Empathy and contextual social cognition Melloni, Margherita; Lopez, Vladimir; Ibáñez Barassi, Agustín Mariano Empathy is a highly flexible and adaptive process that allows for the interplay of prosocial behavior in many different social contexts. Empathy appears to be a very situated cognitive process, embedded with specific contextual cues that trigger different automatic and controlled responses. In this review, we summarize relevant evidence regarding social context modulation of empathy for pain. Several contextual factors, such as stimulus reality and personal experience, affectively link with other factors, emotional cues, threat information, group membership, and attitudes toward others to influence the affective, sensorimotor, and cognitive processing of empathy. Thus, we propose that the frontoinsular-temporal network, the so-called social context network model (SCNM), is recruited during the contextual processing of empathy. This network would (1) update the contextual cues and use them to construct fast predictions (frontal regions), (2) coordinate the internal (body) and external milieus (insula), and (3) consolidate the context-target associative learning of empathic processes (temporal sites). Furthermore, we propose these context-dependent effects of empathy in the framework of the frontoinsular-temporal network and examine the behavioral and neural evidence of three neuropsychiatric conditions (Asperger syndrome, schizophrenia, and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia), which simultaneously present with empathy and contextual integration impairments. We suggest potential advantages of a situated approach to empathy in the assessment of these neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as their relationship with the SCNM.

Continuous high-altitude measurements of cosmic ray neutrons and SEU/MCU at various locations: correlation and analyses based-on MUSCA SEP³ Hubert, G.; Velazco, R.; Federico, C.; Cheminet, A.; Silva Cardenas, C.; Caldas, L. V. E.; Pancher, F.; Lacoste, V.; Palumbo, Félix Roberto Mario; Mansour, W.; Artola, L.; Pineda, F.; Duzellier, S. In this paper are described measurements at high-altitude of both radiation environment and effects. These measurements comprise cosmic ray neutrons and SBU/MCU on nanoscales devices. Results obtained at Pic-du-Midi, France, and in the city of Puno, Peru, are presented and analyzed. Analyses and cross comparisons based-on MUSCA SEP³ calculations show a good agreement between experimental data and modeling, thus illustrating the importance of the knowledge of the radiation field for a reliable prediction.

Pressure and microwave sensors/actuators based on smart hydrogel/conductive polymer nanocomposite Rivero, Rebeca Edith; Molina, María Alejandra; Rivarola, Claudia Rosana; Barbero, César Alfredo A nanocomposite is fabricated by formation of a conductive polymer, using in situ oxidative polymerization, inside a thermosensitive crosslinked hydrogel. FE-SEM micrographs show the nanometric domains of the conductive material (polyaniline, PANI) dispersed in the hydrogel matrix based on cross linked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm). The thermosensitive properties of PNIPAm and copolymers with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) are not affected by the presence of conductive polymer nanoparticles. The incorporation of PANI improves the mechanical properties of the hydrogel allowing it to swell up to 30,000% without breaking. Since the conductive polymer absorbs strongly microwave radiation at pH < 4 and heats up, the nanocomposite containing PANI suffer phase transition upon microwave irradiation. At pH > 4, PANI is not conductive and the nanocomposite becomes insensitive to microwaves. However, using a pH insensitive conductive polymer (polypyrrole, PPy) in the nanocomposite makes it sensitive to microwaves at all pH values. The nanocomposite is used in a chemomechanical actuator where drug release is driven remotely by microwave irradiation. Since the PNIPAm-co-2%AMPS/PANI nanocomposite is soft and electronically conductive, could be used as pressure/force sensor. It is shown that a compressive force applied on a cylinder of that nanocomposite increases the conductivity of material. Additionally a switch is built which turns off upon microwave irradiation. Therefore, the nanocomposites are potential candidates for different technological applications, such as: a force/pressure electrical sensor, a drug delivery device driven remotely by microwaves, pH or temperature electrical switches and an electric switch driven by microwaves.

