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Surface interactions with pollutants and photons are key factors that affect the applications of TiO2 in environmental remediation. In this study, the solubilizing agents dimethylsulfoxide and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, which act as photon competitors, had no effect on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2–C–Ag film in phenanthrene (PHE) removal. Fiberglass with TiO2–C–Ag coating removed 91.1 ± 5.2 and 99.7 ± 0.4% of PHE in treatments using UVA (365–465 nm) and UVC (254 nm) irradiation, respectively. The use of fiberglass as a support increased the superficial area, thus allowing PHE sorption. C and Ag, which are electrically active impurities in TiO2, enhanced its photocatalytic activity and thus the attraction of the pollutant to its surface. The use of high-frequency UV light (UVC) decreased the amount of carbon species deposited on the TiO2CAg film surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the TiO2–C–Ag film revealed extensive oxidation of the carbon deposited on the film under UVC ...

1 recurso en línea (páginas 211-225)., Carolina Andrújar est une romancière colombienne qui a publié deux romans gothiques: Vampyr (2009) et Vajda Príncipe inmortal (2012) [Vajda le prince immortel]. En 2014 elle a publié un troisième roman de ce même genre Pie de Bruja. Dans cet article nous analyserons de quelle manière cette dernière oeuvre (en rapport avec ses deux autres romans) peut être lue comme un mélodrame structuré à partir de différents stéréotypes. Ainsi, nous considérerons quatre moments. Dans une première partie nous résumerons l’oeuvre, étape nécessaire pour comprendre les analyses suivantes. Dans une deuxième partie nous mettrons en contexte l’image du vampire en Occident, en Amérique Latine et en Colombie et nous examinerons de quelle manière Pie de Bruja pourrait s’y inscrire. Nous proposerons, en plus, que ce roman est une continuation des ses précédents. Dans une troisième partie, nous réviserons dans quelle manière Pie de Bruja ferait partie de la tradition du mélodrame et du feuilleton, après avoir donné quelques définitions de ces genres. Dans une dernière partie, nous conclurons., Carolina Andújar is a Colombian writer who has published two gothic novels in the literary field: Vampyr (2009) and Vajda Príncipe Inmortal [Vajda Immortal Prince] (2012). In 2014 she published her third novel of this same literary genre, called Pie de Bruja [Witch´s foot]. In this article we would like to show how in this latest literary work (in line with other two literary pieces mentioned) we can describe a typ- ical melodrama which uses different stereotypes. For this purpose, we take into account four moments. Firstly, we offer a summary of the literary piece, necessary for understanding the consequent analysis. In the second place, we contextualize the figure of the vampire in the Western world, Latin America and Colombia; we situate Pie de Bruja in this framework and describe how this Andujarian novel continues the proposal declared by the author from the very beginning. Thirdly, taking into account some of the features of melodrama and the soap opera, we examine to what point Pie de Bruja embraces tradition. Finally, we offer conclusions., Carolina Andújar es una escritora colombiana que ha publicado dos novelas enmarcadas en el ámbito gótico: Vampyr (2009) y Vajda Príncipe inmortal (2012). En el 2014 ha publicado su tercera novela en este mismo género titulada Pie de Bruja y en este artículo qui- siéramos mostrar que esta última obra (en consonancia con las dos novelas anteriores de la misma autora) perfectamente puede descri- birse como un típico melodrama estructurado a partir de distintos estereotipos. Para ello, se consideran cuatro momentos. En el prime- ro de ellos ofrecemos un resumen de la obra, necesario para enten- der los análisis siguientes. En una segunda instancia, tras una breve contextualización acerca de la imagen del vampiro en Occidente, en América Latina y Colombia, examinamos cómo se ubicaría allí Pie de Bruja, y cómo esta tercera novela andujariana continúa la propuesta de las dos primeras novelas de esta autora. En un tercer momento, considerando algunos de los rasgos definitorios del melo- drama y la telenovela, señalamos hasta dónde Pie de Bruja se acoge a tal tradición. Para finalizar, ofrecemos unas conclusiones., Bibliografía y webgrafía: páginas 223-225.

Evaluation of the reproductive tract development (RTD) is a criterion rarely used when heifers are included in estrous synchronization programs. The objective was to determine the effect of RTD and hormonal treatment (HT) on estrous and ovarian activity in Bos indicus heifers under humid tropical conditions. Twenty-four Bos indicus heifer were synchronized using a bovine intravaginal device (BID), divided according to RTD (immature or mature) and HT (estradiol cypionate or estradiol benzoate). Estrous was recorded from 24 to 60 h after BID removal. Follicular monitoring was evaluated by ultrasound every 12 h from BID removal until ovulation. Blood samples were taken on day 0, 3, 8 and 15 post BID removal to estimate progesterone (P4) concentration. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and logistic regression procedures. There was no interaction between factors (P > 0.05). The highest percentage of estrous was found in heifers with mature RTD (91.7%, P < 0.05). The interval BID withdrawal to estrous (50.0±2.6 h), the proportion of heifers that ovulated (100%), the interval BID withdrawal-ovulation (75.0±2.1 h), and the time between onset of estrous and ovulation (24.5±2.2 h) were similar between immature and mature reproductive tracts and between HT. In addition, the growth of dominant follicles and P4 concentration were similar for both study group. In conclusion, RTD had effect on estrous behavior, however, ovulation, diameter of dominant follicle and plasma P4 concentration of both groups (RTD and HT) were similar on estrous synchronization, in Bos indicus heifers under humid tropical conditions.

