Showing papers by "National University of La Plata published in 1994"

Paleozoic Laurentia-Gondwana interaction and the origin of the Appalachian-Andean mountain system

Abstract: Laurentia, the rift-bounded Precambrian nucleus of North America, may have broken out from a Neoproterozoic supercontinent between East and West Gondwana. Several lines of evidence suggest that the Appalachian margin of Laurentia subsequently collided with the proto-Andean margin of the amalgamated Gondwana supercontinent in different relative positions during early and mid-Paleozoic time, in route to final docking against northwest Africa to complete the assembly of Pangea. Hence the Appalachian and Andean orogens may have originated as a single mountain system. The overall hypothesis retains the same paleomagnetic and paleobiogeographic controls as previous global reconstructions for the Paleozoic Era. Laurentia-Gondwana collisions may help to explain contemporaneous unconformities in the Paleozoic sedimentary cover of the Laurentian, Gondwanan, and Baltic cratons.

Corn Starch‐Xanthan Gum Interaction and Its Effect on the Stability During Storage of Frozen Gelatinized Suspension

Abstract: The knowledge of starch pastes behavior during frozen storage becomes necessary to understand more complex systems (e.g. sauces, dressings and desserts) The effect of sub-zero storage on the quality attributes of corn starch pastes (10% w/w) with and without xanthan gum (0.3% w/w) was analyzed. Pastes were frozen at different rates (0.3 to 270cm/h) and stored at −5, −10 and −20°C. Exudate production (syneresis) and rheological behavior were studied by means of capillary suction and rotational viscometry respectively. Ice recrystallization was analyzed by indirect microscopic observations using isothermal freeze fixation and amylopectin retrogradation by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Samples stored at −5°C (glass transition temperature) or higher temperatures were under the rubbery state evidenced by starch recrystallization. This state favored molecular mobility leading to deteriorative changes (like spongy structure formation related to amylose retrogradation). At lower storage temperatures (−10 and −20°C) under the glassy state, starch retrogradation was not detected and deteriorative changes can be related to ice recrystallization. The addition of xanthan gum minimized amylose retrogradation, syneresis and rheological changes, however, its presence did not prevent ice recrystallization nor amylopectin retrogradation.

Some remarks on Zienkiewicz‐Zhu estimator

Abstract: In this article, Zienkiewicz-Zhu estimator is analyzed for the piecewise linear finite element approximate solution of an elliptic problem. The estimator is proved to be equivalent to the error for the Poisson equation with a homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition for any triangular regular mesh. No assumptions are needed about the regularity of the solution (i.e., solutions with corner singularities are not excluded). The estimator is also proved to be asymptotically exact on subdomains where the solution is smooth when parallel meshes are used. Therefore, its behavior is similar to that of other well-known estimators. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

HEAT TREATMENT EFFECT ON TEXTURE CHANGES and THERMAL DENATURATION of PROTEINS IN BEEF MUSCLE

Abstract: Meat tenderness is one of the most important quality criteria when evaluating results of cooking conditions. Changes in tenderness and weight losses of heat-treated meat (semitendinosus muscle) for different time-temperature combinations were analyzed; the relationship between protein denaturation and textural changes was studied. Heat treatments of meat samples (1.5 cm in diameter, 2 cm long) were performed in a thermostatic bath in the 60–90C range. Maximum heating times were 180 min. Meat hardness was determined by Warner-Bratzler measurements using an Instron testing machine. Protein denaturation was followed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyzing peaks for myosin (I and II), sarcoplasmatic proteins and collagen (II) and actin (III). Between 60 and 64C, hardness decreased with cooking time until reaching the lowest asymptotic values. This was related to protein denaturation of peak I and II. Between 66 and 68C, hardness decreased at first but increased later due to actin denaturation; at the temperatures 81 and 90C no modifications were observed and hardness remained at its higher values. The kinetic model proposed fit the experimental results satisfactorily. Activation energies of tenderizing and toughening processes are similar to those of protein denaturation of peak II and III. Weight losses due to cooking were also modelled increasing through the entire temperature range.

