Generación automática de pruebas de validación de prácticas de sistemas distribuidos

La corrección de prácticas de sistemas distribuidos es una tarea costosa para el profesor que evalúa dichos ejercicios. Esta tarea puede ser sistematizada mediante la ejecución de tests automatizados cuya elaboración representa una alta inversión de tiempo para cada práctica a corregir. Así surge la necesidad de desarrollar una herramienta que, a partir de pequeñas especificaciones proporcionadas por el usuario, genere fácil y rápidamente dichos scripts libres de errores de sintaxis. Con este fin, se ha desarrollado una herramienta web flexible, sencilla de utilizar y que permite ahorrar tiempo dedicado a la elaboración de scripts.Peer Reviewe

A 17-residue sequence from the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) hemopexin domain binds α4β1 integrin and inhibits MMP-9-induced functions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells

13 páginas, 7 figuras, 2 tablas -- PAGS nros. 27601-27613We previously showed that pro-matrix metalloproteinase-9 (proMMP-9) binds to B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells and contributes to B-CLL progression by regulating cell migration and survival. Induction of cell survival involves a non-proteolytic mechanism and the proMMP-9 hemopexin domain (PEX9). To help design specific inhibitors of proMMP-9-cell binding, we have now characterized B-CLL cell interaction with the isolated PEX9. B-CLL cells bound soluble and immobilized GST-PEX9, but not GST, and binding was mediated by α4β1 integrin. The ability to recognize PEX9 was observed in all 20 primary samples studied irrespective of their clinical stage or prognostic marker phenotype. By preparing truncated forms of GST-PEX9 containing structural blades B1B2 or B3B4, we have identified B3B4 as the primary α4β1 integrin-interacting region within PEX9. Overlapping synthetic peptides spanning B3B4 were then tested in functional assays. Peptide P3 (FPGVPLDTHDVFQYREKAYFC), a sequence present in B4 or smaller versions of this sequence (peptides P3a/P3b), inhibited B-CLL cell adhesion to GST-PEX9 or proMMP-9, with IC50 values of 138 and 279 μm, respectively. Mutating the two aspartate residues to alanine rendered the peptides inactive. An anti-P3 antibody also inhibited adhesion to GST-PEX9 and proMMP-9. GST-PEX9, GST-B3B4, and P3/P3a/P3b peptides inhibited B-CLL cell transendothelial migration, whereas the mutated peptide did not. B-CLL cell incubation with GST-PEX9 induced intracellular survival signals, namely Lyn phosphorylation and Mcl-1 up-regulation, and this was also prevented by the P3 peptides. The P3 sequence may, therefore, constitute an excellent target to prevent proMMP-9 contribution to B-CLL pathogenesisThis work was supported by Grants SAF2009–07035 and RTICC RD06/0020/0011 (to A. G.-P.) and RTICC RD06/0020/0080 (to M. J. T.) from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain, and by a grant from the Fundación Puerta de Hierro (to J. A. G. M.)Peer reviewe

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is up-regulated by CCL21/CCR7 interaction via extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 signaling and is involved in CCL21-driven B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell invasion and migration

4 páginas, 2 figuras -- PAGS nros. 383-386B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) progression is frequently accompanied by clinical lymphadenopathy, and the CCL21 chemokine may play an important role in this process. Indeed, CCR7 (the CCL21 receptor), as well as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), are overexpressed in infiltrating B-CLL cells. We have studied whether MMP-9 is regulated by CCL21 and participates in CCL21-dependent migration. CCL21 significantly increased B-CLL MMP-9 production, measured by gelatin zymography. This was inhibited by blocking extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) activity or by cell transfection with CCR7-siRNA. Accordingly, CCL21/CCR7 interaction activated the ERK1/2/c-Fos pathway and increased MMP-9 mRNA. CCL21-driven B-CLL cell migration through Matrigel or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was blocked by anti-CCR7 antibodies, CCR7-siRNA transfection, or the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126, as well as by anti-MMP-9 antibodies or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). These results strongly suggest that MMP-9 is involved in B-CLL nodal infiltration and expand the roles of MMP-9 and CCR7 in B-CLL progression. Both molecules could thus constitute therapeutic targets for this diseaseThis work was supported by grants PI060400 (to A.G.P.) and PI061637 (to M.J.T.) from the Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, and by the Fundación de Investigación Médica Mutua Madrileña (FMM; to A.G.P.). J.R.M. was supported by FMM and the Fundación Ramón ArecesPeer reviewe

In vivo extracellular matrix protein expression by human periodontal ligament after stimulation with orthodontic force

