881 research outputs found

    Domain wall dynamics in an optical Kerr cavity

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    An anisotropic (dichroic) optical cavity containing a self-focusing Kerr medium is shown to display a bifurcation between static --Ising-- and moving --Bloch-- domain walls, the so-called nonequilibrium Ising-Bloch transition (NIB). Bloch walls can show regular or irregular temporal behaviour, in particular, bursting and spiking. These phenomena are interpreted in terms of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the extended patterns connected by the wall, which display complex dynamical behaviour as well. Domain wall interaction, including the formation of bound states is also addressed.Comment: 15 pages Tex file with 11 postscript figures. Resubmitted to Phys. Rev.

    Nutritional diagnosis for eucalypt by DRIS, M-DRIS, and CND

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    A avaliação do estado nutricional em florestas de eucalipto (Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maid.), mediante análises de tecido vegetal, pode ser importante para elevação e manutenção em níveis elevados da produtividade florestal, pois, reflete os fluxos de água e de nutrientes no sistema, sendo ferramenta complementar à análise de solo. O presente trabalho foi realizado aplicando-se o Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomendação (DRIS), DRIS modificado (M-DRIS) e Diagnose da Composição Nutricional (CND), com o objetivo de comparar as diagnoses realizadas entre os métodos DRIS, M-DRIS e CND para o eucalipto, em localidades da região Centro-Leste de Minas Gerais. Foram utilizados dados de produtividade e dos teores de N, P, K, Ca e Mg nas folhas, referentes a 993 talhões de Eucalyptus grandis com idades variando de 72 a 153 meses, plantados no espaçamento 3 ´ 2 m em seis localidades dessa região. A diagnose do estado nutricional foi realizada utilizando-se o DRIS, M-DRIS e CND e validada pelo teste do qui-quadrado (c²), aplicado àqueles nutrientes diagnosticados como limitantes primários por deficiência. Os métodos foram comparados, baseando-se na freqüência de diagnoses concordantes (DCF) do potencial de resposta à adubação (FRP), mediante os seguintes critérios: considerando-se os nutrientes separadamente; desde todos (5) nutrientes até nenhum (0); e apenas o limitante primário por deficiência e por excesso. O nível de concordância entre as diagnoses, fornecidas pelos métodos, variou de acordo com o procedimento adotado em sua avaliação e com o grau de concentração de nutrientes nas árvores.The evaluation of the nutritional status in eucalypt (Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maid.) forests through vegetal tissue analyses what reflects water and nutrient flows in the system, and represents a complementary tool to soil analysis can be helpful to raise and maintain the forest productivity at high levels. This study compared the use of the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), Modified-DRIS (M-DRIS), and Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) diagnose methods in eucalypt stands in Central-Eastern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Data of productivity and of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg leaf contents in 993 Eucalyptus grandis stands aging between 72 and 153 months, planted on six sites in 3 ´ 2 m spacing, were used. The nutritional status was diagnosed by the DRIS, M-DRIS, and CND methods, and validated by the chi-square (c²) test applied to the nutrients diagnosed as primary limiting by deficiency. These three methods were compared to each other based on the diagnosis concordance frequency (DCF) derived from the fertilization response potential (FRP) by the criteria considering each nutrient separately; from all (5) to none (0); and only the primary limiting nutrients by either deficiency or excess. The diagnosis concordance level among the methods was procedure-dependent, and varied according to the nutrient concentration in trees

