Abstract

Although both C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)- and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-using HIV-1 strains cause AIDS, the emergence of CXCR4-utilizing variants is associated with an accelerated decline in CD4 + T cells. It remains uncertain if CXCR4-using viruses hasten disease or if these variants only emerge after profound immunological damage. We show that exclusively CXCR4- as compared to cocirculating CCR5-utilizing variants are less sensitive to neutralization by both contemporaneous autologous plasma and plasma pools from individuals that harbor only CCR5-using HIV-1. The CXCR4-utilizing variants, however, do not have a global antigenic change because they remain equivalently susceptible to antibodies that do not target coreceptor binding domains. Studies with envelope V3 loop directed antibodies and chimeric envelopes suggest that the neutralization susceptibility differences are potentially influenced by the V3 loop. In vitro passage of a neutralization sensitive CCR5-using virus in the presence of autologous plasma and activated CD4 + T cells led to the emergence of a CXCR4-utilizing virus in 1 of 3 cases. These results suggest that in some but not necessarily all HIV-1 infected individuals humoral immune pressure against the autologous virus selects for CXCR4-using variants, which potentially accelerates disease progression. Our observations have implications for using antibodies for HIV-1 immune therapy.

Abstract

Whether gathering around bonfires, watching TV, or sitting in front of computer screens, the pressures of Darwinian natural selection have forced individuals into tight patterns of interdependency, welded together by communication links. Can the information-sharing behavior of our species ever be brought into broader perspective and eventually foster greater harmony for all humankind? The authors argue that the answer to this question is «yes». Culture provides the necessary space for social negotiation and change. Advanced communication ability is the means by which this necessary cultural work is perpetually accomplished. A non-deterministic understanding of culture must be acknowledged from the outset. Cultural life differs greatly from biological conditions. Even under repressive conditions, culture is not determined the same way viral infections ravage biological bodies or computers. Technological advances in communication do not simply reinforce and intensify top-down, dominant cultural messages as theories of imperialism, memetic transmission, or social contagion contend. The pace of cultural development over the past 10,000 years has been particularly fast compared to any other time since hominids split from our common ancestor with chimpanzees millions of years ago. Our species’ unique skill as communicators in the dynamic technological and cultural environment of today offers real hope for retrieving the primordial affinities that unite us all.

Abstract

With desktop availability of electronic publications, researchers have reduced significantly their visits to libraries. A new role for librarians is described: their integration into academic departments, becoming part of research teams. They would perform tasks such as information searching for projects, database management, uploading documents to repositories, writing reports, building and maintaining web sites, preserving datasets, etc.

Abstract

The sophistication of society and the scientific specialization lead to the fragmentation of the groups and the audiences. With congresses happens the same and in this paper the organization of more general and cross-discipline conferences is proposed. A review of the evolution of the congresses and their characteristics over the past 15 years in Spain is done. In the annex the main Spanish congresses are listed.

Abstract

University studies of Library and Information Sciences (LIS) in Spain are experiencing a setback in the number of students enrolled. This also happens in other disciplines, but the relative newness of LIS studies may make them more vulnerable. Nonetheless, there are reasons for optimism if we evaluate the unprecedented success of Spanish research in this field. This challenge is in the hands of the teaching faculty and the entire profession in general to ensure that LIS studies are more attractive to incoming students.

Abstract

The electronic management of documents and records is facing major challenges: the integration of document processes and checks in routine work processes; risk analysis; techniques and controls needed to manage records and digital evidence controls (metadata, digital signature, authenticity, integrity, preservation); and access restrictions for citizenship or customers. Information professionals are invited to take an active role in resolving these complex problems.

Abstract

Starting from the premise that future information flows will be transmitted exclusively via electronic formats and that the future of books in their current structure is uncertain, the article analyzes the situation of uncertainty for libraries’ survival in the new systems of global information, where the immediacy of access to sources and collaboration are becoming standard. The authors invite a rethinking of paradigm tools that prevail in libraries. The study also aims to discuss the old paradigms as opposed to the changes that are taking place and focuses on defining a model of innovative thinking which can sustain the e-evolution” of libraries. Analyzing the perspectives from a qualitative research method founded on the triangulation of three or more different perspectives, the methodology-driven approach defines the paradigm changes that will be more influential in the near future and hence poses new ways to think about the interrelationship between different actors that will positively affect a sustainable e-evolution” of libraries if they are considered and seen from a global human-centered point of view.

Abstract

Science is the most refined cultural element to describe and manage the environment. It is the result of a permanent evolutionary algorithm and represents an adaptive biological advantage for the human species. Science evolves socially through physical records and information media, whose changes influence both science and society. Information professionals have been managing these physical records or knowledge containers. The technodigital revolution grows an industrialized information society where science is a productive workforce, with a neurodigital nature, and develops as a collective enterprise. Science containers are now very changeable, plural, segmented, networking, and take on a business look: they become “specific information platforms”. Information professionals’ position is rather weak, but they have the possibility to turn into information engineers, to participate in some of those platforms and to compete individually as information managers in the science arena.

Abstract

The problematics, context, concept and design trends of electronic books are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of the electronic book versus the traditional one are analyzed. Finally, its impact in the ecology of book production, preservation and dissemination and in its different stakeholders is assessed, both market-oriented firms and libraries.

Abstract

We are social beings and we have been creating networks since our inception. The network represents a new paradigm for social and economic development that has been called the “Network Society”. People who use digital tools intensively are fragmenting their identity into multiple local and global networks. The social network services are a simplification and a restriction of the variety of social interactions. The combination of various Web 2.0 tools seems more interesting than the Facebook model.