bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Property Variations of Raw Materials on the Variability of Dynamic Moduli of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Zhang Jiupeng , Hu Dongliang , Yang Fenghua , Pei Jianzhong , Lu Ruiguo
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a research on the variability of dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures because of the variations of raw materials by error propagation theory. The coefficient of variation of dynamic module, COVE, was derived from the η-based predictive model and the variance propagation model. Then, the raw materials' properties related to the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixture were measured and collected, and the coefficients of variation (COV) were finalized and substituted into the COVE expression. The effects of variations of raw materials' properties on the variability of dynamic module were investigated, and the efficiencies and relative efficiencies of reducing materials variability on decreasing COVE were also calculated. It is found that Va makes the greatest contributions, followed by ρ4.75 and Vbeff. At high temperature the contribution of viscosity is similar to that of Vbeff, but is negligible at low temperature. However, the contributions of others are very small in all conditions. Reducing COV of ρ4.75 is with the most efficiency to decrease COVE and reducing COV of Va is with the most relative efficiency. Efficiency of reducing COV of binder viscosity varies greatly with the temperature and frequency, whereas reducing COV of other parameters are much less efficient.
Characterization of Low Temperature Crack Resistance of Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixtures Using Semi-Circular Bending Tests
Authors: Wang Hainian , Zhang Chen , Li Lian , You Zhanping , Diab Aboelkasim
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to assess the low temperature anti-cracking performance of crumb rubber modified asphalt mixtures by performing the semi-circular bending tests. The flexural tensile strength, fracture energy density, and fracture resistance were used to evaluate the rubber modified asphalt mixture's performance based on fracture mechanics J-integral concept. The semi-circular bending (SCB) tests were conducted to study the effect of crumb rubber dosage, crumb rubber size, and testing temperature on the low temperature anti-cracking performance of rubber modified asphalt mixtures. Two gradations (a dense gradation mixture and a gap-gradation mixture) were selected, and five rubber application dosages (15, 18, 20, 22, and 25 %, all by the weight of base binder) were studied in the paper. The tests were performed at temperatures of 0, −10, and −20°C. The testing results indicated that the flexural tensile strength and fracture energy density increased initially, reached to a peak point and then decreased with the increase of rubber dosage. Flexural tensile strength and fracture energy density reached its maximum value at the 20 % rubber dosage among the five rubber application dosages. The flexural tensile strength, fracture energy density, and the J-integral fracture toughness of the gap-graded rubber asphalt mixture specimens were higher than those of the dense gradation. The smaller sized particle rubber modified mixture provided a better low temperature anti-cracking performance as compared to those with bigger particle sizes. Through the comprehensive consideration of laboratory test results and field results, it was recommended that the J-integral fracture toughness should be no less than 2.8 KJ/m2 for new asphalt rubber pavement in Shannxi province.
Field Evaluation of Infrared Asphalt Heater/Reclaimer Patching Method
Authors: Nazzal Munir D. , Kim Sang Soo , Abbas Ala
Published: February 2016

The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of the tow-behind combination infrared asphalt heater/reclaimer patching method and to compare it to the throw and roll and spray injection methods. To achieve this, a comprehensive testing program that included installing over 45 patches using the three considered methods and monitoring the performance and survivability of those patches was performed. The results of this testing program indicated that the infrared method had much lower productivity than the other two methods. In addition, the throw and roll method had better productivity than the spray injection method. Improper storage of the infrared heater/reclaimer equipment was also found to cause problems in igniting the infrared heater, which significantly increased the patching duration. In general, most of the deterioration in the patches installed using the different methods occurred in the first month of installation and continued after that but at a much slower rate. The infrared patches had significantly better performance than those installed using the two other patching methods. The main distress in infrared patches was raveling, while the main distress was dishing for the throw and roll and the spray injection patches. The results of survivability analyses also indicated that the patches installed using infrared had much longer expected life than those installed using the other two considered methods. The results of the cost analyses showed that the infrared method can be more cost effective than the spray injection method when used for winter pothole patching. For short-term repairs, the throw and roll method was found to cost less than the infrared method if the user costs were not considered. However, for permanent repairs, the infrared method could be more cost effective than the throw and roll method.
Constructing and Testing Data Models for LHC Electrical Quality Assurance
Authors: Mertik M. , Bednarek M. J. , Dahlerup-Petersen K.
Published: February 2016

Constructing and testing various data models is a highly iterative and creative process. It requires the work of a team in an interdisciplinary way and a good understanding of the domain within which the models are developed. In this paper, we showed an approach for the construction and the estimation of various data models for hardware commissioning of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We reported the development of the methodology for constructing and testing the data models for electrical quality assurance (ELQA) and presented the outputs of the iterative processes of various models intended for the development of a software analysis tool for the ELQA campaigns, which will be used to discover similar patterns of low quality tests on circuits when dealing with non-conformities of the LHC hardware commissioning in the future.
Study on the Characterization and Evaluation Methods of PA6 Chips for High-Speed Spinning
Authors: Jiang Z. , Li C. , Guo Z. , Jia Z. , Jiang F. , Jin J.
Published: February 2016