Tobacco cessation intervention for pregnant women in Argentina and Uruguay: study protocol Althabe, Fernando; Alemán, Alicia; Mazzoni, Agustina; Berrueta, Mabel; Morello, Paola; Colomar, Paola; Ciganda, Álvaro; Becú, Ana; Gibbons, Luz; Llambi, Laura; Bittar Gonzalez, María G.; Tong, Van T.; Farr, Sherry L.; Smith, Ruben A.; Dietz, Patricia M.; Johnson, Carolyn; Buekens, Pierre; Belizan, Jose BACKGROUND: Argentina and Uruguay are among the countries with the highest proportion of pregnant women who smoke. The implementation of an effective smoking cessation intervention would have a significant impact on the health of mothers and infants. The "5 A´s" (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) is a strategy consisting of a brief cessation counseling session of 5-15 minutes delivered by a trained provider. The "5 A´s" is considered the standard of care worldwide; however, it is under used in Argentina and Uruguay. METHODS: We will conduct a two-arm, parallel cluster randomized controlled trial of an implementation intervention in 20 prenatal care settings in Argentina and Uruguay. Prenatal care settings will be randomly allocated to either an intervention or a control group after a baseline data collection period. Midwives´ facilitators in the 10 intervention prenatal clinics (clusters) will be identified and trained to deliver the "5 A´s" to pregnant women and will then disseminate and implement the program. The 10 clusters in the control group will continue with their standard in-service activities. The intervention will be tailored by formative research to be readily applicable to local prenatal care services at maternity hospitals and acceptable to local pregnant women and health providers. Our primary hypothesis is that the intervention is feasible in prenatal clinics in Argentina and Uruguay and will increase the frequency of women receiving tobacco use cessation counseling during pregnancy in the intervention clinics compared to the control clinics. Our secondary hypotheses are that the intervention will decrease the frequency of women who smoke by the end of pregnancy, and that the intervention will increase the attitudes and readiness of midwives towards providing counseling to women in the intervention clinics compared to the control clinics.

Urinary excretion of mannose and mannose related compounds in humans consuming Aloe saponaria pulp Fallati, Claudia Silvina; Olivera, Maria Eugenia; Luciani Giacobbe, Laura Carolina; Romañuk, Carolina Beatriz; Manzo, Ruben Hilario The adhesion of Escherichia coli to uroepithelium can be altered by the interaction between specific carbohydrate molecules and the receptors on the bacterial surface. Mannose is one of the most potent inhibitors among carbohydrates. Aloe saponaria, currently used as a dietary supplement, contains polymannanes as main components. This work was designed to evaluate the mannose oligosaccharide metabolites excretion after oral intake of Aloe saponaria pulp in order to estimate its potential utility in preventing urinary infections. Five volunteers received a daily oral intake of Aloe saponaria pulp for 7 days. Urine samples were collected at time 0 and on the seventh day and assayed for their mannose contents by Dubois method, TLC, HPLC and 1H-NMR. The results showed that the oral intake of Aloe Saponaria fresh pulp produced sugar excretion, composed mainly of mannose and mannose related compounds, suggesting that Aloe saponaria pulp could be a potential therapeutic agent for prevention of urinary tract infection.

