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Objective: To analyze the morphometric, weight, viability, and germination evaluation under two temperature and relative humidity conditions, in sixteen local varieties of castor bean (Ricinus communis) from several states of Mexico (E1-E16), as well as two commercial varieties (k75B and k93B). Design/Methodology/Approach: The following morphometric characteristics were analyzed using a vision system: area, elongation index (EI), and Feret's diameter (FD). Viability and germination tolerance (germination percentage (GP)), germination speed (GS), and emergence speed index (ESI)) were evaluated under two conditions of relative humidity and temperature (T1 - RH 80%/T 20 °C; T2 - RH 30%/T 40 °C), using a completely randomized block experiment design, with four replicates of 75 seeds. Results: There are morphometric differences (EI, area, and FD) between and within the study varieties. There are significant differences between T1 and T2 regarding the following variables: days of radicle emergence (T1: 44.71 and T2:11.6), germination percentage (T1: 48.37 and T2: 56%), ESI (T1: 34.07±12.72 and T2: 77.02-23.78), and GS (T1: 9.93 and T2: 24.60). The results obtained show a positive correlation between the morphometric properties and the germination percentage in T1; however, there was no correlation in T2. Study Limitations/Implications: There were no limitations to carry out this study. Findings/Conclusions: The E4 and E15 local varieties obtained a >93% productive potential in T1, while the E3 and E16 local varieties obtained a >78% productive potential in T2. Meanwhile, the k75B commercial variety had a better performance in T1 (89.75%) than in T2 (78.67%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista ANACEM is the property of Asociacion Nacional Cientifica de Estudiantes de Medicina de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims : Many studies have reported beneficial effects of yeasts on the colonization and development of arbuscular mycorrhizae, thought a few studies have also shown neutral effects. All these studies have in common that the mechanism, by which yeasts and mycorrhizae interact, is little understood. Here, we explore how plant growth-promoting yeasts affect the colonization of tomato plants by beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Methods: We tested the influence of the soil yeasts Candida saitoana, Tausonia pullulans, and Saccharomyces eubayanus on colonization of tomato roots by the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. We analyzed mycorrhizal parameters and the expression pattern of mycorrhiza-specific genes. In plants co-inoculated with S. eubayanus and R. irregularis, we measured the root accumulation pattern of jasmonic acid, oxo-phytodienoic acid, abscisic acid and salicylic acid, and the expression of genes related to plant hormone signaling and metabolism. Results: The three yeasts had distinct effects on mycorrhizal colonization: C. saitoana had no effect on mycorrhizal parameters, T. pullulans delayed mycorrhizal colonization at an early stage, and S. eubayanus slowed colonization down throughout the entire trial. In plants co-inoculated with S. eubayanus and R. irregularis, we observed a sustained increase in jasmonic acid and up-regulation of the JA biosynthesis related genes LOXD, OPR3, and AOS1. Conclusion: Co-inoculation with yeast affected mycorrhizal colonization and altered the expression pattern of mycorrhizal and plant defense-related genes. In particular, the yeast S. eubayanus modified plant defense hormones such as jasmonic acid, which is linked to mycorrhizal-induced resistance in tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since soils are natural and non-homogeneous materials, spatial variability of their properties has been recognised as one of the main sources of uncertainties affecting geotechnical analyses. However, soil testing is limited and the description and quantification of the resulting soil variability still remain largely subjective in practice. In this paper, anapproach is proposed to rationally evaluate the soil spatial variability using field data provided by a site investigation programme based on a lightweight dynamic cone penetrometer test. The first part deals with the boundary identification of statistically mechanical homogeneous soil units. The second part focuses on modelling spatial variability through 3D conditional random fields in the homogeneous soil units previously identified. This approach has been applied to and studied in a real site investigation carried out in an alluvial Mediterranean deltaic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Medicine & Science of Physical Activity & Sport / Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Fisica y del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Spal: Revista de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de la Universidad de Sevilla is the property of Spal. Revista de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de la Universidad de Sevilla and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Chilena de Cirugia is the property of Sociedad de Cirujanos de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: The concept that anatomical variations in the coronary artery tree might be influenced by genes is relatively old. However, empirical evidence on the effect of genotype on the coronary morphology is still scarce. In the Syrian hamster, there is a septal coronary artery which arises from the left or from the right coronary artery and supplies most of the interventricular septum. The aim was to decide whether the anatomical origin of the septal artery is subject to inheritance factors. Overall, 483 internal casts of the heart and coronary arteries were examined. All the hamsters included in this study had normal coronary arteries. The results of 74 crosses were compared statistically to seek for any significant difference between the phenotypes of the offspring and the phenotypes of the parents. The left septal artery was over‐represented in the offspring of crosses between parents having both a left septal artery (p < .01), while the right septal artery was over‐represented in the offspring of crosses between parents, one with a right and the other with a left septal artery (p < .001), and, more markedly, in the offspring of crosses between parents both with a right septal artery (p < .001). These results are the first to reveal that the coronary artery pattern is influenced by genetic factors, at least in its proximal portion with regard to the aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The available information about anatomical characteristics of the cardiovascular system of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos, Linnaeus 1758) is scarce. The general objective of this work was to describe its heart anatomy. We dissected six adult animals and five neonates. The heart of the alpaca was located in the middle mediastinum, with a craniocaudal extension from the third to the sixth rib. No ligament that connected the fibrous pericardium to the sternum or to the diaphragm was detected. In the right atrium, there was a developed crista terminalis and small pectinate muscles. In the right ventricle, the septomarginal trabecula was very large. From the proximities of the interventricular septum arose small septomarginal trabeculae that ended in carnous trabeculae of the septal wall. The left atrium included little developed pectinate muscles. On the left ventricle, both papillary muscles were bilobed. Two left septomarginal trabeculas were detected in this ventricle. The left subclavian artery was originated from the aortic arch separately from the brachiocephalic trunk, and bicarotid trunk was present. The other branches of the subclavian artery were similar to the domestic ruminants. The arterial supply of the heart was of the right type. In conclusion, the heart anatomy of alpaca and the irrigation of thoracic cavity were more similar to those of old world camels and different from domestic ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa protein was isolated from quinoa seeds using wet fractionation that resulted in a protein isolate (QPI) with a high protein purity of 87.1% (w/dw) and a protein yield of around 54%, and a dry fractionation method delivered a quinoa protein concentrate (QPC) with a purity of 27.8% (w/dw) and yield of around 47%. The dry fractionation process only involves milling and sieving and keeps the protein in its natural, native state. The aim was to study the in vitro gastric digestibility of both protein. Attention was paid to thermal pre-treatment of QPI and QPC. QPC showed significantly higher (p < .05) digestibility than QPI samples. The results were interpreted with a simple double exponential model. The fraction of easily digested protein in QPC is higher than for QPI. The better digestibility of the QPC was explained by the prevention of the formation of large aggregates during pre-heating of the protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotope ratios (Sr/Sr, δO, δC) in dental enamel and bone apatite from 82 individuals interred at Late Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Bronze Age burial sites near Madrid, Spain, to discern variations in dietary patterns and identify possible migrants. Questions about mobility patterns and subsistence practices have played a central role in the scholarship of Late Prehistoric central Iberia in the last 20 years, but the archaeological record has still not been able to provide clear answers. This study adds valuable data to this line of research. The results of this study suggest that migration from regions with different geologic landscapes was uncommon in these communities. For the identified migrants, based upon the Sr/Sr values, several of the identified non-local individuals originate from regions with substantially older lithological features and possible places of origin are being investigated. As it is not possible to discern individuals who may have moved from regions with similar geologic landscapes using this methodology, these data provide the minimum number of migrants, and it is conceivable that the number of non-locals in this sample may be higher. Combining multiple lines of material and biological evidence and the completion of Sr isotope mapping in the Iberian Peninsula will help to clarify these findings. Stable carbon isotope data provide new and direct evidence of regional changes in consumption patterns. In particular, this study provides some possible evidence for the consumption of C plants in third-millennium bc central Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrous membranes manufactured by electrospinning possess unique features such as a high porosity and large specific surface area, making them suitable for applications in tissue engineering. However, the determination of their mechanical behavior under different loading conditions remains one of the most difficult technical problems for researchers to overcome. While the tensile properties of this kind of membrane are commonly reported in the literature, few explorations of their properties in other directions have been reported. In this paper, the pulsed photoacoustic technique is employed to obtain the elastic constants of electrospun non-woven membranes, specifically in two directions ( L, T). The electrospun samples are hybrid fiber membranes of poly(lactic acid) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles at different concentrations. It is found that the concentration of HA nanoparticles determines the mechanical response of the membrane, where the nanoparticles act either as a reinforcement or as a mesh defect. The elastic constants ( $$E_{L}, E_{T}, G_{L}, G_{T}, v_{L}$$ , $$\nu _{T}$$ ) are obtained through velocity waves related to the stress-strain equations, using samples with two different geometries and considering the electrospinning mats as a transversely isotropic material. These values are compared to those acquired using macro-tensile testing equipment according to the ASTM D1708 standard. Graphical Abstract : [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissues of South American fur seal pups naturally infected with hookworms (Uncinaria sp) were examined. Hookworm infection was found in nearly all pups examined (132/140, 94%), and hookworm enteritis with secondary bacteremia was considered the cause of death in 46 (35%) pups. Common findings in these pups included severe hemorrhagic enteritis and numerous (mean intensity = 761.8) hookworms in the jejunum. Hookworms were recovered from the abdominal cavity in 12 of 55 pups (22%) examined through peritoneal wash; these pups had an average of 1343.3 intestinal hookworms and marked fibrinohemorrhagic peritonitis. In all pups that died as a consequence of hookworm infection, the intestinal villi were short, blunt, and fused, and there were variable numbers of free and intrahistiocytic gram-negative bacteria in submucosal hookworm feeding tracks, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, blood vessels, and liver sinusoids. Pups that died of causes unrelated to the hookworm infection (trauma) had hookworm feeding tracks confined to the apical portions of the mucosa, and moderate to marked catarrhal eosinophilic enteritis. The number of hookworms was negatively correlated with intestinal villous length and number of leukocytes in the intestine. Pups with hookworm peritoneal penetration had nematodes with little or no blood in the hookworm intestine, suggesting that lack of food for the nematode could be associated with peritoneal penetration. Findings suggest that the initial burden of larval infection, the level of the host tissue response, or a combination determine the number of nematodes in the intestine, the severity of hookworm tissue damage, and pup mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous manuscript [Fernández B, et al. (2008) J Anat 212, 12] reported on the unusual coronary artery patterns in mice belonging to the C57BL/6 strain. The aim here was to elucidate whether this pattern is unique to C57BL/6 mice or appears in other laboratory mouse strains and in wild-living mice. Stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and a corrosion cast technique were used to examine 597 adult mice belonging to three inbred strains (C57BL/6, Balb/c, DBA/2), three outbred stocks (CD1, OF1, NMRI) two hybrid lines (129sv × BL/6, CD2F1) and wild mice. It was shown that lock-like ostium is an exclusive trait of C57BL/6 mice, whereas left septal artery, accessory ostium, high take-off, intramural course and solitary ostium in aorta are all present in the different laboratory strains and wild mice included in the present study. However, each mouse population shows a specific incidence of these coronary conditions. Several clinically relevant human coronary artery anomalies are present in healthy mice from different strains that may serve as animal models for humans. These results should be taken into consideration in research concerning the murine coronary system, especially in coronary artery occlusion experiments and in studies on cardiovascular developmental biology using murine mutant lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contacto Científico Clínica Alemana is the property of Clinica Alemana de Santiago and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although it is known that floral dimorphism contributes to the maintenance of mixed breeding systems, the consequences of producing progeny of a contrasting genetic background and seeds with differential resource allocation has been practically ignored regarding establishment of belowground organisms-plant interactions. This article evaluates the combined effect of floral dimorphism with cross type and light environment on interactions between Ruellia nudiflora and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ( AMF). R. nudiflora produces cleistogamous ( CL) flowers that exhibit obligate self-pollination and chasmogamous ( CH) flowers with facultative self- ( CHs) or cross- ( CHc) pollination. We evaluated the establishment of the plant- AMF interaction in progeny derived from each floral type, under two light conditions (shaded versus open). We established different scenarios depending on the existence of inbreeding depression ( ID) and whether the differential resource allocation ( DRA) to CH and CL flowers affected the R. nudiflora- AMF interaction. We predicted that under shaded light conditions there might be an intensification of ID, having a negative effect on AMF colonisation. The percentages of hyphae and vesicles in the harvested roots was significantly higher in the shaded plants ( F ≥ 4.11, P < 0.05), while progeny of CHc and CHs presented a higher percentage of hyphae and vesicle colonisation compared to CL progeny ( F = 15.26, P < 0.01). The results show that DRA to CH flowers and light availability both determines the establishment of R. nudiflora- AMF interaction. The results also suggest that even under stressful light conditions, endogamy does not affect this interaction, which may explain the success of R. nudiflora as an invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer, the most common spontaneous malignancy diagnosed in women, is a classical model of hormone dependency as it is associated with prolonged exposure to female hormones. Different cytoplasmic proteins are important in the transformation of a normal cell to an invasive tumor cell, and these include vimentin and Notch. To investigate the importance of these two genes and proteins in breast carcinogenesis, we used an in vitro breast cancer model system, in which an immortalized human breast epithelial cell line, MCF-10F, was malignantly transformed by exposure to low doses of high linear energy transfer α particle (150 keV/µm) radiation and subsequent growth in the presence or absence of 17β-estradiol. This model consisted of human breast epithelial cells in different stages of transformation: i) a parental cell line (MCF-10F), ii) an Estrogen cell line (MCF-l0F continuously grown with estradiol at 10-8), iii) a malignant and non-tumorigenic cell line (Alpha3), iv) a malignant and tumorigenic cell line (Alpha5) and v) a Tumor2 cell line derived from a xenograf t of the Alpha5 cell line injected into nude mice. Vimentin and Notch showed greater expression in the Alpha5 and Tumor2 cell lines compared with that in the non-tumorigenic cell lines, MCF-10F, Estrogen and Alpha3. In the present study, positive staining for vimentin was found in 21% of cases. Vimentin and Notch protein expression was negative in noninvasive ductal carcinoma biopsies from breast cancer patients. However, positive cell expression was observed in invasive ductal carcinoma biopsies. These biomarkers can be considered important indicators of breast cancer progression and can be added to the diagnostic panel when overall survival is a primary end-point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sediments from Mexico's West coast in the Pacific Ocean from Sinaloa to Jalisco were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. Ten sediment samples were collected in May, 2010 between 55.5 and 1264 m water depth with a Reinneck type box nucleate sampler. Sediments were dried and fractioned by granulometry. Their physical and chemical properties were determined in laboratory by standard methods, pH, and conductivity. Concentration and distribution of K, Ca, Ti Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Pb, Br and Sr were analyzed. In order to determine the status of the elements, enrichment factors were calculated. Total, organic carbon and CaCO were also determined. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction show predominant groups of compounds. As quality-control method, Certified Reference Material was both processed and analyzed at even conditions. Enrichment factors for K, Ca, Ti, Mn Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ni, and Sr show they are conservative elements having concentrations in the range of unpolluted sites giving a base data line for the sampling zone In spite of moderately enrichment factors <100 μm size and bulk fractions, first Pb concentration fraction was similar to those found in not influenced by anthropogenic activities sites nearby Mazatlan Harbor. Bulk fraction concentration (52-133 μg g) and enrichment factor show the influence of anthropogenic sources with values between lowest effect level and a third part of 250 μg gvalue, which is considered to have severe effect levels for aquatic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of radionuclides concentration in foodstuffs allows to assess the intake's assimilated dose. This contributes at least one-eighth of the mean annual effective dose due to natural sources. Among the trace elements in foodstuff, potassium is one of the most important elements. It is a well-known essential element and it occurs all over the earth. Three of the most customary consumed foodstuffs in Mexico since pre-Hispanic time (by all social classes) are the following: bean, chili and corn meal ('tortillas'). They were analyzed by γ-spectrometry in order to determine K activity concentration, the derived annual effective dose, and the K mass fraction (%). Results show that the mean activity concentration of K, annual effective dose and K mass fraction (%) are as follow: 901 ± 90 Bq kg, 37.2 ± 3.7 μSv a and 2.84 ± 0.27 % for chili; 510 ± 10 Bq kg, 27.5 ± 0.5 μSv a and 1.60 ± 0.04 % for bean; and, 90 ± 30 Bq kg, 58.1 ± 19.4 μSv a and 0.27 ± 0.089 % for corn meal, 'masa'. The total effective dose intake from these typical foodstuffs is about 0.122 ± 15.6 mSv ain Mexico's urban zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixtures of black rubber (natural rubber) vulcanizates containing various concentrations of sand particles, as hard fillers, were prepared to determine their elastic constants at low and high frequency using the photoacoustic technique. These parameters are related with the degree of sand filler dispersion which determines the changes in stiffness, as well as its potential as reinforcement material for treads in tires. The constants are recovered through measurements of the longitudinal wave and complemented with the predictions from the Kerner model to obtain the Poisson's ratio. Some results are corroborated with tension and compression tests. The acoustic waves are acquired by two piezoelectric transducers, one centered at 3 kHz and the other at 240 kHz. The results show a slight increase in Young's modulus at low frequencies; meanwhile at high frequencies, it increases by two orders of magnitude. In addition, we found that on adding small amounts of prepared sand, the stiffness increases and this is particularly convenient to reduce the energy losses by the rolling resistance in automotive vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of the excitation frequency on the dynamic properties of soils, the elastic modulus $$E$$, shear modulus $$G$$, and Poisson's ratio $$\nu $$ for three Mexican compacted clayey soils were determined using two techniques: laser ultrasonic and resonant column (RC) tests. For the first, the parameters were determined by measurements of the P- and S-waves at ultrasonic frequencies and variations of the height of the cylindrical soil specimens and for the second one, a harmonic excitation between 5 Hz and 7 Hz was applied. Large variations in the elastic parameters through an ultrasonic axial scanning of the soil specimens were observed; this reveals the heterogeneity of these materials, while a decrease of the sample aspect ratio mainly affects the determination of Poisson's ratio. The ultrasonic data were integrated with those from RC data to obtain a shear modulus profile covering both high and low frequencies. The interpolation on whether the data are either linear or not is an indication of the viscoelastic behavior of the compacted clayey soils. The specimens were: (a) clay from Texcoco Valley, (b) clay from Mexico Valley, and (c) granular soils from the Parota. Experimental determination of the mechanical properties of soils is very important because soil constitutive models are traditionally calibrated from global boundary measurements taken from laboratory soil specimens. The most difficult parameter to obtain is the Poisson's ratio, as well as the shear modulus, which is a fundamental parameter for establishing the soil response under low amplitude vibrations and it is extremely important to foundation design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Archaeological Museum of Jaén's sizeable collection of Iron Age sculptures, dating from the fifth century bce, were all found at Cerrillo Blanco de Porcuna, a site in the Spanish province of Jaén. The collection comprises over 40 statues and hundreds of fragments. Incisions recently identified on some of these sculptures have been interpreted as sculptors' marks. The present archaeometric study, conducted with a 3D roughness meter, showed that the marks on several of the sculptures analysed were made with the same type of tool and the same engraving technique. While the graphological differences denote different authorship, they would appear to have been made in the same workshop. The morphological differences observed in the lines analysed on other sculptures are interpreted to indicate the use of other types of tools and engraving techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillary angiomatosis is a recently described infectious disease that usually affects immunosupressed hosts with a previous history of contact with cats. We report a rare case of bacillary angiomatosis in an immunocompetent 59-year-old woman with no history of previous exposure to cats, and atypical clinical features (fever and subcutaneous nodules with ulceration on the left ankle). Histopathology of the lesion showed extensive ulceration and reactive tumor-like vascular proliferation of the blood vessels with swollen endothelial cells and an inflammatory infiltrate including neutrophils and lymphocytes in the dermis and subcutis. Staining with the Warthin-Starry method demonstrated the presence of clustered bacilli located in the extracellular matrix adjacent to the proliferating endothelial cells. Diagnosis was confirmed with the detection of Bartonella spp. DNA in the affected skin and in bone marrow using polymerase chain reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a population of close to 40 million Hispanics/Latinos in the USA who have at least some level of Spanish/English bilingualism, there are few neuropsychological tests and norms available for this group, especially when assessing Spanish/English bilingual children. The purpose of the present research was to provide preliminary normative data for a bilingual population on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery developed for Spanish-speaking children (Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil). Norms by age are presented on the performance of 108 Spanish/English bilingual children (ages 5–14 years) and are expected to be useful when testing other Spanish/English bilingual children in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study in the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara (MZG) in the state of Jalisco was carried out along 2007. 