Diacritical study of light, electrons, and sound scattering by particles and holes

We discuss the differences and similarities in the interaction of scalar and vector wave-fields with particles and holes. Analytical results are provided for the transmission of isolated and arrayed small holes as well as surface modes in hole arrays for light, electrons, and sound. In contrast to the optical case, small-hole arrays in perforated perfect screens cannot produce acoustic or electronic surface-bound states. However, unlike electrons and light, sound is transmitted through individual holes approximately in proportion to their area, regardless their size. We discuss these issues with a systematic analysis that allows exploring both common properties and unique behavior in wave phenomena for different material realizations.Comment: 3 figure

Spiking Central Pattern Generators through Reverse Engineering of Locomotion Patterns

In robotics, there have been proposed methods for locomotion of nonwheeled robots based on artificial neural networks; those built with plausible neurons are called spiking central pattern generators (SCPGs). In this chapter, we present a generalization of reported deterministic and stochastic reverse engineering methods for automatically designing SCPG for legged robots locomotion systems; such methods create a spiking neural network capable of endogenously and periodically replicating one or several rhythmic signal sets, when a spiking neuron model and one or more locomotion gaits are given as inputs. Designed SCPGs have been implemented in different robotic controllers for a variety of robotic platforms. Finally, some aspects to improve and/or complement these SCPG-based locomotion systems are pointed out

Members of the Candida parapsilosis Complex and Candida albicans are Differentially Recognized by Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

The systemic infections caused by members of the Candida parapsilosis complex are currently associated to high morbility and mortality rates, and are considered as relevant as those caused by Candida albicans. Since the fungal cell wall is the first point of contact with the host cells, here we performed a comparison of this organelle in members of the C. parapsilosis complex, and its relevance during interaction with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We found that the wall of the C. parapsilosis complex members is similar in composition, but differs to that from C. albicans, with less mannan content and more β-glucan and porosity levels. Furthermore, lectin-based analysis showed increased chitin and β1,3-glucan exposure at the surface of C. parapsilosis sensu lato when compared to C. albicans. Yeast cells of members of the C. parapsilosis complex stimulated more cytokine production by human PBMCs than C. albicans cells; and this significantly changed upon removal of O-linked mannans, indicating this wall component plays a significant role in cytokine stimulation by C. parapsilosis sensu lato. When inner wall components were exposed on the wall surface, C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. metapsilosis, but not C. orthopsilosis, stimulated higher cytokine production. Moreover, we found a strong dependency on β1,3-glucan recognition for the members of the C. parapsilosis complex, but not for live C. albicans cells; whereas TLR4 was required for TNFα production by the three members of the complex, and stimulation of IL-6 by C. orthopsilosis. Mannose receptor had a significant role during TNFα and IL-1β stimulation by members of the complex. Finally, we demonstrated that purified N- and O-mannans from either C. parapsilosis sensu lato or C. albicans are capable to block the recognition of these pathogens by human PBMCs. Together; our results suggest that the innate immune recognition of the members of the C. parapsilosis complex is differential of that reported for C. albicans. In addition, we propose that purified cell wall mannans can be used as antagonist to block specific receptors on innate immune cells

Pensar la Universidad. Autonomía, conciencia histórica e incertidumbre actual

El conjunto de ensayos que conforman la presente obra es el resultado del trabajo colaborativo en red de distintos cuerpos académicos de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (uaem) y la Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala (uatx). La figura del profesor-investigador ha resultado pertinente y productiva, desde hace muchos años, para las instituciones de educación superior, pues ha permitido vincular y fortalecer la investigación con la docencia universitaria y viceversa. Uno de los temas analizados por su importancia es el de la autonomía, y en este ámbito se enmarca también en los llamados autoestudios sobre la universidad, donde desde el interior de su propia comunidad, se trazan estrategias de abordaje en la investigación, como el presente caso.Esta obra tiene un planteamiento relevante para reflexionar acerca de la autonomía universitaria en la actualidad, frente a los embates que viven las universidades públicas y ante la constante expansión y las formas propias de la docencia que se ven orientadas hacia la vía del facilitador y la clientela estudiantil; además de que se han complicado los contextos por la pandemia del COVID-19.Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Méxic

