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Este artículo editorial introduce la sección especial titulada "Inteligencia artificial en la evaluación y la personalización del aprendizaje". Se presentan y contrastan las conclusiones de los siete estudios seleccionados en relación con investigaciones recientes. En este artículo se ofrecen cinco principales aportaciones. Primero, se muestran los avances en la integración del aprendizaje adaptativo con la inteligencia artificial generativa para la personalización del aprendizaje. A continuación, se explora el uso educativo de chatbots, destacando su capacidad para facilitar experiencias de aprendizaje más dinámicas y ajustadas a las necesidades de los estudiantes. En tercer lugar, se analiza el uso del aprendizaje automático para la creación de modelos predictivos que apoyen la toma de decisiones formativas. Posteriormente, se presentan los desafíos y las oportunidades que presentan los sistemas de tutoría inteligente para proporcionar retroalimentación inmediata y ofrecer recomendaciones para diseñar y ajustar itinerarios personalizados de aprendizaje. Finalmente, se comparten recomendaciones prácticas y reflexiones sobre los desafíos éticos y pedagógicos, la dependencia de la inteligencia artificial y algunos retos que enfrenta la investigación educativa.

Background: Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treatment has changed drastically during the last years with the emergence of androgen receptor–targeted agents (ARTAs). ARTA combined with androgen deprivation therapy has demonstrated better oncological and survival outcomes in these patients. However, the optimal choice among different ARTAs remains uncertain due to their analogous efficacy. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response and oncological outcomes of patients with mHSPC treated with apalutamide. Material and methods: Medical records from three different hospitals in Spain were used to conduct this study. Patients diagnosed with mHSPC and under apalutamide treatment were included between March 2021 and January 2023. Data regarding PSA response, overall survival (OS), and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) were collected and stratified by metastasis volume, timing, and stating. Results: 193 patients were included; 34.2% of patients were de novo mHSPC, and the majority was classified as m1b. The 18-month OS and rPFS were 92.5% and 88.9%, respectively. Patients with PSA levels ≤0.2 ng/ml showcased an 18-month OS rate of 98.7%, contrasting with 65.3% for those with PSA >0.2 ng/ml. Similar trends emerged for rPFS (97.4% and 53.7%, respectively). When differentiating between low-volume and high-volume metastasis, the OS rate stood at 98.4% and 80.7%, respectively, while the rPFS rates were 93% and 81.6%, respectively. No significant differences were found between groups stratified by metastasis timing. Conclusion: This real-world study on patients with mHSPC treated with apalutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy revealed robust oncological outcomes, aligning with the emerging evidence. The study's hallmark finding highlights the significance of rapid and deep PSA response as a predictor of improved oncological and survival outcomes.

Wine aging is a fundamental stage in the creation of special high-quality wines, such as sherries and similar wines. To undergo the process of “biological aging”, some of these wines are stored in oak casks for long periods. During this process, a thin layer of yeast is spontaneously formed on the surface of the wine. This layer protects the wine from oxidation and contributes to its unique organoleptic characteristics. This work presents the prototype of an instrumented bung capable of monitoring, in real-time, the absorbance evolution of the Fino Sherry wine during its biological aging process. The results of the tests carried out in the laboratory showed that the device can directly measure the absorbance at wavelengths of 420 nm and 520 nm, detecting small changes produced by the wine oxidation processes. This work has significant implications for winery technicians and oenologists as they could analyze the evolution of the wine in real time, detect problems in advance, and avoid work-related accidents. These conclusions solidify the enduring relevance of this research and offer a robust foundation for future developments in the field.

Bladder cancer (BC) represents a wide spectrum of diseases, ranging from recurrent non-invasive tumors to advanced stages that require intensive treatments. BC accounts for an estimated 500,000 new cases and 200,000 deaths worldwide every year. Understanding the biology of BC has changed how this disease is diagnosed and treated. Bladder cancer is highly immunogenic, involving innate and adaptive components of the immune system. Although little is still known of how immune cells respond to BC, immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) remains the gold standard in high-risk non-muscle invasive BC. For muscle-invasive BC and metastatic stages, immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 have emerged as potent therapies, enhancing immune surveillance and tumor cell elimination. This review aims to unravel the immune responses involving innate and adaptive immune cells in BC that will contribute to establishing new and promising therapeutic options, while reviewing the immunotherapies currently in use in bladder cancer.

Yeast biocapsules are a novel immobilization technology that could be used in fermentation processes. They are spherical structures consisting of yeast cells encapsulated and attached to the hyphae of a filamentous fungus. Yeast biocapsules offer a cutting-edge approach to cell immobilization, with significant potential for advancing fermented food production. By enhancing fermentation control, improving product quality, and increasing process efficiency, these biocapsules represent a key innovation in food fermentation technology, particularly in the production of alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. Proteomic analysis of two-dimensional gels was carried out to study changes in proteins expressed in (i) co-immobilized yeast cells, and (ii) free-format yeast cells. This analysis showed that the proteins expressed in co-immobilized yeast cells played critical roles in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, protein synthesis, and translation, whereas the proteins expressed by free yeast cells were mainly related to glycolysis. These findings suggest a defense response of the co-immobilized yeast against fungal interactions, involving regulatory mechanisms at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels. This study opens new avenues for exploring yeast–fungus co-immobilization, including stress responses, the nature of the binding polymers, and the proteomics of biocapsules. Additionally, investigating natural co-immobilization mechanisms between various microorganisms could uncover further biotechnological applications and biocatalytic activities.

This paper presents the redesign process of FLIC, a web application developed for creating personal learning itineraries in higher education, now adapted for primary and secondary education as FLIC-IPAFLEX. This redesign meets the need for personalised learning through flexible pathways. It supports teachers in creating learning situations (LSs) as per the criteria set forth by the new Spanish Education Law (LOMLOE). The SCRUM model, integrated into Design-Based Research (DBR), was employed, implementing several iterative cycles involving teachers to validate the tool’s utility. The platform facilitates the creation, publication, and reuse of LS by enabling the filtering of competencies, evaluation criteria, and basic knowledge, as well as integrating with Google Classroom, an application widely used by teachers. The results show a positive user evaluation, highlighting its ease of use and capacity to foster collaboration among teachers, thereby promoting the co-design of flexible and adaptive LSs. FLIC-IPAFLEX aims to contribute to the field of learning design technologies, aligning with the demands of compulsory education and supporting collaborative processes within the educational environment.

