El vaciamiento conceptual de las disciplinas humanísticas por el abuso del prefijo meta-

In this publication, as well as in others on the same subject published in Boletán de Filologia and in the Boletín de la Academia Colornbiana, I have obsewed the great abuse made of the prefix meta-, to such an extent that certain concepts formed sn the basis of this prefix will eventudly become devoid of their meaning. In order to illustrate its use, relevant examples are provided in Spanish, English, Gennan, and Russian.    En este artículo, y en otros sobre el mismo tema publicados en el Boletín de Filología y el Boletín de la Academia Colombiana, he advertido sobre el abuso que se ha hecho común por doquier al utilizar el prefijo mera-, de modo que va a dejar sin contenido a conceptos empleados en diversas disciplinas. A modo de ilustración, en este trabajo se muestran ejemplos de tal uso en español, inglés, alemán y ruso.  

Rebeca Barriga Villanueva, Estudios sobre habla infantil en los años escolares. El Colegio de México, México, 2002.

Se reseñó el libro: Estudios sobre habla infantil en los años escolares

Determinación de los Factores de Forma de Área (α) y Volumen (β), de Cristales de α-Lactosa Utilizando Microscopia Óptica

α-lactose crystall were obtained from a 60% (p/p) saturated solution at 90 °C. The solution was air cooled (no seeds) up to 30 °C in a 600 ml solution capacity lab crystallyzer. Measures were taken from separated - washed crystall inmersed in analytic grade ethanol. Four lineal dimension measures of ten crystall images were photographed using an electronic microscope attached to an image analysis system. Data were used to calculate supeficial area (Sa) and crystall volume (Cv) referred to characteristic longitude (Cl) and esphericity (f). α-lactose crystall area form (α) and volume (β) factors were calculated using a non-lineal general model. A regression procedure with Statistic 6.0 specific function was performed. Area form and volume factor values obtained through optic microscopy are in agreement with previous reports, indicating accuracy to determine α-lactose area form and volume factors.Cristales de α-lactosa fueron obtenidos a partir de una solución saturada, de concentración inicial (60%p/p) y una temperatura de 90 °C. Posteriormente, la solución fue sometida a un enfriamiento natural (sin adición de semillas) hasta alcanzar 30 °C, dentro de un cristalizador de laboratorio con capacidad de 600 mL de la solución. A partir de muestras de cristales separados, lavados e inmersos en etanol grado analítico, fueron efectuadas las mediciones de cuatro dimensiones lineales de diez imágenes de cristales fotografiados y capturadas con un microscopio óptico (Olympus, DXC-107A, Alemania), acoplado a un sistema de análisis de imágenes, Imagen-Pro-Plus (Media,Cibernetics). Con los datos registrados fueron calculados el área superficial (Ac) y el volumen del cristal (Vc), referidos a la longitud característica (LC) y la esfericidad (f). Los factores de forma superficial (α) y volumétrico (β) de cristales de α-lactosa se calcularon empleando un modelo general no-lineal, ajustando los datos por el procedimiento de regresión con función específica en el software Statistica 6.0. Los valores de los factores de forma superficial y volumétrico obtenidos por microscopia óptica, concuerdan con los reportados por Hodges (1993), lo cual indica que la técnica de microcopia óptica es adecuada para la determinación de los factores de forma superficial y volumétrica de los cristales de α-lactosa

Las comunidades vegetales del bosque de coníferas altimontano en el macizo del Tancítaro (Michoacán, México)

