In-situ flexural OPV measurements on flexible glass substrate

In-situ dark and light IV characteristics of inverted P3HT-PCBM devices on flexible glass substrates were measured while bending. Bending set up was simple and home built with servo controlled 2 parallel plate movements. ITO was sputter coated onto the thin flexible glass sheets of 25mmx25mm size in the lab. OPV devices were fabricated inside the glove box and conversion efficiency measured was about 2.8%. Bending of the device substrates and simultaneous PV measurements were carried out in ambient conditions. It was observed that the J(SC) and efficiency increased until the substrate breaking point but the V-OC and fill factor remained unchanged.

Utilización de la hoja de Neem (Azadirachta indica) y madero negro (Gliricidia sepium) como desparasitantes internos en gallina de patio (Gallus gallus) en la comunidad El Chague, Municipio de León

El presente trabajo experimental se llevó a cabo en la finca llamada Colonia Santa Isabel ubicada en el municipio de León departamento de León. En el trabajo experimental se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar (D.C.A) el que estuvo compuesto por un lote de 36 gallinas divididas en 3 grupos, cada grupo formado por 12 gallinas seleccionadas al azar y sometidas a tratamientos distintos: Tratamiento I: Tratamiento testigo, uso de Amebendazol. Tratamiento II. Solución a base de Neem 1 250 hojas. Tratamiento III: Solución a base de Madero negro, 250 hojas. Para el análisis de los resultados del experimento se utilizó la prueba de X2 en tablas de contingencias a un oc =0.05. El ensayo tuvo una duración de 30 días comprendido entre los meses de Mayo y Junio de 1999. Con el objetivo de comparar el efecto de la utilización del té de hojas de Neem (Azadirachta indica)y Madero negro (Gliricidia sepium) como desparasitantes internos botánicos, realizando un análisis comparativo con el producto químico Amebendazol en gallinas de patio. En las 36 aves que se realizaron análisis coprológicos se identificaron los siguientes parásitos:, Coccidias, Tenias, Heterakis y Capilarias. Al realizar el análisis comparativo de los tratamientos respecto a la carga parasitaria resultó que los niveles de efectividad se obtuvieron desde los siete hasta los treinta días con los tres tratamientos para los cuatro tipos de parásitos encontrados. Al realizar el análisis económico, los resultados obtenidos demuestran que los productos botánicos son una alternativa para los pequeños productores.

Estabilidad aerobica del ensilaje de marango con diferentes proporciones de Taiwan, Caña de Azucar y Melaza

El experimento se realizó en las instalaciones de la facultad de Ciencia Animal ubicada en la finca "Santa Rosa" de la Universidad Nacional Agraria, en la comunidad de Sabana Grande, Managua, Nicaragua, localizada geográficamente a los 12 o 08’ 15’’latitud norte y 86 o 09’ 36’ longitud oeste. La temperatura promedio anual es de 28 oC y una precipitación promedio anual de 1,200 mm y aproximadamente una altura de 56 msnm. El objetivo del experimento fue generar conocimientos sobre los procesos de degradación aeróbica en ensilajes de marango (Moringa oleífera)con diferentes proporciones de caña de azúcar ( Saccharum officinarum), pasto Taiwán (Penisetum purpureum), y Melaza. Se utilizaron 14 tratamientos con 3 repeticiones cada uno distribuidos en Diseño Completamente al Azar; donde se evaluó Marango en proporciones de 31.66, 33.00, 33.33, 63.33, 66.00, 66.66, 95.00 y 99.00%. Taiwán en las mismas proporciones, Caña de azúcar en proporciones de 33.33, 66.33 y 100%, y Melaza en proporción de 1 y 5% cuando la caña no estaba presente. Las variables evaluadas fueron Materia Seca (MS), Proteina Cruda (PC), Dióxido de Carbono (CO2), Tiempo al Deterioro (TAD) y pH. Se realizó Análisis de Varianza y comparaciones de medias con la Prueba de Tukey al 5% cuando se encontró diferencia s significativas entre tratamientos, paras eso se uso SAS versión 9.1. Los resultados de los análisis de varianza ( P<0,05)mostraron que el tratamiento con menor perdida de M S y PB fue el T1 (T99M1) con 4.08, menor pH el T10 (M33 C66) con 4.13, mayor TAD fue el T1 (T99M1) con 14.75 días y producción de CO2 fuel T7 (M95M5) con 43.06. En conclusión los tratamientos con diferentes proporciones de marango también demostra ron diferencias significativas con respectos a la pérdida de Proteina Cruda (PC) siend o estos viables para ser utilizados por productores como suplementos proteicos, aunque demostraron no ser estables ya en condiciones aérobicas.

Estudio de la conservación in vitro a tasas minimas de crecimiento en piña (Ananas comosus L.) mediante el efecto de osmoreguladores y la dilucion de las sales Murashige y Skoog (1962) a temperaturas de 24ºC y 16 ºC

En el presente estudio se necesitó establecer explantes de piña (Ananas comosus L.) del cultivar Cayena lisa, de los cuales se utilizaron yemas apicales y axilares seleccionadas por su buen estado fisiológico y morfológico. Estas se establecieron en condiciones in vitro utilizando el medio de cultivo básico Murashige & Skoog MS (1962), suplementado con 2 mg/1 de 6-Bencil aminopurina (6-BAP) y 0.02 mg/1 de ácido naftalen acético (ANA) en condiciones controladas de temperatura, humedad relativa e intensidad lumínica. Una vez que se logró micropropagar la cantidad de explantes necesarios para la conservación, se procedió a la aplicación de los inhibidores del crecimiento (manito!y sorbitol) en concentraciones de 10, 20 y 30 g/1 y de la dilución de las sales MS al 25, 50 y 75%, interactuando con temperaturas de 24 oc y 16 oc. A los 120 días de haber permanecido las yemas axilares en las diferentes variantes de medios de cultivo sujetas a estudio, se observó mayor deterioro fisiológico y morfológico de las plántulas en los tratamientos con 1O, 20 y 30 g/1 demanitol y sorbitol. En las variables altura, número de hojas y color de las hojas se experimentaron menores incrementos mensuales, sin embargo se registraron mayores daños, especialmente en las hojas, las cuales presentaron un mayor porcentaje con color verde clorótico a temperaturas de 24ºc de 16 °C. La sobrevivencia fue mayor a temperatura de 16ºc, por el contrario en las diluciones de las sales MS el deterioro fisiológico y morfológico de lasplántulas fue menor, observándose mayor sobrevivencia, presentando mayores porcentajes de coloración verde oscuro y un pequeño porcentaje de plántulas atípicas a temperaturas de 24 °C y 16 °C. También fue notoria la presencia deplántulas atípicas en el manito! y sorbitol a temperatura de 24 °C. Únicamente en el tratamiento a 30 g/1 de sorbitol se observó el fenómeno de vitrificación a temperatura de 24ºc en un 15%. Las diluciones de las sales indujeron mejores resultados en altura, número de hojas y color de las hojas en ambas temperaturas, sus características fenotípicas y genotípicas se mantuvieron iguales a pesar de la reducción del crecimiento

Cría masiva y liberación de parasitoides de Plutella xylostella L, y su manejo a través de Bacillus thuringiensis en el cultivo de repollo (Brassica oleracea L.) en tres épocas de siembra

Esta investigación fue realizado en dos localidades, la cría masiva de tres parasitoides larvales (Diadegma insulare. Cotesio plutellae y Microplitis plutellae) de Plutella xylostella L. se realizó en la Universidad Nacional Agraria donde se evalúo la metodología de cría masiva de tres parasitoides y P. xylostella plaga de gran importancia en crucíferos, bajo condiciones de laboratorio y una etapa de campo fue realizado en el Departamento de Estelí. En el cultivo de repollo donde se evaluó el uso de Bacillus thuringiensis, para el manejo de P. xylostella. en combinación con liberaciones de parasitoides C. plutellae y M. plutellae, siendo estos introducidos desde Taiwan. Para la cría masiva de los parasitoides y P. xylostella. se sembró plantas de repollo en maceteras de arcilla dentro de un invernadero, las plantas fueron utilizados cuando tenían entre 10 y 12 hojas verdaderas, Luego se ubicaron adultos de P. xylostella en cámaras de oviposición, donde adultos ovipositan en láminas de aluminio impregnados de jugo de repollo, luego se colocaron aproximadamente entre 300-500 huevos en estas plantas, los que eclosionaron aproximadamente en dos o tres días después de inoculada la planta. Las larvas de P. xylostella fueron expuestos a los parasitoides cuando se encuentran en estado óptimo para ser parasitadas (instar 2 e instar 3). se introducen en una jaula con aproximadamente de 200 adultos parasitoides, en donde permanecieron 48 horas las larvas en estado óptimo, después se retiraron y puestos en otro jaulas hasta que se presenta el estado de pupa. El manejo de P. xylostella en épocas de primera. Postrera y riego. en el cultivo de repollo. fue realizado con el insecticida Microbiológico Dipel (a thuringiensis). el criterio de aplicación fue lo utilización de umbrales económicos en base a recuentos. En condiciones de laboratorio donde fue conducido lo cría masivo de los parasitoides. se alcanzaron porcentajes promedio de parasitismo de O. insulare. M. plutelloe y C plutelloe. de 62.55'X.. 927?fo y 88.()()% respectivamente. estos resultados muestran lo efectividad de la metodología utilizada para lo crío de los porositoides y su hospedero. la cría de estos parasitoides puede ser utilizado en un programa de Manejo Integrado de Plagas poro el control de P. xylostella. El ciclo de vida de P. xylostella en condiciones de laboratorio o temperatura promedio de 23.60 OC es de 19.75 días sin incluir lo duración de su vida adulto. El ciclo de vida promedio de los porosifoides. O. insulore. M. plutellae y C plutellae. fueron 31.35. 31.02 y 31.45. en días, o temperoh.xos promedio de 20-21. 21 -22 y 24-26 OC. Lo utiización de B. thuringiensis poro el control de P. xytostella. fue efectivo y no afecto lo actividad de los enemigos naturales y se registro 'X. parasitismo promedios por D. insulare de 38.24. 47.70% y 44.86con máximos de 64.70%. 64 y 72.33% para las épocas de Primera, Postrera y Riego respectivamente, no se registro el establecimiento de los parasitoides.

