Source apportionment of the carcinogenic potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) associated to airborne PM10 by a PMF model.

PubMed

Callén, M S; Iturmendi, A; López, J M; Mastral, A M

2014-02-01

In order to perform a study of the carcinogenic potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), benzo(a)pyrene equivalent (BaP-eq) concentration was calculated and modelled by a receptor model based on positive matrix factorization (PMF). Nineteen PAH associated to airborne PM10 of Zaragoza, Spain, were quantified during the sampling period 2001-2009 and used as potential variables by the PMF model. Afterwards, multiple linear regression analysis was used to quantify the potential sources of BaP-eq. Five sources were obtained as the optimal solution and vehicular emission was identified as the main carcinogenic source (35 %) followed by heavy-duty vehicles (28 %), light-oil combustion (18 %), natural gas (10 %) and coal combustion (9 %). Two of the most prevailing directions contributing to this carcinogenic character were the NE and N directions associated with a highway, industrial parks and a paper factory. The lifetime lung cancer risk exceeded the unit risk of 8.7 x 10(-5) per ng/m(3) BaP in both winter and autumn seasons and the most contributing source was the vehicular emission factor becoming an important issue in control strategies.

[Prevalence of eating disorders in early adolescent students].

PubMed

Ruiz-Lázaro, P M; Comet, M P; Calvo, A I; Zapata, M; Cebollada, M; Trébol, L; Lobo, A

2010-01-01

To measure the prevalence of Eating Behavior Disorders (EBD) in Spanish early-adolescent students using standardized methods. A two-stage survey of prevalence of ED in a representative sample of 12 to 13 year old students in 2007 in Zaragoza (Spain). Standard evaluation: We used a two-phase cross sectional design, which involved the screening with questionnaires (EAT at a cutoff score of 20) and subsequent semi-structured interviews (SCAN) of screen-positive and screen-negative subjects. We calculated the sociodemographic characteristics, ED prevalence with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) with Confidence Interval Analysis (C.I.A.) disk version 2.0.0 (Altman et al, 2000). The study is financed by F.I.S. PI 05/2533 (Spain Health Department). In 2007 we studied 701 students seventh-grade, ages 12 to 13, girls and boys, in 9 public and private schools in Zaragoza (30 classrooms). In the second phase 164 preteens agreed to proceed with the clinical evaluation (63 at risk, high scorers; 101 selected sample not at risk). ED prevalence was 0.7% EDNOS F 50.9 (CI 95%: 0.3%-1.7%). The ICD-10 point prevalence rates of ED population in Spanish preteen students is similar to those reported for other developed countries. The prevalence of subclinical ED is substantially higher than that of full-syndrome.

The Astronomical Sanctuary of the Celtiberian Town of Segeda (Mará, Zaragoza, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burillo-Mozota, Francisco; Pérez-Gutiérrez, Manuel

2015-05-01

The Celtiberian town of Segeda (Mará, Zaragoza, Spain), with more than 45 ha of extension, was the largest pre-Roman settlement in the northern area of the Iberian Península (www.segeda.net). It was destroyed by the Roman army in 153 BC, a terminus ante quem for the construction of its peculiar sanctuary. The building was a large platform of about 312m2, bounded by two walls made up of large blocks of gypsum stone that converged in a strange angle of 120°. Its interior was paved and covered by sun-dried bricks, with no evidence of other outstanding structures. Its location, outside the city, next to the rampart and over a topographically prominent point, provided a privileged position because of the view it offered over its environment. The archaeoastronomical study started from a topographical survey by means of a topographic total station, complemented with a 360° photographic recording of the visible landscape and a measuring of the astronomical orientations. Several alignments of the platform with prominent points of the environment have been identified, arranged with the sunset at the summer solstice and the equinoxes. One of the sides of the structure is oriented with Astronomical North and a second one with the Minor Lunar Standstill, corresponding to the Metonic cycle.

Optimization of Laminated Composite Plates

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

plane loads has already been studied, and a number of technical publications and software packages can be found. In the present report, an optimization of...described above. There is no difficulty in any case, and comercial software , from personal computers to macro- systems, is available. In the chapter...Reforzado y su Aplicacion a los Medios de Transporte", Ph.D. University of Zaragoza, Spain, 1984. 77. Miravete A., "Caracterisation et mise au Point d’un

Development and Validation of a Scale to Assess Students' Attitude towards Animal Welfare

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazas, Beatriz; Rosario Fernández Manzanal, Mª; Zarza, Francisco Javier; Adolfo María, Gustavo

2013-07-01

This work presents the development of a scale of attitudes of secondary-school and university students towards animal welfare. A questionnaire was drawn up following a Likert-type scale attitude assessment model. Four components or factors, which globally measure animal welfare, are proposed to define the object of the attitude. The components are animal abuse for pleasure or due to ignorance (C1), leisure with animals (C2), farm animals (C3) and animal abandonment (C4). The final version of the questionnaire contains 29 items that are evenly distributed among the four components indicated, guaranteeing that each component is one-dimensional. A sample of 329 students was used to validate the scale. These students were aged between 11 and 25, and were from secondary schools in Aragon and the University in Zaragoza (Aragon's main and largest city, located in NE Spain). The scale shows good internal reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.74. The questionnaire was later given to 1,007 students of similar levels and ages to the sample used in the validation, the results of which are presented in this study. The most relevant results show significant differences in gender and level of education in some of the components of the scale, observing that women and university students rate animal welfare more highly.

Geophysical techniques applied to urban planning in complex near surface environments. Examples of Zaragoza, NE Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pueyo-Anchuela, Ó.; Casas-Sainz, A. M.; Soriano, M. A.; Pocoví-Juan, A.

Complex geological shallow subsurface environments represent an important handicap in urban and building projects. The geological features of the Central Ebro Basin, with sharp lateral changes in Quaternary deposits, alluvial karst phenomena and anthropic activity can preclude the characterization of future urban areas only from isolated geomechanical tests or from non-correctly dimensioned geophysical techniques. This complexity is here analyzed in two different test fields, (i) one of them linked to flat-bottomed valleys with irregular distribution of Quaternary deposits related to sharp lateral facies changes and irregular preconsolidated substratum position and (ii) a second one with similar complexities in the alluvial deposits and karst activity linked to solution of the underlying evaporite substratum. The results show that different geophysical techniques allow for similar geological models to be obtained in the first case (flat-bottomed valleys), whereas only the application of several geophysical techniques can permit to correctly evaluate the geological model complexities in the second case (alluvial karst). In this second case, the geological and superficial information permit to refine the sensitivity of the applied geophysical techniques to different indicators of karst activity. In both cases 3D models are needed to correctly distinguish alluvial lateral sedimentary changes from superimposed karstic activity.

[Contraceptive methods used by immigrant populations and conditions that influence the choice in a health area in Zaragoza].

PubMed

Sanjuán Domingo, R; Villaverde Royo, M V; Elías Villanueva, M P; Rodríguez Sanz, M L; Yagüe Sebastián, M M; Blasco Valle, M

2012-09-01

The percentage of women immigrants in Spain has increased in these last years, resulting in the emergence of specific needs related to sexual and reproductive health. The objective of this article was to define the contraceptive methods used by immigrant women and the determining factors that influence their choice. To estimate the use of emergency post-coital contraception and prevalence of abortion. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a survey was carried out in the first quarter of 2011 at the "Centro de Salud Delicias Sur" in Zaragoza, Spain. The target population were immigrant women of childbearing age between 15 and 45 years who attended the clinic. Non probability sampling was used. The mean age was 29.35 years (95% confidence interval (CI) = 27.95 to 30.75 years). The majority country of origin was Ecuador. Almost half the women were single and worked in paid employment. The educational level was considered as average. The average duration of residence in Spain was 5.68 years (95% CI = 4.99 to 6.37 years) and 42% of them (95% CI = 32.62 to 51.83) did not use any contraceptive method. The most used contraceptive method was the condom, followed by oral hormonal contraceptives. More than half of the women had been informed in Primary Care. Almost one third (32%) (95% CI = 23.42 to 41.60) of the women had a history of abortion. More than 19% of women (95% CI = 12.46 to 28.10) had used the emergency contraceptive method. Contraceptive methods were not used by 42% of women. The alert indicators on the failure of preventive measures in sexual health are still too high. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEMERGEN. All rights reserved.

Letters to the Editor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1998-03-01

All the Letters to the Editor in this issue are in the same PostScript or PDF file. Contents Comment on `Magnetic and electric field strengths of high voltage power lines and household appliances' José Luis Giordano Dept. de Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales y Fluidos, CPSI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain Twins paradox S R Carson Norton College, Malton, North Yorkshire, UK On alternative ways of finding the ratio of specific heats of gases Tomas Ficker Physics Department, Technical University of Brno, Czech Republic

Relation of runoff and soil erosion to weather types in the Mediterranean basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadal-Romero, Estela; Peña-Angulo, Dhais

2017-04-01

Nadal-Romero, E. (1), Peña-Angulo, D. (1), Albaladejo, J. (2), Andreu, V. (3), Bahri, H. (4), Bagarello, V. (5), Batalla, R., (6), Bienes, R. (7), Campo, J. (3), Campo-Bescós, M.A. (8), Canatario, A. (9), Cantón, Y. (10), Casali, J. (8), Castillo, V. (2), Cid, P. (11), Cortesi, N. (12), Desir, G. (13), Díaz, E. (2), Ferreira, C. (14), Ferro, V. (5), Giménez, R. (8), Gimeno, E. (3), Gómez, J.A. (15), Gómez-Gutiérrez, A. (16), González-Hidalgo, J.C. (1), Klotz, S. (17) Kosmas, C. (18), Lana-Renault, N. (19), Lasanta, T. (20), Lázaro, R., (21), Le Bissonnais, Y. (22), Le Bouteiller, C. (17), Licciardello, F. (23), López-Tarazón, J.A. (24), Lucía, A. (25), Marín, C. (13), Marqués, M.J., (26) Martínez-Fernández, J. (27), Martínez-Mena, M. (2), Martínez-Murillo, J.F. (28), Mateos, L. (15), Novara, A. (5), Pachecho, E. (29), Raclot, D. (22), Rodríguez-Blanco, M.L. (30), Romero-Díaz, A. (31), Rubio, J.L. (3), Ruiz-Sinoga, J.D. (28), Schnabel, S. (16), Simonneaux, V. (32), Solé-Benet, A. (21), Taguas, E.V. (33), Taboada-Castro, M.M. (30), Taboada-Casto, M.T. (30), Todisco, F. (34), Úbeda, X. (29), Varouchakis, E. A. (35), Zabaleta, A. (36), Zorn, M. (37) (1) Departamento de Geografía, Instituto Universitario de Ciencias Ambientales (IUCA), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (2) Soil and water conservation research group, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain (3) Degradación y conservación de suelos, Centro de Investigación sobre Desertificación (CIDE), Valencia, Spain (4) INRGREF, Tunis, Tunisia (5) Department of Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, University of Palermo, viale delle scienze, Palermo, Italy (6) Department de Medi Ambient, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain (7) Departamento Investigación Aplicada y Extensión Agraria. Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Madrid, Spain (8) Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agrónoma, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain (9) Polytechnic Institute of Catelo Branco, School of Agriculture (ESACB), Portugal (10) Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain (11) Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the Nactional Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, DF, Mexico (12) Centro Nacional de Supercomputacion, Department of Earth Sciences, Barcelona, Spain (13) Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (14) Centro de Estudos de Recursos Naturais, Ambiente e Sociedade (CERNAS), Coimbra Agrarian Technical School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal (15) Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible—CSIC, Córdoba, Spain (16) Grupo de Investigación GeoAmbiental (GIGA), Área de Geografía Física, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain (17) Department of Waters, National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture, France (18) Department of Natural Resources Management and Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece (19) Area of Physical Geography, Luis Vives Building, Luis de Ulloa Street, University of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain (20) Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, IPE-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain (21) Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, EEZA-CSIC, Almería, Spain (22) IRD, LISAH, Montpellier, France (23) Department of Agri-Food and Environmental Systems Management, University of Catania, Catania, Italy (24) Institute of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany (25) Center for Applied Geosciences. Faculty of Science, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Germany (26) Departamento de Geología y Geoquímica, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain (27) Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain (28) Departamento de Geografía, Grupo de Investigación Geografía Física y Territorio—RNM279, Andalucía Tech, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain (29) Grup de Recerca Ambiental Mediterrània, Departamento de Geografia Física i AGR, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain (30) Facultad de Ciencias and Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), University of A Coruña, Campus de A Coruña, Spain (31) Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain (32) French National Research Institut for Sustainable Development (IRD), CESBIO Laboratory, Toulouse, France. (33) Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica e I. de Montes, Departamento de Ingeniería Rural, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain (34) Departament of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy (35) Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Chania, Greece (36) Departamento de Geodinámica, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain (37) Geographical Institute, Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ljubljana, Slovenia Erosion processes and land degradation are recognized as one of the most significant environmental problems worldwide. In the Mediterranean region, intense erosion processes occur as a consequence of complex interactions between environmental conditions (e.g. climate, lithology) and human-related factors (e.g. history of human activity, land use changes) (García-Ruiz et al., 2013). Precipitation has been recognized as one of the main factors driving soil erosion. In climatology, one of the most common approaches in analyzing spatial and temporal precipitation variability is the circulation of weather types (WTs), which categorize the continuum of atmospheric circulation into a small number of classes or types. Flood generation and soil erosion are associated with specific weather conditions. Previous research in the Iberian Peninsula has analyzed the relationship between precipitation and specific WTs, demonstrating that specific WTs are the main drivers of precipitation and soil erosion in the different areas (Cortesi et al., 2014; Nadal-Romero et al., 2015). In this study, we present a preliminary analysis of WTs and runoff and soil erosion data from 50 study areas in the Mediterranean basin including different land uses. To do so,we have collected and jointed different research groups cross the Mediterranean Basin, and combined different databases (plots and small representative catchments) with the WT classification calculated using the NCEP/NCAR 40-Year Reanalysis Project. This pioneer research will be a valuable tool in understanding the relationships between weather types, precipitation and soil erosion dynamics. Acknowledgments Estela Nadal-Romero was the beneficiary of a "Ramón y Cajal" postdoctoral contract (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness). José Andrés López-Tarazón is in receipt of a Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship (Project ''Floodhazards'', PIEF-GA-2013-622468, Seventh EU Framework Programme). References Cortesi, N., González-Hidalgo, J.C., Trigo, R.M., Ramos, A.M., 2014. Weather types and spatial variability of precipitation in the Iberian Peninsula. International Journal of Climatology 34(8), 2661-2677. García-Ruiz, J.M., Nadal-Romero, E., Lana-Renault, N., Beguería, S., 2013. Erosion in Mediterranean landscapes: Changes and future challenges. Geomorphology 198, 20-36. Nadal-Romero, E., González-Hidalgo, J.C., Cortesi, N., Desir, G., Gómez, J.A., et al., 2015. Relationship of runoff, erosion and sediment yield to weather types in the Iberian Peninsula. Geomorphology 228, 372-381.

Modelling environmental variables for geohazards and georesources assessment to support sustainable land-use decisions in Zaragoza (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamelas, M. T.; Hoppe, A.; de la Riva, J.; Marinoni, O.

2009-10-01

Land-use decisions are usually made on the basis of a variety of criteria. While it is common practice to integrate economic, ecological and social (triple bottom line) criteria, explicit geoscientific factors are relatively rarely considered. If a planned land use involves an interaction with the geosphere, geoscientific aspects should be playing a more important role in the process. With the objective to facilitate a sustainable land-use decision-making a research project was initiated. The area around the city of Zaragoza, in the Ebro Basin of northern Spain, was chosen due to its high degree of industrialisation and urbanization. The area is exposed to several geohazards (e.g., sinkholes and erosion) that may have significant negative effects on current and future land uses. Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies are used to process the complex geoscientific information. Further GIS analysis comprised the creation of an erosion susceptibility map that follows the ITC (International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation) system of terrain analysis. The agricultural capability of the soil was determined using the Microleis System. We identify geomorphologic units that show high susceptibility to erosion and high agricultural potential and suggest a method to implement this information in a land-use planning process. Degraded slopes developed upon Tertiary rocks show the highest susceptibility to erosion and low values of agricultural capability, whereas the flat valley bottoms and irrigated flood plains have the highest values of agricultural capability.

Measurement of fine breathable particles (PM(2.5)) as a marker of environmental smoke in catering establishments in Zaragoza.

PubMed

Nerín, Isabel; Alayeto, Carmen; Córdoba, Rodrigo; López, María José; Nebot, Manel

2011-04-01

To estimate the levels of small breathable suspended particles (PM(2.5)) as atmospheric markers of environmental tobacco smoke in catering establishments in Zaragoza, Spain. An observational study was conducted between October 2006 and April 2008 in various catering establishments in Zaragoza. A SidePack Aerosol Monitor (AM510 model) was used to sample and record the levels of breathable suspended particles (PM(2.5)) indoors and outdoors, and the following variables were collected: smoking policy (smoking allowed, completely banned, or partially banned with non-smoking sections, physically separated or not); percentage of smokers and presence of cigarette ends, ashtrays or smokers in non-smoking sections. A total of 111 venues were sampled. The level of PM(2.5) was eight times higher in smoking venues than in non-smoking ones and also higher than outdoors. The correlation between the level of particles and percentage of smokers was 0.61 (P<.01). In the non-smoking sections without physical separation the level of particles was twice as much as outdoors and similar to physically separated smokers sections. Only a complete ban on smoking in all workplaces, including leisure venues, has been shown to have a positive effect on workers and customers health. The measurement of PM(2.5) can be a simple method to assess the presence of environmental tobacco smoke. Copyright © 2010 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Teaching Confidentiality through Comics at One Spanish Medical School.

PubMed

Lalanda, Mónica; Altisent, Rogelio; Delgado-Marroquín, Maria Teresa

2018-02-01

At the University of Zaragoza in Spain we developed an innovative way to teach the concept of confidentiality to medical students, which we tested by comparing the use of customized comics with more traditional methods. We proved that using comics is more attractive to students than lectures and class discussions, that it increases class participation and students' self-awareness of learning, and that it maintains the same academic results. We share our experience visually in a two-page comic. © 2018 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

Instability and its relation to precipitation over the Eastern Iberian Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iturrioz, I.; Hernández, E.; Ribera, P.; Queralt, S.

2007-04-01

Synoptic situations producing rainfall at four rawinsonde observatories at eastern Spain are classified as stratiform or convective depending on dynamic and thermodynamic instability indices. Two daily radiosonde and daily-accumulated precipitation data from four observatories in Eastern Spain are used: Madrid-Barajas (MB), Murcia (MU), Palma de Mallorca (PA) and Zaragoza (ZA). We calculated two thermodynamic instability indices from radiosonde data: CAPE and LI. Likewise, from ERA40 reanalysis data we have calculated the Q vector divergence over the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands, as a parameter describing dynamical instability. Synoptic situations producing rainfall were classified as convective or stratiform, satisfying a criterion based on the values of dynamic and thermodynamic indices at each observatory. It is observed that the number of days with stratiform precipitation related to the total number of precipitation days follows a consistent annual pattern.

Conservation genetics of the endangered Iberian steppe plant Ferula loscosii (Apiaceae).

PubMed

Pérez-Collazos, E; Catalán, P

2008-07-01

Ferula loscosii (Lange) Willk (Apiaceae) is a threatened endemic species native to the Iberian Peninsula. The plant has a narrow and disjunct distribution in three regions, NE, C and SE Spain. Genetic variability within and among 11 populations from its natural distribution was assessed using allozymes. Intermediate levels of genetic diversity were detected in F. loscosii (P(99%) = 36.83; H(E) = 0.125; H(T) = 0.152). However, the highest genetic diversity (58%) corresponded to the threatened populations from SE and C Spain (H(T) = 0.169) rather than the more abundant and larger populations from NE Spain (Ebro valley) (H(T) = 0.122). Low to moderate levels of genetic structure were found among regional ranges (G(ST) = 0.134), and several statistical spatial correlation analyses corroborated substantial genetic differentiation among the three main regional ranges. However, no significant genetic differentiation was found among the NE Spain populations, except for a northernmost population that is geographically isolated. Outcrossing mating and other biological traits of the species could account for the maintenance of the present values of genetic diversity within populations. The existence of an ancestral late Tertiary wider distribution of the species in SE and C Spain, followed by the maintenance of different Quaternary refugia in these warmer areas, together with a more recent and rapid post-glacial expansion towards NE Spain, are arguments that could explain the low genetic variability and structure found in the Ebro valley and the higher levels of diversity in the southern Iberian populations.

Analysis of pigments in polychromes by use of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castillejo, M.; Martín, M.; Silva, D.; Stratoudaki, T.; Anglos, D.; Burgio, L.; Clark, R. J. H.

2000-09-01

Two laser-based analytical techniques, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman microscopy, have been used for the identification of pigments on a polychrome from the Rococo period. Detailed spectral data are presented from analyses performed on a fragment of a gilded altarpiece from the church of Escatrón, Zaragoza, Spain. LIBS measurements yielded elemental analytical data which suggest the presence of certain pigments and, in addition, provide information on the stratigraphy of the paint layers. Identification of most pigments and of the materials used in the preparation layer was performed by Raman microscopy.

Catchments network on badlands around Mediterranean area (RESOBAM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Copard, Yoann; Lebouteiller, Caroline; Regues-Munoz, David; Latron, Jerome; Solé-Benet, Albert; Canton, Yolanda; Nadal-Romero, Estela; Della Seta, Marta; Rossi, Mauro; Capolongo, Domenico; Maquaire, Olivier; Forey, Estelle; Di-Giovanni, Christian; Gallart, Francesc; Delmonte, Maurizio; Vergari, Francesca; Massei, Nicolas; Torri, Dino

2016-04-01

Between 2013 and 2014, a network funded by MISTRALS-ENVIMED institution, was born around some instrumented catchments developing a badland-type morphology. This network has grouped 3 countries (France, Spain and Italy) with 12 scientific labs. RESOBAM has concerned two sites in France (Draix-Bléone and Vaches Noires), three in Spain (Vallcebre, Araguas and El Cautivo) and some sites in Italy (Tuscany, Basilicata). Main goal of this network was to federate the research around badlands at the European scale, by proposing some scientific topics as: sediment and water transports / budget, (bio)geochemical cycles, agricultural (farming), education, restoration, cultural heritage, soil conservation / biodiversity, climatic change etc. Other main interests were also to propose some common scientific projects and the development of students exchanges. This communication presents the synthesis of our four meetings held at Draix, Zaragoza, Almeriá and Rouen and some perspectives to continue this network.

Diplogonoporiasis presumably introduced into Spain: first confirmed case of human infection acquired outside the Far East.

PubMed

Clavel, A; Bargues, M D; Castillo, F J; Rubio, M D; Mas-Coma, S

1997-09-01

A 58-year-old man who was very fond of eating raw fish and had not left Zaragoza Province in Spain in the last 20 years excreted a short chain of gravid proglottids. Treatment with 50 mg/kg of paromomycin sulfate was divided into three doses, all given within the same day, followed by administration of a laxative at night. On days 1 and 2 post-treatment, several chains of degenerated proglottids were evacuated. Only eggs were expelled on days 3 and 4. A long complete strobila including the scolex, and immature, mature, and gravid segments was spontaneously discharged on day 25 after treatment. It was identified as Diplogonoporus balaenopterae, and was the first confirmed case of diplogonoporiasis outside the Far East (all previous cases were reported from Japan, except for one recent case reported from Korea). The origin of this case, outside of its normal geographic location, may be associated with the importation of fish into Spain. The viability of the infective larval stage is evidence of its resistance to export/import conditions. Treatment with paromomycin sulfate did not result in the whole worm being discharged but several short strobilar chains showed drug-induced degeneration.

NDVI statistical distribution of pasture areas at different times in the Community of Madrid (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín-Sotoca, Juan J.; Saa-Requejo, Antonio; Díaz-Ambrona, Carlos G. H.; Tarquis, Ana M.

2015-04-01

The severity of drought has many implications for society, including its impacts on the water supply, water pollution, reservoir management and ecosystem. However, its impacts on rain-fed agriculture are especially direct. Because of the importance of drought, there have been many attempts to characterize its severity, resulting in the numerous drought indices that have been developed (Niemeyer 2008). 'Biomass index' based on satellite image derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has been used in countries like United States of America, Canada and Spain for pasture and forage crops for some years (Rao, 2010). This type of agricultural insurance is named as 'index-based insurance' (IBI). IBI is perceived to be substantially less costly to operate and manage than multiple peril insurance. IBI contracts pay indemnities based not on the actual yield (or revenue) losses experienced by the insurance purchaser but rather based on realized NDVI values (historical data) that is correlated with farm-level losses (Xiaohui Deng et al., 2008). Definition of when drought event occurs is defined on NDVI threshold values mainly based in statistical parameters, average and standard deviation that characterize a normal distribution. In this work a pasture area at the north of Community of Madrid (Spain) has been delimited. Then, NDVI historical data was reconstructed based on remote sensing imaging MODIS, with 500x500m2 resolution. A statistical analysis of the NDVI histograms at consecutives 46 intervals of that area was applied to search for the best statistical distribution based on the maximum likelihood criteria. The results show that the normal distribution is not the optimal representation when IBI is available; the implications in the context of crop insurance are discussed (Martín-Sotoca, 2014). References Kolli N Rao. 2010. Index based Crop Insurance. Agriculture and Agricultural Science Procedia 1, 193-203. Martín-Sotoca, J.J. (2014) Estructura Espacial de la Sequía en Pastos y sus Aplicaciones en el Seguro Agrario. Master Thesis, UPM (In Spanish). Niemeyer, S., 2008: New drought indices. First Int. Conf. on Drought Management: Scientific and Technological Innovations, Zaragoza, Spain, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. [Available online at http://www.iamz.ciheam.org/medroplan/zaragoza2008/Sequia2008/Session3/S.Niemeyer.pdf.] Xiaohui Deng, Barry J. Barnett, Gerrit Hoogenboom, Yingzhuo Yu and Axel Garcia y Garcia 2008. Alternative Crop Insurance Indexes. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 40(1), 223-237. Acknowledgements First author acknowledges the Research Grant obtained from CEIGRAM in 2014

The impact of droughts and climate change on sinkhole occurrence. A case study from the evaporite karst of the Fluvia Valley, NE Spain.

PubMed

Linares, Rogelio; Roqué, Carles; Gutiérrez, Francisco; Zarroca, Mario; Carbonel, Domingo; Bach, Joan; Fabregat, Ivan

2017-02-01

This work introduces the concept that sinkhole frequency in some karst settings increases during drought periods. This conception is tested in a sector of the Fluvia River valley in NE Spain, where subsidence phenomena is related to the karstification of folded Eocene evaporite formations. In the discharge areas, the evaporites behave as confined aquifers affected by hypogene karstification caused by aggressive artesian flows coming form an underlying carbonate aquifer. A sinkhole inventory with chronological data has been constructed, revealing temporal clusters. Those clusters show a good correlation with drought periods, as revealed by precipitation, river discharge and piezometric data. This temporal association is particularly obvious for the last and current drought starting in 1998, which is the most intense of the record period (1940-present). Climatic projections based on recent studies foresee an intensification of the droughts in this sector of NE Spain, which could be accompanied by the enhancement of the sinkhole hazard and the associated risks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geological and environmental implications of the evaporite karst in Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutiérrez, F.; Calaforra, J. M.; Cardona, F.; Ortí, F.; Durán, J. J.; Garay, P.

2008-01-01

In Spain, evaporite outcrops cover approximately 7% of the total area of the country. Most of the evaporitic formations are made up of Ca-sulfates (gypsum/anhydrite) or Ca-sulfates and halite. Certain Paleogene marine evaporites also contain K-Mg-chlorides, and some Tertiary continental formations bear substantial amounts of Na-sulfates in the subsurface (glauberite and thenardite). Mesozoic evaporitic formations commonly wedge out towards the ground surface, passing into condensed sequences and dissolution-collapse breccias. Some of these highly porous breccias constitute major regional aquifers. In several areas, interstratal karstification of the evaporites has given rise to gravitational deformations such as basin structures, monoclines, and collapse structures covering several square kilometers that record a cumulative subsidence in excess of 200 m (Teruel and Calatayud Grabens). A widespread consequence of evaporite dissolution processes in Spain is the hydrochemical degradation of surface waters. Some of the largest and most outstanding lake systems, from an environmental perspective, occur in karstic depressions developed in evaporitic formations (Fuente de Piedra, Gallocanta, Bujaraloz, and Bañolas lakes). Sinkhole activity is a major geohazard in several evaporite karst areas. The sinkhole risk has a particularly high impact in sectors where Tertiary evaporites are overlain by Quaternary alluvial aquifers (Calatayud, Zaragoza, and Madrid areas). Some of the detrimental effects of subsidence include severe damage to historical monuments (Calatayud), the demolition of a whole village (Puilatos), or the derailment of a freight train (Zaragoza area). The deepest gypsum caves are found in Triassic diapiric structures (El Sumidor Cave, 210 m deep), and the longest ones are developed in horizontally lying Neogene sequences (Sorbas caves, and Estremera maze cave). The Cardona diapir hosts salt caves up to 4,300 m long whose genesis is related to flooding of mine galleries caused by the interception of a phreatic conduit. The main anthropogenic impacts on the endokarstic systems are related to the disposal of wastewaters and the destruction of caves by quarrying. The fluvial valleys that cross Tertiary evaporitic outcrops commonly show peculiar geological characteristics related to dissolution-induced synsedimentary subsidence phenomena: (1) Thickened alluvium filling dissolution basins up to several tens of kilometers long and more than 100 m deep. The largest thickenings are found in areas where the bedrock contains halite and glauberite. (2) Superimposed alluvial units locally bounded by angular unconformities. (3) Abundant deformational structures and paleosinkholes related to the rockhead and/or interstratal karstification of the substratum. These fluvial valleys typically are flanked by a prominent gypsum escarpment. Rock-falls favored by the dissolutional enlargement of joints derived from these scarps are the type of mass movement which has caused the highest number of casualties in Spain.

Lower- and higher-order aberrations predicted by an optomechanical model of arcuate keratotomy for astigmatism.

PubMed

Navarro, Rafael; Palos, Fernando; Lanchares, Elena; Calvo, Begoña; Cristóbal, José A

2009-01-01

To develop a realistic model of the optomechanical behavior of the cornea after curved relaxing incisions to simulate the induced astigmatic change and predict the optical aberrations produced by the incisions. ICMA Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. A 3-dimensional finite element model of the anterior hemisphere of the ocular surface was used. The corneal tissue was modeled as a quasi-incompressible, anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive behavior strongly dependent on the physiological collagen fibril distribution. Similar behaviors were assigned to the limbus and sclera. With this model, some corneal incisions were computer simulated after the Lindstrom nomogram. The resulting geometry of the biomechanical simulation was analyzed in the optical zone, and finite ray tracing was performed to compute refractive power and higher-order aberrations (HOAs). The finite-element simulation provided new geometry of the corneal surfaces, from which elevation topographies were obtained. The surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) of the simulated incisions according to the Lindstrom nomogram was computed by finite ray tracing. However, paraxial computations would yield slightly different results (undercorrection of astigmatism). In addition, arcuate incisions would induce significant amounts of HOAs. Finite-element models, together with finite ray-tracing computations, yielded realistic simulations of the biomechanical and optical changes induced by relaxing incisions. The model reproduced the SIA indicated by the Lindstrom nomogram for the simulated incisions and predicted a significant increase in optical aberrations induced by arcuate keratotomy.

PREFACE Surface Modifications and Functionalization of Materials for Biomedical Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endrino, Jose Luis; Puértolas, Jose A.; Albella, Jose M.

2010-11-01

Conference photograph This special issue contains selected papers which were presented as invited and contributed communications at the workshop entitled 'Surface modification and functionalization of materials for biomedical applications' (BIO-COAT 2010) which was held on 24 June 2010 in Zaragoza (Spain). The surface of a material plays a major role in its interaction with the biological medium. Processes related to the mechanical stability of articular devices in contact, osseointegration, thrombogenicity, corrosion and leaching, or the inflammatory response of rejection of a material, are clearly conditioned by the surface properties. Therefore, the modification or functionalization of surfaces can have an important impact on these issues. New techniques for functionalization by thin film deposition or surface treatments help to improve superficial properties, while understanding the interaction of the surface-biological medium is critical for their application in new devices. Jointly organized by the Spanish Materials Research Society, BIO-COAT 2010 provided an open forum to discuss the progress and latest developments in thin film processing and the engineering of biomaterials. Invited lectures were particularly aimed at providing overviews on scientific topics and were given by recognized world-class scientists. Two of them have contributed with a proceedings article to this selected collection (articles 012001 and 012008). The contributed communications were focused on particular cutting-edge aspects of thin film science and functionalization technologies for biomaterials, showing the major scientific push of Spanish research groups in the field. The 2010 BIO-COAT conference was organized along four main topics: (1) functionalization and texture on surfaces, (2) tribology and corrosion, (3) the surface modification of biomaterials, and (4) surface-biological environment interactions. The papers published in this volume were accepted for publication after peer-review as are regular papers. The editor of this proceedings volume gratefully acknowledges all referees for their valuable work, sometimes working to quite short deadlines. Finally, BIO-COAT 2010 would not have been successful without the strong involvement and input of the local organizing committee in Zaragoza, and the support of the University of Zaragoza. We sincerely thank them all for their efforts. Jose L Endrino (Editor) Jose A Puértolas (Chairman) Jose M Albella (Chairman)

High seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in the Common raven (Corvus corax) in the Northeast of Spain

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In recent years, multiple cases of aggressive behaviour of Common ravens (Corvus corax) have been reported by farmers in Catalonia (NE Spain), including attacking of newborn animals and consumption of dead foetuses. In the present study, seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum was d...

New Insights into Capsicum spp Relatedness and the Diversification Process of Capsicum annuum in Spain

PubMed Central

González-Pérez, Susana; Garcés-Claver, Ana; Mallor, Cristina; Sáenz de Miera, Luis E.; Fayos, Oreto; Pomar, Federico; Merino, Fuencisla; Silvar, Cristina

2014-01-01

The successful exploitation of germplasm banks, harbouring plant genetic resources indispensable for plant breeding, will depend on our ability to characterize their genetic diversity. The Vegetable Germplasm Bank of Zaragoza (BGHZ) (Spain) holds an important Capsicum annuum collection, where most of the Spanish pepper variability is represented, as well as several accessions of other domesticated and non-domesticated Capsicum spp from all over the five continents. In the present work, a total of 51 C. annuum landraces (mainly from Spain) and 51 accessions from nine Capsicum species maintained at the BGHZ were evaluated using 39 microsatellite (SSR) markers spanning the whole genome. The 39 polymorphic markers allowed the detection of 381 alleles, with an average of 9.8 alleles per locus. A sizeable proportion of alleles (41.2%) were recorded as specific alleles and the majority of these were present at very low frequencies (rare alleles). Multivariate and model-based analyses partitioned the collection in seven clusters comprising the ten different Capsicum spp analysed: C. annuum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. pubescens, C. bacatum, C. chacoense and C. eximium. The data clearly showed the close relationships between C. chinense and C. frutescens. C. cardenasii and C. eximium were indistinguishable as a single, morphologically variable species. Moreover, C. chacoense was placed between C. baccatum and C. pubescens complexes. The C. annuum group was structured into three main clusters, mostly according to the pepper fruit shape, size and potential pungency. Results suggest that the diversification of C. annuum in Spain may occur from a rather limited gene pool, still represented by few landraces with ancestral traits. This ancient population would suffer from local selection at the distinct geographical regions of Spain, giving way to pungent and elongated fruited peppers in the South and Center, while sweet blocky and triangular types in Northern Spain. PMID:25545628

New insights into Capsicum spp relatedness and the diversification process of Capsicum annuum in Spain.

PubMed

González-Pérez, Susana; Garcés-Claver, Ana; Mallor, Cristina; Sáenz de Miera, Luis E; Fayos, Oreto; Pomar, Federico; Merino, Fuencisla; Silvar, Cristina

2014-01-01

The successful exploitation of germplasm banks, harbouring plant genetic resources indispensable for plant breeding, will depend on our ability to characterize their genetic diversity. The Vegetable Germplasm Bank of Zaragoza (BGHZ) (Spain) holds an important Capsicum annuum collection, where most of the Spanish pepper variability is represented, as well as several accessions of other domesticated and non-domesticated Capsicum spp from all over the five continents. In the present work, a total of 51 C. annuum landraces (mainly from Spain) and 51 accessions from nine Capsicum species maintained at the BGHZ were evaluated using 39 microsatellite (SSR) markers spanning the whole genome. The 39 polymorphic markers allowed the detection of 381 alleles, with an average of 9.8 alleles per locus. A sizeable proportion of alleles (41.2%) were recorded as specific alleles and the majority of these were present at very low frequencies (rare alleles). Multivariate and model-based analyses partitioned the collection in seven clusters comprising the ten different Capsicum spp analysed: C. annuum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. pubescens, C. bacatum, C. chacoense and C. eximium. The data clearly showed the close relationships between C. chinense and C. frutescens. C. cardenasii and C. eximium were indistinguishable as a single, morphologically variable species. Moreover, C. chacoense was placed between C. baccatum and C. pubescens complexes. The C. annuum group was structured into three main clusters, mostly according to the pepper fruit shape, size and potential pungency. Results suggest that the diversification of C. annuum in Spain may occur from a rather limited gene pool, still represented by few landraces with ancestral traits. This ancient population would suffer from local selection at the distinct geographical regions of Spain, giving way to pungent and elongated fruited peppers in the South and Center, while sweet blocky and triangular types in Northern Spain.

Metal uptake of Nerium oleander from aerial and underground organs and its use as a biomonitoring tool for airborne metallic pollution in cities.

PubMed

Vázquez, S; Martín, A; García, M; Español, C; Navarro, E

2016-04-01

The analysis of the airborne particulate matter-PM-incorporated to plant leaves may be informative of the air pollution in the surroundings, allowing their use as biomonitoring tools. Regarding metals, their accumulation in leaves can be the result of both atmospheric incorporation of metallic PM on aboveground plant organs and root uptake of soluble metals. In this study, the use of Nerium oleander leaves as a biomonitoring tool for metallic airborne pollution has been assessed. The metal uptake in N. oleander was assessed as follows: (a) for radicular uptake by irrigation with airborne metals as Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, As, Ce and Zn (alone and in mixture) and (b) for direct leave exposure to urban PM. Plants showed a high resistance against the toxicity of metals under both single and multiple metal exposures. Except for Zn, the low values of translocation and bioaccumulation factors confirmed the excluder behaviour of N. oleander with respect to the metals provided by the irrigation. For metal uptake from airborne pollution, young plants grown under controlled conditions were deployed during 42 days in locations of the city of Zaragoza (700,000 h, NE Spain), differing in their level of traffic density. Samples of PM2.5 particles and the leaves of N. oleander were simultaneously collected weekly. High correlations in Pb concentrations were found between leaves and PM2.5; in a lesser extent, correlations were also found for Fe, Zn and Ti. Scanning electron microscopy showed the capture of airborne pollution particles in the large and abundant substomatal chambers of N. oleander leaves. Altogether, results indicate that N. Oleander, as a metal resistant plant by metal exclusion, is a suitable candidate as a biomonitoring tool for airborne metal pollution in urban areas.

A Multilayer perspective for the analysis of urban transportation systems

PubMed Central

Aleta, Alberto; Meloni, Sandro; Moreno, Yamir

2017-01-01

Public urban mobility systems are composed by several transportation modes connected together. Most studies in urban mobility and planning often ignore the multi-layer nature of transportation systems considering only aggregated versions of this complex scenario. In this work we present a model for the representation of the transportation system of an entire city as a multiplex network. Using two different perspectives, one in which each line is a layer and one in which lines of the same transportation mode are grouped together, we study the interconnected structure of 9 different cities in Europe raging from small towns to mega-cities like London and Berlin highlighting their vulnerabilities and possible improvements. Finally, for the city of Zaragoza in Spain, we also consider data about service schedule and waiting times, which allow us to create a simple yet realistic model for urban mobility able to reproduce real-world facts and to test for network improvements. PMID:28295015

[Silent myocardial ischemia in patients with transient ischemic attacks].

PubMed

Sánchez Valiente, S; Mostacero, E; del Río, A; Morales, F

1994-10-01

Given evidence that ischemic heart disease is the most frequent cause of death in patients with cerebrovascular disease, we used ergometrics to screen 80 patients with TIA for silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) at the neurological unit of Hospital Clínico Universitario in Zaragoza, Spain. The patients were compared with a control group of 80 with no signs of heart disease. Neither the patients nor the controls had ever shown clinical signs of coronary ischemia and their baseline electrocardiograms were normal. Stress test results were positive in 25 (31%) of the TIA patients, and in 4 (5%) (p < 0.001) of the controls, showing that the prevalence of SMI is significantly higher in TIA patients than in the general population. Hiperlipidemia (75% testing positive versus 43% negative, p < 0.01) and diabetes (31% testing positive versus 13% negative, p < 0.01) were the risk factors statistically related with a positive stress test.

A Multilayer perspective for the analysis of urban transportation systems.

PubMed

Aleta, Alberto; Meloni, Sandro; Moreno, Yamir

2017-03-15

Public urban mobility systems are composed by several transportation modes connected together. Most studies in urban mobility and planning often ignore the multi-layer nature of transportation systems considering only aggregated versions of this complex scenario. In this work we present a model for the representation of the transportation system of an entire city as a multiplex network. Using two different perspectives, one in which each line is a layer and one in which lines of the same transportation mode are grouped together, we study the interconnected structure of 9 different cities in Europe raging from small towns to mega-cities like London and Berlin highlighting their vulnerabilities and possible improvements. Finally, for the city of Zaragoza in Spain, we also consider data about service schedule and waiting times, which allow us to create a simple yet realistic model for urban mobility able to reproduce real-world facts and to test for network improvements.

Adult Prevalence of Epilepsy in Spain: EPIBERIA, a Population-Based Study

PubMed Central

Serrano-Castro, Pedro J.; Mauri-Llerda, Jose Angel; Hernández-Ramos, Francisco José; Sánchez-Alvarez, Juan Carlos; Parejo-Carbonell, Beatriz; Quiroga-Subirana, Pablo; Vázquez-Gutierrez, Fernando; Santos-Lasaosa, Sonia; Mendez-Lucena, Carolina; Redondo-Verge, Luis; Tejero-Juste, Carlos; Morandeira-Rivas, Clara; Sancho-Rieger, Jerónimo; Matías-Guiu, Jorge

2015-01-01

Background. This study assesses the lifetime and active prevalence of epilepsy in Spain in people older than 18 years. Methods. EPIBERIA is a population-based epidemiological study of epilepsy prevalence using data from three representative Spanish regions (health districts in Zaragoza, Almería, and Seville) between 2012 and 2013. The study consisted of two phases: screening and confirmation. Participants completed a previously validated questionnaire (EPIBERIA questionnaire) over the telephone. Results. A total of 1741 valid questionnaires were obtained, including 261 (14.99%) raising a suspicion of epilepsy. Of these suspected cases, 216 (82.75%) agreed to participate in phase 2. Of the phase 2 participants, 22 met the International League Against Epilepsy's diagnostic criteria for epilepsy. The estimated lifetime prevalence, adjusted by age and sex per 1,000 people, was 14.87 (95% CI: 9.8–21.9). Active prevalence was 5.79 (95% CI: 2.8–10.6). No significant age, sex, or regional differences in prevalence were detected. Conclusions. EPIBERIA provides the most accurate estimate of epilepsy prevalence in the Mediterranean region based on its original methodology and its adherence to ILAE recommendations. We highlight that the lifetime prevalence and inactive epilepsy prevalence figures observed here were compared to other epidemiological studies. PMID:26783554

[Regional differences in acute poisoning in under 14 year-old children in Spain].

PubMed

Salazar, J; Zubiaur, O; Azkunaga, B; Molina, J C; Mintegi, S

2015-01-01

The identification of variations in different profiles of pediatric poisonings may improve the prevention of these episodes. To analyze the profile of pediatric acute poisonings in different regions of Spain. A study was conducted, based on a prospective registry of the acute pediatric poisonings registered in 53 Spanish pediatric emergency departments included in the Toxicology Surveillance System of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies between 2008 and 2013. The regions were defined taking into account geographic factors, and the structuring of regional pediatric societies. A total of 566 poisoning were recorded in children less than 14 years. Poisonings due to dosage errors were more common in Madrid (12.4% of the whole group of poisonings vs 5.0% in the other regions, P=.009); recreational poisonings were more common in the Basque-Navarre region and Zaragoza (14.4% vs 3.4% in the others, P=.0008); and CO poisoning in Catalonia, Madrid and others (7.1% vs 0.3%, P<.0001). The profiles of acute poisonings in children less than 14 years vary significantly between the different Spanish regions. An epidemiological Surveillance System is a good tool to collect information in order to design preventive actions. Copyright © 2014 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Population structure and effective/census population size ratio in threatened three-spined stickleback populations from an isolated river basin in northwest Spain.

PubMed

Pérez-Figueroa, A; Fernández, C; Amaro, R; Hermida, M; San Miguel, E

2015-08-01

Variability at 20 microsatellite loci was examined to assess the population genetic structure, gene flow, and effective population size (N(e)) in three populations of three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from the upper basin of the Miño River in Galicia, NW Spain, where this species is threatened. The three populations showed similar levels of genetic diversity. There is a significant genetic differentiation between the three populations, but also significant gene flow. N(e) estimates based on linkage disequilibrium yielded values of 355 for the Miño River population and 241 and 311 for the Rato and Guisande Rivers, respectively, although we expect that these are overestimates. N(e) estimates based on temporal methods, considering gene flow or not, for the tributaries yielded values of 30-56 and 47-56 for the Rato and Guisande Rivers, respectively. Estimated census size (N(c)) for the Rato River was 880 individuals. This yielded a N(e)/N(c) estimate of 3-6 % for temporal estimation of N(e), which is within the empirical range observed in freshwater fishes. We suggest that the three populations analyzed have a sufficient level of genetic diversity with some genetic structure. Additionally, the absence of physical barriers suggests that conservation efforts and monitoring should focus in the whole basin as a unit.

Science Ethics Rules Leave Room for Scandals, Critics Fear

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Basken, Paul

2009-01-01

Upset because the University of California at Davis did not support her charges of misconduct among scientists, Melinda M. Zaragoza left her career in microbiology to run a general store in Kentucky. Although no wrongdoing was found on the Davis campus, Ms. Zaragoza's whistle-blowing now is being joined by a powerful chorus. Officials of the…

Spatial and temporal changes in land cover and its relation to the wildfire risk in Montes de Zuera (NE-Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iñiguez-Remón, E.; Badía-Villas, D.; Ibarra-Benlloch, P.

2012-04-01

Land cover changes in a territory can be as result of the diverse human activities, and also, by the dynamic natural ecosystem. The analysis of these changes constitutes a fundamental indicator in improving the knowledge towards a potential sustainable development (OSE, 2006). This paper analyzes the evolution of the land cover at detailed scale 1:5000, along the years 1957, 1984, and 2005, in the Montes de Zuera (UTM: 665000-680000 East /4640000-4650000 North), nearby Zaragoza city (NE-Spain). Despite they are located in the midst of the semiarid Central Ebro Basin, the area have an uncommon, extensive and dense forest cover. For these reasons, Montes de Zuera form part of the "Natura 2000 Network" of Aragon. Because this region has a high incidence of wildfires and, as a measure to prevent them, land cover changes have been analyzed in this study. To get this objective, a methodology is developed based on GIS and Remote Sensing tools, and this makes it possible to establish the relationship between the dynamic land cover and "fire hazard". According to FAO (1986), fire hazard is the measure of risk of wildfire, which is explained by the presence of combustible materials available to burn (Chuvieco et al, 2004). It is understood that the areas with major fire hazard present a high vulnerability to suffer vast wildfires. To develop this work, the type of vegetation, its distribution and the state of maturity of the forest masses are analyzed. Moreover, the wildfires that occurred during the last five decades have been located, and the forest masses and the processes (anthropic and natural) associated to them have been characterized in the regions affected by vast wildfires. Moreover, the cartography of fire hazard is obtained, and this is useful tool to fre prevention and to promote the sustainable management of the forest masses. Two regions with high rate of fire hazards are differentiated (region 1 and region 2). The Aleppo pine cover occupies the majority of the surface percentage (55 % in region 1; 58 % in region 2), have being stable for the past fifty years about 1/3 of these surfaces (38 % in region 1, and 32 % in region 2). Different wildfire preventive measures are proposed at spatial scale. Chuvieco, E., Salas J., de la Riva, J., Pérez, F. y Lana-Renault, N. (2004). Métodos para la integración de variables de riesgo: el papel de los sistemas de Información Geográfica, pp.144-158. In: Chuvieco, E., Martín, M.P. (Ed.): Nuevas tecnologías para la estimación del riesgo de incendios forestales. CSIC, Instituto de Economía y Geografía. Madrid. FAO (1986). Wildfire management terminology. Eds. FAO, Forest Resources Development Branch. Rome. OSE, Observatorio para la Sostenibilidad en España (2006). Cambios de ocupación del suelo en España. Implicaciones para la sostenibilidad. Madrid.

Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daza, L.; Chaparro, A. M.

The CONAPPICE congress series is dedicated to forstering fuel cell technology activities and related processes, like the hydrogen production, storage and use. Latest advances are shown by groups from universities, research centres, technology centres, companies and administration. CONAPPICE is organised every two years by the Spanish Fuel Cells Association (APPICE) as one of the main activities within its education and dissemination program. The third edition, CONAPPICE 2008, took place in the Spanish city of Zaragoza, from 24 to 26 September. Zaragoza was, during 2008, a reference for renewable energies, sustainable development and environment protection, and hosted an international exposition dedicated to these concepts. Fuel cells, with their demonstrated clean and secure behaviour, are one of the central concepts to bring the desired energy paradigm based on hydrogen conversion, so the presence of CONAPPICE 2008 in Zaragoza this year was more than justified.

Information Literacy in Nursing Students of Fes Zaragoza Unam.

PubMed

Sánchez G, Ana; Carmona M, Beatriz; Pérez O, Edgar; Del Socorro García V, Ma

2018-01-01

In an exploratory quantitative study,information literacy was analyzed in first-year students of the nursing program at the Facultad de Estudios superiores Zaragoza UNAM. A sample of 150 students completed, a validated scale that consisted of 8 categories and a total of 110 items. The average score obtained was 2.11, which places them in a 'low knowledge' category of information literacy.

FOREWORD: TAUP 2005: Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Topics in Astroparticle and Underground Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottino, Alessandro; Coccia, Eugenio; Morales, Julio; Puimedónv, Jorge

2006-04-01

The ninth meeting of the TAUP Workshop Series, TAUP 2005, was organized by the University of Zaragoza and Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc, jointly with the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso of the Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN). It was dedicated to the memory of professor Angel Morales, co-founder of the TAUP Series and a central figure in the scientific shaping and organization of the TAUP conferences since their inception in 1989. He and his group of collaborators laid, twenty years ago, the foundations of underground physics in Spain. To have TAUP 2005 hosted by the University of Zaragoza was a tangible way of honouring his memory. The Conference was concluded by a visit to the new installations of the Canfranc Laboratory, where a memorial ceremony was held in honour of Angel Morales, the driving force for the creation of that Laboratory. In TAUP 2005 all the various aspects of Astroparticle Physics have been covered, from Cosmology and Dark Constituents, to Gravitational Waves, to Neutrino Physics and Astrophysics, to High Energy Astrophysics, to Cosmic Rays and Gamma-Rays Astronomy. New and important scientific results were presented and debated in the plenary review talks and in a very large number of contributions in topical parallel sessions. As editors of these proceedings, we hope that this volume, which contains most of the talks and contributions presented at TAUP 2005, will provide a detailed state-of-the-art account of the various facets of Astroparticle Physics. We thank all the invited speakers and contributors who made this possible. Full coverage of the transparencies presented at the conference can be found on the website http://www.unizar.es/taup2005. At TAUP 2005 a memorial lecture was delivered by Art McDonald to commemorate John Bahcall, who passed away prematurely in August 2005. In this talk, his figure, as a pioneer and leader in the fields of Neutrino Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics and as a man of great personal qualities, was illustrated. The TAUP Steering Committee recalls with deep gratitude that John Bahcall served continuously as a member of the TAUP International Advisory Committee and that he gave an inspired and brilliant conclusive talk at TAUP 2003 in Seattle. Our astroparticle community will miss him greatly. The TAUP 2005 Organizing Committee thanks Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Gobierno de Aragón, Zaragoza University, INFN, IUPAP, PaNAGIC and Ibercaja for sponsoring the Conference, and the Rector and Vice-Rector of the Zaragoza University for their hospitality in the magnificent Paraninfo Palace, where the meeting was held. We wish to thank Venya Berezinsky, José Bernabéu and José Angel Villar for their invaluable contribution in the scientific shaping of the conference and in the preparation of the present volume. Very special thanks are due to Ms Mercedes Fatás and Ms Franca Masciulli, our workshop secretaries, for their continuous and excellent work in the organization of the conference, and to Ms Leopolda Benazzato for her invaluable assistance during the conference. We also gratefully thank the technical staff: Cristina Gil, Francisco Javier Mena and Alfonso Ortiz de Solórzano for their invaluable help. As announced at the end of the conference, TAUP 2007 will be held in Sendai, Japan, hosted by the Tohoku University with the chairs of Professors Atsuto Suzuki and Kunio Inoue. COMMITTEES TAUP STEERING COMMITTEE F. T. Avignone, U. South Carolina B. Barish, CALTECH E. Bellotti, U. Milano/INFN J. Bernabéu, U. Valenciav A. Bottino (chair), U. Torino/INFN V. de Alfaro, U. Torino/INFN T. Kajita, ICRR Tokyo C. W. Kim, JHU Baltimore/KIAS Seoul E. Lorenz U. München V. Matveev, INR Moscow J. Morales, U. Zaragoza D. Sinclair, U. Carleton TAUP 2005 INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE J. J. Aubert, CNRS Marseille J. Bahcall, U. Princeton M. Baldo-Ceolin, U. Padova/INFN L. Bergström, U. Stockholm R. Bernabei, U. Roma Tor Vergata/INFN A. Bettini, U. Padova/INFN S. Bilenky, JINR Dubna/ICTP Trieste D. O. Caldwell, U.C. Santa Barbara J. Cronin, U. Chicago A. Dar, Technion Haifa G. Domogatsky, INR Moscow H. Ejiri, U. Osaka J. Ellis, CERN E. Fernández, IFAE Barcelona E. Fiorini, U. Milano/INFN G. Fogli, U. Bari/INFN M. Fukushima, ICCR Tokyo T. Gaisser, U. Delaware G. Gelmini, UCLA A. Giazotto, INFN, Pisa F. Halzen, U. Wisconsin W. Haxton, U. Washington E. Iarocci, U. Roma/INFN T. Kirsten, MPI Heidelberg L. Maiani, U. Roma/INFN A. McDonald, Queen's U. L. Mosca, Saclay/LSM Frejus E. Peterson, U. Minneapolis/Soudan R. Petronzio, INFN/U. Roma Tor Vergata G. Raffelt, MPI München R. Rebolo, IAC Tenerife L. Resvanis, U. Athens P. Salati, U. Savoie/LAPTH Annecy A. Smirnov, ICTP Trieste N. Spooner, U. Sheffield S. Ting, MIT/CERN M. S. Turner, FNAL/U. Chicago J.W.F. Valle, IFIC Valencia D. Vignaud, CdF Paris F. von Feilitzsch, T.U. München G. Zatsepin, INR Moscow TAUP 2005 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE V.S. Berezinsky, INFN/LNGS J. Bernabéu, U. Valencia A. Bottino, U. Torino/INFN E. Coccia (co-chair), INFN/LNGS/U. Roma Tor Vergata J. Morales (co-chair), U. Zaragoza J. Puimed¢n (scientific secretary), U. Zaragoza J. A. Villar, U. Zaragoza

Research on cognitive, social and cultural processes of written communication.

PubMed

Arroyo González, Rosario; Salvador Mata, Francisco

2009-08-01

This article compiles the investigations carried out by a Research Group of the University of Granada, Spain. Its different projects on writing's cognitive social and cultural processes have been supported by the Spanish Government. This line of research joined together linguistic, psychological, social and cultural contributions to the development of writing from the 1970s. Currently, this line of research develops in collaboration with other European Universities: (a) Interuniversity Centre for Research On Cognitive Processing in Natural and Artificial Systems (ECONA), "La Sapienza" University of Rome (Italy); (b) Anadolu University, (Eskisehir, Turkey); (c) Coimbra University (Portugal); (d) University of Zaragoza (Spain); (e) the Institute of Education of the University of London (United Kingdom). The aforementioned collaboration is materializing into projects like the International Master on Multilingual Writing: Cognitive, Intercultural and Technological Processes of Written Communication ( http://www.multilingualwriting.com ) and the International Congress: Writing in the twenty-first Century: Cognition, Multilinguisim and Technologies, held in Granada ( http://www.asprogrades.org ). This research line is focussed on the development of strategies in writing development, basic to train twenty-first century societies' citizens. In these societies, participation in production media, social exchange and the development of multilingual written communication skills through new computer technologies spread multicultural values. In order to fulfil the social exigencies, it is needed to have the collaboration of research groups for designing and applying international research projects.

[Longitudinal perception of the educational environment in two medical schools with traditional curricula in Chile and Spain].

PubMed

Díaz-Véliz, Gabriela; Mora G, Sergio; Escanero, Jesús F

2016-11-01

To establish an educational environment that ensures the quality of the teaching-learning process is a challenge for any educational institution. The questionnaire DREEM (Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure) is used to identify strengths and weaknesses of an educational environment and to compare different medical schools. To evaluate the changes in the perception of educational environment by students of the Schools of Medicine of the University of Zaragoza, UZar (Spain) and the University of Chile, UCh (Chile) at two points in their curricula. DREEM questionnaire was answered by 90 students from the UZar and 87 students of the UCh, when they were in the first year (2009) and in the fourth year of their career (2012). At both universities the overall mean scores of DREAM were significantly higher in students in their first year than those obtained in the fourth year (137.5/118.3 for UZar and 128.6/118.8 for UCh). Items with worse perception in the fourth year were observed in subscales Learning Perception and Atmosphere Perception. Items with good evaluation (≥ 3.0) were the subscales Perception of teachers, academic self-perception, perception of Environment and Social Self-perception. The perception of Chilean and Spanish students about their educational environments indicates that the stage of their medical training is more important than the geographical context or educational institution.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland with Four Morphological Features

PubMed Central

Rosero, David S; Alvarez, Ramiro; Gambó, Paula; Alastuey, María; Valero, Alberto; Torrecilla, Nerea; Roche, A. Belén; Simón, Sara

2016-01-01

Acinic cell carcinoma arising in salivary glands is a rare tumor, accounting for 2% to 5% of the primary neoplasms of the parotid gland. When these tumors are well-differentiated, the neoplasia has innocuous aspect, due to the similarity to normal parotid tissue. This makes the diagnosis difficult. Initially the malignancy of this tumor was uncertain; however, recent studies have declared it as malignant. The female / male ratio is 3:2. The nodule usually presents as solitary and well defined shape. Several authors have used different terms to describe histomorphological patterns of these tumors. Four descriptive categories (solid, microcystic, papillary-cystic and follicular) are useful for pathologists. Here we report a case of a 49 yr old man with a left parotid nodule of 5 cm. Parotidectomy was performed at the Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, in Zaragoza (Spain). The microscopy showed a tumor with acinic semblance, having the four morphologic patterns previously described. The morphological and immunohistochemical study was consistent with the diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma. PMID:27499783

Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland with Four Morphological Features.

PubMed

Rosero, David S; Alvarez, Ramiro; Gambó, Paula; Alastuey, María; Valero, Alberto; Torrecilla, Nerea; Roche, A Belén; Simón, Sara

2016-01-01

Acinic cell carcinoma arising in salivary glands is a rare tumor, accounting for 2% to 5% of the primary neoplasms of the parotid gland. When these tumors are well-differentiated, the neoplasia has innocuous aspect, due to the similarity to normal parotid tissue. This makes the diagnosis difficult. Initially the malignancy of this tumor was uncertain; however, recent studies have declared it as malignant. The female / male ratio is 3:2. The nodule usually presents as solitary and well defined shape. Several authors have used different terms to describe histomorphological patterns of these tumors. Four descriptive categories (solid, microcystic, papillary-cystic and follicular) are useful for pathologists. Here we report a case of a 49 yr old man with a left parotid nodule of 5 cm. Parotidectomy was performed at the Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, in Zaragoza (Spain). The microscopy showed a tumor with acinic semblance, having the four morphologic patterns previously described. The morphological and immunohistochemical study was consistent with the diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma.

The 1.5-ka varved record of Lake Montcortès (southern Pyrenees, NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corella, Juan Pablo; Brauer, Achim; Mangili, Clara; Rull, Valentí; Vegas-Vilarrúbia, Teresa; Morellón, Mario; Valero-Garcés, Blas L.

2012-09-01

The karstic Lake Montcortès sedimentary sequence spanning the last 1548 yr constitutes the first continuous, high-resolution, multi-proxy varved record in northern Spain. Sediments consist of biogenic varves composed of calcite, organic matter and detrital laminae and turbidite layers. Calcite layer thickness and internal sub-layering indicate changes in water temperature and seasonality whereas the frequency of detrital layers reflects rainfall variability. Higher temperatures occurred in Lake Montcortès in AD 555-738, 825-875, 1010-1322 and 1874-present. Lower temperatures and prolonged winter conditions were recorded in AD 1446-1598, 1663-1711 and 1759-1819. Extreme and multiple precipitation events dominated in AD 571-593, 848-922, 987-1086, 1168-1196, 1217-1249, 1444-1457, 1728-1741 and 1840-1875, indicating complex hydrological variability in NE Spain since AD 463. The sedimentary record of Lake Montcortès reveals a short-term relation between rainfall variability and the detrital influx, pronounced during extended periods of reduced anthropogenic influences. In pre-industrial times, during warm climate episodes, population and land use increased in the area. After the onset of the industrialization, the relationship between climate and human activities decoupled and population dynamics and landscape modifications were therefore mostly determined by socio-economic factors.

First record of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on human corpses in Iberian Peninsula.

PubMed

Martínez-Sánchez, Anabel; Magaña, Concepción; Saloña, Marta; Rojo, Santos

2011-03-20

This article presents the first record of Hermetia illucens larvae on a human corpse in Spain (the second case report in Europe). Prepupae of H. illucens, and other insects, were recovered from the dead body of a 72-year-old man in an advanced stage of decomposition. The body was located in Reus (NE Spain), in October 1998. This article provides additional biological data on experimental studies and an update on the geographic distribution of this species in the Iberian Peninsula. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

700 years reconstruction of mercury and lead atmospheric deposition in the Pyrenees (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corella, J. P.; Valero-Garcés, B. L.; Wang, F.; Martínez-Cortizas, A.; Cuevas, C. A.; Saiz-Lopez, A.

2017-04-01

Geochemical analyses in varved lake sediment cores (Lake Montcortès, Pre-Pyrenees) allowed reconstruction of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) atmospheric deposition over the past seven centuries in the Pyrenees (NE Spain). Accumulation Rates (AR) from the Middle Ages to the Industrial Period ranged from 2500 to 26130 μg m2.y-1 and 15-152 μg m2.y-1 for Pb and Hg respectively. Significant metal pollution started ca CE 1550 during a period of increased exploitation of ore resources in Spain. Colder and humid conditions in the Pyrenees during the Little Ice Age may have also favoured Hg and Pb atmospheric deposition in the lake. Therefore, the interplay between increased rainfall (wet deposition) and mining activities in the Iberian Peninsula has driven Hg and Pb AR during the Pre-industrial Period. More recently, the use of leaded gasoline in Europe in the mid-20th century may explain the highest Pb AR between CE 1953 and 1971. The highest Hg AR occurred in CE 1940 synchronous with the highest Hg production peak in Almadén mining district (southern Spain) and the Second World War. The record of Hg enrichment in Lake Montcortès shows a decrease during the last decades in Western Europe similar to other regional records and global emission models. This study highlights the exceptional quality of varved sequences to tease apart pollutants depositional mechanisms, identify historical periods of increased atmospheric pollution and provide a historical context for pollutant baseline values to make correct assessments of recent (atmospheric) pollution in lake ecosystems.

Evaluation of geochemical and hydrogeological processes by geochemical modeling in an area affected by evaporite karstification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acero, P.; Auqué, L. F.; Galve, J. P.; Gutiérrez, F.; Carbonel, D.; Gimeno, M. J.; Yechieli, Y.; Asta, M. P.; Gómez, J. B.

2015-10-01

The Ebro Valley in the outskirts of Zaragoza (NE Spain) is severely affected by evaporite karstification, leading to multiple problems related to subsidence and sinkhole formation. In this work, a combination of inverse (mixing + mass-balance) and forward (reaction-path) geochemical calculations is applied for the quantification of the main karstification processes and seasonal variations in this area. The obtained results prove the suitability of the applied methodology for the characterization of similar problems in other areas with scarce geological and hydrogeological information. The hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of the system can be mainly attributed to the mixing of variable proportions of concentrated groundwater from the evaporitic aquifer and more dilute water from the overlying alluvial aquifer. The existence of a good connection between these aquifers is supported by: (1) the fast changes in the hydrochemistry of the karst aquifer related to recharge by irrigation, and (2) the deduced input of evaporitic groundwater in the alluvial materials. The evolution in some parts of the alluvial/evaporitic aquifer system is clearly dominated by the seasonal variations in the recharge by dilute irrigation waters (up to 95% of water volume in some sinkhole ponds), whereas other points seem to be clearly determined by the hydrochemistry of the concentrated evaporitic aquifer groundwater (up to 50% of the water volume in some springs). The following reactions, previous or superimposed to mixing processes, explain the observed hydrochemistry in the studied area: dissolution of halite (NaCl), gypsum (CaSO4ṡ2H2O)/anhydrite (CaSO4) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), CO2(g) input and degassing and calcite (CaCO3) dissolution/precipitation. The modeling results suggest the existence of a large spatial variability in the composition of the evaporitic groundwater, mainly caused by large differences in the availability of halite in contact with the groundwater. Active subsidence associated with halite dissolution is expected to continue in the study area, together with the episodic increase of gypsum dissolution associated with the input of dilute irrigation waters.

Design and development of an instrument to measure overall lifestyle habits for epidemiological research: the Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index.

PubMed

Sotos-Prieto, Mercedes; Moreno-Franco, Belén; Ordovás, Jose M; León, Montse; Casasnovas, Jose A; Peñalvo, Jose L

2015-04-01

To design and develop a questionnaire that can account for an individual's adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle including the assessment of diet and physical activity patterns, as well as social interaction. The Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index was created based on the current Spanish Mediterranean food guide pyramid. MEDLIFE is a twenty-eight-item derived index consisting of questions about food consumption (fifteen items), traditional Mediterranean dietary habits (seven items) and physical activity, rest and social interaction habits (six items). Linear regression models and Spearman rank correlation were fitted to assess content validity and internal consistency. A subset of participants in the Aragon Workers' Health Study cohort (Zaragoza, Spain) provided the data for development of MEDLIFE. Participants (n 988) of the Aragon Workers' Health Study cohort in Spain. Mean MEDLIFE score was 11·3 (sd 2·6; range: 0-28), and the quintile distribution of MEDLIFE score showed a significant association with each of the individual items as well as with specific nutrients and lifestyle indicators (intra-validity). We also quantified MEDLIFE correspondence with previously reported diet quality indices and found significant correlations (ρ range: 0·44-0·53; P<0·001) for the Alternate Healthy Eating Index, the Alternate Mediterranean Diet Index and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. MEDLIFE is the first index to include an overall assessment of lifestyle habits. It is expected to be a more holistic tool to measure adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle in epidemiological studies.

Following solar activity with geomagnetic and cosmic-ray ground-based stations in the Iberian Peninsula region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villasante-Marcos, Victor; José Blanco, Juan; Miquel Torta, Joan; Catalán, Manuel; Ribeiro, Paulo; Morozova, Anna; Tordesillas, José Manuel; Solé, Germán; Gomis-Moreno, Almudena

2016-04-01

The Iberian Peninsula is located in the South-West of Europe between 36°00' N and 43°47' N and between 9°29' W and 3°19' E. There are four Geomagnetic Observatories currently operative in this area devoted to the observation of the Earth's magnetic field: Observatori de l'Ebre (NE Spain); Observatorio de San Pablo de los Montes (central Spain); Observatorio de San Fernando (southern Spain); Observatório de Coimbra (central Portugal); plus another one, Observatorio de Güímar, in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). There is also one neutron monitor located in Guadalajara (central Spain; 40°38' N, 3°9' W at 708 m asl) continuously measuring the arrival of cosmic rays to the Earth's surface. In this work we show combined observations of these six stations during events caused by solar activity. We analyze them looking for differences that could imply extremely local effects caused by the response of the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere to solar activity.

A reappraisal of the Middle Triassic chirotheriid Chirotherium ibericus Navás, 1906 (Iberian Range NE Spain), with comments on the Triassic tetrapod track biochronology of the Iberian Peninsula

PubMed Central

Castanera, Diego; Gasca, José Manuel; Canudo, José Ignacio

2015-01-01

Triassic vertebrate tracks are known from the beginning of the 19th century and have a worldwide distribution. Several Triassic track ichnoassemblages and ichnotaxa have a restricted stratigraphic range and are useful in biochronology and biostratigraphy. The record of Triassic tracks in the Iberian Peninsula has gone almost unnoticed although more than 25 localities have been described since 1897. In one of these localities, the naturalist Longinos Navás described the ichnotaxon Chirotherium ibericus in 1906.The vertebrate tracks are in two sandy slabs from the Anisian (Middle Triassic) of the Moncayo massif (Zaragoza, Spain). In a recent revision, new, previously undescribed vertebrate tracks have been identified. The tracks considered to be C. ibericus as well as other tracks with the same morphology from both slabs have been classified as Chirotherium barthii. The rest of the tracks have been assigned to Chirotheriidae indet., Rhynchosauroides isp. and undetermined material. This new identification of C. barthii at the Navás site adds new data to the Iberian record of this ichnotaxon, which is characterized by the small size of the tracks when compared with the main occurrences of this ichnotaxon elsewhere. As at the Navás tracksite, the Anisian C. barthii-Rhynchosauroides ichnoassemblage has been found in other coeval localities in Iberia and worldwide. This ichnoassemblage belongs to the upper Olenekian-lower Anisian interval according to previous biochronological proposals. Analysis of the Triassic Iberian record of tetrapod tracks is uneven in terms of abundance over time. From the earliest Triassic to the latest Lower Triassic the record is very scarce, with Rhynchosauroides being the only known ichnotaxon. Rhynchosauroides covers a wide temporal range and gives poor information for biochronology. The record from the uppermost Lower Triassic to the Middle Triassic is abundant. The highest ichnodiversity has been reported for the Anisian with an assemblage composed of Dicynodontipus, Procolophonichnium, Rhynchosauroides, Rotodactylus, Chirotherium, Isochirotherium, Coelurosaurichnus and Paratrisauropus. The Iberian track record from the Anisian is coherent with the global biochronology proposed for Triassic tetrapod tracks. Nevertheless, the scarcity of track occurrences during the late Olenekian and Ladinian prevents analysis of the corresponding biochrons. Finally, although the Iberian record for the Upper Triassic is not abundant, the presence of Eubrontes, Anchisauripus and probably Brachychirotherium is coherent with the global track biochronology as well. Thus, the Triassic track record in the Iberian Peninsula matches the expected record for this age on the basis of a global biochronological approach, supporting the idea that vertebrate Triassic tracks are a useful tool in biochronology. PMID:26137425

Rupture process of 2016, 25 January earthquake, Alboran Sea (South Spain, Mw= 6.4) and aftershocks series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buforn, E.; Pro, C.; del Fresno, C.; Cantavella, J.; Sanz de Galdeano, C.; Udias, A.

