Fuzzy algebras of concepts

Preconcepts are basic units of knowledge that form the basis of formal concepts in formal concept analysis (FCA). This paper investigates the relations among different kinds of preconcepts, such as protoconcepts, meet and join-semiconcepts and formal concepts. The first contribution of this paper, is to present a fuzzy powerset lattice gradation, that coincides with the preconcept lattice at its 1-cut. The second and more significant contribution, is to introduce a preconcept algebra gradation that yields different algebras for protoconcepts, semiconcepts, and concepts at different cuts. This result reveals new insights into the structure and properties of the different categories of preconcepts.Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Comparative Analysis of the Type III Secretion System Effector Repertoires of Pseudomonas savastanoi Pathovars Pathogenic on Woody Hosts

Comunicación de tipo pósterThe species Pseudomonas savastanoi, a member of the Pseudomonas syringae complex, includes four pathovars causing knots or excrescences in woody hosts: P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Psv), pv. fraxini (Psf), pv. nerii (Psn) and pv. retacarpa (Psr), comprising isolates from olive, ash, oleander and broom plants, respectively. Pathogenicity of P. savastanoi is dependent, among other factors, on the type III secretion system (T3SS) and its effector (T3E) repertoire. Furthermore, a putative role in the interaction with woody hosts has been suggested for several of these T3E. The recent availability of the genome sequences of several P. savastanoi strains isolated from different hosts has facilitated bioinformatics predictions of their T3SS genes and T3E pools, the study of their distribution in other strains of the P. syringae complex isolated from woody hosts and the functional analysis of several of these secreted proteins. As previously reported for Psv, Psn and Psf, here we show that pathogenicity of Psr ICMP16945, is also dependent on the T3SS. Psv strains NCPPB 3335, ICMP4352 and PseNe107 share a core set of at least 22 T3E, 18 of which are also encoded in Psn ICMP16943, Psf ICMP7711 and Psr ICMP16945. However, these three strains encode truncated versions of 1-2 of these 18 T3E and, Psr ICMP16945 contains three pathovarspecific T3E. Our results also show that several T3E, including HopAO1, are phylogenetically clustered across the P. syringae complex according to the woody/herbaceous nature of their host of isolation, suggesting host specialization of these effectors in this complex.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Forces induced on a vertical breakwater by incident oblique waves

Over the last years Navier-Stokes numerical models have been developed to accurately simulate wave interaction with all kinds of coastal structures, focusing on both functionality and stability of coastal structures. Although several models have been used to simulate wave interaction with coastal structures in two dimensions (2DV) there are a vast number of three-dimensional effects that need to be investigated in order to improve the design. In this paper a new model called IH-FOAM has been applied to study a vertical breakwater at prototype scale. As a first attempt of validation, the model has been used to simulate a regular wave train generated with a relative angle with the breakwater inducing three-dimensional wave patterns not only seaward the structure due to reflection but also generating an overtopping discharge variation along the breakwater trunk. Pressure laws and overtopping discharge at three different cross-sections along the structure have been studied. The pressure laws have been compared with classical Goda’s formulation. Although, the numerical model predictions are in accordance with Goda’s calculations, a clear three-dimensional variability of wave-induced pressure has been observed. Moreover, an additional study has been performed calculating pressure laws on the side-wall at the breakwater head. Large three-dimensional effects are detected from the simulations due to the flow separation at that area. Overtopping model predictions have been compared with Overtopping Manual calculations showing very close values along the trunk. However, lower overtopping discharge values are observed at the breakwater head. This paper is a preliminary work to show the range of applicability of a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes model to study wave interaction with a vertical breakwater under the action of an oblique wave train

Conservation of aging and cancer epigenetic signatures across human and mouse

Aging and cancer are two interrelated processes, with aging being a major risk factor for the development of cancer. Parallel epigenetic alterations have been described for both, although differences, especially within the DNA hypomethylation scenario, have also been recently reported. While many of these observations arise from the use of mouse models, there is a lack of systematic comparisons of human and mouse epigenetic patterns in the context of disease. However, such comparisons are significant as they allow to establish the extent to which some of the observed similarities or differences arise from pre-existing species-specific epigenetic traits. Here, we have used reduced representation bisulfite sequencing to profile the brain methylomes of young and old, tumoral and non-tumoral brain samples from human and mouse. We first characterized the baseline epigenomic patterns of the species and subsequently focused on the DNA methylation alterations associated with cancer and aging. Next, we described the functional genomic and epigenomic context associated with the alterations, and finally we integrated our data to study interspecies DNA methylation levels at orthologous CpG sites. Globally, we found considerable differences between the characteristics of DNA methylation alterations in cancer and aging in both species. Moreover, we describe robust evidence for the conservation of the specific cancer and aging epigenomic signatures in human and mouse. Our observations point towards the preservation of the functional consequences of these alterations at multiple levels of genomic regulation. Finally, our analyses reveal a role for the genomic context in explaining disease- and species-specific epigenetic traits.© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution

In silico simulations and functional cell studies evidence similar potency and distinct binding of pacific and caribbean ciguatoxins