Hacia un proyecto territorial para un paisaje cultural: La Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina; Towards a territorial project to a cultural landscape: Humahuaca stream, Jujuy, Argentina; Rumo a um projeto territorial para uma paisagem cultura: A Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina Vecslir, Lorena; Tommei, Constanza Inés En el año 2003, la Quebrada de Humahuaca fue declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO en la categoría de Paisaje Cultural. Esta inscripción constituye el primer documento que aporta una delimitación precisa y actúa como denominador común de este territorio. En el presente artículo se exponen los resultados del relevamiento de los principales planes, programas y propuestas que se han planteado para el "nuevo territorio" de la Quebrada desde esa fecha hasta la actualidad; y de su análisis a la luz de las premisas ya experimentadas por diversos proyectos territoriales sobre contextos con valor cultural y/o natural. De esta manera, el estudio comparativo de los documentos urbanísticos existentes pretende aportar al debate teórico y empírico entorno a los métodos e instrumentos de planificación y gestión acordes a las nuevas realidades territoriales, en este caso a un territorio "patrimonializado" como Paisaje Cultural.; In 2003, Quebrada de Humahuaca was declared World Heritage by Unesco, in the category of Cultural Landscape. This registration is the first document that provides an accurate delimitation and acts as a common denominator of this territory. This article presents the results of the survey of main plans, programs and proposals that have been posed for the “new territory” of Quebrada from that date to present; and its analysis in light of premises that have been already experienced in some territorial projects on contexts with cultural and/or natural value. In this way, the comparative analysis of existing urban planning documents aims to contribute to the theoretical and empirical debate around planning and management methods and tools according to new territorial realities, in this case a “patrimonialized” territory as Cultural Landscape.; Em 2003, a Quebrada de Humahuaca foi declarada Patrimônio da Humanidade pela Unesco na categoria de Paisagem Natural. Esta inscrição constitui o primer documento que aporta uma delimitação precisa e atua como denominador comum deste território. No presente artigo se expõem os resultados do relevamento dos principais planos, programas e propostas que se tem formulado para o “novo território” da Quebrada desde essa data ate a atualidade, e de seu analise, à luz das premissas já experimentadas por diversos projetos territoriais sobre contextos com um valor cultural e/ou natural. Desta maneira, o estudo comparativo dos documentos urbanísticos existentes pretende aportar ao debate teórico e empírico em torno a os métodos e instrumentos de planificação e gestão acordes às novas realidades territoriais, neste caso num território “patrimonializado” como Paisagem Cultural.

La continuidad de la dependencia bajo nuevas formas: la relación entre la restricción externa y el capital extranjero en la Argentina Belloni, Paula; Wainer, Andrés Gastón Tratando de responder el interrogante de cuáles son los cambios principales en la región latinoamericana desde la globalización neoliberal y qué elementos de los analizados por los teóricos estructuralistas y dependentistas continúan vigentes, el artículo se centra en uno de los aspectos que vuelve a manifestarse en las economías semiindustrializadas de América Latina en el contexto posneoliberal: el problema de la restricción externa. En particular se analiza la relación entre la creciente presencia del capital extranjero en la economía argentina y el comportamiento del sector externo durante las últimas dos décadas. Se presta especial atención a las implicancias que tienen la creciente entrada de inversión extranjera en «sectores clave» de la economía y la dinámica de las utilidades y dividendos sobre el resultado de cuenta corriente.; Looking for an answer to the question about what has changed in Latin America with globalization and neoliberal policies, and what the Latin American Structuralism and the Dependency Theory have to say today, we aim to analyze an old and recurrent problem of semi-industrialized countries: the balance of payments crisis. The paper focuses on the relationship between a growing presence of foreign assets in Argentina´s economy and the results of the balance of payments along the two past decades. The goal is to gauge the consequences of foreign investments in key sectors of the economy and how it affects the evolution of profits and dividends in current account.

Bandas de sonido transnacionales: voz e identidad en el cine brasileño contemporáneo Depetris Chauvin, Irene A lo largo del siglo XX, en el marco de los cines nacionales, la textura del discurso y la sincronización de voces y cuerpos fueron centrales para la creación de lo que Benedith Anderson entendía por comunidad imaginada, al mismo tiempo que otros usos de la voz, en otras cinematografías, permiten articular sentidos que no necesariamente consolidan esas ideas de comunidad. Desde esta perspectiva, que considera la relación entre lo sonoro y el espacio, es posible problematizar qué pasa con las identidades nacionales en las películas del siglo XXI que se focalizan en desplazamientos trasnacionales.  Teniendo en cuenta que la voz, en sincronía o diacronía con las imágenes exhibidas en pantalla, delimita espacios que sustentan o desestabilizan identidades culturales, en este artículo me gustaría reconsiderar la idea de una identidad territorial, lingüística y afectiva brasileña por medio del análisis de la lengua hablada y del uso de las voces en dos importantes filmes de la retomada: Terra Estrangeira, de Walter Salles y Daniela Thomas (1995), y Estorvo, de Ruy Guerra (2000).