222Rn (radon) and 220Rn (thoron) levels were measured in single-family dwellings in normal living conditions (open house condition). Measurements were accomplished by Electret Passive Environmental Radon Monitors (E-PERM) in different configurations. At the same time and for the same period, the gamma dose rate was measured by a LiF: Mg, Cu, P+PTFE thermoluminiscent dosimeter. A Quality Assurance Program was improved. Results show a lognormal distribution of annual concentrations and seasonal variations. Mean annual concentrations of radon were lower than US EPA and EEC action values. 220Rn levels appear to be higher than the typical value determined by the UNSCEAR Reports (1993 and 2000). Performance of different E-PERM configurations accomplishes the US EPA guidelines and yield useful results for diverse situations. Gamma rate dose was higher than that of the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preliminary results of indoor radon concentration measurements taken in some of Mexico City’s colonial churches and convents are presented. Measurements were taken in the churches of Santa Catarina, La Conchita, San Juan Bautista, San Antonio Panzacola, San Diego and San Mateo and the church and convent complex of El Carmen. These structures are all located in Coyoacan, a borough of Mexico City. Indoor radon concentrations in churches and convents constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries are interesting for several reasons. Most of these buildings were built using the stones of ancient Mexican pyramids, mainly blocks of basalt and volcanic pyroclastic rocks, and possess walls between 40 cm and 70 cm thick and naves with large volumes of air and relative low ventilation. The churches are public places with people most of the time. The indoor radon concentrations were measured using nuclear track detectors consisting of a closed-end cup containing CR-39 Lantrack® polymer as detector material. The measurements were taken over four periods of three consecutive months. The results show indoor radon concentrations of between 82 and 165 Bq·m−3, below to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) indoor radon action level for workplaces. Using these results, the radiological risks were calculated and found to be negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Fibroadenoma is the most common benign mammary condition among women aged 35 or younger. Expression of Ki-67 antigen has been used to compare proliferative activity of mammary fibroadenoma epithelium in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Materials and methods: Ninety eumenorrheic women were selected for tumour excision; they were assigned to either of the two groups, according to their phase of menstrual cycle. At the end of the study, 75 patients with 87 masses were evaluated by epithelial cell Ki-67 expression, blind (no information given concerning group to which any lesion belonged). Results: Both groups were found to be homogeneous relative to age, menarche, body mass index, previous gestation, parity, breastfeeding, number of fibroadenomas, family history of breast cancer and tabagism. Median tumour size was 2.0 cm and no relationship between proliferative activity and nodule diameter was observed. No typical pattern was observed in the expression of Ki-67 in distinct nodules of the same patient. Average values for expression of Ki-67 (per 1000 epithelial cells) in follicular and luteal phases were 27.88 and 37.88, respectively ( P = 0.116). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that proliferative activities in the mammary fibroadenoma epithelium did not present a statistically significant difference in the follicular and luteal phases. The present study contributes to clarifying that fibroadenoma is a neoplasm and does not undergo any change in the proliferative activity during the menstrual cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a national survey, 82% of U.S. neuropsychologists who offered services to Hispanics self-reported inadequate preparation to work with this population (Echemendia, Harris, Congett, Diaz, & Puente, 1997). The purpose of this paper is to improve the quality and accessibility of neuropsychological services for Hispanic people living in the United States by giving guidance for service delivery, training, and organizational policy. General guidance towards this end comes from professional ethics for psychologists and interpreters/translators, federal civil rights law, the International Test Commission, and the Office of Minority Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, among others. This guidance is specifically applied here to cover professional cultural and linguistic competence of neuropsychologists, psychometrists, interpreters, translators, and consultants; languages of evaluation; use of interpreters; evaluation of acculturation; test translation, adaptation, and interpretation; application of test norms; intervention issues; reimbursement; and organizational issues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study on the multifractality in the copolymerization of Bis-GMA/TEGDMA using time series analysis of pulsed photoacoustics. It analyzed the photoacoustic signals as obtained in situ during photopolymerization of Bis-GMA/TEDGMA by rescaled range analysis, dispersion analysis and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) methods. It found that the evolution of the self-similarity parameter also matches with the kinetics of conversion of double bonds in using the DFA method.

