Comportamiento de orden fraccionario en la respuesta de un circuito RC mediante derivada de núcleo singular

This paper proposes the fractional-order differential equation of an RC electronic circuit in terms of the Caputo-type fractional derivative. The fractional-order derivative is defined in the interval 0<q≤1 considering the dimensionality of the parameters R and C. The exact analytical solution is presented using properties of the Laplace transform and Mittag-Leffler function. Besides, the experimental response of the proposed circuit is presented and compared with the analytical solutions. The results show that the voltage depends on the values of the fractional order.En este artículo, se presenta la ecuación diferencial fraccionaria de un circuito electrónico RC en términos de la derivada fraccionaria de tipo Caputo y la solución analítica exacta usando propiedades de la transformada de Laplace y la función Mittag-Leffler. El orden de la derivada fraccionaria es definido en el intervalo 0<q≤1, preservando la dimensionalidad de los parámetros R y C. Además, se muestra la respuesta experimental del circuito propuesto y se compara con las soluciones analíticas. Los resultados muestran que el voltaje del capacitor depende directamente de los valores del orden fraccionario

Análisis Comparativo del Posicionamiento Preciso Utilizando el Receptor de Bajo Costo GNSS ZED-F9P en Conjunto con la Antena BEIBT300 y Diferentes Modelos de Antena de Orden Geodésico

Con el avance de la Geodesia y la mejora de las especificaciones técnicas de los receptores de bajo costo, los GNSS abren nuevas alternativas para investigar las capacidades técnicas y rendimiento real que proveen este tipo de receptores para diferentes propósitos geodésicos. En este contexto, la precisión alcanzable fue analizada usando el receptor de bajo costo GNSS ZED-F9P en conjunto con dos antenas de orden geodésico (ASH701975.01B y LEIAS10 NONE) y una antena de bajo costo (BEIBT300 NONE). Las observaciones GNSS fueron llevadas a cabo en un periodo de dos días para cada modelo de antena. El análisis fue realizado en tiempos de observación de 12, 6 y 1 h, respectivamente. Estas observaciones fueron procesadas usando el método relativo estático mediante la inclusión de una estación de referencia continua del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, la cual está localizada a una distancia aproximada de 4 km. Los resultados demuestran que la mayor precisión es lograda en un periodo de 12 h, con diferencias mínimas de 3 cm para la componente Norte y 33 cm para la vertical. En este sentido, la solución menos precisa es obtenida en el periodo de 1 h resultando diferencias de 70 cm, 46 cm y 2.3 m para la componente Norte, Este y vertical respectivamente.   With advancements in geodesy and enhancements in the technical specifications of low-cost receivers, GNSS opens up new avenues for investigating the capabilities and performance provided by these receivers for various geodetic purposes. In this context, the precision achievable using the low-cost GNSS receiver ZED-F9P in conjunction with two geodetic antennas (ASH701975.01B and LEIAS10 NONE) and a low-cost antenna (BEIBT300 NONE) was analyzed. GNSS observations were conducted over a 2-day period for each antenna model. The analysis involved observation durations of 12, 6, and 1 h. These observations were processed using the static relative method alongside a continuously operating GNSS station from the Active National Geodetic Network of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, situated at ~4 km. The results demonstrate that the highest precision was achieved over a 12 h period, with minimal differences of 3 cm for the North component and 33 cm for the vertical component. Conversely, the least accurate solution was obtained within a 1 h observation period, resulting in differences of up to 70 cm, 46 cm, and 2.3 m for the North, East, and vertical components, respectively

Catch-up growth following intra-uterine growth-restriction programmes an insulin-resistant phenotype in adipose tissue.