Quantum corrections to dynamical holographic thermalization: entanglement entropy and other non-local observables Baron, Walter Helmut; Schvellinger, Martín Alejandro We investigate the thermalization time scale in the planar limit of the SU(N) N=4 SYM plasma at strong yet finite ´t Hooft coupling by considering its supergravity dual description, including the full O(alpha´^3) type IIB string theory corrections. We also discuss on the effects of the leading non-planar corrections. We use extended geometric probes in the bulk which are dual to different non-local observables in the N=4 SYM theory. This is carried out within the framework of dynamical holographic thermalization.

Ischemic preconditioning and tacrolimus pretreatment as strategies to attenuate intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice Stringa, Pablo Luis; Romanin, David Emmanuel; Lausada, Natalia Raquel; Machuca, Mariana Alejandra; Raimondi, J. C.; Cabbane, A.; Rumbo, Martín; Gondolesi, Gabriel Eduardo The intestine is highly sensitive to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), a phenomenon occurring in different intestinal diseases. Several strategies to mitigate IRI are in experimental stages; unfortunately, no consensus has been reached about the most appropriate one. We report a protocol to study ischemic preconditioning (IPC) evaluation in mice and to combine IPC and tacrolimus (TAC) pretreatment in a warm ischemia model. Mice were divided into treated (IPC, TAC, and IPC þ TAC) and untreated groups before intestinal ischemia. IPC, TAC, and IPC þ TAC groups were able to decrease postreperfusion nitrites levels (P < .05). IPC-containing groups had a major beneficial effect by preserving the integrity of the intestinal histology (P < .05) and improving animal survival (P < .002) compared with TAC alone or the untreated group. The IPC þ TAC group was the only one that showed significant improvement in lung histological analysis (P < .05). The TAC and IPC þ TAC groups down-regulated intestinal expression of interleukin (II)-6 and IL1b more than 10-fold compared with the control group. Although IPC and TAC alone reduced intestinal IRI, the used of a combined therapy produced the most significant results in all the local and distant evaluated parameters.

Study of capillary network directionality and irrigation of hypoxic tissue in an angiogenesis lattice model Moglia, Belén; Guisoni, Nara Cristina; Albano, Ezequiel Vicente To shed light on the understanding of the angiogenesis process, we study a simplified lattice model for the capillary network formation between an existing blood vessel and an initially hypoxic tissue. We consider that the cells of the tissue surface can release growth factors that will diffuse, leading to the formation of new capillaries that ultimately arrive at the tissue. Additionally, we consider the local production of growth factors by the growing capillary network.We also propose the existence of an inhibition mechanism at the hypoxic surface, i.e., a fixed number of neighboring sites of an already irrigated site of the hypoxic tissue stop releasing growth factors due to the arrival of nutrients. Particularly, the goal of this work is to study the effect of the release of local growth factors and the inhibition mechanism on properties such as the directionality of the growing network and the irrigation of the hypoxic tissue. Therefore we propose the quantification of these two relevant features for angiogenesis modeling. We establish a relationship between the model behavior without the release of local growth factors in the presence of the inhibition mechanism and a normal angiogenesis process. In this situation, the model gives a directional capillary network and a good irrigation of the hypoxic tissue. On the other hand, for a large number of released local growth factors in the absence of the inhibition mechanism, the model could be appropriate for the description of tumor angiogenesis. In this case, the model provides a rather small directionality for the growing structure, with a worse degree of irrigation of the hypoxic tissue, as well as a more tortuous capillary network with many closed branches and loops.

