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Background: We aimed to assess the frequency of new asymptomatic lesions on brain and spinal imaging (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and their association with subsequent relapses in a large cohort of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients in Argentina. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 675 MRI (225 performed during an attack and 450 during the relapse-free period (performed at least 3 months from the last attack)) of NMOSD patients who had at least 2 years of clinical and MRI follow-up since disease onset. Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves were used for depicting time from remission MRI to subsequent relapse. Results: We included 135 NMOSD patients (64.4% were aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)-positive). We found that 26 (19.26%) and 66 (48.88%) of patients experienced at least one new asymptomatic MRI lesion during both the relapse-free period and attacks, respectively. The most frequent asymptomatic MRI lesions were optic nerves followed by short-segment myelitis during the relapse-free period and attacks. KM curves did not show differences in the time taken to develop a new relapse. Conclusion: Our findings showed that new asymptomatic lesions are relatively frequent. However, the presence of new asymptomatic MRI lesions during the relapse-free period and at relapses was not associated with a shorter time to developing subsequent relapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades grammar teaching has ceased to be one of the main axes that organized the subject Language and Literature (today, Language Practices) in Argentina. According to the Curricular Design of the province of Buenos Aires, grammatical knowledge should remain being systematized in relation to reading, writing and oral practices. In this context, it would be expected that the corresponding textbooks promote this interrelation between grammar and use. In this paper, we aim to analyze how the different combina tions between sentences are presented and explained in these texts from a grammatical perspective, and if they are articulated with the discursive practices. To do this, we carried out a survey of the issue in the last Language Practices textbooks published by Santillana, Kapelusz, Estrada for 3rd year of the secondary education. The investigation showed that there is no clear distinction in these texts between word class, syntactic function and discursive functioning. On the other hand, there was a great terminological variation and lack of specification and consistency in the criteria used to cover both coordination and subordination. Finally, in relation to explanations and activities, there is, essentially, a traditional approach to grammar that does not promote a real connection with the use of language, as proposed in the current curriculum design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge on Early Jurassic marine fossil invertebrates from Argentina is very uneven. Particularly, faunas from Chubut Province received less attention and were thought to be poorer than those from the Neuquén Basin. Nevertheless, an updated revision of bivalves shows that some groups, such as the Protobranchia, were relatively more diverse in Chubut than in Neuquén during late Pliensbachian–early Toarcian times. Only four species are known from the southern areas of the Neuquén Basin, while seven species (three of them new) are here described from Chubut, belonging to the families Nuculidae, Nuculanidae, Polidevciidae, and Malletiidae. The new species are: Palaeonucula feruglioi n. sp., Ryderia tehuelchana n. sp., and Phaenodesmia? piatnitzkyi n. sp. The material is well preserved and allows a detailed analysis of their hinge regions and other internal characters. The presence in Chubut of Palaeoneilo? patagonidica (Leanza) is confirmed, which, along with Praesaccella ovum (Sowerby), are the only two species in common with the Neuquén Basin. The new species Ryderia tehuelchana, belonging to a genus that had a wide global distribution between Rhaetian and Toarcian times, but which was known from South America only for upper Triassic deposits, is of special paleobiogeographic interest. These bivalves are restricted to normal marine environments, and due to their detritivorous feeding habits they only live in organic-rich bottoms as very active shallow burrowers. UUID: http://zoobank.org/41225cf2-b7de-4ff0-ad20-ce0d738799a9 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Dynamic factors affected the economic optimum N rate to corn more than static factors. • Precipitation, residue amount, soil depth, nitrate content, and heat stress explained 60% of EONR variability. • We developed a new N rate forecasting tool for rainfed corn production systems. • Across 51 N-trails, the observed EONR was about 50% higher than current N rates used in Central-West Buenos Aires, Argentina. Abstract Many soil and weather variables can affect the economical optimum nitrogen (N) rate (EONR) for maize. We classified 54 potential factors as dynamic (change rapidly over time, e.g. soil water) and static (change slowly over time, e.g. soil organic matter) and explored their relative importance on EONR and yield prediction by analyzing a