Constipation Predicts Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease: Results from the COPPADIS Cohort at 2-Year Follow-up and Comparison with a Control Group

[Background] Constipation has been linked to cognitive impairment development in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective:Our aim was to analyze cognitive changes observed in PD patients and controls from a Spanish cohort with regards to the presence or not of constipation. Methods:PD patients and controls recruited from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort from January 2016 to November 2017 were followed-up during 2 years. The change in cognitive status from baseline (V0) to 2-year follow-up was assessed with the PD-CRS (Parkinson’s Disease Cognitive Rating Scale). Subjects with a score ≥1 on item 21 of the NMSS (Non-Motor Symptoms Scale) at baseline (V0) were considered as “with constipation”. Regression analyses were applied for determining the contribution of constipation in cognitive changes.[Results] At V0, 39.7% (198/499) of PD patients presented constipation compared to 11.4% of controls (14/123) (p < 0.0001). No change was observed in cognitive status (PD-CRS total score) neither in controls without constipation (from 100.24±13.72 to 100.27±13.68; p = 0.971) and with constipation (from 94.71±10.96 to 93.93±13.03; p = 0.615). The PD-CRS total score decreased significantly in PD patients with constipation (from 89.14±15.36 to 85.97±18.09; p < 0.0001; Coehn’s effect = –0.35) compared to patients without constipation (from 93.92±15.58 to 93.14±17.52; p = 0.250) (p = 0.018). In PD patients, to suffer from constipation at V0 was associated with a decrease in the PD-CRS total score from V0 to V2 (β= –0.1; 95% CI, –4.36 – –0.27; p = 0.026) and having cognitive impairment at V2 (OR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.01 – 3.17; p = 0.045). Conclusion:Constipation is associated with cognitive decline in PD patients but not in controls.[Conclusion] Constipation is associated with cognitive decline in PD patients but not in controls.Peer reviewe

Predictors of the change in burden, strain, mood, and quality of life among caregivers of Parkinson's disease patients

