Migration quantified: Constructing models and linking them with data Borger, Luca; Matthiopoulos, Jason; Holdo, Ricardo; Morales, Juan Manuel; Couzin, Iain; McCaukey, Edward This chapter discusses how models, combined with modern data sources and statistical methods, can be used to test different hypotheses about the causes of migration. It presents mathematical formulations for migration and discusses the ecological mechanisms that could spontaneously have given rise to migration-like patterns of space use from the interaction within and between groups of animals and their environment. This highlights that migration is best seen as lying on a continuum from sedentary to nomadic movement patterns and not as a clearly distinct movement behaviour. Given the multitude of potential processes leading to migration, and the constraints imposed by data collection methods, it may be difficult to observe and identify the original cause. With this caveat in mind, the use of inferential methods to detect, quantify, and identify the underlying mechanisms of migration is discussed, and the links between models, data, and inference are illustrated using three case studies.

Las relaciones blanco-indio a través del registro fotográfico en Misiones, Argentina (1920-1960) Cebolla Badie, Marilyn; Gallero, María Cecilia En este trabajo nos proponemos incursionar brevemente en un tema poco analizado en la historia de la provincia de Misiones: el contexto y la forma en que se produjeron los primeros contactos entre “blancos”, sobre todo inmigrantes de origen europeo, e indígenas mbya-guaraníes en el periodo correspondiente a 1920-1960. En la historiografía regional existe escasa información acerca de aquellos primeros contactos y en los estudios sobre el proceso colonizador no se cuenta con datos sobre la ubicación de las comunidades mbya en esos tiempos ni tampoco sobre lo que sucedía cuando las compañías colonizadoras que se asentaban en las mejores tierras realizaban su demarcación para entregarlas a los inmigrantes que las habían comprado. La colonización privada fue pionera en acceder a la zona del Alto Paraná, creando principalmente asentamientos con inmigrantes de origen alemán, alemán-brasileño y suizo. Hay gran cantidad de fotografías de la época que atestiguan la “epopeya colonizadora”, sin embargo, y al contrario de lo que ha sucedido en otras regiones del país, prácticamente no existen imágenes de los mbya. En nuestra investigación hemos tenido acceso a archivos de instituciones públicas y privadas como así también a decenas de álbumes familiares de inmigrantes europeos de las colonias de Puerto Rico, Montecarlo y Santo Pipó pero nuestra búsqueda ha dado escasos resultados. Las cámaras fotográficas eran consideradas un objeto de lujo en la vida de la colonia y muy pocos podían acceder a éstas, además, y de lo que se desprende de las entrevistas realizadas, existía poco interés en fotografiar a los indígenas con los que tenían un contacto mínimo en los inicios de la colonización debido a la actitud evasiva de los mismos y porque más allá de su exotismo, los colonos los consideraban una “raza inferior” más cercana a la selva que a la “civilización”.

El comitativo y el recíproco en toba González, Raúl Eduardo El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar, desde una perspectiva tipológico-funcional, las estrategias morfosintácticas de codificación de dos categorías: el comitativo -e´ y el recíproco -a´t en toba. Ambas categorías forman parte de lo que Lehmann y Shin (2005) definen como el "dominio funcional de la concomitancia". Se estudiará la relación entre la codificación sintáctica de las relaciones de compañía que estas categorías expresan y la semántica de los participantes, considerando distintos parámetros como agentividad, control y animacidad. Se analizarán, además, los mecanismos morfosintácticos que codifican el comitativo y recíproco, teniendo en cuenta si permiten tratar a estos participantes como argumentos nucleares o adjuntos de la cláusula simple. Finalmente, mostraremos cómo se expresa la intervención de más de dos participantes en los eventos codificados a través de construcciones recíprocas y comitativas.; The aim of this paper is to describe, from a functional-typological perspective, the morphosyntactic coding devices of two categories: comitative -eʔ and reciprocal -aʔt in the Toba language. In accordance with Lehmann and Shin (2005), cross-linguistically, both categories belong to the functional domain of concomitance. We analyze the association between morphosyntactic coding of participants in concomitant relations, semantic features –agentivity, control and animacy–, and the core or peripheral status of the arguments in the clause. Finally, it is considered how reciprocals and comitatives are encoded if there are more than two participants involved.