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, such as direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS), will be critical in limiting the rise of the average global temperature over the next century. Scaling up DACCS technologies requires the support of a complex array of policies and infrastructure across multiple overlapping policy areas, such as climate, energy, technology innovation and resource management. While the literature on DACCS and other CDR technologies acknowledges the path-dependent nature of policy development, it has tended to focus on abstract policy prescriptions that are not rooted in the specific political, social and physical (infrastructural) context of the implementing state. To address this gap, this paper provides a country-level study of the emerging DACCS policy regime in Canada. Drawing on the existing literature that identifies idealized (acontextual) policy objectives that support DACCS development and effective regulation, we identify the actionable policy objectives across six issue domains: general climate mitigation strategies; energy and resource constraints; carbon storage and transport regulation and infrastructure; financing scale-up and supporting innovation; removal and capture technology availability and regulation; and addressing social acceptability and public interest. Using a database of Canadian climate policies (n = 457), we identify policies within the Canadian (federal and provincial) policy environment that map to the idealized policy objectives within each of these domains. This exercise allows us to analyze how key policy objectives for DACCS development are represented within the Canadian system, and enables us to identify potential niches, and landscape influences within the system, as well as gaps and potential barriers to the system transition process. This paper contributes to our understanding of national DACCS policy development by providing a framework for identifying components of the DAC system and linking those components to desired policy outcomes and may provide a basis for future cross-country comparisons of national-level DACCS policy.

This work focuses on the production of a white wine with a specific organoleptic profile by means of sequential fermentation using immobilized yeast in a system known as “microbial biocapsules”. Three fermentation conditions were created: sequential fermentation with immobilized yeast (SqFMB) employing a matrix composed by Aspergillus oryzae (pellet-forming fungus recognized as GRAS), sequential fermentations with non-immobilized yeast cells (SqF), and a control of spontaneous fermentation (SpF). To carry out these fermentations, Pedro Ximénez grape must was used and two non-Saccharomyces yeast strains, Debaryomyces hansenii LR1 and Metschnikowia pulcherimma Primaflora, and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae X5 strain were used. The wines produced were subjected to microbiological and chemical analyses in which metabolites that positively influence the wine profile, such as 1,1-diethoxyethane and decanal, are only produced in the SqFMB condition, and others, like nonanal, were detected in higher concentrations than in SqF and SpF. Microbiological analyses show that less non-Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated in the SqFMB condition than in SqF, which indicates an efficiency in the inoculation and removal method proposed. These results conclude that microbial biocapsules seem to be a good yeast carrier for wine elaboration; however, modulation of some variables like yeast concentration inocula, the employment of preadaptation methods or the use of yeast species with higher fermentative power need to be tested to improve the novel methodology.

Abstract Background and aim Circulating biomarkers of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases can help in the early detection and prevention of those diseases. Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), we aimed to study the plasma levels of low-molecular-weight metabolites (LMWMs) in a cohort of 307 patients with metabolic diseases to assess their relationships with type-2 diabetes (T2D) and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional and prospective study. We included 307 patients attending the Lipid Unit of our University Hospital for the treatment of the following metabolic disturbances and associated disorders: T2D (73.9%), obesity (58.7%), and hypertension (55.1%). 1H-NMR was used to study the plasma levels of 13 LMWMs. LMWM serum concentrations were evaluated in patients with and without T2D. and the correlations with several parameters and their associations with T2D were analyzed. The association between LMWM levels at baseline and the development of ASCVD in patients with T2D after 10 years of follow-up was also evaluated. Results Among the LMWMs measured, the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) valine, leucine and isoleucine showed a positive association with several clinical and lipid-related biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers (p

Al mirar en perspectiva los mundos narrados de los primeros cuentos que García Márquez comenzó a publicar desde 1947, reunidos tardía e improvisadamente en el libro Ojos de perro azul, vemos que estos se desenvolvían en el entorno íntimo de la conciencia de personajes cuyo radio espacial y temporal no abarcaba un contexto reconocible y casi prescindía de alusiones históricas. Sin embargo, el último cuento de ese libro, “Monólogo de Isabel viendo llover en Macondo”, es una excepción y, al mismo tiempo, la revelación de un cambio en la escritura garciamarquiana.

As a result of climate change, the phenology of grapes has been altered, mainly by increasing the sugar content and decreasing the acidity of ripe grapes. This shift, when the must is fermented, affects the quality of the wine. In this regard, the use of selected Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts to mitigate these undesirable effects in wine fermentations entails new strategies to improve their control and also to obtain wines better adapted to current consumer preferences. This work focuses on the use of a commercially available strain of Lachancea thermotolerans immobilized in biological support to form “microbial biocapsules”, comparing its effect with a free format and spontaneous fermentation on alcoholic fermentation and volatile compound composition. These biocapsules, consisting of yeast cells attached to fungal pellets, are being tested to improve wine sensory attributes and also to facilitate yeast inoculation in fermentative and clarification winemaking processes, as well as to reduce time and production costs. The composition of young wines obtained with L. thermotolerans, inoculated as free or biocapsule formats, were compared with those obtained by the traditional method of spontaneous fermentation using native yeast by quantifying 12 oenological variables and the contents in 12 major volatiles, 3 polyols, and 46 minor volatile compounds. The analytical data matrix underwent statistical analysis to compare and establish significant differences at p ≤ 0.05 level between the different wines obtained. Among the major volatiles and polyols, only ethyl acetate, 1,1-diethoxyethane, methanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, acetoin, ethyl lactate, and glycerol showed significant differences in L. thermotolerans wines. Also, from the minor volatile metabolites, eight showed a significant dependence on the format used for L. thermotolerans, and the other nine volatiles were dependent on both yeast and inoculation format. Only 27 volatiles were selected as aroma-active compounds with odor activity values higher than 0.2 units. Statistical analysis showed a clear separation of the obtained wines into groups when subjected to Principal Component Analysis, and the fingerprinting of wines made with biocapsules shows intermediate values between the two remaining inoculation formats, particularly in the fruity/ripe fruit, green, and floral series. The organoleptic evaluation of wines results in significantly higher values in taste, overall quality, and total score for wines obtained with biocapsules.

