National Autonomous University of Mexico

About: National Autonomous University of Mexico is a education organization based out in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 72868 authors who have published 127797 publications receiving 2285543 citations. The organization is also known as: UNAM & Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

The Luminosity Function and Initial Mass Function in the Galactic Bulge

Abstract: We present deep photometry obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope in a field in Baade's window in the Galactic bulge. We derive a luminosity function down to I ~ 24.3, or V ~ 27.5, corresponding to M ~ 0.3 M_☉. The luminosity function from the turnoff down to this level appears remarkably similar to that observed in the solar neighborhood. We derive a mass function using both an empirical local mass-luminosity relation and a mass-luminosity relation from recent stellar model calculations, allowing for the presence of binaries and photometric errors. The mass function has a power-law form with dN/dM ∝ M^(-2.2) for M ≳ 0.7 M_☉. However, we find strong evidence for a break in the mass function slope around 0.5–0.7 M_☉, with a significantly shallower slope at lower masses. The value of the slope for the low masses depends on the assumed binary fraction and the accuracy of our completeness correction. This mass function should directly reflect the initial mass function.

Impact of El Niño on precipitation in Mexico

Abstract: ENSO is capable of affecting normal climatic patterns around the world. El Nino, and its counterpart, La Nina, modify the normal precipitation patterns in Mexico. In general, during El Nino (La Nina) winters, precipitation increases (decreases) over northwestern Mexico, while it decreases (increases) in the region around the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. A southward shift in the position of the subtropical jet stream increases the number of Northerners over the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico. A summer El Nino causes a deficit in precipitation. Various mechanisms, associated with El Nino, result in negative precipitation anomalies over most of Mexico. Enhanced subsidence associated with a southward shift of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITZC), more intense trade winds, a decreased number of tropical cyclones over the Intra Americas Seas (IAS) and reduced relative humidity, may result in severe droughts. These elements produced major socioeconomic loses during the summer of 1997 that could be directly related to El Nino. During La Nina years, climate conditions return to normal or result in enhanced precipitation. Current seasonal prediction schemes appear to be skillful enough to provide useful information in the planning of certain socioeconomic activities.

Metal Ion Separations by Supported Liquid Membranes

Abstract: Carrier-mediated transport through supported liquid membranes is currently recognized as a potentially valuable technology for selective separation and concentration of toxic and valuable metal ions. In this paper, a review of the fundamental aspects concerning metal ion transport and the influencing factors are surveyed in terms of data modeling, membrane efficiency (permeability, selectivity, stability), and data acquisition and evaluation. An account of the information reviewed demonstrates the need for critical reflection on system performances in order to accomplish scaling up operations. On the same basis, an attempt to outline some future trends in the field is presented.

Human dental follicle cells acquire cementoblast features under stimulation by BMP-2/-7 and enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) in vitro.

Abstract: The dental follicle (DF) surrounding the developing tooth germ is an ectomesenchymal tissue composed of various cell populations derived from the cranial neural crest. Human dental follicle cells (HDFC) are believed to contain precursor cells for cementoblasts, periodontal ligament cells, and osteoblasts. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) produced by Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath or present in enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) seem to be involved in the control of DF cell differentiation, but their precise function remains largely unknown. We report the immunolocalization of STRO-1 (a marker of multipotential mesenchymal progenitor cells) and BMP receptors (BMPR) in DF in vivo. In culture, HDFC co-express STRO-1/BMPR and exhibit multilineage properties. Incubation with rhBMP-2 and rhBMP-7 or EMD for 24 h increases the expression of BMP-2 and BMP-7 by HDFC. Long-term stimulation of these cells by rhBMP-2 and/or rhBMP-7 or EMD significantly increases alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) and mineralization. Expression of cementum attachment protein (CAP) and cementum protein-23 (CP-23), two putative cementoblast markers, has been detected in EMD-stimulated whole DF and in cultured HDFC stimulated with EMD or BMP-2 and BMP-7. RhNoggin, a BMP antagonist, abolishes AP activity, mineralization, and CAP/CP-23 expression in HDFC cultures and the expression of BMP-2 and BMP-7 induced by EMD. Phosphorylation of Smad-1 and MAPK is stimulated by EMD or rhBMP-2. However, rhNoggin blocks only Smad-1 phosphorylation under these conditions. Thus, EMD may activate HDFC toward the cementoblastic phenotype, an effect mainly (but not exclusively) involving both exogenous and endogenous BMP-dependent pathways.