Synthesis, physicochemical and photophysical characterization of 4-(1-Pyrenyl)-Butyl-α-d-mannopyranoside

Indexación: Web of Science; Scopus; Scielo.Glycolipids are biomolecules composed of a lipid chain (lipophilic) and a monosaccharide or oligosaccharide as hydrophilic group. Their chemical structure and biological role make them undoubtedly good candidates for a large and continuously growing number of biotechnological applications. Mannose is a carbohydrate present on membrane glycolipids of a wide number of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) and specifically recognized by several lectins. We synthesized a mannose derivative linked through a short methylene chain to a pyrene moiety which behaves as a surfactant, able to aggregate, and retains the photophysical properties of pyrene: showing comparable absorption and emission spectra, having lower fluorescence quantum yield and the ability to form excimer, and finally the ability to produce O-2((1)Delta(g)) with high quantum yields. Thus, this novel molecule would open future applications for detection (fluorescence) or inactivation (singlet oxygen) of bacterial pathogens, viruses, tumor cells, or particular cells.http://ref.scielo.org/pcn4d

Compensatory Cognitive Training for Latino Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Early psychosocial interventions targeting cognitive and functional outcomes in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis are a research priority. An even greater need is the identification of effective interventions in underserved populations. Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) is a psychosocial intervention with demonstrated efficacy in chronic schizophrenia and first episode psychosis, but remains to be evaluated in pre-illness phases. The aim of this study was to describe the development and implementation of an ongoing pilot randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of group-based, manualized CCT, as compared to recreational therapy (RT), for Latino participants at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) in both the United States and Mexico. It is hypothesized that, in comparison to those receiving RT, participants receiving CCT will show significant improvements in neurocognitive performance and functional capacity (co-primary outcomes) and self-rated functioning and clinical symptoms (secondary outcomes). Methods: Latino CHR participants aged 12-30 years will be included in the study. Both CCT and RT will be delivered in either Spanish or English, depending on group preference. Additionally, all assessments will be administered in participants' preferred language. A comprehensive assessment of neurocognitive and functional performance and clinical symptomatology will be performed at baseline, mid-intervention (4 weeks, 8 weeks), post-intervention (12 weeks) and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome measures are neurocognition and functional capacity, as assessed by the MATRICS (Measurement and Treatment Research in Cognition in Schizophrenia) Consensus Cognitive Battery and the University of California, San Diego Performance-Based Skills Assessment-Brief, respectively. Furthermore, secondary outcomes measures will be used to examine change in clinical symptoms and self-reported functioning in response to CCT versus RT. Discussion: The evaluation of a novel treatment such as CCT in CHR youth will provide empirical support for a low risk, comprehensive cognitive intervention that could have important implications for public health if it improves neurocognition and functioning

Smart meters in smart manufacturing

The extent of change in business process and smart manufacturing usage should be taken into account in every energy efficiency project in industries. A significant part of smart metering success depends upon making the business processes more systematic. Smart manufacturing in the dramatically intensified and pervasive application of networked information-based technologies through the manufacturing and supply chain enterprise. There is no doubt that the deployment os smart meters involves complex and different business models, the management of significant risks, and the need for research and developtment of new technologies, business models and organization engineering. Industrial energy audits play an important role in achieving cost optimization and peak load reduction goals for industry. In this paper, we present the impact of smart meters in industry. In essence, smart meters promotes the (r)evolution of smart manufacturing

Nitrogen form and root division modifies the nutrimental and biomolecules concentration in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) continues to gain importance in the international market due to its effects on the prevention of human diseases. This leads to the need to optimize the production and quality of the fruit. The present research evaluated the effect of NO3- and NH4+, using the split roots technique, in the nutritional status, photosynthetic pigments and total sugars in blueberry leaves. A completely random experiment was established with six greenhouse treatments: three under homogeneous root conduction (HR) and three with split roots (SR). The concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, B and Na, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), carotenoids (Car) and total sugars were evaluated in the leaves. The exclusive supply of NH4+ led to the largest accumulation of N, P, Mg, S, Cu, Mn and B, compared to plants treated with NO3-. The Chla and total sugars were higher with NH4+ compared to NO3- nutrition. The supply of N separately (SR) had no positive effects on the evaluated variables, however, the SR with half of N, in the form of NH4+, compared to the non-SR with full application of N, has no differences in N-leaf concentration, which implies a higher use in the uptake or accumulation of this macro element in plant. V. corymbosum L. with split root and half of N in the form of NH4+, doubled the N use efficiency, as it matches in yield the complete supply treatment of N-NH4+ without root division

Estimation of the Maximum Sustainable Yield and the Optimal Fishing Effort of the Blue Crab (<em>Callinectes sapidus</em>, Rathbun 1896) of Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas, Mexico

