Optical Properties of Dielectric-Graphene Left Hand Material Structure

It is well known the remarkable optical properties of both graphene and left handed materials, for which we study the optical properties of a multilayer system building by graphene- dielectric-left hand material. In this work, we show the transmission, reflection and absorption spectra for a different set of parameters of the left-handed material structure. It is important to highlight that the inclusion of graphene remarkably modifies the transmission and absorption spectra. The optical properties of the graphene-LHM can be modulated via the different parameters of system. We showed that the fill function do not change the line form of the spectra, however, modify their amplitudes. With respect to light polarization, it's possible to observe that the spectra are widen for TM respect to TE polarization.Son bien conocidas las extraordinarias propiedades ópticas tanto del grafeno como de los metamateriales izquierdos (LHM), para los cuales estudiamos sus propiedades ópticas en sistemas multicapas fabricados por grafeno-metamateriales izquierdos. En este trabajo, mostramos los espectros de transmisión, reflexión y absorción para diferentes conjuntos de parámetros de la estructura del metamaterial izquierdo. Es importante resaltar que la inclusión del grafeno modifica considerablemente los espectros de transmisión y absorción. Las propiedades ópticas del sistema grafeno-LHM puede ser moduladas vía los diferentes parámetros del sistema. Mostramos que la función de llenado no camba la forma de línea de los espectros, sin embargo, modifica sus amplitudes. Con respecto a la polarización d ella luz, es posible observar son más anchos para polarización TM que con respecto a luz con polarización TE

The Use of Urban Wastewater for the Colorado River Delta Restoration

AbstractThe environmental changes due to the Colorado River damming, have affected the ecological functioning of the nursery river delta and consequently the population of fishermen that live of the natural marine resources of the upper Gulf of California. We propose the use of urban wastewaters as a source of nutrients to fertilize the estuary, increase the primary productivity and therefore increase the population size of the estuarine dependent species, which are important for the fisheries in the region. In this way, we could partially restore the delta's ecological functioning and thus solve environmental, social, and economic problems. With a wastewater flow of 800 l·s-1 from “Las Arenitas” treatment plant, we could increase the primary organic productivity and ~1000 metric tons (mT) of shrimp landings of the region. These calculations are just for one fishery, but in a magnitude that could also increase in others

Trace metals partitioning among different sedimentary mineral phases and the deposit-feeding polychaete Armandia brevis

Trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were determined in two operationally defined fractions (HCl and pyrite) in sediments from Ensenada and El Sauzal harbors (Mexico). The HCl fraction had significantly higher metal concentrations relative to the pyrite fraction in both harbors, underlining the weak tendency of most trace metals to associate with pyrite. Exceptionally, Cu was highly pyritized, with degrees of trace metal pyritization (DTMP) N80% in both harbors. Dissolved Fe flux measurements combinedwith solid phase Fe sulfide data indicated that 98 mt of Fe are precipitated as iron sulfides every year in Ensenada Harbor. These Fe sulfides (and associated trace metals) will remain preserved in the sediments, unless they are perturbed by dredging or sediment resuspension. Calculations indicate that dredging activities could export to the open ocean 0.20±0.13 to (0.30 ± 0.56) × 103 mt of Cd and Cu, respectively, creating a potential threat to marine benthic organisms. Degrees of pyritization (DOP) values in Ensenada and El Sauzal harborswere relatively low(b25%)while degrees of sulfidization (DOS)were high (~50%) because of the contribution of acid volatile sulfide. DOP values correlated with DTMP values (p ≤ 0.001), indicating that metals are gradually incorporated into pyrite as this mineral is formed. Significant correlations were also found between DTMP values and −log(Ksp(MeS)/Ksp(pyr)) for both harbors, indicating that incorporation of trace metals into the pyrite phase is a function of the solubility product of the corresponding metal sulfide. The order in which elements were pyritized in both harbors was Zn ≈ Mn b Fe b Cd ≈ Pb b Ni ≈ Co b bCu. Lastly, a strong correlation (r2= 0.87, p b 0.01) was found between average reactive trace metal concentrations and metal concentrations measured in Armandia brevis (a deposit feeding Opheliid polychaete), suggesting that these labile sedimentary metals are preferentially accumulated by the polychaete, making it a useful biomonitor of sedimentary metal exposure