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El límite superior del bosque es un ecosistema que alberga comunidades herbáceas y forestales con singular presencia de endemismos y con una función relevante en la captación, recarga y transporte de agua, lo que los define como nodos de provisión de bienes y servicios ambientales. Lo anterior es de particular significado en las montañas intertropicales por ser las que resguardan un banco de germoplasma oriundo significativamente elevado. Ese es el caso del Pico del Tancítaro y volcanes circundantes, región de estudio comprendida entre 2600 y 3800 m de altitud en Michoacán, México. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo central definir y caracterizar la diversidad florística y fitocenótica, así como las pautas de distribución de las asociaciones vegetales a lo largo del gradiente altitudinal. Métodos: Se realizaron 35 inventarios siguiendo la metodología fitosociológica; en ellos se registraron las especies, su cobertura y los atributos físico-geográficos del sitio muestreado. La información de campo fue corroborada en gabinete; para asegurar los aspectos de identificación florística se utilizó preferentemente la “Flora del Bajío y de regiones adyacentes”. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando técnicas de agrupamiento multivariadas para poder definir las asociaciones vegetales. Resultados clave: Los 35 inventarios se consideraron como base para armar las tablas de vegetación que soportan las siguientes asociaciones vegetales: Gaultherio myrsinoidis-Pinetum hartwegii, Polysticho speciosissimae-Abietetum religiosae y Sibthorpio repentis-Abietetum religiosae; así como otras de rango menor. Para cada asociación se abordaron cuestiones de estructura, composición, ecología, distribución y relación con los pisos bioclimáticos y con otras asociaciones próximas. Conclusiones: Las combinaciones florísticas propias de las asociaciones reflejan las variaciones ambientales que se suceden en el gradiente altitudinal, incluyendo las causadas por perturbación natural y/o antrópica. Dichas asociaciones permiten tipificar la heterogeneidad fitocenótica del bosque estudiado y su papel como proveedoras de servicios ambientales y de biodiversidad.Background and Aims: The timberline occurs as an ecosystem harboring unique forest and grassland types comprising outstanding endemic species. These vegetation types, furthermore, are the centers of capturing, recharging and transporting water so that these are regarded as provider´s nodes of environmental services. This is even more significant in intertropical mountains since these harbor large genetic reservoirs. This is the case of the Pico del Tancítaro and surrounding volcanoes, a region between 2600 and 3800 m elevation, in Michoacán, Mexico. The present study aimed to define and characterize the floristic and phytocenotic diversity, as well as recognize distribution patterns of the plant associations along the elevational gradient. Methods: Thirty five inventories were carried out following the phytosociological approach. At each inventory, a list of species, their coverage, and physical and geographical attributes of the site were compiled. Field information was later verified in the laboratory to ensure species identification; “Flora del Bajío y regiones adyacentes” was preferably consulted. Data were further analyzed via multivariate techniques in order to define plant associations. Key results: The 35 inventories were considered as a basis to assemble the vegetation tables that support three plant associations: Gaultherio myrsinoidis-Pinetum hartwegii, Polysticho speciosissimae-Abietetum religiosae and Sibthorpio repentis-Abietetum religiosae; as well as other units of lower rank. For each one, issues, such as structure, composition, ecology, distribution and relationship with bioclimatic belts and other nearby associations were addressed. Conclusions: The floristic combinations of the associations reflect environmental variations that occur along the altitudinal gradient, including those caused by natural and/or anthropic disturbance. These associations permit a clear classification of the phytocenotic heterogeneity in the forest studied, and confirm its role of environmental service providers and biodiversity

Impact of comorbidities on hospital mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis: a population-based study of 110,021 patients

Acute pancreatitis; Comorbidity; Hospital mortalityPancreatitis aguda; Comorbilidad; Mortalidad hospitalariaPancreatitis aguda; Comorbilitat; Mortalitat hospitalàriaBackground The impact of pre-existing comorbidities on acute pancreatitis (AP) mortality is not clearly defined. Our study aims to determine the trend in AP hospital mortality and the role of comorbidities as a predictor of hospital mortality. Methods We analyzed patients aged ≥ 18 years hospitalized with AP diagnosis between 2016 and 2019. The data have been extracted from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database of the Spanish Ministry of Health. We performed a univariate and multivariable analysis of the association of age, sex, and comorbidities with hospital mortality in patients with AP. The role of the Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices as predictors of mortality was evaluated. Results A total of 110,021 patients diagnosed with AP were hospitalized during the analyzed period. Hospital mortality was 3.8%, with a progressive decrease observed in the years evaluated. In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 years (OR: 4.11, p  1.5 (OR: 2.03, p  1.5 (OR: 2.71, p < 0.001) comorbidity indices were also independently associated with mortality, and ROC curve analysis showed that they are useful for predicting hospital mortality. Conclusions Advanced age, heart disease, renal disease, moderate-severe liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease before admission were independently associated with hospital mortality. The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices are useful for predicting hospital mortality in AP patients. Peer Review reports Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent acute inflammatory disease that affects the pancreas, with an increased incidence in recent years [1, 2]. Most cases are mild with a self-limited course [3]. However, patients with severe acute pancreatitis have a high mortality rate (20–50%) [4,5,6]. For this reason, many efforts have been made to find predictors of severity and mortality in patients with AP [7,8,9,10,11] to identify patients who need admission to an intensive care unit or specific treatment. In clinical practice, systems such as the Ranson score, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, the Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI), the Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP), and various biochemical markers are used to predict severe AP and mortality [3, 12,13,14,15,16]. However, hospital mortality in AP could also be related to intrinsic patient characteristics, such as individual comorbidities. Most classic scores do not consider comorbidities before admission, except for APACHE II, but are restricted to severe chronic diseases. According to some previous studies, patients with certain comorbidities, such as obesity [17], hypertriglyceridemia [18], chronic renal failure [19], diabetes [20, 21], and systemic lupus erythematosus [22], are associated with a higher risk of AP severity and mortality. However, few studies currently evaluate the impact of comorbidities on AP severity and mortality. Our study aimed to determine the relevance of comorbidities and their indexes (Charlson and Elixhauser) as predictors of hospital mortality in patients with AP