Evaluation of changes in quality of life (QOL) in ICU patients several years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not well documented. A prospective cohort study was conducted in all patients with TBI admitted between 2004 and 2008 to the ICU of Regional Hospital of Malaga (Spain). Functional status was evaluated by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and QOL by PAECC (Project for the Epidemiologic Analysis of Critical Care patients) questionnaire between 0 (normal QOL) to 29 points (worst QOL). A total of 531 patients. Median(Quartile1,Quartile 3) age: 35 (22, 56) years. After 3–4 years, 175 died (33%). Survivor QOL was deteriorated (median total PAECC score: 5 (0, 11) points) although 75.76% of patients who survived showed good functional situation (GOS normal or mild dysfunction). An improvement in QOL scores between 1 and 3–4 years was observed (median PAECC score differences between 3-4 years and 1 year: − 1(− 4, 0) points). QOL score improved during this interval of time: 62.6% of patients. Change in QOL was related by multivariate analysis to admission cranial–computed tomography scan (Marshall’s classification), age, and Injury Severity Score (ISS), with the biggest improvement seen in younger patients and with more severe ISS. Basic physiological activities were maintained in the majority of patients. Subjective aspects and working activities improved between 1 and 3–4 years but with a high proportion still impaired in these items after 3–4 years. ICU patients with TBI after 1 year show improvement in QOL between 1 and 3–4 years, with the biggest improvement in QOL seen in younger patients and in those with more severe ISS.

Evaluation of the reproductive tract development (RTD) is a criterion rarely used when heifers are included in estrous synchronization programs. The objective was to determine the effect of RTD and hormonal treatment (HT) on estrous and ovarian activity in Bos indicus heifers under humid tropical conditions. Twenty-four Bos indicus heifer were synchronized using a bovine intravaginal device (BID), divided according to RTD (immature or mature) and HT (estradiol cypionate or estradiol benzoate). Estrous was recorded from 24 to 60 h after BID removal. Follicular monitoring was evaluated by ultrasound every 12 h from BID removal until ovulation. Blood samples were taken on day 0, 3, 8 and 15 post BID removal to estimate progesterone (P4) concentration. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and logistic regression procedures. There was no interaction between factors (P > 0.05). The highest percentage of estrous was found in heifers with mature RTD (91.7%, P < 0.05). The interval BID withdrawal to estrous (50.0±2.6 h), the proportion of heifers that ovulated (100%), the interval BID withdrawal-ovulation (75.0±2.1 h), and the time between onset of estrous and ovulation (24.5±2.2 h) were similar between immature and mature reproductive tracts and between HT. In addition, the growth of dominant follicles and P4 concentration were similar for both study group. In conclusion, RTD had effect on estrous behavior, however, ovulation, diameter of dominant follicle and plasma P4 concentration of both groups (RTD and HT) were similar on estrous synchronization, in Bos indicus heifers under humid tropical conditions.

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccines require high supercoiled-pDNA doses (milligrams) to achieve an adequate immune response. Therefore, processes development to obtain high pDNA yields and productivity is crucial. pDNA production is affected by several factors including culture type, medium composition, and growth conditions. We evaluated the effect of kanamycin concentration and temperature on pDNA production, overflow metabolism (organic acids) and metabolic burden (neomycin phosphotransferase II) in batch and fed-batch cultures of Escherichia coli DH5α-pVAX1-NH36. Results indicated that high kanamycin concentration increases the volumetric productivity, volumetric and specific yields of pDNA when batch cultures were carried out at 42 °C, and overflow metabolism reduced but metabolic burden increased. Micrographs taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were analyzed, showing important morphological changes. The high kanamycin concentration (300 mg/L) was evaluated in high cell density culture (50 gDCW/L), which was reached using a fed-batch culture with temperature increase by controlling heating and growth rates. The pDNA volumetric yield and productivity were 759 mg/L and 31.19 mg/L/h, respectively, two-fold greater than the control with a kanamycin concentration of 50 mg/L. A stress-based process simultaneously caused by temperature and high kanamycin concentration can be successfully applied to increase pDNA production.

This work presents the design as well as the evaluation of an output adaptive controller which must induce the stabilization of the tracking error for a class of skid steered autonomous vehicle (SSAV). The control design includes a nonlinear transformation (diffeomorphism) using a simplified SSAV mathematical model. This diffeomorphism justifies the transformation of the control problem in the original coordinates to a suitable chain of integrator system (third-order). In this study, the available measurements are the position and orientation of the SSAV. The aforementioned condition, encourages the implementation of a modified super twisting algorithm (STA) which is applied as a recursive differentiator which may estimate the velocity and acceleration of the SSAV efficiently. Based on the estimated states, an adaptive controller provides the asymptotic stability of the tracking trajectories for the SSAV. Numerical evaluation comparing the proposed adaptive controller with a state feedback controller confirmed the design of the suggested control structure.

In this contribution a control scheme for a class of fractional-order chaotic systems and its application in the synchronization and secure transmission of data problems is designed. The asymptotic stability of the synchronization error and the ultimate bound of the information recovery error are established employing the fractional Lyapunov direct method. The proposed sigmoid-like controller is used as input to the receiver system whose states are asymptotically synchronized with the transmitter system. The technique has been applied in the synchronization and secure communications of the incommensurate fractional-order Rossler and Chen systems.