The reasons for the significant difference of PA6 spinnability are discussed. For this research project, BASF PA6 chips (BASF, Germany) and PA6 chips (GC, China) were chosen as research objects. We chose these two different chips because BASF PA6 chips are stable and GC PA6 chips are unstable in high-speed spinning. The measurement of relative viscosity, crystallization rate, content of extractable matter, molecular weight and its distribution, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of extractable matter were systematically investigated. Moreover, the screw extrusion process of PA6 melt in high-speed melt spinning was simulated by a capillary rheometer, in which PA6 samples with different melting times were prepared to conduct the above-mentioned tests. Compared to BASF chips, the GC chips have the higher content of extractable matter, the greater and more variable relative viscosity, the greater molecular weight, and the wider distribution, causing the poorer spinnability in high-speed spinning. Furthermore, the extractable matter in GC chips is the same as that in BASF chips, which is confirmed by FTIR spectra.
Application of Nonlinear-Modulation Technique for the Detection of Bolt Loosening in Frame Structure
Authors: Zhou W. , Shen Y. , Xiao L. , Qu W.
Published: February 2016

Bolted joints are susceptible to loosening in the vibrational service environment, which would adversely affect the joint structure integrity. In this work, a nonlinear-modulation approach was explored as a potential method to effectively detect bolt loosening at its early stage, by analyzing the modulation spectrum that arises from the nonlinear vibrations caused by the loosening bolts. To reveal the mechanism of nonlinear modulation, a mathematical model was developed. An effective energy-based damage index was formulated based on the high-frequency intrinsic mode functions (IMF), which contains modulation components processed by empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Vibration tests on a frame structure were carried out to investigate the feasibility of the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrated that modulation occurred in the high-frequency region of response signals; it was found that the energy-based damage index can accurately detect nonlinear damage caused by bolt loosening with superb sensitivity.
Electrical Analogy for Cavitation Erosion Test Results
Authors: Meged Y.
Published: February 2016

Electrical systems are analogous to many systems such as acoustic, fluidic, hydraulic, mechanic, magnetic, optic, pneumatic, and thermal systems. As such, electrical systems are applied to study the response of the latter systems to various inputs. A similar analogy is valid between electrical circuits and cavitation erosion systems. The adequate circuit for this purpose is the RC circuit, comprising of a power source, a resistor, and a capacitor. In the cumulative erosion-time curves, obtained by all reviewed cavitation erosion test methods, the erosion rate varies with time. In long-term tests, this rate approaches a constant value asymptotically. This curve was very similar to that obtained during charging and discharging of a capacitor in a RC circuit and was the basis for the analogy between these phenomena. The electrical analogy for cavitation erosion enabled: (a) definition of the cavitation erosion process by a first-order differential equation with three parameters; (b) long-term prediction of erosion values based on short-term tests; (c) comparison of materials and cavitation erosion test methods; and (d) simplification of cavitation erosion standards.
AnIn VivoPharmacological Screen Identifies Cholinergic Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Glial-Based Nervous System Disease
Authors: Wang Liqun , Hagemann Tracy L. , Messing Albee , Feany Mel B.
Published: February 2016

The role that glia play in neurological disease is poorly understood but increasingly acknowledged to be critical in a diverse group of disorders. Here we use a simple genetic model of Alexander disease, a progressive and severe human degenerative nervous system disease caused by a primary astroglial abnormality, to perform anin vivoscreen of 1987 compounds, including many FDA-approved drugs and natural products. We identify four compounds capable of dose-dependent inhibition of nervous system toxicity. Focusing on one of these hits, glycopyrrolate, we confirm the role for muscarinic cholinergic signaling in pathogenesis using additional pharmacologic reagents and genetic approaches. We further demonstrate that muscarinic cholinergic signaling works through downstream Gαq to control oxidative stress and death of neurons and glia. Importantly, we document increased muscarinic cholinergic receptor expression in Alexander disease model mice and in postmortem brain tissue from Alexander disease patients, and that blocking muscarinic receptors in Alexander disease model mice reduces oxidative stress, emphasizing the translational significance of our findings. We have therefore identified glial muscarinic signaling as a potential therapeutic target in Alexander disease, and possibly in other gliopathic disorders as well.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDespite the urgent need for better treatments for neurological diseases, drug development for these devastating disorders has been challenging. The effectiveness of traditional large-scalein vitroscreens may be limited by the lack of the appropriate molecular, cellular, and structural environment. Using a simpleDrosophilamodel of Alexander disease, we performed a moderate throughput chemical screen of FDA-approved drugs and natural compounds, and found that reducing muscarinic cholinergic signaling ameliorated clinical symptoms and oxidative stress in Alexander disease model flies and mice. Our work demonstrates that small animal models are valuable screening tools for therapeutic compound identification in complex human diseases and that existing drugs can be a valuable resource for drug discovery given their known pharmacological and safety profiles.
Cyfip1 Regulates Presynaptic Activity during Development
Authors: Hsiao Kuangfu , Harony-Nicolas Hala , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Bozdagi-Gunal Ozlem , Benson Deanna L.
Published: February 2016

