Implantació del Pla T.A.C. a escoles cooperatives de les Illes Balears

El projecte està pensat per ser implantat a set de les escoles cooperatives de la Sectorial d'ensenyament de la Unió de Cooperatives de Treball Associat de les Illes Balears, i pretén ser extrapolable a qualsevol centre educatiu, per la qual cosa l'estat inicial del sistema al centre Es Liceu podrà ser considerat en altres casos com un llistat d'objectius a cobrir en un futur encara.Objectius finals:Presència d'un netbook per alumne, amb connexió a internet via wifi i pissarres digitals a les aules.Cablatge estructurat i estandardització de servidors principals de centre.Forta formació del professorat. Plans pilot i canvis metodològics propiciats per les TAC.Web i Intranet centralitzadores dels recursos, no només expositives de notícies, circulars, etc. sinó amb aire "2.0", accés a recursos col·laboratius, aplicacions pròpies...

Assessorament en la Reelaboració del 'Pla d'Acollida' dels alumnes i les famílies nouvingudes : amb la implicació de la resta de la comunitat educativa.

S'ha fet un estudi del pla d'acollida d'un centre de secundària, amb la implicació de la resta de la comunitat educativa. Es tracta de saber com s'atén la diversitat cultural i la problemàtica del desconeixement de la llengua vehicular per part dels alumnes nouvinguts.

Pla d'actuació amb alumnes nouvinguts : assessorament a un centre per l'elaboració del Pla d'acollida

L'escola ha de potenciar la convivència i la cohesió comunitària, així com també l'equitat d'accés i adquisició de recursos, i el pla d'acollida del centre ha de ser una eina que ajudi els nouvinguts a acabar l'etapa d'escolarització obligatòria amb les destreses, coneixements i possibilitats que els permetin viure en un territori com a subjectes actius, autònoms i responsables.

L'atenció a la diversitat a primària : pla d'actuació per tal d'optimitzar-ne els recursos disponibles

Al projecte que, com a psicopedagoga, pretenc portar a terme, tinc la intenció d'analitzar quins processos es segueixen per a identificar i valorar les necessitats educatives de l'alumnat i quina resposta es dóna en aquests moments als alumnes amb necessitats educatives especials.

El Pla de Girona en època tardoantiga

Estudi sobre 2 viles romanes trobades a finals dels anys 80 al límit occidental del Pla de Girona, una a Montfullà i l’altra a Vilablareix, tot fixant-se en el cas de l’Església de Sant Cugat de Salt. Un dels trets més destacables d’ambdós jaciments és la relació topogràfica amb les esglésies de Sant Pere de Montfullà i Sant Menna de Vilablareix, respectivament

Cell vacuolation induced by Haemophilus influenzae supernatants in HEp-2 cells

Haemophilus influenzae belongs to respiratory tract microbiota. We observed vacuoles formation in previous studies with H. influenzae culture supernatants, so in this work we characterised that cytotoxic effect. We observed an abundant production of acidic cytoplasmic vacuoles due to the presence of a “vacuolating factor” in H. influenzae supernatants which was characterised as thermolabile. Greatest vacuolating activity was observed when utilizing the fraction > 50 kDa. The presence of a large number of vacuoles in HEp-2 cells was verified by transmission electron microscopy and some vacuoles were identified with a double membrane and/or being surrounded by ribosomes. These results suggest similar behaviour to that of vacuolating effects described by autotransporter proteins an undescribed cytotoxic effect induced by H. influenzae .

