Aportación arqueológica al conocimiento del proceso de descomposición del cuerpo humano en posición sentada/ flexionada

La excavación arqueológica de restos humanos permite recabar datos sobre el proceso de descomposición. Basándose en estos conocimientos, se puede establecer la disposición original de los restos, distinguir entre manipulación intencional y eventos tafonómicos, así como revelar la presencia de material orgánico desaparecido. A partir de observaciones en contexto arqueológico, se presentan las modalidades de descomposición en posición sentada/flexionada de un fardo funerario y se ilustra cómo los huesos se desplazan naturalmente durante el proceso

The collective burials of Tablada de Lurin (Lurin Valley, Peru; A.D. 1-300)

The Tablada de Lurin necropolis of the first half of the Early Intermediate Period had two distinct phases. The aims of this work were to reconstruct the funerary ritual representative of the second phase and to study decomposition in a sitting/ squatting position. Fieldwork and analysis of previous excavation documents provided details on how the dead were buried and how the remains were moved around the burial chamber. Information was also gathered on decomposition in a sitting/squatting position. Laboratory analysis of the remains confirmed the taphonomical field observations. It also demonstrated the presence of secondary burials and the under-representation of foetuses and infants younger than one year. In conclusion, the subterranean stone burial chambers held collective primary and secondary burials. The dead were placed in baskets, in a sitting/squatting position, and wrapped in a shroud. As the different individuals arrived, the remains were moved to the back and the sides of the tomb, finally forming a large cluster of bones. Subterranean stone burial chambers are present in other parts of Peru, especially in the mountains. Collective burial is not an unknown practice in the Central Highlands. Nevertheless, the Tablada collective funerary ritual stands out because it was applied to all, both young and old, female and male. It was also different to the mortuary treatment of the first phase of the cemetery

THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF ARCHIVAL MATERIAL IN POZEGA EXEMPLIFIELD LEGACY PH. D. JOSEPH BUTURCA

U Državnom arhivu u Požegi čuva se dio ostavštine Josipa Buturca, višeg arhivista, doktora povijesnih znanosti, sveučilišnog profesora, svećenika. U radu se obrađuje zaštita i čuvanje arhivskog gradiva, osobe, koji predstavlja vrijedan izvor promicatelja povijesne vrijednosti Hrvata i vremena u kojem je živio i radioIn the National Archives in Pozega kept part of the legacy of Joseph Buturca, senior archivist, doctorof historical science, university professors, priests. This paper deals with the protection and preservation of archival records, the person who represents a valuable source of promoter historical value of the Croats and the times in which he lived and worke

COMPACT LEFT-HANDED DUAL-BAND FILTERS BASED ON SHUNDTED STUB RESONATORS

In this paper, super-compact microstrip dual-band resonator is presented, designed using the superposition of two simple left-handed (LH) resonators with single shunt stub. The proposed resonator exhibits spurious response in wide frequency range and therefore allows construction of dual-band filters using the superposition principle. The equivalent circuit model of the proposed resonator is crated and the influence of different geometrical parameters to the performances of the resonator are analyzed in details. As an examples, two dual-band filters that operate simultaneously at the WiMAX frequency bands are designed

Tumor Volume Distributions Based on Weibull Distributions of Maximum Tumor Diameters

(1) Background: The distribution of tumor volumes is important for various aspects of cancer research. Unfortunately, tumor volume is rarely documented in tumor registries; usually only maximum tumor diameter is. This paper presents a method to derive tumor volume distributions from tumor diameter distributions. (2) Methods: The hypothesis is made that tumor maximum diameters d are Weibull distributed, and tumor volume is proportional to dk, where k is a parameter from the Weibull distribution of d. The assumption is tested by using a test dataset of 176 segmented tumor volumes and comparing the k obtained by fitting the Weibull distribution of d and from a direct fit of the volumes. Finally, tumor volume distributions are calculated from the maximum diameters of the SEER database for breast, NSCLC and liver. (3) Results: For the test dataset, the k values obtained from the two separate methods were found to be k = 2.14 ± 0.36 (from Weibull distribution of d) and 2.21 ± 0.25 (from tumor volume). The tumor diameter data from the SEER database were fitted to a Weibull distribution, and the resulting parameters were used to calculate the corresponding exponential tumor volume distributions with an average volume obtained from the diameter fit. (4) Conclusions: The agreement of the fitted k using independent data supports the presented methodology to obtain tumor volume distributions. The method can be used to obtain tumor volume distributions when only maximum tumor diameters are available

Microfluidic EBG Sensor Based on Phase-Shift Method Realized Using 3D Printing Technology