The fishery of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Laguna Madre (LM), Tamaulipas, Mexico, with an average annual catch of 3307 tons, is of great importance economically and socially. The objective of this research was to estimate the carrying capacity (K), the catchability coefficient (q), the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) (tons), and the optimal fishing effort (fMSY) (traps). For this, a time series from 1998 to 2012 was used for the catch and number. The Fox (1970) and Schaefer (1954) models included in A Surplus-Production Model Incorporating Covariates (ASPIC) software were employed for this study. A set of statistical variability estimators and the Akaike?s, Bayesian, and Hannan-Quinn information criteria were used for the selection of models. The results obtained by the fox model were K = 54,000, q = 0.00008798, MSY = 2567 and fMSY = 146,900 traps, whereas for the Schaefer model, the results were K = 28,370, q = 0.00002425, MSY = 2008, and fMSY = 58,390. The model with the best adjustment was that of Schaefer. It is concluded that the fishing resource has been overexploited during the period 2003–2011, with an average annual surplus of 670 tons and 25,000 traps. It is recommended to consider the MSY and fMSY values of the Schaefer model for the National Fishing Charter (NFC)

Decreased pain sensitivity among people with schizophrenia: A meta-analysis of experimental pain induction studies

Patients with schizophrenia report reduced pain sensitivity in clinical studies, but experimental studies are required to establish pain sensitivity as a potential endophenotype. We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases from database inception until April 15, 2015, including experimental studies investigating pain among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder vs healthy controls. A random-effect meta-analysis yielding Hedges' g ±95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect size (ES) measure was conducted. Primary outcome was a pooled composite of pain threshold and pain tolerance; secondary outcomes included these parameters individually, plus sensory threshold, physiological pain response, and pain intensity or unpleasantness. Across 17 studies, patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (n = 387; age, 30.7 ± 6.9 years; females, 31.9%; illness duration, 7.0 ± 5.7 years) were compared with controls (n = 483; age, 29.5 ± 7.4 years; females, 31.0%). Patients had elevated pain threshold/pain tolerance vs controls (ES = 0.583; 95% CI, 0.212-0.954; P = 0.002; studies = 15). Results were similar in antipsychotic-free individuals (ES = 0.599; 95% CI, 0.291-0.907; P < 0.0001; studies = 8), with trend-level significance in antipsychotic-treated individuals (ES = 0.566; 95% CI, -0.007 to 1.125; P = 0.047; studies = 9). Likewise, patients with schizophrenia had increased pain tolerance (ES = 0.566; 95% CI, 0.235-0.897; P = 0.0001; studies = 6), sensory threshold (ES = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.505-1.727; P < 0.0001; studies = 5), and pain threshold (ES = 0.696; 95% CI, 0.407-0.986; P < 0.001; studies = 9), as well as reduced physiological response to noxious stimuli (ES = 0.456; 95% CI, 0.131-0.783; P = 0.006) and pain intensity/unpleasantness ratings (ES = 0.547; 95% CI, 0.146-0.949; P = 0.008). Findings were similarly significant in antipsychotic-free patients with schizophrenia (analysable parameters = 4) and antipsychotic-treated individuals (analysable parameters = 2). Finally, greater psychiatric symptoms moderated increased pain threshold, and younger patient age moderated increased pain tolerance. Decreased pain sensitivity seems to be an endophenotype of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. How this alteration links to other dimensions of schizophrenia and physical comorbidity-related help-seeking behaviour/morbidity/mortality requires further study

Relationship between Anxiety and Self-Esteem, Field Position and Development of Physical Injuries

Son numerosos los estudios que intentan establecer una relación directa entre variables de tipo físico, táctico, psicológico y la ocurrencia de lesiones deportivas. El objetivo fundamental del presente estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la ansiedad y la posición en el terreno de juego, en el desarrollo de lesiones físicas que se producen en el deporte. La participación de un total de 277 jugadores de fútbol permitió el registro y evaluación de las variables edad, lesión deportiva, demarcación y ansiedad estado/rasgo (medida con el Cuestionario de Spielberger, Gorsuch & Lusbene). Los resultados no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la variable lesión deportiva y ansiedad estado/rasgo, respectivamente (p = 0.583; p = 0.598), ni tampoco entre lesión deportiva y demarcación (p = 0.541). Como principal conclusión se indica la necesidad de elaborar más estudios que intenten dilucidar aquellas variables tácticas y psicológicas que pueden prevenir lesiones deportivas.There has been a number of studies aiming to establish a relationship between physical, tactical, psychological-type variables and the incidence of sports injuries. The aim of this paper was to assess the influence of anxiety and self- esteem in the development of physical injuries when practising sport. In this regard, the participation of277 football in this study allowed to record and assess such variables as age, sports injury, field position and anxiety state/ trait (measured by the Spielberger, Gorsuch & Lusbene questionnaire). The results did not yield statistically significant differences between the sports injuries and the anxiety state/trait variables (p = 0.583; p = 0.598), nor did they prove a relationship between sports and field position (p = 0.541). As a main conclusion, we advocate the necessity of further studies for the elucidation of such psychological variables which may prevent sports injuries

