Lyapunov design of a simple step-size adaptation strategy based on success

A simple success-based step-size adaptation rule for singleparent Evolution Strategies is formulated, and the setting of the corresponding parameters is considered. Theoretical convergence on the class of strictly unimodal functions of one variable that are symmetric around the optimum is investigated using a stochastic Lyapunov function method developed by Semenov and Terkel [5] in the context of martingale theory. General expressions for the conditional expectations of the next values of step size and distance to the optimum under (1 +, λ)-selection are analytically derived, and an appropriate Lyapunov function is constructed. Convergence rate upper bounds, as well as adaptation parameter values, are obtained through numerical optimization for increasing values of λ. By selecting the number of offspring that minimizes the bound on the convergence rate with respect to the number of function evaluations, all strategy parameter values result from the analysis

Contextos Alfareros de Interacción Social: Lo Local y Lo Foráneo en el Cementerio Inca de Quinta Normal

This paper provides information about 17 ceramic vessels, which are part of the off erings from seven burials of the Inca Period, found at the site Estación Intermodal Quinta Normal de Santiago (Chile). Based on morphologic and decorative attributes we make a stylistic classifi cation of the vessels. Additionally contextual and bioanthropological information of the burials is presented. Finally, we discuss topics related to the nature and scale of the Inca presence in the Maipo-Mapocho basin and its relationship with local groups.Key words:Tawantinsuyu, Inca pottery, Aconcagua culture, cultural dynamics.Se dan a conocer 17 vasijas cerámicas, que constituyen parte de las ofrendas de siete entierros del Período Incaico registrados en el sitio Estación Intermodal Quinta Normal de Santiago, Chile. Sobre la base de rasgos formales y decorativos de la alfarería, se realiza una adscripción estilística de estas piezas. Adicionalmente, se entrega información contextual y bioantropológica sobre los entierros. Finalmente, se discuten temáticas relacionadas con la escala y naturaleza de la presencia Incaica en la cuenca de Maipo-Mapocho, y su relación con las poblaciones locales.Palabras clave: Tawantinsuyu, Alfarería Inca, cultura Aconcagua, dinámicas de aculturación

Transcriptome profiling of grapevine seedless segregants during berry development reveals candidate genes associated with berry weight

Indexación: Web of Science; PubMedBackground Berry size is considered as one of the main selection criteria in table grape breeding programs. However, this is a quantitative and polygenic trait, and its genetic determination is still poorly understood. Considering its economic importance, it is relevant to determine its genetic architecture and elucidate the mechanisms involved in its expression. To approach this issue, an RNA-Seq experiment based on Illumina platform was performed (14 libraries), including seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight at fruit setting (FST) and 6–8 mm berries (B68) phenological stages. Results A group of 526 differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified, by comparing seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight: 101 genes from the FST stage and 463 from the B68 stage. Also, we integrated differential expression, principal components analysis (PCA), correlations and network co-expression analyses to characterize the transcriptome profiling observed in segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight. After this, 68 DE genes were selected as candidate genes, and seven candidate genes were validated by real time-PCR, confirming their expression profiles. Conclusions We have carried out the first transcriptome analysis focused on table grape seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight. Our findings contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in berry weight determination. Also, this comparative transcriptome profiling revealed candidate genes for berry weight which could be evaluated as selection tools in table grape breeding programs.http://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12870-016-0789-

High success and low mortality rates with non-invasive ventilation in influenza A H1N1 patients in a tertiary hospital

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In 2009, an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by influenza A H1N1 virus occurred worldwide. Some patients required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. The use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in these patients is controversial, as the aerosol dispersion may contaminate the environment and health-care co-workers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Describe the respiratory profile, the mortality rate, and the benefit of using NIV in patients with confirmed diagnosis of influenza AH1N1 who were admitted in the ICU during the year 2009.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 1, 401 cases of influenza A H1N1 were confirmed in our hospital by real-time RT-PCR in 2009, and 20 patients were admitted to the ICU. The patients' ages ranged from 18 to 74 years (median of 42). Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) was present in 70% of patients. The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 7 (range 7 to 25). Of the 14 patients who developed ARF, 85.7% needed NIV and 14% needed invasive MV at admission. Our success rate (41.6%) with NIV was higher than that described by others. The hospital mortality rate was 2.1%. When influenza A H1N1 arrived in Brazil, the disease was already on endemic alert in other countries. The population was already aware of the symptoms and the health-care system of the treatment. This allowed patients to be properly and promptly treated for influenza A H1N1, while health-care workers took protective measures to avoid contamination.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In our study we found a high success and low mortality rates with non-invasive ventilation in patients with influenza A H1N1.</p

