The microbiota-gut-brain axis:Neurobehavioral correlates, health and sociality

Recent data suggest that the human body is not such a neatly self-sufficient island after all. It is more like a super-complex ecosystem containing trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that inhabit all our surfaces; skin, mouth, sexual organs, and specially intestines. It has recently become evident that such microbiota, specifically within the gut, can greatly influence many physiological parameters, including cognitive functions, such as learning, memory and decision making processes. Human microbiota is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, which has evolved in a mutualistic relationship with its host. Ontogenetically, it is vertically inoculated from the mother during birth, established during the first year of life and during lifespan, horizontally transferred among relatives, mates or close community members. This micro-ecosystem serves the host by protecting it against pathogens, metabolizing complex lipids and polysaccharides that otherwise would be inaccessible nutrients, neutralizing drugs and carcinogens, modulating intestinal motility, and making visceral perception possible. It is now evident that the bidirectional signaling between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, mainly through the vagus nerve, the so called “microbiota–gut–vagus–brain axis,” is vital for maintaining homeostasis and it may be also involved in the etiology of several metabolic and mental dysfunctions/disorders. Here we review evidence on the ability of the gut microbiota to communicate with the brain and thus modulate behavior, and also elaborate on the ethological and cultural strategies of human and non-human primates to select, transfer and eliminate microorganisms for selecting the commensal profile

Optimization of the efficiency in an induction machine drive by algorithm based on the interior point method