The role of high serum triglyceride levels on pancreatic necrosis development and related complications

Acute pancreatitis; Pancreatic necrosis; TriglyceridePancreatitis aguda; Necrosi pancreàtica; TriglicèridsPancreatitis aguda; Necrosis pancreática; TriglicéridosBackground The relevance of elevated serum triglyceride (TG) levels in the early stages of acute pancreatitis (AP) not induced by hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) remains unclear. Our study aims to determine the role of elevated serum TG levels at admission in developing pancreatic necrosis. Methods We analyzed the clinical data collected prospectively from patients with AP. According to TG levels measured in the first 24 h after admission, we stratified patients into four groups: Normal TG (< 150 mg/dL), Borderline-high TG (150–199 mg/dL), High TG (200–499 mg/dL) and Very high TG (≥ 500 mg/dL). We analyzed the association of TG levels and other risk factors with the development of pancreatic necrosis. Results A total of 211 patients were included. In the Normal TG group: 122, in Borderline-high TG group: 38, in High TG group: 44, and in Very high TG group: 7. Pancreatic necrosis developed in 29.5% of the patients in the Normal TG group, 26.3% in the Borderline-high TG group, 52.3% in the High TG group, and 85.7% in the Very high TG group. The trend analysis observed a significant association between higher TG levels and pancreatic necrosis (p = 0.001). A multivariable analysis using logistic regression showed that elevated TG levels ≥ 200 mg/dL (High TG and Very high TG groups) were independently associated with pancreatic necrosis (OR: 3.27, 95% CI − 6.27, p < 0.001). Conclusions An elevated TG level at admission ≥ 200 mg/dl is independently associated with the development of pancreatic necrosis. The incidence of pancreatic necrosis increases proportionally with the severity of HTG

Elevated Serum Triglyceride Levels in Acute Pancreatitis: A Parameter to be Measured and Considered Early

Triglicéridos séricos; Pancreatitis agudaTriglicèrids sèrics; Pancreatitis agudaAcute pancreatitis; Serum triglycerideBackground The value of serum triglycerides (TGs) related to complications and the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) has not been clearly defined. Our study aimed to analyze the association of elevated levels of TG with complications and the severity of AP. Methods The demographic and clinical data of patients with AP were prospectively analyzed. TG levels were measured in the first 24 h of admission. Patients were divided into two groups: one with TG values of<200 mg/dL and another with TG≥200 mg/dL. Data on the outcomes of AP were collected. Results From January 2016 to December 2019, 247 cases were included: 200 with TG<200 mg/dL and 47 with TG≥200 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels≥200 mg/dL were associated with respiratory failure (21.3 vs. 10%, p=0.033), renal failure (23.4 vs. 12%, p=0.044), cardiovascular failure (19.1 vs. 7.5%, p=0.025), organ failure (34 vs. 18.5%, p=0.02), persistent organ failure (27.7 vs. 9.5%, p=0.001), multiple organ failure (19.1 vs. 8%, p=0.031), moderately severe and severe AP (68.1 vs. 40.5%, p=0.001), pancreatic necrosis (63.8 vs. 34%, p<0.001), and admission to the intensive care unit (27.7 vs. 9.5%, p=0.003). In the multivariable analysis, a TG level of≥200 mg/dL was independently associated with respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular failure, organ failure, persistent organ failure, multiple organ failure, pancreatic necrosis, severe pancreatitis, and admission to the intensive care unit (p<0.05). Conclusions In our cohort, TG≥200 mg/dL was related to local and systemic complications. Early determinations of TG levels in AP could help identify patients at risk of complications.Open Access Funding provided by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