dataset with 51 N trials from Central-West region of Argentina. Across trials, the average EONR was 113 ± 83 kg N ha−1 and the average optimum yield was 12.3 ± 2.2 Mg ha−1, which is roughly 50% higher than the current N rates used and yields obtained by maize producers in that region. Dynamic factors alone explained 50% of the variability in the EONR whereas static factors explained only 20%. Best EONR predictions resulted by combining one static variable (soil depth) together with four dynamic variables (number of days with precipitation > 20 mm, residue amount, soil nitrate at planting, and heat stress around silking). The resulting EONR model had a mean absolute error of 39 kg N ha−1 and an adjusted R2 of 0.61. Interestingly, the yield of the previous crop was not an important factor explaining EONR variability. Regression models for yield at optimum and at zero N fertilization rate as well as regression models to be used as forecasting tools at maize planting time were developed and discussed. The proposed regression models are driven by few easy to measure variables filling the gap between simple (minimum to no inputs) and complex EONR prediction tools such as simulation models. In view of increasing data availability, our proposed models can be further improved and deployed across environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article is to describe the Argentine ITQ system during the early years after the initial allocation in 2009 and introduce the Argentine case in the discussion on ITQs. This paper has been elaborated based on statistical information derived from fleet and catch data of the Fishing Log System of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Acquaculture and Management Reports on the Individual Transferable Quotas regime. The implementation of the Argentine ITQs regime took into account issues learned from other countries and from the theoretical debate about the pros and cons of the ITQ system. The Argentine ITQ regime introduced enough flexibility to dismiss the disadvantages of this system pointed out in other international experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) are crucial nutrients in maize production. However, N and S application effects on accumulation and partitioning of both nutrients are not well documented for variable-yielding maize. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of N and S fertilization on grain yield, dry mater (DM), N, and S accumulation and harvest indexes of maize growing under no tillage in different environments. Two experiments at Balcarce, Argentina (Bce I and Bce II) and two at 9 de Julio, Argentina (9dJ I and 9dJ II), were conducted during the seasons of 2005–06 (Bce I), 2006–07 (Bce II and 9dJ I), and 2007–08 (9dJ II) under different levels of N and S. The measured variables were grain yield, DM, N, and S accumulation, as well as DM, N, and S harvest indexes (DMHI, NHI, and SHI). In general, no N × S interaction was determined in any measured variable. Nitrogen fertilization increased grain yield (P < 0.01), DM (P < 0.05), N (P < 0.05), and S (P < 0.05) accumulation in all experiments. Interestingly, N fertilization increased S accumulation either in treatments with or without S fertilization. Even though the effect of S fertilization on these variables was less pronounced, this nutrient increased grain yield in three of the four experiments (Bce II, 9dJ I, and 9dJ II, P < 0.05). Relative S accumulation rate was lower than relative N accumulation rate, indicating that it would be possible to delay S application compared to N fertilization. Dry mater and nutrient harvest indexes increments in response to N and S fertilization were not stable through sites and years. In general, NHI was higher (12% on average) than SHI. Maize grain yield was strongly and linearly associated with N and S uptake regardless of the fertilization treatment. Nitrogen and S accumulation were closely and linearly associated as well. It would be convenient, however, to confirm these results in environments with a wider range of S levels in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Argentina is a special place to study Late Palaeozoic life and environmental change because of the excellent exposures of Late Palaeozoic sedimentary sequences. In particular, Patagonia has an almost continuous Late Palaeozoic succession containing well-preserved faunal assemblages characterized by both strong endemism and distinctive palaeobiogeographic links to Australia and northeast Asia. In this contribution an overview of the current knowledge of the invertebrate faunas of Patagonia and their biostratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic significance are presented, along with comments on the future prospects of research in the light of new findings. The Late Palaeozoic outcrops in central-western Patagonia belong to the Tepuel–Genoa Basin (Chubut province, Argentina), then located in southwestern Gondwana during the Late Palaezoic. In this basin the succession is >6000m thick, and constitutes a continuous and complete succession from the Lower Carboniferous to lower Permian. As such, it has the potential to serve as an important reference section for regional and intercontinental correlations. The marine Late Palaeozoic of Patagonia has yielded abundant and