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Thermal grids are well-established technologies that can cover the thermal demands of buildings in a more sustainable way. The lower operating temperature will allow not only for the integration of heat produced by thermal renewable energy sources but also for the storage of surplus electricity from the grid using power to heat technologies. To ensure a wider diffusion of this technology, it is important to propose a method for the cost allocation among producers connected to the grid. In this regard, this paper proposes Exergoeconomics as a possible solution. To show the capabilities of the method, some operating scenarios are compared for a cluster of five buildings in the tertiary sector interconnected by a thermal grid, where heat is produced by a cogeneration unit, heat pumps, and an industrial process. Thanks to the exergy and exergoeconomic unit costs, insights into the cost formation process of the heat consumed by users are provided. Results indicated that the substitution of the cogeneration plant with a centralized heat pump and waste heat could reduce the unit exergy cost of the heat supplied to the users. In addition, the analysis revealed a great sensitivity of the heat unit cost to the price of the waste heat recovered from the industrial process.

We consider a variant of the charge-Q compact Abelian-Higgs model, in which an Nf-dimensional complex vector is coupled with an Abelian Z_q gauge field. For Nf=2 and Q=1 we observe several transition lines that belong to the O(4), O(3), and O(2) vector universality classes, depending on the symmetry breaking pattern at the transition. The universality class is independent of $q$ as long as q>=3. The universality class of the transition is uniquely determined by the behavior of the scalar fields; gauge fields do not play any role. We also investigate the system for Nf=15 and Q=2. In the presence of U(1) gauge fields, the system undergoes transitions associated with charged fixed points of the Abelian-Higgs field theory. These continuous transitions turn into first-order ones when the U(1) gauge fields are replaced by the discrete Z_q fields: in the present compact model charged transitions appear to be very sensitive to the nature of the gauge fields, 25 pages, 15 figures

Thermal grids are efficient, reliable, and sustainable technologies for satisfying the thermal demands of buildings. The capability to operate at a low temperature allows not only for the integration of heat produced by renewable energy sources but also for the storage of surplus electricity from the grid via “power to heat” technologies. Besides, in the future, heat consumers are expected to behave increasingly as “prosumers”, supplying in some periods heat produced by renewable energy plants on site. In this scenario, it is important to propose a method for the cost allocation among producers connected to the grid. In this regard, this paper proposes Exergoeconomics as a possible tool for rational cost assignment. To show the capabilities of the method, some operating scenarios are compared for a cluster of five buildings of the tertiary sector interconnected by a thermal grid. Based on exergoeconomic indicators, such as the exergy and exergoeconomic unit costs, insights into the cost formation process of the heat consumed by users are provided. Sensitivity analyses of heat unit cost to design and operating variables are also performed. Results show that in the presence of distributed producers, the heat unit cost could be approximately 33% lower than in the case of centralized production, due to the lower amount of irreversibility generated. Capital investment accounts for 20–28% of the heat unit cost.

The transcription of two Ciona intestinalis galectin genes (CiLgals-a and CiLgalseb) is uparegulated by LPS in the pharynxis (hemocytes, vessel epithelium, endostilar zones) which is retained the main organ of the immunity. In this ascidian, for the first time we show, by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization methods, that these two immune-related genes are expressed in the gastric epithelium of naïve ascidians, whereas the galectins appear to be only contained in the intestine columnar epithelium. In addition, according to previous results on the pharynx, the genes are also expressed and galectins produced by hemocytes scattered in the connective tissue surrounding the gut. The genes expression and galectin localization in several tissues, including the previous findings on the transcription upregulation, the constitutive expression of these genes by endostylar zones and by the gastric epithelium suggest a potential multifunctional role of these galectins. In this respect, it is of interest to define where the CiLgals are normally found as related to the tissue functions. Such an approach should be a starting point for further investigations.

This article aims to analyze the gender category from a series of specific intersections such as race, class and gender. The starting point of the analysis are the particular relationships established in the Caribbean, seen from a postcolonial perspective, once the modern/colonial world-system was implemented after the American Conquest. On top of that, the approach on how certain Caribbean authors understand the intersection of variables like race, class and gender will be analyzed too. Finally, some of the critics made to determined Eurocentric views will be pointed out., El presente artículo se propone analizar la categoría de género desde una serie de intersecciones particulares, como son la raza, la clase y el género. Para esto partimos de las relaciones particulares que se han establecido en el Caribe, desde una mirada poscolonial, a partir de la implementación del sistema mundo moderno/colonial luego de la conquista de América. A su vez analizaremos cómo ha sido abordada por algunos/as autores/as del Caribe la intersección de las variables raza, clase y género. Señalaremos aquí algunas de las críticas que se han hecho a ciertas miradas eurocéntricas sobre estos aspectos.