Copy number variations encompassing the gene encoding Cyfip1 have been associated with a variety of human diseases, including autism and schizophrenia. Here we show that juvenile mice hemizygous forCyfip1have altered presynaptic function, enhanced protein translation, and increased levels of F-actin. In developing hippocampus, reduced Cyfip1 levels serve to decrease paired pulse facilitation and increase miniature EPSC frequency without a change in amplitude. Higher-resolution examination shows these changes to be caused primarily by an increase in presynaptic terminal size and enhanced vesicle release probability. Short hairpin-mediated knockdown of Cyfip1 coupled with expression of mutant Cyfip1 proteins indicates that the presynaptic alterations are caused by dysregulation of the WAVE regulatory complex. Such dysregulation occurs downstream of Rac1 as acute exposure to Rac1 inhibitors rescues presynaptic responses in culture and in hippocampal slices. The data serve to highlight an early and essential role for Cyfip1 in the generation of normally functioning synapses and suggest a means by which changes in Cyfip1 levels could impact the generation of neural networks and contribute to abnormal and maladaptive behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSeveral developmental brain disorders have been associated with gene duplications and deletions that serve to increase or decrease levels of encoded proteins. Cyfip1 is one such protein, but the role it plays in brain development is poorly understood. We asked whether decreased Cyfip1 levels altered the function of developing synapses. The data show that synapses with reduced Cyfip1 are larger and release neurotransmitter more rapidly. These effects are due to Cyfip1's role in actin polymerization and are reversed by expression of a Cyfip1 mutant protein retaining actin regulatory function or by inhibiting Rac1. Thus, Cyfip1 has a more prominent early role regulating presynaptic activity during a stage of development when activity helps to define neural pathways.
Behaviorally Relevant Abstract Object Identity Representation in the Human Parietal Cortex
Authors: Jeong Su Keun , Xu Yaoda
Published: February 2016

The representation of object identity is fundamental to human vision. Using fMRI and multivoxel pattern analysis, here we report the representation of highly abstract object identity information in human parietal cortex. Specifically, in superior intraparietal sulcus (IPS), a region previously shown to track visual short-term memory capacity, we found object identity representations for famous faces varying freely in viewpoint, hairstyle, facial expression, and age; and for well known cars embedded in different scenes, and shown from different viewpoints and sizes. Critically, these parietal identity representations were behaviorally relevant as they closely tracked the perceived face-identity similarity obtained in a behavioral task. Meanwhile, the task-activated regions in prefrontal and parietal cortices (excluding superior IPS) did not exhibit such abstract object identity representations. Unlike previous studies, we also failed to observe identity representations in posterior ventral and lateral visual object-processing regions, likely due to the greater amount of identity abstraction demanded by our stimulus manipulation here. Our MRI slice coverage precluded us from examining identity representation in anterior temporal lobe, a likely region for the computing of identity information in the ventral region. Overall, we show that human parietal cortex, part of the dorsal visual processing pathway, is capable of holding abstract and complex visual representations that are behaviorally relevant. These results argue against a “content-poor” view of the role of parietal cortex in attention. Instead, the human parietal cortex seems to be “content rich” and capable of directly participating in goal-driven visual information representation in the brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe representation of object identity (including faces) is fundamental to human vision and shapes how we interact with the world. Although object representation has traditionally been associated with human occipital and temporal cortices, here we show, by measuring fMRI response patterns, that a region in the human parietal cortex can robustly represent task-relevant object identities. These representations are invariant to changes in a host of visual features, such as viewpoint, and reflect an abstract level of representation that has not previously been reported in the human parietal cortex. Critically, these neural representations are behaviorally relevant as they closely track the perceived object identities. Human parietal cortex thus participates in the moment-to-moment goal-directed visual information representation in the brain.
Sex Differences in GABAASignaling in the Periaqueductal Gray Induced by Persistent Inflammation
Authors: Tonsfeldt Karen J. , Suchland Katherine L. , Beeson Kathleen A. , Lowe Janet D. , Li Ming-hua , Ingram Susan L.
Published: February 2016

The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) is a key structure in the descending pain modulatory circuit. Activation of the circuit occurs via disinhibition of GABAergic inputs onto vlPAG output neurons. In these studies, we tested the hypothesis that GABAergic inhibition is increased during persistent inflammation, dampening activation of the descending circuit from the vlPAG. Our results indicate that persistent inflammation induced by Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) modulates GABA signaling differently in male and female rats. CFA treatment results in increased presynaptic GABA release but decreased high-affinity tonic GABAAcurrents in female vlPAG neurons. These effects are not observed in males. The tonic currents in the vlPAG are dependent on GABA transporter activity and are modulated by agonists that activate GABAAreceptors containing the δ subunit. The GABAAδ agonist THIP (gaboxadol) induced similar amplitude currents in naive and CFA-treated rats. In addition, a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAAδ subunit, DS2 (4-chloro-N-[2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl]benzamide), increased tonic currents. These results indicate that GABAAδ receptors remain on the cell surface but are less active in CFA-treated female rats.In vivobehavior studies showed that morphine induced greater antinociception in CFA-treated females that was reversed with microinjections of DS2 directly into the vlPAG. DS2 did not affect morphine antinociception in naive or CFA-treated male rats. Together, these data indicate that sex-specific adaptations in GABAAreceptor signaling modulate opioid analgesia in persistent inflammation. Antagonists of GABAAδ receptors may be a viable strategy for reducing pain associated with persistent inflammation, particularly in females.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThese studies demonstrate that GABA signaling is modulated in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray by persistent inflammation differently in female and male rats. Our results indicate that antagonists or negative allosteric modulators of GABAAδ receptors may be an effective strategy to alleviate chronic inflammatory pain and promote opioid antinociception, especially in females.
Higher-Order Sensory Cortex Drives Basolateral Amygdala Activity during the Recall of Remote, but Not Recently Learned Fearful Memories
Authors: Cambiaghi Marco , Grosso Anna , Likhtik Ekaterina , Mazziotti Raffaele , Concina Giulia , Renna Annamaria , Sacco Tiziana , Gordon Joshua A. , Sacchetti Benedetto
Published: February 2016

