Exploring genetic diversity and variation of Ovar-DRB1 gene in Sudan Desert Sheep using targeted next-generation sequencing Salim, Bashir; Nakao, Ryo; Chatanga, Elisha; Marcuzzi, Olivia; Eissawi, Muna Ahmed; Almathen, Faisal; Hanotte, Olivier; Giovambattista, Guillermo Introduction: The Ovar-DRB1 gene, a crucial element of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class II region, initiates adaptive immunity by presenting antigens to T-cells. Genetic diversity in sheep, particularly in MHC Class II genes like Ovar-DRB1, directly influences the specturm of presented antigens impacting immune responses and disease susceptability. Understanding the allelic diversity of Ovar-DRB1 gene in Sudan Desert Sheep (SDS) is essential for uncovering the genetic basis of immune responses and disease resistance, given the the breeds significance in Sudan´s unique environment. Methods: Utilizing Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) we explore allelic diversity in Ovar-DRB1 gene within SDS. Successfully ampliying and and sequencing the second exon of this gene in 288 SDS samples representing six breeds provided a comprehensive allelic profile, enabling a detalied examination of the gene´s genetic makeup. Results: We identifed forty-six alleles, including four previously unreported, enrichness the genetic diversity of SDS breeds. These alleles exhibiting non-uniform distribution, varying frequencies across breeds, indicating a breed-specific genetic landscape. Certain alleles, known and novel, show higher frequencies in specific populations, suggesting potential associations with adaptive immune responses. Identifying these alleles sets the stage for investigating their functional roles and implications for disease resistance. Genetic differentiation among SDS breeds, as indicated by FST values and clustering analyses, highlights a unique genetic makeup shaped by geographic and historical factors. These differentiation patterns among SDS breeds have broader implications for breed conservation and targeted breeding to enhance disease resistance in specific populations. Conclusion: This study unveils Ovar-DRB1 gene allelic diversity in SDS breeds through targeted NGS and genetic analyses, revealing new alleles that underscore the breeds’ unique genetic profile. Insights into the genetic factors governing immune responses and disease resistance emerge, promising for optimization of breeding strategies for enhanced livestock health in Sudan’s unique environment.

Germinación de semillas de especies nativas colonizadoras de taludes viales del noroeste patagónico; Seed germination of native species that colonize roadside slopes in northwestern Patagonia Gonzalez, Sofia Laura; Chichizola, Giselle Ailin; Rovere, Adriana El conocimiento de la ecofisiología de la germinación de semillas de especies colonizadoras esútil para su propagación y uso en revegetación. El objetivo fue evaluar los requerimientos de germinación y el tipo de dormición de semillas de especies nativas de estepa y de bosque colonizadoras de taludes en el noroeste patagónico. La hipótesis postulada fue que las semillas presentan dormición asociada a su ambiente de origen: dormición fisiológica o morfológica en ambientes húmedos y dormición física en ambientes secos. Se aplicaron dos tratamientos pre-germinativos luego de un almacenamiento por seis meses en frío seco: estratificación húmeda-fría (5 °C, 45 días) o escarificación mecánica con bisturí, más un grupo control. Las semillas se colocaron a germinar en condiciones de temperatura y fotoperíodo controlados (10/20 °C, 12/12 h).Se calculó el porcentaje, el inicio y el tiempo medio de germinación. Se compararon los dos tratamientos y el control de cada especie y se realizó un análisis de componentes principales. Post-ensayo, se calculó el porcentaje de semillas viables no germinadas, vanas y con presencia de hongos o daños por insectos. La dormición de las semillas no estuvo asociada a su ambiente de origen; otros factores (e.g., estacionalidad climática, similitud filogenética), sin embargo, podrían relacionarse con mecanismos que regulan la dormición. Las semillas de Acaena ovalifolia y Baccharis linearis no presentaron dormición, obteniendo porcentajes de germinación >80%en el control. Las semillas de Anemone multifida presentaron dormición física, incrementando significativamente la germinación con el tratamiento de escarificación mecánica. Ambos pre-tratamientos adelantaron y aceleraron la germinación en Acaena magellanica y A. splendens. No se pudo determinar el tipo de dormición de las otras especies. Este estudio aporta información valiosa sobre las condiciones ecofisiológicas de germinación de especies nativas para incorporar en protocolos de propagación ex situ e in situ para restaurar áreas degradadas.; The knowledge of the ecophysiology of seed germination in colonizing species is useful for their propagation and use in revegetation. The aim was to assess the germination requirements and dormancy type of native species from steppe and forest ecosystems colonizing slopes in the Northwest Patagonia. The postulated hypothesis was that seeds exhibit dormancy associated with their native environment: physiological or morphological dormancy in humid environments and physical dormancy in dry environments. Two pregermination treatments were applied after six months of dry cold storage: moist-cold stratification (5 °C, 45 days) or mechanical scarification with a scalpel, along with a control group. The seeds were germinated under controlled temperature and photoperiod conditions (10/20 °C, 12/12 h). Percentage, time, and mean germination were calculated. Both treatments and the control for each species were compared, and a principal component analysis was conducted. Post-assessment, the percentage of viable seeds not germinated, empty seeds, and those with fungal presence or insect damage were calculated. Seed dormancy was not associated with their native environment; however, other factors (e.g., climatic seasonality, phylogenetic similarity) might be related to dormancy regulation mechanisms. Seeds of Acaena ovalifolia and Baccharis linearis showed no dormancy, achieving germination rates >80% in the control. Anemone multifida seeds exhibited physical dormancy, with a significant increase in germination with mechanical scarification treatment. Both pre-treatments advanced and accelerated germination in Acaena magellanica and A. splendens. The dormancy type of other species could not be determined. This study provides valuable information on the ecophysiological germination conditions of native species to be incorporated into ex situ and in situ propagation protocols for restoring degraded areas.

