Vías de retorno. Exploraciones sociológicas sobre los efectos del encarcelamiento en la vida en libertad y el reingreso a prisión Barukel, Guillermina En el marco de una investigación en curso que pretende avanzar sobre la temática de los efectos del encarcelamiento en el retorno a la vida en libertad y el reingreso a prisión, pre-sentaré una sistematización de las ideas centrales construidas hasta el momento sobre el tema. A partir de entender al encarcelamiento como la cristalización de un proceso más largo que atraviesan los sujetos que el sistema penal captura, describiré y analizaré las reconstrucciones y percepciones de varones adultos que han estado presos más de una vez sobre sus trayectorias de vida, haciendo foco en lo señalado sobre el lugar ocupado por el encarcelamiento, los efectos que tuvo en su retorno a la vida en libertad y el vínculo que establecen con volver a prisión

Normalization method for J-R curve determination using SENT specimens Menezes, João Teixeira Oliveira de; Perez Ipiña, Juan Elias; Castrodeza, Enrique M. According to BS 8571:2014, standard J-R curves from SENT geometry can be determined from single or multiple specimens. The recommended methodologies for single specimen include unloading compliance or DCPD, although any validated technique can be used. The normalization method, which is not directly recommended in BSI standards, is an alternative. J-R curves through normalization technique based on P-CMOD records were experimentally determined using SENT specimens (0.40 < a0/W < 0.55) of two structural steels, later compared with the ones measured by unloading compliance. Results indicated that the normalization method is a valid alternative for J-R curve determination using SENT specimens.

New insights into indole-3-acetic acid metabolism in Azospirillum brasilense Rivera, Diego; Mora, Maria Veronica; Lopez, Gaston Alberto; Rosas, Susana Beatriz; Spaepen, S.; Vanderleyden, J.; Cassan, Fabricio Dario The aim of this research was to analyse the global indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) metabolism in three commercially used strains of Azospirillum brasilense. Methods and Results: Azospirillum brasilense Sp245, Az39 and Cd, containing a plasmid with the ipdC-gusA fusion (pFAJ64), were cultured in minimal medium MMAB with or without 10 mg l−1 of l-trp till exponential or stationary growth phase. The cultures were then split into 10 ml tubes and individually treated with 10 mg ml−1 IAA, IBA or NAA (auxin catabolism and homeostasis); IAPhe, IALeu, IAA-ala, IAA-glucose (IAA conjugate hydrolysis); or l-lys, l-leu, l-ileu, l-phe, l-ala, l-val, l-arg, l-glu, l-his, l-met, l-asp, l-cys, l-ser, l-pro, l-thr and l-trp (regulation of IAA biosynthesis and IAA conjugation). Bacterial growth, IAA production and ipdC expression were evaluated. None of the A. brasilense strains were able to hydrolyse IAA conjugates, catabolize auxins, or conjugate IAA with amino acids or glucose. l-amino acids l-met, l-val, l-cys and l-ser inhibited bacterial growth and decreased IAA biosynthesis. The expression of ipdC and IAA biosynthesis but not bacterial growth was affected by l-leu, l-phe, l-ala, l-ile, l-pro. l-arg, l-glu, l-his, l-lys, l-asp and l-thr did not affect any of the measured parameters. Conclusions: In this paper, we confirmed that A. brasilense produces IAA only in presence of l-trp is not able to degrade auxins, conjugate IAA with sugars and/or l-amino acids, or hydrolyse such conjugates to release free IAA. Finally, we found that bacterial growth and/or IAA biosynthesis were inhibited by the presence of several l-amino acids probably by diversion of the cellular metabolism. Significance and Impact of the Study: We propose a renewed model to explain IAA metabolism in A. brasilense, one of the most studied phytostimulatory bacteria.

Presentación: afectos, redes y epistolarios Peluffo, Ana; Maiz, Claudio Gustavo Introducción al dossier Epistolarios y afectos. Se abordan aspectos teóricos sobre la carta y las emociones.

