Cosmological Model in Four Time and Four Space Dimensions

We develop a cosmological model in a physical background scenario of four time and four space dimensions ((4+4)-dimensions or (4+4)-universe). We show that in this framework the (1+3)-universe is deeply connected with the (3+1)-universe. We argue that this means that in the (4+4)-universe there exists a duality relation between the (1+3)-universe and the (3+1)-universe.

Change Analysis of Land Use and Urban Growth in the Municipalities of Culiacan and Navolato, Sinaloa, Mexico Using Statistical Techniques and GIS

Previous analysis of land use and land cover changes help us to understand the range, importance and effects that this dynamic has in the environment and its relation with the human’s activities. This work consists in analyzing the land use/cover for the Municipalities of Culiacan and Navolato, Mexico, through statistical techniques and Geographic Information Systems. The methodology is allowed to determine the changes, gains, losses and transitions in the different categories in the period studied. The results show significant changes in the denominate categories, agriculture and forest. However, the greatest change is the increase of the urban areas. The knowledge in the studied area and its dynamics are carried out and this work serves as a reference to study, manage and plan for our territory.

Analysis of Rainfall Variables Trends and Potential Vegetation Responses in Sinaloa, México

Based on monthly data from 55 meteorological stations from the North Pacific Watershed, seven annual rainfall trends were estimated and analyzed using non-parametric tests. The estimated slopes were analyzed in a geographic context to determine a potential spatial arrangement. Finally a brief analysis of the potential vegetation response from the different physiographic regions and the implications in the productive analysis is discussed. The findings indicated divergent trends in all the proposed variables, in general increasing and drier trends were found. Latitude was the most relevant factor regarding trend behavior in geographic terms. The lack of awareness and apathy from the authorities in the region were found, plus the regional vulnerability may originate notorious and serious consequences if the proper measures are not taken into account.

Relationship between Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Nutrition and the Severity of the Vascular Fusariosis

The vascular fusariosis is one of the main obstacles in the tomato crop production. Currently, the management of the nutrient solution is presented as a control option for fusariosis, for such reason different nutrient solutions with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) modifications;in four saladette tomato varieties Bony Best (BB), Manapal (M), Walter (W) and FLA were evaluated in this research, in order to analyze the damage caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) severity. Tomato plants were inoculated with 3 FOL breeds, establishing a completely random design with a factorial arrangement with six repetitions. Disease’s severity was evaluated 30 days after the inoculation using levels of (0 - 4) of the methodology established by Marlatt and Correll (1988). Afterwards, a statistical analysis was done through the Kruskal Wallis test, in which it was observed that treatments 93 (Ca 207 mg∙L-1, R3, variety BB), 95 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, variety W), 81 (0Ca, R3, BB) showed less disease severity. In the foliar analysis, the best treatments were 22 (193 mg∙L-1 N, R3, M) for N, the greatest P content was treatment 94 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, M) for K treatment three and 93 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, variety BB) greatest Ca content.

Pb and Cr Content in an Agricultural Soil Irrigated with Wastewater and Their Bioaccumulation in Alfalfa

Urban wastewater contains various pollutants, with heavy metals being common, posing risks to the environment and public health, especially when used for irrigation in agricultural systems. This study aimed to assess the total and bioavailable content of Pb and Cr in agricultural soil irrigated with wastewater and their accumulation in alfalfa crops. Five alfalfa sites were sampled, and ten surface soil samples were collected from the top 30 cm of each plot. Plant samples were also collected at each sampling point. A composite sample of irrigation water from the main channels was also collected and prepared. The concentration of heavy metals was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed concentrations of Pb and Cr (VI) in the irrigation water above the maximum permissible limits according to environmental regulations. The soil had high organic matter content, neutral pH, elevated electrical conductivity (EC), and Pb and Cr contents of up to 103 and 89 mg/kg, respectively. In alfalfa tissues, Pb and Cr concentrations were recorded at 26 mg/kg and 4.6 mg/kg, respectively (Cr (VI), with lower concentrations observed in the roots. Cr (VI) was higher at all sites, with ranges from 2.25 to 43.56, while lead (Pb) had an AR ranging from 0.64 to 27.04. The Pb presented a mean of 1.45 of the Bioaccumulation factor values, which can be considered a metal-accumulating plant.