Negative experiences are quickly learned and long remembered. Key unresolved issues in the field of emotional memory include identifying the loci and dynamics of memory storage and retrieval. The present study examined neural activity in the higher-order auditory cortex Te2 and basolateral amygdala (BLA) and their crosstalk during the recall of recent and remote fear memories. To this end, we obtained local field potentials and multiunit activity recordings in Te2 and BLA of rats that underwent recall at 24 h and 30 d after the association of an acoustic conditioned (CS, tone) and an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US, electric shock). Here we show that, during the recall of remote auditory threat memories in rats, the activity of the Te2 and BLA is highly synchronized in the theta frequency range. This functional connectivity stems from memory consolidation processes because it is present during remote, but not recent, memory retrieval. Moreover, the observed increase in synchrony is cue and region specific. A preponderant Te2-to-BLA directionality characterizes this dialogue, and the percentage of time Te2 theta leads the BLA during remote memory recall correlates with a faster latency to freeze to the auditory conditioned stimulus. The blockade of this information transfer via Te2 inhibition with muscimol prevents any retrieval-evoked neuronal activity in the BLA and animals are unable to retrieve remote memories. We conclude that memories stored in higher-order sensory cortices drive BLA activity when distinguishing between learned threatening and neutral stimuli.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHow and where in the brain do we store the affective/motivational significance of sensory stimuli acquired through life experiences? Scientists have long investigated how “limbic” structures, such as the amygdala, process affective stimuli. Here we show that retrieval of well-established threat memories requires the functional interplay between higher-order components of the auditory cortex and the amygdala via synchrony in the theta range. This functional connectivity is a result of memory consolidation processes and is characterized by a predominant cortical to amygdala direction of information transfer. This connectivity is predictive of the animals' ability to recognize auditory stimuli as aversive. In the absence of this necessary cortical activity, the amygdala is unable to distinguish between frightening and neutral stimuli.
Post-Movement Beta Activity in Sensorimotor Cortex Indexes Confidence in the Estimations from Internal Models
Authors: Tan Huiling , Wade Cian , Brown Peter
Published: February 2016

Beta oscillations are a dominant feature of the sensorimotor system. A transient and prominent increase in beta oscillations is consistently observed across the sensorimotor cortical-basal ganglia network after cessation of voluntary movement: the post-movement beta synchronization (PMBS). Current theories about the function of the PMBS have been focused on either the closure of motor response or the processing of sensory afferance. Computational models of sensorimotor control have emphasized the importance of the integration between feedforward estimation and sensory feedback, and therefore the putative motor and sensory functions of beta oscillations may reciprocally interact with each other and in fact be indissociable. Here we show that the amplitude of sensorimotor PMBS is modulated by the history of visual feedback of task-relevant errors, and negatively correlated with the trial-to-trial exploratory adjustment in a sensorimotor adaptation task in young healthy human subjects. The PMBS also negatively correlated with the uncertainty associated with the feedforward estimation, which was recursively updated in light of new sensory feedback, as identified by a Bayesian learning model. These results reconcile the two opposing motor and sensory views of the function of PMBS, and suggest a unifying theory in which PMBS indexes the confidence in internal feedforward estimation in Bayesian sensorimotor integration. Its amplitude simultaneously reflects cortical sensory processing and signals the need for maintenance or adaptation of the motor output, and if necessary, exploration to identify an altered sensorimotor transformation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTFor optimal sensorimotor control, sensory feedback and feedforward estimation of a movement's sensory consequences should be weighted by the inverse of their corresponding uncertainties, which require recursive updating in a dynamic environment. We show that post-movement beta activity (13–30 Hz) over sensorimotor cortex in young healthy subjects indexes the evaluation of uncertainty in feedforward estimation. Our work contributes to the understanding of the function of beta oscillations in sensorimotor control, and provides further insight into how aberrant beta activity can contribute to the pathophysiology of movement disorders.
Oncomodulin, an EF-Hand Ca2+Buffer, Is Critical for Maintaining Cochlear Function in Mice
Authors: Tong Benton , Hornak Aubrey J. , Maison Stéphane F. , Ohlemiller Kevin K. , Liberman M. Charles , Simmons Dwayne D.
Published: February 2016