Validation measurements for the Future Railway Communication System in railway environments is a very challenging task and should be reduced to a minimum for cost and time efficiency. “Zero-on-site testing” consists of using simulation/emulation tools and testing procedures to allow validation and verification activities in the laboratory to avoid complex and expensive trials with trains on real-world sites. A solution to test a communication network in a laboratory under realistic conditions consists of injecting perturbations at the IP level (such as additional delay, packet losses, or jitters). It is essential to correlate the IP impairments with the radio environment, their effects on end-to-end transmission, and how the network and its elements react. To do so, IP impairments (or the conditions that lead to them) should be generated in such a way that allows assessing their impact on the performance of transmissions. This paper presents the results of an experimental research based on an original emulation platform (Emulradio4Rail platform), able to emulate and test wireless systems taking into account both physical layer as well as IP traffic in realistic railway environments. Different types of IP traffics are injected at the application layer and go through the platform. The work aimed at extracting various statistical distributions of classical IP metrics (delay, packet loss, jitter, throughput) versus time, as a function of radio channel conditions for Wi-Fi and LTE transmissions in typical railway environments. Then, the modeled IP impairments statistical distributions can be considered at the IP level to test very easily wireless system modems. The results and methodology can be considered for the evaluation of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System modems.

Abstract Background Lung cancer is one of the most lethal tumors with a poor survival rate even in those patients receiving new therapies. Metabolism is considered one of the hallmarks in carcinogenesis and lipid metabolism is emerging as a significant contributor to tumor metabolic reprogramming. We previously described a profile of some lipid metabolism related genes with potential prognostic value in advanced lung cancer. Aim To analyze clinical and pathological characteristics related to a specific metabolic lipid genomic signature from patients with advanced lung cancer and to define differential outcome. Methods Ninety samples from NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) and 61 from SCLC (small cell lung cancer) patients were obtained. We performed a survival analysis based on lipid metabolic genes expression and clinical characteristics. The primary end point of the study was the correlation between gene expression, clinical characteristics and survival. Results Clinical variables associated with overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients were clinical stage, adenocarcinoma histology, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), number and site of metastasis, plasma albumin levels and first-line treatment with platinum. As for SCLC patients, clinical variables that impacted OS were ECOG, number of metastasis locations, second-line treatment administration and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). None of them was associated with gene expression, indicating that alterations in lipid metabolism are independent molecular variables providing complementary information of lung cancer patient outcome. Conclusions Specific clinical features as well as the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes might be potential biomarkers with differential outcomes.

This work focuses on the establishment of analytical and sensory differences between young wines obtained from the same grape must fermented using different strategies. The main purpose is to provide winemakers with objective criteria to help them to choose the best fermentation method to obtain the desired wine characteristics. The effects of four strategies were tested: a spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts (WYs) and the addition of starter cultures of Lachancea thermotolerans (LT), Metschnikowia pulcherrima (MP), and a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that is an overproducer of glutathione (SC) in different batches of the same must of the Pedro Ximénez white grape. The analytical results obtained show as the LT wine has the highest glutathione content, while the lowest ethanol concentrations. The use of chemometric tools applied to the volatile compounds allowed to differentiate the four wines by a principal component analysis (PCA) and the identification of 27 key compounds. The four wines did not show statistical differences in their smell or taste attributes and only the LT wine was visually differentiated from the rest.

Hydrogen (H2) is a low-carbon carrier. Hence, measuring the impact of its supply chain is key to guaranteeing environmental benefits. This research proposes a classification of H2 in Colombia based on its carbon footprint and source. Such environmental characterization enables the design of regulatory instruments to incentivize the demand for low carbon-H2. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to determine the carbon footprint of H2 production technologies. Based on our LCA, four classes of H2 were defined based on the emission threshold: (i) gray-H2 (21.8–17.0 kg CO2-eq/kg H2), (ii) low-carbon-H2 (4.13 – 17.0 kg CO2-eq/kg H2), (iii) blue-H2 (

Lung cancer is one of the most deadly and common cancers in the world. The molecular features of patient’s tumours dictate the different therapeutic decisions, which combines targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Altered cellular metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Tumour cells reprogram their metabolism to adapt to their novel requirements of growth, proliferation, and survival. Together with the Warburg effect, the role of lipid metabolism alterations in cancer development and prognosis has been highlighted. Several lipid related genes have been shown to promote transformation and progression of cancer cells and have been proposed as biomarkers for prognosis. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of the regulation of lipid metabolism and the biological consequences in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been elucidated yet. There is an urgent necessity to develop multidisciplinary and complementary strategies to improve NSCLC patients´ well-being and treatment response. Nutrients can directly affect fundamental cellular processes and some diet-derived ingredients, bioactive natural compounds and natural extracts have been shown to inhibit the tumour growth in preclinical and clinical trials. Previously, we described a supercritical extract of rosemary (SFRE) (12 - 16% composition of phenolic diterpenes carnosic acid and carnosol) as a potential antitumoral agent in colon and breast cancer due to its effects on the inhibition of lipid metabolism and DNA synthesis, and in the reduction of resistance to 5-FluoroUracil (5-FU). Herein, we demonstrate SFRE inhibits NSCLC cell bioenergetics identifying several lipid metabolism implicated targets. Moreover, SFRE synergises with standard therapeutic drugs used in the clinic, such as cisplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab to inhibit of cell viability of NSCLC cells. Importantly, the clinical relevance of SFRE as a complement in the treatment of NSCLC patients is suggested based on the results of a pilot clinical trial where SFRE formulated with bioactive lipids (PCT/ES2017/070263) diminishes metabolic and inflammatory targets in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), such as MAPK (p=0.04), NLRP3 (p=0.044), and SREBF1 (p=0.047), which may augment the immune antitumour function. Based on these results, SFRE merits further investigation as a co-adjuvant in the treatment of NSCLC.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05080920

In recent years, microgrid (MG) deployment has significantly increased, utilizing various technologies. MGs are essential for integrating distributed generation into electric power systems. These systems’ economic dispatch (ED) aims to minimize generation costs within a specific time interval while meeting power generation constraints. By employing ED in electric MGs, the utilization of distributed energy resources becomes more flexible, enhancing energy system efficiency. Additionally, it enables the anticipation and proper utilization of operational limitations and encourages the active involvement of prosumers in the electricity market. However, implementing controllers and algorithms for optimizing ED requires the independent handling of constraints. Numerous algorithms and solutions have been proposed for the ED of MGs. These contributions suggest utilizing techniques such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), CPLEX, and MATLAB. This paper presents an investigation of the use of model predictive control (MPC) as an optimal management tool for MGs. MPC has proven effective in ED by allowing the prediction of environmental or dynamic models within the system. This study aims to review MGs’ management strategies, specifically focusing on MPC techniques. It analyzes how MPC has been applied to optimize ED while considering MGs’ unique characteristics and requirements. This review aims to enhance the understanding of MPC’s role in efficient MG management, guiding future research and applications in this field.