well-preserved representatives of most invertebrate groups: brachiopods, bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods, hyolithids, pelmatozoans, ostracods and cnidarians. Recently, studies of the Patagonian faunas have resulted in different opinions on the ages of the faunas. Biostratigraphic correlation is complex due to strong faunal provincialism. For this reason, there are several hypotheses concerning the biostratigraphic zonation in the basin. Since 1920, when studies of Late Palaeozoic strata in Patagonia were first carried out, numerous papers on stratigraphic, palaeogeographic and taxonomic subjects have been published, but our knowledge of Carboniferous–Permian fossils from the Tepuel–Genoa Basin is still incomplete. At present, we are attempting to integrate and calibrate the different faunal associations with a view to achieving a unified biostratigraphic biozonation scheme and hence a much improved understanding of the palaeobiogeographic relationship of Patagonian faunas with those from western Argentina and other continents. Currently, detailed stratigraphic and palaeontological research is being done in the type section of the Tepuel–Genoa Basin. The aim of our studies is to integrate all partial sequences exposed throughout the basin and to propose a biostratigraphic chart based on key invertebrate taxa. Once this goal is achieved, a global correlation can be conducted, especially with other sections in Gondwana and the Arctic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nitrogen fertilization in corn under no-till is a common practice in SE Buenos Aires Province; however, there is insufficient local information to define the nitrogen (N) rate that corresponds to the maximum economic benefit. The aim of this work was to optimize the economic nitrogen rate (DOE) for corn under no-tillage using an improved mathematical model and by choosing the best moment for N fertilization. In addition, the effect of N-corn grain price and year potential was compared to the DOE. Data was obtained from 23 N fertilization experiments which took place from 1994 to 2005 and had contrasting environmental conditions (years with different potentiality). Fifteen of these experiments had N applied at planting (SI) and 8 at the six-leaf stage (V6). A statistical criterion to select the best model for defining the DOE was not found; the quadratic-plateau model presented the most conservative results from an agronomic point of view. For the quadratic-plateau model, the year potentiality effect produced variations in the DOE of 59 and 54 kg N ha-1 for SI and V6, respectively; whereas the price relationship effect produced variations of 30 and 23 kg N ha-1 for SI and V6, respectively. In conclusion, the year potentiality affected the DOE more than the N-corn grain price relationship and the six-leaf stage appeared to be the most appropriate moment for N fertilization taking into account economic and environmental aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the active principle in a cough syrup using spectrophotometry and principal component regression analysis in Argentina. Theory of principal component regression analysis multivariate calibration method; Implementation of PCR.EXE computer program; Acquisition of bromhexine electronic absorption spectra.

[Display omitted] • Consumers with high ethnocentrism prefer and always buy domestic products. • Brazilian dulce de leche showed higher flavor and quality in Hard Laddering. • Brazilian dulce de leche encouraged values of patriotism to Brazilian consumers in Hard Laddering. • The consolidated position of the Brazilian dulce de leche favors the development of local industry. Dulce de leche, a concentrated dairy product with high added value, is an essential product of Brazilian culture. However, with a competitive market among economic blocks, it is important to know if the country of origin influences the perception of consumers and the intention to purchase a product, aiming to boost production in the domestic market. This study aimed to assess the impact of different levels of ethnocentrism on the consumer perception and buying behavior toward dulce de leche (DL) from other countries (Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil). Through an online survey, participants' demographic data (n = 224) was collected. Then they were encouraged to identify the purchase motivation using the Hard Laddering (HL) methodology and to assess the consumer's level of ethnocentrism (CE) with CESTSCALE. Three distinct groups were identified: high, moderate, and low ethnocentric. Consumers with high CE declared themselves conservative, with a more significant number of self-employed workers, and prefer and always buy national products. This group had a robust dominant chain only for the national product, highlighting the flavor and quality, and values ​​of nationalism and solidarity with local producers. On the other hand, consumers with low CE were self-declared liberal and had a higher level of education. They demonstrated significantly more favorable attitudes and intentions towards purchasing imported products due to improved quality, although patriotic behavior was also evident. We conclude that with CETSCALE, it was possible to identify that the sample of the Brazilian population studied has