Heuristics in creating and solving probability problem statements

III Congreso Internacional Virtual de Educación Estadística (CIVEEST), 21-24 febrero de 2019. [www.ugr.es/local/fqm126/civeest.html]La resolución de problemas es una tarea cognitiva de vital importancia en el aprendizaje de las matemáticas, ya que permite desarrollar el razonamiento matemático. En este trabajo se ha planteado una experiencia a través del campus virtual universitario para la que se solicitó al alumnado del tercer curso del Grado en Maestro/a en educación primaria que planteasen y resolviesen un problema de probabilidad adaptado a nivel de 6º de primaria. El objetivo del estudio ha sido averiguar qué heurísticos y técnicas son puestas en práctica por los alumnos en la creación y resolución de problemas adaptados a este nivel, así como la detección de patrones de actuación en dicho proceso. Durante el análisis se ha detectado el uso de varios heurísticos (entre ellos se encuentran el tanteo, trabajar marcha atrás o el uso de gráficos) encontrando, además, un patrón interesante que se ve repetido en varias ocasiones.Problem-solving is a very important cognitive task in the process of learning mathematics, as it allows developing mathematical reasoning. in this work, an experience has been carried out through a university online Campus. Students in the third year of the Bachelor’s Degree of Primary Education participated in the experience. They were asked to raise and solve a probability problem adapted to 6th level of primary education. The aim of the study was to find out which heuristics and techniques were used by the students for creating and solving problems adapted to a specific primary level, as well as the detection of action patterns in this process. During the analysis the use of several heuristics has been detected (among them are trial-and-error, work backwards or the use of graphics) finding an interesting pattern that was repeated several times

Metodología de investigación de los yacimientos de pizarras para cubiertas

[Resumen] Se exponen .las bases metodológicas autores aplican a la investigación y de yacimientos de pizarras para cubiertas, tanto de su propia experiencia como de bibliografía disponible sobre el tema. Los factores que controlan la calidad de los yacimientos de dicha materia prima son de tres tipos: Litoestratigráficos, estructurales y metamórficos. Ellos se reflejan en una serie de parámetros que son los que habitua1ment e s e evalúan en e1 campo. La investigación utiliza técnicas geológicas básicas, adaptadas a las peculiaridades de la pizarra. Aquélla se lleva a cabo en tres fases. De cada una de las fases se presentan ejemplos. Se apuntan también algunas nuevas técnicas de investigación tomadas de la bibliografía, que podrían ser de aplicación en este campo.[Résumé] Il s'exposent les bases méthodologiques que 1es auteur s app1i quen t á 1I investigation et évaluation de gisements des ardoises pour couvertures, prisses autant de sa propre expérience que de la maigre bibliographie disponible sur le sujeto Les facteurs que controlent la qualité des gisements de la materie prime sont trois types: Litoestratiphiques, estructurales et metamórphiques. lIs se réfléchent sur une serp€ de parámetres que sont ceux que normalement s'evaluent sur le champ. L' investigation utilise les téc niques básiques, adaptées aux peculiarités de Celle-lá se mene á bien en trois phases. une des phases on presenten des exemples. On remarque aussi quelques nouvelles técniques 'investigation cherchées sur la bibliographie, qu'il pouvaient etre d'aplication sur ce champ

E-cadherin expression is associated with somatostatin analogue response in acromegaly

Acromegaly is a rare disease resulting from hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) typically caused by pituitary adenomas, which is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Somatostatin analogues (SSAs) represent the primary medical therapy for acromegaly and are currently used as first‐line treatment or as second‐line therapy after unsuccessful pituitary surgery. However, a considerable proportion of patients do not adequately respond to SSAs treatment, and therefore, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers predictors of response to SSAs. The aim of this study was to examine E‐cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry in fifty‐five GH‐producing pituitary tumours and determine the potential association with response to SSAs as well as other clinical and histopathological features. Acromegaly patients with tumours expressing low E‐cadherin levels exhibit a worse response to SSAs. E‐cadherin levels are associated with GH‐producing tumour histological subtypes. Our results indicate that the immunohistochemical detection of E‐cadherin might be useful in categorizing acromegaly patients based on the response to SSAs.ISCIII‐Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación PI13/02043 PI16/00175FEDER PI13/02043 PI16/00175Junta de Andalucía A‐0023‐2015 A‐0003‐2016 CTS‐1406 BIO‐0139Andalusian Ministry of Health C‐0015‐2014CIBERobn PI13/ 02043 PI16/0017

Research production among students from the Facultad Nacional de Salud Publica, Universidad de Antioquia, during the period 2004-2008