El objetivo fue estimar los parámetros genéticos para tamaño de camada al parto (LSB), tamaño de camada al destete (LSW), peso de camada al parto (LWB), peso de camada al destete ajustado a 60 días (LW60) y el intervalo de parto (LI) en ovejas de Pelibuey y comparar índices de selección. Heredabilidades y correlaciones genéticas y fenotípicas para las características fueron calculadas usando modelos animales. Dieciséis índices (IS1-IS16) basados en la metodología de ganancia genética deseada fueron comparados. Los índices fueron combinaciones de LW60 con LSB, LSW, LWB y LI. Las heredabilidades para LSB, LSW, LWB, LW60 y LI fueron 0.07, 0.02, 0.08, 0.09 y 0.03, respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas variaron de 0 a 0.79, mientras que las correlaciones fenotípicas variaron de -0.07 a 0.62. El mejor índice basado en la eficiencia relativa de un índice fue 2.31*LSB + 0.24*LW60. En conclusión, las heredabilidades estimadas fueron bajas y el mejor índice de selección incluyó LSB y LW60. El número y el tipo de rasgos contenidos en el índice influyeron en el progreso genético.

In this work, a previously reported unstructured kinetic model of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, validated with experimental data under different culture conditions, was used to determine the optimal process conditions from an ABE fermentation system for biofuel production. The goal of this work was to simultaneously maximize two conflicting objectives: volumetric productivity and final concentration of butanol considering both Fed-Batch and single-stage CSTR operation regimes using either a free or immobilized cell reactor. The result of the after mentioned strategy was the construction of the Pareto Fronts and optimal trajectories for the inlet solution feeding rate and concentration using a Sequential Quadratic Programming methodology. The obtained results suggest that the maximum concentration and productivity of butanol are achieved in a semi-continuous system operating with immobilized cells, obtaining values of 19.1454 kg m-3 and 0.3655 kg m-3 h-1, respectively, representing an increase of 48 % and 104 % compared to the most recent industrial process reported to date.

Objetivo: diseñar una ruta alimentaria en circuitos considerando la actividad pecuaria de traspatio, sus recursos naturales y culturales en Donato Guerra, México para su aprovechamiento turístico. Metodología: diagnóstico turístico que consistió en la aplicación de un cuestionario a 250 visitantes a través de un muestreo no probabilístico; 70 entrevistas con pobladores rurales; se hizo un inventario de sus patrimonios incluyendo un reconocimiento de infraestructura, servicios turísticos; y se empleó el método observacional para aspectos de medicina veterinaria y zootecnia (MVZ), se aplicó con el fin de conocer el manejo de las unidades de producción pecuaria. Resultados: la producción de traspatio se relaciona con los recursos agropecuarios locales y las recetas tradicionales que derivan de sus patrimonios culturales y naturales, lo cual constituye una fuente de consumo para los turistas, potencializándose a través del diseño de una ruta alimentaria con cinco circuitos, donde sus pobladores estén dispuestos a incorporar al turismo en sus actividades, y como una manera de conservar su entorno. Limitaciones: los acuerdos entre todos los actores posponen acciones. Conclusiones: el turismo rural, ante la debacle de las áreas productivas rurales, puede constituirse en el canal de distribución y comercialización de los diversos productos agropecuarios de traspatio y fomentar el aprovechamiento de los atractivos del lugar. No se trata de abandonar lo agropecuario o los saberes tradicionales, ni la naturaleza de sus parajes, su historia, calidad de aire y agua porque éstas son las bases para que la comunidad aproveche y desarrolle el turismo rural.

This chapter presents the development of a virtual learning environment through the use of e-assessment based on web technologies. This virtual environment development consists in the use of Code Igniter developed by EllisLab. Bootstrap was also simultaneously used, which is a framework developed within Twitter, with the objective of standardizing the tools that are used in the development. This virtual environment allowed to assess and keep track of the work of a selected group of students from the Mechatronics Engineering academic program of the Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa in Mexico, which, throughout the course, allowed teachers to manage the students' assessments. As a conclusion, it was found that the virtual learning environment using e-assessment contributes to the teacher-student interaction within a virtual environment and in an online modality. Finally, it was reported that time spans in different areas were optimized, such as the areas of elaboration, design, application, and feedback of the university students' assessment.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is synthesized by only some bacteria, but it has an impact on many organisms, including plant growth-promoting bacteria. This molecule can modify some microbial process such as gene expression, metabolism, among others, which have potential advantageous effects on plants. We describe the conditions and factors that influence the synthesis of PQQ, its functions as an enzymatic cofactor in many reactions, and how it promotes plant growth by phosphate solubilization in soils. We also describe its actions in the synthesis of antimicrobials and its influence on the biocontrol of fungi and bacteria that are pathogenic to plants. PQQ also has a role in the induction of systemic resistance in plants and the molecule may help in the metabolism of other bacteria, promoting a kind of bacterial mutualism. PQQ can also modify gene expression through signal transduction systems and combat stress induced by ultraviolet and gamma radiation, as well as serving as a powerful agent against oxidative stress and perhaps influencing bacterial motility.

The use of barley flour in bread making is limited because barley flour decreases the sensory characteristics of bread. This study aimed to increase the nutraceutical potential of barley bread without affecting consumer acceptance. Crumb structure, and physical and sensory characteristics were analyzed in breads in which wheat flour was replaced by barley flour (0%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 100%). The bread in which 60% wheat flour was substituted by barley flour was selected and analyzed for its proximate composition, dietary fiber, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. This formulation increased the contents of insoluble fiber, soluble fiber, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of wheat bread by 700%, 200%, 41.5% and 45%, respectively. However, judges objected to the taste of the selected barley bread, thus the addition of Parmesan cheese, oregano or sesame seeds was tested to improve the sensory qualities of bread. The addition of sesame seeds (4 g/100 g, flour basis) enhanced the sensory characteristics of bread besides to increasing its total phenolic content and antioxidant activity by 100% and 130%, respectively, compared to those of the wheat bread. Therefore, the addition of sesame seeds increased the consumer acceptance of the high-barley bread and the potential health benefits of this product.