Plasmid transduction and site-specific systems derived from lactic acid bacteria phages Raya, Raul Ricardo Introduction Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a diverse and useful group of bacteria that have been used for centuries in the preservation and production of fermented foods of plant and animal origins. One of the most critical problems in these processes is the contamination of LAB starters by bacteriophages (phages) that cause bacterial lysis and significant economic losses. The isolation and deep characterization of many virulent and temperate LAB phages has not only brought information about the origin of lytic phages in the fermentation industry, but also contributed to the identification and characterization of multiple phage defense systems, particularly of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system, and significantly enriched comparative phage genome studies, phage taxonomy, and phage-bacteria evolution. Some LAB phage particles have been used as transducing vehicles in the development of gene transfer systems. Furthermore, phage genetic elements have been used in developing invaluable molecular tools (i.e., site-specific integration vectors) to deliver and stabilize genes in the LAB genome (Brøndsted & Hammer 2006; Brüssow 2006; Brüssow & Desiere 2006; Brüssow & Suárez 2006; Emond & Moineau 2007; Josephsen & Neve 2004). In this chapter, the transductive capacities of phages to mediate the transfer of either chromosomal or plasmid DNA among strains of lactic acid bacteria, as well as the development of special-purpose genetic tools (in particular site-specific integration systems) derived from temperate bacteriophages and their successful exploitation in strain improvement is presented.

Sableadores a caballo: intrigas contra San Martín Isla, Federico Ignacio Justo es honrar a nuestros héroes patriotas. Aquellos que dejaron de lado su vida personal y la dedicaron a una causa justa como la libertad de su tierra. Esa tierra no eran sólo sus pampas argentinas sino toda América. La conducta de San Martín ha sido tan ejemplar que ni el tiempo ha logrado olvidar sus principios, su firmeza y su desinterés. También supo rodearse de los mejores hombres de la pobre colonia del Río de la Plata. Los jinetes de la Pampa tuvieron su primera acción a orillas del Paraná en 1813, y protagonizaron las últimas cargas por la independencia de Sudamérica en Junín y en Ayacucho en 1824. Esta es la historia de vida de los Granaderos a Caballo. Los que dejaron las comodidades de la ciudad, de la mano de San Martín cruzaron los Andes, surcaron el Océano Pacífico, sobrevivieron a fiebres tropicales, y terminaron venciendo entre selvas y desiertos. Los sableadores a caballo fueron el arma secreta y sorpresiva con que el Libertador del Sur lograba decidir las batallas a su favor. Y terminaron la Guerra de la Independencia del mismo modo que les había inculcado San Martín, pero bajo el mando del Libertador del Norte, Simón Bolívar. Casi todos murieron en tierras lejanas, olvidados y pobres. Sus restos descansan lejos de las llanuras que los hizo jinetes excepcionales. Los granaderos competían entre ellos por demostrar su orgullo y bravía, lo que les valió castigos y las peores misiones. Además de la conocida rivalidad entre Necochea y Lavalle, hacían gala de su arrojo Manuel Rojas, Olavarría, Suárez, Brandsen y Raulet. Y así quedaron las leyendas de las cargas en que algunos vencieron o murieron.Varias veces debieron obedecer órdenes de generales de otras nacionalidades; chilenos (O’Higgins), altoperuanos (Alvarez de Arenales, Santa Cruz), peruanos (Gamarra, Tristán), colombianos (Sucre) o venezolanos (Bolívar). No siempre esto les gustó, pero lo hicieron a satisfacción, con el mayor arrojo y valentía. Los granaderos sufrieron en Lima cárceles y vejámenes por haber servido bajo órdenes de SM. Es de Necochea la frase “Del Perú no quiero llevarme más que heridas”. Monteagudo recibió un puñal, y Guido debió dar explicaciones a Bolívar para volverse. Estas páginas, lejos de pretender ser una nueva reivindicación al Ejército de los Andes, es la simple historia de los jóvenes que se fueron de su patria para lograr la libertad de la patria grande, la de todos los americanos. El ejército argentino se formó con aquellos jóvenes subversivos respecto al orden colonial.

Light induced reactions in cryogenic matrices Gomez Zavaglia, Andrea; Fausto, Rui In this chapter light induced reactions in cryogenic matrices are addressed, ranging from conformational isomerizations to complex bond-breaking/ bond-forming processes. These include reactions induced by radiation in both UV/visible and IR regions, and also photochemical processes where noble gas atoms participate directly, leading to formation of covalently bound noble gas containing molecules.

