Novel approaches for the measurement of tumoral pO2 by magnetic resonance methods

Tesis doctoral inédita realizada en el Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" y leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica. Fecha de lectura: 13 de Diciembre de 2013

Pre-feasibility Study of a Small Hydroelectric Plant in El Sisga Reservoir, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo establecer la viabilidad de instalar una pequeña central hidroeléctrica (PCH) en el Embalse del Sisga, dado que este cuenta con características topográficas e hidrológicas que pueden convertirlo en un generador de energía sin poner en riesgo el abastecimiento del recurso hídrico ni los activos ambientales de la zona. Los criterios para cumplir con este objetivo fueron establecidos al realizar estudios cartográficos, determinando el salto hidráulico y el recorrido de la tubería en el proyecto, junto con estudios hidrológicos, los cuales permitieron conocer el caudal de diseño y la capacidad energética. La selección de los componentes hidráulicos se llevó a cabo con base en los estudios anteriores, para finalmente estimar los impactos en las categorías ambientales y en el componente socioeconómico y cultural en el área de influencia del proyecto. A partir de este estudio de prefactibilidad se pudo observar como una PCH en el Embalse del Sisga podría ser instalada de forma óptima y eficiente, sin incurrir en altos costos de instalación y operación, destacando además los beneficios de una PCH y los bajos impactos ambientales negativos de realizar este proyecto.This work aims to establish the feasibility of installing a small hydroelectric power plant (SHPP) in the Sisga reservoir, given that this body of water has topographical and hydrological characteristics that can turn it into an energy generator without jeopardizing the supply of water resources or the environmental assets in this area. The criteria for meeting this objective were established after conducting cartographic studies that determined the hydraulic jump and the route of the pipe in the project, as well as hydrological studies that allowed us to know the design flow and energy capacity. The selection of hydraulic components was determined based on the results of the previous studies, to finally estimate the impacts on the environmental categories and on the cultural and socio-economic component in the area of influence of the project. From this pre-feasibility study, it was possible to observe how a SHPP in the Sisga reservoir could be installed optimally and efficiently without incurring in high installation or operational costs, highlighting the benefits of a SHPP and the low negative environmental impacts of this project

An Exploratory Data Analysis on the Influence of Role Rotation in a Small-Sided Game on Young Soccer Players

The aim of the present study was to analyze the behavior of players in a standard smallsided game (SSG) according to the role played (offensive (OF), defensive (DF), and wildcard (W)) and its relationship with physical demands (PHYD), technical performance (TP), and internal load (RPE). A total of 24 young highly trained male soccer players (under 16: n = 12; under 19: n = 12) participated. During the SSG, the players alternated the three roles (OF, DF, and W). The duration of each repetition was 4 min with a passive rest of 3 min between them. Furthermore, it emphasized the high demand in all defensive parameters. In addition, DF roles showed higher values in PHYD and RPE, followed by the OF roles, and finally by the W roles. A complementary, positive moderate correlation was found between PHYD and RPE in the U16 dataset (r = 0.45, p < 0.006). Very large positive correlations were also found between PHYD and RPE in the U19 and merged dataset (r = 0.78, p < 0.001 and r = 0.46, p < 0.63, respectively). This information could be useful for coaches in order to structure the roles in SSGs and control training load.Football Connection (FOOC) (Marca No. 4.073.379

Wavelet q-Fisher Information for Scaling Signal Analysis

This article first introduces the concept of wavelet q-Fisher information and then derives a closed-form expression of this quantifier for scaling signals of parameter α. It is shown that this information measure appropriately describes the complexities of scaling signals and provides further analysis flexibility with the parameter q. In the limit of q→1, wavelet q-Fisher information reduces to the standard wavelet Fisher information and for q > 2 it reverses its behavior. Experimental results on synthesized fGn signals validates the level-shift detection capabilities of wavelet q-Fisher information. A comparative study also shows that wavelet q-Fisher information locates structural changes in correlated and anti-correlated fGn signals in a way comparable with standard breakpoint location techniques but at a fraction of the time. Finally, the application of this quantifier to H.263 encoded video signals is presented.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaFOMIX-COQCY

Preparation, characterization, intrinsic dissolution studies and microbiological assessment of dapsone tosylate polymorphs

