Ionic conductivity enhancement achieved by the incorporation of ZnO in a lithium tellurite glass Di Pratula, Pablo Emmanuel; Terny, Cintia Soledad; Sola, Mariela Edith; Frechero, Marisa Alejandra The reinforcement of the ionic conductivity in a lithium-vanadium-molybdenum tellurite glass is possible by modified with zinc oxide {0.7 [x ZnO (1 − x) Li2O] 0.3 [0.5 V2O5. 0.5 MoO3]. 2TeO2}. Structural features induced by zinc cation on the glassy matrix have a positive effect on the electrical behavior of the modified glass. The electrical response of the Zn/Li tellurite glass studied in the present work gives evidence that its ionic conductivity is improved due to the incorporation of small quantities of ZnO suggesting a potential solid ionic electrolyte useful in solid electrochemical devices.

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in health care workers: First report from a major public hospital in Argentina; Portación nasal de Staphylococcus aureus en trabajadores de la salud: primer reporte en un hospital público en Argentina Boncompain, Carina Andrea; Suárez, Cristian Alejandro; Morbidoni, Héctor Ricardo Staphylococcus aureus es agente causal de numerosas infecciones en humanos, que pueden ser desde leves hasta graves, y circula tanto en la comunidad como en las instalaciones de los centros de salud. Los pacientes y los trabajadores de la salud pueden diseminar cepas durante los exámenes médicos de rutina o durante la hospitalización. El foco de este estudio fue determinar la tasa de portación nasal de S. aureus sensible o resistente a meticilina en trabajadores de la salud del Hospital Provincial del Centenario, un hospital público de atención primaria en Argentina. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en 320 trabajadores de la salud (TS). Se tomaron hisopados nasales y se aislaron colonias presuntivas de S. aureus. La identidad de las bacterias y su resistencia a meticilina fueron confirmadas por amplificación de los genes nuc y mec. El análisis estadístico comprendió el test de la chi al cuadrado y el test de exactitud de Fisher. De 320 TS, 96 (30%) fueron portadores nasales de S. aureus, de los cuales 20 (6,3% del total) llevaban cepas de S. aureus resistentes a meticilina (SARM) y 76 (23,7% del total) eran portadores de cepas sensibles a meticilina (SASM). La portación entre los médicos fue del 30% y estuvo dentro de los niveles publicados; dentro del subgrupo del personal técnico la portación fue superior: 57%. Se detectaron resistencias acompañantes (64,6%; 62/96) a fluoroquinolonas (24%; 23/96), aminoglucósidos (13,5%; 13/96) o macrólidos (34,4%; 33/96). Todas las cepas fueron sensibles a vancomicina y solo el 3,1% (3/96), las 3 SASM, fueron resistentes a mupirocina. Este estudio, el primero en su tipo en Argentina y uno de los pocos hechos en América del Sur, remarca la relevancia de la portación nasal de SARM y SASM en el personal de atención de la salud y evidencia la necesidad de contar con recomendaciones consensuadas para el tamizaje regular de S. aureus, así como de estrategias de descolonización.; Staphylococcus aureus causes numerous mild to severe infections in humans, both in health facilities and in the community. Patients and health care workers (HCWs) may disseminate strains during regular medical examinations or hospitalization. The aim of this study was to determine the nasal carriage rate of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus among health care workers at Hospital Provincial del Centenario, a public general hospital in Rosario, Argentina. A transversal study was conducted on 320 health care workers. Nasal swabs were taken and presumptive S. aureus colonies were isolated. Bacterial identity and methicillin resistance status were confirmed by amplification of the nuc and mec genes. Chi square test and Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis. Of 320 HCWs, 96 (30%) were nasal carriers of S. aureus, 20 of whom (6.3%) carried methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 76 (23.7%) methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Carriage was within thepublished values for physicians (30%) and higher for technicians (57%). Accompanying resistance (62/96, 64.6%) was detected, including resistance to fluoroquinolones (23/96, 24%), aminoglucosides (13/96, 13.5%) or to macrolides (33/96, 34.4%). All the strains were susceptible to vancomycin whereas only 3.1% (3/96), all of them on MSSA strains, were resistant to mupirocin. This study is the first one of its kind in Argentina and one of the few performed in South America, to highlight the relevance of nasal carriage of MRSA and MSSA in health care personnel and brings to light the need for consensus recommendations for regular S. aureus carriage screening as well as for decolonization strategies.

