Inversión de modelos de simulación de la reflectividad para la estimación del estado hídrico del combustible vivo en matorrales y pastizales de la Argentina

En este trabajo se explora la posibilidad de estimar el contenido de humedad de los combustibles vivos (FMC) a partir de la inversión de los modelos de simulación de la refectividad a nivel de hoja (PROSPECT) y a nivel de dosel (SAILH), la utilización de imágenes de satélite (sensor MODIS) e información auxiliar medida en campo. La metodología propuesta para llevar a cabo la inversión se basa en técnicas de clasificación supervisada de imágenes, así como en técnicas de regresión múltiple. Dichas metodologías fueron validadas en un total de 6 parcelas de matorral semiárido de la región fitogeográfica del Monte y 5 de pastizales subhúmedos de la Región Pampeana. Los resultados mostraron que el FMC puede ser estimado con precisión, tanto para el caso de las áreas de matorral semiárido (RMSE≈16%) como para el caso de los pastizales subhúmedos (RMSE≈10%), de manera operativa y sin necesidad de tener amplios conocimientos de programación.This paper explores the possibility of estimating Live Fuel Moisture Content (FMC) from the inversion of PROSPECT (leaf level) and SAILH (canopy level) Radiative Transfer Models, MODIS imagery and ancillary information measured on field. The methodology proposed for the inversion is based on image supervised classification as well as multiple regression techniques. These methodologies are validated in a total of six plots of shrubland from Monte region and five plots of humid temperate grasslands from Pampa region. The results show that FMC can be accurately and operatively retrieved without a deep knowledge of programming for both semiarid shrublands (RMSE≈16%) and sub-humid temperate grasslands (RMSE≈10%)

Inversión de modelos de simulación de la reflectividad para la estimación del estado hídrico del combustible vivo en matorrales y pastizales de la Argentina

En este trabajo se explora la posibilidad de estimar el contenido de humedad de los combustibles vivos (FMC) a partir de la inversión de los modelos de simulación de la refectividad a nivel de hoja (PROSPECT) y a nivel de dosel (SAILH), la utilización de imágenes de satélite (sensor MODIS) e información auxiliar medida en campo. La metodología propuesta para llevar a cabo la inversión se basa en técnicas de clasificación supervisada de imágenes, así como en técnicas de regresión múltiple. Dichas metodologías fueron validadas en un total de 6 parcelas de matorral semiárido de la región fitogeográfica del Monte y 5 de pastizales subhúmedos de la Región Pampeana. Los resultados mostraron que el FMC puede ser estimado con precisión, tanto para el caso de las áreas de matorral semiárido (RMSE≈16%) como para el caso de los pastizales subhúmedos (RMSE≈10%), de manera operativa y sin necesidad de tener amplios conocimientos de programación.This paper explores the possibility of estimating Live Fuel Moisture Content (FMC) from the inversion of PROSPECT (leaf level) and SAILH (canopy level) Radiative Transfer Models, MODIS imagery and ancillary information measured on field. The methodology proposed for the inversion is based on image supervised classification as well as multiple regression techniques. These methodologies are validated in a total of six plots of shrubland from Monte region and five plots of humid temperate grasslands from Pampa region. The results show that FMC can be accurately and operatively retrieved without a deep knowledge of programming for both semiarid shrublands (RMSE≈16%) and sub-humid temperate grasslands (RMSE≈10%)

Pharmacokinetics of Subcutaneous Levetiracetam in Palliative Care Patients

Background: Seizure control is challenging in the palliative care setting. Subcutaneous (SC) levetiracetam (LEV) is currently an off-label route of administration and effectiveness, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics studies for this route are scarce. Objectives: This prospective study aimed at evaluating effectiveness and tolerability of SC LEV as well as characterizing its pharmacokinetics. Subjects: Patients (n = 7) who attended the palliative care clinic between September 2018 and January 2019 with diagnosis of seizures, ≥18 years, and in need of SC route of administration were included in the study. Measurements: LEV plasma levels were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and pharmacokinetic analysis were performed using Monolix 2018R2 (France). pH and osmolality of the three SC infusion solutions were also determined. Results: Seven patients took part in the study. Seizures were controlled in six out of seven patients with doses of 1000 and 3000 mg/day. Adverse effects were mild. pH and osmolality of the SC infusion solutions were within the accepted values reported in the literature. Mean plasma LEV concentrations were 14.4 mg/L (1000 mg/day) and 27.7 mg/L (2000 mg/day). The population clearance (2.5 L/h) and the elimination half-life (10.4 hours) were successfully estimated. Conclusions: Based on this data, SC LEV was effective and well tolerated. Pharmacokinetic parameters for the SC route were successfully determined

De novo protein design enables the precise induction of RSV-neutralizing antibodies

De novo protein design has been successful in expanding the natural protein repertoire. However, most de novo proteins lack biological function, presenting a major methodological challenge. In vaccinology, the induction of precise antibody responses remains a cornerstone for next-generation vaccines. Here, we present a protein design algorithm called TopoBuilder, with which we engineered epitope-focused immunogens displaying complex structural motifs. In both mice and nonhuman primates, cocktails of three de novo-designed immunogens induced robust neutralizing responses against the respiratory syncytial virus. Furthermore, the immunogens refocused preexisting antibody responses toward defined neutralization epitopes. Overall, our design approach opens the possibility of targeting specific epitopes for the development of vaccines and therapeutic antibodies and, more generally, will be applicable to the design of de novo proteins displaying complex functional motifs. Copyrigh