Colecta y establecimiento de banco de germoplasma en coleccion viva e In vitro del genero Xanthosoma en Nicaragua

Con el objetivo de conservar in vitro y en colección viva la variabilidad del género Xanthosoma se realizaron colectas en 27 sitios de tres regiones de Nicaragua entre julio y 2006 Oc tubre 2007. El banco de germoplasma in vitro se estableció mediante el cultivo de meristemos y colección viva utilizando la técnica de reproducción acelerada de semilla. Se elaboró un herbario de las accesiones. Catorce descriptores de colecta se utilizaro n para el análisis de agrupamiento (AA) preliminar del parentesco y dispersión entre las accesiones. Se colectaron 63 accesiones de 6 especies, 18 X. violaceum , 8 X. sagittifolium (ambas comestibles), 1 X. robustum , 6 X . wendlandii , 6 X. mexicanum , 2 X. at rovirens monstrosum (ornamental) y 22 X . spp (sin identificar). 74.6 % provienen de la Región Central, 19.0 % del Pacifico y 6.3 % del Caribe, la menos explorada. 76.2 % de las accesiones tienen hoja lisa sagitada, 1.6 % entera ondulada, 9.5% pubescente sa gitada, 3.2 % con ápice en forma de cono y 9.5 % lobulada lisa. 96.8 % de las hojas son verde y 3.2 % variegada ( X. atrovirens monstrosum ) . El 27 % de las accesiones producen estolones y 73 % cormelos. 61.5 % presentan seudotallo color verde, 28.6 % púrp ura y 9.5 % jaspeado. E n e l AA preliminar las accesiones formaron 2 grupos ( silvestres y cultivados ). 63 % de la variación total lo provocan un componente de 4 variables, y dos de 2 variables. El banco de germoplasma in vitro , la colección viva y el herbar io evidencian la variabilidad de Xanthosoma en Nicaragua.

Efecto de enmiendas organicas, trichoderma, microorganismos eficientes y metalaxil en el manejo de mal seco (Pythium myriotylum Drechs) en quequisque (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) en suelo infectado en maceteras, mayo 2009-octubre 2010