Abstract Amyloid deposits in pancreatic islets, mainly formed by human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) aggregation, have been associated with loss of β-cell mass and function, and are a pathological hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Treatment with chaperones has been associated with a decrease in endoplasmic reticulum stress leading to improved glucose metabolism. The aim of this work was to investigate whether the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) prevents glucose metabolism abnormalities and amyloid deposition in obese agouti viable yellow (Avy) mice that overexpress hIAPP in β cells (Avy hIAPP mice), which exhibit overt diabetes. Oral PBA treatment started at 8 weeks of age, when Avy hIAPP mice already presented fasting hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and impaired insulin secretion. PBA treatment strongly reduced the severe hyperglycemia observed in obese Avy hIAPP mice in fasting and fed conditions throughout the study. This effect was paralleled by a decrease in hyperinsulinemia. Importantly, PBA treatment reduced the prevalence and the severity of islet amyloid deposition in Avy hIAPP mice. Collectively, these results show that PBA treatment elicits a marked reduction of hyperglycemia and reduces amyloid deposits in obese and diabetic mice, highlighting the potential of chaperones for T2D treatment.

Higher alcohols produced by yeast during the fermentation of sparkling wine must have the greatest impact on the smell and taste of wine. At present, the metabolic response to methanol and higher alcohols formation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under endogenous CO2 overpressure has not been fully elucidated. In this work, a proteomics and metabolomics approach using a OFFGEL fractionator and the LTQ Orbitrap for the protein identification, followed by a metabolomic study for the detection and quantification of both higher alcohols (GC-FID and SBSE-TD-GC-MS) and amino acids (HPLC), was carried out to investigate the proteomic and metabolomic changes of S. cerevisiae in relation to higher alcohols formation under a CO2 overpressure condition in a closed bottle. The control condition was without CO2 overpressure in an open bottle. Methanol and six higher alcohols were detected in both conditions, and we have been able to relate to a total of 22 proteins: 15 proteins in the CO2 overpressure condition and 22 proteins in the control condition. As for the precursors of higher alcohols, 18 amino acids were identified in both conditions. The metabolic and proteomic profiles obtained in both conditions were different, so CO2 overpressure could be affecting the metabolism of higher alcohols. Furthermore, it was not possible to establish direct correlations in the condition under CO2 overpressure; however, in the condition without pressure it was possible to establish relationships. The data presented here can be considered as a platform that serves as a basis for the S. cerevisiae metabolome–proteome with the aim of understanding the behavior of yeast under conditions of second fermentation in the production of sparkling wines.

Abstract Background Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-M; PCK2) is expressed in all cancer types examined and in neuroprogenitor cells. The gene is upregulated by amino acid limitation and ER-stress in an ATF4-dependent manner, and its activity modulates the PEP/Ca2+ signaling axis, providing clear arguments for a functional relationship with metabolic adaptations for cell survival. Despite its potential relevance to cancer metabolism, the mechanisms responsible for its pro-survival activity have not been completely elucidated. Methods [U-13C]glutamine and [U-13C]glucose labeling of glycolytic and TCA cycle intermediates and their anabolic end-products was evaluated quantitatively using LC/MS and GC/MS in conditions of abundant glucose and glucose limitation in loss-of-function (shRNA) and gain-of-function (lentiviral constitutive overexpression) HeLa cervix carcinoma cell models. Cell viability was assessed in conjunction with various glucose concentrations and in xenografts in vivo. Results PEPCK-M levels linearly correlated with [U-13C]glutamine label abundance in most glycolytic and TCA cycle intermediate pools under nutritional stress. In particular, serine, glycine, and proline metabolism, and the anabolic potential of the cell, were sensitive to PEPCK-M activity. Therefore, cell viability defects could be rescued by supplementing with an excess of those amino acids. PEPCK-M silenced or inhibited cells in the presence of abundant glucose showed limited growth secondary to TCA cycle blockade and increased ROS. In limiting glucose conditions, downregulation of PKC-ζ tumor suppressor has been shown to enhance survival. Consistently, HeLa cells also sustained a survival advantage when PKC-ζ tumor suppressor was downregulated using shRNA, but this advantage was abolished in the absence of PEPCK-M, as its inhibition restores cell growth to control levels. The relationship between these two pathways is also highlighted by the anti-correlation observed between PEPCK-M and PKC-ζ protein levels in all clones tested, suggesting co-regulation in the absence of glucose. Finally, PEPCK-M loss negatively impacted on anchorage-independent colony formation and xenograft growth in vivo. Conclusions All in all, our data suggest that PEPCK-M might participate in the mechanisms to regulate proteostasis in the anabolic and stalling phases of tumor growth. We provide molecular clues into the clinical relevance of PEPCK-M as a mechanism of evasion of cancer cells in conditions of nutrient stress.

In the automotive and rail domains, vehicles are entering the era of full automation thanks to wireless sensors and communication systems, shifting control functions from a human driver to computers. High data rate, robustness, high reliability and ultra-low latency wireless communications are required in the context of autonomous train and safety critical applications. Today, the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is under development at European level within the International Union of Railways (UIC). This system will answer all the current and future needs of rail. It will be IP based, multi-bearer and resilient to technology evolution. In the context of the development of different FRMCS prototypes by industry, it is crucial to be able to test them in representative Railway radio environments thanks to laboratory tools. Characterization of radio channels in railway environments, by measurements or simulations, is a very active field. In this article, based on broad literature survey, we show that not all the published models are suitable for performance evaluation. Then, we propose a selection of typical Tapped-Delay-Line channel models to be implemented in an original hardware and software testing platform capable to reproduce the effect of representative Railway environments in laboratory, with real time emulation at RF (Radio Frequency) level. Preliminary results in Hilly 3 taps and Cutting 5 taps channel models are presented as a proof of concept of a “zero on site testing” approach, allowing for time and cost savings in the validation of railway communication systems.

