A Java based simulation for basic control

7th IFAC Symposium on Advances in Control Education 21/06/2006 MadridIn this paper we present a java based simulator for control education in basiccourses. The application has been developed using the well known tool Easy JavaSimulation.The objective of the application is to help the student to learn the design of classiccontrollers such as P,PI, PID, etc testing the tuning procedures to control the position ofan antenna controlled by a DC motor. Thus the application allows the student to choosethe parameters of the antenna and the DC motor, to choose the controller to be used andits parameters and finally to simulate the closed loop system observing the evolution ofthe signals as well as a 3-D view. Furthermore, in order to show the real behavior of thesystem, dead zone, saturation, disturbances and non-linearities can be added to the model.This application has been used by the authors to teach a basic control course at EscuelaSuperior de Ingenieros (University of Seville) as virtual laboratory.Moreover, since the application is java based, this can be used by the students from theauthors’ web pages and this can also be installed in the student’s laptop (whichever theplatform is) by downloading it from the authors web page (Limon and Salas, 2003Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología DPI2004-07444Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología DPI2003-0042

EL SISTEMA DE JUSTICIA PENAL ACUSATORIO. RETOS Y PERSPECTIVAS

El presente trabajo de investigación, consiste y tiene como finalidad la de analizar, ¿Cuáles son los retos y perspectivas que enfrenta actualmente el “Nuevo Sistema de Justicia Penal Acusatorio, Adversarial y Oral” ?, teniendo como ámbito territorial el comprendido en el Municipio de Tenancingo, Estado de México, mismo que pertenece al XIII Distrito Judicial del Estado de México; esto en relación a las dificultades que enfrenta la implementación de un sistema de justicia penal oral en el Estado de México, a su vez se analizara que tan capacitados se encuentran los oficiales de las distintas instituciones policiacas que tienen lugar en el ya mencionado municipio, así mismo el enorme reto que representa contar con las instalaciones y el equipo necesario para que los servidores públicos que participan en este sistema de enjuiciamiento y de esta manera poder brindar a toda la ciudadanía que lo requiera una buena atención y garantizar que se cumplirán cabalmente con todos y cada uno de los principios establecidos en la legislación que rige la materia. Por otro lado, se investigará cuáles son las mejores escuelas que ofrecen la Licenciatura en Derecho, cuáles son las mejores capacitadas para brindar a sus estudiantes y aspirantes, una educación de calidad y darles herramientas suficientes para hacer frente a los retos que la sociedad mexicana actualmente enfrenta

A 3D multi-agent-based model for lumen morphogenesis: the role of the biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix

The correct function of many organs depends on proper lumen morphogenesis, which requires the orchestration of both biological and mechanical aspects. However, how these factors coordinate is not yet fully understood. Here, we focus on the development of a mechanistic model for computationally simulating lumen morphogenesis. In particular, we consider the hydrostatic pressure generated by the cells'' fluid secretion as the driving force and the density of the extracellular matrix as regulators of the process. For this purpose, we develop a 3D agent-based-model for lumen morphogenesis that includes cells'' fluid secretion and the density of the extracellular matrix. Moreover, this computer-based model considers the variation in the biological behavior of cells in response to the mechanical forces that they sense. Then, we study the formation of the lumen under different-mechanical scenarios and conclude that an increase in the matrix density reduces the lumen volume and hinders lumen morphogenesis. Finally, we show that the model successfully predicts normal lumen morphogenesis when the matrix density is physiological and aberrant multilumen formation when the matrix density is excessive

Triclosan-induced genes Rv1686c-Rv1687c and Rv3161c are not involved in triclosan resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A key issue towards developing new chemotherapeutic approaches to fight Mycobacterium tuberculosis is to understand the mechanisms underlying drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that genes Rv1686c-Rv1687c and Rv3161c, predicted to encode an ATP-binding cassette transporter and a dioxygenase respectively, are induced in the presence of triclosan and other antimicrobial compounds. Therefore a possible role in drug resistance has been suggested for the products of these genes although no functional studies have been done. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of Rv1686c-Rv1687c and Rv3161c in M. tuberculosis resistance to triclosan and other drugs. To this end, deficient mutants and overproducing strains for both systems were constructed and their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against over 20 compounds, including triclosan, was evaluated. Unexpectedly, no differences between the MIC of these strains and the wild-type H37Rv were observed for any of the compounds tested. Moreover the MIC of triclosan was not affected by efflux pump inhibitors that inhibit the activity of transporters similar to the one encoded by Rv1686c-Rv1687c. These results suggest that none of the two systems is directly involved in M. tuberculosis resistance to triclosan or to any of the antimicrobials tested

