Diversidad artefactual Vs. especialización funcional: Análisis del IV Componente de Túnel I (Tierra del Fuego. Argentina)

El conjunto lítico del IV Componente de Túnel 1 comparte las características generales de los conjuntos de la región, pero presenta además otras singulares, entre ellas la inusualmente alta representación de raspadores (aproximadamente 95% de los instrumentos), del cuarzo como materia prima (aproximadamente 86% del total) y de utilización de técnica de talla bipolar (aproximadamente 12% del total). Estas características sugieren una alta especialización tecnológica y funcional. Por tal motivo se decidió encarar un estudio integral de los materiales, que permitió poner en evidencia las interrelaciones entre los criterios de materia prima, técnica de manufactura y morfología de los artefactos, así como entre ellos y el uso de las piezas, acercándonos a una caracterización más fina de las actividades desarrolladas durante la ocupación. A partir de ellas, es posible inferir algunas de las estrategias tecnológicas implementadas, en el marco de prácticas sociales que implican procesos de toma de decisiones y de ejecución, que pueden ser abordadas desde el análisis del material lítico.The lithic assemblage of component IV of the Túnel 1 site broadly conforms to the general characteristics of other assemblages in the region. However, a host of singular features are also evident, including here an unusually high proportion of end scrapers (approximately 95% of tools), a reliance on quartz as raw material (approximately 86% of the assemblage/all tools), and the use of a bipolar flaking technique (12%). These features suggest a high degree of technical and functional specialization. An in-depth study of the assemblage shows interrelationships both between choices of raw material, manufacturing technique and tool morphology, as well as between the latter and tool use. The study has enabled a higher definition understanding of the activities that took place during the occupation of the site and, thereby, allowed inferences about both aspects of lithic technology strategies and their place in the sphere of social practices that implicate processes of decision-making and execution.Fil: Mansur, Maria Estela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Lasa, Adriana Edith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

Experimental program on bone technology of the north of Tierra del Fuego: Contributions to the study of production and use-wear traces

This paper presents an Experimental Program developed to identify, describe and differentiate the production traces from use-wear traces on bone artifacts, through the application of functional analysis framework. For this purpose, several types of guanaco bone tools present in northern sites of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (South America) were replicated. The results enable us to: 1) differentiate and define the microscopic traces related to the manufacture techniques implemented in the production sequence: scraping, abrasion and sawing as well as 2) identify and describe the use-wear traces of different resources (wood, hide and bark). The results have allowed to identify the manufacture traces that were formed in each stage of the production process as well as the use-wear traces of different working procedures. Likewise, the data obtained have enabled us to identify the differences in the use of dry and fresh bones, their effectiveness in different labour processes and their respectively diagnostic traces. Thus, we attained a regional frame of reference to study bone technology carried out by hunter-gatherer societies that occupied the Fuegian steppe during the late Holocene.Fil: Pal, Nélida Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Santiago, Fernando Carlos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Myrian Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Lasa, Adriana Edith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

Contribuição ao estudo da mudança tecnológica em sociedades caçadorascoletoras: um enfoque integrador

