Dynamical and topological aspects of consensus formation in complex networks

The present work analyzes a particular scenario of consensus formation, where the individuals navigate across an underlying network defining the topology of the walks. The consensus, associated to a given opinion coded as a simple message, is generated by interactions during the agent's walk and manifest itself in the collapse of the various opinions into a single one. We analyze how the topology of the underlying networks and the rules of interaction between the agents promote or inhibit the emergence of this consensus. We find that non-linear interaction rules are required to form consensus and that consensus is more easily achieved in networks whose degree distribution is narrower.Fil: Chacoma, Andrés Alberto. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Area de Investigación y Aplicaciones No Nucleares. Gerencia de Física (Centro Atómico Bariloche); Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; ArgentinaFil: Mato, German. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Kuperman, Marcelo Nestor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentin

Modelling electricity prices with forward looking capacity constraints.

We present a spot price model for wholesale electricity prices which incorporates forward looking information that is available to all market players. We focus on information that measures the extent to which the capacity of the England and Wales generation park will be constrained over the next 52 weeks. We propose a measure of ‘tight market conditions’, based on capacity constraints, which identifies the weeks of the year when price spikes are more likely to occur. We show that the incorporation of this type of forward looking information, not uncommon in the electricity markets, improves the modeling of spikes (timing and magnitude) and the different speeds of mean reversionCapacity constraints; Mean reversion; Electricity indicated demand; Electricity indicated generation; Regime switching model;

Tubulointerstitial injury and proximal tubule albumin transport in early diabetic nephropathy induced by type 1 diabetes mellitus

A decrease in the tubular expression of albumin endocytic transporters megalin and cubilin has been associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN), but there are no comprehensive studies to date relating early tubulointerstitial injury and the effect of the disease on both transporters in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We used eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice divided into two groups; one of them received the vehicle (control group), while the other received the vehicle + 200 mg/kg streptozotocin (T1DM). Ten weeks after the injection, we evaluated plasma insulin, enzymuria, urinary vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), tubulointerstitial fibrosis and proximal tubule histology, markers of autophagy, and megalin and cubilin levels. We found a reduction in tubular protein reabsorption (albumin and VDBP as specific substances carried by both transporters) with increased tubulointerstitial injury, development of fibrosis, thickening of tubular basement membrane, and an increase in tubular cell metalloproteases. This was associated with a decrease in the renal expression of megalin and cubilin. We also observed an increase in the amount of cellular vesicles of the phagocytic system in the tubules, which could be linked to an alteration of normal intracellular trafficking of both receptors, thus affecting the normal function of transporters in early stages of DN. In diabetic animals, the added effects of tubulointerstitial injury, the decreases in megalin and cubilin expression, and an altered intracellular trafficking of these receptors, seriously affect protein reabsorptionFil: Giraud Billoud, Maximiliano German. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Cienicas Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Ezquer, Fernando. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; ChileFil: Bahamonde, Javiera. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; ChileFil: Ezquer, Marcelo. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; Chil

Diabetic nephropathy, autophagy and proximal tubule protein endocytic transport: A potentially harmful relationship

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most frequent cause of chronic renal failure. Until now, the pathophysiological mechanisms that determine its development and progression have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we evaluate the role of autophagy at early stages of DN, induced in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mouse, and its association with proximal tubule membrane endocytic receptors, megalin and cubilin. In T2DM animals we observed a tubule-interstitial injury with significantly increased levels of urinary GGT and ALP, but an absence of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Kidney proximal tubule cells of T2DM animals showed autophagic vesicles larger than those observed in the control group, and an increase in the number of these vesicles marked with LBPA by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the ratio of LC3II/LC3I isoforms and in p62 protein expression in DN affected animals is shown. Finally, we observed a marked increase in urinary albumin and vitamin D binding-protein levels in T2DM animals as well as a significant decrease in expression of megalin in the renal cortex. These results indicate an alteration of the tubular endocytic transporters in DN, which could be related to autophagic dysfunction, which would in turn result in impaired organelle recycling, thus contributing to the progression of this disease.Fil: Giraud Billoud, Maximiliano German. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Fader Kaiser, Claudio Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Agüero, Rocio. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Ezquer, Fernando. Universidad del Desarrollo; ChileFil: Ezquer, Marcelo. Universidad del Desarrollo; Chil