Metodología táctica para la implantación de sistemas de información basado en métrica y COBIT

El propósito de este trabajo es proponer una metodología para la implantación de un sistema de información basándose en los lineamientos de METRICA (metodología de planificación, desarrollo y mantenimiento de sistemas de información) y en COBIT (Objetivos de Control para la información y Tecnologías relacionadas) el cual es un conjunto de mejores prácticas para el manejo de información. Sintetizando ambos conjuntos de conocimientos orientados a procesos nos enfocaremos específicamente en la implantación de las soluciones informáticas.Tesi

Confined cell migration and asymmetric hydraulic environments to evaluate the metastatic potential of cancer cells

Metastasis, a hallmark of cancer development, is also the leading reason for most cancer-related deaths. Furthermore, cancer cells are highly adaptable to microenvironments and can migrate along pre-existing channel-like tracks of anatomical structures. However, more representative three-dimensional models are required to reproduce the heterogeneity of metastatic cell migration in vivo to further understand the metastasis mechanism and develop novel therapeutic strategies against it. Here, we designed and fabricated different microfluidic-based devices that recreate confined migration and diverse environments with asymmetric hydraulic resistances. Our results show different migratory potential between metastatic and nonmetastatic cancer cells in confined environments. Moreover, although nonmetastatic cells have not been tested against barotaxis due to their low migration capacity, metastatic cells present an enhanced preference to migrate through the lowest resistance path, being sensitive to barotaxis. This device, approaching the study of metastasis capability based on confined cell migration and barotactic cell decisions, may pave the way for the implementation of such technology to determine and screen the metastatic potential of certain cancer cells

Phosphate-activated glutaminase activity is enhanced in brain, intestine and kidneys of rats following portacaval anastomosis

AIM: To assess whether portacaval anastomosis (PCA) in rats affects the protein expression and/or activity of glutaminase in kidneys, intestines and in three brain areas of cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum and to explain the neurological alterations found in hepatic encephalopathy (HE). METHODS: Sixteen male Wistar rats weighing 250-350 gwere grouped into sham-operation control (n = 8) or portacaval shunt (n = 8). Twenty-eight days after the procedure, the animals were sacrificed. The duodenum, kidney and brain were removed, homogenised and mitochondria were isolated. Ammonia was measured in brain and blood. Phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG) activity was determined by measuring ammonia production following incubation for one hour at 37 with O-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and specific activity expressed in units per gram of protein (μkat/g of protein). Protein expression was measured by immunoblotting. RESULTS: Duodenal and kidney PAG activities together with protein content were significantly higher in PCA group than in control or sham-operated rats (duodenum PAG activity was 976.95±268.87 μkat/g of protein in PCA rats vs 429.19±126.92 μkat/g of protein in shamoperated rats; kidneys PAG activity was 1259.18 ± 228.79 μkat/g protein in PCA rats vs 669.67± 400.8 μkat/g of protein in controls, P < 0.05; duodenal protein content: 173% in PCA vs sham-operated rats; in kidneys the content of protein was 152% in PCA vs sham-operated rats). PAG activity and protein expression in PCA rats were higher in cortex and basal ganglia than those in shamoperated rats (cortex: 6646.6 ± 1870.4 μkat/g of protein vs 3573.8 ± 2037.4 μkat/g of protein in control rats, P < 0.01; basal ganglia, PAG activity was 3657.3 ± 1469.6 μkat/g of protein in PCA rats vs 2271.2 ± 384 μkat/g of protein in sham operated rats, P < 0.05; In the cerebellum, the PAG activity was 2471.6 ± 701.4 μkat/g of protein vs 1452.9 ± 567.8 μkat/g of protein in the PCA and sham rats, respectively, P < 0.05; content of protein:cerebral cortex: 162% ± 40% vs 100% ± 26%, P < 0.009;and basal gangl ia: 140% ± 39% vs 100% ± 14%,P < 0.05; but not in cerebel lum: 100% ± 25% vs 100% ± 16%, P = ns). CONCLUSION: Increased PAG activity in kidney and duodenum could contribute significantly to the hyperammonaemia in PCA rats, animal model of encephalopathy. PAG is increased in non-synaptic mitochondria from the cortex and basal ganglia and could be implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, PAG could be a possible target for the treatment of HE orliver dysfunction

Synthesis and evaluation of aromatic BDSF bioisosteres on biofilm formation and colistin sensitivity in pathogenic bacteria