Explotación de guanacos en la Sierra de San Luis durante el Holoceno tardío final. Análisis del sitio La Angostura 1 (departamento Coronel Pringles, provincia de San Luis, Argentina); Guanano exploitation in the Sierra de San Luis during the final late Holocene. Analysis of the La Angostura 1 site (Coronel Pringles Department, San Luis Province, Argentina) Carrera Aizpitarte, Manuel Pedro El guanaco constituye el recurso faunístico más abundante y con mayores evidencias de procesamiento antrópico en La Angostura 1. En el conjunto se han identificado individuos adultos y subadultos con distintos grados de representación anatómica. La buena preservación de los especímenes y la ausencia de preservación diferencial vinculada con la densidad ósea, permiten considerar que la frecuencia de partes esqueletarias observada responde principalmente a conductas y prácticas sociales. Debido a ello este sitio presenta una excelente oportunidad para abordar diferentes interrogantes relacionados con la forma en que las sociedades tardías explotaron esta especie animal. En este sentido, el objetivo del trabajo es indagar acerca del uso diferencial de los grupos etarios, los recursos aprovechados y las conductas sociales o económicas que incidieron en las frecuencias anatómicas registradas. Para ello, se tuvieron en cuenta distintos índices económicos y propuestas alternativas que agrupan diferentes regiones anatómicas en función del producto primario predominante en ellas. Además, se consideraron los productos no alimenticios que pudieron haber sido utilizados. Los resultados alcanzados indican que ambos grupos etarios (adultos y subadultos) fueron explotados en forma similar. Asimismo, las representaciones anatómicas registradas no estarían mediadas por la selección de un producto alimenticio en particular ya que, en términos generales, las carcasas fueron transportadas casi completas hasta el lugar de consumo. Esta situación podría vincularse con una estrategia de explotación integral de los animales donde, además del alimento, cobran relevancia otros subproductos empleados con fines tecnológicos.; Guanaco is the most abundant faunal resource and the one with the greatest evidence of anthropic processing in La Angostura 1. Both adult and subadult individuals with different degrees of anatomical representation were identified in the assemblage. The good preservation of the specimens and the absence of differential preservation related to bone density suggest that the observed frequency of skeletal parts primarily reflects social behaviors and practices. Therefore, this site provides an excellent opportunity to address several questions concerning the exploitation of this species by late societies. In this sense, this paper aims to assess the differential use of age groups, the resources consumed, and the social or economic behaviors that influenced the anatomical frequencies recorded. To achieve this, we considered various economic indexes and alternative proposals that group different anatomical regions according to the predominant primary product. Additionally, we considered non-food products that could have been used. The results indicate that both age groups (adults and subadults) were similarly exploited. Likewise, the anatomical representations recorded would not have been mediated by the selection of a particular food product, since carcasses were generally transported intact to the place of consumption. This situation could be linked to a strategy of integral exploitation of the animals, where, in addition to food, other by-products used for technological purposes become relevant.