A Holistic Solution to Icing by Acoustic Waves: De-Icing, Active Anti-Icing, Sensing with Piezoelectric Crystals, and Synergy with Thin Film Passive Anti-Icing Solutions

Icing has become a hot topic both in academia and in the industry given its implications in transport, wind turbines, photovoltaics, and telecommunications. Recently proposed de-icing solutions involving the propagation of acoustic waves (AWs) at suitable substrates may open the path for a sustainable alternative to standard de-icing or anti-icing procedures. Herein, the fundamental interactions are unraveled that contribute to the de-icing and/or hinder the icing on AW-activated substrates. The response toward icing of a reliable model system consisting of a piezoelectric plate activated by extended electrodes is characterized at a laboratory scale and in an icing wind tunnel under realistic conditions. Experiments show that surface modification with anti-icing functionalities provides a synergistic response when activated with AWs. A thoughtful analysis of the resonance frequency dependence on experimental variables such as temperature, ice formation, or wind velocity demonstrates the application of AW devices for real-time monitoring of icing processes

Acupuncture and rehabilitation of the painful shoulder: study protocol of an ongoing multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN28687220]

BACKGROUND: Although the painful shoulder is one of the most common dysfunctions of the locomotor apparatus, and is frequently treated both at primary healthcare centres and by specialists, little evidence has been reported to support or refute the effectiveness of the treatments most commonly applied. According to the bibliography reviewed, physiotherapy, which is the most common action taken to alleviate this problem, has not yet been proven to be effective, because of the small size of sample groups and the lack of methodological rigor in the papers published on the subject. No reviews have been made to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating this complaint, but in recent years controlled randomised studies have been made and these demonstrate an increasing use of acupuncture to treat pathologies of the soft tissues of the shoulder. In this study, we seek to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy applied jointly with acupuncture, compared with physiotherapy applied with a TENS-placebo, in the treatment of painful shoulder caused by subacromial syndrome (rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial bursitis). METHODS/DESIGN: Randomised controlled multicentre study with blind evaluation by an independent observer and blind, independent analysis. A study will be made of 465 patients referred to the rehabilitation services at participating healthcare centres, belonging to the regional public health systems of Andalusia and Murcia, these patients presenting symptoms of painful shoulder and a diagnosis of subacromial syndrome (rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial bursitis). The patients will be randomised into two groups: 1) experimental (acupuncture + physiotherapy); 2) control (TENS-placebo + physiotherapy); the administration of rescue medication will also be allowed. The treatment period will have a duration of three weeks. The main result variable will be the change produced on Constant's Shoulder Function Assessment (SFA) Scale; as secondary variables, we will record the changes in diurnal pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS), nocturnal pain intensity on the VAS, doses of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken during the study period, credibility scale for the treatment, degree of improvement perceived by the patient and degree of improvement perceived by the evaluator. A follow up examination will be made at 3, 6 and 12 months after the study period has ended. Two types of population will be considered for analysis: per protocol and per intention to treat. DISCUSSION: The discussion will take into account the limitations of the study, together with considerations such as the choice of a simple, safe method to treat this shoulder complaint, the choice of the control group, and the blinding of the patients, evaluators and those responsible for carrying out the final analysis

Arquitecturas multiprocesador: hardware, software, modelos, métricas y tendencias

El eje de esta línea de I/D lo constituye el estudio de las arquitecturas multiprocesador que integran sistemas distribuidos y paralelos. Incluye como temas centrales: - Arquitecturas many-core (GPU, procesadores MIC), FPGAs, híbridas (diferentes combinaciones de multicores y aceleradores), y asimétricas. - Cloud Computing para HPC (especialmente para aplicaciones de Big Data) y sistemas distribuidos de tiempo real (Cloud Robotics). - Desarrollo y evaluación de algoritmos paralelos sobre nuevas arquitecturas y su evaluación de rendimiento computacional y energético.Eje: Procesamiento Distribuido y ParaleloRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informátic