ABUNDANCIA Y DIVERSIDAD DE AVES EN AMBIENTES CON DIFERENTE GRADO DE PERTURBACIÓN EN EL MONTE DE ARGENTINA

RESUMEN ∙ Las modificaciones antrópicas en el ecosistema suelen tener un impacto importante en su fauna. Estudios ecológicos consideran a las aves como buenas indicadoras de estos cambios. Sin embargo, en ambientes áridos y semiáridos de América del Sur estos estudios son limitados. En este trabajo analizamos los cambios en la riqueza y abundancia de aves en función de ambientes con diferente grado de perturbación antrópica, de las estaciones del año y de la velocidad del viento. El área de estudio está ubicada en la localidad Villa Aberastain, Pocito, San Juan, Argentina. Los muestreos se realizaron en transectas en tres ambientes contrastantes (Zona Rural, Llanura Pedemontana y Quebrada Precordillerana) y en tres momentos de las estaciones del año (otoño–invierno, primavera y verano). Detectamos 41 especies de aves, pertenecientes a 22 familias. La riqueza y la abundancia de aves fueron mayores en el ambiente más perturbado (Zona Rural). La abundancia de aves fue mayor durante la primavera, mientras que la riqueza no varió de manera significativa a lo largo del tiempo. El gremio de aves granívoras fue el más abundante y junto con las aves insectívoras de sustrato presentaron el mayor número de especies. Las aves nectarívoras mostraron una mayor abundancia y riqueza en ambientes de quebradas precordillerana, mientras que las insectívoras de sustrato lo fueron en ambientes con mayor perturbación (Zona Rural). En todos los casos, la abundancia de aves fue menor a mayor intensidad de viento. Al igual que en otros estudios, los ambientes con modificaciones antrópicas del desierto del Monte presentan comunidades de aves diferentes a los ambientes naturales circundantes, con mayor riqueza pero también con mayor abundancia de especies introducidas (Columba livia y Passer domesticus).ABSTRACT ∙ Abundance and diversity of birds in environments with different degrees of human disturbance in the Argentine Monte Anthropic ecosystem modifications usually have considerable impact on the resident fauna. Ecological studies have recognized birds as good indicators of these changes; nevertheless, little research has been conducted regarding the consequences of disturbance specifically on arid and semi‐arid environments of South America. This study analyzes how various parameters, including differing degrees of anthropic modification, seasonal variation, and wind velocity, affect richness and abundance of bird species as well as trophic guilds in the Monte ecoregion of San Juan, Argentina. We recorded 41 bird species during our surveys, belonging to 22 families. The most human‐modified environments had the highest levels of richness and abundance. Bird abundance was highest in spring, while richness did not vary significantly with season. The granivorous guild was the most abundant and, together with the ground‐foraging insectivores and granivorous‐insectivores, represented the majority of the species (58.5%). Aerial‐feeding insectivores and nectarivores were more common in mountain ravines while ground‐foraging insectivorous species were mainly found in human‐modified areas. In all cases, higher wind speed correlated with reduced bird abundance. Even though bird richness and abundance were highest in modified environments, these habitats harbored bird communities that differed substantially from surrounding natural environments, and with dominance of introduced species (Columbia livia, Passer domesticus)

Hybrid strategy for unstable patients with severe carotid and cardiac disease requiring surgery

Background: Concurrent severe carotid and cardiac disease is a challenging situation where staged surgery is probably the most common strategy. However, in patients with an unstable clinical presentation, the best approach is still a matter of debate. The aim of the study was to report in-hospital and midterm outcome in patients who received carotid artery stenting and synchronous cardiac surgery. Methods: From June 1998 to July 2012, 54 consecutive patients who were treated at a high-volume university medical center with this hybrid approach were included in the study. All of the patients received carotid angioplasty while being administered aspirin and regular unfractionated heparin. Then, all of the patients were immediately transferred to the operating room for coronary and/or cardiac valve surgery. All of the patients were administered aspirin and clopidogrel once bleeding was ruled out, after surgery. Results: There were 5 in-hospital surgical related deaths, and no patient suffered a stroke or required carotid urgent re-intervention. At follow-up (55 ± 28 months; range 1–144 months), there were no new neurological deficits, while one additional death occurred. Conclusions: In this series, synchronous carotid stenting and cardiac surgery were feasible with an acceptable complication rate in a high-surgical-risk population, which could not undergo staged procedures.