Adaptive second order sliding mode control of an oscillating water column Mosquera, Facundo; Evangelista, Carolina Alejandra; Puleston, Pablo Federico; Ringwood, John V. The energy from waves has a vast untapped potential to contribute to renewable energy supply and diversification. For that reason, wave energy conversion systems have been a topical research area in recent years. In particular, harnessing wave energy with an oscillating water column converter has proved to be one suitable solution, which has also seen a number of successful deployments. Nevertheless, additional research is required for this technology in order to reach full commercial maturity and economic performance. This paper proposes an adaptive second order sliding mode controller to maximise the converted energy. In particular, the proposed adaptive control setup maintains the sliding mode robust features, while reducing high frequency oscillations and abrupt control actions produced by fixed-gain algorithms. A comparison of energy generation performance shows better energy conversion efficiency of the proposed control strategy over standard speed regulation control strategies, even considering air compression dynamics and hydrodynamics in the tests.

La Vida del Espíritu en el horizonte de la reflexión moral arendtiana: Un análisis del pensamiento, la voluntad y el juicio; The Life of the Mind in the horizon of the arendtian moral reflection: An analysis of thinking, will and judge Milotich, Alejandro Luego de la asistencia de Hannah Arendt al juicio a Eichmann en Jerusalén comienza a desarrollarse una preocupación moral por parte de la pensadora alemana que se irá complejizando durante los años 60 y 70 con la introducción de las “facultades del espíritu”: pensamiento, voluntad y juicio. Arendt realizará en su obra póstuma La Vida del Espíritu el desarrollo más acabado de estas facultades, aunque su indagación quedará inconclusa por su fallecimiento antes de escribir el apartado dedicado al juicio. Este trabajo intenta mostrar la posible articulación entre pensamiento, voluntad y juicio, concentrándose en la mencionada obra póstuma. Nuestro horizonte de lectura más general es que en La Vida del Espíritu, es posible encontrar, por un lado, ciertas claves para pensar en esa relación; por otro, que esa relación tiene como dirección general la posibilidad de una ética postotalitaria que pueda ser pensada en su unidad con la política; por último, que la respuesta arendtiana a la “cuestión moral” otorga cierta prioridad a la facultad de juzgar como centro de un pensamiento moral mundano, sin dejar de lado la importancia y la autonomía del pensamiento y la voluntad.; After Arendt’s assistance to Eichmann’s trial in Jerusalem a moral concern begins to develop, that will become more complex in the ’60 and ’70 with the introduction of the “faculties of the mind”: thinking, will and judge. Arendt will carry out in her posthumous work The Life of the Mind a more complete develop of these faculties, although her investigation will remain inconclusive due to his death before writing the section dedicated to the judge. This work tries to show the possible articulation between thinking, will and judge, concentrating on the aforementioned posthumous work. Our reading horizon is that in The Life of the Mind, on the one hand, it is possible to find certain keys to think about that relation; on the other hand, that that relation has as a general direction the possibility of a postotalitarian ethic that can be thought on her unity with politics; at last, that the arendtian answer to the “moral question” gives certain priority to the faculty of judge as a centre of a mundane moral thinking, without neglecting the importance and the autonomy of thinking and the will.

The Cretaceous of the Neuquén Basin in the Central Andes Aguirre-urreta, Maria Beatriz The Neuquén Basin, located at the foothills of the Central Andes of Argentina, with superb and extended exposures is a natural laboratory. It is important not only for its continuous sedimentary record and superb palaeontological biota but also for its significant economic hydrocarbon resources. This synthesis is intended to provide an update only on the Cretaceous timespan in the basin development. It is characterized by a succession of sedimentary rocks that were deposited in different environments over time, interspersed with volcanic rocks associated with an active volcanic arc. High-precision geochronology dating on the tuffs establishes robust chronological ages to constrain the different stages. As this brief review only shows a fragment of the information presently available, an effort has been made to compile a comprehensive and up-to-date bibliography to compensate for the brevity of the text.

Metrics reloaded: recommendations for image analysis validation Maier Hein, Lena; Reinke, Annika; Godau, Patrick; Tizabi, Minu D.; Buettner, Florian; Christodoulou, Evangelia; Glocker, Ben; Isensee, Fabian; Kleesiek, Jens; Kozubek, Michal; Reyes, Mauricio; Riegler, Michael A.; Wiesenfarth, Manuel; Kavur, A. Emre; Sudre, Carole H.; Baumgartner, Michael; Eisenmann, Matthias; Heckmann Nötzel, Doreen; Rädsch, Tim; Acion, Laura; Antonelli, Michela; Arbel, Tal; Bakas, Spyridon; Benis, Arriel; Ferrer, Luciana; Tiulpin, Aleksei; Tsaftaris, Sotirios A.; Van Calster, Ben; Varoquaux, Gaël; Jäger, Paul F. Increasing evidence shows that flaws in machine learning (ML) algorithm validation are an underestimated global problem. In biomedical image analysis, chosen performance metrics often do not reflect the domain interest, and thus fail to adequately measure scientific progress and hinder translation of ML techniques into practice. To overcome this, we created Metrics Reloaded, a comprehensive framework guiding researchers in the problem-aware selection of metrics. Developed by a large international consortium in a multistage Delphi process, it is based on the novel concept of a problem fingerprint—a structured representation of the given problem that captures all aspects that are relevant for metric selection, from the domain interest to the properties of the target structure(s), dataset and algorithm output. On the basis of the problem fingerprint, users are guided through the process of choosing and applying appropriate validation metrics while being made aware of potential pitfalls. Metrics Reloaded targets image analysis problems that can be interpreted as classification tasks at image, object or pixel level, namely image-level classification, object detection, semantic segmentation and instance segmentation tasks. To improve the user experience, we implemented the framework in the Metrics Reloaded online tool. Following the convergence of ML methodology across application domains, Metrics Reloaded fosters the convergence of validation methodology. Its applicability is demonstrated for various biomedical use cases.

