Characterizing the dynamical importance of network nodes and links

The largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix of the networks is a key quantity determining several important dynamical processes on complex networks. Based on this fact, we present a quantitative, objective characterization of the dynamical importance of network nodes and links in terms of their effect on the largest eigenvalue. We show how our characterization of the dynamical importance of nodes can be affected by degree-degree correlations and network community structure. We discuss how our characterization can be used to optimize techniques for controlling certain network dynamical processes and apply our results to real networks.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Predicting criticality and dynamic range in complex networks: effects of topology

The collective dynamics of a network of coupled excitable systems in response to an external stimulus depends on the topology of the connections in the network. Here we develop a general theoretical approach to study the effects of network topology on dynamic range, which quantifies the range of stimulus intensities resulting in distinguishable network responses. We find that the largest eigenvalue of the weighted network adjacency matrix governs the network dynamic range. Specifically, a largest eigenvalue equal to one corresponds to a critical regime with maximum dynamic range. We gain deeper insight on the effects of network topology using a nonlinear analysis in terms of additional spectral properties of the adjacency matrix. We find that homogeneous networks can reach a higher dynamic range than those with heterogeneous topology. Our analysis, confirmed by numerical simulations, generalizes previous studies in terms of the largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Effects of network topology, transmission delays, and refractoriness on the response of coupled excitable systems to a stochastic stimulus

We study the effects of network topology on the response of networks of coupled discrete excitable systems to an external stochastic stimulus. We extend recent results that characterize the response in terms of spectral properties of the adjacency matrix by allowing distributions in the transmission delays and in the number of refractory states, and by developing a nonperturbative approximation to the steady state network response. We confirm our theoretical results with numerical simulations. We find that the steady state response amplitude is inversely proportional to the duration of refractoriness, which reduces the maximum attainable dynamic range. We also find that transmission delays alter the time required to reach steady state. Importantly, neither delays nor refractoriness impact the general prediction that criticality and maximum dynamic range occur when the largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix is unity

The autoimmune ecology: An update

Purpose of review The autoimmune ecology refers to the interactions between individuals and their environment leading to a breakdown in immune tolerance and, therefore, to the development of one or more autoimmune diseases in such an individual. Herein, an update is offered on four specific factors associated with autoimmune diseases, namely, Vitamin D, smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption from the perspective of exposome and metabolomics. Recent findings Smoking is associated with an increased risk for most of the autoimmune diseases. Carbamylation of proteins as well as NETosis have emerged as possible new pathophysiological mechanisms for rheumatoid arthritis. Low-to-moderate alcohol consumption seems to decrease the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and studies of vitamin have suggested a beneficial effect on these conditions. Coffee intake appears to be a risk factor for type 1 diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis and a protective factor for multiple sclerosis and primary biliary cholangitis. Summary Recent studies support the previously established positive associations between environmental factors and most of the autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, further studies from the perspective of metabolomics, proteomics and genomics will help to clarify the effect of environment on autoimmune diseases. © Copyright 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved

Network connectivity during mergers and growth: optimizing the addition of a module

The principal eigenvalue $\lambda$ of a network's adjacency matrix often determines dynamics on the network (e.g., in synchronization and spreading processes) and some of its structural properties (e.g., robustness against failure or attack) and is therefore a good indicator for how ``strongly'' a network is connected. We study how $\lambda$ is modified by the addition of a module, or community, which has broad applications, ranging from those involving a single modification (e.g., introduction of a drug into a biological process) to those involving repeated additions (e.g., power-grid and transit development). We describe how to optimally connect the module to the network to either maximize or minimize the shift in $\lambda$, noting several applications of directing dynamics on networks.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Spatial patterns of desynchronization bursts in networks

We adapt a previous model and analysis method (the {\it master stability function}), extensively used for studying the stability of the synchronous state of networks of identical chaotic oscillators, to the case of oscillators that are similar but not exactly identical. We find that bubbling induced desynchronization bursts occur for some parameter values. These bursts have spatial patterns, which can be predicted from the network connectivity matrix and the unstable periodic orbits embedded in the attractor. We test the analysis of bursts by comparison with numerical experiments. In the case that no bursting occurs, we discuss the deviations from the exactly synchronous state caused by the mismatch between oscillators

