Visión absoluta y visión de lo absoluto en Nicolás de Cusa; Absolute vision and vision of the Absolute in Nicholas of Cusa
D'amico, Claudia
Ao introduzir o tema da visão mística, Nicolau de Cusa mostra-se herdeiro da tradição neoplatônica enquanto supõe como fundamento de tal visão a própria visão absoluta. Contudo, seu pensamento privilegia o paralelismo entre a visão absoluta e a visão humana ao ponto de entender que, apenas na autocontemplação do dinamismo de sua visão, o homem pode fazer visível para si a visão de Deus.; Introducing the topic of the mystical vision, Nicholas of Cusa becomes the heir of the Neoplatonic tradition while he supposes as the foundation of such a view the same absolute vision. However, his thought is characterized by a parallelism between absolute and human vision to the point that the man can make himself visible the vision of God only by means of selfcontemplation of the dynamism of his own vision.
Endemicity analysis, parsimony and biotic elements: A formal comparison using hypothetical distributions
Casagranda, Maria Dolores; Taher, Leila Maria; Szumik, Claudia Adriana
There is as yet no general agreement regarding the most appropriate solution to the problem of identifying areas of endemism, not even in particular cases. In this study, we compared Endemicity Analysis (EA), Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE), and Biotic Elements Analysis (BE) based on their ability to identify hypothetical predefined patterns that represent nested, overlapping, and disjoint areas of endemism supported by species with different degrees of sympatry. We found that PAE performs poorly when applied to patterns that either overlap with each other or are supported by species with imperfect sympatry. BE exhibits a counterintuitive sensitivity to the degree of congruence among the distributions of endemic species, being unable to recognize areas of endemism supported by perfectly sympatric species. In contrast, in all cases examined we found that EA results in a high proportion of correctly identified distributional patterns. In addition to highlighting the strengths and limitations of these approaches, our results show how different methods can lead to seemingly conflicting conclusions and caution about the possibility of identifying distributional patterns that are merely methodological artefacts.
Improvements in the mechanical properties of the 18R↔6R high-hysteresis martensitic transformation by nanoprecipitates in CuZnAl alloys
de Castro Bubani, Franco; Sade Lichtmann, Marcos Leonel; Lovey, Francisco Carlos
The 18R. ↔. 6R martensite-martensite transformation in Cu-based alloys exhibits large hysteresis, large pseudoelastic strain and weak transformation stress dependence on temperature. However, concomitant plastic deformation taking place in the 6R phase inhibits the use of these properties for applications. A novel approach to minimizing or even suppressing 6R plastic deformation during the 18R-6R transformation in CuZnAl shape-memory alloy single crystals with electronic concentration . e/. a=. 1.48 is presented. The method is based on a thermal treatment that introduces nanoprecipitates in the alloy. Results suggest that the role of CuZnAl shape-memory alloys in engineering should be reconsidered, as many energy damping applications could benefit from the huge hysteresis associated with the 18R-6R transformation, once the 6R plastic deformation is suppressed.
Historia epidemiológica de la tuberculosis en la Argentina. 1914-1947
Carbonetti, Adrian
En el presente trabajo se analiza la mortalidad por tuberculosis en la República Argentina en el período comprendido entre 1914 y 1947. Esta etapa tiene fundamental importancia debido a que en ella se dio el mayor crecimiento de la mortalidad por esta enfermedad (1918) y luego un declive hasta llegar a valores mínimos en 1947. El comportamiento de la tuberculosis es coincidente con el proceso de transición epidemiológica que sufre la población argentina en este período de tiempo. Se analizan las tasas de mortalidad por tuberculosis a lo largo del período, se estudia la mortalidad por esta enfermedad según edad y sexo y se describe el recorrido de la mortalidad según las distintas regiones del territorio nacional.; In the present work the mortality analyzes for tuberculosis in the Republic Argentina in the period understood between 1914 and 1947. This stage has fundamental importance due to the fact that in her one gave the major growth of the mortality for this disease (1918) and then a decline up to coming to minimal values in 1947. The behavior of the tuberculosis is coincidental with the process of epidemiological transition that the Argentine population suffers in this period of time. The rates of mortality are analyzed by tuberculosis throughout the period, the mortality is studied by this disease according to age and sex and the tour of the mortality is described according to the different regions of the national territory.