Ciguatoxins (CTX) cause ciguatera poisoning, which is the most common reported human food poisoning related to natural marine toxins. Pacific ciguatoxins are the most abundant and studied CTX analogues; however, the growing distribution of Caribbean analogues and the limited data available on their biological effects make necessary to re-evaluate their relative potency. For decades, the guidelines established by regulatory agencies have assumed that the potency of the Caribbean CTXs were tenfold lower than the Pacific CTXs. We present here an integrated study involving Neuro-2a cells (the method used worldwide to test ciguatoxins), electrophysiological assays, and in silico simulations that evidence the similar cytotoxicity of Caribbean and Pacific ciguatoxins and their asymmetry binding within sodium channels. The binding mode of the toxins was first explored by molecular docking using the GOLD program and the resulting binary complexes were further studied by Molecular Dynamics simulation studies using the molecular mechanics force field AMBER. The simulation studies explain their distinct impact on the activation potential of the channel as experimentally observed and provide a detailed picture of the effects caused by these toxins on an atomic scaleOpen Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. The research leading to these results has received funding from the following FEDER-co-funded grants. From Conselleria de Cultura, Educacion e Ordenación Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia, GRC (ED431C 2021/01, ED431C 2021/29, and the Centro singular de investigación de Galicia accreditation 2019–2022 ED431G 2019/03). From European Union Interreg AlertoxNet EAPA-317-2016, Interreg Agritox EAPA-998-2018, and H2020 778069-EMERTOX, and the EUROCIGUA project: “Risk Characterization of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Europe” GP/EFSA/AFSCO/2015/03, co-funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). From Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación PID2020-115010RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. David Castro (D.C.) financial support for the PhD studies was obtained through EUROCIGUA project: Risk characterization of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Europe, framework partnership agreement GP/EFSA/AFSCO/2015/03, co-funded by the EFSA. Pablo Estevez (P.E.) acknowledges financial support from the Xunta de Galicia (Regional Government, Spain) under grant ED481A-2018/207S

Aproximación a la simulación de un sistema de telefonía móvil celular

En este artículo se describe un módulo de prácticas diseñado para los alumnos de primer curso de Ingeniería Técnica de Telecomunicación de la ULPGC en el que se simulan ciertos aspectos de un sistema de telefonía móvil celular (STMC). Los principales objetivos que se han perseguido son presentar a los alumnos la programación de computadores como una disciplina claramente relevante dentro del ámbito de las telecomunicaciones, y al mismo tiempo favorecer que los alumnos puedan ir descubriendo las conexiones que existen entre las distintas materias del plan de estudios desde los primeros cursos

Impact of subtrochanteric fractures in the geriatric population : better pre-fracture condition but poorer outcome than pertrochanteric fractures: evidence from the Spanish Hip Fracture Registry

Clinical management in orthogeriatric units and outcome indicators are similar for extracapsular fragility hip fractures, without discriminating between subtrochanteric and pertrochanteric fractures. Geriatric patients, 75 years or older, with subtrochanteric fractures have worse clinical and functional outcomes than those with pertrochanteric fractures. Retrospective observational study of data prospectively collected by the Spanish Hip Fracture Registry including patients 75 years or older, admitted for extracapsular hip fractures from January 2017 to June 2019. Demographic and baseline status, pre-operative, post-operative and 30-day follow-up data were included. A total of 13,939 patients with extracapsular hip fractures were registered: 12,199 (87.5%) pertrochanteric and 1740 (12.5%) subtrochanteric. At admission, patients with subtrochanteric fractures were younger (86.5 ± 5.8 versus 87.1 ± 5.6 years old), had better pre-fracture mobility (3.7 ± 2.7 versus 3.9 ± 2.8) (1-to-10 scale, 1 being independent) and were more likely to be living at home; those with pertrochanteric fractures had worse cognitive function (Pfeiffer 3.3 ± 3.3 versus 3.8 ± 3.5). The subtrochanteric fracture group showed worse post-fracture mobility (7.3 ± 2.7 versus 6.7 ± 2.7) and greater deterioration of mobility (3.7 ± 3.0 versus 2.9 ± 2.7). Among individuals living at home at baseline, those with subtrochanteric fractures were more likely to remain in an assisted facility at 30-day follow-up. In-hospital mortality during acute admission was higher for the subtrochanteric group (5.6% versus 4.5%) (p = 0.028). To our knowledge, this is the first paper highlighting the differences between these two fracture groups in the geriatric population. Subtrochanteric fractures in the older population are a different and worse entity, with greater morbimortality and functional decline than pertrochanteric fractures. Despite being younger and fitter at admission, older patients with subtrochanteric fractures have a higher risk of remaining non-weight bearing and undergoing re-operation and institutionalization. Orthogeriatric units should be aware of this and manage subtrochanteric fractures accordingly. Level of evidence: IV. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10195-022-00637-8

Humoral response and neutralising capacity at 6 months post-vaccination against COVID-19 among institutionalised older adults in Argentina