El mal seco (Pythium myriotylum Drechs) reduce 90-100% la producción de quequisque. Con intención de aportar a la solución del problema se establecieron dos ensayos en maceteras, mayo 2009-octubre 2010, en esquema de diseño completo al azar (DCA). El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de compost, humus de lombriz, dry, dry + humega, humega, trichoderma, microorganismos eficientes y metalaxil sobre el comportamiento agronómico de las plantas de quequisque (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) infectadas con Pythium myriotylum. Ensayo I: Efecto de enmiendas orgánicas y trichoderma en vitroplantas (compost, humus de lombriz, dry, dry + humega, humega, trichoderma, testigo negativo (-) (suelo esterilizado a 105 oC por 24 horas) y testigo positivo (+) (suelo infectado sin ninguna aplicación)). Se emplearon 20 observaciones por tratamiento. Se utilizaron vitroplantas del cultivar Quequisque Blanco. Se empleó suelo con antecedentes de mal seco proveniente de Nueva Guinea. Ensayo II: Efecto de trichoderma, microorganismos eficientes y metalaxil en plantaspropagadas convencionalmente (trichoderma, EM, metalaxil, testigo (-) (suelo esterilizado a 220 ºC por 48 horas) y testigo (+) (suelo infectado sin ninguna aplicación)). Se emplearon 11 observaciones por tratamiento. Se evaluaron variables morfológicas, de rendimiento, raíz y sobrevivencia de las plantas. En el Ensayo I los tratamientos compost y testigo (-) fueron significativamente superiores en las variables morfológicas excepto el número de hijos. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos en rendimiento, a excepción del largo de cormos donde humus de lombriz registró los cormos demenor longitud. Las plantas en compost, humus de lombriz y testigo (-) presentaron raíces al momento de la cosecha, las plantas de los demás tratamientos estaban muertas. En el Ensayo II el tratamiento metalaxil registró plantas significativamente superiores en altura, ancho y largo de la hoja y diámetro del pseudotallo a 32 y 74 dds. En las dos evaluaciones finales (127 y 193 dds) no hubo diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos en las variables morfológicas. Todas las plantas presentaron escaso crecimiento, producción y pocas raíces. A la cosecha las plantas presentaban un rango de sobrevivencia de 70-100%.

Las relaciones entre texto y música en la producción del rey Don Denis de Portugal

Integran este número de la revista ponencias presentadas en Studia Hispanica Medievalia VIII: Actas de las IX Jornadas Internacionales de Literatura Española Medieval, 2008, y de Homenaje al Quinto Centenario de Amadis de Gaula.

Ecological condition of coastal ocean waters along the U.S. Western Continental Shelf: 2003