Radio access technologies (RATs) are a key topic in railways, enabling them a better service rendering in terms of shorter headways between trains, higher safety levels and higher customer satisfaction. Very often, these railway RATs need a lot of time to be developed, tested and put into service, which implies a lack of efficiency and bottlenecks in the evolution of railway systems. To solve this situation, an emulation platform that considers both the physical layer and the network (this is, able to emulate the end-to-end chain) is envisaged in the EmulRadio4Rail project. Therefore, the physical layer of many railway scenarios must be emulated, which is a remarkable challenge because railways are very diverse. We see Tapped-Delay Lines (TDL) models as the most efficient way for emulation with the available hardware. In the literature, there are many TDL-based channel models for all the scenarios we considered but one: tunnels. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, we develop a novel TDL model for railway tunnels, considering the impact of the rolling stock (both high-speed railway (HSR) and subway trains). The proposed model allows the full characterization of this scenario in terms of power-delay-profile (PDP), Doppler spectrum and fading characteristics.

Objective: Long-term survivors (LS) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver alterations, displaying an overall survival (OS) of more than 3 years, comprise around 10% of cases in several series treated with chemotherapy. There are classical prognosis factors for these cases [stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), etc.], but more data are required in the literature. In this multi-center study, we focused on LS of advanced NSCLC with OS above 36 months to perform a clinical-pathological and molecular characterization. Methods: In the first step, we conducted a clinical-pathological characterization of the patients. Afterwards, we carried out a genetic analysis by comparing LS to a sample of short-term survivors (SS) (with an OS less than 9 months). We initially used whole-genome RNA-seq to identify differentiating profiles of LS and SS, and later confirmed these with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the rest of the samples. Results: A total of 94 patients were included, who were mainly men, former smokers, having adenocarcinoma (AC)-type NSCLC with an ECOG of 0–1. We obtained an initial differential transcriptome expression, displaying 5 over- and 33 under-expressed genes involved in different pathways: namely, the secretin receptor, surfactant protein, trefoil factor 1 (TFF1), serpin, Ca-channels, and Toll-like receptor (TLRs) families. Finally, RT-PCR analysis of 40 (20 LS/20 SS) samples confirmed that four genes (surfactant proteins and SFTP) were significantly down-regulated in SS compared to LS by using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model: SFTPA1 (P = 0.023), SFTPA2 (P = 0.027), SFTPB (P = 0.02), and SFTPC (P = 0.047). Conclusions: We present a sequential genetic analysis of a sample of NSCLC LS with no driver alterations, obtaining a differential RNA-seq/RT-PCR profile showing an abnormal expression of SF genes.

Exploring the heterogeneity in impacts and outcomes of using solar geoengineering to counteract global warming is important. Here the authors found that solar geoengineering that reduces temperature below present-day would grow GDP by accelerating economic development in tropics, but projections for global GDP-per-capita by the end of the century are highly dispersed and model dependent.

Flor yeast velum is a biofilm formed by certain yeast strains that distinguishes biologically aged wines such as Sherry wine from southern Spain from others. Although Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most common species, 5.8 S-internal transcribed spacer (ITS) restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses have revealed the existence of non-Saccharomyces species. In order to uncover the flor microbiota diversity at a species level, we used ITS (internal transcribed spacer 1)-metabarcoding and matrix-assisted laser desorption/Ionization time of flight mass spectrometry techniques. Further, to enhance identification effectiveness, we performed an additional incubation stage in 1:1 wine:yeast extract peptone dextrose (YPD) before identification. Six species were identified: S. cerevisiae, Pichia manshurica, Pichia membranifaciens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Candida guillermondii, and Trichosporon asahii, two of which were discovered for the first time (C. guillermondii and Trichosporon ashaii) in Sherry wines. We analyzed wines where non-Saccharomyces yeasts were present or absent to see any potential link between the microbiota and the chemical profile. Only 2 significant volatile chemicals (out of 13 quantified), ethanol and ethyl lactate, and 2 enological parameters (out of 6 quantified), such as pH and titratable acidity, were found to differ in long-aged wines. Although results show a low impact where the non-Saccharomyces yeasts are present, these yeasts isolated from harsh environments (high ethanol and low nutrient availability) could have a potential industrial interest in fields such as food microbiology and biofuel production.

Una de las formas de incorporar estrategias didácticas que promuevan la flexibilidad, la autonomía y la responsabilidad en el contexto de la secuenciación adaptativa del curriculum a las diferencias de los estudiantes, pasa por diseñar itinerarios flexibles de aprendizaje. El presente estudio aborda este concepto desde la perspectiva del diseño del aprendizaje, presentando una estructura de secuencias de aprendizaje intercambiables que permiten la configuración de itinerarios personales por parte de los propios alumnos en un proceso de codiseño. A partir de un cuestionario tipo Likert se analiza la valoración general de la experiencia, de la autonomía y control del proceso, de los propios itinerarios personales de aprendizaje y de las secuencias de aprendizaje. Los resultados muestran una alta valoración de cada una de las dimensiones por parte de los estudiantes. Se concluye que la configuración de los itinerarios y la participación de los estudiantes, así como las características que presentan los itinerarios flexibles de aprendizaje para facilitar la personalización, son propuestas metodológicas valiosas.

High plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and chronic inflammation are important factors related to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in patients at cardiovascular risk. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), we aimed to study the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) and acute-phase glycoprotein profiles of a cohort of patients with metabolic disease and their relationship with fatty liver. Plasma samples of 280 patients (type 2 diabetes, 81.1%; obesity, 63.3%; and metabolic syndrome, 91.8%) from the University Hospital Lipid Unit were collected for the measurement of small, medium and large TRL particle numbers and sizes and glycoprotein profiles (Glyc-A and Glyc-B) by 1H-NMR. Liver function parameters, including the fatty liver index (FLI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, were assessed. Hepatic echography assessment was performed in 100 patients, and they were followed up for 10 years. TRL particle concentrations showed a strong positive association with Glyc-A and Glyc-B (ρ=0.895 and ρ=0.654, p

