hCLE/RTRAF-HSPC117-DDX1-FAM98B: A New Cap-Binding Complex That Activates mRNA Translation

hCLE/C14orf166/RTRAF, DDX1, and HSPC117 are components of cytoplasmic mRNA-transporting granules kinesin-associated in dendrites. They have also been found in cytoplasmic ribosome-containing RNA granules that transport specific mRNAs halted for translation until specific neuronal signals renders them accessible to the translation machinery. hCLE associates to DDX1, HSPC117, and FAM98B in HEK293T cells and all four proteins bind to cap analog-containing resins. Competition and elution experiments indicate that binding of hCLE complex to cap resins is independent of eIF4E; the cap-binding factor needed for translation. Purified hCLE free of its associated proteins binds cap with low affinity suggesting that its interacting proteins modulate its cap association. hCLE silencing reduces hCLE accumulation and that of its interacting proteins and decreases mRNA translation. hCLE-associated RNAs have been isolated and sequenced; RNAs involved in mRNA translation are specifically associated. The data suggest that RNA granules may co-transport RNAs encoding proteins involved in specific functions together with RNAs that encode proteins needed for the translation of these specific RNAs and indicate an important role for hCLE modulating mRNA translation

Leveraging geographically distributed data for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 non-parametric forecasting

The evolution of some epidemics, such as influenza, demonstrates common patterns both in different regions and from year to year. On the contrary, epidemics such as the novel COVID-19 show quite heterogeneous dynamics and are extremely susceptible to the measures taken to mitigate their spread. In this paper, we propose empirical dynamic modeling to predict the evolution of influenza in Spain’s regions. It is a non-parametric method that looks into the past for coincidences with the present to make the forecasts. Here, we extend the method to predict the evolution of other epidemics at any other starting territory and we also test this procedure with Spanish COVID-19 data. We finally build influenza and COVID-19 networks to check possible coincidences in the geographical distribution of both diseases. With this, we grasp the uniqueness of the geographical dynamics of COVID-19This research was supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, within the Project COV20/00617 in the scope of the “Fondo COVID” of the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación of Spain, and by the crowdfunding program “Sumo Valor” of the University of Santiago de Compostela. Area and Nieto have been partially supported by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) of Spain under Grant PID2020-113275GB-I00, cofinanced by the European Community fund FEDER. Mira is part of iMATUS, supported by Xunta de GaliciaS

Safeguard plan management for heritage buildings: development of a spatial information system

This paper explains the methodology and criteria used in the development of a new tool for the management of a safeguard plan for historic buildings in Avila, which is a Spanish World Heritage City. As a result of a first approximation, there are many requirements to take into account: completeness, interactivity, ease of use, modularity, and low costs. Due to the characteristics of the information (spatially located, heterogenic, and provided in different formats) we consider it indispensable to create a spatial information system that is qualifiedfor organizing all available multimedia digital information (2-D images, panoramas, graphics, text documents, and music). While the mainobjective of this study is to provide a simple tool for the management of historic and artistic heritage in the form of a safeguard plan, the features of the tool created here open up new possibilities for other uses in the future

Nephroprotection by Hypoglycemic Agents: Do We Have Supporting Data?

Current therapy directed at delaying the progression of diabetic nephropathy includes intensive glycemic and optimal blood pressure control, renin angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade and multifactorial intervention. However, the renal protection provided by these therapeutic modalities is incomplete. There is a scarcity of studies analysing the nephroprotective effect of antihyperglycaemic drugs beyond their glucose lowering effect and improved glycaemic control on the prevention and progression of diabetic nephropathy. This article analyzes the exisiting data about older and newer drugs as well as the mechanisms associated with hypoglycemic drugs, apart from their well known blood glucose lowering effect, in the prevention and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Most of them have been tested in humans, but with varying degrees of success. Although experimental data about most of antihyperglycemic drugs has shown a beneficial effect in kidney parameters, there is a lack of clinical trials that clearly prove these beneficial effects. The key question, however, is whether antihyperglycemic drugs are able to improve renal end-points beyond their antihyperglycemic effect. Existing experimental data are post hoc studies from clinical trials, and supportive of the potential renal-protective role of some of them, especially in the cases of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Dedicated and adequately powered renal trials with renal outcomes are neccessary to assess the nephrotection of antihyperglycaemic drugs beyond the control of hyperglycaemia

Control algebraico de una esfera suspendida magnéticamente: Diseño e implementación en hardware usando un procesador digital de señales