BACKGROUND: It is now widely accepted that the early-life nutritional environment is important in determining susceptibility to metabolic diseases. In particular, intra-uterine growth restriction followed by accelerated postnatal growth is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes and other features of the metabolic syndrome. The mechanisms underlying these observations are not fully understood. AIM: Using a well-established maternal protein-restriction rodent model, our aim was to determine if exposure to mismatched nutrition in early-life programmes adipose tissue structure and function, and expression of key components of the insulin-signalling pathway. METHODS: Offspring of dams fed a low-protein (8%) diet during pregnancy were suckled by control (20%)-fed dams to drive catch-up growth. This 'recuperated' group was compared with offspring of dams fed a 20% protein diet during pregnancy and lactation (control group). Epididymal adipose tissue from 22-day and 3-month-old control and recuperated male rats was studied using histological analysis. Expression and phosphorylation of insulin-signalling proteins and gene expression were assessed by western blotting and reverse-transcriptase PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Recuperated offspring at both ages had larger adipocytes (P<0.001). Fasting serum glucose, insulin and leptin levels were comparable between groups but increased with age. Recuperated offspring had reduced expression of IRS-1 (P<0.01) and PI3K p110β (P<0.001) in adipose tissue. In adult recuperated rats, Akt phosphorylation (P<0.01) and protein levels of Akt-2 (P<0.01) were also reduced. Messenger RNA expression levels of these proteins were not different, indicating a post-transcriptional effect. CONCLUSION: Early-life nutrition programmes alterations in adipocyte cell size and impairs the protein expression of several insulin-signalling proteins through post-transcriptional mechanisms. These indices may represent early markers of insulin resistance and metabolic disease risk

Co-limitation towards lower latitudes shapes global forest diversity gradients

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most recognized global patterns of species richness exhibited across a wide range of taxa. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed in the past two centuries to explain LDG, but rigorous tests of the drivers of LDGs have been limited by a lack of high-quality global species richness data. Here we produce a high-resolution (0.025° × 0.025°) map of local tree species richness using a global forest inventory database with individual tree information and local biophysical characteristics from ~1.3 million sample plots. We then quantify drivers of local tree species richness patterns across latitudes. Generally, annual mean temperature was a dominant predictor of tree species richness, which is most consistent with the metabolic theory of biodiversity (MTB). However, MTB underestimated LDG in the tropics, where high species richness was also moderated by topographic, soil and anthropogenic factors operating at local scales. Given that local landscape variables operate synergistically with bioclimatic factors in shaping the global LDG pattern, we suggest that MTB be extended to account for co-limitation by subordinate drivers

Co-limitation towards lower latitudes shapes global forest diversity gradients

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most recognized global patterns of species richness exhibited across a wide range of taxa. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed in the past two centuries to explain LDG, but rigorous tests of the drivers of LDGs have been limited by a lack of high-quality global species richness data. Here we produce a high-resolution (0.025° × 0.025°) map of local tree species richness using a global forest inventory database with individual tree information and local biophysical characteristics from ~1.3 million sample plots. We then quantify drivers of local tree species richness patterns across latitudes. Generally, annual mean temperature was a dominant predictor of tree species richness, which is most consistent with the metabolic theory of biodiversity (MTB). However, MTB underestimated LDG in the tropics, where high species richness was also moderated by topographic, soil and anthropogenic factors operating at local scales. Given that local landscape variables operate synergistically with bioclimatic factors in shaping the global LDG pattern, we suggest that MTB be extended to account for co-limitation by subordinate drivers

Co-limitation towards lower latitudes shapes global forest diversity gradients

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most recognized global patterns of species richness exhibited across a wide range of taxa. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed in the past two centuries to explain LDG, but rigorous tests of the drivers of LDGs have been limited by a lack of high-quality global species richness data. Here we produce a high-resolution (0.025° × 0.025°) map of local tree species richness using a global forest inventory database with individual tree information and local biophysical characteristics from ~1.3 million sample plots. We then quantify drivers of local tree species richness patterns across latitudes. Generally, annual mean temperature was a dominant predictor of tree species richness, which is most consistent with the metabolic theory of biodiversity (MTB). However, MTB underestimated LDG in the tropics, where high species richness was also moderated by topographic, soil and anthropogenic factors operating at local scales. Given that local landscape variables operate synergistically with bioclimatic factors in shaping the global LDG pattern, we suggest that MTB be extended to account for co-limitation by subordinate drivers

Single-dose administration and the influence of the timing of the booster dose on immunogenicity and efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine: a pooled analysis of four randomised trials.

