On the optimal level of public inputs.

This paper studies the optimal level of public inputs under two different tax settings. With this aim, we adapt the approach by Gronberg and Liu (2001) to the case of productivity-enhancing public spending. We find that it is not analytically clear whether the first-best level of public spending exceeds the second-best level. After taking account the type of public input, a wide numerical simulation has been carried out. We obtain that the second-best level is always below the first-best level but the criterion by Gronberg and Liu has to be qualified.Second best, excess burden, public input.

Optimization in non-standard problems. An application to the provision of public inputs

This paper describes a new method for solving non-standard constrained optimization problems for which standard methodologies do not work properly. Our method (the Rational Iterative Multisection -RIM- algorithm) consists of different stages that can be interpreted as different requirements of precision by obtaining the optimal solution. We have performed an application of RIM method to the case of public inputs provision. We prove that the RIM approach and comparable standard methodologies achieve the same results with regular optimization problems while the RIM algorithm takes advantage over them when facing non-standard optimization problems.direct search, constrained optimization, multisection, optimal taxation, public input.

How sensitive is the provision of public inputs to specifications?

This paper studies the sensitivity of provision of public inputs to changes in the specification of technology and consumer preferences. We consider a simple model in which the government, with recourse to three different tax settings (a lump-sum tax, a tax on labour and a tax on economic profit), provides firms with certain productive services. We focus on the numerical results coming from the government optimization problem. We look at several specific cases in which the returns to scale in the production function emerges as a critical issue. Our …findings also address the impact of changes in output elasticity, in consumer preferences and in the number of households on the levels of public input and utility.firm-augmenting public input, factor-augmenting public input, optimal provision

Guía metodológica para el personal académico; El espacio europeo de educación superior (EEES)

La presente guía responde a la convocatoria de Proyectos de Innovación y Mejora de la Calidad Docente emitida por la Oficina de Convergencia Europea (OCE) del Vicerrectorado de Desarrollo y Calidad de la Docencia. Su contenido se ajusta también a las líneas de acción que han venido estableciendo el Ministerio de Educación y Cultura (MEC) y el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (del que dependen ahora las Universidades) para avanzar en la integración del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES), así como al Plan de Acción Estratégica para el curso 2006-2007 de la Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociología en lo que respecta a la adecuación y mejora de la metodología docente. El Objetivo de dicha metodología es el de atender las dificultades de integración del alumno, diseñando canales de ayuda que favorezcan su rendimiento. Esta guía, dirigida al personal académico, expone, por un lado, de manera sucinta, los principales elementos que dan vida al proyecto del EEES y, por otro, el momento en que se encuentra la Facultad de cara al año 2010, fecha escogida para la entrada en operación de dicho proyecto. En el desarrollo de esta guía han participado el secretario de la Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales, y director del proyecto, Rafael Caballero Sánchez, la vicedecana de Ordenación Académica, Pilar González Martínez, y el investigador Óscar Diego Bautista

1D and 3D supramolecular structures exhibiting weak ferromagnetism in three Cu(II) complexes based on malonato and di-alkyl-2,2’-bipyridines

Abstract Manganese coordination polymers {Mn(- fum)(5dmb)(H2O)2}n (1) and {[Mn2(fum)2(4dmb)2] H2O}n (2) (fum= fumarato; 5dmb = 5,50-dimethyl-2,20-bipyridine; 4dmb = 4,40-dimethyl-2,20-bipyridine) were obtained from one-pot, solution reactions under ambient conditions. The fum ligand acquires different coordination modes in the presence of the different dmb ancillary ligands, promoting distinctive crystal structures, including divergent dimensionalities. Thus, X-ray single-crystal data reveal that complex 1 crystallizes in a monoclinic system with C2/c space group and forms an infinite one-dimensional polymer. The Mn(II) center is six-coordinated and displays a distorted octahedral configuration. In addition, the solid-state selfassembly of the polymeric structure of 1 gives rise to a twodimensional (2D) supramolecular framework, mainly through hydrogen bonding. In contrast, complex 2 crystallizes in a monoclinic system with a Cc space group and forms an infinite 2D coordination polymer having dinuclear units. The Mn(II) center has a distorted octahedral configuration. The thermal stabilities of both coordination polymers were investigated. Variable-temperature magnetic measurements show that complex 1 is paramagnetic, while complex 2 exhibits weak antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent Mn(II) centers.supported by CONACyT project 129293, DGAPA-UNAM project IN106014, and ICYTDF, project PICCO

The proteome of large or small extracellular vesicles in pig seminal plasma differs, defining sources and biological functions

