Tensiones de crecimiento y propiedades físicas de la madera de Eucalyptus dunnii implantado en Argentina; Growth stresses and physical properties of Eucalyptus dunnii wood in Argentina Hernandez, Mariano; Zaderenko, Constantino; Monteoliva, Silvia Estela El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar tensiones de crecimiento en Eucalyptus dunnii y determinar el efecto de las propiedades físicas de la madera sobre esta variable. Se muestrearon 45 árboles de un ensayo de 19 años situado en la provincia de Corrientes, Argentina. Se realizaron determinaciones de tensiones de crecimiento a través de dos métodos: indicador de tensiones de crecimiento (GSI, CIRAD-Forêt) e índice de rajado en rollizo (IR). Se midieron las propiedades físicas, densidad básica y contracción volumétrica total y se determinó la variación radial de la densidad básica. Los resultados de GSI e IR mostraron valores más bajos que los citados para la especie (GSI: 0,0763±0,0251 mm e IR: 0,43± 0,31 %) y tuvieron buena asociación entre sí (r: 0,71). Se encontró una asociación baja entre tensiones de crecimiento con las propiedades físicas de la madera, densidad básica (r: 0,35 - 0,39) y contracción volumétrica total (r: 0,29 - 0,35). Los niveles de asociación aumentaron cuando las correlaciones se hicieron entre las estimaciones de tensiones de crecimiento y la tasa de cambio radial de la densidad básica (r: 0,59 - 0,52).; To evaluate growth stresses in Eucalyptus dunnii and determine the effect of physical wood properties on that variable, a total of 45 trees were sampled from a 19-years-old trial located at Corrientes, Argentina. Growth stresses were determined using the growth stress indicator (GSI, CIRAD-Forêt) and the log end split index (IR). The physical wood properties basic density and total volumetric shrinkage were measured and the pith-to- bark gradient of the basic density was determined. GSI and IR values obtained were lower than those cited for the species (GSI: 0,0763 ± 0,0251 mm and IR: 0,43 ± 0,31 %) and showed good association between themselves (r: 0,71). A low association between growth stresses and the physical wood properties basic density (r: 0,35 – 0,39) and volumetric shrinkage total (r: 0,29-0,35) was founded. The association levels were higher when growth stresses (GSI and IR) and the pith-to-bark gradient of the basic density (r: 0,59-0,52) were correlated.

Experimental verification of reciprocity relations in quantum thermoelectric transport Matthews, J.; Battista, Francesca; Sanchez, D.; Samuelsson, P.; Linke, H. Fundamental symmetries in thermoelectric quantum transport, beyond Onsagers relations, were predicted two decades ago but have to date not been observed in experiments. Recent works have predicted the symmetries to be sensitive to energy-dependent, inelastic scattering, raising the question whether they exist in practice. Here, we answer this question affirmatively by experimentally verifying the thermoelectric reciprocity relations in a four-terminal mesoscopic device where each terminal can be electrically and thermally biased individually. The linear-response thermoelectric coefficients are found to be symmetric under simultaneous reversal of magnetic field and exchange of injection and emission contacts. We also demonstrate a controllable breakdown of the reciprocity relations by increasing thermal bias, putting in prospect enhanced thermoelectric performance.

Effects of field-realistic doses of glyphosate on honeybee appetitive behaviour Herbert, Lucila Thomsett; Vázquez, Diego Eduardo; Arenas, Andres; Farina, Walter Marcelo Glyphosate (GLY) is a broad-spectrum herbicide used for weed control. The sub-lethal impact of GLY on non-target organisms such as insect pollinators has not yet been evaluated. Apis mellifera is the main pollinator in agricultural environments and is a well-known model for behavioural research. Honeybees are also accurate biosensors of environmental pollutants and their appetitive behavioural response is a suitable tool with which to test sub-lethal effects of agrochemicals. We studied the effects of field-realistic doses of GLY on honeybees exposed chronically or acutely to the herbicide. We focused on sucrose sensitivity, elemental and non-elemental associative olfactory conditioning of the proboscis extension response (PER), and foraging-related behaviour. We found a reduced sensitivity to sucrose and learning performance for the groups chronically exposed to GLY concentrations within the range of recommended doses. When olfactory PER conditioning was performed with sucrose reward with the same GLY concentrations (acute exposure), elemental learning and short-term memory retention decreased significantly compared with controls. Non-elemental associative learning was also impaired by an acute exposure to GLY traces. Altogether, these results imply that GLY at concentrations found in agro-ecosystems as a result of standard spraying can reduce sensitivity to nectar reward and impair associative learning in honeybees. However, no effect on foraging-related behaviour was found. Therefore, we speculate that successful forager bees could become a source of constant inflow of nectar with GLY traces that could then be distributed among nestmates, stored in the hive and have long-term negative consequences on colony performance.