Oncomodulin (Ocm), a member of the parvalbumin family of calcium binding proteins, is expressed predominantly by cochlear outer hair cells in subcellular regions associated with either mechanoelectric transduction or electromotility. Targeted deletion of Ocm caused progressive cochlear dysfunction. Although sound-evoked responses are normal at 1 month, by 4 months, mutants show only minimal distortion product otoacoustic emissions and 70–80 dB threshold shifts in auditory brainstem responses. Thus, Ocm is not critical for cochlear development but does play an essential role for cochlear function in the adult mouse.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNumerous proteins act as buffers, sensors, or pumps to control calcium levels in cochlear hair cells. In the inner ear, EF-hand calcium buffers may play a significant role in hair cell function but have been very difficult to study. Unlike other reports of genetic disruption of EF-hand calcium buffers, deletion of oncomodulin (Ocm), which is predominately found in outer hair cells, leads to a progressive hearing loss after 1 month, suggesting that Ocm critically protects hearing in the mature ear.
Pet-1 Switches Transcriptional Targets Postnatally to Regulate Maturation of Serotonin Neuron Excitability
Authors: Wyler Steven C. , Spencer W. Clay , Green Noah H. , Rood Benjamin D. , Crawford LaTasha , Craige Caryne , Gresch Paul , McMahon Douglas G. , Beck Sheryl G. , Deneris Evan
Published: February 2016

Newborn neurons enter an extended maturation stage, during which they acquire excitability characteristics crucial for development of presynaptic and postsynaptic connectivity. In contrast to earlier specification programs, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that control neuronal maturation. The Pet-1 ETS (E26 transformation-specific) factor is continuously expressed in serotonin (5-HT) neurons and initially acts in postmitotic precursors to control acquisition of 5-HT transmitter identity. Using a combination of RNA sequencing, electrophysiology, and conditional targeting approaches, we determined gene expression patterns in maturing flow-sorted 5-HT neurons and the temporal requirements for Pet-1 in shaping these patterns for functional maturation of mouse 5-HT neurons. We report a profound disruption of postmitotic expression trajectories inPet-1−/−neurons, which prevented postnatal maturation of 5-HT neuron passive and active intrinsic membrane properties, G-protein signaling, and synaptic responses to glutamatergic, lysophosphatidic, and adrenergic agonists. Unexpectedly, conditional targeting revealed a postnatal stage-specific switch in Pet-1 targets from 5-HT synthesis genes to transmitter receptor genes required for afferent modulation of 5-HT neuron excitability. 5-HT1aautoreceptor expression depended transiently on Pet-1, thus revealing an early postnatal sensitive period for control of 5-HT excitability genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing revealed that Pet-1 regulates 5-HT neuron maturation through direct gene activation and repression. Moreover, Pet-1 directly regulates the 5-HT neuron maturation factor Engrailed 1, which suggests Pet-1 orchestrates maturation through secondary postmitotic regulatory factors. The early postnatal switch in Pet-1 targets uncovers a distinct neonatal stage-specific function for Pet-1, during which it promotes maturation of 5-HT neuron excitability.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe regulatory mechanisms that control functional maturation of neurons are poorly understood. We show that in addition to inducing brain serotonin (5-HT) synthesis and reuptake, the Pet-1 ETS (E26 transformation-specific) factor subsequently globally coordinates postmitotic expression trajectories of genes necessary for maturation of 5-HT neuron excitability. Further, Pet-1 switches its transcriptional targets as 5-HT neurons mature from 5-HT synthesis genes to G-protein-coupled receptors, which are necessary for afferent synaptic modulation of 5-HT neuron excitability. Our findings uncover gene-specific switching of downstream targets as a previously unrecognized regulatory strategy through which continuously expressed transcription factors control acquisition of neuronal identity at different stages of development.
SECUENCIAS AXIOLÓGICAS DEL CINE COLOMBIANO
Authors: Muñoz Fernández Rubén
Published: February 2016

Es un lugar común decir que el cine colombiano se caracteriza por la escasa producción de películas y por la poca calidad artística de las mismas. Sin embargo, una revisión cuidadosa de algunos filmes nacionales desplaza esa opinión y permite vislumbrar mejor lo que hay en ellos. Complementando el planteamiento de D. Bordwell sobre la ideología3 con la propuesta de Pierre Bourdieu4 sobre el campo artístico, me propongo demostrar que en las películas colombianas es posible advertir una axiología clara que no sólo trasciende los problemas formales y tecnológicos de algunas de ellas, sino que permite ampliar la comprensión de la cultura colombiana.
EVOLUCIÓN CULTURAL Y LEGITIMIDAD EN LA COLOMBIA DE LA SEGUNDA MITAD DEL SIGLO XIX
Authors: González Jorge Enrique
Published: February 2016

