Network coevolution drives segregation and enhances Pareto optimal equilibrium selection in coordination games

In this work we assess the role played by the dynamical adaptation of the interactions network, among agents playing Coordination Games, in reaching global coordination and in the equilibrium selection. Specifically, we analyze a coevolution model that couples the changes in agents' actions with the network dynamics, so that while agents play the game, they are able to sever some of their current connections and connect with others. We focus on two update rules: Replicator Dynamics (RD) and Unconditional Imitation (UI). We investigate a Pure Coordination Game (PCG), in which choices are equivalent, and on a General Coordination Game (GCG), for which there is a risk-dominant action and a payoff-dominant one. The network plasticity is measured by the probability to rewire links. Changing this plasticity parameter, there is a transition from a regime in which the system fully coordinates in a single connected component to a regime in which the system fragments in two connected components, each one coordinated on a different action (either if both actions are equivalent or not). The nature of this fragmentation transition is different for different update rules. Second, we find that both for RD and UI in a GCG, there is a regime of intermediate values of plasticity, before the fragmentation transition, for which the system is able to fully coordinate in a single component network on the payoff-dominant action, i. e., coevolution enhances payoff-dominant equilibrium selection for both update rules.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Scientific Report

Network coevolution drives segregation and enhances Pareto optimal equilibrium selection in coordination games

In this work we assess the role played by the dynamical adaptation of the interactions network, among agents playing Coordination Games, in reaching global coordination and in the equilibrium selection. Specifically, we analyze a coevolution model that couples the changes in agents’ actions with the network dynamics, so that while agents play the game, they are able to sever some of their current connections and connect with others. We focus on two action update rules: Replicator Dynamics (RD) and Unconditional Imitation (UI), and we define a coevolution rule in which, apart from action updates, with a certain rewiring probability p, agents unsatisfied with their current connections are able to eliminate a link and connect with a randomly chosen neighbor. We call this probability to rewire links the ‘network plasticity’. We investigate a Pure Coordination Game (PCG), in which choices are equivalent, and on a General Coordination Game (GCG), for which there is a risk-dominant action and a payoff-dominant one. Changing the plasticity parameter, there is a transition from a regime in which the system fully coordinates on a single connected component to a regime in which the system fragments in two connected components, each one coordinated on a different action (either if both actions are equivalent or not). The nature of this fragmentation transition is different for different update rules. Second, we find that both for RD and UI in a GCG, there is a regime of intermediate values of plasticity, before the fragmentation transition, for which the system is able to fully coordinate on a single component network on the payoff-dominant action, i.e., coevolution enhances payoff-dominant equilibrium selection for both update rules

Isogenic GAA-KO Murine Muscle Cell Lines Mimicking Severe Pompe Mutations as Preclinical Models for the Screening of Potential Gene Therapy Strategies

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) gene. Most gene therapies (GT) partially rely on the cross-correction of unmodified cells through the uptake of the GAA enzyme secreted by corrected cells. In the present study, we generated isogenic murine GAA-KO cell lines resembling severe mutations from Pompe patients. All of the generated GAA-KO cells lacked GAA activity and presented an increased autophagy and increased glycogen content by means of myotube differentiation as well as the downregulation of mannose 6-phosphate receptors (CI-MPRs), validating them as models for PD. Additionally, different chimeric murine GAA proteins (IFG, IFLG and 2G) were designed with the aim to improve their therapeutic activity. Phenotypic rescue analyses using lentiviral vectors point to IFG chimera as the best candidate in restoring GAA activity, normalising the autophagic marker p62 and surface levels of CI-MPRs. Interestingly, in vivo administration of liver-directed AAVs expressing the chimeras further confirmed the good behaviour of IFG, achieving cross-correction in heart tissue. In summary, we generated different isogenic murine muscle cell lines mimicking the severe PD phenotype, as well as validating their applicability as preclinical models in order to reduce animal experimentation.Fundacion Poco Frecuente (Almeria)Asociacion Espanola de Enfermos de Glucogenosis (AEEG)Asociacion Espanola de Enfermos de Pompe (AEEP

Comparative analysis of the performance of asphalt concretes modified by dry way with polymeric waste