2016-12-01

We have studied the rupture process of the 25 January 2016 earthquake (Mw =6.4) occurred in South Spain in the Alboran Sea. Main shock, foreshock and largest aftershocks (Mw =4.5) have been relocated using the NonLinLoc algorithm. Results obtained show a NE-SW distribution of foci at shallow depth (less than 15 km). For main shock, focal mechanism has been obtained from slip inversion over the rupture plane of teleseismic data, corresponding to left-lateral strike-slip motion. The rupture starts at 7 km depth and it propagates upward with a complex source time function. In order to obtain a more detailed source time function and to validate the results obtained from teleseismic data, we have used the Empirical Green Functions method (EGF) at regional distances. Finally, results of the directivity effect from teleseismic Rayleigh waves and the EGF method, are consistent with a rupture propagation to the NE. These results are interpreted in terms of the main geological features in the region.

Hillslope terracing effects on the spatial variability of plant development as assessed by NDVI in vineyards of the Priorat region (NE Spain).

PubMed

Martínez-Casasnovas, José A; Ramos, María Concepción; Espinal-Utgés, Sílvia

2010-04-01

The availability of heavy machinery and the vineyard restructuring and conversion plans of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy (Commission Regulation EC no. 1227/2000 of 31 May 2000) have encouraged the restructuring of many vineyards on hillslopes of Mediterranean Europe, through the creation of terraces to favor the mechanization of agricultural work. Terrace construction requires cutting and filling operations that create soil spatial variability, which affects soil properties and plant development. In the present paper, we study the effects of hillslope terracing on the spatial variability of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in fields of the Priorat region (NE Spain) during 2004, 2005, and 2006. This index was computed from high-resolution remote sensing data (Quickbird-2). Detailed digital terrain models before and after terrace construction were used to assess the earth movements. The results indicate that terracing by heavy machinery induced high variability on the NDVI values over the years, showing significant differences as effect of the cut and fill operations.

Coastal Evolution in a Mediterranean Microtidal Zone: Mid to Late Holocene Natural Dynamics and Human Management of the Castelló Lagoon, NE Spain.

PubMed

Ejarque, Ana; Julià, Ramon; Reed, Jane M; Mesquita-Joanes, Francesc; Marco-Barba, Javier; Riera, Santiago

2016-01-01

We present a palaeoenvironmental study of the Castelló lagoon (NE Spain), an important archive for understanding long-term interactions between dynamic littoral ecosystems and human management. Combining geochemistry, mineralogy, ostracods, diatoms, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, charcoal and archaeo-historical datasets we reconstruct: 1) the transition of the lagoon from a marine to a marginal environment between ~3150 cal BC to the 17th century AD; 2) fluctuations in salinity; and 3) natural and anthropogenic forces contributing to these changes. From the Late Neolithic to the Medieval period the lagoon ecosystem was driven by changing marine influence and the land was mainly exploited for grazing, with little evidence for impact on the natural woodland. Land-use exploitation adapted to natural coastal dynamics, with maximum marine flooding hampering agropastoral activities between ~1550 and ~150 cal BC. In contrast, societies actively controlled the lagoon dynamics and become a major agent of landscape transformation after the Medieval period. The removal of littoral woodlands after the 8th century was followed by the expansion of agrarian and industrial activities. Regional mining and smelting activities polluted the lagoon with heavy metals from the ~11th century onwards. The expansion of the milling industry and of agricultural lands led to the channelization of the river Muga into the lagoon after ~1250 cal AD. This caused its transformation into a freshwater lake, increased nutrient load, and the infilling and drainage of a great part of the lagoon. By tracking the shift towards an anthropogenically-controlled system around ~750 yr ago, this study points out Mediterranean lagoons as ancient and heavily-modified systems, with anthropogenic impacts and controls covering multi-centennial and even millennial timescales. Finally, we contributed to the future construction of reliable seashell-based chronologies in NE Spain by calibrating the Banyuls-sur-Mer ΔR offset with ceramic imports from the Emporiae archaeological site.

Coastal Evolution in a Mediterranean Microtidal Zone: Mid to Late Holocene Natural Dynamics and Human Management of the Castelló Lagoon, NE Spain

PubMed Central

Ejarque, Ana; Julià, Ramon; Reed, Jane M.; Mesquita-Joanes, Francesc; Marco-Barba, Javier; Riera, Santiago

2016-01-01

We present a palaeoenvironmental study of the Castelló lagoon (NE Spain), an important archive for understanding long-term interactions between dynamic littoral ecosystems and human management. Combining geochemistry, mineralogy, ostracods, diatoms, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, charcoal and archaeo-historical datasets we reconstruct: 1) the transition of the lagoon from a marine to a marginal environment between ~3150 cal BC to the 17th century AD; 2) fluctuations in salinity; and 3) natural and anthropogenic forces contributing to these changes. From the Late Neolithic to the Medieval period the lagoon ecosystem was driven by changing marine influence and the land was mainly exploited for grazing, with little evidence for impact on the natural woodland. Land-use exploitation adapted to natural coastal dynamics, with maximum marine flooding hampering agropastoral activities between ~1550 and ~150 cal BC. In contrast, societies actively controlled the lagoon dynamics and become a major agent of landscape transformation after the Medieval period. The removal of littoral woodlands after the 8th century was followed by the expansion of agrarian and industrial activities. Regional mining and smelting activities polluted the lagoon with heavy metals from the ~11th century onwards. The expansion of the milling industry and of agricultural lands led to the channelization of the river Muga into the lagoon after ~1250 cal AD. This caused its transformation into a freshwater lake, increased nutrient load, and the infilling and drainage of a great part of the lagoon. By tracking the shift towards an anthropogenically-controlled system around ~750 yr ago, this study points out Mediterranean lagoons as ancient and heavily-modified systems, with anthropogenic impacts and controls covering multi-centennial and even millennial timescales. Finally, we contributed to the future construction of reliable seashell-based chronologies in NE Spain by calibrating the Banyuls-sur-Mer ΔR offset with ceramic imports from the Emporiae archaeological site. PMID:27177040

Update of information on perkinsosis in NW Mediterranean coast: Identification of Perkinsus spp. (Protista) in new locations and hosts.

PubMed

Ramilo, Andrea; Carrasco, Noelia; Reece, Kimberly S; Valencia, José M; Grau, Amalia; Aceituno, Patricia; Rojas, Mauricio; Gairin, Ignasi; Furones, M Dolores; Abollo, Elvira; Villalba, Antonio

2015-02-01

This study addressed perkinsosis in commercially important mollusc species in the western Mediterranean area. Perkinsus olseni was found in Santa Gilla Lagoon (Sardinia) infecting Ruditapes decussatus, Cerastoderma glaucum and Venerupis aurea, in Balearic Islands infecting Venus verrucosa and in Delta de l'Ebre (NE Spain) parasitising Ruditapes philippinarum and R. decussatus. Perkinsus mediterraneus was detected infecting Ostrea edulis from the Gulf of Manfredonia (SE Italy) and Alacant (E Spain), V. verrucosa and Arca noae from Balearic Islands and Chlamys varia from Balearic Islands, Alacant and Delta de l'Ebre. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of seasonal forecasting for the drought forecasting in Catalonia (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llasat, Maria-Carmen; Zaragoza, Albert; Aznar, Blanca; Cabot, Jordi

2010-05-01

Low flows and droughts are a hydro-climatic feature in Spain (Alvarez et al, 2008). The construction of dams as water reservoirs has been a usual tool to manage the water resources for agriculture and livestock, industries and human needs (MIMAM, 2000, 2007). The last drought that has affected Spain has last four years in Catalonia, from 2004 to the spring of 2008, and it has been particularly hard as a consequence of the precipitation deficit in the upper part of the rivers that nourish the main dams. This problem increases when the water scarcity affects very populated areas, like big cities. The Barcelona city, with more than 3.000.000 people concentrated in the downtown and surrounding areas is a clear example. One of the objectives of the SOSTAQUA project is to improve the water resources management in real time, in order to improve the water supply in the cities in the framework of sustainable development. The work presented here deals with the application of seasonal forecasting to improve the water management in Catalonia, particularly in drought conditions. A seasonal prediction index has been created as a linear combination of climatic data and the ECM4 prediction that has been validated too. This information has implemented into a hydrological model and it has been applied to the last drought considering the real water demands of population, as well as to the water storage evolution in the last months. It has been found a considerable advance in the forecasting of water volume into reservoirs. The advantage of this methodology is that it only requires seasonal forecasting free through internet. Due to the fact that the principal rivers that supply water to Barcelona, birth on the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees region, the analysis and precipitation forecasting is focused on this region (Zaragoza, 2008).

Intraocular straylight screening in medical testing centres for driver licence holders in Spain

PubMed Central

Michael, Ralph; Barraquer, Rafael I.; Rodríguez, Judith; Tuñi i Picado, Josep; Jubal, Joan Serra; González Luque, Juan Carlos; van den Berg, Tom

2010-01-01

Purpose To test the performance of the C-quant straylight meter during the daily routine work in medical testing centres for driver license applicants and driver license holders in Spain. Methods Altogether 914 subjects, of which 376 younger than 35 years, 428 between 35 and 60 years and 110 over 60 years were measured with the C-quant in three medical testing centres (Barcelona, Zaragoza and Palma de Mallorca) in 2006. Technicians were instructed once and the measurements were done during the daily routine work. We recorded: age, BCVA, self-reported subjective blinding at night; and from the C-quant: straylight parameter (log s), measurement quality parameters (ESD, Q) and test duration. Results Total C-quant test duration increases slightly with age from a mean of 7 min (< 35 years) to a mean of 9 min (> 60). At first attempt, 82 % of all subjects produced reliable results (ESD < 0.12). The straylight parameter for this group was independent of ESD and ESD was independent of total test duration. The known age dependence of the straylight parameter and the weak correlation with BCVA was confirmed. The distribution of subjective blinding at night was very different between test centres. Subjects with “very strong” subjective blinding had significantly higher straylight values than subjects with “no” subjective blinding. Subjects avoiding night driving had significant higher straylight values than subjects driving at night. Conclusion The C-quant measure is reasonable fast. Good subject instruction is important to get first attempt reliable results. Self-reported subjective blinding results depend strongly on the interviewer.

Spanish urological schools (1880-1970).

PubMed

Pérez-Albacete, M

2018-05-11

We researched the start of urological specialisation in Spain, from the end of the 19th century to the institution of the education system (resident medical intern) to learn about the centres and individuals who created the urological teaching units and training schools in which the first Spanish urologists specialised their training. We extracted the references from books on the history of urology, from periodic urological publications and from the posters on history submitted to the congresses of the Spanish Urological Association and filled in the data and dates with the Historical Dictionary of Spanish Urologists. There are 30 urological specialization centres, 8 with official accreditation recognised by the corresponding ministry but whose official status is unknown. These centres are in the urology departments of large Spanish hospitals, university clinic hospitals and in private schools directed by notable urologists. There are 14 main centres, corresponding chronologically to the following cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Cadiz, Santander, Valencia, Granada, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Oviedo, Zaragoza and Salamanca. Urological training in Spain from the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century was well-established, both in officially accredited centres and in the urology departments of the main hospitals, in university clinic hospitals and in private schools and clinics. The training was directed by experienced urologists who ensured proper teaching and training, a method that persisted until the institution of the resident medical intern system in 1970. Copyright © 2018 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Understanding the North Atlantic Oscillation and Its Effects in the Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trigo, Ricardo M.; Serrano, Sergio M. Vicente

2010-11-01

ESF-MedCLIVAR Workshop on Hydrological, Socioeconomic and Ecological Impacts of the North Atlantic Oscillation in the Mediterranean; Zaragoza, Spain, 24-27 May 2010; According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, the Mediterranean basin represents one of the most important hot spots of climate change in the world, with recent trends toward a hotter and drier climate being related to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. Among these patterns the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is the most important one and the only one that exerts a clear influence throughout the year, although with stronger intensity and extension during winter. In the framework of the European Science Foundation's Mediterranean Climate Variability and Predictability (MedCLIVAR) program (http://www.medclivar.eu/), a thematic workshop devoted to the hydrological, socioeconomic, and ecological impacts of the NAO in the Mediterranean area was held in Spain. The main objective of this 3-day workshop was to foster interaction in this increasingly interdisciplinary topic, in particular, among climatologists, hydrologists, geographers, agronomists, biologists, and other scientists. The workshop was attended by 62 participants from 15 different countries and included a mix of senior scientists and graduate students. The workshop was divided into five sessions focusing on (1) natural hazards, including droughts, severe precipitations, floods, heat waves, and cold spells; (2) vegetation activity and agriculture production; (3) natural ecosystems and environment, including forest dynamics, fisheries, dynamics of animal populations, and air quality; (4) geomorphology, including landslides and debris flows, erosivity mechanisms, and surface erosion processes; and (5) renewable energies production, including hydraulic, eolic, and solar.

Blood biomarkers and contaminant levels in feathers and eggs to assess environmental hazards in heron nestlings from impacted sites in Ebro basin (NE Spain).

PubMed

Barata, C; Fabregat, M C; Cotín, J; Huertas, D; Solé, M; Quirós, L; Sanpera, C; Jover, L; Ruiz, X; Grimalt, J O; Piña, B

2010-03-01

Blood biomarkers and levels of major pollutants in eggs and feathers were used to determine pollution effects in nestlings of the Purple Heron Ardea purpurea and the Little Egret Egretta garzetta, sampled on three Ebro River (NE Spain) areas: a reference site, a site affected by the effluents of a chlor-alkali industry and the river Delta. The two impacted heron populations showed mutually different pollutant and response patterns, suggesting different sources of contamination. In the population nesting near the chlor-alkali plant, elevated levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in eggs, and mercury in feathers in A. purpurea chicks were related with reduced blood antioxidant defenses and increased levels of micronuclei. In Ebro Delta, high levels of plasmatic lactate dehydrogenase in A. purpurea chicks and high frequency of micronuclei in blood of both species were tentatively associated with intensive agricultural activities taking place in the area. These results provide the first evidence of a biological response in heron chicks to the release of pollutants at a chlor-alkali plant. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Large depressions, thickened terraces, and gravitational deformation in the Ebro River valley (Zaragoza area, NE Spain): Evidence of glauberite and halite interstratal karstification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrero, Jesús; Gutiérrez, Francisco; Galve, Jorge P.

2013-08-01

In the studied reach of the Ebro Valley, the terrace and pediment sediments deposited over glauberite- and halite-bearing evaporites show local thickenings (> 50 m) recording dissolution-induced synsedimentary subsidence. Recent data on the lithostratigraphy of the evaporite sequence allow relating the alluvium thickenings with either halite or glauberite dissolution. The alluvium-filled dissolution basin underlying the youngest terraces (T8-T11) is ascribed to halite karstification; the top of a halite unit approximately 75 m thick is situated 40-15 m below the valley bottom. The thickenings of terrace (T1-T7) and pediment sediments are attributed to interstratal glauberite karstification: (1) Coincidence between the elevation range of the terraces and that of the glauberite-rich unit. Glauberite beds reach 30 and 100 m in single-bed and cumulative thickness, respectively. (2) The exposed bedrock underlying thickened alluvium shows abundant subsidence features indicative of interstratal karstification. The most common structure corresponds to hectometer-scale sag basins with superimposed collapses in the central sector of each basin. The subsided bedrock is frequently transformed into dissolution-collapse breccias showing a complete textural gradation, from crackle packbreccias to chaotic floatbreccias and karstic residues. (3) Paleokarst exposures show evidence of karstification confined to specific beds made up of secondary gypsum after precursory glauberite, partly dissolved and partly replaced. Despite the magnitude of the subsidence recorded by the thickened alluvium and unlike nearby tributaries, the terraces show a continuous and parallel arrangement indicating that the fluvial system was able to counterbalance subsidence by aggradation. A number of kilometer-size flat-bottom depressions have been developed in the valley margin, typically next to and inset into thickened terrace and pediment deposits. The subsidence structures exposed in artificial excavations excavated in the bottom of some depressions and the correlation between the altitudinal distribution of these basins and that of the glauberite-rich unit reveal that subsidence related to interstratal glauberite karstification is the main process involved in their genesis. This research ascribes for the first time the thickenings and deformation of specific terrace levels and pediment levels and the development of large karstic depressions to interstratal karstification of exceptionally thick glauberite units.

Earliest humans in Europe: The age of TD6 Gran Dolina, Atapuerca, Spain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Falgueres, Christophe; Bahain, J.-J.; Yokoyama, Y.; Arsuaga, J.L.; Bermudez de Castro, Jose Maria; Carbonell, E.; Bischoff, J.L.; Dolo, J.-M.

1999-01-01

Hominid remains found in 1994 from the stratified Gran Dolina karst-filling at the Atapuerca site in NE Spain were dated to somewhat greater than 780 ka based on palaeomagnetic measurements, making these the oldest known hominids in Europe (sensu stricto). We report new ESR and U-series results on teeth from four levels of the Gran Dolina deposit which confirm the palaeomagnetic evidence, and indicate that TD6 (from which the human remains have been recovered) dates to the end of the Early Pleistocene. The results for the other levels are consistent with estimates based mainly on microfaunal evidence, and suggest that TD8, TD10 and TD11 date to the Middle Pleistocene. (C) 1999 Academic Press.

Intensive measurements of gas, water, and energy exchange between vegetation and troposphere during the MONTES Campaign in a vegetation gradient from short semi-desertic shrublands to tall wet temperate forests in the NW Mediterranean basin

EPA Science Inventory

MONTES (“Woodlands”) was a multidisciplinary international field campaign aimed at measuring energy, water and especially gas exchange between vegetation and atmosphere in a gradient from short semi-desertic shrublands to tall wet temperate forests in NE Spain in the North Wester...

Patterns of human occupation during the early Holocene in the Central Ebro Basin (NE Spain) in response to the 8.2 ka climatic event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Sampériz, P.; Utrilla, P.; Mazo, C.; Valero-Garcés, B.; Sopena, MC.; Morellón, M.; Sebastián, M.; Moreno, A.; Martínez-Bea, M.

2009-03-01

The Central Ebro River Basin (NE Spain) is the most northern area of truly semi-arid Mediterranean climate in Europe and prehistoric human occupation there has been strongly influenced by this extreme environmental condition. Modern climate conditions single out this region due to the harsh environment, characterised by the highest absolute summer temperatures of the Ebro River Basin. The Bajo Aragón region (SE Ebro River Basin) was intensively populated during the Early Holocene (9400-8200 cal yr BP) but the settlements were abandoned abruptly at around 8200 cal yr BP. We propose that this "archaeological silence" was caused by the regional impact of the global abrupt 8.2 ka cold event. Available regional paleoclimate archives demonstrate the existence of an aridity crisis then that interrupted the humid Early Holocene. That environmental crisis would have forced hunter-gatherer groups from the Bajo Aragón to migrate to regions with more favourable conditions (i.e. more humid mountainous areas) and only return in the Neolithic. Coherently, archaeological sites persist during this crisis in the nearby Iberian Range (Maestrazgo) and the North Ebro River area (Pre-Pyrenean mountains and along the northwestern Ebro Basin).

Primary care utilisation patterns among an urban immigrant population in the Spanish National Health System.

PubMed

Calderón-Larrañaga, Amaia; Gimeno-Feliu, Luis A; Macipe-Costa, Rosa; Poblador-Plou, Beatriz; Bordonaba-Bosque, Daniel; Prados-Torres, Alexandra

2011-06-06

There is evidence suggesting that the use of health services is lower among immigrants after adjusting for age and sex. This study takes a step forward to compare primary care (PC) utilisation patterns between immigrants and the native population with regard to their morbidity burden. This retrospective, observational study looked at 69,067 individuals representing the entire population assigned to three urban PC centres in the city of Zaragoza (Aragon, Spain). Poisson models were applied to determine the number of annual PC consultations per individual based on immigration status. All models were first adjusted for age and sex and then for age, sex and case mix (ACG System®). The age and sex adjusted mean number of total annual consultations was lower among the immigrant population (children: IRR = 0.79, p < 0.05; adults: IRR = 0.73, p < 0.05). After adjusting for morbidity burden, this difference decreased among children (IRR = 0.94, p < 0.05) and disappeared among adults (IRR = 1.00). Further analysis considering the PC health service and type of visit revealed higher usage of routine diagnostic tests among immigrant children (IRR = 1.77, p < 0.05) and a higher usage of emergency services among the immigrant adult population (IRR = 1.2, p < 0.05) after adjusting for age, sex and case mix. Although immigrants make lower use of PC services than the native population after adjusting the consultation rate for age and sex, these differences decrease significantly when considering their morbidity burden. These results reinforce the 'healthy migration effect' and discount the existence of differences in PC utilisation patterns between the immigrant and native populations in Spain.

Atmospheric mercury pollution around a chlor-alkali plant in Flix (NE Spain): an integrated analysis.

PubMed

Esbrí, José M; López-Berdonces, Miguel Angel; Fernández-Calderón, Sergio; Higueras, Pablo; Díez, Sergi

2015-04-01

An integrated analysis approach has been applied to a mercury (Hg) case study on a chlor-alkali plant located in the Ebro River basin, close to the town of Flix (NE Spain). The study focused on atmospheric Hg and its incorporation in soils and lichens close to a mercury cell chlor-alkali plant (CAP), which has been operating since the end of the 19th century. Atmospheric Hg present in the area was characterized by means of seven total gaseous mercury (TGM) surveys carried out from 2007 to 2012. Surveys were carried out by car, walking, and at fixed locations, and covered an area of some 12 km(2) (including the CAP area, the village in which workers live, Flix town, and the Sebes Wildlife Reserve). Finally, an atmospheric Hg dispersion model was developed with ISC-AERMOD software validated by a lichen survey of the area. The results for the atmospheric compartment seem to indicate that the Flix area currently has the highest levels of Hg pollution in Spain on the basis of the extremely high average concentrations in the vicinity of the CAP (229 ng m(-3)). Moreover, the Hg(0) plume affects Flix town center to some extent, with values well above the international thresholds for residential areas. Wet and dry Hg deposition reached its highest values on the banks of the Ebro River, and this contributes to increased soil contamination (range 44-12,900 ng g(-1), average 775 ng g(-1)). A good fit was obtained between anomalous areas indicated by lichens and the dispersion model for 1 year.

The role of basement inheritance faults in the recent fracture system of the inner shelf around Alboran Island, Western Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maestro-González, A.; Bárcenas, P.; Vázquez, J. T.; Díaz-Del-Río, V.

2008-02-01

Fractures associated with volcanic rock outcrops on the inner shelf of Alboran Island, Western Mediterranean, were mapped on the basis of a side-scan sonar mosaic. Absolute maximum fracture orientation frequency is NW SE to NNW SSE, with several sub-maxima oriented NNE SSW, NE SW and ENE WSW. The origin of the main fracture systems in Neogene and Quaternary rocks of the Alboran Basin (south Spain) appears to be controlled by older structures, namely NE SW and WNW ESE to NW SE faults which cross-cut the basement. These faults, pre-Tortonian in origin, have been reactivated since the early Neogene in the form of strike-slip and extensional movements linked to the recent stress field in this area. Fracture analysis of volcanic outcrops on the inner continental shelf of Alboran Island suggests that the shelf has been deformed into a narrow shear zone limited by two NE SW-trending, sub-parallel high-angle faults, the main orientation and density of which have been influenced by previous WNW ESE to NW SE basement fractures.

Role of extensional structures on the location of folds and thrusts during tectonic inversion (northern Iberian Chain, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortés, Angel L.; Liesa, Carlos L.; Soria, Ana R.; Meléndez, Alfonso

1999-03-01

The Aguilón Subbasin (NE Spain) was originated daring the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous rifting due to the action of large normal faults, probably inherited from Late Variscan fracturing. WNW-ESE normal faults limit two major troughs filled by continental deposits (Valanginian to Early Barremian). NE-SW faults control the location of subsidiary depocenters within these troughs. These basins were weakly inverted during the Tertiary with folds and thrusts striking E-W to WNW-ESE involving the Mesozoic-Tertiary cover with a maximum estimated shortening of about 12 %. Tertiary compression did not produce the total inversion of the Mesozoic basin but extensional structures are responsible for the location of major Tertiary folds. Shortening of the cover during the Tertiary involved both reactivation of some normal faults and development of folds and thrusts nucleated on basement extensional steps. The inversion style depends mainly on the occurrence and geometry of normal faults limiting the basin. Steep normal faults were not reactivated but acted as buttresses to the cover translation. Around these faults, affecting both basement and cover, folds and thrusts were nucleated due to the stress rise in front of major faults. Within the cover, the buttressing against normal faults consists of folding and faulting implying little shortening without development of ceavage or other evidence of internal deformation.

Spatial and temporal variability of PM levels and composition in a complex summer atmospheric scenario in Barcelona (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viana, M.; Pérez, C.; Querol, X.; Alastuey, A.; Nickovic, S.; Baldasano, J. M.

Summer atmospheric coastal dynamics exert a significant influence on the levels and composition of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in the North-Eastern Iberian Peninsula. Summer atmospheric scenarios in this region present a high degree of complexity as they are characterised by the absence of synoptic-scale air mass advections, the development of breeze circulations, enhanced photochemistry, local mineral dust re-suspension and the occurrence of African dust outbreaks. Three sampling sites were selected in Barcelona (NE Spain), an urban coastal site surrounded by complex topography. Regional dust modelling (DREAM) and high resolution meteorological modelling (MM5) were used to interpret PM levels and composition at the three sites. The results outline the effect of breeze dynamics and thermal internal boundary layer formation as the main meteorological drivers of the hourly evolution of PM levels. Levels of crustal components, secondary inorganic and carbon species are higher during the night, and only the marine aerosol content is higher during the day. Nitrate levels are higher during the night due to the thermal stability on NH 4NO 3. Sulphate levels are higher during the night as a consequence of the drainage flows. Lidar measurements and model results signalled the occurrence of two African dust episodes during the study period which mainly affected the free troposphere over Barcelona.

Heavy rain prediction using deterministic and probabilistic models - the flash flood cases of 11-13 October 2005 in Catalonia (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrera, A.; Altava-Ortiz, V.; Llasat, M. C.; Barnolas, M.

2007-09-01

Between the 11 and 13 October 2005 several flash floods were produced along the coast of Catalonia (NE Spain) due to a significant heavy rainfall event. Maximum rainfall achieved values up to 250 mm in 24 h. The total amount recorded during the event in some places was close to 350 mm. Barcelona city was also in the affected area where high rainfall intensities were registered, but just a few small floods occurred, thanks to the efficient urban drainage system of the city. Two forecasting methods have been applied in order to evaluate their capability of prediction regarding extreme events: the deterministic MM5 model and a probabilistic model based on the analogous method. The MM5 simulation allows analysing accurately the main meteorological features with a high spatial resolution (2 km), like the formation of some convergence lines over the region that partially explains the maximum precipitation location during the event. On the other hand, the analogous technique shows a good agreement among highest probability values and real affected areas, although a larger pluviometric rainfall database would be needed to improve the results. The comparison between the observed precipitation and from both QPF (quantitative precipitation forecast) methods shows that the analogous technique tends to underestimate the rainfall values and the MM5 simulation tends to overestimate them.

[Rational use of drugs. Viewpoint of the users in the 3d Health Area of Saragossa].

PubMed

Astier Peña, M P; Pueyo Usón, M J; Aza Pascual-Salcedo, M; Vicente Barra, A

1995-10-15

To know the role of drugs and their use from the point of view of the National Health System users. Development of a qualitative method: focal groups of discussion. SITE: Health Area 3 of Zaragoza (Spain) which belongs to the Spanish National Health System. Groups of eight people who are representative of the rural and urban population. MAIN MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS: There were different meeting of one hour and a half for each. All of them started with the same question: What utility, use, and functions have drugs for all of you? All the session were recorded on video-tape and cassette to facilitate its typewriting. The general opinion was that users did not like to take drugs, nevertheless, it was a tool to solve easily and fast a health problem. At the same time, it was a cheap resource comparing to others as massage, health resort, diets... Drugs are seen as interchange currency in the medical bureau. There were critical opinions against abusive consumption of drugs. There is a lack of information concerning the utility and actions of drugs. The speech of user groups shows opposing points of view related to health professional opinions concerning drugs request from users and the role of drugs in the relationship doctor-patient.

Urban Waste Recycling Behavior: Antecedents of Participation in a Selective Collection Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcés, Conchita; Lafuente, Alberto; Pedraja, Marta; Rivera, Pilar

2002-09-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the antecedents of urban waste recycling behavior. To achieve this goal, a concrete urban waste management program was chosen. The study focuses on the Selective Collection Program (SCP) in Zaragoza, a medium-sized city in northeastern Spain. The research starts with a conceptual model in which the variables that potentially affect recycling behavior can be classified into two groups: incentives and barriers. Moreover, the sociodemographic characteristics of the individuals are included in our study. Given that the proposed model requires specification of latent variables or constructs, the analysis is based on the Structural Equation Models (SEM) methodology. The results revealed that environmental awareness, knowledge of the environmental impact of urban waste, and the positive perception of management by local government exercise a positive effect on individual recycling behavior, while perceived personal difficulties (space and time availability) and distance to and from the container have a negative effect. As regards sociodemographic variables, this study found that annual family income sustains a negative relationship with recycling behavior, while age maintains a positive one. The results obtained clearly show the important role that the public authorities play, especially municipal governments, in achieving the waste recycling objectives established in accordance with international legislation.

Recovery of energetically overexploited urban aquifers using surface water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Gil, Alejandro; Vázquez-Suñé, Enric; Sánchez-Navarro, José Ángel; Mateo Lázaro, Jesús

2015-12-01

Shallow aquifers have an important role in reducing greenhouse gases through helping manage the temperature of urban environments. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled rapid use of shallow groundwater resources to heat or cool urban environments can cause thermal pollution that will limit the long term sustainability of the resource. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate mitigation/remediation strategies capable of recovering energetically overexploited aquifers. In this work, a novel remediation strategy based on surface water recharge into aquifers is presented. To evaluate the capabilities of such measures for effective remediation, this strategy is optimized for a management problem raised in the overheated "Urban Alluvial Aquifer of Zaragoza" (Spain). The application of a transient groundwater flow and heat transport model under 512 different mitigation scenarios has enabled to quantify and discuss the magnitude of the remediation effect as a respond to injection rates of surface water, seasonal schedule of the injection and location of injection. The quantification of the relationship between these variables together with the evaluation of the amount of surface water injected per year in each scenario proposed have provided a better understanding of the system processes and an optimal management alternative. This work also makes awareness of the magnitude of the remediation procedure which is in an order of magnitude of tenths of years.

[Management of open access gastrointestinal endoscopy and quality of care: collaboration between an improvement team and primary care].

PubMed

Sebastián Domingo, Juan José; Sánchez Sánchez, Clara; Galve Royo, Eugenio; Mendi Metola, Carolina; Valdepérez Torrubia, Javier

2012-02-01

To create an improvement team within a healthcare quality improvement project of the Government of Aragon (Spain), aimed at increasing the quality of care and suitability of the indications of gastrointestinal endoscopy in the open access endoscopy system of a secondary hospital in Aragon. The team developed a consensus document indicating how to use oral endoscopy and colonoscopy correctly, and held information and training sessions with all the primary care physicians involved in this area. Sector I health centers and Royo Villanova Hospital, in Zaragoza. The team consisted of a gastroenterologist and three primary care physicians and, from the outset received the support of the primary care administration and management in the health area. Inappropriate use of endoscopy, particularly colonoscopy, was reduced from 20% to 11.6%. Significant savings were achieved in health costs. The endoscopy waiting list was reduced. The quality of care and the safety of patients undergoing these examinations improved. Training of primary care physicians in these procedures was enhanced, and coordination between primary and specialized was implemented. To ensure efficient running of an open access gastrointestinal endoscopy system, an interdisciplinary improvement team and the full involvement of the primary care staff managing this resource are required. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Development of concepts for the management of thermal resources in urban areas - Assessment of transferability from the Basel (Switzerland) and Zaragoza (Spain) case studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Epting, Jannis; García-Gil, Alejandro; Huggenberger, Peter; Vázquez-Suñe, Enric; Mueller, Matthias H.

2017-05-01

The shallow subsurface in urban areas is increasingly used by shallow geothermal energy systems as a renewable energy resource and as a cheap cooling medium, e.g. for building air conditioning. In combination with further anthropogenic activities, this results in altered thermal regimes in the subsurface and the so-called subsurface urban heat island effect. Successful thermal management of urban groundwater resources requires understanding the relative contributions of the different thermal parameters and boundary conditions that result in the "present thermal state" of individual urban groundwater bodies. To evaluate the "present thermal state" of urban groundwater bodies, good quality data are required to characterize the hydraulic and thermal aquifer parameters. This process also involved adequate monitoring systems which provide consistent subsurface temperature measurements and are the basis for parameterizing numerical heat-transport models. This study is based on previous work already published for two urban groundwater bodies in Basel (CH) and Zaragoza (ES), where comprehensive monitoring networks (hydraulics and temperature) as well as calibrated high-resolution numerical flow- and heat-transport models have been analyzed. The "present thermal state" and how it developed according to the different hydraulic and thermal boundary conditions is compared to a "potential natural state" in order to assess the anthropogenic thermal changes that have already occurred in the urban groundwater bodies we investigated. This comparison allows us to describe the various processes concerning groundwater flow and thermal regimes for the different urban settings. Furthermore, the results facilitate defining goals for specific aquifer regions, including future aquifer use and urbanization, as well as evaluating the thermal use potential for these regions. As one example for a more sustainable thermal use of subsurface water resources, we introduce the thermal management concept of the "relaxation factor", which is a first approach to overcome the present policy of "first come, first served". Remediation measures to regenerate overheated urban aquifers are also introduced. The transferability of the applied methods to other urban areas is discussed. It is shown that an appropriate selection of locations for monitoring hydraulic and thermal boundary conditions make it possible to implement representative interpretations of groundwater flow and thermal regimes as well as to set up high-resolution numerical flow- and heat-transport models. Those models are the basis for the sustainable management of thermal resources.

Four-year advanced monitoring program of polar pesticides in groundwater of Catalonia (NE-Spain).

PubMed

Köck-Schulmeyer, Marianne; Ginebreda, Antoni; Postigo, Cristina; Garrido, Teresa; Fraile, Josep; López de Alda, Miren; Barceló, Damià

2014-02-01

Pesticide contamination of groundwater is of paramount importance because it is the most sensitive and the largest body of freshwater in the European Union. In this paper, an isotopic dilution method based on on-line solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography (electrospray)-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC(ESI)-MS/MS) was used for the analysis of 22 pesticides in groundwater. Results were evaluated from monitoring 112 wells and piezometers coming from 29 different aquifers located in 18 ground water bodies (GWBs), from Catalonia, Spain, for 4 years as part of the surveillance and operational monitoring programs conducted by the Catalan Water Agency. The analytical method developed allows the determination of the target pesticides (6 triazines, 4 phenylureas, 4 organophosphorous, 1 anilide, 2 chloroacetanilides, 1 thiocarbamate, and 4 acid herbicides) in groundwater with good sensitivity (limits of detection <5 ng/L), accuracy (relative recoveries between 85 and 116%, except for molinate), and repeatability (RSD<23%), and in a fully automated way. The most ubiquitous compounds were simazine, atrazine, desethylatrazine and diuron. Direct relation between frequency of detection of each target compound and Groundwater Ubiquity Score index (GUS index) is observed. Desethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine, metabolites of atrazine and simazine, respectively, presented the highest mean concentrations. Compounds detected in less than 5% of the samples were cyanazine, molinate, fenitrothion and mecoprop. According to the Directive 2006/118/EC, 13 pesticides have individual values above the requested limits (desethylatrazine, atrazine and terbuthylazine lead the list) and 14 samples have total pesticide levels above 500 ng/L. The GWB with the highest levels of total pesticides is located in Lleida (NE-Spain), with 9 samples showing total pesticide levels above 500 ng/L. Several factors such as regulation of the use of pesticides, type of activities in the area, and irrigation were discussed in relation to the observed levels of pesticides. © 2013.

Perfluoroalkyl substance contamination of the Llobregat River ecosystem (Mediterranean area, NE Spain).

PubMed

Campo, Julian; Pérez, Francisca; Masiá, Ana; Picó, Yolanda; Farré, Marinel la; Barceló, Damià

2015-01-15

The occurrence and sources of 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs: C4-C14, C16, C18 carboxylate, C4, C6-C8 and C10 sulfonates and C8 sulfonamide) were determined in water, sediment, and biota of the Llobregat River basin (NE Spain). Analytes were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and determined by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-QqQ-MS). All samples were contaminated with at least one PFAS, being the most frequently found perfluorobutanoate (PFBA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (L-PFOS). In general, mean PFAS concentrations measured in sediments (0.01-3.67 ng g(-1)) and biota (0.79-431 μg kg(-1)) samples were higher than those found in water (0.01-233 ng L(-1)). L-PFOS presented very high levels in biota and water, particularly in the Anoia River where a maximum concentration of 2.71 μg L(-1) was related to important industrial activities. However, this pollution does not extend down the Llobregat River according to cumulated values. None of the hazard quotients (HQ) calculated indicate potential risk for the different tropic levels considered (algae, Daphnia sp. and fish). According to Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) proposed by the European Commission (L-PFOS) and to Provisional Health Advisory (PHA) values (PFOA, L-PFOS) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), only two water samples exceeded PHA concentration for L-PFOS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Frequency of rare mutations and common genetic variations in severe hypertriglyceridemia in the general population of Spain.

PubMed

Lamiquiz-Moneo, Itziar; Blanco-Torrecilla, Cristian; Bea, Ana M; Mateo-Gallego, Rocío; Pérez-Calahorra, Sofía; Baila-Rueda, Lucía; Cenarro, Ana; Civeira, Fernando; de Castro-Orós, Isabel

2016-04-23

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a common complex metabolic trait that results of the accumulation of relatively common genetic variants in combination with other modifier genes and environmental factors resulting in increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. The majority of severe primary hypertriglyceridemias is diagnosed in adulthood and their molecular bases have not been fully defined yet. The prevalence of HTG is highly variable among populations, possibly caused by differences in environmental factors and genetic background. However, the prevalence of very high TG and the frequency of rare mutations causing HTG in a whole non-selected population have not been previously studied. The total of 23,310 subjects over 18 years from a primary care-district in a middle-class area of Zaragoza (Spain) with TG >500 mg/dL were selected to establish HTG prevalence. Those affected of primary HTG were considered for further genetic analysis. The promoters, coding regions and exon-intron boundaries of LPL, LMF1, APOC2, APOA5, APOE and GPIHBP1 genes were sequenced. The frequency of rare variants identified was studied in 90 controls. One hundred ninety-four subjects (1.04%) had HTG and 90 subjects (46.4%) met the inclusion criteria for primary HTG. In this subgroup, nine patients (12.3%) were carriers of 7 rare variants in LPL, LMF1, APOA5, GPIHBP1 or APOE genes. Three of these mutations are described for the first time in this work. The presence of a rare pathogenic mutation did not confer a differential phenotype or a higher family history of HTG. The prevalence of rare mutations in candidate genes in subjects with primary HTG is low. The low frequency of rare mutations, the absence of a more severe phenotype or the dominant transmission of the HTG would not suggest the use of genetic analysis in the clinical practice in this population.

Aragon workers’ health study – design and cohort description

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Spain, a Mediterranean country with relatively low rates of coronary heart disease, has a high prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and is experiencing a severe epidemic of overweight/obesity. We designed the Aragon Workers’ Health Study (AWHS) to characterize the factors associated with metabolic abnormalities and subclinical atherosclerosis in a middle aged population in Spain free of clinical cardiovascular disease. The objective of this paper is to describe the study design, aims and baseline characteristics of participants in the AWHS. Methods/Design Longitudinal cohort study based on the annual health exams of 5,400 workers of a car assembly plant in Figueruelas (Zaragoza, Spain). Study participants were recruited during a standardized clinical exam in 2009–2010 (participation rate 95.6%). Study participants will undergo annual clinical exams and laboratory assays, and baseline and triennial collection of biological materials for biobanking and cardiovascular imaging exams (carotid, femoral and abdominal ultrasonography, coronary calcium score, and ankle-arm blood pressure index). Participants will be followed-up for 10 years. Results The average (SD) age, body mass index, and waist circumference were 49.3 (8.7) years, 27.7 (3.6) kg/m2 and 97.2 (9.9) cm, respectively, among males (N = 5,048), and 40.8 (11.6) years, 24.4 (3.8) kg/m2, and 81.9 (9.9) cm, among females (N = 351). The prevalence of overweight, obesity, current smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were 55.0, 23.1, 37.1, 40.3, 75.0, and 7.4%, respectively, among males, and 23.7, 8.3, 45.0, 12.1, 59.5, and 0.6%, respectively, among females. In the initial 587 study participants who completed all imaging exams (94.5% male), the prevalence of carotid plaque, femoral plaque, coronary calcium score >1 to 100, and coronary calcium score >100 was 30.3, 56.9, 27.0, and 8.8%, respectively. 67.7% of study participants had at least one plaque in the carotid or femoral arteries. Discussion Baseline data from the AWHS show a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and of sublinical atherosclerosis. Follow-up of this cohort will allow the assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis progression and the link of disease progression to traditional and emergent risk factors. PMID:22712826

Aragon workers' health study--design and cohort description.

PubMed

Casasnovas, José A; Alcaide, Victor; Civeira, Fernando; Guallar, Eliseo; Ibañez, Borja; Borreguero, Jesús Jiménez; Laclaustra, Martin; León, Montserrat; Peñalvo, José Luis; Ordovás, José M; Pocovi, Miguel; Sanz, Ginés; Fuster, Valentín

2012-06-19

Spain, a Mediterranean country with relatively low rates of coronary heart disease, has a high prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and is experiencing a severe epidemic of overweight/obesity. We designed the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS) to characterize the factors associated with metabolic abnormalities and subclinical atherosclerosis in a middle aged population in Spain free of clinical cardiovascular disease. The objective of this paper is to describe the study design, aims and baseline characteristics of participants in the AWHS. Longitudinal cohort study based on the annual health exams of 5,400 workers of a car assembly plant in Figueruelas (Zaragoza, Spain). Study participants were recruited during a standardized clinical exam in 2009-2010 (participation rate 95.6%). Study participants will undergo annual clinical exams and laboratory assays, and baseline and triennial collection of biological materials for biobanking and cardiovascular imaging exams (carotid, femoral and abdominal ultrasonography, coronary calcium score, and ankle-arm blood pressure index). Participants will be followed-up for 10 years. The average (SD) age, body mass index, and waist circumference were 49.3 (8.7) years, 27.7 (3.6) kg/m² and 97.2 (9.9) cm, respectively, among males (N = 5,048), and 40.8 (11.6) years, 24.4 (3.8) kg/m², and 81.9 (9.9) cm, among females (N = 351). The prevalence of overweight, obesity, current smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were 55.0, 23.1, 37.1, 40.3, 75.0, and 7.4%, respectively, among males, and 23.7, 8.3, 45.0, 12.1, 59.5, and 0.6%, respectively, among females. In the initial 587 study participants who completed all imaging exams (94.5% male), the prevalence of carotid plaque, femoral plaque, coronary calcium score >1 to 100, and coronary calcium score >100 was 30.3, 56.9, 27.0, and 8.8%, respectively. 67.7% of study participants had at least one plaque in the carotid or femoral arteries. Baseline data from the AWHS show a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and of sublinical atherosclerosis. Follow-up of this cohort will allow the assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis progression and the link of disease progression to traditional and emergent risk factors.

RTNN: The New Parallel Machine in Zaragoza

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sijs, A. J. V. D.

I report on the development of RTNN, a parallel computer designed as a 4^4 hypercube of 256 T9000 transputer nodes, each with 8 MB memory. The peak performance of the machine is expected to be 2.5 Gflops.

[Use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in an urban health center. Comparison with the current evidence].

PubMed

Yagüe-Sebastián, M M; Coscollar-Escartín, I; Muñoz-Albadalejo, P; López-Canales, M C; Villaverde-Royo, M V; Gutiérrez-Moreno, F

2013-09-01

To describe the prescribing of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in an urban health center (Zaragoza, Spain). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on subjects who belonged to an urban center and were studied during the year 2010. The sample size with a confidence level of 95%, was calculated, a total of 843 prescriptions were analyzed. The sample was single random, and 150 cases were selected. The prevalence and confidence intervals were calculated. The statistical package STATA 9.1 was used for the calculations. The most used drug was diclofenac, in 27.33% (95% CI: 20.65-34.88). NSAIDs were most used in females. In 18% of the cases the area of application was the knee, followed by the 15% in the lower back area (95% CI: 10,22-21,78). There were no adverse reactions. Frequent use is made of topical NSAIDs in a basic health area. Current recommendations support the use in the knee and in the hand, but not in the back, where its use is common. The use of topical NSAIDs decreases side effects and drug interactions, therefore their use is recommended in patients on multiple drug therapy and in the elderly. Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Médicos de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN). Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

[Sexually transmitted infections in male prison inmates: risk of development of new diseases].

PubMed

Sánchez Recio, Raquel; Alonso Pérez de Ágreda, Juan Pablo; Santabárbara Serrano, Javier

2016-01-01

To measure incidence and main risk factors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Daroca Prison (Zaragoza, Spain). A retrospective cohort study (2005-2013) to measure the incidence of STI and a cross-sectional study to measure risk factors. Of the 203 inmates, 79 developed an STI, 37 had a previous STI, 55.2% lacked knowledge on STI prevention, and 28.9% showed behaviours unfavourable for STI prevention. The incidence rate was 6.5 STIs per 1,000 inmates-year. The most frequent STIs were hepatitis B (39.7%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (19.1%), herpes simplex (16.2%) and HIV (8.8%). The risk (hazard ratio, HR) of acquiring a new STI was significantly higher in inmates with a history of previous STI (HR=2.61; 95%CI: 1.01 to 6.69), and was at the limit of significance for non-preventive behaviour (HR=2.10; 95%CI: 0.98 to 4.53), but not in knowledge related to STIs (HR=1.33; 95%CI: 0.58 to 3.07). The most important risk factors in prison are behaviours related to STIs and previous history of STIs. Other factors are being a repeat offender, injecting drug use, or being in a methadone programme. Health personnel and peer education can facilitate prevention and control. Copyright © 2016 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

A database about the tornadic activity in Catalonia (NE Spain) since 1994

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales, M. E.; Arús, J.; Llasat, M. C.; Castán, S.

2009-09-01

Although tornadic activity is not the most important hazard in Spain, the damages that tornadoes and downburst generate are considerable in urban areas, giving place in some occasions to casualties. In Spain, the oldest systematic works collecting data about tornadoes, refer to the Balearic Islands, although some series about tornadoes in Spain have also been collected and analysed (Gayà, 2005). These series shows a positive increase that is probably more related to a change in the perception level of the population than to climatic change. In some occasions it is difficult to separate the damages produced by the tornado itself from those produced by other associated hazards like heavy rains, hail or a wind storms. It was the case of the September 2006 event, in which flash floods and tornadoes were recorded. In the same sense in some occasions, damages produced by a downsburt are confused with those that produced by a tornado. Having in mind all these facts, having a good systematic data base about tornadoes is necessary, before to obtain some conclusions not enough justified. This kind of database is not easy to obtain, because of it requires to have detailed information about damages, meteorological observations and testimonies that has to be filtered by a good quality control. After a general presentation about tornadoes and downsbursts in Mediterranean Region, this contribution presents the database that have affected Catalonia during the period 1994-2009, starting with the tornado recorded on the Espluga de Francolí the 31 August 1994.This database has been built in basis to the AEMET information, the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (the insurance company of Spain for natural disasters), the newspapers and field visits to the affected places.

Comparative evolution of P-M system and infection by the sigma virus in French and Spanish populations of Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Fleuriet, A; Kalmes, R; Pascual, L; Periquet, G

1992-10-01

In 1983, an extensive survey of populations of D. melanogaster was started in a southern French region (Languedoc) in two non-Mendelian systems: the P-M system of transposable elements and the hereditary Rhabdovirus sigma. Unexpectedly fast-evolving phenomena were observed and interesting correlations were noted, giving similar geographical pattern to the region in both systems. For these reasons, the analysis was continued and extended towards the north (Rhône Valley) and the south (Spain). In the P-M system, all the Languedoc populations evolved from 1983 to 1991 towards the Q type which is characteristic of the Rhône Valley populations. In contrast, M' strains are currently observed in the southernmost French populations and in all Spanish ones, so that there is a clear pattern in their geographical distribution. The frequency of flies infected by the sigma virus dramatically increased from 1983 to 1988 in Languedoc; this increase was clearly correlated with some viral characteristics. But, in northern France, similar characteristics did not trigger any increase in the frequency of infected flies. The data presented here show that the distinctive features of Languedoc extend northwards through the Rhône Valley up to Lyon and disappears southwards before the Spanish border.

Sediment discharge of the rivers of Catalonia, NE Spain, and the influence of human impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liquete, Camino; Canals, Miquel; Ludwig, Wolfgang; Arnau, Pedro

2009-03-01

SummaryThe environmental and anthropogenic factors controlling sediment delivery to the sea are numerous, intricate and usually difficult to quantify. Mediterranean watersheds are historically amongst the most heavily impacted by human activities in the world. This study analyzes some of these factors for nine river systems from Catalonia, NE Spain, that open into the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea, and discusses the results obtained from sediment yield models and sediment concentration data series. General models indicate that the natural suspended sediment yield by individual Catalan rivers ranged within a fork from 94 to 621 t km -2 yr -1. Such a sediment yield would be noticeably reduced (moving the fork to 7-148 t km -2 yr -1) because of lithological factors and direct anthropogenic and, possibly, climatic impacts. Damming, water extraction and urbanization appear as the most important direct anthropogenic impacts in Catalonia. Water discharge and sediment concentration measurements by basin authorities provide much lower sediment yield estimations, from 0.4 to 19.8 t km -2 yr -1, which is probably due to the lack of measured sediment loads during flood events, as it is the case in many other Mediterranean rivers. The Catalan watersheds have some of the smallest runoff values amongst Mediterranean rivers. Of the nine river systems studied, water discharge tends to decrease in two and to increase in one. The other six river systems do not show any clear tendency. Related to climatic parameters, temperature raised in all the watersheds between 1961 and 1990, while precipitation did not show significant trends.

Classification and statistical analysis of mine spoils chemical composition from Oliete basin (Teruel, NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meseguer, S.; Sanfeliu, T.; Jordán, M. M.

2009-02-01

The Oliete basin (Early Cretaceous, NE Teruel, Spain) is one of the most important areas for the supply of mine spoils used as ball clays for the production of white and red stoneware in the Spanish ceramic industry of wall and floor tiles. This study corresponds to the second part of the paper published recently by Meseguer et al. (Environ Geol 2008) about the use of mine spoils from Teruel coal mining district. The present study shows a statistical data analysis from chemical data (major, minor and trace elements). The performed statistical analysis of chemical data included descriptive statistics and cluster analysis (with ANOVA and Scheffé methods). The cluster analysis of chemical data provided three main groups: C3 with the highest mean SiO2 content (66%) and lowest mean Al2O3 content (20%); C2 with lower SiO2 content (48%) and higher mean Al2O3 content (28%); and C1 with medium values for the SiO2 and Al2O3 mean content. The main applications of these materials are refractory, white and red ceramics, stoneware, heavy ceramics (including red earthenware, bricks and roof tiles), and components of white Portland cement and aluminous cement. Clays from group 2 are used in refractories (with higher kaolinite content, and constrictions to CaO + MgO and K2O + Na2O contents). All materials can be used in fine ceramics (white or red, according to the Fe2O3 + TiO2 content).

Spring and Summer Proliferation of Floating Macroalgae in a Mediterranean Coastal Lagoon (Tancada Lagoon, Ebro Delta, NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menéndez, M.; Comín, F. A.

2000-08-01

During the last 10 years, a drastic change in the structure of the community of primary producers has been observed in Tancada Lagoon (Ebro Delta, NE Spain). This consisted of a decrease in the abundance of submerged rooted macrophyte cover and a spring and summer increase in floating macroalgae. Two spatial patterns have been observed. In the west part of the lagoon, Chaetomorpha linum Kützing, dominated during winter and decreased progressively in spring when Cladophora sp. reached its maximum development. In the east part of the lagoon, higher macroalgal diversity was observed, together with lower cover in winter and early spring. Cladophora sp., Gracilaria verrucosa Papenfuss and Chondria tenuissima Agardh, increased cover and biomass in summer. Maximum photosynthetic production was observed in spring for G. verrucosa (10·9 mg O 2 g -1 DW h -1) and C. tenuissima (19·0 mg O 2 g -1 DW h -1) in contrast with Cladophora sp. (15·9 mg O 2 g -1 DW h -1) and Chaetomorpha linum (7·2 mg O 2 g -1 DW h -1) which reached maximum production in summer. Increased conductivity from reduced freshwater inflow, and higher water temperatures during periods of lagoon isolation, mainly in summer, were the main physical factors associated with an increase in floating macroalgal biomass across the lagoon. Reduced nitrogen availability and temperature-related changes in carbon availability during summer were related to a decrease in abundance of C. linum and increases in G. verrucosa and Cladophora sp.

Characterizing sources and natural attenuation of nitrate contamination in the Baix Ter aquifer system (NE Spain) using a multi-isotope approach.

PubMed

Puig, Roger; Soler, Albert; Widory, David; Mas-Pla, Josep; Domènech, Cristina; Otero, Neus

2017-02-15

Nitrate pollution is a widespread issue affecting global water resources with significant economic and health effects. Knowledge of both the corresponding pollution sources and of processes naturally attenuating them is thus of crucial importance in assessing water management policies and the impact of anthropogenic activities. In this study, an approach combining hydrodynamic, hydrochemical and multi-isotope systematics (8 isotopes) is used to characterize the sources of nitrate pollution and potential natural attenuation processes in a polluted basin of NE Spain. δ 2 H and δ 18 O isotopes were used to further characterize the sources of recharge of the aquifers. Results show that NO 3 - is not homogeneously distributed and presents a large range of concentrations, from no NO 3 - to up to 480mgL -1 . δ 15 N and δ 18 O of dissolved NO 3 - identified manure as the main source of nitrate, although sewage and mineral fertilizers can also be isotopically detected using boron isotopes (δ 11 B) and δ 34 S and δ 18 O of dissolved sulphate, respectively. The multi-isotope approach proved that natural denitrification is occurring, especially in near-river environments or in areas hydrologically related to fault zones. δ 34 S and δ 18 O indicated that denitrification is not driven by pyrite oxidation but rather by the oxidation of organic matter. This could not be confirmed by the study of δ 13 C HCO3 that was buffered by the entanglement of other processes and sources. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect on a long-term afforestation of pine in a beech domain in NE-Spain as reflected in soil C and N isotopic signature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girona García, Antonio; Badía-Villas, David; González-Pérez, José Antonio; Tomás Jiménez-Morillo, Nicasio; Martí-Dalmau, Clara

2015-04-01

The replacement of native beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) afforestation may exert changes in soil properties, particularly in soil organic matter (SOM) (Carceller and Vallejo, 1996). Stable isotopic signatures of light elements (d13C, d15N) in soils and plants are valuable proxies for the identification of biogeochemical processes and their rates in the pedosphere (Andreeva et al., 2013 and refs therein). In this work the C and N stable isotopic analysis is used as a proxy to detect changes in SOM surrogated to the effect of centennial replacement of beech by the Scots pinewood. Two acid soil profiles, developed on quartzites under a humid climate at an altitude of 1400-1500 masl, have been sampled in Moncayo (Iberian range, NE-Spain). For each soil profile three O-layers (litter: OL, fragmented litter OF and humified litter OH) and mineral soil horizons (Ah, E, Bhs and C) were sampled. Content and bulk isotopic signature of light elements (C and N) were analysed in a Flash 2000 elemental micro-analyser coupled via a ConFlo IV interface to a Delta V Advantage isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) (Thermo Scientific, Bremen, Germany). Isotopic ratios are reported as parts per thousand deviations from appropriate standards. The standard deviations of d13C and d15N were typically less than ± 0.05 per thousand, ± 0.2 per thousand, respectively. After 100 years since the pine afforestation, no differences on C content were observed in the O-layers, ranging from 30-47% in pine soils and 37-47 % in beech soils. Similarly, no differences on N content were observed in the O-layers, ranging from 1.24-1.86 % in pine soils and 1.70-1.71 % in beech soils. C and N contents decrease progressively in depth with the exception of E-horizons where the lowest C and N content values were found. C/N ratio is higher in pine soil (20.7-38.1) than in beech O soil horizons (21.8-27.5), showing similar behavior with soil depth. Pine biomass was slightly enriched in 13C as compared to that from beech (OL enrichment factor= 1.24 ± 0.13 per thousand). Along the soil profile the C isotopic signature (d13C) reflects the main vegetation signature being higher in pine than beech in the organic soil horizons (OL, OF and OH) down to the first mineral Ah horizon. At deeper horizons d13C value tends to equal that of the original beech soil indicating a limited influence of the afforested specie with depth even 100 years after afforestation. A consistent enrichment in d15N with depth was observed in the two profiles. This N enrichments have been related with progressive N losses being particularly pronounced in forest soils (Szpak, 2014 and refs therein). This phenomenon can be also related to migrations of N forms in a more evolved organic matter. In this view N losses in organic layers under beech seem to be less pronounced that under the alien pine. REFERENCES: Andreeva BD, Zech M, Glaser B, Erbajeva MA, Chimitdorgieva, Ermakova OD, Zech, W. (2013). Stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O) record of soils in Buryatia, southern Siberia: Implications for biogeochemical and paleoclimatic interpretations. Quaternary International 290-291 (2013) 82-94 pp. Carceller F, Vallejo VR (1996). Influencia de la vegetación en los procesos de podsolización en los suelos de la Sierra del Moncayo (Zaragoza). Geogaceta 1127-1130. Szpak P (2014). Complexities of nitrogen isotope biogeochemistry in plant-soil systems: implications for the study of ancient agricultural and animal management practices. Front. Plant Sci. 5: 288 1-19 pp. Acknowledgements: This study is part of the results of the FUEGOSOL (CGL2013-43440-R) and GEOFIRE Projects (CGL2012-38655-C04-01) funded by the Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness. N.T Jiménez-Morillo is funded by a FPI research grant (BES-2013-062573).

Not only Chauvet: dating Aurignacian rock art in Altxerri B Cave (northern Spain).

PubMed

González-Sainz, C; Ruiz-Redondo, A; Garate-Maidagan, D; Iriarte-Avilés, E

2013-10-01

The discovery and first dates of the paintings in Grotte Chauvet provoked a new debate on the origin and characteristics of the first figurative Palaeolithic art. Since then, other art ensembles in France and Italy (Aldène, Fumane, Arcy-sur-Cure and Castanet) have enlarged our knowledge of graphic activity in the early Upper Palaeolithic. This paper presents a chronological assessment of the Palaeolithic parietal ensemble in Altxerri B (northern Spain). When the study began in 2011, one of our main objectives was to determine the age of this pictorial phase in the cave. Archaeological, geological and stylistic evidence, together with radiometric dates, suggest an Aurignacian chronology for this art. The ensemble in Altxerri B can therefore be added to the small but growing number of sites dated in this period, corroborating the hypothesis of more complex and varied figurative art than had been supposed in the early Upper Palaeolithic. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depression among older people in Europe: the EURODEP studies.

PubMed

Copeland, John R M; Beekman, Aartjan T F; Braam, Arjan W; Dewey, Michael E; Delespaul, Philippe; Fuhrer, Rebecca; Hooijer, Christopher; Lawlor, Brian A; Kivela, Sirkka-Liisa; Lobo, Anthony; Magnusson, Halgrimur; Mann, Anthony H; Meller, Ingeborg; Prince, Martin J; Reischies, Friedel; Roelands, Marc; Skoog, Ingmar; Turrina, Cesare; deVries, Marten W; Wilson, Kenneth C M

2004-02-01

The data from nine centres in Europe which had used the Geriatric Mental Scale (GMS) AGECAT were analysed to compare prevalence of diagnoses in subjects aged 65 years and over living in the community. Levels of depressive illness were: Iceland 8.8%, Liverpool 10.0%; Zaragoza 10.7%; Dublin 11.9%; Amsterdam 12.0%; Berlin 16.5%; London 17.3%; Verona 18.3% and Munich 23.6%. Taking all levels of depression, five high (Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, London and Verona) and four low (Dublin, Iceland, Liverpool, Zaragoza) scoring centres were identified. Meta-analysis of all 13,808 subjects yielded a mean level of depression of 12.3% (95% CI 11.8-12.9), 14.1% for women (95% CI 13.5-14.8) and 8.6% for men (95% CI 7.9-9.3). Symptom levels varied between centres: 40% of the total study population in Amsterdam reported depressive mood against only 26% in Zaragoza. To incorporate studies from other centres using other methods for depression identification, the EURO-D scale was developed from 12 items of the GMS and validated against other scales and expert diagnosis. A two factor solution emerged, an 'affective suffering factor' and a 'motivation factor'. The EURO-D scale was applied to 14 population based surveys. Depression score tended to increase with age unlike levels of prevalence of depression. Large between centre differences were evident in levels of depression unexplained by age, gender or marital status. These data show that depressive illness defined as suitable for intervention is common among older people in Europe. Opportunities for effective treatment are almost certainly being lost. Levels of depressive symptoms vary significantly between high and low scoring centres, prompting the next phase of this study, an examination of risk factors in Europe.

Distribution of Thorium, Cesium, Yttrium and Zirconium in Alfisol pedons in the Catalan Coastal Range (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bech, J.; Rustullet, J.; Tume, P.; Roca, N.; Tobias, F. J.; Garrigó, J.; Reverter, F.; Sánchez, P.

2012-04-01

The aim of this study is to estimate the concentrations and vertical distributions of Th, Ce, Y, and Zr in eleven Alfisol pedons from the NE Garraf Coastal massif (Catalonia, NE Spain). These soils were developed mainly on Mesozoic limestones. The concentrations were determined by XRF and the results were then compared to soil properties (pH, organic carbon content, CaCO3, particle size distribution and Fe forms: total iron, Fet, dithionite-extractable iron, Fed and oxalate-extractable iron,Feo). The range of Th values is: min 3 mgkg-1, max 16 mgkg-1, mean 10.4 mgkg-1 and median 11 mgkg-1. The range of Ce values is: min 22 mgkg-1, max 116 mgkg-1, mean 73.9 mgkg-1 and median 76 mgkg-1. The range of Y values is: min 10 mgkg-1, max 43 mgkg-1, mean 27.5 mgkg-1 and median 27 mgkg-1. The range of Zr values is: min 101 mgkg-1, max 418 mgkg-1, mean 253 mgkg-1 and median 252 mgkg-1. The Th concentrations obtained are similar to world soil and NASC values. These concentration data of Th, Ce, Y and Zr were correlated with each other and with the soil properties. Th correlates positively with Ce (0.95), Y (0.92), Zr (0.80), Fet (0.75), Fed (0.85) and Fed-Feo (0.85), clay% (0.55) and silt% (0.31) and negatively with sand% and CaCO3. The correlations do not indicate any significant relationship between Th and organic carbon or Feo. The ranking of the horizons by Th concentration is: BC hor. (12.5 mgkg-1), Bt hor. (11 mgkg-1), A hor. (10.1 mgkg-1) and finally C horizons (7.2 mgkg-1). The ranking of the Alfisols by Th concentration, taking into account the litology is: those derived from limestones (14.5 mgkg-1), those derived from schists (12.5 mgkg-1), those originated over dolomites (11.8 mgkg-1), those developed over Pleistocene colluvium (9.2 mgkg-1) and finally those originated over Keuper marls (6 mgkg-1).

Aerosol optical, microphysical and radiative properties at regional background insular sites in the western Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sicard, Michaël; Barragan, Rubén; Dulac, François; Alados-Arboledas, Lucas; Mallet, Marc

2016-09-01

In the framework of the ChArMEx (the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment; http://charmex.lsce.ipsl.fr/) program, the seasonal variability of the aerosol optical, microphysical and radiative properties derived from AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network; http://aeronet.gsfc.nasa.gov/) is examined in two regional background insular sites in the western Mediterranean Basin: Ersa (Corsica Island, France) and Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca Island, Spain). A third site, Alborán (Alborán Island, Spain), with only a few months of data is considered for examining possible northeast-southwest (NE-SW) gradients of the aforementioned aerosol properties. The AERONET dataset is exclusively composed of level 2.0 inversion products available during the 5-year period 2011-2015. AERONET solar radiative fluxes are compared with ground- and satellite-based flux measurements. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that AERONET fluxes are compared with measurements at the top of the atmosphere. Strong events (with an aerosol optical depth at 440 nm greater than 0.4) of long-range transport aerosols, one of the main drivers of the observed annual cycles and NE-SW gradients, are (1) mineral dust outbreaks predominant in spring and summer in the north and in summer in the south and (2) European pollution episodes predominant in autumn. A NE-SW gradient exists in the western Mediterranean Basin for the aerosol optical depth and especially its coarse-mode fraction, which all together produces a similar gradient for the aerosol direct radiative forcing. The aerosol fine mode is rather homogeneously distributed. Absorption properties are quite variable because of the many and different sources of anthropogenic particles in and around the western Mediterranean Basin: North African and European urban areas, the Iberian and Italian peninsulas, most forest fires and ship emissions. As a result, the aerosol direct forcing efficiency, more dependent to absorption than the absolute forcing, has no marked gradient.

Managing the impact of climate change on the hydrology of the Gallocanta Basin, NE-Spain.

PubMed

Kuhn, Nikolaus J; Baumhauer, Roland; Schütt, Brigitta

2011-02-01

The Gallocanta Basin represents an environment highly sensitive to climate change. Over the past 60 years, the Laguna de Gallocanta, an ephemeral lake situated in the closed Gallocanta basin, experienced a sequence of wet and dry phases. The lake and its surrounding wetlands are one of only a few bird sanctuaries left in NE-Spain for grey cranes on their annual migration from Scandinavia to northern Africa. Understanding the impact of climate change on basin hydrology is therefore of utmost importance for the appropriate management of the bird sanctuary. Changes in lake level are only weakly linked to annual rainfall, with reaction times between hours and months after rainfall. Both the total amount of rainfall over the reaction period, as well as individual extreme events, affect lake level. In this study the characteristics and frequencies of daily, event, monthly and bi-monthly rainfall over the past 60 years were analysed. The results revealed a clear link between increased frequencies of high magnitude rainfall and phases of water filling in the Laguna de Gallocanta. In the middle of the 20th century, the absolute amount of rainfall appears to have been more important for lake level, while more recently the frequency of high magnitude rainfall has emerged as the dominant variable. In the Gallocanta Basin, climate change and the distinct and continuing land use change since Spain joined the EU in 1986 have created an environment that is in a more or less constant state of transition. This highlights two challenges faced by hydrologists and climatologists involved in developing water management tools for the Gallocanta Basin in particular, but also other areas with sensitive and rapidly changing environments. Hydrologists have to understand the processes and the spatial and temporal patterns of surface-climate interaction in a watershed to assess the impact of climate change on its hydrology. Climatologists, on the other hand, have to develop climate models which provide the appropriate output data, such as reliable information on rainfall characteristics relevant for environmental management. Copyright © 2009. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Nitrogen deposition in Spain: modeled patterns and threatened habitats within the Natura 2000 network.

PubMed

García-Gómez, H; Garrido, J L; Vivanco, M G; Lassaletta, L; Rábago, I; Àvila, A; Tsyro, S; Sánchez, G; González Ortiz, A; González-Fernández, I; Alonso, R

2014-07-01

The Mediterranean Basin presents an extraordinary biological richness but very little information is available on the threat that air pollution, and in particular reactive nitrogen (N), can pose to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study represents the first approach to assess the risk of N enrichment effects on Spanish ecosystems. The suitability of EMEP and CHIMERE air quality model systems as tools to identify those areas where effects of atmospheric N deposition could be occurring was tested. For this analysis, wet deposition of NO3(-) and NH4(+) estimated with EMEP and CHIMERE model systems were compared with measured data for the period 2005-2008 obtained from different monitoring networks in Spain. Wet N deposition was acceptably predicted by both models, showing better results for oxidized than for reduced nitrogen, particularly when using CHIMERE. Both models estimated higher wet deposition values in northern and northeastern Spain, and decreasing along a NE-SW axis. Total (wet+dry) nitrogen deposition in 2008 reached maxima values of 19.4 and 23.0 kg N ha(-1) year(-1) using EMEP and CHIMERE models respectively. Total N deposition was used to estimate the exceedance of N empirical critical loads in the Natura 2000 network. Grassland habitats proved to be the most threatened group, particularly in the northern alpine area, pointing out that biodiversity conservation in these protected areas could be endangered by N deposition. Other valuable mountain ecosystems can be also threatened, indicating the need to extend atmospheric deposition monitoring networks to higher altitudes in Spain. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluvial diffluence episodes reflected in the Pleistocene tufa deposits of the River Piedra (Iberian Range, NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vázquez-Urbez, M.; Pardo, G.; Arenas, C.; Sancho, C.