Seminal plasma contains many morphologically heterogeneous extracellular vesicles (sEVs). These are sequentially released by cells of the testis, epididymis and accessory sex glands, and involved in male and female reproductive processes. This study aimed to in-depth define sEV-subsets isolated by ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), decode their proteomic profiles using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and to quantify identified proteins using Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS). The sEV-subsets defined Large (L-EVs) or Small (S-EVs) by their protein concentration, morphology, size distribution and EV-specific protein markers and purity. LC-MS/MS identified a total of 988 proteins, 737 of them quantified by SWATH in S-EVs, L-EVs and non-EVs-enriched samples (18-20 SEC-eluted fractions). The differential expression analysis revealed 197 differentially abundant proteins between both EV-subsets, S-EVs and L-EVs, and 37 and 199 between S-EVs and L-EVs vs non-EVs-enriched samples, respectively. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of differentially abundant proteins suggested, based on the type of protein detected, that S-EVs could be mainly released through an apocrine blebbing pathway and be involved in modulating the immune environment of the female reproductive tract as well as during sperm-oocyte interaction. In contrast, L-EVs could be released by fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane becoming involved in sperm physiological processes, such as capacitation and avoidance of oxidative stress. In conclusion, this study provides a procedure capable of isolating of subsets of EVs from pig seminal plasma with a high degree of purity and shows differences in the proteomic profile between EV-subsets,indicating different sources and biological functions for the sEVs

Habitat differences filter functional diversity of low dispersive microscopic animals (Acari, Halacaridae)

We are starting to appreciate that microscopic animals are not as widespread as previously thought, but we still ignore to what extent and through which mechanisms the environment selects for specific communities or traits in microscopic animals. We here analyse the functional diversity of marine mite communities living in a seagrass meadow across two habitats: the leaves and the matte. The strictly benthic lifestyle and the conserved morphology of mites allow for unambiguous characterisation of their functional traits, while the discrete nature of the two habitats alleviates the uncertainty in their ecological characterisation. Our results show that habitat filters the distribution of certain traits favouring a higher diversity, dispersion, and evenness of functional traits in the matte than in the leaves. We further observed temporal variations in the functional diversity of communities, following the changes in biomass and structure of seagrass leaves. However, despite the stark differences between the two habitats, the filtering effect is partial and affects mostly relative species abundances. Our study emphasises the need of moving from a taxonomical towards a functional view of ecological studies of microscopic organisms. This integrative approach is key to achieve a mechanistic understanding of their habitat and distribution patterns.Peer reviewe

The role of PGC-1α and mitochondrial biogenesis in kidney diseases

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the fastest growing causes of death worldwide, emphasizing the need to develop novel therapeutic approaches. CKD predisposes to acute kidney injury (AKI) and AKI favors CKD progression. Mitochondrial derangements are common features of both AKI and CKD and mitochondria-targeting therapies are under study as nephroprotective agents. PGC-1α is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and an attractive therapeutic target. Low PGC-1α levels and decreased transcription of its gene targets have been observed in both preclinical AKI (nephrotoxic, endotoxemia, and ischemia-reperfusion) and in experimental and human CKD, most notably diabetic nephropathy. In mice, PGC-1α deficiency was associated with subclinical CKD and predisposition to AKI while PGC-1α overexpression in tubular cells protected from AKI of diverse causes. Several therapeutic strategies may increase kidney PGC-1α activity and have been successfully tested in animal models. These include AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, and anti-TWEAK antibodies. In conclusion, low PGC-1α activity appears to be a common feature of AKI and CKD and recent characterization of nephroprotective approaches that increase PGC-1α activity may pave the way for nephroprotective strategies potentially effective in both AKI and CKD.Supported by ISCIII-FIS, FEDER funds, CP14/00133, PI16/02057, PI16/01900, PI18/01366, PI19/00588, PI19/00815, DTS18/00032, ERA-PerMed-JTC2018 (KIDNEY ATTACK AC18/00064 and PERSTIGAN AC18/00071, ISCIII-RETIC REDinREN RD016/0009, Sociedad Española de Nefrología, Fundacion Renal Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo (FRIAT), ISCIII Miguel Servet (A.B.S., M.D.S.-N.), ISCIII Sara Borrell (J.M.M.-M.), Comunidad de Madrid CIFRA2 B2017/BMD-3686 (M.F.-B. and D.M.-S.

