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A raspberry-like SiO2@TiO2 new material supported on functionalized graphene oxide was prepared to reduce titania's band gap value. The material was characterized through different analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The band gap value was studied via UV-Vis absorption spectra and determined through the Kubelka–Munk equation. A theoretical study was also carried out to analyze the interaction between the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a large class of transitive non-hyperbolic systems, we construct nonhyperbolic ergodic measures with entropy arbitrarily close to its maximal possible value. The systems we consider are partially hyperbolic with one-dimensional central direction for which there are positive entropy ergodic measures whose central Lyapunov exponent is negative, zero, or positive. We construct ergodic measures with zero central Lyapunov exponent whose entropy is positive and arbitrarily close to the topological entropy of the set of points with central Lyapunov exponent zero. This provides a restricted variational principle for nonhyperbolic (zero exponent) ergodic measures. The result is applied to the setting of SL (2 , R) matrix cocycles and provides a counterpart to Furstenberg's classical result: for an open and dense subset of elliptic SL (2 , R) cocycles we construct ergodic measures with upper Lyapunov exponent zero and with metric entropy arbitrarily close to the topological entropy of the set of infinite matrix products with subexponential growth of the norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: revision joint replacement surgery presents a surgical challenge. The use of rotating hinge prostheses is an option in patients with femorotibial bone defects, ligament insufficiency, or significant deformities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of a series of patients who underwent surgery using the GMK Hinge (Medacta®) rotational hinge model. Material and methods: a descriptive, retrospective, and analytical study was conducted on a series of 36 patients, with a mean age of 72.5 years (47-85), operated on by the same surgical team between January 2015 and January 2022. The etiology of revision was chronic infection in 38.9% of cases, instability in 33.3%, aseptic loosening in 19.4%, and stiffness in 8.4%. The Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were used to assess functional outcomes. The degree of femorotibial bone defect was evaluated using the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) classification. Postoperative complications are also recorded. Results: a total of 36 patients, 17 males and 19 females, were included, with a mean follow-up of 30 months (12-66). Twelve patients had type 1 defects, ten had 2A defects, ten had 2B defects, and two had type 3 defects on the femoral side, with the use of wedges required for asymmetrical defects (21 patients). The predominant tibial defect was type 1 without the need for wedges. The majority achieved a satisfactory outcome on the KSS scale (72.2 ± 9.4), with significant differences compared to the previous KSS (54.3 ± 8.9). A score of 31 (12-67) was also obtained on the FJS scale. Postoperative complications were present in 16.7% of patients. Conclusions: complex prosthetic revision surgery using a rotating hinge prosthesis represents a suitable therapeutic option, yielding appropriate clinical and functional outcomes, albeit not without complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canary Islands, renowned for their tourism appeal, grapple with a pronounced energy challenge stemming from their geographic fragmentation and heavy reliance on external energy sources, particularly fossil fuels. Moreover, the region's history is marked by recurring energy crises, underscoring the imperative need for a swift and decisive transition towards renewable energy sources. This research examines the potential of waste biomass as a renewable energy source in the Canary Islands. This reliance on non-renewable energy sources leads to increased energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, making the pursuit of a sustainable energy future a strategic priority in the region. This study proposes to assess the potential of residual biomass from the main crops of the Canary Islands, such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and grapes, for bioenergy production. Statistical data were used to estimate the total availability of residues, while parameters like residue-to-product ratio, moisture content and calorific value were determined to calculate the energy potential of the residual biomass. The research findings reveal that the annual production of residual biomass from the primary crops in the Canary Islands is 234,744 tonnes (111,425 Tn/year from banana cultivation, 52,961 Tn/year from tomato cultivation, 40,102 Tn/year from potato cultivation, and 30,256 Tn/year from grape cultivation). This biomass has the potential to generate around 1.39 PJ of energy, equivalent to approximately 4.79% of the current energy consumption of the archipelago. Considering that renewable sources contribute to only around 20% of the energy production in the Canary Islands, the availability of this resource presents an exceptional opportunity for the region. By harnessing its natural resources, the Canary Islands can pursue sustainable economic growth while simultaneously mitigating negative environmental impacts. Definitely, the assessment of the potential of residual biomass plays a crucial role in evaluating sustainable energy resources and represents an important step towards a more sustainable energy future in the Canary Islands. [Display omitted] • Harnessing the energy potential of biomass residues in fragmented territories. • Annual residual biomass production from main crops totals 234,744 tonnes. • Agricultural residue reached 1.39 PJ/year, covering 4.79% of current energy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that plume arrival at the base of the lithosphere introduces a push force that overwhelms the balance of torques driving plate circuits, leading to plate-tectonic reorganizations. Among the most compelling evidence in support of a "plume-push" mechanism is the apparent coincidence between eruption of the Deccan flood basalts around 67-64 Ma and a short-lived increase in Indian (and decrease in African) plate speed. Using existing and newly calculated high-resolution plate-motion models, we show that plate divergence rates briefly increased throughout the Indo-Atlantic circuit, contrary to the expected effects of plume-push. We propose that this circuit-wide spike in divergence rates is best explained as the artifact of a magnetic reversal time-scale error around the much studied Cretaceous- Tertiary boundary, and that the period spanning chrons C29-C28 lasted 70% longer than currently assumed. Corrected for this error, the residual long-term patterns of Indo-Atlantic plate motions and accompanying plate-tectonic reorganization are explicable in terms of maturation of the circuit's spreading ridges, without invoking a significant plume-push force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The duration and intensity of future heat waves are analyzed for 53 cities in the Middle East and the North Africa (MENA) region for the 21st century under two different scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). A consistent approach is carried out using data from 13 Regional models within the framework of the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX). By the end of the century, 80% of the most populated MENA cities are expected to be at least 50% of the days under heat wave conditions during the warm season. In addition, the mean and maximum intensity of the heat waves will also increase. Changes in the duration and intensity of heat waves have shown to be negatively correlated. Therefore, the vulnerability of the MENA cities to future heat waves was determined using a cumulative index (CI) that takes into account both duration and intensity. This CI indicates that Middle East and the eastern part of Africa will suffer the most unfavorable temperature conditions in the future. Assuming no intervention trough adaptation/mitigation strategies, these results, together with the particular properties of the MENA region, such as aridity or lack of precipitation, make it likely that the area will be affected by disease or famine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining stability, quantifying planned dilution, and estimating the potential dilution associated with hangingwall overbreak are critical in the process of stope design in sublevel open stoping mines. To satisfy these objectives, empirical stability graphs and numerical modelling are currently used in the mining industry. Empirical methods are limited to the database used to calibrate them. In the case of numerical modelling, some of the available criteria used to evaluate hangingwall overbreak do not include the intermediate principal stress around the stope and/or the rock mass geotechnical characteristics. In this study, a new criterion for numerical modelling is proposed to estimate the hangingwall overbreak in open stopes. This new criterion includes the intermediate principal stress around the stope and the rock mass geotechnical characteristics. To develop the criterion, several open stope numerical models are simulated considering different geometrical and geotechnical conditions. The criterion is calibrated to reproduce empirical case histories of hangingwall overbreak. Next, the criterion is verified with case histories of hangingwall overbreak that presented different conditions used to calibrate the criterion. The proposed criterion establish a significant influence and relationship between rock quality and the minimum and intermediate principal stresses on hangingwall overbreak. The criterion offers sufficient flexibility for application to a wide range of geometries, in situ stress conditions, and depth and rock mass properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalized mean spherical approximation of Stell and Sun [J. Chem. Phys. 63, 5333 (1975)] for the binary charge-symmetric restricted primitive model (electroneutral mixture of equally sized hard spheres) is extended to charge-asymmetric binary electrolytes and to the generally multicomponent, but still restricted (i.e., equally sized) primitive model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is used to analyze a mesh-initiated air breakdown plasma induced by a transverse excitation atmospheric CO2 pulsed laser (λ=10.591 μm, 64 ns (full width at half maximum), 70–160 J/cm2). Emission from excited N, O, C, H, and Ar; ionic fragment N+, O+, N2+, O2+, C+, and molecular band systems of N2+(B 2Σu+-X 2Σg+; D 2Πg-A 2Πu), N2(C 3Πu-B 3Πg), and OH(A 2Σ+-X 2Π) is observed. Plasma characteristics are examined in detail on the emission lines of N+, O+, and C by time-resolved OES technique. The results show a faster decay of continuum and ionic spectral species than of neutral atomic and molecular ones. The velocity and kinetic energy distributions for the different species were obtained from time-of-flight measurements. Excitation temperature and electron density in the laser-induced plasma were estimated from the analysis of spectral data at various times from the laser pulse incidence. Temporal evolution of electron density has been used for the estimation of the three-body recombination rate constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-resolved optical emission analysis was carried out for the plasma plume, produced by high-power tunable IR CO2 pulsed laser ablation of graphite, at λ=10.591 μm and in a regime of relatively high laser fluences (123–402 J/cm2). Wavelength-dispersed spectra of the plasma plume, at medium-vacuum conditions (4 Pa) and at 9.0 mm from the target, show ionized species (C+, C2+, C3+, C4+, N2+ , N+, and O+), neutral atoms (C, H, N, and O), and neutral diatomic molecules (C2, CN, OH, CH, and N2). In this work, we focus our attention on the temporal evolution of different atomic/ionic and molecular species over a broad spectral range from 190 to 1000 nm. The results show a faster decay for ionic fragments than for neutral atomic and molecular species. The velocity and kinetic energy distributions for different species were obtained from time-of-flight measurements using time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy. Possible mechanisms for the production of these distributions are discussed. Excitation temperature, electron density, and vibrational temperature in the laser-induced plasma were estimated from the analysis of spectral data at various times from the laser pulse incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study fractal properties of invariant graphs of hyperbolic and partially hyperbolic skew product diffeomorphisms in dimension three. We describe the critical (either Lipschitz or at all scales Hölder continuous) regularity of such graphs. We provide a formula for their box dimension given in terms of appropriate pressure functions. We distinguish three scenarios according to the base dynamics: Anosov, one-dimensional attractor, or Cantor set. A key ingredient for the dimension arguments in the latter case will be the presence of a so-called fibered blender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the fiber Lyapunov exponents of step skew-product maps over a complete shift of N, N ≥ 2 , symbols and with C1 diffeomorphisms of the circle as fiber maps. The systems we study are transitive and genuinely nonhyperbolic, exhibiting simultaneously ergodic measures with positive, negative, and zero exponents. Examples of such systems arise from the projective action of 2 × 2 matrix cocycles and our results apply to an open and dense subset of elliptic SL (2 , R) cocycles. We derive a multifractal analysis for the topological entropy of the level sets of Lyapunov exponent. The results are formulated in terms of Legendre–Fenchel transforms of restricted variational pressures, considering hyperbolic ergodic measures only, as well as in terms of restricted variational principles of entropies of ergodic measures with a given exponent. We show that the entropy of the level sets is a continuous function of the Lyapunov exponent. The level set of the zero exponent has positive, but not maximal, topological entropy. Under the additional assumption of proximality, as for example for skew-products arising from certain matrix cocycles, there exist two unique ergodic measures of maximal entropy, one with negative and one with positive fiber Lyapunov exponent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design, construction and operation parameters of a gas flow proportional counter are presented in order to implement the integral conversion electron mössbauer spectroscopy technique (ICEMS). The detector works with the support of a multi-channel detection system and a source of highenergy radiation of 57Co. A constant gas flow of a mixture of 5% CH4 in He was used as a multiplier gas, which increased the signal intensity, and protected the sample's surface of electric shocks. An internal filter for low energy X-rays was considered during the design to achieve a lower background noise and optimize the volume of gas consumed. With this built-in ICEMS detector it is feasible to characterize efficiently the magnetic properties and oxidation states (hyperfine interactions) of both bulk materials and thin films. The calibration of the device was performed by using an iron sample synthesized by powder metallurgy. It was successfully identified the presence of a distinctive sextet of the a-Fe phase with a hyperfine field of 330 kOe and an isomer shift of 0.312 mm / s. The great usefulness of the equipment was verified by solving the magnetic hyperfine interactions of the Mössbauer spectrum associated to a commercial stainless-steel washer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to add robustness and provide further evidence on the bioequivalence, safety and immunogenicity between MB02 and reference bevacizumab. No similar study has been performed before with a biosimilar monoclonal antibody. Methods: Population analysis by pooling data from three independent pharmacokinetic (PK) studies was performed. The studies had a single‐dose, double‐blind, three‐arm, parallel‐group design and two studies, MB02‐A‐02‐17 and MB02‐A‐05‐18, compared MB02 to EU‐ and US‐bevacizumab in Caucasian subjects, while study MB02‐A‐04‐18 compared MB02 and EU‐bevacizumab in Japanese participants. Primary endpoints included maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax), area under the serum concentration–time curve (AUC) from time zero and extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞) and AUC from time zero to the time of last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–t). Secondary endpoints included other PK parameters, safety and immunogenicity. A sensitivity analysis using actual protein concentration as a correction factor was applied to primary PK parameters. Results: Point estimates and 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of primary PK parameters for MB02, EU‐ and US‐bevacizumab were all contained within the predefined bioequivalence margins (80%–125%) for all pairwise comparisons. The same results for all pairwise comparisons were observed when protein‐corrected primary PK parameters were analyzed. Safety and immunogenicity were similar between MB02 and the EU‐ and US‐reference bevacizumab in healthy subjects. Conclusions: This pooled analysis of three comparable PK studies further supports the bioequivalence of biosimilar MB02 to EU‐ and US‐reference bevacizumab. No clinically meaningful differences in safety or immunogenicity were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to know the effect of 60Co gamma irradiation, in the sunflower crop, were irradiated achenes in the Transelektro LGI-01 in the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares. The data was evaluated under a completely randomized design, where the treatments were 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 Gy and four repetitions (10x4) = 40 experimental units. The response variables were: plant height, root length and volume, dry biomass. The results indicated that germination and sprouting decreased as the radiation increased, adjusting these to a quadratic model. Plant height, length, root volume and dry biomass decreased at high doses. From this investigation it was concluded, that doses of 100 and 200 Gy, have a stimulating effect on plant height and root length, being an important agent, to induce genetic variability in sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin ( N-acetyl-5methoxytryptamine) is an amphiphilic low-molecular-weight compound found in evolutionary distant living organisms, from bacteria to mammals. It can be synthesized by plants and acts as a potent antioxidant and/or a regulator of plant growth and development. Here, we investigated the role of melatonin in plant response to drought stress and recovery in maize ( Zea mays L.) plants, with an emphasis on its possible photoprotective and antioxidant role and/or signalling function in relation to the stress-related phytohormones, abscisic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. Results show a positive correlation between endogenous contents of melatonin and photoprotection, as indicated by the maximum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry ( F v/ F m ratio), which was confirmed further by exogenous application of melatonin during recovery from drought stress. Melatonin applications during drought recovery improved the F v/ F m ratio in maize plants exposed to a subsequent drought stress. Furthermore, endogenous contents of melatonin positively correlated with those of stress-related phytohormones, particularly with those of salicylic acid, although exogenous application of melatonin did not alter the contents of these defence compounds. It is concluded that melatonin can exert a defensive role in maize plants exposed to drought stress, particularly improving the efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A packed-bed catalytic configuration reactor for biodiesel production in continuous. • Pumice granules loaded with lithium as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production. • Effects of the reaction variables on the fatty acid methyl esters yield in biodiesel production. A packed-bed catalytic configuration reactor using pumice granules loaded with lithium (Li/Pumice) as a heterogeneous catalyst was developed for biodiesel production in continuous. For this purpose, Jatropha curcas oil was used as an alternative feedstock to edible oils and diethyl ether was used as a cosolvent to eliminate the limitations of mass transfer between the phases. In this work, the response surface methodology was applied to optimize the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield in biodiesel production. The flow rate (0.7–1.4 mL min−1), the methanol/oil molar ratio (6:1–20:1) and the cosolvent/methanol molar ratio (0.5:1–1.5:1) were the independent variables studied. The effects of these factors over the FAME yield using Li/Pumice as catalyst were evaluated according to a Box-Behnken design. The optimum conditions for the maximum FAME yield (100%) were 1.4 mL min−1, 20.0 methanol/oil molar ratio and 0.57:1 cosolvent/methanol molar ratio. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic Si3N4/TiN (22 vol%) nanocomposites have been obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Our colloidal processing route allows obtaining dispersed nanoparticles of TiN smaller than 50 nm avoiding the presence of agglomerates. The nanostructured starting powders were obtained by using a colloidal method where commercial Si3N4 submicrometer particles were coated with anatase TiO2 nanocrystals. A later nitridation process led to the formation of TiN nanoparticles on the surface of Si3N4. A second set of powders was prepared by doping the above defined powders with yttrium and aluminium precursors using also a colloidal method as sources of alumina and yttria. After thermal nitridation and SPS treatment, it has been found that the addition of oxides dopants improves the mechanical performance (KIC, σf) but increases the electrical resistivity and significantly reduces the hardness. This is due to the formation of a continuous insulating glassy phase that totally envelops the conductive TiN nanoparticles, avoiding the percolative contact between them. The combination of colloidal processing route and SPS allows the designing of tailor-made free glassy phase Si3N4/TiN nanocomposites with controlled microstructure. The microstructural features and the thermoelectrical and mechanical properties of both kinds of dense SPSed compacts are discussed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is extremely important to take into account the complications of inferior gelnohumeral dislocation, which, although infrequent, may become incapacitating in the medium and long term, even in some cases reported, endangering the life of the same. Material and methods: We present the case of a young adult patient diagnosed with inferior rectal glenohumeral dislocation (luxatio erecta), with Bankart lesion and Hill Sachs lesion, treated by arthroscopy with repair of the Bankart lesion, plication of the lower capsular recess and remplissage. Results: We evaluated the functionality of the patient at 18 months with the UCLA scale, obtaining a final score of 30 points with good functional results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the feasibility of a specific training program for ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal masses. Methods A 2-month intensive training program was developed. The program protocol consisted of a 1-day intensive theoretical course focused on clinical and sonographic issues related to adnexal masses and ovarian cancer, followed by a 4-week real-time ultrasound training program in a tertiary center (25-30 adnexal masses evaluated per month) and a final 4-week period for offline assessment of three-dimensional ( 3D) volumes from adnexal masses. In this final period, each trainee evaluated five sets of 100 3D volumes. 3D volumes contained gray-scale and power Doppler information, and the trainee was provided with clinical data for each case (patient age, menopausal status and reported symptoms). 3D volumes were obtained from surgically removed masses that had undergone histological diagnosis or from masses that had been followed up until resolution. After assessment of each set, the trainee's diagnostic performance was calculated (sensitivity and specificity) and each incorrectly classified mass was evaluated with the trainer. The objective was to achieve a sensitivity of > 95% and a specificity of > 90%. Learning curve cumulative summation ( LC-CUSUM) graphs were plotted to assess the learning curve for the trainees. Results One trainer and two trainees with little experience in gynecological ultrasound (one gynecologist and one radiologist) participated in this study. LC-CUSUM graphs showed that competence was achieved after 170 or 185 examinations. The objectives for diagnostic performance were achieved after assessment of the second set of 3D volumes (200 cases) for each trainee. Conclusions The proposed training program appears to be feasible. High diagnostic performance can be achieved after analysis of 200 cases and maintained thereafter. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is the second most populous nation in the world after China, and its plant genetic resources are an important basis for crop improvement to meet human population needs. An important legume in the diet of the Indian population is common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Common beans are one of the many important legumes grown in India, but unlike others, its centre of origin is not in Asia but in the Americas. The objective of this study was to evaluate two collections of Indian common beans: one for an internationally available collection of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-protected accessions and one from the north-western Himalayan region. In total, 149 Indian landraces were evaluated with a total of 24 microsatellites across the two collections, and these represented all common bean-growing states of India. A population structure analysis was used to find groups in each collection, and this was compared across the collections. The genetic analysis of the two sets of Indian accessions with neighbour-joining trees and principal component analysis categorized the landraces into Andean and Mesoamerican gene pool groups. The Andean genotypes dominated the north-western Himalayan collection while the FAO-protected accessions were predominantly Mesoamerican. The Indian subcontinent can be considered as a region of high bean diversity; however, very little introgression was observed between the gene pools in both the germplasm sets. Gene pool identity was further substantiated by the comparison of seed traits, particularly seed size. The role of the landraces in plant breeding programmes is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is causing the global sea surface temperature (SST) to rise. However, warming rates are lower in coastal areas affected by the upwelling that buffers the SST warming. The influence of the Canary upwelling system on coastal SST throughout the 21st century was analyzed taking advantage of the high spatial resolution of the Global Climate Models (GCMs) from the CMIP6 project to capture upwelling features. Future SST changes were evaluated both on the coast and in their oceanic counterparts under the 5–8.5 socioeconomic pathway scenario. Results showed a latitudinal displacement of the upwelling system to the north by the end of the century. Middle and north latitudes showed a strengthening in the buffering effect of upwelling with a greater influence on the differences between coast and ocean. Oppositely, the southernmost latitudes showed a weakening causing a homogenization of the SST between coast and ocean. • SST projections by means of CMIP6 in the Canary upwelling system for the 21st century. • SST difference between coast and ocean showed lower temperatures near shore. • A buffering effect influenced by upwelling was observed in the coastal SST. • The Canary upwelling system is projected to move northward by the end of the century. • SST homogenization projected for the southernmost area due to a weakening of upwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winnerless competition is analyzed in coupled maps with discrete temporal evolution of the Lotka-Volterra type of arbitrary dimension. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the appearance of structurally stable heteroclinic cycles as a function of the model parameters are deduced. It is shown that under such conditions winnerless competition dynamics is fully exhibited. Based on these conditions different cases characterizing low, intermediate, and high dimensions are therefore computationally recreated. An analytical expression for the residence times valid in the N-dimensional case is deduced and successfully compared with the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clin Microbiol Infect Abstract Vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represents an important world-wide health problem although the incidence in developed countries has been drastically reduced by the extensive use of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Vertically HIV-infected subjects have been exposed to the virus during the maturation of their immune systems and have suffered a persistent chronic activation throughout their lifetime; the consequences of this situation for their immune system are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to analyse immunosenescence-related parameters in different CD4 T-cell subsets. Fifty-seven vertically HIV-infected subjects and 32 age-matched healthy subjects were studied. Activation (HLA− DR+), senescence (CD28− CD57+) and proliferation (Ki67+) were analysed on different CD4 T-cell subsets: naive (CD45RA+ CD27+), memory (CD45RO+ CD27+), effector memory (CD45RO+ CD27−) and effector memory RA (CD45RA+ CD27−). Compared with healthy subjects, vertically HIV-infected subjects showed increased naive and memory CD4 T-cell frequencies (p 0.035 and p 0.010, respectively) but similar frequencies of both effector subsets. Whereas naive CD4 T cells were not further altered, memory CD4 T cells presented increased levels of senescence and proliferation markers (p <0.001), effector memory CD4 T cells presented increased levels of activation, senescence and proliferation markers (p <0.001) and effector memory RA CD4 T cells presented increased levels of activation and senescence (p <0.001) compared with healthy subjects. Despite long periods of infection, vertically HIV-infected subjects show specific patterns of immunosenescence, revealing a preserved CD4 T-cell homeostasis for subset differentiation and distribution. Nevertheless, excepting the naive subpopulation, all subsets experienced some immunosenescence, pointing to uncertain consequences of the future aging process in these subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effects of gasoline properties on exhaust and evaporative emissions on light duty vehicles ranging in model year from 2008 to 2010 were tested on a chassis dynamometer over the US FTP-75 driving cycle. Tailpipe emissions were characterized for criteria pollutants (CO, NOX, NMHC, and NMOG), and a suite of unregulated emissions including important air toxics, carbonyls, and ozone reactivity. Measurements were performed under three different driving conditions, i.e. cold transient, stabilized and hot transient. These three driving conditions were simulated using the US FTP-75 driving cycle. Hot soak and diurnal evaporative emissions were quantified and characterized for NMHC. The fuel quality parameters investigated include RVP, oxygen, olefins, aromatics, distillation parameters and sulfur in the range from 5 to 19ppm. The results of the study were used to update a previous statistical model developed for predicting emissions based on fuel quality. The procedures and statistical methods employed to develop the predictive model for this test program were similar to those used to construct the United States Complex models for regulated and toxics emissions. The predictive model allows refineries to optimized gasoline compositions providing they can show that certain emission outcomes (as prescribed by regulation) will be achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pumice, a natural porous silica material, exchanged with potassium is an efficient heterogeneous particulate catalytic material for triglycerides and free fatty acids transesterification reaction from sunflower oil and waste frying oil at low temperature. In this work, a packed-bed catalytic configuration reactor using this catalytic material was developed for biodiesel fuel production from sunflower oil and frying oil feedstock. Reactor operation variables as methanol/oil molar ratio, catalyst amount, reaction time, and reaction temperature were studied. Results were compared with those obtained from the same transesterification reaction proceeding in a slurry batch reactor. The packed-bed catalytic reactor configuration can be useful in order to minimize catalyst mechanical damage occurring in the slurry reactor due to continuous stirring. The possibility of using a packed-bed reactor shows some advantages because the catalyst stays confined in the reactor bed and the reaction products can be easily separated, besides the mechanical stability of the catalyst particles is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Heterogeneous catalysis is widely applied in industry due to important advantages it offers to chemical processes such as improved selectivity and easy catalyst separation from reaction mixture, reducing process stages and wastes. This is the reason why nowadays heterogeneous catalysts are being developed to produce biodiesel. Several catalytic materials have been showed in bibliography: acid solids capable to carry out free fatty acids esterification reaction, base solids which are able to carry out triglycerides transesterification reaction and bifunctional solids (acid–base character) which show ability to simultaneously catalyze esterification and transesterification reaction. This review discusses the latest advances in research and development related with heterogeneous catalysts used to produce biodiesel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We consider diffeomorphisms f with heteroclinic cycles associated with saddles P and Q of different indices. We say that a cycle of this type can be stabilized if there are diffeomorphisms close to f with a robust cycle associated with hyperbolic sets containing the continuations of P and Q. We focus on the case where the indices of these two saddles differ by one. We prove that, excluding one particular case (so-called twisted cycles that additionally satisfy some geometrical restrictions), all such cycles can be stabilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sea urchin embryo-larval development (ELD) and fertilization tests have been widely used in ecotoxicity studies and are included in regulatory frameworks. Biological processes occur naturally within a range of salinity that depends on the species considered. In an attempt to determine the optimum range of salinity, ELD and fertilization bioassays were performed at different salinities (15–40.5‰) with two species of Atlantic sea urchin: Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus. In the ELD assay, the optimum range of salinity was wider for A. lixula (29–35.5‰) than for P. lividus (29–33‰). In the fertilization assay with P. lividus as a bioindicator species, the highest percentage of fertilization (90%) was obtained at salinities of between 29 and 33‰. More research on A. lixula is required, since the fertilization success was below 60%. The results of the present study demonstrate that salinity may be a confounding factor in interpreting ELD test results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of CO2 plasma, initially at room temperature and pressures ranging from 6.4 to 101kPa was investigated using a transverse excitation atmospheric CO2 pulsed laser (λ=10.532μm, a full width at half maximum of 64ns, and an intensity from 1.2 to 5.6GWcm−2). The strong emission of the CO2 plasma shows excited neutral O and C atoms and ionized O+ and C+ species. The medium-weak emission is due to electronic relaxation of excited species C2+, O2+, N+, N, H and molecular band systems of C2(E1Σg +–A1Πu; e3Πg–a3Πu; d3Πg–a3Πu), CN(B2Σ+–X 2Σ+; A2Π–X 2Σ+), O2(b1Σg +–X3Σg −), O2 +(A2Πu–X 2Πg), N2(C3Πu–B3Πg) and N2 +(B2Σu +–X 2Σg +). The characteristics of the spectral emission intensities from different species have been investigated as a function of the laser irradiance and CO2 pressure. Optical breakdown threshold intensities and plasma temperatures were obtained. The evolution of the luminous plasma was examined by time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy. The velocity distributions for different species were obtained from time-of-flight (TOF) measurements. Electron density in the laser-induced plasma was estimated from the Stark broadening method. The temporal evolution of the intensities in the TOF profiles for O+, O2+, C, C+ and C2+ species has been used for the estimation of the corresponding three-body electron–ion recombination rate constants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fungi of the genus Penicillium are responsible for substantial post-harvest losses in Citrus fruits. The results obtained following artificial inoculation of Citrus fruits with Penicillium digitatum showed that the degree of fungal development depended on the Citrus species. Thus, the mature fruit of Citrus paradisi were more susceptible to this fungus than the mature fruit of Citrus limon, Citrus sinensis, Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan., and Citrus unshiu (mak) Marc. The results point to an inverse correlation between the degree of susceptibility of Citrus species to this fungus and the flavanone content – hesperidin in C. sinensis, C. clementina Hort. ex Tan. and C. unshiu (mak) Marc.; naringin in C. paradisi and the flavanone hesperidin and the flavone diosmin in C. limon. Thus, in C. sinensis, C. clementina Hort. ex Tan and C. unshiu (mak) Marc. the highest levels of the polymethoxyflavones, sinensetin, tangeretin, heptamethoxyflavone and nobiletin, were observed in the least susceptible varieties and viceversa. In the case of C. paradisi, no significant differences were detected in the polymethoxyflavone levels between varieties, while in C. limon, polymethoxyflavones were hardly detectable. The production of scoparone was observed in all the species and varieties studied after inoculation with the fungus, especially in C. limon fruits. Based on the evidence, it seems that flavanones, flavones, polymethoxyflavones (phytoanticipins) and scoparone (a phytoalexin) may well be involved in the defence mechanisms of Citrus fruits against P. digitatum. Depending on the Citrus species in question, the relative participation of one group of secondary compounds or another may vary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently a “Biofuels Promotion and Development Law” was approved in Mexico that requires increasing volumes of renewable to blend into the transportation fuel pool, much of which is likely to be ethanol. Emissions data under the three different driving conditions of the United States FTP-75 certification cycle were obtained for regulated, toxic and carbonyl compounds using recent model year vehicles representing 61% of the typical fleet available in Mexico. Ozone-forming potential and specific reactivity of tailpipe and evaporative emissions were also calculated. Comparison were performed using the traditional methyl-tertiary butyl ether employed in Mexico with an ethanol fuel at the same level of oxygen content, taking into account the current fuel specifications and the stream stocks available at the Mexican refineries. The results suggest that the contribution of cold start to regulated emissions range from 37% to 40% whiles those of toxic from 40% to 47% in both fuels. Results also indicate an increase in the rates of evaporative emissions of higher Specific Reactivy with the ethanol fuel. Estimation of the percent reduction of pollutants using the Complex Model of the USA Environmental Protection Agency suggests that volatile organic compounds will exceeds the limits imposed by the model if vapour pressure of the ethanol gasoline is not properly adjusted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A natural porous silica, pumice, was studied as heterogeneous catalyst in the transesterification reaction of sunflower oil and frying oil with methanol for biodiesel production. This low cost natural porous material was subjected to ion exchange with a KOH aqueous solution in order to increase its activity. The dependence of the reaction variables such as temperature, reaction time, catalyst loading and methanol/oil molar ratio were studied using sunflower oil and waste oil as feedstock. Moreover, in order to save production costs, the reusability of the catalyst in the transesterification reaction was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report evidence of hierarchical resource selection by large herbivores and plant neighbouring effects in a Mediterranean ecosystem. Plant palatability was assessed according to herbivore foraging decisions. We hypothesize that under natural conditions large herbivores follow a hierarchical foraging pattern, starting at the landscape scale, and then selecting patches and individual plants. A between- and within-patch selection study was carried out in an area formed by scrubland and pasture patches, connected by habitat edges. With regard to between-patch selection, quality-dependent resource selection is reported: herbivores mainly consume pasture in spring and woody plants in winter. Within-patch selection was also observed in scrub habitats, influenced by season, relative patch palatability and edge effect. We defined a Proximity Index (PI) between palatable and unpalatable plants, which allowed verification of neighbouring effects. In spring, when the preferred food resource ( i.e. herbs) is abundant, we observed that in habitat edges large herbivores basically select the relatively scarce palatable shrubs, whereas inside scrubland, unpalatable shrub consumption was related to increasing PI. In winter, a very different picture was observed; there was low consumption of palatable species surrounded by unpalatable species in habitat edges, where the latter were more abundant. These outcomes could be explained though different plant associations described in the literature. We conclude that optimal foraging theory provides a conceptual framework behind the observed interactions between plants and large herbivores in Mediterranean ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of helium plasma, initially at room temperature and pressures ranging from 12 to 101kPa was investigated using a transverse excitation atmospheric CO2 pulsed laser (λ =9.621 and 10.591μm, a full width at half maximum of 64ns, and an intensity from 1.5 to 5.36GWcm−2). The helium breakdown spectrum is mainly due to electronic relaxation of excited He, He+ and H. Plasma characteristics were examined in detail on the emission lines of He and He+ by the time-integrated and time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy technique. Optical breakdown threshold intensities, ionization degree and plasma temperatures were obtained. An auxiliary metal mesh target was used to analyze the temporal evolution of the species in the plasma. The results show a faster decay of the continuum emission and He+ species than in the case of neutral He atoms. The velocity and kinetic energy distributions for He and He+ species were obtained from time-of-flight measurements. Electron density in the laser-induced plasma was estimated from the analysis of spectral data at various times from the laser pulse incidence. Temporal evolution of electron density has been used for the estimation of the three-body electron–ion recombination rate constant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) generate in situ active radicals with a high oxidation potential, allowing for the destruction of polluting agents through organic compound mineralization. The use of experimental design is a tool that allows adjustment of factors to obtain an optimal response in experimental analysis. We used multivariate analysis to optimize the process of organic removal from wastewater in a cylindrical reactor, using UV radiation (254nm) and peroxodisulfate as an oxidant. We used 3,4-dichlorophenol and Cibacron Brillant Yellow 3 (CBY-3) as model organic compounds. Both of these compounds are characteristic polluting agents present in industrial wastewater. We used a factorial 2 n design to obtain the best experimental conditions to efficiently remove the compounds from the solution, using time and oxidant concentration as experimental variables. The initial concentration of both compounds was 100ppm, and we obtained 90% dichlorophenol removal, with a rate constant of 0.0386min−1. Degradation of azo dye was more efficient reaching 98%, with a rate constant of 0.0908min−1. In both cases, the optimal time for reducing the maximum concentration was 60min of irradiation. Total organic carbon (TOC) reduction was analyzed to determine the efficiency of the UV/K2S2O8 process in mineralization, where we obtained 90% TOC reduction for both organic compounds. At the same time, the dye compound, CBY-3, whose organic structure is more complex, generated nitrate and chloride ions as mineralization products. The efficient mineralization of both compounds is based on the in situ formation of the strong oxidant sulfate anion radical (E =2.5–3.1V). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in germane (GeH4), initially at room temperature and pressures ranging from 2 to 10 kPa, was studied using a high-power transverse excitation atmospheric (TEA) CO2 laser ( λ=10.653 μm, τFWHM=64 ns and power densities ranging from 0.28 to 5.52 GW cm−2). The strong emission spectrum of the generated plasma is mainly due to electronic relaxation of excited Ge, H and ionic fragments Ge+, Ge2+ and Ge3+. The weak emission is due to molecular bands of H2. Excitation temperatures of 8100±300 K and 23,500±2500 K were estimated by Ge atomic and Ge+ singly ionized lines, respectively. Electron number densities of the order of (0.7–6.2)×1017 cm−3 were deduced from the Stark broadening of several atomic Ge lines. The characteristics of the spectral emission intensities from different species have been investigated as functions of the germane pressure and laser irradiance. Optical breakdown threshold intensities in germane at 10.653 μm have been determined. The mechanism of initiation of the laser-induced plasma in germane has been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the article production on psychosis from the main spanish journals of psychology and psychiatry, as well as to make comparisons among them. 16 journals of psychology and 5 of psychiatry were selected and a period of revision of four years settled down (2003-2006). The sample was constituted by 183 articles. For the comparison of the journals four index were used: proportion of articles on psychosis in relation to the total of generated articles; used type of methodology; used type of sample; and aspect of the psychosis in whose investigation it is centered. The results show that little is investigated, that most of the studies is theoretical or ex- post facto, that more the frequently studied subjects are those with psychosis and that the taken care of aspects more are related to the etiology and the treatment of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanisms that determine the inhibition of calcite growth by magnesium have remained unclear and subject to controversy over decades. Although it has been long apparent that the inhibition mechanisms take place at the crystal-solution interface, the molecular phenomena occurring at calcite surfaces in contact with Mg-bearing solutions are still not completely understood. The main goal of this work is to contribute to further clarify those phenomena. With this aim, we carried out in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations of the growth behaviour of calcite surfaces in contact with supersaturated aqueous solutions (β =5) bearing different amounts of Mg (ranging from 0.05 to 4.00mmoldm−3). Under the conditions considered, growth occurred by monolayer spreading. Our observations revealed that only the first elementary growth layer advancing on the original calcite surfaces grow normally, showing characteristics nearly identical to the growth of pure calcite. However, subsequent monolayers behave differently. Thus, as soon as one of these monolayers reaches areas of the surface that have grown incorporating Mg and whose composition can consequently be described as MgxCa1-xCO3, the rate at which this step advances significantly decreases. Moreover, the step becomes progressively rougher. A clear relationship between the extent of the inhibition effect and the concentration of Mg in the aqueous solution exists. Furthermore, our observations allow us to conclude that each newly formed monolayer exerts a certain control on the development of the growth of subsequent monolayers. Such a control causes the reproduction of the nanotopographic features of the original surface, producing the so called “template effect”. This behaviour cannot be easily incorporated within the general framework of the currently accepted impurity crystal growth models, which are based on either the pinning of elementary step motion by impurities or changes in the solubility of the newly formed layers as a result of the incorporation of the impurity into the lattice of the growing crystal. We discuss our results on the basis of the solid solution–aqueous solution model and provide a complementary explanation for the development of “dead zones” in the case of the growth of calcite surfaces from divalent cation-bearing aqueous solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: IR laser-induced irradiation of Co and Ni sheets leads to metal ablation and when carried out in gaseous benzene (1–10Torr) to dielectric breakdown which is accompanied by metal plasma and deposition of nanostructured carbon. The metal plasma (metal atoms and ions) as well as transients of benzene decomposition (neutral and ionic carbon and C2 species) were detected by optical emission spectra. Different features of carbon deposited at benzene pressure 5–10Torr on a distant glass and on the irradiated metal sheets were revealed by FTIR, Auger and Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy and explained by surface assisted carbonization. The reported process suggests a novel approach to gas-phase carbonization of organic molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the last years, applying wavelets analysis has called the attention in a wide variety of practical problems, in particular for the numerical solutions of partial differential equations using different methods, as finite differences, semi-discrete techniques or the finite element method. In the construction of wavelet-based elements, instead of traditional polynomial interpolation, scaling and wavelet functions have been adopted to form the shape function to construct elements. Due to their properties, wavelets are very useful when it is necessary to approximate efficiently the solution on non-regular zones. Furthermore, in some cases it is convenient to use the Daubechies wavelet, which has properties of orthogonality and minimum compact support, and provides guaranty of convergence and accuracy of the approximation in a wide variety of situations. The aim of this research is to explore the Galerkin method using wavelets to solve plate bending problems. Some numerical examples, with B-splines and Daubechies, are presented and show the feasibility of our proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensive and systematic use of organic manures is a common practice in the urban agriculture in Cuba. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of different organic manures on the establishment of the root knot nematode biological control agent Pochonia chlamydosporia var. catenulata, in pots under glasshouse conditions. Tomato substrate and rhizosphere colonization by the strain IMI SD 187 of P. chlamydosporia var. catenulata were studied in substrates made of soil, cattle manure and earthworm humus in different proportions. The levels of the fungal colonization in soil and tomato roots were high in all the treatments and the highest values of root colonization tend to happen in the organic manure sources that provided the less or medium substrate colonization. The results proved that both organic manures can be employed as support of P. chlamydosporia var. catenulata applications, at the time and quantities established by the urban agriculture in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mode of action of Pochonia as a biological control agent is the penetration by means of the hyphae into the target nematode eggs. The egg shell of nematodes has an outer vitelline membrane composed mainly by proteins. Thus, hyphal penetration is the result of a physic pressure and the specific hydrolytic activity of some enzymes such as proteases and chitinases. The most important protease studied in Pochonia chlamydosporia var. chlamydosporia is VCP1. The aim of this work was to detect and characterize the protease VCP1 in a strain of P. chlamydosporia var. catenulata, a potential biological control agent for root-knot nematodes. The specific activity of this protease was tested on different culture media supplemented with protein inductors using N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Phe-p-nitroanilide as substrate. PCR and RFLP analyses with specific primers and probes were also done. Isolates from the chlamydosporia variety were used as positive controls. The medium supplemented with chitin was the only one capable of inducing some VCP1 activity but in a low level. The VCP1-encoding gene was not detected in strain IMI SD 187 by RFLP even when the stringency conditions were reduced to the minimum possible. The low level of enzymatic activity detected by biochemical techniques does not support the presence of protease VCP1 in this strain. The low enzymatic activity reached points out to the existence of a VCP1 isoform or another different protease. These hypotheses should be proved widening the range of catenulata variety strains and taking the chlamydosporia variety (strain 10) as a reference in a comparative study with conclusive results. The results of this enzymatic characterization related to the egg infection process of host nematodes are the first achieved in a catenulata variety strain in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have implemented the D2Q9 Lattice Boltzmann method to simulate the behavior of a fluid in a rectangular chamber. Movement is imposed at the first row by adding to the velocities to the right while subtracting to the left ones some quantity proportional to the acceleration parameter a. Bounce-Back boundary conditions are imposed in the lower and upper walls, simulation results show an exact reproduction of Pouseuille flow pattern, adjusting the parameter values we obtain for the propagation speed of the perturbations the same value that the speed of sound in the air. Next, we have imposed a cylinder in the chamber and the fluid behavior for increasing Reynolds numbers was observed, the result is a transition from laminar to vortex regimes. The vortex regime shows to be no static and its temporal evolution is observed to reproduce the Von Karman Vortex Street. Finally we find the force on the cylinder as a function of Reynolds Number and we obtain a curve with good agreement with the experimental observations in real fluids and cylinders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feminist therapy needs to acknowledge the role of spirituality in women's lives. The process of uncovering the inner Black Madonna--a feminist psycho-spiritual approach--is discussed as an em-powering and healing tool. Clinical material illustrates how the client reclaimed her sexuality and spirituality. Cultural resonance is discussed within the intra ethnic and gender dyadic therapeutic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the host plants and their interaction with Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood on the effectiveness of Pochonia chlamydosporia var. catenulata (Kamyscho ex Barron and Onions) Zare and Gams as a biological control agent of root-knot nematodes was studied in glasshouse conditions. Different plant species from the Cuban Intensive Vegetable Production Systems were used to perform the experience. The growth of the fungus in the rhizosphere differed with the host plant. Among the best host plants of P. chlamydosporia var. catenulata were cabbage, salt-wort and cauliflower, resistant crops to M. incognita. The plants infested by M. incognita showed higher levels of fungus colonization than those healthy, and the kidney bean crop was a good host in the presence of the nematode. The use of these crops into rotation systems, with the application of Pochonia chlamydosporia var. catenulata as biological control agent for the management of M. incognita on Intensive Vegetable Production Systems, was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most major metropolitan areas in Mexico have continually violated government health standards for ozone. Throughout this period policy plans have been developed for lowering urban ozone, and bringing cities into compliance with the law, among them, fuel reformulation. In this work, 12 fuels were prepared in several sets, to study the ozone-forming potential effects of individual fuel properties of Tier 0 and Tier 1 in-use vehicles of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City. The results indicate that the specific reactivities for Tier 1 vehicles are in general much higher than those reported in similar studies performed by other groups. An emission inventory for the 2010year was calculated for each fuel in order to provide different scenarios for future formulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars are distinguished morphologically, agronomically and ecologically into specific races within each of the two gene pools found for the species (Andean and Mesoamerican). The objective of this study was to describe the race structure of the Mesoamerican gene pool using microsatellite markers. A total of 60 genotypes previously described as pertaining to specific Mesoamerican races as well as two Andean control genotypes were analyzed with 52 markers. A total of 267 bands were generated with an average of 5.1 alleles per marker and 0.297 heterozygosity across all microsatellites. Correspondence analysis identified two major groups equivalent to the Mesoamerica race and a group containing both Durango and Jalisco race genotypes. Two outlying individuals were classified as potentially of the Guatemala race although this race does not have a defined structure and previously classified members of this race were classified with other races. Population structure analysis with K = 1–4 agreed with this classification. The genetic diversity based on Nei’s index for the entire set of genotypes was 0.468 while this was highest for the Durango–Jalisco group (0.414), intermediate for race Mesoamerica (0.340) and low for race Guatemala (0.262). Genetic differentiation ( G ST) between the Mesoamerican races was 0.27 while genetic distance and identity showed race Durango and Jalisco individuals to be closely related with high gene flow ( N m) both between these two races (1.67) and between races Durango and Mesoamerica (1.58). Observed heterozygosity was low in all the races as would be expected for an inbreeding species. The analysis with microsatellite markers identified subgroups, which agreed well with commercial class divisions, and seed size was the main distinguishing factor between the two major groups identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of SiO ablation have been investigated at laser wavelengths in the infrared, at 10.53 μm, and in the ultraviolet at 248 nm. The energy content of the SiO molecule in the plume and the occurrence of phase transformations in the target, are studied as a function of wavelength and fluence of the ablation laser. At 10.53 μm, in the range of fluences of 0.6–3.0 J cm-2, time distributions of ejected SiO, measured at different distances above the surface target are characteristic of thermal ablation, yielding estimated temperatures of the surface in the range from 1300 to 4800 K. The energy channelled as rotational excitation of ejected SiO, scales with increasing fluence. The time distributions of SiO in the plume, obtained at 248 nm laser ablation, are measured at different distances above the target, yielding velocity and energy distributions that shift towards higher values with distance and show a weak tendency to decrease with increasing laser fluence. Raman analysis of the postablated SiO targets irradiated at 10.53 μm, at fluences above 0.6 J cm-2, shows the formation of Si nanocrystals whose size increases with fluence. Phase transformation is not observed at the shorter laser ablation wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]