different levels of CE, which strongly impact the purchase attitude of products, especially the imported ones. However, it was only through the HL technique that it was noticed that, in addition to its intrinsic characteristics, patriotism is an important factor for the product and can be used as a sales motivator. This study demonstrated the importance of promoting the development of DL in the domestic market and encourage aspects of the origin, as they are fundamental in the choice of this product by the consumer, which helps local industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) was the longest and most extensive glacial interval during the Phanerozoic, lasting from the Late Devonian to the late Permian (362–254 Ma). Numerous questions remain on the spatial and temporal extent of the ice centers, the timing of expansion and contraction of the ice sheets, and the distribution of ice across Gondwana through time. The Tepuel–Genoa Basin, in Patagonia (Argentina) was situated within the paleo South Polar Circle and contains a nearly continuous lower Carboniferous (Tournasian) to lower Permian (Artinskian) succession. The Mojón de Hierro Formation has been described as both non-glacial and glacial in origin, but lacks detailed sedimentological descriptions. This research investigates a ∼50 m succession with sedimentological and geochemical analysis within strata in the upper portion of the Mojón de Hierro Formation at Arroyo Garrido (Chubut Province). Five stratigraphic sections were measured and the strata were categorized into five lithofacies: 1) deformed sandstones, 2) thin-bedded diamictites, 3) graded rhythmites, 4) laminated mudstones with dispersed clasts, and 5) laminated mudstones. Deposition occurred in a slope environment from debris flows, turbidity currents, mass-movements, hemipelagic sedimentation, and ice rafting. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) indicates values similar to average marine shales, which suggests that the muds were supplied from temperate terrestrial sediment sources. This indicates that icebergs from a distant source transited the basin and grounded glaciers were not present in the catchment area. Vanadium/chromium ratios (V/Cr) indicate dysoxic (restricted water circulation) values in samples between the mass-transported blocks and oxic values (well circulated water) in samples stratigraphically above the filled/leveled ponded mini basin. These oxygenation conditions suggest that the mass-transport deposit formed a topography on the sea floor, resulting in a mini basin that ponded sediments within the blocks. A local glacial source was not substantiated for the upper Mojón de Hierro Formation at Arroyo Garrido neither through the detailed facies analysis nor through geochemical proxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ansilta Formation is located 5 km southeast of the Astronomical Observatory El Leoncito near Barreal, San Juan Province, Argentina. It consists of glacimarine, nearshore, and fluvial systems deposited during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age along the eastern margin of the Calingasta-Uspallata Basin. Glacial environments are unique in that facies changes occur because of glacial ice margin fluctuations that may be independent from changes of eustatic sea-level. For this reason, an alternative conceptual framework outside of the traditional sequence stratigraphic approach is necessary to understand the genesis of these strata. The lower glacially influenced succession (0–427 m) records at least five glacial advances, where glacial dynamic signatures are interpreted using glacial sequence stratigraphy and glacial systems tracts (GST). The upper succession of the Ansilta Formation (427–700 m) consists of progradational shallow marine shelf, deltaic, and fluvial strata. This assemblage shows no direct evidence of ice contact deposition in the outcrop belt due to an absence of glacially shared diamictites and glacially modified clasts, representing a major deglaciation phase in western Argentina and is part of the stepped deglaciation across Gondwana that ended elsewhere during the late Permian. • We provide a stratigraphic analysis of the lower Ansilta Formation in the Calingasta-Uspallata Basin of Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New and previous fossil remains and resulting biostratigraphy of the El Imperial Formation at Arroyo del Imperial, Quebrada de La Horqueta, and Cañón del Atuel key sections are analyzed, while the faunal relationships among them are clarified. Two diachronnous faunas, the pTS and TSAIII associations, relatives to the Tivertonia-Streptorhynchus assemblage are recognized and constrained to early late Bashkirian and Moscovian ages, respectively. These age assignments are supported by statistical analyses and available palynological and radiometric dating. Previous mentions of brachiopods from Arroyo del Imperial and Quebrada de La Horqueta are elucidated with the identification of Buxtonia cf. riojanae (Leanza), Streptorhynchus inaequiornatus Leanza, Spiriferellina ? sp., Septosyringothyris (Precosyringothyris) aff. jaguelensis Lech, Septosyringothyris (Precosyringothyris) cf. feruglioi (Amos), Saltospirifer guevarai Cisterna and Archbold and Pericospira sp. A new marine fauna from the upper part of the