The diffusible signal factor family (DSF) of molecules play an important role in regulating intercellular communication, or quorum sensing, in several disease-causing bacteria. These messenger molecules, which are comprised of cis-unsaturated fatty acids, are involved in the regulation of biofilm formation, antibiotic tolerance, virulence and the control of bacterial resistance. We have previously demonstrated how olefinic N-acyl sulfonamide bioisosteric analogues of diffusible signal factor can reduce biofilm formation or enhance antibiotic sensitivity in a number of bacterial strains. This work describes the design and synthesis of a second generation of aromatic N-acyl sulfonamide bioisosteres. The impact of these compounds on biofilm production in Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia multivorans, Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is evaluated, in addition to their effects on antibiotic tolerance. The ability of these molecules to increase survival rates on co-administration with colistin is also investigated using the Galleria infection model

Enfermería de práctica avanzada en la atención urgente, una propuesta de cambio : revisión sistemática

Fundamentos: La Enfermería de Práctica Avanzada es un rol desconocido en nuestro país. El objetivo principal de esta revisión fue mostrar los resultados de este modelo en los servicios de urgencias para alcanzar su futura implementación dentro del ámbito sanitario español. Métodos: Revisión sistemática de las bases de datos de The Cochrane Controlled, Web Of Science, Cinahl, Cuiden, LILACS, Guía Salud y Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Se utilizaron escalas validadas para la selección de 14 artículos finales, siguiendo el formato PRISMA. Resultados: Se apreciaron resultados favorables, con tiempos de espera máximos de 53 minutos y tiempo medio de estancia de 45 minutos, y menos de un 8% de casos de reingresos inesperados; así como en materia seguridad y satisfacción del paciente. Conclusiones: La implantación de esta figura ofrecería ventajas muy importantes para la mejora del sistema sanitario público, incrementando la calidad asistencial en términos de eficiencia.country. The aim of the study is to show the results of this model in emergency services for its future implementation in the Spanish health system. Methods: Systematic review with the Cochrane Controlled, Web Of Science, Cinahl, Cuiden, LILACS, Guía Salud and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases. Different validated scales were used for the selection of 14 final articles, following the PRISMA Statement. Results: Favourable results were observed, with maximum waiting times of 53 minutes and average time of stay of 45 minutes. There were less than 8% of cases of unexpected readmissions. Favourable results were also found regarding safety and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: The implementation of this figure could be beneficial for the improvement of the public health system, increasing the quality of care in terms of efficiency

Desarrollo de la fuerza muscular en niños como estrategia para disminuir el riesgo de enfermedad cardiometabólica

Los factores de riesgo para las enfermedades cardiometabólicas (ECM) como la obesidad, la resistencia a la insulina y el síndrome metabólico tienen su inicio en la infancia. Existe evidencia de que la adiposidad infantil se relaciona con factores de riesgo para presentar enfermedad cardiovascular en la vida adulta, principalmente en la población hispana, en la cual se ha observado mayor vulnerabilidad para desarrollar enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Las altas tasas de morbimortalidad secundaria a enfermedades cardiovasculares en países de medianos y bajos ingresos económicos como Colombia, demanda profundizar en el estudio de los mecanismos que relacionan las bases biológicas y epigenéticas de la programación fetal y el riesgo de presentar ECM. Nosotros hemos publicado evidencias de que nuestra población tiene una alta sensibilidad para presentar inflamación de bajo grado y resistencia a la insulina a menores niveles de adiposidad visceral, asociada a una menor fuerza de empuñadura, la cual es un marcador del contenido de masa muscular. Proponemos que mejorar la condición física, sobre todo la capacidad aeróbica y la fuerza muscular, es una intervención efectiva para disminuir el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad cardiovascular en niños y adolescentes colombianos, al disminuir la masa grasa, los marcadores de inflamación crónica de bajo grado y mejorar la cantidad y calidad de la masa muscular. Abstract Risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome arise during childhood. There is evidence that adiposity in children is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease later in life, particularly among the Hispanic population, where vulnerability for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases is greater. The high mortality and morbidity rates of cardiovascular disease in middle-and low-income countries such as Colombia, makes it necessary to delve deeper into the mechanisms related to the biological and epigenetic basis of fetal programming, and the risk to develop cardiometabolic diseases. Based in our published studies, we have evidence that our population is highly prone to having chronic low- grade inflammation and insulin resistance at lower levels of visceral adiposity, associated with a weaker handgrip, a muscle mass marker. Therefore, we propose that improving physical condition, more particularly aerobic capacity and muscle strength, is an effective intervention to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in Colombian children and adolescents, through a decrease in the fat mass, chronic low- grade inflammation markers, and an improvement in both the quality and amount of muscle mass