Purpose: To prepare dapsone tosylate salt (TD) and its two polymorphs (TD-I and TD-II), and study their intrinsic dissolution profiles and preliminary anti-mycobacterium activity.Methods: The synthesized product was studied with respect to the effect of solvent selection, reaction temperature and evaporation rate on the solid phase obtained. The polymorphs were characterized using powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). UV/Vis spectroscopy was employed for quantification of the salt, while Wood apparatus was used for dissolution studies. Microdilution assay, using a 96-well equipment, was employed for the evaluation of anti-mycobacterial activity.Results: On analysis of the solids obtained from synthesis with PXRD, two different patterns were observed. One pattern belonged to TD-I, previously reported, and the other was a new polymorph TD-II. Solvent evaporation was important in the selective preparation of TD-I or TD-II. Analyses with DSC, TGA and 1H-NMR revealed the absence of solvent in both solids and showed that TD-II was not a solvated salt. Spectral analysis with FT-IR demonstrated structural relationship between TD-I and TD-II. Intrinsic dissolution studies showed that both polymorphs dissolved faster than dapsone (DAP).Conclusion: It is possible to synthesize TD and select the polymorph prepared by means of modulated solvent evaporation rate. The rank order of the intrinsic dissolution rate constants was TD-II &gt; TD-I &gt; DAP. The tosylate salt enhanced inhibitory effect on M. fortuitum, when compared to DAP.Keywords: Dapsone tosylate, Polymorphism, Solid phase characteristics, Intrinsic dissolution, Antimycobacterium activit

Mega sistema estructural Cajamarca, configuración estructural sugerida en relación con la mineralización de pórfidos y epitermales en el Norte del Perú

The north of Peru is characterized by the presence of world-class porphyry (Cu-Au and Cu-Mo) and epithermal (Au) deposits, located on the west of central Andes, northern Peru. These mines and mineralized deposits are present in a temporal-structural associated with Neogene magmatism with ages from 24 Ma to 7 Ma, intruding silica-clastic rocks from the upper Cretaceous, which, due to the effects of tectonic deformations, particularly in the Cenozoic (Incaica and Quechua phases), led to the occurrence of mega controls Structural problems such as the one proposed in the following publication and hopes to open a window of debate in its environment. Structurally, the deposits in the north of Peru are controlled by mega structural systems that contain the Punre - Canchis fault (Rivera et al., 2008) in the eastern sector as the main structural accident, as well as the system of folds and faults of the Marañón, and in the Western sector include faults to the East of Chongoyape that limit the eastern edge of the Batolito of the Coast, as well as the silicoclastics of the Mesozoic, putting them in contact with volcanos of the Cenozoic. The basin in its western sector would have undergone changes in the status of regional efforts, producing epirogenic movements, since the Upper Cretaceous, with large regional faults playing an important role, controlling the extensive basin through normal faults. (Pardo-Casas &amp; Molnar, 1987). The subduction occurred obliquely and with a low angle, thus generating permeable zones, of kilometer dimensions generating mega parallel and conjugate structures that gave rise to structural jogs. The analysis and evaluation of the compiled information allows us to suggest a new concept to define the structural behavior of this sector in the Peruvian Andes, proposing a new denomination Mega Cajamarca Structural System for a sinextral system with compressive behavior and with Andean direction in the Miocene. It is also considered that in this north sector, an oblique convergence plaque area has been developed in the subduction zone, as well as the subduction angle variation (15 degrees), as main characteristic for the mineral deposit generation. In this way, this concept has the principal objective to involve a general mechanism of an ensemble understanding and interpretation, including previously developed structural studies.El norte del Perú se caracteriza por la presencia de yacimientos tipo pórfido (Cu-Au, y Cu-Mo) y epitermales (Au) de clase mundial, ubicados en el sector occidental de los Andes centrales en el norte del Perú. Estas minas y depósitos mineralizados se presentan en relación temporo-estructural asociados a magmatismo del Neógeno con edades desde 24 Ma a 7 Ma., intruyendo rocas silicoclásticas del Cretáceo superior, que por efectos de las deformaciones tectónicas particularmente en el Cenozoico (fases Incaica y Quechua), ocasionaron la ocurrencia de mega controles estructurales complejos como el que se propone en la siguiente publicación y espera abrir una ventana de debate en su entorno. Estructuralmente, los yacimientos en el norte del Perú, están controlados por mega sistemas estructurales que contienen en el sector oriental como principal accidente estructural la falla Punre – Canchis (Rivera et al., 2008) así como los pliegues y fallas del sistema estructural del Marañón, y en el sector occidental incluyen fallas al este de Chongoyape que limitan el Batolito de la Costa hacia el borde oriental, así como los silicoclásticos del Mesozoico, poniéndolos en contacto con volcánicos del Cenozoico. La cuenca en su sector occidental habría sufrido cambios en los estados de esfuerzos regionales, produciendo movimientos epirogénicos, desde el Cretácico superior, jugando un importante rol las grandes fallas regionales controlando la cuenca extensiva a través de fallas normales (Pardo‐Casas &amp; Molnar, 1987). La subducción se dio de manera oblicua y con un bajo ángulo, generando así zonas permeables, de dimensiones kilométricas, generando mega estructuras paralelas y conjugadas que dieron lugar a jogs estructurales. Luego del análisis y evaluación de la información recopilada, nos permiten sugerir un nuevo concepto para definir el comportamiento estructural de este sector de los andes peruanos, proponiendo la denominación Mega Sistema Estructural Cajamarca, a un sistema de cinemática sinextral compresivo y de dirección andina, en el Mioceno, también consideramos que en este sector norte del país, se ha desarrollado una zona de convergencia oblicua de las placas en la zona de subducción, así como la variación del ángulo de subducción (15°), como rasgos importantes para la creación de depósitos minerales. En este sentido, este concepto tiene como principal objetivo involucrar un macro mecanismo general de entendimiento e interpretación de conjunto, que involucran estudios estructurales antes realizados. Palabras clave: Exámenes médicos pre-ocupacionales y periódicos; salud ocupacional; hipoacusia; planta de teñidos textil