Magnetic levitation is the phenomenon that occurs when an object is suspended in the air by the action of a magnetic field, either by repulsion or by attraction, with practical applications such as the MagLev train. The main objective is to design a control methodology that allows to improve the characteristics such as greater speed in response times, stability, robustness to external disturbances and in general greater efficiency in the production processes; for this, two control techniques were designed, one by pole relocation and the other with an algebraic control scheme for the comparison of the behavior of the system in terms of stability and robustness in presence of disturbances. The algebraic control method exhibits better performance compared to conventional methods, since it reduces oscillatory behavior and it has greater rejection to external disturbances. We concluded that the use of a high-speed processing device guaranteed that the algorithms executed in real time greatly improved the general response of the physical system.La levitación magnética es el fenómeno que ocurre cuando un objeto se suspende en el aire por la acción de un campo magnético, ya sea por repulsión o por atracción, con aplicaciones prácticas como el tren MagLev. El objetivo principal es diseñar una metodología de control que permita mejorar características como mayor velocidad en tiempos de respuesta, estabilidad, robustez ante perturbaciones externas y en general una mayor eficiencia en los procesos productivos; para esto se diseñaron dos técnicas de control, una por reubicación de polos y la otra con un esquema de control algebraico para la comparación del comportamiento del sistema en cuanto a estabilidad y robustez ante perturbaciones. El método de control algebraico presenta un mejor desempeño en comparación con los métodos convencionales, ya que reduce el comportamiento oscilatorio y tiene mayor rechazo a perturbaciones externas. Se concluye que la utilización de un dispositivo de alta velocidad de procesamiento, garantizó que los algoritmos ejecutados en tiempo real mejoraran considerablemente la respuesta general del sistema físico

Control algebraico de una esfera suspendida magnéticamente: Diseño e implementación en hardware usando un procesador digital de señales

Magnetic levitation is the phenomenon that occurs when an object is suspended in the air by the action of a magnetic field, either by repulsion or by attraction, with practical applications such as the MagLev train. The main objective is to design a control methodology that allows to improve the characteristics such as greater speed in response times, stability, robustness to external disturbances and in general greater efficiency in the production processes; for this, two control techniques were designed, one by pole relocation and the other with an algebraic control scheme for the comparison of the behavior of the system in terms of stability and robustness in presence of disturbances. The algebraic control method exhibits better performance compared to conventional methods, since it reduces oscillatory behavior and it has greater rejection to external disturbances. We concluded that the use of a high-speed processing device guaranteed that the algorithms executed in real time greatly improved the general response of the physical system.La levitación magnética es el fenómeno que ocurre cuando un objeto se suspende en el aire por la acción de un campo magnético, ya sea por repulsión o por atracción, con aplicaciones prácticas como el tren MagLev. El objetivo principal es diseñar una metodología de control que permita mejorar características como mayor velocidad en tiempos de respuesta, estabilidad, robustez ante perturbaciones externas y en general una mayor eficiencia en los procesos productivos; para esto se diseñaron dos técnicas de control, una por reubicación de polos y la otra con un esquema de control algebraico para la comparación del comportamiento del sistema en cuanto a estabilidad y robustez ante perturbaciones. El método de control algebraico presenta un mejor desempeño en comparación con los métodos convencionales, ya que reduce el comportamiento oscilatorio y tiene mayor rechazo a perturbaciones externas. Se concluye que la utilización de un dispositivo de alta velocidad de procesamiento, garantizó que los algoritmos ejecutados en tiempo real mejoraran considerablemente la respuesta general del sistema físico

Assessment, Training and Innovation on Basic competencies in Secondary Education: ICT, Information Literacy and Conflict Resolution (ATI-LINCO)

[EN] The ATI-LINCO is an interdisciplinary national research project leaded by the Research Group “Evaluación Educativa y Orientación” (“Educational Assessment and Guidance”) at the University Institute of Educational Sciences (IUCE, University of Salamanca, Spain). Its focus calls the attention on key skills assessment, training of Secondary school teachers in Basic competences and the implementation of innovation processes. In the first project (SEJ2006-10700) the research interest aimed at the assessment of Basic Competencies in high school students, obtaining enough evidence as to move on a second project (EDU2009-08753). In this second attempt, the research questions about the assessment and training of secondary school teachers were divided into two basic skills:information literacy and conflict resolution competences. Finally with the ATI-LINCO project, the interest is to reverse the results of the evaluation and training on innovation processes in the secondary school setting. The Project themes are: skills assessment, teacher training, Innovation in secondary education, information literacy, conflict resolution and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as integrate tools supporting the entire project. The research methodology is different and adapted to each of the objectives proposed. On the one hand, our goal is to continue with the diagnosis of student key skills, that support learning. On the other hand, we propose an experimental design to test the ICT effectiveness in a training program for skill development in teacher training schools. On the other hand, we intend to frame an educational innovation project based on Basic Competencies through an interactive process of action-research. The ultimate goal, therefore, is contributing to improve the quality of the Spanish Educational System in Secondary Education