Aportes al estudio del cambio tecnológico en sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras: Un enfoque integrador. El objetivo del presente trabajo es llevar a cabo una contextualización crítica del cambio tecnológico y su abordaje en sociedades con economía de caza y recolección. En una primera instancia se describen cuáles son los factores o causas que generan transformaciones en las prácticas sociales, con una revisión profunda sobre el rol del ambiente. En segundo lugar, se definen variables y/o criterios a nivel material (artefacto, materia prima, sitio) para identificar el cambio o innovaciones tecnológicas. Por último, para plasmar la perspectiva aquí planteada se propone como caso de estudio el de las sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras que habitaron el área Interserrana Bonaerense durante el Holoceno medio y tardío.The aim of this paper is to show a critical contextualization of technological change and its analysis in hunter/gatherer societies. First of all we describe what factors or causes generate changes in social practices. Subsequently, material criteria (artifact, raw material, site) will be defined to identify technological changes. Finally, it is proposed as a case of study of hunter-gatherer societies that inhabited the Interserrana area (Buenos Aires province) during the middle and late Holocene.L’objectif de ce travail est la contextualisation critique du changement technologique et son étude dans les sociétés d'économie chasseuse-cueilleuse. En premier lieu, on a décrit les principaux facteurs o causes que génèrent transformations dans les pratiques sociales, particulièrement celles liées aux variables environnementales. Deuxièmement, on a défini les critères matériaux (artéfact, matière première, site) pour identifier les changements o innovations technologiques. Finalement, pour exprimer la perspective proposée dans ce texte, on présente un cas d'étude lié aux sociétés du chasseurscueilleurs qui ont habité la région inter-montagnarde de Buenos Aires pendant l'Holocène moyen et tardive.O objetivo do presente trabalho é fazer uma contextualização crítica da mudança tecnológica em sociedades com economia de caça e coleta. Em primeiro lugar são descritos quais são os fatores ou causas que geram transformações nas práticas sociais, com uma revisão profunda no papel do ambiente. Em segundo, são definidas as variáveis e os critérios a nivel material (artefato, materia prima, sítios) para identificar as mudanças ou inovaçes tecnológicas. Por último, para atender à perspectiva colocada é apresentado como estudo de caso as sociedades caçadoras-coletoras que habitaram a área Inter serrana Bonaerense durante o Holoceno médio e tardio.Fil: Pal, Nélida Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Myrian Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Briz I Godino, Ivan. University Of York; Reino UnidoFil: Lasa, Adriana Edith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

The role of ArlRS and VraSR in regulating ceftaroline hypersusceptibility in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are a global health problem. New control strategies, including fifth-generation cephalosporins such as ceftaroline, have been developed, however rare sporadic resistance has been reported. Our study aimed to determine whether disruption of two-component environmental signal systems detectably led to enhanced susceptibility to ceftaroline in S. aureus CA-MRSA strain MW2 at sub-MIC concentrations where cells normally continue to grow. A collection of sequential mutants in all fifteen S. aureus non-essential two-component systems (TCS) was first screened for ceftaroline sub-MIC susceptibility, using the spot population analysis profile method. We discovered a role for both ArlRS and VraSR TCS as determinants responsible for MW2 survival in the presence of sub-MIC ceftaroline. Subsequent analysis showed that dual disruption of both arlRS and vraSR resulted in a very strong ceftaroline hypersensitivity phenotype. Genetic complementation analysis confirmed these results and further revealed that arlRS and vraSR likely regulate some common pathway(s) yet to be determined. Our study shows that S. aureus uses particular TCS environmental sensing systems for this type of defense and illustrates the proof of principle that if these TCS were inhibited, the efficacy of certain antibiotics might be considerably enhanced.This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation grants (AR 310030-169404), (WLK 10030-146540 and 10030-192784). MV was supported by FNS (Fonds National Suisse) through project funding 10030-146540. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, and interpretation or the decision to submit the work for publication

Ru-Promoted Ni/γAl2O3 Fluidized Catalyst for Biomass Gasification

Fluidizable catalysts based on Ni/γAl2O3 with added Ru were used for the gasification of a lignin surrogate (2-methoxy-4-methylphenol) in a fluidized CREC Riser Simulator reactor. This was done in order to quantify lignin surrogate conversion and lignin surrogate products (H2, CO, CO2 and CH4) as well as the coke deposited on the catalyst. The catalysts that were evaluated contained 5% wt. Ni with various Ru loadings (0.25%, 0.5% and 1% wt). These catalysts were synthesized using an incipient Ni and Ru co-impregnation. Catalysts were characterized using XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption (BET Surface Area, BJH), Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR), Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) and H2 chemisorption. Catalytic steam gasification took place at 550, 600 and 650 ◦C using 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5, steam/biomass ratios. The results obtained showed that Ru addition helped to decrease both nickel crystallite site sizes and catalyst acid site density. Moreover, it was observed that coke on the catalyst was reduced by 60%. This was the case when compared to the runs with the Ni/γAl2O3 free of Ru