Elaboracion de una estrategia Customer Relationship Management (CRM) para Multicentro Ltda

171 p.El estudio que se realizó a Comercial Multicentro Ltda. tuvo como objetivo analizar la base de datos entregada por la empresa con la finalidad de elaborar una estrategia de Administración de Relaciones con los Clientes. Se dió inicio con la revisión bibliográfica la que se enfocó a estudiar las nuevas herramientas del marketing, comenzando con el Marketing Relacional y el surgimiento de herramientas del marketing, comenzando con el Marketing Relacional y el surgimiento de mantener relaciones perdurables en el tiempo con los clientes. La metodología utilizada en el estudio se basó en un análisis secundario descriptivo de una base de datos, con la finalidad de encontrar variables claves del comportamiento de los clientes de comercial Multicentro Talca. Los datos fueron analizados con la ayuda del software estadístico SPSS 15.0. El resultado del análisis permitió encontrar las principales características del cliente de Comercial Multicentro Ltda., lo que a posteriori sirvió para confeccionar una estrategia de Administración de Relaciones con los Clientes (CRM) al segmento C3 y D. Luego se procedió a analizar la plataforma tecnológica de Comercial Multicentro donde se diagnosticó el actual soporte tecnológico que tiene implementado. Se identificó que la empresa posee infraestructura relacionada con un avanzado data warehouse, que es esencial para poder implementar una aplicación CRM, desde donde se pueda administrar el Data Mining. Sin embargo, la empresa aun no tiene incorporado un sistema de planificación de recursos empresariales (ERP), que mantenga todos los procesos operacionales en línea, disponibles para toda la organización. Finalmente se elaboró una estrategia de CRM, de acuerdo a los resultados encontrados en el análisis de la base de datos, con la finalidad que la empresa tenga conocimiento de los beneficios que puede llegar a alcanzar con un enfoque centrado en las relaciones con el cliente

Yield and quality of hybrid tomato grafted and cultivated under shade mesh and greenhouse

The objective was to determine the yield, fruit quality and root development of four grafted tomato hybrids grown under anti-aphid mesh cover and greenhouse. The grafted hybrids were grown under shade mesh and greenhouse from april to november 2014. Variables evaluated were: fruit weight per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of fruits per plant, polar and equatorial fruit diameter, vitamin C and lycopene contents, and root fresh and dry weight. Hybrids grafted and cultivated under anti-aphid mesh had higher quality than the production obtained under greenhouse. However, lycopene and vitamin C contents and accumulated root system dry matter are greater under greenhous

Influencia de cuatro concentraciones de solución Steiner sobre los nutrientes en la solución del suelo y productividad en tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

El desarrollo y productividad de los cultivos agrícolas está directamente relacionado con el suministro nutricional que estos reciben. La hipótesis de esta investigación es que la concentración de iones medidos en la solución del suelo, permite evaluar la eficiencia del manejo nutricional y su efecto sobre el cultivo, así, la concentración de iones está condicionada por el aporte mineral y los procesos de intercambio iónico del suelo. El objetivo de ésta investigación, fue medir el efecto de la aplicación continua de cuatro concentraciones de solución nutritiva sobre la concentración de iones en la solución del suelo y la respuesta en el cultivo de tomate bajo invernadero. El ensayo se estableció en suelo calcáreo bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones, con plantas de tomate indeterminado. Los tratamientos fueron cuatro concentraciones con diferente proporción de la solución Steiner modificada para el cultivo de tomate: 1) 50, 2) 75, 3) 100 y 4) 125%, que fueron aplicadas de forma continua por fertirriego. En cada tratamiento se extrajo la solución del suelo y se midió la concentración de los iones NO3-, K+ y Ca+2, el pH y la conductividad eléctrica durante 18 semanas. Al mismo tiempo, se midió la respuesta en el cultivo. La concentración de la solución nutritiva, aplicada de forma constante al cultivo de tomate, presenta una relación directa con la disponibilidad de nutrientes. La solución nutritiva al 125% generó mejor crecimiento, fisiología, calidad comercial y rendimiento agronómico. El calcio fue el único elemento que se detectó en niveles suficientes en la solución del suelo a partir de una concentración de 50% en la solución nutritiva, debido a su alta disponibilidad original del suelo