Households Refrigerators and Freezers Mascheroni, Rodolfo Horacio; Salvadori, Viviana Olga Household refrigerators and freezers are intended for keeping small volumes of many different foods and drinks simultaneously at low temperatures, as can be found in any household. These items require diverse storage temperatures (and relative humidities in many cases) and have different storage lives. With the exception of air conditioning, domestic refrigeration systems are primarily used for food storage.

Valores hacia el trabajo y motivaciones ocupacionales en estudiantes secundarios del segundo cordón urbano bonaerense Moreno, Jose Eduardo; Caramés, Gisele Alejandra Mabel Los Objetivos de este capítulo fueron: 1- estudiar las motivaciones ocupacionales y las metas personales que los adolescentes del conurbano bonaerense piensan que van a lograr mediante la elección de una carrera universitaria u ocupación escogida; 2- investigar los valores relativos al trabajo que los sujetos ponen en juego al realizar una elección vocacional y 3- determinar las características de la elección vocacional y ocupacional en estudiantes secundarios residentes en un distrito del segundo cordón urbano bonaerense.

La expresión del número verbal en toba Zurlo, Adriana Alicia En el trabajo se analiza desde un enfoque tipológico funcional, los rasgos morfosintácticos y semánticos del morfema -pek, el cual puede ocurrir junto a bases verbales transitivas e intransitivas del toba. Siguiendo a Corbett (2000), se lo interpreta como una marca de número verbal que permite codificar el número de veces en que se realiza el evento -aspecto iterativo o intensificador- y, a veces, el númerto de participantes involucrados en la acción.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of sunflower lecithins using a microbial PLA2 Cabezas, Dario Marcelino; Madoery, Diego Roberto; Diehl, Bernd W. K.; Tomás, Mabel Cristina Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has an extremely favorable agro-ecological environment for cultivation in Argentina. In this country, the whole harvest for oil production is considered as non-GMO. Sunflower lecithins are obtained by gum purification from raw oil in a degumming process, which is part of the refining process of raw vegetable oils. Food industry uses lecithins because of their multifunctional ingredients. Modification processes of the original phospholipid composition of native lecithin, such as enzymatic hydrolysis, are appropriate for certain applications. The enzymatic activity of a microbial PLA2 (phospholipase A2) on the major phospholipids (PC, PE, PI) of sunflower lecithin, and the effect of processing conditions (PLA2 concentration of 0.4, 2.0 ml/100 g lecithin, without or with the addition of CaCl2 0.4 M, pH 7-9 for 40-300 min) were studied. Phospholipid composition of the sunflower lysolecithins using 31P NMR and the degree of enzymatic hydrolysis associated with each phospholipid (%HPL) were determined. The influence of the operating conditions on the enzymatic hidrolysis was analyzed by the evolution of the lysophospholipid content (LPL) and LPL/total phospholipid percent (LPL/PLT%) using a response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the different hydrolyzed sunflower lecithins presented a high LPL concentration, with respect to native lecithins (LPL ≈ 1.1%), demonstrating the efficiency of the process. In particular, the concentration of PLA2 presented a strong influence on the hydrolysis. Different operating conditions allowed obtaining modified lecithins with a wide range of LPL/PLT% values (11.17-57.48%). Furthermore, the use of a microbial phospholipase gives the possibility of generating a spectrum of sunflower lecithins with different phospholipid composition, which functionality as bioactive agents could be applied to the development of foods with kosher and halal certification.