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Main Complications: From Experimental Findings to Clinical Practice

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex multifactorial disorder which involves a loss of self-tolerance leading to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β−cells. Exogenous insulin administration cannot mimic precise pancreatic β-cell regulation of glucose homeostasis, thereby leading to severe long-term complications. Pancreas or islet transplant only provides partial exogenous insulin independence and induces several adverse effects, including increased morbidity and mortality. The scientific community and diabetic patients are thus, still waiting for an effective therapy which could preserve the remaining β-cells, replenish islet mass and protect newly-generated β-cells from autoimmune destruction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been envisioned as a promising tool for T1DM treatment over the past few years, since they could differentiate into glucose-responsive insulin-producing cells. Their immunomodulatory and proangiogenic roles can be used to help arrest β-cell destruction, preserve residual β-cell mass, facilitate endogenous β-cell regeneration and prevent disease recurrence, thereby making them ideal candidates for the comprehensive treatment of diabetic patients. This review focuses on recent pre-clinical data supporting MSC use in regenerating β-cell mass and also in treating several T1DM-associated complications. Clinical trial results and the ongoing obstacles which must be addressed regarding the widespread use of such therapy are also discussed.Fil: Ezquer, Marcelo. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; ChileFil: Arango Rodriguez, Martha. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; ChileFil: Giraud Billoud, Maximiliano German. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Cienicas Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Ezquer, Fernando. Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana; Chil

Modelling electricity prices with forward looking capacity constraints

We present a spot price model for wholesale electricity prices which incorporates forward looking information that is available to all market players. We focus on information that measures the extent to which the capacity of the England and Wales generation park will be constrained over the next 52 weeks. We propose a measure of ‘tight market conditions’, based on capacity constraints, which identifies the weeks of the year when price spikes are more likely to occur. We show that the incorporation of this type of forward looking information, not uncommon in the electricity markets, improves the modeling of spikes (timing and magnitude) and the different speeds of mean reversio

Evaluation of DC-AC single-phase solid-state transformers

This work presents an evaluation of three topologies of DC-AC single-phase solid-state transformers, for applications in electric microgrids. The main features of these topologies are galvanic isolation, capability to control the power flow bidirectionally, soft switching and unit power factor under open loop control. The principle of operation of each topology is described and the modulation strategy used is detailed. A comparison of the THDi of the current waveform injected into the grid, the power factor and the utilization factor of the semiconductor switches for each topology is presented. As a result, the most suitable topology for the integration of microgrids with high penetration of renewable energies to the grid is determined. Simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical analysis.Fil: Bosso, Jonathan Emmanuel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ingeniería. Grupo de Electrónica Aplicada; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Llomplat, Marcelo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ingeniería. Grupo de Electrónica Aplicada; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Oggier, German Gustavo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ingeniería. Grupo de Electrónica Aplicada; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, Guillermo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ingeniería. Grupo de Electrónica Aplicada; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentin

Plasma IGF1 and 17β-Estradiol Concentrations During the Follicular Wave in Llamas

The aim of this study was to characterize the temporal association between follicular waves and circulating concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and IGF1 in llamas. Follicular waves could be clearly divided in three phases: growth, plateau and regression; with a mean duration of 18.8 ± 0.32 days. All follicular waves showed overlapping, so that as one dominant follicle was regressing, another one was growing. E2 plasma concentration showed a wavelike pattern, similar to that followed by the dominant follicle; reaching its maximum concentration at the end of the growth phase and decreasing at the end of the plateau phase. IGF1 also showed variations during the follicular wave. It tended to increase during the growth phase and decreased toward Days 14 and 16. IGF1 reached its maximum concentration before E2 did (5 ± 0.8 vs. 7.2 ± 0.5 days after wave emergence) and before the maximum follicular diameter was attained (10.2 ± 0.46 days after wave emergence). Both hormones started to rise again in coincidence with the development of a new follicular wave. The observed profiles allow to suggest that IGF1 could have a role on folliculogenesis and ovarian steroideogenesis in llamas, as reported for other species.Fil: Gallelli, Maria Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Investigacion y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Bianchi, Carolina Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Zampini, Enzo German. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Investigacion y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Aba, Marcelo Alfredo. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Gambarotta, Mariana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Miragaya, Marcelo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Investigacion y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal; Argentin