[EN] This work optimizes the efficiency of the squirrel cage type Inverter-Induction Machine (IM) system, using an algorithm based on the Interior Point Method (IPM), where the input variables are the electromagnetic torque and the rotor speed at steady state,and as outputs the optimal efficiency and slip values are obtained. The optimum rotor flux value is calculated, which is used as a reference in the flux control loop, in the direct control vector method of the IM. Simulation results are obtained where the increase in efficiency is observed in low load states. The experimental installation used in the implementation of the vector control with maximum system efficiency is described, and the experimental results obtained are shown. A discussion is carried out on the results and the use of the Interior Point Optimization Method.[ES] En este trabajo se realiza la optimización de la eficiencia del sistema  Inversor-Máquina de Inducción (MI) del tipo jaula de ardilla, utilizando un algoritmo basado en el Método de Punto Interior (MPI), donde las variables de entrada son el par electromagnético y la velocidad del rotor en estado estacionario, y como salidas se obtienen los valores de la eficiencia óptima y del deslizamiento. Se calcula el valor del flujo óptimo del rotor que se utiliza como referencia en el lazo de control del flujo, en el control vectorial método directo de la MI. Se obtienen resultados de simulación donde se observa el incremento de la eficiencia en estados de baja carga. Se describe la instalación experimental usada en la implementación del control vectorial con máxima eficiencia del sistema, y se muestran los resultados experimentales obtenidos. Se realiza una discusión sobre los resultados y la utilización del Método de Optimización de Punto Interior.Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), proyecto multidisciplinario registro número 1995.Pacheco-Montiel, J.; Badaoui, M.; Rodríguez-Rivas, J.; Alvarado-Farías, JM.; Carranza-Castillo, O.; Ortega-González, R. (2021). Optimización de la eficiencia en el accionamiento de una máquina de inducción mediante algoritmo basado en el método de punto interior. Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática industrial. 18(4):336-346. https://doi.org/10.4995/riai.2020.13418OJS336346184Andréasson, N., Evgrafov, A., Patriksson, M, 2020. An Introduction to Continuous Optimization Fundations & Fundamental Algorithms. Dover Publications.Benson, H. Y., Shanno, D. F, 2014. Interior-point methods for nonconvex nonlinear programming: cubic regularization. Comput Optim Appl, 58:323-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10589-013-9626-8Borisevich, A., and Schullerus, G, 2016. Energy Efficient Control of an Induction Machine Under Torque Step Changes. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1295-1303, December. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2016.2561307Capitanescu, F., Wehenkel, L., 2013. Experiments with the interior-point method for solving large scale optimal power flow problems. Electric Power Systems Research, vol. 95, pp. 276-283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2012.10.001Casacio, L., Lyra, C., Oliveira, A.R.L, 2019. Interior point methods for power flow optimization with security constraints. Intl. Trans. in Op. Res. 26 (2019) 364-378. https://doi.org/10.1111/itor.12279Colín, E. A. O., González, I. H. G., Rivas, J. J. R., Castillo, O. C., González, R. O., Caporal, R. M., 2017. Implementación del Algoritmo Sünter-Clare en un Convertidor Matricial 3x3. Revista Iberoamericana de Automática e Informática Industrial (RIAI), vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 446-454, Oct.-Dic. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riai.2017.06.002De Almeida, A. T., Ferreira, F. J. T. E., Duarte, A. Q, 2014. Technical and Economical Considerations on Super High-Efficiency Three-Phase Motors. IEEE Trans. on Ind. App., vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 1274-1285, March/April. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2013.2272548Eftekhari, S. R., Davari, S. A., Naderi, P., García C., Rodriguez, J, 2020. Robust Loss Minimization for Predictive Direct Torque and Flux Control of an Induction Motor With Electrical Circuit Model. IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 5417-5426, May. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2019.2944190Farhat, I. A., El-Hawary, M. E, 2009. Interior point methods application in optimum operational scheduling of electric power systems. IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 3, Iss. 11, pp. 1020-1029. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-gtd.2008.0573IEA International Energy Agency. World Energy Outlook, 2018. IEA, Paris 2018. 01/2020. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2018.IEC 60034-30-1, 2014. Efficiency classes of line operated AC motors (IE-code), Edition 1.0.Mallik, S., Mallik, K., Barman, A., Maiti, D., Biswas, S. K., Deb, N. K., Basu, S, 2017. Efficiency and Cost Optimized Design of an Induction Motor Using Generic Algorithm. IEEE Trans. on Ind. Appl., vol. 64, no. 12, pp. 9854-9863, December. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2017.2703687McElveen, R., Melfi, M., McFarland, J, 2019. Improved Characterization of Polyphase Induction Motor Losses: Test Standards Must Be Modified to Improve Efficiency Optimization. IEEE Ind. Appl. Magazine., pp. 61-68, Nov./Dec. https://doi.org/10.1109/MIAS.2018.2875208Rao, N., and Chamund, D, 2014. Calculating Power Losses in an IGBT Module. Application Note. DYNEX Power Control through Innovation.Rathore, A. K., Holtz, J., Boller, T, 2013. Generalized Optimal Pulsewidth Modulation of Multilevel Inverters for Low-Switching-Frequency Control of Medium-Voltage High-Power Industrial AC Drives. IEEE Trans. on Ind. Electronics, vol. 60, no. 10, pp. 4215-4224, Oct. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2012.2217717Seung-Ki, S, 2011. Control of Electric Machine Drive Systems. IEEE Press & Wiley. Printed in the USA.Salomon, C. P., Sant'Ana, W. C., Borges da Silva, L. E., Torres, G. L., Bonaldi, E. L., Olveira, L. E. L., Borges da Silva, J. G, 2015. Induction Motor Efficiency Evaluation Using a New Concept of Stator Resistance. IEEE Trans. on Inst. and Meas., vol. 64, no. 11, pp. 2908-2917, November. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIM.2015.2437632Santos, V. S., Felipe, P. R. V, Sarduy, J. R. G., Lemozy, N. A. L., Jurado, A., Quispe, E. C, 2015. Procedure for Determining Induction Motor Efficiency Working Under Distorted Grid Voltages. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 331-339, March. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2014.2335994Shukla, S., and Singh, B, 2017. Solar Powered Sensorless Induction Motor Drive with Improved Efficiency forWater Pumping. IET Power Electronics, vol. 11, issue 3, pp. 1-11, March. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-pel.2017.0452Stumper, J. F., Dötlinger, A., Kennel, R, 2013. Loss Minimization of Induction Machines in Dynamic Operation. IEEE Trans. on Energy Conv., vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 726-735, September. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEC.2013.2262048Sul, S. K., 2011. Control of Electric Machine Drive Systems. IEEE Press-Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470876541Taheri, A., Rahmati, A., Kaboli, S, 2012. Efficiency Improvement in DTC of Six-Phase Induction Machine by Adaptive Gradient Descent of Flux. IEEE Trans. on Power Electronics, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 1552-1562, March. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2011.2163420Vanderbei, R. J., Shanno, D. F, 1999. Interior-point methods for nonconvex nonlinear programming. Computational Optimization and Applications, 13, 31-252. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008677427361Vural, A. M, 2015. Interior point-based slack-bus free-power flow solution for balanced islanded microgrids. Int. Trans. Electr. Energ. Syst, 26:968-992. https://doi.org/10.1002/etep.2117Xu, W., Hu, D., Lei, G., Zhu, J, 2019. System-Level Efficiency Optimization of a Linear Induction Motor Drive System. IEEE Trans. on Electrical Machines and Systems, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 285-291, Sept. https://doi.org/10.30941/CESTEMS.2019.00037Xu, W., Xiao, X., Du, G., Zou, J, 2020. Comprehensive Efficiency Optimization of Linear Induction Motors for Urban Transit. IEEE Trans. on Vehicular Tech., vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 131-139, January. https://doi.org/10.1109/TVT.2019.295395