Eugenia Sacerdote de Lustig: mujeres pioneras de la investigación oncológica
Pérgola, Federico
En los últimos días de noviembre de 2011, exactamente durante el domingo 27, falleció en Buenos Aires la Dra. Eugenia Sacerdote de Lustig. Murió a los 101 años y la sobrevive su prima hermana, algunos meses mayor, la Dra. Rita Levi Montalcini, premio Nobel de Medicina. Soportó discriminaciones, una de ellas por la mente febril de un dictador de turno de su Italia natal, don Benito Mussolini que fue de tipo racial. La otra que suponemos que la hubo, la de género: era mujer y se “atrevía” a investigar en la década del 40 cuando todo era patrimonio masculino.
De la construcción del conocimiento científico a su enseñanza : distintas explicaciones sobre la estructura del benceno; From scientific knowledge construction to teaching. Several explanations about benzene structure
Farré, Andrea Soledad; Lorenzo, Maria Gabriela
La revisión de la evolución histórica para representar cierto compuesto, en este caso benceno, pone de manifiesto las diferentes teorías que pugnaron por dar las mejores explicaciones, mostrando una visión dinámica acerca de la construcción del conocimiento científico. Los principales factores que han influido sobre el conocimiento acerca de la estructura del benceno son la composición elemental y el establecimiento de la fórmula empírica, el reconocimiento de isómeros, la reactividad química, la disponibilidad de nuevos dispositivos tecnológicos y las teorías de enlace químico (teoría estructural, teorías atómicas, teoría de enlace de valencia y la teoría de orbitales moleculares). Este trabajo podrá ser de utilidad para la capacitación de profesores y tal vez eche luz sobre algunas dificultades de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. También, resulta un modelo útil para que los profesores puedan desarrollar futuras investigaciones junto con sus estudiantes, incluyendo activamente al conocimiento meta-científico en sus prácticas de aula.; From scientific knowledge construction to teaching. Several explanations about benzene structure. Reviewing the historical development to represent a compound, in this case benzene, displays the different theories that struggled to give the best explanations, showing a dynamic vision for the scientific knowledge construction. The elemental composition and the establishment of the empirical formula, the recognition of isomers, the chemical reactivity, the availability of new technological devices and chemical bond theories (the structural theory, atomic theories, valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory) are the main factors that influenced knowledge about the structure of benzene. This work can be useful in teachers’ training and perhaps enlightens on some students learning difficulties. This also is a useful model for future research that teachers can develop with their students including the meta-scientific knowledge actively in the classroom.
The Development of More Accurate QSAR Techniques
Lee, Adam; Mercader, Andrew Gustavo; Castro, Eduardo Alberto; Duchowicz, Pablo Román
QSAR is a very effective starting step in the development of compounds for vast numbers of industries. Its scale and importance, especially in the medicinal field means it is a dynamic area to research. The size of QSAR also presents problems; there are many different methods in use for each of the steps in a study, from the descriptors in use, to the type of linear regression to apply to the descriptors. The idea was to put forward models that improved upon the existing methods to such a degree that it could become a universal method for QSAR modelling. This project successfully investigated in detail an improvement to the existing methods to choose the correct number of descriptors to include in the model by using Rloo analysis; this resulted in a simpler model compared to previous methods. K – Means clustering was also investigated as part of a novel, variable independent method. This methodology only uses one descriptor as opposed to general QSAR studies which use several. The results for 12 out of the 14 sets were at least as accurate as the results obtained by existing linear methods. An example using PERM; the Stest obtained using the novel method was 0.46 compared to the Stest of 0.53 obtained by using current linear methods. The simplicity associated with the K - Means clustering method and the fact it shows improved predictive potential could lead to an overhaul of all current, more complicated methods in favour of the simpler K- Means based method.