Executive Summary: The western National Coastal Assessment (NCA-West) program of EPA, in conjunction with the NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS), conducted an assessment of the status of ecological condition of soft sediment habitats and overlying waters along the western U.S. continental shelf, between the target depths of 30 and 120 m, during June 2003. NCA-West and NOAA/NOS partnered with the West Coast states (Washington (WA), Oregon (OR), and California (CA)), and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) Bight ’03 program to conduct the survey. A total of 257 stations were sampled from Cape Flattery, WA to the Mexican border using standard methods and indicators applied in previous coastal NCA projects. A key study feature was the incorporation of a stratified-random sampling design with stations stratified by state and National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) status. Each of the three states was represented by at least 50 random stations. There also were a total of 84 random stations located within NOAA’s five NMSs along the West Coast including the Olympic Coast NMS (OCNMS), Cordell Bank NMS (CBNMS), Gulf of Farallones NMS (GFNMS), Monterey Bay NMS (MBNMS), and Channel Islands NMS (CINMS). Collection of flatfish via hook-and-line for fish-tissue contaminant analysis was successful at 50 EMAP/NCA-West stations. Through a collaboration developed with the FRAM Division of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, fish from an additional 63 stations in the same region and depth range were also analyzed for fish-tissue contaminants. Bottom depth throughout the region ranged from 28 m to 125 m for most stations. Two slightly deeper stations from the Southern California Bight (SCB) (131, 134 m) were included in the data set. About 44% of the survey area had sediments composed of sands (< 20% silt-clay), about 47% was composed of intermediate muddy sands (20-80% silt-clay), and about 9% was composed of muds (> 80% silt-clay). The majority of the survey area (97%) had relatively low percent total organic carbon (TOC) levels of < 2%, while a small portion (< 1%) had high TOC levels (> 5%), in a range potentially harmful to benthic fauna. Salinity of surface waters for 92% of the survey area were > 31 psu, with most stations < 31 psu associated with the Columbia River plume. Bottom salinities ranged only between 31.6 and 34.4 psu. There was virtually no difference in mean bottom salinities among states or between NMS and non-NMS stations. Temperatures of surface water (range 8.5 -19.9 °C) and bottom water (range 5.8 -14.7 °C) averaged several degrees higher in CA in comparison to WA and OR. The Δσt index of watercolumn stratification indicated that about 31% of the survey area had strong vertical stratification of the water column. The index was greatest for waters off WA and lowest for CA waters. Only about 2.6 % of the survey area had surface dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations ≤ 4.8 mg/L, and there were no values below the lower threshold (2.3 mg/L) considered harmful to the survival and growth of marine animals. Surface DO concentrations were higher in WA and OR waters than in CA, and higher in the OC NMS than in the CA sanctuaries. An estimated 94.3% of the area had bottom-water DO concentrations ≤ 4.8 mg/L and 6.6% had concentrations ≤ 2.3 mg/L. The high prevalence of DO from 2.3 to 4.8 mg/L (85% of survey area) is believed to be associated with the upwelling of naturally low DO water across the West Coast shelf. Mean TSS and transmissivity in surface waters (excluding OR due to sample problems) were slightly higher and lower, respectively, for stations in WA than for those in CA. There was little difference in mean TSS or transmissivity between NMS and non-NMS locations. Mean transmissivity in bottom waters, though higher in comparison to surface waters, showed little difference among geographic regions or between NMS and non-NMS locations. Concentrations of nitrate + nitrite, ammonium, total dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and orthophosphate (P) in surface waters tended to be highest in CA compared to WA and OR, and higher in the CA NMS stations compared to CA non-sanctuary stations. Measurements of silicate in surface waters were limited to WA and CA (exclusive of the SCB) and showed that concentrations were similar between the two states and approximately twice as high in CA sanctuaries compared to OCNMS or nonsanctuary locations in either state. The elevated nutrient concentrations observed at CA NMS stations are consistent with the presence of strong upwelling at these sites at the time of sampling. Approximately 93% of the area had DIN/P values ≤ 16, indicative of nitrogen limitation. Mean DIN/P ratios were similar among the three states, although the mean for the OCNMS was less than half that of the CA sanctuaries or nonsanctuary locations. Concentrations of chlorophyll a in surface waters ranged from 0 to 28 μg L-1, with 50% of the area having values < 3.9 μg L-1 and 10% having values > 14.5 μg L-1. The mean concentration of chlorophyll a for CA was less than half that of WA and OR locations, and concentrations were lowest in non-sanctuary sites in CA and highest at the OCNMS. Shelf sediments throughout the survey area were relatively uncontaminated with the exception of a group of stations within the SCB. Overall, about 99% of the total survey area was rated in good condition (<5 chemicals measured above corresponding effect range low (ERL) concentrations). Only the pesticides 4,4′-DDE and total DDT exceeded corresponding effect range-median (ERM) values, all at stations in CA near Los Angeles. Ten other contaminants including seven metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ag, Zn), 2-methylnaphthalene, low molecular weight PAHs, and total PCBs exceeded corresponding ERLs. The most prevalent in terms of area were chromium (31%), arsenic (8%), 2-methylnaphthalene (6%), cadmium (5%), and mercury (4%). The chromium contamination may be related to natural background sources common to the region. The 2-methylnaphthalene exceedances were conspicuously grouped around the CINMS. The mercury exceedances were all at non-sanctuary sites in CA, particularly in the Los Angeles area. Concentrations of cadmium in fish tissues exceeded the lower end of EPA’s non-cancer, human-health-risk range at nine of 50 EMAP/NCA-West and nine of 60 FRAM groundfish-survey stations, including a total of seven NMS stations in CA and two in the OCNMS. The human-health guidelines for all other contaminants were only exceeded for total PCBs at one station located in WA near the mouth of the Columbia River. Benthic species richness was relatively high in these offshore assemblages, ranging from 19 to 190 taxa per 0.1-m2 grab and averaging 79 taxa/grab. The high species richness was reflected over large areas of the shelf and was nearly three times