Agricultural drought in the Claromecó river basin, Buenos Aires province, Argentina

The dry and wet periods affecting the Claromecó Creek Basin in the south of the Province of Buenos Aires were analysed applying Palmer’s Model. Palmer’s Drought Severity Index was calculated regionally for five towns for the 1904-1999 period. Both the rate corresponding to the drying of soil humidity and the regional climatic rates were taken into account. On analysing the conditions featured in each decade and during the period as a whole, it was found that whereas droughts prevailed 42.7% of the time, wet conditions predominated 35.5%, and during theremaining 21.8% of the time conditions were normal. Drought periods lasted longer than wet ones - an average of 16 to 19 months as opposed to a maximum of 11 months. The harshest droughts affecting regional farming were registered in 1962/63 (with an 80% loss of the wheat crop, the worst harvest ever), 1995/96 and 1998/99.Se aplica el modelo de Palmer para analizar los episodios secos y húmedos de la cuenca hidrográfica del arroyo Claromecó, localizada al sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El Índice de Severidad de Sequía de Palmer es calculado en cinco localidades y para el período 1904-1999, desarrollando explícitamente las rectas que representan la tasa del secado de la humedad del suelo y los coeficientes climáticos regionales. Se analizan los períodos secos y húmedos por décadas y para el periodo total. Durante el período analizado el 42,7 % se caracterizó por condiciones de sequía de distinta intensidad, el 32,7 % con condiciones húmedas y el resto con condiciones normales. Los episodios mas largos observados corresponden a las sequías, con máximos entre 16 y 19 meses mientras que los máximos periodos húmedos no superan los 11 meses. El impacto de las peores sequías en la economía agrícola regional se registró en los años 1962/63 (con la mayor pérdida en la cosecha de trigo, 80 %), 1995/96 y 1998/99.Fil: Carbone, Maria Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Scian, Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Piccolo, Maria Cintia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentin

Aportació de les tècniques ATD/TG i espectroscòpia FT-IR a l’estudi de la carbonatació de la matriu cimentera

La microestructura del cemento portland durante la etapa de endurecimiento (fraguado) evoluciona debido a las reacciones de hidratación que ocurren entre el agua y el cemento. A partir de la caracterización y desarrollo de la microestructura se pueden conocer las propiedades de la mezcla, relacionando la microestructura con la macroestructura. Cuando el CO2 atmosférico penetra en los poros de una pasta de cemento portland o de un hormigón modifica el equilibrio químico de la solución de poros y de los hidratos. Esto conduce a la precipitación de CaCO3 , ocasionando la densificación de la microestructura y la disminución del pH de dicha solución. Dada la complejidad del sistema y las interferencias generadas por sus múltiples componentes, el estudio de la carbonatación requiere de la combinación de diferentes técnicas de análisis. Este trabajo destaca la información adicional que aportan las técnicas de ATD/TG y espectroscopía FT-IR al estudio de la carbonatación de pastas de cemento y a la cuantificación de su avanceThe microstructure of portland cement during the hardening stage (setting) evolves due to hydration reactions occurring between water and cement. From the characterization and development of the microstructure can know the properties of the mixture, comparing the microstructure with the macrostructure. When atmospheric CO2 penetrates the pores of a Portland cement paste or concrete, changes the balance of chemical solution and hydrates. This leads to precipitation of CaCO3 , resulting in the densification of the microstructure and the decrease in interstitial pH of the solution. Given the complexity of the system and interference generated by its multi-component, study of the carbonation requires the combination of different analysis techniques. This paper highlights the information that provides techniques as DTA/TG and FT-IR spectroscopy to study the carbonation of cement pastes and quantify their progressLa microestructura del ciment portland durant l’etapa d’enduriment adormiment evoluciona a causa de les reaccions d’hidratació que tenen lloc entre l’aigua i el ciment. A partir de la caracterització i desenvolupament de la microestructura es poden conèixer les propietats de la mescla, relacionant la microestructura amb la macroestructura. Quan el CO2 atmosfèric penetra en els porus d’una pasta de ciment portland o d’un formigó, modifica l’equilibri quí- mic de la solució de porus i dels hidrats. Això condueix a la precipitació de CaCO3 , ocasionant la densificació de la microestructura i la disminució del pH de la solució. Donada la complexitat del sistema i les interferències generades pels seus múltiples components, l’estudi de la carbonatació requereix de la combinació de diferents tècniques d’anàlisi. Aquest treball destaca la informació addicional que aporten les tècniques d’ATD/TG i espectroscòpia FT-IR a l’estudi de la carbonatació de pastes de ciment i a la quantificació del seu avançFil: Trezza, Mónica Adriana. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingenieria de Olavarria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Scian, Alberto Nestor. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Invest.científicas. Centro de Tecnología de Recursos Minerales y Ceramica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - la Plata. Centro de Tecnología de Recursos Minerales y Ceramica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Análisis de los periodos secos y húmedos en la cuenca del arroyo Claromecó

