Browsing by Author "Gaete, J"

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    A fuel distribution knowledge-based decision support system
    (PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, 1997) Nussbaum, M; Sepulveda, M; Cobian, A; Gaete, J; Parra, E; Cruz, J
    This paper reports the experience of solving the distribution problem for the biggest fuel company in Chile, A planning, execution and control system for fuel distribution was developed, It employs a knowledge-based approach that utilizes a graphical user interface which mimics the mental model of the user, An automatic scheduler solves the Capacity Vehicle Routing Problem, The solution ran be manually modified so verifying system consistency. The system is running throughout the country, 13 sites, having a positive impact on the three types of player, Plant managers have increased fleet efficiency and customers receive a higher quality service, Finally, the central administration obtains a report once a month from each of the plants that allows the strong and weak aspects of each site to be analyzed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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    Acetylcholinesterase and inhibitors: effects upon normal and regenerating nerves of the rat
    (1999) Keymer, JE; Gaete, J; Kameid, G; Alvarez, J
    In peripheral nerves, the function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is not related to hydrolysis of acetylcholine. To test for a trophic role, AChE or its inhibitors were administered locally to normal and regenerating nerves of rats. In the normal nerve, neither AChE nor serum albumin affected the cytological pattern of the nerve. BW284c51, a specific inhibitor of AChE, resulted in demyelination, proliferation of Schwann cells and sprouting of axons after 5-7 days. Edrophonium or propidium, other specific inhibitors of AChE, did so to a much lesser extent. Vehicle, and iso-OMPA (inhibitor of pseudocholinesterases) did not affect the cytology of the nerve. Elongation of regenerating axons was evaluated at day 3 post-crush. Native AChE applied distal to the crush reduced the elongation of regenerating axone (-36%), while serum albumin, heated AChE and filtered AChE did not. BW284c51, edrophonium or propidium enhanced the axonal elongation (33%) when they were administered for 2 days before, but not after, the crush. Iso-OMPA or vehicle administered before or after the crush were not effective. Thus, AChE reduces elongation of regenerating axons, while inhibition of AChE enhances elongation and affects the cytology of the normal nerve as well. We propose that AChE has a trophic role in mammalian peripheral nerves.