Adaptación al español de la Escala de Ambiente Invalidante Infantil; Adaptation to the spanish language of the invalidating childhood environmental Puddington, Martin Miguel; Duthu, Florencia; Gagliesi, Pablo El ambiente invalidante es un concepto central del Modelo Biosocial de Marsha Linehan (1993). La Escala de Ambiente Invalidante Infantil (ICES) es un cuestionario diseñado específicamente para evaluar este constructo de manera retrospectiva. Se presenta la adaptación al español de esta escala, junto con datos sobre las cualidades psicométricas del instrumento.La escala exhibió una buena consistencia interna. Según el análisis factorialexploratorio, mostró una estructura de dos factores, diferenciando los ítems relacionados con la reacción negativa del padre hacia la expresión emocional del niño, de los que reflejan la respuesta de apoyo de los padres hacia el niño.Estos primeros ensayos muestran que esta adaptación del ICES es una prueba adecuada para evaluar el ambiente invalidante infantil en sujetos de habla hispana.; The invalidating environment is a central concept in Linehan’s Biosocial Theory. The Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale (ICES) is a questionnaire specifically designed to assess this construct retrospectively. We present a Spanish adaptation of the ICES, along with data about its’ psychometric properties. The instrument showed good internal consistency. An explorative factorial analysis revealed a 2 factor structure differentiating the items that assess the parental negative reaction towards the child emotional expression, from the items that reflect a positive and supportive parental behavior. These early trials show that this adaptation of the ICES is a proper instrument to assess the childhood invalidating environment in Spanish speaking population.

Limits to the universality of the concept of human rights: Social representations in the judicial system of international migrants as rights holders; Les limites de l’universalité des droits de l’homme: Représentations sociales de l’appareil judiciaire sur les migrants internationaux en tant que titulaires de droits; Limites da universalidade dos direitos humanos: Representações sociais e o sistema judicial sobre os migrantes internacionais como titulares de direitos; Límites a la universalidad de los derechos humanos: Representaciones sociales en el sistema judicial sobre los migrantes internacionales como titulares de derechos Gonzalez, Anahi Patricia En el presente artículo se aborda la cuestión de las representaciones sociales presentes en el sistema judicial del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA) acerca de los DDHH de los migrantes internacionales llegados a la Argentina desde la mitad del siglo XX a la actualidad. Se analizan los resultados de una investigación de carácter cualitativo, en la que se efectuaron 50 entrevistas en profundidad a miembros del sistema judicial del AMBA donde pudieron evidenciarse- sin dejar de lado ciertos matices- discursos excluyentes que se alejan de una perspectiva universalista y respetuosa de los derechos de los migrantes. Para ello, se presentaron los resultados a partir de tres dimensiones de análisis: 1. Política migratoria anhelada, 2. Competencia entre nativos y migrantes en el acceso a derechos económicos y sociales y 3. Concepción de ciudadanía restringida.  ; O presente artigo aborda as representações sociais presentes no sistema judiciário da Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA), no que diz respeito aos direitos humanos dos migrantes internacionais vindos à Argentina desde meados do século XX até a atualidade. A partir de uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, que realizou cinquenta entrevistas minuciosas junto a membros do sistema judiciário da AMBA, se evidenciam discursos excludentes, distantes de uma perspectiva universalista e respeitosa aos direitos dos imigrantes. Ao examinar os resultados encontrados, são discutidas três dimensões de análises: a política migratória almejada, a competição entre nativos e migrantes no que tange ao acesso a direitos econômicos e sociais e, finalmente, a concepção de cidadania restringida.; The following article discusses the social representations present in the judicial system in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA) in terms of the human rights of the internationalmigrants to have arrived in Argentina as of the mid twentieth century. By means of a qualitative study encompassing fifty in-depth interviews held with members of the MABA judicial system, exclusionary discourse emerged running against the universalist perspective that respects migrants’ rights. Upon further study of the results gathered, three lines of analysis are discussed: desired migration policies, competition between locals and migrants in accessing economic and social rights, and, finally, the concept of restricted citizenship.; Le présent article aborde les représentations sociales présentes au sein de l’appareil judiciaire de la Zone métropolitaine de Buenos Aires (AMBA) sur la question des droits humains des migrants internationaux arrivés en Argentine depuis le mitan du XXème siècle. Sur la base d’une recherche qualitative où cinquante entretiens en profondeur ont été menés à bien avec des membres de l’appareil judiciaire de l’AMBA, nous avons pu mettre en évidence des discours excluants contraires à la perspective universaliste et au respect des droits des migrants. L’étude des résultats obtenus a mis en perspective trois dimensions analytiques : la politique migratoire désirée, la concurrence entre natifs et migrants pour l’accès aux droits économiques et sociaux, et, finalement, une conception restreinte de la citoyenneté.

La ideología sobre lo agrario de los productores rurales bonaerenses (2013); The ideology about the agrarian of the farmers of Buenos Aires province (2013) Balsa, Juan Javier Este artículo estudia la ideología de los productores rurales de la provincia de Buenos Aires a través del análisis de una encuesta realizada en el año 2013. En particular, se procura conocer la eficacia interpelativa que tenían las distintas discursividades sobre lo agrario que predominaban en la esfera pública, observar el grado de coherencia ideológica que poseían los productores rurales, y determinar la existencia (o no) de un sentido de separación a la hora de identificar los intereses propios en relación con los del resto de los productores.; This article studies the ideology of the farmers of Buenos Aires province through the analysis of a survey made in 2013. Especially, it tries to know the interpelative efficacy that had different discursivities about the agrarian (than predominated in the public sphere), to observe the level of ideological coherence than had the farmers, and to establish the existence (or not) of a sense of separation upon the identification of their own interests in relation with the ones of the rest of the farmers.