BACKGROUND: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine has been approved for emergency use by the UK regulatory authority, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, with a regimen of two standard doses given with an interval of 4-12 weeks. The planned roll-out in the UK will involve vaccinating people in high-risk categories with their first dose immediately, and delivering the second dose 12 weeks later. Here, we provide both a further prespecified pooled analysis of trials of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and exploratory analyses of the impact on immunogenicity and efficacy of extending the interval between priming and booster doses. In addition, we show the immunogenicity and protection afforded by the first dose, before a booster dose has been offered. METHODS: We present data from three single-blind randomised controlled trials-one phase 1/2 study in the UK (COV001), one phase 2/3 study in the UK (COV002), and a phase 3 study in Brazil (COV003)-and one double-blind phase 1/2 study in South Africa (COV005). As previously described, individuals 18 years and older were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive two standard doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (5 × 1010 viral particles) or a control vaccine or saline placebo. In the UK trial, a subset of participants received a lower dose (2·2 × 1010 viral particles) of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 for the first dose. The primary outcome was virologically confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 disease, defined as a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)-positive swab combined with at least one qualifying symptom (fever ≥37·8°C, cough, shortness of breath, or anosmia or ageusia) more than 14 days after the second dose. Secondary efficacy analyses included cases occuring at least 22 days after the first dose. Antibody responses measured by immunoassay and by pseudovirus neutralisation were exploratory outcomes. All cases of COVID-19 with a NAAT-positive swab were adjudicated for inclusion in the analysis by a masked independent endpoint review committee. The primary analysis included all participants who were SARS-CoV-2 N protein seronegative at baseline, had had at least 14 days of follow-up after the second dose, and had no evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection from NAAT swabs. Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose. The four trials are registered at ISRCTN89951424 (COV003) and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04324606 (COV001), NCT04400838 (COV002), and NCT04444674 (COV005). FINDINGS: Between April 23 and Dec 6, 2020, 24 422 participants were recruited and vaccinated across the four studies, of whom 17 178 were included in the primary analysis (8597 receiving ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and 8581 receiving control vaccine). The data cutoff for these analyses was Dec 7, 2020. 332 NAAT-positive infections met the primary endpoint of symptomatic infection more than 14 days after the second dose. Overall vaccine efficacy more than 14 days after the second dose was 66·7% (95% CI 57·4-74·0), with 84 (1·0%) cases in the 8597 participants in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group and 248 (2·9%) in the 8581 participants in the control group. There were no hospital admissions for COVID-19 in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group after the initial 21-day exclusion period, and 15 in the control group. 108 (0·9%) of 12 282 participants in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group and 127 (1·1%) of 11 962 participants in the control group had serious adverse events. There were seven deaths considered unrelated to vaccination (two in the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 group and five in the control group), including one COVID-19-related death in one participant in the control group. Exploratory analyses showed that vaccine efficacy after a single standard dose of vaccine from day 22 to day 90 after vaccination was 76·0% (59·3-85·9). Our modelling analysis indicated that protection did not wane during this initial 3-month period. Similarly, antibody levels were maintained during this period with minimal waning by day 90 (geometric mean ratio [GMR] 0·66 [95% CI 0·59-0·74]). In the participants who received two standard doses, after the second dose, efficacy was higher in those with a longer prime-boost interval (vaccine efficacy 81·3% [95% CI 60·3-91·2] at ≥12 weeks) than in those with a short interval (vaccine efficacy 55·1% [33·0-69·9] at <6 weeks). These observations are supported by immunogenicity data that showed binding antibody responses more than two-fold higher after an interval of 12 or more weeks compared with an interval of less than 6 weeks in those who were aged 18-55 years (GMR 2·32 [2·01-2·68]). INTERPRETATION: The results of this primary analysis of two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 were consistent with those seen in the interim analysis of the trials and confirm that the vaccine is efficacious, with results varying by dose interval in exploratory analyses. A 3-month dose interval might have advantages over a programme with a short dose interval for roll-out of a pandemic vaccine to protect the largest number of individuals in the population as early as possible when supplies are scarce, while also improving protection after receiving a second dose. FUNDING: UK Research and Innovation, National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR), The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lemann Foundation, Rede D'Or, the Brava and Telles Foundation, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Thames Valley and South Midland's NIHR Clinical Research Network, and AstraZeneca

Synchronization in a fractional-order model of pancreatic

β-cells in the pancreas can be described by a model of coupled biological oscillators with communication links, which can synchronize their electrical activities, giving rise to a square-wave bursting-like insulin release. In fact, β-cells play a vital role in analyzing and characterizing diabetes conditions. This research work studies the synchronization between two fractional-order pancreatic β-cells. Numerically, the fractional-order model of the pancreatic β-cell is analyzed using an algorithm derived from the Grünwald–Letnikov scheme. It is found that, by modifying only the fractional-order while preserving the system parameter values, different types of bursting activities can be observed. Then, synchronization in the coupled fractional-order pancreatic β-cells is studied in detail by considering different patterns of the bursting activities. Simulation results demonstrate that a complete synchronization is effectively attained by choosing a proper value for the control gain