Tensor Analysis and Fusion of Multimodal Brain Images

Current high-throughput data acquisition technologies probe dynamical systems with different imaging modalities, generating massive data sets at different spatial and temporal resolutions posing challenging problems in multimodal data fusion. A case in point is the attempt to parse out the brain structures and networks that underpin human cognitive processes by analysis of different neuroimaging modalities (functional MRI, EEG, NIRS etc.). We emphasize that the multimodal, multi-scale nature of neuroimaging data is well reflected by a multi-way (tensor) structure where the underlying processes can be summarized by a relatively small number of components or "atoms". We introduce Markov-Penrose diagrams - an integration of Bayesian DAG and tensor network notation in order to analyze these models. These diagrams not only clarify matrix and tensor EEG and fMRI time/frequency analysis and inverse problems, but also help understand multimodal fusion via Multiway Partial Least Squares and Coupled Matrix-Tensor Factorization. We show here, for the first time, that Granger causal analysis of brain networks is a tensor regression problem, thus allowing the atomic decomposition of brain networks. Analysis of EEG and fMRI recordings shows the potential of the methods and suggests their use in other scientific domains.Comment: 23 pages, 15 figures, submitted to Proceedings of the IEE

Linear response theory of activated surface diffusion with interacting adsorbates

Activated surface diffusion with interacting adsorbates is analyzed within the Linear Response Theory framework. The so-called interacting single adsorbate model is justified by means of a two-bath model, where one harmonic bath takes into account the interaction with the surface phonons, while the other one describes the surface coverage, this leading to defining a collisional friction. Here, the corresponding theory is applied to simple systems, such as diffusion on flat surfaces and the frustrated translational motion in a harmonic potential. Classical and quantum closed formulas are obtained. Furthermore, a more realistic problem, such as atomic Na diffusion on the corrugated Cu(001) surface, is presented and discussed within the classical context as well as within the framework of Kramer's theory. Quantum corrections to the classical results are also analyzed and discussed.Comment: 40 pages, 4 figure

Quantum Zeno and anti-Zeno effects in surface diffusion of interacting adsorbates

Surface diffusion of interacting adsorbates is here analyzed within the context of two fundamental phenomena of quantum dynamics, namely the quantum Zeno effect and the anti-Zeno effect. The physical implications of these effects are introduced here in a rather simple and general manner within the framework of non-selective measurements and for two (surface) temperature regimes: high and very low (including zero temperature). The quantum intermediate scattering function describing the adsorbate diffusion process is then evaluated for flat surfaces, since it is fully analytical in this case. Finally, a generalization to corrugated surfaces is also discussed. In this regard, it is found that, considering a Markovian framework and high surface temperatures, the anti-Zeno effect has already been observed, though not recognized as such.Comment: 17 pages, 1 figur

Cronología de la erupción dentaria en caninos superiores e inferiores

Objectives: To establish the chronological sequence of the dental eruption in canines, carrying out various investigations in different studies that indicate, according to their analyzes, that there is a direct relationship with the factors that cause their eruption to be altered. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out from October to December 2020, using the following search strategy in the database: Scielo, Repository, Medical journals, within which 22 articles related to the subject were considered, taking into account that 90% of the publications and bibliographic reviews were from 2010-2020. Results: In different studies a close relationship was found in the different factors that tend to cause the advance or delay in its appearance. That is why it is necessary to consider investigating the biological factors that can affect the development of the tooth bud. Conclusion: All the information that has been obtained in this investigation, we conclude that the order of eruption of the mentioned teeth, whether they are upper and lower canines, is affected and is influenced by components such as malnutrition, geographical environment, climate, race, factor environmental, sex and age.Objetivos: Establecer la secuencia cronología de la erupción dentaria en caninos, realizando diversas investigaciones en diferentes estudios que indican según sus análisis que existe relación directa con los factores que hacen que su erupción se vea alterada. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica a partir de octubre hasta diciembre del 2020, empleando la siguiente estrategia de búsqueda en la base de datos: Scielo, Repositorio, Revistas médicas dentro de los cuales se consideró 22 artículos relacionados con el tema, tomando en cuenta que el 90% de las publicaciones y revisiones bibliográficas fueron del 2010 – 2020. Resultados: En diferentes estudios se encontraron una estrecha relación en los diferentes factores que tienden a provocar el adelanto o retraso en su aparición. Es por ello que se necesita considerar investigar los factores biológicos que pueden afectar el desarrollo del brote de los dientes. Conclusión: Toda la información que se ha podido obtener en esta investigación, concluimos que el orden de erupción de los dientes mencionados, sean caninos superiores e inferiores se ve afectada e influyen los componentes como la desnutrición, el medio geográfico, el clima, la raza, factor ambiental, sexo y edad

The thiazide sensitive sodium chloride co-transporter NCC is modulated by site-specific ubiquitylation.

The renal sodium chloride cotransporter, NCC, in the distal convoluted tubule is important for maintaining body Na(+) and K(+) homeostasis. Endogenous NCC is highly ubiquitylated, but the role of individual ubiquitylation sites is not established. Here, we assessed the role of 10 ubiquitylation sites for NCC function. Transient transfections of HEK293 cells with human wildtype (WT) NCC or various K to R mutants identified greater membrane abundance for K706R, K828R and K909R mutants. Relative to WT-NCC, stable tetracycline inducible MDCKI cell lines expressing K706R, K828R and K909R mutants had significantly higher total and phosphorylated NCC levels at the apical plasma membrane under basal conditions. Low chloride stimulation increased membrane abundance of all mutants to similar or greater levels than WT-NCC. Under basal conditions K828R and K909R mutants had less ubiquitylated NCC in the plasma membrane, and all mutants displayed reduced NCC ubiquitylation following low chloride stimulation. Thiazide-sensitive sodium-22 uptakes were elevated in the mutants and internalization from the plasma membrane was significantly less than WT-NCC. K909R had increased half-life, whereas chloroquine or MG132 treatment indicated that K706 and K909 play roles in lysosomal and proteasomal NCC degradation, respectively. In conclusion, site-specific ubiquitylation of NCC plays alternative roles for NCC function