Cañón del Atuel section (Cabecera del Cañón Member) is reported. It includes the brachiopods Argentiella cf. A. stappenbecki Archbold, Cisterna and Sterren, Oehlertella annae (Feruglio), Orbiculoidea saltensis Reed, Calytrixia piersoni Taboada, Coolkilella aredesi Taboada, Costatumulus sp. and Septosyringothyris ? sp. A bio-chronostratigraphic correlation scheme, including key lithostratigraphic units and biozones of central-western Argentina is updated. • Previous and new brachiopod records from the San Rafael Basin are identified and elucidated. • Two diachronic faunas of the El Imperial Formation, relatives to the Tivertonia-Streptorhynchus faunal assemblage, are distinguished and discussed. • Intrabasinal bio-chronological correlation among different sections of El Imperial Formation is clarified. • A bio-chronostratigraphic correlation scheme of lithostratigraphic units and biozones of central-western Argentina is updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The provenance of sandstones deposited in the late Paleozoic Tepuel-Genoa Basin is analyzed in this paper. Five sections were sampled in Esquel, Sierra de Tepuel, Sierra de Tecka, El Molle, and Río Genoa areas for petrographic and geochemical studies. The sandstones in the Tepuel-Genoa Basin are dominated by feldspathic litharenites and litharenites, showing lithic fragments of volcanic and sedimentary rocks in the Valle Chico Formation and medium-to high-grade metamorphic rock clasts in the rest of the units. Detrital modes of seventy-five sandstones samples from the Valle Chico, Pampa de Tepuel, Mojón de Hierro, and Río Genoa formations were counted and analyzed. Seven modal components have discriminant value for identifying provenance areas (Qm, Qi, Lv, Lmm-h, Lm-Lp, Lm, Qpm). These modal components allow identification of three petrofacies: 1. Quartzose-lithic (Qm 69 Lv 2 Lm 29), 2. Quartzose (Qm 89 Lv 4 Lm 7) and 3. Volcanic-sedimentary (Qm 60 Lv 38 Lm 1). The quartzose-lithic petrofacies is mainly composed of monocrystalline quartz, medium- and high-grade metamorphic clasts and polycrystalline quartz with cataclastic texture, this assemblage is interpreted as being derived from the crystalline rocks that form the Deseado Massif. The quartzose petrofacies is composed of monocrystalline quartz with scarce contributions of metamorphic clasts and traces of volcanic fragments; the provenance area is ascribed to sedimentary terrains, which most likely covered part of the Deseado Massif. The volcanic-sedimentary petrofacies is comprised of volcanic (acidic and intermediate rocks) and sedimentary (sandstone and mudstone) clasts, with discrete amounts of quartz grains with idiomorph shapes and embayments. This assemblage may correspond to material supply from the Devonian-Early Carboniferous accretionary complex developed in Chile or the unroofing of the western volcanic arc located in the central part of Patagonia. The validity of the three defined petrofacies was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis and triangular compositional diagrams; both methods show good separation and lack of overlap between the three petrofacies. Major (Si, Al, Fe, Na, K) and trace-REE elements (Zr, Th, Sc, Hf) were used to improve the petrographic information. The relation SiO 2 against K 2 O/Na 2 O indicates that the Pampa de Tepuel and the Mojón de Hierro formations correspond to a passive margin, while the Valle Chico and Río Genoa formations represent different types of active continental margins. The Th/Sc and Zr/Sc ratios and the Th-Hf-Co distributions indicate that the sandstones of the Tepuel Group were formed from rocks compatibles with the average composition of the upper continental crust. • Detrital modes of the late Paleozoic Tepuel-Genoa Basin in Patagonia (Argentina) are analyzed. • Geochemical data of sandstones of this basin are presented. • Three petrofacies (Quarztoze, Quarztose-lithic, and Volcanic-sedimentary) are defined. • The basement of the Macizo del Deseado and Chilean accretionary complexes are proposed as the main source areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the environmental characteristics and situation of aquatic habitats and communities in southern continental and maritime areas of southeastern South America (Patagonian Shelf GIWA Subregion), resulting from an overall assessment carried out within the framework of a GIWA project, mostly on the basis of publicly available data. The main focus of the analysis was on the current situation of transboundary water resources and anthropogenic impacts. In the inland waters, habitat and community modifications result, principally, from dams and reservoirs built in the main watercourses for hydroelectric power generation and other uses. The transformation of lotic environments into lentic ones have affected habitats and altered biotic communities. In the La Plata River basin, invasive exotic species have displaced native ones. Habitats in the ocean have been degraded, as their biodiversity becomes affected by overfishing and pollution. This article includes a discussion on the causal chain and the policy options elaborated for the Coastal Ecosystem of Buenos Aires province and the Argentinean-Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone, where fishing resources are shared by both countries.