Environmental diversity and stable isotope variation in faunas: Implications for human diet reconstruction in Argentine mid-latitude deserts Otaola, Clara; Ugan, Andrew; Gil, Adolfo Fabian This paper presents the results of an isotopic study of δ13C and δ15N values for bone collagen from 209 modern faunas from central-western Argentina. The samples come from two ecologically distinct areas: the Monte and Patagonian Deserts. The results confirm high intra- and inter-taxonomic variation in both isotopes. Previous studies of camelids, rodents and ostrich eggshells in this region showed a clear relation between animal δ13C and δ15N values, altitude, and the percentage of C3 and C4 plants. This pattern was not fully met among the species considered in this paper. No statistical differences were seen between δ13C values from Monte and Patagonian Deserts, although differences in δ15N were found. When samples from saltmarsh contexts were considered separately, differences among δ15N isotopic values become more pronounced, pointing to a relation between δ15N isotopic signatures and soil salinity. Archaeological human diet reconstruction based on isotopic data needs to pay attention to this significant variation in resources isotopic patterns in order to be used as a reliable dietary indicator.

Genotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Buenos Aires, Argentina Monteserin, Johana; Paul, Roxana Elizabeth; Gravina, Elida; Reniero, Ana; Hernandez, Teresa; Mazzeo, Eduardo; Togneri, Ana Maria; Simboli, Norberto; López, Beatriz; Couvin, David; Rastogi, Nalin; Ritacco, Gloria Viviana Buenos Aires is an overpopulated port city historically inhabited by people of European descent. Together with its broader metropolitan area, the city exhibits medium tuberculosis rates, and receives migrants, mainly from tuberculosis highly endemic areas of Argentina and neighboring countries. This work was aimed to gain insight into the Mycobacterium tuberculosis population structure in two suburban districts of Buenos Aires which are illustrative of the overall situation of tuberculosis in Argentina. The Lineage 4 Euro-American accounted for >99% of the 816 isolates analyzed (one per patient). Frequencies of spoligotype families were T 35.9%, LAM 33.2%, Haarlem 19.5%, S 3.2%, X 1.5%, Ural 0.7%, BOV 0.2%, Beijing 0.2%, and Cameroon 0.2%. Unknown signatures accounted for 5.3% isolates. Of 55 spoligotypes not matching any extant shared international type (SIT) in SITVIT database, 22 fitted into 15 newly-issued SITs. Certain autochthonous South American genotypes were found to be actively evolving. LAM3, which is wild type for RDrio, was the predominant LAM subfamily in both districts and the RDrio signature was rare among autochthonous, newly created, SITs and orphan patterns. Two genotypes that are rarely observed in neighboring countries ̶ SIT2/H2 and SIT159/T1 Tuscany ̶ were conspicuously represented in Argentina. The infrequent Beijing patterns belonged to Peruvian patients. We conclude that the genotype diversity observed reflects the influence of the Hispanic colonization and more recent immigration waves from Mediterranean and neighboring countries. Unlike in Brazil, the RDrio type does not play a major role in the tuberculosis epidemic in Buenos Aires.

Registro de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) presentes en apiarios de Apis mellifera de los valles templados de la provincia de Jujuy-Argentina; Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) present in apiaries of Apis mellifera of the temperate valleys of the province of Jujuy-Argentina Ruiz, Gisela Beatriz; Benitez Ahrendtz, Marcelo La presente investigación se realizó con el propósito de determinar la presencia de diferentes especies de hormigas encolmenas de Apis mellifera L., y describir la actividad observada mediante el relevamiento de apiarios ubicados endiversas localidades de Valles templados de la provincia de Jujuy. Se colectaron manualmente entre 10-20 individuosaproximadamente de diferentes especies de hormigas en estado adulto e inmaduro presentes en techos y entretapas decolmenas de abejas melíferas, como también de hormigueros ubicados en cercanías. Se conservaron en alcohol al 70%.La colecta se realizó en época seca y época húmeda. La identificación taxonómica se realizó mediante claves establecidas.Las hormigas identificadas fueron Camponotus substitutus, Camponotus mus, Acromyrmex hispidus, Linepithemahumile, Crematogaster spp. (Subgénero Orthocrema) y Solenopsis spp. Cinco de estas especies no mostraron ser perjudicialespara las abejas, mientras que en colmenas moribundas por falta de alimento o reinas viejas se observó la intrusiónde Solenopsis sp. Se puede concluir que las especies de hormigas identificadas no generaron daños económicos alos apicultores de estas colmenas. El presente trabajo podría ser el punto de partida para estudios relativos al manejo ycontrol de hormigas presentes en colmenas de Apis mellifera L. Se debe continuar con el registro y estudio de estoshimenópteros en otras áreas apícolas.; The present investigation was carried out with the purpose of determining the presence of different species of ants in hives of Apis mellifera L., and to describe the activity observed by means of the survey of apiaries located in different localities of temperate valleys of the province of Jujuy. Manually collected between 10-20 individuals of different species of ants in adult and immature state present in ceilings and interstates of honey bee hives, as well as anthills located in the vicinity. They were stored in 70% alcohol. The collection was carried out during the dry season and the wet season. The taxonomic identification was carried out using appropriate codes. The identified ants were Camponotus substitutus, Camponotus mus, Acromyrmex hispidus, Linepithema humile, Crematogaster spp. (Subgenus Orthocrema) and Solenopsis spp. Five of these species did not appear to be harmful to bees, whereas in Sole colonies due to lack of food or old queens the intrusion of Solenopsis sp. It can be concluded that the ant species identified did not generate economic damage to the beekeepers of these hives. This work could be the starting point for studies related to the management and control of ants present in hives of Apis mellifera L. It should continue with the registration and study of these hymenoptera in other apicultural areas.