Contribution of Mine-Derived Airborne Particulate Matter to Ca, Fe, Mn and S Content and Distribution in the Lichen Punctelia hypoleucites Transplanted to Bajo de la Alumbrera Mine, Catamarca (Argentina) Hernández, Juan Martín; de la Fournière, Emmanuel Marie; Ramos, Cinthia Paula; Debray, Mario Ernesto; Plá, Rita Rosa; Jasan, Raquel Clara; Invernizzi, Rodrigo; Rodríguez Brizuela, Luis Germán; Cañas, Martha Susana The aim of this work was to relate the contribution of mine-derived airborne particulate matter to Ca, Fe, Mn and S content and distribution in Punctelia hypoleucites transplanted to Bajo de la Alumbrera, an important open-pit mine in Catamarca, Argentina. Lichen samples were transplanted to four monitoring sites: two sites inside the mine perimeter and two sites outside the mine. After three months, elemental distribution in samples was analyzed by microparticle-induced X-ray emission (microPIXE), and elemental concentration was determined by specifc techniques: Ca and Fe by instrumental neutron activation analysis, Mn by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and S by a turbidimetric method. A diferential distribution of S and Ca in thalli transplanted in-mine sites was detected compared to that of samples transplanted outside-mine sites. An overlap of Fe and S in the upper cortex of the apothecium section was observed, leading to infer a mineral association of both elements. Similar association was observed for Ca and S. In addition to these results, the signifcantly higher concentration detected for S and Mn in in-mine site samples suggests a contribution of Fe, S, Ca and Mn of mining origin to the content and distribution of these elements in P. hypoleucites. MicroPIXE complemented with Mössbauer spectroscopy analysis determined the presence of pyrite particles together with other iron-bearing minerals displaying diferent degrees of oxidation. These results point to a mining origin of the airborne particulate matter trapped by the lichen thalli transplanted to Bajo de la Alumbrera. These fndings indicate that P. Hypoleucites acts as an excellent air quality biomonitor in the Bajo de la Alumbrera mine area.

Can Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 postbiotic improve emergency myelopoiesis in immunocompromised mice? Gramajo Lopez, Andres Daniel; Vasile, Brenda Estefania; Kolling, Yanina Noralí; Ivir, Héctor Maximiliano; Gutiérrez, Florencia; Alvarez, Gladis Susana; Salva, Maria Susana We evaluated whether viable and non-viable Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Lr05V or Lr05NV, respectively) was able to improve emergency myelopoiesis induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) infection. Adult Swiss-mice were orally treated with Lr05V or Lr05NV during five consecutive days. The Lr05V and Lr05NV groups and untreated control group received an intraperitoneal dose of cyclophosphamide (Cy-150 mg/kg). Then, the mice were nasally challenged with Sp (107 UFC/mice) on day 3 post-Cy injection. After the pneumococcal challenge, the innate and myelopoietic responses were evaluated. The control group showed a high susceptibility to pneumococcal infection, an impaired innate immune response and a decrease of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs: Lin Sca-1þc-Kitþ), and myeloid multipotent precursors (MMPs: Gr-1þLy6GþLy6C ) in bone marrow (BM). However, lactobacilli treatments were able to significantly increase blood neutrophils and peroxidase-positive cells, while improving cytokine production and phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages. This, in turn, led to an early Sp lung clearance compared to the control group. Furthermore, Lr05V was more effective than Lr05NV to increase growth factors in BM, which allowed an early HSCs and MMPs recovery with respect to the control group. Both Lr05V and Lr05NV were able to improve BM emergency myelopiesis and protection against respiratory pathogens in mice undergoing chemotherapy.