Evaluación de diluyentes para la refrigeración de semen de conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of different extenders for cooling of rabbit semen and its effect on sperm quality. Thirty semen samples from 10 sexually mature rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used. Each sample was diluted separately in a 1:10 ratio in four extenders, composed of skim milk and sugars (T1); dextrose, sodium citrate, and potassium acetate (T2); sodium caseinates, phosphates and sugars (T3); and tris-citric acid and egg yolk (T4). The semen was kept at 16 °C for 72 hours. At the time of dilution and every 24 hours, total motility (MT), progressive motility (MP) and sperm kinetics were evaluated with the Sperm Class Analyzer® system, and vitality and morphology were evaluated by the eosin-nigrosin staining. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed models and the comparison of means by the Duncan test. At the time of dilution (0 h), a lower MT for T2 and T4 was observed (p<0.05). This same effect at 24 h of cooling was observed, while at 48 h the MT was lower for T2, compared to T1, T3 and T4 (p <0.05). The MP was equally higher for T1 and T3 at 0, 24 and 48 h (p<0.05). A decrease in normal morphology at 72 h for T4 was found (p<0.05). Greater preservation of the viability over time for T1 and T3 was observed (p<0.05). It is concluded that the extenders composed by skim milk or caseinates, and sugars, protect more efficiently the rabbit semen preserved by refrigeration.El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el uso de diferentes diluyentes para la refrigeración de semen de conejo y su efecto sobre la calidad espermática. Se utilizaron 30 muestras de semen de 10 conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) sexualmente maduros. Cada muestra se diluyó separadamente en proporción 1:10 en cuatro diluyentes, compuestos por leche descremada y azucares (T1); dextrosa, citrato sódico y acetato potásico (T2); caseinatos de sodio, fosfatos y azúcares (T3); y tris-ácido cítrico y yema de huevo (T4). El semen se mantuvo a 16 °C durante 72 horas. Al momento de la dilución y cada 24 horas se evaluó la movilidad total (MT), la movilidad progresiva (MP) y la cinética espermática con el sistema Sperm Class Analizer®, y la viabilidad y la morfología mediante la tinción con eosina-nigrosina. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante modelos mixtos y la comparación de medias por la prueba de Duncan. Al momento de la dilución (0 h), se observó una MT inferior para T2 y T4 en comparación con T1 y T3 (p<0.05). Este mismo efecto se observó a las 24 h de refrigeración, mientras a las 48 h la MT fue inferior para T2, respecto a T1, T3 y T4 (p<0.05). La MP fue igualmente superior para T1 y T3 a las 0, 24 y 48 h (p<0.05). Se halló un descenso en la morfología normal a las 72 h para T4 (p<0.05). Se observó una mayor conservación de la viabilidad en el tiempo para T1 y T3 (p<0.05). Se concluye que los diluyentes compuestos por leche descremada o caseinatos con azucares protegen de forma más eficiente los espermatozoides de conejo conservados mediante refrigeración

Subpoblaciones espermáticas en el semen de conejo refrigerado con diferentes diluyentes