La nación en la cancha: un diálogo comparativo entre los relatos nacionales argentinos y brasileros durante la Copa del mundo Brasil 2014 Cabrera Duran, Nicolás Eduardo En el presente trabajo buscaremos retomar el dialogo entre el fútbol y los nacionalismos desde una estrategia metodológica un tanto disímil en relación a nuestros antecedentes bibliográficos: pretendemos desplazarnos de la óptica naciocentrica. Para ello pondremos nuestro foco en los intercambios simbólicos dialogantes entre las narrativas nacionales construidas por los hinchas argentinos y los torcedores brasileros durante la Copa del Mundo Brasil 2014. El trabajo cuenta con dos apartados: en el primero intentaremos sistematizar algunas reflexiones pertinentes para pensar el fútbol y el mundial como terrenos simbólicos privilegiados donde leer la tensión local-global. En el segundo apartado nos adentramos al análisis de los cánticos desplegados entre los hinchas argentinos y los torcedores brasileros durante la Copa del Mundo Brasil 2014.

Middle Triassic trachytic lava flows associated with coeval dyke swarm in the North Patagonian Massif: A postorogenic magmatism related to extensional collapse of the Gondwanide orogen González, Santiago Nicolás; Greco, Gerson Alan; Sato, Ana Maria; Llambias, Eduardo Jorge; Stipp Basei, Miguel Angelo; González, Santiago Nicolás; Diaz, Pablo E. The Marifil Volcanic Complex is an extended volcanic and pyroclastic unit outcropping in the North Patagonia. It has been included in the Chon Aike large igneous province associated to the thermal anomaly of the Karoo plume. The Marifil Volcanic Complex is mainly composed of rhyolites, dacites, rhyodacites and minor trachytes and trachyandesites. The latter are common in the base of the unit. The upper acidic rocks have been dated between 192 Ma to 151 Ma (Early to Middle Jurassic) by K-Ar, Ar-Ar and Rb-Sr methods. On the other hand, the age of the mesosilicic rocks range from 221 Ma to 173 Ma (K-Ar whole rock ages).In this research, we revise the stratigraphic relations, geochemistry and petrography of the mesosilisic rocks from Marifil Volcanic Complex. Aditionally, a new U-Pb crystallization age of 247.22 ± 0.46 Ma was obtained for an trachytic lava flow that covers Permian granitoids and which is covered by rhyolitic ignimbrites. The mentioned mesosilisic rocks are chemically trachytes and trachyandesites and show subduction margin affinities. In the area, a Triassic trachyandesitic dyke swarm has been considered as an expression of Gondwanide postorogenic extension in the North Patagonian Massif.Basis on our new age data and considering the compositional and stratigraphic differences we separate the Triassic trachytic to trachyandesitic rocks from the Jurassic rhyolites and dacites. These two groups of rocks represent different geotectonic events in the Southwestern margin of Pangea.

Synthesis and characterization of a series of isoniazid hydrazones. Spectroscopic and theoretical study Ferraresi Curotto, Verónica; Echeverría, Gustavo Alberto; Piro, Oscar Enrique; Pis Diez, Reinaldo; Gonzalez Baro, Ana Cecilia A family of hydrazones of isoniazid and a group of hydroxybenzalaldehydes (vanillin, 5-bromovanillin, 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde and 5-bromosalicylaldehyde) were obtained and fully characterized. The results, including theoretical data, are comparatively analyzed along with the already reported hydrazone of o-vanillin. The crystal structures of three compounds were determined. The hydrazones obtained from halogenated aldehydes are isomorphic and chiral to each other. Structures are further stabilized by (pyr)NH+⋯Cl− and OwH⋯Cl− bonds. The vanillin hydrazone shows a conformer that differs from the previously reported. Neighboring molecules are linked to each other through OH⋯N(pyr) bonds, giving rise to a nearly planar polymeric structure. The conformational space was searched and geometries were optimized both in the gas phase and including solvent effects by DFT. Results are extended to describe the 5-bromovanillin hydrazone. FTIR, NMR and electronic spectra were measured and assigned with the help of computational calculations.

Chile y Reino Unido: vaivenes de una relación diplomática no siempre tan cordial (1970-1980); Chile and United Kingdom: ups and downs of a diplomatic relationship not always so cordial (1970-1980) Bayle, Paola Adriana En este trabajo se abordarán diez años de relación diplomá-tica entre el Reino Unido y Chile (1970-1980), con el fin deexplicar una serie de elementos que confluyeron en el retiro deembajadores de sendas representaciones diplomáticas a partirde la segunda mitad de los años setenta del siglo pasado. En1975, el Reino Unido llamó a consulta a su embajador enChile, ante la denuncia de tortura recibida por una ciudadanabritánica detenida en ese país. Este hecho resume un conjuntode factores, tanto internos como del ámbito de las relacionesinternacionales, que derivaron en una relación diplomática notan cordial. El trabajo realizado en archivos del Ministerio deRelaciones Exteriores de Chile y en los National Archives enLondres, nos permitió reconstruir una relación bilateral enel marco de importantes cambios políticos en ambos países.; This paper will address ten years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Chile (1970-1980) in order to explain a number of elements that came together in the withdrawal of ambassadors diplomatic paths from the second half of the year seventies of last century. In 1975, the UK temporarily recalled its ambassador to Chile to the allegations of torture received by a British citizen detained there. This summarizes a number of factors, both internal and the scope of international relations, which led to a diplomatic relationship not as cordial. Work in files Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Archives in London allowed us to reconstruct a bilateral relationship in the context of major political changes in both countries.

Targeting Malassezia species for novel synthetic and natural antidandruff agents Angiolella, Letizia; Carradori, Simone; Maccallini, Cristina; Giusiano, Gustavo Emilio; Supuran, Claudiu T. Malassezia spp. are lipophilic yeasts not only present in the normal skin microflora, but also responsible of skin-related diseases (pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic/atopic dermatitis and dandruff) as well as systemic fungal infections in humans and animals. Their treatment and eradication are mainly based on old azole drugs, which are characterized by poor compliance, unpredictable clinical efficacy, emerging resistance and several side effects. These drawbacks have prompted the research toward novel synthetic and natural derivatives/ nanomaterials targeting other pivotal enzymes/pathways such as carbonic anhydrase (MgCA) and lipases, alone or in combination, in order to improve the eradication rate of this fungus. This review accomplished an update on this important topic dealing with the latest discoveries of synthetic scaffolds and natural products for the treatment of Malassezia spp.-related diseases, thus suggesting new opportunities to design innovative and alternative anti-dandruff drugs.

Regionalization of climate over the Argentine Pampas Aliaga, Vanina Solange; Ferrelli, Federico; Piccolo, Maria Cintia The aim of this study was to classify and characterize the climate of the Pampas, a vast region in the centre of Argentina. Due to its territorial extension, a climatic zoning of the region was performed, based on the topography and the most relevant climatological parameters. Climate data from 33 stations of the National Meteorological Service were analysed considering the period 1960-2010. A cluster analysis from the hierarchical method of Ward with an interval squared Euclidean distance as a measure of dissimilarity was applied. The obtained clusters responded to the north-south temperature gradient of the Pampas, influenced by geographical features such as the Tandilia and Ventania hills in Buenos Aires Province and the Pampean hills in Córdoba. Precipitation had a northeast-southwest gradient, and the influence of the arid southwest diagonal of the Pampas was appreciated by determining a semi-arid environment. The proximity to the sea marked the average humidity values, whereas the winds of strong intensity were registered in the south and west of the region. On the other hand, the standard precipitation index was calculated to identify wet and dry cycles in each cluster. It allowed to characterize these events considering frequency, periodicity, duration and intensity, resulting in the definition of eight climatic subregions.

Changes in the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Berberis microphylla G. Forst. berries in relation to light intensity and fertilization Arena, Miriam Elisabet; Postemsky, Pablo Daniel; Curvetto, Nestor Raul The objective of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative composition of the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of B. microphylla fruit under different light intensities and levels of fertilization during two production years. Total monomeric anthocyanin concentration in high light intensity conditions was three times more than that obtained at medium light intensity, expressed for both fresh weight and dry weight terms (299.7 mg/100 g FFW and 9.5 mg/g DFW, respectively). However, in the case of total polyphenol concentration, minor increases of 30 and 11% appeared under high light intensity in comparison with medium light intensity (906.6 mg/100 g FFW and 30.7 mg/g DFW, respectively). Scavenging activity on DPPH was increased from 56.0 to 66.8% under the high light intensity treatment. This was also true for the reducing power which increased from 40 to 46.2%. Fertilizers reduced the flavonoid concentration, but increased the total polyphenol concentration at fertilization level 2. In the case of flavonoids, the maximum contents in fruits were 200.2 and 7.6 mg (+)-catechin equivalents/100 g FFW and DFW, respectively in the control treatment. The total polyphenol concentration was the highest (856.1 and 31.2 mg tannic acid equivalents/g FFW and DFW, respectively) with the level fertilization 2. The scavenging activity on DPPH was from 60.3 to 62.8% when raising the fertilization level from 0 to 2, while the reducing power varied between 40.5 and 44.3% at levels 1 and 2. The total monomeric anthocyanin concentration increased with the level of fertilization in the fruits of plants at high light intensity, whereas the trend was inversed in those under medium light intensity. Hence, these studies display the possibility for maximizing both the productivity and the antioxidant capacity of fruits by crop management.