This paper deals with the design of a robust nonlinear observer as a software sensor to achieve the on-line estimation of the concentration of Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) in a class of continuous anaerobic digesters (AD). Taking into account the limited availability of on-line sensors for AD process, in this contribution is assumed that only the methane outflow rate is available for on-line measurement. The estimation method is based on a modified version for a two-dimensional mathematical model of AD process. From the differential algebraic observability approach it is shown that the VFA concentration is detectable from the methane outflow rate measurements. The observer convergence is analyzed by using Lyapunov stability techniques. Numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed estimation method for a four-dimensional AD model with uncertainties associated with unmodeled dynamics and disturbances in the inflow composition.

La investigacion se realizo en Ecuador, provincia de Tungurahua, canton Pelileo, con el proposito de evaluar el efecto de tres niveles de contenido ruminal (5, 10 y 15%) en la dieta concentrada para alimentar cuyes durante la etapa de engorde, y determinar los costos de produccion de los tratamientos. Los resultados logrados con el suministro de la dieta conformada por 15% de contenido ruminal de bovinos mas balanceado, con pesos corporales tanto a los 15 dias (763.40 g), como a los 30 dias (935.22 g), a los 45 dias (1095.27 g) y a los 60 dias (1255.34 g), consecuentemente se obtuvo ganancia en peso a los 15 dias (309.00 g), a los 30 dias (480.00 g), a los 45 dias (633.60 g) y a los 60 dias (795.33 g), reportando una conversion alimenticia tanto a los 15 dias (10.00), como a los 30 dias (12.87), a los 45 dias (17.25) y a los 60 dias (19.42). La evaluacion de la mortalidad permitio establecer que no se existieron decesos en ningun tratamiento hasta los 60 dias que duro el ensayo. Con respecto a consumo de alimento, se concluye que, en general los cuyes consumieron el total de alimento mixto proporcionado, sin dejar residuos. Del analisis bromatologico se observo que, el contenido ruminal presento 13.7% de cenizas, 9% (Nx5.7) de proteina, 12.6% de humedad, 0.098% de grasa, 34.1% de fibra cruda, 30.5% de carbohidratos totales y 173 Kcal*100 g de energia. En relacion al analisis microbiologico, se establecio que, presento 4.1 x 107 UFC/g de aerobios mesofilos, 1.4 x 104 UFC/g de mohos, 6.0 x 103 UFC/g de levaduras, cuya presencia es baja; igualmente se reporta 30(e) UFC/g de coliformes totales

La presente investigacion se la realizo con el objetivo de determinar los efectos sobre los parametros productivos al incorporar harina de papa china (Colocasia esculenta L.) como materia prima en la elaboracion de dietas para cerdos post destete, tomando en cuenta tambien los costos de produccion. En este sentido se desarrollo tres formulaciones balanceadas con inclusion del 10, 20 y 30% de harina de Colocasia esculenta L. (B1-B2 y B3 respectivamente), para ser comparadas frente a una formulacion convencional (B0). Se utilizaron 16 cerdos raza Large White x Pietrain de 30 dias de edad y un peso vivo entre 7-10 kg. El experimento se llevo a cabo bajo un diseno de parcelas divididas, distribuidos en 4 tratamientos y 4 repeticiones, con dos replicas. Los resultados obtenidos se analizaron con el paquete estadistico MiniTab® 2000. En cuanto a los resultados, se reporta un peso final de 25.28 Kg, correspondiente al tratamiento B2 (20 % de harina Colocasia esculenta L), mientras que para B1, B0 y B3 se encontro pesos de 24.19 kg; 23,44 kg; y 22.87 kg respectivamente. Un comportamiento similar se observo en la ganancia de peso, mostrando B2: 15.93 kg, diferente estadisticamente (p

Introducción: El estrés es un problema de salud pública que se define como "una respuesta inespecífica del cuerpo ante cualquier demanda”, actúa como factor desencadenante de ideación suicida y según estudios, es un factor de riesgo para planear y consumar la idea. Es por ello que resulta imperativo identificar a tiempo este problema con el objetivo de canalizar al estudiante a recibir apoyo y evitar posibles repercusiones en los ámbitos social, familiar y económico. Objetivo: Determinar la fuerza de relación entre nivel de estrés e ideación suicida. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal y relacional, realizado en 280 estudiantes de enfermería, seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple, se aplicaron los instrumentos: Estrés académico SISCO consta de 34 ítems, puntaje máximo de 170 puntos y con una de Alpha de Cronbach de 0.90 y la Escala de Ideación Suicida de Beck cuenta con 20 ítems, puntaje máximo de 40 puntos con una Alpha de Cronbach de 0.96. Resultados: Total de participantes 280 estudiantes, edad mínima 17 años y máxima de 31años con una moda de 19 años, el 78.2% fueron del sexo femenino y el 4% estudia y trabaja, del total de la muestra, 5 estudiantes han intentado suicidarse en algún momento de su vida. La prevalencia de estrés fue de 92.5% y el II% resultó con ideación suicida. Se identificó correlación estadísticamente significativa entre nivel de estrés e ideación suicida en los estudiantes de enfermería con una r de Pearson de. I36 y p valor =.0I4. Conclusión: 1n este estudio se encontró que la ideación suicida tiene una relación directamente proporcional con el estrés académico.LUXMÉDICA, AÑO 11, NÚMERO 34, SEPT-DIC 2016, PP 11-17