[Background and Objective] Caregiver burden in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been studied in many cross-sectional studies but poorly in longitudinal ones. The aim of the present study was to analyze the change in burden, strain, mood, and quality of life (QoL) after a 2-year follow-up in a cohort of caregivers of patients with PD and also to identify predictors of these changes.[Patients and Methods] PD patients and their caregivers who were recruited from January/2016 to November/2017 from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort were included in the study. They were evaluated again at 2-year follow-up. Caregivers completed the Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory (ZCBI), Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index (EUROHIS-QOL8) at baseline (V0) and at 2-year follow-up (V2). General linear model repeated measure and lineal regression models were applied.[Results] Significant changes, indicating an impairment, were detected on the total score of the ZCBI (p < 0.0001), CSI (p < 0.0001), BDI-II (p = 0.024), and EUROHIS-QOL8 (p = 0.002) in 192 PD caregivers (58.82 ± 11.71 years old; 69.3% were females). Mood impairment (BDI-II; β = 0.652; p < 0.0001) in patients from V0 to V2 was the strongest factor associated with caregiver's mood impairment after the 2-year follow-up. Caregiver's mood impairment was the strongest factor associated with an increase from V0 to V2 on the total score of the ZCBI (β = 0.416; p < 0.0001), CSI (β = 0.277; p = 0.001), and EUROHIS-QOL (β = 0.397; p = 0.002).[Conclusion] Burden, strain, mood, and QoL were impaired in caregivers of PD patients after a 2-year follow-up. Mood changes in both the patient and the caregiver are key aspects related to caregiver burden increase.Santos García D. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, UCB Pharma, Lundbeck, KRKA, Zambon, Bial, Italfarmaco, and Teva. De Deus Fonticoba T.: None. Cores Bartolomé C. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Lundbeck and UCB Pharma. Íñiguez Alvarado MC: None. Feal Painceiras M. J.: None. Martínez Miró C.: None. Suárez Castro E.: None. Canfield H.: None. Jesús S. has received honoraria from AbbVie, Bial, Merz, UCB, and Zambon and holds the competitive contract “Juan Rodés” supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. She has received grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (PI18/01898) and the Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía (PI-0459-2018). Aguilar M.: UCB and Schwabe with assistance to a Congress; Nutricia with assistance to a Congress and payment of lecture. Pastor P.: None. Planellas LL.: None. Cosgaya M.: None. García Caldentey J. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Qualigen, Nutricia, Abbvie, Italfarmaco, UCB Pharma, Lundbeck, Zambon, Bial, and Teva. Caballol N. has received honoraria from Bial, Italfármaco, Qualigen, Zambon, UCB, Teva and KRKA and sponsorship from Zambon, TEVA and Abbvie for attending medical conferences. Legarda I. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, UCB Pharma, Zambon, Bial, and Teva. Hernández Vara J. has received travel bursaries and educational grants from Abbvie and has received honoraria for educational presentations from Abbvie, Teva, Bial, Zambon, Italfarmaco, and Sanofi-Genzyme. Cabo I. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, Zambon, and Bial. López Manzanares L.: Compensated advisory services, consulting, research grant support, or speaker honoraria: AbbVie, Acorda, Bial, Intec Pharma, Italfarmaco, Pfizer, Roche, Teva, UCB, and Zambon. González Aramburu I.: None. Ávila Rivera MA. has received honoraria from Zambon, UCB Pharma, Qualigen, Bial, and Teva, and sponsorship from Zambon and Teva for attending conferences. Gómez Mayordomo V.: None. Nogueira V.: None. Puente V. has served as consultant for Abbvie and Zambon; has received grant/research from Abbvie. Dotor García-Soto J.: Compensated advisory services, consulting, research grant support, or speaker honoraria: Merck, Sanofi-Genzyme, Allergan, Biogen, Roche, UCB and Novartis. Borrué C.: None. Solano Vila B. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by UCB, Zambon, Teva, Abbvie, Bial. Álvarez Sauco M. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, UCB Pharma, Zambon, Bial, and Teva. Vela L. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, UCB Pharma, Lundbeck, KRKA, Zambon, Bial, and Teva. Escalante S. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, Zambon, and Bial. Cubo E.: Travel grants: Abbvie, Allergan, Boston; Lecturing honoraria: Abbvie, International Parkinson's disease Movement Disorder Society. Carrillo Padilla F. has received honoraria from Zambon (SEN Congress assistance). Martínez Castrillo JC. has received research support from Lundbeck, Italfarmaco, Allergan, Zambon, Merz, and Abbvie. He has received speaking honoraria from AbbVie, Bial, Italfarmaco, Lundbeck, Krka, TEVA, UCB, Zambon, Allergan, Ipsen, and Merz. Sánchez Alonso P. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, UCB Pharma, Lundbeck, KRKA, Zambon, Bial, and Teva. Alonso Losada M. G. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Zambon and Bial. López Ariztegui N. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, Italfarmaco, Zambon, and Bial. Gastón I. has received research support from Abbvie and Zambon and has served as a consultant for Abbvie, Exelts, and Zambon. Kulisevsky J.: (1) Consulting fees: Roche, Zambon; (2) Stock/allotment: No; (3) Patent royalties/licensing fees: No; (4) Honoraria (e.g. lecture fees): Zambon, Teva, Bial, UCB; (5) Fees for promotional materials: No; (6) Research funding: Roche, Zambon, Ciberned; Instituto de Salud Carlos III; FundacióLa Maratóde TV3; (7) Scholarship from corporation: No; (8) Corporate laboratory funding: No; (9) Others (e.g., trips, travel, or gifts): No. Blázquez Estrada M. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Abbvie, Abbott, UCB Pharma, Allergan, Zambon, Bial, and Qualigen. Seijo M. has received honoraria for educational services from KRKA, UCB, Zambon, Bial; travel grants from Daiichi and Roche. Ruiz Martínez J. has received honoraria for educational presentations, attending medical conferences, and advice service by Abbvie, UCB Pharma, Zambon, Italfarmaco, Bial, and Teva. Valero C. has received honoraria for educational services from Zambon, Abbvie and UCB. Kurtis M. has received honoraria from Bial, the Spanish Neurology Society, and the International and Movement Disorders Society. de Fábregues O. has received honoraria for educational presentations and advice service by Bial, Zambon, Abbvie, KRKA, and Teva. González Ardura J. has received honoraria for speking from italofarma, Krka, Genzyme, UCB, Esteve, Psyma iberica marketing research SL and Ferrer, course grant from Teva and travel grant from Merck. Alonso Redondo R.: None. Ordás C.: None. López Díaz L. M. has received honoraria from UCB, Lundbeck, and KRKA. McAfee D.: None. Martínez-Martin P. has received honoraria from National School of Public Health (ISCIII), Editorial Viguera and Takeda Pharmaceuticals for lecturing in courses, and from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) for management of the Program on Rating Scales. Mir P. has received honoraria from AbbVie, Abbott, Allergan, Bial, Merz, UCB, and Zambon and have received grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [PI16/01575] co-founded by ISCIII (Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación) and by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), the Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo de la Junta de Andalucía [CVI-02526, CTS-7685], the Consejería de Salud y Bienestar Social de la Junta de Andalucía [ PI-0437-2012, PI-0471-2013], the Sociedad Andaluza de Neurología, the Jacques and Gloria Gossweiler Foundation, the Fundación Alicia Koplowitz, the Fundación Mutua Madrileña.Peer reviewe