The Role of the Unfolded Protein Response on Renal Lipogenesis in C57BL/6 Mice.

Renal injury observed in several pathologies has been associated with lipid accumulation in the kidney. While it has been suggested that the accumulation of renal lipids depends on free fatty acids released from adipose tissue, it is not known whether in situ renal lipogenesis due to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contributes to kidney injury. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of pharmacological ER stress in renal structure and function and its effect on renal lipid metabolism of C57BL/6 mice. ER stress increased serum creatinine and induced kidney structural abnormalities. Tunicamycin-administered mice developed hyperinsulinemia, augmented lipolysis and increased circulating leptin and adiponectin. Renal unfolded protein response (UPR) gene expression markers, the lipogenic transcription factor SREBP1 and the phosphorylation of eIF2α increased 8 h after tunicamycin administration. At 24 h, an increase in BiP protein content was accompanied by a reduction in p-eIF2α and increased SREBP-1 and FASn protein content, in addition to a significant increase in triglyceride content and a reduction in AMPK. Thus, ER stress induces in situ lipid synthesis, leading to renal lipid accumulation and functional alterations. Future pharmacological and/or dietary strategies must target renal ER stress to prevent kidney damage and the progression of metabolic diseases

Pivotal Role of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4, Its Adaptor Molecule MyD88, and Inflammasome Complex in Experimental Tubule-Interstitial Nephritis

Tubule-interstitial nephritis (TIN) results in decreased renal function and interstitial inflammation, which ultimately leads to fibrosis. Excessive adenine intake can cause TIN because xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) can convert this purine into an insoluble compound, which precipitates in the tubuli. Innate immune sensors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) and inflammasome complex, play a crucial role in the initiation of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of TLR-2 and -4, Myd88 and inflammasome complex in an experimental model of TIN. Here, we show that wild-type (WT) mice fed adenine-enriched food exhibited significant renal dysfunction and enhanced cellular infiltration accompanied by collagen deposition. They also presented higher gene and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, TLR-2, -4, MyD88, ASC and Caspase-1 KO mice showed renoprotection associated with expression of inflammatory molecules at levels comparable to controls. Furthermore, treatment of WT animals with allopurinol, an XDH inhibitor, led to reduced levels of uric acid, oxidative stress, collagen deposition and a downregulation of the NF-kB signaling pathway. We concluded that MyD88 signaling and inflammasome participate in the development of TIN. Furthermore, inhibition of XDH seems to be a promising way to therapeutically target the developing inflammatory process

Comercio, economia, desarrollo y derecho internacional. Nuevos retos en la agenda global del siglo XXI

Este libro recoge un conjunto de ponencias realizadas por algunos de los mejores especialistas españoles sobre temas esenciales para la solidaridad y el comercio internacional. Dichas ponencias se presentaron en un Congreso titulado “Comercio, economía internacional y desarrollo: Nuevos retos de la agenda global del siglo XXI”. El mismo se celebró a finales de octubre de 2011.Dirección de la colección, Carlos R. Fernández Liesa y Montserrat Huguet SantosPrólogo / Carlos R. Fernández Liesa. -- Presentación / José Escribano Úbeda-Portugués. -- El comercio internacional como motor del desarrollo: aspectos jurídicos y económicos / Romualdo Bermejo García y Rosana Garciandía Garmendia. -- Globalización económica y ordenación de las relaciones laborales: el papel de los instrumentos de responsabilidad social empresarial / Manuel Correa Carrasco. -- Los retos en la agenda global del siglo XXI ante los desequilibrios en los indicadores de desarrollo humano a nivel internacional / José Escribano Úbeda-Portugués. -- El potencial del acuerdo general sobre el comercio de servicios (AGCS) en la agenda del desarrollo humano / Claudia Manrique. -- Los planos universal y regional europeo en materia de comercio y desarrollo: UNCTAD y los nuevos acuerdos de libre comercio de la UE con los países en vías de desarrollo / José Escribano Úbeda-Portugués. -- La reformulación de las relaciones euromediterráneas: un modelo de cooperación inactivo ante los cambios de la "primavera árabe" / Paloma González del Miño. -- O agüifero guarani e a gestão integrada das águas subterrâneas no Brasil e no Mercosul / Janaína Rigo Santin y Thaís Dalla Corte. -- El desarrollo como asignatura pendiente del comercio internacional / José Miguel Calvillo