Effect of low dimensionality and encapsulation on the magnetic and hyperfine properties of iron nanowires Weissmann, Mariana Dorotea; Errico, Leonardo Antonio Ab initio calculations were performed for a very thin iron nanowire, both free-standing and enclosed in a carbon nanotube with the same size and structure of available experiments. Our interest was to study the effects of low dimensionality and the influence of the Fe–C interaction on the magnetic and hypefine properties of these systems. Our main finding was that the interfacial region between the nanowire and the carbon nanotube is of fundamental importance, as an iron atom close to the carbon atoms has a magnetic moment and a local hyperfine field very different from that at the surface of a free-standing iron nanowire. In fact, the properties of the calculated iron nanowire, of only 1 nm in diameter, when encapsulated inside a carbon nanotube result close to those of bulk iron.

Lectinhistochemical staining of granuloma induced by bacillus Calmette-Guerin in Piaractus mesopotamicus; Lectinhistoquímica del granuloma inducido por el bacilo de Calmette Guérin en Piaractus mesopotamicus Manrique, Wilson G.; Claudiano, Gustavo S.; Figueiredo, Mayra A. P.; Petrillo, Thalita R.; Marcusso, Paulo F.; Gimeno, Eduardo Juan; Moraes, Julieta R. E.; Moraes, Flávio R. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate, by means of lectinhistochemistry (LHC), the expression of carbohydrates in granulomas induced by the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in muscle tissue of Piaractus mesopotamicus after 33 days. Material and methods: Histological sections with 3 µm thick were incubated with the following lectins: WGA (Wheat germ agglutinin), DBA (Dolichos biflorus agglutinin) and HPA (Helix pomatia agglutinin), and the results were evaluated by light microscopy. Results: Acid fast bacilli were stained by Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) and strong labeled by WGA in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Labeling with DBA was intense in fibroblasts and weak in macrophages. On the other hand, HPA binding was stronger in macrophages, especially in those that were in close contact with epithelioid cells, without evidence of binding to fibroblasts. The epithelioid cells were not labeled by the used lectins, but they were identified by Hematoxilin-Eosin (HE). The lectins labeled specific type saccharides in glycoproteins, as N-acetylglucosamine present in bacilli and macrophages, as well as N-acetyl-galactosamine in macrophages. The control group showed no inflammation or lectin binding. Conclusions. This technique may be useful in identifying receptors for WGA, DBA and the HPA lectins in epithelioid granuloma induced by BCG in P. mesopotamicus.; Objetivo: El presente estudio fue realizado para evaluar por medio de lectinhistoquímica (LHC), la expresión de carbohidratos en granulomas inducidos por el bacilo de Calmette-Guérin (BCG) en músculo de Piaractus mesopotamicus después de 33 días. Materiales y métodos: Cortes histológicos de 3 µm de grosor fueron incubados con las siguientes lectinas: WGA (Wheat germ aglutinin), DBA (Dolichos biflorus agglutin) y HPA (Helix pomatia agglutinin), y los resultados evaluados por medio de microscopia de luz. Resultados: Bacilos ácido resistentes fueron identificados por la tinción de Ziehl Neelsen(ZN). Se observó un marcaje intenso con WGA en el citoplasma de macrófagos. El marcaje con DBA fue intenso en fibroblastos y débil en macrófagos. Con la lectina HPA el marcaje fue intenso en macrófagos, principalmente en los que estaban en estrecho contacto con las células epitelióides, externamente se observó marcaje débil en fibroblastos. Las células epitelióides no fueron marcadas por las lectinas, pero fueron identificadas con la tinción de Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE). Las lectinas tuvieron un tipo de marcaje específico en algunos monosacáridos, como N-acetilglucosamina presente en los bacilos y en macrófagos, y N-acetilgalactosamina en macrófagos. En el grupo control no fue observada inflamación así como tampoco marcaje con las lectinas. Conclusiones. Esta técnica resultó eficiente en la identificación de receptores para las lectinas WGA, DBA y HPA en el granuloma epitelióide inducido por BCG en P. mesopotamicus.