greater than levels observed in estuarine samples along the West Coast (e.g NCA-West estuarine mean of 26 taxa/grab). Mean species richness was highest off CA (94 taxa/grab) and lower in OR and WA (55 and 56 taxa/grab, respectively). Mean species richness was very similar between sanctuary vs. non-sanctuary stations for both the CA and OR/WA regions. Mean diversity index H′ was highest in CA (5.36) and lowest in WA (4.27). There were no major differences in mean H′ between sanctuary vs. nonsanctuary stations for both the CA and OR/WA regions. A total of 1,482 taxa (1,108 to species) and 99,135 individuals were identified region-wide. Polychaetes, crustaceans and molluscs were the dominant taxa, both by percent abundance (59%, 17%, 12% respectively) and percent species (44%, 25%, 17%, respectively). There were no major differences in the percent composition of benthic communities among states or between NMSs and corresponding non-sanctuary sites. Densities averaged 3,788 m-2, about 30% of the average density for West Coast estuaries. Mean density of benthic fauna in the present offshore survey, averaged by state, was highest in CA (4,351 m-2) and lowest in OR (2,310 m-2). Mean densities were slightly higher at NMS stations vs. non-sanctuary stations for both the CA and OR/WA regions. The 10 most abundant taxa were the polychaetes Mediomastus spp., Magelona longicornis, Spiophanes berkeleyorum, Spiophanes bombyx, Spiophanes duplex, and Prionospio jubata; the bivalve Axinopsida serricata, the ophiuroid Amphiodia urtica, the decapod Pinnixa occidentalis, and the ostracod Euphilomedes carcharodonta. Mediomastus spp. and A. serricata were the two most abundant taxa overall. Although many of these taxa have broad geographic distributions throughout the region, the same species were not ranked among the 10 most abundant taxa consistently across states. The closest similarities among states were between OR and WA. At least half of the 10 most abundant taxa in NMSs were also dominant in corresponding nonsanctuary waters. Many of the abundant benthic species have wide latitudinal distributions along the West Coast shelf, with some species ranging from southern CA into the Gulf of Alaska or even the Aleutians. Of the 39 taxa on the list of 50 most abundant taxa that could be identified to species level, 85% have been reported at least once from estuaries of CA, OR, or WA exclusive of Puget Sound. Such broad latitudinal and estuarine distributions are suggestive of wide habitat tolerances. Thirteen (1.2%) of the 1,108 identified species are nonindigenous, with another 121 species classified as cryptogenic (of uncertain origin), and 208 species unclassified with respect to potential invasiveness. Despite uncertainties of classification, the number and densities of nonindigenous species appear to be much lower on the shelf than in the estuarine ecosystems of the Pacific Coast. Spionid polychaetes and the ampharetid polychaete Anobothrus gracilis were a major component of the nonindigenous species collected on the shelf. NOAA’s five NMSs along the West Coast of the U.S. appeared to be in good ecological condition, based on the measured indicators, with no evidence of major anthropogenic impacts or unusual environmental qualities compared to nearby nonsanctuary waters. Benthic communities in sanctuaries resembled those in corresponding non-sanctuary waters, with similarly high levels of species richness and diversity and low incidence of nonindigenous species. Most oceanographic features were also similar between sanctuary and non-sanctuary locations. Exceptions (e.g., higher concentrations of some nutrients in sanctuaries along the CA coast) appeared to be attributable to natural upwelling events in the area at the time of sampling. In addition, sediments within the sanctuaries were relatively uncontaminated, with none of the samples having any measured chemical in excess of ERM values. The ERL value for chromium was exceeded in sediments at the OCNMS, but at a much lower percentage of stations (four of 30) compared to WA and OR non-sanctuary areas (31 of 70 stations). ERL values were exceeded for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, 2- methylnaphthalene, low molecular weight PAHs, total DDT, and 4,4′-DDE at multiple sites within the CINMS. However, cases where total DDT, 4,4′-DDE, and chromium exceeded the ERL values were notably less prevalent at CINMS than in non-sanctuary waters of CA. In contrast, 2-methylnaphthalene above the ERL was much more prevalent in sediments at the CINMS compared to non-sanctuary waters off the coast of CA. While there are natural background sources of PAHs from oil seeps throughout the SCB, this does not explain the higher incidence of 2-methylnaphthalene contamination around CINMS. Two stations in CINMS also had levels of TOC (> 5%) potentially harmful to benthic fauna, though none of these sites exhibited symptoms of impaired benthic condition. This study showed no major evidence of extensive biological impacts linked to measured stressors. There were only two stations, both in CA, where low numbers of benthic species, diversity, or total faunal abundance co-occurred with high sediment contamination or low DO in bottom water. Such general lack of concordance suggests that these offshore waters are currently in good condition, with the lower-end values of the various biological attributes representing parts of a normal reference range controlled by natural factors. Results of multiple linear regression, performed using full model procedures to test for effects of combined abiotic environmental factors, suggested that latitude and depth had significant influences on benthic variables regionwide. Latitude had a significant inverse influence on all three of the above benthic variables, i.e. with values increasing as latitude decreased (p< 0.01), while depth had a significant direct influence on diversity (p < 0.001) and inverse effect on density (p <0.01). None of these variables varied significantly in relation to sediment % fines (at p< 0.1), although in general there was a tendency for muddier sediments (higher % fines) to have lower species richness and diversity and higher densities than coarser sediments. Alternatively, it is possible that for some of these sites the lower values of benthic variables reflect symptoms of disturbance induced by other unmeasured stressors. The indicators in this study included measures of stressors (e.g., chemical contaminants, eutrophication) that are often associated with adverse biological impacts in shallower estuarine and inland ecosystems. However, there may be other sources of humaninduced stress in these offshore systems (e.g., bottom trawling) that pose greater risks to ambient living resources and which have not been captured. Future monitoring efforts in these offshore areas should include indicators of such alternative sources of disturbance. (137pp.) (PDF contains 167 pages)