The application of K phosphites to seed tubers enhanced emergence, early growth and mycorrhizal colonization in potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Rapid emergence and a vigorous growth prevent the seed tubers from infections by soil microbes and allow a rapid interception of solar radiation. In this work, the effect of the potassium phosphites (KPhi) applied to seed tubers of two potato cultivars on crop emergence and early growth was studied. Two experiments were performed under greenhouse and field conditions. Emergence of plants, leaf area, dry matter and the number of primary stems were measured in both experiments. Furthermore, mycorrhizal colonization was also measured on roots under field conditions. The application of KPhi reduced the period between planting and emergence, and increased leaf area and dry matter. The ratio between dry matter of aerials and underground organs was not affected by KPhi. Indigenous mycorrhizal colonization increased after KPhi application to seed tubers. These results confirm the benefit of the application of KPhi to seed tubers on early plant growth and suggest that their application in crop production would be advantageous.EEA BalcarceFil: Tambascio, Cecilia. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; ArgentinaFil: Covacevich, Fernanda. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Lobato, Maria Candela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: de Lasa, Carolina. McCain Argentina S.A.; ArgentinaFil: Caldiz, Daniel Osmar. Corporate Agronomy McCain Foods; ArgentinaFil: Dosio, Guillermo. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; ArgentinaFil: Andreu, Adriana Balbina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; Argentin

Variabilidad espacial e intensidad de ocupación en sitios cazadores-recolectores de la costa atlántica de Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

Este trabajo explora la variabilidad espacial del registro arqueológico en asentamientos cazadores-recolectores del litoral atlántico de Tierra del Fuego (Argentina), mediante el desarrollo teórico y metodológico de un conjunto de herramientas de carácter cuantitativo. El objetivo es evaluar la intensidad de ocupación a partir de tres casos de estudio, mediante la aplicación de distintos enfoques provenientes de la estadística espacial, el análisis de la diversidad del registro arqueológico y el estudio de rastros de uso en artefactos líticos.Los resultados de esta propuesta han permitido relacionar el grado de complejidad entre la organización social del espacio, la variabilidad del registro material y los niveles de intensidad de ocupación.This work focuses on the spatial variability of the archaeological record at hunter-gatherer sites on the Atlantic coast of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. The theoretical and methodological approach was developed using a quantitative toolset. The main goal is to evaluate occupation intensity based on three case studies and using three different approaches: spatial statistics, archaeological record diversity, and use-wear analysis. The results show relationships among the respective levels of complexity seen in the social organization of space, material record variability, and occupation intensity.Fil: Negre Pérez, Joan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Myrian Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Pal, Nélida Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Bas López, Maria. Universidad de Barcelona; España. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Briz Godino, Ivan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. University of York; Reino UnidoFil: Lacrouts, Adriana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras; ArgentinaFil: Lasa, Adriana Edith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

Les occupations humaines sur la côte atlantique de Tierra del Fuego au cours de l ́Holocène tardif

En este trabajo presentamos los resultados obtenidos de los trabajos efectuados sobre tres sitios arqueológicos Teis X, Teis XI y Okon XXI, localizados sobre la costa Atlántica de Tierra del Fuego (Patagonia, Argentina) y datados en el Holoceno Tardío. Teis X y Teis XI son conchales en forma de domo mientras que Okon XXI es una lente de conchal imperceptible en superficie.El objetivo general es identificar tendencias en el uso del paisaje a partir del análisis de los procesos de producción y consumo y su distribución espacial intra-sitio.Los análisis morfotécnico y funcional de los conjuntos líticos ha permitido detectar similitudes en lo que respecta a las materias primas explotadas, a las técnicas de manufactura de artefactos y diferencias vinculadas con la organización espacial y la dsitribución de actividades productivas. De este modo se propone un uso heterogéneo del espacio costero así como una amplia circulación regional de conocimientos tecnológicos.We present the results of research undertaken at three archaeological sites, Okon XXI, Teis X and Teis XI, located on the Atlantic coast of Tierra del Fue-go (Patagonia, Argentina) and dating to the Late Holocene. Teis X and Teis XI are dome-shape shell middens whereas Okon XXI is a shell lens barely visible from the surface.We hope to identify trends in the use of the land-scape based on the analysis of processes of production and consumption as well as their intra-site spatial distributions. The morpho-technical and use-wear analyses of lithic assemblages allow us to detect similarities in raw ma-terial exploitation and artifact manufacture techniques and differences related to spatial organization and activities distributions. Consequently, a heteroge-neous use of the coastal landscape is proposed as well as broad, regional circulation of technological knowledge.Nous présentons les résultats de travaux effectués sur trois gisements ar-chéologiques Teis X , Teis XI et Okon XXI , situés sur la côte atlantique de la Terre de Feu (Patagonie, Argentine), datés de la fin de l’Holocène. Teis X et Teis XI sont des amas coquilliers en forme de dôme tandis Okon XXI est unelentille de coquilles imperceptible en superficie. L’objectif général est d’identifier les tendances dans l’utilisation du paysage a travers de l’analyse des processus de production et de consommation et de la distribution spa-tiale des activités dans les gisements. Les analyses techno-morphologiques et fonctionnelles des assemblages lithiques ont permis de détecter des simili-tudes en ce qui concerne les matières premières exploitées et les techniques de fabrication des outils et des différences liées à l’organisation spatiale et à la distribution des activités productives dans les gisements. En conséquence,on propose une utilisation hétérogène de l’espace littoral, ainsi qu’une large diffusion régionale des connaissances technologiques.Fil: Pal, Nélida Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Myrian Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Briz Godino, Ivan. University of York; Reino Unido. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Negre Pérez, Joan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Lasa, Adriana Edith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