An Activin Receptor IA/Activin-Like Kinase-2 (R206H) Mutation in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an exceptionally rare genetic disease that is characterised by congenital malformations of the great toes and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) in specific anatomical areas.This disease is caused by a mutation in activin receptor IA/activin-like kinase-2 (ACVR1/ALK2). A Mexican family with one member affected by FOP was studied. The patient is a 19-year-old female who first presented with symptoms of FOP at 8 years old; she developed spontaneous and painful swelling of the right scapular area accompanied by functional limitation of movement. Mutation analysis was performed in which genomic DNA as PCR amplified using primers flanking exons 4 and 6, and PCR products were digested with Cac8I and HphI restriction enzymes.The most informative results were obtained with the exon 4 flanking primers and the Cac8I restriction enzyme, which generated a 253 bp product that carries the ACVR1 617G>A mutation, which causes an amino acid substitution of histidine for arginine at position 206 of the glycine-serine (GS) domain, and its mutation results in the dysregulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling that causes FO

Los pequeños productores de Ruiz, Nayarit, en el sistema agroalimentario: cambios y resistencias

   Tomando como estudio de caso el municipio de Ruiz, Nayarit, este trabajo ubica a los pequeños productores a la luz de la reestructuración del sistema agroalimentario y destaca sus transformaciones y las estrategias con que han venido respondiendo a las situaciones económico-productivas en que están inmersos. En un contexto de crisis del sector agrícola y del sistema agroalimentario mundial, la importancia de los pequeños productores se revela crucial. No se trata de una actividad económica solamente, es un saber hacer que se reinventa puesto a prueba por siglos. Han aprendido a sortear los embates de la política agrícola, así como a negociar (incluso desde sus diferencias), lo que nos muestra un actor colectivo en permanente reconstrucción. 

Artes de pesca y realidades económicas en torno a comunidades de pescadores en el embalse el guajaro

The research work carried out with fishing communities in the El Guajaro reservoir between 2013 and 2016 is presented to determine the fishing gear types that they implement in this sector and how it is determined the cost-benefit ratio in the economic gains and in improving the inhabitant’s life quality. It is worrying to use restricted fishing gear in this environment, due to the danger of capturing very small organisms. In that sense, greater control is required by the authorities. On the other hand, the frustration regarding the economic benefits obtained by this activity is highlighted by the fishermen's communities. It was possible to determine that is lower than the current legal minimum wage, since they must distribute the profits among the participants of the task and pay the boat rental.Se presenta el trabajo de investigación desarrollado con comunidades de pescadores en el embalse El Guajaro entre los años 2013 a 2016, con el fin de determinar los tipos de arte de pesca que implementan en el sector y cómo estos determinan la relación costo - beneficio en las ganancias económicas y en la mejora de la calidad de vida de los habitantes. Se reporta que existe un preocupante uso de artes de pesca restringidas en este medio, debido al peligro de capturar organismos muy pequeños. En ese sentido hace falta un mayor control por parte de las autoridades. Por otro lado, se remarca por parte de las comunidades de los pescadores, la frustración en cuanto a los beneficios económicos obtenidos por dicha actividad. Se logró determinar que este, en promedio, es inferior al salario mínimo legal vigente, ya que deben repartir las ganancias entre los participantes de la faena y pagar el alquiler de lancha

Gd-Si Oxide Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

[EN] We describe the synthesis, characterization and application as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging of a novel type of magnetic nanoparticle based on Gd-Si oxide, which presents high Gd3+ atom density. For this purpose, we have used a Prussian Blue analogue as the sacrificial template by reacting with soluble silicate, obtaining particles with nanorod morphology and of small size (75 nm). These nanoparticles present good biocompatibility and higher longitudinal and transversal relaxivity values than commercial Gd3+ solutions, which significantly improves the sensitivity of in vivo magnetic resonance images.The authors thank the Spanish MINECO (projects MAT2012-39290-CO2-01 and MAT2012-39290-CO2-02) for financial support. A.C.-G. also thanks "La Caixa" Foundation for a Ph.D. scholarship. We fully appreciate the assistance of the Electron Microscopy Service of the UPV and INSCANNER S.L.Cabrera-García, A.; Vidal Moya, JA.; Bernabéu, Á.; Pacheco Torres, J.; Checa Chavarría, E.; Fernández, E.; Botella Asuncion, P. (2016). Gd-Si Oxide Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Nanomaterials. 6(6):1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6060109S1156