Carbon-emitting technologies often cost less than carbon-emission-free alternatives; this difference in cost is known as the Green Premium. Innovations that decrease the Green Premium contribute to achieving climate goals, but a conceptual framework to quantify that contribution has been lacking. Here, we devise a framework to translate reductions in the Green Premium into equivalent reductions in carbon emissions. We introduce a new integrated assessment model designed for teaching and communication, the Climate Optimized INvestment model, to facilitate transparent investigation of cost-saving innovation. We look at consequences of introducing a new technology with potential for learning and improvement for scenarios with three levels of stringency of carbon constraint: an Unlimited budget scenario in which carbon emissions abatement is determined only by balancing marginal costs; a Large budget scenario with a maximum budget for future cumulative emissions equivalent to 50 times the initial-year emissions; and a Small budget scenario with a maximum budget for future cumulative emissions equivalent to 15 times the initial-year emissions. At all of these stringency levels, we find the least-cost solutions involve investing in a learning subsidy to bring the cost of the new technology down the learning curve. Reducing the Green Premium can lead to enhanced carbon abatement, lower abatement costs even after reaching net-zero emissions, less climate damage, and increased net-present-value of consumption. We find both the value of Green Premium reductions and the value of carbon dioxide removal are greater under more stringent mitigation targets. Our study suggests a crucial role for both public and private sectors in promoting and developing innovations that can contribute to achieving zero emissions goals.

Based on an interdisciplinary experience addressing traditional dimensions in marine resource management in the Pacific, the socio-ecological interconnectivity between island communities, the ocean realm and the legal context concerning the management of seabed resources (Tilot, 2006, 2010; Tilot et al., 2018, 2021a,b; Mulalap et al., 2020; Willaert, 2020a,b, c; 2021; DOSI, 2021), this paper proposes to discuss the relevance and efficacy of the concept of “Oceanian Sovereignty” (Bambridge et al., 2021) in the context of Deep Sea Mining, from the different legal, environmental, anthropological, social, political, and economic science perspectives. The policies and practices developed in the Pacific in this context could well serve as a suitable model elsewhere to reconcile competing perspectives in addition to sustaining the Human Well-being and Sustainable Livelihoods (HWSL) and the health of the Global Ocean.

Background: Liver steatosis is considered the onset of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a major public health challenge. Nevertheless, NAFLD detection and diagnosis remain a difficult task. Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been proposed as potential biomarker for the ectopic fat accumulation in non-adipose tissues, although its role reflecting liver steatosis in metabolic patients is not fully explored. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between FABP4 and the fatty liver index (FLI) in metabolic patients and to evaluate its potential role in the fatty liver disease.Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 389 participants at increased cardiometabolic risk was performed. FLI was calculated in order to assess liver fatty disease and a FLI ≥ 60 was considered to define liver steatosis. The serum FABP4 levels were assessed by using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the associations of FABP4 with fatty liver after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.Results: Both, FLI and serum FABP4 levels were upregulated in diabetic, obese, and metabolic syndrome patients. Serum FABP4 levels were higher in individuals with liver steatosis. Serum FABP4 were robustly associated with FLI in metabolic patients in both linear and logistic regression analyses.Conclusion: Our findings show that the serum FABP4 is associated to liver steatosis in metabolic patients.

Air pollution is the leading cause of the global burden of disease from the environment, entailing substantial economic consequences. International shipping is a significant source of NOx, SO2, CO and PM, which can cause known negative health impacts. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the health impacts and the associated external costs of ship-related air pollution in the Iberian Peninsula for 2015. Moreover, the impact of CAP2020 regulations on 2015 emissions was studied. Log-linear functions based on WHO-HRAPIE relative risks for PM2.5 and NO2 all-cause mortality and morbidity health end-points, and integrated exposure–response functions for PM2.5 cause-specific mortality, were used to calculate the excess burden of disease. The number of deaths and years of life lost (YLL) due to NO2 ship-related emissions was similar to those of PM2.5 ship-related emissions. Estimated all-cause premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 ship-related emissions represented an average increase of 7.7% for the Iberian Peninsula when compared to the scenario without shipping contribution. Costs of around 9 100 million € yr-1 (for value of statistical life approach - VSL) and 1 825 million € yr−1 (for value of life year approach - VOLY) were estimated for PM and NO2 all-cause burden of disease. For PM2.5 cause-specific mortality, a cost of around 3 475 million € yr−1 (for VSL approach) and 851 million € yr−1 (for VOLY approach) were estimated. Costs due to PM and NO2 all-cause burden represented around 0.72% and 0.15% of the Iberian Peninsula gross domestic product in 2015, respectively for VSL and VOLY approaches. For PM2.5 cause-specific mortality, costs represented around 0.28% and 0.06%, respectively, for VSL and VOLY approaches. If CAP2020 regulations had been applied in 2015, around 50% and 30% respectively of PM2.5 and NO2 ship-related mortality would been avoided. These results show that air pollution from ships has a considerable impact on health and associated costs affecting the Iberian Peninsula.

In this work, we study the effect of bentonite addition to the grape must before alcoholic fermentation on the chemical composition and sensorial profile of the obtained wines. Fermentations were carried out with two Saccharomyces cerevisiae commercial active dry yeasts treated or not with bentonite and were compared with a control wine obtained by spontaneous fermentation (using the grape must microbiota). Several significant effects on the chemical and sensorial attributes were established by statistical treatments. The selection by multiple variable analysis of seven volatile molecules (ethyl acetate; methanol; 1-propanol; isobutanol; 2-methyl-1-butanol; 3-metyl-1-butanol and 2-phenylethanol) provided several footprints that provide an easy visualization of bentonite effects on wine volatile compounds. A Principal Component Analysis carried out with all the compounds quantified by Gas-Chromatography revealed that the first two Principal Components explain 60.15 and 25.91%, respectively, of the total variance and established five groups that match with the five wines analyzed. Lastly, predictive models at p ≤ 0.05 level for the attributes sight, smell and taste were obtained by Partial Least Squared regression analysis of selected chemical variables.

