Background: Treatments with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli are an accepted way of inducing inflammation in immunological studies since they have the ability to activate a coordinate series of signs through the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?), which can cause significant changes in intestinal structure and functionality. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding LPS of E. coli on pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression IL-8, IL-18 and TNF-? in early-weaned pigs. Methods:fieldwork was conducted at Centro San Pablo, belonging to the Universidad Nacional de Colombia with 32 pigs at 21 days of age, with 6.5 ± 0.5 kg of weight. Animals were fed with a basal diet supplemented with two levels of inclusion of LPS of E.coli serotype 0111:B4 (0 to 0.3 ?g/mg of food). Pigs were slaughtered in stages on days 1, 5, 7 and 10 postweaning and complete extraction of small intestine was made. Gene expression was evaluated by qPCR. Blocks at random in a factorial arrangement 2 x 4 were used as statistical design. Results: the basal diet (without addition of LPS) presented increase in mRNA expression (p < 0.01) of all the cytokines in jejunum for each post-weaning day, which suggests an inflammatory response and extensive tissue damage in pigs after early weaning. In diet 1 (with consumption of 0.3 ?g LPS / mg diet) cytokines TNF-?, IL-8 and IL-18 showed a significant increase in their levels of expression (p < 0.01). All cytokines presented significant increase (p < 0.01) in jejunum for each post-weaning day. Conclusion: The increase observed in the expression of TNF-? can be involved in the development of post-weaning diarrhea.

This paper contributes to the public and academic debate on the appropriateness of young Westerners’ participation in projects of volunteer tourism conducted in developing countries. Ethnographic research was carried out in the context of an Australian program that organizes short-term group placements for university students in countries like Vietnam, Mexico and Fiji. The results illustrate that such projects can produce similar benefits to other educational initiatives of international volunteering and service (IVS) in terms of global engagement, career development, intercultural competence and psychological support. However, for these projects to avoid public critiques and negative outcomes, they need to harmonize personal and institutional expectations with real volunteer capacities. Thus, until IVS programs in the university context distance themselves from a development aid discourse, they will potentially fall under the umbrella of “neo-colonialism”. The research provides a model of impact analysis and raises challenging questions for universities or similar organizations involved with short-term group placements of volunteer tourism.

Miel I is a 188 m high RCC dam in Colombia, at elevation 454 m a.s.l. The RCC mix has a cement content of 85 to 160 kg/m3. To meet contractual schedule, the original design of an upstream face made of slip formed reinforced concrete was changed to a Carpi drained exposed composite Polyvinylchloride geomembrane (= PVC geocomposite) system, placed on a 0.4 m thick zone of RCC material enriched with cement grout and vibrated. Placement of the geocomposite system in horizontal stages allowed starting of dam impoundment while RCC placement was still ongoing at higher elevation. The geocomposite system was completed in 2002, before finishing of complementary concrete works. ISAGEN, the owner of the dam, constantly monitors the dam’s and geocomposite system’s performance. The average leakage of the dam registered since the first impoundment of the reservoir has been of 2 l/s for the geocomposite’s drainage system, and of 25 l/s from the abutments. Such levels are below the design parameters that defined the maximum acceptable leakage through the geocomposite in 9.7 l/s and the maximum acceptable leakage through the abutments in 30 l/s. The measured leakage has never surpassed the historical values (with stable lecture through 11 years), or overcome the maximum allowed drainage design values defined during the design stage. After 11 years of good performance and operation, in summer 2013 ISAGEN decided to have a comprehensive monitoring of the general conditions and the weathering behaviour of the waterproofing geocomposite at Miel I. The objectives of the investigation were: assessing the reason of small cuts that had been detected and repaired (in total 15 in 11 years on a 31,000 square meters surface), assessing the conditions of the PVC geocomposite, ascertaining at which extent its characteristics had changed over service, and evaluating if the weathering behaviour was in accordance with the expected durability. Investigation started with inspection at the upstream face and in the drainage galleries, followed by sampling of the exposed PVC geocomposites. Testing in an independent laboratory allowed comparing the physical and chemical properties of the aged geocomposite sample collected at the dam with the physical and chemical properties of the same geocomposite as manufactured. Evaluation of test results, based also on most recent research on geomembrane weathering mechanisms, completed the investigation. Results confirmed that the behaviour of the PVC geocomposite is extremely good and fully in line with expectations. The paper, after a brief outline of the geocomposite system installed at the dam, will describe all steps of the investigation, and detail the test results and the conclusions drawn.