An asphalt concrete has been modified by adding four polymeric wastes: polyethylene (PE) from micronized containers, polypropylene (PP) from ground caps, polystyrene (PS) from hangers and rubber from end-of-life tyres (ELT). These polymeric wastes were selected according to their availability, homogeneity and economic criteria considering the big amount of material required to build a road. The dry method has been used to modify the bituminous mixture due to its simplicity and the possibility to be carried out in any asphalt plant without important modifications. This is very important in order to spread the process and recycle the polymeric waste in the same place where it is produced, hence improving the environmental impact. The reference asphalt mixture and the four modified asphalt concretes have been analysed separately and their performance compared, evaluating their resistance against plastic deformation, stiffness, fatigue resistance and workability. The Master curve and the Black diagram of the mixtures were also calculated. The results showed that the use of polymeric wastes significantly increased the stiffness of the reference mixture in all cases, but especially when PE, PP and ELT were used. However, none of these materials significantly modifies the fatigue behaviour of the reference mixture. Regarding the resistance against plastic deformation, the use of both PE and ELT led to an increase of the resistance, whereas PP did not modify it and PS decreased it. As for workability, the energy of compaction of the modified mixtures did not suffer any important change. Therefore, according to the results obtained, PE, PP and ELT can be used to modify asphalt mixtures since they improve or do not change their properties. On the other hand, PS should be further studied because of the contradictory results obtained, and only when plastic deformation is not a problem this material could be used.POLYMIX is a project financed by the “LIFE+” program of the European Union, with reference number LIFE10 ENV ES 516. This project was carried out by a consortium coordinated by GITECO (Construction Technology Applied Research Group, University of Cantabria) and integrated by ACCIONA Infrastructures, AIMPLAS (Research Association of Plastic Materials), and VIA-M (Department of Road Construction from the Madrid Regional Government). The authors wish to acknowledge and especially thank Belén Monje and Eva Verdejo (AIMPLAS) and Raquel Casado and Elena Sáez (ACCIONA) for their collaboration

Acceptance of near-natural greenspace management relates to ecological and socio-cultural assigned values among European urbanites

Grasslands are widespread elements of urban greenspace providing recreational, psychological and aesthetic benefits to city residents. Two urban grassland types of contrasting management dominate urban greenspaces: frequently mown, species-poor short-cut lawns and less intensively managed, near-natural tall-grass meadows. The higher conservation value of tall-grass meadows makes management interventions such as converting short-cut lawns into tall-grass meadows a promising tool for urban biodiversity conservation. The societal success of such interventions, however, depends on identifying the values urban residents assign to different types of urban grasslands, and how these values translate to attitudes towards greenspace management. Using 2027 questionnaires across 19 European cities, we identify the assigned values that correlate with people's personal greenspace use and their preferences for different types of urban grasslands to determine how these values relate to the agreement with a scenario of converting 50 of their cities� short-cut lawns into tall-grass meadows. We found that most people assigned nature-related values, such as wildness, to tall-grass meadows and utility-related values, such as recreation, to short-cut lawns. Positive value associations of wildness and species richness with tall-grass meadows, and social and nature-related greenspace activities, positively correlated with agreeing to convert short-cut lawns into tall-grass meadows. Conversely, disapproval of lawn conversion correlated with positive value associations of cleanliness and recreation potential with short-cut lawns. Here, people using greenspaces for nature-related activities were outstandingly positive about lawn conversion. The results show that the plurality of values assigned to different types of urban grasslands should be considered in urban greenspace planning. For example, tall-grass meadows could be managed to also accommodate the values associated with short-cut lawns, such as tidiness and recreation potential, to support their societal acceptance

The antioxidant l-Ergothioneine prevents cystine lithiasis in the Slc7a9-/- mouse model of cystinuria