Nueve jueces entran en diálogo con nueve hipótesis acerca de la prueba de los hechos en el contexto penal

This article formulates nine hypotheses concerning the proof of facts in criminal proceedings, which are analysed by nine judges of Chilean criminal Courts (Tribunal de Juicio Oral y de Garantía). Seven hypotheses aimed at describing different practices that take place in the courts and two of them concern how judges should act in certain hard cases. The matters are grouped in the following categories: a) scopes of the compromise that judges should have in order to operate with true stories as support of their decisions; b) difficulties that arise as consequence of the epistemic weakness of the evidence available in trials and the possible slants in their interpretation; c) requirements of the evaluation of the proof according to the sana crítica; and d) meaning that should have the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. In this way, a dialogue between the system of beliefs of judges and of jurists takes place

Quantifying outcome misclassification in multi-database studies: The case study of pertussis in the ADVANCE project

Background: The Accelerated Development of VAccine beNefit-risk Collaboration in Europe (ADVANCE) is a public-private collaboration aiming to develop and test a system for rapid benefit-risk (B/R) monitoring of vaccines using European healthcare databases. Event misclassification can result in biased estimates. Using different algorithms for identifying cases of Bordetella pertussis (BorPer) infection as a test case, we aimed to describe a strategy to quantify event misclassification, when manual chart review is not feasible. Methods: Four participating databases retrieved data from primary care (PC) setting: BIFAP: (Spain), THIN and RCGP RSC (UK) and PEDIANET (Italy); SIDIAP (Spain) retrieved data from both PC and hospital settings. BorPer algorithms were defined by healthcare setting, data domain (diagnoses, drugs, or laboratory tests) and concept sets (specific or unspecified pertussis). Algorithm- and database-specific BorPer incidence rates (IRs) were estimated in children aged 0–14 years enrolled in 2012 and 2014 and followed up until the end of each calendar year and compared with IRs of confirmed pertussis from the ECDC surveillance system (TESSy). Novel formulas were used to approximate validity indices, based on a small set of assumptions. They were applied to approximately estimate positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity in SIDIAP. Results: The number of cases and the estimated BorPer IRs per 100,000 person-years in PC, using data representing 3,173,268 person-years, were 0 (IR = 0.0), 21 (IR = 4.3), 21 (IR = 5.1), 79 (IR = 5.7), and 2 (IR = 2.3) in BIFAP, SIDIAP, THIN, RCGP RSC and PEDIANET respectively. The IRs for combined specific/unspecified pertussis were higher than TESSy, suggesting that some false positives had been included. In SIDIAP the estimated IR was 45.0 when discharge diagnoses were included. The sensitivity and PPV of combined PC specific and unspecific diagnoses for BorPer cases in SIDIAP were approximately 85% and 72%, respectively. Conclusion: Retrieving BorPer cases using only specific concepts has low sensitivity in PC databases, while including cases retrieved by unspecified concepts introduces false positives, which were approximately estimated to be 28% in one database. The share of cases that cannot be retrieved from a PC database because they are only seen in hospital was approximately estimated to be 15% in one database. This study demonstrated that quantifying the impact of different event-finding algorithms across databases and benchmarking with disease surveillance data can provide approximate estimates of algorithm validity