La importància dels aspectes culturals en les relacions empresarials a la Xina : implicacions per a les empreses espanyoles

La diferència cultural existent entre Espanya i la Xina és gairebé abismal. No es tracta tan sols del llenguatge, sinó que la conducta social d'espanyols i xinesos segueixen camins ben diferents. Quan ens centrem en el món empresarial, observem que la cultura dels negocis també pateix aquestes diferències, les quals, si no se saben salvar poden desembocar en negociacions fallides. El que es pretén en aquest treball de recerca és oferir una primera visió global (encara que una mica superficialment) d'aquesta cultura dels negocis xinesa per tal de facilitar d'acostament d'aquests dos països en l'àmbit comercial.

Síntesi, caracterització i aplicació de membranes catalítiques amb nanopartícules de pal·ladi

Les nanopartícules metàl·liques són catalitzadors molt efectius degut a la seva elevada àrea superficial específica. No obstant, degut a la seva gran tendència a l’agregació, sovint és necessària la seva immobilització sobre suports per tal de dur a terme aplicacions específiques. La immobilització de les nanopartícules dins d’una matriu polimèrica ha demostrat ser una bona metodologia per a aquest propòsit, doncs permet l’estabilització i protecció de les partícules, així com la recuperació del catalitzador. Mitjançant la incorporació de nanopartícules metàl·liques a membranes polimèriques es poden obtenir materials nanocomposites molt efectius, que podrien combinar la capacitat catalítica dels nanomaterials amb l’efectivitat dels processos de membrana en un sol pas. L’objectiu a llarg termini és l’obtenció de membranes catalítiques actives capaces de realitzar simultàniament la separació i la destrucció de contaminants presents en solució. Concretament, en aquest treball s’han desenvolupat membranes polimèriques de Poliètersulfona amb grup Cardo modificada amb grups sulfònics per tal de sintetitzar nanopartícules de Pd mitjançant la tècnica de la Síntesi Intermatricial. Tant el polímer modificat com les membranes i el nanocomposite obtingut han estat caracteritzats i l’eficiència catalítica s’ha avaluat monitoritzant la reducció catalítica del 4-nitrofenol en presència de NaBH4.

Análisis de rendimiento de aplicaciones en sistemas multicore

El rápido crecimiento del los sistemas multicore y los diversos enfoques que estos han tomado, permiten que procesos complejos que antes solo eran posibles de ejecutar en supercomputadores, hoy puedan ser ejecutados en soluciones de bajo coste también denominadas "hardware de comodidad". Dichas soluciones pueden ser implementadas usando los procesadores de mayor demanda en el mercado de consumo masivo (Intel y AMD). Al escalar dichas soluciones a requerimientos de cálculo científico se hace indispensable contar con métodos para medir el rendimiento que los mismos ofrecen y la manera como los mismos se comportan ante diferentes cargas de trabajo. Debido a la gran cantidad de tipos de cargas existentes en el mercado, e incluso dentro de la computación científica, se hace necesario establecer medidas "típicas" que puedan servir como soporte en los procesos de evaluación y adquisición de soluciones, teniendo un alto grado de certeza de funcionamiento. En la presente investigación se propone un enfoque práctico para dicha evaluación y se presentan los resultados de las pruebas ejecutadas sobre equipos de arquitecturas multicore AMD e Intel.

Ultrastructural and molecular analysis of Bowman's layer corneal dystrophies: an epithelial origin?

PURPOSE: Two mutations (R555Q and R124L) in the BIGH3 gene have been described in anterior or Bowman's layer dystrophies (CDB). The clinical, molecular, and ultrastructural findings of five families with CDB was reviewed to determine whether there is a consistent genotype:phenotype correlation. METHODS: Keratoplasty tissue from each patient was examined by light and electron microscopy (LM and EM). DNA was obtained, and exons 4 and 12 of BIGH3 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and single-stranded conformation polymorphism/heteroduplex analysis. Abnormally migrating products were analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: In two families with type I CDB (CDBI), the R124L mutation was defined. There were light and ultrastructural features of superficial granular dystrophy and atypical banding of the "rod-shaped bodies" ultrastructurally. Patients from three families with "honeycomb" dystrophy were found to carry the R555Q mutation and had characteristic features of Bowman's dystrophy type II (CDBII). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong genotype:phenotype correlation among CBDI (R124L) and CDBII (R555Q). LM and EM findings suggest that epithelial abnormalities may underlie the pathology of both conditions. The findings clarify the confusion over classification of the Bowman's layer dystrophies.

Estudio de la extracción química del fe en madera arqueológica subacuatica tratada previamente con peg 4000

Debido a la gran cantidad de muestras arqueológicas impregnadas con PEG que se encuentran contaminadas por compuestos insolubles de hierro, se plantea la posible extracción y formación de complejos Fe-L (L=PBTC) y sus efectos en (i) la estructura de la matriz orgánica, (ii) la estructura y propiedades físicas del PEG y (iii) el comportamiento de la muestra en la etapa posterior de almacenamiento. El proyecto analiza la formación de compuestos químicos y posibles modificaciones estructurales en el proceso de extracción del hierro. Consiste en un estudio sistemático de un sistema químico y su influencia en los procesos de precipitación de Fe3+ en medio acuoso. El proyecto se fundamenta en: (1) desarrollar un proceso experimental de optimización para la extracción de las sales contaminantes y (2) encontrar las técnicas analíticas óptimas que permitan apreciar modificaciones estructurales de los diferentes sistemas. Se determina la cantidad de hierro extraído mediante A.A. Las interacciones entre PBTC y PEG se analizan por IR. Las modificaciones de determinadas propiedades físicas se determinan por DSC y las estructurales mediante SEM. En las condiciones termodinámicas óptimas se obtiene una extracción superficial del hierro (30-35%). La disolución del PEG origina modificaciones de la masa y el volumen de la muestra

Revised nomenclature and classification of inherited ichthyoses: results of the First Ichthyosis Consensus Conference in Sorèze 2009.

BACKGROUND: Inherited ichthyoses belong to a large, clinically and etiologically heterogeneous group of mendelian disorders of cornification, typically involving the entire integument. Over the recent years, much progress has been made defining their molecular causes. However, there is no internationally accepted classification and terminology. OBJECTIVE: We sought to establish a consensus for the nomenclature and classification of inherited ichthyoses. METHODS: The classification project started at the First World Conference on Ichthyosis in 2007. A large international network of expert clinicians, skin pathologists, and geneticists entertained an interactive dialogue over 2 years, eventually leading to the First Ichthyosis Consensus Conference held in Sorèze, France, on January 23 and 24, 2009, where subcommittees on different issues proposed terminology that was debated until consensus was reached. RESULTS: It was agreed that currently the nosology should remain clinically based. "Syndromic" versus "nonsyndromic" forms provide a useful major subdivision. Several clinical terms and controversial disease names have been redefined: eg, the group caused by keratin mutations is referred to by the umbrella term, "keratinopathic ichthyosis"-under which are included epidermolytic ichthyosis, superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis, and ichthyosis Curth-Macklin. "Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis" is proposed as an umbrella term for the harlequin ichthyosis, lamellar ichthyosis, and the congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma group. LIMITATIONS: As more becomes known about these diseases in the future, modifications will be needed. CONCLUSION: We have achieved an international consensus for the classification of inherited ichthyosis that should be useful for all clinicians and can serve as reference point for future research.

Calbindin D-28k- and substance P-immunoreactive primary sensory neurons: peripheral projections in chick hindlimbs.

The peripheral projections of two distinct subpopulations of primary sensory neurons, expressing either calbindin D-28k or substance P, were studied in chick hindlimbs by immunodetecting calbindin D-28k with a rabbit antiserum and substance P with a mouse monoclonal antibody. Calbindin D-28k-immunoreactive axons provided an innervation restricted to specific mechanoreceptors such as muscle spindles, Herbst and Merkel corpuscles, or collars of feather follicles but were absent from Golgi tendon organs. In contrast, substance P-positive axons spread out diffusely in muscles and skin, formed loose plexuses, and extended free branches to the endomysium, arteries, superficial dermis, or dermal pulp of feather follicles. The present results show that calbindin D-28k- and substance P-immunoreactive primary sensory neurons provide distinct modes of innervation to selective targets in peripheral tissues. The results suggest a possible correlation between CaBP-expressing nerve endings and rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors.

Nasal trauma due to continuous positive airway pressure in neonates.

PATIENTS: All neonates admitted between January 2002 and December 2007 treated by nCPAP were eligible. METHODS: Patients' noses were monitored during nCPAP. Nasal trauma was reported into three stages: (I) persistent erythema; (II) superficial ulceration; and (III) necrosis. RESULTS: 989 neonates were enrolled. Mean gestational age was 34 weeks (SD 4), mean birth weight 2142 g (SD 840). Nasal trauma was reported in 420 (42.5%) patients and it was of stage I, II and III in 371 (88.3%), 46 (11%) and 3 (0.7%) patients, respectively. Incidence and severity of trauma were inversely correlated with gestational age and birth weight. The risk of nasal trauma was greater in neonates <32 weeks of gestational age (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.59 to 3.86), weighing <1500 g at birth (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.43 to 3.64), treated >5 days by nCPAP (OR 5.36, 95% CI 3.82 to 7.52), or staying >14 days in the NICU (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.28). Most cases of nasal trauma (90%) appeared during the first 6 days of nCPAP. Persistent visible scars were present in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal trauma is a frequent complication of nCPAP, especially in preterm neonates, but long-term cosmetic sequelae are very rare. This study provides a description of nasal trauma and proposes a simple staging system. This could serve as a basis to develop strategies of prevention and treatment of this iatrogenic event.

X-ray structures of Sap1 and Sap5: structural comparison of the secreted aspartic proteinases from Candida albicans.

Proteolytic activity is an important virulence factor for Candida albicans (C. albicans). It is attributed to the family of the secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps) from C. albicans with a minimum of 10 members. Saps show controlled expression and regulation for the individual stages of the infection process. Distinct isoenzymes can be responsible for adherence and tissue damage of local infections, while others cause systemic diseases. Earlier, only the structures of Sap2 and Sap3 were known. In our research, we have now succeeded in solving the X-ray crystal structures of the apoenzyme of Sap1 and Sap5 in complex with pepstatin A at 2.05 and 2.5 A resolution, respectively. With the structure of Sap1, we have completed the set of structures of isoenzyme subgroup Sap1-3. Of subgroup Sap4-6, the structure of the enzyme Sap5 is the first structure that has been described up to now. This facilitates comparison of structural details as well as inhibitor binding modes among the different subgroup members. Structural analysis reveals a highly conserved overall secondary structure of Sap1-3 and Sap5. However, Sap5 clearly differs from Sap1-3 by its electrostatic overall charge as well as through structural conformation of its entrance to the active site cleft. Design of inhibitors specific for Sap5 should concentrate on the S4 and S3 pockets, which significantly differ from Sap1-3 in size and electrostatic charge. Both Sap1 and Sap5 seem to play a major part in superficial Candida infections. Determination of the isoenzymes' structures can contribute to the development of new Sap-specific inhibitors for the treatment of superficial infections with a structure-based drug design program.

Infarto cerebral secundario a trombosis de la carótida interna por traumatismo cervical

In this paper, a case of post-traumatic thrombosis in the internal carotid artery after a blow with a ball in the neck of a 33-year-old male is presented. The death came 10 days after the coup as a result of intracranial hypertension and cerebral herniation secondary to ischemic infarction affecting the entire territory of the middle right cerebral artery, both superficial and profound. Macroscopic and microscopic findings that largely explain the mechanism of vascular injury with intimal dissection in the proximity of an atheroma plaque located above the carotid bifurcation are discussed.

Keratotic Nodule on The Heel: A Quiz.

A 51-year-old man, with a medical history of medullary thyroid carcinoma excised under thyroxine treatment presented with a painful enlarging lesion on his right heel since one year. A 3-cm diameter, greyish, infiltrated nodule with spicules was seen on physical examination (Fig. 1a). A 5-mm surgical excision was made and a total skin graft was used for reconstruction. Histopathology of the total resected tumour revealed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasic epidermis and a proliferation located between rete ridges, dermis and superficial hypodermis (Fig. 1b). The proliferation was composed of nets and cordons of cells with granular and abundant PAS-positive cytoplasm. Immunostains showed cytoplasmic positivity for s100 and inhibin (Fig. 1c). Three years later the patient is asymptomatic.

Todo tipo de relacionamento consumidor-marca é eficiente?

O objetivo neste estudo foi investigar a existência de diferentes perfis de relacionamento consumidor-marca e sua respectiva eficiência na relação comercial. Três construtos da teoria de relacionamento com marcas foram avaliados: autoconexão, intimidade e interdependência com a marca. Foi realizado um survey com 441 casos. Os dados foram analisados por técnicas de cluster, fatorial e ANOVA. Três diferentes perfis foram encontrados: o relacionamento por inércia (RI), o qual sugere uma relação superficial e com menor poder de diferenciação sobre a marca; o relacionamento moderado (RM), o qual registrou avaliações intermediárias em todas as variáveis; o relacionamento verdadeiro (RV), o qual demonstra maior proximidade e conexão com a marca. Para verificar a eficiência desses tipos, foram avaliados os índices de satisfação, confiança, comprometimento e lealdade. Consumidores do tipo RI tendem a trocar de marca tão logo percebam vantagens maiores em outros concorrentes. Já os RM demonstram certa tendência de atitudes positivas em relação à marca, dependendo de seu contexto e oferta. O grupo RV demonstra maior tendência à continuidade do relacionamento. Do ponto de vista gerencial, perceber diferentes intensidades de relacionamento permite reconhecer que nem todo relacionamento é eficiente.

Determinació de la data òptima de collita de la poma 'Granny Smith' en base a paràmetres de qualitat del fruit

La varietat de poma ‘Granny Smith’ es cull actualment atenent al temps transcorregut des de la floració de l’arbre, i no als paràmetres de qualitat del fruit. Els objectius d’aquest treball són determinar la data òptima de collita segons el grau de satisfacció dels consumidors (mitjançant la realització d’un tast de consumidors), relacionar la sensibilitat a l’escaldat superficial amb els paràmetres de maduresa a collita (valorant fruit a fruit després d’un període de conservació en cambra frigorífica de 5 mesos) i la posta a punt del DA-meter com a eina per a la gestió de la collita de la ‘Granny Smith’. Les conclusions del treball han estat: els consumidors han valorat més positivament la fruita collida més verda, però aquesta presenta l’inconvenient que té una afectació per escaldat superficial molt més elevada que la collida en un estat de maduresa més avançat. Pel que fa al DA-meter, encara no està preparat per ser utilitzat com a eina per a la gestió de la collita de la ‘Granny Smith’ tal com està concebut actualment

Mean intrinsic tensile properties of stone groundwood fibers from softwood

Stone groundwood (SGW) is a fibrous matter commonly prepared in a high yield process, and mainly used for papermaking applications. In this work, the use of SGW fibers is explored as reinforcing element of polypropylene (PP) composites. Due to its chemical and superficial features, the use of coupling agents is needed for a good adhesion and stress transfer across the fiber-matrix interface. The intrinsic strength of the reinforcement is a key parameter to predict the mechanical properties of the composite and to perform an interface analysis. The main objective of the present work was the determination of the intrinsic tensile strength of stone groundwood fibers. Coupled and non-coupled PP composites from stone groundwood fibers were prepared. The influence of the surface morphology and the quality at interface on the final properties of the composite was analyzed and compared to that of fiberglass PP composites. The intrinsic tensile properties of stone groundwood fibers, as well as the fiber orientation factor and the interfacial shear strength of the current composites were determined

Análise dos fatores de risco relacionados à incidência de infecção do sítio cirúrgico em gastrocirurgias

A infecção hospitalar é considerada um problema grave, crescendo tanto em incidência quanto em complexidade, gerando diversos tipos de implicações sociais e econômicas. A presente investigação teve como objetivo identificar a incidência de infecção do sítio cirúrgico (ISC) e os fatores de risco de pacientes submetidos a cirurgias eletivas, na especialidade de Gastroenterologia, realizadas em um hospital público do interior paulista. Os dados foram coletados por meio de estudo retrospectivo de prontuários médicos, no período compreendido entre janeiro a dezembro de 1999. Em 134 casos estudados, detectamos a ocorrência de infecção do sítio cirúrgico em 18 situações (13,4%), ocorrendo 9 casos (50%) do tipo considerado infecção incisional superficial, 8 (44.4%) infecção incisional profunda e 1 (5.5%) infecção de órgão/espaço. Em relação aos fatores de risco presentes nos casos de ISC detectados, os que atingiram porcentagem maior ou igual a 50% foram: idade acima de 50 anos, presença de neoplasias, duração da cirurgia maior que duas horas e tricotomia inadequada.