Escape distance and escape latency following simulated rapid bird attacks in an Andean lizard, Phymaturus williamsi

Predatory birds represent the greatest risk for many lizard species. However, little is known about the functional relationship between the escape distance and escape latency of lizards during a rapid bird attack. We hypothesised that escape latency and distance in the Andean lizard species Phymaturus williamsi would increase proportionally, but vary according to the means of escape. Over a three-year period we observed seven types of antipredatory behaviour in 98% P. williamsi lizards on simulated predatory bird attacks. Escape distance and latency were positively correlated. 65% of lizards emerged from their refuge within 2 min of an attack. All of these behaviours were positively correlated with escape latency and distance, although we found the former to be more precise. This study contributes to a better understanding of the general antipredatory behaviour in this species of Andean lizard, and will assist in future decisions concerning its conservation.Fil: Fava, Gustavo Alfredo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan. Centro de Investigaciones de la Geosfera y Biosfera. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones de la Geosfera y Biosfera; ArgentinaFil: Acosta, Juan Carlos. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; Argentin

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.Comment: Major update of previous version. This is the reference document for LBNE science program and current status. Chapters 1, 3, and 9 provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess. 288 pages, 116 figure

Analyse du secteur énergétique sucrière brésilien à travers la planification stratégique

A pesar de la importancia económica de la caña de azúcar, Brasil no contaba con un balance integral de la cadena productiva. Este estudio tiene por objetivo el mapeo, cuantificación y formulación de estrategias para el sector sucroenergético, mediante la aplicación de Método de Planeamiento y Gestión Estratégica de Sistemas Agroindustriales (GESis). El período de análisis fue el año 2008. Para su desarrollo fueron identificados y cuantificados todos los eslabones que componen el sistema agroindustrial, a partir de levantamiento de información secundaria y entrevistas a ejecutivos, investigadores, instituciones y organizaciones sectoriales. Posteriormente se efectuaron las estimaciones de ventas y movimientos financieros. Entre los resultados generados se estimó un PIB sectorial ascendente a USD 28,15 billones en el 2008 -equivalentes a 1,5% del PIB brasileño-, con un nivel de empleos de 4,29 millones, considerando puestos directos e indirectos. Además, se identificó que el crecimiento del sector depende de proyectos estratégicos vinculados a áreas como investigación e innovación, distribución y logística, coordinación y adecuación institucional, así como de comunicación y capacitació[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@markestrat.orgsemestralDespite the importance of sugarcane production, Brazil did not have a full figure of the production chain. This study aims to map and to quantify the chain and to formulate strategies for the sugarcane industry through the application of the Method of Strategic Planning and Management of Agroindustrial Systems (GESis). The study period is the year 2008. In developing this work, all links that make up the agroindustrial system were identified and quantified, through the collection of secondary information and interviews with executives, researchers, institutions and sector organizations. Then the sales and financial amounts were estimated. Among the results, it was found that the industry generated 28.15 billion USD, equivalent to 1.5% of national GDP, and 4.29 million direct and indirect jobs. It was also identified that the industry’s growth depends on strategic projects related to areas such as research and innovation, distribution and logistics, coordination and institutional adjustment, communication and training.Malgré l’importance économique de la canne à sucre, le Brésil ne disposait pas d’un bilan intégral de la chaîne productive. Cette étude vise à clarifier la carte, via la quantification et la formulation des stratégies pour le secteur sucrière, au moyen de l’application de Méthode de Planification et la Gestion Stratégique de Systèmes Agroindustriels (GESis). La période d’analyse a été le 2008. Pour son développement, ils ont été identifiés et quantifiés, tous les chaînons qui composent le système agroindustriel, à partir d’une levée d’information secondaire et tu as une entrevue aux exécutifs, des enquêteurs, des institutions et des organisations sectorielles. Plus tard, les estimations des ventes et des opérations financières ont été faites. Parmi les résultats obtenus, du PIB sectoriel ascendant a été estimé à USD 28,15 milliards en 2008 équivalent à 1,5% du PIB du Brésil, avec un niveau d’emplois équivalent à 4,29 millions, compte tenu des emplois directs et indirects. En outre, nous avons constaté que la croissance du secteur dépend des projets stratégiques liés à des domaines tels que la recherche et l’innovation, plus la distribution et la logistique, la coordination et la adéquation institutionnelle, ainsi que la communication et l’habilitation

Clinical Outcome After Saphenous Vein Stenting With Taxus Liberté Stent

We evaluated the incidence of clinical events after implantation of the TAXUS Liberte paclitaxel-eluting stent in saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions in an unselected patient population. The OLYMPIA (TAXUS Liberte Post-Approval Global Registry) program gathered data on 21 954 patients receiving at least 1 TAXUS Liberte stent, including 345 patients with SVG lesions. All cardiac events were monitored with independent adjudication of end points. Patients enrolled at procedure started with no mandated inclusion/exclusion criteria. In SVG-OLYMPIA (n = 345), baseline comorbidities/complex disease were more frequent than the rest of the OLYMPIA (n = 21 560). SVG-OLYMPIA had similar cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, and definitive stent thrombosis rates than the rest of OLYMPIA. Despite higher baseline risk, the SVG-OLYMPIA had similar 12-month clinical outcome than the rest of the OLYMPIA registry, confirming the safety and efficacy of the TAXUS Liberte stent in this high-risk group.</p