2011-01-01

The Pleistocene deposits of the valley of the River Piedra (NE Spain) are represented by thick tufas with small amounts of detrital material; the development of these deposits correlates with marine isotopic stages 9, 7, 6, and 5. The sedimentary scenario in which they formed mostly corresponded to stepped fluvial systems with barrage-cascade and associated dammed areas separated by low gradient fluvial stretches. Mapping and determining the sedimentology and chronology of these deposits distinguished two main episodes of fluvial diffluence that originated as a result of the temporary blockage of the river — a consequence of the vertical growth of tufa barrages in the main channel. In both episodes, water spilt out toward a secondary course from areas upstream of barrages where the water level surpassed the height of the divide between the main and secondary course. As a consequence, extensive and distinct tufa deposits with very varied facies formed over a gently inclined area toward and, indeed, within the secondary course. The hydrology of this secondary course was episodic, fed only by surface water. The two diffluence episodes detected occurred during MIS 7 and 7-6 and were interrupted by incision events, reflected by detrital deposits at the base of each tufa sedimentation stage in the main channel. Incision, which caused the breakage of the barrages, allowed water to again flow through the main channel. No evidence of diffluence was seen in any younger (MIS 5 to present-day) tufa deposits. The proposed diffluence model might help explain other carbonate fluvial systems in which (1) tufas appear in areas with no permanent water supply, and (2) tufas are absent over extensive areas despite conditions favourable to their formation.

Lack of evidence of spill-over of Salmonella enterica between cattle and sympatric Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) from a protected area in Catalonia, NE Spain.

PubMed

Navarro-Gonzalez, N; Velarde, R; Porrero, M C; Mentaberre, G; Serrano, E; Mateos, A; Domínguez, L; Lavín, S

2014-08-01

Salmonella enterica is a zoonotic agent of worldwide importance found in a wide range of wild hosts. However, its prevalence in many popular game species has never been assessed. Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) is the main game caprinae of the Iberian Peninsula and around two thousand individuals are hunted every year for trophy or for home consumption. In this work, 313 Iberian ibexes from the Ports de Tortosa i Beseit National Game Reserve (NE Spain) were tested for Salmonella enterica in faeces, and anti microbial susceptibility was determined. The exact location of shooting or capture was recorded with a GPS device to study the links of Salmonella infection with cattle presence and human proximity. Additionally, samples were taken from cattle grazing inside this reserve (n = 73). Only three Iberian ibexes (0.96%, 95% CI 0.2-2.8) were positive to Salmonella (serotype Enteritidis, Bardo and 35:r:z35), while prevalence was moderate in cattle: 21.92% (95% CI 13.10-33.14, serotype Meleagridis, Anatum, Kedougou and Othmarschen). All isolates were susceptible to the anti microbial agents tested. Moreover, a case of fatal septicaemic salmonellosis in an 11-year-old male Iberian ibex is described where Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was isolated from the lung, liver and spleen samples. The low prevalence of Salmonella in Iberian ibex and the lack of shared serotypes suggest no association to cattle. Despite this, game meat aimed for human consumption should be examined, and it is strongly recommended that hunters and game keepers manipulate animals and carcasses under maximal hygienic conditions to avoid environmental contamination and human contagion. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Sulphur isotopes as tracers of the influence of a coal-fired power plant on a Scots pine forest in Catalonia (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puig, R.; Àvila, A.; Soler, A.

Stable sulphur isotopes and major ionic composition were analysed in precipitation and throughfall samples from a Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris, L.) forest near the Cercs coal-fired power plant (Catalonia, NE Spain). The purpose of the study was to determine the main sources of sulphur deposition on this pine forest. Sulphur isotope measurements from the SO 2 power plant stack emissions were used to identify the isotopic signature of this source. Net throughfall fluxes of sulphur (26.1 kg S ha 1 yr -1) and nitrogen (16.3 kg N ha -1 yr -1) were higher—5-25 times higher for S and 5-15 times for N—at this site than in other forests in Catalonia. Sulphur isotope analysis confirmed that the net throughfall fluxes of sulphur were mostly due to the dry deposition of the SO 2 power plant emissions onto the pine canopies. Two potential atmospheric end-members were distinguished: regional background rainwater (δ 34S=+7.2‰) and power plant emissions (δ 34S=-2.8‰). By applying a two-component sulphur isotope mixing model, we found that during periods of low power plant activity (⩽10 emission h day -1), 62% of the throughfall sulphate could be attributed to the power plant emissions. At higher activity periods (⩾14 emission h day -1), this contribution rose to 73%. Although power plant contribution to bulk deposition was lower in both cases (34% and 45%), the possible influence of sulphate coming with long-range transport events from the polluted areas in the Mediterranean basin (δ 34S≈0‰) was not discarded.

Thermal shock and splash effects on burned gypseous soils from the Ebro Basin (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

León, J.; Seeger, M.; Badía, D.; Peters, P.; Echeverría, M. T.

2014-03-01

Fire is a natural factor of landscape evolution in Mediterranean ecosystems. The middle Ebro Valley has extreme aridity, which results in a low plant cover and high soil erodibility, especially on gypseous substrates. The aim of this research is to analyze the effects of moderate heating on physical and chemical soil properties, mineralogical composition and susceptibility to splash erosion. Topsoil samples (15 cm depth) were taken in the Remolinos mountain slopes (Ebro Valley, NE Spain) from two soil types: Leptic Gypsisol (LP) in a convex slope and Haplic Gypsisol (GY) in a concave slope. To assess the heating effects on the mineralogy we burned the soils at 105 and 205 °C in an oven and to assess the splash effects we used a rainfall simulator under laboratory conditions using undisturbed topsoil subsamples (0-5 cm depth of Ah horizon). LP soil has lower soil organic matter (SOM) and soil aggregate stability (SAS) and higher gypsum content than GY soil. Gypsum and dolomite are the main minerals (>80%) in the LP soil, while gypsum, dolomite, calcite and quartz have similar proportions in GY soil. Clay minerals (kaolinite and illite) are scarce in both soils. Heating at 105 °C has no effect on soil mineralogy. However, heating to 205 °C transforms gypsum to bassanite, increases significantly the soil salinity (EC) in both soil units (LP and GY) and decreases pH only in GY soil. Despite differences in the content of organic matter and structural stability, both soils show no significant differences (P < 0.01) in the splash erosion rates. The size of pores is reduced by heating, as derived from variations in soil water retention capacity.

High ozone levels in the northeast of Portugal: Analysis and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, A.; Monteiro, A.; Ribeiro, I.; Tchepel, O.; Miranda, A. I.; Borrego, C.; Saavedra, S.; Souto, J. A.; Casares, J. J.

2010-03-01

Each summer period extremely high ozone levels are registered at the rural background station of Lamas d'Olo, located in the Northeast of Portugal. In average, 30% of the total alert threshold registered in Portugal is detected at this site. The main purpose of this study is to characterize the atmospheric conditions that lead to the ozone-rich episodes at this site. Synoptic patterns anomalies and back trajectories cluster analysis were performed, for the period between 2004 and 2007, considering 76 days when ozone maximum hourly concentrations were above 200 μg m -3. The obtained atmospheric anomaly fields suggested that a positive temperature anomaly is visible above the Iberian Peninsula. A strong wind flow pattern from NE is observable in the North of Portugal and Galicia, in Spain. These two features may lead to an enhancement of the photochemical production and to the transport of pollutants from Spain to Portugal. In addition, the 3D mean back trajectories associated to the ozone episode days were analysed. A clustering method has been applied to the obtained back trajectories. Four main clusters of ozone-rich episodes were identified, with different frequencies of occurrence: north-westerly flows (11%); north-easterly flows (45%), southern flow (4%) and westerly flows (40%). Both analyses highlight the NE flow as a dominant pattern over the North of Portugal during summer. The analysis of the ozone concentrations for each selected cluster indicates that this northeast circulation pattern, together with the southern flow, are responsible for the highest ozone peak episodes. This also suggests that long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants is the main contributor to the ozone levels registered at Lamas d'Olo. This is also highlighted by the correlation of the ozone time-series with the meteorological parameters analysed in the frequency domain.

ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF OZONE-RICH EPISODES IN NORTHEAST PORTUGAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, A.; Monteiro, A.; Ribeiro, I.; Tchepel, O.; Miranda, A.; Borrego, C.; Saavedra, S.; Souto, J. A.; Casares, J. J.

2009-12-01

Each summer period extremely high ozone levels are registered at the rural background station of Lamas d’Olo, located in the Northeast of Portugal. In average, 30% of the total alert threshold registered in Portugal is detected at this site. The main purpose of this study is to characterize the atmospheric conditions that lead to the ozone-rich episodes. Synoptic patterns anomalies and back trajectories cluster analysis were performed for a period of 76 days where ozone maximum concentrations were above 200 µg.m-3. This analysis was performed for the period between 2004 and 2007. The obtained anomaly fields suggested that a positive temperature anomaly is visible above the Iberian Peninsula. In addition, a strong wind flow pattern from NE is visible in the North of Portugal and Galicia, in Spain. These two features may lead to an enhancement of the photochemical production and to the transport of pollutants from Spain to Portugal. In addition, the 3D mean back trajectories associated to the ozone episode days were analysed. A clustering method has been applied to the obtained back trajectories. Four main clusters of ozone-rich episodes were identified, with different frequencies of occurrence: north-westerly flows (11%); north-easterly flows (45%), southern flow (4%) and westerly flows (40%). Both analyses highlight the NE flow as a dominant pattern over the North of Portugal. The analysis of the ozone concentrations for each selected cluster indicates that this northeast circulation pattern, together with the southern flow, is responsible for the highest ozone peak episodes. This also suggests that long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants may be the main contributor to the ozone levels registered at Lamas d’Olo. This is also highlighted by the correlation of the ozone time series with the meteorological parameters analysed in the frequency domain.

Temporal assemblage turnovers of intertidal foraminiferal communities from tropical (SE Caribbean) and temperate (NE England and SW Spain) regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costelloe, Ashleigh; Wilson, Brent; Horton, Benjamin P.; Hayek, Lee-Ann C.

2018-05-01

This is the first quantitative study of temporal assemblage turnovers of the relationships between intertidal foraminifera. Time series datasets collected from tropical Caroni Swamp and Claxton Bay (Trinidad, SE Caribbean) and temperate Cowpen Marsh (NE England, U.K.) and Bay of Cadiz (SW Spain) were used. The assemblage turnover index (ATI) examined species interrelationships through comparisons of monthly or biweekly species proportional abundances over one or two years. Species contributing to major assemblage turnovers (ATI > x + σ) were identified using the conditioned on-boundary index (CoBI). Foraminiferal species are heterogeneously distributed within the sediment; multiple sample stations at a study location cumulatively represent the foraminiferal metacommunity and clusters represent foraminiferal assemblages. The ATI and CoBI were applied to the proportional abundances of live specimens recorded for the metacommunity and assemblages at each location. At Caroni Swamp and Claxton Bay, major assemblage turnovers were driven by the most abundant species and the majority coincided with seasonal change or the arrival of the seasonal Orinoco plume in the Gulf of Paria. Seasonal turnovers of the foraminiferal metacommunities at temperate Cowpen Marsh and Bay of Cádiz occurred during the summer and winter. Major assemblage turnovers in the upper Cowpen Marsh occurred in the summer, and the lower marsh in the winter. Foraminiferans are useful bioindicators for monitoring the health of coastal environments. Understanding foraminiferal population dynamics will allow cyclical changes to be differentiated from abrupt and persistent changes, which are related to anthropogenic disturbances or long-term climate change. The ATI and CoBI are useful indices for quantitatively exploring relationships of foraminiferal populations over time.

Relative influence of wildfire on soil properties and erosion processes in different Mediterranean environments in NE Spain.

PubMed

Pardini, Giovanni; Gispert, Maria; Dunjó, Gemma

2004-07-26

Abandonment of terraced soils and increased brushland cover has increased wildfire occurrence to almost an annual rate in the Cap de Creus Peninsula, NE Pyrenees Range, Province of Girona, Spain. A wildfire occurred in August 2000 and affected an area of 6760 ha of shrubs and cork trees, whereas still cultivated plots were only slightly affected. Five stations of erosion measurements, corresponding to five different environments (from present cultivation to late abandonment) were destroyed by the passage of fire, and were promptly replaced to allow to monitoring post-fire effects on soil erosion. Selected soil properties were determined monthly before the fire and during 6 months after the fire at a monthly rate. Runoff and sediment yield together with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in runoff water and organic carbon losses in eroded sediments (EOC) were evaluated throughout 2000. The last stage of abandonment, stands of cork trees, had the highest soil stability. Nevertheless, evidence of unfavourable soil conditions was detected at the shrub stage, when Cistus monspeliensis cover was the dominant opportunistic plant. This stage was considered to be a critical threshold leading either to degradation or regeneration processes according to fire frequency. A drastic change in soil properties, erosion and nutrient depletion occurred after the fire in all the environments. Statistics enabled to state that environments differed significantly in main soil properties. By statistically comparing the measured variables between the environments before and after the fire, DOC was found to be the soil parameter showing the highest significance between environments. Absolute values of erosion were low with respect to other Mediterranean environments although the shallow nature of these soils might deserve special attention because of a comparatively higher risk of degradation. Copyright 2004 Elsevier B.V.

Chronicle of Higher Education. Volume 51, Number 13, November 19, 2004

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chronicle of Higher Education, 2004

2004-01-01

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This November 19, 2004 issue of "Chronicle for Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Mr. Water" (Zaragoza); (2) "Philippine Government Shuts Down 23…

Landscape and vegetation change on the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman Epoch - A reconstruction based on Geo-Bioarchives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Heike

2010-05-01

Archaeological investigations expect that first strong landscape changes on the Iberian Peninsula based on Roman Occupation (Schattner 1998, Teichner 2007). Actual sedimentological investigations in flood plains, lagoons and estuaries do not reflect this development. They often show a decrease in sedimentation during this period (Thorndycraft & Benito 2006 a/b). In contrast analyses on sediments from roman dams (Hinderer et al. 2004, Solanas 2005) document massive erosion processes. The aim of this presented project is to reconstruct the effects of the roman land use system on vegetation and landscape development. Therefore different Geo-Bioarchives on several sites of Portugal and Spain - estuaries, palaeoriver channels and roman dams - are actually investigated with a high temporal resolution using palynological and sedimentological methods. First results show, that the anthropogenic impact starts clearly before roman time with an peak in human activity during Iron Age (Schneider et al. 2008). During the roman occupation phase different effects are visible. The inland areas document a massive increase in vegetation change, while the coastal areas were stronger developed before and show only slightly and very local changes in land use and vegetation. References Hinderer, M., Silva C. & J. Ries (2004). Erosion in zentralen Ebrobecken und Sedimentakkumulation in Talsperren. GeoLeipzig 2004, Geowissenschaften sichern Zukunft. - Schriftenreihe der Dt. Geol. Gesell. 34. Schattner, T.G. (1998): Archäologischer Wegweiser durch Portugal.- Kulturgeschichte der antiken Welt 74. Mainz. Schneider, H., Höfer, D., Trog, C., Daut, G., Hilbich C. & R. Mäusbacher (2008): Geoarcheological reconstruction of lagoon development in the Algarve Region (South Portugal). Terra Nostra 2008/2, Abstract Volume 12th IPC: 248. Solanas, O.L.-P. (2005): El Aterramiento del embalse romano de Muel: Implicaciones para la evolución de la erosióy el uso de los recursos hidricos en el valle del Huerva. Postgrado en Ingeneria de los Recursos Hidricos, Zaragoza. Teichner, F. (2007): Zwischen Land und Meer - Entre tierra y mar. Studien zur Architektur und Wirtschaftsweise ländlicher Siedlungen im Süden der römischen Provinz Lusitanien. - Stvdia Lvsitana 3 (MNAR) / Madrider Beitr. (DAI). Thorndycraft, V.R. & G. Benito (2006a): Late Holocene fluvial chronology of Spain: The role of climatic variability and human impact. - Catena 66 (1-2): 34-41. Thorndycraft, V.R. & G. Benito (2006b): The Holocene fluvial chronology of Spain: evidence from a newly compiled radiocarbon database. - Quaternary Science Reviews 25 (3-4): 223-234.

Conference Committees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2015-11-01

Scientific Committee Silvia Arrese-Igor Irigoyen (CFM, CSIC - UPV/EHU, Donostia), Javier Campo (ICMA-CSIC, Zaragoza), Carlos Frontera (ICMAB-CSIC, Barcelona), Victoria García Sakai (ISIS, Chilton), Cristina Gómez-Polo (UPNa, Pamplona), Miguel Ángel González (ILL, Grenoble), Pedro Gorría (Universidad Oviedo), Jon Gutiérrez Echevarría (EHU/UPV, Bilbao), J. Iñaki Pérez Landazábal (UPNa, Pamplona), Vicente Recarte (UPNa, Pamplona), Jesús Ruíz Hervías (UPM, Madrid), Vicente Sánchez-Alarcos (UPNa, Pamplona), Antonio Urbina (UPC, Cartagena) Organizing Committee J. Iñaki Pérez Landazábal (Co-Chair), Vicente Recarte ( Co-Chair), Cristina Gómez-Polo, Silvia Larumbe Abuin, Vicente Sánchez-Alarcos Editors of the Proceedings J. Iñaki Pérez Landazábal, Vicente Recarte Plenary speakers Charles Simon (Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France), Miguel Angel Alario Franco (Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain), Dieter Richter (Jülich Centre for Neutron Science, Jülich, Germany), James Yeck (European Spallation Source, Lund, Sweden) Invited speakers Manu Barandiarán (BCMaterials & EHU/UPV), Arantxa Arbe (MFC, CSIC- UPV/EHU), José Luis Martínez (Consorcio ESS-Bilbao), Marta Castellote, IETcc-CSIC), Josep Lluis Tamarit (UPC), Diego Alba-Venero (ISIS), Elizabeth Castillo (CIC Energigune), Josu M. Igartua (EHU/UPV), Antonio Dos Santos (UPM), Alex Masalles (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), José Abad (UPCT), Claudia Mondelli (ILL), Oscar Fabelo (ILL), Aurora Nogales (IEM-CSIC), Jesús Rodríguez (UC), Gerardo

Conversion to dementia in mild cognitive impairment diagnosed with DSM-5 criteria and with Petersen's criteria.

PubMed

Marcos, G; Santabárbara, J; Lopez-Anton, R; De-la-Cámara, C; Gracia-García, P; Lobo, E; Pírez, G; Menchón, J M; Palomo, T; Stephan, B C M; Brayne, C; Lobo, A

2016-05-01

In a background of revision of criteria for states of increased risk for progression to dementia, we compare the conversion rate to dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as diagnosed using DSM-5 (DSM-5-MCI) and Petersen's (P-MCI) criteria. A population representative cohort of 4057 dementia-free individuals 55+ years of age was followed up at 2.5 and 4.5 years in Zaragoza, Spain (ZARADEMP). Using the Geriatric Mental State- AGECAT for assessment, research psychiatrists diagnosed DSM-5-MCI and P-MCI following operationalized criteria. 'Conversion rate' (CR), 'annual conversion rate' (ACR), and incidence rate (IR) were calculated along with incidence rate ratio (IRR) to compare the performance of the intermediate cognitive definitions. At 4.5-year follow-up, in individuals aged 65+ years, ACRs for non-cases, P-MCI, and DSM-5-MCI were 0.8, 1.9 and 3.4, respectively, for global dementia. The IRRs were 2.9 and 5.3 for P-MCI and DSM5-MCI, respectively, being the non-cases the reference category. The corresponding values were slightly lower for AD. Conversion rate to dementia and AD was higher using DSM-5-MCI criteria than using Petersen's criteria. However, prediction of the construct still has some way to go, as most MCI individuals did not convert at 4.5-year follow-up. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The 14 July 2001 hailstorm in northeastern Spain: diagnosis of the meteorological situation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tudurí, E.; Romero, R.; López, L.; García, E.; Sánchez, J. L.; Ramis, C.

Hail producing thunderstorms developed over the Ebro valley (NE Spain) during the evening of 14 July 2001, affecting mainly the Lerida province. Hail stones as large as 3 cm in diameter produced damage on 2979 ha of fruit trees, vineyard and cornfields. The thunderstorms developed ahead of a cold front, which was moving from the Gulf of Biscay towards inland Spain. Meteosat images and radar data demonstrate that the storms formed over the central part of the Ebro valley and moved towards the east attaining their maximum development in Lerida province. A diagnosis, using data from ECMWF, shows that at surface there was a cyclonic circulation over northeastern Spain and at medium levels (500 hPa) a trough with cold air located towards northwestern Spain. The Q vector diagnosis demonstrates that the forcing for upward vertical motions was rather weak at both low and medium levels over the area where the thunderstorms developed. However, a significant frontogenesis contribution is identified over the Ebro valley. A more detailed handmade analysis shows that over the Ebro valley there was a thermal mesolow, which favoured the inland entrance of humid air from the Mediterranean. Frontogenesis and the humid air intrusion coexisted where remote-sensing observations indicated that the storms developed. A numerical study of the event using the MM5 model has been carried out. In a control experiment, the model is able to develop the thermal mesolow and reproduce, quite well, the convergence produced by the front as well as the timing of the event. In order to study the genesis and influence of the thermal mesolow, another simulation has been performed without consideration of solar radiation. The results indicate that the thermal mesolow does not develop, the convergence ahead of the cold front is significantly weakened and the front itself becomes increasingly progressive. As a result, thunderstorms do not develop and very little precipitation falls in the area.

Design and Optimization of Wings in Subsonic and Transonic Regime

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-06-01

transici6n libre. In tinizaci6n. In 3 "r Congreso de M~todos Numie icos V Encontro Nacional de Mecanica Computacional, en Ingenierina, Zaragoza, Junio...aerodinisicos definidos mediante poll- and optimisation by means of control theory. In nomios de B[zier. In V Encontro Nacional de IV World Congress

Damning Female Portraits: The "Avisos" of Jeronimo de Barrionuevo (1654-58)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Compte, Deborah

2012-01-01

This essay examines the varied and shifting representations of women in Jeronimo de Barrionuevo's "Avisos", a collection of semi-private letters exchanged between Barrionuevo in Madrid and an ecclesiastical Dean in Zaragoza during the reign of Philip IV. While the "Avisos" report on an exhaustive range of topics, women form a…

77 FR 61051 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-05

..., Fraccionamiento el Cid, Mazatlan, Sinaloa CP 82110, Mexico; Privada de San Jeronimo, San Jeronimo, Algodones, Baja California CP 21298, Mexico; Privada Puerta de Roble Numero 17-E, Fraccionamiento Puerta de Roble, Zapopan...; Castillo de Kent 38, Manzana 26 Lote 37, Condado de Sayavedra, Atizapan de Zaragoza, Estado de Mexico CP...

The Late Cretaceous Alkaline Igneous Province in the Iberian Peninsula, and its tectonic significance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rock, N. M. S.

1982-04-01

The Iberian Province consists of the following: the three subvolcanic, syenitic, major intrusive complexes of Monchique, Sines and Sintra in W. and SW Portugal, together with their basanitic/lamprophyric minor intrusive suites; basanitic volcanic complexes around Lisbon; at least some of a widespread suite of basanitic to theralitic minor intrusives in west central Portugal; about 80 small basanitic/lamprophyric to nepheline syenitic intrusions scattered through the Pyrenees, NE Spain, the French Corbières, and off the coast of NW Spain; and the Ormonde Seamount of the Gorringe Bank off the SW coast of Portugal. Most of these occurrences have been dated isotopically or from field evidence as Late Cretaceous. Geological and petrological details of the various occurrences are compiled and reviewed. Primary basanitic magmas were probably parental to the entire Province, and generated syenitic magmas by differentiation processes; oversaturated rocks were produced by alkali loss and perhaps also by crustal involvement. The Iberian Province is related to the opening of the N. Atlantic, specifically that of the Bay of Biscay.

Enantiomeric fraction and isomeric composition to assess sources of DDT residues in soils.

PubMed

Bosch, Carme; Grimalt, Joan O; Fernández, Pilar

2015-11-01

Chiral pesticides such as o,p'-DDT can undergo enantioselective microbial degradation in soil. Hence, the enantiomeric fraction (EF) of o,p'-DDT was used as an approach to assess potential recent inputs of DDT in the lower part of the Ebro River basin (NE Spain), a region heavily impacted by agricultural and industrial activities, including a dicofol production and a chloro-alkali plants. The EFs of five out of nineteen soils were not different from the racemic value (0.505±0.010), confirming that the Ebro River and some of its tributaries, Segre and Cinca rivers, transported fresh DDT residues despite its ban in Spain during the 90 s. o,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDT ratios in soils suggest that recent use of technical DDT and/or DDT-contaminated dicofol may be responsible for the fresh DDT inputs in the Segre River, while in the Ebro River, they indicate a dominant contribution of technical DDT, likely related to the residues accumulated by the chloro-alkali plant discharges. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The beginning of the Buntsandstein cycle (Early-Middle Triassic) in the Catalan Ranges, NE Spain: Sedimentary and palaeogeographic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galán-Abellán, Belén; López-Gómez, José; Barrenechea, José F.; Marzo, Mariano; De la Horra, Raúl; Arche, Alfredo

2013-10-01

The Early-Middle Triassic siliciclastic deposits of the Catalan Ranges, NE Spain, are dominated by aeolian sediments indicating a predominance of arid climate during this time span, in sharp contrast with the coeval fluvial sediments found in the Castilian Branch of the Iberian Ranges, 300 km to the SW. The NE-SW-oriented Catalan Basin evolved during the Middle-Late Permian as the result of widespread extension in the Iberian plate. This rift basin was bounded by the Pyrenees, Ebro and Montalbán-Oropesa highs. The Permian-Early Triassic-age sediments of the Catalan Basin were deposited in three isolated subbasins (Montseny, Garraf, Prades), separated by intrabasinal highs, but linked by transversal NW-SE oriented faults. The three subbasins show evidence of diachronic evolution with different subsidence rates and differences in their sedimentary records. The Buntsandstein sedimentary cycle started in the late Early Triassic (Smithian-Spathian) in the central and southern domains (Garraf and Prades), with conglomerates of alluvial fan origin followed by fluvial and aeolian sandstones. Source area of the fluvial sediments was nearby Paleozoic highs to the north and west, in contrast with the far-away source areas of the fluvial sediments in the Iberian Ranges, to the SW. These fluvial systems were interacting with migrating aeolian dune fields located towards the S, which developed in the shadow areas behind the barriers formed by the Paleozoic highs. These highs were separating the subbasins under arid and semi-arid climate conditions. The dominating winds came from the east where the westernmost coast of the Tethys Sea was located, and periods of water run-off and fields of aeolian dunes development alternated. Some of the fluvial systems were probably evaporating as they were mixed into the interdune areas, never reaching the sea. From the end of the Smithian to the Spathian, the Catalan Basin and neighbour peri-Tethys basins of the present-day southern France, Sardinia and Minorca islands constituted a geographical arch where arid and semi-arid conditions represented an extension of the prevailed arid and hyper-arid conditions in surrounding areas of the Variscan Belt. Harsh climatic conditions in this area prevented the life recovery in the aftermath of the Permian-Triassic extinction event until the early Anisian, when more humid climate allowed for the colonisation of the area by plants, amphibians and reptiles. The boundary between desert areas and semi-arid and/or seasonal climate domains during the Smithian-Spathian in SW Europe can be precisely established in NE Iberia, between the Catalan-Ebro region and the Castilian Branch of the Iberian Ranges, to the SW.

Badlands: Regolith, Forms and Processes. A review of the scientific research in Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadal-Romero, Estela; Cerdà, Artemi

2014-05-01

Badlands are usually defined as 'intensely dissected natural landscapes where vegetation is sparse or absent and which are useless for agriculture' (Bryan and Yair, 1982). Badlands are widerspread around the world (Nadal-Romero, 2007; Dickie and Parsons, 2012; Haregeweyn et al., 2012). In Spain due to the climatic and geological conditions badlands are widespread. Badlands research has national and foreign pioneers (Harvey, 1982; Clotet et al., 1988; Alexander and Calvo, 1990; Calvo et al., 1991; Alexander et al., 1994). Almería, Granada, Murcia, Alicante, the Ebro Valley, and the Pyrenees are good examples of the variety and diversity of badlands in Spain (García-Ruiz and López-Bermúdez, 2009). The research on badlands paid attention to the infiltration and runoff generation (Cerdà, 1999a), piping (Romero-Diaz et al., 2011), the role of parent material on the regolith morphology (Regués, 1995; Cerdà, 1998b) and the soil development (Regués, 1993), and the interaction of the vegetation and soil erosion (Cerdà and García Fayos, 1997; Solé et al., 1997) vegetation varied, whereas the percentage of studies on erosion rates increased steadily over time. During the 90s badlands research was flowering and research on badlands developments, forms and soil physical properties influence was done. The 00's were a period with research focused on processes (infiltration, runoff and erosion) but in general the interest on badland decreased. However, badlands are intensively researched in the Ebro Valley (Nadal-Romero et al., 2007; 2008; Nadal-Romero and Regués; 2009; 2010) and new research is being developed on degraded soils following the knowledge found on badlands (Cerdà, 2007; García Fayos et al., 2010). The future is moving to study vegetation dynamics and badlands reclamation, the effect of climatic change in badland areas, and erosion processes and rates (Nadal-Romero et al., 2013). The use of new non-invasive technologies (remote sensing, Terrestrial Laser Scanner, photogrammetry) helps to develop new research scenarios. Acknowledgements The research projects GL2008-02879/BTE, LEDDRA 243857 and RECARE FP7 project 603498supported this research. References Alexander, RW., Calvo, A. 1990. The influence of lichens on slope processes in some Spanish badlands. In: Vegetation and erosion. Processes and environments (Thorne, J.B., eds.). John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, pp. 385-398. Alexander, RW., Harvey, AM., Calvo, A., James, PA., Cerdà, A. 1994. Natural stabilization mechanisms on badland slopes: Tabernas, Almería, Spain. In: Environmental change in drylands: Biogeographical and geomorphological perspectives (Millington, C., Pye, K., eds.). Wiley, Chichester, pp. 85-111. Bryan, RB., Yair, A. 1982. Badland Geomorphology and piping. GeoBooks, Norwich, pp. 408. Calvo, A., Harvey, AM., Paya, J., Alexander, R. 1991. A response of badland surfaces in south east Spain to simulated rainfall. Cuaternario y Geomorfología, 5: 3-14. Cerdà, A., García-Fayos, P.1997. The influence of slope angle on sediment, water and seed losses on badland landscapes. Geomorphology, 18, 77-90. Cerdà, A. 1999a. Seasonal and spatial variations in infiltration rates in badland surfaces under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Water Resources Research, 35 (1) 319-328. Cerdà, A. 1999b. Parent material and vegetation affect soil erosion in eastern Spain. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 63, 362-368. Cerdà, A. 2007. Soil water erosion on road enbankments in eastern Spain. Science of the Total Environment, 378, 151-155. Clotet, N., Gallart, F., Balasch, J. 1988. Medium term erosion rates in a small scarcely vegetated catchment in the Pyrenees. Catena Supplement, 13: 37-47. Desir, G., Marin, C. 2007. Factors controlling the erosion rates on a semiarid zone (Bardenas Reales, NE Spain). Catena, 71, 31-44. García-Fayos, P., Bochet, E., Cerdà, A. 2010. Seed removal susceptibility through soil erosion shapes vegetation composition. Plant and Soil 334: 289-297. García-Ruiz, JM., López-Bermúdez, F. 2009. La erosión del suelo en España. Sociedad Española de Geomorfología, Zaragoza, pp. 441. Haregeweyn, N., Poesen, J., Verstraeten, G., Govers, G., de Vente, J., Nyssen, J., Deckers, J., Moeyersons, J. 2013. Assessing the performance of a Spatially distributed soil erosion and sediment delivery model (WATEM/SEDEM) in Northern Ethiopia. Land Degradation & Development 24, 188-204. DOI 10.1002/ldr.1121 Harvey, A. 1982. The role of piping in the development of badlands and gully systems in southeast Spain. In: Badland geomorphology and piping (Bryan, RB., Yair, A., eds.). GeoBooks, Norwich, pp. 317-336. Nadal Romero, E. Regüés, D. Martí-Bono, C. Serrano-Muela, P., 2007. Badland dynamics in the Central Pyrenees: temporal and spatial patterns of weathering processes. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 32, 888-904. Nadal Romero, E., Latron, J., Lana-Renault, N., Serrano-Muela, P., Martí-Bono, C., Regüés, D. 2008. Temporal variability in hydrological response within a small catchment with badland areas, Central Pyrenees. Hydrological Science Journal, 53, 629-639. Nadal-Romero, E., Torri, D., Yair, A. 2013. Updating the badlands experience. Catena, 106: 1-3. Nadal Romero, E., Regüés, D. 2009. Detachment and infiltration variations as consequence of regolith development in a Pyrenean badland system. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34 (6): 824-838. Nadal Romero, E., Regüés, D. 2010. Geomorphological dynamics of subhumid mountain badland areas - weathering, hydrological and suspended sediment transport processes: A case study in the Araguas catchment (Central Pyrenees) and implications for altered hydroclimatic regimes. Progress in Physical Geography 34 (2): 123-150. Regüés D., Llorens P., Pardini G., Pini R., Gallart F. 1993. Physical weathering and regolith behaviour in a high erosion rate badland area at the Pyrenees: research design and first results. Pirineos, 141-142, 63-8. Regüés D., Pardini G., Gallart F. 1995. Regolith behaviour and physical weathering of clayey mudrock as dependent on seasonal weather conditions in a badland area at Vallcebre, Eastern Pyrenees. Catena, 25, 199-212. Romero Díaz, A., Alonso Sarria, F., Sánchez Soriano. A. 2011. Influencia de los factores topográficos en los procesos de piping, Murcia (España). Cuadernos de Investigación Geográfica, 37, 41-66. Solé, A., Calvo, A., Cerdà, A., Lázaro, R., Pini, R. & Barbero, J. 1997. Influences of micro-relief patterns and plant cover on runoff related processes in badlands from Tabernas (SE Spain). Catena, 31, 23-38.

Trends analysis of PM source contributions and chemical tracers in NE Spain during 2004-2014: a multi-exponential approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandolfi, Marco; Alastuey, Andrés; Pérez, Noemi; Reche, Cristina; Castro, Iria; Shatalov, Victor; Querol, Xavier

2016-09-01

In this work for the first time data from two twin stations (Barcelona, urban background, and Montseny, regional background), located in the northeast (NE) of Spain, were used to study the trends of the concentrations of different chemical species in PM10 and PM2.5 along with the trends of the PM10 source contributions from the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Eleven years of chemical data (2004-2014) were used for this study. Trends of both species concentrations and source contributions were studied using the Mann-Kendall test for linear trends and a new approach based on multi-exponential fit of the data. Despite the fact that different PM fractions (PM2.5, PM10) showed linear decreasing trends at both stations, the contributions of specific sources of pollutants and of their chemical tracers showed exponential decreasing trends. The different types of trends observed reflected the different effectiveness and/or time of implementation of the measures taken to reduce the concentrations of atmospheric pollutants. Moreover, the trends of the contributions of specific sources such as those related with industrial activities and with primary energy consumption mirrored the effect of the financial crisis in Spain from 2008. The sources that showed statistically significant downward trends at both Barcelona (BCN) and Montseny (MSY) during 2004-2014 were secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, and V-Ni-bearing source. The contributions from these sources decreased exponentially during the considered period, indicating that the observed reductions were not gradual and consistent over time. Conversely, the trends were less steep at the end of the period compared to the beginning, thus likely indicating the attainment of a lower limit. Moreover, statistically significant decreasing trends were observed for the contributions to PM from the industrial/traffic source at MSY (mixed metallurgy and road traffic) and from the industrial (metallurgy mainly) source at BCN. These sources were clearly linked with anthropogenic activities, and the observed decreasing trends confirmed the effectiveness of pollution control measures implemented at European or regional/local levels. Conversely, at regional level, the contributions from sources mostly linked with natural processes, such as aged marine and aged organics, did not show statistically significant trends. The trends observed for the PM10 source contributions reflected the trends observed for the chemical tracers of these pollutant sources well.

[Clinical characteristics and management of children hospitalized for influenza in four epidemic seasons (2002-2006)].

PubMed

Ros Aranal, I; Navarra Vicente, B; Lavilla Fernández, M J; De Juan Martín, F; Bouthelier Moreno, M; Omeñaca Teres, M; Ciria Calavia, L

2008-01-01

Influenza is frequent during childhood, affecting approximately 30-40 % of children. To identify the most frequent causes of hospitalization in children admitted to hospital for influenza, as well as the main symptoms and clinical diagnoses at discharge, and to relate these factors with the type of influenza virus and patients' age. A further aim was to evaluate the use of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods. We performed a retrospective descriptive study through a review of the medical records of children admitted to the Miguel Servet Children's Hospital in Zaragoza (Spain) for influenza in four epidemic seasons (2002-2006). A total of 178 influenza cases were found, 132 due to influenza A and 46 due to influenza B. Hospital admission was mainly due to fever without focus, especially in infants aged less than 6 months, followed by convulsions and shortness of breath. The main symptoms were fever, cough, rhinitis, and vomiting. The latter was especially frequent in children older than 3 years and in patients with influenza B virus. The main discharge diagnoses were upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis-tonsillitis, and otitis. Diagnosis of bronchitis was more frequent in children aged less than 2 years old. Chest X-ray was performed in 80% of the patients and lung consolidation was found in 10.5%. Antibiotic therapy was administered in 59% of the patients, mainly amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The causes of admission for influenza and clinical presentation of this infection vary widely, sometimes depending on age and the type of influenza virus.

[The incidence and distribution of accidents with biological fluids among health personnel and the general population].

PubMed

Imaz Iglesia, I; Gómez López, L I; Fernández Martínez, J A; Mareca Doñate, R; Sangrador Arenas, L A

1996-01-01

To assess the informative usefulness of the Registry, to calculate the incidence rates of accident with biological fluids among health care workers and in the community, to know about the postaccident rate of seroconversion to HIV and to identify risk groups. A descriptive study of the HIV records file of the Registry of Accidental Contacts to Biological Fluids in the Clinic Hospital of Zaragoza was conducted, between January 1987 and September 1993. The registry includes the reports of health care workers and the general population of Health Area III in Aragón (Spain), except for the Calatayud's Hospital. Incidence rates, rate ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A total number of 595 accidents were reported, in none of them and HIV infection occurred subsequently. The incidence rate in health care workers was of 1.7 reports per 100 workers per year, while in the community it was of 8.1 per 100,000 people. The housekeeping staff was the group with a higher incidence (rate = 6.7; 95% IC: 3-14.8) and the type of accident more frequently described was needlestick injury. The incidence of reported accidents has increased in the community and in health care workers, which may be due to the increase in the reporting. In health care workers, the incidence in 1993 was within the range reported from other countries. The perception of risk is universal after accidents with unknown biological fluids. The correct disposal of material with biological contamination should be the more important preventive action.

[Trends in the prevalence of pressure ulcers in an acute care tertiary hospital (2006-2013)].

PubMed

Alonso-Lorente, C; Barrasa-Villar, J I; Aibar-Remón, C

2015-01-01

To analyse the trends in pressure ulcer prevalence from 2006 to 2013. To determine the main risk factors associated with pressure ulcers. A descriptive study analysing the prevalence in a series of pressure ulcers collected in the study on the prevalence of nosocomial infections in Spain from 2006 to 2013 in the Clinical University Hospital of Zaragoza. The mean prevalence among the 5,354 patients included over the period of study was 4.5% (95% CI=3.9-5.0%). No significant difference in its trend or distribution of pressure ulcers was observed over the several years of the study. Prevalence increased up to 5.0% (95% CI=4.4-5.6%) when short-stay patients (less than 24 hours) and those admitted into low risk units (Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Obstetrics) were removed from the study, but there was still no significant differences in its yearly trend or distribution (p>0.05). Age, length of stay, presence of coma, in-dwelling urethral catheters, malnutrition, infection, and admission unit were risk factors associated with pressure ulcer prevalence in the logistic regression. Age, length of stay, coma, in-dwelling urethral catheters, malnutrition, infection, and admission unit were independent risk markers for patients with pressure ulcers. No particular trend of pressure ulcer prevalence could be determined to demonstrate any effects from the different strategies of improvement implemented during the period of study, although this fact could be due to the limitations of data used in the study. Copyright © 2014 SECA. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Seasonal variation of benzo(a)pyrene in the Spanish airborne PM10. Multivariate linear regression model applied to estimate BaP concentrations.

PubMed

Callén, M S; López, J M; Mastral, A M

2010-08-15

The estimation of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentrations in ambient air is very important from an environmental point of view especially with the introduction of the Directive 2004/107/EC and due to the carcinogenic character of this pollutant. A sampling campaign of particulate matter less or equal than 10 microns (PM10) carried out during 2008-2009 in four locations of Spain was collected to determine experimentally BaP concentrations by gas chromatography mass-spectrometry mass-spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). Multivariate linear regression models (MLRM) were used to predict BaP air concentrations in two sampling places, taking PM10 and meteorological variables as possible predictors. The model obtained with data from two sampling sites (all sites model) (R(2)=0.817, PRESS/SSY=0.183) included the significant variables like PM10, temperature, solar radiation and wind speed and was internally and externally validated. The first validation was performed by cross validation and the last one by BaP concentrations from previous campaigns carried out in Zaragoza from 2001-2004. The proposed model constitutes a first approximation to estimate BaP concentrations in urban atmospheres with very good internal prediction (Q(CV)(2)=0.813, PRESS/SSY=0.187) and with the maximal external prediction for the 2001-2002 campaign (Q(ext)(2)=0.679 and PRESS/SSY=0.321) versus the 2001-2004 campaign (Q(ext)(2)=0.551, PRESS/SSY=0.449). Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Economic analysis of the water demand in the hotels and restaurants sector: Shadow prices and elasticities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angulo, Ana; Atwi, Majed; Barberán, Ramón; Mur, Jesús

2014-08-01

Despite the growing economic importance of tourism, and its impact on relative water shortage, little is known about the role that water plays in the productive process of hotels and restaurants and, therefore, the possible implications of water demand management policy for this sector. This study aims to fill this gap. It is based on the microdata of 676 firms in the sector, operating in the city of Zaragoza (Spain) for a 12 year period. Based on the Translog cost function, we estimate the shadow price of water in the short run and, from a long-run perspective, its direct price elasticity, its cross elasticities relative to labor, capital, and supplies, and its elasticity with respect to the level of output. The results obtained show that water provides sector firms returns that are on average higher than its price, although in the case of hotels the margin is really narrow. This situation provides policy makers with a margin for applying price increases without affecting the sector's viability, with some caution in the case of hotels. Water demand elasticity equals -0.38 in the case of hotels, but it is not significant in the case of restaurants and bar-cafes; hence, only in hotels is there potential for influencing water use patterns, encouraging the resource's conservation through pricing policy. Moreover, capital is a substitutive factor of water, and the elasticity of water with respect to output is 0.40, all of which should also be considered by policy makers in water resource management.

Tolerance to Cadmium of Agave lechuguilla (Agavaceae) Seeds and Seedlings from Sites Contaminated with Heavy Metals

PubMed Central

Méndez-Hurtado, Alejandra; Rangel-Méndez, René; Flores, Joel

2013-01-01

We investigated if seeds of Agave lechuguilla from contaminated sites with heavy metals were more tolerant to Cd ions than seeds from noncontaminated sites. Seeds from a highly contaminated site (Villa de la Paz) and from a noncontaminated site (Villa de Zaragoza) were evaluated. We tested the effect of Cd concentrations on several ecophysiological, morphological, genetical, and anatomical responses. Seed viability, seed germination, seedling biomass, and radicle length were higher for the non-polluted site than for the contaminated one. The leaves of seedlings from the contaminated place had more cadmium and showed peaks attributed to chemical functional groups such as amines, amides, carboxyl, and alkenes that tended to disappear due to increasing the concentration of cadmium than those from Villa de Zaragoza. Malformed cells in the parenchyma surrounding the vascular bundles were found in seedlings grown with Cd from both sites. The leaves from the contaminated place showed a higher metallothioneins expression in seedlings from the control group than that of seedlings at different Cd concentrations. Most of our results fitted into the hypothesis that plants from metal-contaminated places do not tolerate more pollution, because of the accumulative effect that cadmium might have on them. PMID:24453802

Tolerance to cadmium of Agave lechuguilla (Agavaceae) seeds and seedlings from sites contaminated with heavy metals.

PubMed

Méndez-Hurtado, Alejandra; Rangel-Méndez, René; Yáñez-Espinosa, Laura; Flores, Joel

2013-01-01

We investigated if seeds of Agave lechuguilla from contaminated sites with heavy metals were more tolerant to Cd ions than seeds from noncontaminated sites. Seeds from a highly contaminated site (Villa de la Paz) and from a noncontaminated site (Villa de Zaragoza) were evaluated. We tested the effect of Cd concentrations on several ecophysiological, morphological, genetical, and anatomical responses. Seed viability, seed germination, seedling biomass, and radicle length were higher for the non-polluted site than for the contaminated one. The leaves of seedlings from the contaminated place had more cadmium and showed peaks attributed to chemical functional groups such as amines, amides, carboxyl, and alkenes that tended to disappear due to increasing the concentration of cadmium than those from Villa de Zaragoza. Malformed cells in the parenchyma surrounding the vascular bundles were found in seedlings grown with Cd from both sites. The leaves from the contaminated place showed a higher metallothioneins expression in seedlings from the control group than that of seedlings at different Cd concentrations. Most of our results fitted into the hypothesis that plants from metal-contaminated places do not tolerate more pollution, because of the accumulative effect that cadmium might have on them.

Oldest record of Mathildellidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Goneplacoidea) associated with Retroplumidae from the Upper Cretaceous of NE Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vega, Francisco J.; Ahyong, Shane T.; Espinosa, Belinda; Flores-Ventura, José; Luna, Laura; González-González, Arturo H.

2018-03-01

A new genus and species of the Mathildellidae Prebranchioplax cretacica (Crustacea: Decapoda: Goneplacoidea) is reported from shallow marine sediments of the upper Campanian Parras Shale and Cerro del Pueblo Formation (Parras Basin), Coahuila, NE Mexico. Prebranchioplax cretacica was collected from siliceous concretions associated with more abundant specimens of the retroplumid Costacopluma mexicana Vega and Perrilliat, 1989. P. cretacica bears similarities to Eocene species of Branchioplax from Japan, USA (Alaska and Washington), England, Hungary and Tajikistan as well as with Eogeryonidae (Portunoidea) species from the Upper Cretaceous of Spain and Marocarcinidae (Styracocarcinus) from Morocco. However, clear differences in the carapace frontal shape places P. cretacica in the Mathildellidae. This record represents the oldest known Mathildellidae, and along with the Retroplumidae, appear to have originated during the Late Cretaceous in ancient seas of Mexico, with a wide distribution during Paleogene times becoming restricted today to deep waters of the Indo-Pacific region and Atlantic Ocean. Comments on preservation and morphology of Costacopluma mexicana are also included. Crab specimens preserved in siliceous concretions from one locality (Entronque) show peculiar desiccation marks, and a possible model of taphonomy.

Effect of a long-term afforestation of pine in a beech domain in NE-Spain revealed by analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girona García, Antonio; Badía-Villas, David; Tomás Jiménez-Morillo, Nicasio; Martí-Dalmau, Clara; González-Pérez, José Antonio

2015-04-01

The replacement of native beech forests (Fagus sylvatica) by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) afforestation may exert changes in soil properties, particularly in soil organic matter (SOM) [1]. It is known that the products generated by Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) pyrolysis of organic matter are related to their origin [2 and references therein]. Therefore this technique can be used to investigate said changes. In this work, Py-GC/MS is used to study changes in SOM quality surrogated to the effect of the centennial replacement of beech by Scots pine. The soils studied were two acid soil profiles developed on quartzites under a humid climate at an altitude of 1400-1500 masl from Moncayo (Iberian range, NE-Spain). For each soil profile three organic layers (litter: OL, fragmented litter OF and humified litter OH) and the mineral soil horizons (Ah, E, Bhs and C) were sampled. After 100 years since the pine afforestation, differences in the relative abundance of lipids released by pyrolysis were observed in the O-layers ranging from 3.82-7.20% in pine soils and 0.98-1.25% in beech soils. No differences were observed in mineral horizons with depth except for the C horizons where beech lipid content was much higher (21.25%) than in that under pine (1.07%). Both pine and beech soils show similar nitrogen compounds relative contents along the soil profile, increasing from OL to Ah (3.49-9.11% and 2.75-11.73% in beech and pine respectively) with a conspicuous reduction in the E horizon. It is remarkable the absence of nitrogen compounds in beech Bhs and C horizons. The relative content of aromatic compounds in O-layers show opposite trends for beech and pine; an enrichment in aromatic compounds is observed in beech OL layer (12.39%) decreasing to 4.11% in OH layer in contrast, whereas for pine O-layers the aromatic compounds relative abundance was higher in the OH (5.83%) than in the OL layer (2.8%). Mineral Ah and E horizons show similar values in both beech (18.30-10.09%) and pine (15.81-10.01%) soils; nevertheless the relative abundance of aromatic compounds content is higher in beech mineral horizons Bhs (41.96%) and C (30.91%) than in those under pine (11.43% and 13.04% for Bhs and C respectively). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were only observed in the mineral soil horizons showing similar relative abundances ranging from 0.61-6.63% in beech and 0.96-3.05% in pine soils. The highest PAHs relative abundance was found in the Bhs horizon under beech. This may indicate the occurrence of fire events in the area and its translocation and accumulation by leaching from top soil in the spodic horizon. Differences in the relative abundances of lignin derived pyrolysis products (Methoxyphenols) were mainly observed in the O-layers whereas the relative abundances were similar for the mineral horizons that ranged from 1.49-4.31% in beech and 1.42-4.67% in pine. Lignin relative abundance is much higher in OH beech layer (31.88%) than in pine OH layer (14.99%) whereas similar relative contents were found in OL and OF layers ranging from 26.21-27-12% and 20.22-25.92% in beech and pine respectively. In the soil developed under beech the polysaccharide derived moieties show a relative content increase along the profile from a 9.86% in OL layer to a 29.86% in E horizon followed by a remarkable decrease in the Bhs (4.86%) and C (11.22%). Besides, the polysaccharide relative abundance in the soil under pine show a similar trend ranging from 12-23% to 30.65% but the decrease in Bhs and C horizons was found less marked (26.83% and 24.12% respectively). (1) Carceller F, Vallejo VR (1996). Influencia de la vegetación en los procesos de podsolización en los suelos de la Sierra del Moncayo (Zaragoza). Geogaceta 20: 1127-1130. (2) De la Rosa JM, Faria SR, Varela ME, Knicker H, González-Vila FJ, González-Pérez JA, Keizer J (2012). Characterization of wildfire effects on soil organic matter using analytical pyrolysis. Geoderma 191: 24-30. Acknowledgements This study is part of the results of the FUEGOSOL (CGL2013-43440-R) and GEOFIRE Projects (CGL2012-38655-C04-01) funded by the Spanish Ministry for Economy and Competitiveness. N.T Jiménez-Morillo is funded by a FPI research grant (BES-2013-062573).

Deformation and seismic anisotropy of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle in NE Spain: EBSD data on xenoliths from the Catalan Volcanic Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Roig, Mercè; Galán, Gumer; Mariani, Elisabetta

2017-02-01

Mantle xenoliths in Neogene-Quaternary basaltic rocks related to the European Cenozoic Rift System serve to assess the evolution of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the Catalan Volcanic Zone in NE Spain. Crystallographic preferred orientations, major element composition of minerals, and temperature and pressure estimates have been used to this end. The mantle consists of spinel lherzolites, harzburgites and subordinate websterites. Protogranular microstructures are found in all peridotites and websterites, but lherzolites also display finer-grained porphyroclastic and equigranular microstructures. The dominant olivine deformation fabric is [010] fiber, but subordinate orthorhombic and [100]-fiber types are also present, especially in porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites. The fabric strength (J index = 10.12-1.91), equilibrium temperature and pressure are higher in xenoliths with [010]-fiber fabric and decrease in those with orthorhombic and [100]-fiber type. Incoherence between olivine and pyroxene deformation fabric is mostly found in porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites. Seismic anisotropy, estimated from the crystal preferred orientations, also decreases (AVp = 10.2-2.60%; AVs max = 7.95-2.19%) in porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites. The olivine [010]-fiber fabric points to deformation by simple shear or transpression which is likely to have occured during the development of late-Hercynian strike-slip shear zones, and to subsequent annealing during late Hercynian decompression, Permian and Cretaceous rifting. Also, it cannot be excluded that the percolation of mafic magmas during these extensional events provoked the refertilization of the lithospheric mantle. However, no clear relationship has been observed between fabric strength and mineral mode and composition. Later transtensional deformation during late Alpine orogenesis, at higher stress and decreasing temperature and pressure, transformed the earlier fabric into orthorhombic and [100]-fiber type. Comparison of seismic anisotropy estimates with the available SKS-wave splitting data suggests that most of the measured seismic anisotropy would be explained by the lithospheric contribution, if the lithospheric mantle fabrics record mainly transpression and transtensional deformation.

Management of agricultural soils for greenhouse gas mitigation: Learning from a case study in NE Spain.

PubMed

Sánchez, B; Iglesias, A; McVittie, A; Álvaro-Fuentes, J; Ingram, J; Mills, J; Lesschen, J P; Kuikman, P J

2016-04-01

A portfolio of agricultural practices is now available that can contribute to reaching European mitigation targets. Among them, the management of agricultural soils has a large potential for reducing GHG emissions or sequestering carbon. Many of the practices are based on well tested agronomic and technical know-how, with proven benefits for farmers and the environment. A suite of practices has to be used since none of the practices can provide a unique solution. However, there are limitations in the process of policy development: (a) agricultural activities are based on biological processes and thus, these practices are location specific and climate, soils and crops determine their agronomic potential; (b) since agriculture sustains rural communities, the costs and potential for implementation have also to be regionally evaluated and (c) the aggregated regional potential of the combination of practices has to be defined in order to inform abatement targets. We believe that, when implementing mitigation practices, three questions are important: Are they cost-effective for farmers? Do they reduce GHG emissions? What policies favour their implementation? This study addressed these questions in three sequential steps. First, mapping the use of representative soil management practices in the European regions to provide a spatial context to upscale the local results. Second, using a Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) in a Mediterranean case study (NE Spain) for ranking soil management practices in terms of their cost-effectiveness. Finally, using a wedge approach of the practices as a complementary tool to link science to mitigation policy. A set of soil management practices was found to be financially attractive for Mediterranean farmers, which in turn could achieve significant abatements (e.g., 1.34 MtCO2e in the case study region). The quantitative analysis was completed by a discussion of potential farming and policy choices to shape realistic mitigation policy at European regional level. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variability of Mediterranean aerosols properties at three regional background sites in the western Mediterranean Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sicard, Michaël.; Totems, Julien; Barragan, Rubén.; Dulac, François; Mallet, Marc; Comerón, Adolfo; Alados-Arboledas, Lucas; Augustin, Patrick; Chazette, Patrick; Léon, Jean-François; Olmo-Reyes, Francisco José; Renard, Jean-Baptiste; Rocadenbosch, Francesc

2014-10-01

In the framework of the project ChArMEx (the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment, http://charmex.lsce.ipsl.fr/), the variability of aerosol optical, microphysical and radiative properties is examined in three regional background sites on a southwest - northeast (SW-NE) straight line in the middle of the western Mediterranean Basin (WMB). The three sites are on the northward transport pathway of African dust: - Ersa, Corsica Island, France (43.00ºN, 9.36ºW, 80 m a.s.l), - Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca Island, Spain (39.55ºN, 2.62ºE, 10 m a.s.l) and - Alborán, Alboran Island, Spain (35.94ºN, 3.04ºW, 15 m a.s.l). AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) sun-photometer products are mainly used. A preliminary analysis shows that at Ersa and Palma sites the annual aerosol optical depth (AOD) has a similar trend with a peak around 0.2 in July. The winter/spring AOD is lower in Palma than in Ersa, while it is reverse in summer/autumn. The aerosol particle size distribution (and the coarse mode fraction) shows clearly the SW-NE gradient with a decreasing coarse mode peak (and a decreasing coarse mode fraction from 0.5 - 0.35 - 0.2 in July) along the axis Alborán - Palma de Mallorca - Ersa. In addition to the seasonal and annual variability analysis, the analysis of AERONET products is completed with a large variety of ground-based and sounding balloons remote sensing and in situ instruments during the Special Observation Period (SOP) of the ADRIMED campaign in June 2013. The second part of the presentation will focus on the comparison of the observations at Palma de Mallorca and Ersa of the same long-range transported airmasses. The observations include lidar vertical profiles, balloon borne OPC (Optical Particle Counter) and MSG/SEVIRI AOD, among others.

The net effect of abiotic conditions and biotic interactions in a semi-arid ecosystem NE Spain: implications for the management and restoration.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pueyo, Yolanda; Arroyo, Antonio I.; Saiz, Hugo; Alados, Concepción L.

2014-05-01

Degradation in arid and semiarid lands can be irreversible without human intervention, due to a positive plant-soil feedback where the loss of vegetation cover leads to soil degradation, which in turn hampers plant establishment. Human intervention in restoration actions usually involves the amendment of the degraded abiotic conditions, revegetation of bare areas, or both. However, abiotic amelioration is often expensive and too intrusive, and revegetation is not successful in many cases. Biotic interactions between plants, and more specifically facilitation by a "nurse" plant, have been proposed as a new via to take profit of improved abiotic conditions without intervention, and to increase the success rate of revegetation actions. But "nurse" plants can also interfere with others (i.e. by competition for resources or the release of allelopathic compounds), and the net balance between facilitation and interference could depend on plant types involved. We present recent observational and experimental studies performed in the semiarid ecosystems of the Middle Ebro Valley (NE Spain) about the role of abiotic conditions and biotic interactions in the productivity, dynamics and diversity of plant communities under different stress conditions (aridity and grazing). We found that all plant types studied (shrubs and perennial grasses) improved abiotic conditions (soil temperature and water availability for plants) with respect to open areas. However, only some shrubs (mainly Salsola vermiculata) had a positive net balance in the biotic interactions between plants, while other shrubs (Artemisia herba-alba) and perennial grasses (Lygeum spartum) showed interference with other plants. Moreover, the net balance between facilitation and interference among plants in the community shifted from competitive to neutral or from neutral to facilitative with increasing aridity. Grazing status did not strongly change the net biotic interactions between plants. Our results suggest that the success of the restoration actions with "nurse" plants will be highly dependent on the plant type involved and the abiotic site conditions, fact that needs to be considered in restoration plans.

Origin of fine carbonaceous particulate matter in the Western Mediterranean Basin: fossil versus modern sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz Minguillón, María.; Perron, Nolwenn; Querol, Xavier; Szidat, Sönke; Fahrni, Simon; Wacker, Lukas; Reche, Cristina; Cusack, Michael; Baltensperger, Urs; Prévôt, André S. H.

2010-05-01

The present work was carried out in the frame of the international field campaign DAURE (Determination of the sources of atmospheric Aerosols in Urban and Rural Environments in the western Mediterranean). The objective of this campaign is to study the aerosol pollution episodes occurring at regional scale during winter and summer in the Western Mediterranean Basin. As part of this campaign, this work focuses on identifying the origin of fine carbonaceous aerosols. To this end, fine particulate matter (PM1) samples were collected during two different seasons (February-March and July 2009) at two sites: an urban site (Barcelona, NE Spain) and a rural European Supersite for Atmospheric Aerosol Research (Montseny, NE Spain). Subsequently, 14C analyses were carried out on these samples, both in the elemental carbon (EC) fraction and the organic carbon (OC) fraction, in order to distinguish between modern carbonaceous sources (biogenic emissions and biomass burning emissions) and fossil carbonaceous sources (mainly road traffic). Preliminary results from the winter period show that 40% of the OC at Barcelona has a fossil origin whereas at Montseny this percentage is 30%. These values can be considered as unexpected given the nature of the sites. Nevertheless, the absolute concentrations of fossil OC at Barcelona and Montseny differ by a factor of 2 (the first being higher), since the total OC at Montseny is lower than at Barcelona. Further evaluation of results and comparison with other measurements carried out during the campaign are required to better evaluate the origin of the fine carbonaceous matter in the Western Mediterranean Basin. Acknowledgements: Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, for a Postdoctoral Grant awarded to M.C. Minguillón in the frame of Programa Nacional de Movilidad de Recursos Humanos del Plan nacional de I-D+I 2008-2011. Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, for the Acción Complementaria DAURE CGL2007-30502-E/CLI.

The 1748 Montesa (south-east Spain) earthquake, a singular event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buforn, Elisa; Udías, Agustín; Sanz de Galdeano, Carlos

2015-04-01

The Montesa earthquakes of 1748 took place in the south-east region of the Iberian Peninsula. Its location falls somewhat outside the seismic active region of southern Spain. The main shock took place on the 23 of March and was followed by a series of aftershocks, the largest on the 2 of April. Despite of the large number of documents with descriptions of the damage produced by this earthquake it has not been the object of a detailed seismological study. Documents described the damage in about 100 towns and villages over a wide area and it was felt in Valencia, Alcoy and Cartagena. The castle of Montesa was totally destroyed and the town of Xàtiva suffered heavy damage. The source region with seismic intensity IX extends about 15 km from Sellent to Enguera, along a possible fault of NE-SW direction. This is a singular event because it occurred in an area with an assigned low seismic risk where in the past very few large earthquakes have happened. This earthquake shows that a destructive earthquake may happen in the future in this region. The area affected by the earthquake has today a high industrial and tourist development.

Long-term effects of changing atmospheric pollution on throughfall, bulk deposition and streamwaters in a Mediterranean forest.

PubMed

Aguillaume, Laura; Rodrigo, Anselm; Avila, Anna

2016-02-15

The abatement programs implanted in Europe to reduce SO2, NO2 and NH3 emissions are here evaluated by analyzing the relationships between emissions in Spain and neighboring countries and atmospheric deposition in a Mediterranean forest in the Montseny mountains (NE Spain) for the last 3decades. A canopy budget model was applied to throughfall data measured during a period of high emissions (1995-1996) and a period of lower emissions (2011-2013) to estimate the changes in dry deposition over this time span. Emissions of SO2 in Spain strongly decreased (77%) and that was reflected in reductions for nssSO4(2-) in precipitation (65% for concentrations and 62% for SO4(2)-S deposition). A lower decline was found for dry deposition (29%). Spanish NO2 emissions increased from 1980 to 1991, remained constant until 2005, and decreased thereafter, a pattern that was paralleled by NO3(-) concentrations in bulk precipitation at Montseny. This pattern seems to be related to a higher share of renewable energies in electricity generation in Spain in recent years. However, dry deposition increased markedly between 1995 and 2012, from 1.3 to 6.7 kg ha(-1) year(-)(1). Differences in meteorology between periods may have had a role, since the recent period was drier thus probably favoring dry deposition. Spanish NH3 emissions increased by 13% between 1980 and 2012 in Spain but NH4(+) concentrations in precipitation and NH4(+)-N deposition showed a decreasing trend (15% reduction) at Montseny, probably linked to the reduction ammonium sulfate and nitrate aerosols to be scavenged by rainfall. NH4(+)-N dry deposition was similar between the compared periods. The N load at Montseny (15-17 kg ha(-1)y ear(-1)) was within the critical load range proposed for Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests (15-17.5 kg ha(-1) year(-1)). The onset of N saturation is suggested by the observed increasing N export in streamwaters. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proceedings of the International Wire and Cable Symposium (36th) Held in Arlington, Virginia on 17-19 November 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-19

Sistemas ), Madrid, Ltd., Chiba-ken, Japan 693 Spain 629 New Universal Splice Closure System-D. A Novel Evaluation Technique and Refractive Kunze, E...conveyor- road , ’,Ne rcsu’-c mus ’ be approx ima tel y equalI in Besides this closu’- which +ullfils the di amete- toc the cable a nd moreover- must...Ocl;tialt] W’ircittt I’t C’ 7111’cc Zi’t ict M letI)Ccr cit t’t ctw’eeit cccctllI iti te . Flt’fil ct’ tI i’’l ’c’ictt’d t)ilt tcc cac.kic ict’ toc

Analyzing the vegetation response under different treatments after wildfires in NE Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

León, Javier; Cerdà, Artemi; Badía, David; Echeverría, Maite; Martí, Clara

2014-05-01

Fire is a natural factor of landscape evolution in Mediterranean ecosystems. The socio-economic changes that occurred in the last decades have contributed to an increase in forest fires (Shakesby, 2011). There was found a change in the fire regimes in terms of frequency, size, seasonality, recurrence as well as fire intensity and severity (Keeley, 2009), which resulted in severe effects on soils, water and vegetation (Guénon et al., 2013). Fire affects soil properties directly by the heat impact (Aznar et al., 2013), and the ash cover (Cerdà and Doerr, 2008) and the reduction of the plant cover (Neary et al., 1999). The lack of vegetation and the heating promotes changes in the soil organic matter content (González-Pérez et al., 2004), on the structural stability (Mataix-Solera et al., 2011), on the hydrophobic response (Bodí et al., 2012), and on the infiltration capacity (Cerdà, 1998a). This is why the vegetation cover and the litter are key factors on soil erosion after forest fires (Prats et al., 2013). Besides, the ash plays an important paper in the soil protection after the forest fire and after the first storms and winds (León et al., 2013; Pereira et al., 2013). The objective of this experiment is to asses the vegetation response after a forest fire and the impact of vegetation recovery on soil erosion. The experiment consisted in a sampling of a linear transect of 10 m with samples each 2 m, under different slope position and aspect. To measure the soil erosion rates we used rainfall simulation experiments (León et al., 2013). The experiments were carried in Castejón (UTM 30T, X671106, Y4644584) in a forest burned in 2008, in the Zuera Mountains, both located in the north of Zaragoza province (NE Spain). The soils on limestone parent material are Rendzic Phaeozem (IUSS, 2007) and the texture of Ah horizons of soils developed on limestone is sandy-loam (Badía et al., 2013). The result shows fast and successful vegetation regeneration in the north-facing slopes, and a delayed recovery on the south-facing slopes. The soil erosion control treatments shown a very efficient response when Chipped branches covered the soil. References Aznar, J.M., González-Pérez, J.A., Badía, D., Martí, C. 2013. At what depth are the properties of a Gypseous forest topsoil affected by burning?. Land Degradation and Development, DOI: 10.1002/ldr.2258 Badía, D., Martí, C., Aznar, J.M., León, J. 2013. Influence of slope and parent rock on soil genesis and classification in semiarid mountainous environments. Geoderma 193-194: 13-21, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2012.10.020. Bodí, M.B., Doerr, S.H., Cerdà, A., and Mataix-Solera, J. 2012. Hydrological effects of a layer of vegetation ash on underlying wettable and water repellent soil. Geoderma, 191: 14-23. Cerdà, A. 1998a. Postfire dynamics of erosional processes under mediterranean climatic conditions. Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie, 42 (3) 373-398. Cerdà, A. 1998b. The influence of aspect and vegetation on seasonal changes in erosion under rainfall simulation on a clay soil in Spain. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 78, 321-330. Cerdà, A., Doerr, S.H., 2008. The effect of ash and needle cover on surface runoff and ersion in the inmediate post-fire period. Catena 74, 256-263. González-Pérez, J.A., González-Vila, F.J., Almendros, G., Knicker, H. 2004. The effect of fire on soil organic matter - a review. Enviroment International, 30: 855-870. Guénon, R., Vennetier, M., Dupuy, N., Roussos, S., Pailler, A., Gros, R. 2013. Trends in recovery of Mediterranean soil chemical properties and microbial activities after infrequent and frequent wildfires. Land Degradation & Development, 24: 115-128, DOI: 10.1002/ldr.1109. Keeley, J.E. 2009. Fire intensity, fire severity and burn severity: a brief review and suggests usage. International Journal of Wildland Fire, 18: 116-126. León, J., Bodí, M.B., Cerdà, A., Badía, D., 2013. The contrasted response of ash to wetting: The effects of ash type, thickness and rainfall events. Geoderma 209-210, 143-152. Mataix-Solera, J., Cerdà, A., Arcenegui, V., Jordán, A., Zavala, L.M., 2011. Fire effects on soil aggregation: a review. Earth-Science Reviews, 109: 44-60. Neary, D.G., Klopatek, C.C., DeBano, L.F., Ffolliot, P. 1999. Fire effects on belowground sustainability: a review and synthesis. Forest Ccol. Manag., 122: 51-71. Pereira, P., Cerdà, A., Úbeda, X., Mataix-Solera, J., Martin, D., Jordán, A., Burguet, M. 2013. Spatial models for monitoring the spatio-temporal evolution of ashes after fire - a case study of a burnt grassland in Lithuania. Solid Earth, 4: 153-165. Prats, S.A., Malvar, M.C., Simões-Vieira, D.C., MacDonald, L., and Keizer, J.J. 2013. Effectiveness of hydromulching to reduce runoff and erosion in a recently burnt pine plantation in central Portugal. Land Degradation & Development, DOI: 10.1002/ldr.2236. Shakesby, R.A. 2011. Post-wildfire soil erosion in the Mediterranean: Review and future research directions. Earth Science Reviews, 105, 71-100.

Spatial impact and triggering conditions of the exceptional hydro-geomorphological event of December 1909 in Iberia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, S.; Ramos, A. M.; Zêzere, J. L.; Trigo, R. M.; Vaquero, J. M.

2016-02-01

According to the DISASTER database the 20-28 December 1909 event was the hydro-geomorphologic event with the highest number of flood and landslide cases that occurred in Portugal in the period 1865-2010 (Zêzere et al., 2014). This event also caused important social impacts over the Spanish territory, especially in the Douro Basin, having triggered the highest floods in more than 100 years at the river's mouth in the city of Oporto. This work has a dual purpose: (i) to characterize the spatial distribution and social impacts of the December 1909 hydro-geomorphologic DISASTER event over Portugal and Spain; (ii) to analyse the meteorological conditions that triggered the event and the spatial distribution of the precipitation anomalies. Social impacts that occurred in Portugal were obtained from the Disaster database (Zêzere et al., 2014) whereas the data collection for Spain was supported by the systematic analysis of Spanish daily newspapers. In addition, the meteorological conditions that triggered the event are analysed using the 20th Century Reanalysis data set from NOAA and precipitation data from Iberian meteorological stations. The Iberian Peninsula was spatially affected during this event along the SW-NE direction spanning from Lisbon, Santarém, Oporto, and Guarda (in Portugal), to Salamanca, Valladolid, Zamora, Orense, León, and Palencia (in Spain). In Iberia, 134 DISASTER cases were recorded (130 flood cases; 4 landslides cases) having caused 89 casualties (57 due to floods and 32 due to landslides) and a further total of 3876 affected people, including fatalities, injured, missing, evacuated, and homeless people. This event was associated with outstanding precipitation registered at Guarda (Portugal) on 22 December 1909 and unusual meteorological conditions characterized by the presence of a deep low-pressure system located over the NW Iberian Peninsula with a stationary frontal system striking the western Iberian Peninsula. The presence of an upper-level jet (250 hPa) and low-level jet (900 hPa) located SW-NE oriented towards Iberia along with upper-level divergence and lower-level convergence favoured large-scale precipitation. Finally, associated with these features it is possible to state that this extreme event was clearly associated with the presence of an elongated Atmospheric River, crossing the entire northern Atlantic Basin and providing a continuous supply of moisture that contributed to enhance precipitation. This work contributes to a comprehensive and systematic synoptic evaluation of the second most deadly hydro-geomorphologic DISASTER event that has occurred in Portugal since 1865 and will help to better understand the meteorological system that was responsible for triggering the event.

