Mg II chromospheric emission line bisectors of HD39801 and its relation with the activity cycle

Betelgeuse is a cool star of spectral type M and luminosity class I. In the present work, the activity cycle of Betelgeuse was obtained from the integrated emission flux of the Mg II H and K lines, using more than 250 spectra taken from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) online database. Of which it was found, based on a Lomb Scargle periodogram, a cycle of 16 years, along with 2 sub-cycles with a period of the order of 0.60 and 0.65 years, which may be due to turbulence or possible stellar flares. In addition, an analysis of line asymmetry was made by means of the chromospheric emission line bisectors, due to the strong self-absorption observed in this lines, the blue and red wings were analyzed independently. In order to measure such asymmetry, a “line shift” was calculated, from which several cycles of variability were obtained from a Lomb Scargle periodogram, spanning from few months to 4 years. In the sense, the most significant cycle is about 0.44 and 0.33 years in the blue and red wing respectively. It is worth noting, that the rotation period of the star doesn’t play an important role in the variability of the Mg II lines. This technique provides us with a new way to study activity cycles of evolved stars

Evaluation of cadmium bioaccumulation-related physiological effects in salvinia biloba:An insight towards its use as pollutant bioindicator in water reservoirs

Free-living macrophytes play an important role in the health of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the use of aquatic plants as metal biomonitors may be a suitable tool for the management of freshwater reservoirs. Hence, in this study, we assessed the effects of cadmium (Cd) in Salvinia biloba specimens collected from the Middle Paraná River during a 10-day experiment employing artificially contaminated water (100 μM Cd). S. biloba demonstrated a great ability for Cd bioaccumulation in both the root-like modified fronds (named “roots”) and the aerial leaf-like fronds (named “leaves”) of the plants. Additionally, Cd toxicity was determined by the quantification of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids), flavonoids, and soluble carbohydrate contents in S. biloba over time (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days). In general, deterioration was more pronounced in leaves than in roots, suggesting a greater implication of the former in long-term Cd sequestration in S. biloba. Deleterious effects in the appraised parameters were well correlated with the total amount of Cd accumulated in the leaves, and with the qualitative changes observed in the plants’ phenotype during the 10-day metal exposure assay. The flavonoids and carotenoids in leaves were highly affected by low Cd levels followed by root carbohydrates. In contrast, chlorophylls and root flavonoids were the least impacted physiological parameters. Therefore, our results demonstrate that S. biloba displays dissimilar organ-linked physiological responses to counteract Cd phytotoxicity and that these responses are also time-dependent. Though further research is needed, our work suggests that easy-handled physiological data obtained from autochthonous free-floating S. biloba specimens may be used as a valuable tool for metal-polluted water biomonitoring

Estudio de Puriscal VII. Desarrollo psicomotor del niño menor de dos años

artículo -- Universidad de Costa Rica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud. 1982. Parte de una serie de estudios que se realizaron en la zona.Se realizó un estudio prospectivo del desarrollo psicomotor en lactantes de Puriscal, utilizando la prueba de desarrollo psicomotor de Gessel y la prueba de desarrollo intelectual (sensoriomotor) de Casati-Lezine. Todos los niños fueron evaluados a los 3, 6, 9, 12 y 18 mesas, en sus hogares. Como no hay datos longitudinales sobre el desarrollo psicomotor del niño en Costa Rica, las pruebas se utilizan pare obtener información básica y comparar los indices de desarrollo, dentro de una misma área y no para compararlos con niños de otras cultures. Los resultados muestran una tendencia ascendente en el desarrollo psicomotor, pues se presentan indices de desarrollo mas bajos en las pruebas iniciales que en las realizadas a edades mas avanzadas, observación que no ha sido reportada por otros estudios en Costa Rica. Una cause de esto puede ser que las madres tienden a no proporcionar juguetes a los niños en esta época, de lo que se puede deducir que la estimulación de las madres juega un papal de vital importancia en el desarrollo del niño. Tomando en consideración este aspecto, se pueden elaborar medidas correctivas, que sin alterar las normas culturales de las madres, prevengan problemas en el desarrollo infantil.A prospective study of psychomotor development of Puriscal children was Carried out using the Casati-Lezine test of intelectual development, and the Gesell test of psychomotor development. Children were examined at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months, with tests carried out in their homes. As there are no longitudinal data in Costa Rica on psychomotor development of children, this study is designed to provide basic information on child development in the rural area. No comparisons were made with studies on development in other cultures. The results show a tendency for development indices to be lower at an early age than at a later age, probably because mothers have a tendency not to expose their infants to toys in the early months of life. Stimulation by mothers plays an important role in the child development. Corrective measures are possible without altering cultural features in the community.Universidad de Costa Rica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud (INISA