ApoB-100, ApoE and CYP7A1 gene polymorphisms in Mexican patients with cholesterol gallstone disease

AIM: To determine the possible association of the ApoB100 (Xba Ⅰ ), ApoE (Hha Ⅰ ) and CYP7A1 (Bsa Ⅰ ) gene polymorphisms, with the development of cholesterol gallstone disease (GD) in a Mexican population. METHODS: The polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism, in two groups matched by ethnicity, age and sex: patients with GD (n = 101) and stone-free control subjects (n = 101). RESULTS: Allelic frequencies in patients and controls were: 34.16% vs 41.58% (P = 0.124) for X+of ApoB-100; 4.46% vs 5.94% (P = 0.501) for E2, 85.64% vs 78.22% (P = 0.052) for E3, 9.90% vs 15.84% (P = 0.075) for E4 of ApoE; and 25.74% vs 27.72% (P = 0.653) for C of CYP7A1. Differences in genotypic frequencies between the studied groups were not significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that no association exists between the studied polymorphisms and cholelithiasis in this high prevalent population.

Normalized residual displacement spectra for post-mains

Residual displacement,as a significant measure of structural inelasticity,is effectively used in post-earthquake seismic assessment of structures.This demand can be considered for seismic evaluation of structures under multiple earthquakes.This study introduces a simple and novel index to predict the residual displacement of mainshock-damaged structures against subsequent aftershock.The proposed index is defined as a ratio between residual displacement of damaged structures against aftershock and peak inelastic displacement of intact structures under mainshock.In this study,constantstrength spectra based on the index are developed considering the effects of important structural characteristics and also significant seismic parameters.Moreover,analytical equations are presented to predict the proposed index for bi-linear single-degree-of-freedom(SDOF)systems considering both the effects of positive and negative polarities of aftershock.Furthermore,an equation is suggested to estimate the peak inelastic displacement of intact systems under mainshock,which is required to compute the index.

Novel TINF2 gene mutation in dyskeratosis congenita with extremely short telomeres:A case report

BACKGROUND Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare disease characterized by bone marrow failure and a clinical triad of oral leukoplakia,nail dystrophy,and abnormal skin pigmentation.The genetics of dyskeratosis congenita include mutations in genes involved in telomere maintenance,including TINF2.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a female patient who presented thrombocytopenia,anemia,reticulate hyperpigmentation,dystrophy in fingernails and toenails,and leukoplakia on the tongue.A histopathological study of the skin showed dyskeratocytes;however,a bone marrow biopsy revealed normal cell morphology.The patient was diagnosed with dyskeratosis congenita,but her family history did not reveal significant antecedents.Whole-exome sequencing showed a novel heterozygous punctual mutation in exon 6 from the TINF2 gene,namely,NM_001099274.1:-c.854delp.(Val285-Alafs*32).An analysis of telomere length showed short telomeres relative to the patient’s age.CONCLUSION The disease in this patient was caused by a germline novel mutation of TINF2 in one of her parents.

Phenotypic Variation among and within Three Peppers Species(Capsicum)from Mexico

The phenotypic variation and its distribution among species,morphotypes,and among and within populations was estimated in 71 populations pertaining to 15 morphotypes of three domesticated species of Capsicum from Mexico.Collections were made in the states of Sinaloa,Nayarit,Oaxaca,Tabasco,and Yucatán in two agroecosystems:Backyard-garden and monoculture.Fifteen phenotypic characteristics were analyzed through one-way variance analysis and multivariate analyses of principal components analysis(PCA)and hierarchical clustering using Ward’s method.The study was performed in a uniform greenhouse experiment.A high variation was found among and within populations in all the measured characteristics.Of the total variation,13.0%was distributed among species,27.9%among morphotypes,8.1%among populations,and 51.0%within populations.Because plants grew in a uniform environment,these results indicate that the differences observed among and within species,morphotypes,and populations have a genetic basis.Univariate and multivariate analyses clearly differentiated morphotypes,suggesting that the category of morphotypes must be used to nominate the infraspecific variation in the domesticated Capsicum.The principal components analysis identified a total of 15 principal components that contributed to explain the total variation.The first two components explained 59.64%of the total variation and seven components explained more than 90%of the total variation.Among the measured characteristics,number of seed per fruit,weight of the fruit,width of the fruit,length of the fruit,stem diameter,days to flowering,and height of the plant contributed to component 1 variation,whereas width of the leaf,length of the leaf,and number of locules,number of fruits and number of seeds per plant contributed to component 2.The hierarchical clustering separated the populations and the morphotypes in two large different groups.One group consisted of populations collected in monoculture conditions and the other group corresponded to population collected from backyard-garden conditions.The monoculture populations were characterized mainly by their longer,wider,and higher weight fruits,plants were of less height,had smaller stem diameters,and lower number of fruits than the populations collected from the backyard-garden conditions.The backyard-garden populations of the Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens species,considered wild or semi-domesticated,constituted a non-differentiated phenotypic group that does not allow dividing them in different species.