Potential Geographic Distributions and Successful Invasions of Parthenogenetic Broad-Nosed Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Native to South America Lanteri, Analia Alicia; Guzman, Noelia Veronica; del Rio, Maria Guadalupe; Confalonieri, Viviana Andrea Ten species of parthenogenetic broad-nosed weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) native to Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay were selected for niche modeling analysis based on climatic data and altitude, to evaluate their potential range expansion inside and outside South America. The selected species belong to Þve genera of the tribe Naupactini affecting economically important crops. Until present, Þve of the 10 species analyzed here have invaded prairies and steppes of countries outside South America (Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, United States, and South Africa):Aramigus tessellatus (Say),Atrichonotus sordidus (Hustache),Atrichonotus taeniatulus (Berg), Naupactus leucoloma Boheman, and Naupactus peregrinus (Buchanan). Our niche modeling analyses performed with MAXENT demonstrated that these areas would be also suitable for Aramigus conirostris (Hustache), Eurymetopus fallax (Boheman), Pantomorus auripes Hustache, Pantomorus ruizi (Bre`thes), and Pantomorus viridisquamosus (Boheman), consequently, they also have the potential to invade areas outside their native ranges, mainly in southeastern United States, some European countries (e.g., Portugal, France, and southern England), South Africa, New Zealand, and southeastern Australia. All the studied species share similar environmental requirements, the most important variables being the Mean Temperature of Driest Quarter, the Annual Mean Temperature and Isothermality. Long distance dispersal through commercial trade, and parthenogenetic reproduction would increase the threat of these weevils to crop production worldwide.

Structural changes in data communication in wireless sensor networks Cabral, Raquel da Silva; Aquino, Andre L. L.; Frery, Alejandro César; Rosso, Osvaldo Anibal; Ramirez, Javier Alberto Wireless sensor networks are an important technology for making distributed autonomous measures in hostile or inaccessible environments. Among the challenges they pose, the way data travel among them is a relevant issue since their structure is quite dynamic. The operational topology of such devices can often be described by complex networks. In this work, we assess the variation of measures commonly employed in the complex networks literature applied to wireless sensor networks. Four data communication strategies were considered: geometric, random, small-world, and scale-free models, along with the shortest path length measure. The sensitivity of this measure was analyzed with respect to the following perturbations: insertion and removal of nodes in the geometric strategy; and insertion, removal and rewiring of links in the other models. The assessment was performed using the normalized Kullback-Leibler divergence and Hellinger distance quantifiers, both deriving from the Information Theory framework. The results reveal that the shortest path length is sensitive to perturbations.

Los Break-in parties en América Latina: ¿éxito o fracaso?; The Break-in parties in Latin America: success or failure? Kestler, Thomas; Krause, Silvana; Lucca, Juan Bautista En esta nota de pesquisa se da cuenta del desarrollo teórico y el diseño metodológico del proyecto de investigación “Los Break-in parties en América Latina: ¿éxito o fracaso?”. La propuesta general del proyecto es: analizar las características de estos partidos capaces de “irrumpir” en el sistema de partidos; revelar cómo las condiciones estructurales del momento de la génesis inciden en el desarrollo del partido “hacia adentro” y “hacia afuera”; y establecer una explicación que vincule estos tipos de partidos, su origen y desarrollo, con su éxito o su fracaso posterior. Con base en estos objetivos, en esta nota de pesquisa se llevará a cabo: primero, una revisión bibliográfica sobre el surgimiento de nuevos partidos; segundo, una problematización sobre qué es lo “novedoso” de estas organizaciones; y tercero, una exposición de las principales decisiones teórico y metodológicas para analizar los Break-in parties.; This research note outlines the theoretical development and methodological design of the research project “Break-in parties in Latin America: Success or Failure?”. The aim of the project is to analyze the characteristics of parties that manage to break into the party system – to clarify how structural conditions at the moment of genesis affect the “inward” and “outward” development of these parties and to explain how its origin and development are linked to their subsequent success or failure. To expose these objectives, in this research-note we procede as follows: first, we offer a literature review on the emergence of new parties; second, we discuss what is “new” in these kinds of organizations; and third, we explain our theoretical and methodological approach to analyze the break-in parties in Latin America.