Hybrid Formulations of Liposomes and Bioadhesive Polymers Improve the Hypotensive Effect of the Melatonin Analogue 5-MCA-NAT in Rabbit Eyes Quinteros, Daniela Alejandra; Vicario de la Torre, Marta; Andrés Guerrero, Vanessa; Palma, Santiago Daniel; Allemandi, Daniel Alberto; Herrero Vanrell, Rocío; Molina Martinez, Irene T. For the treatment of chronic ocular diseases such as glaucoma, continuous instillations of eye drops are needed. However, frequent administrations of hypotensive topical formulations can produce adverse ocular surface effects due to the active substance or other components of the formulation, such as preservatives or other excipients. Thus the development of unpreserved formulations that are well tolerated after frequent instillations is an important challenge to improve ophthalmic chronic topical therapies. Furthermore, several components can improve the properties of the formulation in terms of efficacy. In order to achieve the mentioned objectives, we have developed formulations of liposomes (150–200 nm) containing components similar to those in the tear film and loaded with the hypotensive melatonin analog 5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine (5-MCA-NAT, 100 µM). These formulations were combined with mucoadhesive (sodium hyaluronate or carboxymethylcellulose) or amphiphilic block thermosensitive (poloxamer) polymers to prolong the hypotensive efficacy of the drug. In rabbit eyes, the decrease of intraocular pressure with 5-MCA-NAT-loaded liposomes that were dispersed with 0.2% sodium hyaluronate, 39.1±2.2%, was remarkably higher compared to other liposomes formulated without or with other bioadhesive polymers, and the effect lasted more than 8 hours. According to the results obtained in the present work, these technological strategies could provide an improved modality for delivering therapeutic agents in patients with glaucoma.

Effect of Cation Demixing on the Electrochemical Performance of LSCFO Cathodes for SOFCs Baque, Laura Cecilia; Soldati, Analía Leticia; Troiani, Horacio Esteban; Serquis, Adriana Cristina The commercialization of Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is still hindered by their cost and long term degradation. One of the most common degradation mechanisms of La1-xSrxFe1-yCoyO3-d (LSCFO) cathodes reported in literature is element demixing. In this work, the degradation of LSCFO cathodes deposited on Ce1-xGdxO2-d electrolytes at 800°C in air for 50 h was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EIS spectra from LSCFO cathodes present two contributions: one at high frequency and another at low frequency. The high frequency contribution remains invariable during the ageing treatment while the low frequency contribution continuously increases. The formation of small segregates was observed after the ageing treatment. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis reveals that these segregates were particularly poor in Sr.