Rol de variantes genéticas en el desarrollo de Enfermedad Renal Crónica en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 Yang, Pablo; Ojeda, Verónica; Ruiz Pecchio, Adriana; Soria, Néstor Walter La Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) es una afección que perjudica a un gran número de pacientes. Una de las causas es la Nefropatía en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (DM2).Objetivo: Indagar si la presencia de variantes genéticas contribuyen al desarrollo de ERC en pacientes con DM2.Materiales y métodos: se evaluaron criterios clínicos, bioquímicos y moleculares en 25 pacientes con DM2. Los polimorfismos se analizaron mediante PCR-RFLP para ECA (rs4646994); CDKAL1 (rs7756992); e-NOS (rs1799983) y SLC12A3 (rs11643718).Resultados: El análisis estadístico mediante modelo dominante arrojaron para: ECA (rs4646994) (OR=1,33 (IC 95%) 0,25-7,01; p=0,73); CDKAL1 (rs7756992) (OR= 1 (IC 95%) 0,14-7,39; p=NA); e-NOS (rs1799983) (OR= 0,29 (IC 95%) 0,05-1,57; p=0,14) y SLC12A3 (rs11643718 (OR= 1,62 (IC 95%) 0,19-13,93; p=0,66).Conclusiones: ninguna de las variantes evaluadas en los genes ECA, CDKAL1, e-NOS y SLC12A3 mostraron asociaciones positivas o negativas con el riesgo a desarrollar ERC en pacientes con DM2.

Emergent Orientation Selectivity from Random Networks in Mouse Visual Cortex Pattadkal, Jagruti J.; Mato, German; van Vreeswijk, Carl; Priebe, Nicholas J.; Hansel, David The connectivity principles underlying the emergence of orientation selectivity in primary visual cortex (V1) of mammals lacking an orientation map (such as rodents and lagomorphs) are poorly understood. We present a computational model in which random connectivity gives rise to orientation selectivity that matches experimental observations. The model predicts that mouse V1 neurons should exhibit intricate receptive fields in the two-dimensional frequency domain, causing a shift in orientation preferences with spatial frequency. We find evidence for these features in mouse V1 using calcium imaging and intracellular whole-cell recordings. Pattadkal et al. show that orientation selectivity can emerge from random connectivity, and offer a distinct perspective for how computations occur in the neocortex. They propose that a random convergence of inputs can provide signals for orientation preference in contrast with the dominant model that requires a precise arrangement.

Eugenics in Mediterranean Europe and Latin America; Eugenesia en la Europa mediterránea y en Latinoamérica Miranda, Marisa Adriana; Vallejo, Gustavo Gabriel Se abordan aquí las vinculaciones inmanentes que la eugenesia presenta con los ejes conceptuales salud/enfermedad, normalidad/anormalidad, inclusión/exclusión, colocando a la perspectiva histórica en un diálogo inacabado con el presente. Así, y desplazándose más allá de una identificación taxativa con episodios que tienen un inicio y un final, quedan latentes interrogantes que denotan los límites borrosos de la eugenesia: ¿Cómo se trazó en distintos momentos la frontera entre lo sano y lo insano? ¿Quién/quiénes y bajo qué motivaciones trascendentes al plano individual la fijaron? ¿Cuáles fueron los alcances de la eugenesia? ¿Cuántos de sus postulados se mantuvieron inalterables en países no anglosajones y hasta dónde las hibridaciones turbaron sus postulados iniciales? En definitiva, ¿Por qué es válido hablar de eugenesia más allá del nazismo?

