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Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia 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.)

Introduction: Little is known about the biology and population dynamics of Acanthaster planci in Mexico. Its size is considered relevant because it is related to consumption rate. Objective: To describe the variability of the disk diameter and food type of the species in four sampling sites in the southern Gulf of California. Methods: Each site was visited on a monthly basis from February 2008 to March 2009. Disk diameter was registered from a total of 389 observed specimens. Measurements included only the main disk from side to side where the arms begin. A flexible tape was used to measure disk diameter. Three size groups were created for easier explanations: small (< 15 cm), medium (16-25 cm), and large (> 26 cm). From the total, only 298 asteroids were feeding. Preyed organisms were classified in hard corals, other invertebrates, and algae. The Simpson's Diversity Index was used to calculate the probability that any specimen would be feeding on different types of organisms. A permutational analysis of variance was used to detect differences of disk diameter amongst months and study sites. Results: This population of Acanthaster planci had an average disk diameter = 18.23 + 0.21 cm, with a minimum of 7 cm and maximum of 36 cm. Size structure was unimodal and largely dominated by medium sized specimens, followed by small ones. The larger were less frequent. Disk diameter was statistically higher in February and lower in the last months of the year. San Rafaelito was the site with the largest and Ensenada de Muertos with the smallest organisms. Medium sized individuals were dominant throughout the year and sampling sites. The small sized fed significantly more on Porites panamensis and coralline algae and turf. Larger specimens had the lowest diversity values, more than 90 % of this size group fed on Pocillopora spp. and very few on macroalgae. Medium sized specimens showed the highest diversity, feeding on all the food types, although as expected, many of them were selective to Pocillopora spp. Conclusions: Acanthaster planci can be considered a medium sized species in the study area. There is an evident food selectivity regarding disk diameter size. The three size groups were positively selective to hard corals, but only the small favored Porites panamensis; and together with large individuals, they had the lowest diversity on food types, whereas medium sized asteroids fed on a high diversity of prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducción: La respuesta observada a la presión positiva al final de la espiración (PEEP) depende en gran medida del potencial de reclutamiento alveolar. Recientemente se ha validado en medicina humana una herramienta para evaluar la potencialidad de reclutamiento alveolar de manera sencilla. Dicha herramienta consiste en evaluar el volumen corriente (Vc) espirado al disminuir abruptamente los niveles de PEEP en 10 cmH2O (1) Este Vc espirado se compara con el cambio de Vc esperado en función de la mecánica respiratoria del paciente (compliance). Cuando el Vc espirado (al realizar esta maniobra) supera el Vc esperado, se considera que el pulmón posee potencial de reclutamiento (1) La magnitud de dicho potencial puede evaluarse mediante la proporción reclutamiento/insuflación (índice R/I) que se calcula mediante la división de la compliance del sistema respiratorio a PEEP alto con la compliance del sistema respiratorio a PEEP bajo. Se ha reportado que valores de R/I superiores a 0,5 sugieren alto potencial de reclutamiento. Objetivos: Primario: evaluar el potencial de reclutamiento mediante la comparación entre el Vc espirado luego de un descenso abrupto de 10 cmH2O del nivel de PEEP con el Vc esperado, en perros sanos anestesiados y ventilados mecánicamente. Secundario: evaluar la magnitud del reclutamiento mediante el cálculo del índice R/I. Materiales y métodos: El protocolo del presente estudio fue aprobado por el CICUAL (2022/45). Todos los animales recibieron una infusión continua de remifentanilo (0,25mcg/kg/min). Los perros fueron inducidos con propofol endovenoso a efecto y luego de la intubación endotraqueal la anestesia fue mantenida con isoflurano (Feiso: 1,1-1,3). Se programó la ventilación mecánica con los siguientes parámetros: Vc espirado:15 ml/kg, fracción inspirada de oxígeno (FiO2): 100%, frecuencia respiratoria (fr): 15 ciclos/min, presión positiva al final de la espiración (PEEP): 0 cmH2O, tiempo inspiratorio (ti): 1 segundo, pausa inspiratoria: 0,2 segundos. Se descarto la presencia de fugas mediante la visualización del loop flujo-volumen. Previo a realizar las medidas, y luego de 5 minutos de estabilidad hemodinámica, se administró un bloqueante neuromuscular por vía endovenosa (rocuronio, 0,2 mg kg). Para la realización de la prueba de potencial de reclutamiento se registraron inicialmente los valores de Vc espirado y presión plateau con valores de PEEP cero. Luego se aumentó la PEEP hasta 10 cmH2O y se registró nuevamente el Vc espirado (hasta que el mismo se mantuviera constante). En ese momento se redujo súbitamente la PEEP de 10 cmH2O a cero mientras se observaba el Vc espirado en la pantalla del ventilador mecánico. Análisis estadístico: las variables continuas se reportaron como mediana e intervalo interquartilo (IIQ) y se compararon mediante el empleo del Wilcoxon signed rank test. Se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 6 perros. Dos mestizos, dos beagles y dos caniches. La mediana de peso fue de 8,5 kg (IIQ: 7-15,6) y la mediana de edad de 5,5 años (IIQ: 4-9). La mediana de volumen reclutado fue de 171,66 ml (IIQ116-189). No se observaron diferencias significativas entre el Vc espirado al descender la PEEP 10 cmH2O y el Vc esperado (mediana de Vc espirado al disminuir PEEP= 254 ml, IIQ: 164-279; mediana de Vc esperado= 205 ml, IIQ: 194,4-231,25; p= 0.345). El Vc espirado al disminuir la PEEP fue en promedio 24 % mayor al Vc esperado. La mediana del índice R/I fue de 0,24 (IIQ: 0,23-0,28). Conclusiones: no se observaron diferencias significativas entre el Vc espirado al descender la PEEP 10 cmH2O y el Vc esperado. Dichos hallazgos junto con los resultados del índice R/I obtenidos sugieren un bajo potencial de reclutamiento en la población estudiada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High school students present difficulties using and interpreting the information provided by Graphical Representations Cartesian (RGC), consider these central to the teaching and learning at the dynamical processes at biological sciences in general and Population Biology (BP) in particular. From the conception of the RGC as semiotic systems, such difficulties are analyzed through cognitive activities that characterize any representation, namely, training, treatment and conversion. The research was carried out in Mendoza, Argentina, and comprised two stages; the first, held the diagnosis of student interaction (13-14 years) with RGC used to teach structural concepts BP; and in a second stage, the results of applying a teaching Intervention centered on the difficulties diagnosed in the previous phase are analyzed (students aged 16-17). It was noted that essentially the greatest difficulties found in the activities linked to semiosis about treatment and conversion, impacting on the construction of biological concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vespula germanica is an invasive worldwide species that has been detected in continental Patagonia of Argentina and Chile. In this work, we extend the range of this invasive wasp in Patagonia to include the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. We indicate the location, year and habitat of each sighting and/or collection. The expansion pattern of this species indicates that it is well established in natural and anthropogenic areas and that it has most probably depended on human transport to arrive from the continent. This short communication also provides information to take practical measures for its mitigation and control, including basic information for the citizens of the island to become aware of its presence and help it not arrive to new areas. Finally, more research is recommended for management and control of this new invasive species in Tierra del Fuego. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is the first of two approaching the determination of sequential sampling methods, (1) enumerative and (2) binomial, for monitoring Pseudophilothrips sp. and its natural enemies. During 2007-2009, a total of 202 population samplings were carried out in an agroecological plot of Plukenetia volubilis L. Initially, ten leaves per each of the three plant thirds, ten inflorescences and ten fruits were taken. The means (m) and their respective variances were adjusted to the function of Taylor's Power Law (TPL), and the confidence limits of the aggregation coefficient b were calculated for t0,95. Additionally, simplification of the sampling unit of thrips was proposed. Sample sizes were calculated by n=E-2.a.mb-2; primers for the enumerative sequential sampling were designed, and simulations compared with records for n=25 were carried out. The means and variances of Pseudophilothrips sp. fitted to the equation s² =2,56m1,50 highly significantly (p<0,000; R²=82,7%), and the aggregated disposition of the thrips was confirmed. The reduced sampling unit, composed of fruits and leaves of the higher plant third, performed as a good estimator of the total population of thrips (R² = 9 4%) . The use of the error margins E50% was shown as convenient for evaluating low densities of thrips and reducing the necessary sampling size in 64 ± 16%. Means and variances of the population of the complex of natural enemies fitted to the equation s²=1,30m1,09 highly significantly (p<0,000, R²=93,5%), with a tendency to a random spatial disposition (b≈1). Sampling simulation showed the convenience of E50% an d E30% when the individuals per plant were higher than 0,18 and 0,55, respectively. Sampling size was reduced in 40 ± 24% for E50%. For natural enemies, binomial sequential sampling methods were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Trichoderma asperellum strain T109 has shown great antagonism activity in vitro against phytopathogenic fungi. However, it is necessary the real understand of this strain into spatial organization in soil under in vitro and field conditions to know the population density. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate different inoculum concentrations and frequencies of application in Trichoderma asperellum T109 bioavailability. Materials and methods. Spore suspensions containing 1x106 and 1x108 conidia.mL-1, were evaluated under controlled laboratory and field conditions, with different application times. We used the technique of Petri plate count for determination of CFU.g-1 of soil. Results. The T109 bioavailability was affected by the frequency of application and highly significant (p<0.001) for the initial concentration of inoculum. The last sampling under in vitro conditions showed that the concentration of 1x106 conidia mL-1 was significantly different (p<0.001) when compared to 1x108 conidias. mL-1, yielding maximum value of CFU.g-1 of soil for every 4 days of application. For field conditions, we obtained significant differences (p<0.001) when the concentration of 1x108conidias mL-1 and application of 7 days were tested concomitantly. Conclusions. We can determine that the population density of T. asperellum T109 is important in the establishment of the fungus in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the quality of population representation it is necessary to know the factors that affect the sampling. The objective of this study is to share the results associated to sample collection and processing and its influence on pasture morphological and quality indicators. The main factors studied were: time of sampling, sample size, sample conservation, processing time, time spent moving the sample to the laboratory, number of technicians; and drying, grounding and storing of the sample. The aspects involved in minimizing errors through sampling and processing are exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows that in the English philosopher Roger Bacon (13th century) anticipated the distinction between causal process and pseudo-process, proposed by Wesley Salmon in order to defend an ontic conception of explanation, which in turn requires the presence of physical causal processes. In addition, the paper shows that Bacon had already awarded an important role to processes of causal transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is a fascinating physiological process, only recently some of the mysteries about its origin, physiology and biological functions have been clarified; however, much remains to be studied. Research on sleep biology and the clinical consequences of sleep disorders has made clear that sleep is a vital process for the full health of human beings. Nevertheless, according to some studies, worldwide population tends to reduce total sleep time, which is reflected in the increasing incidence of sleep disorders. In this sense, young people are particularly prone to the development of sleep disorders, mainly due to external factors (social and environmental), and other habits that can influence the quality of sleep (alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, etc.). This article aims at providing an updated review about sleep neurobiology and related aspects of practical interest for university students, such as: the role of sleep in learning and memory processes, as well as the effects produced by several substances, commonly used in this population, on the sleep process; finally emphasizing the importance of appropriate sleep hygiene practices for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some planktonic species of Prorocentrum may form extensive red tides but most toxic species of Prorocentrum are benthic. In the recent literature, one of the most common toxic benthic species reported as Prorocentrum mexicanum has been reinvestigated and it was concluded that the correct name for this species is Prorocentrum rhathymum while P. mexicanum is a different not toxic planktonic species clearly differentiated by its morphology and the pattern formed by the valve pores. In a recent sampling in the Cienfuegos Bay, southern-central region of Cuba, it was observed populations of P. mexicanum in the plankton and P. rhathymum as epiphytic on macroalgae. The present study describes comparatively the morphology and ecology of both populations, confirming that P. mexicanum and P. rhathymum are two different taxa. P. mexicanum represent a new record for Cuban waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several researches have been carried out in the northern coast of Ciego de Avila province, central region of northern coast of Cuba, from 1995 to 2012, in order to study biodiversity and ecology. Among conspicuous fauna, fishes have been targeted by research and the first inventory on this group of islands has been prepared. The species identification was mainly in situ using SCUBA and snorkelling techniques. The inventory includes 214 species. The best represented families of fishes are Serranidae, Carangidae, Haemulidae and Scombridae. Low abundance of large size top predators of Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Sphyraenidae, Carangidae and sharks are reported in the northern coast of Ciego de Avila province. There occurs 19 % of the Cuban ichthyofauna, 20 % of the strictly marine fish, 15 % of the Chondrichthyes and 20 % of the Actinopterygii. Diversity of taxa in the northern coast of Ciego de Avila province is higher than that in northwestern and northeastern regions of Cuba, but lower than that in Jardines de la Reina, while the most diverse families are generally the same among regions although they rank different among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universidad & Ciencia is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco 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 de Psicología (1669-2438) is the property of Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina 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.)

Se exploró y caracterizó la diversidad fenotípica y genotípica de poblaciones del pasto punta blanca [Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henr.], en pastizales de Chihuahua. Se realizó análisis de componentes principales y conglomerados. Se observaron diferencias significativas (P<0.05) entre variables, indicando alta diversidad fenotípica y molecular entre poblaciones. Los tres primeros componentes explicaron 79 % de la variación morfológica mostrada por los 91 ecotipos. Para el CP1, las variables que mejor explicaron la variabilidad morfológica fueron densidad de tallos, rendimiento de forraje y altura de forraje, las cuales se caracterizan por agrupar variables relacionadas con producción de forraje. Al analizar la correlación del CP1 con rendimiento de forraje, se observó que a medida que la densidad de tallos se incrementó, el rendimiento de forraje se incrementó casi en la misma proporción (r= 0.94). Efecto similar ocurrió sobre rendimiento de forraje con altura de forraje (r= 0.77), altura de planta (r= 0.72) y diámetro de macollo (r= 0.72). Los marcadores moleculares presentaron 179 bandas, donde el 86.6 % presentan polimorfismo y 13.7 % monomorfismo. El número de bandas polimórficas fue de 38, 38, 38 y 40 para las combinaciones de iniciadores EcoRI-AAG+MseI-CTG, EcoRI-ACT+MseI-CTG, EcoRI-AGG+MseI-CAG y EcoRI-AAC+MseI-CAG, respectivamente. El dendograma presentó cuatro grupos. Los valores de similitud, muestran a los ecotipos PB-270 y PB-277 por un lado y PB-313 y PB-337 como los de mayor heterogeneidad genética, al presentar el valor más bajo de similitud (0.14). Se identificaron y seleccionaron los ecotipos 505 y 596 por su alto potencial forrajero de acuerdo a su variabilidad morfológica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year between 6 and 6 billion cases of acute diarrheic disease (ADD) occur in the world, 15% of which have a bacterial origin. ADD is defined by the presence of 3 or more liquid stools within 24 hours. The most affected population is children, with a dead child every 15 seconds in any part in the planet. We show an update on the most common causes of bacterial diarrhoea in children, making emphasis on pathogenic and therapeutic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Científico Centro de Museos de Historia Natural is the property of Universidad de Caldas 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.)

Medicinal plants are highly rich in Cuba and an amount of 179 species have been reported to be used by the population for diuretic purposes, nevertheless, no experimental validation has supported this effect. This study presents the relative importance of the medicinal plant species most widely used for diuretic purposes in two communities of Quemado de Guines Municipality, Villa Clara province. The information was obtained through the application of an interview to 85 inhabitants, from which 80 were random surveys to people with a great knowledge of plants, and five to herbalists and doctors practicing natural medicine. The etnopharmacological information was registered (gathered) by means of the "Traditional of the Medicine of the Island" (TRAMIL) methodology and the interesting species were identified by a botanist and deposited in the Herbarium of the Central University "Marta Abreu" from Villa Clara, registered in the Index Herbarium, published periodically by the International Association for Plant Taxonomy. The data was analyzed by means of the indexes of use values and significant use level after TRAMIL. From the total of 19 botanical families, 26 medicinal species were identified, and 10 plants resulted with higher significant use and higher indexes of use values. From the plants reported as diuretics, 53.8% have not been experimentally validated in Cuba, the rest of the identified species have been validated at a preclinical level in some centers in the country, but its use have not been authorized as phytochemicals by the Cuban Regulatory Agency. The documentation related to the use of medicinal plants in the studied areas reveals that the traditional knowledge continues deeply rooted in the communities, and popular wisdom is kept through the representative images of the herbalist and people with considerable knowledge about this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive and population parameters of Thais chocolata that would contribute to the validation of the current extraction standards were obtained by performing a study in the protected area of La Rinconada Marine Reserve, Antofagasta, Chile, from December 2008 to January 2010. In terms of reproduction, the results revealed asynchronic gonad development in the population, with specimens in different stages of maturity throughout the year. Mature individuals were distributed between 5 and 13 m depth, forming aggregations at 5 m depth during much of the year. Periods of greater maturity were observed from July to August and November to January, with the most important aggregations at the end of both periods. A relationship was observed between the months with the greatest maturity and aggregations and the months with the highest daily temperature fluctuations. At the population level, the results allowed us to estimate 2.3*106 individuals, with 39% of this population over the minimum legal size (55 mm). The relatively slow growth estimated for this population was probably influenced by the high variability of the bottom temperature in this area. The critical size and size at first maturity of the population were higher than the minimal legal size, making it is necessary to review the current fishing regulation for this species. The effectiveness of the State marine reserves in the conservation of this marine resource was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotifer Brachionus spp. is the most important live food for fish and crustacean cultures throughout the world. In order to improve the growth performance of native Brachionus sp."Cayman," Chilca strain, Perú, we performed an experimental study of long-term enrichment with four commercial supplements, Marol-E, Protein Hufa, Selcon, Easy Super Selco and the microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata as control. The experiment was carried out in 180 liter tanks with three replicates per treatment. We determined the egg ratio (F), population growth rate (TC) and productivity (R). ANOVA showed significant differences among treatments, Protein Hufa supplementation showed better results in terms of egg ratio (0.65±0.03 eggs.ind-1), final density (149±0.58 indiv.mL-1), population growth rate (0.38±0.02 día-1) and productivity (29250±0.66 rot.L-1. day-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which explores the population density of Saguinus leucopus, an endemic primate, in forest patches with different physical and biological features in Colombia. It compares the population density of the species in forest remnants of different alteration level and examines the relationship between population density and the size, isolation distance, and shape as well as the altitude of the patches. It reveals that S. leucopus is considered an endangered species due to its small distribution area as well as habitat loss.

The article focuses on the comparative analysis of the parasitic fauna of Micromesistius australis, which were caught at the southern cone in South America. It mentions that the goal is to detect migratory patterns or population units of M. australis. It also adds that the composition of the parasitic fauna is similar in fishing areas while statistical analyses revealed differences in relative and absolute abundances of several M. australis taxa.

Copyright of Metodos en Ecologia y Sistematica is the property of Instituto Centroamericano para la Investigacion en Biologia y Conservacion 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 Universitas Médica is the property of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana 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.)

The aim of the present study was to register richness and diversity of the family Araneidae in CICRA. Quantitative collections were made in two marked seasons: dry season (ES: august - september, 2005) and rainy season (ELL: february - march, 2006), randomly choosing six plots of one hectare each, being the same for both seasons. Direct capture was used by means of manual collection, using the following methods: Ground Hand Collecting (collects up to the level of the knee) and Aerial Hand Collecting (collects from the level of the knee up to two meters of height approximately). Each method was applied during an hour, in the daytime (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) and in the night (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM) obtaining 24 samples. In the dry season 1516 individuals were collected, distributed in 25 genera and 120 species; in the rainy season 3173 individuals were collected, distributed in 24 genera and 121 species, totaling 154 spp. The most representative species in both seasons were Micrathena kirbyi (ES: 12%, ELL: 22%), Araneus sp. 1 (ES: 4.6%, ELL: 5%), Micrathena cf. exlinae (ES: 5.3%, ELL: 3.7%), Parawixia kochi (ES: 4%, ELL: 6.3%) and Cyclosa inca (ES: 6.7%, ELL: 6%). The diversity obtained in ES (H′: 3.829) was higher than in ELL (H′: 3.453) in spite of the fact that the ELL presented major richness and abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about wild guanacos (Lama guanicoe) including its social structure, density, and management in southern Neuquén Province, Argentina. It notes that guanacos are the most abundant wild South American ungulate. However, it mentions that its number has been declining in the last century. It adds that wildlife agencies are encouraging live-shearing of wild guanacos to help conserve its population. It reveals that population density between winter 2004 and summer 2005 was the same in both seasons but the male group declined during spring. It states that foraging was the most common activity in both seasons.