Acceptability Properties and Antioxidant Pontential of Desi Chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum</i>L.) Cultivars

The acceptability properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant potential of four (red, green, brown, cream) desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars from the World Germplasm Bank were evaluated. Protein content of the grains varied from 20.12% to 28.85% (dw), highest for Cream ICC3421. The water absorption capacity (WAC) and cooking time (CT) of the whole grains ranged from 97.7 to 117.5 g water/100 g seeds (ww) and from 109.5 to 193.5 min, respectively;the highest WAC and lowest CT corresponded to Cream ICC3421 cultivar. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total hydrophilic antioxidant activity (AoxA) [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value] of desi chickpea cultivars varied from 746 to 1.286 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g sample (dw) and from 43.9 to 53.9 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g sample (dw);Brown ICC3512 showed the highest ORAC value. Chickpea cultivars could contribute significantly to the management and/or prevention of degenerative diseases associated with free radical damage.

Optimization of Extrusion Process for Producing High Antioxidant Instant Amaranth (<i>Amaranthus hypochondriacus</i>L.) Flour Using Response Surface Methodology

The objective of this research was to determine the best combination of extrusion process variables for the production of a high antioxidant extruded amaranth flour (EAF) suitable to elaborate a nutraceutical beverage. Extrusion operation conditions were obtained from a factorial combination of process variables: Extrusion temperature (ET, 70℃ - 130?℃) and screw speed (SS, 100 - 220 rpm). Response surface methodology was employed as optimization technique;both the numeric and graphical methods were applied to obtain maximum values for response variables [Antioxidant capacity (AoxC) and water solubility index (WSI)]. The best combination of extrusion process variables was: Extrusion tem- perature (ET) = 130℃/Screw speed (SS) = 124 rpm. The raw amaranth flour (RAF) and optimized extruded amaranth flour (EAF) had an antioxidant activity of 3475 and 3903 μmol Trolox equivalents/100 g sample (dw), respectively. A 200 mL portion of the beverage prepared with 22 g of optimized EAF contained 3.16 g proteins, 1.09 g lipids, 17.39 g carbohydrates and 92 kcal. This portion covers 25.3% and 16.9% of the daily protein requirements for children 1-3 and 4 - 8 years old, respectively. A 200 mL portion of the beverage from optimized EAF contributes with 15.5% - 25.5% of the recommended daily intake for antioxidants, respectively. The nutraceutical beverage was evaluated with an average acceptability of 8.4 (level of satisfaction between “I like it” and “I like it extremely”) and could be used for health promotion and disease prevention as an alternative to beverages with low nutritional/nutraceutical value.

Trichoderma spp.and Bacillus spp.as growth promoters in maize(Zea mays L.)

Microbes that are beneficial to plants are used to enhance the crop growth,yield and are alternatives to chemical fertilizers.Trichoderma and Bacillus are the predominant plant growth-promoting fungi and bacteria.The objective of this study was select,characterize,and evaluate isolates of Trichoderma spp.and Bacillus spp.native from the northern region of Sinaloa,Mexico,and assess their effect on growth promotion in maize(Zea mays L.).In greenhouse conditions,four Trichoderma isolates and twenty Bacillus isolates,as well as two controls,were tested in a completely randomized design with three replicates.We selected the two best strains of Trichoderma and Bacillus:TB=Trichoderma asperellum,TF=Trichoderma virens,B14=Bacillus cereus sensu lato and B17=Bacillus cereus,which were evaluated in the field in a completely randomized blocks in factorial arrangement design with three replicates applying different rates of nitrogen fertilizer(0,150 kg N/ha,and 300 kg N/ha).Treatments 5(B17=B.cereus)and 11(TF=T.virens)both fertilized with 150 kg N/ha showed similar yields and they did not reveal significant differences from the treatments fertilized with 300 kg N/ha.This indicated that treatment 5(B17=B.cereus with 150 kg N/ha)and treatment 11(TF=T.virens with 150 kg N/ha)were efficient as growth promoters,by not showing significant differences in root volume and dry weight of foliage.The results indicated a reduction of 50% in the rate of nitrogen to fertilizer required for maize(Zea mays L.)crops.These microorganisms Trichoderma and Bacillus could be an alternative to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in maize.