En este artículo se examinan las circunstancias históricas de la Colombia de finales del
siglo XIX tomando como punto de referencia la teoría de la evolución cultural expuesta
por J. Habermas a propósito de su interés por las diversas formas que adopta la conciencia
moral. Habermas propone una perspectiva evolucionista para tratar de elaborar
un modelo teórico con el cual comprender las transformaciones lógicas, más que
históricas, que sufre este fenómeno. De otra parte, se confronta el modelo de la evolución
cultural con el estudio de los actores y movimientos sociales en lucha por la hegemonía
de los modelos culturales, según A. Touraine, en este caso durante el periodo de
la segunda mitad del siglo XIX colombiano, para lo cual se proponen los conceptos de
cultura tradicional y cultura moderna.
APOSTILLAS SAHAGUNTINAS
Authors: Bonilla Leonor
Published: February 2016

En el año de 1529 desembarcó en el puerto de Veracruz Fray Bernardino de Sahagún,
quien habría de convertirse en el gran investigador de la cultura nahua. Consciente de
que el trabajo misional de los padres franciscanos, que lo habían precedido, no había
producido los resultados esperados por la falta de conocimiento de los pueblos aborígenes,
decidió aprender la lengua nahuatl; preparó, de entre los naturales, a sus futuros
colaboradores y comenzó la obra que iba a tener tres frentes: el evangelizador, el lingüístico
y el histórico-étnico-cultural. Posteriormente, elaboró un cuestionario fundamental
para ser contestado por los «principales ancianos» de cada localidad y, por
último, realizó la recopilación de toda la información. Gracias al empeño de este gran
franciscano que supo superar muchos obstáculos para la terminación de su obra, se
logró la reconstrucción del mundo mexicano en ese gran libro titulado Historia general
de las cosas de Nueva España.
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: DE LA VIDA AL CONCEPTO -VESTIGIOS FENOMENOLÓGICOS
Authors: Barrera Vélez Julio César
Published: February 2016

Este estudio tiene por objeto presentar las convergencias entre algunos aspectos del
método fenomenológico y los ejes filosóficos fundamentales del pensamiento de Fernando
González.
LA FILOSOFÍA Y LOS DISCURSOS RELIGIOSOS
Authors: Neira F. Carmenza
Published: February 2016

El grupo de investigación Antón de Montesinos de la Facultad de Filosofía de la Universidad
Santo Tomás de Bogotá es un equipo de investigadores que busca fundamentar
teóricamente y experimentar en la práctica el ejercicio de la reflexión y el discurso
interdisciplinarios. Esta conferencia ha sido uno de los resultados de este ejercicio de
investigación, en el cual, desde una perspectiva filosófica y utilizando categorías como
las de juego del lenguaje, imagen, forma de vida y gramática profunda, se analiza un
discurso religioso y pastoral, el de los Obispos de América Latina en su última Asamblea
General en Santo Domingo. Es un avance de la investigación en la línea Lenguajes
simbólicos y discursos fronterizos. Se entiende como discurso fronterizo aquel que requiere
del enfoque de diversas ciencias humanas.
LA RATIO STUDIORUM COMO FORMADORA DE LA MENTALIDAD ESCOLÁSTICA COLOMBIANA
Authors: Ramírez Édgar
Published: February 2016

Resumen La mentalidad escolástica desarrollada durante la Colonia sigue determinando los criterios educativos en Colombia y formando parte de la manera como los colombianos damos razón de nosotros mismos. La ratio studiorum es la estrategia educativa que más influyó en la formación de la mentalidad escolástica en América Latina. La Compañía de Jesús la implementó en la Nueva Granada por medio de su Colegio en Santa Fe y posteriormente en la Academia Javeriana, derivada de aquél. En la base de nuestra manera de interpretar la realidad sigue operando la lógica bipolar escolástica. Ésta continúa determinando nuestros criterios epistemológicos, éticos y estéticos, y nos impide el acceso a comprensiones más globales e integradoras. Por esto, es necesario que nos pensemos, hablando en términos pedagógicos, desde y para nosotros mismos, mediante categorías y metodologías que permitan comprendernos mejor y dar sentido a lo educativo frente a la realidad nacional.
INFLUJO DE ZUBIRI1 EN LA PEDAGOGÍA2 LATINOAMERICANA: SU APORTE A UN NUEVO PROYECTO PÚBLICO DE EDUCACIÓN
Authors: Niño M. Fideligno
Published: February 2016

El balance de lo que ha sido la educación en América Latina finalizando la vigésima
centuria, arroja indudables conquistas, aunque también pone de presente abultadas y
múltiples carencias. Como si ello fuera poco, el actual proceso de globalización viene
afectando esenciales coordenadas de la vida, como la económica, la productiva y la
cultural. A consecuencia de todo ello, nuestra educación se ve puesta radicalmente en 

cuestión, hasta el punto de hacer necesario un nuevo pacto educativo que nos permita
construir, con el aporte de todos, un renovado Proyecto público de educación. Proyecto
que debe estar apuntalado por una idónea concepción de hombre, sociedad y cultura.
En este menester el pensamiento de X. Zubiri puede brindar sustancial aporte. Aquí resalto sólo cuatro vertientes, entre otras igualmente fecundas, que su reflexión
antropológica puede ofrecer: el carácter integrador de su antropología, su concepción
de persona, su consideración genética de la subjetividad y su entendimiento de la
historicidad humana.
POSIBILIDAD DE UNA REFLEXIÓN ESTÉTICA A PARTIR DE JEAN PAUL SARTRE
Authors: Becerra Mayorga* Witton
Published: February 2016