Robust Model Predictive Control for Time Delayed Systems González, Alejandro Hernán; Odloak, Darci Model Predictive Control (MPC) is frequently implemented as one of the layers of a control structure where a Real Time Optimization (RTO) algorithm - laying in an upper layer of this structure - defines optimal targets for some of the inputs and/or outputs (Kassmann et al., 2000). The main scope is to reach the most profitable operation of the process system while preserving safety and product specification constraints. The model predictive controller is expected to drive the plant to the optimal operating point, while minimizing the dynamic error along the input and output paths. Since in the control structure considered here the model predictive controller is designed to track the optimal targets, it is expected that for nonlinear process systems, the linear model included in the controller will become uncertain as we move from the design condition to the optimal condition. The robust MPC presented in this chapter explicitly accounts for model uncertainty of open loop stable systems, where a different model corresponds to each operating point of the process system. In this way, even in the presence of model uncertainty, the controller is capable of maintaining all outputs within feasible zones, while reaching the desired optimal targets. In several other process systems, the aim of the MPC layer is not to guide all the controlled variables to optimal targets, but only to maintain them inside appropriate ranges or zones. This strategy is designated as zone control (Maciejowski, 2002). The zone control may be adopted in some systems, where there are highly correlated outputs to be controlled, and there not enough inputs to control all the outputs. Another class of zone control problems relates to using the surge capacity of tanks to smooth out the operation of a process unit. In this case, it is desired to let the level of the tank to float between limits, as necessary, to buffer disturbances between sections of a plant. The paper by Qin and Badgwell (2003), which surveys the existing industrial MPC technology, describes a variety of industrial controllers and mention that they always provide a zone control option. Other example of zone control can be found in Zanin et al, (2002), where the authors exemplify the application of this strategy in the real time optimization of a FCC system. Although this strategy shows to have an acceptable performance, stability is not usually proved, even when an infinite horizon is used, since the control system keeps switching from one controller to another throughout the continuous operation of the process. There are several research works that treat the problem of how to obtain a stable MPC with fixed output set points. Although stability of the closed loop is commonly achieved by means of an infinite prediction horizon, the problem of how to eliminate output steady state offset when a supervisory layer produces optimal economic set points, and how to explicitly incorporate the model uncertainty into the control problem formulation for this case, remain an open issue. For the nominal model case, Rawlings (2000), Pannochia and Rawlings (2003), Muske and Badgwell (2002), show how to include disturbance models in order to assure that the inputs and states are led to the desired values without offset. Muske and Badgwell (2002) and Pannochia and Rawlings (2003) develop rank conditions to assure the detectability of the augmented model. For the uncertain system, Odloak (2004) develops a robust MPC for the multi-plant uncertainty (that is, for a finite set of possible models) that uses a non-increasing cost constraint (Badgwell, 1997). In this strategy, the MPC cost function to be minimized is computed using a nominal model, but the non-increasing cost constraint is settled for each of the models belonging to the set. The stability is then achieved by means of the recursive feasibility of the optimization problem, instead of the optimality. On the other hand, there exist some recent MPC formulations that are based on the existence of a control Lyapunov function (CLF), which is independent of the control cost function. Although the construction of the CFL may not be a trivial task, these formulations also allow the explicit characterization of the stability region subject to constraints and they do not need an infinite output horizon. Mashkar et al. (2006) explore this approach for the control of nominal nonlinear systems, and Mashkar (2006) extends the approach for the case of model uncertainty and control actuator fault. More recently, González et al. (2009) extended the infinite horizon approach to stabilize the closed loop with the MPC controller for the case of multi-model uncertainty and optimizing targets. They developed a robust MPC by adapting the non-increasing cost constraint strategy to the case of zone control of the outputs and it is desirable to guide some of the manipulated inputs to the targets given by a supervisory stationary optimization stage, while maintaining the controlled output in their corresponding zones, taking into account a finite set of possible models. This problem, that seems to interchange an output tracking by an input-tracking formulation, is not trivial, since once the output lies outside the corresponding zone (because of a disturbance, or a change in the output zones), the priority of the controller is again to control the outputs, even if this implies that the input must be settled apart from its targets. Since in many process systems, mainly from the chemical and petrochemical industries, the process model shows significant time delays, the main contribution of this chapter is to extend the approach of González et al. (2009) to the case of input delayed multi-model systems by introducing minor modifications in the state space model, in such a way that the structure of the control algorithm is preserved. Simulation of a process system of the oil refining industry illustrates the performance of the proposed strategy.

Crack models with embedded discontinuities Huespe, Alfredo Edmundo; Oliver, Javier This chapter presents a methodological approach for modeling concrete crack problems based on continuum constitutive relations and strong discontinuity kinematics. Fundamentalaspects of this approach are presented in the initial Sections1 -2. The topics and ideas discussed in those points follow closely the work of Oliver et al.A  Finite Element technique with embedded strong discontinuities, particularly adapted for this methodology,  is shown in Section 3. In the final Sections 4- 6, some algorithmic aspects and several applications of the approach are addressed.