El Petróleo en el Pensamiento Socioeconómico Venezolano: Una visión de la Siembra del Petróleo en el siglo XX

El petróleo es un tema apasionante de la historia contemporánea de Venezuela, por ser definitorio de la estructura del Estado moderno y haber tenido, al mismo tiempo, un impacto fundamental en la formación del pensamiento económico nacional. Sin embargo, no toda su influencia ha sido positiva. El petróleo en la economía venezolana también ha servido para distorsionar en cierto grado la mentalidad política y su accionar social. Esa distorsión se centra por un patrón rentista sobre las bases del derecho regalista surgido desde la colonia. Expresión de estas afirmaciones es el pensamiento económico desarrollado por Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonzo, que es referencia obligada para los estudiosos de la materia petrolera en Venezuela y el mundo. Así, este ensayo analizó el pensamiento que en materia petrolera desarrolló Pérez Alfonso en obra más importante: Hundiéndonos en el Excremento del Diablo Pérez Alfonzo (1975). Se concluye que el pensamiento económico venezolano en materia petrolera tiene un alto contenido político y gira en torno al nacionalismo económico heredado desde las actuaciones de Simón Bolívar, cuyas raíces se encuentran en el derecho colonial español. La manifestación de ese pensamiento es la idea de estatización de empresas productivas, la realización de grandes obras públicas, uso extendido del gasto y la deuda pública y una amplia regulación en materia económica

Spanish ATLAS tier-2: Facing up to LHC Run 2

The goal of this work is to describe the way of addressing the main challenges of Run 2 by the Spanish ATLAS Tier-2. The considerable increase of energy and luminosity for the upcoming Run 2 with respect to Run 1 has led to a revision of the ATLAS computing model as well as some of the main ATLAS computing tools. In this paper, the adaptation to these changes will be described. The Spanish ATLAS Tier-2 is a R&D project which consists of a distributed infrastructure composed of three sites and its members are involved in ATLAS computing progress, namely the work in different tasks and the development of new tools (e.g. Event Index)This work has been supported by MINECO, Spain (Proj. Ref. FPA2010-21919-C03-01,02,03 & FPA2013-47424-C3,01,02,03), which include FEDER funds from the European Unio