El mango (Mangifera indica L.) es una fruta tropical que destaca por su particular sabor y aroma, tiene amplia aceptación y una creciente demanda en los mercados internacionales. Dado que las propiedades y composición varían con la región de cultivo, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar las características físicas, químicas y actividad atrapadora de radicales libres de cuatro variedades de mango producidas en el estado de Guerrero. Se cosecharon frutos sanos en madurez fisiológica y de consumo de las variedades de mango Ataulfo, Manila, Irwin y Criollo. Las variedades sobresalientes en atributos de calidad física fueron: Ataulfo en biomasa (387.8 g); Irwin en firmeza (37.3 kg cm-2); Ataulfo Manila y Criollo en color externo (matiz > 40 ºh). La mayor acidez titulable total fue para Ataulfo (0.3 %); pH para Manila, Criollo e Irwin (3.5 a 3.9). No se presentaron diferencias significativas entre variedades en el contenido de sólidos solubles totales (8.5 a 11.3 ºBrix), humedad (60 a 82 %) y cenizas (0.4 a 0.5 %). El mayor contenido de azúcares totales se presentó en la variedad Irwin (31 %) y de vitamina C en Manila y Criollo (34 a 48 mg g-1). El mayor contenido de polifenoles (527.59 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico/100 g) y flavonoides (438.69 mg equivalentes de catequina/100 g) fue para Ataulfo en frutos en madurez fisiológica y la mayor actividad atrapadora de radicales libres para extractos metanólicos de las variedades Ataulfo y Criollo. Se concluye que las variedades Ataulfo, Manila, Criollo e Irwin satisfacen los requerimientos de la Norma NMX-FF-058-SCFI-2006 de calidad de mango fresco para comercio nacional y que la variedad Ataulfo cumple con la categoría extra grande de la NOM-188-SCFI-2012. La gran actividad atrapadora de radicales libres de las variedades Manila, Irwin y Criollo les confieren valor a sus frutos como alimentos funcionales.

Living cells, type of substrate, enzymatic hydrolysis play an important role in the efficiency of ethanol production; however, the kinetic parameters of biochemical reactions necessary for modelling these processes are often not accessible directly through experiments. In this context, for the implementation of suitable operational strategies, it is necessary to have kinetic models able to describe the process as realistically as possible. This paper proposes a comparative study of two nonlinear techniques for parametric identification of a kinetic model for ethanol production from recycled paper sludge in order to improve process performance. The parameters of the model are optimized by two methods: using the Levenberg–Marquardt optimization approach and Genetic Algorithms. The performances of both techniques are evaluated using a numerical simulation. The optimal value of these parameters have been obtained based on Genetic Algorithm. Finally, the effect of parametric adjustment and dilution rate on productivity was demonstrated by changing the batch operation to the continuous operating model. The maximum ethanol concentration was about 13.25 g/l in batch process and about 13.9 g/l at Dilution rate: 0.005 1/h corresponding to a productivity of 0.327 in continuous process.

Mine tailings are man-made environments characterized by low levels of organic carbon and assimilable nitrogen, as well as moderate concentrations of heavy metals. For the introduction of nitrogen into these environments, a key role is played by ammonia-oligotrophic/diazotrophic heavy metal-resistant guilds. In mine tailings from Zacatecas, Mexico, Serratia liquefaciens was the dominant heterotrophic culturable species isolated in N-free media from bulk mine tailings as well as the rhizosphere, roots, and aerial parts of pioneer plants. S. liquefaciens strains proved to be a meta-population with high intraspecific genetic diversity and a potential to respond to these extreme conditions. The phenotypic and genotypic features of these strains reveal the potential adaptation of S. liquefaciens to oligotrophic and nitrogen-limited mine tailings with high concentrations of heavy metals. These features include ammonia-oligotrophic growth, nitrogen fixation, siderophore and indoleacetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, moderate tolerance to heavy metals under conditions of diverse nitrogen availability, and the presence of zntA, amtB, and nifH genes. The acetylene reduction assay suggests low nitrogen-fixing activity. The nifH gene was harbored in a plasmid of ∼60 kb and probably was acquired by a horizontal gene transfer event from Klebsiella variicola.

Wild pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum)is a valuable genetic resource for food and agriculture. The patternsof variation of 12 morphological traits of 17 populations ofwild pepper collected across a latitudinal and climate gradients innorthwestern Mexico were analyzed in a uniform greenhouse experiment.The morphological traits data were axamined by univariateand multivarite analysis. The relationship between phenotypicvariation and latitude of population origen was tested using linearregression analysis. We found high variation within and amongpopulations for most of the measured traits. Populations wereclearly differentiated by univariate analysis of variance and principalcomponent analysis. Because plants grew in a uniform environment,these results indicate that the differences among the populationswere due to genetic differences among them. Plant height,number of fruits, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit, numberof seeds per plant showed a clinal pattern of variation across latitudinalgradients. Plants from northern populations were shorter,produced more fruits, fruits were heavier, more seeds per fruit andmore seeds per plant than plants from southern populations. Thevariation pattern observed in these traits suggests adaptation to localclimate conditions. The variation of the other traits (stem diameter,leaf length and width, number of branches, fruit length andwidth and seed weight) was not significantly related to latitude deorigin. It is possible that the observed differentiation in these traitswas the result of different regimens of selection (and nonclinal) ineach population, or a consequence of genetic drift.