Bone tool and tuber processing: A multi-proxy approach at Boyo Paso 2, Argentina Medina, Matias Eduardo; Lopez, María Laura; Buc, Natacha This article provides results from a full morphological, use-wear and microfossil residue analysis of a notched bone tool made from a camelid scapula, which was recovered from the late pre-Hispanic site of Boyo Paso 2 (1500-750 years BP, Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina). The use-wear pattern showed striations similar to those recorded in experimental bone tools used for scraping activities. The starch grains found on the active or working edge are similar to the Andean tuber crop Oxalis tuberosa, and suggest that the tool was used for peeling wild or domesticated Oxalis sp. tubers, thereby questioning the disproportionate attention directed towards maize in late pre-Hispanic economies.

Determination of a predictive cleavage motif for eluted major histocompatibility complex class II ligands Paul, Sinu; Karosiene, Edita; Dhanda, Sandeep Kumar; Jurtz, Vanessa; Edwards, Lindy; Nielsen, Morten; Sette, Alessandro; Peters, Bjoern CD4+ T cells have a major role in regulating immune responses. They are activated by recognition of peptides mostly generated from exogenous antigens through the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II pathway. Identification of epitopes is important and computational prediction of epitopes is used widely to save time and resources. Although there are algorithms to predict binding affinity of peptides to MHC II molecules, no accurate methods exist to predict which ligands are generated as a result of natural antigen processing. We utilized a dataset of around 14,000 naturally processed ligands identified by mass spectrometry of peptides eluted from MHC class II expressing cells to investigate the existence of sequence signatures potentially related to the cleavage mechanisms that liberate the presented peptides from their source antigens. This analysis revealed preferred amino acids surrounding both N- and C-terminuses of ligands, indicating sequence-specific cleavage preferences. We used these cleavage motifs to develop a method for predicting naturally processed MHC II ligands, and validated that it had predictive power to identify ligands from independent studies. We further confirmed that prediction of ligands based on cleavage motifs could be combined with predictions of MHC binding, and that the combined prediction had superior performance. However, when attempting to predict CD4+ T cell epitopes, either alone or in combination with MHC binding predictions, predictions based on the cleavage motifs did not show predictive power. Given that peptides identified as epitopes based on CD4+ T cell reactivity typically do not have well-defined termini, it is possible that motifs are present but outside of the mapped epitope. Our attempts to take that into account computationally did not show any sign of an increased presence of cleavage motifs around well-characterized CD4+ T cell epitopes. While it is possible that our attempts to translate the cleavage motifs in MHC II ligand elution data into T cell epitope predictions were suboptimal, other possible explanations are that the cleavage signal is too diluted to be detected, or that elution data are enriched for ligands generated through an antigen processing and presentation pathway that is less frequently utilized for T cell epitopes.

Benefits of frontal waters for the growth of Engraulis anchoita larvae: The influence of food availability Do Souto, Marina; Spinelli, Mariela Lorena; Brown, Daniel Roberto; Pajaro, Marcelo; Diaz, Marina Vera; Capitanio, Fabiana Lia We studied the abundance, size and growth rates of Engraulis anchoita larvae during the end of the species’ spawning season in relation to environmental variables. Two sampling transects, one in Península Valdés (northern transect: NT) and the other in Isla Escondida (southern transect: ST), with four stations each, were established in late summer. Both locations are characterized by high concentrations of E. anchoita larvae in spring, strongly associated with the presence of frontal waters, at the beginning of the species’ spawning season. Zooplankton and ichthyoplankton were sampled, and temperature profiles and chlorophyll-a satellite images were analyzed for each sampling station. Zooplankton samples were divided in size fractions, and composition and abundances were estimated. Standard length (SL), ontogenetic stages, and abundance (including eggs) were estimated. Additionally, age and growth rates were determined by otolith analysis. Two different scenarios were observed in both transects. In the NT, a frontal structure was found, while at the ST, the water column was completely homogeneous. Total zooplankton abundance was maximum at frontal waters, with 22,195 ind. m−3, being the small size fraction (<200 μm) the most abundant, mainly composed of nauplii (9000 ind. m−3) and cyclopoid copepodites (4000 ind. m−3). The NT showed higher abundance (mean of 126.5 ind. m−2 per station in NT; 29.75 ind. m−2 in ST), faster growth rates of E. anchoita larvae (NT: 0.45 ± 0.04 mm day−1; ST: 0.34 ± 0.09 mm day−1; n = 90), and higher mean SL at frontal waters (7.57 ± 1.52 mm SL) than the ST. In the NT, E. anchoita growth rates were constant in time, whereas in the ST, they decreased with age. Our results support the classical theory, which states that frontal waters provide advantageous environmental conditions for fish larvae feeding, growth and, thus, survival.