Peri-implantational in vivo and in vitro embryo-trophoblast development after perigestational alcohol exposure in the CD-1 mouse Pérez Tito, Leticia Gabriela; Bevilacqua, Estela; Cebral, Elisa Long-term pregestational ethanol exposure induced altered fertilization and preimplantation embryogenesis. We evaluated preimplantational embryo-trophoblast differentiation, growth and invasiveness after perigestational ethanol 10% ingestion for 15 days preceding and up to day 4 (treated females [TF]: TF-D4 group) or 5 (TF-D5) of CD-1 gestation (control females [CF] with water). In TF-D4, expanded and hatched blastocyst numbers were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) versus CF-D4. Abnormal embryos and percentage of pyknotic nuclei were increased, and early blastocyst growth (nuclear number/embryo) and mitotic index was reduced (p < 0.05) versus CF-D4. On day 5 of gestation, TF-D5 presented significantly reduced total embryos and advanced embryo type 3 number versus CF-D5 (p < 0.05). During in vitro development, up to 72-hour culture, TF-D5 had reduced embryo type 1 (the least developed) and 3 percentages (p < 0.05) versus controls, whereas embryo type 2 percentage increased (p < 0.05) versus CF-D5. Embryo-trophoblast growth was studied during culture by morphometry. Embryo size ranges were classified as small, medium and large embryos. At 48-hour culture, small and medium embryos of TF had significantly increased mean area versus CF (p < 0.05), whereas large embryos had reduced mean area at 24-hour culture. Perigestational alcohol exposure up to days 4–5 induced embryo differentiation retardation, abnormal blastocyst growth and alterations of embryo-trophoblast growth and expansion during implantation, suggesting impaired regulation of trophoblast invasion and a relation with early pregnancy loss after mouse perigestational alcohol consumption.

Determinación del Factor K de ventanas: Utilización de programas de simulación de precisión para evaluar el impacto del diseño de marcos y de las condiciones climáticas Macé de Gastines, Maureen Florence Laure; Villalba, Ayelén María; Pattini, Andrea Elvira El Factor K caracteriza el comportamiento térmico de las aberturas. Varía en función del diseño, la tecnología y el material de los perfiles (marcos y hojas) y de las condiciones de entorno de la ventana. Se evalúa la sensibilidad a estas variables de los programas de simulación de precisión THERM y WINDOW, considerando dos tipos de marco de aluminio y dos conjuntos de condiciones climáticas. La carpintería con ruptura de puente térmico obtiene mejores valores de K que la tradicional, en los dos casos de condiciones de entorno. Asimismo, el porcentaje de variación debido a las distintas condiciones de entorno es similar para las dos ventanas. Estos resultados demuestran la adecuada sensibilidad de las herramientas de simulación tanto a los materiales y diseño de perfiles de las aberturas como a los parámetros climáticos, abriendo el camino hacia su uso para la certificación energética de ventanas al nivel nacional y el diseño bioclimático de edificios.

Molecular gas associated with IRAS 10361-5830 Vazzano, María Mercedes; Cappa, Cristina Elisabeth; Vasquez, Javier; Rubio, Mónica; Romero, Gisela Andrea Aims. We analyze the distribution of the molecular gas and dust in the molecular clump linked to IRAS 10361-5830, located in the environs of the bubble-shaped Hii region Gum 31 in the Carina region, with the aim of determining the main parameters of the associated material and of investigating the evolutionary state of the young stellar objects identified there. Methods. Using the APEX telescope, we mapped the molecular emission in the J = 3−2 transition of three CO isotopologues, 12CO, 13CO and C18O, over a 1. 5 × 1. 5 region around the IRAS position. We also observed the high-density tracers CS and HCO+ toward the source. The cold- dust distribution was analyzed using submillimeter continuum data at 870 μm obtained with the APEX telescope. Complementary IR and radio data at different wavelengths were used to complete the study of the interstellar medium. Results. The molecular gas distribution reveals a cavity and a shell-like structure of ∼0.32 pc in radius centered at the position of the IRAS source, with some young stellar objects projected onto the cavity. The total molecular mass in the shell and the mean H2volume density are ∼40 M and ∼(1−2)×103 cm−3. The cold-dust counterpart of the molecular shell has been detected in the far-IR at 870 μm and in Herschel data at 350 μm. Weak extended emission at 24 μm from warm dust is projected onto the cavity, as well as weak radio continuum emission. Conclusions. A comparison of the distribution of cold and warm dust, and molecular and ionized gas allows us to conclude that a compact Hii region has developed in the molecular clump, indicating that this is an area of recent massive star formation. Probable exciting sources capable of creating the compact Hii region are investigated. The 2MASS source 10380461-5846233 (MSX G286.3773-00.2563) seems to be responsible for the formation of the Hii region.