Modulaciones krauso-positivistas para una pedagogía antiautoritaria: “Medio ambiente”, “acción fructífera” y “gobierno propio” en Carlos Norberto Vergara Visaguirre, Leonardo Las recepciones, reelaboraciones del krausismo en América Latina y específicamente en la Argentina integran un nodo temático que no ha sido suficientemente explorado por la historia de las ideas filosóficas y pedagógicas. Si nos centramos en la incidencia en la pedagogía en la educación argentina de principio de siglo XX las vacancias son aún mayores. Los antecedentes más importantes de este tema son las investigaciones de Arturo Roig y Hugo Biagini en el ámbito filosófico y su incidencia en otras esferas sociales, políticas y culturales, y los trabajos sobre historia de la educación de Adriana Puiggrós y de Sandra Carli, entre otros y otras. Nuestro objetivo es dar cuenta de la repercusión de las ideas krausistas en el normalista Carlos Norberto Vergara (1859 1929). La metodología propuesta pertenece a una intersección entre Historia de las ideas filosóficas y pedagógicas (Roig, 1993, 2009; Arpini, 2003; Ramaglia, 2020) y la Epistemología crítica (Díaz, 2007). Partimos de una anticipación de sentido, la incidencia de las ideas krausistas en Carlos Vergara y el trabajo de reapropiación situado en su horizonte histórico que realiza para elaborar una pedagogía antiautoritaria. Ponemos el foco en la producción discursiva del mencionado pensador krausista, específicamente en su voluminoso libro Revolución pacífica (1911). Su obra y accionar dan cuenta de un lugar de enunciación diferencial que disputa el sentido del proceso de modernización estatal argentino de fines del siglo XIX y principio del siglo XX. Discute con la educación autoritaria estatal y su intención de formar una población obediente y útil a las necesidades de una burguesía terrateniente. En oposición propone una educación republicana y libertaria en el sentido krausista armonicista.; The reworkings of krausism in Latin America -and specifically in Argentina- are part of a thematic cluster that has not been sufficiently explored by the history of philosophical and pedagogical ideas. Moreover, when considering its impact on pedagogy and in Argentinian education at the beginning of the twentieth century, the gaps are even wider. The most important precedents on this subject include the philosophical research conducted by Arturo Roig and Hugo Biagini, and its bearing on other social, political, and cultural spheres, as well as the work on the history of education by Adriana Puigros and Sandra Carli, among others. This paper seeks to provide an account of the influence of krausist ideas on Carlos Norberto Vergara (1859- 1929), a strong advocator of normal schools in Argentina. The methodology adopted is located at the intersection between the history of philosophical and pedagogical ideas and critical epistemology. The analysis proceeds from the anticipation of the incidence of krausist ideas in Carlos Vergara, considering the work of reappropriation that he carried out within his historical horizon in order to establish an anti-authoritarian pedagogy. The focus is set on the discursive production of this krausist thinker, specifically in his voluminous 1911 book Revolución pacífica (Peaceful Revolution). His work and actions reveal a differential place of enunciation that disputed the meaning of the process of state modernization in late 19th and early 20th century Argentina. He challenged the authoritarian state education system and its intention to train the population to be obedient and useful to the needs of the landed bourgeoisie. In opposition, he advocated for a republican and libertarian education, following the harmonic krausist way.

Zooarchaeological perspectives in the framework of the Anthropocene: Contributions to ecological, environmental and conservation studies from South America Mignino, Julian; López, José Manuel; Samec, Celeste Tamara This special volume considers major recent changes in southern South American animal communities. Eleven papers consider megafauna, pinnipeds, marine mammals, small terrestrial mammals and birds and are grouped under four sub-headings: (1) Isotopic insights into guanaco populations; (2) Historical sources and marine ecosystem change; (3) Changes in small mammal communities and human impacts; and (4) megafaunal extinction, domestication, avifauna and recent interactions with humans. Although some of these contributions include changes that occurred earlier in the Holocene, many highlight a current decrease in the taxonomic diversity of communities and ecosystems in different environments, which are likely to have been caused by modern human activities. The Anthropocene concept is seen as providing a useful framework for understanding and mitigation of such adverse human impacts.