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in prostate cancer in México, survey of SOMERA (Sociedad Mexicana de Radioterapeutas/Mexican Society of Radiation Oncologists) with recommendations on its implementation and process

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the main tumors worldwide, its treatment is multidisciplinary, includes radiotherapy in all stages: curative, radical, adjuvant, salvage and palliative. Technological advances in planning systems, image acquisition and treatment equipment have allowed the delivery of higher doses limiting toxicity in healthy tissues, distributing radiation optimally and ensuring reproducibility of conditions. Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is not standard in guidelines, only recommended with heterogeneity in its own process. Materials and methods: A survey was conducted to members of the Mexican Society of Radiation Oncologists (SOMERA), to know the current status and make recommendations about its implementation and use, taking into account existing resources. Results: Responses of 541 patients were evaluated, 85% belonged to the intermediate-high risk group, 65% received adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy (RT), 80% received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using doses up to 80 Gy/2 Gy. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed on 506 (93.5%), (100% IMRT) and 90% at a periodicity of 3–5/week. 3D treatment with 42% portal images 1/week. Online correction strategies (36% changes before treatment), following a diet and bladder and rectal control. Evidence and recommendations are reviewed. Conclusions: IGRT should be performed in patients with prostate cancer. In Mexico, despite limitations in the distribution of human and technological resources, it is routinely applied. More information is still needed on clinical evidence of its benefits and the process should be implemented according to infrastructure, following institutional guidelines, recommending to report the initial experience that helps to standardize national conduct

Spatial variability of dissolved nickel is enhanced by mesoscale dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is one of the most dynamic marginal seas in the world owing to the intrusion of the Loop Current and the shedding of anticyclonic eddies (LCE) that travel westward across the Gulf. However, the impacts of these mesoscale dynamics on the supply and removal of bioessential trace metals in surface waters remain unclear. We study the impact of mesoscale eddies on the distribution of dissolved nickel (Ni), a biologically active element scarcely studied in the region. The vertical distribution of Ni was determined in the deep-water region of the GoM during summer of 2017, when two anticyclonic LCE (Quantum and Poseidon) were present. Nutrient-like profiles of Ni in the GoM resemble those from the Atlantic Ocean, but they showed high spatial variability within the first 1000 m, which was associated with the impact of mesoscale eddies. Similarly to subtropical gyres, macronutrients were almost depleted in surface waters, while Ni never fell below 1.51 nmol kg-1, suggesting low Ni lability or alternatively, slow biological uptake compared to that of macronutrients. In particular, lowest levels of Ni and macronutrients (PO4 and NO3) were recorded in surface waters of the anticyclonic eddies and the Loop Current area. Anticyclonic LCEs deepened these Ni-poor waters pushing the Ni-rich core of Tropical Atlantic Central Water up to 600 m, whereas its shallowest position (up to 200 m) was recorded under cyclonic conditions in Campeche Bay. This eddy-induced vertical displacement of water masses also affected the integrated Ni and macronutrient concentrations in the upper 350 m but without modifying their stoichiometries. We suggest that a significant decrease in surface inventories of Ni and macronutrient in areas impacted by LCEs is a consequence of the trapping of the water within eddies, the biological uptake of Ni and macronutrients combined with their limited replenishment from below, which likely affects autotrophic groups. In conclusion, the mesoscale dynamic permanently present in the GoM play an important role in modifying the vertical distribution of Ni and macronutrients as well as their availability in the upper water column of this marginal sea

Stable isotope ratios of egg albumen of three waterbird species nesting in the Colorado River Delta indicate differences in foraging ground and isotopic niche breadth