Biobarriers, as permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), are a common technology that mainly uses bacteria to remediate groundwater in polluted aquifers. In this study, we propose to use Trametes versicolor, a white-rot fungus, as the reactive element because of its capacity to degrade a wide variety of highly recalcitrantand xenobiotic compounds. A laboratory-scale artificial aquifer was constructed to simulate groundwater flow under real conditions in shallow aquifers. Orange G dye was chosen as a contaminant to visually monitor the hydrodynamic behaviour of the system and any degradation of the dye by the fungus. Batch experiments at different pH values (6 and 7) and several temperatures (15°C, 18°C, 20°C and 25°C) were performed to select the appropriate residence time and glucose consumption rate required for continuous treatment. The maximum Orange G degradation was 97%. Continuous degradation over 85% was achieved for more than 8 days. Experimental results indicate for the first time that this fungus can potentially be used as a permeable reactive barrier in real aquifers.

Hydrogenosomes and mitosomes represent remarkable mitochondrial adaptations in the anaerobic parasitic protists such as Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia intestinalis, respectively. In order to provide a tool to study these organelles in the live cells, the HaloTag was fused to G. intestinalis IscU and T. vaginalis frataxin and expressed in the mitosomes and hydrogenosomes, respectively. The incubation of the parasites with the fluorescent Halo-ligand resulted in highly specific organellar labeling, allowing live imaging of the organelles. With the array of available ligands the HaloTag technology offers a new tool to study the dynamics of mitochondria-related compartments as well as other cellular components in these intriguing unicellular eukaryotes.

Abstract: Introduction: Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that is treated by several specialists, moreover the role of the otolaryngologist is not well established and there are no specific guidelines for its management and follow-up. Methods: We made a descriptional, observational and prospective study where patients of all ages with the diagnosis of Moebius syndrome were included between June 2012 and September 2014 in the Otolarygology Department of the General Hospital “Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez”. After a complete otolaryngology history was made, we performed on patients under 4 years otoacoustic emissions and/or auditory brainstem response tests, and a audiometry on patients over 5 years old; besides that a tympanometry and stapedial reflexes were performed. A polysomnography was ordered in case patients had suggestive clinical data of any sleep diorder breathing. Results: The association with other genetic síndromes was low (17.5%) being primarily with Pierre Robin síndrome. Common craneofacial anomalies were wide nasal dorsum and micrognathia (37.5%), as well as mandibular hipoplasia, hiperterlorism and cleft palate. Seventy percent of patients had normal hearing and 52.5% of the tympanometries were abnormal. Patients who had suggestive clinical features for sleep apnea, 92% had a positive result in the polysomnography. Conclusions: There are no specific otolaryngologic clinical manifestations, moreover those who had craniofacial malformations were more susceptible in having them. The evaluation of the otolaryngologist is crucial in order to rule out these features and promote the correct rehabilitation of the patient along with other medical specialties. Resumen: Introducción: El síndrome de Moebius es un trastorno congénito raro, visto por varias especialidades médicas, sin embargo el papel del otorrinolaringólogo no está bien establecido ni existen guías para su manejo y seguimiento. Objetivos: Determinar las manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas en estos pacientes para establecer un protocolo diagnóstico y terapéutico con fines multidisciplinarios. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo donde se incluyeron a pacientes de todas las edades con diagnóstico de síndrome de Moebius, atendidos entre junio de 2012 a septiembre de 2014 en el servicio de otorrinolaringología del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Posterior a una historia otorrinolaringológica completa, se realizaron emisiones otoacústicas y/o potenciales evocados auditivos de tallo cerebral en menores de 3 años y audiometría en mayores de 4 años, además de timpanometría y reflejos estapediales. Se solicitó una polisomnografía en pacientes con datos clínicos sugestivos de trastornos respiratorios del dormir. Resultados: La asociación con otros síndromes genéticos fue baja (17.5%) siendo principalmente con Pierre Robin (7.5%). Las anormalidades craneofaciales comunes fueron dorso nasal ancho y micrognatia (37.5%), así como hipoplasia maxilar, hipertelorismo y paladar hendido. El 68% presentó normoacusia y el 45% presentaron timpanometrías anormales. De los pacientes con datos sugestivos para apnea del sueño 92% presentaron un resultado positivo por polisomnografía. Conclusiones: No existe un patrón de manifestaciones otorrinolaringológicas específicas, sin embargo aquéllos con malformaciones craneofaciales son más susceptibles a presentarlos. La valoración del otorrinolaringólogo resulta imprescindible para descartarlos y promover la rehabilitación del paciente junto con otras especialidades médicas.