The use of artificial neural network modeling to represent the process of concentration by molecular distillation of omega-3 from squid oil; Uso de modelos de redes neuronales artificiales para representar el proceso de concentración por destilación molecular de omega-3 proveniente de aceite de calamar Rossi, Pablo Cesar; Gayol, Maria Fernanda; Renaudo, Carlos Alberto; Pramparo, Maria del Carmen; Nepote, Valeria; Grosso, Nelson The concentration of omega-3 compounds obtained for the esterification of squid oil by molecular distillation was carried out in two stages. This operation can process these thermolabile and high molecular weight components at very low temperatures. Given the mathematical complexity of the theoretical model, artificial neural networks (ANN) have provided an alternative to a classical computing analysis. The objective of this study was to create a predictive model using artificial neural network techniques to represent the concentration process of omega-3 compounds obtained from squid oil using molecular distillation. Another objective of this study was to analyze the performance of two different alternatives of ANN modeling; one of them is a model that represents all variables in the process and the other is a global model that simulates only the input and output variables of the process. The alternative of the ANN global model showed the best fit to the experimental data; La concentración de compuestos omega-3, obtenidos de la esterificación de aceite de calamar, por destilación molecular fue llevada a cabo en dos etapas. Esta operación permite procesar componentes termolábiles y de alto peso molecular a muy bajas temperaturas. Dada la alta complejidad de los modelos teóricos, las redes neuronales artificiales (RNA) conforman una alternativa al análisis computacional clásico. El objetivo de este estudio fue crear un modelo predictivo usando modelos de redes neuronales artificiales para representar el proceso de concentración de compuestos omega-3 obtenidos del aceite de calamar por destilación molecular. Otro objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el desenvolvimiento de dos alternativas de modelos RNA; uno de ellos es un modelo que representa todas las variables en el proceso y otro es un modelo global que simula solo las variables de entrada y de salida del proceso. La alternativa de un modelo RNA global mostró el mejor ajuste de los datos experimentales.