Hablar de Sartre es hablar del hombre, del filósofo y, por supuesto, del escritor1 , aquel que se dio el lujo de rechazar el premio Nobel de Literatura en 1964 explicando que si lo aceptaba comprometería su integridad como escritor, integridad a la cual no renunció. Es por eso, tal vez, que no es del gusto de muchos y que haya sido acusado de polémico.
«FILOSOFAR»: ENTORNO VIRTUAL PARA EL APRENDIZAJE EN EL FILOSOFAR
Authors: Vargas Guillén Germán
Published: February 2016

Nuestra sociedad actual, tecnológicamente sedimentada, requiere apropiar procesos de aprendizaje virtual en programas de pregrado y posgrado que preparen a sus egresados para un desempeño adecuado en ésta. La institucionalización de la investigación y la enseñanza de la filosofía en la Universidad Pedagógica Nacional asumió los ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje como pieza fundamental en el diseño de sus programas. «‘Filosofar’: Entorno virtual para el aprendizaje en el filosofar» presenta una propuesta para llevar a cabo este fin. Es así como en ésta se caracteriza tanto el enfoque teórico del proyecto como las estrategias de aprendizaje y los entornos que se han desarrollado dentro del mismo. Finalmente, explicita cómo se lleva a cabo tanto el proceso de construcción de conocimientos, como la validación del mismo.
Evaluación del Desempeño Pedagógico-Didáctico de los Instructores en el Centro de Diseño, Metrología y Calidad del Sena Regional Distrito Capital
Authors: Rojas Luis Francisco Ochoa
Published: February 2016

El presente es un informe de avance del estudio sobre la valoración del desempeño pedagógico didáctico de los instructores del Centro de Diseño, Metrología y Calidad, del Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA), Regional Distrito Capital. Dicha valoración es realizada por los aprendices2 de los programas desarrollados en el centro mencionado durante 2007. El propósito del estudio es obtener información de los beneficiarios de la formación profesional integral1, para el mejoramiento de los procesos de enseñanza aprendizaje-evaluación2 y para dar elementos de decisión en la contratación de los instructores.
El Maestro Como Gestor de Proyectos e Investigador Social
Authors: Arias Nubia Constanza Arias
Published: February 2016

En la sociedad actual pensar en la profesión docente implica identificar con claridad el papel que cumple el profesional de la docencia en la construcción de la sociedad; desde esta perspectiva y con las exigencias actuales, el maestro se constituye más que en un ejecutor de procesos programados en un gestor de proyectos de transformación, a partir de los elementos aportados por la investigación social. En este sentido, es necesario establecer los retos y desafíos que el docente enfrenta a diario y que busca superar con una cualificación constante y el compromiso de hacer cada día su trabajo mejor; esto conlleva a que el maestro se conciba como un investigador social y un gestor de proyectos encaminados a la transformación cultural y la superación de los problemas sociales.

Este documento recoge las apreciaciones sobre los aspectos mencionados y le da la opción a los(as) maestros(as) de concebir su trabajo como una oportunidad de transformación social, por tanto, se perciben como líderes en los procesos de análisis de las problemáticas sociales a partir del trabajo pedagógico cotidiano. Se espera que esta visión rescate al docente de la mirada como un simple ejecutor de políticas y lo convierta en un gestor de procesos encaminados al mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de las personas.
Las Prácticas Evaluativas Desarrolladas en el Grado Noveno de la Escuela Normal Superior de Acacías y su Relación con la Evaluación por Competencias Matemáticas
Authors: Prieto Fren Edilson Velásquez , Castellanos Jorge Tulio Pasive , Padilla José Eduardo
Published: February 2016

Se busca establecer la relación existente entre las prácticas evaluativas que utilizan los docentes del área de matemáticas del grado noveno de la Escuela Normal de Acacías, y la evaluación por competencias matemáticas contempladas en las normas técnicas curriculares, la legislación educativa y el modelo pedagógico propio, mediante una investigación que trascienda hacia el mejoramiento del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje. Se identificaron estas prácticas evaluativas, a través de las encuestas que se aplicaron a los estudiantes y docentes, al igual que mediante la observación directa y la recolección de algunos de esos instrumentos. En los instrumentos, los docentes privilegian la evaluación de matemáticas, a través de la revisión del cuaderno y los talleres. Esto es confirmado por los docentes, quienes, además, afirman que utilizan las pruebas escritas y las pruebas orales. Igualmente, las pruebas internas que utilizan los docentes están lejos de los criterios que utiliza el ICFES. Esto se evidencia tanto en las formas de evaluar de los docentes como en sus afirmaciones de no conocer el documento de análisis e interpretación de los resultados de las pruebas Saber.
Medios y mediaciones en los aprendizajes de los estudiantes de la VUAD y la Facultad de Comunicación Social: informe final
Authors: Flórez Iván Darío , Blanco Ruth Marina Arévalo , Zárate William Peñaranda
Published: February 2016