The Colorado River Delta is one of the most impacted wetland systems in the world and has experienced massive habitat loss owing to severe restrictions in freshwater inflow as a result of dam construction and diversion of water for irrigation. However, the delta still offers nesting and foraging habitats for waterbirds, although the habitats available are highly fragmented and limited. Stable isotope ratio (SIR) analysis was used to assess quantitatively isotopic niche width of gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica), laughing gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) and snowy egrets (Egreta thula) that nest at an inland and coastal location. The variance in carbon and nitrogen SIR of egg albumen indicated that inland colonies have a much broader isotope niche width (range 2.9 to 23.9) than coastal colonies (<0.1 to 1.4).Species-specific mean albumen δ13C values from inland nests were significantly more depleted in 13C than coastal colonies (-19.5 to -23.1‰ and -10.4 to -14.9‰, respectively). Comparison of albumen δ13C values corrected for trophic fractionation with those of potential prey and primary producers collected at 10 potential foraging grounds indicates that females of the three species that nest in inland colonies did not feed in habitats located in the vicinity of their nesting site, while coastal colonies had distinct isotopic signatures reflecting marine primary production. Inland colonies probably forage in a variety of habitats and for different prey, relying on food webs based mostly on C3 terrestrial plants. Differences in the isotopic composition of eggs from species nesting in the same area and between conspecifics nesting in different habitats indicate that foraging habitats vary substantially, suggesting that feeding varies as a function of local resource availability. These results suggest that a variety of habitat types fulfill the foraging needs of this suite of nesting waterbird species, especially in inland colonies. Since the specific feeding areas of nesting females from the inland colonies have not been identified, protection of the remaining wetlands within the Colorado River Delta is warranted. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Riparian Research and Management: Past, Present, Future: Volume 1

Fifty years ago, riparian habitats were not recognized for their extensive and critical contributions to wildlife and the ecosystem function of watersheds. This changed as riparian values were identified and documented, and the science of riparian ecology developed steadily. Papers in this volume range from the more mesic northwestern United States to the arid Southwest and Mexico. More than two dozen authors—most with decades of experience—review the origins of riparian science in the western United States, document what is currently known about riparian ecosystems, and project future needs. Topics are widespread and include: interactions with fire, climate change, and declining water; impacts from exotic species; unintended consequences of biological control; the role of small mammals; watershed response to beavers; watershed and riparian changes; changes below large dams; water birds of the Colorado River Delta; and terrestrial vertebrates of mesquite bosques. Appendices and references chronicle the field’s literature, authors, “riparian pioneers,” and conferences

Birds, Water, and Saltcedar: Strategies for Riparian Restoration in the Colorado River Delta

I evaluated the spatial and temporal patterns of the avian communities in the Colorado River delta, Mexico, and their relationship with vegetation type and surface water. I also developed plausible conservation and restoration guidelines for riparian areas and native birds in the region. The study included monthly point counts at 30 transects (240 points) from May 2002 to July 2003, breeding counts at 175 sites (3 times per year) during 2002 and 2003, and habitat measurements at the survey points.The most common species were Mourning Doves, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Brown-headed Cowbirds, but another 64 species were commonly found, including Verdins, Song Sparrows, Yellow-breasted Chats and Abert's Towhees. Surface water was the most important habitat feature related to avian richness and density regardless of vegetation type or land cover (P < 0.005). During summer, species richness was explained by variations in water and the cover of cottonwoods (r2 = 0.56, P < 0.001), and the variation in bird densities was explained by variations in water and the cover of willows (r2 = 0.35, P = 0.003).When comparing native versus saltcedar dominated sites, both with the presence (wet) or absence (dry) of surface water, the diversity of birds was more influenced by the presence of water than by vegetation type. Bird abundance was more influenced by vegetation type, but water also had an important effect, as wet sites had higher bird abundance than dry sites with the same vegetation type, and saltcedar wet areas had similar avian abundance to native dry sites. On all cases, the presence of water was an important factor determining the ecological value, in terms of avian richness, abundance, and diversity, of both native riparian and saltcedar areas. Saltcedar areas with surface water had avian characteristics similar to native riparian sites.The dedication of instream flows and pulse floods, the maintenance of vegetation cover and structural diversity, and an increase of older riparian stands will secure the viability of existing bird populations and will increase the probability of recovery of the species that are still extirpated from the floodplain of the Colorado River in Mexico