Reproductive success of the specialist brood parasite Screaming Cowbird in an alternative host, the Chopi Blackbird; Éxito reproductivo del parasito de cría especialista Molothrus rufoaxillaris en un hospedador alternativo, Gnorimopsar chopi Di Giacomo, Alejandro G.; Reboreda, Juan Carlos The Screaming Cowbird (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) is the most specialized brood-parasitic cowbird, relying almost entirely on the Bay-winged Cowbird (Agelaioides badius) as host. Recently, Screaming Cowbirds have expanded their range to areas where Bay-winged Cowbirds are absent, and they are exploiting the Chopi Blackbird (Gnorimopsar chopi). Interactions between Screaming Cowbirds and Chopi Blackbirds are largely unexplored, as is the reproductive success of the parasite in this host. Screaming Cowbirds, Chopi Blackbirds, and Bay-winged Cowbirds coexist in northeastern Argentina, providing an ideal system to explore interactions between a specialist brood parasite and an alternative host and to compare the reproductive success of the parasite in its main host and in an alternative host. Screaming Cowbirds parasitized both hosts throughout their breeding seasons (Chopi Blackbirds, mid-October to mid-January; Bay-winged Cowbirds, mid-November to mid-March). Frequency of parasitism was lower in Chopi Blackbirds than in Bay-winged Cowbirds (46% vs. 74%). Nest survival was higher in Chopi Blackbirds than in Bay-winged Cowbirds (37% vs. 15%). In successful nests, survival of Screaming Cowbird eggs and chicks was high and relatively similar in both hosts (Chopi Blackbirds: eggs, 99%; chicks, 90%; Bay-winged Cowbirds: eggs, 93%; chicks, 93%), but hatchability was lower in Chopi Blackbirds than in Bay-winged Cowbirds (52% vs. 92%). Considering (1) nest survival and (2) egg survival, hatchability, and chick survival in successful nests, the reproductive success of Screaming Cowbirds (i.e. proportion of eggs that resulted in fledglings) was 0.17 in Chopi Blackbirds and 0.12 in Bay-winged Cowbirds. Our results indicate that the Chopi Blackbird is a frequent host of the Screaming Cowbird, and parasitism of this alternative host may help explain the range expansion of this parasite in areas of Brazil where the Bay-winged Cowbird is absent.; Molothrus rufoaxillaris es el tordo parásito de cría con mayor grado de especialización y depende casi exclusivamente de Agelaioides badius como hospedador. Recientemente M. rufoaxillaris ha expandido su rango hacia áreas en las que A. badius está ausente y la evidencia indica que estarían utilizando a Gnorimopsar chopi como hospedador. Las interacciones entre M. rufoaxillaris y G. chopi son mayormente desconocidas así como el éxito reproductivo del parásito en este hospedador. Las tres especies (M. rufoaxillaris, G. chopi y A. badius) coexisten en el NE de Argentina, ofreciendo un sistema ideal para explorar las interacciones entre un parásito de cría especialista y un hospedador alternativo y para comparar el éxito reproductivo del parásito en sus hospedadores principal y alternativo. M. rufoaxillaris parasitó a ambos hospedadores a lo largo de sus temporadas reproductivas (G. chopi: mediados de octubre-mediados de enero; A. badius: mediados de noviembre-mediados de marzo). La frecuencia de parasitismo fue menor en G. chopi que en A. badius (46% vs. 74%). La supervivencia de nidos fue mayor en G. chopi que en A. badius (37% vs. 15%). En nidos exitosos, la supervivencia de huevos y pichones fue alta y relativamente similar en ambos hospedadores (G. chopi: 99% y 90%; A. badius: 93% y 93%), pero el éxito de eclosión fue menor en G. chopi que en A. badius (52% vs. 92%). Considerando: 1) la supervivencia de nidos, y 2) la supervivencia de huevos, el éxito de eclosión y la supervivencia de pichones en nidos exitosos, el éxito reproductivo de M. rufoaxillaris (i.e. proporción de huevos que resultaron en volantones) fue 0.17 en G. chopi y 0.12 en A. badius. Nuestros resultados muestran que G. chopi es un hospedador frecuente de M. rufoaxillaris y que el parasitismo de este hospedador alternativo podría ayuda a explicar la expansión del rango de este parásito en áreas de Brasil donde A. badius está ausente.

Hidroquímica e isotopía de las agua superficiales, cuerpos lagunares y suelos salinizados de la Cuenca Costera del Grupo Sur, vertiente atlántica Perez, Beatriz Alicia; Rios, Stella Maris; Dapeña, Cristina; Nillni, Adriana Mónica; Rubilar, Jorge; Locci, Fernando Se relevaron cursos de agua, cuerpos lagunares y suelos salinizados de la ciudad de Comodoro Rivadavia y zona de Rada Tilly, Argentina, ambas localidades comprendidas en la zona de estudio: Cuenca Costera del Grupo Sur de la Vertiente Atlántica. La utilización de técnicas químicas e isotópicas permitió elucidar el posible origen del elevado contenido salino de aguas y suelos. Se tomaron muestras de canalizadores superficiales (M1 a M12) de freatímetros (F1 a 4) y muestras de suelos de las adyacencias a estas. Los análisis de difracción de rayos X (DRX) y microscopía de barrido electrónico (MBE) en los suelos, determinaron la presencia predominante de sales de sodio (thenardita mayoritariamente y también halita). Las aguas se agruparon en dos tipos bicarbonatadas sódicas (M3, M5, M6, M12 y F3) y cloruradas sulfatadas sódicas (M1, M2, M7, M8, F1,F2,F4). En el 100% de las muestras, el catión dominante es el sodio y en el 67% de las muestras el anión dominante es el sulfato. La composición isotópica  (2H y 18O) de las muestras M3, M5, M6 y F3 presenta semejanzas a las del agua del acueducto M1, M2, M10 y M11, son empobrecidas y podrían ser mezcla de agua de lluvia/nieve, con agua aportada por el acuitardo más profundo, o podrían corresponder al flujo local o mezclas con agua de purga. M4 es la más enriquecida de la zona de Comodoro Rivadavia, estaría relacionada con el flujo regional y las lagunas saladas asociadas, presentando ciertas semejanzas en cuanto a isotopía, con el sistema lagunar de Rada Tilly (M7 y M8). El análisis de componentes principales (PCA) permitió determinar que características de las medidas (parámetros isotópicos y los fisicoquímicos) discriminan mejor a las muestras. Se plantea la conveniencia de analizar la composición isotópica del estroncio en las aguas contenidas en la base sedimentaria marina del sector debido a su utilidad como trazador sensible para el movimiento de aguas subterráneas y el origen de la salinidad y mediciones de radón (222Rn) para identificar la descarga de agua subterránea en agua superficial.