Dopaminergic regulation of food intake. Insights obtained from the dopamine receptor D2 knockout mouse Garcia Tornadu, Isabel Andrea; Luque, Guillermina Maria; Pérez Millán, María Inés; Ramirez, Maria Cecilia; Recouvreux, Maria Victoria; Ornstein, Ana Maria; Diaz, Graciela Susana; Becu, Damasia Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) participation in prolactin regulation is well documented, but the role of D2Rs in the control of hormones and peptides involved in food intake and glucose metabolism has not been extensively studied. Dopamine regulates hunger and satiety by acting in specific hypothalamic areas, but the effects of dopamine on food intake have yielded conflicting results in the literature due to the different actions of dopamine on various hypothalamic nuclei, the involvement of multiple receptors, and different responses in food intake when administered systemically or locally into the hypothalamus. Studies using D2R knockout mice (Drd2-/-) put forward new insights into the role of the D2R in the regulation of food intake. In adult male and female Drd2-/- mice food intake per g BW is increased. In females disruption of the D2R produced two potentially anorexigenic events: an increase in serum and hypothalamic MSH, and a decrease in hypothalamic orexin expression. The very high chronic prolactin levels, found in this sex and genotype, probably counterbalance these effects. In Drd2-/- males, on the other hand, hypothalamic orexins, and serum and hypothalamic MSH were not modified, and therefore, moderate hyperprolactinemia may account for increased food intake. These results suggest a sexually dimorphic partici-pation of the D2R in food intake regulation, probably secondary to its regulation of prolactin secretion. A negative modulation of D2Rs on MSH release and a positive action on the hypothalamic expression of orexins is suggested, which may function to maintain food intake not far from equilibrium in the knockout mice. These results reveal a participation of multiple factors in D2R regulation of food intake, and are discussed in relation to the role of dopamine in food intake obtained in other studies. In humans, a reduction in D2Rs is associated with addictive behavior towards food or drugs, and individuals with low numbers of D2Rs may be more vulnerable to such behaviors including compulsive food intake. But, the involvement of dopamine in pathological eating and obesity is poorly understood. The evidence linking mutations of the D2R gene and obesity syndromes in humans is limited, and in general, loss of function mutations associate with overweight. Studies using the Drd2-/- mouse may help to clarify the mechanisms which link dopamine to food intake.

Flow-batch analyzer for the chemiluminescence determination of catecholamines in pharmaceutical preparations Grunhut, Marcos; Martins, Valdomiro L.; Centurión, María Eugenia; Araújo, Mário Cesar Ugulino de; Fernández Band, Beatriz Susana A novel, simple, cheap, flexible, versatile, and highly sensitivity flow-batch analyzer (FBA) with chemiluminescence detection was developed for determination of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine in pharmaceutical preparations. The method was based on the inhibitory effect of the mentioned catecholamines on a luminol-potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) chemiluminescence system in alkaline medium. The optimization of the chemical variables affecting this chemiluminescence inhibition effect has been carried out using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The sample throughput was 28 h-1. The system allowed the automatic preparation of standard solutions and analytical process can be accomplished just by changing the operational parameters in FBA control software.

Patterns of cytotype variation of Turnera sidoides subsp. pinnatifida (Turneraceae) in mountain ranges of central Argentina Elias, Fernanda Gabriela; Sartor, Maria Esperanza; Solis Neffa, Viviana Griselda Cytogeographical variability among 564 plants from 26 populations of Turnera sidoides subsp. pinnatifida in mountain ranges of central Argentina was analysed with meiotic chromosome counts and flow cytometry and is described at regional and local scales. Populations were primarily tetraploids (2n = 4x = 28), although diploid (2n = 2x = 14), hexaploid (2n = 2x = 42), and mixed populations of diploids and triploids (2n = 3x = 21) were also found. Diploids, triploids, and hexaploids were fewer in number and restricted to narrow areas, while tetraploids were the most common and geographically widespread cytotype. Diploids grew at higher altitudes and in colder and wet locations; tetraploids had the broadest ecological spectrum, while hexaploids occurred at the lowest altitudes and in drier conditions. The cytotypes were also spatially segregated at a microgeographical scale. Diploids grew in the piedmont, tetraploids were in the adjacent valley, and in the contact zone of both cytotypes, patches of diploids and triploids were found. At a regional scale, the distribution of the cytotypes may be governed by a combination of ecological and historical variables, while segregation in the contact zone may be independent of the selective environment because the cytotypes are unable to coexist as a result of reproductive exclusion. The role of triploids is also discussed. © 2010 The Botanical Society of Japan and Springer.

