New Superhard Phases for 3D C60-based Fullerites

We have explored new possible phases of 3D C60-based fullerites using semiempirical potentials and ab-initio density functional methods. We have found three closely related structures - two body centered orthorhombic and one body centered cubic - having 52, 56 and 60 tetracoordinated atoms per molecule. These 3D polymers result in semiconductors with bulk moduli near 300 GPa, and shear moduli around 240 GPa, which make them good candidates for new low density superhard materials.Comment: To be published in Physical Review Letter

Nuclear medicine procedures and the evaluation of male sexual organs: a short review

Sexuality consists of three aspects that are interrelated and inseparable, biological, physiological and social. The biological aspect considers the individual's capability to give and to receive pleasure. In consequence, it covers the functionality of the sexual organs and the physiology of human sexual response cycle. Diagnostic imaging modalities, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been used to evaluate clinical disorders of the male reproductive system. PET and SPECT procedures basically involve the administration of a radiopharmaceutical that has a higher uptake in a specific tumor or tissue. The aim of this brief review is to present some radiopharmaceuticals that have been used in the clinical evaluation of the male sexual organs (testes, prostate, seminal vesicles, penis) related with male sexuality. This information could be useful in better understanding the male sexual response cycle, as well as the sexual disorders, when considering the male sexual organs and the pelvic floor. Moreover, the findings obtained with PET and SPECT imaging could help to evaluate the efficacy of clinical results of therapeutic procedures. In conclusion, the knowledge from these images could aid in better understanding the physiology of the different organs related with sexuality. Furthermore, they could be important tools to evaluate the physiological integrity of the involved organs, to improve clinical strategies and to accompany the patients under treatment

Diagnosis of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2 disease): Expert recommendations for early detection and laboratory diagnosis

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lysosomal storage disorders. NCLs include the rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease, caused by mutations in the tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1)/CLN2 gene and the resulting TPP1 enzyme deficiency. CLN2 disease most commonly presents with seizures and/or ataxia in the late-infantile period (ages 2-4), often in combination with a history of language delay, followed by progressive childhood dementia, motor and visual deterioration, and early death. Atypical phenotypes are characterized by later onset and, in some instances, longer life expectancies. Early diagnosis is important to optimize clinical care and improve outcomes; however, currently, delays in diagnosis are common due to low disease awareness, nonspecific clinical presentation, and limited access to diagnostic testing in some regions. In May 2015, international experts met to recommend best laboratory practices for early diagnosis of CLN2 disease. When clinical signs suggest an NCL, TPP1 enzyme activity should be among the first tests performed (together with the palmitoyl-protein thioesterase enzyme activity assay to rule out CLN1 disease). However, reaching an initial suspicion of an NCL or CLN2 disease can be challenging; thus, use of an epilepsy gene panel for investigation of unexplained seizures in the late-infantile/childhood ages is encouraged. To confirm clinical suspicion of CLN2 disease, the recommended gold standard for laboratory diagnosis is demonstration of deficient TPP1 enzyme activity (in leukocytes, fibroblasts, or dried blood spots) and the identification of causative mutations in each allele of the TPP1/CLN2 gene. When it is not possible to perform both analyses, either demonstration of a) deficient TPP1 enzyme activity in leukocytes or fibroblasts, or b) detection of two pathogenic mutations in trans is diagnostic for CLN2 disease

Experiencia de intercambio de conocimiento : Laguna Mar Chiquita (Córdoba): testigo del cambio hidroclimático de Sudamérica

Desde hace más de 15 años, grupos de investigación de la UNC/CONICET en colaboración con otras universidades del país y del exterior desarrollan investigaciones sobre la variabilidad ambiental presente y pasada y el poblamiento humano en el área de la laguna Mar Chiquita (LMC) en un marco de estrecha colaboración con el Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Región Ansenuza “Anibal Montes” de la localidad de Miramar (Córdoba, MCNAM).Facultad de Informátic

Experiencia de intercambio de conocimiento : Laguna Mar Chiquita (Córdoba): testigo del cambio hidroclimático de Sudamérica

Desde hace más de 15 años, grupos de investigación de la UNC/CONICET en colaboración con otras universidades del país y del exterior desarrollan investigaciones sobre la variabilidad ambiental presente y pasada y el poblamiento humano en el área de la laguna Mar Chiquita (LMC) en un marco de estrecha colaboración con el Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Región Ansenuza “Anibal Montes” de la localidad de Miramar (Córdoba, MCNAM).Facultad de Informátic

Experiencia de intercambio de conocimiento : Laguna Mar Chiquita (Córdoba): testigo del cambio hidroclimático de Sudamérica

Desde hace más de 15 años, grupos de investigación de la UNC/CONICET en colaboración con otras universidades del país y del exterior desarrollan investigaciones sobre la variabilidad ambiental presente y pasada y el poblamiento humano en el área de la laguna Mar Chiquita (LMC) en un marco de estrecha colaboración con el Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la Región Ansenuza “Anibal Montes” de la localidad de Miramar (Córdoba, MCNAM).Facultad de Informátic