Tracking Solar Active Region Outflow Plasma from Its Source to the Near-Earth Environment Culhane, J. l.; Brooks, D. H.; Van Driel Gesztelyi, L.; Démoulin, P.; Baker, D.; DeRosa, M.l.; Mandrini, Cristina Hemilse; Zhao, L.; Zurbuchen, T. H. Seeking to establish whether active region upflow material contributes to the slow solar wind, we examine in detail the plasma upflows from Active Region (AR)10978, which crossed the Sun's disc in the interval 8 to 16 December, 2007 during Carrington rotation (CR)2064. In previous work, using data from the Hinode/EUV Imaging Spectrometer, upflow velocity evolution was extensively studied as the region crossed the disc while a linear force-free magnetic extrapolation was used to confirm aspects of the velocity evolution and to establish the presence of quasi-separatrix layers at the upflow source areas. The plasma properties, temperature, density and first ionisation potential bias (FIP-bias) were measured with the spectrometer during the disc passage of the active region. Global potential field source surface (PFSS) models showed that AR 10978 was completely covered by the closed field of a helmet streamer that is part of the streamer belt. Thus it is not clear how any of the upflowing AR-associated plasma could reach the source surface at 2.5 R(Sun)and contribute to the slow solar wind. However a detailed examination of solar-wind in-situ data obtained by the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft at the L1 point shows that the increase in O^7+/O^6+, C^6+/C^5+ and Fe/O - a FIP-bias proxy - are present before the heliospheric current sheet crossing. These increases, along with an accompanying reduction in proton velocity and an increase in density are characteristic of both AR and slow-wind plasma. Finally we describe a two-step reconnection process by which some of the upflowing plasma from the AR could reach the heliosphere.

Distinctive PSA-NCAM and NCAM hallmarks in glutamate-induced dendritic atrophy and synaptic disassembly Podestá, María Fernabda; Yam, Patricia; Codagnone, Martín Gabriel; Uccelli, Nonthué Alejandra; Colman, David; Reines, Analia Gabriela Dendritic and synapse remodeling are forms of structural plasticity that play a critical role in normal hippocampal function. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form (PSA-NCAM) participate in neurite outgrowth and synapse formation and plasticity. However, it remains unclear whether they contribute to dendritic retraction and synaptic disassembly. Cultured hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate (5 µM) showed a reduced MAP-2 (+) area in the absence of neuronal death 24 h after the insult. Concomitantly, synapse loss, revealed by decreased synaptophysin and post-synaptic density-95 cluster number and area, together with changes in NCAM and PSA-NCAM levels were found. Dendritic atrophy and PSA-NCAM reduction proved NMDA-receptor dependent. Live-imaging experiments evidenced dendritic atrophy 4 h after the insult; this effect was preceded by smaller NCAM clusters (1 h) and decreased surface and total PSA-NCAM levels (3 h). Simultaneously, total NCAM cluster number and area remained unchanged. The subsequent synapse disassembly (6 h) was accompanied by reductions in total NCAM cluster number and area. A PSA mimetic peptide prevented both the dendritic atrophy and the subsequent synaptic changes (6 h) but had no effect on the earliest synaptic remodeling (3 h). Thus, NCAM-synaptic reorganization and PSA-NCAM level decrease precede glutamate-induced dendritic atrophy, whereas the NCAM level reduction is a delayed event related to synapse loss. Consequently, distinctive stages in PSA-NCAM/NCAM balance seem to accompany glutamate-induced dendritic atrophy and synapse loss.