Influence of Close-Up Starting Programs on Performance of Light-Weight Feedlot Steers Calves during the Early Receiving Period

The influence of close-up feed strategies on growth performance and dietary NE in light-weight feedlot steers during a 56 d receiving period was evaluated. Dietary treatments were formulated to meet the average metabolizable amino acid requirements of calves during 1) the initial 7 d;2) the initial 14 d;and 3) the initial 21 d following arrival into the feedlot, assuming average interval DMI of 2.8, 3.0, and 3.6 kg/d, respectively. Thereafter, all steers received dietary treatment 3. Fish meal was the source of supplemental protein. One hundred eight medium-framed crossbred steers (168.4 ± 5.0 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 18 pen groups (6 steers per pen). P-value (≤0.10) was considered as statistically significant. Daily weight gain (linear effect, P = 0.09) and gain efficiency (linear effect, P = 0.08) decreased as the close-up interval increased. DMI was not influenced by feeding program (P = 0.46). The ratio of observed to expected dietary NEm (linear effect P = 0.06) and NEg (linear effect, P = 0.05) decreased as length of close-up interval increased. Morbidity was low (18%) and not affected (P > 0.40) by dietary treatments. It is concluded that the addition of a close-up diet formulated to meet the metabolizable amino acid requirements of shipping stressed calves during the initial 7 d in the feedlot, when feed intakes are comparatively low, will have long-term beneficial effect on cattle growth performance and dietary NE.

Diagnosing Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis with the Xpert^®MTB/RIF. The Risk for Rifampin Susceptible Cases

Setting: Tuberculosis clinic in México. Objective: Since the Xpert&reg;MTB/RIF does not detect resistance to isoniazid, our objective was to emphasize the need for additional drug susceptibility testing. Design: A prospective study. All patients with an Xpert&reg;MTB/RIF and a positive tuberculosis culture with drug susceptibility testing were included. Results: 70 patients were included. Forty-two (60%) had a history of previous treatment for TB. Fourteen patients (20%) had a strain resistant to isoniazid (H), twelve of them (85.7%) with a history of TB treatment in the past vs. 2 (7.1%) among new cases (p = 0.028). Four patients (5.7%) had resistance to rifampin (R);three of them were previously treated cases. Additionally, six patients with a negative Xpert test (8.6%) had a positive MGIT culture;three of them were resistant to H (the 3 were poly-resistant). Two patients with a positive Xpert&reg;MTB/RIF test without R resistance were phenotypically multidrug-resistant. Conclusion: Isoniazid resistance is associated with overall increased treatment failure, relapse, and acquired multidrug resistance in patients treated with regimens containing only first-line tuberculosis drugs. It is urgent that national TB programs implement the necessary infrastructure to complement the Xpert&reg;MTB/RIF results with DST either by phenotypic or genotypic methods.

Alpha Centauri System and Meteorites Origin

We propose a mathematical model for determining the probability of meteorite origin, impacting the earth. Our method is based on axioms similar to both the complex networks and emergent gravity. As a consequence, we are able to derive a link between complex networks and Newton’s gravity law, and as a possible application of our model we discuss several aspects of the Bacubirito meteorite. In particular, we analyze the possibility that the origin of this meteorite may be alpha Centauri system. Moreover, we find that in order for the Bacubirito meteorite to come from alpha Cen and be injected into our Solar System, its velocity must be reduced one order of magnitude of its ejected scape velocity from alpha Cen. There are several ways how this could happened, for example through collision with the Oort cloud objects (located outside the boundary of our Solar System), and/or through collisions within the Solar meteorites belt (located between Mars and Jupiter). We also argue that it may be interesting to study the Bacubirito meteorite from the perspective of the recently discovered Oumuamua object.