An innovative idea which is increasingly gaining attention in the language teaching field is the infusion of technology into face-to-face curricular programs. Nonetheless, although “the approach of blending Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) applications with face-to-face teaching and learning is as old as CALL itself” (Neumeier, 2005, p. 163), CALL as a field still lacks qualitative research on blended learning. There is insufficient information about teachers’ perceptions and the roles they play in these mixed environments, and without an understanding of these features, it is difficult to create new and effective models (Grgurovi?, 2010). Research has been conducted with the objective of comparing learning outcomes in traditional and blended language classes, yet the various sociocultural (external) and psychological (internal) aspects that mediate teachers’ and learners’ transition from face-to-face to online learning environments seem to go unexamined (White, 2006). Therefore, throughout this paper, I review the literature on the infusion of technology into the curriculum, specifically in relation to blended learning, in order to a) illustrate teachers’ views about blended leaning and their transition from face-to-face to blended/online instruction; and b) discuss ways in which future research can provide an alternative understanding of how language teachers manage the new work order established by the introduction of online and blended learning programs.

La incorporación de las Tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en el ámbito educativo es un hecho del cual no podemos hacer caso omiso. Las TIC nos han llevado a revolucionar la educación para lograr cumplir con los objetivos que se plantean en pleno siglo XXI. El presente proyecto de investigación plantea establecer cuáles son los conocimientos, usos y actitudes de los estudiantes de 3º y 4º curso del Grado en Pedagogía de la USAL. Se les aplico el instrumento “Cuestionario para el estudio de la actitud, el conocimiento y el uso de TIC (ACUTIC)” a los 93 estudiantes de 3º y 4º. A partir de los resultados, podemos afirmar que la mayoría de los estudiantes encuestados tienen una actitud bastante positiva frente a las TIC y un nivel satisfactorio de conocimiento y uso de las mismas. En conclusión, aunque los estudiantes tienen una actitud positiva frente a las TIC aun hacen falta más contenidos TIC en las asignaturas acorde a lo que se espera que los estudiantes aprendan sobre estas.

This dissertation aims at gaining an understanding about the current conceptualization that the music industry has regarding music artists as brands, in order to bridge the gap between the consumer goods’ branding theory, the arts branding literature and the music business’ reality. Although the body of literature pertaining to arts marketing is vast (O’Reilly, 2011), the one related to arts branding is small. Moreover, when it comes to music artists branding, the academic works are even scarcer. A definition of music artists brands, and related constructs such as music artists brand identity, music artists image, music artists brand loyalty and brand equity have not yet been presented by the literature. Pervaded by Cultural branding principles and by adopting Grounded theory, this research conceptualizes music artists as brands through the perspectives of nine music industry’s professionals. Based on unstructured interviews conducted with these practitioners, the concept of music artists as brands is contextualized within the decline of record sales during the 2000s. Music artists brands are characterized as multidimensional constructs understood as systems of values and experiences that foreground their identity upon the artists’ songs and human essence. Moreover, music artists are brands that are constructed following a Brand-orientation approach (Urde, 1999) and for which, in response to the culture of contemporary society, the image is constituted solely on visual elements. Aligned with Cultural branding, music artists are conceptualized as entities, which are socially constructed and found their value upon their fans. This co-creation of the brand frames the music industry within a service-dominant logic (Vargo and Lusch, 2004) in which the delivery of experiences is fundamental (Iglesias et al, 2011). This research positions brand alliances between artists and commercial brands as an implicit element of the definition of music artists brands, their brand identity and brand equity. Furthermore, as an implied aspect of these constructs, co-branding alliances are placed as enhancers of the music industry’s short and long-term sustainability. Lastly, contrary to common statements found in the literature, a harmonious coexistence between art, brands, artists and commercialization is acknowledged by this dissertation.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the resistance of microsurgically repaired proper palmar digital nerves (PPDN) to mobilization. Thirty-nine PPDN from fresh forearms cadavers were transected and then sutured using 10/0 nylon. After skin closure, each finger was forcefully flexed and extended 10 times. Out of the 39 repaired nerves, two were elongated and four were ruptured; this amounts to a 15.38% complication rate. We recommend immobilization of nerve repairs, although this contradicts most recent studies. Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo es probar la resistencia de la neurorrafia de los nervios colaterales digitales. Se utilizaron 39 nervios colaterales digitales de 8 antebrazos de cadáver. La sección del nervio se realizó a nivel de la mitad de la falange proximal. La neurorrafia se realizó con Nylon 10-0. Se revisaron los especímenes para constatar el estado de las neurorrafias. Al considerar falla cualquier solución de continuidad o distensión de la zona de sutura se presenta falla de la misma el 15.38%. Los resultados de este estudio llevan a concluir que la inmovilización es necesaria para prevenir la ruptura de la neurorrafia de los nervios colaterales digitales.