Potential of Salvinia biloba Raddi for removing atrazine and carbendazim from aquatic environments

Abstract: In this exploratory study, naturally occurring Salvinia biloba Raddi specimens were assessed for atrazine and carbendazim polluted water remediation. Experiments were carried out over 21 days in glass vessels containing deionized water artifcially contaminated with 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg L−1 of atrazine or carbendazim. Atrazine had a pronounced detrimental impact on S. biloba, as no biomass development was observed in all macrophytes exposed to this herbicide in the entire concentration range. However, carbendazim-treated plants were able to grow and survive in the polluted medium even when subjected to the highest concentration of this fungicide (i.e., 20 mg L−1). In addition, increased chlorosis and necrosis were also detected in plants subjected to carbendazim as a result of the high phytotoxicity caused by atrazine. A maximal removal efciency of~30% was observed for both pesticides at 5 mg L−1 and decreased with increasing concentrations of the pollutants. The spectrum of the FTIR-ATR analysis revealed the existence of various functional groups (e.g., amide, carboxyl, hydroxyl, phosphate, sulfate) on the plants, which could be related to pesticide biosorption. In addition, at the end of the 21-day assay, seven carbendazim-resistant bacteria could be isolated from the roots of fungicide-treated plants. Therefore, the use of autochthonous free-foating S. biloba macrophytes for phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with carbendazim shows great promise. Still, additional research is required to further elucidate the plant-mediated carbendazim elimination process and the role of the herbicide-resistant bacteria, and seek alternative species capable of mitigating atrazine contamination

Ingesta dietética e índices antropométricos en estudiantes de medicina mexicanos, estratificados por historia familiar de Diabetes Tipo 2