Fossil cutin of Karinopteris (Middle Pennsylvanian pteridosperm) from the “paper” coal of Indiana, U.S.A. D`angelo, José Alejandro; Hower, James C.; Camí, Gerardo For the first time, a cutin-like, highly chemically resistant macropolymer has been isolated from rachises of Karinopteris sp. (lyginopteridalean pteridosperm, Middle Pennsylvanian). Samples are obtained from a cuticular or "paper" coal-shale, i.e., an organic-rich and highly clastic rock associated with the Upper Block Coal Member of the Brazil Formation, Parke County, west-central Indiana, U.S.A. Karinopteris specimens are preserved as naturally oxidized compressions, termed “fossilized cuticles”, and possibly represent vegetation of mineral substrate environments. Employing laboratory oxidation reactions, the fossilized cuticle of Karinopteris rachises is used to obtain the cuticle. After additional and long-term oxidation treatment, the cuticle yields the cutin-like macropolymer, here referred to as “cutin” for simplicity. The fossilized cuticle, cuticle, and cutin samples of Karinopteris sp. are chemically analyzed using semi-quantitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cutin IR spectra of Karinopteris rachises are characterized by (a) a predominantly aliphatic composition as indicated by intense aliphatic (CHal) C-H stretching peaks at 3000-2700 cm-1, which are assigned to methylene (CH2) and methyl (CH3) groups; (b) carbonyl (C=O) groups at 1730-1640 cm-1, and aromatic carbon (C=C) absorption bands at 1600-1500 cm-1. A comparison with the cuticle, the cutin stands out due to relatively higher values of CH2/CH3 and C=O/C=C, while displaying notably low values of CHal/C=O and C=C contribution. Specifically, the relatively low value of CHal/C=O ratio obtained for the cutin of Karinopteris rachises is consistent with those found in the cutin of extant and fossil leaves. This lower CHal/C=O ratio indicates the important role likely played by C=O groups in creating a deformable and flexible structure in both the cutin and the cuticle. Such a reduced rigidity suggests a high level of rachis flexibility of the once-living Karinopteris plant, supporting the interpretation of a climbing or liana habit. Cutin isolation and its chemical characterization shed light on the probable biomechanical (flexibility) properties of Karinopteris rachises, thereby enhancing our understanding of the plant growth habit.

Flux creep regimes and vortex phase diagram in β-FeSe single crystals Lanoel, Lucio; Haberkorn, Nestor Fabian; Nieva, Gladys Leonor We analyze the relationship between critical current densities (JC) and flux creep rates (S) in β-FeSe single crystals. This analysis was based on magnetization measurements. Additionally, we establish correlations with the recently reported magnetic field-induced geometrical deformation of the vortex lattice, transitioning from hexagonal to square shape due to a rhombic distortion [A. V. Putilov et al. Phys. Rev 99 (2019) 144514]. The results show that the magnetic field dependence of Jc displays distinct regimes, which is reflected by changes in S. The vortex dynamics is analyzed within the framework of the collective creep theory. S is characterized by low pinning energies and glassy exponents according to the expectation for small-bundles at low temperatures and magnetic fields where a hexagonal vortex lattice was reported. Conversely, we observe a systematic increase in S, resembling a shift from small to large vortex bundles, at magnetic fields corresponding to the rhombic distortion. Last, the relaxation rates exhibit significant values for magnetic fields where a square vortex lattice is expected, suggesting a potential crossover from elastic to plastic creep. Our findings highlight a direct relationship between vortex lattice deformations and a decrease in vortex pinning related to vortex-defect interactions.

Seeking for Regulatory Mechanisms of Phospholamban Expression Mundiña, Cecilia Beatriz In this issue of Circulation Research, Ren et al13 introduced a novel transcription factor involved in the regulation of PLN expression, ZBTB20. ZBTB20 is a member of the broad complex, Tramtrack, and bric-a-brac and POZ (poxvirus and zinc finger) family of transcriptional repressors. ZBTB20 is involved in the regulation of various biological processes in different tissues, such as cellular proliferation and differentiation, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, tissue repair, and oncogenesis.Due to its versatility, global knockout mice lacking ZBTB20 exhibit mortality within the first month of age.14 Up to day 16 postpartum, besides hypotension, the transgenic mice display defects in cardiac development and contractility, suggesting a potential cardiac role of ZBTB20. In the current study, Ren et al13 go a step further in exploring the importance of this transcription factor in cardiac function by generating a mouse model with cardiomyocyte-specific ablation of ZBTB20. These mice exhibited normal heart development but showed an increase in basal contractility and SERCa2a activity, attributed to a reduction in PLN expression. The results identify ZBTB20 as a novel transcription factor implicated in the regulation of PLN expression. Unfortunately, it was somewhat disappointing to find that the promoter region of the PLN gene lacks ZBTB20 binding sites. Therefore, additional investigation will be required to understand the mechanism by which ZBTB20 controls PLN expression.