ABSTRACT: To describe the research production of undergraduate students from the National Faculty of Public Health (Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, FNSP), Universidad de Antioquia, during the period 2004-2008. Methods: descriptive study document review. The Study population was limited to graduation projects according to their different modalities (research projects, development project and monographs) of the three undergraduate programs at the FNSP and research papers published in the Revista Facultad Nacional de SaludPública during the period 2004-2008. The analysis unit was restricted to graduation projects that could be located at the FNSP library and research papers including undergraduate students as authors. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of the data collected. Results: a total amount of 279 graduation projects were reviewed, from wich 119 (42.7%) were research projects. In the undergraduate program of Management of Health Information Systems, research projects were the most frequent type of graduation project (79.1%). This proportion was smaller in the health administration programs both in its emphasis in health services (36.2%) and in its emphasis on environment and sanitation (19.7%). A total amount of 126 research papers were reviewd finding 22 (17.5%) with undergraduate students of the FNSP as coauthors. The proportion of research projects published in the Revista FNSP was 11.8%. Conclusions: during the period 2004-2008, two out of five graduation projects in the FNSP were research projects. During the period studied important differences according to the undergraduate programs were observed. The proportion of research projects published in the Revista FNSP is still very small.RESUMEN: Describir la producción investigativa de los estudiantes de los tres programas de pregrado de la Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública (FNSP) de la Universidad de Antioquia durante el período 2004-2008. Metodología: estudio descriptivo de tipo investigación documental. La población de estudio la constituyeron todos los trabajos de grado en sus diferentes modalidades (trabajo de investigación, proyecto de desarrollo y monografía) de los estudiantes de los tres pregrados de la FNSP y los artículos publicados en la Revista Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública (Revista FNSP) durante el período 2004-2008. La unidad de análisis fueron los trabajos de grado que se pudieron localizar en la biblioteca de la FNSP y los artículos de la revista que incluían estudiantes de pregrado entre sus autores. Para el análisis de la información se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: se revisaron un total de 279 trabajos de grado y se encontró que 119 (42,7%) corresponden a trabajos de investigación. En el programa de gerencia en sistemas de información en salud predominan los trabajos de investigación (79,1%). Esta proporción fue menor en los programas de administración en salud en sus dos énfasis: servicios de salud (36,2%) y sanitaria y ambiental (19,7%). Se revisaron 126 artículos de la revista, 22 de los cuales (17,5%) tenían autoría de estudiantes de la FNSP. El 11,8% de los trabajos de investigación fueron publicados en la Revista FNSP. Conclusiones: durante el período 2004-2008, dos de cada cinco trabajos de grado en la FNSP fueron de investigación. Durante todo el período se observaron importantes diferencias según el programa de pregrado. La proporción de trabajos de investigación que se publica en la Revista FNSP es todavía pequeña

Valuation of the research and education ecosystem services as input for making decisions from the perspective of risk management and climate change

El artículo presenta la valoración de los servicios ecosistémicos de investigación y educación en la microcuenca de la quebrada Dalí, ubicada dentro de la hacienda Lisbrán; a través de tres objetivos específicos: primero, identificación de información biofísica y socioeconómica del área de estudio (línea base); segundo valoración integral del servicio de “investigación y educación” ofrecido por la microcuenca; por último analizar cómo los servicios ecosistémicos y la educación ambiental pueden convertirse en un insumo para la gestión local. Para el primer se identificaron y clasificaron algunos servicios ecosistémicos mediante información secundaria. Estos fueron evaluados mediante los métodos de ranking y rating, obteniendo los mayores puntajes los servicios de oferta y regulación hídrica, y como segundo y en el cual se fundamenta el artículo los servicios educación y de investigación. Para el segundo se realizó una valoración integral del servicio de “investigación-educación” en sus aspectos ecológicos, sociales y económicos, tomando como objeto de estudio siete programas (pregrado y posgrado) de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. El tercer se desarrolló con la participación de los scout “rama de lobatos” como parte del diseño de un proyecto de educación ambiental que ellos y otras partes interesadas fomenta la importancia de los recursos naturales y los beneficios de la sub-cuenca Dalí como proveedor de servicios ecosistémicos. Los resultados muestran que el área de estudio tiene un gran potencial para ser usada como estación de investigación y sitio de prácticas para estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado. A pesar del hecho de que los profesores y estudiantes entrevistados reconocen la importancia de los atributos ecológicos que ofrece la subcuenca de la quebrada Dali, ninguno de ellos expreso disponibilidad a pagar por usar este sitio como lugar para desarrollar sus investigaciones o tesis de investigación. Sin embargo, la experiencia del trabajo con niños de los grupos scouts en el sitio de estudio sugiere que el sitio tiene un gran potencial no solo para hacer investigación sino también para para la educación ambiental.The article presents the valuation of the research and education ecosystem services in the Dali mountain stream, located in the Lisbran farm through three specific objectives: first, to identify the biophysical and socioeconomic information of the area of study (Baseline); second, to assess comprehensively the "research and education" service offered by the micro basin; and third, to analyze how the ecosystem services and environmental education can become input for local management. Some ecosystem services were identified and classified through secondary information to accomplish the first objective. These were evaluated using the ranking and rating methods, obtaining the highest scores on services of water supply and, in second place, research and education services in which this article is based. A comprehensive assessment of “the research and education” service considering its ecological, social and economic aspects was carried out to achieve the second objective. Seven undergraduate and graduate programs from Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira were taken as the object of study. The third objective was developed with the participation of the cub scouts group as part of the design of an environmental education project that, as well as other stakeholders, encourage the importance of natural resources and the benefits of the Dalí mountain stream as a supplier of valuable ecosystem services. The results show that the area of study has a great potential to be used as a research and educational station as well as internship site for undergraduate and graduate students. Despite the fact that the professors and students interviewed recognize the importance of the ecological attributes offered by the Dali mountain stream, none of them expressed the willingness to pay for the use of this site as a location to conduct their research and thesis projects. However, the experience of working with children from the scout groups suggests that the site has a great potential not only for research but also for environmental education activities