The goal of this work is to present a class of state observer in order to infer unavailable concentrations in a sulfate-reducing bioreactor containing an anoxic culture of Desulfovibrio alaskensis 6SR from the measurements of the sulfate concentration. The methodology is applied to the corresponding sulfate-reducing model considering modeling uncertainties. The proposed observer design presents a proportional term plus a sigmoid function structure. The model’s observability was locally analyzed by the observability matrix test, concluding that the sulfate-reducing bioreactor is detectable. A sketch of proof of the observer’s convergence is depicted in order to show the asymptotic convergence characteristics. Numerical experiments provide an overview about the superior performance of the proposed observer methodology compared to a sliding-mode and high order sliding mode observers.

This work presents a control strategy for a continuous bioreactor for heavy metal removal. For this aim, regulation of the sulfate concentration, which is considered the measured and controlled state variable, allowed diminishing the cadmium concentration in the bioreactor, where the corresponding controller was designed via nonlinear bounded function. Furthermore, a nonlinear controllability analysis was done, which proved the closed-loop instability of the inner or uncontrolled dynamics of the bioreactor. A mathematical model, experimentally corroborated for cadmium removal, was employed as a benchmark for the proposed controller. Numerical experiments clearly illustrated the successful implementation of this methodology; therefore, cadmium removal amounted to more than 99%, when the initial cadmium concentration was up to 170 mg/L in continuous operating mode.

In this research, we evaluated the toxic effect of metal ions on mycelial growth and phosphate-solubilising activity of soil-borne micromycetes isolated from the Phragmites australis rhizosphere using Pikovskaya-agar plates supplemented with four metal concentrations. The diameter growth rate (DGR) decreased as the metal concentration rise for all tested fungi. Trichoderma atroviride had the fastest growth rate (1.48 cm2 day−1) and was the least susceptible to Al3+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ with a median effective concentration (MEC50) of 12.19, 0.48, 4.51, 11.44 and 50.05 mM, respectively. Aspergillus japonicus was the most tolerant to Co2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+, with MEC50 values of 3.36, 1.095 and 2.34 mM, respectively. Penicillium italicum was the most tolerant to Cr6+ (MEC50 = 0.677 mM). The ability to solubilise phosphate remained, despite the decrease in the DGR, and P. italicum and Penicillium dipodomyicola had the highest Phosphate Solubilisation Indexes (PSIs) at 1.97 and 2.12, respectively. I...

The aims of this work were to evaluate the phosphate-solubilization and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by the soil-borne micromycetes, Aspergillus japonicus, Penicillium italicum and Penicillium dipodomyicola, isolated from Phragmites australis rhizosphere and to study the effect of several concentrations of Cadmium (Cd(2+)) on both variables. Our results showed that P. italicum achieved a higher P-solubilization and H2O2 production than A. japonicus and P. dipodomyicola, as only P. italicum showed a positive correlation (R(2) = 0.71) between P-solubilization and H2O2 production. In dose-response assays, P. italicum was also more tolerant to Cd(2+) (0.31 mM) in comparison to A. japonicus (0.26 mM). Analysis of the 2(4) factorial experimental design showed that P-solubilization by P. italicum was negatively affected by increases in Cd(2+) (p = 0.04) and yeast extract (p = 0.02) in the culture medium. The production of H2O2 was positively affected only by glucose (p = 0.002). Fungal biomass production was reduced significantly (p = 0.0009) by Cd(2+) and increased (p = 0.0003) by high glucose concentration in the culture medium. The tolerance and correlation between P-solubilization and H2O2 production in the presence of Cd(2+) was strain and species dependent. The effects of Cd(2+), glucose, ammonium sulfate and yeast extract on those variables were evaluated through a two-level factorial design. P. italicum is promising for P-solubilization in soils contaminated with Cd(2+) and may be an alternative for manufacture of biofertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers.

In this work, a novel controller is proposed in order to regulate the dynamic behavior of a class of continuous bioreactor for biogenic hydrogen production, the closed-loop performance of the considered bioreactor increase considerably the hydrogen production successfully. A mathematical model for the anaerobic fermentation of the non-sulfur bacteria Rhodobacter capsulatus is considered as a benchmark system to implementing the proposed methodology. A theoretical sketch of proof of the asymptotic closed-loop stability of the proposed controller is given, considering that the main nonlinearities of the bioreactor's model are bounded. Numerical experiments were carried out in order to show the satisfactory performance of the proposed controller in comparison with an adequately tuned linear PI control law.

Resumen La endocarditis infecciosa es una enfermedad infrecuente con importantes complicaciones y posible desenlace fatal. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 24 anos con coartacion aortica intervenida a los 8 dias de vida, quedando comunicacion interventricular perimembranosa, que presento endocarditis infecciosa subaguda con embolizacion paradojica, tratandose con exito mediante antibioterapia.

In this work is evaluated the bioleaching capacity of a bacterium isolated from a mine in Guanajuato, Mexico, namely LR-1. The bacterium oxidized Fe2+ and S2O32− at acidic pH for its energy metabolism. This oxidant activity provided Fe3+ and/or protons that provoke sulfide ore dissolution. Five sulfide ore samples were obtained from different Mexican mines: Remedios, Guerrero, Bolanitos, Aldama, and Ocampo. The Ag, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn contents in the ores was analyzed by atomic absorption. Other physicochemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, and oxide-reducing potential, were also measured. Bioleaching was evaluated by metal concentration in the medium due to bacterial growth developed in basal salt medium with 2% (w/v) mineral in acidic conditions at 37 °C. There was an Increase in the percentage release of Ag (18.66% to 29.85%), Cu (60.90% to 73.66%), and Cr (11.71% to 15.04%), with respect to chemical leaching, mainly from the Remedios ore. A phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that bacterium LR-1 belongs to the genus Brevibacillus. There are no known species from this genus related with the leaching processes. This is the first report of an acidophile chemolithoautotrophic iron oxidizing bacterium from the genus Brevibacillus in the metal bioleaching. Therefore, these data contribute to the knowledge of the hydrometallurgical microbiology.