Molecular pathways driving omeprazole nephrotoxicity

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor used to treat peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease, has been associated to chronic kidney disease and acute interstitial nephritis. However, whether omeprazole is toxic to renal cells is unknown. Omeprazole has a lethal effect over some cancer cells, and cell death is a key process in kidney disease. Thus, we evaluated the potential lethal effect of omeprazole over tubular cells. Omeprazole induced dose-dependent cell death in human and murine proximal tubular cell lines and in human primary proximal tubular cell cultures. Increased cell death was observed at the high concentrations used in cancer cell studies and also at lower concentrations similar to those in peptic ulcer patient serum. Cell death induced by omeprazole had features of necrosis such as annexin V/7-AAD staining, LDH release, vacuolization and irregular chromatin condensation. Weak activation of caspase-3 was observed but inhibitors of caspases (zVAD), necroptosis (Necrostatin-1) or ferroptosis (Ferrostatin-1) did not prevent omeprazole-induced death. However, omeprazole promoted a strong oxidative stress response affecting mitochondria and lysosomes and the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine reduced oxidative stress and cell death. By contrast, iron overload increased cell death. An adaptive increase in the antiapoptotic protein BclxL failed to protect cells. In mice, parenteral omeprazole increased tubular cell death and the expression of NGAL and HO-1, markers of renal injury and oxidative stress, respectively. In conclusion, omeprazole nephrotoxicity may be related to induction of oxidative stress and renal tubular cell deathSupported by FIS CP12/03262, CP14/00133, PI16/02057, PI16/ 01900, PI18/01366, PI19/00588, PI19/00815, DTS18/00032, ERAPerMed-JTC2018 (KIDNEY ATTACK AC18/00064 and PERSTIGAN AC18/00071, ISCIII-RETIC REDinREN RD016/0009 FEDER funds, Sociedad Española de Nefrología, Fundacion Renal Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo (FRIAT), ISCIII Miguel Servet (ABS, MDS-N), ISCIII Sara Borrell (JMM-M), Comunidad de Madrid CIFRA2 B2017/BMD-3686 (MF-B and DM-S

Herramientas para la implementación del sistema integrado de gestión para el sector secundario dedicado a construcción

La implementación de un Sistema de Gestión Integrado (SGI) bajo las normas ISO 45001, ISO 9001 e ISO 14001 puede ser de gran beneficio para una empresa constructora. - ISO 45001: Esta norma establece los requisitos para un Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (SST) efectivo, con el objetivo de prevenir lesiones, enfermedades y muertes relacionadas con el trabajo. Al implementar esta norma, la empresa podrá demostrar su compromiso con la seguridad y salud de sus trabajadores, lo que puede mejorar la productividad y reducir los costos relacionados con accidentes laborales. - ISO 9001: Esta norma establece los requisitos para un Sistema de Gestión de Calidad (SGC), con el objetivo de garantizar la calidad de los productos y servicios que ofrece la empresa. Al implementar esta norma, la empresa podrá mejorar la satisfacción del cliente, la eficiencia de los procesos y la rentabilidad del negocio. - ISO 14001: Esta norma establece los requisitos para un Sistema de Gestión Ambiental (SGA), con el objetivo de minimizar el impacto ambiental de las actividades de la empresa. Al implementar esta norma, la empresa podrá demostrar su compromiso con la sostenibilidad ambiental, lo que puede mejorar su reputación y reducir los riesgos legales y financieros asociados a la contaminación y el cambio climático. En resumen, la implementación de un SGI bajo estas tres normas puede ayudar a la empresa constructora a mejorar su seguridad y salud laboral, la calidad de sus productos y servicios, y su desempeño ambiental, lo que puede generar beneficios económicos, sociales y ambientales a largo plazoThe implementation of an Integrated Management System (SGI) under the ISO 45001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards can be of great benefit to a construction company. - ISO 45001: This standard establishes the requirements for an effective Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OSH), with the aim of preventing work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. By implementing this standard, the company will be able to demonstrate its commitment to the safety and health of its workers, which can improve productivity and reduce costs related to work accidents. - ISO 9001: This standard establishes the requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS), with the aim of guaranteeing the quality of the products and services offered by the company. By implementing this standard, the company will be able to improve customer satisfaction, process efficiency and business profitability. - ISO 14001: This standard establishes the requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS), with the aim of minimizing the environmental impact of the company's activities. By implementing this standard, the company will be able to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability, which can improve its reputation and reduce the legal and financial risks associated with pollution and climate change. In summary, the implementation of an IMS under these three standards can help the construction company to improve its occupational health and safety, the quality of its products and services, and its environmental performance, which can generate economic, social, and environmental benefits to long ter