Variación estacional de la estabilidad de agregados, porosidad e infiltración en el transcurso de una secuencia de cultivos bajo siembra directa

Soil properties vary over time with soils presenting different susceptibility to runoff and erosion during the year. Under no-tillage cropping, soil physical properties could change mainly due to the climatic factor effect, crop type and wheel traff ic. The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal variation of selected soil physical properties of an Aquic Argiudoll under no-tillage, focusing on their relationship with water partitioning between inf iltration and runoff during a typical crop sequence of the Pampean region (Argentina). The study was carried out in an agricultural f ield located at the Paraná Experimental Station of the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) in Entre Ríos province (Argentina). Soil samples were taken at six different times during the crop rotation cycle. Soil water content, bulk density, pore size distribution, structural stability and water inf iltration obtained with a rainfall simulator were determined on each sampling date. To relate the behavior of these soil properties with the previous weather conditions, we considered different climatic variables. Our results showed that there was no influence on soil physical properties of the crop type or the wetting and drying soil cycles. However, in this high silt content Argiudoll with a moderate to high contraction and expansion capacity, it was found that soil macroporosity was higher in drier soils, reducing the runoff coeff icient. Furthermore, soil structural stability also affected the inf iltration capacity of this soil during some periods, resulting in a better structure during periods of higher temperature. We conclude that the critical period for this Argiudoll to generate runoff would be mid-autumn to early spring, when the soil water content is higher, temperatures are low, and therefore macroporosity, soil structural stability and inf iltration rates have worse values. In this sense, winter cover crops is a management practice that will favor the soil drying and coverage, reducing runoff risk during this period.Las propiedades edáficas varían en el tiempo, presentando los suelos durante el año diferente susceptibilidad al escurrimiento y la erosión. En siembra directa, las propiedades físicas edáf icas pueden variar fundamentalmente debido a efectos climáticos, del cultivo o por el tránsito de la maquinaria. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la variación estacional de algunas propiedades físicas edáf icas en un Argiudol ácuico bajo siembra directa, determinando su relación con la inf iltración y el escurrimiento durante una secuencia de cultivos característica de la Región Pampeana (Argentina). El estudio se desarrolló en un lote perteneciente a la Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná del Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), ubicado en la provincia de Entre Ríos (Argentina). Se obtuvieron muestras de suelo en seis fechas diferentes durante la secuencia de cultivos. Se determinó en cada una de ellas las siguientes propiedades: contenido de agua, densidad aparente, distribución de poros, estabilidad estructural y la inf iltración de agua medida con un simulador de lluvias. Para relacionar el comportamiento de estas propiedades con las condiciones climáticas previas, se consideraron distintos parámetros climáticos. No hubo influencia de la especie cultivada y de los ciclos de humedecimiento y secado del suelo sobre las propiedades físicas evaluadas. Sin embargo, este Argiudol con un alto contenido de limo y con una capacidad de contracción-expansión entre moderada y alta, mostró una mayor macroporosidad con suelo seco, disminuyendo el coef iciente de escurrimiento. La capacidad de inf iltración estuvo también afectada por la estabilidad estructural, siendo esta más favorable en períodos de mayor temperatura. Se concluye que el momento crítico de este Argiudol para la producción de escurrimiento sería desde la mitad de otoño hasta el comienzo de la primavera, cuando el suelo tiene mayor humedad y hay bajas temperaturas, con consecuencias negativas sobre la macroporosidad, estabilidad estructural e inf iltración. En tal sentido, la implementación de cultivos de cobertura durante el invierno, es una práctica de manejo que favorecerá el desecamiento y la cobertura del suelo, disminuyendo en dicho período el riesgo de escurrimiento.EEA ParanáFil: Castiglioni, Mario Guillermo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Sasal, Maria Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Wilson, Marcelo German. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Oszust, José Daniel. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentin