Proyectos

The world's transition to using cleaner energy sources to address climate change has led to a sharp rise in the demand for base and precious metals. Consequently, discovering new ore deposits to meet this growing demand and prevent supply shortages has emerged as one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Discovery of new magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits can be improved based on a fundamental understanding of the geological processes that control the flux and focusing of ore-constituting elements in the Earth’s crust, and by identifying the differences between the bulk-rock and mineral chemistry of ore-forming and ordinary—barren—granitoids. Large metal anomalies in the Earth’s upper crust, such as porphyry copper-(molybdenum) deposits (PCDs), occur in intimate association with oxidized and water-rich arc magmatism in subduction zones. However, these deposits occur in restricted crustal domains and form in response to specific tectono-magmatic events, indicating that not all arc magmas have the same ore-forming potential. Understanding why only some magmas produced large PCDs while most other arc magmas remain barren is a fundamental scientific question and key to developing efficient exploration strategies. The volatile element composition of arc magmas, including water, sulfur, and halogens such as chlorine and fluorine, as well as their oxygen fugacity, exert a critical control on their ore-forming potential (i.e., ore fertility). These components are not only key to the complexation and transport of ore metals during hydrothermal activity, but also influence the amount of ore metals transported by magmas and the efficiency to which they are transferred from magmas to exsolved fluids. Magmatic differentiation in lower crustal hot zones beneath thick crustal regions is expected to enhance the volatile element budget and oxygen fugacity of evolving magmas that are discharged to the upper crust. This occurs due to the accumulation of incompatible volatile elements during successive cycles of recharge by mafic magmas and crystallization, facilitated by the deeper and hotter conditions beneath thicker arc crusts. As such, an increasingly recognized hypothesis holds that ore-forming magmas display a particularly increased budget of volatile elements and higher oxygen fugacities when compared to barren arc magmas, and that this is largely influenced by the arc crust thickness. The proposed work will test this hypothesis by focusing on the Miocene to Mio-Pliocene magmatism and associated world-class PCD mineralization in the Andes of central Chile. From the Early Miocene to the Mio-Pliocene, the arc segment located between latitudes ~33–34.5° S in the Andes of central Chile has seen a continued increase in crustal thickness and has evolved from being barren in the Early Miocene to producing some of the largest PCDs of the world in the Mio-Pliocene, such as El Teniente and Rio Blanco-Los Bronces. This geological scenario and the spatial and age distribution of the associated outcropping intrusive rocks offer a unique opportunity to investigate the temporal evolution of the volatile composition of magmas and its consequences for ore fertility. The goal of this proposal is to examine, adopting a regional scale perspective, the evolution in the volatile composition and oxygen fugacity of magmas produced in this arc segment and its relationship to magmatic ore fertility, as well as how this may have been influenced by changes in crustal thickness. To achieve this, I will sample an extensive suite of granitoids that represent a continuum from Early Miocene to Mio-Pliocene magmas, including porphyry-forming intrusions. By combining zircon petrochronology, apatite, biotite, and amphibole mineral chemistry, in conjunction with the bulk-rock composition of intermediate to felsic intrusive rocks, I will be able to constrain relative changes in the hydration state, sulfur contents, halogen and oxygen fugacities, as well as in their associated crustal thickness during the evolution of the selected arc segment. This will be done by implementing a combination of cutting-edge analytical techniques, including synchrotron-based sulfur X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, (laser ablation) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. I aim at (1) testing the differences in the volatile composition of barren and ore-forming intrusive rocks; (2) determining whether there is a gradual change in the volatile systematics of magmas during the evolution of the studied arc segment; and (3) analyzing the relationship between variations in crustal thickness and the volatile composition of associated magmas. The results of this proposal will lead to a better understanding of the magmatic controls underpinning the formation of giant PCDs and will provide valuable insights into identifying the differences between the bulk-rock and mineral chemistry of ore-forming and barren granitoids as tools for vectoring mineralized regions.

Estudio e implementación de métodos híbridos para la resolución computacional de EDP aplicadas a Ciencia de Datos.

Esta propuesta tiene como objetivo implementar una metodología de enseñanza-aprendizaje vinculada al uso del espacio público como recurso formativo en cursos de lenguaje. Para ello, movilizamos el concepto Paisaje Lingüístico (PL); esto es, la materialización de las lenguas en el espacio público, a través de los registros escritos que ahí encontramos. Se trata de una herramienta didáctica que posibilita desarrollar procesos formativos significativos y con pertinencia territorial. La implementación se hará inicialmente en el curso Variaciones del Español de Pedagogía en Lenguaje y Comunicación e involucra un proceso de indagación, registro fotográfico y análisis del paisaje lingüístico en la región, con el objetivo de descubrir cómo conviven lenguas y variedades en su diversidad y cuánto aquello nos dice de nuestra vida en sociedad. El segundo semestre, en tanto, se espera implementar esta propuesta en el curso Introducción a la Gramática de Pedagogía en Educación Básica, con foco en ortografía y morfología. El objetivo es promover la reflexión metalingüística junto con valorar la diversidad lingüístico-cultural de la región en tanto expresión de identidades personales y sociales. Uno de los hitos en este proyecto será el montaje de una exhibición fotográfica guiada, cuyo propósito será compartir los resultados de esta iniciativa en un espacio abierto a la comunidad, en los campus Rancagua y Colchagua. Por último, y como instancia de cierre, se contempla la realización de dos jornadas en modalidad de taller en torno al PL tanto para otros docentes de la universidad como para profesoras/es en formación y en ejercicio.

Water vapor is a key component of the hydrological cycle since it is directly involved in the production of precipitation (rain, snow, hail). The transport of water vapor from the tropics (20ºN-20ºS) is fundamental to produce precipitation in midlatitudes (30ºS-50ºS) were local amounts atmospheric moisture are lower than the water column precipitated during a typical storm. This is especially evident during extreme precipitation events, where precipitation accumulation can surpass 2 or 3 times the local atmospheric water vapor available. Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) are expected to increase due to the anthropogenic climate change, and therefore studies addressing the dynamics and forcing factors of these events are increasingly important. Current research examining the relationship between water vapor transport and precipitation in central-southern Chile have advanced in this direction. However, there is a lack of research aiming to understand water-vapor-precipitation process at the mesoscale, where changes in the order of hours associated to convection are important. Even more, despite many storms in central-southern Chile show convective characteristics (e.g. precipitation rates of 10 mm/h or larger), studies looking at the mesoscale processes has not been addressed so far, partially due to the lack of ground-based weather radars. As a result, this research proposal takes the challenge of studying the transport of water vapor and link it with precipitation processes (stratiform and convective) at the mesoscale level in central and southern Chile by using a suit of observations and numerical modeling. To determine the water vapor mechanisms involved in the precipitation processes, the study will employ an atmospheric moisture budget, which involves the balance between a storage term (precipitation in this case) and the linear interaction between local changes, advection, and convergence of water vapor following an air parcel. The budget will be computed using gridded data from a state-of-the-art atmospheric reanalysis (ERA5), numerical simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, and mathematical techniques such as finite differences and the trapezoidal integration rule. In addition, a relatively dense network of GPS deployed in central-southern Chile will provide direct estimates of local changes of the column water vapor, allowing us to perform a thorough validation of both ERA5 and WRF. Precipitation processes will be examined using several sources. The polar orbiting Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite mission provides global swaths of radar reflectivity using a dual-frequency radar (Ku and Ka bands) in a swath-width of 245 km with 5 km resolution at nadir, and vertical beams spaced at 250 m. Along with radar reflectivity, GPM provides estimates of precipitation rates and a classification of the precipitation type, facilitating the identification of precipitation processes. A vertically pointing precipitation radar (Micro Rain Radar, MRR) is currently installed at Universidad de Concepción and will provide time-height sections of radar reflectivity that will complement GPM observations. In addition, a second MRR is planned to be installed in central Chile to provide further meridional context of precipitation processes. Finally, a couple of optical disdrometers and meteorological stations will deliver surface estimates of precipitation at hourly (and higher) rates. In parallel, ERA5 will provide precipitation estimations and classification (stratiform, convective), while WRF will allow to examine precipitation in detail for selected case studies. At the end of this project, it will be clear what component(s) of the moisture budget are dominating precipitation during EPE storms, clarify the relative importance of stratiform and convective precipitation during EPEs, and elucidate if EPEs with strong convective precipitation are forced by atmospheric instabilities, advection of moisture being lifted by the complex terrain, or moisture convergence occurring over the ocean and moving inland. These results will provide the basis for future efforts looking to improve precipitation forecasting tools.

