The physiological effects of hypobaric hypoxia versus normobaric hypoxia: a systematic review of crossover trials

Much hypoxia research has been carried out at high altitude in a hypobaric hypoxia (HH) environment. Many research teams seek to replicate high-altitude conditions at lower altitudes in either hypobaric hypoxic conditions or normobaric hypoxic (NH) laboratories. Implicit in this approach is the assumption that the only relevant condition that differs between these settings is the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), which is commonly presumed to be the principal physiological stimulus to adaptation at high altitude. This systematic review is the first to present an overview of the current available literature regarding crossover studies relating to the different effects of HH and NH on human physiology. After applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Several studies reported a number of variables (e.g. minute ventilation and NO levels) that were different between the two conditions, lending support to the notion that true physiological difference is indeed present. However, the presence of confounding factors such as time spent in hypoxia, temperature, and humidity, and the limited statistical power due to small sample sizes, limit the conclusions that can be drawn from these findings. Standardisation of the study methods and reporting may aid interpretation of future studies and thereby improve the quality of data in this area. This is important to improve the quality of data that is used for improving the understanding of hypoxia tolerance, both at altitude and in the clinical setting

Correlations between SO2 flux, seismicity, and outgassing activity at the open vent of Villarrica volcano, Chile

The characteristics of the open vent activity of Villarrica volcano, Chile, were studied in detail by integrating visual observations of the lava lake, analysis of the seismic tremor, and measurements of SO2 flux. The outgassing activity comprises a persistent gas plume emission from the bottom of the crater as well as frequent explosive events. Three main styles of bubble bursting were identified at the surface of the active lava lake: seething magma, small short-lived lava fountains, and Strombolian explosions. Seething magma consists of continual burst of relatively small bubbles (a few meters in diameter) with varying strength over the entire surface of the lava lake. Small lava fountains, seen as a vigorous extension of seething magma, commonly have durations of 20–120 s and reach 10–40 m high above the lava lake. Correlations between seismicity and visual observations indicate that the seismic tremor is mostly caused by the explosive outgassing activity. Furthermore, for different periods between 2000 and 2006, during which the activity remained comparable, the real-time seismic amplitude measurement system (RSAM) and SO2 emission rates show a very good correlation. Higher SO2 emissions appeared to be related to higher levels of the lava lake, stronger bubble bursting activity, and changes in the morphology and texture of the crater floor. Background (low) levels of activity correspond to a lava lake located >80 m below the crater rim, small and/or blocky morphology of the roof, seismic amplitude (RSAM) lower than 25 units, few volcano-tectonic earthquakes, and daily averages of SO2 emissions lower than 600 Mg/d

Determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water by flow injection on-line preconcentration flame atomic absorption

Tapia, J. Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747 Talca, Chil

Studies on photocatalyzed reduction of hexavalent chromium

Tapia, J. and Villasenor, J. Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747, Talca, Chile.Se propone una metodología para disminuir la concentración de Cr(VI) presente en efluentes de curtiembre sin tratamiento previo. La propuesta se basa en un proceso fotocatalítico donde se irradia el efluente por un determinado tiempo con luz ultravioleta en presencia de óxido de titanio como catalizador, empleando como agente reductor formaldehido. Se utilizó sistemas modelo de soluciones de Cr(VI) de 100 mg/L a distintos pH con diferentes cantidades de catalizador y tiempos de irradiación. La optimización de las variables se realizó a través de análisis multi-variado. Las condiciones óptimas para reducir 50 ml de Cr(VI) de 100 mg/L, se obtuvo a pH 2, con un tiempo de irradiación de 20 minutos y 40,0 mg de TiO2, logrando para el sistema modelo un 97,8 % de reducción de Cr(VI) y para el efluente de curtiembre un 81,3 %

The effect of physical and chemical parameters on the structure and composition of the phytoplankton community of Lake Budi (IX Region, Chile)

Tapia, J. Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747 Talca, ChileThe chemical characteristics of the waters of Lake Budi (IX Region, Chile), in winter and summer were analysed in order to establish seasonal variations and determine their influence on the various phytoplankton components. On the basis of the results it was possible to indicate that the chemical parameters found in the water body under examination vary in time and space, giving rise to different algal communities. The strong influence of salinity on the phytoplankton communities in both study periods appears to result principally from the influence of the sea, resulting from the intrusion of salt water during certain periods of the year. The predominant chemical characteristic in summer indicates a slight reduction in water quality, due to a rise in temperature and a reduction in the oxygen concentration