In this article, we propose a novel microfluidic microstrip electromagnetic band gap (EBG) sensor realized using cost-effective 3D printing technology. Microstrip sensor allows monitoring of the fluid properties flowing in the microchannel embedded between the microstrip line and ground plane. The sensor’s operating principle is based on the phase-shift method, which allows the characterization at a single operating frequency of 6 GHz. The defected electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure is realized as a pattern in the microstrip ground plane to improve sensor sensitivity. The designed microfluidic channel is fabricated using a fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing process without additional supporting layers, while the conductive layers are realized using sticky aluminium tape. The measurement results show that the change of permittivity of the fluid in the microfluidic channel from 1 to 80 results in the phase-shift difference of almost 90°. The potential application is demonstrated through the implementation of a proposed sensor for the detection of toluene concentration in toluene–methanol mixture where various concentrations of toluene were analysed

Using Blockchain to Sustainably Manage Containers in International Shipping

This paper investigates how blockchain technology can improve information flows on empty container repositioning at an inter-organizational level in the shipping industry. By adopting a theory-generating design science research approach, we develop and evaluate an industry-wide blockchain artefact, named Greenbox Platform, where container owners can register, trade and share containers. It brings efficiency for shipping companies via cost reduction through minimizing the need for empty container repositioning, and effectiveness for leasing companies via container proof of ownership. The paper contributes to its application domain by a practical, theory-driven and novel application of blockchain technology to the shipping industry. Theorizing on its development and evaluation, the paper provides preliminary groundwork for two nascent design principles: 1) Explicitly define a structure of incentives for interorganizational and cross-industrial blockchain applications where stakeholders’ interests are not necessarily aligned; and 2) Consider environmental sustainability as a non-functional requirement in the development of a blockchain artefact

Phase-Shift Transmission Line Method for Permittivity Measurement and Its Potential in Sensor Applications

This chapter offers a detailed insight into a dielectric characterization of the materials based on the phase-shift measurements of the transmission signal. The chapter will provide in-depth theoretical background of the phase-shift transmission line measurement in the microstrip architecture and determination of dielectric permittivity of design under test for several measurement configurations. Potential of the phase-shift method will be demonstrated through applications in the characterization of an unknown dielectric constant in multilayered structure, realization of the soil moisture sensor, and sensor for determination of the dielectric constant of a fluid in microfluidic channel. Moreover, specific techniques for increasing the phase shift based on the electromagnetic bandgap structure, the aperture in the ground plane and the left-handed effect will be presented. In the end, the realization of simple in-field detection device for determination of permittivity based on the phase-shift measurement will be demonstrated

Nuevas estrategias para la transformación y expresión de genes de interés en girasol