Water vapor is a key component of the hydrological cycle since it is directly involved in the production of precipitation (rain, snow, hail). The transport of water vapor from the tropics (20ºN-20ºS) is fundamental to produce precipitation in midlatitudes (30ºS-50ºS) were local amounts atmospheric moisture are lower than the water column precipitated during a typical storm. This is especially evident during extreme precipitation events, where precipitation accumulation can surpass 2 or 3 times the local atmospheric water vapor available. Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) are expected to increase due to the anthropogenic climate change, and therefore studies addressing the dynamics and forcing factors of these events are increasingly important. Current research examining the relationship between water vapor transport and precipitation in central-southern Chile have advanced in this direction. However, there is a lack of research aiming to understand water-vapor-precipitation process at the mesoscale, where changes in the order of hours associated to convection are important. Even more, despite many storms in central-southern Chile show convective characteristics (e.g. precipitation rates of 10 mm/h or larger), studies looking at the mesoscale processes has not been addressed so far, partially due to the lack of ground-based weather radars. As a result, this research proposal takes the challenge of studying the transport of water vapor and link it with precipitation processes (stratiform and convective) at the mesoscale level in central and southern Chile by using a suit of observations and numerical modeling. To determine the water vapor mechanisms involved in the precipitation processes, the study will employ an atmospheric moisture budget, which involves the balance between a storage term (precipitation in this case) and the linear interaction between local changes, advection, and convergence of water vapor following an air parcel. The budget will be computed using gridded data from a state-of-the-art atmospheric reanalysis (ERA5), numerical simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, and mathematical techniques such as finite differences and the trapezoidal integration rule. In addition, a relatively dense network of GPS deployed in central-southern Chile will provide direct estimates of local changes of the column water vapor, allowing us to perform a thorough validation of both ERA5 and WRF. Precipitation processes will be examined using several sources. The polar orbiting Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite mission provides global swaths of radar reflectivity using a dual-frequency radar (Ku and Ka bands) in a swath-width of 245 km with 5 km resolution at nadir, and vertical beams spaced at 250 m. Along with radar reflectivity, GPM provides estimates of precipitation rates and a classification of the precipitation type, facilitating the identification of precipitation processes. A vertically pointing precipitation radar (Micro Rain Radar, MRR) is currently installed at Universidad de Concepción and will provide time-height sections of radar reflectivity that will complement GPM observations. In addition, a second MRR is planned to be installed in central Chile to provide further meridional context of precipitation processes. Finally, a couple of optical disdrometers and meteorological stations will deliver surface estimates of precipitation at hourly (and higher) rates. In parallel, ERA5 will provide precipitation estimations and classification (stratiform, convective), while WRF will allow to examine precipitation in detail for selected case studies. At the end of this project, it will be clear what component(s) of the moisture budget are dominating precipitation during EPE storms, clarify the relative importance of stratiform and convective precipitation during EPEs, and elucidate if EPEs with strong convective precipitation are forced by atmospheric instabilities, advection of moisture being lifted by the complex terrain, or moisture convergence occurring over the ocean and moving inland. These results will provide the basis for future efforts looking to improve precipitation forecasting tools.

Adipose tissue expansion associated with obesity drives to a chronic low-grade inflammation state that alters metabolically relevant tissues, predisposing to developing metabolic diseases. This sustained inflammation causes alteration in SkM glucose uptake, impairs protein metabolism and causes mitochondrial dysfunction. Skeletal muscle (SkM) is a relevant organ responsible for whole-body metabolism and homeostasis. It has been recently proposed that obesity causes a phenomenon known as "anabolic resistance," where Skm cannot respond to anabolic stimuli induced by a nutritional challenge and muscle contraction and where inflammation could be a relevant mediator. The inflammatory response is regulated by the priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. However, the response to the NLRP3 inflammasome in human skeletal muscle (Hskm) has not been described, nor their possible relation with protein metabolism. Nowadays, the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) produced on liver mitochondria under ketogenic diets, caloric restriction or ingested exogenously as a supplement, has emerged as a possible muscle-sparing molecule. Still, the mechanism by which βHB could benefit protein metabolism or mitochondrial function is not understood. Interestingly, it has been shown that βHB by itself is a selective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome on human monocytes, suggesting an important role in controlling the inflammation response. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory role of βHB has not been tested on Hskm, neither the modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome nor their possible role in restoring anabolic resistance. To evaluate the effects of β- hydroxybutyrate supplementation on the anabolic response, NRLP3 inflammasome activation and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle from obese individuals. Aim 1.- To determine the acute response of βHB supplementation on skeletal muscle inflammation, protein synthesis, and mitochondrial function in obese individuals. 15 lean and 15 obese men and women will be submitted to an acute protein intake (Whey protein 25g) with or without the previous ingestion of a Ketone Monoester (470 mg/kg)(Kme, ΔG®) in a cross-over protocol. Basal and postprandial (MPS) will be assessed in Vastus Lateralis (VL) muscle biopsy obtained at basal (0), 2, and after 4 hours of each condition respectively and determined afterward by LC-MS/MS. Plasma inflammation markers will be determined by ELISA while protein levels of mTOR signaling (pmTOR, 4EB-BP1, p70S6K and NLRP3 components) by immunoblot. Also, we will determine Hskm mitochondrial oxygen consumption and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as markers of mitochondrial function. Expected result: We expect that βHB supplementation causes a sensitizing effect on protein synthesis on obese Skm samples, a decrease in plasma and Skm inflammation markers, decrease or inactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome along with restoration of mitochondrial function. Aim 2.- To analyze the chronic effects of βHB intake on the anabolic resistance response and its association with NRLP3 inactivation and skeletal muscle function in obese individuals. To determine the chronic effects of βHB supplementation anabolic resistance, individuals will be submitted to a three times per day βHB intake (357mg/kg)(Kme, ΔG®) or placebo for 2-weeks. Continuous Glucose Monitors will be placed on each participant's arm to determine day-to-day glucose control and three times a day determination of capillary βHB. At the end of the second week, obese individuals will be submitted to an acute protein intake and VL muscle biopsy at basal (0), 2, and after 4 hours of each condition to evaluate MPS. Physical fitness will be determined by total strength, power and maximal oxygen consumption. Skm and plasma inflammation will be determined by immunoblot (mTOR, pmTOR, 4EB-BP1, p70S6K, NLRP3, Casp-1, IL-1β, IL-18) and ELISA, respectively. In contrast, Skm mitochondrial oxygen consumption and H2O2 will be assessed to determine mitochondrial function. Expected result: we expected that obese individuals that are supplemented chronically with βHB will have an increased response to a whey protein leucine-enriched challenge reflected on the increase of MPS related to NLRP3 attenuation mitochondrial function restoration. Aim 3.- To determine the connection between the NLRP3 inactivation, mitochondrial function, and the attenuation of skeletal muscle anabolic resistance induced by βHB treatment in vitro. Primary human skeletal muscle (Hskm) from obese and lean donors obtained in biopsies from aim 1 will be stimulated with ATP (5mM), LPS (1μg/ml), ATP+LPS within the presence or absence of different concentration of βHB (0,5-5mM) and submitted to a leucine challenge (1.5mM), oxygen consumption and H2O2 determination. To test cause-effect Hskm will be transfected with a control or an NLRP3-pooled specific siRNA and submitted to leucine challenge. Here, p70S6K, p70S6K p-4EBP1, 4EBP1, mTOR, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Casp-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and Puromycin incorporation will be measured by immunoblot to test anabolic resistance. Expected result: We expected that βHB decreases NLRP3 inflammasome while increasing protein synthesis on Hskm of obese individuals, associated with Hskm myotube diameter. Thus, we propose a novel exogenous βHB intake approach to improve muscle function in obese populations by reducing systemic and Hskm inflammation, restoring skeletal muscle protein metabolism mediated by NLRP3 attenuation and improving mitochondrial function