Assessment of particulate exposure and surface characteristics in association with urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, considered as marker of oxidative stress

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to fine particles is associated to adverse health effects, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, mechanisms by which particles induce health effects remain unclear. According to one of the most investigated hypotheses, particles cause adverse effects through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are very hazardous compounds able to attack directly biological structures, including the DNA strand or the lipid bilayer of the cells. If the defense mechanisms, constituted of antioxidants, are not able to counter ROS, then these compounds will cause in the body a range of oxidation reactions called "oxidative stress". The aim of the present research project was to better understand mechanisms by which exposure to fine particles induces oxidative stress. The first point of this project was to check whether exposure to high levels of fine particles is directly linked to oxidative stress, and whether this oxidative stress is accompanied by the activation of the defense mechanisms (antioxidants). The second point was to study the role played by the particle surface characteristics in the oxidative stress process. For that purpose, a study was conducted in bus depots with the participation of 40 mechanics. First, occupational exposure to particles (PM4) and to other pollutants (NOx, O3) was measured over a two-day period. Then, urine samples of mechanics were collected in order to measure levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and antioxidants. 8OHdG is a molecule formed by the oxidation of DNA and allowing to assess the oxidative stress status of the mechanics. Finally, particles were collected on filters, and functional groups located on the particle surface were analyzed in the laboratory using a Knudsen flow reactor. This technique allows not only to quantify functional groups on the particle surface, but also to measure the reaction kinetics. Results obtained during the field campaign in bus depots showed that mechanics were exposed to rather low levels of PM4 (20-85 μg/m3) and of pollutants (NOx: 100-1000 ppb; O3: <15 ppb). However, despite this low exposure, urinary levels of the oxidative stress biomarker (8OHdG) increased significantly for non-smoking workers over a two-day period of shift. This oxidative stress was accompanied by an increase of antioxidants, indicating the activation of defense mechanisms. On the other hand, the analysis of functional groups on the particle surface showed important differences, depending on the workplace, the date and the activities of workers. The particle surface contained simultaneously antagonistic functional groups which did not undergo internal reactions (such as acids and bases), and was usually characterized by a high density of carbonyl functions and a low density of acidic sites. Reaction kinetics measured using the Knudsen flow reactor pointed out fast reactions of oxidizable groups and slow reactions of acidic sites. Several exposure parameters were significantly correlated with the increase of the oxidative stress status: the presence of acidic sites, carbonyl functions and oxidizable groups on the particle surface; reaction kinetics of functional groups on the particle surface; particulate iron and copper concentrations; and NOx concentration.

Subtype-specific Modulation of Acid-sensing Ion Channel (ASIC) Function by 2-Guanidine-4-methylquinazoline.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are neuronal Na(+)-selective channels that are transiently activated by extracellular acidification. ASICs are involved in fear and anxiety, learning, neurodegeneration after ischemic stroke, and pain sensation. The small molecule 2-guanidine-4-methylquinazoline (GMQ) was recently shown to open ASIC3 at physiological pH. We have investigated the mechanisms underlying this effect and the possibility that GMQ may alter the function of other ASICs besides ASIC3. GMQ shifts the pH dependence of activation to more acidic pH in ASIC1a and ASIC1b, whereas in ASIC3 this shift goes in the opposite direction and is accompanied by a decrease in its steepness. GMQ also induces an acidic shift of the pH dependence of inactivation of ASIC1a, -1b, -2a, and -3. As a consequence, the activation and inactivation curves of ASIC3 but not other ASICs overlap in the presence of GMQ at pH 7.4, thereby creating a window current. At concentrations >1 mm, GMQ decreases maximal peak currents by reducing the unitary current amplitude. Mutation of residue Glu-79 in the palm domain of ASIC3, previously shown to be critical for channel opening by GMQ, disrupted the GMQ effects on inactivation but not activation. This suggests that this residue is involved in the consequences of GMQ binding rather than in the binding interaction itself. This study describes the mechanisms underlying the effects of a novel class of ligands that modulate the function of all ASICs as well as activate ASIC3 at physiological pH.

The sand rat, Psammomys obesus, develops type 2 diabetic retinopathy similar to humans.

PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness, yet pertinent animal models are uncommon. The sand rat (Psammomys obesus), exhibiting diet-induced metabolic syndrome, might constitute a relevant model. METHODS: Adult P. obesus (n = 39) were maintained in captivity for 4 to 7 months and fed either vegetation-based diets (n = 13) or standard rat chow (n = 26). Although plant-fed animals exhibited uniform body weight and blood glucose levels over time, nearly 60% of rat chow-raised animals developed diabetes-like symptoms (test group). Animals were killed, and their eyes and vitreous were processed for immunochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with plant-fed animals, diabetic animals showed many abnormal vascular features, including vasodilation, tortuosity, and pericyte loss within the blood vessels, hyperproteinemia and elevated ratios of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic growth factors in the vitreous, and blood-retinal barrier breakdown. Furthermore, there were statistically significant decreases in retinal cell layer thicknesses and densities, accompanied by profound alterations in glia (downregulation of glutamine synthetase, glutamate-aspartate transporter, upregulation of glial fibrillar acidic protein) and many neurons (reduced expression of protein kinase Cα and Cξ in bipolar cells, axonal degeneration in ganglion cells). Cone photoreceptors were particularly affected, with reduced expression of short- and mid-/long-wavelength opsins. Hypercaloric diet nondiabetic animals showed intermediate values. CONCLUSIONS: Simple dietary modulation of P. obesus induces a rapid and severe phenotype closely resembling human type 2 DR. This species presents a valuable novel experimental model for probing the neural (especially cone photoreceptor) pathogenic modifications that are difficult to study in humans and for screening therapeutic strategies.

Nutrient leaching potential following application of papermill lime-sludge to an acidic clay soil

This experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions with soil pots during 210 days, to evaluate the effect of calcitic papermill lime-sludge application (at the rates 0, 773, 1.547, and 2.320 mg kg-1 or respective equivalents to control, 2, 4, and 6 t ha-1), on chemical composition of soil leachate and its effects on eucalypt growth and yield. Highest soil leachate pH, SO4, and Na concentrations occurred in the 4 and 6 t ha-1 treatments. Soil leachate nitrate concentrations decreased with increasing lime-sludge rate. Soil leachate phosphate remained low (below the detection limit) in all treatments until 120 days, while the concentration increased in the lime-sludge treatments at 210 days (last sampling) in about 600 mg L-1. Lime-sludge decreased leachate Mg concentration, but had no significant effect among rates. Soil leachate Ca, K, B, Cu, Fe, and Zn did not change significantly for any lime-sludge application rates. The maximum NO3, Ca, Mg, K, and Na concentrations in the soil leachate occurred at 60 days after lime-sludge application (leaching equivalent to 1 pore volume), but for pH and SO4, the maximum occurred at 210 days (leaching equivalent to 4 pore volumes). Lime-sludge application decreased the concentration of exchangeable Al in the soil. Plant diameter growth and dry matter yield were increased with increasing lime-sludge rate. Beneficial effects on mineral nutrition (P, K, Ca, B, and Zn) of eucalypts were also obtained by the application of 4 and 6 t ha-1 of lime-sludge.

Pla de màrqueting per al llançament d'un nou producte en el mercat dels motors elèctrics per a bancs de proves

Ningú no dubte ja del canvi de mentalitat que s’ha produït en els darrers anys en els compradors pel què fa al mercat de l’automòbil. La seguretat i el respecte per el medi ambient, són actualment dos dels factors claus que el consumidor té en compte a l’hora de comprar un vehicle. D’altra banda en els darrers anys la Unió Europea, ha fixat tota una sèrie normatives per tal de reduir les emissions nocives a l’atmosfera. Així doncs, més seguretat i menys emissions, signifiquen vehicles que incorporin components i sistemas cada cop més sofisticats, els quals, a la vegada, necessiten de bancs d’assaig i equips de test per tal de ser validats. Aquest fet ha provocat una revolució dins dels sistemes de test per a vehicles, per als quals han augmentat enormement les exigències en quan a precisions i repetibilitat per tal d’intentar reproduir, amb la màxima fiabilitat possible, les condicions de treball que hauran de suportar els components durant el seu ús real. Les característiques dels motors elèctrics, resulten ideals per a accionar aquest tipus d’aplicacions, ja que permeten un control del parell molt acurat i una repetibilitat quasi perfecte enfront d’altres sistemas utilitzats fins no fa massa temps. Aquesta demanda creixent d’aquest tipus de màquines elèctriques, obra una nova oportunitat de negoci per a les empreses fabricants de motors elèctrics. L’objectiu principal d’aquest treball és identificar i satisfer les necessitats dels clients, dins d’un mercat industrial concret: el mercat dels motors elèctrics per a bancs de proves de components per a la indústria de l’automoció. La fita és doncs la de proporcionar les eines necessàries per tal de que una empresa, fabricant de motors elèctrics de velocitat variable, pugui realitzar el disseny, desenvolupament i llançament comercial d’un nou tipus de motor, específicament pensat per aquest mercat, amb les màximes garanties d’èxit. Com a principal conclusió, el treball argumenta que el nou producte representa una oportunitat de negoci força atractiva i rendible per a l’empresa, i permetrà diversificar la oferta de la companyia cap a un nou sector fins ara no explotat.

