The statistics of diffusive flux

We calculate the explicit probability distribution function for the flux between sites in a simple discrete time diffusive system composed of independent random walkers. We highlight some of the features of the distribution and we discuss its relation to the local instantaneous entropy production in the system. Our results are applicable both to equilibrium and non-equilibrium steady states as well as for certain time dependent situations.Comment: 12 pages, 1 figur

Tendency in the growth of creole kids in extensive systems

The present investigation was developed at the State of Puebla, Mexico, to describe the tendency in the growth of Creole kids by means of the evaluation of the average daily weight gain (ADWG). A total of 161 kids were controlled from the birth to the 102 days of age. Every 15 days the kids were weighed, previous fasting with separation of the mother from afternoon of the previous day. The variables included were date and weight at birth, sex, childbirth type and weights every 15 days. The results show that the average weight to the birth was 2.562 ± 0.583 kg, the males surpassing females (p<0.01) in 9.57 percent (0.232 kg). Differences were observed in favour of those of simple childbirth. The final weight was 10.186 ± 2.723 kg for the females and 11.508 ± 3.616 kg for the males. The males from simple childbirth reached a greater weight (12.229 kg). The average daily weight gain (g) for all the animals was of 82.37 ± 26.9 g. The weight at the first month reached 106.2 g; at the second 95.5 g and 53.9 g at third. The smaller gains are observed in the females born from double childbirth with 64.01 ± 17.1 g, whereas the best growth behavior was find in males from simple childbirth with 94.34 ± 30.31 g. The better adjustment of the growth was obtained with potential type equations for the total of kids (Y= 3.23X0.262); second degree polynomial equations were better for the females (Y= 3.35 + 0.07497X -0.00007085 X2); potential equations for males (Y= 4.23X0.21); and also, potential for kids of simple childbirth (Y= 3.91X0.23) and second degree polynomial equations for kids of double childbirth (Y= 3.26 + 0.0947X - 0.00002069 X2).En el Estado de Puebla, México, se desarrolló la presente investigación con el objetivo de describir la tendencia en el crecimiento de cabritos criollos mediante la evaluación de la ganancia media diaria de peso (GMDp). Se dio seguimiento individual a 161 cabritos desde el nacimiento hasta los 102 días de edad, pesándose cada 15 días, previo ayuno con separación de la madre desde la tarde del día anterior. Las variables consideradas fueron fecha y peso de nacimiento, sexo, tipo de parto y pesos quincenales. Los resultados muestran que el peso promedio al nacimiento es de 2,562 ± 0,583 kg, superando los machos a las hembras (p<0,01) en un 9,57 p.100 (0,232 kg). Los de parto simple tuvieron mejor comportamiento. El peso final fue de 10,186 ± 2,723 kg para las hembras y de 11,508 ± 3,616 kg para los machos. La ganancia media diaria de peso (g) para el total de los animales fue de 82,37 ± 26,9 g en promedio. Por períodos, al primer mes alcanzan 106,2 g; en el segundo 95,5 g y 53,9 en el tercero. Las menores ganancias se observan en las hembras nacidas de parto gemelar, con 64,01 ± 17,1 g, mientras que el mejor comportamiento lo tienen los machos simples con 94,34 ± 30,31g. Las ecuaciones de mejor ajuste del crecimiento fueron de tipo potencial para el total de cabritos (Y= 3,23X 0,262); polinomial de segundo grado para las hembras (Y= 3,35 + 0,07497X - 0,00007085X2); potencial para machos (Y= 4,23X 0,21); potencial para cabritos de parto simple (Y =3,91X 0,23) y polinomial de segundo grado para cabritos de parto doble (Y= 3,26 + 0,0947X - 0,00002069X2)

Glycoprotein Ib activation by thrombin stimulates the energy metabolism in human platelets