    Producción de biomasa de Tetraselmis suecica empleando agua de mar con sanguaza

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    The growth of Tetraselmis suecica was evaluated. The experiment was realized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD) with two factors, pH and sanguaza/seawater concentration in the range of 7 - 9 and 2 - 5 % (v/v), respectively. The culture media were stirred by bubbling air constantly (0.07 L/s) and continuously illuminated with 40 W of fluorescent light in glass containers of 1.5 L capacity at a temperature of 22.5 ± 2.1 °C. Using the Gompertz mathematical model was determined that from an 8.0 of pH and a ratio of 3.5% of sanguaza/seawater, the Tetraselmis suecica achieves maximum growth. An 8.71 of pH and a ratio of 4.56% of sanguaza/seawater allow the Tetraselmis suecica maximum growth (logN/N0) of 0.659, with a 12.3% of prediction error by applying a mathematical model of 2nd order. According to the study, the values obtained in sanguaza/seawater as a culture medium outperformed the traditionally used culture medium (Guillard F/2 with seawater). The results demonstrate the potential use of the sanguaza/seawater medium in scalable studies on pilot scale production of Tetraselmis suecica, with a view to the production of biodiesel.Se evaluó el crecimiento de Tetraselmis suecica. El experimento fue realizado aplicando la Metodología de Superficie de Respuesta (MSR) con un Diseño Central Compuesto Rotacional (DCCR) con dos factores; pH y concentración sanguaza/agua de mar, en los rangos de 7 - 9 y 2 – 5 % (v/v) respectivamente. Los medios de cultivo fueron agitados por burbujeo de aire constante (0.07 L/s) e iluminados de manera continua con luz fluorescente de 40 W en recipientes de vidrio de 1.5 L de capacidad a una temperatura de 22.5 ± 2.1 °C. Se determinó, utilizando el modelo matemático de Gompertz, que a partir de un pH de 8.0 y una concentración de sanguaza/agua de mar de 3.5% se logra el crecimiento máximo de Tetraselmis suecica. Un pH de 8.71 y una concentración de sanguaza/agua de mar de 4.56% permiten obtener un crecimiento máximo (logN/N0) de Tetraselmis suecica de 0.659, con un error de 12.3% al aplicar un modelo matemático de 2º orden. Los valores obtenidos con el medio de cultivo sanguaza/agua de mar, superaron al medio de cultivo tradicionalmente usado (Guillard F/2 con agua de mar). Los resultados demuestran la potencialidad de uso del medio sanguaza/agua de mar en estudios escalables a nivel piloto de producción de Tetraselmis suecica, con miras a la producción de biodiesel

    Deliverología en la capacidad de cumplimiento en la atención prioritaria del área crítica Río Santiago

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    La investigación tiene como objetivo principal evaluar los factores que han limitado la eficacia de la intervención interinstitucional que articula, monitorea y evalúa el Consejo Nacional de Fronteras e Integración Fronteriza (Conadif) en el área crítica de frontera del río Santiago, de la provincia de Condorcanqui, departamento de Amazonas, durante el periodo 2013-2017, y que sirvan de base para la determinación de una propuesta de mejora de la intervención interinstitucional mediante la articulación gubernamental que establece la deliverología. En ese sentido, el estudio generó tres aportes importantes: el diagnóstico cuantitativo de dicha intervención, su evaluación metodológica y sus propuestas de mejora a la luz de la deliverología. La justificación principal de la investigación se centra en el hecho de que recientemente fueron incorporadas nuevas competencias a este organismo sin considerar una evaluación a su desempeño como articulador. En efecto, las disposiciones del Poder Ejecutivo del primer semestre de 2018 relacionadas con la implementación de la política nacional de desarrollo e integración fronteriza no solo buscan potenciar las competencias originales del Conadif, otorgadas cinco años atrás, sino también le incorporan otras nuevas mediante la definición de acciones de atención prioritaria para las áreas críticas de frontera

    Effects of semen processing on sperm function: Differences between swim-up and density gradient centrifugation

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    Purpose: Andrology research has evolved notoriously in the latest years, particularly since male factor contribution to couple infertility has been undoubtedly demonstrated. However, sperm function investigations results are sometimes contradictory, probably as a result of the use of different sperm processing techniques. In this work, we underwent a systematic functional comparison of human sperm samples simultaneously processed by swim-up and density gradient centrifugation, which are the preferred sperm processing methods used in basic and clinical laboratories. Materials and Methods: To compare functional characteristics of sperm isolated by swim-up and density gradient centrifugation followed by incubation at different times under capacitating conditions. Results: Semen samples processed in parallel by these two procedures resulted in sperm preparations with significant differences in redox state, spontaneous intracellular calcium oscillations, hyperactivation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and acrosome reaction responsivity to calcium ionophore. Such differences showed time-dependent specific patterns for spontaneous intracellular calcium oscillations, hyperactivation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Sperm retrieved by density gradient centrifugation showed more hyperactivation and tyrosine phosphorylation than swim-up sperm, suggesting a higher degree of capacitation. Conclusions: Our results account for functional differences observed in spermatozoa processed with these two methods and therefore may contribute to a better interpretation of outcomes obtained in different laboratories as well as to improve experimental designs aimed to study sperm physiology and fertility potential.Fil: Hernández Silva, Gabriela. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; MéxicoFil: López Torres, Aideé S.. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; MéxicoFil: Maldonado Rosas, Israel. Centro de Innovación Tecnológica y Medicina Reproductiva; MéxicoFil: Mata Martínez, Esperanza. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Larrea, Fernando. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; MéxicoFil: Torres Flores, Víctor. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Treviño, Claudia L.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Chirinos, Mayel. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; Méxic