Mating success depends on rearing substrate in cactophilic Drosophila
Hurtado, Juan Pablo; Soto, Eduardo Maria; Orellana, Liliana; Hasson, Esteban Ruben
Drosophila buzzatii and D. koepferae coexist in the arid lands of southern South America and exploit different types of cactus as breeding hosts. The former prefers to lay eggs on the rotting pads of prickly pears (genus Opuntia) whereas D. koepferae exhibits greater acceptance for columnar cacti (e. g., Echinopsis terschekii). Here, we demonstrate that the rearing cacti affect male mating success, flies reared in each species' preferred host exhibited enhanced mating success than those raised in secondary hosts. Opuntia sulphurea medium endows D. buzzatii males with greater mating ability while D. koepferae males perform better when flies develop in Echinopsis terschekii. These effects are not mediated through body size, even in D. buzzatii whose body size happens to be affected by the rearing cacti. This scenario, which is consistent with the evolution of host specialization and speciation through sensory drive, emphasizes the importance of habitat isolation in the coexistence of these cactophilic Drosophila.
Neuroprotective effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells in an immunocompetent animal model of Parkinson's disease
Mathieu, Patricia Andrea; Roca, Valeria Ines; Gamba, Cecilia; del Pozo, Ana; Pitossi, Fernando Juan
Microglial activation in the substantia nigra (SN) is a ubiquitous feature in PD which could mediate toxic effects. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties. We evaluated whether the transplantation of hMSCs obtained from umbilical cord had a neuroprotective effect in a not-immunosuppressed rat Parkinson's disease (PD) model. Rats receiving hMSCs in the SN displayed significant preservation in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the SN at 21. days after lesion and an improved performance in behavioral tests compared to control rats. However, no differences in any inflammatory parameter tested were found. These results suggest that grafted hMSCs exert neuroprotection but not neuromodulatory effects on degenerating dopaminergic neurons.
Experimental infection of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with Brucella suis biovar 1 isolated from wild hares (Lepus europaeus)
Fort, Marcelo; Baldone, Valeria; Fuchs, Lumila Ivana; Giménez, Hugo; Rojas, María; Breccia, Javier Dario; Oyhenart, Jorge
Brucella suis biovar 1 is the causative agent of brucellosis in several domestic and wild animals and it is a common agent of human brucellosis. European hares (Lepus europaeus) have been shown to be infected by B. suis biovar 1 and the transmission to other animals has been suggested. In this work, experimental rabbits (Cuniculus orictolagus) were infected with B. suis biovar 1 isolated from wild hares. Infected rabbits showed high serological response in 2 weeks after discharge and typical granulomatous lesions (2. mm diameter) were found in liver, spleen and kidneys after 50 days. B. suis biovar 1 was cultured from the lesion of the organs mentioned above as well as from urine, placenta and fetuses. These data suggest that hares are a potential source for horizontal transmission of B. suis biovar 1 to other mammalians.
Efficient energy transfer via the cyanide bridge in dinuclear complexes containing Ru(ii) polypyridine moieties
Cadranel, Alejandro; Alborés, Pablo; Yamazaki, Shiori; Kleiman, Valeria D.; Baraldo Victorica, Luis Mario
We report the synthesis, structure and properties of the cyanide-bridged dinuclear complex ions [Ru(L)-(bpy)(μ-NC)M(CN)5]2−/− (L = tpy, 2,2′;6′,2′′-terpyridine, or tpm, tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane, bpy = 2,2′- bipyridine, M = Fe(II), Fe(III), Cr(III)) and the related monomers [Ru(L)(bpy)X]2+ (X = CN− and NCS−).All the monomeric compounds are weak MLCT emitters (λ = 650?715 nm, ϕ ≈ 10−4). In the Fe(II) and Cr(III) dinuclear systems, the cyanide bridge promotes efficient energy transfer between the Ru-centered MLCT state and a Fe(II)- or Cr(III)-centered d?d state, which results either in a complete quenching of luminescence or in a narrow red emission (λ ≈ 820 nm, ϕ ≈ 10−3) respectively. In the case of Fe(III) dinuclear systems, an electron transfer quenching process is also likely to occur.