Esto se debe a una disminución de la tasa de natalidad y a un aumento de la esperanza de vida. En el año 2018 el grupo etario de personas mayores constituyo el 12% de la población en relación con la población menor de 15 años, lo que representa.

La suplementación con proteínas es una de las principales recomendaciones ante la practica regular de ejercicio físico de resistencia (RT). En personas mayores, la necesidad de proteína se incrementa particularmente ante cambios fisiológicos y fisiopatológicos los que se asocian con la pérdida de la función y tejido muscular, por lo que su ingesta se hace de mayor relevancia en esta población. Los lácteos fermentados como el yogur, y en especial los con un contenido extra de proteína, han aumentado su popularidad y consumo en el mercado nacional. Su composición nutricional resulta de particular interés, dado su perfil de aminoácidos y en particular su alto contenido de Leucina, el que podría compararse con los clásico suplementos de proteína recomendados para la ganancia y recuperación muscular. Objetivo: Analizar el efecto en la composición corporal, perfil lipídico, condición fisica y funcionalidad muscular inducidas por ingesta de yogures altos en proteína versus proteína Whey junto un programa de resistencia muscular en personas mayores Hipótesis: La ingesta de yogures altos en proteína conllevará a iguales o mayores ganancias de masa muscular, condición fisica y funcionalidad que las obtenidas con la ingesta de proteínas Whey en conjunto a un entrenamiento de resistencia en personas mayores. Metodología: Se reclutarán 16 personas mayores (60-75 años), sanas y sin intolerancia a la lactosa para llevar a cabo 8 semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia (RT) muscular 3 veces por semana, los que de forma aleatoria serán suplementados con yogurt alto en proteínas (YPRT) o proteína Whey (WPRT). Al inicio y al término de la intervención se evaluará la composición corporal mediante DEXA, fuerza muscular, consumo máximo de oxígeno y perfil lipídico. Resultados Esperados: Se espera que el grupo YPRT logre incrementos similares o superiores en la fuerza muscular, masa libre de grasa, perfil lipídico y disminución de la masa grasa y que el grupo WPRT.

Consolidar y fortalecer una nueva red de nodos de innovación social que promueva la inclusión socio laboral en personas con alguna discapacidad, personas mayores, mujeres y personas en situación de vulnerabilidad enfocada en los sectores económicos priorizados en la Estrategia de Desarrollo Regional 2011-2020 (EDRE) y de innovación, priorizando el sector turístico, y agroalimentario y la puesta en valor de la identidad cultural.