Non-aversive photographic measurement method for subcutaneous tumours in nude mice Resasco, Agustina; Carranza Martin, Ana Cristina; Ayala, Miguel Angel; Diaz, Silvina Laura; Carbone, Cecilia We have developed a new method for the measurement of subcutaneous tumour volume which consists in taking photographs of mice in their home cages, to refine the standard method of measurement with calipers. We consider this new method to be non-aversive, as it may be more compatible with mice behavioural preferences and, therefore, improve their welfare. Photographs are captured when mice voluntarily go into an acrylic tube containing graph paper that is later used as a scale. Tumour volumes measured with the caliper and the non-aversive photographic method were compared to those obtained by water displacement volume and weight. Behavioural and physiological changes were evaluated to assess animal welfare. Significant differences were found between measurements obtained with the caliper and the non-aversive photographic method, v. the reference volume acquired by water displacement (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was good consistency for these measurements when tumours were measured repeatedly, with all Intra-Class Correlation Coefficients above 0.95. Mice on which the non-aversive photographic method was employed were significantly less reluctant to establish contact with the experimenter (P < 0.001) and behaved less anxiously in a modified-Novelty Suppressed Feeding test. Particularly, statistically significant differences were found in connection with the latency to eat an almond piece (P < 0.05), the frequency of grooming (P < 0.001) and the frequency of defecation (P < 0.001). Corticosterone concentration in faeces and blood glucose were determined and no significant changes were found. Therefore, we propose the non-aversive photographic method to measure subcutaneous tumours as a way to refine methodologies in the field of experimental oncology.

Identification of driver and subclonal mutations in ASXL1 and IDH1/IDH2 genes in an Argentine series of patients with myelofibrosis Scheps, Karen; Meyer, C.; Bestach, Yesica Soledad; Enrico, A.; Bengio, Ruben Guillermo; Rodriguez Zubieta, Mariana; Rivas, M.; de Brasi, Carlos Daniel; Larripa, Irene Beatriz Myelofibrosis (MF) is a Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells, progressive bone marrow fibrosis, abnormal cytokine expression, anemia, splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, constitutional symptoms, cachexia, leukemic progression, and shortened survival.1 MF can be diagnosed as a primary myelofibrosis (PMF) disorder or as a complication of the evolution of polycythemia vera (MF post-PV) or essential thrombocythemia (MF post-ET)...

Noncontact AC Voltage Measurements: Error and Noise Analysis Haberman, Marcelo Alejandro; Spinelli, Enrique Mario A capacitive noncontact ac voltage measurement technique and its feasibility to measure arbitrary waveform signals are analyzed. The method provides self-calibration of the scale factor, an important feature considering the high variability that coupling capacitances present. The analysis of several errors related to the technique is performed, showing the impact of different design parameters on the final accuracy. Scaling errors due to the electronic circuit can be constrained to less than 0.5%, and can be disaffected, whereas those due to the frequency dependence of cable sheath permittivity can be up to 3% for polyvinyl chloride sheathed cables. This error is not controllable by electronic design but requires working on electrode probe. A noise model is also proposed and experimentally validated, showing that signal-to-noise ratios of up to 100 dB are achievable with common components. A functional prototype was built and tested by acquiring power-line voltage and other arbitrary signals without contact. Instantaneous voltage signals were acquired by the proposed technique and contrasted with those acquired directly. For the measurement of power-line voltage and using the self-calibration feature, the instantaneous error was lower than 7 V (2.2%) for a ±1300 V measurement range at 50 Hz. If manual correction is applied, the error can be reduced to 0.28 V rms (0.12%)