The reproductive activity of various species of mammals is influenced by the sperm subpopulations of their ejaculates. These subpopulations differ in the motility and kinetic characteristics of the sperm and have been related and classified according to their capacity for the fertilization process. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the composition of the semen diluent on the sperm subpopulations of the chilled rabbit semen. The semen of 10 rabbits of the Californian breed (three ejaculated per animal) was obtained. Each ejaculate was divided into four aliquots, which were diluted in one of four diluents, whose basic composition consisted of T1: skim milk and sugars; T2: dextrose, sodium citrate and potassium acetate; T3: sodium caseinates, phosphates and sugars; and T4: tris-citric acid and egg yolk. Each aliquot was kept refrigerated at 16 °C for 72 h. Immediately after dilution and every 24 h, the distribution of four sperm subpopulations was evaluated using a computerized system: Type A (rapid progressive spermatozoa), Type B (rapid spermatozoa and medium progressive spermatozoa), Type C (medium spermatozoa and slow spermatozoa) and Type D (static spermatozoa). The data were analyzed using the PROC GLM and Tukey's HSD test of the SAS v. 9.2. It was found that T1 and T3 produced superior results for curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP) and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) of sperm refrigerated for 24 and 48 hours (p<0.05), while T2 and T4 produced an increase in the beat cross frequency (BCF) (p<0.05). It is concluded that the composition of the diluent influences the distribution of the sperm subpopulations of the refrigerated rabbit semen, by generating changes in the progressivity and kinetics of the sperm.La actividad reproductiva de diversas especies de mamíferos se encuentra influenciada por las subpoblaciones espermáticas de sus eyaculados. Dichas subpoblaciones se diferencian en las características de movilidad y cinética de los espermatozoides y han sido relacionadas y catalogadas según su capacidad para el proceso de fertilización. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la composición del diluyente de semen sobre las subpoblaciones espermáticas del semen refrigerado de conejo. Se obtuvo el semen de 10 conejos de la raza Californiano (tres eyaculados por animal). Cada eyaculado se dividió en cuatro alícuotas, las cuales se diluyeron en uno de cuatro diluyentes, cuya composición básica consistió en T1: leche descremada y azucares; T2: dextrosa, citrato sódico y acetato potásico; T3: caseinatos de sodio, fosfatos y azúcares; y T4: tris-ácido cítrico y yema de huevo. Cada alícuota se mantuvo en refrigeración a 16 °C durante 72 horas. Inmediatamente después de la dilución y cada 24 horas se evaluó la distribución de cuatro subpoblaciones de espermatozoides mediante un sistema computarizado: Tipo A (espermatozoides rápidos progresivos), Tipo B (espermatozoides rápidos y espermatozoides medios progresivos), Tipo C (espermatozoides medios y espermatozoides lentos), y Tipo D (espermatozoides estáticos). Los datos se analizaron mediante el PROC GLM y la prueba HSD de Tukey del software SAS v. 9.2. Se encontró que T1 y T3 produjeron resultados superiores para la velocidad curvilínea (VCL), la velocidad rectilínea (VSL), la velocidad promedio (VAP) y la amplitud de desplazamiento lateral de la cabeza (ALH) de los espermatozoides refrigerados durante 24 y 48 horas (p<0.05), mientras que T2 y T4 produjeron un incremento en la frecuencia de batido (BCF) (p<0.05). Se concluye que la composición del diluyente influye sobre la distribución de las subpoblaciones espermáticas del semen refrigerado de conejo, al generar cambios en la progresividad y la cinética de los espermatozoides

COVID-19 and chronic diabetes: The perfect storm for reactivation TB?

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is predicted to have a net negative effect on tuberculosis (TB) control, with an estimated excess of 6.3 million tuberculosis cases and 1.4 million deaths by 2025. Programmatic issues like the lockdown of TB services affect all patients, while biosocial factors have a differential impact on an individual’s risk for TB or adverse TB outcomes. Case presentation: We report three cases of incident TB after resolution of COVID-19 episodes.Coincidently, all cases shared a common risk factor: a chronic history poorly-controlled diabetes. Conclusions: Our findings alert to the threat posed by the synergy between COVID-19 and diabetes, on TB reactivation. In medium- to high-risk settings for TB, we recommend implementation of routine screening for latent TB infection in these cases, and preventive TB treatment in those who are positive. Published version of this presentation: Aguillón-Durán, G.P., Prieto-Martínez, E., Ayala, D. et al. COVID-19 and chronic diabetes: the perfect storm for reactivation tuberculosis?: a case series. J Med Case Reports 15, 621 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-021-03193-

Respuesta productiva de gallinas semipesadas inducidas al descanso ovárico en diferentes edades

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la inducción al descanso ovárico (DO) a diferentes edades sobre la respuesta productiva en aves semipesadas productoras de huevo comercial. Materiales y método. Se usaron 840 aves de la línea Hy Line Brown con 64 semanas de edad, distribuidas en 10 tratamientos, consistentes en tres edades (65, 70 y 75 semanas) con la aplicación de tres períodos de ayuno (5, 10 y 15 días) y un control (sin DO). El análisis estadístico utilizó un modelo completamente aleatorizado, anidado, efecto fijo y balanceado. Se evaluó consumo de calcio durante el ayuno (g/ave/día), consumo de alimento (g/ave/día), porcentaje de producción, peso del huevo (g), conversión por masa de huevo y huevos por ave alojada (HAA). Resultados. La edad presentó efecto significativo (p<0.05) sobre las variables consumo de alimento, día del primer huevo postmuda, días sin producción, día postmuda de retorno al 50% de producción, peso del huevo, número de huevos, masa huevos, conversión y porcentaje de producción (p<0.01). Al comparar con el control, el tratamiento 75-5 presentó efecto significativo (p<0.05) para las variables: consumo de alimento, número de huevos promedio, masa huevos y conversión. Conclusiones. Las aves con mayor período de ayuno presentaron mayor período improductivo postmuda, grandes pérdidas de peso y alto consumo de alimento, lo que genera alta conversión e ineficiencia productiva. En comparación con reportes de literatura sobre DO en aves livianas, las aves semipesadas llegan al cese de producción en menos días y su período improductivo es menor