En este artículo se muestra el proceso llevado a cabo y los resultados de la investigación relacionada con el uso y apropiación de los medios y las mediaciones por parte de los estudiantes de las Facultades de Educación, Ciencias y Tecnologías y Comunicación Social y Cultura para la Paz de la Universidad Santo Tomás. Investigación desarrollada durante los años 2006 y 2007, que incluyó dos fases: una descriptiva y otra interpretativa. La mirada que tienen los estudiantes en relación con las herramientas propias del aprendizaje y la manera de hacerlas efectivas en su proceso de formación se convierte en algo fundamental para consolidar el modelo en medios y mediaciones de la Universidad. Se muestran aquí los resultados de cada una de las fases, las conclusiones propuestas y las nuevas aperturas problemáticas que se abren luego de esta investigación.
Un modelo de escuela para el cultivo de los derechos humanos: las comunidades de aprendizaje
Authors: Delgado Manuel Lorenzo , Martín Manuel Enrique Lorenzo
Published: February 2016

En este artículo se presenta la forma como la escuela es el sitio ideal para el forta- lecimiento de los derechos humanos, lo cual repercute en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje, por tanto, la comunidad de aprendizaje gira en torno a una participa- ción de todos sus miembros basada en los principios del diálogo, la igualdad o la solidaridad. Estos son los valores que constituyen una cultura escolar impregnada del espíritu de los derechos humanos. Por eso, es un buen camino éste para el cultivo experiencial de la solución del conflicto y para la construcción activa de la paz, cada uno en sus contextos concretos.

Palabras clave: comunidad de aprendizaje, derechos humanos, comunidad docente, organización escolar, paz.
Proyecto Doctorado en Educación de la Universidad Santo Tomás
Authors: Gallego José Duván Marín
Published: February 2016

El presente artículo recoge el proceso investigativo que culminó con la creación del programa de Doctorado en Educación de la Universidad Santo Tomás, en el cual se planteó como metodología la “investigación acción”, acción participativa de toda la comunidad académica y administrativa de la Universidad. De igual manera, se expuso la justificación teórica del Programa, que como base principal tuvo la necesidad del desarrollo cultural y científico del país. El Programa, dentro de su caracterización, consideró los objetivos, la investigación, el plan de estudios en sus fundamentos humanista y social, en la acción educativa y epistemológica. La creación de un programa de doctorado requiere, sin duda, un trabajo investigativo en cuanto exige una planeación minuciosa que recoge toda la información necesaria para demostrar la viabilidad, pertinencia y necesidad del Programa.
Educación, derechos humanos, política y ciudadanía. Documento de fundamentación de una línea de investigación del Doctorado en Educación de la Universidad Santo Tomás
Authors: Londoño Mauricio Montoya
Published: February 2016

El propósito de este artículo es construir las bases conceptuales para una de las líneas de investigación del Doctorado en Educación de la Universidad Santo Tomás de Bogotá, Colombia. El programa de Doctorado se caracteriza por su carácter interdisciplinario debido a que la formación de sus profesores es en educación, filosofía, teología y ciencias sociales; en este contexto nace la línea Educación, derechos humanos, política y ciudadanía. La línea de investigación tiene como propósito el análisis teórico y práctico, en una lectura contemporánea de los aspectos sociales, económicos, éticos y políticos, y en general a las actividades que conciernen a la perspectiva social de la educación. Por este motivo, el artículo ha sido escrito como una reflexión general con el fin de incluir la pluralidad de intereses investigativos que poseen tanto los profesores como los estudiantes. En consecuencia, este artículo debe ser interpretado como una fundamentación de carácter académico y no como los límites de las temáticas de investigación.
SapTrap, a Toolkit for High-Throughput CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Modification in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Schwartz Matthew L , Jorgensen Erik M
Published: February 2016

In principle, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 allows genetic tags to be inserted at any locus. However, throughput is limited by the laborious construction of repair templates and guide RNA constructs and by the identification of modified strains. We have developed a reagent toolkit and plasmid assembly pipeline, called “SapTrap,” that streamlines the production of targeting vectors for tag insertion, as well as the selection of modified Caenorhabditis elegans strains. SapTrap is a high-efficiency modular plasmid assembly pipeline that produces single plasmid targeting vectors, each of which encodes both a guide RNA transcript and a repair template for a particular tagging event. The plasmid is generated in a single tube by cutting modular components with the restriction enzyme SapI, which are then “trapped” in a fixed order by ligation to generate the targeting vector. A library of donor plasmids supplies a variety of protein tags, a selectable marker, and regulatory sequences that allow cell-specific tagging at either the N or the C termini. All site-specific sequences, such as guide RNA targeting sequences and homology arms, are supplied as annealed synthetic oligonucleotides, eliminating the need for PCR or molecular cloning during plasmid assembly. Each tag includes an embedded Cbr-unc-119 selectable marker that is positioned to allow concurrent expression of both the tag and the marker. We demonstrate that SapTrap targeting vectors direct insertion of 3- to 4-kb tags at six different loci in 10–37% of injected animals. Thus SapTrap vectors introduce the possibility for high-throughput generation of CRISPR/Cas9 genome modifications.