<div><p>Thrombin-induced platelet activation requires substantial amounts of ATP. However, the specific contribution of each ATP-generating pathway <i>i</i>.<i>e</i>., oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) versus glycolysis and the biochemical mechanisms involved in the thrombin-induced activation of energy metabolism remain unclear. Here we report an integral analysis on the role of both energy pathways in human platelets activated by several agonists, and the signal transducing mechanisms associated with such activation. We found that thrombin, Trap-6, arachidonic acid, collagen, A23187, epinephrine and ADP significantly increased glycolytic flux (3–38 times <i>vs</i>. non-activated platelets) whereas ristocetin was ineffective. OxPhos (33 times) and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (88%) were increased only by thrombin. OxPhos was the main source of ATP in thrombin-activated platelets, whereas in platelets activated by any of the other agonists, glycolysis was the principal ATP supplier. In order to establish the biochemical mechanisms involved in the thrombin-induced OxPhos activation in platelets, several signaling pathways associated with mitochondrial activation were analyzed. Wortmannin and LY294002 (PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors), ristocetin and heparin (GPIb inhibitors) as well as resveratrol, ATP (calcium-release inhibitors) and PP1 (Tyr-phosphorylation inhibitor) prevented the thrombin-induced platelet activation. These results suggest that thrombin activates OxPhos and glycolysis through GPIb-dependent signaling involving PI3K and Akt activation, calcium mobilization and protein phosphorylation.</p></div

PID-like Fuzzy Controller Design for Anti-Slip System in Quarter-Car Robot

The design strategy of an adaptive Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID)-like fuzzy controller for an anti-slip Quarter-Car robotic system is proposed. The proposed control system is constructed by two loops, an external one for lineal speed control and an internal loop for current control. A motion profile is used to follow a trajectory. The slip is computed, such as the difference between the linear velocity given by an S-curve velocity profile and the longitudinal speed calculated according to the rotational speed of the Quarter-Car tire. This difference is the input of the external control loop. Whether the slip is significant, the slave controller must do that both velocities go at the same speed controlling the current of the direct current (DC) motor. On the other hand, the mathematical model of a tire coupled to the DC-motor model is presented to simulate the system and controller response. To test the robustness of the system, different scenarios are presented where the slip coefficient varies depending on the work surface. Three surfaces were selected to test the performance of the controller, dry, wet, and icy surfaces, while the system had a trajectory

From basic mechanisms to clinical applications in heart protection, new players in cardiovascular diseases and cardiac theranostics: meeting report from the third international symposium on "New frontiers in cardiovascular research"

In this meeting report, particularly addressing the topic of protection of the cardiovascular system from ischemia/reperfusion injury, highlights are presented that relate to conditioning strategies of the heart with respect to molecular mechanisms and outcome in patients' cohorts, the influence of co-morbidities and medications, as well as the contribution of innate immune reactions in cardioprotection. Moreover, developmental or systems biology approaches bear great potential in systematically uncovering unexpected components involved in ischemia-reperfusion injury or heart regeneration. Based on the characterization of particular platelet integrins, mitochondrial redox-linked proteins, or lipid-diol compounds in cardiovascular diseases, their targeting by newly developed theranostics and technologies opens new avenues for diagnosis and therapy of myocardial infarction to improve the patients' outcome

Epidemiology of Invasive Fungal Infections in Latin America

The pathogenic role of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has increased during the past two decades in Latin America and worldwide, and the number of patients at risk has risen dramatically. Working habits and leisure activities have also been a focus of attention by public health officials, as endemic mycoses have provoked a number of outbreaks. An extensive search of medical literature from Latin America suggests that the incidence of IFIs from both endemic and opportunistic fungi has increased. The increase in endemic mycoses is probably related to population changes (migration, tourism, and increased population growth), whereas the increase in opportunistic mycoses may be associated with the greater number of people at risk. In both cases, the early and appropriate use of diagnostic procedures has improved diagnosis and outcome

From basic mechanisms to clinical applications in heart protection, new players in cardiovascular diseases and cardiac theranostics: meeting report from the third international symposium on “New frontiers in cardiovascular research”

© 2016, The Author(s).In this meeting report, particularly addressing the topic of protection of the cardiovascular system from ischemia/reperfusion injury, highlights are presented that relate to conditioning strategies of the heart with respect to molecular mechanisms and outcome in patients’ cohorts, the influence of co-morbidities and medications, as well as the contribution of innate immune reactions in cardioprotection. Moreover, developmental or systems biology approaches bear great potential in systematically uncovering unexpected components involved in ischemia–reperfusion injury or heart regeneration. Based on the characterization of particular platelet integrins, mitochondrial redox-linked proteins, or lipid-diol compounds in cardiovascular diseases, their targeting by newly developed theranostics and technologies opens new avenues for diagnosis and therapy of myocardial infarction to improve the patients’ outcome