On the mechanisms of genotoxicity and metabolism of quercetin

Abstract: Quercetin has been the subject of numerous studies on its genetic toxicity and carcinogenicity. Despite its well-proven genetic damaging activity for various genetic end-points (reverse mutations, induction of SOS functions, induction of sister chromatid exchanges, chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei), the mechanisms of genetic damage by quercetin remain, by and large, unknown. The present study aims to further extend the observations on the possible active oxygen species mediated DNA-damaging activity of quercetin and the role of cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism on the genotoxicity of quercetin. The results reported in this work show that quercetin can produce the OH. radical, as assessed by deoxyribose degradation in the presence of Fe3+/EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and that it induces strand breakage in isolated plasmidic DNA (pUC18). The data support the hypothesis that the production of OH. is mediated by H2O2. The results with genetically engineered V79 cells expressing rat cytochromes 1A1, 1A2 and 2B1 failed to demonstrate metabolism of quercetin, as indicated by the fact that neither an enhancement nor a decrease in the genotoxicity of quercetin was observed. Results obtained on the pH dependence of the induction of chromosomal aberrations by quercetin in V79 cells show that, as the pH value of the medium is increased to 8.0, there is a significant increase in the number of aberrant cells, as expected if oxygen radicals are responsible for the formation of chromosomal aberrations.

Combustion of nuclear matter into strange matter.

Abstract: We study the properties of the combustion of pure neutron matter into strange matter in the framework of relativistic hydrodynamical theory of combustion. Because of the uncertainties in the actual properties of neutron matter, we employ the free neutron, Bethe-Johnson, Lattimer-Ravenhall, and Walecka equations of state and for strange matter we adopt the MIT bag model approximation. We find that combustion is possible for free neutron, Bethe-Johnson, and Lattimer-Ravenhall neutron matter but not for Walecka neutron matter. We interpret these results using a simple polytropic approximation showing that there exists a general flammability condition. We also study the burning of neutron matter into strange matter in a pipe showing that hydrodynamics demands flames faster than predicted by kinetics by several orders of magnitude, implying that the flame must be turbulent. Also the conditions for the deflagration to detonation transition are addressed, showing that in a pipe some of them are satisfied, strongly suggesting that the actual combustion mode should be detonation.

The closely related citrus ringspot and citrus psorosis viruses have particles of novel filamentous morphology.

Abstract: Some properties of the particles of citrus ringspot virus (CtRSV) and the related citrus psorosis-associated virus (CPsAV) are described. The particles of CtRSV have been reported to be sinuous linear structures about 10 nm in diameter and of two lengths (300 to 500 nm and 1500 to 2500 nm) representing ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ sedimentation components. We show that these particles are collapsed double-stranded forms of nucleocapsid-like, highly flexuous open circles formed of filaments 3 to 4 nm in diameter. Top-component filaments had contour lengths of 600 to 1000 nm, i.e. twice that reported for the corresponding collapsed form. Bottom-component filaments had contour lengths about four times longer than those of top-component filaments. The structures suggest that CtRSV represents a new genus (possibly family) related to the tenuiviruses. However, we failed to demonstrate any serological relationship between CtRSV and several tenuiviruses; moreover, the capsid protein sizes and host ranges are quite different. We offer the name Ophiovirus for the proposed new genus.

Cell Lineage Involvement of Recurrent Chromosomal Abnormalities in Hematologic Neoplasms