Impacto de la COVID-19 en la mortalidad en España: exceso de mortalidad por MoMo y muertes confirmadas por COVID-19

Comunicación presentada en las II Jornada del Centro Nacional de Epidemiología - 2021.Se estudia el impacto de la COVID-19 en la mortalidad en España. Los objetivos del estudio son: 1. Analizar la mortalidad por COVID-19 en España, describiendo las tres primeras olas pandémicas de COVID-19 y proporcionando estimaciones por grupo de edad y regiones españolas; y 2. Comparar el exceso de mortalidad por todas las causas de MoMo durante la pandemia de COVID-19 con las muertes confirmadas por COVID-19 notificadas al sistema nacional de vigilancia. Las conclusiones son: 1. MoMo identificó un exceso de mortalidad sin precedentes, en la primera ola pandémica de COVID-19 en España, que coincidió con la aparición de la pandemia COVID-19, 2. El sistema MoMo puede proporcionar estimaciones de exceso de mortalidad por todas las causas por edad y región geográfica, y 3. A pesar de ser un sistema inespecífico que no permite establecer causalidad directa en el análisis de exceso de mortalidad, MoMo constituye una herramienta esencial de vigilancia a tiempo real, como sistema de alerta temprana para la acción en salud pública, y para realizar estimaciones del impacto de diferentes eventos de salud en la mortalidad de la población

Dynamics of Triatoma infestans populations in the Paraguayan Chaco: Population genetic analysis of household reinfestation following vector control.

BACKGROUND: Although domestic infestations by Triatoma infestans have been successfully controlled across Latin America, in areas of the Gran Chaco region, recurrent post-spraying house colonization continues to be a significant challenge, jeopardizing Chagas disease vector control and maintaining active Trypanosoma cruzi transmission. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To investigate the dynamics of triatomine reinfestation in a rural area of the Paraguayan Chaco, genetic characterization (based on 10 microsatellite loci and cytochrome B sequence polymorphisms) was performed on baseline and reinfestant T. infestans (n = 138) from four indigenous communities and adjacent sylvatic sites. House quality and basic economic activities were assessed across the four communities. Significant genetic differentiation was detected among all baseline triatomine populations. Faster reinfestation was observed in the communities with higher infestation rates pre-spraying. Baseline and reinfestant populations from the same communities were not genetically different, but two potentially distinct processes of reinfestation were evident. In Campo Largo, the reinfestant population was likely founded by domestic survivor foci, with reduced genetic diversity relative to the baseline population. However, in 12 de Junio, reinfestant bugs were likely derived from different sources, including survivors from the pre-spraying population and sympatric sylvatic bugs, indicative of gene-flow between these habitats, likely driven by high human mobility and economic activities in adjacent sylvatic areas. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results demonstrate that sylvatic T. infestans threatens vector control strategies, either as a reinfestation source or by providing a temporary refuge during insecticide spraying. Passive anthropogenic importation of T. infestans and active human interactions with neighboring forested areas also played a role in recolonization. Optimization of spraying, integrated community development and close monitoring of sylvatic areas should be considered when implementing vector control activities in the Gran Chaco

Application of Optimum Compaction Energy in the Development of Bricks Made with Construction Trash Soils

In general, bricks frequently show different densities and therefore different resistances because the compaction energy is not considered in their production. Expansive soils represent a problem for light buildings over them because of volumetric instability. A generalized solution has been to extract them and substitute them by inert soil; thus they become construction trash. So, in this work the compaction energy aspect and the use of construction trash soils in the elaboration of resistant masonry bricks of homogeneous and controlled density are a new contribution in the production of bricks of better quality. First, the soil was stabilized with CaOH which leads to a decrease in its volumetric changes. Then, they were compacted with a specific energy for obtaining an optimal and maximum controlled density to ensure an increase in strength. Our results show that two optimal compaction energies can be considered with respect to the variation of optimum moisture in masonry bricks of expansive soil stabilized with lime. The first is when the optimal humidity reaches its smallest value (integrated soil lumps) and the second is when humidity increases (disintegrated soil lumps), after reaching its lowest value. We also conclude that high compaction energy does not improve density values

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Venezuela:An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: The deterioration of Venezuela's health system in recent years undoubtedly contributes to an increased impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic could inform their medical training and improve their preparedness. Methods: A online national cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 26th and May 30th, 2020, to assess KAPs among HCWs in Venezuela. Results: A total of 1,441 HCWs from all 24 regions of the country responded to the survey. The mean age of the HCWs was 44 (SD [standard deviation] 14) years; most were women (66.4%). Most HCWs were specialized doctors (48%), followed by nurses (13%) and resident doctors (12.3%). The majority of HCWs had good knowledge (76.3%), obtained information mainly from scientific literature (85.4%); had negative attitudes (53.6%), felt uncomfortable with their work during the current pandemic (59.8%); and reported appropriate practices (76.9%). However, participation in COVID-19 related training was absent in more than half of the HCWs. Positive attitudes were significantly more frequent in frontline workers than in non-frontline workers (p = 0.001). Bioanalysts, students, and doctors were more likely to have good knowledge; participating in training was a predictor for positive attitudes and older age was an appropriate practice predictor. Conclusions: HCWs, knowledge in Venezuela could be improved by strengthening education and training programs. Strategies should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of COVID-19 patients, as well as the promotion of preventive practices