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the dietary intake and anthropometric indices in medical students with positive family history of type 2 diabetes (FH-T2D)(+) and without FH-T2D(-).Material and methods: 144 students were analyzed in this cross-sectional, observational study, conducted during the 2017-2018 school year using interviews and 7-day food diary. The participants were characterized anthropometrically. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), corrected mid-arm muscle area (MAMA), fat arm index (FAI), and tricipital skinfold (TSF) were calculated. Results: we found that 79.2% (95%CI: 72.5- 85.8) had FH-T2D. BMI was significantly higher in the participants with FH-T2D than without (23.7±3.8 v 25.0±3.7, respectively, p<0.05). No significant differences were determined in the indices based on central fat distribution (WHtR and WHR), peripheral distribution (FAI and TSF), or muscle mass (MAMA), when stratified by FH-T2D. Regarding dietary intake, when comparing participants with and without FH-T2D, respectively, we observed low/none legume consumption [30% (95%CI: 21.4-38.2) vs 23% (95%CI: 8.2-38.5)], diets high in proteins [38.6% (95%CI: 29.7-47.5) vs 46.7% (95%CI: 28.8-64.5)], low in carbohydrates [84.2% (95%CI: 77.5-90.9) vs 83.3% (95%CI: 70.0-96.7)], and insufficient energy intake [64% (95%CI: 55.2-72.8) vs 56.7% (95%CI: 38.9-74.4)], where the alterations in the dietary pattern were more detrimental for the FH-T2D(+) group. Lastly, the participants with FH-T2D consumed mainly late in the day [60% (95%CI: 50.6-68.6) vs 54% (95%CI: 35.5-71.2)].Conclusions: Even though there were minimal significant differences with the consumption by food categories, those students with FH-T2D presented with a poor, little varied and unbalanced dietary pattern with energy consumption mainly at night. These factors, if prolonged, could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Introducción: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la ingesta dietética y los índices antropométricos en estudiantes de medicina con historia familiar positiva de diabetes tipo 2 (FH-T2D)(+) y sin antecedentes familiares FH-T2D(-).Material y métodos: 144 estudiantes fueron analizados en este estudio transversal y observacional realizado durante el año escolar 2017-2018 mediante entrevistas y un diario de alimentos de 7 días. Los participantes se caracterizaron antropométricamente. Se calculó el ínidce cintura-cadera (WHR) y el índice cintura-altura (WHtR), el área muscular corregida de la mitad del brazo (MAMA), el índice de grasa del brazo (FAI) así como el pliegue cutáneo tricipital (TSF).Resultados:El 79,2% (95%CI: 72,5- 85,8) tenían FH-T2D. El IMC fue significativamente mayor en los participantes con FH-T2D que en aquellos sin FH-T2D (23,7 ± 3,8 v 25,0 ± 3,7, respectivamente, p <0,05). No se determinaron diferencias significativas en los índices basados en la distribución de grasa central (WHtR y WHR), la distribución periférica (FAI y TSF) o la masa muscular (MAMA), cuando se estratificó por FH-T2D. Al comparar la ingesta dietética de participantes con y sin FH-T2D, respectivamente, observamos un consumo bajo / ninguno de leguminosas [30% (95%CI: 21,4-38,2) frente a 23% (95%CI: 8,2-38,5)], dietas altas en proteínas [38,6% (95%CI: 29,7-47,5) frente a 46,7% (95%CI: 28,8-64,5)], bajas en carbohidratos [84,2% (95%CI: 77,5-90,9) frente a 83,3% (95%CI: 70,0-96,7)], y la ingesta de energía insuficiente [64% (95%CI: 55,2-72,8) frente a 56,7% (95%CI: 38,9-74,4)], donde las alteraciones en el patrón de la dieta fueron más perjudiciales para el grupo FH-T2D(+). Los participantes con FH-T2D consumieron al final del día [60% (95%CI: 50,6-68,6) frente a 54% (95%CI: 35,5-71,2)].Conclusiones: Aunque hubo diferencias mínimas significativas con el consumo por categorías de alimentos, aquellos estudiantes con FH-T2D presentaron un patrón dietético deficiente, poco variado y desequilibrado con un consumo de energía principalmente por la noche. Estos factores, si se prolongan, podrían aumentar el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes tipo 2

Actividad in vitro de bacterias endófitas promotoras de crecimiento asociadas con pasto colosoana en el municipio de Corozal, Sucre