Se aplica el modelo de Palmer para analizar los episodios secos y húmedos de la cuen- ca hidrográfi ca del arroyo Claromecó, localizada al sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El Índice de Severidad de Sequía de Palmer es calculado en cinco localidades y para el período 1904-1999, desarrollando explícitamente las rectas que representan la tasa del secado de la humedad del suelo y los coefi cientes climáticos regionales. Se analizan los períodos secos y húmedos por décadas y para el período total. Durante el período ana- lizado el 42,7% se caracterizó por condiciones de sequía de distinta intensidad, el 32,7% con condiciones húmedas y el resto con condiciones normales. Los episodios más largos observados corresponden a las sequías, con máximos entre 16 y 19 meses mientras que los máximos periodos húmedos no superan los 11 meses. El impacto de las peores sequías en la economía agrícola regional se registró en los años 1962/63 (con la mayor pérdida en la cosecha de trigo, 80%), 1995/96 y 1998/99.The dry and wet periods affecting the Claromecó Creek Basin in the south of the Province of Buenos Aires were analysed applying Palmer’s Model. Palmer’s Drought Severity Index was calculated regionally for fi ve towns for the 1904-1999 period. Both the rate corresponding to the drying of soil humidity and the regional climatic rates were taken into account. On analysing the conditions featured in each decade and during the period as a whole, it was found that whereas droughts prevailed 42.7% of the time, wet conditions predominated 32.7%, and during the remaining of the time conditions were normal. Drought periods lasted longer than wet ones - an average of 16 to 19 months as opposed to a maximum of 11 months. The harshest droughts affecting regional farming were registered in 1962/63 (with an 80% loss of the wheat crop, the worst harvest ever), 1995/96 and 1998/99.Fil: Carbone, Maria Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Piccolo, Maria Cintia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; ArgentinaFil: Scian, Beatriz Viviana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentin

Brucella and Osteoarticular Cell Activation: Partners in Crime

Osteoarticular brucellosis is the most common presentation of human active disease although its prevalence varies widely. The three most common forms of osteoarticular involvement are sacroiliitis, spondylitis, and peripheral arthritis. The molecular mechanisms implicated in bone damage have been recently elucidated. B. abortus induces bone damage through diverse mechanisms in which TNF-α and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-the natural modulator of bone homeostasis are involved. These processes are driven by inflammatory cells, like monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, Th17 CD4+ T, and B cells. In addition, Brucella abortus has a direct effect on osteoarticular cells and tilts homeostatic bone remodeling. These bacteria inhibit bone matrix deposition by osteoblasts (the only bone cells involved in bone deposition), and modify the phenotype of these cells to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cytokine secretion, contributing to bone matrix degradation. B. abortus also affects osteoclasts (cells naturally involved in bone resorption) by inducing an increase in osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation; thus, increasing mineral and organic bone matrix resorption, contributing to bone damage. Given that the pathology induced by Brucella species involved joint tissue, experiments conducted on synoviocytes revealed that besides inducing the activation of these cells to secrete chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines and MMPS, the infection also inhibits synoviocyte apoptosis. Brucella is an intracellular bacterium that replicates preferentially in the endoplasmic reticulum of macrophages. The analysis of B. abortus-infected synoviocytes indicated that bacteria also replicate in their reticulum suggesting that they could use this cell type for intracellular replication during the osteoarticular localization of the disease. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of osteoarticular brucellosis discovered recently shed light on how the interaction between B. abortus and immune and osteoarticular cells may play an important role in producing damage in joint and bone.Fil: Giambartolomei, Guillermo Hernan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Arriola Benitez, Paula Constanza. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; ArgentinaFil: Delpino, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo; Argentin

Strengths of the resonances at 436, 479, 639, 661, and 1279 keV in the 22^{22}Ne(p,γ\gamma)23^{23}Na reaction