Apomixis frequency under stress conditions in weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) Rodrigo, Juan Manuel; Zappacosta, Diego Carlos; Selva, Juan Pablo; Garbus, Ingrid; Albertini, Emidio; Echenique, Carmen Viviana To overcome environmental stress, plants develop physiological responses that are triggered by genetic or epigenetic changes, some of which involve DNA methylation. It has been proposed that apomixis, the formation of asexual seeds without meiosis, occurs through the temporal or spatial deregulation of the sexual process mediated by genetic and epigenetic factors influenced by the environment. Here, we explored whether there was a link between the occurrence of apomixis and various factors that generate stress, including drought stress, in vitro culture, and intraspecific hybridization. For this purpose, we monitored the embryo sacs of different weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula [Schrad.] Nees) genotypes after the plants were subjected to these stress conditions. Progeny tests based on molecular markers and genome methylation status were analyzed following the stress treatment. When grown in the greenhouse, the cultivar Tanganyika INTA generated less than 2% of its progeny by sexual reproduction. Plants of this cultivar subjected to different stresses showed an increase of sexual embryo sacs, demonstrating an increased expression of sexuality compared to control plants. Plants of the cv. Tanganyika USDA did not demonstrate the ability to generate sexual embryo sacs under any conditions and is therefore classified as a fully apomictic cultivar. We found that this change in the prevalence of sexuality was correlated with genetic and epigenetic changes analyzed by MSAP and AFLPs profiles. Our results demonstrate that different stress conditions can alter the expression of sexual reproduction in facultative tetraploid apomictic cultivars and when the stress stops the reproductive mode shift back to the apomixis original level. These data together with previous observations allow us to generate a hypothetical model of the regulation of apomixis in weeping lovegrass in which the genetic/s region/s that condition apomixis, is/are affected by ploidy, and is/are subjected to epigenetic control.

Evolutionary ecomorphology of the Falkland Islands wolf Dusicyon australis Meloro, Carlo; Hunter, Jonathan; Tomsett, Louise; Portela Miguez, Roberto; Prevosti, Francisco Juan; Brown, Richard P. The Falkland Islands wolf Dusicyon australis is an extinct canid that was once the only endemic terrestrial mammal to inhabit the Falkland Islands. There is still a puzzling picture of the morphological adaptations of this wolf that quickly evolved from its mainland fossil ancestor: Dusicyon avus. We employ a geometric morphometric approach to identify patterns of skull shape variation in extant canids and Dusicyon spp. The Falkland Islands wolf and its fossil ancestor show a more carnivorous feeding morphology than other South American foxes, and they cluster morphologically with jackals. This supports convergence in skull shape between Dusicyon and Old World canids, although the convergence is not as strong as that exhibited by their sister hyper- and hypocarnivorous taxa.

Physicochemical characterization of water-soluble chitosan derivatives with singlet oxygen quenching and antibacterial capabilities Vanden Braber, Noelia Luciana; Diaz Vergara, Ladislao Ivan; Moran Vieyra, Faustino Eduardo; Borsarelli, Claudio Darío; Yossen, Mariana Matilde; Vega, Jorge Ruben; Correa, Silvia Graciela; Montenegro, Mariana Angélica New water-soluble chitosan derivatives (WSCh) were obtained by Maillard reaction (MR) between glucosamine (GA) with both low and medium molecular weight chitosans (Ch). The WSCh showed larger solubility than the respective Ch, while their deacetylation degree (DD) decreased by approximately 12%. Infrared spectroscopy experiments of WSCh confirmed the formation of imine bonds after MR with intensified pyranose structure, and sugar molecules as polymer branches. However, a 6-times reduction of the molecular weight of WSCh was measured, indicating the breakdown of the polysaccharide chain during the MR. The polysaccharides quenched singlet molecular oxygen (1O2), with rate quenching constants correlating with the DD value of the samples, suggesting the important role of amino groups (−NH2) in the deactivation of 1O2. Additionally, all polysaccharides presented antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria ivanovii, as tested by their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). This way we obtained new water-soluble polysaccharides, with similar functional properties to those presented by native Ch, enhancing its potential application as carrier material for bioactive compounds.

Small Celastraceae and Polygonaceae twigs from the Upper Cenozoic (Ituzaingó Formation) of the La Plata Basin, Argentina Franco, María Jimena Two new wood types from the Late Cenozoic of the Ituzaingó Formation, La Plata Basin, Northeast Argentina add to our knowledge of South American Cenozoic plants. The materials were preserved by siliceous cellular permineralization, and they were prepared for microscopic examination by surface polishing and in thin sections. The anatomy of these new species was described. The relationship and comparison with the nearest living relatives (NLRs) are discussed. Maytenoxylon perforatum Franco gen. and sp. nov. is described as the first fossil wood referable to Celastraceae from South America. This new fossil species is related to extant Maytenus Molina. The other fossil twig, Ruprechtioxylon breae Franco sp. nov., has features of the Polygonaceae family and particularly resembles the extant specie Ruprechtia laxiflora Meisn. The occurrence of these fossil woods in south-eastern South America suggests that a relatively warm and dry to seasonally dry climate prevailed over this region of Gondwana during the Upper Cenozoic. It also provides new evidence for the hypothesis of the more wide distribution of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest (SDTF) during the Upper Cenozoic.