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly affected older adults residing in nursing homes, resulting in high rates of hospitalisation and death. Here, we evaluated the longitudinal humoral response and neutralising capacity in plasma samples of volunteers vaccinated with different platforms (Sputnik V, BBIBP-CorV, and AZD1222). A cohort of 851 participants, mean age 83 (60-103 years), from the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina were included. Sequential plasma samples were taken at different time points after vaccination. After completing the vaccination schedule, infection-naïve volunteers who received either Sputnik V or AZD1222 exhibited significantly higher specific anti-Spike IgG titers than those who received BBIBP-CorV. Strong correlation between anti-Spike IgG titers and neutralising activity levels was evidenced at all times studied (rho=0.7 a 0.9). Previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and age <80 years were both associated with higher specific antibody levels. No differences in neutralising capacity were observed for the infection-naïve participants in either gender or age group. Similar to anti-Spike IgG titers, neutralising capacity decreased 3 to 9-fold at 6 months after initial vaccination for all platforms. Neutralising capacity against Omicron was between 10-58 fold lower compared to ancestral B.1 for all vaccine platforms at 21 days post dose 2 and 180 days post dose 1. This work provides evidence about the humoral response and neutralising capacity elicited by vaccination of a vulnerable elderly population. This data could be useful for pandemic management in defining public health policies, highlighting the need to apply reinforcements after a complete vaccination schedule.Fil: Rodriguez, Pamela Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Silva, Andrea Paula. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: Miglietta, Esteban Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Rall, Pablo. Instituto Nacional de Servicios Sociales Para Jubilados y Pensionados; ArgentinaFil: Pascuale, Carla Antonela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Ballejo, Christian Adrian. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: López Miranda, Lucía. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: Rios, Antonella Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Ramis, Lila Yanina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Marro, Jimena. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: Poncet, Verónica. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: Mazzitelli, Bianca. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida; ArgentinaFil: Salvatori, Melina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida; ArgentinaFil: Ceballos, Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida; ArgentinaFil: González López Ledesma, María Mora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Ojeda, Diego Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Aguirre, María F.. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: Miragaya, Yanina. Instituto Nacional de Servicios Sociales Para Jubilados y Pensionados; ArgentinaFil: Gamarnik, Andrea Vanesa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Rossi, Andrés Hugo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Natural Course of the Diffusing Capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide in COPD: Importance of Sex

[Background] The value of the single-breath diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (Dlco) relates to outcomes for patients with COPD. However, little is known about the natural course of Dlco over time, intersubject variability, and factors that may influence Dlco progression.[Research Question] What is the natural course of Dlco in patients with COPD over time, and which other factors, including sex differences, could influence this progression?[Study Design and Methods] We phenotyped 602 smokers (women, 33%), of whom 506 (84%) had COPD and 96 (16%) had no airflow limitation. Lung function, including Dlco, was monitored annually over 5 years. A random coefficients model was used to evaluate Dlco changes over time.[Results] The mean (± SE) yearly decline in Dlco % in patients with COPD was 1.34% ± 0.015%/y. This was steeper compared with non-COPD control subjects (0.04% ± 0.032%/y; P = .004). Sixteen percent of the patients with COPD, vs 4.3% of the control subjects, had a statistically significant Dlco % slope annual decline (4.14%/y). At baseline, women with COPD had lower Dlco values (11.37% ± 2.27%; P < .001) in spite of a higher FEV1 % than men. Compared with men, women with COPD had a steeper Dlco annual decline of 0.89% ± 0.42%/y (P = .039).[Interpretation] Patients with COPD have an accelerated decline in Dlco compared with smokers without the disease. However, the decline is slow, and a testing interval of 3 to 4 years may be clinically informative. The lower and more rapid decline in Dlco values in women, compared with men, suggests a differential impact of sex in gas exchange function.[Trial Registry] ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01122758; URL: www.clinicaltrials.govThis study was funded in part by an unrestricted grant from AstraZeneca, and also by the COPD Research Program of the Spanish Respiratory Society (PII de EPOC of SEPAR).Peer reviewe

Tensiones y transiciones en las relaciones internacionales

Este libro reúne 12 textos en torno a la realidad internacional con­temporánea, que se presentan a modo de reflexiones, investigacio­nes empíricas y análisis conceptuales, elaborados por académicos y egresados de la Licenciatura de Relaciones Internacionales del ITESO, en el marco de la celebración del 20 aniversario de esta espe­cialidad, que nació en 1997 con el fin de formar profesionales capa­ces de analizar el panorama mundial y de establecer puentes entre las esferas local, nacional y global, para contribuir a la construcción de una sociedad más justa y equitativa. Dividida en cuatro apartados, esta obra busca mostrar una radio­grafía del complicado entramado que enfrentan las relaciones inter­nacionales en el dinámico y desafiante entorno mundial, lo que le convierte en un material de consulta de interés para todo estudiante y profesional en la materia, así como para todo aquel lector que busque conocer mejor los elementos, el funcionamiento, las interac­ciones y transiciones de las estructuras que rigen al mundo.ITESO, A.C