Characterization of the turbulent magnetic integral length in the solar wind: from 0.3 to 5 astronomical units Ruiz, Maria Emilia; Dasso, Sergio Ricardo; Matthaeus, W. H.; Weygand, J. M. The solar wind is a structured and complex system, in which the fields vary strongly over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. As an example, the turbulent activity in the wind affects the evolution in the heliosphere of the integral turbulent scale or correlation length [λ], usually associated with the breakpoint in the turbulent-energy spectrum that separates the inertial range from the injection range. This large variability of the fields demands a statistical description of the solar wind. We study the probability distribution function (PDF) of the magnetic-autocorrelation lengths observed in the solar wind at different distances from the Sun. We used observations from the Helios, ACE, and Ulysses spacecraft. We distinguished between the usual solar wind and one of its transient components (interplanetary coronal mass ejections, ICMEs), and also studied solar-wind samples with low and high proton beta [βp]. We find that in the last three regimes the PDF of λ is a log-normal function, consistent with the multiplicative and nonlinear processes that take place in the solar wind, the initial λ (before the Alfvénic point) being larger in ICMEs.

Pedunculopontine nucleus gamma band activity-preconscious awareness, waking, and REM sleep Urbano Suarez, Francisco Jose; Donofrio, Stasia M.; Luster, Brennon R.; Beck, Paige B.; Hyde, James Robert; Bisagno, Veronica; Garcia Rill, Edgar The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a major component of the reticular activating system (RAS) that regulates waking and REM sleep, states of high-frequency EEG activity. Recently,we described the presence of high threshold, voltage-dependent N- and P/Q-type calcium channels in RAS nuclei that subserve gamma band oscillations in the mesopontine PPN, intralaminar parafascicular nucleus (Pf), and pontine subcoeruleus nucleus dorsalis (SubCD). Cortical gamma band activity participates in sensory perception, problem solving, and memory. Rather than participating in the temporal binding of sensory events as in the cortex, gamma band activity in the RAS may participate in the processes of preconscious awareness, and provide the essential stream of information for the formulation of many of our actions.That is, the RAS may play an early permissive role in volition. Our latest results suggest that (1) the manifestation of gamma band activity during waking may employ a separate intracellular pathway compared to that during REM sleep, (2) neuronal calcium sensor (NCS-1) protein, which is over expressed in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, modulates gamma band oscillations in the PPN in a concentration-dependent manner, (3) leptin, which undergoes resistance in obesity resulting in sleep dysregulation, decreases sodium currents in PPN neurons, accounting for its normal attenuation of waking, and (4) following our discovery of electrical coupling in the RAS, we Hypothesize that there are cell clusters within the PPN that may act in concert. These results provide novel information on the mechanisms controlling high-frequency activity related to waking and REM sleep by elements of the RAS.

Simple Real-Time Digital PWM Implementation for class-D Amplifiers With Distortion-free Baseband Chierchie, Fernando; Paolini, Eduardo Emilio; Stefanazzi, Leandro; Oliva, Alejandro Raul A real-time, digital algorithm for pulse width modulation (PWM) with distortion-free baseband is developed in this paper. The algorithm not only eliminates the intrinsic baseband distortion of digital PWM but also avoids the appearance of side-band components of the carrier in the baseband even for low switching frequencies. Previous attempts to implement digital PWM with these spectral properties required several processors due to their complexity; the proposed algorithm uses only several FIR filters and a few multiplications and additions and therefore is implemented in real time on a standard DSP. The performance of the algorithm is compared with that of uniform, double-edge PWM modulator via experimental measurements for several bandlimited modulating signals.