    DISEÑO DE UN ASCENSOR ASISTIDO PARA USUARIOS DE SILLA DE RUEDAS

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    El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en proponer y diseñar un ascensor asistido de uso personal, según las normas de accesibilidad de la Asociación Brasileña de Normas Técnicas ABNT NBR ISO 9386-1 y ABNT NBR 9050, con costo accesible. Este ascensor utiliza el mecanismo tuerca husillo y es accionado por un motor eléctrico. Debe alcanzar la altura máxima de cuatro metros (4 m) y ser utilizado por un usuario de silla de ruedas junto con un acompañante, teniendo en cuenta las normas técnicas. También se realiza un breve análisis estructural de la base de la cabina usando herramientas computacionales de elementos finitos

    Core and neuromotor control system: basic mechanisms for the stability of the lumbar spine

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    El "CORE" es un concepto funcional que engloba la integración de tres sistemas cuyo óptimo funcionamiento garantiza la realización de tareas con una mayor eficacia y seguridad a nivel raquídeo, permitiendo adecuados niveles de estabilidad y control del movimiento. En este sentido, a fin de afrontar con éxito retos que demanden un control dinámico de la columna y la pelvis, el SNC debe aplicar estrategias diferentes, sopesando as fuerzas internas y externas con el fin de proporcionar una respuesta muscular que permita un movimiento óptimo y resista cualquier posible perturbación. En el presente manuscrito se revisa de forma aplicada, las bases, atendiendo a la información disponible actualmente, de los mecanismos básicos de control motor y las posibles alteraciones en los mismos a ser considerados por los especialistas en ejercicio respecto a su intervención mediante programas de ejercicio para la mejora de la capacidad de estabilización raquídea.The "CORE" is a funcional concept that englobes the integration of three systems which optimal operation guarantees better eficiency and security in tasks related with the spine, allowing appropiate stability and movement control levels. In order to successfully addres challenges which demand a dynamic control of the spine and the pelvis, the SNC must use diferent strategies, weighing the internal and external forces in order to provide a muscular response to allow an appropiate movement and resist any possible disturbance. This article reviews the foundations based on the information currently available about the basic mechanisms of motor control and posible changes in them, to be considered by exercise specialists regarding to their exercise intervention programs to improve spinal stabilization capacity

    Increased circulating and visceral adipose tissue expression levels of YKL-40 in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes are related to inflammation: impact of conventional weight loss and gastric bypass

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    Context: Plasma YKL-40 is elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes. The potential role of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as a significant source of YKL-40 is unknown. Objective: In the study circulating and expression levels of YKL-40 were examined in VAT analyzing the contribution of adipocytes and stromovascular fraction cells (SVFCs).Wealso explored YKL-40’s implication in insulin resistance and inflammation and the effect of weight loss on plasma YKL-40 concentrations. PatientsandMethods: Samples obtained from 53 subjects were used in the study.Geneandprotein expression levels of YKL-40 were analyzed in VAT as well as in both adipocytes and SVFCs. In addition, circulating YKL-40 concentrations were measured before and after weight loss achieved either by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n 26) or after a conventional dietetic program (n 20). Results: Circulating concentrations and VAT expression of YKL-40 were increased in obese patients with type 2 diabetes (P 0.01) as well as associated with variables of insulin resistance and inflammation. No differences in YKL-40 expression levels between adipocytes and SVFCs were detected. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and homeostasis model assessment emerged (P 0.01) as independent factors predicting circulating YKL-40. Elevated levels of YKL-40 in obese patients decreased after weight loss following a conventional hypocaloric diet (P 0.05) but not via a surgery-induced negative energy balance mediated by the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Conclusions: The association of increased YKL-40 mRNA and protein levels in VAT with its circulating concentrations indicates an important contribution of VAT in YKL-40 regulation. Furthermore, our data suggest a relevant role of glucose metabolism and inflammation on YKL-40 regulation

    Thickening of the pulmonary artery wall in acute intramural hematoma of the ascending aorta

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    BACKGROUND: The occurrence of pulmonary artery obstruction in the course of acute aortic dissection is an unusual complication. The mechanism implicated is the rupture of the outer layer of the aorta and the subsequent hemorrhage into the adventitia of the pulmonary artery that causes its wall thickening and, at times, produces extrinsic obstruction of the vessel. There are no reports of this complication in acute intramural hematoma. CASE PRESENTATION: An 87-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital in shock after having had severe chest pain followed by syncope. An urgent transesophageal echocardiogram revealed the presence of acute intramural hematoma, no evidence of aortic dissection, severe pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade, and periaortic hematoma that involved the pulmonary artery generating circumferential wall thickening of its trunk and right branch with no evidence of flow obstruction. Urgent surgery was performed but the patient died in the operating room. The post mortem examination, in the operating room, confirmed that there was an extensive hematoma around the aorta and beneath the adventitial layer of the pulmonary artery, with no evidence of flow obstruction. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that this rare complication is reported in the scenario of acute intramural hematoma and with the transesophageal echocardiogram as the diagnostic tool
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