The $^{22}$Ne(p,$\gamma$)$^{23}$Na reaction is included in the neon-sodium cycle of hydrogen burning. A number of narrow resonances in the Gamow window dominates the thermonuclear reaction rate. Several resonance strengths are only poorly known. As a result, the $^{22}$Ne(p,$\gamma$)$^{23}$Na thermonuclear reaction rate is the most uncertain rate of the cycle. Here, a new experimental study of the strengths of the resonances at 436, 479, 639, 661, and 1279 keV proton beam energy is reported. The data have been obtained using a tantalum target implanted with $^{22}$Ne. The strengths $\omega\gamma$ of the resonances at 436, 639, and 661 keV have been determined with a relative approach, using the 479 and 1279 keV resonances for normalization. Subsequently, the ratio of resonance strengths of the 479 and 1279 keV resonances was determined, improving the precision of these two standards. The new data are consistent with, but more precise than, the literature with the exception of the resonance at 661 keV, which is found to be less intense by one order of magnitude. In addition, improved branching ratios have been determined for the gamma decay of the resonances at 436, 479, and 639 keV.Comment: Final version, now using the Kelly et al. (2015) data [15] for normalization; 10 pages, 7 figures, 3 table

Buffalo embryos produced by in vitro fertilization from oocytes matured during long-term transport

El búfalo (Bubalus bubalis) es una especie con excelente adaptación a sectores inundables. El mejoramiento genético a través de superovulación y transferencia embrionaria ha tenido escasos resultados debido a difcultades en la detección de celo, pobre respuesta ovárica y limitada recuperación de embriones post-lavaje. La técnica de fertilización in vitro de embriones (FIV) es una biotecnología de gran impacto en el progreso genético. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar los eventos tempranos de la FIV, analizando la tasa de maduración y desarrollo embrionario post-fertilización de ovocitos madurados in vitro (IVM) durante el transporte. Ovocitos bovinos y bubalinos fueron obtenidos por punción folicular de ovarios post-mortem e IVM durante el transporte por un período de 18 h. Se realizó la FIV con toros de fertilidad comprobada, con una concentración en microgotas de inseminación de 3-4 x 106 espermatozoides motiles/ml por un período de 6 horas. Los embriones fueron cultivados en medio oviductal sintético SOFaa en incubadora gaseada y ambiente humidificado a 38,5ºC durante 9 días. Se evaluaron las tasas de IVM, clivaje (día 2 post-fertilización) y blastocisto (días 7 a 9). Los resultados fueron analizados estadísticamente utilizando Fischer's Exact Test (p<0,05). No se observaron diferencias significativas en la tasa de maduración de ovocitos bubalinos de buena calidad respecto al control sin transporte (72 vs 88%), pero se registró una reducción significativa en la maduración de los ovocitos bubalinos de mala calidad (35%). Asimismo, se lograron producir los primeros embriones bubalinos luego de FIV, aunque las tasas de clivaje (34 vs 70 y 78%) y blastocisto (3 vs 27 y 31%) fueron significativamente menores en búfalos que en bovinos con y sin transporte, respectivamente. Los datos del presente trabajo constituirían el primer informe de FIV en búfalos y producción in vitro de embriones luego de IVM de ovocitos durante el transporte.The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a species with excellent adaptation to food-prone environments. Genetic improvement using the multiple ovulation and embryo transfer approach has been met with poor results in the buffalo, mainly due to difficulties in heat detection, erratic ovarian response to treatments and low embryo recovery post-flush. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a powerful reproductive biotechnology that may provide a tool for genetic improvement in this species. The objective of this experiment was to study early embryonic events after IVF in the buffalo, analyzing in vitro maturation and IVF of oocytes matured during ground transportation. Bovine and bubaline oocytes were collected by follicular aspiration of post-mortem ovaries and in vitro matured for 18 h during ground transportation. In vitro fertilization was conducted, semen form bulls of proven fertility was processed and adjusted to a fnal concentration of 3-4 x 106 motile spermatozoa/ml in the insemination drops, oocytes were co-incubated for a period of 6 h. Embryos were then cultured in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOFaa) medium in an incubator and humidified atmosphere at 38.5ºC for 9 days. Oocyte maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rates were evaluated on days 0, 2 and 7 to 9, respectively and results were statistically analyzed using Fischer´s Exact Test (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the maturation rate of bubaline oocytes of good quality vs the non-transported control (72 vs 88%); however, the maturation rate of bubaline oocytes of bad quality was significantly lower (35%) than the rest of the groups. Data of present experiment are the first report of buffalo embryos produced by IVF from oocytes matured during transportation, although the cleavage (34 vs 70 and 78%) and blastocyst (3 vs 27 and 31%) rates were significantly lower for the buffalo than for the transported and non-transported domestic cattle, respectively.Fil: Konrad, José Luis. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Cs.veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Scian, R.. Pont. Universidad Catolica Arg."sta.maria de Los Bs.as.". Facultad de Cs.agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Garrido, María José. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Cs.veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Taminelli, G.. Pont. Universidad Catolica Arg."sta.maria de Los Bs.as.". Facultad de Cs.agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Sansinena, Marina Julia. Pont. Universidad Catolica Arg."sta.maria de Los Bs.as.". Facultad de Cs.agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

MODULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION BY TUMOR-DERIVED MUTANT p53. ROLE OF TRANSACTIVATION IN GAIN-OF-FUNCTION.