Hacia una conceptualización de los conflictos socioambientales en Argentina; Para uma conceituação dos conflitos socioambientais na Argentina; Towards a conceptualization of social-environmental conflicts in Argentina Caceres, Daniel Mario; Cabrol, Diego; Estigarribia, Lucrecia María Fernanda; Ruggia, Ornela El artículo pone el foco en los conflictos socioambientales de carácter ecológico-distributivos vinculados a procesos neoextractivos en Argentina. Primero, analiza de qué modo estos conflictos pueden ser valorados desde el marco conceptual de las Contribuciones de la Naturaleza para la Gente. Luego formula algunas conceptualizaciones a partir de los conflictos abordados. Y finalmente, discute como estos conflictos ponen de relieve las contradicciones de los modelos dominantes de apropiación de la naturaleza en las sociedades capitalistas actuales.; O artigo enfoca os conflitos socioambientais de natureza ecológico-distributiva vinculados aos processos neoextrativistas na Argentina. Primeiramente, analisa como esses conflitos podem ser valorizados a partir do arcabouço conceitual das Contribuições da Natureza às Pessoas. Em seguida, formula algumas conceituações com base nos conflitos abordados. E, por fim, discute como esses conflitos evidenciam as contradições dos modelos dominantes de apropriação da natureza nas sociedades capitalistas atuais.; The paper focuses on the study of social-ecological conflicts, more specifically on ecological distribution conflicts. First, it analyzes how these conflicts can be assessed from the conceptual framework of Nature’s Contributions to People. It then formulates some conceptualizations based on the conflicts addressed in the paper. And finally, it discusses how these conflicts highlight the contradictions of the dominant models of nature’s appropriation, in current capitalist societies.

Seasonal acclimation of energy and water balance in desert‐dwelling rodents of South America Cavieres, G.; Bozinovic, F.; Coronel, Betiana Melisa; Dacar, María Ana; Sassi, Paola Lorena Seasonal changes in environmental conditions may induce reversible physiological adjustments in organisms. We studied the acclimatization for multiple stressors in energy expenditure and water balance in Galea leucoblephara, a diurnal hystricognath rodent native to South America that experiences significant changes in temperature, precipitation, and food availability among seasons. We conducted a field study in the Monte Desert of Mendoza, Argentina, where we evaluated adult individuals’ physiological status during two contrasting seasons in terms of climate and primary productivity. Reduced temperature, rainfall, and primary productivity during winter were associated with a decrease of 70% in basal metabolic rate (BMR), 30% in total evaporative water loss (TEWL), and 9% in body mass (Mb). In contrast, higher water availability, high temperature, and primary productivity during summer, induced significant increases in energy expenditure and evaporative water loss. As expected, the proportion of dietary items consumed by G. leucoblephara varied seasonally, resulting in a more diverse diet during summer. Our results illustrate how G. leucoblephara can cope with high seasonal contrasts in water availability, temperature, and food availability by modifying its physiological performance. Our data provide support for the hypothesis of physiological flexibility in energetic traits and water balance in response to the environmental challenges of the Monte Desert.

Development of antimicrobial starch-based composite films reinforced with soybean expeller for sustainable active packaging applications Berti, Sofia; Jagus, Rosa Juana; Flores, Silvia Karina In this study, the influence of glycerol and sonicated soybean expeller (SSE) on composite edible films supporting natamycin and nisin was investigated using Response Surface Methodology. Assessments were conducted on mechanical properties, moisture content, water solubility (SW), and color. Optimal results were achieved with 0.46% SSE and 1.4% glycerol, yielding a maximum tensile strength (TS) of 1.0 ± 0.1 MPa and a minimum SW of 19.0 ± 0.3%. SSE had no impact on Tg values (82–89 °C), while antimicrobials reduced Tg (70–73 °C) due to increased water retention. Water vapor permeability was (2.5 ± 0.2) × 10–9 −1 s−1 Pa−1. FTIR analysis revealed strong component interactions. The composite films demonstrated biodegradability in compost after seven days and effective action against Listeria innocua and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These findings suggest that these materials hold promise as active films for food preservation.

Ácidos grasos omega-3 y enfermedad cardiovascular; Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease Zago, Valeria El interés en los posibles beneficios cardiovasculares de los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega-3 (AG n-3) no es nuevo, comenzó en la década de 19401,2 y se amplificó con un ensayo histórico posterior que mostró una reducción del riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) después de un infarto agudo de miocardio.3 Sin embargo, desde entonces ha circulado mucha controversia debido a resultados discordantes entre varios estudios, e incluso metanálisis, lo que hace que se sigan estudiando para tratar de entender mejor los mecanismos por los cuales podrían tener o no esos efectos sobre la ECV.