Global W 2,p estimates for nondivergence elliptic operators with potentials satisfying a reverse Hölder condition
Bramanti, M.; Brandolini, L.; Harboure, Eleonor Ofelia; Viviani, Beatriz Eleonora
In this article, we give some a priori L p(ℝ n) estimates for elliptic operators in nondivergence form with VMO coefficients and a potential V satisfying an appropriate reverse Hölder condition, generalizing previous results due to Chiarenza-Frasca-Longo to the scope of Schrödinger-type operators. In particular, our class of potentials includes unbounded functions such as nonnegative polynomials. We apply such a priori estimates to derive some global existence and uniqueness results under some additional assumptions on V.
Difficulties of undergraduate students in the organic chemistry laboratory
Lorenzo, Maria Gabriela; Reverdito, Ana Maria; Blanco, Mercedes; Salerno, Alejandra
In order to study the learning difficulties of university students in the organic chemistry laboratory, a new Model for the Analysis of Experimental Work (MAEW) was developed. This article is organized into three parts: first, a historical look at the role of experimental work in science education, including the purpose of the laboratory class; next, a description of the MAEW; finally, we show how the MAEW can be applied to an actual laboratory class of organic chemistry. An original proposal for the classification of the materials used in an organic chemistry laboratory is also offered.
Assessment of water quality in temperate-plain streams (Argentina, South America) using a multiple approach; Evaluación de la calidad del agua mediante un enfoque múltiple en arroyos de la llanura templada (Argentina, América del Sur)
Ocon, Carolina Silvia; Rodrigues Capitulo, Alberto
We assessed the water quality in two pampean lotic systems (Argentina), the Juan Blanco and Buñirigo streams, subjected to different land uses (i. e., the UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve versus industry and agriculture, respectively) through measurements of physicochemical data and the structural parameters of the macroinvertebrate assemblages in addition to ecotoxicological analyses. The objective was to identify the degree of ecological impairment in adversely affected areas and the consequent effects on the biota. The results obtained allowed the establishment of different water-quality classes within the study area. According to the indices applied, the downstream zone of the Buñirigo stream was categorized as moderately polluted on the basis of losses of sensitive benthic species or changes in their abundance. Likewise, acute ecotoxicological bioassays demonstrated that the water from this site had lethal effects on Caenis nemoralis (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae) larvae. This sampling point also exhibited relevant physicochemical features, such as high water conductivity and nutrient levels as well as low contents of dissolved oxygen.; Se realizó un estudio de la calidad del agua en dos sistemas lóticos, los arroyos Juan Blanco y Buñirigo (Argentina), sujetos a diferente uso del suelo (el primero se ubica dentro de una reserva de Biosfera de la UNESCO, mientras que el segundo en una zona agrícolo-ganadera e industrial). Se analizaron datos físico-químicos, parámetros estructurales del ensamble de macroinvertebrados y ensayos ecotoxicológicos. El objetivo fue identifi car el grado de deterioro en las áreas afectadas por efl uentes y los consiguientes efectos sobre la biota. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron establecer diferentes clases de calidad del agua dentro de la zona de estudio. De acuerdo a los índices aplicados la cuenca baja del arroyo Buñirigo fue caracterizada como moderadamente contaminada sobre la base de la pérdida de especies bentónicas sensibles o cambios en su abundancia. Del mismo modo, los ensayos ecotoxicológicos agudos demostraron que el agua de este sitio tuvo efectos letales sobre larvas de Caenis nemoralis (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae). Este punto de muestreo también evidenció características físico-químicas desfavorables para la biota, como alta conductividad y niveles de nutrientes, así como bajo contenido de oxígeno.