Novel Somatic Genetic Variants as Predictors of Resistance to EGFR-Targeted Therapies in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background: About 40% of RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients undergoing anti-EGFR-based therapy have poor outcomes. Treatment failure is not only associated with poorer prognosis but higher healthcare costs. Our aim was to identify novel somatic genetic variants in the primary tumor and assess their effect on anti-EGFR response. Patients and Methods: Tumor (somatic) and blood (germline) DNA samples were obtained from two well-defined cohorts of mCRC patients, those sensitive and those resistant to EGFR blockade. Genetic variant screening of 43 EGFR-related genes was performed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Relevant clinical data were collected through chart review to assess genetic results. Results: Among 61 patients, 38 were sensitive and 23 were resistant to treatment. We identified eight somatic variants that predicted non-response. Three were located in insulin-related genes (I668N and E1218K in IGF1R, T1156M in IRS2) and three in genes belonging to the LRIG family (T152T in LRIG1, S697L in LRIG2 and V812M in LRIG3). The remaining two variants were found in NRAS (G115Efs*46) and PDGFRA (T301T). We did not identify any somatic variants related to good response. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that novel somatic genetic variants along the EGFR-triggered pathway could modulate the response to anti-EGFR drugs in mCRC patients. It also highlights the influence of insulin-related genes and LRIG genes on anti-EGFR efficacy. Our findings could help characterize patients who are resistant to anti-EGFR blockade despite harboring RAS/BRAF wild-type tumors

Case report : De novo pathogenic variant in WFS1 causes Wolfram-like syndrome debuting with congenital bilateral deafness

Background: Congenital deafness could be the first manifestation of a syndrome such as in Usher, Pendred, and Wolfram syndromes. Therefore, a genetic study is crucial in this deficiency to significantly improve its diagnostic efficiency, to predict the prognosis, to select the most adequate treatment required, and to anticipate the development of other associated clinical manifestations. Case presentation: We describe a young girl with bilateral congenital profound deafness, who initially received a single cochlear implant. The genetic study of her DNA using a custom-designed next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel detected a de novo pathogenic heterozygous variant in the WFS1 gene related to Wolfram-like syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of other symptoms such as optic atrophy. Due to this diagnosis, a second implant was placed after the optic atrophy onset. The speech audiometric results obtained with both implants indicate that this work successfully allows the patient to develop normal speech. Deterioration of the auditory nerves has not been observed. Conclusion: The next-generation sequencing technique allows a precise molecular diagnosis of diseases with high genetic heterogeneity, such as hereditary deafness, while this was the only symptom presented by the patient at the time of analysis. The NGS panel, in which genes responsible for both syndromic and non-syndromic hereditary deafness were included, was essential to reach the diagnosis in such a young patient. Early detection of the pathogenic variant in the WFS1 gene allowed us to anticipate the natural evolution of the disease and offer the most appropriate management to the patient