Tesis para obtener el grado de Doctora en el área de Ciencias Biológicas, de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, en 2010El girasol es una especie de la familia Asteraceae (Compositae) de gran importancia económica, considerada hasta hace una década recalcitrante al cultivo in vitro y la transformación genética. En un trabajo previo (Radonic, 2005) se logró establecer el protocolo de selección por enraizamiento en kanamicina con una eficiencia del 0,7 %. En esta tesis se mejoró este protocolo utilizando una construcción portadora de los genes antifúngicos glucanasa y quitinasa, ambos bajo el control del promotor CaMV35S y el enhancer Ω del TMV, obteniéndose una eficiencia de 1,26 %, al aumentar gradualmente la concentración del antibiótico kanamicina en los sucesivos medios de regeneración. También se evaluó la especificidad y estabilidad de dos vectores conteniendo la construcción CaMV35S-secuencia codificante para la β-glucuronidasa (GUS)-interrumpida por un intrón. Las plantas T1 derivadas de los eventos de transformación presentaron un patrón de expresión de tipo no constitutivo, con expresión de GUS localizada exclusivamente en los tricomas de las nervaduras de la cara abaxial de las hojas, siendo necesario la utilización de lupa para su visualización. En las plantas T2 no se pudo detectar la presencia de los transgenes. El nivel bajo de expresión es similar al descripto en crisantemo y la inestabilidad génica obtenida con este mismo promotor fue también descripta en lechuga, ambas de la familia Asteraceae. Estos datos llevaron a la búsqueda de nuevos promotores para la transformación de girasol. Los promotores ensayados fueron CaMV35S-Ω TMV, PPC, nos, 2X35S y rbcS1. Estos promotores fueron incorporados en el vector Gateway pKGWFS7,0, diseñado para el análisis de promotores regulando, en todos los casos, la expresión del gen reportero GUS. Este vector, además posee el gen nptII de resistencia a kanamicina bajo la regulación del promotor nos. Para analizar la funcionalidad de las construcciones obtenidas se realizaron ensayos de agroinfiltración de Nicotiana benthamiana. La actividad de los promotores en girasol fue evaluada mediante ensayos de agroinfiltración en hojas de plantas en invernáculo y la evaluación temprana de los explantos blanco de transformación, por determinación histoquímica de GUS y cuantificación fluorométrica de MUG. Para los ensayos de agroinfiltración de girasol se logró establecer un protocolo, considerado hasta este momento como no factible, determinando el estadio de desarrollo de la planta, la cepa bacteriana a utilizar y el tiempo de análisis. Estos análisis permitieron seleccionar al promotor rbcS1 como el más adecuado, ya que presentó buenos niveles de actividad enzimática y, a diferencia del promotor CaMV35S-Ω TMV, se expresó mayoritariamente en la zona meristemática de los explantos blanco de transformación, región a partir de la cual se regeneran los brotes. Los resultados obtenidos en los ensayos de transformación estable mostraron que el uso del promotor rbcS1, en comparación al CaMV35S-Ω TMV, no solo aumentó los niveles de expresión de GUS (donde grandes regiones del mesófilo mostraron expresión) sino que modificó la expresión del gen nptII, mejorando notoriamente la eficiencia de transformación (aumentando de 1,26 % a 7,06 %). Además, mejoró la respuesta y el aspecto de las plantas obtenidas (T0) al ser transferidas al invernáculo (tanto por pasaje a tierra directo como por injerto), siendo éstas de gran porte y con capítulos florales más grandes, que resultaron en un aumento del número y tamaño de los aquenios obtenidos. Resultados similares fueron publicados en Arabidopsis donde el promotor CaMV35S afectaba y alteraba en trans el patrón de expresión de transgenes y cambiaba el fenotipo de las plantas transgénicas. El análisis de las plantas T1 permitió observar altos niveles de expresión del gen reportero, comparable al de otras especies vegetales. Los resultados expuestos muestran que es posible transformar girasol con buenos niveles de eficiencia y expresión.The sunflower is a species from the Asteraceae family of great economic importance, considered recalcitrant to in vitro culture and genetic transformation until a decade ago. In a previous work (Radonic, 2005) it was possible to establish a selection protocol by rooting in kanamycin with an efficiency of 0,7 %. In this thesis this protocol was improved using a construct carrying glucanase and chitinase antifungal genes, both under the CaMV35S promoter and TMV enhancer Ω, obtaining an efficiency of 1,26 % by gradually increasing kanamycin concentration in the successive regeneration media. The specificity and stability of two vectors containing the construct CaMV35S- β- glucuronidase codifying sequence (GUS)-interrumpted by an intron was also evaluated. The T1 plants derived from the transformation events showed a non-constitutive expression pattern, with GUS expression located only in the trichomes of the leaf veins on the abaxial surface of leaves, for its visualization it was necessary to use a magnifying glass. Detection of transgenes was not possible in T2 plants. This low expression level is similar to that described in chrysanthemum and the genetic instability achieved with the same promoter was also described in lettuce, both of the Asteraceae family. These data led to the search for new promoters for sunflower transformation. CaMV35S-Ω TMV, PPC, nos, rbcS1 and 2X35S promoters were assayed. These promoters were incorporated in pKGWFS7,0 Gateway vector, which is designed for promoter analysis regulating, in all cases, GUS reporter gene expression. This vector, also has the nptII kanamycin resistance gene under the regulation of nos promoter. Agroinfiltration assays in Nicotiana benthamiana in order to analyze de functionality of the obtained constructs were performed. Promoter activity in sunflower was evaluated in leaf agroinfiltration assays in greenhouse plants and early evaluation of the transformation target explants, by GUS histochemical determination and MUG fluorometric cuantification. A sunflower agroinfiltration protocol was established, until this moment considered not feasible, by determining the developmental plant stage, the bacterial strain used and the time of analysis. These analysis allowed to select rbcS1 promoter as the most suitable, as it showed good enzymatic activity levels and, unlike the CaMV35S-Ω TMV promoter, it is mostly expressed in the meristematic zone from the transformation target explants, region from which shoots regenerate. Results obtained in stable transformation assays showed that the use of rbcS1 promoter, compared with CaMV35S-Ω TMV promoter, not only increased GUS expression levels (where large regions of the mesophyll showed expression) but modified nptII gene expression, greatly improving transformation efficiency (which increased from 1,26 % to 7,06 %). Moreover, response and aspect of the obtained plants (T0) was improved when they were transferred to the greenhouse (both by direct passage to earth or grafting), they were large- sized and with larger floral chapters, resulting in an increase in the number and size of the obtained achenes. Similar results were published in Arabidopsis where the CaMV35S promoter affected and altered in trans transgene pattern expression and changed transgenic plants phenotype. T1 plants analysis allowed to observe high levels of reporter gene expression, comparable to that of other plant species. The above results show that it is possible to transform sunflower with good levels of efficiency and expression.Instituto de BiotecnologíaFil: Radonic, Laura Mabel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentin