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Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been extensively used in areas such as optoelectronics, solar cells, and photocatalysis, among others. Modifying the optical properties of ZnO through different processes can potentially improve the performance of devices based on this material. This work presents the biosynthesis of ZnO by Beaucarnea gracilis leaf extract. The natural extract was mixed with zinc nitrate hexahydrate, Zn(NO3)2·6H2O resulting in a precipitate. Then the precipitate was calcined for 2 h at 400 °C, resulting in a yellowish-ZnO powder. Diffraction laser measurements showed a particle size average of 419 nm. The material exhibited high absorption in the UVA region with photoluminescence at 530 nm. Moreover, from the Tauc plot, a 2.7 eV band gap was obtained. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results confirmed the ZnO synthesis through 550 cm−1 and 667 cm−1 absorption peaks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that ZnO has been synthesized by the endemic plant Beaucarnea gracilis. A major difference with conventional ZnO is significant reduction in the band gap from 3.3 eV to 2.7 eV. Moreover, the material exhibited photoluminescence at 530 nm by exposure to UV light which is attributed to oxygen vacancies. The increase in the optical absorbance in the UV–Visible region and the reduction in the optical band gap could enhance the performance in solar cells based on ZnO and in photocatalysis processes, allowing the use of visible light sources in addition to UV light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the powder metallurgy technique, alloys of the eutectic composition of the Zn-Al system were manufactured (22.3 wt.%Al), reinforced with Ag additions (0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 wt.%), with subsequent annealing heat treatment at three different temperatures; 100, 150 and 200°C for 1 hr. X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and mechanical tests were performed on the resulting samples. The addition of Ag favors the formation of alpha and beta compounds with Al and Zn respectively, which improves the compressive strength of the alloy. However, with the presence of Ag the hardness is decreased. On the other hand, the application of an annealing heat treatment, shows no significant effect on the evaluated properties of the alloy. The microstructure of the alloys resulted in the presence of very small grains smaller than 1 mm and with rounded morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the spatial dynamics of two-disease epidemics reaching a three-species cyclic model. Regardless of their species, all individuals are susceptible to being infected with two different pathogens, which spread through person-to-person contact. We consider that the simultaneous presence of multiple infections leads to a synergistic amplification in the probability of host mortality due to complications arising from any of the co-occurring diseases. Employing stochastic simulations, we explore the ramifications of this synergistic coinfection on spatial configurations that emerge from stochastic initial conditions. Under conditions of pronounced synergistic coinfection, we identify the emergence of zones inhabited solely by hosts affected by a singular pathogen. At the boundaries of spatial domains dominated by a single disease, interfaces of coinfected hosts appear. The dynamics of these interfaces are shaped by curvature-driven processes and display a scaling behavior reflective of the topological attributes of the underlying two-dimensional space. As the lethality linked to coinfection diminishes, the evolution of the interface network's spatial dynamics is influenced by fluctuations stemming from waves of coinfection that infiltrate territories predominantly occupied by a single disease. Our analysis extends to quantifying the implications of synergistic coinfection at both the individual and population levels Our outcomes show that organisms' infection risk is maximized if the coinfection increases the death due to disease by 30 % and minimized as the network dynamics reach the scaling regime, with species populations being maximum. Our conclusions may help ecologists understand the dynamics of epidemics and their impact on the stability of ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water splitting technology is an innovative strategy to face the dependency on fossil fuels and, at the same time, address environmental pollution issues. Electrocatalysts seem to be the better option to improve water separation efficiency and satisfy the commercial-scale demand for hydrogen. Therefore, the design and fabrication of heterostructures with a high affinity for achieving water splitting have been proposed. In this review, the application of several electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions is presented and discussed in detail. A review of the recent advances in water separation using noble metals such as Pt-, Ir-, and Ru-based electrodes is presented, followed by a highlighting of the current trends in noble-metal-free electrocatalysts and novel preparation methods. Furthermore, it contemplates some results of a hybrid organic molecule–water electrolysis and photoelectrochemical water splitting. This review intends to give insight into the main trends in water splitting and the barriers that need to be overcome to further boost the efficiency of the main hydrogen and oxygen generation systems that ultimately result in large-scale applications. Finally, future challenges and perspectives are addressed, considering all the novelties and the proposed pathways for water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical course of COVID-19 may show severe presentation, potentially involving dynamic cytokine storms and T cell lymphopenia, which are leading causes of death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma exchange therapy (PLEX) effectively removes pro-inflammatory factors, modulating and restoring innate and adaptive immune responses. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of PLEX on the survival of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on the cytokine release syndrome. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm syndrome were selected to receive 2 sessions of PLEX or standard therapy. Primary outcome was all-cause 60-days mortality; secondary outcome was requirement of mechanical ventilation, SOFA, NEWs-2 scores modification, reduction of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hospitalization time. Twenty patients received PLEX were compared against 40 patients receiving standard therapy. PLEX reduced 60-days mortality (50% vs 20%; OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.071–0.880; p = 0.029), and this effect was independent from demographic variables and drug therapies used. PLEX significantly decreased SOFA, NEWs-2, pro-inflammatory mediators and increased lymphocyte count, accompanied with a trend to reduce affected lung volume, without effect on SatO2/FiO2 indicator or mechanical ventilation requirement. PLEX therapy provided significant benefits of pro-inflammatory clearance and reduction of 60-days mortality in selected patients with COVID-19, without significant adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the importance of cutting-edge nanomaterials applications in energy generation and storage devices, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been adopted to fully understand the electronic and chemical reactions occurring inside these emerging technologies. Electronic behavior can be correlated with electrochemical properties such as electron transfer resistance, rate of mass diffusion, and the number of electrons in the electrochemical reaction. Although there is a lot of information about the electronic diagrams and methods for parameter estimation, some readers have difficulty analyzing and interpreting EIS curves. Thus, this work proposed using a heuristic approach and genetic algorithms to successfully estimate the resistance and capacitance value of a previously defined circuit model. To assess the potential of the genetic algorithm in electrochemical parameters estimation, we carried out practical measurements with known elements, and then the experimental and theoretical values were compared. Furthermore, the versatility and effectiveness of the algorithm were validated by determining the parameters in an Li-ion battery. The results revealed that the heuristic genetic algorithm (HGA) is a powerful tool for EIS parameters estimation because it can handle large below and upper limits with more pragmatic results in a shorter computational time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a cyclic game system where organisms face an epidemic beyond being threatened by natural enemies. As a survival strategy, individuals of one out of the species usually safeguard themselves by approaching the enemies of their enemies and performing social distancing to escape contamination when an outbreak affects the neighbourhood. We simulate how the survival movement strategy to local epidemic surges must adapt if a pathogen mutation makes the disease deadlier. We study the spatial distribution of local outbreaks and observe the influence of disease mortality on individuals' spatial organisation. We show that adapting the survival movement strategy for a high-mortality disease demands an altruistic behaviour of the organisms since their death risk increases. Despite weakening the disease transmission chain, which benefits the species, abandoning refuges provided by safeguarding social interaction increases the vulnerability to being eliminated in the cyclic game. Considering that not all individuals exhibit altruism, we find the relative growth in the species density as a function of the proportion of individuals behaving altruistically. Our results may be helpful for biologists and data scientists to understand how adaptive altruistic processes can affect population dynamics in complex systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the role of the adaptive movement strategy in promoting biodiversity in cyclic models described by the rock-paper-scissors game rules. We assume that individuals of one out of the species may adjust their movement to escape hostile regions and stay longer in their comfort zones. Running a series of stochastic simulations, we calculate the alterations in the spatial patterns and population densities in scenarios where not all organisms are physically or cognitively conditioned to perform the behavioural strategy. Although the adaptive movement strategy is not profitable in terms of territorial dominance for the species, it may promote biodiversity. Our findings show that if all individuals are apt to move adaptively, coexistence probability increases for intermediate mobility. The outcomes also show that even if not all individuals can react to the signals received from the neighbourhood, biodiversity is still benefited, but for a shorter mobility range. We find that the improvement in the coexistence conditions is more accentuated if organisms adjust their movement intensely and can receive sensory information from longer distances. We also discover that biodiversity is slightly promoted for high mobility if the proportion of individuals participating in the strategy is low. Our results may be helpful for biologists and data scientists to understand adaptive process learning in system biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ingeniería de Construcción is the property of Revista Ingenieria de Construccion 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.)

This work is centered on the study of the internal electrochemical variables of a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC), using characterization techniques such as: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and numerical modeling of the process, in order to obtain a deeper knowledge of the internal behavior of the solar cell. In this way, it was possible to evaluate loss of recombination, transportation and loss for resistance in series as a function of the intensity of illumination, as well as identifying degradation mechanisms. The experimental development consists in the construction, characterization and modeling of DSSC based on the nanometric titanium dioxide semiconductor. Three different behaviors were studied; (1) Effect of different forms of deposits of titanium oxide nanostructures, (2) evaluation of the influence of solvents (acetonitrile, ionic liquid) and (3) observing the behavior of additives (4-tert-butylpiridine 96%, Lithium), with the intention of determine which of them sensitizes most efficiently the titanium dioxide. The results indicate that the variables studied show a complex system in which optimal interaction between components, semiconductor, dye and electrolyte must be conducted for a good performance and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for new technologies aiming to reach radiofrequency (RF) generation in different manners for diverse ends is a constant demand for several applications. The goal is to develop cost-effective and simpler systems compared to those that already exist. Our motivation is to reach an alternative way of generating RF in pulsed transmission systems employing a gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line (GNLTL). The GNLTL consists of a ferrite-loaded-coaxial transmission line and can produce a large frequency spectrum with RF conversion efficiency above 10% from about 200 MHz up to the frequency of 2–4 GHz (S-band) for potential space-based applications. In a GNLTL, the signal amplitude is related to its propagation velocity since the peak voltage travels faster than its portion of lower amplitudes since the ferrite permeability decreases with the current amplitude. As the pulse crest travels faster than its valley, a time reduction happens in the output rise time, called pulse sharpening. Besides, the magnetic moments of ferrite dipoles initially aligned with the axial magnetic bias are displaced from their original position by the azimuthal field generated around the inner conductor by the current pulse, resulting in a damped precession movement. This movement happens along the line length as the current pulse propagates, inducing high-frequency oscillations. In short, the paper's goal is to present the experimental results using a 60-cm gyromagnetic line to provide RF in the GHz range using a solenoid for magnetic bias on a testing bench. Finally, the paper discusses the influence of the azimuthal and the axial magnetic fields on the output signal with the ferrite rings operating in a saturation state during the current pulse propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Patologia Revista Latinoamericana is the property of Asociacion Latinoamericana de Patologia/Asociacion Mexicana de Patologia/Consejo Mexicano de Medicos 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.)

At today great interest has been paid to hydrogen production by water electrolysis due to their simplicity and low cost. Dye sensitized solar cell are promising devices as renewable electrical power source to achieve water electrolysis because they possess high theoretical efficiency compared with Si based solar cells. In this research, ZnO photo catalyst was modified with graphene oxide (GO) by means of high energy milling. The anode of the flexible dye-sensitized solar cell was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition of the photo catalyst onto flexible electrodes. The obtained materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD, XPS and SEM–EDS. The efficiency and fill factor of ZnO and ZnO–GO cells were estimated from the I–V curve, measured under simulated sunlight. The obtained results demonstrate that ZnO–GO cell have higher efficiency compared with the ZnO cell. The latter can be explained by the better dispersion of ZnO that enlace the dye adsorption onto the fabricated anode and by the presence of GO that improve the absorption of photons from the light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diplostomum ardeae Dubois, 1969 has seldom been reported since its description from the great blue heron (Ardea herodias L., 1758) in the USA. Sequences obtained in this study from the barcode region of cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) in diplostomids from black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax (L., 1758)) in Puerto Rico matched data from D. ardeae from A. herodias in the type region. We also obtained DNA barcodes from morphologically similar diplostomids from a rufescent tiger heron (Tigrisoma lineatum (Boddaert, 1783)) and from metacercariae from eye lenses of Trachelyopterus galeatus (Linnaeus, 1766) from the Paraná River basin in Argentina and Brazil, respectively. Barcodes matched (97–100% identity) in these South American adult and larval specimens as well as in recently published sequences from metacercariae from 11 other siluriform fishes from the same region. Barcodes from the South American species, which we describe as Diplostomum lunaschiae n. sp., differed from those of D. ardeae by 7.2–9.8%, and the new species differs from D. ardeae in its size, pharynx:oral sucker length ratio, egg:body length ratio, and distribution of vitellaria. As in prior phylogenetic analysis of CO1 sequences, both D. ardeae and D. lunaschiae n. sp. were not associated with Diplostomum. In more character-rich analyses of nuclear rDNA and of mitochondrial genomes, D. ardeae was an early divergent member of clades of species of Diplostomum. Consequently, we continue to consider D. ardeae and D. lunaschiae n. sp. members of Diplostomum, in contrast to recent suggestions that these species may belong to a different genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Holbrookia subcaudalis, a lizard species, and reports a predation event where an adult male H. subcaudalis was consumed by a Thamnophis marcianus (Checkered Gartersnake) during a telemetry study in Texas, U.S.

The article focuses on Holbrookia lacerata and Holbrookia subcaudalis, two recently elevated species of small lizards, and reports repeated avian predation on both species by Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus).

The article focuses on the mating behavior of Holbrookia lacerata (Plateau Spot-tailed Earless Lizard), a recently recognized species in central Texas, describing the courtship and copulation process observed in a laboratory setting, shedding light on their reproductive behavior.

In this work activation of ZnO powders was achieved by using high energy ball milling combined with reaction bonded process. Herein, highly active ZnO photocatalyst was synthesized by mixing zinc oxide powder (ZnOraw) with the metallic Zn powder in a planetary-type mill. Results of X-ray diffraction of the synthesized ZnO, shown reflections peaks attributed to the wurtzite crystalline structure of ZnO with crystallite size around 24 nm. To evaluate the effect of mechanochemical activation of ZnO for the dye sensitized solar cell performance, the obtained photocatalysts was used as photoanode and its electrical performance was measured. From the V–I curve it was found that the short circuit current (Jsc) for the ZnOraw was 2.93 mA cm−2 and for the activated-ZnO a Jsc of 7.5 mA cm−2, the short circuit current was improved in approximately three times. Concluding that solid-state reaction is a facile and promising method for the large-scale production of activated-ZnO photocatalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Rectourethral fistula (RUF) is an infrequent yet distressing pathology that can lead to significant complications for patients. Its management has been debated over the years and physicians have yet to reach a consensus on RUF treatment. In this review, we outline the status of the current literature on RUF from the initial diagnosis to the outcomes, complications, and surgical techniques available for RUF repair. Recent Findings: Higher rates of success are achieved on the first surgical attempt. Therefore, when deciding which surgical procedure to use, it is of vital importance to consider both patient characteristics (such as identifying if the fistula is simple or complex) and surgeon-related factors. Overall, many of the papers published reported good outcomes with several surgical techniques. However, most of the reports in the literature are retrospective in nature, reporting only small series with limited statistical merit. Through our analysis of the varying surgical techniques, we were able to identify the following suggestions: Conservative management should be performed with both urinary and fecal diversion, especially for simple fistulas. The transanal approach is an alternative approach for use in small simple fistulas as well as sealant glues. The transperineal approach has shown great results for complex fistulas in some series, but it also increases the risk for stress urinary incontinence. In some cases, the transsphincteric approach has been linked to fecal incontinence. Finally, the transabdominal approach in a robotic fashion may be a reliable technique. However, physicians must consider the high cost and the danger of invasion of the peritoneum before its use. Summary: As of yet there is still not enough evidence to determine which surgical techniques are best for the varying scenarios of RUF. However, one point remains true for every RUF case: surgical repairs should only be done by an expert, after proper patient selection, and with the intention of both achieving success in the first repair. In order to advance our understanding of RUF occurrences and treatment, larger prospective and randomized studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, photoanodes for dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) composed of SnO2 nanoparticles were developed by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. Taguchi experimental design was adopted to investigate the effect of EPD parameters into the physical and chemical properties of the deposited film. The deposited photoanodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscope. Also, electrical measurements were conducted with the aim to evaluate the effect of the deposition parameters on the DSSC current density. The experimental results reveal that magnesium nitrate concentration has the most significant effect on the photocurrent densities followed by the time of deposition. It has been observed that the deposition parameters studied greatly influence the morphology of the obtained film. This indicates that the electrophoretic deposition process under a Taguchi design orthogonal array might be a cost efficient method to develop anodes for DSSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Civil construction generates the largest amount of construction and demolition waste (CDW), most of which is not reused and is discarded as inert waste in landfills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of reusing gypsum recovered from CDW in the preparation of mortar. This material was examined to determine its specific mass, morphology, elemental composition and particle size distribution. Test specimens were prepared with a mix design of 1:3 (cement:sand), with the gypsum waste substituting part of sand in proportions of 0, 10, 20 and 30% (in volume). The consistency of the fresh mortar was evaluated: the specimens were tested to determine their flexural and compressive strength, apparent density, water absorption, voids index, and specific mass. After 28 days, the mechanical strength of the specimens exceeded the limits specified by NBR 13281 standard, indicating that up to 30% of ground gypsum waste can be included in a mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports multiple observations of Holbrookia subcaudalis, a Tamaulipan Spot-tailed Earless Lizard, using elevated perches, suggesting potential thermoregulation or mating-related motivations for this behavior.

The disposal of industrial waste must meet the environmental legislations while being economically feasible. This paper presents an alternative processes for the transformation of an oily waste produced in aluminum can factories into diesel-like fuels and lubricating greases. To obtain the diesel-like fuels, successive reactions were performed: thermal cracking, esterification and hydrotreating (hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation). The fuels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, showing to be composed by a great mixture of hydrocarbons. The physical-chemical properties of the hydrocarbon mixtures were also characterized and matched the Brazilian specification for diesel fuel. Besides, the fuels also exhibit biocidal activity, inhibiting the growth of filamentous fungi (Aspergillus niger and Fusarium solani) and bacteria (Acinetobacter sp. and Bacillus subtilis), which are microorganisms commonly found in fuel tanks. Lubricating greases where produced mixing the residues with refined soybean oil lithium soap. The greases were resistant to high temperatures and could be classified as NLGI grade 0-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite being considered beneficial by providing a clean and renewable source of energy, the construction of hydroelectric dams has extremely negative implications for Amazonian fisheries. This study investigated the impacts of the Santo Antônio and Jirau hydroelectric dams on the fishery stocks of the Madeira River. This investigation was based on fish catch data from the Z‐31 fishing colony, located in the municipality of Humaitá, in Amazonas State, Northern Brazil. Data were collected daily and provided information on the date of return from each trip, the fish species targeted, and the total catch (kg) between January 2002 and September 2017. The results indicated reductions of 39% in the mean annual catch and 34% in the mean monthly catches. These results highlight the high price paid by local fish communities for the development of hydroelectric power in the Amazon basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Transfection of cementum protein 1 (CEMP1) into human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) notably increases cell metabolism and results in overexpression of molecules related to biomineralization at transcriptional and protein levels. Therefore, HGF‐CEMP1 cells are considered as putative cementoblasts. This represents a significant advance in periodontal research because cementum neoformation is a key event in periodontal regeneration. In addition, it is well known that important changes in cell metabolism and protein expression are related to nucleolar structure and the function of this organelle, which is implicated in ribosome biogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of transfecting CEMP1 gene in human HGF on the ultrastructure of the nucleolus. Material and Methods: Cells were processed using the conventional technique for transmission electron microscopy, fixed with glutaraldehyde, postfixed with osmium tetraoxide, and embedded in epoxy resin. Semi‐thin sections were stained with Toluidine blue and observed by light microscopy. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. For ribonucleoprotein detection, the staining method based on the regressive effect of EDTA was used. In addition, the osmium ammine technique was used for specific staining of DNA. Results: The results obtained in this study suggest that transfection of CEMP1 into HGFs does not produce changes in the general nucleolar ultrastructure because the different components of the organelle are present as fibrillary centers, and dense fibrillar and granular components compared with the control. Conclusion: The transfection of CEMP1 into HGFs allows these cells to perform cementoblast‐like functions without alteration of the ultrastructure of the nucleolus, evaluated by the presence of the different compartments of this organelle involved in ribosomal biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the species including, "Holbrookia Lacerata (Plateau Spot-tailed Earless Lizard)" and "Holbrookia Subcaudalis (Tamaulipan Spot-tailed Earless Lizard)" explores about its geographical distribution and collection of specimen.

The article discusses research on the specie, "Gopherus berlandieri (Texas Tortoise)" and explores about its geographical distribution and collection of specimen, along with explores mortality of the species.

Vector-borne diseases are exceptionally sensitive to climate change. Predicting vector occurrence in specific regions is a challenge that disease control programs must meet in order to plan and execute control interventions and climate change adaptation measures. Recently, an increasing number of scientific articles have applied ecological niche modelling (ENM) to study medically important insects and ticks. With a myriad of available methods, it is challenging to interpret their results. Here we review the future projections of disease vectors produced by ENM, and assess their trends and limitations. Tropical regions are currently occupied by many vector species; but future projections indicate poleward expansions of suitable climates for their occurrence and, therefore, entomological surveillance must be continuously done in areas projected to become suitable. The most commonly applied methods were the maximum entropy algorithm, generalized linear models, the genetic algorithm for rule set prediction, and discriminant analysis. Lack of consideration of the full-known current distribution of the target species on models with future projections has led to questionable predictions. We conclude that there is no ideal 'gold standard' method to model vector distributions; researchers are encouraged to test different methods for the same data. Such practice is becoming common in the field of ENM, but still lags behind in studies of disease vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cerro Prieto Volcanic Complex (CPVC), located in northwestern Mexico, is the only surface manifestation of the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field, the third largest producer of geothermal energy in the world. This geothermal field and the Salton Sea in the USA sit in a pull-apart basin that belongs to the trans-tensional tectonic zone that includes the San Andreas Fault system and the Salton Trough basin to the NW and the East Pacific Rise to the SE. In spite of its strategic importance in the generation of geothermal energy, the origin of Cerro Prieto and its relationship with the geothermal reservoir were unknown. In this contribution, we discuss the origin, evolution, and mechanisms of formation of this small monogenetic volcano and the magmas that fed the system. The volcanic complex is located on top of the Cerro Prieto left lateral fault to the northwest of the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field. The complex consists of a lava cone and a series of domes (∼0.15 km) protruding from Tertiary sandstones and recent unconsolidated sediments of the alluvial plain of the Colorado River. The Cerro Prieto Volcanic Complex consists of seven stratigraphic units emplaced in a brief time span around 78-81 ka. Its activity began with the extrusion of a dacitic lava that came into contact with water-saturated sediments, causing brecciation of the lava. The activity continued with the emplacement of dacitic domes and a dyke that were destroyed by a phreatic explosion emplacing a lithic-rich breccia. This phreatic explosion formed a 300-m-wide and 40-m-deep circular crater. The activity then migrated ∼650 m to the SW where three dacitic lava domes were extruded and ended with the emplacement of a fissure-fed lava flow. Subsequent remobilization of the rocks in the complex has generated debris and hyperconcentrated flow deposits interbedded with fluviatile sediments in the surrounding terrain. All rocks of the CPVC are dacites with phenocrysts of plagioclase, orthopyroxene, and Fe-Ti oxides and minor quartz. Gabbro-dioritic dykes intruded in Tertiary sandstones and siltstones of the local basement contain phenocrysts of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, Fe-Ti oxides, and olivine. All CPVC rocks are chemically homogeneous suggesting discrete modifications by crustal assimilation, fractional crystallization, or magma mixing processes during upper crustal residence. Aeromagnetic results suggest that the depth of the magmatic source in the area is located below 3.5 km. CPVC rocks contain chemical anomalies typical of subduction zones, which suggests that all CPVC magmas could have been generated by partial melting of the remains of the subducted Farallon plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medicina Interna de Mexico is the property of Colegio de Medicina Interna de Mexico 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 article reports on the physical aberrancy of an adult female Holbrookia subcaudalis lizard from Texas, which was found to be missing its entire rear left leg, with no visible scarring, and the possible causes of this limb loss, as well as the lizard's behavior and reproductive output.

Copyright of Journal of Ethnobiology & Ethnomedicine is the property of BioMed Central 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.)

Viruses cause significant damage in agricultural crops worldwide. Disease management requires sensitive and specific tools for virus detection and identification. Also, detection techniques need to be rapid to keep pace with the continuous emergence of new viral diseases. The genus Fabavirus is composed of five viruses infecting many economically important crops worldwide. This research describes the development of a procedure based on flow-through hybridisation ( FTH), which is faster than and as sensitive as conventional hybridisation for virus detection in tissue-prints from infected plants. Six digoxigenin-labelled RNA probes were synthesised with two levels of specificity: (a) five specific for each viral species within this genus, and (b) a genus-specific probe that hybridises with a nucleotide sequence signature only found in the 5′-untranslated region of the genus Fabavirus, which is the first of this type reported for plant viruses. The new procedure developed is useful for rapid detection and discrimination of the five fabaviruses identified so far and opens the possibility of discovering new species of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro conditions such as low light intensity, the levels of sucrose and other nutrients, and high relative humidity may cause anatomical and physiological changes that have negative effects on acclimatization of regenerated plants. The management of these conditions during in vitro culture could improve the plant ex vitro performance. The influences of light intensity, sucrose concentration, the nutritional composition of the culture medium, and culture container size on in vitro rooting and acclimatization were evaluated in Capsicum chinense cv. Naranja plants. The size of the culture container vessel did not affect plant growth. The best responses of the growth variables tested (plant height, number of leaves, number of roots, dry weight, and osmotic potential) and of survival and rooting were obtained with a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 28 μmol m s and H medium with sucrose supplementation at either 1.5% or 3% ( w/ v). The combination of a PPFD of 28 μmol m s and H medium with 1.5% sucrose can be used for successful rooting of C. chinense adventitious shoots, to enhance the performance of the plantlets in the greenhouse or field and to reduce production costs. The factors studied during in vitro culture significantly influenced ex vitro growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New functionalized porous polyimides (PPIs-NO2, PPIs-NH2, and PPIs-NPy) were synthesized and characterized and the PPI-NPy materials were applied as supports to obtain heterogenized palladiumcomplexes (PPI-NPy-Pd). The PPI-NPy-Pd hybrid materials have behaved as very efficient heterogeneous catalysts in the Suzuki coupling reaction in water, affording the corresponding cross-coupling products in excellent yields. Furthermore, the catalysts have shown excellent chemical and thermal stability and good recyclability. No evidence of the leaching of Pd from the catalyst during the course of reaction was observed, suggesting true heterogeneity in our catalytic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the species including, "Holbrookia Lacerata (Plateau Spot-tailed Earless Lizard)" and "Holbrookia Subcaudalis (Tamaulipan Spot-tailed Earless Lizard)" explores about its geographical distribution, along with its habitat use.