Abstract: Analysis of most hematologic neoplasms indicates the involvement of one or more cell lineages in the bone marrow and/or the blood but rules out the involvement of all lineages in any one neoplasm. It is important to detect lineage involvement in order to clarify which stem cells are involved in leukemia, to predict prognosis, and to select appropriate treatment. Our aim was to study the cell lineage involvement of some of the recurrent chromosomal abnormalities seen in hematological neoplasms. The direct morphology-antibody-chromosomes (MAC) method was used. The deletion 20q in myeloproliferative diseases (MPD), the deletion of 5q and t(1;7) in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and t(3;3) in acute myeloid leukemia subtype M7 (AML-M7) were seen in all or at least in two myeloid lineages. These were interpreted as stem cell abnormalities. Deletion 13q in MPD, t(8;21) in AML-M2 and t(15;17) in AML-M3 were seen in granulocytic lineages only; t(14;18) in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and trisomy 12 as the sole abnormality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) were seen only in immunoglobulin light chain clonal B cells; inversion 14 in T-CLL was seen only in T cells, whereas t(15;14) in acute lymphocytic leukemia with eosinophilia (ALL-EO) was seen in lymphoid stem cells but not in mature granulocytes or lymphocytes. Additional abnormalities (in addition to the Philadelphia chromosome) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were seen in all myeloid cell lineages and also in mature granulocytes, B cells, and large granular lymphocytes. Abnormalities in Hodgkin's disease were restricted to CD30-positive Reed-Sternberg cells. Trisomy 8 and monosomy 7 are abnormalities that may be present in either stem cells or any of the single cell lineages.

Triacylglycerol consumption during spore germination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract: Lipids and fatty acids of spores of the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungusGlomus versiforme were identified and quantitatively determined at different times of germination. Triacylglycerols were, by far, the most abundant lipid (38% on a wet-weight basis). Phosphatidylethanolamine, together with minor quantities of other phospholipids, was the main polar lipid. Palmitoleic, palmitic and oleic acids were quantitatively the most important fatty acids in total lipids, and even more so in the triacylglycerol fraction. Minor percentages of fatty acids, identified as ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated, completed the fatty acid spectra. Germination ofG. versiforme spores evokes a continuous decrease of triacylglycerols and an increase of phospholipids. The balance of fatty acids during germination suggests either a degradation or a transference of fatty acids from triacylglycerols to phospholipids.

Vanadium compounds. Their action on alkaline phosphatase activity.

Abstract: The direct effect of different vanadium compounds upon alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was investigated. Vanadate and vanadyl inhibited both the soluble and particulate ALP activity from UMR.106 cells and from bovine intestinal ALP. We have also shown the inhibition of ALP activity in the soluble fraction of osteoblasts by peroxo and hydroperoxo vanadium compounds. ALP activity in the particulate fraction was not inhibited by these species; nor was the bovine intestinal ALP. Using inhibitors of Tyr-phosphatase (PTPases), the soluble ALP was partially characterized as a PTPase. The major activity in the particulate fraction represents the bone-specific ALP-activity. This study demonstrates that different forms of vanadium are direct inhibitors of ALP activity. This effect is dependent on the enzymatic activity investigated and on the origin of the ALP.

Effect of gibberellic acid on ripening of strawberry fruits (Fragaria annanassa Duch.)

Abstract: Effect of GA3 on postharvest ripening in strawberry fruit was evaluated through different biochemical parameters. Strawberry slices at different ripening stages were incubated with GA3. A significant decrease on respiratory activity depending on GA3 concentration was obtained. Also GA3 was applied to whole and deachened fruit at white and green ripening stages. Our results show that GA3 has an inhibitory effect on strawberry fruit ripening, evidenced by a decrease in the respiratory activity and a delay in anthocyanin synthesis and chlorophylls degradation.

Kinetics and mechanism of the electrochemical reduction of molecular oxygen on platinum in KOH: influence of preferred crystallographic orientation

Abstract: The oxygen electroreduction reaction has been studied at both preferred oriented and conventional polycrystalline platinum rotating disc electrodes in x m KOH (0.05 ⩽ x ⩽ 3.0) aqueous solutions under oxygen saturation at 25°C. At low current densities, Tafel lines with slope -0.060 V decade−1 have been obtained at all platinum electrodes. At high current densities, higher Tafel slopes ranging from -0.18 to -0.40 V decade−1 have been observed, depending on the type of preferred oriented Pt and KOH concentration. Rotating ring-disc electrode data have shown that a higher amount of H2O2 is produced on one type of preferred oriented surface at all KOH concentrations. A complex reaction scheme has been used to evaluate the electrochemical rate constants of the reaction steps at three platinum electrodes.