Introduction: The phenomenon of substructure in the populations has been greatly analyzed for several years, and it has been focused especially on the identification and quantification of ethnic mixture present in studies of associative mapping to verify the association of polymorphic markers in the development of complex and common diseases responsible for false positives. Nevertheless, despite the recognition of this issue, there is insufficient genetic information within the national or local contexts that allow assessing the possible differentiation of population sub-groups in each particular region. Objective: To determine the genetic structure in the city of Bucaramanga through the analysis of 19 autosomal microsatellite markers in different subgroups of the population. Methodology: A total of 350 DNA samples were randomly selected from the database of the Human Genetic Laboratory at Universidad Industrial de Santander by using Epi Info version 6.04 2001. Also, 19 Short Tandem Repeat markers were amplified using «kits Powerplex® 16 and FFFL (Promega)». Results: In the Hardy Weinberg equilibrium analysis (100 steps in Markov chain and 1000 dememorization steps), no statistically significant differences in 18 out of the 19 analyzed STRs markers in the population of Bucaramanga were obtained. A unique marker that proved not present in HWE in the population of Bucaramanga was the F13B (for a significance value of p=0.00264, after applying the Bonferroni correction). Discussion: The populations represented in the six socioeconomic levels presented high genetic diversity intragroups, which ratified the high variability among the individuals in this city according to the low value of FST for different groups, determined via the molecular analysis of variance based on the allelic frequencies observed for the 19 analyzed Short Tandem Repeats. Conclusions: The high genetic diversity, as well as the analysis of molecular variance displayed low divergence for each of the six socioeconomic levels in the city of Bucaramanga. Therefore, it is suggested that this population is an equivalent genetic unit and not substructured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Innovación Tecnológica is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica 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.)

In this study, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) population effective size is estimated during the years 2001 to 2003, in Caleta de los Piojos beach, Guanahacabibes Peninsula, Cuba. Saturation tagging method was applied. Data derived from physically tagged females were used to obtain graphs that show the effective size of the nesting population. Number of reproductive females observed in the year 2002 (70) are higher than year 2003 (17). Two hypotheses in regard to alternating (high rate and low rate nest year) numbers of nesting females are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of EM-Bokashi medium on the marine micro alga Tetraselmis suecica reared in the laboratory was studied. Two nutritive media were used: Yashima medium was used as a control treatment and the other medium had organic components coming from EM-Bokashi which is a fertilizing product. The latter was inoculated in three different doses: 1:1000; 1:1500; 1:2000. The highest population growth was obtained with EM-Bokashi and the probiotic microorganisms contained in this medium together with Tetraselmis suecica micro alga had a synergic effect in reducing the concentration of heterotrophic microorganisms present in the culture. The results showed that EM-Bokashi was more efficient than Yashima because it promoted population growth, improved environmental quality and presented less production costs, which arose to 98.8 % less than the control medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lizard Anolis aquaticus (Taylor 1956) was studied at the La Palma de Puriscal Canyon, Costa Rica (9°45′N, 84°27′O). A monthly sampling methodology for captures, recaptures and body measurements was developed during the study. The color of both sexes of A. aquaticus is brown, with pale green bands on the body and tail; when they emerge from the crevices they are dark brown without bands. Males are larger than females in the 13 body measurements taken. Males maintain a territory of one to three females; females do not tolerate other females within their territory. The sex ratio in the population does not vary from 1:1. Females reach sexual maturity between 4 and 6 months and males between 5 and 7 months after hatching. Following egg laying females less than 64mm SVL recovered weight readily, while those of less than 64mm SVL did not, some did not recover and died of starvation. Growth rates in SVL and weight are approximately equal for both sexes in adults and significantly different for the sexes in juveniles. There is a substantial difference in growth rates between captive animals and those in natural conditions. Recruitment rate was the same for both sexes. Findings are discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve boat-based photoidentification surveys were carried out along the coast to the south of San Quintín Bay, in Baja California, Mexico, from July 1999 to June 2000; effort was 276.76 km and 31.7 h at sea. Twenty-two schools were encountered and 12.9 h of total observation were spent with 242 dolphins in these schools. The average school size was 11 (SD = 8) dolphins, although it is possible that groups are actually smaller; nursing groups were significantly larger (P < 0.05), with frequent membership exchanges occurring among schools. Dolphins preferred a coastal strip between 250 and 500 m offshore (P < 0.05), at depths below 7 m, and with sandy substrates (P < 0.05). Greater sighting frequencies occurred in two coastal zones (P < 0.05) and feeding was common around the mouth of the bay. Dorsal fin photographs