Reproductive ecology and genetic variability in natural populations of the wild potato, Solanum kurtzianum Marfil, Carlos Federico; Masuelli, Ricardo Williams The cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum) has more than 200 related wild species distributed along the Andes, adapted to a wide range of geographical and ecological areas. Since the last century, several collection expeditions were carried out to incorporate genetic variability into the potato germplasm around the world. However, little is known about the reproductive ecology and genetic population structure of natural potato population from field studies. The aim of this work is to study, in the field, the genetic variability and reproductive strategies of populations of one of the most widely distributed potato species in Argentina, Solanum kurtzianum, growing in Mendoza province. AFLP markers showed that the genetic variability is mainly present among plants within populations, indicating that in the sampled populations, sexual reproduction is more relevant than clonal multiplication (by tubers). Additional evidence was obtained evaluating the genetic diversity in populations with a distribution in patches, where several genotypes were always detected. From a field study performed in the Villavicencio Natural Reserve, we found that the average number of plump seeds per fruit was 94.3, identified and calculated the foraging distance of four insect pollinators, and demonstrated the seed dispersal by storm water channels. We argue that the breeding system, the two modes of reproduction and the ecological interaction described here may have a prominent role in determining the genetic structure of S. kurtzianum populations, and discuss the importance of field studies on population genetics, reproductive biology and ecology to design collections and conservation strategies.