Mitofusin 2 in POMC neurons connects ER stress with leptin resistance and energy imbalance

Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) plays critical roles in both mitochondrial fusion and the establishment of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. Hypothalamic ER stress has emerged as a causative factor for the development of leptin resistance, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we show that mitochondria-ER contacts in anorexigenic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus are decreased in diet-induced obesity. POMC-specific ablation of Mfn2 resulted in loss of mitochondria-ER contacts, defective POMC processing, ER stress-induced leptin resistance, hyperphagia, reduced energy expenditure, and obesity. Pharmacological relieve of hypothalamic ER stress reversed these metabolic alterations. Our data establish MFN2 in POMC neurons as an essential regulator of systemic energy balance by fine-tuning the mitochondrial-ER axis homeostasis and function. This previously unrecognized role for MFN2 argues for a crucial involvement in mediating ER stress-induced leptin resistance

Human Coronavirus Virulence Motifs and Virulence

Trabajo presentado en el XIV International Nidovirus Symposium (Nido2017), celebrado en Kansas City, Missouri (Estados Unidos), del 4 al 9 de junio de 2017We have shown that SARS-CoV E protein is a virulence factor that includes at least two virulence motifs: its ion channel (IC) activity encoded within the transmembrane domain and a PDZ binding motif (PBM) located at its carboxy-terminus. We showed that E protein pathogenicity was caused by the activation of different host signaling pathways. One of them was the activation of inflammasome, a process mediated by the conductance of Ca++ byEprotein IC activity, leading to an increased expression of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels. Another signaling pathway implied the activation of a proinflammatory response mediated by NF-kB activation. This activation was a consequence of E protein-syntenin binding mediated by PBM-PDZ interactions. This binding caused an increase of p38MAPK phosphorylation promoting the induction of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), edema and death of mice infected with a mouse adapted SARS-CoV. The relevance of p38 MAPK activation after infection with the mouse adapted SARS-CoV was confirmed by the protection of mice in the presence of an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, but not in its absence. These results illustrated the identification of an efficient coronavirus (CoV) antiviral. The presence of a virulence factor such as the PBM motif in E protein allows the virus to interact with more than 400 cell proteins containing PDZ motifs, conferring the virus the potential to control a high number of cell-signaling pathways increasing its replication and virulence. In fact, we are analyzing the proteome of the viral PBM-cellular PDZ interactions using system biology approaches. Frequently, the ARDS caused by lung infection with mild respiratory viruses is resolved before it evolves to serious edema. In contrast, after SARS-CoV infection frequently this resolution does not take place. We have shown the binding of E protein to a main mediator of edema resolution, the Na+ /K+ ATPase, and proposed that this may be one of the procedures by which edema recovery is prevented after SARS-CoV infection, either by inhibition of Na+ /K+ ATPase activity or by relocating this enzyme to another subcellular compartment. Deadly human CoVs as SARS- and MERS-CoVs have at least two viral proteins with IC activity and PBM motifs. Studies on the relevance of E and 3a SARS-CoV proteins in replication and virulence, and the interdependence among them have shown that the presence in the virus of at least E or 3a proteins was needed for virus viability. In fact, we have shown that the complementation between E and 3a proteins is mediated by the PBM motifs located at the carboxy-terminus of these proteins. Our studies on the interaction of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with the host, and the engineering of reverse genetics systems for each of these viruses, led us to the development of genetically stable vaccine candidates that provided full-protection against the challenge with the homologous virulent virus using mice models

The avoidance of G-CSF and the addition of prophylactic corticosteroids after autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma patients appeal for the at-home setting to reduce readmission for neutropenic fever

