Basic studies on delta wing flow modifications by means of apex fences

The effectiveness of apex fences on a 60-deg delta wing at low speeds was experimentally investigated. Resembling highly swept spoilers in appearance, the fences are designed to fold out of the wing apex region upper surface near the leading edges, where they generate a powerful vortex pair. The intense suction of the fence vortices augments lift in the apex region, the resulting positive pitching moment being utilized to trim trailing edge flaps for lift augmentation during approach and landing at relatively low angles of attack. The fences reduce the apex lift at high angles of attack, leading to a desirable nose-down moment. The above projected functions of the apex fence device were validated and quantified through low speed tunnel tests, comprising upper surface pressure surveys on a semispan model and balance measurements on a geometrically similar fully span wing/body configuration. Fence parameters such as area, shape, hinge position and deflection angle were investigated. Typical results are presented indicating the apex fence potential in controlling the longitudinal characteristics of a tail-less delta

The RNA editing enzyme ADAR2 restricts L1 mobility

Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) are enzymes that convert adenosines to inosines in double-stranded RNAs (RNA editing A-to-I). ADAR1 and ADAR2 were previously reported as HIV-1 proviral factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of the ADAR2 ribonucleoprotein complex during HIV-1 expression. By using a dual-tag affinity purification procedure in cells expressing HIV-1 followed by mass spectrometry analysis, we identified 10 non-ribosomal ADAR2-interacting factors. A significant fraction of these proteins was previously found associated to the Long INterspersed Element 1 (LINE1 or L1) ribonucleoparticles and to regulate the life cycle of L1 retrotransposons. Considering that we previously demonstrated that ADAR1 is an inhibitor of LINE-1 retrotransposon activity, we investigated whether also ADAR2 played a similar function. To reach this goal, we performed specific cell culture retrotransposition assays in cells overexpressing or ablated for ADAR2. These experiments unveil a novel function of ADAR2 as suppressor of L1 retrotransposition. Furthermore, we showed that ADAR2 binds the basal L1 RNP complex. Overall, these data support the role of ADAR2 as regulator of L1 life cycle

Perspectiva del docente de educación superior acerca del proceso de innovación pedagógica a través de la incorporación de tecnología. ESLE, 2013-2014. Una propuesta de investigación – acción.

En las últimas décadas del siglo XX se han producido grandes cambios tecnológicos a nivel global debido a la introducción de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC). La educación también se ha visto afectada por este fenómeno. La mayor parte de la literatura pedagógica contemporánea coincide en señalar que las TIC se han convertido en herramientas que potencian y facilitan los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje para proveer a las nuevas generaciones habilidades y conocimientos significativos. En este escenario la Escuela de Lenguas Extranjeras de la Universidad del Aconcagua, resolvió incorporar las TIC al aula para el Profesorado en Lengua y Cultura Inglesa.Esta transformación resulta compleja para los docentes de la Institución ya que implica repensar su rol y hacer propio el paradigma de “aprender a aprender” para mejorar las prácticas educativas con la incorporación efectiva de las TIC. Por esta razón se consideró necesario conocer la percepción de estos educadores frente a la adopción de las TIC. El objetivo de la investigación es describir y analizar las posturas de los docentes de educación superior acerca del proceso de innovación pedagógica, a través de la incorporación de tecnología, que está protagonizando la ESLE para poder diseñar acciones que contribuyan al fortalecimiento de la implementación de la nueva modalidad. Esta investigación propone una metodología de investigación – acción que permite obtener esta información y posteriormente, a partir del análisis de los resultados, diseñar acciones a seguir para acompañar y fortalecer la implementación de la nueva modalidad.Esta investigación se encuentra finalizando el segundo ciclo (1er año) de ejecución: se ha realizado el planteamiento del problema, se ha construido el marco teórico, se ha elaborado y aplicado un instrumento de recolección de datos y actualmente se está procesando esta información

Impact of gastrointestinal side effects on patients’ reported quality of life trajectories after radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Data from the prospective, observational pros-it CNR study

Radiotherapy (RT) represents an important therapeutic option for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. The aim of the current study is to examine trajectories in patients’ reported quality of life (QoL) aspects related to bowel function and bother, considering data from the PROState cancer monitoring in ITaly from the National Research Council (Pros-IT CNR) study, analyzed with growth mixture models. Data for patients who underwent RT, either associated or not associated with androgen deprivation therapy, were considered. QoL outcomes were assessed over a 2-year period from the diagnosis, using the Italian version of the University of California Los Angeles-Prostate Cancer Index (Italian-UCLA-PCI). Three trajectories were identified for the bowel function; having three or more comorbidities and the use of 3D-CRT technique for RT were associated with the worst trajectory (OR = 3.80, 95% CI 2.04–7.08; OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.22–3.87, respectively). Two trajectories were identified for the bowel bother scores; diabetes and the non-Image guided RT method were associated with being in the worst bowel bother trajectory group (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.06–2.67; OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.70–3.86, respectively). The findings from this study suggest that the absence of comorbidities and the use of intensity modulated RT techniques with image guidance are related with a better tolerance to RT in terms of bowel side effects

Improved Software Production for the LHC Tunnel Cryogenics Control System

The software development for the control system of the cryogenics in the LHC is partially automatized. However, every single modification requires a sequence of consecutive and interdependent tasks to be executed manually by software developers. A large number of control system consolidations and the evolution of the used IT technologies lead to reviewing the software production methodology. As a result, an open-source continuous integration server has been employed integrating all development tasks, tools and technologies. This paper describes the main improvements that have been made to fully automate the process of software production and the achieved results

The RNA editing enzyme ADAR2 restricts L1 mobility

Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) are enzymes that convert adenosines to inosines in double-stranded RNAs (RNA editing A-to-I). ADAR1 and ADAR2 were previously reported as HIV-1 proviral factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of the ADAR2 ribonucleoprotein complex during HIV-1 expression. By using a dual-tag affinity purification procedure in cells expressing HIV-1 followed by mass spectrometry analysis, we identified 10 non-ribosomal ADAR2-interacting factors. A significant fraction of these proteins was previously found associated to the Long INterspersed Element 1 (LINE1 or L1) ribonucleoparticles and to regulate the life cycle of L1 retrotransposons. Considering that we previously demonstrated that ADAR1 is an inhibitor of LINE-1 retrotransposon activity, we investigated whether also ADAR2 played a similar function. To reach this goal, we performed specific cell culture retrotransposition assays in cells overexpressing or ablated for ADAR2. These experiments unveil a novel function of ADAR2 as suppressor of L1 retrotransposition. Furthermore, we showed that ADAR2 binds the basal L1 RNP complex. Overall, these data support the role of ADAR2 as regulator of L1 life cycle