The role of oxidative stress in alterations of hematological parameters and inflammatory markers induced by early hypercholesterolemia Karbiner, María Sofía; Sierra, Liliana; Minahk, Carlos Javier; Fonio, Maria Cristina; Peral, Maria de Los Angeles; Jerez, Susana Josefina Aims: The investigation of the effects of a high cholesterol diet (HD) for a short-time period on hematological parameters and the potential role of oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Main methods: Rabbits were fed either a control diet or a diet containing 1% cholesterol (HD) for 5–6 weeks. The plasma lipid levels, C reactive protein (CRP), total red blood cells (RBC), total white blood cells (WBC), platelet count, packed cell volume (PCV) and leukocyte formula were determined. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione and GSH serum level measurements. The osmotic fragility and the membrane fluidity of erythrocytes were determined. The levels of total cholesterol and TBARS were also measured in the erythrocyte membrane suspension. Key findings: A decrease in the RBC and PCV was observed in rabbits fed on HD. The membrane rigidity and osmotic fragility were increased, and the morphological changes caused by the HD and TBARS levels in the erythrocyte membrane may account for this phenomenon. The inflammatory markers as the CRP levels, the platelet count, the WBC and the neutrophils were increased. The TBARS and GSH levels in the serum were increased and decreased, respectively. Significance: This study shows that feeding rabbits an HD for a short time induces hematological alterations, disturbances in the oxidant–antioxidant balance and an increase of inflammatory markers. These findings support the importance of the early correction or prevention of high cholesterol levels to disrupt the process leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Control of seedling damping of caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii using onion broths; Control del mal de los almácigos causado por Rhizoctonia solani y Sclerotium rolfsii con caldos de cebolla Rivera, Marta Carolina; Wright, Eduardo Roberto; Fabrizio, Maria del Carmen; Freixá, G.; Cabalini, R.; Lopez, Silvia Edith Damping off is a frequent disease that kills seedlings. Cultural control is the only tool in organic crops to manage this disease, and only empirical information is available on the efficiency of plant preparations. This work evaluates the effects of fermented onion decoctions on the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii and disease incidence. Broth (B) and sterilized broth (SB) were respectively obtained by boiling chopped yellow onions in water, and incubating for 14 days at room temperature, with or without subsequent sterilization. The pathogens were grown on PDA supplemented with B and SB at 1.7, 3.3, 8.3, 16.7 and 25% (v/v). Their growth was reduced by B at 8.3, 16.7 and 25%. Production of sclerotia by S. rolfsii was diminished by B, but stimulated by SB. Penicillium purpurogenum, P. simplicissimum and Aspergillus niger obtained from B behaved as antagonistic against both pathogens, showing antibiosis, competition and hyperparasitism in dual confrontations with them. Broth and SB at 10 and 50% were sprayed on chard (Beta vulgaris), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena) seedlings cultivated in pathogen-colonized soil. Damping off incidence in B treatments at 50% was markedly lower than the observed for SB. It is concluded that B antifungal activity depends on its dilution and mycota. Broth sprays should be considered as a tool to control damping off in low-environment-impact crop production. Further studies are needed for a complete understanding of B chemical and microbiological components, as well as their changes during fermentation.; El mal de los almácigos causa muerte de plántulas. Los controles cultural y biológico constituyen las únicas herramientas orgánicas para su manejo. Acerca de la eficiencia de preparaciones vegetales, sólo se encuentra información de divulgación. Este trabajo evalúa el efecto de caldos fermentados de cebolla sobre el crecimiento de Rhizoctonia solani y Sclerotium rolfsii y la incidencia de la enfermedad. Se obtuvieron caldo (B) y caldo esterilizado (SB), respectivamente, mediante hervido de trozos de cebollas y fermentación a temperatura ambiente, con o sin esterilización posterior. Se cultivaron los patógenos en APG suplementado con B y SB diluidos 1,7; 3,3; 8,3; 16,7 y 25%. Su crecimiento decreció con B al 8,3, 16,7 y 25%. La producción de esclerocios por S. rolfsii disminuyó con B, pero aumentó con SB. Penicillium purpurogenum, P. simplicissimum y Aspergillus niger aislados de B evidenciaron antibiosis, competencia e hiperparasitismo respecto de ambos patógenos. B y SB diluidos 10 y 50% fueron aplicados en almácigos de acelga (Beta vulgaris), tomate (Solanum lycopersicum), pimiento (Capsicum annuum) y berenjena (Solanum melongena) infestados. La pérdida de plántulas fue menor en el tratamiento con B al 50%, en relación al tratamiento con SB. Se concluye que la actividad antifúngica de B depende de su dilución y de su micota. La utilización de caldos de cebolla debería ser contemplada como alternativa para el manejo fitosanitario de bajo impacto ambiental. Se requiere continuar los estudios para completar el conocimiento acerca de los componentes químicos y microbiológicos de los caldos, y sus posibles cambios durante la fermentación.

The runaway binary LP 400-22 is leaving the Galaxy Kilic, Mukremin; Gianninnas, A.; Brown, Warren R.; Harris, Hugh C.; Dahn, Conard C; Agüeros, M. A.; Heinke, Craig O.; Kenyon, S. J.; Panei, J. A.; Camilo, Fernando We present optical spectroscopy, astrometry, radio and X-ray observations of the runaway binary LP 400-22. We refine the orbital parameters of the system based on our new radial velocity observations. Our parallax data indicate that LP 400-22 is significantly more distant (3σ lower limit of 840 pc) than initially predicted. LP 400-22 has a tangential velocity in excess of 830 km s-1; it is unbound to the Galaxy. Our radio and X-ray observations fail to detect a recycled millisecond pulsar companion, indicating that LP 400-22 is a double white dwarf system. This essentially rules out a supernova runaway ejection mechanism. Based on its orbit, a Galactic Centre origin is also unlikely. However, its orbit intersects the locations of several globular clusters; dynamical interactions between LP 400-22 and other binary stars or a central black hole in a dense cluster could explain the origin of this unusual binary.