Functional upgrading in China’s export processing sector

Functional upgrading occurs when a firm acquires more sophisticated functions within an existing value chain. In this paper, we analyze if there is evidence of this type of upgrading in China’s export processing regime by investigating dynamics in the relative prevalence of Import & Assembly (IA) versus Pure Assembly (PA) processing trade over the period 2000-2013. Firms in both regimes provide similar manufacturing services to foreign companies, but IA firms also conduct the sophisticated tasks of quality control, searching, financing and storing imported materials. Consistent with a trend of functional upgrading, we show that the share of IA trade in total processing trade has increased rapidly during the period 2000-2006, both overall and within product categories. Furthermore, we find that this trend has gone hand in hand with improvements in a sector’s labor productivity and unit values. Against expectations, we find that this process has slowed down notably during the period 2006-2013.status: publishe

Computer-Based Screening of Functional Conformers of Proteins

A long-standing goal in biology is to establish the link between function, structure, and dynamics of proteins. Considering that protein function at the molecular level is understood by the ability of proteins to bind to other molecules, the limited structural data of proteins in association with other bio-molecules represents a major hurdle to understanding protein function at the structural level. Recent reports show that protein function can be linked to protein structure and dynamics through network centrality analysis, suggesting that the structures of proteins bound to natural ligands may be inferred computationally. In the present work, a new method is described to discriminate protein conformations relevant to the specific recognition of a ligand. The method relies on a scoring system that matches critical residues with central residues in different structures of a given protein. Central residues are the most traversed residues with the same frequency in networks derived from protein structures. We tested our method in a set of 24 different proteins and more than 260,000 structures of these in the absence of a ligand or bound to it. To illustrate the usefulness of our method in the study of the structure/dynamics/function relationship of proteins, we analyzed mutants of the yeast TATA-binding protein with impaired DNA binding. Our results indicate that critical residues for an interaction are preferentially found as central residues of protein structures in complex with a ligand. Thus, our scoring system effectively distinguishes protein conformations relevant to the function of interest

Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, ventilation management, and outcomes in invasively ventilated intensive care unit patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome: a pooled analysis of four observational studies

Background: Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, the practice of ventilation, and outcome in invasively ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain unexplored. In this analysis we aim to address these gaps using individual patient data of four large observational studies. Methods: In this pooled analysis we harmonised individual patient data from the ERICC, LUNG SAFE, PRoVENT, and PRoVENT-iMiC prospective observational studies, which were conducted from June, 2011, to December, 2018, in 534 ICUs in 54 countries. We used the 2016 World Bank classification to define two geoeconomic regions: middle-income countries (MICs) and high-income countries (HICs). ARDS was defined according to the Berlin criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patients in MICs versus HICs. The primary outcome was the use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) for the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were key ventilation parameters (tidal volume size, positive end-expiratory pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen, peak pressure, plateau pressure, driving pressure, and respiratory rate), patient characteristics, the risk for and actual development of acute respiratory distress syndrome after the first day of ventilation, duration of ventilation, ICU length of stay, and ICU mortality. Findings: Of the 7608 patients included in the original studies, this analysis included 3852 patients without ARDS, of whom 2345 were from MICs and 1507 were from HICs. Patients in MICs were younger, shorter and with a slightly lower body-mass index, more often had diabetes and active cancer, but less often chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure than patients from HICs. Sequential organ failure assessment scores were similar in MICs and HICs. Use of LTVV in MICs and HICs was comparable (42\ub74% vs 44\ub72%; absolute difference \u20131\ub769 [\u20139\ub758 to 6\ub711] p=0\ub767; data available in 3174 [82%] of 3852 patients). The median applied positive end expiratory pressure was lower in MICs than in HICs (5 [IQR 5\u20138] vs 6 [5\u20138] cm H2O; p=0\ub70011). ICU mortality was higher in MICs than in HICs (30\ub75% vs 19\ub79%; p=0\ub70004; adjusted effect 16\ub741% [95% CI 9\ub752\u201323\ub752]; p<0\ub70001) and was inversely associated with gross domestic product (adjusted odds ratio for a US$10 000 increase per capita 0\ub780 [95% CI 0\ub775\u20130\ub786]; p<0\ub70001). Interpretation: Despite similar disease severity and ventilation management, ICU mortality in patients without ARDS is higher in MICs than in HICs, with a strong association with country-level economic status. Funding: No funding