La evolución de fases de Ba1-xEuxTi1-x/4O3 durante el proceso de sinterizado (calentamiento-enfriamiento) en aire con x = 0,0054; 0,0384; 0,1920 y 0,2689 mol% Eu2O3 fue investigada por Difracción de Rayos X in situ a alta temperatura en el rango de temperatura entre 30 y 1200 °C. Las muestras fueron preparadas mezclando BaCO3, TiO2 y Eu2O3 empleando el método de reacción en estado sólido. Los resultados para las muestras con x ≥ 0,2689 mol% Eu2O3 mostraron la fase cubica BaTiO3 dopada con Eu3+ a 900 °C. Por debajo de 500 °C fue identificada la fase tetragonal ferroeléctrica BaTiO3 dopada con Eu3+. La fase secundaria Ba2TiO4 fué identificada en las muestras durante el calentamiento a 1100 °C con x = 0.0054, 0.0384 y 0.2689 mol% Eu2O3 y a 1200 °C para x = 0.1920 mol% Eu2O3. Las fases secundarias Eu2Ti2O7 y Eu2TiO5 fueron identificadas durante el enfriamiento en el rango de temperatura de 1200 °C a temperatura ambiente para la muestra con x = 0.1920 y 0.2689 mol% Eu2O3. Los resultados de microscopía electrónica de barrido mostraron una amplia distribución de tamaño de grano, una microestructura parcialmente homogénea y altas cantidades de porosidad intergranular, así como una uniforme incorporación y distribución de Ti, Ba y Eu en cada muestra.

In this study, an analysis of the hydrodynamic effects on the hexadecane (HXD) uptake strategies of a bacterial consortium in an airlift bioreactor was performed using mathematical modelling. The model was developed by considering the capacity of the consortium to consume HXD either directly, through direct interfacial contact (DC) or through uptake of emulsified forms (EF). The model was fitted to experimental data (0.822

In northern Mexico, the distilled spirit sotol with a denomination of origin is made from species of Dasylirion. The configuration of the volatile metabolites produced during the spontaneous fermentation of Dasylirion sp. must is insufficiently understood. In this study, the aim was to investigate the composition of the microbial consortia, describe the variation of volatile metabolites, and relate such profiles with their particular flavor attributes during the fermentation of sotol (Dasylirion sp.) must. Ascomycota was the phylum of most strains identified with 75% of total abundance. The genus of fermenting yeasts constituted of 101 Pichia strains and 13 Saccharomyces strains. A total of 57 volatile metabolites were identified and grouped into ten classes. The first stage of fermentation was composed of diesel, green, fruity, and cheesy attributes due to butyl 2-methylpropanoate, octan-1-ol, ethyl octanoate, and butanal, respectively, followed by a variation to pungent and sweet descriptors due to 3-methylbutan-1-ol and butyl 2-methylpropanoate. The final stage was described by floral, ethereal-winey, and vinegar attributes related to ethyl ethanimidate, 2-methylpropan-1-ol, and 2-hydroxyacetic acid. Our results improve the knowledge of the variations of volatile metabolites during the fermentation of sotol must and their contribution to its distinctive flavor.

To characterize the nucleoprotein (N) and establish the origin of the rabies virus in dogs coming from Arequipa.Thirty samples of nervous tissue from the departments of Arequipa and Puno were analyzed. Total RNA was extracted from the samples and cDNA was synthesized to amplify the nucleoprotein gene, sequence it, and perform bioinformatics analysis.. A defined group was formed with respect to the external group (European bat lyssavirus). This group was classified into two subgroups, one constituted by samples coming from Puno and Arequipa (subgroup A), and another one by samples from Puno (subgroup B), exhibiting a nucleotide identity of 99.9% in subgroup A. This group was classified in two subgroups, one constituted by samples coming from Puno and Arequipa (subgroup A), and another one by samples from Puno (subgroup B), observing a nucleotide identity of 99.9% in subgroup A.The groupings of viral sequences show that the cases of canine rabies reported in Arequipa are the result of the expansion of canine rabies from the endemic region of Puno.Caracterizar la nucleoproteína (N) y establecer el origen del virus de la rabia en canes procedentes de Arequipa.Se analizaron 30 muestras de tejido nervioso procedentes de los departamentos de Arequipa y Puno. Se extrajo el ARN total de las muestras y se sintetizó ADNc para amplificar el gen de la nucleoproteína, secuenciarlo y realizar el análisis bioinformático.Se obtuvo la formación de un grupo definido con respecto al grupo externo (European bat lyssavirus). Este grupo fue clasificado en dos subgrupos, uno constituido por muestras procedentes de Puno y Arequipa (subgrupo A), y otro por muestras de Puno (subgrupo B), observándose una identidad nucleotídica de 99,9% en el subgrupo A.Los agrupamientos de las secuencias virales muestran que los casos de rabia canina notificados en Arequipa son el resultado de la expansión de rabia canina procedente de la región endémica de Puno.

CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are crystalline structures of the form MX2, where M is a transition metal, like Mo or W, and X is a chalcogenide, as S or Se. They are multilayer structures, with X-M-X covalent bonds within a layer and Van der Waals bonds at the interlayer interfaces. As the thickness is reduced from several layers to a single monolayer, a transition is observed from a semiconductor with indirect band gap to a direct band gap in the visible or near infrared frequencies. Therefore, the TMDs are good candidates for the implementation of ultra-thin optoelectronical devices. For this reason, and also for their interest in the study of new physical phenomena, they have been extensively investigated over the last decade. It is already well established that the optical properties of monolayer TMDs are strongly affected by the substrate. In this work, we will present how the optical properties of three different TMDs, MoS2, WS2 and WSe2, are modified by placing them on GaAs substrates. We investigate samples on three types of substrates: p-doped GaAs, n-doped GaAs and undoped GaAs. The monolayers were obtained by mechanical exfoliation and transfered to the substrates. Since the refraction indexes of GaAs and the TMDs are similar, we had to establish a procedure to locate and deal with suitable monolayers. We present a pectral analysis of the luminescence emission for each case, as well as their Raman spectra. We find that the GaAs substrates produce significant changes in the luminescence of the TMDs, which can be understood with basis on the band alignment of the TMD with GaAs. We conclude that GaAs/TMDs heterojunctions have a great potential for applications as photodetectors and solar cells. Os Dicalcogenetos de Metais de Transição (TMDs) são estruturas cristalinas da forma MX2, onde M é um metal de transição, como Mo ou W, e X é um calcogênio, como S ou Se. Eles são estruturas compostas por multicamadas tipo X-M-X com ligações covalentes na camada e de Van der Waals nas interfaces entre camadas. Quando a espessura é reduzida até o limite de uma camada, pode-se observar uma transição de um semicondutor de gap indireto para um com gap direto em frequências do visível e infravermelho próximo. Assim, os TMDs são bons candidatos para a implementação de dispositivos optoeletrônicos ultrafinos. Por esse motivo, assim como pelo seu interesse no estudo de novos fenômenos físicos, eles tem sido amplamente pesquisados na ultima década. Já está estabelecido que as propriedades óticas dos TMDs são fortemente afetadas pelo substrato. Neste trabalho apresentaremos como as propriedades óticas de três TMDs diferentes, MoS2, WS2 e WSe2, mudam depois deles serem colocadas em substratos de GaAs. Foram investigadas amostras sobre três tipos de substratos: GaAs dopado p, GaAs dopado n, e GaAs não dopado. As monocamadas foram obtidas pelo método de exfoliação mecânica e transferidas ao substrato. Como os índices de refração do GaAs e dos TMDs são muito próximos, tornando muito dificil a visualizção das monocamadas transferidas, estabelecemos um procedimento apropriado para a localização e manipulação dessas monocamadas. Apresentamos a análise espectral da luminescência em cada caso assim como os seus espectros Raman. Achamos que os substratos de GaAs produzem alterações na luminescência dos TMDs que podem ser entendidas com base no alinhamento de bandas dos TMDs com o GaAs. Concluimos que as heteroestruturas GaAs/TMDs tem um grande potencial para aplicações como fotodetetores e celulas solares.

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccines require high supercoiled-pDNA doses (milligrams) to achieve an adequate immune response. Therefore, processes development to obtain high pDNA yields and productivity is crucial. pDNA production is affected by several factors including culture type, medium composition, and growth conditions. We evaluated the effect of kanamycin concentration and temperature on pDNA production, overflow metabolism (organic acids) and metabolic burden (neomycin phosphotransferase II) in batch and fed-batch cultures of Escherichia coli DH5&alpha, pVAX1-NH36. Results indicated that high kanamycin concentration increases the volumetric productivity, volumetric and specific yields of pDNA when batch cultures were carried out at 42 &deg, C, and overflow metabolism reduced but metabolic burden increased. Micrographs taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were analyzed, showing important morphological changes. The high kanamycin concentration (300 mg/L) was evaluated in high cell density culture (50 gDCW/L), which was reached using a fed-batch culture with temperature increase by controlling heating and growth rates. The pDNA volumetric yield and productivity were 759 mg/L and 31.19 mg/L/h, respectively, two-fold greater than the control with a kanamycin concentration of 50 mg/L. A stress-based process simultaneously caused by temperature and high kanamycin concentration can be successfully applied to increase pDNA production.

ObjectiveValidation of the intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) score in patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous ICH admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsA multicentre cohort study was conducted in all consecutive patients with ICH admitted to the ICUs of three hospitals with a neurosurgery department between 2009 and 2012 in Andalusia, Spain. Data collected included ICH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) scores. Demographic data, location and volume of haematoma and 30-day mortality rate were also collated.ResultsA total of 336 patients were included. 105 of whom underwent surgery. Median (IQR) age: 62 (50–70) years. APACHE-II: 21(15–26) points, GCS: 7 (4–11) points, ICH score: 2 (2–3) points. 11.1% presented with bilateral mydriasis on admission (mortality rate=100%). Intraventricular haemorrhage was observed in 58.9% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 54.17% while the APACHE-II predicted mortality was 57.22% with a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 0.95 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.09) and a Hosmer-Lemenshow test value (H) of 3.62 (no significant statistical difference, n.s.). 30-day mortality was 52.38% compared with the ICH score predicted mortality of 48.79%, SMR: 1.07 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.23), n.s. Mortality was higher than predicted at the lowest scores and lower than predicted in the more severe patients, (H=55.89, pConclusionsICH score shows an acceptable discrimination as a tool to predict mortality rates in patients with spontaneous ICH admitted to the ICU, but its calibration is suboptimal.