A resource for assessing information processing in the developing brain using EEG and eye tracking Langer, Nicolas; Ho, Erica J.; Alexander, Lindsay M.; Xu, Helen Y.; Jozanovic, Renee K.; Henin, Simon; Petroni, Agustín; Cohen, Samantha; Marcelle, Enitan T.; Parra, Lucas C.; Milham, Michael P.; Kelly, Simon P. We present a dataset combining electrophysiology and eye tracking intended as a resource for the investigation of information processing in the developing brain. The dataset includes high-density task-based and task-free EEG, eye tracking, and cognitive and behavioral data collected from 126 individuals (ages: 6-44). The task battery spans both the simple/complex and passive/active dimensions to cover a range of approaches prevalent in modern cognitive neuroscience. The active task paradigms facilitate principled deconstruction of core components of task performance in the developing brain, whereas the passive paradigms permit the examination of intrinsic functional network activity during varying amounts of external stimulation. Alongside these neurophysiological data, we include an abbreviated cognitive test battery and questionnaire-based measures of psychiatric functioning. We hope that this dataset will lead to the development of novel assays of neural processes fundamental to information processing, which can be used to index healthy brain development as well as detect pathologic processes.

Análisis de factores que contribuyen a la invasión de rosa mosqueta (Rosa canina y R. rubiginosa) en Mendoza Mazzolari, Ana Clara Las especies exóticas invasoras causan daños considerables a sistemas tanto naturales como manejados e incurren en grandes costos para la sociedad. En la provincia de Mendoza, Argentina, las especies de rosa mosqueta (Rosa canina y R. rubiginosa), un arbusto originario de Europa, representa una amenaza a la integridad de los ecosistemas ya que se encuentra invadiendo grandes extensiones de la precordillera. Esta tesis tiene como objetivo general analizar algunos factores que pueden contribuir a la invasión de este arbusto exótico en la provincia. En el capítulo II, se analiza el sistema reproductivo de ambas especies de rosa mosqueta. La hipótesis que se pone a prueba, utilizando diversos experimentos de polinización, es que ambas especies de estudio son capaces de producir frutos y semillas a través de autopolinización y apomixis. Sin embargo, considerando los posibles efectos de la depresión por endogamia, los frutos y semillas producidos de manera uniparental son de menor calidad y cantidad que los producidos a través de estrategias que involucran polinización cruzada. En el capítulo III se analiza la invasión en el contexto de la comunidad arbustiva nativa, a través de la comparación de los atributos funcionales entre las especies nativas y las exóticas. Se plantea la hipótesis de que las dos especies de rosa mosqueta se diferencian de las nativas en atributos funcionales que reflejan una mayor capacidad adquisitiva de los recursos disponibles y un rápido crecimiento (por ejemplo, mayor SLA, mayor altura, menor densidad de la madera). Finalmente, en el capítulo IV se analizó el hábitat potencial de la rosa mosqueta, ajustando un modelo de distribución de especies en la Reserva Natural Privada Villavicencio y proyectándolo a otras áreas protegidas de la provincia de Mendoza. Esto se realizó utilizando el software MaxEnt, en base variables topográficas y puntos de ocurrencia de las especies. Se observó que tanto R. canina como R. rubiginosa son capaces de producir frutos y semillas a través todas las estrategias aquí estudiadas, mostrando gran versatilidad en su sistema reproductivo. Si bien ambas especies produjeron menor cantidad de frutos por apomixis, los mismos fueron más pesados, sugiriendo mejor calidad. No se observaron diferencias en cuanto a cantidad y calidad de infrutescencias y frutos producidos entre tratamientos con y polinizadores, por lo que se concluyó que ambas especies de rosa mosqueta no dependen de polinizadores para una correcta reproducción. En el capítulo III, los resultados mostraron que las dos especies de rosa mosqueta se diferencian de las nativas en ciertos atributos funcionales. Ambas especies de rosa mosqueta presentaron una combinación de plantas más altas, hojas más grandes, con mayor índice de área foliar específica y más finas, lo que da cuenta de una estrategia adquisitiva. Esto les permitiría un aprovechamiento más eficiente de los recursos y superar en abundancia a las nativas en los sitios donde estos recursos, tales como la humedad del suelo, sean más abundantes. Además se observó que ambas especies de rosa mosqueta se solapan en su floración con los arbustos nativos. Este solapamiento podría resultar en una competencia por servicios de polinización. Sin embargo, podría pensarse que las especies afectadas serían las nativas, ya que se ha observado en el capítulo II que las dos especies de rosa mosqueta pueden producir frutos y semillas sin necesidad de polinizadores. En el capítulo IV, se obtuvo la idoneidad de hábitat para la rosa mosqueta en varias áreas protegidas de Mendoza, en base a variables topográficas y puntos de ocurrencia. Los resultados arrojaron que existen zonas con idoneidad alta y muy alta en todas las áreas estudiadas. El modelo mostró que la variable que más afecta la idoneidad de hábitat para la rosa mosqueta es el índice topográfico de humedad. De esta manera, los sectores más vulnerables a la invasión serían quebradas, vegas y cursos de agua, los cuales representan ambientes de gran importancia para la conservación de la biodiversidad en la zona. Podría decirse entonces, que de realizarse acciones de monitoreo para evitar la expansión de estas especies, las mismas deberían enfocarse principalmente en los sectores indicados con idoneidad media, alta y muy alta, ya