On two species of Riocypris (Crustacea, ostracoda) from northern Patagonia and their relation to eucypris fontana: Implications in paleoenvironmental reconstructions Coviaga, Corina Anabel; Perez, Alejandra Patricia; Ramos, Lorena Yésica; Alvear, Pablo Andres; Cusminsky, Gabriela Catalina Two species of ostracods new to Patagonia, Argentina, are described. One of them, Riocypris whatleyi sp. nov., is described for the first time, and the second, Riocypris sarsi (Daday, 1902) comb. nov., is reallocated from genus Eucypris to genus Riocypris. Inter-and intra-specific variations in shape, size, and sexual dimorphism were evaluated based on geometric morphometric analysis. Moreover, morphological and morphometric comparative analyses were applied to re-examine living and quaternary specimens recovered from previous studies. Based on these results, a generic reassignment for the Patagonian Eucypris fontana (Jurine, 1820) into the genus Riocypris is proposed. Contributing to the knowledge on the systematic and autecology of this enigmatic species, widely distributed in Patagonia and frequently used in paleolimnological reconstructions, generates science-based evidence for their use as indicator species. Additionally, our results emphasize the usefulness of studying the living representatives (i.e., with valves and appendages) for elucidating the taxonomic status of the individual specimens, especially those present in paleontological records and used as bioproxies in paleolimnological studies.

Efficacy and safety of amantadine for the treatment of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia Pérez Lloret, Santiago; Rascol, Olivier l-DOPA induced dyskinesias (LIDs) may affect up to 40% of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and impact negatively health-related quality of life. Amantadine has demonstrated significant antidyskinetic effects in animal PD models and in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with PD. These effects are thought to be related to the blockade of NMDA receptors modulating cortico-striatal glutamatergic–dopaminergic interactions involved in the genesis of LIDs. There are three pharmaceutical forms of amantadine currently available in the market: an oral immediate-release (IR) formulation, which is widely available; an extended-release (ER) formulation (ADS-5102) which has been recently developed and approved by the FDA; and an intravenous infusion (IV) solution, which is not commonly used in clinical practice. RCTs with amantadine IR or ER, involving more than 650 patients have shown consistent and long-lasting reductions in LIDs. Interestingly, ADS-5102 not only reduced LIDs, but also reduced significantly at the same time the duration of daily OFF-time, a unique finding compared with other antiparkinsonian medications that usually reduce time spent OFF at the cost of worsening of LIDs. Amantadine IR might also have possible effects on other PD symptoms such as apathy or fatigue. The most common adverse reactions with amantadine are constipation, cardiovascular dysfunction including QT prolongation, orthostatic hypotension and edema, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion and delirium, nausea and livedo reticularis. Corneal degeneration is rare but critical. In summary, amantadine immediate and extended-release are effective and safe for the treatment of LIDs.

Panthera onca (Carnivora, Felidae) in the late Pleistocene-early Holocene of northern Argentina Rodriguez, Sergio Gabriel; Méndez, Cecilia Romina; Soibelzon, Esteban; Soibelzon, Leopoldo Héctor; Contreras, Silvina Andrea; Friedrichs, Juan; Luna, Carlos Alberto; Zurita, Alfredo Eduardo The most northern fossil record of Panthera onca (LINNAEUS, 1758) from Argentina is here reported. The specimen, PVE-F 130, represented by an articulated and well preserved cranium and mandible, atlas and a fragment of left humerus, was exhumed from levels assigned to the Río Bermejo Formation (late Pleistocene-early Holocene; ca. 12.0-9.7 ka), near Villa Escolar, Formosa Province. The associated paleofauna, comprised mostly of large and megafaunal mammals, has a clear taxonomic similarity to that of the Pampean region of Argentina, and suggests open arid to semiarid environments. Indeed, previous analyses of plant remains associated with these vertebrates support the predominance of mega/mesothermal grasslands characterized by C3/C4 grass species.

Spatial segregation and connectivity in young and adult stages of Megaleporinus obtusidens inferred from otolith elemental signatures: Implications for management Avigliano, Esteban; Pisonero, Jorge; Domanico, Alejandro; Silva, Natalia Andrea; Sánchez, Sebastián; Volpedo, Alejandra Boga Megaleporinus obtusidens is a teleost fish of economical and sport importance from Río de la Plata Basin (South America). Otolith core and edge elemental ratios (Ba:Ca, Cu:Ca, Li:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Pb:Ca, Rb:Ca and Sr:Ca) were compared among three sampling areas from the Río de la Plata Basin (Paraná and Uruguay Rivers and Río de la Plata Estuary) to evaluate the applicability of the fingerprint to study segregation and connectivity in young and adult stages. Several ratios were significantly different among sites for otolith core and edge (p < 0.05). PERMANOVA (p < 0.05) and quadratic discriminant function analysis (classification rates: 86.8% and 82.5% for otolith core and edge, respectively) were found to be highly effective in detecting differences in otolith core and edge fingerprints between sampling sites suggesting the existence of spatial segregation in young and adult life stages, respectively. The presence of relatively isolated groups may require the need to manage the stocks separately.