Ethanol-induced locomotor activity in adolescent rats and the relationship with ethanol-induced conditioned place preference and conditioned taste aversion
Acevedo, María Belén; Nizhnikov, Michael; Spear, Norman E.; Molina, Juan Carlos; Pautassi, Ricardo Marcos
Adolescent rats exhibit ethanol-induced locomotor activity (LMA), which is considered an index of ethanol's motivational properties likely to predict ethanol self-administration, but few studies have reported or correlated ethanol-induced LMA with conditioned place preference (CPP) by ethanol at this age. The present study assessed age-related differences in ethanol's motor stimulating effects and analyzed the association between ethanol-induced LMA and conventional measures of ethanol-induced reinforcement. Experiment 1 compared ethanol-induced LMA in adolescent and adult rats. Subsequent experiments analyzed ethanol-induced CPP and conditioned taste aversion (CTA) in adolescent rats evaluated for ethanol-induced LMA. Adolescent rats exhibit a robust LMA after high-dose ethanol. Ethanol-induced LMA was fairly similar across adolescents and adults. As expected, adolescents were sensitive to ethanol's aversive reinforcement, but they also exhibited CPP. These measures of ethanol reinforcement, however, were not related to ethanol-induced LMA. Spontaneous LMA in an open field was, however, negatively associated with ethanol-induced CTA.
Thin‐film β‐MoO3 Supported on α‐Fe2O3 as a Shell–Core Catalyst for the Selective Oxidation of Methanol to Formaldehyde
Shir, Guojun; Franzke, Thomas; Sanchez, Miguel Dario; Xia, Wei; Weis, Frederik; Seipenbusch, Martin; Kasper, Gerhard; Muhler, Martin
β‐MoO3/α‐Fe2O3 catalysts synthesized by chemical vapor deposition exhibit a uniform shell–core structure. The structure of the metastable β‐MoO3 film is retained even after calcination in air at 873 K, owing to strong Mo_O_Fe links at the interface. The shell–core β‐MoO3/α‐Fe2O3 catalysts are much more active than, and comparably selective to, the reference α‐MoO3 catalyst in the selective oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde.
Pollen morphology of the three subgenera of Alnus
Leopold, Estella B.; Birkebak, Joshua; Reinink-Smith, Linda; Jayachandar, Anitha P.; Narvaez, Paula Liliana; Zaborac-Reed, Stephanie
The three subgenera of alder (Alnusroman Clethropsis and Alnobetula) are taxonomically distinctive, but how does their pollen match up with their gross morphology? This study links pollen characters with the taxonomic divisions of the genus alder based on nrDNA ITS sequence data. The value of the study is in the breadth of the taxonomic coverage of the three subgenera, as the samples per species only range from 1 to 6. From 29 Alnus species, the authors studied pollen from 59 modern reference collections (prepared by acetolysis) and recorded the number and type of apertures (pores), thickness of the arci, pollen size and polar arci. Tallies of the number of pores on the pollen grains in a reference collection typically have a range of ± 1 or 2. Exceptions are presumed hybrid collections in Alnus rugosa with a range of ± 5, which have malformed pollen cells suggesting infertility. The presumed hybrids show a greater range of both pore number and size of pollen grains. The dominant pore number is a key feature that separates the subgenus Alnobetula (= Alnaster) from the other two subgenera by consistently having predominantly 5-, 6- or 7-pored pollen grains, while all other Alnus taxa sampled have pollen with predominantly 4- or 5-pored pollen. The dominant pore number is a consistent feature within the subgenus Alnobetula (10 species), but is inconsistent in 3 out of 16 species of the subgenus Alnus and within the subgenus Clethropsis (3 species). Thickenings of the pore lip, aspidate (protruding) and vestibulate pores are important features of Alnus pollen on a species level. Alnus-like pollen morphology occurs occasionally in certain other betulaceous genera (Betula and Carpinus). Differences in character or thickness of arci (band-like thickenings on the pollen wall between pores) tend to be somewhat consistent within a species and vary within subgenera. Two Alnobetula species in the Alnus viridis complex (Alnus crispa and Alnus sinuata) have arci that are weakly developed or appear as simple folds; walls are fragile and pores are typically less aspidate. Pollen sizes in different species overlap greatly, may be partly influenced by processing