Sea surface temperature and the distribution and apparent abundance of skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, 1951-1968

ENGLISH: Isograms of sea surface temperature (OC) have been produced for 1949-1968 for the areas of the eastern Pacific Ocean in which the majority of the skipjack catch is taken. These are in the immediate coastal zone, California (35° N) to Chile (20 0 S), and the Revillagigedo and Galapagos Islands groups. Skipjack occurrence and apparent abundance (as CSDF, i.e., catch per standard days fishing, standardized in purse-seiner units) for 1951-1968 were then superimposed on the surface temperature isograms. Results show that skipjack occur at surface temperatures> 17° C but with the majority between 20°-30° C. Apparent abundance at CSDF > 1 ton/day is normally Iimited to 20°29° C water, except in two areas in certain years; from the Gulf of Tehuantepec to Cape Mala rates of 1-9 tons/day are relatively common at 29°-30° C, and off Chimbote (Peru) occasionally >9 tons/day are recorded down to 18° C. As expected there were no apparent relationships between annual thermal conditions in the coastal zone and skipjack abundance (total catch or indices of abundance) in the same or 2 subsequent years. An Appendix to the report determines the quantitative relationships between surface temperature and skipjack abundance in relatively small areal strata in Baja California waters in 1955 and 1958. Relationships generally appeared significant and opposite in these years when temperatures were respectively anomalously cold and warm. SPANISH: Se han producido isogramas de la temperatura de la superficie del mar (OC) para 1949-1968 correspondientes a las áreas del Océano Pacífico oriental en donde se obtiene la mayor parte de la captura de barrilete. Estas se encuentran ubicadas en la zona costanera inmediata, desde California (35°N) hasta Chile (200S) y en las Islas Revillagigedo y Galápagos. La ocurrencia de barrilete y su abundancia aparente (expresada como CDSP standardizada en unidades de cerqueros) para 1951-1968 fueron luego superpuestas en los isogramas de la temperatura superficial. Los resultados demuestran que el barrilete aparece en temperaturas superficiales de > 17°C pero la mayoría entre los 20°C-30°C. La abundancia aparente de la CDSP > 1 tonelada/día se limita normalmente a aguas de 20°-29°C, excepto en dos áreas en ciertos años; desde el Golfo de Tehuantepec a Cabo Mala las tasas de 1-9 toneladas/día son relativamente comunes en los 29°-30°C, y frente a Chimbote (Perú) se registran ocasionalmente> 9 toneladas/día a una temperatura tan fría como de 18°C. Como era de esperarse no existió una relación aparente entre las condiciones térmicas anuales de la zona costanera y la abundancia del barrilete (captura total o índices de abundancia) en el mismo año o en los 2 años siguientes. Un Apéndice del informe determina la relación cuantitativa entre la temperatura superficial y la abundancia del barrilete en un estrato de áreas relativamente pequeño en las aguas de Baja California en 1955 y 1968. Las relaciones generalmente aparecieron significativas y opuestas en esos años cuando las temperaturas fueron respectivamente anómalamente frías y calientes. (PDF contains 53 pages.)

Quantum Efficiency And Temperature Coefficients Of Gainp/Gaas Dual-Junction Solar Cell

GaInP/GaAs dual-junction solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 25.2% has been fabricated using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. Quantum efficiencies of the solar cell were measured within a temperature range from 25 to 160A degrees C. The results indicate that the quantum efficiencies of the subcells increase slightly with the increasing temperature. And red-shift phenomena of absorption limit for all subcells are observed by increasing the cell's work temperature, which are consistent with the viewpoint of energy gap narrowing effect. The short-circuit current density temperature coefficients dJ (sc)/dT of GaInP subcell and GaAs subcell are determined to be 8.9 and 7.4 mu A/cm(2)/A degrees C from the quantum efficiency data, respectively. And the open-circuit cell voltage temperature coefficients dV (oc)/dT calculated based on a theoretical equation are -2.4 mV/A degrees C and -2.1 mV/A degrees C for GaInP subcell and GaAs subcell.

Regulation of mitochondrial division by the Drp1 receptors

Mitochondria can remodel their membranes by fusing or dividing. These processes are required for the proper development and viability of multicellular organisms. At the cellular level, fusion is important for mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, mitochondrial DNA maintenance, mitochondrial membrane potential, and respiration. Mitochondrial division, which is better known as fission, is important for apoptosis, mitophagy, and for the proper allocation of mitochondria to daughter cells during cellular division.