The high recurrence rate of cystine lithiasis observed in cystinuria patients highlights the need for new therapeutic options to address this chronic disease. There is growing evidence of an antioxidant defect in cystinuria, which has led to test antioxidant molecules as new therapeutic approaches. In this study, the antioxidant l-Ergothioneine was evaluated, at two different doses, as a preventive and long-term treatment for cystinuria in the Slc7a9-/- mouse model. l-Ergothioneine treatments decreased the rate of stone formation by more than 60% and delayed its onset in those mice that still developed calculi. Although there were no differences in metabolic parameters or urinary cystine concentration between control and treated mice, cystine solubility was increased by 50% in the urines of treated mice. We also demonstrate that l-Ergothioneine needs to be internalized by its transporter OCTN1 (Slc22a4) to be effective, as when administrated to the double mutant Slc7a9-/-Slc22a4-/- mouse model, no effect on the lithiasis phenotype was observed. In kidneys, we detected a decrease in GSH levels and an impairment of maximal mitochondrial respiratory capacity in cystinuric mice that l-Ergothioneine treatment was able to restore. Thus, l-Ergothioneine administration prevented cystine lithiasis in the Slc7a9-/- mouse model by increasing urinary cystine solubility and recovered renal GSH metabolism and mitochondrial function. These results support the need for clinical trials to test l-Ergothioneine as a new treatment for cystinuria.This work has been funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the projects PI16/00267-R-FEDER and PI20/00200 to VN (Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund. ERDF, a way to build Europe), and by La Marató de TV3 through the project 202025-30 to VN and 202025-32 to FVP. Generalitat de Catalunya Grant SGR2017-191 to VN. We also thank CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya for institutional support.Peer reviewe

Programa de investigación: sistemas conversores de energía

Este trabajo describe el Programa “Sistemas Conversores de Energía”, financiado por la UNT para el período 2008-2012, que se integra con tres Proyectos. Se presenta la situación Argentina desde las perspectivas técnicas normativas, políticas y sociales que hacen al uso eficiente y racional de la energía, mostrando la necesidad del acercamiento multidisciplinario e integrativo que se propone para los problemas energéticos actuales. Los objetivos y procedimientos de cada proyecto revelan el alcance del programa y las posibilidades de impacto que tiene sobre el conocimiento de nuevas tecnologías innovativas, en las normativas de eficiencia y en las políticas energéticas dirigidas a una integración de la sociedad en los problemas energéticos argentinos.This paper describes the scopes of the research program "Energy Conversion Systems", supported (until 2012 year) by the Science & Technology Council of the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CIUNT). It concerns about technical regulations and policies on energy and efficiency, focused by multidisciplinary-and-integrated approach, achieved by three different projects. The objectives and procedures of each one show the full scope of the program and the potential impact it would have on the knowledge of efficiency and energy regulations and policies.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Programa de investigación: sistemas conversores de energía

Este trabajo describe el Programa “Sistemas Conversores de Energía”, financiado por la UNT para el período 2008-2012, que se integra con tres Proyectos. Se presenta la situación Argentina desde las perspectivas técnicas normativas, políticas y sociales que hacen al uso eficiente y racional de la energía, mostrando la necesidad del acercamiento multidisciplinario e integrativo que se propone para los problemas energéticos actuales. Los objetivos y procedimientos de cada proyecto revelan el alcance del programa y las posibilidades de impacto que tiene sobre el conocimiento de nuevas tecnologías innovativas, en las normativas de eficiencia y en las políticas energéticas dirigidas a una integración de la sociedad en los problemas energéticos argentinos.This paper describes the scopes of the research program "Energy Conversion Systems", supported (until 2012 year) by the Science & Technology Council of the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CIUNT). It concerns about technical regulations and policies on energy and efficiency, focused by multidisciplinary-and-integrated approach, achieved by three different projects. The objectives and procedures of each one show the full scope of the program and the potential impact it would have on the knowledge of efficiency and energy regulations and policies.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES

Programa de investigación: sistemas conversores de energía

Este trabajo describe el Programa “Sistemas Conversores de Energía”, financiado por la UNT para el período 2008-2012, que se integra con tres Proyectos. Se presenta la situación Argentina desde las perspectivas técnicas normativas, políticas y sociales que hacen al uso eficiente y racional de la energía, mostrando la necesidad del acercamiento multidisciplinario e integrativo que se propone para los problemas energéticos actuales. Los objetivos y procedimientos de cada proyecto revelan el alcance del programa y las posibilidades de impacto que tiene sobre el conocimiento de nuevas tecnologías innovativas, en las normativas de eficiencia y en las políticas energéticas dirigidas a una integración de la sociedad en los problemas energéticos argentinos.This paper describes the scopes of the research program "Energy Conversion Systems", supported (until 2012 year) by the Science & Technology Council of the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (CIUNT). It concerns about technical regulations and policies on energy and efficiency, focused by multidisciplinary-and-integrated approach, achieved by three different projects. The objectives and procedures of each one show the full scope of the program and the potential impact it would have on the knowledge of efficiency and energy regulations and policies.Asociación Argentina de Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente (ASADES