methods and do not seem to be generally helpful in characterizing species. Circular doughnut-shaped arci thickenings on the polar area of pollen grains are a common feature (16–40%) in two closely related East Asian taxa of subgenus Alnobetula with large pollen (‘Clade A’: Alnus firma and Alnus sieboldii). These ‘Clade A’ features have been reported from Miocene collections of Alnus pollen from Alaska, and support megafossil evidence in determining the biogeography of this group along the Pacific Rim in the Neogene. The Miocene appearance of subgenus Alnobetula megafossils in both Alaska and Japan can only have occurred via a Bering Land Bridge. This relation is now confirmed by Reinink-Smith's Miocene ‘Clade-A-type’ pollen data of Alaska. These taxa had Pacific Rim distributions, similar fruiting carposamaras and now correspond to a DNA ITS subgroup within Alnobetula. Depending on the geographic location with limited number of local alder species, certain Holocene identifications are possible based on pore structure and arci thickness, e.g. the Alnus crispa-type in eastern Canada and the Alnus sinuata-type in the Pacific northwest.
Environmental pesticide distribution in horticultural and floricultural periurban production units
Querejeta, Giselle Andrea; Ramos, Laura Mabel; Flores, Andrea Pamela; Hughes, Enrique Alejandro; Zalts, Anita; Montserrat, Javier Marcelo
The environmental pesticide distribution on non-target systems (soil, drift and agricultural plastics) during the application stage in small periurban production units (open field and greenhouses), was studied for various crops (tomato, lettuce, broccoli, strawberry and flowers) using different pesticides (endosulfan, procymidone, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin). In all cases, soil was the most exposed non-target system. For greenhouses, a general pesticide distribution was found of approximately 2/3 for crop, 1/4 for soil and 1/20 for plastic, of the total amount applied. In horticultural open fields, although the distribution was very dependent on the crop size and type, soil was also the most exposed non-target subsystem. Pesticide drift seems not to be significant in these production units, whilst pesticide accumulation on agricultural plastics reached up to 45% of the total applied, for polyethylene mulching in strawberry fields.
Social inequality, environmental justice and water policy In Buenos Aires
Merlinsky, Maria Gabriela; Fernandez Bouzo, Maria Soledad; Montera, Carolina; Tobias, Melina
Privatisation of potable water and sanitation services in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires during the 1990s led to important consequences in terms of investment and equality in the provision of the services. A new period was started in 2006 with the creation of the State-run company Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos SA, which became responsible for managing the provision of water and sewerage services in the region. Today, the company has to deal with the historical backwardness in terms of investment, the growing pressure from the population demanding access to the services, and the significant inequality of the covered area. On the other hand, due to the public impact of the court case regarding the sanitation of Matanza-Riachuelo basin, different territorial collectives have reformulated their demands for infrastructure works by including environmental terms. Besides, the Supreme Court of Justice has required the joint coordination of the works by Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos SA and the Authority of the basin. This means that water and sanitation management must answer to a great variety of actors and be able to operate in highly conflictive areas while meeting, at the same time, the environmental goals. This article describes the main actors involved in water and sanitation management in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires and their approaches to the new plans of expansion of the services. The focus is to identify the opposing interests in terms of the distribution (which territories are the priority for the expansion of the water and sanitation networks); the implementation timetable (how to define the order of the works); and the emergence of different criteria of social and environmental justice. To this effect, we present an in-depth analysis of interviews to public officers, technicians and representatives of social organisations.