It is well known that the orthodontic force applied to teeth generates a series of events that remodel the periodontal ligament (PDL). Extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) are described as molecular regulators of these events. However, the exact contribution of these proteins in human PDL modeling by orthodontic force application in vivo is not known. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the protein expression of fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin by human PDL from teeth on which orthodontic force was applied. Twenty healthy individuals were included in the study. PDL was obtained from teeth after a 3-week treatment with orthodontic force. PDL-protein samples were separated on 7.5% SDS-PAGE Western blot analysis with specific monoclonal antibodies for fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin. Bands were visualized with an enhanced chemiluminescence detection system and densitometric. Scanning of bands was carried out to compare differences in protein expression. A significant increment in fibronectin (13.9%), laminin (16.5%) and vitronectin (14.2%) expression was found in PDL from teeth treated with orthodontic force for 3 weeks in comparison with teeth in the control group. Our results support the concept that molecular changes take place by application of orthodontic forces to the PDL. Over expression of these proteins suggests that extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling could be generated in response to mechanical stress.Keywords: Extracellular matrix proteins, periodontal ligament, orthodontic forceAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(34), pp. 5599-5604, 23 August, 201

Collaborative working: understanding mobile applications requirements

1 archivo PDF (4 páginas)The Rational Unified Process (RUP) as well as the related work embrace the importance of collaborative working teams during software development; but, user-interface designers and system analysts work in parallel or in sequential mode. However, this kind of relationship may not be effective, resulting on functional software but not meeting usability issues. Our proposal is that in order to understand mobile applications requirements work should be made collaboratively between analysts and user-interface designers through sharing artifacts like use-case scenarios, sketching and mock-up. In this paper, we propose a collaborative work framework to meet mobile applications requirements. Also, we show preliminary results of a case study to assess this approach. Results suggest that the collaborative team got a common understanding about system limits and functional and usability requirements.Universidad Autónoma Metropolitan

El abordaje transapofisario en las fracturas complejas del extremo distal femoral y proximal tibial

Los autores presentan las ventajas e inconvenientes, así como los distintos pasos de la técnica quirúrgica en el abordaje transapofisario, para resolver aquellas fracturas complejas tanto del extremo distal femoral como del extremo proximal tibial, en donde una amplia exposición del foco fracturario es imprescindible para lograr la restauración lo más anatómica posible de la superficie articular, que le permita a los pacientes reiniciar una movilización articular precoz. Consideran a este tipo de abordaje quirúrgico como muy beneficioso e imprescindible en estas fracturas tan complejas, presentando su experiencia al respecto.The authors show the advantages and disadvantages, as well as somo differents points of the surgical technique at the transapophyseal approach, for complex fractures of the distal end of the femur and proximal tibial plateau, when an extensible exposur e is essential to obtain an anatomic restitution of the articular surface, and to allow to the patient to mobilize the joint at once. They consider this type of surgical approach as very beneficial and essentia] in these fractures so complex. They present their experience

Use of transcriptomics and co-expression networks to analyze the interconnections between nitrogen assimilation and photorespiratory metabolism

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plants and, in natural soils, its availability is often a major limiting factor for plant growth. Here we examine the effect of different forms of nitrogen nutrition and of photorespiration on gene expression in the model legume Lotus japonicus with the aim of identifying regulatory candidate genes co-ordinating primary nitrogen assimilation and photorespiration. The transcriptomic changes produced by the use of different nitrogen sources in leaves of L. japonicus plants combined with the transcriptomic changes produced in the same tissue by different photorespiratory conditions were examined. The results obtained provide novel information on the possible role of plastidic glutamine synthetase in the response to different nitrogen sources and in the C/N balance of L. japonicus plants. The use of gene co-expression networks establishes a clear relationship between photorespiration and primary nitrogen assimilation and identifies possible transcription factors connected to the genes of both routes.España. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad AGL2014-54413-REspaña Junta de Andalucia, Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia BIO-163España Junta de Andalucia, Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia P10-CVI-636

Origine of the Partagat chasms (Sierra de Aitana, Alicante)

The Partagat chasms, located at the highest part of the Sierra de Aitana (Province of Alicante), are large joints which have opened up in Eocene limestone. They measure up to 15-20 metres in width and dozens of metres in depth. These joints have originated from lateral-spreading, which have evolved with time into slides. They have formed here along the lines of pre-existing NW-SE and NE-SW fractures, due to the movement of large blocks of limestone over an underlying layer of marls, both Eocene in age. Throughout the Quartenary, these landslides caused the mountain front retreat of the Aitana fault, a normal E-W fault with a throw of several hundred metre

The NALP3/Cryopyrin-Inflammasome Complex is Expressed in LPS-Induced Ocular Inflammation

In the inflammosome complex, NALP3 or NALP1 binds to ASC and activates caspase-1 which induces IL-1β. In murine LPS-induced ocular inflammation, the production of IL-1β is increased. We suggest that NALP3- or NALP1-inflammasome complex can be participating in the LPS-induced ocular inflammation. In this work, eye, brain, testis, heart, spleen, and lung were obtained from C3H/HeN mice treated with LPS for 3 to 48 hours, and the expression of NALP1b, NALP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 was determined. Infiltrated leukocytes producing IL-1β in the anterior chamber were found at 12-hour posttreatment. A high upregulated expression of NALP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 was found at the same time when infiltrated leukocytes were observed. NALP1b was not detected in the eye of treated mice. NALP3 was also overexpressed in heart and lung. These results suggest that NALP3-, but not NALP1-inflammosome complex, is participating in the murine LPS-induced ocular inflammation