The functions of proteins involved in fission have been best characterized in the yeast model organism Sarccharomyces cerevisiae. Mitochondrial fission in mammals has some similarities. In both systems, a cytosolic dynamin-like protein, called Dnm1 in yeast and Drp1 in mammals, must be recruited to the mitochondrial surface and polymerized to promote membrane division. Recruitment of yeast Dnm1 requires only one mitochondrial outer membrane protein, named Fis1. Fis1 is conserved in mammals, but its importance for Drp1 recruitment is minor. In mammals, three other receptor proteins—Mff, MiD49, and MiD51—play a major role in recruiting Drp1 to mitochondria. Why mammals require three additional receptors, and whether they function together or separately, are fundamental questions for understanding the mechanism of mitochondrial fission in mammals.

We have determined that Mff, MiD49, or MiD51 can function independently of one another to recruit Drp1 to mitochondria. Fis1 plays a minor role in Drp1 recruitment, suggesting that the emergence of these additional receptors has replaced the system used by yeast. Additionally, we found that Fis1/Mff and the MiDs regulate Drp1 activity differentially. Fis1 and Mff promote constitutive mitochondrial fission, whereas the MiDs activate recruited Drp1 only during loss of respiration.

To better understand the function of the MiDs, we have determined the atomic structure of the cytoplasmic domain of MiD51, and performed a structure-function analysis of MiD49 based on its homology to MiD51. MiD51 adopts a nucleotidyl transferase fold, and binds ADP as a co-factor that is essential for its function. Both MiDs contain a loop segment that is not present in other nucleotidyl transferase proteins, and this loop is used to interact with Drp1 and to recruit it to mitochondria.

Síntese, caracterização e avaliação da capacidade bactericida de copolímeros à base de 2-vinilpiridina funcionalizados

Neste trabalho, dois copolímeros à base de 2-vinilpiridina (2Vpy), estireno (Sty) e divinilbenzeno (DVB) foram sintetizados empregando a técnica de polimerização em suspensão aquosa via radical livre. Os copolímeros com diferentes características morfológicas foram preparados variando a composição da mistura diluente, constituída por tolueno e n-heptano, solventes solvatantes e não solvatantes para as cadeias poliméricas. A caracterização estrutural desses materiais foi feita através de medidas de área específica, volume de poros, diâmetro médio de poros e densidade aparente. Além disso, esses materiais foram avaliados por microscopia ótica e eletrônica de varredura, por espectroscopia na região do infravermelho (FTIR), análise termogravimétrica (TGA) e análise elementar. Os copolímeros Sty-DVB-2Vpy foram modificados quimicamente através de reação de quaternização das unidades de 2Vpy usando dois reagentes: iodeto de metila e acrilonitrila. A quaternização dos copolímeros Sty-DVB-2Vpy foi confirmada através de espectroscopia de infravermelho, pelo aparecimento das bandas de absorção características do íon peridíneo e do grupo nitrila e também pela análise do comportamento térmico. Os produtos dessas reações foram submetidos à avaliação da capacidade bactericida através do método de contagem em placas contra suspensão de Escherichia coli. O copolímero do tipo gel quaternizado com iodeto de metila apresentou a maior ação bactericida registrada, com eficiência até a concentração de 104 células/mL. Contudo, a maioria dos materiais quaternizados não apresentou ação biocida significativa. Com o objetivo de maximizar a atividade bactericida dos materiais preparados, os copolímeros quaternizados e não quaternizados foram impregnados com iodo por meio de duas metodologias: em solução e em fase vapor. O teor de iodo incorporado foi quantificado por análise gravimétrica. Foi possível observar que os copolímeros quaternizados e impregnados com iodo se mostraram mais eficientes como agentes bactericidas que os copolímeros não funcionalizados impregnados com iodo. De uma forma geral, foi possível perceber que a ação bactericida dos polímeros é fruto da associação entre as suas características de porosidade, o grau de quaternização alcançado e o teor de iodo incorporado. Para efeito de comparação foram feitos também ensaios bactericidas com uma resina comercial à base de Sty-DVB com grupo amônio quaternário, VP OC 1950. Os testes mostraram que a resina comercial não possui atividade bactericida. A impregnação de iodo a essa resina comercial forneceu um material com ação biocida semelhante à do copolímero do tipo gel, quaternizado com iodeto de metila e impregnado com iodo