Morphological Characterization and Phenological Modeling of <i>Jatropha platyphylla</i>(Euphorbiaceae) Muell. Arg. Genotypes

Morphological characterization and phenological modeling were carried out on genotypes of Jatropha platyphylla collected from the states of Sinaloa and Durango, Mexico. The morphological characterization evidenced the existence of monoecious plants, finding individuals with male and female flowers in the same inflorescence. Fruit with four seeds was also found. The phenological study was divided into two phases and calculated in thermal requirement (°D): Vegetative [seedtime (0), germination (24), emergence (98), cotyledons (87), second (302) and fourth (524) true leaves, end of vegetative growth (302)] and reproductive [flowering (303), fructification (342), maturation (126), defoliation and senescence (450)]. The thermal constant (2558) was similar in all eight genotypes. The phenological stages and the accumulated degree days were adjusted with a third-degree polynomial (Stage = -0.0041x3 + 0.7446x2 - 8.6808x + 6.2448) (R2 = 0.99%) stage. The development of phenological models facilitates the prediction of the flowering date for the selection of varieties with high oil and protein content.

Rooting of Stem Cuttings of <i>Jatropha platyphylla</i>(Euphorbiaceae) in the Obtaining of Axillary Buds for Grafting

Jatropha platyphylla is considered as a potential source of edible protein, oil, and phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. The use of stem cutting in vegetative propagation and grafting is as indispensable tools for mass multiplication of superior genotypes and helps in improve planting yield and quality. The study was aimed to investigate the effect of different diameters (10 - 15, 16 - 25 and 26 - 35 mm) and different hormone concentrations of indo-butyric acid (0, 1.5, 3, 6 and 10 g/L), in the rooting of Jatropha platyphylla and to obtain axillary buds to performed grafts. Rooting efficiency was 80% in greenhouse conditions. Hormone concentration and diameter significantly affected the rooting and shooting ability of Jatropha platyphylla stem cuttings. Stem cuttings of 26 - 35 mm have the greatest number, length and dry root weight. 76% survival of the grafted plants was obtained. This demonstrates the necessity to improve the conventional propagation methods with appropriate scientific inputs for more economical and time efficient techniques for standard propagation protocols.

Sperm Quality in Holstein Bulls Friesian and Brahmans of Frozen Semen Commercially

The aim of this study was to assess sperm quality (motility, viability and acrosomal integrity) sperm from commercially frozen semen straws two breeds of bulls Bos taurus (holstein Frisian) and Bos indicus (Brahman). 9 commercial straws 0.5 ml of Holstein bull semen and 9 Brahman bull were thawed, they were kept for two hours at room temperature and motility, viability and acrosomal integrity (NAR) was assessed. The results were 30% motility, viability 40% and 30% of NAR in the Holstein breed. Brahma race for motility 40%, 50% and 40% viability was obtained NAR. In conclusion, according to the results of the variables analyzed, the Brahman breed in sperm quality was better than the Holstein breed;however, the results of both races meet minimum standards of quality sperm for use in artificial insemination (AI) field level.

Spectral Comparison of Real Spectra with Site Effects Included vs MOC-2008 Teorical Spectra for Guadalajara City, Mexico

Guadalajara city is the capital of the Mexican federal state of Jalisco. It is located close to the Pacific coast and is subjected to a large seismic risk. We present a seismic response study for some sites along the city. We calculated response spectra of shear-waves by using seismic records of actual earthquakes registered on rock and near the source as Green functions and propagated them trough a flat and horizontal layered media using a linear equivalent method to compare them with the response spectra calculated according to the Federal Commission of Electricity (CFE) seismic design buildings Manual (MOC-2008, 2008) which is widely used as reference on construction projects in Mexico. Our results show that MOC-2008 manual underestimates the spectral amplitudes and frequency band for the response spectra.

Blue-Red Tuning Emission of ZnO: Europium Quantum Dots with Different Excitation Wavelengths

Optoelectronic applications require the development of new fluorescent and efficient luminescent materials, free of toxicity, low in cost, and easy to produce. In this way the synthesis of zinc-oxide (ZnO) quantum dots (QDs) has recently received special attention due to their good optical, electrical and chemical properties with low production costs and blue light emission. In this work ZnO QDs were successfully doped with europium in order to obtain a tunable emission luminescence from blue emission of ZnO to red emission of europium as a function of wavelength excitation. Results show an efficient blue to red tuning when the excitation wavelength was changed from 317 nm to 395 nm, respectively. This opens the possibility of having new optical devices to produce different color emission using the same material.