que son zonas que por tener una mayor concentración de humedad serian óptimas para que la rosa mosqueta, con su estrategia adquisitiva logre invadir; asimismo, la generación de propágulos sin polinización podría facilitar aún más su expansión hacia estas zonas. Se observa que esta invasión ocupa grandes sectores, genera manchones monoespecíficos que inhabilitan el uso recreativo de grandes áreas, y limitan el acceso a cursos de agua, y puede inferirse que estas especies exóticas desplazan a las especies nativas, afectando de esta manera la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, no se cuenta hasta la fecha con estudios que cuantifiquen los impactos causados. Dicho esto, y teniendo en cuenta la información generada en la presente tesis, sería de fundamental importancia comenzar con acciones tendientes al manejo de ambas especies de rosa mosqueta en el área de estudio.; Exotic invasive species can cause considerable damage to natural and managed systems, generating a great cost to society. In Mendoza province, Argentina, two species of sweet briar (Rosa canina and R. rubiginosa), native to Europe, represent a threat to the integrity of natural ecosystems, as they are invading extensive areas in the valleys of the pre Andean mountains (precordillera). The general goal of this thesis is to analyze some of the factors that can contribute to the invasion of these exotic shrubs in Mendoza. Chapter I presents an introduction to the themes of the thesis and a description of the study area and both exotic species. In chapter II, I studied the reproductive system of both Rosa species. The hypothesis I tested, using pollination experiments, was that both study species are able to produce fruits and seeds trough self-pollination and apomixis. However, considering the effects of inbreeding depression, I expected that fruits and seeds produced via uniparental strategies are produced in lower number and quality, than those produced by cross-pollination. In chapter III, I analyze the invasion in a community context, comparing functional traits between native and exotic shrubs. The hypothesis is that both Rosa species differentiate from natives in functional traits that reflect an acquisitive strategy of available resources, and a faster growth (e.g. higher SLA, lower height, lower wood density). Finally in chapter IV, I modeled the potentially suitable habitat of sweet briar in Mendoza. To this end I used MaxEnt software, combining topographic variables with occurrence data. Results showed that both Rosa species are able to produce seeds and fruits using all the reproductive strategies analyzed here, showing great versatility in their reproductive system. Both species produced less number of fruits by apomixis, but they were heavier, suggesting better quality. As there were no differences regarding number and quality of fruits produced by strategies with or without pollinators, I conclude that both Rosa species do not depend on pollinators to reproduce successfully. In chapter III, results showed that both Rosa species differed from the natives shrubs in some functional traits. Both exotic species presented a combination of higher plants, thinner leaves and higher SLA, related to an acquisitive strategy, which supports my hypothesis. This could allow them to use the resources more efficiently and to outnumber native species in sites where resources, such as soil moisture, are not limited. I observed that both Rosa species overlap their flowering period with the native shrubs, which can result in competition for pollinators. However, based on the results of chapter II, I propose that in case of competition, native species would be affected, as both rose species can reproduce without pollination. In chapter IV, I obtained the suitable habitats for sweet briar in several protected areas of Mendoza. Results showed that there are sites with high and very high habitat suitability in all the study areas. According to the model, the most important variable affecting habitat suitability is the topographic wetness index. In line with this result, the sites more vulnerable to the invasion are water courses, which represent environments of high conservation value in the area. Based on the results of this thesis, monitoring and control actions should focus mainly on sites with intermediate, high and very high habitat suitability. Also, propagule generation without pollination could facilitate further expansion of Rosa species to these sites. This invasion occupies large areas, generating monospecific thickets that preclude recreational use, and limit the access to streams and other water courses. These exotic shrubs may displace native species, affecting biodiversity. However, no studies have quantified the impacts of these exotic species. Considering the information generated in the present thesis, it is imperative to elaborate and conduct management actions for both exotic species in the study area.

Quantum friction between graphene sheets Farias, María Belén; Fosco, Cesar Daniel; Lombardo, Fernando Cesar; Mazzitelli, Francisco Diego We study the Casimir friction phenomenon in a system consisting of two flat, infinite, and parallel graphene sheets, which are coupled to the vacuum electromagnetic (EM) field. Those couplings are implemented, in the description we use, by means of specific terms in the effective action for the EM field. They incorporate the distinctive properties of graphene, as well as the relative sliding motion of the sheets. Based on this description, we evaluate two observables due to the same physical effect: the probability of vacuum decay and the frictional force. The system exhibits a threshold for frictional effects; namely, they only exist if the speed of the sliding motion is larger than the Fermi velocity of the charge carriers in graphene.