Caracterización de IgM, IgG total, IgG1 y anticuerpos de cadena pesada en calostro de llamas (Lama Glama) mediante Elisa; Characterization of IgM, total IgG, igG1 and hcabs in colostra of llamas (Lama glama) by Elisa Caggiano, Nicolás; Saccodossi, Natalia; Gentile, Maria Teresa; Chiappe Barbará, María Angelina; Leoni, Juliana; de Simone, Emilio Adrian Objetivos: determinar los niveles de IgM, IgG total y Anticuerpos de Cadena Pesada (HCAbs; por su sigla en inglés Heavy Chain Antibodies) (IgG2 e IgG3) en calostro de llamas y evaluar la concentración de HCAbs en relación a la IgG total y al isotipo convencional IgG1. Métodos: en este estudio se utilizaron 15 llamas preñadas, que fueron ordeñadas dentro de las primeras 24 horas post-parto. Se diseñaron ELISAs Sandwich para la cuantificación de IgM total, IgG total e IgG1. La concentración de HCAbs fue calculada mediante la diferencia entre IgG total e IgG1. (HCAbs =IgG total-IgG1). Resultados: los niveles encontrados fueron: IgM=17.02 mg/ml (DS=9.85) IgG total= 42.54 mg/ml (DS=27.79), IgG1=24.34 mg/ml (DS=13.96) y HCAbs (IgG total-IgG1)= 18.19 mg/ml (DS=15.49). Los resultados de IgG fueron consistentes en relación a lo descripto en otras especies con similar tipo de placentación. Los HCAbs representan el 43% de IgG calostral y la concentración de IgM presentó valores muy altos (dos y tres veces más elevados) que los descriptos en las especies con similar tipo de placentación.

Processing of plant fiber composites by liquid molding techniques: an overview Francucci, Gaston Martin; Rodriguez, Exequiel Santos Lately, researchers around the world have developed effective chemical and physical treatments on plant fibers to improve their compatibility with polymeric matrices. In addition, the need of high performance fabrics produced from plant fibers has been addressed by many manufacturers of textile reinforcements. These facts have increased the use of natural fibers in the composite industry. Liquid composite molding (LCM) techniques are suitable for mass production of high-quality composite parts. Basically, the reinforcement is compressed inside a mold and a thermosetting resin is injected to impregnate the fibers and fill the empty spaces in the mold. After the resin cures, the composite part is demolded. However, the processing of plant fiber–reinforced composites by the traditional techniques is not trivial, because the structure of plant fibers is more complex than that of synthetic fibers and due to their chemical composition rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, they are highly hydrophilic. This work presents a review on the main issues that arise during the processing of plant fiber reinforced composites by traditional liquid composite molding techniques.

Erratum to “Renal Overexpression of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α as Adaptive Response to a High Salt Diet” Della Penna, Silvana; Cao, Gabriel Fernando; Carranza, Andrea del Valle; Zotta, Elsa; Gorzalczany, Susana Beatriz; Cerrudo, Carolina Susana; Rukavina Mikusic, Natalia Lucía; Correa, Alicia Haydee; Trida, Verónica; Toblli, Jorge Eduardo; Roson, Maria Ines; Fernandez, Belisario Enrique The overlapping of the photos in the bottom panel of Figure 7(b) in the paper entitled “Renal overexpression of atrial natriuretic peptide and hypoxia inducible factor-1α as adaptive response to a high salt diet” is corrected as follows.

Erratum to “Renal Overexpression of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α as Adaptive Response to a High Salt Diet” Della Penna, Silvana; Cao, Gabriel Fernando; Carranza, Andrea; Zotta, Elsa; Gorzalczany, Susana Beatriz; Cerrudo, Carolina Susana; Rukavina Mikusic, Natalia Lucía; Correa, Alicia Haydee; Trida, Verónica; Toblli, Jorge Eduardo; Rosón, María Inés; Fernández, Belisario Enrique The overlapping of the photos in the bottom panel of Figure  7(b) in the paper entitled “Renal overexpression of atrial natriuretic peptide and hypoxia inducible factor-1α as adaptive response to a high salt diet” is corrected as follows.​