Retinal pigment epithelium protein of 65 kDA gene-linked retinal degeneration is not modulated by chicken acidic leucine-rich epidermal growth factor-like domain containing brain protein/Neuroglycan C/ chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 5.

PURPOSE: To analyze in vivo the function of chicken acidic leucine-rich epidermal growth factor-like domain containing brain protein/Neuroglycan C (gene symbol: Cspg5) during retinal degeneration in the Rpe65⁻/⁻ mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis. METHODS: We resorted to mice with targeted deletions in the Cspg5 and retinal pigment epithelium protein of 65 kDa (Rpe65) genes (Cspg5⁻/⁻/Rpe65⁻/⁻). Cone degeneration was assessed with cone-specific peanut agglutinin staining. Transcriptional expression of rhodopsin (Rho), S-opsin (Opn1sw), M-opsin (Opn1mw), rod transducin α subunit (Gnat1), and cone transducin α subunit (Gnat2) genes was assessed with quantitative PCR from 2 weeks to 12 months. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was analyzed at P14 with immunodetection of the retinol-binding protein membrane receptor Stra6. RESULTS: No differences in the progression of retinal degeneration were observed between the Rpe65⁻/⁻ and Cspg5⁻/⁻/Rpe65⁻/⁻ mice. No retinal phenotype was detected in the late postnatal and adult Cspg5⁻/⁻ mice, when compared to the wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the previously reported upregulation of Cspg5 during retinal degeneration in Rpe65⁻/⁻ mice, no protective effect or any involvement of Cspg5 in disease progression was identified.

The use of heterogeneous chemistry for the characterization of functional groups at the gas/particle interface of soot and TiO(2) nanoparticles

Six gases (N((CH3)3), NH2OH, CF3COOH, HCl, NO2, O3) were selected to probe the surface of seven combustion aerosol (amorphous carbon, flame soot) and three types of TiO2 nanoparticles using heterogeneous, that is gas-surface reactions. The gas uptake to saturation of the probes was measured under molecular flow conditions in a Knudsen flow reactor and expressed as a density of surface functional groups on a particular aerosol, namely acidic (carboxylic) and basic (conjugated oxides such as pyrones, N-heterocycles) sites, carbonyl (R1-C(O)-R2) and oxidizable (olefinic, -OH) groups. The limit of detection was generally well below 1% of a formal monolayer of adsorbed probe gas. With few exceptions most investigated aerosol samples interacted with all probe gases which points to the coexistence of different functional groups on the same aerosol surface such as acidic and basic groups. Generally, the carbonaceous particles displayed significant differences in surface group density: Printex 60 amorphous carbon had the lowest density of surface functional groups throughout, whereas Diesel soot recovered from a Diesel particulate filter had the largest. The presence of basic oxides on carbonaceous aerosol particles was inferred from the ratio of uptakes of CF3COOH and HCl owing to the larger stability of the acetate compared to the chloride counterion in the resulting pyrylium salt. Both soots generated from a rich and a lean hexane diffusion flame had a large density of oxidizable groups similar to amorphous carbon FS 101. TiO2 15 had the lowest density of functional groups among the three studied TiO2 nanoparticles for all probe gases despite the smallest size of its primary particles. The used technique enabled the measurement of the uptake probability of the probe gases on the various supported aerosol samples. The initial uptake probability, g0, of the probe gas onto the supported nanoparticles differed significantly among the various investigated aerosol samples but was roughly correlated with the density of surface groups, as expected. [Authors]