En la fisiopatología del síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) sin evidencia de lesión ateromatosa oclusiva, podría participar un estado de hipertrombogenicidad sanguínea, generado por factores trombogénicos sistémicos, como los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y los que intervienen en el balance coagulación-anticoagulación, fibrinolisis y formación de fibrina. Objetivo: Estudiar y comparar los factores trombogénicos sistémicos en pacientes con SCA y cinecoronariografía (CCG) normal y patológica. In the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without evidence of occlusive atherosclerotic lesion, could participate a state of blood hipertrombogenicidad generated by systemic thrombogenic factors such as cardiovascular risk factors and those involved in the balance coagulation-anticoagulation, fibrinolysis and fibrin formation. Objective: Study and compare systemic thrombogenic factors in patients with ACS and normal and pathological coronary angiography (GCC). Fil: Testasecca, E.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología Fil: Testasecca, A.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología Fil: Maneschi, E.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología Fil: Fragapane, P.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología Fil: Diumenjo, M. S.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología

Los anticuerpos antifosfolípidos pueden activar el endotelio, modificar su función, alterar la regulación del tono vascular, producir daño renal, y así participar en la patogenia de la hipertensión arterial esencial. Antiphospholipid antibodies can activate the endothelium, alter their function, alter the regulation of vascular tone, cause kidney damage, and thus participate in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Fil: Diumenjo, M. S.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología Fil: Testasecca, E.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología Fil: Testasecca, A.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología Fil: Maneschi, E.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Cátedra de Inmunología

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and oxidative stress still limit the survival of cells and organs in xenotransplantation models. Ectonucleotidases play an important role in inflammation and IRI in transplantation settings. We tested the potential protective effects derived by the co-expression of the two main vascular ectonucleotidases, ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E5NT) and ecto nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD1), in an in vitro model of H

O aumento da produção brasileira de maçã, nas últimas décadas, tornou o país um dos principais produtores mundiais. A introdução de pragas quarentenarias pode ser considerada consequência de um processo intensivo de produção. Cydia pomonella e praga-chave da cultura, presente em praticamente todos os países produtores, incluindo tradicionais exportadores ao Brasil, como Argentina, Chile e Uruguai. A praga foi detectada em áreas urbanas da região Sul do Brasil, no início dos anos 1990, o que levou a criação do Programa Nacional de Erradicação da Cydia pomonella (PNECP). Esta dissertação objetivou avaliar as ações implementadas no âmbito do PNECP, a partir do levantamento de normas e procedimentos utilizados e de entrevistas com atores da cadeia produtiva, levando-se em conta aspectos ambientais, econômicos e sociais. As respostas das entrevistas foram analisadas pelo software ALCESTE. Os resultados mostram que a base legal e adequada às normas internacionais e que ações como o Sistema de Mitigação de Risco (SMR) na Argentina, a participação de Fiscais Federais Agropecuários em inspeções na origem, o monitoramento da praga e a erradicação de plantas hospedeiras em áreas urbanas contribuíram para uma efetiva diminuição de Cydia pomonella no Brasil. Ficou evidente a importância da organização da cadeia produtiva brasileira da maçã na efetivação das políticas públicas do Ministerio da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento para o controle e a erradicação da praga. Pode-se dizer que o PNECP alcançou o objetivo da não introdução da praga no Brasil, o que deve levar a sua erradicação no país, mas e necessário o contínuo monitoramento da praga, de forma a evitar sua reintrodução. The Brazilian apple increasing production in the last decades ranked the country nowadays as one of the most important producers in the world. The introduction of quarantine pests can be understood as a consequence of an intensive production system. Cydia pomonella is a key pest for apples, that is present in most of the producer countries included Brazilian traditional exporters like Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The pest was detected in the beginning of the 90's, in urban areas in the South region of Brazil, resulting in the implementation of the National Program of Control and Eradication of Cydia pomonella (PNECP). The present dissertacion intends to evaluate the actions developed in the PNECP, with a review of the legislation and procedures in use and interviews with the participants of the process, taking note on environmental, economic and social issues. The answers from the interviews were analised by the ALCESTE software. The results show that the legal basis is adequate to the international standards, and that actions like the System Approach in Argentina, the participation of Brazilian Federal Inspectors in the origin and the pest monitoring and the eradication of host plants in urban areas, lead for an effective control of Cydia pomonella in Brazil. It is showed the importance of the brazilian production chain organization in the implementation of the public policies from the Ministry of Agriculture Cattle and Supply of Brazil for the control and eradication of the pest. As a conclusion, it can be told that the PNECP has reached the objective of the no-introduction of the pest in Brazil, what can be lead to a Cydia pomonella status changing to pest eradicated, being necessary a continuous monitoring of the pest, to avoid its reintroduction.