A questionnaire is a basic tool for collecting information in survey research. Often, these questions are measured using a Likert scale. With multiple items on the same broad object, these codes could be summed or averaged to give an indication of each respondent’s overall positive or negative orientation towards that object. This is the basis for Likert scales. Aggregation methods have been widely used in different research areas. Most of them are mathematical methods, such as the arithmetic mean, the weighted arithmetic mean, or the OWA (Ordered Weighted Averaging) operator. The usual presentation of Likert scale derived data are Mean. This paper presents a new approach to compute an aggregate value that represents Likert scale responses as a histogram adequate to treat better than Mean with asymmetric distributions. This method generates a set of partitions using an approach based on successive division. After every division, each partition is evaluated using a consensus measure and the one with the best value is then selected. Once the process of division has finished, the aggregate value is computed using the resulting partitions. Promising results have been obtained. Experiments show that our method is appropriate for distributions with large asymmetry and is not far from the behavior of the arithmetic mean for symmetric distributions. Overall, the article sheds light on the need to consider other presentations of Likert scale derived data beyond Mean more suitable for asymmetric distributions.

Wireless Big Data has aroused extensive attention, as mass mobile devices have been developed and deployed for the upcoming 5G era. The context information of these devices is of importance for personalized services in a smart environment. Nevertheless, the constant change of scenes challenges to the network operator. In this paper, we propose an ensemble learning scheme for indoor-outdoor classification for a typical urban area, based on the cellular data captured in a commercial LTE network. The variables are extracted by network key performance indicators (KPIs) and radio propagation knowledge. Based on these main variables, the decision trees grow and split by the Gini index of sampled features. Then, all decision trees are assembled as weak learners to build the ensemble scheme, thus improving the discrimination ability. The self-validation results show the ensemble model achieves extreme accurate (with an out-of-bag error lower than 1%) classification for indoor and outdoor environments. Moreover, the prominent variables are selected based on the variable importance of in the initial training. The reconfigured model based on fewer variables and less weak learners also gains the highest accuracy and relative short compute time, compared with other classical machine learning methods.

Modern trains have become a complicated ensemble of both mechanic and electronic systems. In particular, the so called Train Control and Management System (TCMS) plays a key role in them. TCMS-related applications and services run over a dedicated network called TCN (Train Communications Network) which is wired. Therefore, the opportunity for a wireless TCN is clear, but the challenges and threats are also remarkable. In this article we characterize the radio channel for a very important scenario: the train backbone, which includes the impact on adjacent trains (due to interferences). In order to be exhaustive and to provide useful and accurate models, a measurement campaign on three different real-world scenarios (with trains involved) has been carried out: tunnels, open air and stations. Physical layer results are provided in terms of path-loss, power-delay profile and fading distribution characterization.

Las tendencias metodológicas en la educación superior, basadas en la flexibilización y la participación activa de los estudiantes, requieren nuevas configuraciones tecnológicas que faciliten su implementación. En este artículo, se presenta un estudio dirigido a analizar las herramientas y funciones asociadas a los procesos de codiseño, enfocados a la construcción de itinerarios personalizados de aprendizaje en entornos virtuales en el ámbito universitario. Siguiendo una metodología de Investigación Basada en Diseño, el estudio se ha realizado en seis asignaturas de tecnología educativa en los grados de Educación Infantil, Primaria y Pedagogía de la Universidad de las Islas Baleares. Como resultado, se ha generado una clasificación funcional de herramientas, que ha permitido elaborar una propuesta de configuración de entorno tecnológico de apoyo a procesos para codiseño en la construcción de itinerarios de aprendizaje que favorezcan la autorregulación y la agencia de los estudiantes. Cualquier propuesta de configuración tecnológica debe responder al diseño pedagógico, decisiones institucionales, logísticas o personales.

Objective: Pancreatic β-cell failure is central to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) has been associated with pancreatic islet inflammation and dysfunction in T2D. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a circulating protease inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we sought to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of AAT treatment in a mouse model characterized by hIAPP overexpression in pancreatic β-cells. Methods: Mice overexpressing hIAPP (hIAPP-Tg) in pancreatic β-cells were used as a model of amyloid-induced β-cell dysfunction. Glucose homeostasis was evaluated by glucose tolerance tests and insulin secretion assays. Apoptosis and amyloid formation was assessed in hIAPP-Tg mouse islets cultured at high glucose levels. Dissociated islet cells were cocultured with macrophages obtained from the peritoneal cavity. Results: Nontreated hIAPP-Tg mice were glucose intolerant and exhibited impaired insulin secretion. Interestingly, AAT treatment improved glucose tolerance and restored the insulin secretory response to glucose in hIAPP-Tg mice. Moreover, AAT administration normalized the expression of the essential β-cell genes MafA and Pdx1, which were downregulated in pancreatic islets from hIAPP-Tg mice. AAT prevented the formation of amyloid deposits and apoptosis in hIAPP-Tg islets cultured at high glucose concentrations. Since islet macrophages mediate hIAPP-induced β-cell dysfunction, we investigated the effect of AAT in cocultures of macrophages and islet cells. AAT prevented hIAPP-induced β-cell apoptosis in these cocultures without reducing the hIAPP-induced secretion of IL-1β by macrophages. Remarkably, AAT protected β-cells against the cytotoxic effects of conditioned medium from hIAPP-treated macrophages. Similarly, AAT also abrogated the cytotoxic effects of exogenous proinflammatory cytokines on pancreatic β-cells. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that treatment with AAT improves glucose homeostasis in mice overexpressing hIAPP and protects pancreatic β-cells from the cytotoxic actions of hIAPP mediated by macrophages. These results support the use of AAT-based therapies to recover pancreatic β-cell function for the treatment of T2D.

In natural language processing the use of deep learning techniques is very common. In this paper, a technique to identify the subject and predicate in a sentence is introduced. To achieve this, the proposed technique completes POS tagging identifying in a later stage the subject and the predicate in a sentence. Two different deep neural networks are used to complete this process. A first one to establish a correspondence between individual words and part-of-speech (POS) tags and a second one that, taking as input these tags, identifies relevant elements of the sentence such like the subject and the predicate. To validate the architecture of our proposal a set of tests over public datasets have been designed. In these experiments, this model achieves high rates of accuracy in POS tagging and in subject and predicate classification. Finally, a comparison of the results obtained for each individual network with similar tools such as NLTK, pyStatParser and spaCy is made.