Fishing Vessel Bulbous Bow Hydrodynamics—A Numerical Reverse Design Approach Díaz Ojeda, Héctor Rubén; Oyuela, Sebastian; Sosa, Roberto; Otero, Alejandro Daniel; Pérez Arribas, Francisco Naval hydrodynamics typically focus on reducing ship resistance, which can be achieved by incorporating a bulbous bow. This feature is commonly used in the merchant fleet and smaller vessels, such as fishing boats, to minimize wave-making resistance. However, it is important to note that the use of a bulbous bow may not always be necessary or effective in all ship designs. In some cases, fishing ship designs may include a bulbous bow that is not optimized due to the use of procedures and methods intended for larger merchant ships or based on past experience. This study examines the effect of different bow designs, including the bulbous bow, on ship resistance in calm water, with a focus on a typical Argentinian trawler fishing vessel. The objective of this research is to assess the hydrodynamics of various designs for a particular ship by modifying its vessel lines. Firstly, the bulbous bow is removed, and then the reduction in ship resistance achieved by the bulbous bow under different load conditions and speeds is evaluated by comparing the vessel with and without the bulbous bow. The numerical analysis is performed using OpenFOAM, and the results are validated through towing tank experiments. This research indicates that the performance of the bulbous bow varies under different conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct an initial study and a full evaluation of the design and operation alternatives.

La territorialidad en el enfoque de los distritos industriales: Una revisión teórica-metodológica desde la periferia; Territoriality in the Industrial District’s Approach: A Theoretical-Methodological Review from the Periphery; Territorialidade na abordagem dos distritos industriais: Uma revisão teórico-metodológica da periferia Trucco, Ignacio Tomas Las investigaciones sobre la naturaleza y el rol de la territorialidad en los sistemas industriales locales se intensificaron desde fines de la década de 1960 cuando fue recuperada la noción marshalliana de “distrito industrial” (DI), que la introdujo como una doble realidad, geográfica y cultural, con un papel tan decisivo como difícil de definir. En este marco el trabajo se propone, por un lado, analizar la evolución de la territorialidad como dimensión inherente a los DI. Se desarrolla su metamorfosis conceptual a partir de las dificultades que emergieron en su articulación con las relaciones capitalistas de producción. Por otro lado, el trabajo busca contribuir a una reelaboración de esta cuestión a partir de los DI en espacios periféricos. Se intenta mostrar cómo, en la especificidad de la periferia, el DI debió abrirse a la influencia de relaciones extra locales, exponiendo la necesidad de una redefinición de la territorialidad en tanto relación social productora de múltiples escalas, articuladas con el despliegue a-espacial de las relaciones capitalistas de producción. La noción de DI es reelaborada en dicho contexto como una formación socio económica específica y cualitativamente diferente, relativa al proceso de acumulación y su articulación escalar.; Research on the nature and role of territoriality in local industrial systems has intensified since the late 1960s when the Marshallian notion of industrial district (id) was recovered, which introduced it as a double reality, geographical and cultural, with a role as decisive as it is difficult to define. Within this framework, the paper proposes, on the one hand, to analyze the evolution of territoriality as a dimension inherent to id. It develops its conceptual metamorphosis from the difficulties that emerged in its articulation with the capitalist relations of production. On the other hand, we seek to contribute to a rework of this issue based on id in peripheral spaces. We try to show how, in the specificity of the periphery, the id had to open itself to the influence of extra-local relations and it exposed the need for a redefinition of territoriality as a social relation producer of multiple scales, articulated with the a-spatial deployment of capitalist relations of production. The notion of id is reworked in this context as a specific and qualitatively different socioeconomic formation, related to the accumulation process and its scalar articulation.; A pesquisa sobre a natureza e o papel da territorialidade nos sistemas industriais locais tem se intensificado desde o final da década de 1960, quando a noção marshalliana de distrito industrial (di) foi revivida, o que a introduziu como uma realidade dupla, geográfica e cultural, com um papel tão decisivo quanto difícil de definir. Dentro dessa estrutura, no artigo se propõe, por um lado, analisar a evolução da territorialidade como uma dimensão inerente aos di. Sua metamorfose conceitual é desenvolvida com base nas dificuldades que surgiram em sua articulação com as relações de produção capitalistas. Por outro lado, no artigo procura-se contribuir para uma reelaboração dessa questão com base nas identidades em espaços periféricos. Procura-se mostrar como, na especificidade da periferia, o di teve que se abrir à influência de relações extralocais, e expôs a necessidade de uma redefinição da territorialidade como uma relação social que produz múltiplas escalas, articuladas com a implantação a-espacial das relações de produção capitalistas. A noção de di é reelaborada nesse contexto como uma formação socioeconômica específica e qualitativamente diferente, relacionada ao processo de acumulação e sua articulação escalar.