led to the identification of 169 dolphins, and 124 were different individuals. During the study period, the coast south of San Quintín was a pass zone for transient dolphins, since most of the animals (>70%) were sighted one time or stayed for short periods. A total of 220 different dolphins have been identified in the San Quintín area when these data are combined with those gathered by Caldwell (1992) in 1990; these dolphins probably represent a small part of a larger population. More research on the population biology of the bottlenose dolphin in this and adjacent geographic areas is needed to develop better conservation and management strategies for this important natural resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of amphibian populations is a phenomenon that has been occurring on a global scale over the last decade, and to date there is no fully satisfactory explanation of the underlying reason(s) behind this loss. Herein I briefly review the historical context of the phenomenon and discuss how assessments of population status can be influenced by issues of biological identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth and mortality of the snail Astraea undosa were estimated based on the age determination of 1034 opercula obtained from 34,969 organisms sampled in five fishing areas off the west coast of Baja California Sur (Mexico), during 1997 and 1998. No significant differences were detected in the sizes of each sex and age groups of 0 to 12 yearswere determined. To describe the growth pattern, the von Bertalanffygrowth model was fitted to size-age data per fishing area and the following growth parameters were obtained: Linfinity = 167.8to 175.1 mm basal diameter, K = 0.08 to 0.10 mm/year and to = -l.7 to -l.2 years. The growth pattern was similar among areas in agreement with the performance index, Theta'. However, a north-south size-age latitudinal gradient was observed; the largest sizes per age were observed at Isla Natividad. The natural mortality was 0.29 per year. The total mortality rate per area varied from 0.43 to 0.90 per year and the exploitation rate from 0.11 to 0.40 per year. The results indicate that the fishery sustains appropriate exploitation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability of the macrobenthic infaunal density is analyzed along a depth gradient, from the shelf break down to the abyssal plain in the western Gulf of Mexico. Samples were obtained at 10 sites in June 1997. Results show a decrease in density with increasing depth. Greatest density was recorded at 1230 m depth (2713.6 t 1469.6 ind m-z), just below the minimum oxygen layer. This value is 1.5 times higherthan values observed at the shelf break. Density decreases with increasing depth, attaining values three times smaller (880 t 176.7 ind m2) on the lower slope. The density recorded in the abyssal plain shows high variability (794.7 t 343.7 to 1669.3 t 536.3 ind m-=); the highest values recorded in the abyssal plain are similar to those recorded at the shelf break (1865.6 1 1132.6 to 1932.8 1 685.9 ind m-2). Density values recorded herein are higher than those previously published for the Gulf of Mexico and are more largely attributedto the hydrodynamics and input of organic matter than to the sediment factors. Chlorophyll a concentration in the water column is the parameter most closely related to density variability, having a similar effect as depth. The localities fall into three groups: the first includes the abyssal zone and continental rise (>3000 m), the second includes the sites located on the slope (> 1500 to <3000 m) and the third includes the sites with depths less than 1500 m. The low concentration of dissolved oxygen defines the lower density on the shelf break and upper slope. Grain size and organic matter content in surficial sediment have a lesser effect on density at this depth. In contrast, the stations located on the lower slope and abyss were defined by the organic matter content in surficial sediment, which together with depth affect the macrobenthic infauna at different space scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance and bathymetric distribution of juveniles of Lutjanus peru on the continental shelf of Jalisco and Colima, Mexico, were analyzed. Shrimp trawl samples were taken from three expeditions during one year. A total of 641 juveniles of L. peru were caught, ranging intotal length from 3.7 to 21.9 cm and in weight from 0.6 to 153 g. The juveniles exhibited an aggregate spatial distribution pattern. Significant differences were observed in the bathymetric distribution of the organisms, since their occurrence was limited to shallow waters between 20 and 40 m depth. Two size classes were identified during theMay-June cruise (DEM 1) and the March cruise (DEM III), but only oneclass was found in the November-December cruise (DEM II). According to the growth model known for the species, the two size classes foundcould be of 1 and 1.5 years, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the individual sizes and weights among sites during DEM I and DEM III, whereas the average sizes and weights of DEM II were homogeneous among sites. The juveniles presented isometric growth in the size ranges analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author examines the effects of globalization on ecology and how society is influenced by both movements. While globalization and expansion can be quite beneficial to society, there is increasing concern regarding the ecological backlashes. The social sciences journal "Revista de Ciencias Sociales" has published a variety of articles regarding the relationship between the environment and globalization. One article discusses the aftermath of the exploitation of natural resources and its consequences on indigenous peoples. Another topic that is explored concerns the negative aspects of transgenic crop production.