[Accidents with biological material in health care workers in 2 primary health care areas (1990-1999)].

PubMed

Hernández Navarrete, M J; Montes Villameriel, F J; Solano Bernad, V M; Sánchez Matienzo, D; del Val García, J L; Gil Montalbán, E; Arribas Llorente, J L

2001-09-15

To find out the exposures with biological material in health care workers in primary health care, registered in the biological accidents database from Preventive Medicine Service in Miguel Servet Universitary Hospital of Zaragoza. Descriptive study of a retrospective cohort. SITE: Primary health care, Areas II and V of Zaragoza.Participants. Workers in this areas, distributed by: physician, nursing staff, auxiliary, orderly, housekeeping staff, others. Data of: workers, accident, serologic source, worker protection and vaccinal status of hepatitis B. The incidence of accidents was 26 (period 1997-1999). Most proportion of accidents were declared by nursing (78%). The highest occupational incidence was in auxiliary (63 ). In 90,1% of the cases, the accident was needlestick injury. The source was known in 67,7% of cases. The accidents occurred in hands in 96,8% of cases, and only one third of workers carried gloves. Results obtained are similar with previous studies about this event. We must insist on the need to declare these accidents, providing more information and accessibility for the declaration to worker. Moreover, we must insist on the correct application in the health care field of the standard precautions, because almost 50% of accidents are evitable, and to increase hepatitis B vaccination covertures.

Seafloor morphology related to recent tectonics in the Alboran Sea Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vázquez, Juan-Tomás; Estrada, Ferran; Vegas, Ramon; Ercilla, Gemma; Medialdea, Teresa; d'Acremont, Elia; Alonso, Belen; Fernández-Salas, Luis-Miguel; Gómez-Ballesteros, María; Somoza, Luis; Bárcenas, Patricia; Palomino, Desirée; Gorini, Christian

2014-05-01

A detailed geomorphological study of the northern part of the Alboran Sea Basin has been realized based on the combined analysis of multibeam swath bathymetric data and medium to very high resolution seismic profiles (singled Sparker, Airgun, TOPAS and Atlas PARASOUND P35). This has enabled us to define several tectonic-related seafloor features and their role in the recent tectonics. The observed morpho-tectonic features correspond to: i) lineal scarps with a wide range of dimensions and following several trends ,WNW-ESE, NE-SW, NNE-SSW and N-S; ii) NE-SW to NNE-SSW-oriented compressive ridges; iii) ENE-WSW to NE-SW-striking antiforms; iv) NNE-SSW-oriented lineal depressions; v) rhomb-shaped depressions; vi) lineal valleys, canyons and gullies with WNW-ESE, and N-S orientations; and vii) N-S directed dissected valleys, canyons and gullies. Three families of faults and related folds, with NE-SW, WNW-ESE and NNE-SSW to N-S have been interpreted within this geomorphological scheme. The NE-SW family corresponds to: a) major scarps in both flanks of the Alboran Ridge and b) the offshore prolongation of La Serrata Fault, and both have been considered as a set of sinistral strike-slip faults. To this family, some compressive ridges, antiforms and occasionally reverse faults have been correlated. The WNW-ESE family corresponds to a set of faulted valleys (occasionally with rhomb-shaped depressions), fault scarps and linear inflection points occurring in the northern Alboran margin and the Yusuf-Habibas corridor. This family has been interpreted as transtensive dextral strike-slip faults. The NNE-SSW to N-S family corresponds to a penetrative system of linear fault scarps and tectonic depressions that cross-cut the Alboran Ridge and the Djibouti-Motril marginal plateau. This family can be considered as more recent since it offsets the other two families and shows a minor importance with regard to the main reliefs. This communication is a contribution to the Spanish R + D + I projects MONTERA (CTM2009-14157-C02) and MOWER (CTM2012-39599-C03), the Project MOSAIC of scientific excellence of Andalusia(P06-RNM-01594) and the European ESF projects EUROFLEET SARAS and TOPOMED_SPAIN (CGL2008-03474-E).

Climatic implications of the Quaternary fluvial tufa record in the NE Iberian Peninsula over the last 500 ka

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sancho, Carlos; Arenas, Concha; Vázquez-Urbez, Marta; Pardo, Gonzalo; Lozano, María Victoria; Peña-Monné, José Luis; Hellstrom, John; Ortiz, José Eugenio; Osácar, María Cinta; Auqué, Luis; Torres, Trinidad

2015-11-01

The drainage area of the Iberian Ranges (NE Spain) houses one of the most extensive Quaternary fluvial tufaceous records in Europe. In this study, tufa deposits in the Añamaza, Mesa, Piedra and Ebrón river valleys were mapped, stratigraphically described and chronologically referenced from U/Th disequilibrium series, amino acid racemization and radiocarbon methods. Tufa deposits accumulated in cascades, barrage-cascades and related damming areas developed in stepped fluvial systems. The maximum frequency of tufa deposition was identified at 120 ka (Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage [MIS] 5e), 102 ka (MIS 5c), 85 ka ( MIS 5a) and 7 ka (MIS 1), probably under warmer and wetter conditions than today. Additional phases of tufa deposition appear at 353 ka ( end of MIS 11), 258-180 ka (MIS 7) and 171-154 ka (MIS 6). Although most tufa deposition episodes are clearly correlated with interstadial periods, the occurrence of tufa deposits during the penultimate glaciation (MIS 6) is remarkable, indicating that the onset of this stage was climatically favourable in the Iberian Peninsula. Biostatic conditions and the dynamics of karstic systems regulating tufa deposition seem to be sensitive to the precipitation regime, controlled by shifts in the position of North Atlantic atmospheric belts, and summer insolation, regulated by orbital forcing.

GPS deformation rates in the Bajo Segura Basin (NE of the Eastern Betic Shear Zone, SE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jesús Borque, María; Sánchez-Alzola, Alberto; Estévez, Antonio; García-Tortosa, Francisco J.; Martín-Rojas, Iván; Molina, Sergio; Alfaro, Pedro; Rodríguez-Caderot, Gracia; de Lacy, Clara; García-Armenteros, Juan Antonio; Avilés, Manuel; Herrera, Antonio; Rosa-Cintas, Sergio; Gil, Antonio J.

2014-05-01

The Bajo Segura Basin, located in the NE end of the Eastern Betic Shear Zone, is one of the areas with highest seismic activity of the Iberian Peninsula. It is bounded by the Crevillente Fault to the north and the Bajo Segura Fault to the south, and it is characterized by a Late Miocene to Quaternary folded cover. We estimate the present-day deformation of the study area from a GPS network with 11 sites. Observation campaigns were carried out four times (June 1999, September 2001, September 2002 and September 2013). We used the 6.2 version of GIPSY-OASIS software to process GPS data in Precise Point Positioning mode (PPP). In order to obtain the position time series in the whole period of these episodic campaigns, all the GPS observations from 1999 to 2013 campaigns were processed with an identical standard procedure. We compared our velocity field estimation with respect to GEODVEL tectonic model to obtain the residual velocity field of the Bajo Segura Basin. We estimated a ~N-S shortening with deformation rates varying between 0.2 and 0.6 mm/yr. These results are consistent with local geological deformation rates although slightly higher. They also fit well with regional geodetic data estimated for the Western Mediterranean.

Attenuation of the effect of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on total and central body fat by physical activity in adolescents: the HELENA study.

PubMed

Ruiz, Jonatan R; Labayen, Idoia; Ortega, Francisco B; Legry, Vanessa; Moreno, Luis A; Dallongeville, Jean; Martínez-Gómez, David; Bokor, Szilvia; Manios, Yannis; Ciarapica, Donatella; Gottrand, Frederic; De Henauw, Stefaan; Molnár, Denes; Sjöström, Michael; Meirhaeghe, Aline

2010-04-01

To examine whether physical activity attenuates the effect of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on body fat estimates in adolescents. Cross-sectional study. Athens, Greece; Dortmund, Germany; Ghent, Belgium; Heraklion, Greece; Lille, France; Pécs, Hungary; Rome, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; Vienna, Austria; and Zaragoza, Spain, from October 2006 to December 2007. Adolescents from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence Cross-Sectional Study (n = 752). Physical activity. The FTO rs9939609 polymorphism was genotyped. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. We measured weight, height, waist circumference, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds; body mass index (BMI [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]) and body fat percentage were calculated. The A allele of the FTO polymorphism was significantly associated with higher BMI (+0.42 per risk allele), higher body fat percentage (+1.03% per risk allele), and higher waist circumference (+0.85 cm per risk allele). We detected significant or borderline gene x physical activity interactions for the studied body fat estimates (for interaction, P = .02, .06, and .10 for BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference, respectively). Indeed, the effect of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on these body fat parameters was much lower in adolescents who met the daily physical activity recommendations (ie, >/=60 min/d of moderate to vigorous physical activity) compared with those who did not: +0.17 vs +0.65 per risk allele in BMI, respectively; +0.40% vs +1.70% per risk allele in body fat percentage, respectively; and +0.60 vs +1.15 cm per risk allele in waist circumference, respectively. Adolescents meeting the daily physical activity recommendations may overcome the effect of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on obesity-related traits.

DEPRESSION AND INCIDENT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION SEVERITY

PubMed Central

Gracia-García, Patricia; de-la-Cámara, Concepción; Santabárbara, Javier; Lopez-Anton, Raúl; Quintanilla, Miguel Angel; Ventura, Tirso; Marcos, Guillermo; Campayo, Antonio; Saz, Pedro; Lyketsos, Constantine; Lobo, Antonio

2014-01-01

Objective We test the hypothesis that clinically significant depression, severe depression in particular, increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Design A longitudinal, three-wave epidemiological enquiry was implemented in a sample of individuals aged ≥55 years (n = 4,803) followed-up at 2.5 years and 4.5 years. Setting Population-based cohort drawn from the ZARADEMP Project, in Zaragoza, Spain. Participants Cognitively intact individuals at baseline (n = 3,864). Main outcome measures Depression was assessed by a standardized diagnostic interview (Geriatric Mental State, GMS-AGECAT). A panel of research psychiatrist diagnosed AD according to DSM-IV criteria. Fine and Gray multivariate regression model was used in the analysis, accounting for mortality. Results At baseline, clinically significant depression was diagnosed in 452 participants (11.7%). Among the depressed, 16.4% had severe depression. Seventy incident cases of AD were found at follow-up. Compared with non-depressed individuals, the incidence rate of AD was significantly higher in the depressed (incidence rate ratio, IRR = 1.91 (95%CI: 1.04–3.51) and particularly in the severely depressed (IRR = 3.59 (95%CI: 1.30–9.94). A consistent, significant association was observed between severe depression at baseline and incident AD in the multivariate model (hazard ratio, HR = 4.30 (95%CI: 1.39–13.33). Untreated depression was associated with incident AD in the unadjusted model, although in the final model this association was attenuated and non-significant. Conclusions Severe depression increases the risk of AD, even after controlling for the competing risk of death. This finding may stimulate studies about the effect of treating depression in relation to the risk of AD. PMID:23791538

Cancer mortality inequalities in urban areas: a Bayesian small area analysis in Spanish cities

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Intra-urban inequalities in mortality have been infrequently analysed in European contexts. The aim of the present study was to analyse patterns of cancer mortality and their relationship with socioeconomic deprivation in small areas in 11 Spanish cities. Methods It is a cross-sectional ecological design using mortality data (years 1996-2003). Units of analysis were the census tracts. A deprivation index was calculated for each census tract. In order to control the variability in estimating the risk of dying we used Bayesian models. We present the RR of the census tract with the highest deprivation vs. the census tract with the lowest deprivation. Results In the case of men, socioeconomic inequalities are observed in total cancer mortality in all cities, except in Castellon, Cordoba and Vigo, while Barcelona (RR = 1.53 95%CI 1.42-1.67), Madrid (RR = 1.57 95%CI 1.49-1.65) and Seville (RR = 1.53 95%CI 1.36-1.74) present the greatest inequalities. In general Barcelona and Madrid, present inequalities for most types of cancer. Among women for total cancer mortality, inequalities have only been found in Barcelona and Zaragoza. The excess number of cancer deaths due to socioeconomic deprivation was 16,413 for men and 1,142 for women. Conclusion This study has analysed inequalities in cancer mortality in small areas of cities in Spain, not only relating this mortality with socioeconomic deprivation, but also calculating the excess mortality which may be attributed to such deprivation. This knowledge is particularly useful to determine which geographical areas in each city need intersectorial policies in order to promote a healthy environment. PMID:21232096

A newer and broader definition of burnout: validation of the "Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire (BCSQ-36)".

PubMed

Montero-Marín, Jesús; García-Campayo, Javier

2010-06-02

Burnout syndrome has been clinically characterised by a series of three subtypes: frenetic, underchallenged, and worn-out, with reference to coping strategies for stress and frustration at work with different degrees of dedication. The aims of the study are to present an operating definition of these subtypes in order to assess their reliability and convergent validity with respect to a standard burnout criterion and to examine differences with regard to sex and the temporary nature of work contracts. An exploratory factor analysis was performed by the main component method on a range of items devised by experts. The sample was composed of 409 employees of the University of Zaragoza, Spain. The reliability of the scales was assessed with Cronbach's alpha, convergent validity in relation to the Maslach Burnout Inventory with Pearson's r, and differences with Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. The factorial validity and reliability of the scales were good. The subtypes presented relations of differing degrees with the criterion dimensions, which were greater when dedication to work was lower. The frenetic profile presented fewer relations with the criterion dimensions while the worn-out profile presented relations of the greatest magnitude. Sex was not influential in establishing differences. However, the temporary nature of work contracts was found to have an effect: temporary employees exhibited higher scores in the frenetic profile (p < 0.001), while permanent employees did so in the underchallenged (p = 0.018) and worn-out (p < 0.001) profiles. The classical Maslach description of burnout does not include the frenetic profile; therefore, these patients are not recognised. The developed questionnaire may be a useful tool for the design and appraisal of specific preventive and treatment approaches based on the type of burnout experienced.

Effectiveness of group acceptance and commitment therapy for fibromyalgia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial (EFFIGACT study).

PubMed

Luciano, Juan V; Guallar, José A; Aguado, Jaume; López-Del-Hoyo, Yolanda; Olivan, Bárbara; Magallón, Rosa; Alda, Marta; Serrano-Blanco, Antoni; Gili, Margalida; Garcia-Campayo, Javier

2014-04-01

In the last decade, there has been burgeoning interest in the effectiveness of third-generation psychological therapies for managing fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms. The present study examined the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on functional status as well as the role of pain acceptance as a mediator of treatment outcomes in FM patients. A total of 156 patients with FM were enrolled at primary health care centers in Zaragoza, Spain. The patients were randomly assigned to a group-based form of ACT (GACT), recommended pharmacological treatment (RPT; pregabalin + duloxetine), or wait list (WL). The primary end point was functional status (measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, FIQ). Secondary end points included pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, pain, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. The differences between groups were calculated by linear mixed-effects (intention-to-treat approach) and mediational models through path analyses. Overall, GACT was statistically superior to both RPT and WL immediately after treatment, and improvements were maintained at 6months with medium effect sizes in most cases. Immediately after treatment, the number needed to treat for 20% improvement compared to RPT was 2 (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.0), for 50% improvement 46, and for achieving a status of no worse than mild impaired function (FIQ total score <39) also 46. Unexpectedly, 4 of the 5 tested path analyses did not show a mediation effect. Changes in pain acceptance only mediated the relationship between study condition and health-related quality of life. These findings are discussed in relation to previous psychological research on FM treatment. Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the inner structure of La Crosa de Sant Dalmai maar (Catalan Volcanic Zone, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolós, Xavier; Barde-Cabusson, Stéphanie; Pedrazzi, Dario; Martí, Joan; Casas, Albert; Himi, Mahjoub; Lovera, Raúl

2012-12-01

La Crosa de Sant Dalmai volcano is the largest volcanic edifice of the Catalan Volcanic Zone (NE Spain). It is a very well preserved maar-type structure, 1.5 km in diameter, excavated at the contact between a hard substrate and a soft substrate formed by Palaeozoic granites and Pliocene and Quaternary gravels, respectively. In order to infer the uppermost inner structure of La Crosa de Sant Dalmai maar and to characterise its main geological and tectonic constraints, we have performed a multiparametric geophysical study including gravimetry, magnetometry, self-potential, and electrical resistivity tomography. The results obtained together with a field geology revision and additional geological data from two drill cores, provide a detailed picture of the post-eruptive maar infill sequence as well as of the uppermost part of the maar-diatreme structure. This information helps in understanding the origin and subsequent evolution of the volcano, which included an alternation of phreatomagmatic and Strombolian phases. Geophysical data show that the last Strombolian phase, which culminated with the formation of a scoria cone inside the maar, was associated with a NW-SE trending regional fault. The little erosion and degradation of the original tephra ring suggest a much younger age of La Crosa de Sant Dalmai maar than was previously stated.

Climatic record of the Iberian peninsula from lake Moncortes' sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Min; Huguet, Carme; Rull, Valenti; Valero, Blas; Rosell-Mele, Antoni

2014-05-01

Climatic record of the Iberian peninsula from lake Moncortes' sediments Min Cao1, Carme Huguet1, Valenti Rull2, Blas L. Valero-Garces3, Antoni Rosell-Melé1,4 1Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain; 2Institut de Botanic de Barcelona (CSIC), Passeig del Migdia s/n, 08038, Barcelona, Spain, 3 Instituto Pirenaico de Ecologıa (CSIC), Avda. Montañana 1005, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain, 4Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The continuing buildup of industrial greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and concomitant increase in global temperatures has made much of the world's society aware that decades to centuries of environmental change lie ahead, and that these will have profound economic, political and societal impacts. The Iberian Peninsula lies in the boundary between tropical and subtropical climates and seems to amplify the climatic signals form the northern hemisphere through both atmospheric and water circulation feedbacks, making it an ideal site to monitor Northern hemisphere climate changes. This extreme sensitivity to climatic changes also makes the Iberian Peninsula extremely vulnerable to future climate changes. This is why understanding sensitivity to climate change and the consequences it will have on both climate and the hydrological cycle is key to implement preventive measures. The aim of our study is to come up with a high resolution quantitative reconstruction of climate variability (temperature, production and precipitation) in the Iberian Peninsula from lake sediments. We also want to establish the relation between those changes and the ones observed in both ice cores from Greenland and paleotemperature records from marine sediments of the continental Iberian margin. For these reasons we sampled a core in Moncortes (42.3N, 0.99E), a lake of karstic origin with an average depth of 25m and an area of 0.19km2. Lake Moncortes is situated at 1065 m above sea level, has an average temperature of 10ºC (minimum 3 and maximum 16ºC) and a mean annual precipitation of 770mm. We used the MBT/CBT (Weijers et al. 2007) proxy of pH and terrestrial temperature and the TEX86 temperature proxy (Schouten et al. 2002) to estimate changes in and around the lake. Both proxies are based on the glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) of archaea (isoprenoid GDGTs) and bacteria (branched GDGTs) origin. We also measured soils surrounding the lake (Menges et al. 2013) in order to establish end-members for the proxies as well as organic matter transport. Data on n-alkane isotopes will help establish hydrographic regime changes. We observe changes in temperature and humidity consistent with those on teh northern hemisphere. J. Menges, C. Huguet, J.M. Alcañiz, S. Fietz, D. Sachse, A. Rosell-Melé Biogechemistry discussions (2013), BGD bg-2013-198. S. Schouten, E.C. Hopmans, E. Schefuss, J.S.S. Damste, Earth and Planetary Science Letters 204(2002) 265-274 J.W.H. Weijers, S. Schouten, J.S.S. Damste, Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta 71(2007) A1098-A1098.

Non-invasive Geophysical Surveys in Search of the Roman Temple of Augustus Under the Cathedral of Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain): A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Albert; Cosentino, Pietro L.; Fiandaca, Gianluca; Himi, Mahjoub; Macias, Josep M.; Martorana, Raffaele; Muñoz, Andreu; Rivero, Lluís; Sala, Roger; Teixell, Imma

2018-04-01

An integrated geophysical survey has been conducted at the Tarragona's Cathedral (Catalonia, NE Spain) with the aim to confirm the potential occurrence of archaeological remains of the Roman Temple dedicated to the Emperor Augustus. Many hypotheses have been proposed about its possible location, the last ones regarding the inner part of the Cathedral, which is one of the most renowned temples of Spain (twelfth century) evolving from Romanesque to Gothic styles. A geophysical project including electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground probing radar (GPR) was planned over 1 year considering the administrative and logistic difficulties of such a project inside a cathedral of religious veneration. Finally, both ERT and GPR have been conducted during a week of intensive overnight surveys that provided detailed information on subsurface existing structures. The ERT method has been applied using different techniques and arrays, ranging from standard Wenner-Schlumberger 2D sections to full 3D electrical imaging with the advanced Maximum Yield Grid array. Electrical resistivity data were recorded extensively, making available many thousands of apparent resistivity data to obtain a complete 3D image after a full inversion. In conclusion, some significant buried structures have been revealed providing conclusive information for archaeologists. GPR results provided additional information about shallowest structures. The geophysical results were clear enough to persuade religious authorities and archaeologists to conduct selected excavations in the most promising areas that confirmed the interpretation of geophysical data. In conclusion, the significant buried structures revealed by geophysical methods under the cathedral were confirmed by archaeological digging as the basement of the impressive Roman Temple that headed the Provincial Forum of Tarraco, seat of the Concilium of Hispania Citerior Province.

Integrated study of biomass index in La Herreria (Sierra de Guadarrama)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernandez Díaz-Ambrona, Carlos G.

2016-04-01

Drought severity has many implications for society, including its impacts on the water supply, water pollution, reservoir management and ecosystem. There have been many attempts to characterize its severity, resulting in the numerous drought indices that have been developed (Niemeyer 2008). The'biomass index', based on satellite image derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) has been used in several countries for pasture and forage crops for some years (Rao, 2010; Escribano-Rodriguez et al., 2014). NDVI generally provides a broad overview of the vegetation condition and spatial vegetation distribution in a region. Vegetative drought is closely related with weather impacts. However, in NDVI, the weather component gets subdued by the strong ecological component. Another vegetation index is Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) that separates the short-term weather-related NDVI fluctuations from the long-term ecosystem changes (Kogan, 1990). Therefore, while NDVI shows seasonal vegetation dynamics, VCI rescales vegetation dynamics between 0 and 100 to reflect relative changes in the vegetation condition from extremely bad to optimal (Kogan et al., 2003). In this work a pasture area at La Herreria (Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain) has been delimited. Then, NDVI historical data are reconstructed based on remote sensing imaging MODIS, with 500x500m2 resolution. From the closest meteorological station (Santolaria-Canales, 2015) records of weekly precipitation, temperature and evapotranspiration from 2001 till 2012 were obtained. Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), Crop Moisture Index (CMI) (Palmer, 1968) and Evapotranspiration-Precipitation Ratio (EPR) are calculated in an attempt to relate them to several vegetation indexes: NDVI, VCI and NDVI Change Ratio to Median (RMNDVI). The results are discussed in the context of pasture index insurance. References Escribano Rodriguez, J.Agustín, Carlos Gregorio Hernández Díaz-Ambrona and Ana María Tarquis Alfonso. Selection of vegetation indices to estimate pasture production in Dehesas. PASTOS, 44(2), 6-18, 2014. Kogan, F. N., 1990. Remote sensing of weather impacts on vegetation in non-homogeneous areas. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 11(8), pp. 1405-1419. Kogan, F. N., Gitelson, A., Edige, Z., Spivak, l., and Lebed, L., 2003. AVHRR-Based Spectral Vegetation Index for Quantitative Assessment of Vegetation State and Productivity: Calibration and Validation. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 69(8), pp. 899-906. Niemeyer, S., 2008. New drought indices. First Int. Conf. on Drought Management: Scientific and Technological Innovations, Zaragoza, Spain, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. Palmer, W.C., 1968. Keeping track of crop moisture conditions, nationwide: The new Crop Moisture Index. Weatherwise 21, 156-161. Rao, K.N. 2010. Index based Crop Insurance. Agriculture and Agricultural Science Procedia 1, 193-203. Santolaria-Canales, Edmundo and the GuMNet Consortium Team (2015). GuMNet - Guadarrama Monitoring Network. Installation and set up of a high altitude monitoring network, north of Madrid. Spain. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 17, EGU2015-13989-2 Web: http://www.ucm.es/gumnet/

Expression and purification of recombinant apolipoprotein A-I Zaragoza (L144R) and formation of reconstituted HDL particles.

PubMed

Fiddyment, Sarah; Barceló-Batllori, Sílvia; Pocoví, Miguel; García-Otín, Angel-Luis

2011-11-01

Apolipoprotein A-I Zaragoza (L144R) (apo A-I Z), has been associated with severe hypoalphalipoproteinemia and an enhanced effect of high density lipoprotein (HDL) reverse cholesterol transport. In order to perform further studies with this protein we have optimized an expression and purification method of recombinant wild-type apo A-I and apo A-I Z and produced mimetic HDL particles with each protein. An pET-45 expression system was used to produce N-terminal His-tagged apo A-I, wild-type or mutant, in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) which was subsequently purified by affinity chromatography in non-denaturing conditions. HDL particles were generated via a modified sodium cholate method. Expression and purification of both proteins was verified by SDS-PAGE, MALDI-TOF MS and immunochemical procedures. Yield was 30mg of purified protein (94% purity) per liter of culture. The reconstituted HDL particles checked via non-denaturing PAGE showed high homogeneity in their size when reconstituted both with wild-type apo A-I and apo A-I Z. An optimized system for the expression and purification of wild-type apo A-I and apo A-I Z with high yield and purity grade has been achieved, in addition to their use in reconstituted HDL particles, as a basis for further studies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to nitrates from agricultural sources using a GIS-compatible logic multicriteria model.

PubMed

Rebolledo, Boris; Gil, Antonia; Flotats, Xavier; Sánchez, José Ángel

2016-04-15

In the present study an overlay method to assess groundwater vulnerability is proposed. This new method based on multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) was developed and validated using an appropriate case study in Aragon area (NE Spain). The Vulnerability Index to Nitrates from Agricultural Sources (VINAS) incorporates a novel Logic Scoring of Preferences (LSP) approach, and it has been developed using public geographic information from the European Union. VINAS-LSP identifies areas with five categories of vulnerability, taking into account the hydrogeological and environmental characteristics of the territory as a whole. The resulting LSP map is a regional screening tool that can provide guidance on the potential risk of nitrate pollution, as well as highlight areas where specific research and farming planning policies are required. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Migration and diving behavior of Centrophorus squamosus in the NE Atlantic. Combining electronic tagging and Argo hydrography to infer deep ocean trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Cabello, Cristina; González-Pola, Cesar; Sánchez, Francisco

2016-09-01

A total of nine leafscale gulper sharks Centrophorus squamosus (Bonnaterre, 1788), were tagged with pop-up, satellite, archival, transmitting tags (PSAT) in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of El Cachucho (Le Danois Bank) located in waters to the north of Spain, (NE Atlantic). Tags provided data on time, pressure and temperature that were used to examine movement patterns and diving behavior. Data collected from Argo floats in the study area have been used to devise a simple geolocation algorithm to infer the probable routes followed by this species. Tag release points revealed that C. squamosus moved both to the west (Galician waters) and to the north (Porcupine Bank) from the tagging area, suggesting well defined preferred pathways. The inferred trajectories indicated that sharks alternate periods constrained to specific geographical regions with quick and prompt movements covering large distances. Two sharks made conspicuous diurnal vertical migrations being at shallower depths around midnight and at maximum depths at midday, while other sharks did not make vertical migrations. Vertical movements were done smoothly and independently of the fish swimming long-distances or resting in the area. Overall results confirm that this species is highly migratory, supporting speeds of 20 nautical miles.day-1 and well capable to swim and make vertical migrations well above the abyssal plain.

Historical macrobenthic community assemblages in the Avilés Canyon, N Iberian Shelf: Baseline biodiversity information for a marine protected area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louzao, Maite; Anadón, Nuria; Arrontes, Julio; Álvarez-Claudio, Consuelo; Fuente, Dulce María; Ocharan, Francisco; Anadón, Araceli; Acuña, José Luis

2010-02-01

Deep-sea ecosystems are highly diverse, and European countries seek to protect these environments by identifying conservation targets. One of these is the Avilés Canyon, southern Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic, Spain. We present the first analysis of historical benthic communities (1987-1988) of this canyon ecosystem, which is a valuable source of biodiversity baseline information. We found 810 taxa divided in five main macrobenthic assemblages, showing a highly diverse benthic community. Bathymetry was the major structuring agent of benthic community, separating shallow (assemblages I and II, 31 to 307 m depth) from deep stations (assemblages III, IV and V, 198 to 1400 m depth). Especially diverse was assemblage IV, located at the easternmost part of the continental slope (378-1100 m depth) where we found reef-forming corals Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. These and other communities (sea-pens [Order Pennatulacea, Phylum Cnidaria] and burrowing macrofauna) represent key habitats in NE Atlantic continental slopes, which are currently threatened. The present dataset has produced the most comprehensive assessment of diversity in this area to date, focusing on the taxonomic groups which may best reflect the health of the marine ecosystem and supporting previous studies which indicate that the continental slope of the southern Bay of Biscay hosts key benthic habitats.

Improvement of the analog forecasting method by using local thermodynamic data. Application to autumn precipitation in Catalonia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibergans-Báguena, J.; Llasat, M. C.

2007-12-01

The objective of this paper is to present the improvement of quantitative forecasting of daily rainfall in Catalonia (NE Spain) from an analogues technique, taking into account synoptic and local data. This method is based on an analogues sorting technique: meteorological situations similar to the current one, in terms of 700 and 1000 hPa geopotential fields at 00 UTC, complemented with the inclusion of some thermodynamic parameters extracted from an historical data file. Thermodynamic analysis acts as a highly discriminating feature for situations in which the synoptic situation fails to explain either atmospheric phenomena or rainfall distribution. This is the case in heavy rainfall situations, where the existence of instability and high water vapor content is essential. With the objective of including these vertical thermodynamic features, information provided by the Palma de Mallorca radiosounding (Spain) has been used. Previously, a selection of the most discriminating thermodynamic parameters for the daily rainfall was made, and then the analogues technique applied to them. Finally, three analog forecasting methods were applied for the quantitative daily rainfall forecasting in Catalonia. The first one is based on analogies from geopotential fields to synoptic scale; the second one is exclusively based on the search of similarity from local thermodynamic information and the third method combines the other two methods. The results show that this last method provides a substantial improvement of quantitative rainfall estimation.

Putting Roman Dams in Context: a Virtual Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Decker, M. J.; Du Vernay, J. P.; Mcleod, J. B.

2017-08-01

Water resources and management have become a critical global issue. During the half-millennium of its existence, the Roman Empire developed numerous strategies to cope with water management, from large-scale urban aqueduct systems, to industrial-scale water mills designed to cope with feeding growing city populations. Roman engineers encountered, adopted, and adapted indigenous hydraulic systems, and left lasting imprints on the landscape of the Mediterranean and temperate Western Europe by employing a range of water technologies. A recent academic study has enabled the identification of remains of and references to seventy-two dams from the Roman era, constructed in Spain between the 1st and 4th century AD. Such unique heritage, without comparisons in the Mediterranean makes Spain an emblematic case study for the analysis of Roman hydraulic engineering and water management policies. Fifty dams have been located and detailed. The twenty-two outstanding, although identified on the ground, have not been able to be acceptably characterized, due in some cases to their being ruins in a highly degraded state, others due to their being masked by repairs and reconstructions subsequent to the Roman era. A good example of such neglected dams is the buttress dam of Consuegra , in Toledo province (Castilla-La Mancha). Dating to the 3rd - 4th century AD, the Dam of Consuegra, on the basin of the Guadiana, with its over 600 metres length and 4,80 metres height, is a remarkable case of Roman engineering mastery. It had a retaining wall upstream, numerous buttresses and perhaps an embankment downstream, of which no remains are left. The application of 3D digital imaging technique to create a high quality virtual model of such monuments has proved to be successful especially for the study of the technological aspects related its construction. The case study of the Roman dam of Muel (Zaragoza) has shown, in fact, as best practices in digital archaeology can provide an original and innovative perspective on a long time studied monument. In this paper it will be explored how deploying recent computer technologies to the Roman dam at Consuegra can advance our understanding of the history of local and regional landscape change and the technology of water management. In summer 2016, the dam has been documented with terrestrial laser scanning with two FARO Focus 3D x330 and aerial photogrammetry image capturing with a DJI Phantom 4 drone. Data was processed in various 3D software applications to generate 3D representations of the dam including 3D point clouds, animations, and meshed models.

Monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances in the Ebro and Guadalquivir River basins (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenzo, Maria; Campo, Julian; Andreu, Vicente; Pico, Yolanda; Farre, Marinella; Barcelo, Damia

2015-04-01

Relevant concentrations of a broad range of pollutants have been found in Spanish Mediterranean River basins, as consequence of anthropogenic pressures and overexploitation (Campo et al., 2014). In this study, the occurrence and sources of 21 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in water and sediment of the Ebro and Guadalquivir River basins (Spain). PFASs are persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic, which make them a hazard to human health and wildlife. The Ebro and Guadalquivir Rivers are the two most important rivers of Spain. They are representative examples of Mediterranean rivers heavily managed, and previous researches have reported their high pesticide contamination (Masiá et al., 2013). Analytes were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). In water samples, from 21 analytes screened, 11 were found in Ebro samples and 9 in Guadalquivir ones. In both basins, the most frequents were PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxS and PFOS. Maximum concentration was detected for PFBA, with 251.3 ng L-1 in Ebro and 742.9 ng L-1 in Guadalquivir. Regarding the sediment samples, 8 PFASs were detected in those coming from Ebro basin and 9 in those from Guadalquivir. The PFASs most frequently detected were PFBA, PFPeA, PFOS and PFBS. Maximum concentration in Ebro samples was detected for PFOA, with 32.4 ng g-1 dw, and in Guadalquivir samples for PFBA with 63.8 ng g-1 dw. Ubiquity of these compounds in the environment was proved with high PFAS concentration values detected in upper parts of the rivers. Results confirm that most of the PFASs are only partially eliminated during the secondary treatment suggesting that they can be a focal point of contamination to the rivers where they can bio-accumulate and produce adverse effects on wildlife and humans. Acknowledgment The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness has supported this work through the projects SCARCE-CSD2009-00065, CGL2011-29703-C02-01 and CGL2011-29703-C02-02 References Campo, J., Pérez, F., Masiá, A., Picó, Y., Farré, M., Barceló, D., 2014. Perfluoroalkyl substance contamination of the Llobregat River ecosystem (Mediterranean area, NE Spain). Science of the Total Environment DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.094. Masiá, A., Campo J., Vázquez-Roig, P., Blasco, C., Picó Y., 2013. Screening of currently used pesticides in water, sediments and biota of the Guadalquivir River Basin (Spain). J. Hazard. Mater. 263P, 95-104.

[An outbreak of mumps in a high school: Estimation of vaccine effectiveness. Zaragoza 2011].

PubMed

Compés-Dea, Cecilia; Guimbao-Bescós, Joaquín; Gaspar-Escayola, José Ignacio; Lázaro-Belanche, María Ángeles; Aznar-Brieba, Amaya

2015-01-01

Mumps outbreaks continue to occur, even after the consolidation of vaccination programs. An outbreak of mumps occurred in a high school in Zaragoza during December 2011. To describe the outbreak and estimate vaccine effectiveness. unilateral or bilateral swelling of the parotid or other salivary glands for three or more days without any other apparent cause. People attending the 'Parque Goya' High School or with transmission chain origin in the High School. From two days before the onset of symptoms of the first case to five days after the last case. Samples were collected for virus confirmation (IgM, urine culture and oropharyngeal exudate), and isolates were processed for genotyping. A retrospective cohort study was performed in two high school classrooms to estimate vaccine efficacy. Public health authorities conducted active surveillance, isolation of cases, and vaccination of susceptible contacts. There were 27 cases. Twenty-one (77.8%) were vaccinated with two doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine. Twelve (44%) were confirmed microbiologically. G1 genotype was determined in six cases. According to the cohort study, vaccine efficacy for one dose was 34% (95%CI: -44 to 70), and was 67% (95%CI: 28 to 83) for two doses. Vaccine effectiveness was lower than expected. Early detection and isolation of cases have been instrumental in preventing new cases in schools. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Estimation of vertical slip rate in an active fault-propagation fold from the analysis of a progressive unconformity at the NE segment of the Carrascoy Fault (SE Iberia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin-Banda, Raquel; Insua-Arevalo, Juan Miguel; Garcia-Mayordomo, Julian

2017-04-01

Many studies have dealt with the calculation of fault-propagation fold growth rates considering a variety of kinematics models, from limb rotation to hinge migration models. In most cases, the different geometrical and numeric growth models are based on horizontal pre-growth strata architecture and a constant known slip rate. Here, we present the estimation of the vertical slip rate of the NE Segment of the Carrascoy Fault (SE Iberian Peninsula) from the geometrical modeling of a progressive unconformity developed on alluvial fan sediments with a high depositional slope. The NE Segment of the Carrascoy Fault is a left-lateral strike slip fault with reverse component belonging to the Eastern Betic Shear Zone, a major structure that accommodates most of the convergence between Iberian and Nubian tectonics plates in Southern Spain. The proximity of this major fault to the city of Murcia encourages the importance of carrying out paleosismological studies in order to determinate the Quaternary slip rate of the fault, a key geological parameter for seismic hazard calculations. This segment is formed by a narrow fault zone that articulates abruptly the northern edge of the Carrascoy Range with the Guadalentin Depression through high slope, short alluvial fans Upper-Middle Pleistocene in age. An outcrop in a quarry at the foot of this front reveals a progressive unconformity developed on these alluvial fan deposits, showing the important reverse component of the fault. The architecture of this unconformity is marked by well-developed calcretes on the top some of the alluvial deposits. We have determined the age of several of these calcretes by the Uranium-series disequilibrium dating method. The results obtained are consistent with recent published studies on the SW segment of the Carrascoy Fault that together with offset canals observed at a few locations suggest a net slip rate close to 1 m/ka.

Lightning and precipitation relationship in summer thunderstorms: Case studies in the North Western Mediterranean region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pineda, Nicolau; Rigo, Tomeu; Bech, Joan; Soler, Xavier

2007-08-01

This study analyzes the relationship between lightning and precipitation in nine convective events. They occurred during the summer season of 2004 in Catalonia (NE Spain) and its coastal area, in the North Western Mediterranean Sea. The data examined were issued from C-band volumetric radar observations, from radiosoundings, and total lightning detection records, including both cloud-to-ground (CG) and intra-cloud flashes. The overall Rainfall-Lightning Ratio (RLR) found was 38.9 10 3 m 3/CG flash, which is a value closer to those found in the Southeastern United States than in the Atlantic coast of France. Moreover, the range of variation found in the studied episodes goes from 10.8 to 87.2 10 3 m 3/CG flash. These variations are analyzed in terms of the synoptic conditions of the events and regarding their spatial distribution, comparing land and sea domains.

Shifts of environmental and phytoplankton variables in a regulated river: A spatial-driven analysis.

PubMed

Sabater-Liesa, Laia; Ginebreda, Antoni; Barceló, Damià

2018-06-18

The longitudinal structure of the environmental and phytoplankton variables was investigated in the Ebro River (NE Spain), which is heavily affected by water abstraction and regulation. A first exploration indicated that the phytoplankton community did not resist the impact of reservoirs and barely recovered downstream of them. The spatial analysis showed that the responses of the phytoplankton and environmental variables were not uniform. The two set of variables revealed spatial variability discontinuities and river fragmentation upstream and downstream from the reservoirs. Reservoirs caused the replacement of spatially heterogeneous habitats by homogeneous spatially distributed water bodies, these new environmental conditions downstream benefiting the opportunist and cosmopolitan algal taxa. The application of a spatial auto-regression model to algal biomass (chlorophyll-a) permitted to capture the relevance and contribution of extra-local influences in the river ecosystem. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evidence of a connection between the Atlantic and Mediterranean during the Messinian Salinity Crisis from Pb and Nd isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modestou, Sevasti; Gutjahr, Marcus; Fietzke, Jan; Rodés, Ángel; Frank, Martin; Bolhão Muiños, Susana; Ellam, Rob; Flecker, Rachel

2014-05-01

Prior to the opening of the Gibraltar Strait at 5.33 Ma, the Betic (southern Spain) and Rifian (northern Morocco) marine palaeocorridors linked the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Although the central regions of these corridors have been heavily eroded due to uplift, evidence published to date indicates that both closed before the onset of the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC; 5.97 to 5.33 Ma [1, 2]). However, pre-MSC corridor closure presents a paradox, as the volume of halite deposited within the Mediterranean basin requires several times the volume of seawater contained in the basin itself. In this regard, radiogenic isotopes such as Sr, Pb, and Nd can provide key information about the timing of exchange through the Betic and Rifian palaeogateways. Due to the resolvable isotopic difference in Nd isotope signatures of outgoing Mediterranean and incoming Atlantic water masses, demonstrated both for the present day as well as the past environment, this isotope system can be used to identify exchange between these two water bodies. Although less well constrained to date, the Pb isotope system can be used in a similar manner due to its short residence time in seawater and interbasin variability. A high resolution Pb isotope record extracted using laser ablation from ferromanganese crust 3514-6 (recovered from the Lion Seamount, NE Atlantic, water depth 690-940 m) indicates a relatively constant Pb isotope signature before, during and after the MSC period. The previously published [3] Nd isotope record of crust 3514-6 corroborates that the crust was deposited in a current distinct from NE Atlantic Deep water or Antarctic Intermediate Water, the principal currents in the region of the Lion Seamount. The combined Pb and Nd isotope evolution suggests that Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) was continuously advected into the NE Atlantic during and after the MSC. Furthermore, preliminary Nd isotope records from Late Miocene sediments collected in the Sorbas Basin, Spain, suggest that Atlantic inflow through the Spanish palaeocorridor into the Mediterranean persisted for longer than this corridor is thought to have existed. Our new isotope records thus suggest an alternative scenario. The corridors may have closed later than current estimates, and/or another connection to the Atlantic through the Gibraltar region persisted. These records are consistent with existing Sr isotope records from within the Mediterranean suggesting intermittent Atlantic inflow during the first stage of evaporite deposition [4]. They are also consistent with recently published Nd isotope records suggesting the persistence of Mediterranean outflow into the Atlantic during the MSC [5]. [1] Manzi et al. (2013) Terra Nova 25(4): 315-322. [2] Lourens et al. (1996) Paleoceanography 11(4): 391-413. [3] Muiños et al. (2008) Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems 9: Q02007. [4] Topper et al. (2011) Paleoceanography 26(3): PA3223. [5] Ivanovic et al. (2013). EPSL 368, 163-174.

Climatic implications of correlated upper Pleistocene glacial and fluvial deposits on the Cinca and Gallego rivers, NE Spain

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lewis, Claudia J; Mcdonald, Eric; Sancho, Carlos

We correlate Upper Pleistocene glacial and fluvial deposits of the Cinca and Gallego River valleys (south central Pyrenees and Ebro basin, Spain) using geomorphic position, luminescence dates, and time-related trends in soil development. The ages obtained from glacial deposits indicate glacial periods at 85 {+-} 5 ka, 64 {+-} 11 ka, and 36 {+-} 3 ka (from glacial till) and 20 {+-} 3 ka (from loess). The fluvial drainage system, fed by glaciers in the headwaters, developed extensive terrace systems in the Cinca River valley at 178 {+-} 21 ka, 97 {+-} 16 ka, 61 {+-} 4 ka, 47 {+-}more » 4 ka, and 11 {+-} 1 ka, and in the Gallego River valley at 151 {+-} 11 ka, 68 {+-} 7 ka, and 45 {+-} 3 ka. The times of maximum geomorphic activity related to cold phases coincide with Late Pleistocene marine isotope stages and heinrich events. The maximum extent of glaciers during the last glacial occurred at 64 {+-} 11 ka, and the terraces correlated with this glacial phase are the most extensive in both the Cinca (61 {+-} 4 ka) and Gallego (68 {+-} 7 ka) valleys, indicating a strong increase in fluvial discharge and availability of sediments related to the transition to deglaciation. The global Last Glacial Maximum is scarcely represented in the south central Pyrenees owing to dominantly dry conditions at that time. Precipitation must be controlled by the position of the Iberian Peninsula with respect to the North Atlantic atmospheric circulation system. The glacial systems and the associated fluvial dynamic seem sensitive to (1) global climate changes controlled by insolation, (2) North Atlantic thermohaline circulation influenced by freshwater pulses into the North Atlantic, and (3) anomalies in atmospheric circulation in the North Atlantic controlling precipitation on the Iberian peninsula. The model of glacial and fluvial evolution during the Late Pleistocene in northern Spain could be extrapolated to other glaciated mountainous areas in southern Europe.« less

Period Determination of Asteroid Targets Observed at Hunters Hill Observatory: May 2009 - September 2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higgins, David

2011-01-01

Lightcurves for 27 asteroids were obtained at the Hunters Hill Observatory (HHO) from 2009 May through 2010 September: 308 Polyxo, 326 Tamara, 369 Aeria, 504 Cora, 822 Lalage, 1164 Kobolda, 1619 Ueta, 1625 The NORC, 1685 Toro, 2189 Zaragoza, 2287 Kalmykia, 2639 Planman, 3695 Fiaia, 4786 Tatianina, 5333 Kanaya, (5452) 1937 NN, 6170 Levasseur, 7741 Fedoseev, 14815 Rutberg, 15724 Zille, 16525 Shumarinaiko, (21996) 1993 XP31, (29729) 1999 BY1, (35404) 1997 YV5, (39087) 2000 VN50, (66146) 1998 TU3, and (101769) 1999 FF52.

Diagenetic gypsum related to sulfur deposits in evaporites (Libros Gypsum, Miocene, NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortí, Federico; Rosell, Laura; Anadón, Pere

2010-07-01

The Libros Gypsum is the thickest evaporite unit of the Miocene infill of the Teruel Basin in NE Spain. During the deposition of this unit, intense bacterial sulfate-reducing (BSR) activity in the lake depocenter generated a native sulfur deposit. Diagenetic gypsum resulted from subsequent sulfur oxidation. The different processes involved in these transformations were first investigated by Anadón et al. (1992). The present paper is concerned with this diagenetic gypsum from the stratigraphic, petrographic, isotopic and genetic points of view. Diagenetic gypsum occurs mainly as continuous or discontinuous layers, individual levels or lenses, irregular masses, nodules and micronodules, and veins. Its main textures are coarse-crystalline anhedral and fine-grained (alabastrine), both of which can replace any former lithology (carbonate, gypsum, and sulfur). The following sequence of processes and mineral/textural transformations is deduced: primary gypsum deposition — BSR and biodiagenetic carbonate/H 2S production — growth of native sulfur — growth of diagenetic gypsum — partial recrystallization of the diagenetic gypsum textures. The gypsification of the native sulfur generated two types of banded structures in the diagenetic gypsum: (1) concentric structures of centripetal growth, and (2) expansive, roughly concentric structures. In the first type, the gypsification operated from the outer boundaries towards the inner parts. In the second type, part of the carbonate hosting the sulfur was also gypsified (replaced/cemented). In the diagenetic gypsum, the δ34S values are in agreement with a native sulfur and H 2S provenance. The δ18O sulfate values, however, enable us to differentiate two main groups of values: one with positive values and the other with negative values. In the group of positive values, interstitial (evaporated) solutions participated in the sulfur oxidation; this process presumably occurred in a first oxidation stage during shallow-to-deeper burial of the Libros Gypsum unit. In the group of negative values, however, only meteoric waters participated in the oxidation, which presumably occurred in a second oxidation stage during the final exhumation of the unit. A third group of values is characterized by very high sulfur and oxygen values, suggesting that BSR residual solutions also participated in the oxidation processes locally. During the two oxidation stages, both the textural characteristics and the isotopic composition of the diagenetic gypsum indicate that gypsification operated as a multistadic process.

Evolution and Intensity of Hail in Wheat and Barley

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernaldo de Quirós, I.; Saa Requejo, A.; Tarquis, A. M.; Burgaz, F.

2009-04-01

The cereals have represented a very important place in the agriculture along the history. The current expansion and growth of the energetic markets are changing the role of the agriculture. The cereals, with other crops, are becoming more significant as suppliers of raw material for the production of biofuels. The purpose of the present project is to carry out a study about the hail in cereals. The survey is focus in wheat and barley as they both represent the highest cereal production of Spain. Four provinces have been chosen (those with the values of production are higher): Burgos and Zaragoza for the wheat and Cuenca and Valladolid for the barley. The materials and methods that we had available for the study of the evolution and intensity of the damages for hail include an analysis of the correlation between the ratios of agricultural insurances provided by ENESA and the number of days of annual hail (from 1981 to 2007). At the same time, one weather station per province was selected by the longest more complete data recorded (from 1963 to 2007) to perform an analysis of monthly time series of the number of hail days (HD). The results of the study show us that there is no relation between the ratio of the agricultural insurances and the number of hail days. This can be due to the large area of which the ratio refers to and the low density of meteorological stations to cover the hail that is registered in every of the four provinces. On the other hand, it is observed that monthly HD time series don't show a change in pattern except in one of the stations studied. Therefore with the information available we cannot state that there are clear changes in the evolution of the hail registered for each province.

Environmental-benefit analysis of two urban waste collection systems.

PubMed

Aranda Usón, Alfonso; Ferreira, Germán; Zambrana Vásquez, David; Zabalza Bribián, Ignacio; Llera Sastresa, Eva

2013-10-01

Sustainable transportation infrastructure and travel policies aim to optimise the use of transportation systems to achieve economic and related social and environmental goals. To this end, a novel methodology based on life cycle assessment (LCA) has been developed in this study, with the aim of quantifying, in terms of CO2 emissions equivalent, the impact associated with different alternatives of waste collection systems in different urban typologies. This new approach is focussed on saving energy and raw materials and reducing the environmental impact associated with the waste collection system in urban areas, as well as allowing the design and planning of the best available technologies and most environment-friendly management. The methodology considers a large variety of variables from the point of view of sustainable urban transport such as the location and size of the urban area, the amount of solid waste generated, the level of social awareness on waste separation procedures, the distance between houses and waste collection points and the distance from the latter to the possible recovery plants and/or landfills, taking into account the material and energy recovery ratio within an integrated waste management system. As a case study, two different waste collection systems have been evaluated with this methodology in the ecocity Valdespartera located in Zaragoza, Spain, consisting of approximately 10,000 homes: (i) a system based on traditional truck transportation and manual collection, and (ii) a stationary vacuum waste collection system. Results show that, when operating at loads close to 100%, the stationary collection system has the best environmental performance in comparison with the conventional system. In contrast, when operating at load factors around 13% the environmental benefits in terms of net CO2-eq. emissions for the stationary collection system are around 60% lower in comparison with the conventional one. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New Normative Database of Inner Macular Layer Thickness Measured by Spectralis OCT Used as Reference Standard for Glaucoma Detection.

PubMed

Nieves-Moreno, María; Martínez-de-la-Casa, José M; Bambo, María P; Morales-Fernández, Laura; Van Keer, Karel; Vandewalle, Evelien; Stalmans, Ingeborg; García-Feijoó, Julián

2018-02-01

This study examines the capacity to detect glaucoma of inner macular layer thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) using a new normative database as the reference standard. Participants ( N = 148) were recruited from Leuven (Belgium) and Zaragoza (Spain): 74 patients with early/moderate glaucoma and 74 age-matched healthy controls. One eye was randomly selected for a macular scan using the Spectralis SD-OCT. The variables measured with the instrument's segmentation software were: macular nerve fiber layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL) volume and thickness along with circumpapillary RNFL thickness (cpRNFL). The new normative database of macular variables was used to define the cutoff of normality as the fifth percentile by age group. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of each macular measurement and of cpRNFL were used to distinguish between patients and controls. Overall sensitivity and specificity to detect early-moderate glaucoma were 42.2% and 88.9% for mRNFL, 42.4% and 95.6% for GCL, 42.2% and 94.5% for IPL, and 53% and 94.6% for RNFL, respectively. The best macular variable to discriminate between the two groups of subjects was outer temporal GCL thickness as indicated by an AUROC of 0.903. This variable performed similarly to mean cpRNFL thickness (AUROC = 0.845; P = 0.29). Using our normative database as reference, the diagnostic power of inner macular layer thickness proved comparable to that of peripapillary RNFL thickness. Spectralis SD-OCT, cpRNFL thickness, and individual macular inner layer thicknesses show comparable diagnostic capacity for glaucoma and RNFL, GCL, and IPL thickness may be useful as an alternative diagnostic test when the measure of cpRNFL shows artifacts.

PREFACE: REXS 2013 - Workshop on Resonant Elastic X-ray Scattering in Condensed Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beutier, G.; Mazzoli, C.; Yakhou, F.; Brown, S. D.; Bombardi, A.; Collins, S. P.

2014-05-01

The aim of this workshop was to bring together experts in experimental and theoretical aspects of resonant elastic x-ray scattering, along with researchers who are new to the field, to discuss important recent results and the fundamentals of the technique. The meeting was a great success, with the first day dedicated to students and new researchers in the field, who received introductory lectures and tutorials. All conference delegates were invited either to make an oral presentation or to present a poster, accompanied by a short talk. The first two papers selected for the REXS13 proceedings (Grenier & Joly and Helliwell) give a basic background to the theory of REXS and applications across a wide range of scientific areas. The remainder of the papers report on some of the latest scientific results obtained by applying the REXS technique to contemporary problems in condensed matter, materials and x-ray physics. It is hoped that these proceedings provide a snapshot of the current status of a vibrant and diverse scientific technique that will be of value not just to those who attended the workshop but also to any other reader with an interest in the subject. Local Scientific Committee REXS13 International Scientific Advisory Committee M Altarelli, European XFEL, Germany F de Bergevin, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France J Garcia-Ruiz, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain A I Goldman, Iowa State University, USA M Goldmann, Institut Nanosciences, France T Schulli, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France C R Natoli, Laboratori Nazionali de Frascati, Italy G Materlik, Diamond Light Source, UK L Paolasini, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France U Staub, Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland K Finkelstein, Cornell University, USA Y Murakami, Photon Factory, Japan REXS13 Local Scientific Committee G Beutier, CNRS Grenoble, France C Mazzoli, Politecnico di Milano, Italy F Yakhou, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France S D Brown, XMaS UK CRG, France A Bombardi, Diamond Light Source, UK S P Collins, Diamond Light Source, UK http://www.rexs2013.org/

Comorbidity and prognosis in advanced hypopharyngeal-laryngeal cancer under combined therapy.

PubMed

Montero, Elena Hernández; Trufero, Javier Martínez; Romeo, Javier Azúa; Terré, Fernando Clau

2008-01-01

The success of combined treatment in head and neck cancer resides largely in its completion, which can be compromised when the patient's general health status is precarious. The objective of this investigation was to study the role of comorbidity as a prognostic factor in a large, homogeneous population affected by locally advanced pharyngeal-laryngeal cancer, under a combined protocol treatment. The a priori hypothesis is that comorbidity strongly conditions overall survival and specific overall survival in these patients and can aid in the selection and individualization of treatments. After a 24-month follow-up, a univariate and multivariate retrospective analysis of survival and prognostic factors was performed using 14 clinical, pathological and molecular variables including the comorbidity index calculated following the Picarillo method. The settings were the Otolaryngology, Oncology and Pathology Departments of the Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain, a referral center of the National Health System. Of the original 114 patients selected, 15 were withdrawn because the tumor spread to maxillofacial areas, or due to the lack of attendance at the clinic, incomplete clinical data or coexistent primary tumors. The group under analysis consisted of the 99 remaining patients affected by stage III and IV laryngeal and/or hypopharyngeal cancers that had not received previous treatments. The main outcomes to analyze were overall survival, specific overall survival and relative risk. Overall survival at 2.5 years was 68.1% (95% CI, 57.7-78.5). Specific overall survival at 2.5 years was 74.8% (95% CI, 64.9-84.6). In the multivariate analysis, tumor staging, neoadjuvant chemotherapy response and comorbidity (RR = 1.55 and 1.44 for overall and specific overall survival, respectively) present themselves as three prognostic factors independent of overall and specific overall survival. The role of comorbidity as an independent prognostic factor in patients affected by laryngeal and/or hypopharyngeal cancer treated with chemo-radiotherapy should be taken into account in the tailoring of treatments and the improvement of therapeutic results.

Potential uses of pumped urban groundwater: a case study in Sant Adrià del Besòs (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurado, Anna; Vázquez-Suñé, Enric; Pujades, Estanislao

2017-09-01

Urban groundwater has often been over-exploited for industrial uses. Now, this usage tends to be reduced or the resource abandoned due to pollution and/or changes in land use. The use and the subsequent disuse of groundwater has resulted in rising water tables that damage underground structures (e.g., building basements and underground car parks and tunnels), leading to the need for additional pumping in urban areas. In the case of the underground parking lot of Sant Adrià del Besòs (Barcelona, NE Spain), large amounts of urban groundwater are pumped to avoid seepage problems. Can this pumped groundwater be used for other purposes (e.g., drinking water and urban irrigation) instead of wasting this valuable resource? To answer this question, it was necessary to quantify the groundwater recharge and to assess the evolution of groundwater quality. The limiting factor at this study site is the groundwater quality because ammonium and some metals (iron and manganese) are present at high concentrations. Hence, further treatment would be needed to meet drinking water requirements. The pumped groundwater could also be used for supplementing river flow for ecological benefit and/or for mitigating seawater intrusion problems. Currently, only a small amount of this urban groundwater is used for cleaning public areas and watering public gardens. This situation highlighted the urgent need to manage this resource in a responsible and more efficient manner, especially in moments of high water demand such as drought periods.

Soil management, fertilization and plant nutrition in organic systems in Spain: A review of the research in last 20 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalvez, Victor; Raigon Jiménez, M.° Dolores

2016-04-01

The Spanish Society for Agroecology/Organic Farming (SEAE) is a private charity association, founded in 1992, with the purpose to support organic farming practitioners. The principal aim is to join the efforts farmers, technicians and scientifics and others organizations and persons, related to develop sustainable agriculture systems, based on ecological and socioeconomic principles promoted by the international organic farming movement, with the purpose to obtain foods and first resources with high quality, considering the vulnerability of the environment and preserving the soil fertility, with the optimal and adequate use of the local resources, taking in account the rural culture and the ethical value of the social development and the life quality. One of the most relevant and know activity of SEAE is the celebration of one (scientific) Congress every two years. This is the most important event on this issue in Spain. In the last 20 year, eleven events of this kind have been organised in 11 different places (Toledo, Pamplona, Valencia, Córdoba, Gijón-Asturias, Almeria, Zaragoza, Bullas-Murcia, Lleida, Albacete, Vitoria-Gasteiz). The average participation in the Congress was growing up from 100 to 350 persons), from all over Spain. During this events, researchers, advisors, trainers, politicians and operators (farmers, processors, certifiers, marketers, consumers, etc.) shared and update the scientific results, projects in force, political measures, statistics and proposals to develop the organic farming sector Research in organic farming is still low in Spain and the majority of the results in this matter are being presented as papers in this Congresses. Over 1500 papers from over 100 spanish research groups giving information about the research results have been presented in this events, One of the most relevant topic of this research is done on soil conservation, soil fertility and organic crop fertilization and organic matter management in the soil, after organic plant health and plant protection. In total 12 % of the papers presented in these events were devoted to soil conservation, soil fertility and plant nutrition management. We have analyzed this papers contributions dividing in five categories: a) organic and mineral fertilization; b) general evaluation of soil fertility under organic management; c) compost making and compost types; d) soil conservation and fertilization; e) crop fertilization and food quality The results shows that over 20 % of the total papers presented were related to general aspects of crop fertilization in 16% types of vegetables crops, 14% on arable crops and pastures and 8% on perennial crops (almonds, citrus, vineyards, olive trees, and banana) have been presented. Most studies were done on vegetables and very few on nutrient balance have been published. Some papers deal with cover crops. The soil fertility impact of organic farming compared with conventional is focused is included in nearly 30 % of all the scientific papers presented. Compost from different crop residues and the effects on soil and on different crops, including waste sludge (not allowed in organic farming) have been researched. Also some studies deal with how to use the residues of the olive oil mills or residues of vineyards as organic fertilizer. Some of the most recent studies are focused on how compost can control pest and diseases in crop cultivation. Another type of study has analyzed the soil disinfection potential of manure with high exposition to the sun (high temperature) to be used in greenhouses. Few studies are concentrated in the application of mycorrhizae to enhance the capacity of the plants to absorber nutrients from soil. We found some few studies on biofertilisers, but there are many different inputs being offered to organic farmers as natural fertilizer. Soil conservation and organic fertilisation studies are scarce and not sufficiently detailed. Finally we found a five category of very few studies on the relation between fertilization of different crops and the final quality of the crops and fresh foods. The paper presents the most relevant results of research about organic farming fertilization in several crops conducted in Spain, which could be useful for Mediterranean countries with similar soil and clima Key words: compost, , mediterranean, nutrients balance, soil fertility,

[The Ebro River and the Camino de Santiago].

PubMed

Cuchí de la Cuesta, Carlos

2003-01-01

Humans travel for many reasons; here we concentrate in pilgrimage and the role of the Ebro River as their means of transportation. The Camino de Santiago through the Ebro is linked to the devotion to Santa María del Pilar de Zaragoza, where according to the tradition appeared in flesh and body (January 2, 40, BC). Famous pilgrims are Luis VII of France, Lady Blanca, daughter of Carlos III. The Ebro's navigability allowed sustaining the fervor alive as it is proven by the many records found Catón, Estrabrón, Plinio, Avieno) describing its use for pilgrimage and commercial purposes.

Deformation style and controlling geodynamic processes at the eastern Guadalquivir foreland basin (Southern Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marín-Lechado, C.; Pedrera, A.; Peláez, J. A.; Ruiz-Constán, A.; González-Ramón, A.; Henares, J.

2017-06-01

The tectonic structure of the Guadalquivir foreland basin becomes complex eastward evolving from a single depocenter to a compartmented basin. The deformation pattern within the eastern Guadalquivir foreland basin has been characterized by combining seismic reflection profiles, boreholes, and structural field data to output a 3-D model. High-dipping NNE-SSW to NE-SW trending normal and reverse fault arrays deform the Variscan basement of the basin. These faults generally affect Tortonian sediments, which show syntectonic features sealed by the latest Miocene units. Curved and S-shaped fault traces are abundant and caused by the linkage of nearby fault segments during lateral fault propagation. Preexisting faults were reactivated either as normal or reverse faults depending on their position within the foreland. At Tortonian time, reverse faults deformed the basin forebulge, while normal faults predominated within the backbulge. Along-strike variation of the Betic foreland basin geometry is supported by an increasing mechanical coupling of the two plates (Alborán Domain and Variscan basement) toward the eastern part of the cordillera. Thus, subduction would have progressed in the western Betics, while it would have failed in the eastern one. There, the initially subducted Iberian paleomargin (Nevado-Filábride Complex) was incorporated into the upper plate promoting the transmission of collision-related compressional stresses into the foreland since the middle Miocene. Nowadays, compression is still active and produces low-magnitude earthquakes likely linked to NNE-SSW to NE-SW preexiting faults reactivated with reverse oblique-slip kinematics. Seismicity is mostly concentrated around fault tips that are frequently curved in overstepping zones.

MOnthly TEmperature DAtabase of Spain 1951-2010: MOTEDAS. (1) Quality control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peña-Angulo, Dhais; Cortesi, Nicola; Simolo, Claudia; Stepanek, Peter; Brunetti, Michele; González-Hidalgo, José Carlos

2014-05-01

The HIDROCAES project (Impactos Hidrológicos del Calentamiento Global en España, Spanish Ministery of Research CGL2011-27574-C02-01) is focused on the high resolution in the Spanish continental land of the warming processes during the 1951-2010. To do that the Department of Geography (University of Zaragoza, Spain), the Hydrometeorological Service (Brno Division, Chezck Republic) and the ISAC-CNR (Bologna, Italy) are developing the new dataset MOTEDAS (MOnthly TEmperature DAtabase of Spain), from which we present a collection of poster to show (1) the general structure of dataset and quality control; (2) the analyses of spatial correlation of monthly mean values of maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin temperature; (3) the reconstruction processes of series and high resolution grid developing; (4) the first initial results of trend analyses of annual, seasonal and monthly range mean values. MOTEDAS has been created after exhaustive analyses and quality control of the original digitalized data of the Spanish National Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, AEMET). Quality control was applied without any prior reconstruction, i.e. on original series. Then, from the total amount of series stored at AEMet archives (more than 4680) we selected only those series with at least 10 years of data (i.e. 120 months, 3066 series) to apply a quality control and reconstruction processes (see Poster MOTEDAS 3). Length of series was Tmin, upper and lower thresholds of absolute data, etc), and by comparison with reference series (see Poster MOTEDAS 3, about reconstruction). Anomalous data were considered when difference between Candidate and Reference series were higher than three times the interquartile distance. The total amount of monthly suspicious data recognized and discarded at the end of this analyses was 7832 data for Tmin, and 8063 for Tmax data; they represent less than 0,8% of original total monthly data, for both Tmax and Tmin. No spatial pattern was detected in the suspicious data; month by month Tmin shows maximum detection in summer months, while Tmax does not show any monthly pattern. Secondly, the homogeneity analyses was performed on the list of series free of anomalous data by using an arrays of test (SNHT, Bivariate, T de Student and Pettit) after new reference series calculated with data free of anomalous. The tests were applied at monthly, seasonal and annual scale (i.e. 17 times per method). Statistical inhomogeneity detections were accepted as follows: Three annual detections (monthly, seasonal, annual) must be found in SNHT or Bivariate test. The total amount of detections by the four tests was greater than 5% of the total possible detection per year. Before any correction we examined the Candidate and reference series chart. Proclim and Anclim software were used during all the processes The total amount of series affected by inhomogeneities was 1013 (Tmax) and 1011 (Tmin), i.e. 1/3 of original series was considered as inhomogeneous. We notice that identified inhomogeneous series in Tmax and Tmin usually do not coincide. This apparently small amount of series compared with previous work could be originated because of the mean length of series is around 15-20 years. References. Stepánek P. 2008a. AnClim - software for time series analysis (for Windows 95/NT). Department of Geography, Faculty of Natural Sciences, MU, Brno, 1.47 B. Stepánek P.. 2008b. ProClimDB - Software for Processing Climatological Datasets. CHMI, Regional office, Brno.

Registration of NE Trailblazer C-1, NE Trailblazer C0, NE Trailblazer C2, NE Trailblazer C3, NE Trailblazer C4, and NE Trailblazer C5 Switchgrass Germplasms

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

NE Trailblazer C-1 (GP-101, PI 672015), NE Trailblazer C0 (GP-100, PI 672014), NE Trailblazer C2 (GP-102, PI 672016), NE Trailblazer C3 (GP-103, PI 672017), NE Trailblazer C4 (GP-104, PI 672018), and NE Trailblazer C5 (GP-105, PI 672019) switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) germplasms were released by ...

Do cytostatic drugs reach drinking water? The case of mycophenolic acid.

PubMed

Franquet-Griell, Helena; Ventura, Francesc; Boleda, M Rosa; Lacorte, Silvia

2016-01-01

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) has been identified as a new river contaminant according to its wide use and high predicted concentration. The aim of this study was to monitor the impact of MPA in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) that collects water downstream Llobregat River (NE Spain) in a highly densified urban area. During a one week survey MPA was recurrently detected in the DWTP intake (17-56.2 ng L(-1)). The presence of this compound in river water was associated to its widespread consumption (>2 tons in 2012 in Catalonia), high excretion rates and low degradability. The fate of MPA in waters at each treatment step of the DWTP was analyzed and complete removal was observed after pretreatment with chlorine dioxide. So far, MPA has not been described as water contaminant and its presence associated with its consumption in anticancer treatments is of relevance to highlight the importance of monitoring this compound. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Are environmental risk estimations linked to the actual environmental impact? Application to an oil handling facility (NE Spain).

PubMed

Valdor, Paloma F; Puente, Araceli; Gómez, Aina G; Ondiviela, Bárbara; Juanes, José A

2017-01-30

The environmental risk analysis of aquatic systems includes the evaluation of the likelihood that adverse ecological effects may occur as a result of exposure to one or more stressors. In harbor areas, pollution is provided by a complex mixture of substances with different levels of toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation, which complicates the hazards characterization and their multiple effects. A study of the relationship between the environmental impact and the environmental risk assessment at a specific isolated oil handling facility was undertaken. The environmental risk of the oil handling facility, considering the consequences of specific pollutants, was estimated and the associated environmental impact was quantified based on a 'weights of evidence' approach. The contamination quantified at the potentially affected area around the monobuoy of Tarragona has proved to be related with environmental risk estimations but the lines of evidence obtained do not allow us to assert that the activity developed at this facility has an associated environmental impact. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environmental risk analysis of oil handling facilities in port areas. Application to Tarragona harbor (NE Spain).

PubMed

Valdor, Paloma F; Gómez, Aina G; Puente, Araceli

2015-01-15

Diffuse pollution from oil spills is a widespread problem in port areas (as a result of fuel supply, navigation and loading/unloading activities). This article presents a method to assess the environmental risk of oil handling facilities in port areas. The method is based on (i) identification of environmental hazards, (ii) characterization of meteorological and oceanographic conditions, (iii) characterization of environmental risk scenarios, and (iv) assessment of environmental risk. The procedure has been tested by application to the Tarragona harbor. The results show that the method is capable of representing (i) specific local pollution cases (i.e., discriminating between products and quantities released by a discharge source), (ii) oceanographic and meteorological conditions (selecting a representative subset data), and (iii) potentially affected areas in probabilistic terms. Accordingly, it can inform the design of monitoring plans to study and control the environmental impact of these facilities, as well as the design of contingency plans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Odor Events in Surface and Treated Water: The Case of 1,3-Dioxane Related Compounds.

PubMed

Quintana, Jordi; Vegué, Lídia; Martín-Alonso, Jordi; Paraira, Miquel; Boleda, M Rosa; Ventura, Francesc

2016-01-05

A study has been carried out to identify the origin of the odorous compounds at trace levels detected in surface waters and in Barcelona's tap water (NE Spain) which caused consumer complaints. The malodorous compounds were 2,5,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane (TMD) and 2-ethyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane (2EDD) which impart a distinctive sickening or olive-oil odor to drinking water at low ng/L levels. Flavor profile analysis (FPA) or threshold odor number (TON) were used for organoleptic purposes. Levels up to 749 ng/L for TMD and 658 ng/L for 2EDD were measured at the entrance of the drinking water treatment plant. Three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) using industrial byproducts coming from resin manufacturing plants to promote codigestion were found to be the origin of the event. Corrective measures were applied, including the prohibition to use these byproducts for codigestion in the WWTPs involved. A similar event was already recorded in the same area 20 years ago.