It was hypothesized that the C-terminal sequences for mutant p53 would be required for oligomerization. and oligomerization may be critical for gain-of-function. An N-terminal deletion mutant of p53 that deletes amino acids 1-293 was used as a tool to perform hetero-oligomerization studies. This mutant retains the entire oligomerization domain but dispenses off the transactivation domain and a large portion of the sequence- specific DNA-binding domain. Co-transfection experiments show that p53 del. 1-293 forms hetero-oligomeric complexes with p53-D281G. Also. co-expression of p53 del. 1- 293 with p53-D281G inhibited p53-D28lG-mediated transactivation of the EGFR and MDRl promoters suggesting that hetero-oligomerization inactivates transcriptional functions of mutant p53. The interaction of p53 deli 1-293 and p53-D281G reduced transactivation potential of p53-D281G in stably transfected 10(3) murine cells. Therefore, the data presented supports the idea that proper oligomeric forms of mutant p53 are required for its transactivation function. Expression of mutant p53-D2810 also resulted in increased growth rate (H1299 cells), decreased chemosensitivity (H1299 and 21PT cells) and increased plating efficiency (Saos-2 cells). Expression of a transactivation deficient mutant p53 did not induce gain-of-function properties (increased growth rate and decreased chemosensitivity). Unlike the other gain-of-function properties tested, soft agar plating efficiency in Saos-2 cells was not significantly affected by the expression of a transactivation deficient mutant p53, suggesting that transactivation may not be the only factor affecting this gain-of-function property In order to identify the genes responsible for the observed phenotypes, global gene expression analyses were carried out using p53-null H1299 cell stably transfected to express mutant p53 (-Rl75H, -R273H and -D281G). A thorough and stringent analysis revealed 150 genes up-regulated by the expression of mutant p53. Up-regulation of a number of these genes was confirmed by QPCR and transient transcriptional promoter analyses; expression of the transactivation deficient mutant p53-D2810 (L22Q/W23S) did not result in up-regulation of the tested genes further supporting the idea that transactivation of genes is directly related to gain-of-function phenotypes. Using the ASNS gene as a model, this transactivation by mutant p53 was concentration dependent and that the increased transcription did indeed result in increased protein levels

Reduced Expression of Inflammatory Genes in Deceased Donor Kidneys Undergoing Pulsatile Pump Preservation

Background The use of expanded criteria donor kidneys (ECD) had been associated with worse outcomes. Whole gene expression of pre-implantation allograft biopsies from deceased donor kidneys (DDKs) was evaluated to compare the effect of pulsatile pump preservation (PPP) vs. cold storage preservation (CSP) on standard and ECD kidneys. Methodology/Principal Findings 99 pre-implantation DDK biopsies were studied using gene expression with GeneChips. Kidneys transplant recipients were followed post transplantation for 35.8 months (range = 24–62). The PPP group included 60 biopsies (cold ischemia time (CIT) = 1,367+/−509 minutes) and the CSP group included 39 biopsies (CIT = 1,022+/−485 minutes) (P Conclusions/Significance Inflammation was the most important up-regulated pattern associated with pre-implantation biopsies undergoing CSP even when the PPP group has a larger number of ECD kidneys. No significant difference was observed in delayed graft function incidence and graft function post-transplantation. These findings support the use of PPP in ECD donor kidneys

Nuevo material compuesto adsorbente SiO2C

The present work is about the development of a Novel Composite that has several properties in only one material. This material is composed by a silica network with a sharpened pore size distribution - diameter near 1000 Å - intercrossed with another carbon network that has carbonaceous microdomains of high activity. The first network facilitates the entrance of big molecules to the interior of the material grains so they quickly reach the active sites of the carbonous network, minimizing the diffusional resistance observed when high performance activated carbons are used in adsorption processes or catalytic applications. These two intercrossed structures are self-supporting and independent among them, so one from the other can be isolated without losing the original shape and volume of the starting composite, then, their possible uses may be multiplied. The Novel Composite is stable with respect to other support or adsorbent materials due to its high obtention temperature (1550 °C). The obtention methods of the composite and its isolated structures are described. The material was characterized by different techniques (XRD, IR, Loss on ignition, pore size distribution, specific surface area, adsorption desorption isotherms, methylene blue adsorption and SEM).Facultad de Ingenierí