Due to large consumption of tobacco in Mexico and in order to complement previous work performed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence, the present study has determined 15 elements by INAA in 9 cigarettes brands being marketed in Mexico. As a part of a Quality Control Program, NIST standard reference materials (SRM) and an IAEA reference material were analyzed to confirm the accuracy and reproducibility. Average of As and Cd were 0.56 and 1.15 μg·g−1, respectively, in the range of those of foreign brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for measuring trace concentration of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb in plant materials was developed, optimized, validated and compared using reference standards and fresh samples. The method is based on rapid material digestion by radicals produced with laser-assisted pulsed UV (PUV) photolysis of aqueous solutions containing H2O2. Metals in the resulting solution were pre-concentrated as carbamates. Samples were analyzed with particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Combined PUV digestion and pre-concentration techniques resulted in enhanced detection levels of selected trace elements in foods and non-food commodities. The method was applied to measure trace elements in wastewater irrigated fruits, vegetables and crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of total suspended particles (TSP) and PM10 respirable particles from five monitoring stations from the network system of the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico (MZVM) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Morphology and chemical composition allowed to identify six groups. The analysis shows that the most abundant groups are Al-Si-O, Fe, and metals, the first one in the TSP fraction. Trace metal, commonly associated to PM10 at a receptor location, will depend on the relative influences of local anthropogenic sources. Metal group was observed in all samples, mainly in Tlalnepantla and CES zones (28–46%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study was carried out to examine the relationships of the sigmoid sinus, tympanic membrane and digastric ridge with the mastoid segment of the facial nerve. We studied 33 adult temporal bones. The distances among these structures were evaluated according specific landmarks that can be repeated in a simple manner. We found a good relation, in a proportional and lineal order, between these three structures and the facial nerve. This study indicated a correlation between the position of these three structures and the mastoid segment of the facial nerve through a simple morphometric method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Target purification of Sα is carried out by distillation at 444±2 °C under N atmosphere and diluting the vapors in CS2. The solution is filtered through fiberglass, Teflon and cellulose to obtain Sα by CS2 evaporation. Once 30 g of this target are irradiated with fast neutron fluxes from 4.5 to 7.4·1012 n·cm−2s−1 from 6 to 12 hours, the nuclear reaction 32S(n,p)32P takes place. So, the irradiated Sα sample is placed in a Pyrex container situated inside a furnace as the most important piece of equipment in one aluminum and Lucite glove box. The distillation of irradiated sulfur takes place at 444±2 °C under N atmosphere during 1–2 hours. The vapors are connected to a sulfur diluter containing 20% CS2 aqueous solution, followed by an activated carbon filter and the two similar additional sulfur diluters. Once cooled, the distillation chamber keeps the radioactive, carrier-free 32P stuck to the wall. Then 25–50 ml of 0.1N HCl acid was injected by suction and heated again at 110±2 °C during 1 hour. The corresponding chemical reaction takes place and the labeled H3 32PO4 solution is produced. In such a way, industrial production of 32P labeled molecules has started in Mexico, with an initial production of 3700–5550 MBq per week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine brands of tobacco cigarettes manufactured and distributed in the Mexican market were analyzed by γ-spectrometry to certify their non-artificial radioactive contamination. Since natural occurring radioactive materials (NORM) 40K, 232Th, 235U, and 239U (and decay products from the latter three nuclides) are the main sources for human radiation exposure, the aim of this work was to determine the activity of 40K and potassium concentration. Averages of 40K and potassium concentration were of 1.29±0.18 Bq·g−1, and 4.0±0.57%. The annual dose equivalents to the whole body from ingestion and inhalation of 26 Bq 40K were 0.23 μSv and 15.8 μSv, respectively. The corresponding 50 years committed