The objective of study was evaluated in vitro binding activity of nitrogen and phosphate bacteria endophytic solubilizated isolated from different tissues of colosoana grass in the districts of the municipality of Corozal, Sucre Department. Collected sample of roots stems and leaves of colosoana pasture from different farms. Of each tissue previously disinfected is made isolation in the middle of cultivation of bacteria endophytic, to which is les determined it density population of bacteria endophytic by means of count in UFC / g of tissue and is carried out separation of morphs by shape, color, size and appearance in media of crops. Each isolated morphotype was evaluated in vitro binding activity of nitrogen and phosphate solubilizing specific crops media. Are observed differences significant for density population of bacteria with respect to tissue, with higher values in root (1x1011 g/ root), followed of the stem (1.82x1010 g/stem) and with leaf density sheets (1.15x1010 g/leaf). The results of the identification kit API20E confirmed the presence of bacteria endophytes Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia with ability to fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphates.El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar in vitro la actividad fijadora de nitrógeno y solubilizadora de fosfato de bacterias endófitas aisladas de diferentes de tejidos de pasto colosoana en los corregimientos del municipio de Corozal, departamento de Sucre. Se colectaron muestra de raíz, tallos y hojas de pasto colosoana. De cada tejido previamente desinfectado se realizó aislamiento en medio de cultivo para bacterias endófitas, a las cuales se les determinó la densidad poblacional por medio de conteo en UFC/ g de tejido y se separación de morfotipos por forma, color, tamaño y apariencia en medios de cultivos. A Cada morfotipo aislado se le evaluó in vitro su actividad fijadora de nitrógeno y solubilizadora de fosfato en medios de cultivos específicos. Se observaron diferencias significativas para densidad poblacional de bacterias con respecto a tejido, con mayores valores en raíz (1x1011 g/ raíz), seguida del tallo (1.82x1010 g/tallo) y menor densidad en hojas (1.15x1010 g/hoja). Los resultados de la identificación con kit API20E confirmaron la presencia de las bacterias endófitas Pseudomona aeuroginosa y Stenotrophomonas maltophilia con capacidad de fijar nitrógeno y solubilizar fosfatos

Spiral Density Waves in a Young Protoplanetary Disk

Gravitational forces are expected to excite spiral density waves in protoplanetary disks, disks of gas and dust orbiting young stars. However, previous observations that showed spiral structure were not able to probe disk midplanes, where most of the mass is concentrated and where planet formation takes place. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array we detected a pair of trailing symmetric spiral arms in the protoplanetary disk surrounding the young star Elias 2-27. The arms extend to the disk outer regions and can be traced down to the midplane. These millimeter-wave observations also reveal an emission gap closer to the star than the spiral arms. We argue that the observed spirals trace shocks of spiral density waves in the midplane of this young disk.Comment: This is our own version of the manuscript, the definitive version was published in Science (DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf8296) on September 30, 2016. Posted to the arxiv for non-commercial us

Aportes de la psicología al consumerismo: educación y defensa de los consumidores

This study aims at determining the contributions of psychology to the phenomenon of consumerism. To this end, we contextualize the theoretical framework, considering current specific societal circumstances, as well as legal aspects both in the international and the Colombian national contexts. A review of the literature allows us to identify specific contributions of the psychology of consumerism. Finally, we discuss the active role psychology should have in this topic, the psychological factors that mediate in the process and the characteristics psychologists interested in the psychology of consumerism should have.El presente artículo tiene como finalidad determinar los aportes de la psicología al consumerismo. Para este fin, se inició con la contextualización del marco teórico relacionado con el consumerismo, su definición, las circunstancias específicas de la sociedad actual que han favorecido el afianzamiento de esta temática, y los aspectos legales internacionales y nacionales (en Colombia). A continuación, se realizó una revisión de la literatura que señalaba los aportes de la psicología al consumerismo. Finalmente, se planteó una discusión acerca del papel activo que la psicología debe abordar en el tema del consumerismo, los factores psicológicos que intermedian en este proceso, las consecuencias individuales y sociales, así como el nuevo rol que debe enfrentar el psicólogo interesado en la psicología del consumidor. &nbsp

Protocol for in vitro propagation of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln. from nodal segments

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln. is a plant with great ornamental value due to its growth habit and flowering. It can be used as a pot plant and garden, both outdoors and indoors. It is considered the best-selling species after orchids in Europe and America, reaching high numbers of commercialized plants and monetary incomes. Due to their importance, methods for obtaining large numbers of individuals, in order to satisfy the existing demands on the market are necessary. This could be possible through the use of plant biotechnology. Although there are studies focused on the propagation of this species at the laboratory level, a methodology for its micropropagation has not been described yet. In the present work, a protocol for in vitro propagation of K. blossfeldiana from nodal segments was developed