Deu anys de seguiment demogràfic i genètic d"Stachys maritima a Catalunya (2001-2010). Implicacions per a un pla de recuperació.

Ten years of demographic and genetic monitoring of Stachys maritima in Catalonia (2001-2010). Implications for a recovery plan.- Stachys maritima is a species typical of the coastal dunes, with a wide distribution within the Mediterranean Basin. In spite of this, the species shows a clear regression. In Catalonia, it has been observed an important reduction of its populations since early 20th century, where it has disappeared from several localities in which it was relatively common (Tarragonès, Barcelonès). Herein we present the results of the demographic monitoring of the species during the last 10 years (2001-2010) in the known localities in Catalonia. Besides corroborating the disappearance (northern Sant Martí d'Empúries), the re-discovering (Llobregat Delta beach) and the detection of new populations (inner dunes of the Montgrí), a large year-to-year fluctuation of the monitored populations is stated; the possible reasons are discussed. In addition, the present work also includes the results of the allozyme diversity analysis of the new detected populations as well as the rediscoveries of the period 2004-2008, which were not included in a former study of genetic diversity carried out in 2002-2003. It is necessary to emphasize that the contribution of the new populations to the genetic diversity of Stachys maritima is very small, which can be attributed to their limited population size and /or to founder effects. Despite that the species is included in the Annex 2 ('En Perill d'Extinció') within the Catàleg de Flora Amenaçada de Catalunya (Catalogue of Endangered Flora of Catalonia), and some 'soft' conservation measures have been applied at local level (signposting of the beach accesses, environmental education, etc.) coupled with other more significant measures (e.g. translocation of individuals discovered in an artificial sandbank), it would be necessary the coordinated action and the scientific support of any initiative of conservation that could be carried out. The general frame to initiate actions of conservation should be the recovery plan of Stachys maritima, whose draft and application is mandatory in accordance to the Catàleg.

Un instrument per a la política de recerca i innovació a Catalunya en l'Europa del coneixement: el Pla de Recerca i Innovació 2005-2008

El 25 de gener d’enguany el Consell Executiu de la Generalitat va aprovar el Pla de Recerca i Innovació (PRI) 2005-2008. El PRI és un dels principals instruments de la Generalitat per impulsar les activitats de recerca, desenvolupament i innovació en els sectors públic i privat, i per poder assolir l’objectiu d’inversió d’un 2,1% en recerca respecte al producte interior brut català l’any 2008. El PRI ha estat elaborat durant l’any 2004 pel Departament d’Universitats, Recerca i Societat de la Informació, el Departament de Treball i Indústria. El Consell Interdepartamental de Recerca i Innovació Tecnològica, n’ha coordinat l’elaboració, alhora que ha facilitat la col·laboració dels altres departaments de la Generalitat. L’article descriu la importància de la recerca, el desenvolupament i la innovació per al progrés econòmic, social i cultural, en el que ja s’anomena societat o economia del coneixement. Es fa un repàs dels criteris i mecanismes emprats per elaborar el Pla, així com una anàlisi de la situació de la ciència, la innovació i la transferència de coneixements i de tecnologia a Catalunya. Es descriuen a continuació els principals trets d’aquest pla: missió, objectius, programes transversals i complementaris, línies prioritàries, estratègia sectorial. Finalment, es descriuen els disset indicadors genèrics de recerca i innovació que seran emprats pel seu seguiment, juntament amb el pressupost destinat a l’execució del PRI