Multiproduct batch plants design using linear process performance models Moreno, Marta Susana; Montagna, Jorge Marcelo In this contribution, a novel linear generalized disjunctive programming (LGDP) model is developed for the design of multiproduct batch plants optimizing both process variables and the structure of the plant through the use of process performance models. These models describe unit operations using explicit expressions for the size and time factors as functions of the process variables with the highest impact. To attain a linear formulation, values of the process variables as well as unit sizes are selected from a set of meaningful discrete values provided by the designer. Regarding structural alternatives, both kinds of unit duplications in series and in parallel are considered in this approach. The inclusion of the duplication in series requires different detailed models that depend on the structure selected. Thus, in a new approach for the multiproduct batch plant design, a set of potential structural alternatives for the plant is defined.

Occurrence of ornithodoros brasiliensis aragão (acari: Argasidae) in São Francisco De Paula, RS, Southern Brazil Martins, J. R.; Doyle, R. L.; Barros Battesti, D. M.; Onofrio, V. C.; Guglielmone, Alberto Alejandro There have been no reports of the endemic Ornithodoros brasiliensis (Aragão) in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, since the 1950s. In January 2007, 21 O. brasiliensis ticks were collected in a rural area named "Cruzinha" in the municipality of São Francisco de Paula, RS, and another population was sampled later that year (October) in Vargem do Cedro, another rural area of São Francisco de Paula, following reports of human parasitism by ticks. The reappearance of this tick is a reason for concern in terms of public health.

Asedios a una poética del espacio: Pretérito Perfecto de Hugo Foguet; Sieges to a Poetic of Space: Hugo Foguet’s Pretérito Perfecto Aráoz, Isabel El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar la poética del espacio en la novela Pretérito perfecto (1983) del escritor argentino Hugo Foguet (1923-1985). A partir de esta idea distinguiremos el diseño de espacios interiores y públicos que entraman el argumento y revelan una multiplicidad de temporalidades yuxtapuestas. La novela enlaza el relato familiar y configura la imagen de una nación periférica. El relato de la historia de una ciudad provinciana es inseparable de un linaje aristocrático en decadencia.; The aim of this work is to analyze the poetics of spaces in the novel Pretérito perfecto (1983), created by the argentinian writer Hugo Foguet (1923-1985). Starting from this main idea, we are going to distinguish the designs of interior and public spaces, which constitute the plot, and reveal multiple and yuxtaposed temporalities. The novel connects the family narrative and configures the imagery of a peripheral nation. The telling of the history about a provincial city cannot be torn apart from an aristocratic lineage which is in decadence.

On local times, density estimation and supervised classification from functional data Llop Orzan, Pamela Nerina; Forzani, Liliana Maria; Fraiman, Jacob Ricardo In this paper, we define a n-consistent nonparametric estimator for the marginal density function of an order one stationary process built up from a sample of i.i.d continuous time trajectories. Under mild conditions we obtain strong consistency, strong orders of convergence and derive the asymptotic distribution of the estimator. We extend some of the results to the non-stationary case. We propose a nonparametric classification rule based on local times (occupation measure) and include some simulations studies.

Spectrofluorimetric determination of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in urine with different cyclodextrin media Bracamonte, Angel Guillermo; Veglia, Alicia Viviana Alternative and sensitive spectrofluorimetric methods for the determination of hydroxyindoles, such as serotonin (5HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIA), were developed on the basis of supramolecular interaction with cyclodextrin (CD) nanocavities (βCD and hydroxypropyl-βCD, HPCD) at different pH values. Both substrates and receptors have acidic protons, therefore the interactions produced in different systems were considered. The effects of neutral CD at pH 2.00 and 6.994, and of anionic CD at pH 13.00 on the specific acid-base species of the compounds at each pH were determined. In all the conditions studied, the fluorescence of the substrates in the presence of CD increased. The association constants (KA, mol-1 L) between the substrates and CD were determined (30-300) and interpreted. A zero-crossing first-derivative spectrofluorimetric method with and without HPCD was developed for the simultaneous determination of 5HT and 5HIA. The limits of detection (LD, ng mL-1) for the best conditions were 0.37 for 5HT and 0.50 for 5HIA at pH 2.00 with HPCD. These LD proved to be better than others reported. The applicability of the direct and derivative spectrofluorimetric methods to urine samples was demonstrated with good recoveries 92-110% and R.S.D. 1-10%. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.