Prevención de endoftalmitis posquirúrgica en Argentina: encuesta nacional del Consejo Argentino de Oftalmología 2014; Prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis in Argentina: a national survey conducted by the Argentinian Board of Ophthalmology in 2014; Prevenção de endoftalmite pós-cirúrgica na Argentina: pesquisa nacional do Conselho Argentino de Oftalmología 2014 Crim, Nicolás; Esposito, Evangelina; Martinez, Dana; Gonzalez Castellanos, Maria Eugenia; Correa, Leandro; Brunzini, Ricardo; Grzybowski, Andrzej; Serra, Horacio Marcelo; Urrets Zavalía, Julio Alberto Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las preferencias de los cirujanos argentinos en el manejo perioperatorio de la cirugía de cataratas para la prevención de endoftalmitis posquirúrgica. Métodos: El Consejo Argentino de Oftalmología realizó por internet una encuesta a sus miembros sobre los factores de riesgo para endoftalmitis en octubre 2014. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente, considerando una diferencia estadísticamente significativa a un valor p < 0,05. Resultados: Se recibieron respuestas del 5,7% de los oftalmólogos encuestados. El 63% de las respuestas provino de cirujanos de sexo masculino de entre 30 y 50 años de edad. De ellos, el 78% realiza de 1 a 30 cirugías por mes. La medida preventiva más utilizada es iodopovidona (99%), secundada por el Steri-Drape (94%). El 99% utiliza antibiótico profilaxis tópica, mientras que 63% prefiere su uso sistémico y 27%, su uso intracamerular. El 73% de los encuestados utiliza incisión corneal; 61%, con incisión de 2,8 mm; y de 2,2 mm el 14% de los casos. La sutura de la herida corneal la realiza la minoría de los encuestados. Conclusiones: La participación de los médicos oftalmólogos en la encuesta fue relativamente baja. Los datos obtenidos son comparables a países europeos. Operar más de 30 cataratas por mes, el uso de antibióticos intracamerulares, la utilización de dosis única antibiótico sistémico, el uso de incisión de 2.8 mm, implantar la LIO con inyector, y no utilizar punto en el cierre de la herida, podrían ser factores de riesgo que predisponen a desarrollar endoftalmitis.; Objective: The purpose of this paper was to determine Argentinian surgeons’ preferences for perioperative management of cataract surgery to prevent postoperative endophthalmitis. Methods: In October 2014, the Argentinian Board of Ophthalmology conducted an online survey to be completed over the internet by its members on endophthalmitis risk factors. Data were statistically analyzed, and the difference was considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results: Answers to the survey were received from 5.7% of surveyed ophthalmologists, of which 63% were male surgeons from 30 to 50 years of age. The survey revealed that 78% of these surgeons perform from 1 to 30 procedures a month. The most widely used preventive measure is iodopovidone (99%) administration, and the second most used involves Steri-Drape (94%). Ninety-nine percent use prophylactic topical antibiotic treatment, while 63% prefer its systemic use and, 27%, intracamerular injections. Seventy-three percent of surgeons surveyed use corneal incisions; 61% make 2.8-mm incisions; and 14%, 2.2-mm incisions. A minority of them suture the corneal wound. Conclusions: A relatively low number of ophthalmologists answered the survey. Data thus obtained are comparable to those reported in European countries. The fact of operating on 30 cataract cases per month, use of intracamerular antibiotics, use of a single dose of systemic antibiotics, performing a 2.8-mm incision, use of an injector for IOL implantation, and failing to use sutures for wound closure, might be risk factors predisposing to the development of endophthalmitis.; Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as preferências dos cirurgiãos argentinos no uso perioperatório da cirurgia de cataratas para a prevenção de endoftalmite pós-cirúrgica. Métodos: No ano 2014, o Conselho Argentino de Oftalmologia realisou uma pesquisa online entre seus membros sobre os fatores de risco para endoftalmite. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente, considerando uma diferença estatísticamente significativa a um valor p < 0,05. Resultados: Foram recebidas respostas de 5,7% dos oftalmologistas inquiridos. 63% dessas respostas foram de cirurgiãos de sexo masculino, entre 30 y 50 anos de idade. Deles, 78% realisa de 1 a 30 cirurgias por mês. A medida preventiva mais utilizada é iodopovidona (99%), apoiada pelo Steri-Drape (94%). 99% utiliza antibiótico profilaxia tópica, entanto que 63% prefere seu uso sistêmico e 27%, seu uso intracamerular. 73% dos inquiridos utiliza incisão corneana; 61%, com incisão de 2,8 mm; e de 2,2 mm, 14% dos casos. A sutura da ferida corneal é realizada pela minoria dos inquiridos. Conclusões: a participação dos médicos oftalmologista na pesquisa foi relativamente baixa. Os dados obtidos são comparáveis com países europeus. Operar mais de 30 cataratas por mês, o uso de antibióticos intracamerulares, a utilização de dose única de antibiótico sistêmico, o uso de incisão de 2.8 mm, implantar a LIO com injetor e não utilizar ponto no fechamento da ferida, poderiam ser fatores de risco que predispõem ao desenvolvimento de endoftalmite.