Desafíos del diseño social en condiciones de contingencia

Esta obra aborda al enfoque social del diseño como un desafío para definir propuestas que coadyuven al mejoramiento de diversos sectores de la sociedad, entendido como un esfuerzo conjunto para encontrar soluciones pertinentes y adecuadas basadas en la cultura y los valores de los pueblos. Condiciones que demandan una gran responsabilidad social y moral del diseñador. Se destacan diversas aportaciones de investigaciones que destacan esta visión a través de diversas reflexiones y aportaciones al campo del diseño y la cultura, desde enfoques del respeto a los derechos humanos, a la diversidad y la equidad

Motor Fluctuations Development Is Associated with Non-Motor Symptoms Burden Progression in Parkinson&rsquo;s Disease Patients: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the progression of non-motor symptoms (NMS) burden in Parkinson&rsquo;s disease (PD) patients regarding the development of motor fluctuations (MF). Methods: PD patients without MF at baseline, who were recruited from January 2016 to November 2017 (V0) and evaluated again at a 2-year follow-up (V2) from 35 centers of Spain from the COPPADIS cohort, were included in this analysis. MF development at V2 was defined as a score &ge; 1 in the item-39 of the UPDRS-Part IV, whereas NMS burden was defined according to the Non-motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) total score. Results: Three hundred and thirty PD patients (62.67 &plusmn; 8.7 years old; 58.8% males) were included. From V0 to V2, 27.6% of the patients developed MF. The mean NMSS total score at baseline was higher in those patients who developed MF after the 2-year follow-up (46.34 &plusmn; 36.48 vs. 34.3 &plusmn; 29.07; p = 0.001). A greater increase in the NMSS total score from V0 to V2 was observed in patients who developed MF (+16.07 &plusmn; 37.37) compared to those who did not develop MF (+6.2 &plusmn; 25.8) (p = 0.021). Development of MF after a 2-year follow-up was associated with an increase in the NMSS total score (&beta; = 0.128; p = 0.046) after adjustment to age, gender, years from symptoms onset, levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) and the NMSS total score at baseline, and the change in LEDD from V0 to V2. Conclusions: In PD patients, the development of MF is associated with a greater increase in the NMS burden after a 2-year follow-up