuvant therapy for breast cancer patients

Residuos sólidos peligrosos en una empresa de transporte masivo de pasajeros en Cali, Colombia

Objective: To characterize the management of hazardous solid waste in a mass transportation company in Cali (Colombia) and the knowledge of such management by mechanics. Methodology: The characterization of the management of hazardous solid waste was carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree 4741 (2005), based on the Basel Convention (2005), regarding the source, separation, conditioning, collection, storage transportation, treatment and final disposal; in 7 maintenance workshops of a mass transportation company in the city of Cali (Colombia). A knowledge study on the management of hazardous solid waste was carried out on 30 mechanics from the same company. Results: The company produces more than 5,000 Kilos per month of hazardous solid waste, classifying it as a great generator, and its management is insufficient and does not meet regulatory standards, which represents a danger to the health of workers and the environment. Conclusions: The management and knowledge on the management of hazardous solid waste are insufficient. It is urgent to implement an adequate management model for the minimization of hazardous solid waste at the source and its management following regulatory standards.Objetivo: Caracterizar el manejo de los residuos sólidos peligrosos en una empresa de transporte masivo de Cali (Colombia) y el conocimiento sobre tal manejo por parte de los mecánicos. Metodología: La caracterización de la gestión de residuos sólidos peligrosos se realizó de acuerdo a lo reglamentado por el decreto 4741 (2005), basado en el convenio de Basilea (2005), respecto a la fuente, la separación, el acondicionamiento, recolección, almacenamiento transporte, tratamiento y disposición final; en 7 talleres de mantenimiento de una empresa de transporte masivo de la ciudad de Cali (Colombia). Se realizó un estudio de conocimientos sobre la gestión de residuos sólidos peligrosos en 30 mecánicos de la misma empresa. Resultados: La empresa produce más de 5.000 Kilos mensuales de residuos sólidos peligrosos clasificándola como gran generador, además su manejo es insuficiente y no cumple con los estándares normativos, lo que representa un peligro para la salud de los trabajadores y el medio ambiente. Conclusiones: La gestión y el conocimiento sobre el manejo de residuos sólidos peligrosos son insuficientes. Es urgente implementar un modelo de gestión adecuado para la minimización de residuos sólidos peligrosos en la fuente y la gestión de los mismos siguiendo los estándares normativos

mcr -Colistin Resistance Genes Mobilized by IncX4, IncHI2, and IncI2 Plasmids in Escherichia coli of Pigs and White Stork in Spain

Colistin has become the last-line antimicrobial for the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales in human medicine. To date, several colistin resistance genes have been described. Of them mcr -1 is disseminated worldwide in Escherichia coli of human and animal origin. The aim of this study was to characterize mcr -mediated resistance plasmids from E. coli of animal origin in Spain. From our strain collection, 70 E. coli of pig origin collected between 2005 and 2014 (10 per year, except for years 2009-2010-2013) were randomly selected and screened for the presence of mcr -genes. Additionally, 20 E. coli isolated in 2011 from white storks (Ciconia ciconia) from the same urban household waste landfill associated colony were also included. Whole genome sequencing of mcr -positive isolates was carried out on a MiSeq (Illumina). Hybrid whole genome sequencing strategy combining nanopore and Illumina technologies were performed in a selection of isolates to close the genomes and plasmids and identify the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was used to assess the susceptibility to colistin. Mating experiments were carried out to evaluate transferability of the mcr -genes. A total of 19 mcr -1 and one mcr -4 positive isolates were detected, 15 from pigs distributed during the study period, and five from storks collected in 2011. No other mcr -variants were found. The MICs for colistin ranged between 4 and >4 mg/L. High diversity of STs were detected among the mcr-1 positive E. coli isolates, with only ST-10 shared between pigs and white storks. Except for one isolate, all were genotypic and phenotypically MDR, and five of them also harbored cephalosporin resistance genes (bla , bla , and three bla ). mcr -1 genes were mobilizable by conjugation, associated with IncX4, IncHI2, and IncI2 plasmids. In our study, mcr -1 genes have been circulating in pig farms since 2005 harbored by a variety of E. coli clones. Its persistence may be driven by co-selection since plasmids containing mcr -1 also exhibit resistance to multiple drugs used in veterinary medicine. Furthermore, this is the first report of the presence of mcr -1 gene in isolates from white storks in Spain. This finding highlights the potential importance of wildlife that forage at urban household waste landfills in the transmission and spread of colistin resistance genes

Evolución de la innovación educativa en la Universidad Complutense: proyecto UNICOMEX

La evolución de la educación universitaria en España ha experimentado una enorme evolución en los últimos veinte años. Desde la enseñanza centrada en la clase magistral, con el consiguiente protagonismo del profesor, a lo que sucede actualmente, con el estudiante como eje principal, media todo un cambio en el planteamiento de nuestro sistema educativo universitario. La implantación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) ha sido uno de los objetivos perseguidos por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) en la última década. Con este fin existieron, hasta hace poco, las conocidas como Asignaturas Piloto (AP) e igualmente se convocan periódicamente, desde hace años, los Proyectos de Innovación Educativa (P.I.E.). Ambas herramientas han procurado facilitar dicha adaptación, así como promover un concepto transversal en la transmisión del conocimiento. Nuestro grupo de trabajo puede ser un ejemplo de lo que la UCM ha querido conseguir con ambas cosas. La asignatura ha participado en todas las convocatorias de AP, pasando por una evolución clara desde la clase magistral a los pequeños grupos de trabajo. Ha sido, además, el instrumento útil para ir desarrollando distintos P.I.E., hasta un total de nueve, tras formar un equipo interdisciplinar constituido por profesores universitarios y profesionales de diversos ámbitos. El último de estos PIE, concedido en el curso académico 2011-2012, consiste en la creación de un espacio virtual de referencia para el estudio de los animales exóticos, partiendo de los resultados obtenidos en proyectos anteriores. UNICOMEX (Universidad-Complutense-Exóticos) nace con el objetivo de poner al alcance de cualquiera una serie de recursos virtuales ordenados que faciliten el conocimiento biológico, anatómico y clínico de los animales exóticos, entendiendo como tales aquellos que, siendo de interés veterinario, no se consideran domésticos. La totalidad de su contenido está en español e inglés, con el fin de hacer de ella una herramienta virtual útil y abierta a la comunidad científica y didáctica internacional