On June 2007 WHO issued their first report on impacts of environmental conditions on human health, "Country profiles of the environmental burden of disease". Data relevant to Italy indicate that health diseases caused by environment are 14%. Further papers demonstrated that, in highly technologically developed countries the air available in non industrial buildings (schools, offices, houses, etc.) is more polluted then the air outside and, adding to this that these are the places where population lives up to 90% of the time, this data highlight the importance and extension of the issue. This study recognize, thanks to the cross check of data from various international studies, a strong connection existing between health and psycho physic well-being of human being and a salubrious environment, outdoor and indoor; but, also, the existence of a vicious circle where the outdoor environment degradation lead to buildings indoor pollution and non eco-sustainable buildings new erections worsen the outdoor environment. The challenge for the future is to guard natural environment and to achieve buildings suitable for human being needs and demands and in harmony with natural environment.

Infraclavicular brachial plexus block were first described by Raj, yet this block remained underutilized despite theoretical advantages. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare equipotent doses of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine.For this prospective, randomized study we have enrolled, after informed consent, 30 patients of both sexes, ASA status I-II, who were going to receive surgery to the forearm or hand with tourniquet position on the arm. The infraclavicular plexus block was performed by using vertical technique. The block was performed with 30 mL of levobupivacaine 0.5% or ropivacaine 0.75%.No differences were reported between 2 groups in terms of demographic data. The onset-time for motor block was greater for ropivacaine group (p0.05); the sensitive block was longer in levobupivacaine group (p0.05).The long duration of sensory block associated with the with good analgesia, less toxicity and the pharmacodynamic properties of levobupivacaine include this new local anaesthetic as a valid choice respect other local anaesthetic for infraclavicular plexus block.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical profiles of psoas block and sciatic nerve block performed with either 0.5% levobupivacaine or 0.75% ropivacaine.With ethical committee approval and written informed consent 80 ASA physical status I-II patients, undergoing lower extremity surgery received intravenous premedication with midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) and atropine (0.01 mg/kg). Patients were randomly allocated to receive a lumbar plexus block with: Levobupivacaine Group (L) 30 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine or Ropivacaine Group (R) 0.75% ropivacaine, and sciatic nerve block with: Group R 10 ml 0.75 ropivacaine or Group L 0.5% levobupivacaine. The onset time and duration of nerve block were evaluated.The motor onset time was shorter in Group L than in Group R. The motor offset time was similar in the 2 groups, the time being slightly greater for Group R. Group L presented a higher difference of resolution to motor-sensitive block compared to Group R.The differences between Groups L and R were characterised by: a faster motor onset time in Group L with a longer time between motor and sensitive resolution determining a lower demand for analgesic drugs postoperatively and greater support for motor control recovery.

Reversibly glycosylated polypeptides (RGPs) belong to a family of self-glycosylating proteins believed to be involved in plant polysaccharide synthesis. The precise function of these enzymes remains to be elucidated. Our results showed that the RGP 38-kDa subunit is phosphorylated in potato extracts (Solanum tuberosum L.). An increase in the self-glycosylation of Solanum tuberosum RGP (StRGP) 38-kDa subunit was observed after alkaline phosphatase (AP) treatment. Our results suggest that phosphorylation of StRGP appears to regulate its self-glycosylation. It was determined that when the StRGP reaction was carried out in the presence of UDP-[14C]Glc as the sugar donor and then 1 mM UDP was added in a chase-out experiment, radioactive UDP-Glc was obtained indicating that StRGP reaction seems to be reversible. The anomeric configuration of transferred sugars to StRGP protein was also studied. Fil: Testasecca, Pamela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Wald, Flavia A.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Cozzarin, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Moreno, Silvia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; Argentina