Sea level rise in the United States will lead to large scale migration in the future. We propose a framework to examine future climate migration patterns using models of human migration. Our framework requires that we distinguish between historical versus climate driven migration and recognizes how the impacts of climate change can extend beyond the affected area. We apply our framework to simulate how migration, driven by sea level rise, differs from baseline migration patterns. Specifically, we couple a sea level rise model with a data-driven model of human migration and future population projections, creating a generalized joint model of climate driven migration that can be used to simulate population distributions under potential future sea level rise scenarios. The results of our case study suggest that the effects of sea level rise are pervasive, expanding beyond coastal areas via increased migration, and disproportionately affecting some areas of the United States.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, is a progressive disease ranging from fatty liver to steatohepatitis (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis; MASH). Nevertheless, it remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of effective non-invasive methods for its diagnosis and staging. Although MAFLD has been found in lean individuals, it is closely associated with obesity-related conditions. Adipose tissue is the main source of liver triglycerides and adipocytes act as endocrine organs releasing a large number of adipokines and pro-inflammatory mediators involved in MAFLD progression into bloodstream. Among the adipocyte-derived molecules, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been recently associated with fatty liver and additional features of advanced stages of MAFLD. Additionally, emerging data from preclinical studies propose FABP4 as a causal actor involved in the disease progression, rather than a mere biomarker for the disease. Therefore, the FABP4 regulation could be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy to MAFLD. Here, we review the current knowledge of FABP4 in MAFLD, as well as its potential role as a therapeutic target for this disease.

The traditional method for sparkling wine making consists of a second fermentation of a base wine followed by ageing in the same bottle that reaches the consumers. Nitrogen metabolism is the second most important process after carbon and takes place during wine fermentation by yeast. Amino acids are the most numerous nitrogen compounds released by this process. They contribute to the organoleptic properties of the wines and, therefore, to their sensory quality. The main objective of this study is to compare the differential proteomic response of amino acid metabolism, specifically their proteins and their interactions in the G1 strain (unconventional yeast) during sparkling wine production versus the conventional P29 strain. One of the new trends in winemaking is the improvement of the organoleptic diversity of wine. We propose the use of unconventional yeast that shows desirable characteristics for the industry. For this purpose, these two yeasts were grown at sealed bottle conditions for the second fermentation (Champenoise method). No differences were obtained in the middle of fermentation between the yeast strains. The number of proteins identified, and the relationships established, were similar, highlighting lysine metabolism. At the end of the second fermentation, the difference between each strain was remarkable. Hardly any proteins were identified in unconventional versus conventional yeast. However, in both strains, the metabolism of sulfur amino acids, methionine, and cysteine obtained a greater number of proteins involved in these processes. The release of these amino acids to the medium would allow the yeast to balance the internal redox potential by reoxidation of NADPH. This study is focused on the search for a more complete knowledge of yeast metabolism, specifically the metabolism of amino acids, which are key compounds during the second fermentation.

Studying the spatial mutational and gene expression alterations in breast cancer could impact our understanding of breast cancer development. Here, the authors analyse a unique dataset of epithelial samples that highlight potential field cancerisation surrounding the primary tumour.

Summary: Family B DNA polymerases (PolBs) play a central role during replication of viral and cellular chromosomes. Here, we report the discovery of a third major group of PolBs, which we denote primer-independent PolB (piPolB), that might be a link between the previously known protein-primed and RNA/DNA-primed PolBs. PiPolBs are encoded by highly diverse mobile genetic elements, pipolins, integrated in the genomes of diverse bacteria and also present as circular plasmids in mitochondria. Biochemical characterization showed that piPolB displays efficient DNA polymerization activity that can use undamaged and damaged templates and is endowed with proofreading and strand displacement capacities. Remarkably, the protein is also capable of template-dependent de novo DNA synthesis, i.e., DNA-priming activity, thereby breaking the long-standing dogma that replicative DNA polymerases require a pre-existing primer for DNA synthesis. We suggest that piPolBs are involved in self-replication of pipolins and may also contribute to bacterial DNA damage tolerance. : Redrejo-Rodríguez et al. report and characterize a DNA polymerase group (piPolB) from the B family that can perform primer-independent DNA replication. PiPolBs are encoded by Pipolins, diverse self-replicating genetic elements that are widespread among bacterial phyla and in mitochondria. Keywords: DNA replication, translesion synthesis, primer-independent DNA synthesis, de novo DNA synthesis, family B DNA polymerase, self-replicating mobile element, DNA damage

A propósito de quatro romances de três escritores do Caribe colom-biano – Manuel Zapata Olivella, Gabriel García Márquez y Germán Espino-sa –, o presente artigo busca colocar em xeque uma teoria sobre a relação entre literatura e oralidade. Pretende-se mostrar que esta teoria, como toda teoria, pode, não obstante suas vantagens, contribuir para perpetuar frontei-ras e hieraquias canônicas que historicamente têm vivido em harmonia com as ideologias hegemônicas da ciudade letrada.

Este trabajo busca establecer algunos ejes problemáticos del tratamiento de los textos de la oralidad cultural al interior del área de lengua materna en la educación en Colombia. Se hace una mirada crítica a la situación actual de dicho tratamiento y se presentan criterios para establecer corpus textuales de la oralidad cultural en Colombia según el cumplimiento de unos rasgos de canonicidad.

This paper presents a full characterization of the communications channel inside a train vehicle, in both narrow and wideband configurations. The purpose of this characterization is to be one of the first steps to check the feasibility of a wireless implementation of a train-control management system, a service which has been always carried over a wired network. Many different train topologies and scenarios have been taken into account in this paper (continuous and non-continuous train; train inside a tunnel, open-air or depot) and different results have been obtained (path-loss, angle of arrival, power-delay profile, and delay spread). The results show significant differences between continuous and non-continuous trains, and also highlight the importance of having a proper channel model with one slope per train car, instead of having only one slope for the whole train.

¿Es posible construir una ciudad sin su historia? ¿Es posible conciliar las posturas sostenidas desde la arquitectura contemporánea a través del franco deseo de proximidad y hermandad con las preexistencias heredadas? ¿Qué criterios de análisis pueden considerarse como válidos para verificar la compatibilidad de determinados ejercicios arquitectónicos con respecto a los lugares históricos o preexistentes en donde se implantan? Estas cuestiones, al igual que otras, componen o vertebran los apuntes que aquí se exponen y que se sitúan en torno a un marco de acción concreto: la trayectoria y obra, en rehabilitación y restauración de edificios, del arquitecto español Juan Antonio Molina Serrano, y la relación de las mismas con el contexto de producción (marco cultural y teórico) en el que se desarrolla su acción profesional.