Bi-species imposex monitoring in Galicia (NW Spain) shows contrasting achievement of the OSPAR Ecological Quality Objective for TBT.

PubMed

Ruiz, J M; Carro, B; Albaina, N; Couceiro, L; Míguez, A; Quintela, M; Barreiro, R

2017-01-30

Imposex is decreasing worldwide after the total ban on tributyltin (TBT) from antifouling paints. In order to assess improvement in the NE Atlantic, the OSPAR Convention designed an Ecological Quality Objective (EcoQO) based on the VDSI (vas deferens sequence index, an agreed measure of imposex) in the rock snail Nucella lapillus; wherever this is not available, the mud snail Nassarius reticulatus was proposed as a proxy. We determined VDSI in Galician populations of rock (n≥34) and mud (n≥18) snails at regular intervals from pre-ban times until 2009 and 2011, respectively. While imposex in the former started decreasing in 2006 and by 2009 the EcoQO had been met in the area, VDSI in the latter was not significantly reduced until 2011 and values contradict such an achievement. This suggests that the OSPAR imposex bi-species scheme may not be of direct application in the current post-ban scenario. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The 26gAl(p,g)27Si reaction in Novae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz, Chris; Parikh, A.; José, J.; Buchmann, L.; Caggiano, J. A.; Chen, A. A.; Clark, J. A.; Crawford, H.; Davids, B.; D'Auria, J. M.; Davis, C.; Deibel, C.; Erikson, L.; Fogarty, L.; Frekers, D.; Greife, U.; Hussein, A.; Hutcheon, D. A.; Huyse, M.; Jewett, C.; Laird, A. M.; Lewis, R.; Mumby-Croft, P.; Olin, A.; Ottewell, D. F.; Ouellet, C. V.; Parker, P.; Pearson, J.; Ruprecht, G.; Trinczek, M.; Vockenhuber, C.; Wrede, C.

The 26gAl(p,γ)27Si Reaction in Novae PoS(NIC-IX)004 1 TRIUMF, 4004 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A3, Canada 2 Wright Nuclear Structure Laboratory, Yale University, New Haven, Conneticut 06520-8124, USA 3 Dept. de Física í Enginyeria Nuclear, Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain 4 Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Barcelona, Spain 5 McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 481, Canada 6 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada 7 Department of Physics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, USA 8 National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland 9 Institut für Kernphysik, Westfälische Willhelms-Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany 10 University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada 11 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium 12 Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom The 184 keV resonance strength in the 26gAl(p,γ)27Si reaction was measured in inverse kinematics using the DRAGON facility at TRIUMF-ISAC. We obtain a value of ωγ=35±7 μeV for the strength and ER=184±1 keV for the resonance energy. These values are consistent with p-wave capture into the 7652(3) keV state in 27Si. We discuss the implications of these results for 26gAl nucleosynthesis in a typical O-Ne white dwarf nova.

Landslides in the Central Coalfield (Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain): Geomorphological features, conditioning factors and methodological implications in susceptibility assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domínguez-Cuesta, María José; Jiménez-Sánchez, Montserrat; Berrezueta, Edgar

2007-09-01

A geomorphological study focussing on slope instability and landslide susceptibility modelling was performed on a 278 km 2 area in the Nalón River Basin (Central Coalfield, NW Spain). The methodology of the study includes: 1) geomorphological mapping at both 1:5000 and 1:25,000 scales based on air-photo interpretation and field work; 2) Digital Terrain Model (DTM) creation and overlay of geomorphological and DTM layers in a Geographical Information System (GIS); and 3) statistical treatment of variables using SPSS and development of a logistic regression model. A total of 603 mass movements including earth flow and debris flow were inventoried and were classified into two groups according to their size. This study focuses on the first group with small mass movements (10 0 to 10 1 m in size), which often cause damage to infrastructures and even victims. The detected conditioning factors of these landslides are lithology (soils and colluviums), vegetation (pasture) and topography. DTM analyses show that high instabilities are linked to slopes with NE and SW orientations, curvature values between - 6 and - 0.7, and slope values from 16° to 30°. Bedrock lithology (Carboniferous sandstone and siltstone), presence of Quaternary soils and sediments, vegetation, and the topographical factors were used to develop a landslide susceptibility model using the logistic regression method. Application of "zoom method" allows us to accurately detect small mass movements using a 5-m grid cell data even if geomorphological mapping is done at a 1:25,000 scale.

Analysis and occurrence of pharmaceuticals, estrogens, progestogens and polar pesticides in sewage treatment plant effluents, river water and drinking water in the Llobregat river basin (Barcelona, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuster, Marina; López de Alda, Maria José; Hernando, Maria Dolores; Petrovic, Mira; Martín-Alonso, Jordi; Barceló, Damià

2008-08-01

SummaryThis work investigated the presence of 21 emerging contaminants of various chemical groups (7 estrogens, 3 progestogens, 6 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and 5 acidic pesticides) in the Llobregat river basin (NE Spain). Waters from the outlet of various sewage treatment plants (STP) and waterworks located along the river basin, as well as water samples from the river or its tributaries upstream and downstream of these plants were analysed in two pilot monitoring studies. Chemical analyses were performed by means of on-line or off-line solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry. Methods detection limits (in ng/L) were ⩽0.85 for estrogens, ⩽3.94 for progestogens, ⩽30 for PPCPs, and ⩽0.99 for pesticides. Of the estrogens and progestogens analysed, only estrone-3-sulfate, estrone, estriol and progesterone were found to be present in the low nanogram per liter range in some of the samples investigated. Except for atenolol, all PPCPs studied (ibuprofen, diclofenac, clofibric acid, salicylic acid, and triclosan) could be identified at levels usually lower than 250 ng/L and up to 1200 ng/l (diclofenac). Of the various pesticides investigated (2,4-D, bentazone; MCPA, mecoprop and propanil) MCPA and 2,4-D were the most ubiquitous and abundant and bentazone the only one not detected. Individual concentrations were most often below 100 ng/L and never surpassed the EU limits.

Two year study of swash zone suprabenthos of two Galician beaches (NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernardo-Madrid, Rubén; Martínez-Vázquez, Juan M.; Viéitez, José M.; Junoy, Juan

2013-10-01

The suprabenthos is considered a major food resource for some fish and birds. Moreover, it plays a key role in the food chain and in nutrient regeneration in the surf zone. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that regulate this fauna and the differences between the suprabenthic groups, to study the possibility of seasonal variations and to compare these results with those of other studies conducted in Europe. A study and geographical comparison was conducted of the temporal patterns of the suprabenthos in the swash zone at two sandy beaches on the NE Atlantic coast (Altar and Ladeira beaches) in the NW of Spain. The study was carried out from September 2005 to August 2007 (24 months). To study the fauna, 60 m2 was sampled monthly with a suprabenthic sledge, and a total of 101 species belonging to Peracarida and Decapoda were recorded. Total densities ranged from 0.42 ind·m- 2 to 178.75 ind·m- 2. Ladeira beach showed higher densities and species richness than Altar beach, and the biocoenosis showed a different dynamic over the 24 months and between years and locations. These results indicate that there is no clear seasonality in the dynamic of suprabenthic species, although the variance of Peracarida orders was explained in diverse degree by environmental variables. The environmental models implemented explained between 27.7% and 93.8% of the faunal data, and hydrodynamic factors and daily global irradiance were selected as the best factors to explain the temporal variations.

Stratigraphic and structural controls on groundwater flow in an outcropping fossil fan delta: the case of Sant Llorenç del Munt range (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anglés, Marc; Folch, Albert; Oms, Oriol; Maestro, Eudald; Mas-Pla, Josep

2017-12-01

Hydrogeological models of mountain regions present the opportunity to understand the role of geological factors on groundwater resources. The effects of sedimentary facies and fracture distribution on groundwater flow and resource exploitation are studied in the ancient fan delta of Sant Llorenç de Munt (central Catalonia, Spain) by integrating geological field observations (using sequence stratigraphy methods) and hydrogeological data (pumping tests, hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes). A comprehensive analysis of data portrays the massif as a single unit, constituted by different compartments determined by specific layers and sets of fractures. Two distinct flow systems—local and regional—are identified based on pumping test analysis as well as hydrochemical and isotopic data. Drawdown curves derived from pumping tests indicate that the behavior of the saturated layers, whose main porosity is given by the fracture network, corresponds to a confined aquifer. Pumping tests also reflect a double porosity within the system and the occurrence of impervious boundaries that support a compartmentalized model for the whole aquifer system. Hydrochemical data and associated spatial evolution show the result of water-rock interaction along the flow lines. Concentration of magnesium, derived from dolomite dissolution, is a tracer of the flow-path along distinct stratigraphic units. Water stable isotopes indicate that evaporation (near a 5% loss) occurs in a thick unsaturated zone within the massif before infiltration reaches the water table. The hydrogeological analysis of this outcropping system provides a methodology for the conceptualization of groundwater flow in similar buried systems where logging and hydrogeological information are scarce.

[Morbidity and drug consumption. Comparison of results between the National Health Survey and electronic medical records].

PubMed

Aguilar-Palacio, Isabel; Carrera-Lasfuentes, Patricia; Poblador-Plou, Beatriz; Prados-Torres, Alexandra; Rabanaque-Hernández, M José

2014-01-01

To compare the prevalence of disease and drug consumption obtained by using the National Health Survey (NHS) with the information provided by the electronic medical records (EMR) in primary health care and the Pharmaceutical Consumption Registry in Aragon (Farmasalud) in the adult population in the province of Zaragoza. A cross-sectional study was performed to compare the prevalence of diseases in the NHS-2006 and in the EMR. The prevalence of drug consumption was obtained from the NHS-2006 and Farmasalud. Estimations using each database were compared with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and the results were stratified by gender and age groups. The comparability of the databases was tested. According to the NHS, a total of 81.8% of the adults in the province of Zaragoza visited a physician in 2006. According to the EMR, 61.4% of adults visited a primary care physician. The most prevalent disease in both databases was hypertension (NHS: 21.5%, 95% CI: 19.4-23.9; EMR: 21.6%, 95% CI: 21.3-21.8). The greatest differences between the NHS and EMR was observed in the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses (NHS: 10.9%; EMR: 26.6%). The most widely consumed drugs were analgesics The prevalence of drug consumption differed in the two databases, with the greatest differences being found in pain medication (NHS: 23.3%; Farmasalud: 63.8%) and antibiotics (NHS: 3.4%; Farmasalud: 41.7%). These differences persisted after we stratified by gender and were especially important in the group aged more than 75 years. The prevalence of morbidity and drug consumption differed depending on the database employed. The use of different databases is recommended to estimate real prevalences. Copyright © 2013 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Solar helium and neon in the Earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honda, M.; Mcdougall, I.; Patterson, D. B.

1994-01-01

Neon isotopic compositions in mantle-derived samples commonly are enriched in (20)Ne and (21)Ne relative to (22)Ne compared with atmospheric neon ((20)Ne/(22)Ne and (21)Ne/(22)Ne ratios in atmospheric neon are 9.8 and 0.029, respectively), together with significant primordial (3)He. Such results have been obtained on MORB's, intraplate plume-related oceanic island basalts, backarc basin basalts, mantle xenoliths, ancient diamonds and CO2 well gases (e.g., 1 - 8). The highest (20)Ne/(22)Ne ratio observed in MORB glasses (= 13.6 plus or minus 1.3 is close to the solar value (= 13.6, as observed in solar wind). In order to explain the enrichment of (20)Ne and (21)Ne relative to atmospheric neon for samples derived from the mantle, it is necessary to postulate the presence of at least two distinct non-atmospheric components. The two most likely candidates are solar and nucleogenic ((20)Ne/(22)Ne solar = 13.6 (21)Ne/(22)Ne solar = 0.032, (20)Ne/(22)Ne nucleogenic = 2.5 and (21)Ne/(22)Ne nucleogenic = 32). This is because solar neon is the only known component with a (20)Ne/(22)Ne ratio greater than both the atmospheric value and that observed in samples derived from the mantle. Nucleogenic neon is well known to elevate (21)Ne/(22)Ne ratios. Neon isotopic signatures observed in mantle-derived samples can be accounted for by mixing of the three neon end members: solar, nucleogenic and atmospheric.

Spectroscopic evidence of hippocampal abnormalities in neocortical epilepsy

PubMed Central

Mueller, S. G.; Laxer, K. D.; Cashdollar, N.; Lopez, R. C.; Weiner, M. W.

2009-01-01

Lesional neocortical epilepsy (NE) can be associated with hippocampal sclerosis or hippocampal spectroscopic abnormalities without atrophy (dual pathology). In this study, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) was used to determine the frequency of hippocampal damage/dysfunction in NE with and without structural lesion. Sixteen patients with NE [seven temporal NE (NE-T), nine extratemporal (NE-ET)] and 16 controls were studied with a 2D MRSI sequence (Repetition time/echo time (TR/TE) = 1800/135 ms) covering both hippocampi. Seven NE patients had MR visible lesions (NE-Les), nine had normal MRI (NE-no). In each hippocampus, 12 voxels were uniformly selected. In controls, mean (± SD) NAA/(Cr + Cho) values for each voxel were calculated and voxels with NAA/(Cr + Cho) ≤ (mean in controls – 2SD in controls) were defined as ‘pathological’ in patients. Eight of 16 NE patients had at least two ‘pathological’ voxel (mean 2.5, range 2–5) in one hippocampus. Four were NE-Les and four NE-no. Three (43%) NE-T patients, had evidence for hippocampal damage/dysfunction and five (56%) had NE-ET. The ipsilateral hippocampus was affected in six of eight NE patients. Evidence for unilateral hippocampal damage/dysfunction was demonstrated in 50% of the NE patients. The type of NE, i.e. NE-Les or NE-no, NE-T or NE-ET, had no influence on the occurrence of hippocampal damage/dysfunction. PMID:16618342

"Normal Planetary" Ne-Q in Chelyabinsk and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Park, J.; Nagao, K.; Haba, M. K.; Mikouchi, T.; Kusakabe, M.; Shih, C.-Y.; Herzog, G. F.

2015-07-01

Chelyabinsk contains “Q”-noble gases. Martian shergottite Dhofar 378 contains trapped 20Ne/22Ne = 7.3±0.3, derivable from Q-Ne with 20Ne/22Ne = 10.67 via fractionation by solar wind induced sputtering. Martian juvenile Ne is suggested to be Q-Ne.

Atmospheric 21Ne abundance determined by the Helix-MC Plus mass spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, M.; Zhang, X.; Phillips, D.; Hamilton, D.; Deerberg, M.; Schwieters, J. B.

2014-12-01

Analyses of noble gas isotopes by multi-collector, high resolution mass spectrometry have the potential to revolutionise applications in the cosmo-geo-sciences. The Helix-MC Plus noble gas mass spectrometer installed at the Australian National University (ANU) is equipped with unique high mass resolution collectors [mass resolution (MR): ~1,800 and mass resolving power (MRP): ~8,000], including fixed axial (Ax), adjustable high mass (H2) and adjustable low mass (L2) detectors. The high mass resolution of the L2, Ax and H2 collectors permits complete separation of 20Ne (measured on L2 detector) from doubly charged interfering 40Ar (required MR of 1,777), 1H19F (MR = 1450), 1H218O (MR = 894) and partial separation of the 21Ne peak (on Ax detector) from interfering 20Ne1H (MR = 3,271), and 22Ne (on H2 detector) from interfering doubly charged CO2 (MR = 6,231). Because of the high MRP of ~8,000, 21Ne can be measured, essentially without interference from 20Ne1H, by setting the magnet position on a 20Ne1H interference-free position. This capability provides an important opportunity to re-evaluate the 21Ne abundance in the atmosphere. Our analyses demonstrate that 20Ne1H contributes ~4% to atmospheric 21Ne measurements, with the corresponding production ratio of 20Ne1H to 20Ne being ~1E-4. We calculate a new atmospheric 21Ne/20Ne ratio of 0.00287 relative to an atmospheric 22Ne/20Ne ratio of 0.102; this new value is distinctly lower than the current IUPAC recommended 21Ne/20Ne value of 0.00298. There are several significant implications ensuing from the newly determined atmospheric 21Ne abundance. For example, in the area of Earth sciences the most critical issue relates to cosmogenic 21Ne surface exposure ages, which involve the calculation of 21Ne concentrations from excess 21Ne, relative to the atmospheric 21Ne/20Ne ratio. For young samples, where cosmogenic 21Ne contents are small and the 21Ne/20Ne ratio is close to the atmospheric value, the revised value could increase cosmogenic 21Ne ages by ~30%.

Ne-20/Ne-22 in the Martian Atmosphere: New Evidence from Martian Meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, J.; Nyquist, L. E.; Herzog, G. F.; Nagao, K.; Mikouchi, T.; Kusakabe, M.

2017-01-01

Analyses of Ne trapped in "pods" of impact melt in the Elephant Moraine 79001 (EET 79001) Martian meteorite led to suggest (Ne-20/Ne-22) approx.10 in the Martian atmosphere (MA). In contrast, obtained trapped (Ne-20/Ne-22)Tr approx.7 from an impact melt vein in Yamato 793605 (Y-793605) and concluded that the isotopic composition of Martian Ne remained poorly defined. A "pyroxene-rich" separate from Dhofar 378 (Dho 378) analyzed gave a comparatively high trapped Ne concentration and (Ne-20/Ne-22) = 7.3+/-0.2 in agreement with the Y-793605 value. We explore the hypothesis that Martian Ne was trapped in the Dho 378 meteorite in a manner similar to entrapment of terrestrial Ne in tektites strengthening the "Martian atmosphere" interpretation. We also report new data for Northwest Africa 7034 (NWA 7034) that are consistent with the Ne data for Dho 378.

Serological assessment of neutrophil elastase activity on elastin during lung ECM remodeling.

PubMed

Kristensen, Jacob H; Karsdal, Morten A; Sand, Jannie Mb; Willumsen, Nicholas; Diefenbach, Claudia; Svensson, Birte; Hägglund, Per; Oersnes-Leeming, Diana J

2015-05-03

During the pathological destruction of lung tissue, neutrophil elastase (NE) degrades elastin, one of the major constituents of lung parenchyma. However there are no non-invasive methods to quantify NE degradation of elastin. We selected specific elastin fragments generated by NE for antibody generation and developed an ELISA assay (EL-NE) for the quantification of NE-degraded elastin. Monoclonal antibodies were developed against 10 NE-specific cleavage sites on elastin. One EL-NE assay was tested for analyte stability, linearity and intra- and inter-assay variation. The NE specificity was demonstrated using elastin cleaved in vitro with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsin G (CatG), NE and intact elastin. Clinical relevance was assessed by measuring levels of NE-generated elastin fragments in serum of patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF, n = 10) or lung cancer (n = 40). Analyte recovery of EL-NE for human serum was between 85% and 104%, the analyte was stable for four freeze/thaw cycles and after 24 h storage at 4°C. EL-NE was specific for NE-degraded elastin. Levels of NE-generated elastin fragments for elastin incubated in the presence of NE were 900% to 4700% higher than those seen with CatG or MMP incubation or in intact elastin. Serum levels of NE-generated elastin fragments were significantly increased in patients with IPF (137%, p = 0.002) and in patients with lung cancer (510%, p < 0.001) compared with age- and sex-matched controls. The EL-NE assay was specific for NE-degraded elastin. The EL-NE assay was able to specifically quantify NE-degraded elastin in serum. Serum levels of NE-degraded elastin might be used to detect excessive lung tissue degradation in lung cancer and IPF.

The 2016 south Alboran earthquake (Mw = 6.4): A reactivation of the Ibero-Maghrebian region?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buforn, E.; Pro, C.; Sanz de Galdeano, C.; Cantavella, J. V.; Cesca, S.; Caldeira, B.; Udías, A.; Mattesini, M.

2017-08-01

On 25 January 2016, an earthquake of magnitude Mw = 6.4 occurred at the southern part of the Alboran Sea, between southern Spain and northern Morocco. This shock was preceded by a foreshock (Mw = 5.1) and followed by a long aftershock sequence. Focal mechanism of main shock has been estimated from slip inversion of body waves at teleseismic distances. Solution corresponds to left-lateral strike-slip motion, showing a complex bilateral rupture, formed by two sub-events, with most energy propagating along a plane oriented N30°E plane dipping to the NW. Relocation of larger events of the aftershock series, show two alignments of epicentres in NE-SW and NNE-SSW direction that intersect at the epicentre of the main shock. We have estimated the focal mechanisms of the largest aftershocks from moment tensor inversion at regional distances. We have obtained two families of focal mechanisms corresponding to strike slip for the NNE-SSW alignment and thrusting motion for the NE-SW alignment. Among the faults present in the area the Al Idrisi fault (or fault zone) may be a good candidate for the source of this earthquake. The study of Coulomb Failure Stress shows that it is possible that the 2016 earthquake was triggered by the previous nearby earthquakes of 1994 (Mw = 5.8) and 2004 (Mw = 6.3). The possible seismic reactivation of the central part of the Ibero-Maghrebian region is an open question, but it is clear that the occurrence of the 2016 earthquake confirms that from 1994 the seismicity of central part of IMR is increasing and that focal mechanism of largest earthquakes in this central part correspond to complex ruptures (or zone of fault).

Is Centrophorus squamosus a highly migratory deep-water shark?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Cabello, Cristina; Sánchez, Francisco

2014-10-01

Deep-water sharks are considered highly vulnerable species due to their life characteristics and very low recovery capacity against overfishing. However, there is still limited information on the ecology or population connectivity of these species. The aim of this study was to investigate if the species Centrophorus squamosus could make long displacements and thus confirm the existence of connectivity between different deep-water areas. In addition, the study was the first attempt to use tagging techniques on deep-water sharks, since it has never been undertaken before. Five C. squamosus were tagged with satellite tags (PAT) in the El Cachucho Marine Protected Area (Le Danois Bank) located in waters of the North of Spain, Cantabrian Sea (NE Atlantic). Data from four of these tags were recovered. One of the sharks travelled approximately 287 nm toward the north east (French continental shelf) hypothetically following the continental slope at a mean depth of 901±109 m for 45 days. Two other sharks spent almost 4 months traveling, in which time they moved 143 and 168 nm, respectively, to the west (Galician coast). Finally, another leafscale gulper shark travelled to the NW (Porcupine Bank) during a period of 3 months at a mean depth of 940±132 m. Depth and temperature preferences for all the sharks are discussed. Minimum and maximum depths recorded were 496 and 1848 m, respectively. The temperature range was between 6.2 and 11.4 °C, but the mean temperature was approximately 9.9±0.7 °C. The sharks made large vertical displacements throughout the water column with a mean daily depth range of 345±27 m. These preliminary results support the suggestion of a whole population in the NE Atlantic and confirm the capacity of this species to travel long distances.

Precise determination of cosmogenic Ne in CREU-1 quartz standard, using the Helix-MC Plus mass spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamilton, D.; Honda, M.; Zhang, X.; Phillips, D.; Matchan, E.

2017-12-01

The Helix-MC Plus multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometer at the Australian National University is uniquely equipped with three high mass resolution collectors on H2, Axial and L2 positions. Their mass resolution and mass resolving power are as high as 1,800 and 8,000, respectively. The Helix-MC Plus can totally separate 20Ne+ from 40Ar++ isobaric interference and also partially separate 21Ne+ from 20NeH+ and 22Ne+ from 12C16O2++. By adjusting collector positions, we are able to measure interference-free Ne isotope intensities and have re-determined the 21Ne abundance in air [1]. Analyses by Honda et al. [1] demonstrated that 20Ne1H contributes approximately 2% to previously determined atmospheric 21Ne values [2], and a new atmospheric 21Ne/20Ne ratio of 0.002906 was calculated. Using the Helix-MC Plus mass spectrometer, we measured Ne abundances in the CREU-1 quartz standard [3] and determined cosmogenic concentrations by subtraction of atmospheric Ne with the new atmospheric 21Ne/20Ne value. The average concentration of cosmogenic 21Ne determined from four repeated analyses is 338 ± 12 × 106 atom/g (2σ). This compares with the average concentration of 348 ± 10 × 106 atom/g (2σ) from 45 analyses determined by several laboratories [3], where Ne isotope analyses were undertaken by conventional low resolution mass spectrometers and atmospheric Ne was subtracted using the conventional atmospheric 21Ne/20Ne [2]. On this basis, for a sample with abundant cosmogenic Ne, like CREU-1 quartz, previously measured by low mass resolution mass spectrometers are likely valid and their geological implications are unaffected. However, for low 21Ne concentration samples, combining new generation of mass spectrometers as well as the new atmospheric ratio may have significance for cosmogenic 21Ne surface exposure dating. References: [1] Honda M., et. al., International Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 387, 1 (2015). [2] Eberhardt P., et. al., Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung, 20a, 623 (1965). [3] Vermeesch P., et. al., Quaternary Geochronology, 26, 20 (2015).

Comparison of the triple-point temperatures of {sup 20}Ne, {sup 22}Ne and normal Ne

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakano, T.; Tamura, O.; Nagao, K.

2013-09-11

At the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), the triple points of {sup 20}Ne and {sup 22}Ne were realized using modular sealed cells, Ec3Ne20 and Ec8Ne22, made by the Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM) in Italy. The difference of the triple-point temperatures of {sup 20}Ne and {sup 22}Ne was estimated by using the sub-range of standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs) calibrated by NMIJ on the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). The melting curves obtained with the Ec3Ne20 and Ec8Ne22 cells show narrow widths (0.1 mK) over a wide range of the inverse of the melted fraction (1/F) frommore » 1/F=1 to 1/F=10. The liquidus point T{sub tp} estimated by the melting curves from F∼0.5 to F∼0.85 using the Ec8Ne22 is 0.146 29 (4) K higher than that using the Ec3Ne20 cell, which is in good agreement with that observed by INRiM using the same cells. After correction of the effect of impurities and other isotopes for Ec3Ne20 and Ec8Ne22 cells, the difference of T{sub tp} between pure {sup 20}Ne and pure {sup 22}Ne is estimated to be 0.146 61 (4) K, which is consistent with the recent results reported elsewhere. The sub-ranges of SPRTs computed by using the triple point of {sup 20}Ne or {sup 22}Ne realized by the Ec3Ne20 cell or the Ec8Ne22 cell in place of the triple point of Ne for the defining fixed point of the ITS-90 are in good agreement with those realized on the basis of the ITS-90 at NMIJ within 0.03 mK, which is much smaller than the non-uniqueness and the sub-range inconsistency of SPRTs.« less

Sediment phosphate composition in relation to emergent macrophytes in the Doñana Marshes (SW Spain)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reina, M.; Espinar, J.L.; Serrano, L.

2006-01-01

We have studied the effect of the presence of emergent macrophytes on the sediment phosphate composition of a eutrophic shallow marsh on the NE margin of Doñana (SW Spain). Top sediment and water samples were collected from both the open-water and the vegetated sites at three areas covered by different plant species: Scirpus maritimus, Juncus subulatus and Phragmites australis. The concentration of organic matter was significantly higher in the top sediment of sites covered by vegetation than in their adjacent open-water sites at the three vegetation areas. The P-fractional composition showed that the sediment was dominated by the inorganic P-fractions in all cases, reaching the highest concentration in the Ca-bound P-fraction (281–372 μg g−1 d.w.). The sum of all P-fractions was significantly higher in the top sediment of the sites covered by J. subulatus and S. maritimus than in their adjacent open-water sites, and so were the org-P fraction extracted by hot NaOH and the concentration of phytate within this fraction. Deposition of plant material on the top sediment of areas vegetated by J. subulatus and S. maritimus explains these differences. The P-fractional composition of the seeds from J. subulatus showed that they contained a large proportion of organic P-fractions, particularly of the fraction extracted by hot NaOH (1868 μg g−1 d.w., 85% of which was phytate). The presence of emergent macrophytes, therefore, influenced the distribution of P-fractions in the sediment depending on plant species. The P-bioavailability of shallow aquatic systems must be fully understood if wetlands are to be protected from further eutrophication.

Constraining the deformation and exhumation history of the Ronda Massif, Southern Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myall, Jack; Donaldson, Colin

2016-04-01

The Ronda peridotite, southern Spain is comprised of four peridotite units hosted within metasedimentary units of the Betic Cordillera, Western Alps. These four areas of differing mineral facies are termed: the Garnet Mylonite , the Foliated Spinel Peridotite, the Granular Spinel Peridotite and the Foliated Plagioclase Peridotite. Whilst two of these units show a strong NE-SW foliation, the granular unit has no foliation and the Plagioclase facies shows a NW-SE foliation. The massif is separated from the metasedimentary host through a mylonite shear zone to the NW and thrust faults to the SE. The Garnets contain rims of Kelyphite which when combined with the rims of Spinel on the Plagioclase crystals illustrate the complicated exhumation of this massif. The Kelyphite shows the breakdown of garnet back to spinel and pyroxene showing the deeper high pressure high temperature mineral is under shallowing conditions whereas in contrast to this the low pressure low temperature plagioclase crystals have spinel rims showing that they have been moved into deeper conditions. The P-T-t pathway of the massif suggests slow exhumation to allow for partial recrystallisation of not only the garnets and plagioclases but of a 100m band of peridotite between the Foliated Spinel Peridotite and the Granular Spinel Peridotite facies. The tectonic model for the Ronda Peridotite that best describes the field data and subsequent lab work of this study is Mantle Core complex and slab roll back models. These models support mantle uprising during an extensional event that whereby slab roll back of the subducting lithosphere provides uplift into a void and emplacement into the crust. Further extension and final exhumation causes rotation of a mantle wedge into its present day position.

Effect of Cattle on Salmonella Carriage, Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance in Free-Ranging Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Northeastern Spain

PubMed Central

Navarro-Gonzalez, Nora; Mentaberre, Gregorio; Porrero, Concepción M.; Serrano, Emmanuel; Mateos, Ana; López-Martín, José M.; Lavín, Santiago; Domínguez, Lucas

2012-01-01

Salmonella is distributed worldwide and is a pathogen of economic and public health importance. As a multi-host pathogen with a long environmental persistence, it is a suitable model for the study of wildlife-livestock interactions. In this work, we aim to explore the spill-over of Salmonella between free-ranging wild boar and livestock in a protected natural area in NE Spain and the presence of antimicrobial resistance. Salmonella prevalence, serotypes and diversity were compared between wild boars, sympatric cattle and wild boars from cattle-free areas. The effect of age, sex, cattle presence and cattle herd size on Salmonella probability of infection in wild boars was explored by means of Generalized Linear Models and a model selection based on the Akaike’s Information Criterion. Prevalence was higher in wild boars co-habiting with cattle (35.67%, CI 95% 28.19–43.70) than in wild boar from cattle-free areas (17.54%, CI 95% 8.74–29.91). Probability of a wild boar being a Salmonella carrier increased with cattle herd size but decreased with the host age. Serotypes Meleagridis, Anatum and Othmarschen were isolated concurrently from cattle and sympatric wild boars. Apart from serotypes shared with cattle, wild boars appear to have their own serotypes, which are also found in wild boars from cattle-free areas (Enteritidis, Mikawasima, 4:b:- and 35:r:z35). Serotype richness (diversity) was higher in wild boars co-habiting with cattle, but evenness was not altered by the introduction of serotypes from cattle. The finding of a S. Mbandaka strain resistant to sulfamethoxazole, streptomycin and chloramphenicol and a S. Enteritidis strain resistant to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid in wild boars is cause for public health concern. PMID:23284725

Evaluation of side-effects of glyphosate mediated control of giant reed (Arundo donax) on the structure and function of a nearby Mediterranean river ecosystem.

PubMed

Puértolas, Laura; Damásio, Joana; Barata, Carlos; Soares, Amadeu M V M; Prat, Narcís

2010-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of the herbicide Herbolex (Aragonesas Agro, S.A., Madrid, Spain) to control giant reed (Arundo donax), which has glyphosate as active ingredient, on the structure and function of a nearby river ecosystem. Specifically, we assessed glyphosate environmental fate in the surrounding water and its effects on transplanted Daphnia magna, field collected caddisfly (Hydropsyche exocellata) and on benthic macroinvertebrate structure assemblages. Investigations were conducted in the industrialized and urbanized Mediterranean river Llobregat (NE Spain) before and after a terrestrial spray of glyphosate. Four locations were selected to include an upstream site and three affected ones. Measured glyphosate levels in river water following herbicide application were quite high (20-60 microg/l) with peak values of 137 microg/l after three days. After 12 days of its application, leaching of glyphosate from sprayed riverbanks was quite high in pore water (20-85 microg/l) but not in the river. Closely linked with the measured poor habitat and water physico-chemical conditions, macroinvertebrate communities were dominated by taxa tolerant to pollution and herbicide application did not affect the abundance or number of taxa in any location. Nevertheless, significant specific toxic effects on transplanted D. magna and field collected H. exocellata were observed. Effects included D. magna feeding inhibition and oxidative stress related responses such as increased antioxidant enzyme activities related with the metabolism of glutathione and increased levels of lipid peroxidation. These results emphasize the importance of combined chemical, ecological and specific biological responses to identify ecological effects of pesticides in the field. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the use of moss transplants (Pseudoscleropodium purum) for biomonitoring different forms of air pollutant nitrogen compounds.

PubMed

Varela, Z; García-Seoane, R; Arróniz-Crespo, M; Carballeira, A; Fernández, J A; Aboal, J R

2016-06-01

We investigated whether three different types of moss transplants (devitalized moss bags with and without cover and auto-irrigated moss transplants) are suitable for use as biomonitors of the deposition of oxidised and/or reduced forms of N. For this purpose, we determined whether the concentration of atmospheric NO2 was related to the % N, δ(15)N and the activity of the enzyme biomarkers phosphomonoesterase (PME) and nitrate reductase (NR) in the tissues of moss transplants. We exposed the transplants in 5 different environments of Galicia (NW Spain) and Cataluña (NE Spain): industrial environments, urban and periurban environments, the surroundings of a cattle farm and in a monitoring site included in the sampling network of the European Monitoring Programme. The results showed that the moss in the auto-irrigated transplants was able of incorporating the N in its tissues because it was metabolically active, whereas in devitalized moss bags transplants, moss simply intercepts physically the N compounds that reached it in particulate or gaseous form. In addition, this devitalization could limit the capacity of moss to capture gaseous compounds (i.e. reduced N) and to reduce the oxidised compounds that reach the specimens. These findings indicate that devitalized moss transplants cannot be used to monitor either oxidised or reduced N compounds, whereas transplants of metabolically active moss can be used for this purpose. Finally, the NR and PME biomarkers should be used with caution because of the high variability in their activities and the limits of quantification should be evaluated in each case. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ecotoxicological risks of the abandoned F-Ba-Pb-Zn mining area of Osor (Spain).

PubMed

Bori, Jaume; Vallès, Bettina; Navarro, Andrés; Riva, Maria Carme

2017-06-01

Due to its potential toxic properties, metal mobilization is of major concern in areas surrounding Pb-Zn mines. In the present study, metal contents and toxicity of soils, aqueous extracts from soils and mine drainage waters from an abandoned F-Ba-Pb-Zn mining area in Osor (Girona, NE Spain) were evaluated through chemical extractions and ecotoxicity bioassays. Toxicity assessment in the terrestrial compartment included lethal and sublethal endpoints on earthworms Eisenia fetida, arthropods Folsomia candida and several plant species, whereas aquatic tests involved bacteria Vibrio fischeri, microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata and crustaceans Daphnia magna. Total concentrations of Ba (250-5110 mg kg -1 ), Pb (940 to >5000 mg kg -1 ) and Zn (2370-11,300 mg kg -1 ) in soils exceeded intervention values to protect human health. Risks for the aquatic compartment were identified in the release of drainage waters and in the potential leaching and runoff of metals from contaminated soils, with Cd (1.98-9.15 µg L -1 ), Pb (2.11-326 µg L -1 ) and Zn (280-2900 µg L -1 ) concentrations in filtered water samples surpassing US EPA Water Quality Criteria (2016a, b). Terrestrial ecotoxicity tests were in accordance with metal quantifications and identified the most polluted soil as the most toxic. Avoidance and reproduction tests with earthworms showed the highest sensitivity to metal contamination. Aquatic bioassays performed in aqueous extracts from soils confirmed the results from terrestrial tests and also detected toxic effects caused by the mine drainage waters. Algal growth inhibition was the most sensitive aquatic endpoint. In view of the results, the application of a containment or remediative procedure in the area is encouraged.

Mercury accumulation in upland acid forest ecosystems nearby a coal-fired power-plant in southwest Europe (Galicia, NW Spain).

PubMed

Nóvoa-Muñoz, J C; Pontevedra-Pombal, X; Martínez-Cortizas, A; García-Rodeja Gayoso, E

2008-05-15

This study was carried out to determine total Hg concentrations (HgT) in acid soils and main plant species in forest ecosystems located in the river Sor catchment, which is located 20 km to the NE of the biggest coal-fired power-plant in southwestern Europe (Galicia, NW Spain). Mercury enrichment factors and Hg inventories were also determined in the soils, which were regularly sampled between 1992 and 2001. The presence of elemental Hg was estimated by simple thermal desorption at 105 degrees C. The highest HgT concentrations occurred in upper soil layers (O and A horizons) with values up to 300 ng g(-1). HgT decreased with depth, achieving the lowest values in the bottommost horizons (i.e. the soil parent material, <6 ng g(-1)), except in podzolic soils. A similar trend occurred for Hg enrichment factors (HgEF) which showed values from 40 to 76 in topsoils. Upper soil mineral horizons (A or AB) made the largest contribution (>50%) to the HgT inventory despite showing lower concentrations than the organic horizons. The role of vegetation in capturing atmospheric Hg and subsequent deposition to soil agrees with the sequence of HgT in plant material: wood

Dynein pulling forces counteract lamin-mediated nuclear stability during nuclear envelope repair

PubMed Central

Penfield, Lauren; Wysolmerski, Brian; Mauro, Michael; Farhadifar, Reza; Martinez, Michael A.; Biggs, Ronald; Wu, Hai-Yin; Broberg, Curtis; Needleman, Daniel; Bahmanyar, Shirin

2018-01-01

Recent work done exclusively in tissue culture cells revealed that the nuclear envelope (NE) ruptures and repairs in interphase. The duration of NE ruptures depends on lamins; however, the underlying mechanisms and relevance to in vivo events are not known. Here, we use the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote to analyze lamin’s role in NE rupture and repair in vivo. Transient NE ruptures and subsequent NE collapse are induced by weaknesses in the nuclear lamina caused by expression of an engineered hypomorphic C. elegans lamin allele. Dynein-generated forces that position nuclei enhance the severity of transient NE ruptures and cause NE collapse. Reduction of dynein forces allows the weakened lamin network to restrict nucleo–cytoplasmic mixing and support stable NE recovery. Surprisingly, the high incidence of transient NE ruptures does not contribute to embryonic lethality, which is instead correlated with stochastic chromosome scattering resulting from premature NE collapse, suggesting that C. elegans tolerates transient losses of NE compartmentalization during early embryogenesis. In sum, we demonstrate that lamin counteracts dynein forces to promote stable NE repair and prevent catastrophic NE collapse, and thus provide the first mechanistic analysis of NE rupture and repair in an organismal context. PMID:29386297

Neutrophil elastase and proteinase 3 trafficking routes in myelomonocytic cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaellquist, Linda; Rosen, Hanna; Nordenfelt, Pontus

2010-11-15

Neutrophil elastase (NE) and proteinase 3 (PR3) differ in intracellular localization, which may reflect different trafficking mechanisms of the precursor forms when synthesized at immature stages of neutrophils. To shed further light on these mechanisms, we compared the trafficking of precursor NE (proNE) and precursor PR3 (proPR3). Like proNE [1], proPR3 interacted with CD63 upon heterologous co-expression in COS cells but endogenous interaction was not detected although cell surface proNE/proPR3/CD63 were co-endocytosed in myelomonocytic cells. Cell surface proNE/proPR3 turned over more rapidly than cell surface CD63 consistent with processing/degradation of the pro-proteases but recycling of CD63. Colocalization of proNE/proPR3/CD63 withmore » clathrin and Rab 7 suggested trafficking through coated vesicles and late endosomes. Partial caveolar trafficking of proNE/CD63 but not proPR3 was suggested by colocalization with caveolin-1. Blocking the C-terminus of proNE/proPR3 by creating a fusion with FK506 binding protein inhibited endosomal re-uptake of proNE but not proPR3 indicating 'pro{sub C}'-peptide-dependent structural/conformational requirements for proNE but not for proPR3 endocytosis. The NE aminoacid residue Y199 of a proposed NE sorting motif that interacts with AP-3 [2] was not required for proNE processing, sorting or endocytosis in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells expressing heterologous Y199-deleted proNE; this suggests operation of another AP-3-link for proNE targeting. Our results show intracellular multi-step trafficking to be different between proNE and proPR3 consistent with their differential subcellular NE/PR3 localization in neutrophils.« less

[Compliance with current dietary recommendations and geographical variability of diet in women participating in 7 screening programs for breast cancer in Spain].

PubMed

García-Arenzana, N; Navarrete-Muñoz, E M; Vázquez-Carrete, J A; Moreno, M P; Vidal, C; Salas, D; Ederra, M; Pedraz, C; Collado-García, F; Sánchez-Contador, C; González-Román, I; García-López, M; Miranda, J; Peris, M; Moreo, P; Santamariña, C; Pérez-Gómez, B; Vioque, J; Pollán, M

2011-01-01

A healthy diet is especially important during menopause, a period which increases the risk of various health problems. We analyzed the diet of periand postmenopausal Spanish women and the degree of compliance with current recommendations. We studied 3574 women 45-68 years old who attended breast cancer screening programmes in 7 centres (A Coruña, Barcelona, Burgos, Palma de Mallorca, Pamplona, Valencia and Zaragoza). Diet information was collected using a food frequency questionnaire validated for the Spanish population. For the assessment of compliance with current guidelines we used the recommendations by the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition for food groups intake and by the Spanish Federation of Nutrition, Food and Dietetics for energy, vitamins and minerals intake. The 29% of women were obese and 42% overweight. The average caloric intake was 2.053 kcal (SD 480). The general energy profile was: 43% of the energy from the carbohydrates, 36% from fats, and 20% from proteins. There was a low vitamin D intake in all centres of the study, with an overall mean intake of 2.14 mg/day. A deficit of vitamin E intake in A Coruña and Burgos was also detected. Intake of dairy products and vegetables was high in all the study centers. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was very heterogeneous, with high intakes observed in Mallorca and Valencia and low for both food groups in A Coruña. The olive oil intake was high in all centers except Burgos with 74.3% of the women studied below the recommended 3 servings per day. A diet with less fat and protein and a higher consumption of vegetables, nuts and foods rich in carbohydrate might balance the energy intake and improve the quality of the diet correcting the low intakes of vitamins D and E. These recommendations are especially important in cities far from the Mediterranean coast where more breaches have been detected over the current recommendations with a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Validation of Tropospheric Water Vapor as Measured by the 183-GHz Radiometer HAMSTRAD with IASI and Sondes over the Pyrenees Mountains, France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ricaud, P.; Drasin, O.; Gabard, B.; Derrien, S.; Attie, J.-L.; Rose, T.; Czekala, H.

The HAMSTRAD 183-GHz radiometer has been developed to measure vertical profiles of water vapor above the Dome C (Concordia Station), Antarctica (75°06'S, 123°21'E, 3233 m asml), an extremely cold and dry environment, over decades. Prior to its installation at Dome C in January 2009, the instrument was deployed at the Pic du Midi (PdM) station (42°56'N, 0°08'E, 2877 m asml, France) in the Pyrenees Mountains over the period February-June 2008. Vertical profiles of absolute humidity and Integrated Water Content (IWV) as measured by HAMSTRAD were compared with measurements from radio-sondes launched in three different sites: Lannemezan (43°07'N, 0°23'E, 610 m asml, France) [ 30 km North-East from PdM], Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (44°49'N, 0°42'W, 50 m asml, France) [ 220 km North-West from PdM], and Zaragoza (41°39'N, 0°53'W, 263 m asml, Spain) [ 170 km South-West from PdM]. The validation process also used the vertical profiles of tropospheric H2O as measured by the nadir-viewing Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) instrument aboard the MetOp-A space platform. The temporal evolution of the HAMSTRAD H2O measurements above the PdM station is very consistent with IASI, sondes, and in situ measurements, tracking the same atmosphere from a dry period in February to a wet period in June. HAMSTRAD showed unrealistic values in periods of well established snow tempest. Whilst the sensitivity of the HAMSTRAD measurements tends to be lost 6 km above the altitude of the instrument, namely above 8877 m asml, the HAMSTRAD measurements seem reasonable at the uppermost retrieval level (namely 10 km, 12877 m asml). In May 2008, the wet periods are systematically showing a good agreement between sondes and HAMSTRAD IWV fields and H2O below 6777 m asml, but a dry bias of-2IASI by more than 4 kg m IWV whilst, outside ofthese periods, the 3 data sets behave consistently.

New global electron density observations from GPS-RO in the D- and E-Region ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Dong L.

2018-06-01

A novel retrieval technique is developed for electron density (Ne) in the D- and E-region (80-120 km) using the high-quality 50-Hz GPS radio occultation (GPS-RO) phase measurements. The new algorithm assumes a slow, linear variation in the F-region background when the GPS-RO passes through the D- and E-region, and extracts the Ne profiles at 80-130 km from the phase advance signal caused by Ne. Unlike the conventional Abel function, the new approach produces a sharp Ne weighting function in the lower ionosphere, and the Ne retrievals are in good agreement with the IRI (International Reference Ionosphere) model in terms of monthly maps, zonal means and diurnal variations. The daytime GPS-RO Ne profiles can be well characterized by the α-Chapman function of three parameters (NmE, hmE and H), showing that the bottom of E-region is deepening and sharpening towards the summer pole. At high latitudes the monthly GPS-RO Ne maps at 80-120 km reveal clear enhancement in the auroral zones, more prominent at night, as a result of energetic electron precipitation (EEP) from the outer radiation belt. The D-/E-region auroral Ne is strongly correlated with Kp on a daily basis. The new Ne data allow further comprehensive analyses of the sporadic E (Es) phenomena in connection with the background Ne in the E-region. The layered (2-10 km) and fluctuated (<2 km) Es components, namely Ne_Layer than Ne_Pert, are extracted with respect to the background Ne_Region on a profile-by-profile basis. The Ne_Layer component has a strong but highly-refined peak at ∼105 km, with an amplitude smaller than Ne_Region approximately by an order of magnitude. The Ne_Pert component, which was studied extensively in the past, is ∼2 orders of magnitude weaker than Ne_Layer. Both Ne_Layer and Ne_Pert are subject to significant diurnal and semidiurnal variations, showing downward progression with local time in amplitude. The 11-year solar cycle dominates the Ne interannual variations, showing larger Ne_Region and Ne_Layer but smaller Ne_Pert amplitudes in the solar maximum years. Enhanced Ne profiles are often observed in the polar winter, showing good correlation with solar proton events (SPEs) and geomagnetic activity. The new methodology offers great potential for retrieving low Ne in the D-region, where radio propagation and communication blackouts can occur due to enhanced ionization. For space weather applications it is recommended for GPS-RO operations to raise the top of high-rate data acquisition to ∼140 km in the future.

Regulation of Peripheral Catecholamine Responses to Acute Stress in Young Adult and Aged F-344 Rats.

PubMed

McCarty; Pacak; Goldstein; Eisenhofer

1997-12-01

Young adult (3-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) Fischer-344 male rats received i.v. infusions of 3H-labeled norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) to examine the effects of aging on the neuronal uptake of NE and sympathoadrenal release of NE and EPI. Spillovers of NE and EPI into plasma and their clearance from the circulation were estimated from plasma concentrations of endogenous and 3H-labeled NE and EPI. The efficiency of neuronal uptake was assessed from changes in plasma clearance of NE and concentrations of its intraneuronal metabolite, dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), during immobilization stress or neuronal uptake blockade with desipramine. Stress-induced increases in plasma NE and higher plasma NE concentrations in aged compared to young adult rats were due to both decreases in NE clearance and increases in NE spillover. EPI spillover and clearance were reduced in aged compared to young adult rats, so that plasma EPI levels did not differ between groups. Young adult and aged rats had similar desipramine-induced decreases in NE clearance, whereas desipramine-sensitive decreases and stress-induced increases in plasma DHPG were larger in aged rats. This indicates that neuronal uptake is intact and that increased NE spillover at rest and during stress in aged rats reflects increased NE release from sympathetic nerves. The results show that aging is associated with divergent decreases in EPI release from the adrenal medulla and increases in NE release from sympathetic nerves. Increased plasma concentrations of NE in aged compared to young adult rats also result from decreased circulatory clearance of NE, but this does not reflect any age-related impairment of NE reuptake.

Background norepinephrine primes astrocytic calcium responses to subsequent norepinephrine stimuli in the cerebral cortex

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nuriya, Mutsuo; Keio Advanced Research Center for Water Biology and Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582; Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 240-8501

Norepinephrine (NE) levels in the cerebral cortex are regulated in two modes; the brain state is correlated with slow changes in background NE concentration, while salient stimuli induce transient NE spikes. Previous studies have revealed their diverse neuromodulatory actions; however, the modulatory role of NE on astrocytic activity has been poorly characterized thus far. In this study, we evaluated the modulatory action of background NE on astrocytic responses to subsequent stimuli, using two-photon calcium imaging of acute murine cortical brain slices. We find that subthreshold background NE significantly augments calcium responses to subsequent pulsed NE stimulation in astrocytes. This primingmore » effect is independent of neuronal activity and is mediated by the activation of β-adrenoceptors and the downstream cAMP pathway. These results indicate that background NE primes astrocytes for subsequent calcium responses to NE stimulation and suggest a novel gliomodulatory role for brain state-dependent background NE in the cerebral cortex. - Highlights: • Background NE augments the responsiveness of astrocytes to subsequent NE stimulation. • The priming effect is independent of neuronal activity and mediated by βadrenoceptor. • Background subthreshold NE may play gliomodulatory roles in the cerebral cortex.« less

Source of Volatiles in Earth's Deep Mantle from Neon Isotope Systematics in the South Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, C. D.; Mukhopadhyay, S.

2016-12-01

The noble gases play an important role in understanding Earth's accretion and subsequent evolution. Neon isotopes in particular have the potential to distinguish between distinct sources of Earth's volatiles e.g., acquisition of nebular gas, solar wind implanted materials or chondritic meteorites and their components. The neon isotopic composition of the deep mantle remains subject to debate with the majority of mantle-derived basalts displaying maximum 20Ne/22Ne ratios less than 12.5, similar to values determined for the convective mantle (20Ne/22Ne = 12.49 +/- 0.04; [1]). These values are also much lower than those of solar wind (20Ne/22Ne = 13.8; [2,3]) and estimates of the nebular gas (20Ne/22Ne = 13.4; [4]) but comparable to solar wind implanted meteoritic materials (20Ne/22Ne = 12.5-12.7; [5]). Here we determine the neon isotopic composition of mantle-derived materials from the south Atlantic. These samples display strong linear correlations in 20Ne/22Ne-21Ne/22Ne space with maximum 20Ne/22Ne ratios that are resolvable from and higher than materials derived from the convecting mantle as well as models of solar wind implantation. These results supplement a growing database of mantle materials characterized by 20Ne/22Ne ratios greater than 12.5, challenging the notion that the entire mantle acquired volatiles from solar wind implanted meteoritic materials. In this presentation we will explore alternative origins for these volatiles and provide testable predictions for each scenario. [1] G. Holland, C.J. Ballentine.. Nature 441 (2006), 186-191. [2] A. Gimberg et al. GCA 72 (2008), 626-645. [3] V.S. Heber et al. GCA 73 (2009), 7414-7432. [4] V. S. Heber et al. ApJ 759 (2012), 121. [5] R. Wieler in: D. Porcelli, C.J. Ballentine, R. Wieler (Eds.), Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 47 (2002), 21-70.

Subsidence and current strain patterns on Tenerife Island (Canary Archipelago, Spain) derived from continuous GNSS time series (2008-2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-Alzola, A.; Martí, J.; García-Yeguas, A.; Gil, A. J.

2016-11-01

In this paper we present the current crustal deformation model of Tenerife Island derived from daily CGPS time series processing (2008-2015). Our results include the position time series, a global velocity estimation and the current crustal deformation on the island in terms of strain tensors. We detect a measurable subsidence of 1.5-2 mm/yr. in the proximities of the Cañadas-Teide-Pico Viejo (CTPV) complex. These values are higher in the central part of the complex and could be explained by a lateral spreading of the elastic lithosphere combined with the effect of the drastic descent of the water table in the island experienced during recent decades. The results show that the Anaga massif is stable in both its horizontal and vertical components. The strain tensor analysis shows a 70 nstrain/yr. E-W compression in the central complex, perpendicular to the 2004 sismo-volcanic area, and 50 nstrain/yr. SW-NE extension towards the Northeast ridge. The residual velocity and strain patterns coincide with a decline in volcanic activity since the 2004 unrest.

Haematology and serum chemistry of Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) naturally infected with a border disease virus.

PubMed

Fernández-Sirera, L; Mentaberre, G; López-Olvera, J R; Cuenca, R; Lavín, S; Marco, I

2011-06-01

In 2005 and 2006 an outbreak of disease associated with border disease virus (BDV) infection caused high mortality in the Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in the Catalan Pyrenees (NE Spain). The aim of this study was to determine values for different haematological and serum biochemical analytes in 32 free-ranging Pyrenean chamois affected by the disease and to compare them with those obtained from healthy chamois. In the affected chamois red blood cell counts, haemoglobin concentrations, packed cell volumes, mean corpuscular volumes and lymphocyte counts were all lower, while the neutrophil and platelet counts were higher. Glucose, lactate, triglycerides, creatinine, total protein concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity were also lower, in contrast to the concentrations of total bilirubin, urea and aspartate aminotransferase activity, which were higher. Most of the observed changes could be associated with cachexia and inflammation in the affected chamois. Lymphopenia could be directly related to the BDV, which would lead to immunosuppression and explain the high rate of secondary infection observed in these animals. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and implementation of an expert system to improve the control of nitrification and denitrification in the Vic wastewater treatment plant.

PubMed

Ribas, F; Rodríguez-Roda, I; Serrat, J; Clara, P; Comas, J

2008-05-01

Wastewater treatment plants employ various physical, chemical and biological processes to reduce pollutants from raw wastewater. One of the most important is the biological nitrogen removal process through nitrification and denitrification steps taking place in various sections of the biological reactor. One of the most extensively used configurations to achieve the biological nitrogen removal is an activated sludge system using oxidation ditch or extended aeration. To improve nitrogen removal in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Vic (Catalonia, NE Spain), the automatic aeration control system was complemented with an Expert System to always provide the most appropriate aeration or anoxia sequence based on the values of ammonium and nitrates given by an automatic analyzer. This article illustrates the development and implementation of this knowledge-based system within the framework of a Decision Support System, which performs SCADA functions. The paper also shows that the application of the decision support system in the Vic WWTP resulted in significant improvements to the biological nitrogen removal.

Can a GIS toolbox assess the environmental risk of oil spills? Implementation for oil facilities in harbors.

PubMed

Valdor, Paloma F; Gómez, Aina G; Velarde, Víctor; Puente, Araceli

2016-04-01

Oil spills are one of the most widespread problems in port areas (loading/unloading of bulk liquid, fuel supply). Specific environmental risk analysis procedures for diffuse oil sources that are based on the evolution of oil in the marine environment are needed. Diffuse sources such as oil spills usually present a lack of information, which makes the use of numerical models an arduous and occasionally impossible task. For that reason, a tool that can assess the risk of oil spills in near-shore areas by using Geographical Information System (GIS) is presented. The SPILL Tool provides immediate results by automating the process without miscalculation errors. The tool was developed using the Python and ArcGIS scripting library to build a non-ambiguous geoprocessing workflow. The SPILL Tool was implemented for oil facilities at Tarragona Harbor (NE Spain) and validated showing a satisfactory correspondence (around 0.60 RSR error index) with the results obtained using a 2D calibrated oil transport numerical model. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extracting Exact Answers to Questions Based on Structural Links

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

type of asking point and answer point (e.g. NePerson asking point matches NePerson and its sub-types NeMan and NeWoman; ‘how’ matches manner-modifier...NePerson V-S win [John Smith]/ NeMan Some sample results are given in section 4 to illustrate how answer-points are identified based on matching binary

Implementing the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Benchmarks for Nutrition Education for Children: Child-Care Providers' Perspectives.

PubMed

Dev, Dipti A; Carraway-Stage, Virginia; Schober, Daniel J; McBride, Brent A; Kok, Car Mun; Ramsay, Samantha

2017-12-01

National childhood obesity prevention policies recommend that child-care providers educate young children about nutrition to improve their nutrition knowledge and eating habits. Yet, the provision of nutrition education (NE) to children in child-care settings is limited. Using the 2011 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics benchmarks for NE in child care as a guiding framework, researchers assessed child-care providers' perspectives regarding delivery of NE through books, posters, mealtime conversations, hands-on learning, and sensory exploration of foods to young children (aged 2 to 5 years). Using a qualitative design (realist method), individual, semistructured interviews were conducted until saturation was reached. The study was conducted during 2012-2013 and used purposive sampling to select providers. Final sample included 18 providers employed full-time in Head Start or state-licensed center-based child-care programs in Central Illinois. Child-care providers' perspectives regarding implementation of NE. Thematic analysis to derive themes using NVivo software. Three overarching themes emerged, including providers' motivators, barriers, and facilitators for delivering NE to children. Motivators for delivering NE included that NE encourages children to try new foods, NE improves children's knowledge of healthy and unhealthy foods, and NE is consistent with children's tendency for exploration. Barriers for delivering NE included that limited funding and resources for hands-on experiences and restrictive policies. Facilitators for delivering NE included providers obtain access to feasible, low-cost resources and community partners, providers work around restrictive policies to accommodate NE, and mealtime conversations are a feasible avenue to deliver NE. Providers integrated mealtime conversations with NE concepts such as food-based sensory exploration and health benefits of foods. Present study findings offer insights regarding providers' perspectives on implementing NE in child care. Drawing from these perspectives, registered dietitian nutritionists can train providers about the importance of NE for encouraging healthy eating in children, integrating NE with mealtime conversations, and practicing low-cost, hands-on NE activities that meet the food safety standards for state licensing. Such strategies may improve providers' ability to deliver NE in child-care settings. Copyright © 2017 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nonequilibrium thermodynamic potentials for continuous-time Markov chains.

PubMed

Verley, Gatien

2016-01-01

We connect the rare fluctuations of an equilibrium (EQ) process and the typical fluctuations of a nonequilibrium (NE) stationary process. In the framework of large deviation theory, this observation allows us to introduce NE thermodynamic potentials. For continuous-time Markov chains, we identify the relevant pairs of conjugated variables and propose two NE ensembles: one with fixed dynamics and fluctuating time-averaged variables, and another with fixed time-averaged variables, but a fluctuating dynamics. Accordingly, we show that NE processes are equivalent to conditioned EQ processes ensuring that NE potentials are Legendre dual. We find a variational principle satisfied by the NE potentials that reach their maximum in the NE stationary state and whose first derivatives produce the NE equations of state and second derivatives produce the NE Maxwell relations generalizing the Onsager reciprocity relations.

Neon produced by solar cosmic rays in ordinary chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, Antoine S. G.; Trappitsch, Reto; Metzler, Knut; Hofmann, Beda A.; Leya, Ingo

2017-06-01

Solar-cosmic-ray-produced Ne (SCR-Ne), in the form of low cosmogenic 21Ne/22Ne ratios (21Ne/22Necos <0.8), is more likely to be found in rare meteorite classes, like Martian meteorites, than in ordinary chondrites. This may be the result of a sampling bias: SCR-Ne is better preserved in meteorites with small preatmospheric radii and these specimens are often only studied if they belong to unusual or rare classes. We measured He and Ne isotopic concentrations and nuclear tracks in 25 small unpaired ordinary chondrites from Oman. Most chondrites have been intensively heated during atmospheric entry as evidenced by the disturbed track records, the low 3He/21Ne ratios, the low 4He concentrations, and the high peak release temperatures. Concentration depth profiles indicate significant degassing; however, the Ne isotopes are mainly undisturbed. Remarkably, six chondrites have low 21Ne/22Necos in the range 0.711-0.805. Using a new physical model for the calculation of SCR production rates, we show that four of the chondrites contain up to 20% of SCR-Ne; they are analyzed in terms of preatmospheric sizes, cosmic ray exposure ages, mass ablation losses, and orbits. We conclude that SCR-Ne is preserved, regardless of the meteorite class, in specimens with small preatmospheric radii. Sampling bias explains the predominance of SCR-Ne in rare meteorites, although we cannot exclude that SCR-Ne is more common in Martian meteorites than it is in small ordinary chondrites.

SYMPATHETIC INNERVATION, NOREPINEPHRINE CONTENT, AND NOREPINEPHRINE TURNOVER IN ORTHOTOPIC AND SPONTANEOUS MODELS OF BREAST CANCER

PubMed Central

Dawes, Ryan P.; Madden, Kelley S.

2016-01-01

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) drives breast cancer progression in preclinical breast cancer models, but it has yet to be established if neoplastic and stromal cells residing in the tumor are directly targeted by locally released norepinephrine (NE). In murine orthotopic and spontaneous mammary tumors, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ sympathetic nerves were limited to the periphery of the tumor. No TH+ staining was detected deeper within these tumors, even in regions with a high density of blood vessels. NE concentration was much lower in tumors compared to the more densely innervated spleen, reflecting the relative paucity of tumor TH+ innervation. Tumor and spleen NE concentration decreased with increased tissue mass. In mice treated with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to selectively destroy sympathetic nerves, tumor NE concentration was reduced approximately 50%, suggesting that the majority of tumor NE is derived from local sympathetic nerves. To evaluate NE utilization, NE turnover in orthotopic 4T1 mammary tumors was compared to spleen under baseline and stress conditions. In non-stressed mice, NE turnover was equivalent between tumor and spleen. In mice exposed to a stressor, tumor NE turnover was increased compared to spleen NE turnover, and compared to non-stressed tumor NE turnover. Together, these results demonstrate that NE in mammary tumors is derived from local sympathetic nerves that synthesize and metabolize NE. However, differences between spleen and tumor NE turnover with stressor exposure suggest that sympathetic NE release is regulated differently within the tumor microenvironment compared to the spleen. Local mammary tumor sympathetic innervation, despite its limited distribution, is responsive to stressor exposure and therefore can contribute to stress-induced tumor progression. PMID:26718447

Noradrenergic System in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease A Target for Therapy.

PubMed

Phillips, Cristy; Fahimi, Atoossa; Das, Devsmita; Mojabi, Fatemeh S; Ponnusamy, Ravikumar; Salehi, Ahmad

2016-01-01

Locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in the brainstem send extensive noradrenergic (NE)-ergic terminals to the majority of brain regions, particularly those involved in cognitive function. Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS) are characterized by similar pathology including significant LC degeneration and dysfunction of the NE-ergic system. Extensive loss of NE-ergic terminals has been linked to alterations in brain regions vital for cognition, mood, and executive function. While the mechanisms by which NE-ergic abnormalities contribute to cognitive dysfunction are not fully understood, emergent evidence suggests that rescue of NE-ergic system can attenuate neuropathology and cognitive decline in both AD and DS. Therapeutic strategies to enhance NE neurotransmission have undergone limited testing. Among those deployed to date are NE reuptake inhibitors, presynaptic α-adrenergic receptor antagonists, NE prodrugs, and β-adrenergic agonists. Here we examine alterations in the NE-ergic system in AD and DS and suggest that NE-ergic system rescue is a plausible treatment strategy for targeting cognitive decline in both disorders.

Background norepinephrine primes astrocytic calcium responses to subsequent norepinephrine stimuli in the cerebral cortex.

PubMed

Nuriya, Mutsuo; Takeuchi, Miyabi; Yasui, Masato

2017-01-29

Norepinephrine (NE) levels in the cerebral cortex are regulated in two modes; the brain state is correlated with slow changes in background NE concentration, while salient stimuli induce transient NE spikes. Previous studies have revealed their diverse neuromodulatory actions; however, the modulatory role of NE on astrocytic activity has been poorly characterized thus far. In this study, we evaluated the modulatory action of background NE on astrocytic responses to subsequent stimuli, using two-photon calcium imaging of acute murine cortical brain slices. We find that subthreshold background NE significantly augments calcium responses to subsequent pulsed NE stimulation in astrocytes. This priming effect is independent of neuronal activity and is mediated by the activation of β-adrenoceptors and the downstream cAMP pathway. These results indicate that background NE primes astrocytes for subsequent calcium responses to NE stimulation and suggest a novel gliomodulatory role for brain state-dependent background NE in the cerebral cortex. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The structural architecture of the Los Humeros volcanic complex and geothermal field, Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Central Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norini, Gianluca; Groppelli, Gianluca; Sulpizio, Roberto; Carrasco Núñez, Gerardo; Davila Harris, Pablo

2014-05-01

The development of geothermal energy in Mexico is a very important goal, given the presence of a large heat anomaly, associated with the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, the renewability of the resource and the low environmental impact. The Quaternary Los Humeros volcanic complex is an important geothermal target, whose evolution involved at least two caldera events, that alternated with other explosive and effusive activity. The first caldera forming event was the 460 ka eruption that produced the Xaltipan ignimbrite and formed a 15-20 km wide caldera. The second collapse event occurred 100 ka with the formation of the Zaragoza ignimbrite and a nested 8-10 km wide caldera. The whole volcano structure, the style of the collapses and the exact location of the calderas scarps and ring faults are still a matter of debate. The Los Humeros volcano hosts the productive Los Humeros Geothermal Field, with an installed capacity of 40 MW and additional 75 MW power plants under construction. Recent models of the geothermal reservoir predict the existence of at least two reservoirs in the geothermal system, separated by impermeable rock units. Hydraulic connectivity and hydrothermal fluids circulation occurs through faults and fractures, allowing deep steam to ascend while condensate flows descend. As a consequence, the plans for the exploration and exploitation of the geothermal reservoir have been based on the identification of the main channels for the circulation of hydrothermal fluids, constituted by faults, so that the full comprehension of the structural architecture of the caldera is crucial to improve the efficiency and minimize the costs of the geothermal field operation. In this study, we present an analysis of the Los Humeros volcanic complex focused on the Quaternary tectonic and volcanotectonics features, like fault scarps and aligned/elongated monogenetic volcanic centres. Morphostructural analysis and field mapping reveal the geometry, kinematics and dynamics of the structural features of the studied area. The integration of these structural data with available stratigraphy, geological maps and well logs is used to propose a new model of the caldera and geothermal field. As a result of our study, we interpret the Xaltipan and Zaragoza calderas mainly as trap-door structures. These calderas affected a cone-shaped volcanic sequence, formed mainly by effusive products emitted in the pre-caldera forming phase and now hosting the geothermal reservoir (11-1.5 Ma). The main ring faults of the two calderas are buried and sealed by widespread post-calderas volcanic products, and for this reason probably do not have enough secondary permeability to be main channels for hydrothermal fluid circulation. Active, fast-moving subvertical faults have been identified inside the Zaragoza caldera depression. These structures affect recent post-caldera pyroclastic deposits and probably are related both to active resurgence inside the caldera and to regional faults NW-SE striking. The presence of active faults generating high secondary permeability is the most important structural element shaping the geothermal reservoir. Future plans of expansion of the geothermal field should focus on these active faults, considering their geometry at depth and the whole structural architecture of the Los Humeros volcanic complex.

Norepinephrine is coreleased with serotonin in mouse taste buds.

PubMed

Huang, Yijen A; Maruyama, Yutaka; Roper, Stephen D

2008-12-03

ATP and serotonin (5-HT) are neurotransmitters secreted from taste bud receptor (type II) and presynaptic (type III) cells, respectively. Norepinephrine (NE) has also been proposed to be a neurotransmitter or paracrine hormone in taste buds. Yet, to date, the specific stimulus for NE release in taste buds is not well understood, and the identity of the taste cells that secrete NE is not known. Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with alpha(1A) adrenoceptors and loaded with fura-2 ("biosensors") to detect NE secreted from isolated mouse taste buds and taste cells. Biosensors responded to low concentrations of NE (>or=10 nm) with a reliable fura-2 signal. NE biosensors did not respond to stimulation with KCl or taste compounds. However, we recorded robust responses from NE biosensors when they were positioned against mouse circumvallate taste buds and the taste buds were stimulated with KCl (50 mm) or a mixture of taste compounds (cycloheximide, 10 microm; saccharin, 2 mm; denatonium, 1 mm; SC45647, 100 microm). NE biosensor responses evoked by stimulating taste buds were reversibly blocked by prazosin, an alpha(1A) receptor antagonist. Together, these findings indicate that taste bud cells secrete NE when they are stimulated. We isolated individual taste bud cells to identify the origin of NE release. NE was secreted only from presynaptic (type III) taste cells and not receptor (type II) cells. Stimulus-evoked NE release depended on Ca(2+) in the bathing medium. Using dual biosensors (sensitive to 5-HT and NE), we found all presynaptic cells secrete 5-HT and 33% corelease NE with 5-HT.

Study of the 20,22Ne+20,22Ne and 10,12,13,14,15C+12C Fusion Reactions with MUSIC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avila, M. L.; Rehm, K. E.; Almaraz-Calderon, S.; Carnelli, P. F. F.; DiGiovine, B.; Esbensen, H.; Hoffman, C. R.; Jiang, C. L.; Kay, B. P.; Lai, J.; Nusair, O.; Pardo, R. C.; Santiago-Gonzalez, D.; Talwar, R.; Ugalde, C.

2016-05-01

A highly efficient MUlti-Sampling Ionization Chamber (MUSIC) detector has been developed for measurements of fusion reactions. A study of fusion cross sections in the 10,12,13,14,15C+12C and 20,22Ne+20,22Ne systems has been performed at ATLAS. Experimental results and comparison with theoretical predictions are presented. Furthermore, results of direct measurements of the 17O(α, n)20Ne, 23Ne(α, p)26Mg and 23Ne(α, n)26Al reactions will be discussed.

Characterization of neuroendocrine differentiation in human benign prostate and prostatic adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Aprikian, A G; Cordon-Cardo, C; Fair, W R; Reuter, V E

1993-06-15

This report describes an immunohistopathologic analysis characterizing the incidence, pattern of distribution, and hormonal content of neuroendocrine (NE) cells in human benign prostate and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded material from 15 benign prostates, 31 primary prostatic adenocarcinomas, 16 metastatic lesions, 21 primary tumors treated with short-course diethylstilbestrol (DES), and 10 specimens from hormone-refractory patients were examined. NE cells were identified using silver histochemistry and a panel of immunohistochemical NE markers (chromogranin-A, serotonin, neuron-specific enolase), and specific peptide hormone antibodies. NE cells were identified in all benign prostates. NE cells were identified in 77% of primary untreated adenocarcinomas with no significant differences with respect to pathologic stage. NE cells were found isolated and dispersed in the tumor, composing the minority of malignant cells. Double-labeling and serial section immunohistochemistry demonstrated the coexpression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in NE cells. In addition to serotonin, some tumors expressed multiple hormone immunoreactivities. NE cells were identified in 56% of metastatic deposits, with a similar pattern of distribution. In DES-treated cases, NE cells were found consistently in the adjacent benign epithelium, whereas 52% of tumors contained NE cells. Hormone-refractory tumors contained NE cells in 60% of cases. This analysis demonstrates that a significant proportion of primary and metastatic prostatic adenocarcinomas contain a subpopulation of NE cells, the expression of which does not appear to be suppressed with androgen ablation and does not correlate with pathologic stage. Furthermore, NE cells coexpress PSA, suggesting a common precursor cell of origin. The elaboration of biogenic amines and neuropeptides suggests that NE cells dispersed in prostatic carcinoma may play a paracrine growth-regulatory role.

speed-ne: Software to simulate and estimate genetic effective population size (Ne ) from linkage disequilibrium observed in single samples.

PubMed

Hamilton, Matthew B; Tartakovsky, Maria; Battocletti, Amy

2018-05-01

The genetic effective population size, N e , can be estimated from the average gametic disequilibrium (r2^) between pairs of loci, but such estimates require evaluation of assumptions and currently have few methods to estimate confidence intervals. speed-ne is a suite of matlab computer code functions to estimate Ne^ from r2^ with a graphical user interface and a rich set of outputs that aid in understanding data patterns and comparing multiple estimators. speed-ne includes functions to either generate or input simulated genotype data to facilitate comparative studies of Ne^ estimators under various population genetic scenarios. speed-ne was validated with data simulated under both time-forward and time-backward coalescent models of genetic drift. Three classes of estimators were compared with simulated data to examine several general questions: what are the impacts of microsatellite null alleles on Ne^, how should missing data be treated, and does disequilibrium contributed by reduced recombination among some loci in a sample impact Ne^. Estimators differed greatly in precision in the scenarios examined, and a widely employed Ne^ estimator exhibited the largest variances among replicate data sets. speed-ne implements several jackknife approaches to estimate confidence intervals, and simulated data showed that jackknifing over loci and jackknifing over individuals provided ~95% confidence interval coverage for some estimators and should be useful for empirical studies. speed-ne provides an open-source extensible tool for estimation of Ne^ from empirical genotype data and to conduct simulations of both microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data types to develop expectations and to compare Ne^ estimators. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

In vitro reduction of antibacterial activity of tigecycline against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii with host stress hormone norepinephrine.

PubMed

Inaba, Masato; Matsuda, Naoyuki; Banno, Hirotsugu; Jin, Wanchun; Wachino, Jun-Ichi; Yamada, Keiko; Kimura, Kouji; Arakawa, Yoshichika

2016-12-01

The host stress hormone norepinephrine (NE), also called noradrenaline, is reported to augment bacterial growth and pathogenicity, but few studies have focused on the effect of NE on the activity of antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to clarify whether NE affects antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB). Time-kill studies of tigecycline (TIG) and colistin (COL) against MDR-AB as well as assays for factors contributing to antibiotic resistance were performed using MDR-AB clinical strains both in the presence and absence of 10 µM NE. In addition, expression of three efflux pump genes (adeB, adeJ and adeG) in the presence and absence of NE was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Viable bacterial cell counts in TIG-supplemented medium containing NE were significantly increased compared with those in medium without NE. In contrast, NE had little influence on viable bacterial cell counts in the presence of COL. NE-supplemented medium resulted in an ca. 2 log increase in growth and in bacterial cell numbers adhering on polyurethane, silicone and polyvinylchloride surfaces. Amounts of biofilm in the presence of NE were ca. 3-fold higher than without NE. Expression of the adeG gene was upregulated 4-6-fold in the presence of NE. In conclusion, NE augmented factors contributing to antibiotic resistance and markedly reduced the in vitro antibacterial activity of TIG against MDR-AB. These findings suggest that NE treatment may contribute to the failure of TIG therapy in patients with MDR-AB infections. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences of neonatal encephalopathy following perinatal asphyxia: a review

PubMed Central

Swaab, Hanna; de Vries, Linda S.; Jongmans, Marian J.

2007-01-01

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) following perinatal asphyxia (PA) is considered an important cause of later neurodevelopmental impairment in infants born at term. This review discusses long-term consequences for general cognitive functioning, educational achievement, neuropsychological functioning and behavior. In all areas reviewed, the outcome of children with mild NE is consistently positive and the outcome of children with severe NE consistently negative. However, children with moderate NE form a more heterogeneous group with respect to outcome. On average, intelligence scores are below those of children with mild NE and age-matched peers, but within the normal range. With respect to educational achievement, difficulties have been found in the domains reading, spelling and arithmetic/mathematics. So far, studies of neuropsychological functioning have yielded ambiguous results in children with moderate NE. A few studies suggest elevated rates of hyperactivity in children with moderate NE and autism in children with moderate and severe NE. Conclusion: Behavioral monitoring is required for all children with NE. In addition, systematic, detailed neuropsychological examination is needed especially for children with moderate NE. PMID:17426984

[Historical compendium of physical activity and sport].

PubMed

Rodríguez Rodríguez, Luis Pablo

2004-01-01

The Historical Compendium of Physical Activity and Sport analyses, from a scientific perspective, past events in the array of tasks or manoeuvres comprising body movement, in a setting of human liberty and creative capacity. Sport is examined as a result of the evolution of games and in a context of these games. This book contemplates sports, whose selection criteria have included specific features of their individual or team qualities, or combat or opposition characteristics, or those related to their artistic features or to instrumentation or adaptation, or other connotations. 1st authors are 36 professors, from the universities of Barcelona, (Central), Granada, Jaen, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, León, Madrid (Complutense), Málaga, Murcia, Oviedo, País Vasco, Salamanca, Valencia and Zaragoza.

[Training and use of dental manpower resources in Mexico].

PubMed

Hermosillo, G G; López Cámara, V; Alvarez Manilla, J M; García Cantú, M; Silva Olivares, H

1978-01-01

The introductory section describes the general situation of dental care in Mexico, analyzes the prevailing service model (including the kind of work done by the dental professional and the technology he employs), and briefly reviews the evolution of dentistry in the country. There follows an account of a series of new approaches to service and manpower training in experimental implementation since 1972 in the stomatology curriculum at the Xochimilco campus of the Metropolitan Autonomous University, at the National School of Professional Studies at Zaragoza, in the School of Dentistry of Nuevo León Autonomous University, Monterrey, and in the Dental Services at Ciudad Netzahualcóyotl. In each case, the background, characteristics, and objectives of the programs, and their evolution and prospects are described.

The relationship of leaf rust resistance gene Lr13 and hybrid necrosis gene Ne2m on wheat chromosome 2BS.

PubMed

Zhang, Peng; Hiebert, Colin W; McIntosh, Robert A; McCallum, Brent D; Thomas, Julian B; Hoxha, Sami; Singh, Davinder; Bansal, Urmil

2016-03-01

Genetic and mutational analyses of wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr13 and hybrid necrosis gene Ne2 m indicated that they are the same gene. Hybrid necrosis in wheat characterized by chlorosis and eventual necrosis of plant tissues in certain wheat hybrids is controlled by the interaction of complementary dominant genes Ne1 and Ne2 located on chromosome arms 5BL and 2BS, respectively. Multiple alleles at each locus can be identified by differences in necrotic phenotypes when varieties are crossed with a fixed accession of the other genotype. Some of at least five Ne2 alleles were described as s (strong), m (medium) and w (weak); alleles of Ne1 were similarly described. Ne2m causes moderate necrosis in hybrids with genotypes having Ne1s. Ne2 is located on chromosome arm 2BS in close proximity to Lr13. Most wheat lines with Ne2m carry Lr13, and all wheat lines with Lr13 appear to carry Ne2m. To further dissect the relationship between Lr13 and Ne2m, more than 350 crosses were made between cv. Spica (Triticum aestivum) or Kubanka (T. durum) carrying Ne1s and recombinant inbred lines or doubled haploid lines from three crosses segregating for Lr13. F1 plants from lines carrying Lr13 crossed with Spica (Ne1s) always showed progressive necrosis; those lacking Lr13 did not. Four wheat cultivars/lines carrying Lr13 were treated with the mutagen EMS. Thirty-five susceptible mutants were identified; eight were distinctly less glaucous and late maturing indicative of chromosome 2B or sub-chromosome loss. Hybrids of phenotypically normal Lr13 mutant plants crossed with Spica did not produce symptoms of hybrid necrosis. Thus, Lr13 and one particular Ne2m allele may be the same gene.

Production of Ne Auger electrons by Ne/+/ bombardment of Mg and Al surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrante, J.; Pepper, S. V.

1976-01-01

A description is given of experiments which provide evidence for the production of an inner shell vacancy in the Ne by the asymmetric Ne-Mg and Ne-Al collision. In addition, autoionization states of neutral Ne have been observed. These states are to be distinguished from the more usual case in Auger electron spectroscopy of de-excitation of an ion with a core vacancy. The experiments involved the bombardment of Mg and Al surfaces with Ne(+) ions. A LEED-Auger system equipped with an ion gun and a four-grid retarding potential analyzer operated in the usual dN(E)/dE mode was used.

Acute Depletion of Diacylglycerol from the Cis-Golgi Affects Localised Nuclear Envelope Morphology During Mitosis.

PubMed

Chung, Gary Hong Chun; Domart, Marie Charlotte; Peddie, Christopher; Mantell, Judith; Mclaverty, Kieran; Arabiotorre, Angela; Hodgson, Lorna; Byrne, Richard D; Verkade, Paul; Arkill, Kenton; Collinson, Lucy M; Larijani, Banafshe

2018-06-12

Dysregulation of nuclear envelope (NE) assembly results in various cancers; for example, renal and some lung carcinomas ensue due to NE malformation. The NE is a dynamic membrane compartment and its completion during mitosis, is a highly regulated process but the detailed mechanism still remains incompletely understood. Previous studies have found isolated diacylglycerol (DAG) containing vesicles are essential for completing the fusion of NE in non-somatic cells. We investigated the impact of DAG depletion from cis-Golgi in mammalian cells on NE reassembly. Using advanced electron microscopy, we observed an enriched DAG population of vesicles at the vicinity of the NE gaps of telophase mammalian cells. We applied a miniSOG-C1-domain tag that localized DAG-enriched vesicles at the perinuclear region, which suggested the existence of NE fusogenic vesicles. We quantified the impact of Golgi-DAG depletion by measuring the in situ NE rim curvature of the re-forming NE. The rim curvature in these cells was significantly reduced compared with controls, which indicated a localized defect in NE morphology. Our novel results demonstrate the significance of the role of DAG from cis-Golgi for the regulation of NE assembly. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Bank vole immunoheterogeneity may limit Nephropatia Epidemica emergence in a French non-endemic region.

PubMed

Dubois, A; Castel, G; Murri, S; Pulido, C; Pons, J-B; Benoit, L; Loiseau, A; Lakhdar, L; Galan, M; Marianneau, P; Charbonnel, N

2018-03-01

Ecoevolutionary processes affecting hosts, vectors and pathogens are important drivers of zoonotic disease emergence. In this study, we focused on nephropathia epidemica (NE), which is caused by Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) whose natural reservoir is the bank vole, Myodes glareolus. We questioned the possibility of NE emergence in a French region that is considered to be NE-free but that is adjacent to a NE-endemic region. We first confirmed the epidemiology of these two regions and we demonstrated the absence of spatial barriers that could have limited dispersal, and consequently, the spread of PUUV into the NE-free region. We next tested whether regional immunoheterogeneity could impact PUUV chances to circulate and persist in the NE-free region. We showed that bank voles from the NE-free region were sensitive to experimental PUUV infection. We observed high levels of immunoheterogeneity between individuals and also between regions. Antiviral gene expression (Tnf and Mx2) reached higher levels in bank voles from the NE-free region. During experimental infections, anti-PUUV antibody production was higher in bank voles from the NE-endemic region. These results indicated a lower susceptibility to PUUV for bank voles from this NE-free region, which might limit PUUV persistence and therefore, the risk of NE.

Development of Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancers by the Ser/Arg Repetitive Matrix 4-Mediated RNA Splicing Network.

PubMed

Lee, Ahn R; Che, Nicole; Lovnicki, Jessica M; Dong, Xuesen

2018-01-01

While the use of next-generation androgen receptor pathway inhibition (ARPI) therapy has significantly increased the survival of patients with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma (AdPC), several groups have reported a treatment-resistant mechanism, whereby cancer cells can become androgen receptor (AR) indifferent and gain a neuroendocrine (NE)-like phenotype. This subtype of castration-resistant prostate cancer has been termed "treatment-induced castration-resistant neuroendocrine prostate cancer" (CRPC-NE). Recent reports indicate that the overall genomic landscapes of castration-resistant tumors with AdPC phenotypes and CRPC-NE are not significantly altered. However, CRPC-NE tumors have been found to contain a NE-specific pattern throughout their epigenome and splicing transcriptome, which are significantly modified. The molecular mechanisms by which CRPC-NE develops remain unclear, but several factors have been implicated in the progression of the disease. Recently, Ser/Arg repetitive matrix 4 (SRRM4), a neuronal-specific RNA splicing factor that is upregulated in CRPC-NE tumors, has been shown to establish a CRPC-NE-unique splicing transcriptome, to induce a NE-like morphology in AdPC cells, and, most importantly, to transform AdPC cells into CRPC-NE xenografts under ARPI. Moreover, the SRRM4-targeted splicing genes are highly enriched in various neuronal processes, suggesting their roles in facilitating a CRPC-NE program. This article will address the importance of SRRM4-mediated alternative RNA splicing in reprogramming translated proteins to facilitate NE differentiation, survival, and proliferation of cells to establish CRPC-NE tumors. In addition, we will discuss the potential roles of SRRM4 in conjunction with other known pathways and factors important for CRPC-NE development, such as the AR pathway, TP53 and RB1 genes, the FOXA family of proteins, and environmental factors. This study aims to explore the multifaceted functions of SRRM4 and SRRM4-mediated splicing in driving a CRPC-NE program as a coping mechanism for therapy resistance, as well as define future SRRM4-targeted therapeutic approaches for treating CRPC-NE or mitigating its development.

Development of Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancers by the Ser/Arg Repetitive Matrix 4-Mediated RNA Splicing Network

PubMed Central

Lee, Ahn R.; Che, Nicole; Lovnicki, Jessica M.; Dong, Xuesen

2018-01-01

While the use of next-generation androgen receptor pathway inhibition (ARPI) therapy has significantly increased the survival of patients with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma (AdPC), several groups have reported a treatment-resistant mechanism, whereby cancer cells can become androgen receptor (AR) indifferent and gain a neuroendocrine (NE)-like phenotype. This subtype of castration-resistant prostate cancer has been termed “treatment-induced castration-resistant neuroendocrine prostate cancer” (CRPC-NE). Recent reports indicate that the overall genomic landscapes of castration-resistant tumors with AdPC phenotypes and CRPC-NE are not significantly altered. However, CRPC-NE tumors have been found to contain a NE-specific pattern throughout their epigenome and splicing transcriptome, which are significantly modified. The molecular mechanisms by which CRPC-NE develops remain unclear, but several factors have been implicated in the progression of the disease. Recently, Ser/Arg repetitive matrix 4 (SRRM4), a neuronal-specific RNA splicing factor that is upregulated in CRPC-NE tumors, has been shown to establish a CRPC-NE-unique splicing transcriptome, to induce a NE-like morphology in AdPC cells, and, most importantly, to transform AdPC cells into CRPC-NE xenografts under ARPI. Moreover, the SRRM4-targeted splicing genes are highly enriched in various neuronal processes, suggesting their roles in facilitating a CRPC-NE program. This article will address the importance of SRRM4-mediated alternative RNA splicing in reprogramming translated proteins to facilitate NE differentiation, survival, and proliferation of cells to establish CRPC-NE tumors. In addition, we will discuss the potential roles of SRRM4 in conjunction with other known pathways and factors important for CRPC-NE development, such as the AR pathway, TP53 and RB1 genes, the FOXA family of proteins, and environmental factors. This study aims to explore the multifaceted functions of SRRM4 and SRRM4-mediated splicing in driving a CRPC-NE program as a coping mechanism for therapy resistance, as well as define future SRRM4-targeted therapeutic approaches for treating CRPC-NE or mitigating its development. PMID:29666783

Norepinephrine is required to promote wakefulness and for hypocretin-induced arousal in zebrafish

PubMed Central

Singh, Chanpreet; Oikonomou, Grigorios; Prober, David A

2015-01-01

Pharmacological studies in mammals suggest that norepinephrine (NE) plays an important role in promoting arousal. However, the role of endogenous NE is unclear, with contradicting reports concerning the sleep phenotypes of mice lacking NE due to mutation of dopamine β-hydroxylase (dbh). To investigate NE function in an alternative vertebrate model, we generated dbh mutant zebrafish. In contrast to mice, these animals exhibit dramatically increased sleep. Surprisingly, despite an increase in sleep, dbh mutant zebrafish have a reduced arousal threshold. These phenotypes are also observed in zebrafish treated with small molecules that inhibit NE signaling, suggesting that they are caused by the lack of NE. Using genetic overexpression of hypocretin (Hcrt) and optogenetic activation of hcrt-expressing neurons, we also find that NE is important for Hcrt-induced arousal. These results establish a role for endogenous NE in promoting arousal and indicate that NE is a critical downstream effector of Hcrt neurons. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.07000.001 PMID:26374985

A First Look at Graphite Grains from Orgueil: Morphology, Carbon, Nitrogen and Neon Isotopic Compositions of Individual, Chemically Separated Grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pravdivtseva, O.; Zinner, E.; Meshik, A. P.; Hohenberg, C. M.; Walker, R. W.

2004-01-01

Presolar graphite in Murchison has been extensively studied. It is characterized by a unique Ne isotopic composition, known as the Ne-E(L) component. According to studies by Huss and Lewis, the concentration of Ne-E(L) in Orgueil is about one order of magnitude higher than in Murchison, when normalized to the matrix. This could be due to a higher presolar graphite abundance in Orgueil, or due to a higher Ne-E concentrations per grain. The Ne isotopic compositions in individual presolar graphite grains from Murchison have been measured before. It was shown, that a third of the grains have detectable excesses in 22Ne, characteristic of the Ne-E(L) component. One grain in a hundred had a Ne-22 concentration two orders of magnitude higher than blank.

Geochronometry and thermochronometry using nucleogenic 21Ne

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farley, K. A.; Flowers, R. M.; Vasconcelos, P. M.

2011-12-01

Nucleogenic 21Ne is produced by the interaction of α particles with 18O. While the cross section for this reaction is small (about 1 α in 25 million participates), 21Ne excesses can be measured in a variety of minerals, forming the basis of (U-Th)/Ne chronometry. Previous work focused on thermochronometry of U, Th rich trace minerals. For example, Gautheron et al. (2005) studied nucleogenic Ne in zircon and inferred a closure temperature of ~400 C. Our preliminary Ne diffusion data on Durango apatite suggests Tc ~280 C. The method can also be applied to phases with much lower U and Th contents in which the 21Ne is measurable on old and/or large specimens. We have obtained (U-Th)/Ne ages on ~50 mg samples of iron oxides with ppm-level U and Th and Ne ages of 50-500 Ma. For example, hematites from the Neoproterozoic (?) Urucum BIF yield a 21Ne age of 470 ± 15 Ma and post-depositional hydrothermal hematite in the Redwall Limestone in the Grand Canyon yields an age of 251 ± 11 Ma. In both cases (U-Th)/He ages are more than 100 Myr younger. Outstanding issues with this method are 1) the diffusivity of Ne - are we measuring cooling ages or formation ages?, 2) how well known is the production rate?, and 3) in what minerals is the air component sufficiently small to permit precision measurements of 21Ne excesses?

Comparison of energy rationing systems for late gestation ewes: Impacts on ewe and lamb performance.

PubMed

Campion, F P; McGovern, F M; Lott, S; Fahey, A G; Creighton, P; Boland, T M

2016-08-01

The objectives of this study were 1) to compare the effects of a ME () or a NE () system for rationing ewes during late gestation on ewe and progeny performance and 2) to investigate incremental increases in NE allocation above 100% of recommendation during late gestation on ewe and progeny performance. Fifty-two twin-bearing ewes ( = 13 per treatment) were rationed to either 100% of recommended ME requirements (100% ME) or 100, 110, or 120% of recommended NE requirements (100% NE, 110% NE, and 120% NE) from d 112 of gestation to parturition. Mean energy intake, measured as ME and NE, from Day 112 of gestation to parturition was higher in all NE treatments compared with 100% ME ewes ( = 0.01). Ewes offered the 3 NE treatments had a higher live weight at parturition compared with 100% ME ewes ( = 0.02), with 100% NE and 120% NE ewes still being heavier than 100% ME ewes at 35 d postpartum ( = 0.02). Increasing NE allowance resulted in a linear decrease in the level of BCS loss prepartum ( = 0.01) and a linear increase in the level of BCS loss postpartum ( = 0.01). There was no difference observed between any of the treatments in total colostrum produced to 18 h postpartum ( = 0.29) or in total colostrum intake to 18 h postpartum ( = 0.27). Increasing maternal NE allowance led to a linear increase in lamb serum IgG concentration at 24 h postpartum ( = 0.03). The estimated milk production of 120% NE ewes tended to be higher than all other treatments at wk 6 of lactation ( = 0.08). Colostral SFA levels from 100% ME ewes was lower than that of all 3 NE treatments ( = 0.01), and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) levels in colostrum of the 100% ME ewes were lower than those of the 100% NE ewes ( = 0.01). Cumulative levels of milk SFA, UFA, and MUFA did not differ between treatments ( = 0.19). Lamb growth rates during the first 5 wk postpartum were unaffected by treatment ( = 0.18) as were days to slaughter ( = 0.34). It can be concluded that both ME and NE systems used in this study are appropriate for formulating ewe diets during late gestation. Increasing NE allocation above 100% altered the pattern of body reserve mobilization during late gestation and early lactation without observed variations in lamb performance during this time.

Helium, neon, and argon composition of the solar wind as recorded in gold and other Genesis collector materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pepin, Robert O.; Schlutter, Dennis J.; Becker, Richard H.; Reisenfeld, Daniel B.

2012-07-01

We report compositions and fluxes of light noble gases in the solar wind (SW), extracted by stepped pyrolysis and amalgamation from gold collector materials carried on the Genesis Solar Wind Sample Return Mission. Results are compared with data from other laboratories on SW-He, Ne and Ar distributions implanted in Genesis aluminum, carbon, and silicon collectors and extracted by laser ablation. Corrections for mass-dependent losses (“backscatter”) of impinging SW ions due to scattering from the collector material are substantially larger for gold than for these lower atomic weight targets. We assess such losses by SRIM simulation calculations of SW backscatter from gold which are applied to the measurements to recover the composition of the incident SW. Averaged results of integrated stepped pyrolysis and single-step amalgamation measurements, with 1σ errors, are as follows: for SW-Ne and Ar isotope ratios (3He/4He was not measured), 20Ne/22Ne = 14.001 ± 0.042, 21Ne/22Ne = 0.03361 ± 0.00018, 36Ar/38Ar = 5.501 ± 0.014; for SW element ratios, 4He/20Ne = 641 ± 15, 20Ne/36Ar = 51.6 ± 0.5; and for SW fluxes in atoms cm-2 s-1 at the Genesis L1 station, 4He = 1.14 ± 0.04 × 107, 20Ne = 1.80 ± 0.06 × 104, 36Ar = 3.58 ± 0.11 × 102. Except for the 21Ne/22Ne and 20Ne/36Ar ratios, these values are in reasonable accord (within ∼1-3σ) with measurements on different collector materials reported by one or both of two other Genesis noble gas research groups. We further find, in three stepped pyrolysis experiments on gold foil, that He, Ne and Ar are released at increasing temperatures without elemental fractionation, in contrast to a pyrolytic extraction of a single non-gold collector (Al) where the release patterns point to mass-dependent thermal diffusion. The pyrolyzed gold foils exhibit enhancements, relative to sample totals, in 20Ne/22Ne and 21Ne/22Ne ratios evolved at low temperatures. The absence of elemental fractionation in pyrolytic release from gold implies that these isotope ratio enhancements, involving much smaller mass differences, do not result from preferential diffusive release of the lighter Ne isotopes. This effect, not predicted by SRIM calculations, has also been observed in stepped acid-etch releases from a different Genesis collector material in another laboratory.

The role of adrenergic activation on murine luteal cell viability and progesterone production.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Tang, Min; Jiang, Huaide; Wu, Bing; Cai, Wei; Hu, Chuan; Bao, Riqiang; Dong, Qiming; Xiao, Li; Li, Gang; Zhang, Chunping

2016-09-15

Sympathetic innervations exist in mammalian CL. The action of catecholaminergic system on luteal cells has been the focus of a variety of studies. Norepinephrine (NE) increased progesterone secretion of cattle luteal cells by activating β-adrenoceptors. In this study, murine luteal cells were treated with NE and isoprenaline (ISO). We found that NE increased the viability of murine luteal cells and ISO decreased the viability of luteal cells. Both NE and ISO promoted the progesterone production. Nonselective β-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol reversed the effect of ISO on cell viability but did not reverse the effect of NE on cell viability. Propranolol blocked the influence of NE and ISO on progesterone production. These results reveal that the increase of luteal cell viability induced by NE is not dependent on β-adrenergic activation. α-Adrenergic activation possibly contributes to it. Both NE and ISO increased progesterone production through activating β-adrenergic receptor. Further study showed that CyclinD2 is involved in the increase of luteal cell induced by NE. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, LHR, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and PGF2α contribute to the progesterone production induced by NE and ISO. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multiple estimates of effective population size for monitoring a long-lived vertebrate: An application to Yellowstone grizzly bears

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kamath, Pauline L.; Haroldson, Mark A.; Luikart, Gordon; Paetkau, David; Whitman, Craig L.; van Manen, Frank T.

2015-01-01

Effective population size (Ne) is a key parameter for monitoring the genetic health of threatened populations because it reflects a population's evolutionary potential and risk of extinction due to genetic stochasticity. However, its application to wildlife monitoring has been limited because it is difficult to measure in natural populations. The isolated and well-studied population of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem provides a rare opportunity to examine the usefulness of different Ne estimators for monitoring. We genotyped 729 Yellowstone grizzly bears using 20 microsatellites and applied three single-sample estimators to examine contemporary trends in generation interval (GI), effective number of breeders (Nb) and Ne during 1982–2007. We also used multisample methods to estimate variance (NeV) and inbreeding Ne (NeI). Single-sample estimates revealed positive trajectories, with over a fourfold increase in Ne (≈100 to 450) and near doubling of the GI (≈8 to 14) from the 1980s to 2000s. NeV (240–319) and NeI (256) were comparable with the harmonic mean single-sample Ne (213) over the time period. Reanalysing historical data, we found NeV increased from ≈80 in the 1910s–1960s to ≈280 in the contemporary population. The estimated ratio of effective to total census size (Ne/Nc) was stable and high (0.42–0.66) compared to previous brown bear studies. These results support independent demographic evidence for Yellowstone grizzly bear population growth since the 1980s. They further demonstrate how genetic monitoring of Ne can complement demographic-based monitoring of Nc and vital rates, providing a valuable tool for wildlife managers.

Genetic mutation underlying orthostatic intolerance and diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating thereto

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blakely, Randy D. (Inventor); Robertson, David (Inventor)

2006-01-01

Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules are used in the analysis of human norepinephrine (NE) transporter variants, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to a human NE transporter polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from mRNA, it is possible to type a human NE transporter with regard to the human NE transporter polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating NE transport impairments, and disorders associated with NE transport impairments, such as orthostatic intolerance.

Nitrogen efficiency of eastern Canadian dairy herds: Effect on production performance and farm profitability.

PubMed

Fadul-Pacheco, L; Pellerin, D; Chouinard, P Y; Wattiaux, M A; Duplessis, M; Charbonneau, É

2017-08-01

Nitrogen efficiency (milk N/dietary N; NE) can be used as a tool for the nutritional, economic, and environmental management of dairy farms. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of herds with varying NE and assess the effect on farm profitability. One hundred dairy herds located in Québec, Canada, comprising on average 42 ± 18 cows in lactation were visited from October 2014 to June 2015. Feed intake was measured over 24 h. Samples of each feedstuff were taken and sent to a commercial laboratory for analysis of chemical composition. Feeding management and feed prices were recorded. Milk yield was recorded and milk samples were collected over 2 consecutive milkings. Fat, protein, and milk urea N were analyzed. Balances of metabolizable protein (MP; MP supply - MP requirements) and rumen degradable protein (RDP; RDP supply - RDP requirement) were calculated. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted and allowed grouping the farms by their NE. Four clusters were identified with an average NE of 22.1 (NE22), 26.9 (NE27), 30.0 (NE30), and 35.8% (NE36). Herds in clusters NE30 and NE36 were fed diets with greater concentrations of starch, net energy for lactation, and nonfiber carbohydrates than those in the other 2 clusters. Moreover, the average proportion of corn silage was lower for herds in cluster NE22 compared with NE30 and NE36 (8.23 vs. 31.8 and 31.3% of total forages, respectively). In addition, crude protein of the diets declined from an average of 16.0 to 14.9% with increasing NE among clusters. Average dry matter intake declined from 26.1 to 22.5 kg/d as NE of clusters increased. Herds in cluster NE22 had lower yields of milk (28.7 vs. 31.8 kg/d), fat (1.15 vs. 1.29 kg/d), and protein (0.94 vs. 1.05 kg/d) than the other clusters. Also, milk urea N was greater for farms in cluster NE22 (13.2 mg/dL) than for farms in the other clusters (11.4 mg/dL). Furthermore, MP and RDP balances decreased from 263.2 to -153.7 g/d and from 594.7 to 486.9 g/d, respectively, with increasing NE among clusters. Income over feed cost increased from $14.3 to $17.3/cow per day (Can$) as NE among clusters augmented. Results from this study showed that some farms were able to achieve high NE by using lower levels of dietary N and having cows with lower DMI while maintaining milk performance. These farms had a potentially lower environmental impact, and they were more profitable. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Norepinephrine-evoked salt-sensitive hypertension requires impaired renal sodium chloride cotransporter activity in Sprague-Dawley rats.

PubMed

Walsh, Kathryn R; Kuwabara, Jill T; Shim, Joon W; Wainford, Richard D

2016-01-15

Recent studies have implicated a role of norepinephrine (NE) in the activation of the sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) to drive the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. However, the interaction between NE and increased salt intake on blood pressure remains to be fully elucidated. This study examined the impact of a continuous NE infusion on sodium homeostasis and blood pressure in conscious Sprague-Dawley rats challenged with a normal (NS; 0.6% NaCl) or high-salt (HS; 8% NaCl) diet for 14 days. Naïve and saline-infused Sprague-Dawley rats remained normotensive when placed on HS and exhibited dietary sodium-evoked suppression of peak natriuresis to hydrochlorothiazide. NE infusion resulted in the development of hypertension, which was exacerbated by HS, demonstrating the development of the salt sensitivity of blood pressure [MAP (mmHg) NE+NS: 151 ± 3 vs. NE+HS: 172 ± 4; P < 0.05]. In these salt-sensitive animals, increased NE prevented dietary sodium-evoked suppression of peak natriuresis to hydrochlorothiazide, suggesting impaired NCC activity contributes to the development of salt sensitivity [peak natriuresis to hydrochlorothiazide (μeq/min) Naïve+NS: 9.4 ± 0.2 vs. Naïve+HS: 7 ± 0.1; P < 0.05; NE+NS: 11.1 ± 1.1; NE+HS: 10.8 ± 0.4). NE infusion did not alter NCC expression in animals maintained on NS; however, dietary sodium-evoked suppression of NCC expression was prevented in animals challenged with NE. Chronic NCC antagonism abolished the salt-sensitive component of NE-mediated hypertension, while chronic ANG II type 1 receptor antagonism significantly attenuated NE-evoked hypertension without restoring NCC function. These data demonstrate that increased levels of NE prevent dietary sodium-evoked suppression of the NCC, via an ANG II-independent mechanism, to stimulate the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

KCl stimulation increases norepinephrine transporter function in PC12 cells.

PubMed

Mandela, Prashant; Ordway, Gregory A

2006-09-01

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) plays a pivotal role in terminating noradrenergic signaling and conserving norepinephrine (NE) through the process of re-uptake. Recent evidence suggests a close association between NE release and regulation of NET function. The present study evaluated the relationship between release and uptake, and the cellular mechanisms that govern these processes. KCl stimulation of PC12 cells robustly increased [3H]NE uptake via the NET and simultaneously increased [3H]NE release. KCl-stimulated increases in uptake and release were dependent on Ca2+. Treatment of cells with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) or okadaic acid decreased [3H]NE uptake but did not block KCl-stimulated increases in [3H]NE uptake. In contrast, PMA increased [3H]NE release and augmented KCl-stimulated release, while okadaic acid had no effects on release. Inhibition of Ca2+-activated signaling cascades with KN93 (a Ca2+ calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitor), or ML7 and ML9 (myosin light chain kinase inhibitors), reduced [3H]NE uptake and blocked KCl-stimulated increases in uptake. In contrast, KN93, ML7 and ML9 had no effect on KCl-stimulated [3H]NE release. KCl-stimulated increases in [3H]NE uptake were independent of transporter trafficking to the plasma membrane. While increases in both NE release and uptake mediated by KCl stimulation require Ca2+, different intracellular mechanisms mediate these two events.

Scattering study of the Ne + NeH+(v0 = 0, j0 = 0) → NeH+ + Ne reaction on an ab initio based analytical potential energy surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koner, Debasish; Barrios, Lizandra; González-Lezana, Tomás; Panda, Aditya N.

2016-01-01

Initial state selected dynamics of the Ne + NeH+(v0 = 0, j0 = 0) → NeH+ + Ne reaction is investigated by quantum and statistical quantum mechanical (SQM) methods on the ground electronic state. The three-body ab initio energies on a set of suitably chosen grid points have been computed at CCSD(T)/aug-cc-PVQZ level and analytically fitted. The fitting of the diatomic potentials, computed at the same level of theory, is performed by spline interpolation. A collinear [NeHNe]+ structure lying 0.72 eV below the Ne + NeH+ asymptote is found to be the most stable geometry for this system. Energies of low lying vibrational states have been computed for this stable complex. Reaction probabilities obtained from quantum calculations exhibit dense oscillatory structures, particularly in the low energy region and these get partially washed out in the integral cross section results. SQM predictions are devoid of oscillatory structures and remain close to 0.5 after the rise at the threshold thus giving a crude average description of the quantum probabilities. Statistical cross sections and rate constants are nevertheless in sufficiently good agreement with the quantum results to suggest an important role of a complex-forming dynamics for the title reaction.

Enhanced insulin secretion responsiveness and islet adrenergic desensitization after chronic norepinephrine suppression is discontinued in fetal sheep

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaochuan; Green, Alice S.; Macko, Antoni R.; Yates, Dustin T.; Kelly, Amy C.

2013-01-01

Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses experience prolonged hypoxemia, hypoglycemia, and elevated norepinephrine (NE) concentrations, resulting in hypoinsulinemia and β-cell dysfunction. Previously, we showed that acute adrenergic blockade revealed enhanced insulin secretion responsiveness in the IUGR fetus. To determine whether chronic exposure to NE alone enhances β-cell responsiveness afterward, we continuously infused NE into fetal sheep for 7 days and, after terminating the infusion, evaluated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and glucose-potentiated arginine-induced insulin secretion (GPAIS). During treatment, NE-infused fetuses had greater (P < 0.05) plasma NE concentrations and exhibited hyperglycemia (P < 0.01) and hypoinsulinemia (P < 0.01) compared with controls. GSIS during the NE infusion was also reduced (P < 0.05) compared with pretreatment values. GSIS and GPAIS were approximately fourfold greater (P < 0.01) in NE fetuses 3 h after the 7 days that NE infusion was discontinued compared with age-matched controls or pretreatment GSIS and GPAIS values of NE fetuses. In isolated pancreatic islets from NE fetuses, mRNA concentrations of adrenergic receptor isoforms (α1D, α2A, α2C, and β1), G protein subunit-αi-2, and uncoupling protein 2 were lower (P < 0.05) compared with controls, but β-cell regulatory genes were not different. Our findings indicate that chronic exposure to elevated NE persistently suppresses insulin secretion. After removal, NE fetuses demonstrated a compensatory enhancement in insulin secretion that was associated with adrenergic desensitization and greater stimulus-secretion coupling in pancreatic islets. PMID:24253046

Association between allergic disease, sleep-disordered breathing, and childhood nocturnal enuresis: a population-based case-control study.

PubMed

Tsai, Jeng-Dau; Chen, Hsuan-Ju; Ku, Min-Sho; Chen, Shan-Ming; Hsu, Chih-Chuan; Tung, Min-Che; Lin, Che-Chen; Chang, Hsing-Yi; Sheu, Ji-Nan

2017-12-01

Little is known about the associations between allergic disease, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE). We examined whether allergic disease and SDB were associated with childhood NE. Data were assessed from the 2007-2012 Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled 4308 children aged 5-18 years having NE diagnosis and age- and sex-matched 4308 children as the control group. The odds ratios of NE were calculated to determine an association with preexisting allergic disease and SDB. A total of 8616 children were included in the analysis. Prevalence of allergic diseases and SDB was significantly higher for the NE group than the control group (all p < 0.001). After adjusting odds ratios for potential confounding factors, except asthma, children with allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had significantly higher odds of NE compared with children never diagnosed. With stratification for sex, girls with allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, OSA, and snoring had significantly higher odds of NE, compared with girls never diagnosed. Only boys with allergic rhinitis and OSA were associated with increased odds of NE. With stratification for age, children aged 5-12 years with allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and OSA had significantly higher odds of NE compared with those never diagnosed. Odds of NE increased with the number of comorbid allergic diseases. Allergic diseases and SDB are associated with increased odds of childhood NE. The odds of NE increased with the number of comorbid allergic diseases present.

Endoscopic Evacuation of Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage via Keyhole Approach Using an Adjustable Cannula in Comparison with Craniotomy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Heng-Zhu; Li, Yu-Ping; Yan, Zheng-cun; Wang, Xing-dong; She, Lei; Wang, Xiao-dong; Dong, Lun

2014-01-01

Neuroendoscopic (NE) surgery as a minimal invasive treatment for basal ganglia hemorrhage is a promising approach. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NE approach using an adjustable cannula to treat basal ganglia hemorrhage. In this study, we analysed the clinical and radiographic outcomes between NE group (21 cases) and craniotomy group (30 cases). The results indicated that NE surgery might be an effective and safe approach for basal ganglia haemorrhage, and it is also suggested that NE approach may improve good functional recovery. However, NE approach only suits the selected patient, and the usefulness of NE approach needs further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate. PMID:24949476

Plate Tectonic Cycling and Whole Mantle Convection Modulate Earth's 3He/22Ne Ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dygert, N. J.; Jackson, C.; Hesse, M. A.; Tremblay, M. M.; Shuster, D. L.; Gu, J.

2016-12-01

3He and 22Ne are not produced in the mantle or fractionated by partial melting, and neither isotope is recycled back into the mantle by subduction of oceanic basalt or sediment. Thus, it is a surprise that large 3He/22Ne variations exist within the mantle and that the mantle has a net elevated 3He/22Ne ratio compared to volatile-rich planetary precursor materials. Depleted subcontinental lithospheric mantle and mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) mantle have distinctly higher 3He/22Ne compared to ocean island basalt (OIB) sources ( 4-12.5 vs. 2.5-4.5, respectively) [1,2]. The low 3He/22Ne of OIBs approaches chondritic ( 1) and solar nebula values ( 1.5). The high 3He/22Ne of the MORB mantle is not similar to solar sources or any known family of meteorites, requiring a mechanism for fractionating He from Ne in the mantle and suggesting isolation of distinct mantle reservoirs throughout geologic time. We model the formation of a MORB source with elevated and variable 3He/22Ne though diffusive exchange between dunite channel-hosted basaltic liquids and harzburgite wallrock beneath mid-ocean ridges. Over timescales relevant to mantle upwelling beneath spreading centers, He may diffuse tens to hundreds of meters into wallrock while Ne is relatively immobile, producing a regassed, depleted mantle lithosphere with elevated 3He/22Ne. Subduction of high 3He/22Ne mantle would generate a MORB source with high 3He/22Ne. Regassed, high 3He/22Ne mantle lithosphere has He concentrations 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than undegassed mantle. To preserve the large volumes of high 3He/22Ne mantle required by the MORB source, mixing between subducted and undegassed mantle reservoirs must have been limited throughout geologic time. Using the new 3He/22Ne constraints, we ran a model similar to [3] to quantify mantle mixing timescales, finding they are on the order of Gyr assuming physically reasonable seafloor spreading rates, and that Earth's convecting mantle has lost >99% of its primordial volatile elements. Most significantly, mantle convection is not and cannot have been layered for most of geologic time. [1] Graham (2002), RiMG 74, 247-317. [2] Jalowitzki et al. (2016), EPSL 450, 263-273. [3] Gonnermann & Mukhopadhyay (2009), Nature, 560-563.

7 CFR 319.56-34 - Clementines from Spain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Clementines from Spain. 319.56-34 Section 319.56-34... Clementines from Spain. Clementines (Citrus reticulata) from Spain may only be imported into the United States... agreement. Clementines from Spain may be imported only if the Government of Spain or its designated...

Meningeal norepinephrine produces headache behaviors in rats via actions both on dural afferents and fibroblasts.

PubMed

Wei, Xiaomei; Yan, Jin; Tillu, Dipti; Asiedu, Marina; Weinstein, Nicole; Melemedjian, Ohannes; Price, Theodore; Dussor, Gregory

2015-10-01

Stress is commonly reported to contribute to migraine although mechanisms by which this may occur are not fully known. The purpose of these studies was to examine whether norepinephrine (NE), the primary sympathetic efferent transmitter, acts on processes in the meninges that may contribute to the pain of migraine. NE was applied to rat dura using a behavioral model of headache. Primary cultures of rat trigeminal ganglia retrogradely labeled from the dura mater and of rat dural fibroblasts were prepared. Patch-clamp electrophysiology, Western blot, and ELISA were performed to examine the effects of NE. Conditioned media from NE-treated fibroblast cultures was applied to the dura using the behavioral headache model. Dural injection both of NE and media from NE-stimulated fibroblasts caused cutaneous facial and hindpaw allodynia in awake rats. NE application to cultured dural afferents increased action potential firing in response to current injections. Application of NE to dural fibroblasts increased phosphorylation of ERK and caused the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6). These data demonstrate that NE can contribute to pro-nociceptive signaling from the meninges via actions on dural afferents and dural fibroblasts. Together, these actions of NE may contribute to the headache phase of migraine. © International Headache Society 2015.

Arabidopsis WPP-Domain Proteins Are Developmentally Associated with the Nuclear Envelope and Promote Cell DivisionW⃞

PubMed Central

Patel, Shalaka; Rose, Annkatrin; Meulia, Tea; Dixit, Ram; Cyr, Richard J.; Meier, Iris

2004-01-01

The nuclear envelope (NE) acts as a selective barrier to macromolecule trafficking between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and undergoes a complex reorganization during mitosis. Different eukaryotic kingdoms show specializations in NE function and composition. In contrast with vertebrates, the protein composition of the NE and the function of NE proteins are barely understood in plants. MFP1 attachment factor 1 (MAF1) is a plant-specific NE-associated protein first identified in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Here, we demonstrate that two Arabidopsis thaliana MAF1 homologs, WPP1 and WPP2, are associated with the NE specifically in undifferentiated cells of the root tip. Reentry into cell cycle after callus induction from differentiated root segments reprograms their NE association. Based on green fluorescent protein fusions and immunogold labeling data, the proteins are associated with the outer NE and the nuclear pores in interphase cells and with the immature cell plate during cytokinesis. RNA interference–based suppression of the Arabidopsis WPP family causes shorter primary roots, a reduced number of lateral roots, and reduced mitotic activity of the root meristem. Together, these data demonstrate the existence of regulated NE targeting in plants and identify a class of plant-specific NE proteins involved in mitotic activity. PMID:15548735

Is elevated norepinephrine an etiological factor in some cases of Alzheimer's disease?

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Paul J

2010-09-01

Loss of norepinephrine (NE) releasing neurons, in the locus coeruleus of the brainstem, is well documented to occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, this process does not necessarily result in decreased release of NE, since compensatory mechanisms may produce increased release of this neurotransmitter. Independent of potential loss of locus coeruleus cells, brain NE levels may be elevated in some persons with AD, both before and during disease progression. Here I examine evidence that elevated, endogenous brain NE is an etiological factor in some cases of AD, and not merely an epiphenomenon of the disease. To explore this etiological hypothesis in AD, I examine the following eight lines of evidence: 1) direct evidence of elevated NE or its metabolites in AD; 2) studies of tricyclic antidepressants, which may principally boost NE; 3) studies of clonidine and other alpha2 adrenergic agonist drugs, which may principally lower the concentration of NE; 4) studies of beta adrenoceptor blocking drugs, including propranolol; 5) comorbidity of AD and bipolar disorder, where both disorders may involve elevated NE; 6) comorbidity of AD and hypertension; 7) comorbidity of AD and obesity; and 8) potential interaction between AD and psychological stress, where stressors are known to release NE. These lines of evidence tend to support the elevated NE etiological hypothesis.

Scattering study of the Ne + NeH{sup +}(v{sub 0} = 0, j{sub 0} = 0) → NeH{sup +} + Ne reaction on an ab initio based analytical potential energy surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koner, Debasish; Panda, Aditya N., E-mail: adi07@iitg.ernet.in; Barrios, Lizandra

2016-01-21

Initial state selected dynamics of the Ne + NeH{sup +}(v{sub 0} = 0, j{sub 0} = 0) → NeH{sup +} + Ne reaction is investigated by quantum and statistical quantum mechanical (SQM) methods on the ground electronic state. The three-body ab initio energies on a set of suitably chosen grid points have been computed at CCSD(T)/aug-cc-PVQZ level and analytically fitted. The fitting of the diatomic potentials, computed at the same level of theory, is performed by spline interpolation. A collinear [NeHNe]{sup +} structure lying 0.72 eV below the Ne + NeH{sup +} asymptote is found to be the most stablemore » geometry for this system. Energies of low lying vibrational states have been computed for this stable complex. Reaction probabilities obtained from quantum calculations exhibit dense oscillatory structures, particularly in the low energy region and these get partially washed out in the integral cross section results. SQM predictions are devoid of oscillatory structures and remain close to 0.5 after the rise at the threshold thus giving a crude average description of the quantum probabilities. Statistical cross sections and rate constants are nevertheless in sufficiently good agreement with the quantum results to suggest an important role of a complex-forming dynamics for the title reaction.« less

Neonatal Encephalopathy With Group B Streptococcal Disease Worldwide: Systematic Review, Investigator Group Datasets, and Meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Tann, Cally J; Martinello, Kathryn A; Sadoo, Samantha; Lawn, Joy E; Seale, Anna C; Vega-Poblete, Maira; Russell, Neal J; Baker, Carol J; Bartlett, Linda; Cutland, Clare; Gravett, Michael G; Ip, Margaret; Le Doare, Kirsty; Madhi, Shabir A; Rubens, Craig E; Saha, Samir K; Schrag, Stephanie; Sobanjo-ter Meulen, Ajoke; Vekemans, Johan; Heath, Paul T; Garcia-Alix, Alfredo; Boo, Nem-Yun; Martinez-Biarge, Miriam; Cheong, Jeanie; Cowan, Frances; de Vries, Linda S; Arca-Diaz, Gemma; Edwards, A David; Ellis, Matthew; Gale, Christopher; Glass, Hannah C; Groenendaal, Floris; Gunn, Alistair; Hayes, Breda; Jacobs, Susan E; Johnson, Clark T; Kali, Gugu; Manne, Manogna; Massaro, An N; Robertson, Nicola J; Shah, Prakeshkumar; Shankaran, Seetha; Tann, Cally J; Thayyil, Sudhin; Thoresen, Marianne; Walsh, Brian H; Wintermark, Pia; Lee, Anne C C

2017-01-01

Abstract Background Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a leading cause of child mortality and longer-term impairment. Infection can sensitize the newborn brain to injury; however, the role of group B streptococcal (GBS) disease has not been reviewed. This paper is the ninth in an 11-article series estimating the burden of GBS disease; here we aim to assess the proportion of GBS in NE cases. Methods We conducted systematic literature reviews (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature [LILACS], World Health Organization Library Information System [WHOLIS], and Scopus) and sought unpublished data from investigator groups reporting GBS-associated NE. Meta-analyses estimated the proportion of GBS disease in NE and mortality risk. UK population-level data estimated the incidence of GBS-associated NE. Results Four published and 25 unpublished datasets were identified from 13 countries (N = 10436). The proportion of NE associated with GBS was 0.58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18%–.98%). Mortality was significantly increased in GBS-associated NE vs NE alone (risk ratio, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.47–2.91]). This equates to a UK incidence of GBS-associated NE of 0.019 per 1000 live births. Conclusions The consistent increased proportion of GBS disease in NE and significant increased risk of mortality provides evidence that GBS infection contributes to NE. Increased information regarding this and other organisms is important to inform interventions, especially in low- and middle-resource contexts. PMID:29117330

INSM1 is a Sensitive and Specific Marker of Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Head and Neck Tumors.

PubMed

Rooper, Lisa M; Bishop, Justin A; Westra, William H

2018-05-01

The head and neck is the site of a wide and sometimes bewildering array of neuroendocrine (NE) tumors. Although recognition of NE differentiation may be necessary for appropriate tumor classification and treatment, traditional NE markers such as synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD56 are not always sufficiently sensitive or specific to make this distinction. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a novel transcription factor that has recently demonstrated excellent sensitivity and specificity for NE differentiation in various anatomic sites, but has not yet been extensively evaluated in tumors of the head and neck. We performed INSM1 immunohistochemistry on NE tumors (n=97) and non-NE tumors (n=626) across all histologic grades and anatomic subsites of the head and neck. INSM1 was positive in all types of head and neck NE tumors evaluated here (99.0% sensitivity), including middle ear adenoma, pituitary adenoma, paraganglioma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, olfactory neuroblastoma, small cell carcinoma, large cell NE carcinoma, and sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. Notably, it was positive in the vast majority of high-grade NE malignancies (95.8% sensitivity). INSM1 also was negative in almost all non-NE tumors (97.6% specificity) with the highest rates of reactivity in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily B, member 1 (SMARCB1)-deficient sinonasal carcinoma. These findings confirm that INSM1 may be used as a standalone first-line marker of NE differentiation for tumors of the head and neck.

Correlation between clinical manifestations of nocturnal enuresis and attentional performance in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

PubMed

Yang, Teng-Kai; Huang, Kuo-How; Chen, Shyh-Chyan; Chang, Hong-Chiang; Yang, Hung-Ju; Guo, Ya-Jun

2013-01-01

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to be more vulnerable to various forms of voiding dysfunction and nocturnal enuresis (NE). We attempt to compare the clinical manifestations and attentional performance between ADHD children with NE and those without NE. We consecutively enrolled children diagnosed with ADHD in child and adolescent psychiatric clinics. The questionnaires for evaluation of ADHD symptoms and voiding dysfunction symptoms were administered to all study participants. All participants also received the Test Battery for Attention Performance (TAP) for assessment of attentional function. A total of 53 children were enrolled in this study, comprising 47 boys and six girls. The prevalence rate of NE was 28.3%. Children in the NE group had statistically significant higher dysfunctional voiding symptom score (5.40 ± 3.66 vs.3.16 ± 2.74; p = 0.018) and two subscales of "When I wet myself, my underwear is soaked" (p < 0.001) and "I miss having a bowel movement every day" (p = 0.047). There were no significant differences with regard to all psychiatric evaluations between the NE and non-NE groups. In the TAP test, the NE group showed a significantly shorter reaction time in the domain of inhibitory control, working memory, and auditory sustained attention than the non-NE group. Children with ADHD have a high prevalence of NE. ADHD children with NE had a significantly higher dysfunctional voiding symptom score and shorter reaction time in most domains of the TAP test. Further study is needed to discern the impact of NE on the neuropsychological function of ADHD children. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Nucleogenic production of Ne isotopes in Earth's crust and upper mantle induced by alpha particles from the decay of U and Th

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leya, Ingo; Wieler, Rainer

1999-07-01

The production of nucleogenic Ne in terrestrial crust and upper mantle by alpha particles from the decay of U and Th was calculated. The calculations are based on stopping powers for the chemical compounds and thin-target cross sections. This approach is more rigorous than earlier studies using thick-target yields for pure elements, since our results are independent of limiting assumptions about stopping-power ratios. Alpha induced reactions account for >99% of the Ne production in the crust and for most of the 20,21Ne in the upper mantle. On the other hand, our 22Ne value for the upper mantle is a lower limit because the reaction 25Mg(n,α)22Ne is significant in mantle material. Production rates calculated here for hypothetical crustal and upper mantle material with average major element composition and homogeneously distributed F, U, and Th are up to 100 times higher than data presented by Kyser and Rison [1982] but agree within error limits with the results by Yatsevich and Honda [1997]. Production of nucleogenic Ne in "mean" crust and mantle is also given as a function of the weight fractions of O and F. The alpha dose is calculated by radiogenic 4He as well as by the more retentive fissiogenic 136Xe. U and Th is concentrated in certain accessory minerals. Since the ranges of alpha particles from the three decay chains are comparable to mineral dimensions, most nucleogenic Ne is produced in U- and Th-rich minerals. Therefore nucleogenic Ne production in such accessories was also calculated. The calculated correlation between nucleogenic 21Ne and radiogenic 4He agrees well with experimental data for Earth's crust and accessories. Also, the calculated 22Ne/4He ratios as function of the F concentration and the dependence of 21Ne/22Ne from O/F for zircon and apatite agree with measurements.

Quantifying chemical reactions by using mixing analysis.

PubMed

Jurado, Anna; Vázquez-Suñé, Enric; Carrera, Jesús; Tubau, Isabel; Pujades, Estanislao

2015-01-01

This work is motivated by a sound understanding of the chemical processes that affect the organic pollutants in an urban aquifer. We propose an approach to quantify such processes using mixing calculations. The methodology consists of the following steps: (1) identification of the recharge sources (end-members) and selection of the species (conservative and non-conservative) to be used, (2) identification of the chemical processes and (3) evaluation of mixing ratios including the chemical processes. This methodology has been applied in the Besòs River Delta (NE Barcelona, Spain), where the River Besòs is the main aquifer recharge source. A total number of 51 groundwater samples were collected from July 2007 to May 2010 during four field campaigns. Three river end-members were necessary to explain the temporal variability of the River Besòs: one river end-member is from the wet periods (W1) and two are from dry periods (D1 and D2). This methodology has proved to be useful not only to compute the mixing ratios but also to quantify processes such as calcite and magnesite dissolution, aerobic respiration and denitrification undergone at each observation point. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Return period curves for extreme 5-min rainfall amounts at the Barcelona urban network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lana, X.; Casas-Castillo, M. C.; Serra, C.; Rodríguez-Solà, R.; Redaño, A.; Burgueño, A.; Martínez, M. D.

2018-03-01

Heavy rainfall episodes are relatively common in the conurbation of Barcelona and neighbouring cities (NE Spain), usually due to storms generated by convective phenomena in summer and eastern and south-eastern advections in autumn. Prevention of local flood episodes and right design of urban drainage have to take into account the rainfall intensity spread instead of a simple evaluation of daily rainfall amounts. The database comes from 5-min rain amounts recorded by tipping buckets in the Barcelona urban network along the years 1994-2009. From these data, extreme 5-min rain amounts are selected applying the peaks-over-threshold method for thresholds derived from both 95% percentile and the mean excess plot. The return period curves are derived from their statistical distribution for every gauge, describing with detail expected extreme 5-min rain amounts across the urban network. These curves are compared with those derived from annual extreme time series. In this way, areas in Barcelona submitted to different levels of flood risk from the point of view of rainfall intensity are detected. Additionally, global time trends on extreme 5-min rain amounts are quantified for the whole network and found as not statistically significant.

Evaluation of the effect of temperature, pH, and bioproduction on Hg concentration in sediments, water, molluscs and algae of the delta of the Ebro river.

PubMed

Schuhmacher, M; Domingo, J L; Llobet, J M; Corbella, J

1993-01-01

The effects of temperature, pH, and bioproduction on mercury levels in sediments, water, molluscs and algae from the delta of the Ebro river (NE Spain) were determined in this study. Mercury concentrations were measured in a cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The ranges of mercury concentrations were the following: sediments, 0.014-0.185 microgram g-1; water, 0.001-0.018 microgram g-1; molluscs, 0.118-0.861 microgram g-1; and algae 0.008-0.026 microgram g-1. Although not statistically significant, a decrease in the pH of the water corresponded with a diminution in the content of mercury in sediments and molluscs, while the mercury levels in water and algae were lower in the areas with high levels of bioproduction. The concentrations of mercury in water significantly decreased with temperature. However, the differences with temperature of the mercury concentrations in sediments did not reach the level of significance. Consequently, water would not be an adequate indicator to determine the levels of mercury contamination, although both sediments and molluscs can be used for this purpose.

Using hydrochemistry, tracers and isotopes to analyze hydrogeological dynamics and eutrophication processes in coastal lagoons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menció, Anna; Mas-Pla, Josep; Quintana, Xavier D.

2016-04-01

Wetlands and coastal lagoons in Mediterranean areas have recently been the focus of an increasing interest due to the degradation of their ecological status in terms of declining biodiversity, alteration of ecological functioning and limitation of the ecosystem services they provide. Accordingly, the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Union has set, as one of its priorities, to prevent a further degradation of these ecosystems and to recover their ecological functioning. The aim of this project is to analyze the hydrogeological dynamics in the Pletera coastal lagoons (NE, Spain) as a basis to propose guidelines for their sustainable management. Thus, monthly hydrochemical (with major ions, nutrients and tracers) and isotopic (δ18OH2O and δD) campaigns have been conducted, from November 2014 to October 2015, to determine the hydrogeological dynamics of the Pletera lagoons. In addition, in some of the sampling campaigns δ34SSO4, δ18OSO4, δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3 have also been analyzed to determine the origin of eutrophication problems observed in these lagoons, mainly caused by nitrogen compounds. Project founded by MEC CGL-2014-57215-C4-2R and LIFE 13 NAT/ES/001001

Multiple stressor effects on biological quality elements in the Ebro River: Present diagnosis and predicted responses.

PubMed

Herrero, Albert; Gutiérrez-Cánovas, Cayetano; Vigiak, Olga; Lutz, Stefanie; Kumar, Rohini; Gampe, David; Huber-García, Verena; Ludwig, Ralf; Batalla, Ramon; Sabater, Sergi

2018-07-15

Multiple abiotic stressors affect the ecological status of water bodies. The status of waterbodies in the Ebro catchment (NE Spain) is evaluated using the biological quality elements (BQEs) of diatoms, invertebrates and macrophytes. The multi-stressor influence on the three BQEs was evaluated using the monitoring dataset available from the catchment water authority. Nutrient concentrations, especially total phosphorus (TP), affected most of the analyzed BQEs, while changes in mean discharge, water temperature, or river morphology did not show significant influences. Linear statistical models were used to evaluate the change of water bodies' ecological status under different combinations of future socioeconomic and climate scenarios. Changes in land use, rainfall, water temperature, mean discharge, TP and nitrate concentrations were modeled according to the future scenarios. These revealed an evolution of the abiotic stressors that could lead to a general decrease in the ecosystem quality of water bodies within the Ebro catchment. This deterioration was especially evidenced on the diatoms and invertebrate biological indices, mainly because of the foreseen increase in TP concentrations. Water bodies located in the headwaters were seen as the most sensitive to future changes. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of cyanogen chloride and cyanogen bromide in treated water at sub-microg/L levels by a new solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatographic-electron-capture detection method.

PubMed

Cancho, B; Ventur, F; Galceran, M

2000-11-03

A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) procedure has been developed and applied for the determination of cyanogen halides in treated water samples at microg/L concentrations. Several SPME coatings were tested, the divinylbenzene-Carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane fiber being the most appropriate coating. GC-electron-capture detection was used for separation and quantitation. Experimental parameters such as sample volume, addition of a salt, extraction time and desorption conditions were studied. The optimized method has an acceptable linearity, good precision, with RSD values <10% for both compounds, and it is sufficiently sensitive to detect ng/L levels. HS-SPME was compared with liquid-liquid microextraction (US Environmental Protection Agency Method 551.1) for the analysis of spiked ultrapure and granular activated carbon filtered water samples. There was good agreement between the results from both methods. Finally, the optimized procedure was applied to determine both compounds at the Barcelona water treatment plant (N.E. Spain). Cyanogen chloride in treated water was <1.0 microg/L and cyanogen bromide ranged from 3.2 to 6.4 microg/L.

Identification of water soluble and particle bound compounds causing sublethal toxic effects. A field study on sediments affected by a chlor-alkali industry.

PubMed

Bosch, Carme; Olivares, Alba; Faria, Melissa; Navas, Jose M; del Olmo, Iván; Grimalt, Joan O; Piña, Benjamín; Barata, Carlos

2009-08-13

A combination of cost effective sublethal Daphnia magna feeding tests, yeast- and cell culture-based bioassays and Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) procedures was used to characterize toxic compounds within sediments collected in a river area under the influence of the effluents from a chlor-alkali industry (Ebro River, NE Spain). Tests were designed to measure and identify toxic compounds in the particulate and filtered water fractions of sediment elutriates. The combined use of bioassays responding to elutriates and dioxin-like compounds evidenced the existence of three major groups of hazardous contaminants in the most contaminated site: (A) metals such as cadmium and mercury bound to sediment fine particles that could be easily resuspended and moved downstream, (B) soluble compounds (presumably, lye) able to alkalinize water to toxic levels, and (C) organochlorine compounds with high dioxin-like activity. These results provided evidence that elutriate D. magna feeding responses can be used as surrogate assays for more tedious chronic whole sediment tests, and that the incorporation of such tests in sediment TIE procedures may improve the ability to identify the toxicity of particle-bound and water-soluble contaminants in sediments.

Spatial distribution of Chloroflexus-like bacteria in the hypersaline artificial microbial mat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachar, A.; Polerecky, L.; Vamvakopoulos, K.; de Beer, D.; Jonkers, H. M.

An artificial microbial mat grown in a mesocosm originated from the Hypersaline Lake of La Salada de Chiprana NE Spain was examined with respect to its organism s spatial distribution via high resolution methods A special attention was given to the elucidative Chloroflexus -like bacteria on which spatial distribution data is not available We have characterized this thick 1cm and developed mat for photopigments HPLC and obtained the general pigment distribution pattern Furthermore fiberoptic and photosynthetic microsensor measurements gave inner light attenuations and flux rates of oxygen within the different layers respectively Using fluorescence and spectral imaging we were able to detect characteristic pigmentation in the different layers FISH probes targeting Chloroflexus -like bacteria confirmed the visualization techniques and showed a single hybridized layer below the cyanobacterial layer as did the HPLC fiberoptic microsensor and fluorescence imaging We conclude that Chloroflexus -like bacteria are located below the cyanobacterial layer and above the purple sulfur bacteria and for the firs time we are able to show it by different independent state of the art techniques These approaches can be important for rapid community investigations within a millimeter scale microniches

Inheritance of resistance to acrinathrin in Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).

PubMed

Bielza, Pablo; Quinto, Vicente; Fernández, Esther; Grávalos, Carolina; Abellán, Jaime; Cifuentes, Dina

2008-05-01

The western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is an economically important pest. The genetic basis of acrinathrin resistance was investigated in WFT. The resistant strain, selected in the laboratory for acrinathrin resistance from a pool of thrips populations collected in Almeria (south-eastern Spain), showed a high resistance to acrinathrin (43-fold based on LC(50) values) compared with the laboratory susceptible strain. Mortality data from reciprocal crosses of resistant and susceptible thrips indicated that resistance was autosomal and not influenced by maternal effects. Analysis of probit lines from the parental strains and reciprocal crosses showed that resistance was expressed as a codominant trait. To determine the number of genes involved, a direct test of monogenic inheritance based on the backcrosses suggested that resistance to acrinathrin was probably controlled by one locus. Another approach, which was based on phenotypic variances, showed n(E), or the minimum number of freely segregating genetic factors for the resistant strain, to be 0.79. The results showed that acrinathrin resistance in WFT was autosomal and not influenced by maternal effects, and was expressed as a codominant trait, probably controlled by one locus. Copyright (c) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry.

LDL-cholesterol goal attainment under persistent lipid-lowering therapy in northeast China: Subgroup analysis of the dyslipidemia international study of China (DYSIS-China).

PubMed

Zheng, Wen; Zhang, Yu-Jiao; Bu, Xiang-Ting; Guo, Xin-Zhu; Hu, Da-Yi; Li, Zhan-Quan; Sun, Jian

2017-11-01

Lipid-lowering therapy with statins reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, but the efficacy of persistent treatment in a real-world setting may vary from regions. Routine lipid-lowering therapy in the region with a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease may lead to more failures of goal attainment. We therefore performed a study to observe different lipid-lowering strategies in northeast (NE) China with respect to low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction and goal attainments.A cross-sectional study (DYSIS-China) was conducted in 2012, involving 25,317 patients from 122 centers across China who were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and treated with lipid-lowering therapy for at least 3 months. Of these patients, 4559 (18.0%) were assigned to the NE group according to their residential zones.Patients in the NE group tended to be younger, female, overweight, and had more comorbidities and higher blood lipid levels than those in the non-NE group (P < .001). The goal attainment for LDL-C in NE was lower than non-NE (45.3% vs 65.1%, P < .001), and especially lower in high (NE vs non-NE, 38.5% vs 58.6%) and very high (NE vs non-NE, 22.6% vs 43.7%) risk patients. The proportion of high intensity statin was lower in NE than non-NE, and the proportion of combination therapy was similar (∼2%). However, the goal attainment did not increase after administering higher dosages of statins in 2 groups. Logistic regression analysis identified diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CBD), being female, body mass index (BMI) >24 kg/m, drinking alcohol, smoking, and being residence in NE China as independent predictors of LDL-C attainment.Despite having received persistent lipid-lowering treatments, the current situation of dyslipidemia patients in NE China is unsatisfactory. The main treatment gap might be related to the choice of statin and effective combination therapy and the control of comorbidities and obesity, especially for high-risk patients.

EUGÈNE'HOM: a generic similarity-based gene finder using multiple homologous sequences

PubMed Central

Foissac, Sylvain; Bardou, Philippe; Moisan, Annick; Cros, Marie-Josée; Schiex, Thomas

2003-01-01

EUGÈNE'HOM is a gene prediction software for eukaryotic organisms based on comparative analysis. EUGÈNE'HOM is able to take into account multiple homologous sequences from more or less closely related organisms. It integrates the results of TBLASTX analysis, splice site and start codon prediction and a robust coding/non-coding probabilistic model which allows EUGÈNE'HOM to handle sequences from a variety of organisms. The current target of EUGÈNE'HOM is plant sequences. The EUGÈNE'HOM web site is available at http://genopole.toulouse.inra.fr/bioinfo/eugene/EuGeneHom/cgi-bin/EuGeneHom.pl. PMID:12824408

Is elevated norepinephrine an etiological factor in some cases of epilepsy?

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Paul J

2010-07-01

It is well established that the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) has anticonvulsant properties. However, NE may also have proconvulsant properties under some conditions, both in animal epilepsy models and in humans. This paper examines the hypothesis that this neurotransmitter has proconvulsant properties, where much of the pharmaceutical evidence comes from rodent models. In assessing the elevated NE epilepsy hypothesis, the following seven lines of evidence are examined that include studies of: (1) antidepressants that raise the level of NE; (2) clonidine and other alpha 2 adrenergic agonist drugs that lower the level of NE; (3) prazosin and other drugs that affect alpha adrenoceptors; (4) propranolol and other drugs that affect beta adrenoceptors; (5) pheochromocytoma, which is a rare cancer of the adrenal glands that can boost NE levels; (6) comorbidity of epilepsy with bipolar disorder, hypertension, and obesity, where all four conditions may involve elevated NE; and (7) psychological stress, which is associated with increased release of NE. The body of evidence supporting the NE proconvulsant hypothesis is consistent with the notion that elevated, endogenous noradrenergic transmission is an etiological factor in some cases of epilepsy. 2010 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MicroBooNE: The Search For The MiniBooNE Low Energy Excess

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaleko, David

This thesis describes work towards the search for a low energy excess in MicroBooNE. What MicroBooNE is, what the low energy excess is, and how one searches for the latter in the former will be described in detail.

PRIOR-WK&E: Social Software for Policy Making in the Knowledge Society

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turón, Alberto; Aguarón, Juan; Escobar, María Teresa; Gallardo, Carolina; Moreno-Jiménez, José María; Salazar, José Luis

This paper presents a social software application denominated as PRIOR-WK&E. It has been developed by the Zaragoza Multicriteria Decision Making Group (GDMZ) with the aim of responding to the challenges of policy making in the Knowledge Society. Three specific modules have been added to PRIOR, the collaborative tool used by the research group (GDMZ) for considering the multicriteria selection of a discrete set of alternatives. The first module (W), that deals with multiactor decision making through the Web, and the second (K), that concerns the extraction and diffusion of knowledge related to the scientific resolution of the problem, were explained in [1]. The new application strengthens securitization and includes a third module (E) that evaluates the effectiveness of public administrations policy making.

Time-dependent wave-packet quantum dynamics study of the Ne + D2(+) (v0 = 0-2, j0 = 0) → NeD(+) + D reaction: including the coriolis coupling.

PubMed

Yao, Cui-Xia; Zhang, Pei-Yu

2014-07-10

The dynamics of the Ne + D2(+) (v0 = 0-2, j0 = 0) → NeD(+) + D reaction has been investigated in detail by using an accurate time-dependent wave-packet method on the ground 1(2)A' potential energy surface. Comparisons between the Coriolis coupling results and the centrifugal-sudden ones reveal that Coriolis coupling effect can influence reaction dynamics of the NeD2(+) system. Integral cross sections have been evaluated for the Ne + D2(+) reaction and its isotopic variant Ne + H2(+), and a considerable intermolecular isotopic effect has been found. Also obvious is the great enhancement of the reactivity due to the reagent vibrational excitation. Besides, a comparison with previous theoretical results is also presented and discussed.