Biomass structure and dry matter dynamics of subtropical alluvial and exotic Ligustrum forests at the Río de la Plata, Argentina

Abstract: Biomass, litterfall, litter standing crop, and decomposition was studied in a native subtropical alluvial forest locally known as Selva Marginal (SM) and an exotic Ligustrum lucidum forest (LF) at the Reserva Integral de Punta Lara, Buenos Aires Province, 34°47′S and 58°1′W. The alluvial forest site was at the southern limit of distribution of subtropical forests in South America. The Ligustrum forest was invading disturbed areas. Total biomass was 147.7 Mg/ha (86% aboveground and 14% belowground) in the SM, and 71.4 Mg/ha (93% and 7%, respectively) in the LF. Litterfall was 10.3 Mg/ha·yr and 13.8 Mg/ha·yr respectively. Annual leaf decomposition rate was greater for Ligustrum (k=4.07) than for SM species (k=1.48). The mean residence time of aboveground biomass was 12 yr for the SM and 5 yr for the LF. The k1 values (litterfall/standing crop) were 1.9 and 2.0 for SM and LF respectively. The influence of coastal road and wall in the hydroperiod, native forested wetland ecosystem survival and exotic forest invasion is discussed.

A new long - snouted ichthyosaur from the early bajocian of neuquen basin ( argentina )

Abstract: Up to the present there was a gap from the Liassic to the Callovian time in the ichthyosaur record. A long - snouted ichthyosaur found in the Early Bajocian of Chacaico Sur (Northwestern Patagonia, Argentina) is the most complete ichthyosaur fossil of this age. This specimen is assigned to a new genus and species. A comparison of the new taxon with the other long-snouted ichthyosaurs reveals important differences in the mandible ratio, cranial proportions, and forelimb structure. Early Bajocian ammonites in the same stratum provide the age control.

Una lectura de los objetos teatrales en "Aves" de Aristófanes

Abstract: Concientes de la dificultad que presupone leer una obra de teatro, el presente trabajo centra su atencion en una de los componentes de naturaleza tridimensional, que permanece aletargado en el texto literario dramatico a la espera de su despliegue escenico. En el caso del teatro clasico, obviamente, todo analisis del mismo privilegia el dialogo, sobre el que indefectiblemente se debe trabajar, aunque es posible no desantender los rasgos de representatividad presentes en las acotaciones escenicas (didascalias) enmascaradas dentro del discurso de los propios personajes. Pueden considerarse objetos, dentro del teatro, los cuerpos de los comediantes, los elementos del decorado y los accesorios. Un estudio completo deberia incluir la problematica objetual dentro del ambito mas complejo de la espacialidad escenica. Por nuestra parte, recortaremos el enfoque a los objetos accesorios que el texto literario senala como presentes en la representacion, dejando de lado aquellos que son meramente evocados (extra-escenicos) y aquellos otros que, pudiendo estar presentes y funcionando como signos exclusivamente visuales, sin apoyatura verbal, no han dejado su rastro en el discurso hablado

Alterations of testicular function after induced autoimmune orchitis in rats.

Abstract: The endocrinological profile of animals with experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) has not been sufficiently explored. With this purpose orchitis was induced in adult rats by active immunization with testicular homogenate (TH) and adjuvants. Animals were sacrificed 50 or 80 days after the first immunization. Forty-three percent of rats immunized with TH developed orchitis. Different degrees of cell sloughing and atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and numerous macrophages and lymphocytes in close association with Leydig cells were seen. A significant increase in the number of Leydig cells was observed in rats with orchitis killed at 50 and 80 days. An enhanced number of interstitial non-Leydig cells was also detected in rats with testicular damage killed at 80 days. Levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were two- to threefold higher in rats with EAO compared to concentrations detected in other groups. Moreover, rats with orchitis had significantly increased testicular testosterone. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) did not change in animals of any group. In vitro studies showed an increase in the basal and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated testosterone production in rats with EAO. The increase in testicular steroidogenesis without a concomitant enhancement in serum LH levels detected in rats with autoimmune orchitis suggests the existence of local control mechanisms.