Bayesian Semiparametric Multi-State Models

Multi-state models provide a unified framework for the description of the evolution of discrete phenomena in continuous time. One particular example are Markov processes which can be characterised by a set of time-constant transition intensities between the states. In this paper, we will extend such parametric approaches to semiparametric models with flexible transition intensities based on Bayesian versions of penalised splines. The transition intensities will be modelled as smooth functions of time and can further be related to parametric as well as nonparametric covariate effects. Covariates with time-varying effects and frailty terms can be included in addition. Inference will be conducted either fully Bayesian using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation techniques or empirically Bayesian based on a mixed model representation. A counting process representation of semiparametric multi-state models provides the likelihood formula and also forms the basis for model validation via martingale residual processes. As an application, we will consider human sleep data with a discrete set of sleep states such as REM and Non-REM phases. In this case, simple parametric approaches are inappropriate since the dynamics underlying human sleep are strongly varying throughout the night and individual-specific variation has to be accounted for using covariate information and frailty terms

The potential of drama techniques in the bilingual classroom: A new perspective on Social Theatre with a focus on Infant Education

Theatre has been used in education since middle ages and this has been reflected in the successive educational laws. However, global society has brought about two requirements to our schools: learning a second language and the development of cultural and social awareness. Social Theatre seems to give an answer to both needs, being not just a tool for real communication in the bilingual classroom but a way to achieve the required holistic and comprehensive child development, considering always a ludic approach. That is why this study would like to demonstrate the potential of socio-bilingual drama techniques in the infant education classroom, focusing on the adaptation of Listening Theatre (Mato, 2006), Poor Theatre (Grotowski, 1970) and Theatre of the Oppressed (Boal, 1992) techniques in the CLIL context

Axial skeleton anterior-posterior patterning is regulated through feedback regulation between Meis transcription factors and retinoic acid.

Vertebrate axial skeletal patterning is controlled by co-linear expression of Hox genes and axial level-dependent activity of HOX protein combinations. MEIS transcription factors act as co-factors of HOX proteins and profusely bind to Hox complex DNA; however, their roles in mammalian axial patterning remain unknown. Retinoic acid (RA) is known to regulate axial skeletal element identity through the transcriptional activity of its receptors; however, whether this role is related to MEIS/HOX activity remains unknown. Here, we study the role of Meis in axial skeleton formation and its relationship to the RA pathway in mice. Meis elimination in the paraxial mesoderm produces anterior homeotic transformations and rib mis-patterning associated to alterations of the hypaxial myotome. Although Raldh2 and Meis positively regulate each other, Raldh2 elimination largely recapitulates the defects associated with Meis deficiency, and Meis overexpression rescues the axial skeletal defects in Raldh2 mutants. We propose a Meis-RA-positive feedback loop, the output of which is Meis levels, that is essential to establish anterior-posterior identities and patterning of the vertebrate axial skeleton.This research was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PGC2018-096486-B-I00), the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (RD16/ 0011/0019) and by the Comunidad de Madrid (S2017/BMD3875). The Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III is supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and the Pro Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III Foundation, and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (SEV-2015-0505). A.C.L.-D. was the recipient of a Formación Personal Investigador fellowship from the Ministerio de Economı́a y Competitividad (BES-2013-064374).S

Combination of biochar amendment and mycoremediation for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons immobilization and biodegradation in creosote-contaminated soil

Soils impregnated with creosote contain high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). To bioremediate these soils and avoid PAH spread, different bioremediation strategies were tested, based on natural attenuation, biochar application, wheat straw biostimulation, Pleurotus ostreatus mycoremediation, and the novel sequential application of biochar for 21 days and P. ostreatus 21 days more. Soil was sampled after 21 and 42 days after the remediation application. The efficiency and effectiveness of each remediation treatment were assessed according to PAH degradation and immobilization, fungal and bacterial development, soil eco-toxicity and legal considerations. Natural attenuation and biochar treatments did not achieve adequate PAH removal and soil eco-toxicity reduction. Biostimulation showed the highest bacterial development but low PAH degradation rate. Mycoremediation achieved the best PAH degradation rate and the lowest bioavailable fraction and soil eco-toxicity. This bioremediation strategy achieved PAH concentrations below Spanish legislation for contaminated soils (RD 9/2005). Sequential application of biochar and P. ostreatus was the second treatment most effective for PAH biodegradation and immobilization. However, the activity of P. ostreatus was increased by previous biochar application and PAH degradation efficiency was increased. Therefore, the combined strategy for PAH degradation have high potential to increase remediation efficiencyThis work was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain (Project CTM2009-13140-C02-02