Investigation of the chamber correction factor (k(ch)) for the UK secondary standard ionization chamber (NE2561/NE2611) using medium-energy x-rays.

PubMed

Rosser, K E

1998-11-01

This paper evaluates the characteristics of ionization chambers for the measurement of absorbed dose to water for medium-energy x-rays. The values of the chamber correction factor, k(ch), used in the IPEMB code of practice for the UK secondary standard (NE2561/NE2611) ionization chamber are derived and their constituent factors examined. The comparison of the chambers' responses in air revealed that of the chambers tested only the NE2561, NE2571 and NE2505 exhibit a flat (within 5%) energy response in air. Under no circumstances should the NACP, Sanders electron chamber, or any chamber that has a wall made of high atomic number material, be used for medium-energy x-ray dosimetry. The measurements in water reveal that a chamber that has a substantial housing, such as the PTW Grenz chamber, should not be used to measure absorbed dose to water in this energy range. The value of k(ch) for an NE2561 chamber was determined by measuring the absorbed dose to water and comparing it with that for an NE2571 chamber, for which k(ch) data have been published. The chamber correction factor varies from 1.023 +/- 0.03 to 1.018 +/- 0.001 for x-ray beams with HVL between 0.15 and 4 mm Cu. The values agree with that for an NE2571 chamber within the experimental uncertainty. The corrections due to the stem, waterproof sleeve and replacement of the phantom material by the chamber for an NE2561 chamber are described.

Striatal norepinephrine efflux in l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

PubMed

Ostock, Corinne Y; Bhide, Nirmal; Goldenberg, Adam A; George, Jessica A; Bishop, Christopher

2018-03-01

l-DOPA remains the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). Unfortunately, its therapeutic benefits are compromised by the development of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) known as l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). The norepinephrine (NE) system originating in the locus coeruleus is profoundly affected in PD and known to influence dopamine (DA) signaling. However, the effect of noradrenergic loss on l-DOPA-induced striatal monoamine efflux and Parkinsonian motor behavior remains controversial and is frequently overlooked in traditional animal models of LID. Thus, the current study sought to determine whether degeneration of the DA and/or NE system(s) altered l-DOPA-induced striatal monoamine efflux in hemiparkinsonian rats with additional NE loss induced by the potent NE-toxin α DA beta hydroxylase (DBH)-saporin. Sham-, DA-, NE-, and dual DA + NE-lesioned rats were treated with l-DOPA (6 mg/kg, s.c.) for 2 weeks. Thereafter, l-DOPA-mediated striatal monoamine efflux was measured with in vivo microdialysis, and concurrent AIMs testing occurred to determine responsiveness to l-DOPA. Noradrenergic lesions exacerbated parkinsonian motor deficits but did not significantly alter LID expression or corresponding l-DOPA-induced striatal monoamine efflux. Interestingly, l-DOPA-induced striatal NE efflux rather than DA efflux, corresponded more closely with dyskinesia severity. Moreover, marked reductions in striatal NE tissue concentration did not appear to impact l-DOPA-induced striatal NE efflux. The current study implicates l-DOPA-induced striatal NE as an important factor in LID expression and demonstrates the importance of developing treatment strategies that co-modulate the NE and DA systems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neonatal Encephalopathy With Group B Streptococcal Disease Worldwide: Systematic Review, Investigator Group Datasets, and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tann, Cally J; Martinello, Kathryn A; Sadoo, Samantha; Lawn, Joy E; Seale, Anna C; Vega-Poblete, Maira; Russell, Neal J; Baker, Carol J; Bartlett, Linda; Cutland, Clare; Gravett, Michael G; Ip, Margaret; Le Doare, Kirsty; Madhi, Shabir A; Rubens, Craig E; Saha, Samir K; Schrag, Stephanie; Sobanjo-Ter Meulen, Ajoke; Vekemans, Johan; Heath, Paul T

2017-11-06

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a leading cause of child mortality and longer-term impairment. Infection can sensitize the newborn brain to injury; however, the role of group B streptococcal (GBS) disease has not been reviewed. This paper is the ninth in an 11-article series estimating the burden of GBS disease; here we aim to assess the proportion of GBS in NE cases. We conducted systematic literature reviews (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature [LILACS], World Health Organization Library Information System [WHOLIS], and Scopus) and sought unpublished data from investigator groups reporting GBS-associated NE. Meta-analyses estimated the proportion of GBS disease in NE and mortality risk. UK population-level data estimated the incidence of GBS-associated NE. Four published and 25 unpublished datasets were identified from 13 countries (N = 10436). The proportion of NE associated with GBS was 0.58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18%-.98%). Mortality was significantly increased in GBS-associated NE vs NE alone (risk ratio, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.47-2.91]). This equates to a UK incidence of GBS-associated NE of 0.019 per 1000 live births. The consistent increased proportion of GBS disease in NE and significant increased risk of mortality provides evidence that GBS infection contributes to NE. Increased information regarding this and other organisms is important to inform interventions, especially in low- and middle-resource contexts. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Mitigates the Inhibition of Airway Epithelial Cell Repair by Neutrophil Elastase.

PubMed

Garratt, Luke W; Sutanto, Erika N; Ling, Kak-Ming; Looi, Kevin; Iosifidis, Thomas; Martinovich, Kelly M; Shaw, Nicole C; Buckley, Alysia G; Kicic-Starcevich, Elizabeth; Lannigan, Francis J; Knight, Darryl A; Stick, Stephen M; Kicic, Anthony

2016-03-01

Neutrophil elastase (NE) activity is associated with many destructive lung diseases and is a predictor for structural lung damage in early cystic fibrosis (CF), which suggests normal maintenance of airway epithelium is prevented by uninhibited NE. However, limited data exist on how the NE activity in airways of very young children with CF affects function of the epithelia. The aim of this study was to determine if NE activity could inhibit epithelial homeostasis and repair and whether any functional effect was reversible by antiprotease alpha-1 antitrypsin (α1AT) treatment. Viability, inflammation, apoptosis, and proliferation were assessed in healthy non-CF and CF pediatric primary airway epithelial cells (pAECnon-CF and pAECCF, respectively) during exposure to physiologically relevant NE. The effect of NE activity on pAECCF wound repair was also assessed. We report that viability after 48 hours was significantly decreased by 100 nM NE in pAECnon-CF and pAECCF owing to rapid cellular detachment that was accompanied by inflammatory cytokine release. Furthermore, both phenotypes initiated an apoptotic response to 100 nM NE, whereas ≥ 50 nM NE activity significantly inhibited the proliferative capacity of cultures. Similar concentrations of NE also significantly inhibited wound repair of pAECCF, but this effect was reversed by the addition of α1AT. Collectively, our results demonstrate free NE activity is deleterious for epithelial homeostasis and support the hypothesis that proteases in the airway contribute directly to CF structural lung disease. Our results also highlight the need to investigate antiprotease therapies in early CF disease in more detail.

In vitro characterization of noradrenergic modulation of chemosensitive neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus

PubMed Central

Kuo, Fu-Shan; Falquetto, Bárbara; Chen, Dawei; Oliveira, Luiz M.; Takakura, Ana C.

2016-01-01

Chemosensitive neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) regulate breathing in response to CO2/H+ changes and serve as an integration center for other autonomic centers, including brain stem noradrenergic neurons. Norepinephrine (NE) contributes to respiratory control and chemoreception, and, since disruption of NE signaling may contribute to several breathing disorders, we sought to characterize effects of NE on RTN chemoreception. All neurons included in this study responded similarly to CO2/H+ but showed differential sensitivity to NE; we found that NE activated (79%), inhibited (7%), or had no effect on activity (14%) of RTN chemoreceptors. The excitatory effect of NE on RTN chemoreceptors was dose dependent, retained in the presence of neurotransmitter receptor blockers, and could be mimicked and blocked by pharmacological manipulation of α1-adrenergic receptors (ARs). In addition, NE-activation was blunted by XE991 (KCNQ channel blocker), and partially occluded the firing response to serotonin, suggesting involvement of KCNQ channels. However, in whole cell voltage clamp, activation of α1-ARs decreased outward current and conductance by what appears to be a mixed effect on multiple channels. The inhibitory effect of NE on RTN chemoreceptors was blunted by an α2-AR antagonist. A third group of RTN chemoreceptors was insensitive to NE. We also found that chemosensitive RTN astrocytes do not respond to NE with a change in voltage or by releasing ATP to enhance activity of chemosensitive neurons. These results indicate NE modulates subsets of RTN chemoreceptors by mechanisms involving α1- and α2-ARs. PMID:27306669

Cyanobacterial diversity and related sedimentary facies as a function of water flow conditions: Example from the Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berrendero, Esther; Arenas, Concha; Mateo, Pilar; Jones, Brian

2016-05-01

The River Piedra in the Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park (NE Spain) is a modern tufa-depositing river that encompasses various depositional environments that are inhabited by different cyanobacterial populations. Molecular (16S rDNA) and morphological analyses of the cyanobacteria from different facies showed that Phormidium incrustatum dominates in the fast-flowing water areas where the mean depositional rate is 1.6 cm/year. Stromatolites in these areas are formed of palisades of hollow calcite tubes (inner diameter of 6.0-7.5 μm, walls 2-12 μm thick) that formed through calcite encrustation around the filaments followed by decay of the trichomes. In contrast, in slow-flowing water areas with lower depositional rates (mean depositional rate of 0.3 cm/year), Phormidium aerugineo-caeruleum is the dominant species. In these areas, randomly oriented calcite tubes (inner diameter of 5-6 μm, walls 3-8 μm thick) formed by calcite encrustation, are found in thin and uneven laminae and as scattered tubes in the loose lime mud and sand-sized carbonate sediment. Although this species did not build laminated deposits, it gave cohesiveness to the loose sediment. In the stepped and low waterfalls, with intermediate deposition rates (mean depositional rate of 0.9 cm/year), both species of Phormidium are found in association with spongy moss and algal boundstones, which is consistent with the variable flow conditions in this setting. The calcite encrustations on the cyanobacteria from different environments exhibit irregular patterns that may be linked to changes in the calcite saturation index. The physicochemical conditions associated with extracellular polymeric substances may be more significant to CaCO3 precipitation in microbial mats in slow-flowing water conditions than in fast-flowing water conditions. These results show that flow conditions may influence the distribution of different cyanobacteria that, in turn, leads to the development of different sedimentary facies and structures in fluvial carbonate systems.

Evaluating the reproductive ability of breeding rams in North-Eastern Spain using clinical examination of the body and external genitalia.

PubMed

Mozo, René; Galeote, Ana Isabel; Alabart, José Luis; Fantova, Enrique; Folch, José

2015-11-26

Predicting the ability of rams to detect, mate and fertilise ewes in oestrus accurately is certainly difficult; however, tests based on clinical examinations have been performed to assess the overall potential capacity of rams to serve and impregnate ewes. Clinical examinations for breeding soundness evaluation were carried out in 897 Rasa Aragonesa (RA) rams from 35 flocks in North-Eastern (NE) Spain. Clinical examinations of head, trunk, limbs and genitals were performed in each ram. Blood samples were collected for a serological study of Brucella ovis. The sheep owners were surveyed regarding the characteristics of the flock, rams' health history and the management of rams. The clinical alterations found were classified according to severity (mild or severe). Rams were classified as suitable (without lesions or with only mild lesions) or unsuitable (with severe lesions) for breeding depending on the results of the clinical examinations. The results showed that 60.6 % of rams presented some type of alteration (mild: 43.3 %; severe: 17.3 %) in various body parts (genitalia: 31.6 %; head and trunk: 37.2 %; limbs: 15.5 %), and that 16.7 % of rams were classified as unsuitable breeders. The most common genital alterations were ulcerative posthitis (18.7 %) followed by testicular lesions (5.3 %). The highest prevalence of unsuitable breeders was found in the category of adult and aged rams (13.8 % and 37.4 %, respectively) and in the category of emaciated rams (33.3 %). All rams examined were seronegative to Brucella ovis. The mean percentage of rams in flocks was 2.8 % (min: 1.6 %; max: 4.6 %); nevertheless, this percentage dropped to 2.5 % (min: 1.4 %; max: 3.7 %) and 2.1 % (min: 0.3 %; max: 3.5 %) when only suitable or effective (suitable mature) rams were considered. Thus, it is concluded that there are fewer effective rams in farms than farmers realise. Frequent clinical examination of males is recommended in order to identify potentially infertile rams.

Drugs of abuse and their metabolites in the Ebro River basin: occurrence in sewage and surface water, sewage treatment plants removal efficiency, and collective drug usage estimation.

PubMed

Postigo, Cristina; López de Alda, María José; Barceló, Damià

2010-01-01

Drugs of abuse and their metabolites have been recently recognized as environmental emerging organic contaminants. Assessment of their concentration in different environmental compartments is essential to evaluate their potential ecotoxicological effects. It also constitutes an indirect tool to estimate drug abuse by the population at the community level. The present work reports for the first time the occurrence of drugs of abuse and metabolites residues along the Ebro River basin (NE Spain) and also evaluates the contribution of sewage treatment plants (STPs) effluents to the presence of these chemicals in natural surface waters. Concentrations measured in influent sewage waters were used to back calculate drug usage at the community level in the main urban areas of the investigated river basin. The most ubiquitous and abundant compounds in the studied aqueous matrices were cocaine, benzoylecgonine, ephedrine and ecstasy. Lysergic compounds, heroin, its metabolite 6-monoacetyl morphine, and Delta(9)-tetradhydrocannabinol were the substances less frequently detected. Overall, total levels of the studied illicit drugs and metabolites observed in surface water (in the low ng/L range) were one and two orders of magnitude lower than those determined in effluent (in the ng/L range) and influent sewage water (microg/L range), respectively. The investigated STPs showed overall removal efficiencies between 45 and 95%. Some compounds, such as cocaine and amphetamine, were very efficiently eliminated (>90%) whereas others, such as ecstasy, methamphetamine, nor-LSD, and THC-COOH where occasionally not eliminated at all. Drug consumption estimates pointed out cocaine as the most abused drug, followed by cannabis, amphetamine, heroin, ecstasy and methamphetamine, which slightly differs from national official estimates (cannabis, followed by cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine and heroin). Extrapolation of the consumption data obtained for the studied area to Spain points out a total annual consumption of drugs of abuse of the order of 36 tonnes, which would translate into 1100million Euros in the black market.

Assessing the global warming potential of wooden products from the furniture sector to improve their ecodesign.

PubMed

González-García, Sara; Gasol, Carles M; Lozano, Raúl García; Moreira, María Teresa; Gabarrell, Xavier; Rieradevall i Pons, Joan; Feijoo, Gumersindo

2011-12-01

The main objective of this study was to determine the global warming potential of several wood products as an environmental criterion for their ecodesign. Two methodologies were combined: the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent CO(2)) of several representative wood based products from the furniture sector and the integration of environmental aspects into product design. The products under assessment were classified in two groups: indoor products and outdoor products, depending on their location. "Indoor products" included a convertible cot/bed, a kitchen cabinet, an office table, a living room furniture, a headboard, youth room accessories and a wine crate, while the "Outdoor products" analysed were a ventilated wooden wall and a wooden playground. Spanish wood processing companies located in Galicia (NW Spain) and Catalonia (NE Spain) were analysed in detail. The life cycle of each product was carried out from a cradle-to-gate perspective according to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, using global warming potential as the selected impact category. According to the results, metals, boards and energy use appeared to be the most contributing elements to the environmental impact of the different products under assessment, with total contributions ranging from 40% to 90%. Furthermore, eco-design strategies were proposed by means of the methodology known as Design for the Environment (DfE). Improvement strategies viable for implementation in the short term were considered and analysed in detail, accounting for remarkable reductions in the equivalent CO(2) emissions (up to 60%). These strategies would be focused on the use of renewable energies such as photovoltaic cells, the promotion of national fibres or changes in the materials used. Other alternatives to be implemented in the long term can be of potential interest for future developments. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Factors controlling spatial distribution patterns of biocrusts in a heterogeneous and topographically complex semiarid area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamizo, Sonia; Rodríguez-Caballero, Emilio; Roncero, Beatriz; Raúl Román, José; Cantón, Yolanda

2016-04-01

Biocrusts are widespread soil components in drylands all over the world. They are known to play key roles in the functioning of these regions by fixing carbon and nitrogen, regulating hydrological processes, and preventing from water and wind erosion, thus reducing the loss of soil resources and increasing soil fertility. The rate and magnitude of services provided by biocrusts greatly depend on their composition and developmental stage. Late-successional biocrusts such as lichens and mosses have higher carbon and nitrogen fixation rates, and confer greater protection against erosion and the loss of sediments and nutrients than early-successional algae and cyanobacteria biocrusts. Knowledge of spatial distribution patterns of different biocrust types and the factors that control their distribution is important to assess ecosystem services provided by biocrusts at large spatial scales and to improve modelling of biogeochemical processes and water and carbon balance in drylands. Some of the factors that condition biocrust cover and composition are incoming solar radiation, terrain attributes, vegetation distribution patterns, microclimatic variables and soil properties such as soil pH, texture, soil organic matter, soil nutrients and gypsum and CaCO3 content. However, the factors that govern biocrust distribution may vary from one site to another depending on site characteristics. In this study, we examined the influence of abiotic attributes on the spatial distribution of biocrust types in a complex heterogeneous badland system (Tabernas, SE Spain) where biocrust cover up to 50% of the soil surface. From the analysis of relationships between terrain attributes and proportional abundance of biocrust types, it was found that topography exerted a main control on the spatial distribution of biocrust types in this area. SW-facing slopes were dominated by physical soil crusts and were practically devoid of vegetation and biocrusts. Biocrusts mainly occupied the pediments and NE-facing slopes. Cyanobacteria biocrusts were predominant in the pediments, probably because of their higher capacity to produce UV-protective pigments such as carotenoids and survive in zones of higher incident solar radiation. Lichen biocrusts showed preference for NE-facing slopes that, despite being less stable than the pediments, were exposed to less insolation and probably maintained moisture availability longer. Moreover, some differences were observed between lichen species. While Diploschistes diacapsis and Squamarina lentigera were widely distributed from gentle to steep NE-facing slopes, Lepraria sp. distribution was restricted to steep N-facing slopes, where shade predominance extended the periods of soil moisture availability.

Alignment relaxation of Ne*(2pi [J = 1]) atoms in He-Ne* glow discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahrim, Cristian; Khadilkar, Vaibhav; Matsukuma, Hiraku; Hasuo, Masahiro

2009-11-01

Alignment relaxation of the Ne*(2p5 3p; 2pi [J = 1]) atoms (where i = 2, 5, 7 or 10) induced by collisions with He atoms in glow discharges at 77 K < T < 1,000 K are reported. Close-coupling many-channel quantum calculations using a model potential for the Ne*(2p5 3p) - He system are compared with measurements of the alignment relaxation using the LIFS technique and the Hanle effect. The addition of the dipole polarization potential of the Ne*(2pi [J = 1]) atoms to the spin-orbit coupling and the electrostatic interaction between Ne* and He atoms leads to good agreement between theory and experiment.

Hantavirus disease (nephropathia epidemica) in Belgium: effects of tree seed production and climate.

PubMed

Tersago, K; Verhagen, R; Servais, A; Heyman, P; Ducoffre, G; Leirs, H

2009-02-01

Recently, human cases of nephropathia epidemica (NE) due to Puumala virus infection in Europe have increased. Following the hypothesis that high reservoir host abundance induces higher transmission rates to humans, explanations for this altered epidemiology must be sought in factors that cause bank vole (Myodes glareolus) abundance peaks. In Western Europe, these abundance peaks are often related to high tree seed production, which is supposedly triggered by specific weather conditions. We evaluated the relationship between tree seed production, climate and NE incidence in Belgium and show that NE epidemics are indeed preceded by abundant tree seed production. Moreover, a direct link between climate and NE incidence is found. High summer and autumn temperatures, 2 years and 1 year respectively before NE occurrence, relate to high NE incidence. This enables early forecasting of NE outbreaks. Since future climate change scenarios predict higher temperatures in Europe, we should regard Puumala virus as an increasing health threat.

Norepinephrine turnover in heart and spleen of 7-, 22-, and 34 C-acclimated hamsters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, S. B.; Musacchia, X. J.

1976-01-01

The relationship of norepinephrine (NE) concentration and endogenous turnover rates in both myocardial and spleen tissues in the golden hamster is examined as a function of chronic exposure to either high or low ambient temperatures. Changes in myocardial and spleen NE turnover values are discussed in terms of functional alterations in sympathetic nerve activity and the importance of such changes in temperature acclimation. It is found that acclimation of hamsters to 7 C for 7-10 weeks results in decreased myocardial NE concentration and an apparent increase in myocardial NE turnover. In contrast, exposure to 34 C for 6-8 weeks results in increased myocardial NE concentration and an apparent decrease in NE turnover in both myocardial and spleen tissues. The implication of altered NE synthesis is that sympathetic nerve activity is reduced with heat acclimation and is enhanced with cold acclimation.

Fluorescent Labeling of the Nuclear Envelope by Localizing Green Fluorescent Protein on the Inner Nuclear Membrane.

PubMed

Taniyama, Toshiyuki; Tsuda, Natsumi; Sueda, Shinji

2018-06-15

The nuclear envelope (NE) is a double membrane that segregates nuclear components from the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. It is well-known that the NE undergoes a breakdown and reformation during mitosis in animal cells. However, the detailed mechanisms of the NE dynamics are not yet fully understood. Here, we propose a method for the fluorescent labeling of the NE in living cells, which enables the tracing of the NE dynamics during cell division under physiological conditions. In our method, labeling of the NE is accomplished by fixing green fluorescent protein carrying the nuclear localization signal on the inner nuclear membrane based on a unique biotinylation reaction from the archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii. With this method, we observed HeLa cells during mitosis by confocal laser scanning microscopy and succeeded in clearly visualizing the difference in the timing of the formation of the NE and the nuclear lamina.

Low-lying dipole modes in 26,28Ne in the quasiparticle relativistic random phase approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Li-Gang; Ma, Zhong-Yu

2005-03-01

The low-lying isovector dipole strengths in the neutron-rich nuclei 26Ne and 28Ne are investigated in the quasiparticle relativistic random phase approximation. Nuclear ground-state properties are calculated in an extended relativistic mean field theory plus Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) method where the contribution of the resonant continuum to pairing correlations is properly treated. Numerical calculations are tested in the case of isovector dipole and isoscalar quadrupole modes in the neutron-rich nucleus 22O. It is found that in the present calculation, low-lying isovector dipole strengths at Ex<10MeV in nuclei 26Ne and 26Ne exhaust about 4.9% and 5.8% of the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn dipole sum rule, respectively. The centroid energy of the low-lying dipole excitation is located at 8.3 MeV in 26Ne and 7.9 MeV in 28Ne.

The Serotonin Transporter Promoter Polymorphism and Childhood Positive and Negative Emotionality

PubMed Central

Hayden, Elizabeth P.; Klein, Daniel N.; Sheikh, Haroon I.; Olino, Thomas M.; Dougherty, Lea R.; Dyson, Margaret W.; Durbin, C. Emily; Singh, Shiva M.

2011-01-01

Association studies of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and negative emotionality (NE) are inconclusive. However, emerging evidence suggests that the association between this polymorphism and NE may be influenced by levels of another temperament trait, positive emotionality (PE). Therefore, this study examined whether the association between the 5-HTTLPR and NE was moderated by PE. A community sample of 413 three-year-old children completed a standardized battery of laboratory tasks designed to tap temperamental emotionality. Children were also genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR. No direct association between 5-HTTLPR genotype and NE was found. However, the interaction of child PE and NE predicted 5-HTTLPR genotype. Furthermore, children with a short allele who were also low in PE had significantly greater NE than children without a short allele or children with high PE. Our findings suggest that the short allele of the 5-HTTLPR is associated with NE only in the context of low PE. Inconsistent links between NE and this gene in previous research may stem from the failure to consider other temperament traits that moderate associations. PMID:21038952

Chitosan films incorporated with nettle (Urtica Dioica L.) extract-loaded nanoliposomes: II. Antioxidant activity and release properties.

PubMed

Almasi, Hadi; Zandi, Mohsen; Beigzadeh, Sara; Haghju, Sara; Mehrnow, Nazila

2016-07-14

Chitosan films were loaded with NE nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extract (NE) at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5%w/w in the free or nanoliposomal form to obtain active and nanoactive films, respectively. The antioxidant potential of the films containing NE-loaded nanoliposomes was decreased in comparison of free NE incorporated films. Diffusion of NE to soybean oil was enough to delay the induction of the oxidation of soybean oil stored for 60 days in contact with chitosan based films. Release studies indicated that the release rate of NE in 95% ethanol simulant significantly decreased by the nanoencapsulation of NE. The diffusion coefficient (D) for chitosan films containing 1.5%w/w of free and encapsulated NE at 25 °C was 18.80 and 3.68 × 10 -7 cm 2  s -1 , respectively. Moreover, the formation of nanoliposomes diminished the increasing effect of temperature on the release rate as when storage temperature increased from 4 °C to 40 °C.

Nutrition Education Resources in North Carolina-Based Head Start Preschool Programs: Administrator and Teacher Perceptions of Availability and Use.

PubMed

Lisson, Sarah; Goodell, L Suzanne; Dev, Dipti; Wilkerson, Kristi; Hegde, Archana V; Stage, Virginia C

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to provide new insight into common barriers to the availability and use of nutrition education (NE) resources in Head Start preschool programs based on administrator and teacher perceptions. In-depth, semistructured phone interviews (n = 63) were conducted with administrators (n = 31) and teachers (n = 32) from North Carolina-based Head Start programs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis to identify common themes. Five emergent themes were identified within the areas of NE resource availability and use and barriers to NE resource availability and use. Participants expressed desire for greater organization of existing NE material resources, increased community support, and professional development opportunities for teachers specific to NE. Funding and time constraints were reported as affecting NE resources. Creative strategies for addressing NE resource availability and use and barriers (eg, NE integration with educational standards) in Head Start are needed. Copyright © 2016 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The 20Ne(d,p) 21Ne Transfer Reaction in Relation to the s-Process Abundances

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nsangu, C. T.; Laird, A. M.; Parikh, A.

2016-01-01

A study of the Ne-20(d,p)Ne-21 transfer reaction was performed using the Quadrupole Dipole Dipole Dipole (Q3D) magnetic spectrograph in Garching, Germany. The experiment probed excitation energies in Ne-21 ranging from 6.9 MeV to 8.5 MeV. The aim was to investigate the spectroscopic information of Ne-21 within the Gamow window of core helium burning in massive stars. Further information in this region will help reduce the uncertainties on the extrapolation down to Gamow window cross sections of the O-17(alpha,gamma)Ne-21 reaction. In low metallicity stars, this reaction has a direct impact on s-process abundances by determining the fate of O-16 as eithermore » a neutron poison or a neutron absorber. The experiment used a 22-MeV deuteron beam, with intensities varying from 0.5-1 mu A, and an implanted target of Ne-20 of 7 mu g/cm(2) in 40 mu g/cm(2) carbon foils. Sixteen Ne-21 peaks have been identified in the E-x = 6.9-8.5 MeV range, of which only thirteen peaks correspond to known states. Only the previously-known E-x = 7.960 MeV state was observed within the Gamow window.« less

Noble Gas-Uranium Coordination and Intersystem Crossing for the CUO(Ne)x(Ng)n (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe) Complexes in Solid Neon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andrews, Lester; Liang, Binyong; Li, Jun

2004-02-15

Atomic uranium excited by laser ablation reacts with CO in excess neon to produce the novel CUO molecule, which forms weak complexes CUO(Ne)m with neon and stronger complexes CUO(Ne)x(Ng)n (Ng = Ar, Kr, Xe) when the heavier noble gas atoms are present. The heavier CUO(Ne)m-1(Ng) complexes are identified through the effects of CO isotopic and Ng substitution on the neon matrix infrared spectra and by comparison to DFT frequency calculations on model complexes CUO(Ng) (Ng = Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe). The U-C and U-O stretching frequencies of CUO(Ne)m-1(Ng) complexes are slightly red shifted from 1047 and 872 cm-1 frequencies formore » the 1Sigma+ CUO ground state neon complex, which identifies singlet ground state CUO(Ne)m-1(Ng) complexes in solid neon. The next singlet CUO(Ne)x(Ng)2 complexes in excess neon follow in like manner. However, stretching modes and the isotopic shifts of the higher CUO(Ne)x(Ng)n complex approach those of the pure argon matrix CUO(Ar)n complex, which characterizes triple t ground state complexes by comparison to DFT frequency calculations.« less

Effect of counseling on nutritional status during pregnancy.

PubMed

Garg, Aashima; Kashyap, Sushma

2006-08-01

To assess the nutritional status and dietary practices among underprivileged pregnant women, identify the lacune, outline implement and assess the effect of nutritional counseling on their dietary intake, anthropometric status and anemia status. Hundred pregnant women belonging to low socio-economic status were interviewed. Based on lacune, nutrition education (NE) was given in the form of simple messages to 50 subjects (NE-group) over 10-16 weeks period, while the remaining 50 formed the comparison group (Non-NE group). Tools used were individual counseling, weekly home visits and group meetings. Anthropometric measurements taken were height and weight. Dietary data was collected using 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire. Hemoglobin estimation was done. Effect of intervention was assessed by monitoring changes in dietary practices, weight gain, and nutritional status of the subjects. Baseline findings--low mean maternal body weight (51.05 +/- 7.26 kg), 96.3% anemia prevalence and severely sub-optimal dietary intakes. Post-NE results revealed a significant increase in quality and quantity of the diets consumed. Mean hemoglobin levels significantly increased (Post-NE vs Non-NE = 9.65 +/- 0.97 vs 7.85 +/- 1.58, p < 0.001) and anemia prevalence reduced (Post-NE vs Non-NE = 78.7% vs 96%) in post-NE group. Individual counseling with weekly reinforcement can bring about improvement in nutritional status during pregnancy.

Growth curves of carcass traits obtained by ultrasonography in three lines of Nellore cattle selected for body weight.

PubMed

Coutinho, C C; Mercadante, M E Z; Jorge, A M; Paz, C C P; El Faro, L; Monteiro, F M

2015-10-30

The effect of selection for postweaning weight was evaluated within the growth curve parameters for both growth and carcass traits. Records of 2404 Nellore animals from three selection lines were analyzed: two selection lines for high postweaning weight, selection (NeS) and traditional (NeT); and a control line (NeC) in which animals were selected for postweaning weight close to the average. Body weight (BW), hip height (HH), rib eye area (REA), back fat thickness (BFT), and rump fat thickness (RFT) were measured and records collected from animals 8 to 20 (males) and 11 to 26 (females) months of age. The parameters A (asymptotic value) and k (growth rate) were estimated using the nonlinear model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System program, which included fixed effect of line (NeS, NeT, and NeC) in the model, with the objective to evaluate differences in the estimated parameters between lines. Selected animals (NeS and NeT) showed higher growth rates than control line animals (NeC) for all traits. Line effect on curves parameters was significant (P < 0.001) for BW, HH, and REA in males, and for BFT and RFT in females. Selection for postweaning weight was effective in altering growth curves, resulting in animals with higher growth potential.

Recent climate trends and multisecular climate variability: temperature and precipitation during the cold season (October-March) in the Ebro Basin (NE of Spain) betrween 1500 and 2008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saz-Sanchez, M.-A.; Cuadrat-Prats, J.-M.

2009-09-01

One of the goals of Paleoclimatology is to assess the importance and the exceptional nature of recent climate trends related to the anthropogenic climate change. Instrumental data enable the analysis of last century's climate, but do not give any information on previous periods' precipitation and temperature, during which there was no anthropic intervention on the climate system. Dendroclimatology is one of the paleoclimatic reconstruction sources giving best results when it comes to reconstructing the climate of the time before instruments could be used. This work presents the reconstructed series of precipitation and temperature of the cold season (October-March) In the central sector of the Ebro Valley (NE of Spain). The chronologies used for the reconstruction come on the one hand from the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB) and on the other hand from the dendrochronological information bank created in the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula within the framework of the Spanish Interministerial Commission for Science and Technology (CICYT) CLI96-1862 project. The climate data used for chronology calibration and the reconstruction of the temperature and precipitation values are those of the instrumental observatory number 9910 (Pallaruelo) belonging to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología or AEMET), located in the central sector of the Ebro Valley. The reconstruction obtained covers the 1500-1990 period. In order to extend the series up to 2008, instrumental information has been used. Thanks to data from a set of AEMET instrumental observatories close to the one used for chronology calibration, a regional series of temperatures as well as a precipitation one were generated. The series reconstructed through dendroclimatic methods and the regional series do not show statistically significant differences in their mean and variance values. R values between both series exceed 0.85. Taking these statistical characteristics into account, with both series "hybrid series” of temperature and precipitation were created, in which the data reconstructed from 1955 on were replaced by those of the regional instrumental series. The resulting series were tested by means of the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test (SNHT) with the aim of assessing their homogeneity; the presence of inhomogeneities around the joining point between both series being undetected. The results stress the exceptional nature of the climate in the central sector of the Ebro Valley during the second half of the 20th century. The 1958-2007 period appears as the warmest since the 16th century, with an average temperature exceeding in 0.42 °C that of the reference 1850-1950 period. The two warmest decades take place from 1980 on. As for precipitations, they show a negative trend since the first third of the 20th century. The 1957-2006 period is the 50-year interval with the lowest average total precipitation, lower in 24.2 % to the reference period precipitation.

Apoptosis leads to a degradation of vital components of active nuclear transport and a dissociation of the nuclear lamina.

PubMed

Kramer, A; Liashkovich, I; Oberleithner, H; Ludwig, S; Mazur, I; Shahin, V

2008-08-12

Apoptosis, a physiologically critical process, is characterized by a destruction of the cell after sequential degradation of key cellular components. Here, we set out to explore the fate of the physiologically indispensable nuclear envelope (NE) in this process. The NE mediates the critical nucleocytoplasmic transport through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). In addition, the NE is involved in gene expression and contributes significantly to the overall structure and mechanical stability of the cell nucleus through the nuclear lamina, which underlies the entire nucleoplasmic face of the NE and thereby interconnects the NPCs, the NE, and the genomic material. Using the nano-imaging and mechanical probing approach atomic force microscopy (AFM) and biochemical methods, we unveiled the fate of the NE during apoptosis. The doomed NE sustains a degradation of both the mediators of the critical selective nucleocytoplasmic transport, namely NPC cytoplasmic filaments and basket, and the nuclear lamina. These observations are paralleled by marked softening and destabilization of the NE and the detection of vesicle-like nuclear fragments. We conclude that destruction of the cell nucleus during apoptosis proceeds in a strategic fashion. Degradation of NPC cytoplasmic filaments and basket shuts down the critical selective nucleocytoplasmic cross-talk. Degradation of the nuclear lamina disrupts the pivotal connection between the NE and the chromatin, breaks up the overall nuclear architecture, and softens the NE, thereby enabling the formation of nuclear fragments at later stages of apoptosis.

The Malleable Nature of the Budding Yeast Nuclear Envelope: Flares, Fusion, and Fenestrations.

PubMed

Meseroll, Rebecca A; Cohen-Fix, Orna

2016-11-01

In eukaryotes, the nuclear envelope (NE) physically separates nuclear components and activities from rest of the cell. The NE also provides rigidity to the nucleus and contributes to chromosome organization. At the same time, the NE is highly dynamic; it must change shape and rearrange its components during development and throughout the cell cycle, and its morphology can be altered in response to mutation and disease. Here we focus on the NE of budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has several unique features: it remains intact throughout the cell cycle, expands symmetrically during interphase, elongates during mitosis and, expands asymmetrically during mitotic delay. Moreover, its NE is safely breached during mating and when large structures, such as nuclear pore complexes and the spindle pole body, are embedded into its double membrane. The budding yeast NE lacks lamins and yet the nucleus is capable of maintaining a spherical shape throughout interphase. Despite these eccentricities, studies of the budding yeast NE have uncovered interesting, and likely conserved, processes that contribute to NE dynamics. In particular, we discuss the processes that drive and enable NE expansion and the dramatic changes in the NE that lead to extensions and fenestrations. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2353-2360, 2016. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

The Yeast Polo Kinase Cdc5 Regulates the Shape of the Mitotic Nucleus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walters, Alison D.; May, Christopher K.; Dauster, Emma S.

Abnormal nuclear size and shape are hallmarks of aging and cancer. However, the mechanisms regulating nuclear morphology and nuclear envelope (NE) expansion are poorly understood. In metazoans, the NE disassembles prior to chromosome segregation and reassembles at the end of mitosis. In budding yeast, the NE remains intact. The nucleus elongates as chromosomes segregate and then divides at the end of mitosis to form two daughter nuclei without NE disassembly. The budding yeast nucleus also undergoes remodeling during a mitotic arrest; the NE continues to expand despite the pause in chromosome segregation, forming a nuclear extension, or "flare," that encompassesmore » the nucleolus. The distinct nucleolar localization of the mitotic flare indicates that the NE is compartmentalized and that there is a mechanism by which NE expansion is confined to the region adjacent to the nucleolus. Here we show that mitotic flare formation is dependent on the yeast polo kinase Cdc5. This function of Cdc5 is independent of its known mitotic roles, including rDNA condensation. High-resolution imaging revealed that following Cdc5 inactivation, nuclei expand isometrically rather than forming a flare, indicating that Cdc5 is needed for NE compartmentalization. Lastly, even in an uninterrupted cell cycle, a small NE expansion occurs adjacent to the nucleolus prior to anaphase in a Cdc5-dependent manner. Our data provide the first evidence that polo kinase, a key regulator of mitosis, plays a role in regulating nuclear morphology and NE expansion.« less

The Yeast Polo Kinase Cdc5 Regulates the Shape of the Mitotic Nucleus

DOE PAGES

Walters, Alison D.; May, Christopher K.; Dauster, Emma S.; ...

2014-11-20

Abnormal nuclear size and shape are hallmarks of aging and cancer. However, the mechanisms regulating nuclear morphology and nuclear envelope (NE) expansion are poorly understood. In metazoans, the NE disassembles prior to chromosome segregation and reassembles at the end of mitosis. In budding yeast, the NE remains intact. The nucleus elongates as chromosomes segregate and then divides at the end of mitosis to form two daughter nuclei without NE disassembly. The budding yeast nucleus also undergoes remodeling during a mitotic arrest; the NE continues to expand despite the pause in chromosome segregation, forming a nuclear extension, or "flare," that encompassesmore » the nucleolus. The distinct nucleolar localization of the mitotic flare indicates that the NE is compartmentalized and that there is a mechanism by which NE expansion is confined to the region adjacent to the nucleolus. Here we show that mitotic flare formation is dependent on the yeast polo kinase Cdc5. This function of Cdc5 is independent of its known mitotic roles, including rDNA condensation. High-resolution imaging revealed that following Cdc5 inactivation, nuclei expand isometrically rather than forming a flare, indicating that Cdc5 is needed for NE compartmentalization. Lastly, even in an uninterrupted cell cycle, a small NE expansion occurs adjacent to the nucleolus prior to anaphase in a Cdc5-dependent manner. Our data provide the first evidence that polo kinase, a key regulator of mitosis, plays a role in regulating nuclear morphology and NE expansion.« less

Monitoring the effective population size of a brown bear (Ursus arctos) population using new single-sample approaches.

PubMed

Skrbinšek, Tomaž; Jelenčič, Maja; Waits, Lisette; Kos, Ivan; Jerina, Klemen; Trontelj, Peter

2012-02-01

The effective population size (N(e) ) could be the ideal parameter for monitoring populations of conservation concern as it conveniently summarizes both the evolutionary potential of the population and its sensitivity to genetic stochasticity. However, tracing its change through time is difficult in natural populations. We applied four new methods for estimating N(e) from a single sample of genotypes to trace temporal change in N(e) for bears in the Northern Dinaric Mountains. We genotyped 510 bears using 20 microsatellite loci and determined their age. The samples were organized into cohorts with regard to the year when the animals were born and yearly samples with age categories for every year when they were alive. We used the Estimator by Parentage Assignment (EPA) to directly estimate both N(e) and generation interval for each yearly sample. For cohorts, we estimated the effective number of breeders (N(b) ) using linkage disequilibrium, sibship assignment and approximate Bayesian computation methods and extrapolated these estimates to N(e) using the generation interval. The N(e) estimate by EPA is 276 (183-350 95% CI), meeting the inbreeding-avoidance criterion of N(e) > 50 but short of the long-term minimum viable population goal of N(e) > 500. The results obtained by the other methods are highly consistent with this result, and all indicate a rapid increase in N(e) probably in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The new single-sample approaches to the estimation of N(e) provide efficient means for including N(e) in monitoring frameworks and will be of great importance for future management and conservation. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of the norepinephrine precursor L-threo-DOPS in primary chronic autonomic failure.

PubMed

Goldstein, David S; Holmes, Courtney; Kaufmann, Horacio; Freeman, Roy

2004-12-01

Oral L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS), a synthetic catechol amino acid, increases standing blood pressure and improves standing ability in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, by conversion of L-DOPS to norepinephrine (NE) outside the brain. This study assessed the pharmacokinetics of L-DOPS, NE, and dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), the main neuronal metabolite of NE, in patients with primary chronic autonomic failure from pure autonomic failure (PAF) or multiple system atrophy (MSA). In 5 MSA and 4 PAF patients, antecubital venous blood was drawn during supine rest and plasma levels of catechols measured at various times for 48 hours after a single oral dose of 400 mg of L-DOPS. Plasma L-DOPS peaked at 1.9 microg/ml (9 micromol/L) about 3 hours after drug administration, followed by a monoexponential decline with a half-time of 2-3 hours in both patient groups. Plasma NE and DHPG also peaked at about 3 hours, but at much lower concentrations (4 and 42 nmol/L). Compared to the MSA group, the PAF group had a smaller calculated volume of distribution of L-DOPS and up to 10-fold lower plasma NE levels at all time points. Plasma NE was above baseline in MSA even at 48 hours after L-DOPS. The relatively long half-time for disappearance of L-DOPS compared to that of NE explains their very different attained plasma concentrations. The similar NE and DHPG responses in PAF and MSA suggests production of NE from LDOPS mainly in non-neuronal cells. Persistent elevation of plasma NE in MSA suggests residual release of NE from sympathetic nerves.

Enzyme-activatable imaging probe reveals enhanced neutrophil elastase activity in tumors following photodynamic therapy

PubMed Central

Modi, Kshitij D.; Foster, Thomas H.

2013-01-01

Abstract. We demonstrate the use of an enzyme-activatable fluorogenic probe, Neutrophil Elastase 680 FAST (NE680), for in vivo imaging of neutrophil elastase (NE) activity in tumors subjected to photodynamic therapy (PDT). NE protease activity was assayed in SCC VII and EMT6 tumors established in C3H and BALB/c mice, respectively. Four nanomoles of NE680 was injected intravenously immediately following PDT irradiation. 5 h following administration of NE680, whole-mouse fluorescence imaging was performed. At this time point, levels of NE680 fluorescence were at least threefold greater in irradiated versus unirradiated SCC VII and EMT6 tumors sensitized with Photofrin. To compare possible photosensitizer-specific differences in therapy-induced elastase activity, EMT6 tumors were also subjected to 2-(1-hexyloxyethyl)-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-a (HPPH)-PDT. NE levels measured in HPPH-PDT-treated tumors were twofold higher than in unirradiated controls. Ex vivo labeling of host cells using fluorophore-conjugated antibodies and confocal imaging were used to visualize Gr1+ cells in Photofrin-PDT-treated EMT6 tumors. These data were compared with recently reported analysis of Gr1+ cell accumulation in EMT6 tumors subjected to HPPH-PDT. The population density of infiltrating Gr1+ cells in treated versus unirradiated drug-only control tumors suggests that the differential in NE680 fold enhancement observed in Photofrin versus HPPH treatment may be attributed to the significantly increased inflammatory response induced by Photofrin-PDT. The in vivo imaging of NE680, which is a fluorescent reporter of NE extracellular release caused by neutrophil activation, demonstrates that PDT results in increased NE levels in treated tumors, and the accumulation of the cleaved probe tracks qualitatively with the intratumor Gr1+ cell population. PMID:23897439

High-Resolution Spectroscopy of [Ne II] Emission from AA Tau and GM Aur

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najita, Joan R.; Doppmann, Greg W.; Bitner, Martin A.; Richter, Matthew J.; Lacy, John H.; Jaffe, Daniel T.; Carr, John S.; Meijerink, Rowin; Blake, Geoffrey A.; Herczeg, Gregory J.; Glassgold, Alfred E.

2009-05-01

We present high-resolution (R = 80,000) spectroscopy of [Ne II] emission from two young stars, GM Aur and AA Tau, which have moderate to high inclinations. The emission from both sources appears centered near the stellar velocity and is broader than the [Ne II] emission measured previously for the face-on disk system TW Hya. These properties are consistent with a disk origin for the [Ne II] emission we detect, with disk rotation (rather than photoevaporation or turbulence in a hot disk atmosphere) playing the dominant role in the origin of the line width. In the non-face-on systems, the [Ne II] emission is narrower than the CO fundamental emission from the same sources. If the widths of both diagnostics are dominated by Keplerian rotation, this suggests that the [Ne II] emission arises from larger disk radii on average than does the CO emission. The equivalent width of the [Ne II] emission we detect is less than that of the spectrally unresolved [Ne II] feature in the Spitzer spectra of the same sources. Variability in the [Ne II] emission or the mid-infrared continuum, a spatially extended [Ne II] component, or a very (spectrally) broad [Ne II] component might account for the difference in the equivalent widths. Based on observations obtained at the Gemini Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under a cooperative agreement with the NSF on behalf of the Gemini partnership: the National Science Foundation (United States), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (United Kingdom), the National Research Council (Canada), CONICYT (Chile), the Australian Research Council (Australia), Ministrio da Cincia e Tecnologia (Brazil), and SECYT (Argentina).

Helium and neon isotopes in the mantle: constraints on the origin of volatiles on Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreira, M. A.

2005-12-01

It is now obvious that the mantle neon is solar-like. The possibility that the origin of this solar flavor is due to incorporation of irradiated parent bodies during accretion (e.g. gas rich meteorites) has been evoked by Trieloff and collaborators. The main argument is the fact there are no precise 20Ne/22Ne measured ratios above 13 in oceanic basalts, whereas the solar wind has a 20Ne/22Ne of 13.8 and the "neon B" neon shows a ratio of 12.6-12.8. The second argument for an irradiated origin is the air-like 38Ar/36Ar in mantle-derived samples (the "neon B" argon is close to air), distinct from the solar argon. Here we present another argument for an irradiated origin of the rare gases in the Earth. The global correlation in oceanic basalts (MORB and OIB) between 4He/3He and 21Ne/22Ne (corrected for air contamination) gives a mixing hyperbolae with a r parameter (r=(3He/22Ne)MORB/(3He/22Ne)PM) close to 10. It is now clear that 3He/22Ne ratio in the MORB source is around 7, giving for the primitive mantle (PM) a 3He/22Ne of 0.7. The solar 3He/22Ne ratio is estimated at 5-6 whereas the gas rich meteorites show a ratio of 0.3. Therefore, the global correlation in oceanic basalts between the helium and neon isotopic ratios suggests that (some) parent bodies of the Earth were gas rich meteorites, irradiated by an energetic solar wind during the planetary accretion.

Detection of neuroendocrine tumors using promoter-specific secreted Gaussia luciferase.

PubMed

Tseng, Alan Wei-Shun; Akerstrom, Victoria; Chen, Chiachen; Breslin, Mary B; Lan, Michael S

2016-01-01

Accurate detection of neuroendocrine (NE) tumors is critically important for better prognosis and treatment outcomes in patients. To demonstrate the efficacy of using an adenoviral vector for the detection of NE tumors, we have constructed a pair of adenoviral vectors which, in combination, can conditionally replicate and release Gaussia luciferase into the circulation after infecting the NE tumors. The expression of these two vectors is regulated upstream by an INSM1-promoter (insulinoma-associated-1) that is specifically active in NE tumors and developing NE tissues, but silenced in normal adult tissues. In order to retain the tumor-specificity of the INSM1 promoter, we have modified the promoter using the core insulator sequence from the chicken β-globin HS4 insulator and the neuronal restrictive silencing element (NRSE). This modified INSM1-promoter can retain NE tumor specificity in an adenoviral construct while driving a mutated adenovirus E1A gene (∆24E1A), the Metridia, or Gaussia luciferase gene. The in vitro cell line and mouse xenograft human tumor studies revealed the NE specificity of the INSM1-promoter in NE lung cancer, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, retinoblastoma, and insulinoma. When we combined the INSM1-promoter driven Gaussia luciferase with ∆24E1A, the co-infected NE tumor secreted higher levels of Gaussia luciferase as compared to the INSM1p-Gaussia virus alone. In a mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, the combination viruses secreted detectable level of Gaussia luciferase after infecting an INSM1-positive NE lung tumor for ≥12 days. Therefore, the INSM1-promoter specific conditional replicating adenovirus represents a sensitive diagnostic tool to aid clinicians in the detection of NE tumors.

Experience with using second life for medical education in a family and community medicine education unit

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The application of new technologies to the education of health professionals is both a challenge and a necessity. Virtual worlds are increasingly being explored as a support for education. Aim: The aim of this work is to study the suitability of Second Life (SL) as an educational tool for primary healthcare professionals. Methods Design: Qualitative study of accredited clinical sessions in SL included in a continuing professional development (CPD) programme for primary healthcare professionals. Location: Zaragoza I Zone Family and Community Medicine Education Unit (EU) and 9 health centres operated by the Aragonese Health Service, Aragon, Spain. Method: The EU held two training workshops in SL for 16 healthcare professionals from 9 health centres by means of two workshops, and requested them to facilitate clinical sessions in SL. Attendance was open to all personnel from the EU and the 9 health centres. After a trail period of clinical sessions held at 5 health centres between May and November 2010, the CPD-accredited clinical sessions were held at 9 health centres between February and April 2011. Participants: 76 healthcare professionals attended the CPD-accredited clinical sessions in SL. Main measurements: Questionnaire on completion of the clinical sessions. Results Response rate: 42-100%. Questionnaire completed by each health centre on completion of the CPD-accredited clinical sessions: Access to SL: 2 centres were unable to gain access. Sound problems: 0% (0/9). Image problems: 0% (0/9). Voice/text chat: used in 100% (10/9); 0 incidents. Questionnaire completed by participants in the CPD-accredited clinical sessions: Preference for SL as a tool: 100% (76/76). Strengths of this method: 74% (56/76) considered it eliminated the need to travel; 68% (52/76) believed it made more effective use of educational resources; and 47% (36/76) considered it improved accessibility. Weaknesses: 91% (69/76) experienced technical problems, while; 9% (7/76) thought it was impersonal and with little interaction. 65.79% (50/76) believed it was better than other distance learning methods and 38.16% (29/76) believed it was better than face-to-face learning. Conclusions SL is a tool that allows educational activities to be designed that involve a number of health centres in different geographical locations, consequently eliminating the need to travel and making more effective use of educational resources. PMID:22587562

Fossils of Prokaryotic Microorganisms in the Orgueil Meteorite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoover, Richard B.

2006-01-01

The Orgueil CII meteorite, which fell in southern France on the evening of May 14, 1864, has been one of the most extensively studied of all known carbonaceous meteorites. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) studies of freshly fractured interior surfaces of the Orgueil meteorite have resulted in the detection of the fossilized remains of a large and diverse population of filamentous prokaryotic microorganisms. The taphonomy and the diverse modes of the preservation of these remains ,are diverse. Some of the remains exhibit carbonization of a hollow sheath and in other cases the remains are permineralized with water-soluble evaporite minerals, such as magnesium sulfate or ammonium salts. After the sample is fractured and the interior surfaces are exposed to the atmospheric moisture, some of these friable remains have been observed to exhibit significant alterations in appearance with time. Images are presented to document the changes that have been observed in some forms within the past two years. Images and EDS spectral data will also be presented to document the studies carried out on abiotic forms to search for possible nonbiological interpretations of the indigenous filamentous microstructures that have been found in the Orgueil meteorite. Images and EDS data will be presented showing the size, size range, morphology and chemical compositions of abiotic microstructures found in native crystalline and fibrous Epsomites from Poison Lake, Washington, USA and Catalayud, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain. Many of these embedded forms are consistent in size and microstructure with cyanobacteria morphotypes. Some of the forms are exhibit known characteristics differentiation of cells, and reproductive structures of filamentous trichomic prokaryotes (bacteria and cyanobacteria) and the degraded remains of microfibrils associated with sheaths of cyanobacteria. In this paper, recently obtained comparative images and EDS data will be presented for the mineralized remains found in the Orgueil meteorite and these forms will be compared with known cyanobacteria of the family Oscillatoriaceae. Many of the indigenous filamentous microstructures found in Orgueil filaments are dramatically different from the abiotic microstructures found in the fibrous epsomites and these forms are interpreted as the molds, casts and the well preserved permineralized remains (microfossils) of filamentous prokaryotes that are embedded in and indigenous to the matrix of the Orgueil CI1 carbonaceous meteorite.

Variability of the planktonic foraminifera community across the Eocene/Oligocene boundary, Fuente Caldera Section, Baetic Ranges (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legarda-Lisarri, A.

2013-12-01

During the Eocene/Oligocene transition, in a massive extinction event that took place about 33.7 million years ago, the current high resolution study analyzes qualitatively and quantitatively the community structure of the planktonic foraminifera that were preserved in the hemipelagic sediments of the Tethys Sea. The sampled section of the Fuente Caldera column, located in the Baetic mountain ranges, spans a register of 396,551.7 years. Based in the identification of 27 species, that belong to 13 genera and 2 families of foraminifera, there have been found three biozones of Gonzalvo Zonation (Gonzalvo, 2002) in the studied stratigraphic interval: Turborotalia cocoaensis and Cribrohantkenina lazzarii Biozones (Rupelian), and Paragloborotalia increbescens (Priabonian). The planktonic foraminifera associations variability patterns are defined by paleoecologic indexes (diversity index, high and low latitude species index and planktonic and benthic foraminifera index), by geochemical proxies: δ18O and δ13C and by 'Q' Mode Factor Analysis. They prove that the deposition environment is outer platform and also, they suggest that the studied area in the Tethys Sea underwent many thermal pulses, during which some species extinct or appear. In the first extinction event the species Turborotalia cocoaensis and Turborotalia cunialensis became extinct. In the second one, Hantkenina alabamensis, Hantkenina brevispina, Cribrohantkenina lazzarii and Pseudohastigerina micra became extinct while a succession occured; Globigerina officinalis, Globoturborotalita anguliofficinalis and Tenuitellinata angustiumbilicata appeared. The cooling event that finished in the Lower Oligocene was the biggest of these pulses, which was extremely abrupt and corresponds to the Oi-1 event that was described by Miller (Miller, 1991). All this evidences that the planktonic foraminifera extinction in the Upper Eocene was a gradual and fast event, what is supported by the Factor Analysis application. Key words: Eocene/Oligocene boundary, Planktonic foraminifera, Paleoecology. References Gonzalvo, C., 2002. Los foraminíferos planctónicos del tránsito Eoceno medio-Oligoceno inferior: Bioestratigrafía, cronoestratigrafía y eventos paleoceanográficos, Tesis Doctoral, Universidad de Zaragoza, 314 pp. Miller, K.G., Wright, J.D., Fairbanks, R.G., 1991. Unlocking the Ice House: Oligocene-Miocene oxygen isotopes, eustasy, and margin erosion. Journal of Geophysical Research 96, 6829-6848.

Effectiveness of topiramate for tobacco dependence in patients with depression; a randomised, controlled trial

PubMed Central

Campayo, Javier García; Sobradiel, Natalia; Alda, Marta; Mas, Adoración; Andrés, Eva; Magallón, Rosa; Crucelaegui, Arantxa; Sanz, Beatriz

2008-01-01

Background Tobacco dependence management is a multi-component intervention that includes pharmacological treatments such as Nicotine Substitution Therapy (NST) or bupropion, and psychological therapy. There are some preliminary reports on topiramate efficacy for tobacco dependence. The aim of this study is to determine whether topiramate is as effective as the standard NST treatment for tobacco cessation at 1-year follow-up in patients with depression. Method/design Design: A randomised, controlled trial involving two groups, one of which is the control group consisting of patients on the standard pharmacological treatment for tobacco cessation (NST) and the other is the intervention group consisting of patients on topiramate as pharmacological treatment. Setting: 29 primary care health centres in the city of Zaragoza, Spain. Sample: 180 patients, aged 18–65 years, diagnosed with major depression, smoke more than 20 cigarettes/day, who have voluntarily asked for tobacco cessation therapy. Intervention: A multi-component programme for tobacco cessation is offered to all of the patients in the study. This programme is made up of pharmacological therapy + group cognitive-behavioural therapy. Pharmacological therapy consists of NST for the control group and topiramate (200 mg/day) for the intervention group. Psychological therapy is made up of 16 sessions of manualised group therapy. Measurements: Cessation will be assessed by patient self-declared abstinence, expired air carbon monoxide levels, and cotinine levels in saliva. Questionnaires on tobacco dependence, anxiety, depression, impulsiveness and self-efficacy will be administered. The interviewers will not know which group the patient belongs to (blind). The assessments will be carried out at baseline, D (cessation day) -1, D+1, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 13, and months 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Main variables: Tobacco cessation rates and tobacco dependence. Analysis: The analysis will be per intent to treat. We will use the general linear models of the SPSS version 15 statistical package, to analyse the effect of the treatment on the result variable (tobacco cessation rate). Discussion It is necessary to develop new and more effective pharmacological treatments for tobacco cessation. This randomised clinical trial will determine whether topiramate is effective for tobacco cessation in patients with depression. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN93532081 PMID:18462502

Experience with using second life for medical education in a family and community medicine education unit.

PubMed

Melús-Palazón, Elena; Bartolomé-Moreno, Cruz; Palacín-Arbués, Juan Carlos; Lafuente-Lafuente, Antonio; García, Inmaculada García; Guillen, Sara; Esteban, Ana B; Clemente, Silvia; Marco, Angeles M; Gargallo, Pilar M; López, Carlos; Magallón-Botaya, Rosa

2012-05-15

The application of new technologies to the education of health professionals is both a challenge and a necessity. Virtual worlds are increasingly being explored as a support for education. The aim of this work is to study the suitability of Second Life (SL) as an educational tool for primary healthcare professionals. Qualitative study of accredited clinical sessions in SL included in a continuing professional development (CPD) programme for primary healthcare professionals. Zaragoza I Zone Family and Community Medicine Education Unit (EU) and 9 health centres operated by the Aragonese Health Service, Aragon, Spain. The EU held two training workshops in SL for 16 healthcare professionals from 9 health centres by means of two workshops, and requested them to facilitate clinical sessions in SL. Attendance was open to all personnel from the EU and the 9 health centres. After a trail period of clinical sessions held at 5 health centres between May and November 2010, the CPD-accredited clinical sessions were held at 9 health centres between February and April 2011. 76 healthcare professionals attended the CPD-accredited clinical sessions in SL. Questionnaire on completion of the clinical sessions. Response rate: 42-100%. Questionnaire completed by each health centre on completion of the CPD-accredited clinical sessions: Access to SL: 2 centres were unable to gain access. Sound problems: 0% (0/9). Image problems: 0% (0/9). Voice/text chat: used in 100% (10/9); 0 incidents. Questionnaire completed by participants in the CPD-accredited clinical sessions: Preference for SL as a tool: 100% (76/76). Strengths of this method: 74% (56/76) considered it eliminated the need to travel; 68% (52/76) believed it made more effective use of educational resources; and 47% (36/76) considered it improved accessibility. Weaknesses: 91% (69/76) experienced technical problems, while; 9% (7/76) thought it was impersonal and with little interaction. 65.79% (50/76) believed it was better than other distance learning methods and 38.16% (29/76) believed it was better than face-to-face learning. SL is a tool that allows educational activities to be designed that involve a number of health centres in different geographical locations, consequently eliminating the need to travel and making more effective use of educational resources.

Understanding and estimating effective population size for practical application in marine species management.

PubMed

Hare, Matthew P; Nunney, Leonard; Schwartz, Michael K; Ruzzante, Daniel E; Burford, Martha; Waples, Robin S; Ruegg, Kristen; Palstra, Friso

2011-06-01

Effective population size (N(e)) determines the strength of genetic drift in a population and has long been recognized as an important parameter for evaluating conservation status and threats to genetic health of populations. Specifically, an estimate of N(e) is crucial to management because it integrates genetic effects with the life history of the species, allowing for predictions of a population's current and future viability. Nevertheless, compared with ecological and demographic parameters, N(e) has had limited influence on species management, beyond its application in very small populations. Recent developments have substantially improved N(e) estimation; however, some obstacles remain for the practical application of N(e) estimates. For example, the need to define the spatial and temporal scale of measurement makes the concept complex and sometimes difficult to interpret. We reviewed approaches to estimation of N(e) over both long-term and contemporary time frames, clarifying their interpretations with respect to local populations and the global metapopulation. We describe multiple experimental factors affecting robustness of contemporary N(e) estimates and suggest that different sampling designs can be combined to compare largely independent measures of N(e) for improved confidence in the result. Large populations with moderate gene flow pose the greatest challenges to robust estimation of contemporary N(e) and require careful consideration of sampling and analysis to minimize estimator bias. We emphasize the practical utility of estimating N(e) by highlighting its relevance to the adaptive potential of a population and describing applications in management of marine populations, where the focus is not always on critically endangered populations. Two cases discussed include the mechanisms generating N(e) estimates many orders of magnitude lower than census N in harvested marine fishes and the predicted reduction in N(e) from hatchery-based population supplementation. ©2011 Society for Conservation Biology.

Fluid consumption, total water intake and first morning urine osmolality in Spanish adolescents from Zaragoza: data from the HELENA study.

PubMed

Iglesia, I; Santaliestra-Pasías, A M; Bel-Serrat, S; Sadalla-Collese, T; Miguel-Berges, M L; Moreno, L A

2016-05-01

The objective of the study is to describe the hydration status and to assess the main food- and/or fluid intake-associated factors in healthy adolescents. A total of 194 adolescents from the city of Zaragoza aged 12.5-17.5 years (99 males) participating in the 'Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence' (HELENA) cross-sectional study were included. First morning urine was collected, and osmolality was determined by freezing point depression osmometer. A self-reported computer-based 24-h dietary recall was applied the same day of the urine collection. Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis procedure or Pearson's χ(2) analyses was used to examine the group associations. Seventy-one percent of adolescents did not meet the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) recommendations for average total water intake (TWI), and 68% had high first morning urine osmolality values. TWI and the proportion of those meeting EFSA reference values significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increased osmolality. Males who met the EFSA recommendations consumed significantly (P<0.05) more plain water (1035.13 vs 582.68 ml) and dairy drinks (368.13 vs 226.68 ml) than those who did not. In females, the consumption of water (1359.41 vs 620.44 ml) and sugar-sweetened beverages (214.61 vs 127.42 ml) was significantly higher in those meeting the EFSA recommendations than in those who did not. First morning urine osmolality was associated with vegetables (unstandardized β: -0.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.02 and -0.18) and fruits intake (β: -0.41; 95% CI: -0.63 and -0.19) in males and with dairy drinks (β: -0.39; 95% CI: -0.76 and -0.02) and fruits (β: -0.41; 95% CI: -0.73 and -0.10) in females. There was a high prevalence of inadequate TWI and high urine osmolality among these Spanish adolescents. Lower urine osmolality was associated with higher consumption of vegetables in males, dairy drinks in females and fruits in both males and females.

A randomized control trial: training program of university students as health promoters

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Several studies have reported the following as determining factors for the adoption of healthy lifestyles among undergraduate students: gender, socioeconomic level, prior lifestyles, environment, parental lifestyles and health status, career choice, and healthy support networks. However, these factors are influenced by students’ knowledge about healthy lifestyles. Methods/design We will carry out a randomized trial in a sample of 280 new undergraduate students at the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Faculty of Higher Studies-Zaragoza (FES-Zaragoza, UNAM). There will be an experimental group (n = 140), comprising 20 students from each of the seven university departments (careers); these students will receive training as university student health promoters through an e-learning course. This course will allow the topics necessary for such promoters to be reviewed. There will be a control group (n = 140), comprising 20 students from each of the seven departments (careers); these students will not undergo the training. Later, the students who comply satisfactorily with the e-learning course will replicate the course to 10 of their classmates. A healthy-lifestyle questionnaire will be given to all the participants, and the parameters established in the self-care card will be recorded before and after the training. The study variables are as follows: (i) independent variable—compliance with the e-learning course; (ii) dependent variables—lifestyles changes prior to the educative intervention (including healthy eating, physical activity, and addiction prevention) and parameters related to health status established in self-care (including weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference). Data will be analyzed using Student’s t test and logistic regression analysis odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The analysis of the open answers will be carried out with ATLAS. ti 5.5 software. Discussion Health promotion among university students should incorporate options that are feasible for and attractive to students. Thus, as proposed in the present protocol, e-learning courses offer excellent possibilities because they allow students to program their learning in their available time without affecting their academic studies. Trial registration http://ISRCTN77787889 PMID:23433061

A randomized control trial: training program of university students as health promoters.

PubMed

Mendoza-Núñez, Víctor Manuel; Mecalco-Herrera, Cecilia; Ortega-Ávila, Cosme; Mecalco-Herrera, Laura; Soto-Espinosa, Juan Luis; Rodríguez-León, Mario Alfredo

2013-02-22

Several studies have reported the following as determining factors for the adoption of healthy lifestyles among undergraduate students: gender, socioeconomic level, prior lifestyles, environment, parental lifestyles and health status, career choice, and healthy support networks. However, these factors are influenced by students' knowledge about healthy lifestyles. We will carry out a randomized trial in a sample of 280 new undergraduate students at the National Autonomous University of Mexico's Faculty of Higher Studies-Zaragoza (FES-Zaragoza, UNAM). There will be an experimental group (n = 140), comprising 20 students from each of the seven university departments (careers); these students will receive training as university student health promoters through an e-learning course. This course will allow the topics necessary for such promoters to be reviewed. There will be a control group (n = 140), comprising 20 students from each of the seven departments (careers); these students will not undergo the training. Later, the students who comply satisfactorily with the e-learning course will replicate the course to 10 of their classmates. A healthy-lifestyle questionnaire will be given to all the participants, and the parameters established in the self-care card will be recorded before and after the training. The study variables are as follows: (i) independent variable-compliance with the e-learning course; (ii) dependent variables-lifestyles changes prior to the educative intervention (including healthy eating, physical activity, and addiction prevention) and parameters related to health status established in self-care (including weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference). Data will be analyzed using Student's t test and logistic regression analysis odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The analysis of the open answers will be carried out with ATLAS. ti 5.5 software. Health promotion among university students should incorporate options that are feasible for and attractive to students. Thus, as proposed in the present protocol, e-learning courses offer excellent possibilities because they allow students to program their learning in their available time without affecting their academic studies. http://ISRCTN77787889.

78 FR 66105 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-04

... the Kingpin Act. Individuals 1. CALLE QUIROS, Luis Santiago, Madrid, Spain; Lima, Peru; DOB 22 Jul 1965; POB Madrid, Spain; citizen Spain; alt. citizen Peru; D.N.I. 01927713-Z (Spain); alt. D.N.I. 10831176-8 (Peru) (individual) [SDNTK] (Linked To: TEXTIMAX SPAIN S.L.; Linked To: CASTIZAL MADRILENA S.L...

Recognition and dynamics of syntectonic sediment routing systems, southern Pyrenees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, P. A.; Duller, R.; Fordyce, S.; Smithells, R.; Springett, J.; Whitchurch, A.; Whittaker, A.; Carter, A.; Fedele, J.-J.

2009-04-01

The erosional, transportational and depositional aspects of the biogeochemical cycles involving particulate sediment and solutes are integrated in sediment routing systems. The component parts of these tectonic-geomorphic systems communicate with each other, especially in response to changes in external forcing mechanisms such as tectonic perturbations and climate change; that is, sediment routing systems are characterized by important teleconnections. We are only just beginning to understand how these teleconnections work, and what it means for the spatial and temporal scales of system behaviour. One strategy for investigating the dynamics of sediment routing systems is to link information on the denudation of upstream source regions with downstream patterns of deposition. This is most likely to be fruitful where upstream catchments are tectonically active. Sediment is released into basins whose long-term subsidence is also controlled by tectonic activity. The spatial distribution of subsidence and the magnitude of the sediment discharge from the catchment are critical factors in the dispersal of sediment of different grain size and composition away from a mountain front. We investigate the coarse clastic sediment routing systems of mid-late Eocene age (40-34 Ma) that were deposited in basins located at the boundary of the Axial Zone and the thrust belt of the South-Central Unit on the southern flank of the Pyrenees, Spain. Most of the fan deposits of interest are found in the Pobla Basin, situated north of Tremp, which benefits from outstanding exposure conditions and rigorous previous work on biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and sedimentology (Mellere 1993; Beamud et al. 2003). Distinct fan depositional systems can be identified and mapped on the basis of their sediment composition, detrital thermochronology, facies and architectures, which can be related to correspondingly distinct catchment properties (size, location, exhumational history, lithologies). Downstream fining of clasts of variable composition in streamflood fanglomerates is interpreted in terms of abrasion, which is minor, and selective deposition, which dominates. The observed downstream trends in different fan systems are used as a test for the selective deposition model of Fedele & Paola (2007). Beamud, E., Garcés, M., Cabrera, L., Munoz, J.A. & Almar, Y., 2003, A new middle to late Eocene continental chronostratigraphy from NE Spain. Earth & Planetary Science Letters, 216, 501-514. Fedele, J.J., & Paola, C., 2007, Similarity solutions for fluvial sediment fining by selective deposition. Journal Geophysical Research-Earth Surface, 112, F02038, doi:10.1029/2005JF000409. Mellere, D., 1993, Thurst-generated, back-fill stacking of alluvial fan sequences, south-central Pyrenees, Spain (la Pobla de Segur Conglomerates). Special Publication International Association Sedimentologists, 20, 259-276.

Norepinephrine and Dopamine as Learning Signals

PubMed Central

Harley, Carolyn W.