dose equivalents was 0.23 μSv. The total committed dose to the lungs due to inhalation of 40K in tobacco was 16 μSv. Potassium concentrations obtained in this work were in the same range of those obtained by INAA, so showing that the used technique is acute, reproducible, and accessible to laboratories equipped with low background scintillation detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited factor X deficiency (FXD) is a rare (1:1 000 000) recessive bleeding disorder. The clinical and laboratory phenotypes of FXD are poorly correlated and few regional studies on the genotype and the clinical manifestations of FXD are known. To understand the association between clinical manifestations and causative genotype, detailed evaluation of bleeding pattern in a high number of patients is needed. This international study analysed the phenotype and genotype of 102 subjects from Central Europe (Germany, Poland and Slovakia) and Latin America (Costa Rica and Venezuela) with causative mutations in the F10 gene, via sequencing. Twenty-eight homozygous, seven compound-heterozygous and 67 heterozygous FXD subjects were characterized. Twenty-nine different causative mutations, including 15 novel mutations, were analysed. Spontaneous bleeding symptoms in 42 symptomatic individuals (26 homozygous, seven compound heterozygous and nine heterozygous) comprised easy bruising (55%), haematoma (43%), epistaxis (36%), haemarthrosis (33%), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH; 21%), and gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage (12%). The manifestation of bleeding symptoms in 9 of 67 (13%) symptomatic heterozygous subjects is described. The bleeding patterns of the enrolled patients showed differences that are associated with the types of F10 mutation, and the corresponding genotypes. The homozygous patients were evaluated for genotype–phenotype correlation. The results suggested that ICH seems to be associated with the F10 mutation Gly380Arg, and possibly with the mutations IVS7–1G > A and Tyr163delAT. A tentative association of other mutations to severe symptoms such as haemarthrosis and GI haemorrhage is reported. The severity of FXD, the genotype–phenotype association, and the results of regional studies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents radon and thoron concentrations measured in the prehispanic tunnel of the Sun Pyramid and in the archeological tunnel 1 in the Moon Pyramid. Radon and thoron concentrations were measured using several electret passive environmental radon monitor (E-PERM) configurations and detection systems. Results were in good agreement with no significant difference (P<0.01). Radon concentration in both pyramids was 1ower than the action levels proposed by the ICRP 65. Therefore, the equivalent effective dose (HE)calculated for the highest concentration was much lower than the action level (3-10 mSv.y-1). A quality assurance program was improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beak and feather disease (psittacine circovirus) and Budgerigar fledgling disease (avian polyomavirus) are viral diseases that can frequently affect captive psittacine birds. We designed the first survey to investigate the presence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and Avian polyomavirus (APV) inside the population of captive psittacine birds in Italy. Samples were collected in 18 Italian psittacine breeding centres and four trade centres over a 4-year period. A total of 1516 birds were tested for BFDV and 877 birds were tested for APV by means of a polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assay. BFDV was found in 122 (8.05%) and APV in 7 (0.79%) birds. No significant difference in infection rate was found between imported and locally raised parrots. We report the first BFDV DNA isolation in wild birds imported to Italy from Papua New Guinea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical method is presented for the determination of the behavior of devices based on the deposition of multilayer structures on polished optical fibers. Plasmon generation in metallic layers is modeled. The method is based on the Rayleigh expansion of the electric fields and permits us to determine their distribution over the whole structure by an application of boundary conditions. Once the distribution is known, the power transmitted by the fiber can be computed as a function of the geometrical and refractive parameters of the device. The method is versatile and can be used as a theoretical tool for the design of devices of that type used for many different purposes. We present real experimental results obtained with an operative sensor that agree with the theoretical predictions of our technique and prove its suitability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The position of pre-irradiation separations in neutron activation analysis is shortly discussed. Special attention is given to separations for purification and/or concentration of analyte elements, either complexed or uncomplexed, via sorption on activated carbon. It was shown for a number of trace elements that the blank value introduced due to the use of activated carbon is small or mostly even negligible. The NAA determination via pre-separations based on activated carbon is highlighted for selenium, cobalt and iodine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]