Background Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for young multiple myeloma (MM) patients; indeed, at-home ASCT has been positioned as an appropriate therapeutic strategy. However, despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics, neutropenic fever (NF) and hospital readmissions continue to pose as the most important limitations in the outpatient setting. It is possible that the febrile episodes may have a non-infectious etiology, and engraftment syndrome could play a more significant role. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of both G-CSF withdrawal and the addition of primary prophylaxis with corticosteroids after ASCT. Methods Between January 2002 and August 2018, 111 MM patients conditioned with melphalan were managed at-home beginning +1 day after ASCT. Three groups were established: Group A (n = 33) received standard G-CSF post-ASCT; group B (n = 32) avoided G-CSF post-ASCT; group C (n = 46) avoided G-CSF yet added corticosteroid prophylaxis post-ASCT. Results The incidence of NF among the groups was reduced (64%, 44%, and 24%; P2 (OR 6.1; P = 0.002) and G-CSF avoidance plus corticosteroids (OR 0.1; P60 years (OR 14.6; P = 0.04) and G-CSF avoidance plus corticosteroids (OR 0.07; P = 0.05). Conclusions G-CSF avoidance and corticosteroid prophylaxis post ASCT minimize the incidence of NF in MM patients undergoing at-home ASCT. This approach should be explored in a prospective randomized clinical trial

Air-sea CO2 fluxes in the Atlantic as measured during the FICARAM cruises

A total of fourteen hydrographic cruises spanning from 2000 to 2008 were conducted during the spring and autumn seasons between Spain and the Southern Ocean, under the framework of the Spanish research project FICARAM. The performed underway measurements are processed and analysed to describe the meridional air-sea CO2 fluxes (F CO2) along the Atlantic Ocean. The data was organised into different biogeochemical oceanographic provinces, according mainly to the thermohaline characteristics. The obtained spatial and temporal distributions of F CO2 follow the generally expected patterns and annual trends. The Subtropical regions in both hemispheres alternated the CO2 source and sink nature from autumn to spring, respectively. On the other hand, Tropical waters and the Patagonian Sea clearly behaved as sinks of atmospheric CO2 like the waters of the Drake Passage during autumn. The obtained results during the cruises also revealed significant long-term trends, such as the warming of equatorial waters (0.11±0.03 Cyr−1) and the decrease of surface salinity (−0.16±0.01 yr−1) in tropical waters caused by the influence of the Amazon River plume. This reduction in surface salinity appears to have a direct influence over the CO2 storage rates, fostering the uptake capacity of atmospheric CO2 (−0.09±0.03 molm−2 yr−1). An analysis of the biogeochemical forcing on the CO2 fugacity (fCO2) variability performed from an empirical algorithm highlighted the major role of the Amazon River input in the tropical North Atlantic fluxes. In addition, it has provided a quantitative measure of the importance of the thermodynamic control of F CO2 at temperate latitudes

Serum angiopoietin-like 3 levels are elevated in obese non diabetic men but are unaffected during an oral glucose tolerance test

This study aimed to determine ANGPTL3 serum levels in healthy young lean and obese non-diabetic men during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and correlate them with anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal parameters. A case–control study was carried out and 30 young obese non-diabetic (23.90 ± 3.84 years and BMI 37.92 ± 4.85 kg/m2) and 28 age-matched healthy lean (24.56 ± 3.50 years and BMI of 22.10 ± 1.72 kg/m2) men were included in this study. The primary outcome measures were serum basal ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL3–area under the curve (AUC) levels. The percentage of body fat was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and biochemical, hormonal and insulin resistance indices were determined. Basal ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL3–AUC levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in young obese subjects compared with lean subjects and were positively and significantly associated with different anthropometric measurements. Fasting ANGPTL3 serum levels were positively correlated with fasting insulin, leptin, Leptin/Adiponectin index and triglyceride—glucose index. Moreover, ANGPTL3–AUC was negatively correlated with Matsuda index. In this regard, chronically high ANGPTL3 levels in young obese subjects might favor triglyceride-rich lipoprotein clearance to replenish triglyceride stores by white adipose tissue rather than oxidative tissues.Fil: Garcés, Maria Fernanda. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Buell Acosta, Julieth Daniela. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Rodríguez Navarro, Haiver Antonio. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Pulido Sánchez, Estefania. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Rincon Ramírez, Juan José. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Moreno Ordóñez, Diana Carolina. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Franco Vega, Roberto. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Roncancio Muñoz, Jhoan Sebastian. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Burgos Cardenas, Alvaro Javier. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Lacunza, Ezequiel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Castaño, Justo P.. Universidad de Córdoba; EspañaFil: Diéguez, Carlos. Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; EspañaFil: Nogueiras, Rubén. Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; EspañaFil: Sanchez, Elizabeth. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Caminos, Jorge Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Colombi