2004-01-01

The present review focuses on the hypothesis that norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) act as learning signals. Both NE and DA are broadly distributed in areas concerned with the representation of the world and with the conjunction of sensory inputs and motor outputs. Both are released at times of novelty and uncertainty, providing plausible signal events for updating representations and associations. These catecholamines activate intracellular machinery postulated to serve as a memory-formation cascade. Yet, despite the plausibility of an NE and DA role in vertebrate learning and memory, most evidence that they provide a learning signal is circumstantial. The major weakness of the data available is the lack of a specific description of how the neural circuit modulated by NE or DA participates in the learning being analyzed. Identifying a conditioned stimuli (CS) representation would facilitate the identification of a learning signal role for NE or DA. Describing how the CS representation comes to relate to learned behavior, either through sensory-sensory associations, in which the CS acquires the motivational significance of reward or punishment, thus driving appropriate behavior, or through direct sensory-motor associations is necessary to identify how NE and DA participate in memory creation. As described here, evidence consistent with a direct learning signal role for NE and DA is seen in the changing of sensory circuits in odor preference learning (NE), defensive conditioning (NE), and auditory cortex remodeling in adult rats (DA). Evidence that NE and DA contribute to normal learning through unspecified mechanisms is extensive, but the details of that support role are lacking. PMID:15656268

Development of Curcumin loaded chitosan polymer based nanoemulsion gel: In vitro, ex vivo evaluation and in vivo wound healing studies.

PubMed

Thomas, Lydia; Zakir, Foziyah; Mirza, Mohd Aamir; Anwer, Md Khalid; Ahmad, Farhan Jalees; Iqbal, Zeenat

2017-08-01

In the present study, various nanoemulsions were prepared using Labrafac PG+Triacetin as oil, Tween 80 as a surfactant and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) as a co-surfactant. The developed nanoemulsions (NE1-NE5) were evaluated for physicochemical characterizations and ex-vivo for skin permeation and deposition studies. The highest skin deposition was observed for NE2 with 46.07% deposition amongst all developed nanoemulsions (NE1-NE5). Optimized nanoemulsion (NE2) had vesicle size of 84.032±0.023nm, viscosity 78.23±22.2 cps, refractive index 1.404. Nanoemulsion gel were developed by incorporation of optimized nanoemulsion (NE2) into 1-3% chitosan and characterized by physical evaluation and rheological studies. Chitosan gel (2%) was found to be suitable for gelation of nanoemulsion based on its consistency, feel and ease of spreadability. The flux of nanoemulsion gel was found 68.88μg/cm 2 /h as compared to NE2 (76.05μg/cm 2 /h) is significantly lower suggesting limited skin permeation of curcumin form gel. However, the retained amount of curcumin on skin by gel formulation (980.75±88μg) is significantly higher than NE2 (771.25±67μg). Enhanced skin permeation of NE2 (46.07%) was observed when compared to nanoemulsion gel (31.25%) and plain gel (11.47%). The outcome of this study evidently points out the potential of curcumin entrapped nanoemulsion gel in wound healing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Norepinephrine ignites local hotspots of neuronal excitation: How arousal amplifies selectivity in perception and memory.

PubMed

Mather, Mara; Clewett, David; Sakaki, Michiko; Harley, Carolyn W

2016-01-01

Emotional arousal enhances perception and memory of high-priority information but impairs processing of other information. Here, we propose that, under arousal, local glutamate levels signal the current strength of a representation and interact with norepinephrine (NE) to enhance high priority representations and out-compete or suppress lower priority representations. In our "glutamate amplifies noradrenergic effects" (GANE) model, high glutamate at the site of prioritized representations increases local NE release from the locus coeruleus (LC) to generate "NE hotspots." At these NE hotspots, local glutamate and NE release are mutually enhancing and amplify activation of prioritized representations. In contrast, arousal-induced LC activity inhibits less active representations via two mechanisms: 1) Where there are hotspots, lateral inhibition is amplified; 2) Where no hotspots emerge, NE levels are only high enough to activate low-threshold inhibitory adrenoreceptors. Thus, LC activation promotes a few hotspots of excitation in the context of widespread suppression, enhancing high priority representations while suppressing the rest. Hotspots also help synchronize oscillations across neural ensembles transmitting high-priority information. Furthermore, brain structures that detect stimulus priority interact with phasic NE release to preferentially route such information through large-scale functional brain networks. A surge of NE before, during, or after encoding enhances synaptic plasticity at NE hotspots, triggering local protein synthesis processes that enhance selective memory consolidation. Together, these noradrenergic mechanisms promote selective attention and memory under arousal. GANE not only reconciles apparently contradictory findings in the emotion-cognition literature but also extends previous influential theories of LC neuromodulation by proposing specific mechanisms for how LC-NE activity increases neural gain.

Xiao Yao San Improves Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Chronic Immobilization Stress through Modulation of Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine System.

PubMed

Ding, Xiu-Fang; Zhao, Xiao-Hua; Tao, Yang; Zhong, Wei-Chao; Fan, Qin; Diao, Jian-Xin; Liu, Yuan-Liang; Chen, Yu-Yao; Chen, Jia-Xu; Lv, Zhi-Ping

2014-01-01

Most research focuses on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPGA) axis systems of abnormalities of emotions and behaviors induced by stress, while no studies of Chinese herbal medicine such as Xiao Yao San (XYS) on the mechanisms of locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system have been reported. Therefore, experiments were carried out to observe mechanism of LC-NE system in response to chronic immobilization stress (CIS) and explore the antidepressant effect of XYS. Rat model was established by CIS. LC morphology in rat was conducted. The serum norepinephrine (NE) concentrations and NE biosynthesis such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), and corticotrophin-releasing-factor (CRF) in LC were determined. Results showed that there were no discernible alterations in LC in rats. The serum NE concentrations, positive neurons, mean optical density (MOD), and protein levels of TH, DBH, and CRF in model group were significantly increased compared to the control group. But XYS-treated group displayed a significantly decreased in NE levels and expressions of TH, DBH, and CRF compared to the model group. In conclusion, CIS can activate LC-NE system to release NE and then result in a significant decrease in rats. XYS treatment can effectively improve depressive-like behaviors in rats through inhibition of LC-NE neurons activity.

The in vitro maintenance of clock genes expression within the rat pineal gland under standard and norepinephrine-synchronized stimulation.

PubMed

Andrade-Silva, Jéssica; Cipolla-Neto, José; Peliciari-Garcia, Rodrigo A

2014-01-01

Although the norepinephrine (NE) synchronization protocol was proved to be an important procedure for further modulating in vitro pineal melatonin synthesis, the maintenance of clock genes under the same conditions remained to be investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the maintenance of the clock genes expression in pineal gland cultures under standard and NE-synchronized stimulation. The glands were separated into three experimental groups: Control, Standard (acute NE-stimulation), and NE-synchronized. The expression of Bmal1, Per2, Cry2, Rev-erbα, the clock controlled gene Dbp and Arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase were investigated, as well as melatonin content. No oscillations were observed in the expression of the investigated genes from the control group. Under Standard NE stimulation, the clock genes did not exhibit a rhythmic pattern of expression. However, in the NE-synchronized condition, a rhythmic expression pattern was observed in all cases. An enhancement in pineal gland responsiveness to NE stimulation, reflected in an advanced synthesis of melatonin was also observed. Our results reinforce our previous hypothesis that NE synchronization of pineal gland culture mimics the natural rhythmic release of NE in the gland, increasing melatonin synthesis and keeping the pineal circadian clock synchronized, ensuring the fine adjustments that are relied in the clockwork machinery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.

Xiao Yao San Improves Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Chronic Immobilization Stress through Modulation of Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine System

PubMed Central

Ding, Xiu-Fang; Zhao, Xiao-Hua; Tao, Yang; Zhong, Wei-Chao; Fan, Qin; Diao, Jian-Xin; Liu, Yuan-Liang; Chen, Yu-Yao; Chen, Jia-Xu; Lv, Zhi-Ping

2014-01-01

Most research focuses on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, and hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPGA) axis systems of abnormalities of emotions and behaviors induced by stress, while no studies of Chinese herbal medicine such as Xiao Yao San (XYS) on the mechanisms of locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system have been reported. Therefore, experiments were carried out to observe mechanism of LC-NE system in response to chronic immobilization stress (CIS) and explore the antidepressant effect of XYS. Rat model was established by CIS. LC morphology in rat was conducted. The serum norepinephrine (NE) concentrations and NE biosynthesis such as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH), and corticotrophin-releasing-factor (CRF) in LC were determined. Results showed that there were no discernible alterations in LC in rats. The serum NE concentrations, positive neurons, mean optical density (MOD), and protein levels of TH, DBH, and CRF in model group were significantly increased compared to the control group. But XYS-treated group displayed a significantly decreased in NE levels and expressions of TH, DBH, and CRF compared to the model group. In conclusion, CIS can activate LC-NE system to release NE and then result in a significant decrease in rats. XYS treatment can effectively improve depressive-like behaviors in rats through inhibition of LC-NE neurons activity. PMID:25610478

Ozone sensitivity in hybrid poplar correlates with insensitivity to both salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. The role of programmed cell death in lesion formation.

PubMed

Koch, J R; Creelman, R A; Eshita, S M; Seskar, M; Mullet, J E; Davis, K R

2000-06-01

Our earlier studies demonstrated that the ozone-sensitive hybrid poplar clone NE-388 displays an attenuated level of ozone-, wound-, and phytopathogen-induced defense gene expression. To determine if this reduced gene activation involves signal transduction pathways dependent on salicylic acid (SA) and/or jasmonic acid (JA), we compared the responses of NE-388 and an ozone-tolerant clone, NE-245, to these signal molecules. JA levels increased in both clones in response to ozone, but only minimal increases in SA levels were measured for either clone. Treatment with SA and methyl jasmonate induced defense gene expression only in NE-245, indicating that NE-388 is insensitive to these signal molecules. DNA fragmentation, an indicator of programmed cell death (PCD), was detected in NE-245 treated with either ozone or an avirulent phytopathogen, but was not detected in NE-388. We conclude that these clones undergo two distinct mechanisms of ozone-induced lesion formation. In NE-388, lesions appear to be due to toxic cell death resulting from a limited ability to perceive and subsequently activate SA- and/or JA-mediated antioxidant defense responses. In NE-245, SA-dependent PCD precedes lesion formation via a process related to the PCD pathway activated by phytopathogenic bacteria. These results support the hypothesis that ozone triggers a hypersensitive response.

Ozone Sensitivity in Hybrid Poplar Correlates with Insensitivity to Both Salicylic Acid and Jasmonic Acid. The Role of Programmed Cell Death in Lesion Formation1

PubMed Central

Koch, Jennifer Riehl; Creelman, Robert A.; Eshita, Steven M.; Seskar, Mirjana; Mullet, John E.; Davis, Keith R.

2000-01-01

Our earlier studies demonstrated that the ozone-sensitive hybrid poplar clone NE-388 displays an attenuated level of ozone-, wound-, and phytopathogen-induced defense gene expression. To determine if this reduced gene activation involves signal transduction pathways dependent on salicylic acid (SA) and/or jasmonic acid (JA), we compared the responses of NE-388 and an ozone-tolerant clone, NE-245, to these signal molecules. JA levels increased in both clones in response to ozone, but only minimal increases in SA levels were measured for either clone. Treatment with SA and methyl jasmonate induced defense gene expression only in NE-245, indicating that NE-388 is insensitive to these signal molecules. DNA fragmentation, an indicator of programmed cell death (PCD), was detected in NE-245 treated with either ozone or an avirulent phytopathogen, but was not detected in NE-388. We conclude that these clones undergo two distinct mechanisms of ozone-induced lesion formation. In NE-388, lesions appear to be due to toxic cell death resulting from a limited ability to perceive and subsequently activate SA- and/or JA-mediated antioxidant defense responses. In NE-245, SA-dependent PCD precedes lesion formation via a process related to the PCD pathway activated by phytopathogenic bacteria. These results support the hypothesis that ozone triggers a hypersensitive response. PMID:10859179

On the origin of shape fluctuations of the cell nucleus.

PubMed

Chu, Fang-Yi; Haley, Shannon C; Zidovska, Alexandra

2017-09-26

The nuclear envelope (NE) presents a physical boundary between the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm, sandwiched in between two highly active systems inside the cell: cytoskeleton and chromatin. NE defines the shape and size of the cell nucleus, which increases during the cell cycle, accommodating for chromosome decondensation followed by genome duplication. In this work, we study nuclear shape fluctuations at short time scales of seconds in human cells. Using spinning disk confocal microscopy, we observe fast fluctuations of the NE, visualized by fluorescently labeled lamin A, and of the chromatin globule surface (CGS) underneath the NE, visualized by fluorescently labeled histone H2B. Our findings reveal that fluctuation amplitudes of both CGS and NE monotonously decrease during the cell cycle, serving as a reliable cell cycle stage indicator. Remarkably, we find that, while CGS and NE typically fluctuate in phase, they do exhibit localized regions of out-of-phase motion, which lead to separation of NE and CGS. To explore the mechanism behind these shape fluctuations, we use biochemical perturbations. We find the shape fluctuations of CGS and NE to be both thermally and actively driven, the latter caused by forces from chromatin and cytoskeleton. Such undulations might affect gene regulation as well as contribute to the anomalously high rates of nuclear transport by, e.g., stirring of molecules next to NE, or increasing flux of molecules through the nuclear pores.

Differential susceptibility effects: the interaction of negative emotionality and sibling relationship quality on childhood internalizing problems and social skills.

PubMed

Morgan, Judith K; Shaw, Daniel S; Olino, Thomas M

2012-08-01

Whereas socialization influences in early childhood have been linked to children's emerging internalizing problems and prosocial behavior, relatively few studies have examined how NE might moderate such associations in both advantageous and maladaptive ways. Furthermore, more research is needed to evaluate the impact of sibling relationships as an influential socialization influence on these child outcomes. In the current study we examined how NE might differentially moderate the associations between quality of relationships with siblings and both internalizing problems and social skills at school entry. NE moderated the effects of positive and destructive sibling relationship quality on child internalizing problems. Specifically, for boys high on NE, more positive sibling relationship quality predicted fewer internalizing problems, but more destructive sibling conflict predicted more internalizing problems. NE also moderated the effects of destructive sibling conflict on child social skills. For boys high on NE, destructive sibling conflict predicted fewer social skills. Boys high on NE appear to show greater susceptibility to the effects of sibling socialization on child outcomes, relative to boys low on NE. The implications of these interactions are discussed with respect to differential susceptibility theory.

Antibacterial activity of neem nanoemulsion and its toxicity assessment on human lymphocytes in vitro

PubMed Central

Jerobin, Jayakumar; Makwana, Pooja; Suresh Kumar, RS; Sundaramoorthy, Rajiv; Mukherjee, Amitava; Chandrasekaran, Natarajan

2015-01-01

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is recognized as a medicinal plant well known for its antibacterial, antimalarial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Neem nanoemulsion (NE) (O/W) is formulated using neem oil, Tween 20, and water by high-energy ultrasonication. The formulated neem NE showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogen Vibrio vulnificus by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. Despite the use of neem NE in various biomedical applications, the toxicity studies on human cells are still lacking. The neem NE showed a decrease in cellular viability in human lymphocytes after 24 hours of exposure. The neem NE at lower concentration (0.7–1 mg/mL) is found to be nontoxic while it is toxic at higher concentrations (1.2–2 mg/mL). The oxidative stress induced by the neem NE is evidenced by the depletion of catalase, SOD, and GSH levels in human lymphocytes. Neem NE showed a significant increase in DNA damage when compared to control in human lymphocytes (P<0.05). The NE is an effective antibacterial agent against the bacterial pathogen V. vulnificus, and it was found to be nontoxic at lower concentrations to human lymphocytes. PMID:26491309

Antibacterial activity of neem nanoemulsion and its toxicity assessment on human lymphocytes in vitro.

PubMed

Jerobin, Jayakumar; Makwana, Pooja; Suresh Kumar, R S; Sundaramoorthy, Rajiv; Mukherjee, Amitava; Chandrasekaran, Natarajan

2015-01-01

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is recognized as a medicinal plant well known for its antibacterial, antimalarial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Neem nanoemulsion (NE) (O/W) is formulated using neem oil, Tween 20, and water by high-energy ultrasonication. The formulated neem NE showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogen Vibrio vulnificus by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. Despite the use of neem NE in various biomedical applications, the toxicity studies on human cells are still lacking. The neem NE showed a decrease in cellular viability in human lymphocytes after 24 hours of exposure. The neem NE at lower concentration (0.7-1 mg/mL) is found to be nontoxic while it is toxic at higher concentrations (1.2-2 mg/mL). The oxidative stress induced by the neem NE is evidenced by the depletion of catalase, SOD, and GSH levels in human lymphocytes. Neem NE showed a significant increase in DNA damage when compared to control in human lymphocytes (P<0.05). The NE is an effective antibacterial agent against the bacterial pathogen V. vulnificus, and it was found to be nontoxic at lower concentrations to human lymphocytes.

Nanoemulsion of ethanolic extracts of propolis and its antioxidant activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauludin, R.; Primaviri, D. S.; Fidrianny, I.

2015-09-01

Propolis contains several antioxidant compounds which can be used in topical application to protect skin against free radical and prevent skin cancer and skin aging. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) provided the greatest antioxidant activity but has very small solubility in water thus was prepared in nanoemulsion (NE). EEP contains steroid/triterpenoid, flavonoid, and saponin. EEP had the value of DPPH scavenging activity 61.14% and IC50 0.41629 ppm. The best NE formulation consisted of 26.25% Kolliphor RH40; 8.75% glycerin; 5% rice bran oil; and 3% EEP. NE was transparent, had particle size of 23.72 nm and polydispersity index of 0.338. Based on TEM morphology, NE was almost spherical and has particle size below 50 nm. NE propolis revealed to be physically stable after stability test within 63 days at 25°C and passed 6 cycles of Freeze and Thaw test without separated. NE propolis reduced around 58% of free radical DPPH similar to antioxidant activity of the original extracts. Antioxidant activity of NE propolis is relatively stable after stored for 6 weeks. NE propolis was proven to be safe by primary irritation test with the value of primary irritation index (OECD) was 0.

A New Giant Stellar Structure in the Outer Halo of M31

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zucker, Daniel B.; Kniazev, Alexei Y.; Bell, Eric F.; Martínez-Delgado, David; Grebel, Eva K.; Rix, Hans-Walter; Rockosi, Constance M.; Holtzman, Jon A.; Walterbos, Rene A. M.; Ivezić, Željko; Brinkmann, J.; Brewington, Howard; Harvanek, Michael; Kleinman, S. J.; Krzesinski, Jurek; Lamb, Don Q.; Long, Dan; Newman, Peter R.; Nitta, Atsuko; Snedden, Stephanie A.

2004-09-01

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey has revealed an overdensity of luminous red giant stars ~3° (40 projected kpc) to the northeast of M31, which we have called Andromeda NE. The line-of-sight distance to Andromeda NE is within ~50 kpc of M31; Andromeda NE is not a physically unrelated projection. Andromeda NE has a g-band absolute magnitude of ~-11.6 and a central surface brightness of ~29 mag arcsec-2, making it nearly 2 orders of magnitude more diffuse than any known Local Group dwarf galaxy at that luminosity. Based on its distance and morphology, Andromeda NE is likely undergoing tidal disruption. Andromeda NE's red giant branch color is unlike that of M31's present-day outer disk or the stellar stream reported by Ibata et al., arguing against a direct link between Andromeda NE and these structures. However, Andromeda NE has a red giant branch color similar to that of the G1 clump; it is possible that these structures are both material torn off of M31's disk in the distant past or that these are both part of one ancient stellar stream.

Differential Susceptibility Effects: The Interaction of Negative Emotionality and Sibling Relationship Quality on Childhood Internalizing Problems and Social Skills

PubMed Central

Shaw, Daniel S.; Olino, Thomas M.

2012-01-01

Whereas socialization influences in early childhood have been linked to children’s emerging internalizing problems and prosocial behavior, relatively few studies have examined how NE might moderate such associations in both advantageous and maladaptive ways. Furthermore, more research is needed to evaluate the impact of sibling relationships as an influential socialization influence on these child outcomes. In the current study we examined how NE might differentially moderate the associations between quality of relationships with siblings and both internalizing problems and social skills at school entry. NE moderated the effects of positive and destructive sibling relationship quality on child internalizing problems. Specifically, for boys high on NE, more positive sibling relationship quality predicted fewer internalizing problems, but more destructive sibling conflict predicted more internalizing problems. NE also moderated the effects of destructive sibling conflict on child social skills. For boys high on NE, destructive sibling conflict predicted fewer social skills. Boys high on NE appear to show greater susceptibility to the effects of sibling socialization on child outcomes, relative to boys low on NE. The implications of these interactions are discussed with respect to differential susceptibility theory. PMID:22366882

Analysis of trace impurities in neon by a customized gas chromatography.

PubMed

Yin, Min Kyo; Lim, Jeong Sik; Moon, Dong Min; Lee, Gae Ho; Lee, Jeongsoon

2016-09-09

Excimer lasers, widely used in the semiconductor industry, are crucial for analyzing the purity of premix laser gases for the purpose of controlling stable laser output power. In this study, we designed a system for analyzing impurities in pure neon (Ne) base gas by customized GC. Impurities in pure neon (H2 and He), which cannot be analyzed at the sub-μmol/mol level using commercial GC detectors, were analyzed by a customized pulsed-discharge Ne ionization detector (PDNeD) and a pressurized injection thermal conductivity detector using Ne as the carrier gas (Pres. Inj. Ne-TCD). From the results, trace species in Ne were identified with the following detection limits: H2, 0.378μmol/mol; O2, 0.119μmol/mol; CH4, 0.880μmol/mol; CO, 0.263μmol/mol; CO2, 0.162μmol/mol (PDNeD); and He, 0.190μmol/mol (Pres. Inj. Ne-TCD). This PDNeD and pressurized injection Ne-TCD technique thus developed permit the quantification of trace impurities present in high-purity Ne. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

KM3NeT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jong, M. de; Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden; Collaboration: KM3NeT Collaboration

2015-07-15

KM3NeT is a large research infrastructure, that will consist of a network of deep-sea neutrino telescopes in the Mediterranean Sea. The main objective of KM3NeT is the discovery and subsequent observation of high-energy neutrino sources in the Universe. A further physics perspective is the measurement of the mass hierarchy of neutrinos. A corresponding study, ORCA, is ongoing within KM3NeT. A cost effective technology for (very) large water Cherenkov detectors has been developed based on a new generation of low price 3-inch photo-multiplier tubes. Following the successful deployment and operation of two prototypes, the construction of the KM3NeT research infrastructure hasmore » started. The prospects of the different phases of the implementation of KM3NeT are summarised.« less

KM3NeT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Jong, M.

2015-07-01

KM3NeT is a large research infrastructure, that will consist of a network of deep-sea neutrino telescopes in the Mediterranean Sea. The main objective of KM3NeT is the discovery and subsequent observation of high-energy neutrino sources in the Universe. A further physics perspective is the measurement of the mass hierarchy of neutrinos. A corresponding study, ORCA, is ongoing within KM3NeT. A cost effective technology for (very) large water Cherenkov detectors has been developed based on a new generation of low price 3-inch photo-multiplier tubes. Following the successful deployment and operation of two prototypes, the construction of the KM3NeT research infrastructure has started. The prospects of the different phases of the implementation of KM3NeT are summarised.

Neutron unbound states in 28 Ne and 25 F

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, J. K.; Baumann, T.; Brown, B. A.

2012-11-01

Unbound states in Ne-28 and F-25 were populated in the reaction of a 102 MeV/nucleon Na-29 beam on a beryllium target. The measured decay energy of 32(22) keV in the Ne-27+n system corresponds to an unbound excited state in Ne-28 at 3.86(11) MeV. This is the first measured unbound state of Ne-28. The decay energy of the F-24+n system was measured as 300(170) keV. This places the second measured unbound state of F-25 at 4.66(17) MeV.

Specific memory impairment following neonatal encephalopathy in term-born children.

PubMed

van Handel, Mariëlle; de Sonneville, Leo; de Vries, Linda S; Jongmans, Marian J; Swaab, Hanna

2012-01-01

This study examines short-term memory, verbal working memory, episodic long-term memory, and intelligence in 32 children with mild neonatal encephalopathy (NE), 39 children with moderate NE, 10 children with NE who developed cerebral palsy (CP), and 53 comparison children, at the age of 9 to 10 years. in addition to a global effect on intelligence, NE had a specific effect on verbal working memory, verbal and visuo-spatial long-term memory, and learning, which was associated with degree of NE. Although these memory problems occurred in children without CP, they were more pronounced when children had also developed CP.

Underwater acoustic positioning system for the SMO and KM3NeT - Italia projects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viola, S.; Barbagallo, G.; Cacopardo, G.

In the underwater neutrino telescopes, the positions of the Cherenkov light sensors and their movements must be known with an accuracy of few tens of centimetres. In this work, the activities of the SMO and KM3NeT-Italia teams for the development of an acoustic positioning system for KM3NeT-Italia project are presented. The KM3NeT-Italia project foresees the construction, within two years, of 8 towers in the view of the several km{sup 3}-scale neutrino telescope KM3NeT.

Stellar reaction rate for {sup 22}Mg+p->{sup 23}Al from the asymptotic normalization coefficient in the mirror nuclear system {sup 22}Ne+n->{sup 23}Ne

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Al-Abdullah, T.; Physics Department, Hashemite University, Zarqa 13115; Carstoiu, F.

2010-03-15

The production of {sup 22}Na in ONe novae can be influenced by the {sup 22}Mg(p,gamma){sup 23}Al reaction. To investigate this reaction rate at stellar energies, we have determined the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) for {sup 22}Mg+p->{sup 23}Al through measurements of the ANCs in the mirror nuclear system {sup 22}Ne+n->{sup 23}Ne. The peripheral neutron-transfer reactions {sup 13}C({sup 12}C,{sup 13}C){sup 12}C and {sup 13}C({sup 22}Ne,{sup 23}Ne){sup 12}C were studied. The identical entrance and exit channels of the first reaction make it possible to extract independently the ground-state ANC in {sup 13}C. Our experiment gives C{sub p{sub 1/2}}{sup 2}({sup 13}C)=2.24+-0.11 fm{sup -1}, whichmore » agrees with the value obtained from several previous measurements. The weighted average for all the obtained C{sub p{sub 1/2}}{sup 2} is 2.31+-0.08 fm{sup -1}. This value is adopted to be used in obtaining the ANCs in {sup 23}Ne. The differential cross sections for the reaction {sup 13}C({sup 22}Ne,{sup 23}Ne){sup 12}C leading to the J{sup {pi}}=5/2{sup +} and 1/2{sup +} states in {sup 23}Ne have been measured at 12 MeV/u. Optical model parameters for use in the DWBA calculations were obtained from measurements of the elastic scatterings {sup 22}Ne+{sup 13}C and {sup 22}Ne+{sup 12}C. The extracted ANC for the ground state in {sup 23}Ne, C{sub d{sub 5/2}}{sup 2}=0.86+-0.08+-0.12 fm{sup -1}, is converted to its corresponding value in {sup 23}Al using mirror symmetry to give C{sub d{sub 5/2}}{sup 2}({sup 23}Al)=(4.63+-0.77)x10{sup 3} fm{sup -1}. The astrophysical S factor S(0) for the {sup 22}Mg(p,gamma) reaction was determined to be 0.96+-0.11 keV b. The consequences for nuclear astrophysics are discussed.« less

A role for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in norepinephrine-induced long-lasting potentiation in the dentate gyrus.

PubMed

Stanton, P K; Mody, I; Heinemann, U

1989-01-01

Mechanisms of action of norepinephrine (NE) on dentate gyrus granule cells were studied in rat hippocampal slices using extra- and intracellular recordings and measurements of stimulus and amino acid-induced changes in extracellular Ca2+ and K+ concentration. Bath application of NE (10-50 microM) induced long-lasting potentiation of perforant path evoked potentials, and markedly enhanced high-frequency stimulus-induced Ca2+ influx and K+ efflux, actions blocked by beta-receptor antagonists and mimicked by beta agonists. Enhanced Ca2+ influx was primarily postsynaptic, since presynaptic delta [Ca2+]o in the stratum moleculare synaptic field was not altered by NE. Interestingly, the potentiation of both ionic fluxes and evoked population potentials were antagonized by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV). Furthermore, NE selectively enhanced the delta [Ca2+]o delta [K+]o and extracellular slow negative field potentials elicited by iontophoretically applied NMDA, but not those induced by the excitatory amino acid quisqualate. These results suggest that granule cell influx of Ca2+ through NMDA ionophores is enhanced by NE via beta-receptor activation. In intracellular recordings, NE depolarized granule cells (4.8 +/- 1.1 mV), and increased input resistance (RN) by 34 +/- 6.5%. These actions were also blocked by either the beta-antagonist propranolol or specific beta 1-blocker metoprolol. Moreover, the depolarization and RN increase persisted for long periods (93 +/- 12 min) after NE washout. In contrast, while NE, in the presence of APV, still depolarized granule cells and increased RN, APV made these actions quickly reversible upon NE washout (16 +/- 9 min). This suggested that NE induction of long-term, but not short-term, plasticity in the dentate gyrus requires NMDA receptor activation. NE may be enhancing granule cell firing by some combination of blockade on the late Ca2+-activated K+ conductance and depolarization of granule cells, both actions that can bring granule cells into a voltage range where NMDA receptors are more easily activated. Furthermore, NE also elicited activity-independent long-lasting depolarization and RN increases, which required functional NMDA receptors to persist.

The fate and origin of the nuclear envelope during and after mitosis in Amoeba proteus. I. Synthesis and behavior of phospholipids of the nuclear envelope during the cell life cycle

PubMed Central

1975-01-01

The synthesis and behavior of Amoeba proteus nuclear envelope (NE) phospholipids were studied. Most NE phospholipid synthesis occurs during G2 and little during mitosis or S. (A. proteus has no G1 phase). Autoradiographic observations after implantation of [3-H] choline nuclei into unlabeled cells reveal little turnover of NE phospholipid during interphase but during mitosis all the label is dispersed through the cytoplasm. Beginning at telophase all the label is dispersed through the cytoplasm. Beginning at telophase all the NE phospholipid label returns to the daughter NEs. This observation, along with the finding that no NE phospholipid synthesis occurs during mitosis or S, indicates that no de novo NE phospholipid production is required for newly forming NEs. Similarlyemetine, at concentrations that inhibit 97 percent of protein synthesis, does not prevent the post mitotic formation of NEs, suggesting that previously manufactured proteins are used in making new NEs. If a nucleus containing labeled NE phospholipids is transplanted into an unlabeled nucleate cell and the cell is allowed to grow and divide, the resultant four nuclei are equally labeled. This finding supports, but does not prove (see next paragraph), the conclusion that there probably is no continuity of the A. proteus NE during mitosis. When a phospholipid-labeled nucleus is implanted into a cell in mitosis, the grafted nucleus is not induced to enter mitosis. There is, however, a marked increase in the turnover of that nucleus's NE phospholipids with no apparent breakdown of the NE; this indicated that the mitotic cytoplasm possesses a factor that stimulates NE phospholipid exchange with the cytoplasm. That enhanced turnover is not accompanied by visible structural alteration makes less certain the earlier conclusion that no NE continuity exists during mitosis. Perhaps the most important finding in this study is that there are present, at restricted times in the cell cycle, factors capable of inducing accelerated exchange of structural components without microscopically detectable disruptions of structure. PMID:805790

Dynamics of gas phase Ne{sup *} + NH{sub 3} and Ne{sup *} + ND{sub 3} Penning ionisation at low temperatures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jankunas, Justin; Bertsche, Benjamin; Osterwalder, Andreas, E-mail: andreas.osterwalder@epfl.ch

2014-06-28

Two isotopic chemical reactions, Ne{sup *} + NH{sub 3}, and Ne{sup *} + ND{sub 3}, have been studied at low collision energies by means of a merged beams technique. Partial cross sections have been recorded for the two reactive channels, namely, Ne{sup *} + NH{sub 3} → Ne + NH{sub 3}{sup +} + e{sup −}, and Ne{sup *} + NH{sub 3} → Ne + NH{sub 2}{sup +}+ H + e{sup −}, by detecting the NH{sub 3}{sup +} and NH{sub 2}{sup +} product ions, respectively. The cross sections for both reactions were found to increase with decreasing collision energy, E{sub coll},more » in the range 8 μeV < E{sub coll} < 20 meV. The measured rate constant exhibits a curvature in a log(k)-log(E{sub coll}) plot from which it is concluded that the Langevin capture model does not properly describe the Ne{sup *} + NH{sub 3} reaction in the entire range of collision energies covered here. Calculations based on multichannel quantum defect theory were performed to reproduce and interpret the experimental results. Good agreement was obtained by including long range van der Waals interactions combined with a 6-12 Lennard-Jones potential. The branching ratio between the two reactive channels, Γ=([NH{sub 2}{sup +}])/([NH{sub 2}{sup +}]+[NH{sub 3}{sup +}]) , is relatively constant, Γ ≈ 0.3, in the entire collision energy range studied here. Possible reasons for this observation are discussed and rationalized in terms of relative time scales of the reactant approach and the molecular rotation. Isotopic differences between the Ne{sup *} + NH{sub 3} and Ne{sup *} + ND{sub 3} reactions are small, as suggested by nearly equal branching ratios and cross sections for the two reactions.« less

MAP kinase-independent signaling in angiotensin II regulation of neuromodulation in SHR neurons.

PubMed

Yang, H; Raizada, M K

1998-09-01

Angiotensin II (Ang II), via its interaction with the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor subtype, causes enhanced stimulation of norepinephrine (NE) neuromodulation. This involves increased transcription of NE transporter, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine ss-hydroxylase genes in Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) brain neurons. AT1 receptor-mediated regulation of certain signaling events (such as activation of the Ras-Raf-1-mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway, nuclear translocation of transcription factors such as Fos and Jun, and the interactions of these factors with AP-1 binding sites) is involved in this NE neuromodulation (Lu et al. J Cell Biol. 1996;135:1609-1617). The aim of this study was to compare the signal transduction mechanism of Ang II regulation of NE neuromodulation in WKY and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) brain neurons, in view of the fact that AT1 receptor expression and Ang II stimulation of NE neuromodulation are higher in SHR neurons compared with WKY neurons. Despite this hyperactivity, Ang II stimulation of Ras, Raf-1, and MAP kinase activities was comparable between the neurons from WKY and SHR. Similarly, central injections of Ang II caused a comparable stimulation of MAP kinase in the hypothalamic and brain stem areas of adult WKY and SHR. Inhibition of MAP kinase by either an MAP kinase kinase inhibitor (PD98059) or an MAP kinase antisense oligonucleotide completely attenuated the stimulatory effects of Ang II on [3H]-NE uptake, NE transporter mRNA, and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels in WKY neurons. These treatments resulted in only 43% to 50% inhibition of [3H]-NE uptake and NE transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNAs in SHR neurons. Thus, Ang II stimulation of NE neuromodulation was completely blocked by MAP kinase inhibition in WKY neurons and only partially blocked in the SHR neurons. These observations suggest the presence of an additional signal transduction pathway involved in NE neuromodulation in SHR neurons that is independent of the MAP kinase pathway.

New approaches to evaluate sympathoadrenal system activity in experiments on Earth and in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kvetnansky, R.; Noskov, V. B.; Blazicek, P.; Macho, L.; Grigoriev, A. I.; Goldstein, D. S.; Kopin, I. J.

In previous studies the activity of the sympathoadrenal system (SAS) in cosmonauts during space flights was evaluated by measuring plasma catecholamines (CA) levels and urinary CA and their metabolites concentrations. Plasma CA levels are accepted indicators of SAS activity, however, they are determined by the plasma clearances as well as the rates of CA release (spillover-SO) into the bloodstream. Nowadays methods are available which evaluate not only plasma levels of CA but also their release, spillover, uptake, reuptake, degradation and also CA synthesis in vivo measured by plasma levels of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). Plasma concentrations of DOPA, the CA noradrenaline (NE), adrenaline (ADR), and dopamine (DA), the deaminated catechol metabolites dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and the O-methylated metabolites methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were measured during immobilization stress (IMO) in conscious rats. Radiotracer methods were used to measure NE SO. IMO markedly increased arterial NE levels but NE SO was less elevated bacause the NE clearance was slightly reduced in IMO rats. Simultaneous measurements of plasma CA and their metabolites provide another means to obtain information about SAS function. For instance, dissociation between changes of plasma DHPG and NE levels can indicate changes in neuronal reuptake of NE. We found marked parallel increases in plasma NE and DHPG levels during acute IMO; however after repeated IMO, plasma NE levels were increased but DHPG responses were less pronounced suggesting a reduced NE reuptake. DOPA, the CA precursor, circulates in plasma at a concentration higher than NE. During stress, increased sympathoneural outflow stimulates DOPA synthesis and release into the circulation supporting the view that changes in plasma DOPA levels during stress reflect in vivo changes in the rate of CA synthesis. We propose to measure the new plasma indicators of SAS activity in cosmonauts and/or in animals before, during and after space flights.

Origin of Ne emission line of very luminous soft X-ray transient MAXI J0158–744

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohtani, Yukari; Morii, Mikio; Shigeyama, Toshikazu

2014-06-01

We investigate the mechanism that reproduced notable spectral features at the ignition phase of the nova explosion observed for a super-Eddington X-ray transient source MAXI J0158–744 in the Small Magellanic Cloud. These features include a strong Ne IX emission line at 0.92 keV with large equivalent widths of 0.32{sub −0.11}{sup +0.21} keV and the absence of the Ne X line at 1.02 keV. In this paper, we calculate the radiative transfer using a Monte Carlo code, taking into account the line blanketing effect due to transitions of N, O, Ne, Mg, and Al ions in an accelerating wind emanating frommore » a white dwarf with a structure based on a spherically symmetric stationary model. We found that the strong Ne IX line can be reproduced if the mass fraction of Ne is enhanced to 10{sup –3} or more and if that of O is reduced to ∼5 × 10{sup –9} or less and that the absence of other lines, including Ne X ions at higher energies, can be also reproduced by the line blanketing effect. This enhancement of the Ne mass fraction indicates that the ejecta are enriched by Ne dredged up from the surface of the white dwarf composed of O, Ne, and Mg rather than C and O, as already pointed out in previous work. We argue that the CNO cycle driving this nova explosion converted most of C and O into N and thus reduced the O mass fraction.« less

Identification of Novel Pathogenicity Loci in Clostridium perfringens Strains That Cause Avian Necrotic Enteritis

PubMed Central

Parreira, Valeria R.; Marri, Pradeep R.; Rosey, Everett L.; Gong, Joshua; Songer, J. Glenn; Vedantam, Gayatri; Prescott, John F.

2010-01-01

Type A Clostridium perfringens causes poultry necrotic enteritis (NE), an enteric disease of considerable economic importance, yet can also exist as a member of the normal intestinal microbiota. A recently discovered pore-forming toxin, NetB, is associated with pathogenesis in most, but not all, NE isolates. This finding suggested that NE-causing strains may possess other virulence gene(s) not present in commensal type A isolates. We used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies to generate draft genome sequences of seven unrelated C. perfringens poultry NE isolates and one isolate from a healthy bird, and identified additional novel NE-associated genes by comparison with nine publicly available reference genomes. Thirty-one open reading frames (ORFs) were unique to all NE strains and formed the basis for three highly conserved NE-associated loci that we designated NELoc-1 (42 kb), NELoc-2 (11.2 kb) and NELoc-3 (5.6 kb). The largest locus, NELoc-1, consisted of netB and 36 additional genes, including those predicted to encode two leukocidins, an internalin-like protein and a ricin-domain protein. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern blotting revealed that the NE strains each carried 2 to 5 large plasmids, and that NELoc-1 and -3 were localized on distinct plasmids of sizes ∼85 and ∼70 kb, respectively. Sequencing of the regions flanking these loci revealed similarity to previously characterized conjugative plasmids of C. perfringens. These results provide significant insight into the pathogenetic basis of poultry NE and are the first to demonstrate that netB resides in a large, plasmid-encoded locus. Our findings strongly suggest that poultry NE is caused by several novel virulence factors, whose genes are clustered on discrete pathogenicity loci, some of which are plasmid-borne. PMID:20532244

Identification of novel pathogenicity loci in Clostridium perfringens strains that cause avian necrotic enteritis.

PubMed

Lepp, Dion; Roxas, Bryan; Parreira, Valeria R; Marri, Pradeep R; Rosey, Everett L; Gong, Joshua; Songer, J Glenn; Vedantam, Gayatri; Prescott, John F

2010-05-24

Type A Clostridium perfringens causes poultry necrotic enteritis (NE), an enteric disease of considerable economic importance, yet can also exist as a member of the normal intestinal microbiota. A recently discovered pore-forming toxin, NetB, is associated with pathogenesis in most, but not all, NE isolates. This finding suggested that NE-causing strains may possess other virulence gene(s) not present in commensal type A isolates. We used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies to generate draft genome sequences of seven unrelated C. perfringens poultry NE isolates and one isolate from a healthy bird, and identified additional novel NE-associated genes by comparison with nine publicly available reference genomes. Thirty-one open reading frames (ORFs) were unique to all NE strains and formed the basis for three highly conserved NE-associated loci that we designated NELoc-1 (42 kb), NELoc-2 (11.2 kb) and NELoc-3 (5.6 kb). The largest locus, NELoc-1, consisted of netB and 36 additional genes, including those predicted to encode two leukocidins, an internalin-like protein and a ricin-domain protein. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern blotting revealed that the NE strains each carried 2 to 5 large plasmids, and that NELoc-1 and -3 were localized on distinct plasmids of sizes approximately 85 and approximately 70 kb, respectively. Sequencing of the regions flanking these loci revealed similarity to previously characterized conjugative plasmids of C. perfringens. These results provide significant insight into the pathogenetic basis of poultry NE and are the first to demonstrate that netB resides in a large, plasmid-encoded locus. Our findings strongly suggest that poultry NE is caused by several novel virulence factors, whose genes are clustered on discrete pathogenicity loci, some of which are plasmid-borne.

High-Latitude Topside Ionospheric Vertical Electron-Density-Profile Changes in Response to Large Magnetic Storms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, Robert F.; Fainberg, Joseph; Osherovich, Vladimir A.; Truhlik, Vladimir; Wang, Yongli; Bilitza, Dieter; Fung, Shing F.

2015-01-01

Large magnetic-storm induced changes have been detected in high-latitude topside vertical electron-density profiles Ne(h). The investigation was based on the large database of topside Ne(h) profiles and digital topside ionograms from the International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies (ISIS) program available from the NASA Space Physics Data Facility (SPDF) at http://spdf.gsfc.nasa.gov/isis/isis-status.html. This large database enabled Ne(h) profiles to be obtained when an ISIS satellite passed through nearly the same region of space before, during, and after a major magnetic storm. A major goal was to relate the magnetic-storm induced high-latitude Ne(h) profile changes to solar-wind parameters. Thus an additional data constraint was to consider only storms where solar-wind data were available from the NASA/SPDF OMNIWeb database. Ten large magnetic storms (with Dst less than -100 nT) were identified that satisfied both the Ne(h) profile and the solar-wind data constraints. During five of these storms topside ionospheric Ne(h) profiles were available in the high-latitude northern hemisphere and during the other five storms similar ionospheric data were available in the southern hemisphere. Large Ne(h) changes were observed during each one of these storms. Our concentration in this paper is on the northern hemisphere. The data coverage was best for the northern-hemisphere winter. Here Ne(h) profile enhancements were always observed when the magnetic local time (MLT) was between 00 and 03 and Ne(h) profile depletions were always observed between 08 and 10 MLT. The observed Ne(h) deviations were compared with solar-wind parameters, with appropriate time shifts, for four storms.

Methodologies on estimating the energy requirements for maintenance and determining the net energy contents of feed ingredients in swine: a review of recent work.

PubMed

Li, Zhongchao; Liu, Hu; Li, Yakui; Lv, Zhiqian; Liu, Ling; Lai, Changhua; Wang, Junjun; Wang, Fenglai; Li, Defa; Zhang, Shuai

2018-01-01

In the past two decades, a considerable amount of research has focused on the determination of the digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) contents of feed ingredients fed to swine. Compared with the DE and ME systems, the net energy (NE) system is assumed to be the most accurate estimate of the energy actually available to the animal. However, published data pertaining to the measured NE content of ingredients fed to growing pigs are limited. Therefore, the Feed Data Group at the Ministry of Agricultural Feed Industry Centre (MAFIC) located at China Agricultural University has evaluated the NE content of many ingredients using indirect calorimetry. The present review summarizes the NE research works conducted at MAFIC and compares these results with those from other research groups on methodological aspect. These research projects mainly focus on estimating the energy requirements for maintenance and its impact on the determination, prediction, and validation of the NE content of several ingredients fed to swine. The estimation of maintenance energy is affected by methodology, growth stage, and previous feeding level. The fasting heat production method and the curvilinear regression method were used in MAFIC to estimate the NE requirement for maintenance. The NE contents of different feedstuffs were determined using indirect calorimetry through standard experimental procedure in MAFIC. Previously generated NE equations can also be used to predict NE in situations where calorimeters are not available. Although popular, the caloric efficiency is not a generally accepted method to validate the energy content of individual feedstuffs. In the future, more accurate and dynamic NE prediction equations aiming at specific ingredients should be established, and more practical validation approaches need to be developed.

Beam production of 18Ne with in-flight method for alpha scattering at CRIB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duy, N. N.; Chae, K. Y.; Cha, S. M.; Yamaguchi, H.; Abe, K.; Bae, S. H.; Binh, D. N.; Choi, S. H.; Hahn, K. I.; Hayakawa, S.; Hong, B.; Iwasa, N.; Kahl, D.; Khiem, L. H.; Kim, A.; Kim, D. H.; Kim, E. J.; Kim, G. W.; Kim, M. J.; Kwak, K.; Kwag, M. S.; Lee, E. J.; Lim, S. I.; Moon, B.; Moon, J. Y.; Park, S. Y.; Phong, V. H.; Shimizu, H.; Yang, L.; Ge, Z.; Hao, T. V. Nhan

2018-07-01

We conducted a measurement of 18Ne + α scattering in inverse kinematics, in order to search for experimental evidence of α-cluster structure in 22Mg above the alpha threshold (Ethr = 8 . 14 MeV) and determine the astrophysical rates of the 18Ne(α, p)21Na reaction under the conditions of break-out from the Hot-CNO cycle. A high intensity 18Ne beam at 2.54 AMeV was successfully produced at CRIB (CNS Radioactive Ion Beam separator) of the Center for Nuclear Study, the University of Tokyo. This paper presents the in-flight production of the radioactive 18Ne beam by using the production reaction 3He(16O, 18Ne)n with a windowed cryogenic gas target, which was employed in the mentioned resonant α-scattering experiment.

Life-history traits and effective population size in species with overlapping generations revisited: the importance of adult mortality.

PubMed

Waples, R S

2016-10-01

The relationship between life-history traits and the key eco-evolutionary parameters effective population size (Ne) and Ne/N is revisited for iteroparous species with overlapping generations, with a focus on the annual rate of adult mortality (d). Analytical methods based on populations with arbitrarily long adult lifespans are used to evaluate the influence of d on Ne, Ne/N and the factors that determine these parameters: adult abundance (N), generation length (T), age at maturity (α), the ratio of variance to mean reproductive success in one season by individuals of the same age (φ) and lifetime variance in reproductive success of individuals in a cohort (Vk•). Although the resulting estimators of N, T and Vk• are upwardly biased for species with short adult lifespans, the estimate of Ne/N is largely unbiased because biases in T are compensated for by biases in Vk• and N. For the first time, the contrasting effects of T and Vk• on Ne and Ne/N are jointly considered with respect to d and φ. A simple function of d and α based on the assumption of constant vital rates is shown to be a robust predictor (R(2)=0.78) of Ne/N in an empirical data set of life tables for 63 animal and plant species with diverse life histories. Results presented here should provide important context for interpreting the surge of genetically based estimates of Ne that has been fueled by the genomics revolution.

In vitro study of the effects of ultrasound-mediated glycerol on optical attenuation of human normal and cancerous esophageal tissues with optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. Q.; Wei, H. J.; Yang, H. Q.; Guo, Z. Y.; Xie, S. S.; Gu, H. M.; Guo, X.; Zhu, Z. G.

2013-06-01

Previous studies from our group have demonstrated that glucose solution can induce optical clearing enhancement of esophageal tissues with optical coherence tomography (OCT). The aims of this study were to evaluate the optical clearing effects of ultrasound-mediated optical clearing agents (OCAs) and to find more effective methods to distinguish human normal esophageal tissues (NE) and cancerous esophageal tissues (CE). Here we used the OCT technique to investigate the optical attenuation of NE and CE in vitro after treatment with 30% glycerol alone and glycerol combined with ultrasound, respectively. Experimental results showed that the averaged attenuation coefficient of CE was significantly larger than that of NE. The maximal decreases of averaged attenuation coefficients of NE and CE were approximately 48.7% and 36.2% after treatment with 30% glycerol alone, and they were significantly lower than those treated with 30% glycerol and ultrasound (57.5% in NE and 44.8% in CE). Moreover, after treatment with 30% glycerol alone, the averaged attenuation coefficients of NE and CE reached their minima in about 80 min and 65 min, respectively. The times were much shorter in NE and CE after treatment with glycerol with ultrasound, being about 62 min and 50 min, respectively. The results suggest that there is a significant difference in the optical properties of NE and CE, and that OCT with an ultrasound-OCAs combination has the ability to distinguish CE from NE.

Increased release of norepinephrine and dopamine from canine kidney during bilateral carotid occlusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bradley, T.; Hjemdahl, P.; DiBona, G.F.

1987-02-01

The renal overflow of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) to plasma from the innervated kidney was studied at rest and during sympathetic nervous system activation by bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCO) in vagotomized dogs under barbiturate or barbiturate/nitrous oxide anesthesia. BCO elevated arterial pressure and the arterial plasma concentration of NE, DA, and epinephrine (Epi). Renal vascular resistance (renal arterial pressure kept constant) increased by 15 +/- 7% and the net renal venous outflows (renal veno-arterial concentration difference x renal plasma flow) of NE and DA were enhanced. To obtain more correct estimates of the renal contribution to the renalmore » venous catecholamine outflow, they corrected for the renal extraction of arterial catecholamines, assessed as the extractions of (/sup 3/H)NE, (/sup 3/H)DA, or endogenous Epi. The (/sup 3/H)NE corrected renal NE overflow to plasma increased from 144 +/- 40 to 243 +/- 64 pmol-min/sup -1/ during BCO, which, when compared with a previous study of the (/sup 3/H)NE corrected renal NE overflow to plasma evoked by electrical renal nerve stimulation, corresponds to a 40% increase in nerve impulse frequency from approx. 0.6 Hz. If the renal catecholamine extraction was not taken into account the effect of BCO was underestimated. The renal DA overflow to plasma was about one-fifth of the NE overflow both at rest and during BCO, indicating that there was no preferential activation of noradrenergic or putative dopaminergic nerves by BCO.« less

Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Vitamin E-Enriched Nanoemulsion Vehicles Loaded with Genistein for Chemoprevention Against UVB-Induced Skin Damage.

PubMed

Brownlow, Bill; Nagaraj, Vinay J; Nayel, Amy; Joshi, Megha; Elbayoumi, Tamer

2015-10-01

There is a great need for effective protection against cutaneous pathologies arising from chronic exposure to harmful solar UVB radiations. A promising pharmaceutical strategy to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic/preventative natural compounds (e.g., soy isoflavone Genistein, Gen) is to enhance their dermal delivery using nanoemulsion (NE) formulations. This report investigates the development of nanoemulsified tocotrienol(T3)-rich fraction of red palm oil (Tocomin®), to yield an optimal NE delivery system for dermal photoprotection (z-average size <150 nm, ζ-potential ≈ -30 mV, polydispersity index < 0.25). Physicochemical characterization and photostability studies indicate NE formulations utilizing surfactant mixture (Smix) of Solutol® HS-15 (SHS15) blended with vitamin E TPGS (TPGS) as cosurfactant was significantly superior to formulations that utilized Lutrol® F68 (LF68) as the cosurfactant. A ratio of 60:40 of SHS15-TPGS-NE was further identified as lead Tocomin® NE topical platform using in vitro pharmaceutical skin reactivity studies that assess cutaneous irritancy and cytotoxicity. Prototype Tocomin® NE loaded with the antiphotocarcinogenic molecule Gen (Gen-Tocomin® NE) showed slow-release profile in both liquid and cream forms. Gen-Tocomin® NE also showed excellent biocompatibility, and provided substantial UVB protection to cultured subcutaneous L929 fibroblasts, indicating the great potential of our Tocomin® NE warranting further prototype development as topical pharmaceutical platform for skin photoprotection applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

BACKWARD ANGLE STRUCTURE IN THE 20Ne+28Si QUASIELASTIC SCATTERING

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sgouros, O.; Soukeras, V.; Pakou, A.; Patronis, N.; Zerva, K.; Keeley, N.; Strojek, I.; Trzcińska, A.; Piasecki, E.; Rusek, K.; Stiliaris, E.; Mazzocco, M.

2013-10-01

New data for the quasielastic scattering of 20Ne from a 28Si target at incident energies of 42.5 MeV and 52.3 MeV and for the 28Si(20Ne, 24Mg)24Mg, 28Si(20Ne, 16O)32S and 28Si(20Ne, 12C)36Ar transfer reactions at 52.3 MeV are reported. Oscillations are observed in the backward angle quasielastic scattering data at 52.3 MeV and the 28Si(20Ne, 12C)36Ar transfer cross-sections are of the same magnitude as those for single-α stripping. Coupled reaction channels (CRC) calculations are unable to describe either the quasielastic or the 28Si(20Ne, 12C)36Ar transfer data assuming a sequential α transfer process with α-particle form factors from the literature. The addition of direct 8Be cluster transfer can provide a reasonable description of both data sets, but only with much larger spectroscopic factors than suggested by simple structure calculations or the large 8Be emission thresholds of 20Ne, 28Si and 36Ar, suggesting that the observed structure is of resonance-like origin. An optical model analysis of the quasielastic scattering data is also reported.

Studies of X-ray burst reactions with radioactive ion beams from RESOLUT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackmon, J. C.; Wiedenhöver, I.; Belarge, J.; Kuvin, S. A.; Anastasiou, M.; Baby, L. T.; Baker, J.; Colbert, K.; Deibel, C. M.; de Lucio, O.; Gardiner, H. E.; Gay, D. L.; Good, E.; Höflich, P.; Hood, A. A. D.; Keely, N.; Lai, J.; Laminack, A.; Linhardt, L. E.; Lighthall, J.; Macon, K. T.; Need, E.; Quails, N.; Rasco, B. C.; Rijal, N.; Volya, A.

2018-01-01

Reactions on certain proton-rich, radioactive nuclei have been shown to have a significant influence on X-ray bursts. We provide an overview of two recent measurements of important X-ray burst reactions using in-flight radioactive ion beams from the RESOLUT facility at the J. D. Fox Superconducting Accelerator Laboratory at Florida State University. The 17F(d,n)18Ne reaction was measured, and Asymptotic Normalization Coefficients were extracted for bound states in 18Ne that determine the direct-capture cross section dominating the 17F(p,γ)18Ne reaction rate for T≲ 0.45 GK. Unbound resonant states were also studied, and the single-particle strength for the 4.523-MeV (3+) state was found to be consistent with previous results. The 19Ne(d,n)20Na proton transfer reaction was used to study resonances in the 19Ne(p,γ)20Na reaction. The most important 2.65-MeV state in 20Na was observed to decay by proton emission to both the ground and first-excited states in 19Ne, providing strong evidence for a 3+ spin assignment and indicating that proton capture on the thermally-populated first-excited state in 19Ne is an important contributor to the 19Ne(p,γ)20Na reaction rate.

Subjective stressors in school and their relation to neuroenhancement: a behavioral perspective on students’ everyday life “doping”

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The use of psychoactive substances to neuroenhance cognitive performance is prevalent. Neuroenhancement (NE) in everyday life and doping in sport might rest on similar attitudinal representations, and both behaviors can be theoretically modeled by comparable means-to-end relations (substance-performance). A behavioral (not substance-based) definition of NE is proposed, with assumed functionality as its core component. It is empirically tested whether different NE variants (lifestyle drug, prescription drug, and illicit substance) can be regressed to school stressors. Findings Participants were 519 students (25.8 ± 8.4 years old, 73.1% female). Logistic regressions indicate that a modified doping attitude scale can predict all three NE variants. Multiple NE substance abuse was frequent. Overwhelming demands in school were associated with lifestyle and prescription drug NE. Conclusions Researchers should be sensitive for probable structural similarities between enhancement in everyday life and sport and systematically explore where findings from one domain can be adapted for the other. Policy makers should be aware that students might misperceive NE as an acceptable means of coping with stress in school, and help to form societal sensitivity for the topic of NE among our younger ones in general. PMID:23777577

Increasing Relationship Between Negative Emotionality and Conduct Problems During Childhood: A Cross-Sectional Behavioral Genetic Analysis.

PubMed

Hur, Yoon-Mi; Hwang, Sunyung; Chung, Un-Sun

2015-12-01

Age difference in the etiology of the relationship between childhood negative emotionality (NE) and conduct problems (CP) has not been previously investigated. Mothers of 662 pairs of twins completed questions on the emotionality (NE) scale of the EAS temperament survey and the CP scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) via a telephone interview. Twin data were analyzed separately in younger (ages 3 to 7 years; mostly pre-schoolers) and older children (ages 8 to 13 years; mostly elementary school children). The phenotypic correlation between NE and CP increased from 0.33 among younger twins to 0.43 among older twins. Bivariate model-fitting analysis was performed to determine age difference in the etiology of the relationship between NE and CP. Among younger twins, the correlation between NE and CP was entirely explained by additive genetic factors common to NE and CP. Among older children, however, a small but significant amount of unique environmental correlation emerged to account for about 47% of the phenotypic correlation between NE and CP. The remaining 53% of the phenotypic correlation was due to shared additive genetic factors. We speculate that environmental factors associated with school adjustment may exert influences on the relationship between NE and CP among elementary school children.

Analysis of ISO NE Balancing Requirements: Uncertainty-based Secure Ranges for ISO New England Dynamic Inerchange Adjustments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Etingov, Pavel V.; Makarov, Yuri V.; Wu, Di

The document describes detailed uncertainty quantification (UQ) methodology developed by PNNL to estimate secure ranges of potential dynamic intra-hour interchange adjustments in the ISO-NE system and provides description of the dynamic interchange adjustment (DINA) tool developed under the same contract. The overall system ramping up and down capability, spinning reserve requirements, interchange schedules, load variations and uncertainties from various sources that are relevant to the ISO-NE system are incorporated into the methodology and the tool. The DINA tool has been tested by PNNL and ISO-NE staff engineers using ISO-NE data.

75 FR 29653 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; Beatrice, NE

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-27

... Beatrice, NE. Decommissioning of the Shaw non-directional beacon (NDB) at Beatrice Municipal Airport... airspace for the Beatrice, NE area. Decommissioning of the Shaw NDB and cancellation of the NDB approach at...

78 FR 55731 - Notice of Service Delivery Area Designation for the Wilton Rancheria

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-11

..., Pottawattomie, IA, Sarpy, NE, Stanton, NE, Wayne, NE, Woodbury, IA. Port Gamble Indian Community of the Kitsap, WA. Port Gamble Reservation, Washington. Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation, Jackson, KS. Kansas...

Severe Weather Guide - Mediterranean Ports. 9. Villefranche

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

NSTL, MS 39529-5000 10 SOURCE QF CUNDING NUMBERS PROGRAM ELEMENT NO PROJECT NO TASK NO. WORK UNIT ACCESSION NO DN656794 11 TITLE...AUGUSTA BAY, ITALY 5 CAGLIARI, ITALY 6 LA MADDALENA, ITALY 7 MARSEILLE, FRANCE 8 TOULON, FRANCE 9 VILLEFRANCHE, FRANCE 10 MALAGA, SPAIN 11 NICE... FRANCE 12 CANNES, FRANCE 13 MONACO 14 ASHDOD, ISRAEL 15 HAIFA, ISRAEL BARCELONA, SPAIN PALMA, SPAIN IBIZA, SPAIN POLLENSA BAY, SPAIN VALENCIA

Yeast silencing factor Sir4 and a subset of nucleoporins form a complex distinct from nuclear pore complexes.

PubMed

Lapetina, Diego L; Ptak, Christopher; Roesner, Ulyss K; Wozniak, Richard W

2017-10-02

Interactions occurring at the nuclear envelope (NE)-chromatin interface influence both NE structure and chromatin organization. Insights into the functions of NE-chromatin interactions have come from the study of yeast subtelomeric chromatin and its association with the NE, including the identification of various proteins necessary for tethering subtelomeric chromatin to the NE and the silencing of resident genes. Here we show that four of these proteins-the silencing factor Sir4, NE-associated Esc1, the SUMO E3 ligase Siz2, and the nuclear pore complex (NPC) protein Nup170-physically and functionally interact with one another and a subset of NPC components (nucleoporins or Nups). Importantly, this group of Nups is largely restricted to members of the inner and outer NPC rings, but it lacks numerous others including cytoplasmically and nucleoplasmically positioned Nups. We propose that this Sir4-associated Nup complex is distinct from holo-NPCs and that it plays a role in subtelomeric chromatin organization and NE tethering. © 2017 Lapetina et al.

Web-based provision of information on infectious diseases: a systems study.

PubMed

Roy, Anjana; Kostkova, Patty; Catchpole, Michael; Carson, Ewart

2006-12-01

The National electronic Library for Health (NeLH) is an Internet medical information resources portal, principally for healthcare professionals, within which the National electronic Library of Infection (NeLI) is one of NeLH Specialist Libraries providing evidence on infectious diseases. In this article, we describe a systems-based evaluation of NeLI based on a soft systems methodology. User feedback and other data for the analysis were obtained using online questionnaires. This evaluation, which is a pilot study aimed at demonstrating proof of concept, provided evidence for improving three systems that are crucial to effective NeLI provision. These are navigation of the site, quality and tagging of information provided by NeLI, and information regarding users and their usage of the system. On the basis of a soft systems analysis, an action plan was formulated identifying areas where improvement is needed. Actions for consideration included simplifying terminologies to improve the navigation, enhancing the provision of research assessments, quality tagging NeLI documents, provided by experts in the field, and attracting a broader cross-section of healthcare professional user.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, J.; Kucharek, H.; Möbius, E.

In this paper we report on a two-year study to estimate the Ne/O abundance ratio in the gas phase of the local interstellar cloud (LIC). Based on the first two years of observations with the Interstellar Boundary Explorer, we determined the fluxes of interstellar neutral (ISN) O and Ne atoms at the Earth's orbit in spring 2009 and 2010. A temporal variation of the Ne/O abundance ratio at the Earth's orbit could be expected due to solar cycle-related effects such as changes of ionization. However, this study shows that there is no significant change in the Ne/O ratio at themore » Earths orbit from 2009 to 2010. We used time-dependent survival probabilities of the ISNs to calculate the Ne/O abundance ratio at the termination shock. Then we estimated the Ne/O abundance ratio in the gas phase of the LIC with the use of filtration factors and the ionization fractions. From our analysis, the Ne/O abundance ratio in the LIC is 0.33 ± 0.07, which is in agreement with the abundance ratio inferred from pickup-ion measurements.« less

Status of the KM3NeT project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margiotta, A.

2014-04-01

KM3NeT is a deep-sea research infrastructure being constructed in the Mediterranean Sea. It will be installed at three sites: KM3NeT-Fr, offshore Toulon, France, KM3NeT-It, offshore Portopalo di Capo Passero, Sicily (Italy) and KM3NeT-Gr, offshore Pylos, Peloponnese, Greece. It will host the next generation Cherenkov neutrino telescope and nodes for a deep sea multidisciplinary observatory, providing oceanographers, marine biologists, and geophysicists with real time measurements. The neutrino telescope will search for Galactic and extra-Galactic sources of neutrinos, complementing IceCube in its field of view. The detector will have a modular structure and consists of six building blocks, each including about one hundred Detection Units (DUs). Each DU will be equipped with 18 multi-PMT digital optical modules. The first phase of construction has started and shore and deep-sea infrastructures hosting the future KM3NeT detector are being prepared in France near Toulon and in Italy, near Capo Passero in Sicily. The technological solutions for KM3NeT and the expected performance of the detector are presented and discussed.

Depressive Symptoms Following Coping with Peer Aggression: The Moderating Role of Negative Emotionality

PubMed Central

Sugimura, Niwako; Rudolph, Karen D.; Agoston, Anna M.

2015-01-01

The way in which children cope with peer aggression may determine their subsequent adjustment, but different forms of coping may be more or less effective for particular children. This research examined whether the contribution of children’s coping to subsequent depressive symptoms was contingent on children’s temperament (i.e., level of negative emotionality; NE) and gender. Children (N = 235, 102 boys, 133 girls, M = 7.94 years, SD = .33) reported on exposure to peer victimization. Parents rated children’s NE and depressive symptoms, and teachers rated children’s coping. For girls with high NE, problem solving protected against depressive symptoms whereas seeking retaliation heightened risk for depressive symptoms. Advice seeking protected children with low NE against depressive symptoms whereas ignoring protected children with high NE against depressive symptoms. Humor predicted fewer depressive symptoms in boys with high NE but more depressive symptoms in boys with low NE. This research helps to elucidate individual differences in the effects of coping on adjustment, and has implications for interventions aimed at reducing risk resulting from exposure to peer aggression. PMID:24043360

The "expanding universe" of piroplasms.

PubMed

Criado-Fornelio, A; Gónzalez-del-Río, M A; Buling-Saraña, A; Barba-Carretero, J C

2004-02-06

The present paper is the continuation of our previous studies dealing with the genetic characterization of piroplasmid species found in southern Europe. We report in this work new data concerning sequences of the 18s rRNA gene in Spanish piroplasms not studied (or not totally sequenced) in our former surveys. Molecular data analysis indicated that Spanish Cytauxzoon felis (cat isolate) has 98% identity with Cytauxzoon sp. from Mongolia and 95% identity compared to African C. felis. There are at least two main genetic variants of Babesia caballi in Spain: The first variety (isolate Spain 1) shows a relatively low homology with the African genotype (97% identity). The second variety (represented by two isolates, Spain 2 and Spain 3, differing by a single base) shows high genetic similarity with the African genotype (99.7-100% identity). There are also two genetic variants of Babesia equi (isolates Spain 1 and Spain 2, differing by four bases) in Spain, sharing 99% identity with the African genotype. At least one of them (Spain 1) can infect dogs. All of the phylogenetic analysis procedures employed indicated that Spanish isolates of C. felis, B. caballi (Spain 1) and B. equi (Spain 1 and Spain 2) are genetically different from their African relatives, all those dichotomies showing very high bootstrap support. Nonetheless, the lack of information on their morphology and the fact that the sequences were obtained in a single isolate preclude any conclusion about their definitive taxonomic status.

Review of the Afrotropical genus Dwightla McKamey (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Selenocephalini) with description of a new species from Nigeria.

PubMed

Lu, Lin; Zhang, Yalin

2018-01-10

The Afrotropical leafhopper genus Dwightla previously included five species: D. acutipennis (Linnavuori Al-Ne'amy), D. alecto (Linnavuori Al-Ne'amy), D. angolana (Linnavuori Al-Ne'amy), D. delongi Zahniser Dietrich and D. hercules (Linnavuori Al-Ne'amy). A new species, Dwightla medleri sp. nov. from Nigeria, is described and illustrated and a checklist and key to species of this genus are provided.

Measurements and analysis of alpha-induced reactions of importance for nuclear astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Messieres, Genevieve Escande

2011-11-01

Reactions during stellar helium burning are of primary importance for understanding nucleosynthesis. A detailed understanding of the critical reaction chain 4He(2alpha, gamma)12C( alpha, gamma)16O(alpha, gamma) 20Ne is necessary both because it is the primary energy source and because it determines the ratio of 12C to 16O produced, which in turn significantly effects subsequent nucleosynthesis. Also during Helium burning, the reactions 22Ne(alpha, n)25Mg and 22Ne(alpha, gamma )26Mg are crucial in determining the amount of neutrons available for the astrophysical s-process. This thesis presents new experimental results concerning the 16O(alpha, gamma) 20Ne, 22Ne(alpha, n)25Mg, and 22Ne(alpha, gamma)26Mg reaction rates. These results are then applied to the calculation of the associated stellar reaction rates in order to achieve better accuracy.

Current optometric practices and attitudes in keratoconus patient management.

PubMed

Ortiz-Toquero, Sara; Martin, Raul

2017-08-01

To compare the current optometric practices and attitudes in the management of keratoconus patients in the UK and Spain. An online survey (adapted to optometric practices) was distributed via a newsletter emailed by various professional organizations in the UK and Spain. Four hundred and sixty-four practitioners (126 in the UK; 338 in Spain) who prescribed gas permeable GP contact lenses (CLs) more than once per month (54.8% of UK practitioners and 28.1% of practitioners in Spain; p<0.01) responded to the questionnaire. A combination of multiple factors is considered necessary in the keratoconus detection (79.4% in the UK, 75% in Spain; p=0.68), and the use of classification criteria is considered relevant (67.5% in the UK, 70.7% in Spain; p=0.49). There is a high consensus on the consideration that GP CL fitting is more difficult in keratoconus (79.4% in the UK, 80.5% in Spain; p=0.79) requiring more diagnostic lenses (3.2±1.4 and 3.4±1.2 in the UK and Spain, respectively; p=0.72) than are necessary for healthy eyes. Using corneal topography is uncommon from both countries (38.1% in the UK, 59.8% in Spain; p<0.01), with a similar ophthalmologist referral pattern (at initial diagnosis, 50% in both the UK and Spain; p=1.00). Few cases of co-management with ophthalmologists were noted (no co-management reported by 60.3% in the UK and 72.8% in Spain, p=0.01). This study provides initial observations and evidence regarding keratoconus management by optometrists in the UK and Spain and shows similarity in the professional practices and attitudes of practitioners in these two countries. Copyright © 2017 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Norepinephrine ignites local hot spots of neuronal excitation: How arousal amplifies selectivity in perception and memory

PubMed Central

Mather, Mara; Clewett, David; Sakaki, Michiko; Harley, Carolyn W.

2018-01-01

Long Abstract Existing brain-based emotion-cognition theories fail to explain arousal’s ability to both enhance and impair cognitive processing. In the Glutamate Amplifies Noradrenergic Effects (GANE) model outlined in this paper, we propose that arousal-induced norepinephrine (NE) released from the locus coeruleus (LC) biases perception and memory in favor of salient, high priority representations at the expense of lower priority representations. This increase in gain under phasic arousal occurs via synaptic self-regulation of NE based on glutamate levels. When the LC is phasically active, elevated levels of glutamate at the site of prioritized representations increase local NE release, creating “NE hot spots.” At these local hot spots, glutamate and NE release are mutually enhancing and amplify activation of prioritized representations. This excitatory effect contrasts with widespread NE suppression of weaker representations via lateral and auto-inhibitory processes. On a broader scale, hot spots increase oscillatory synchronization across neural ensembles transmitting high priority information. Furthermore, key brain structures that detect or pre-determine stimulus priority interact with phasic NE release to preferentially route such information through large-scale functional brain networks. A surge of NE before, during or after encoding enhances synaptic plasticity at sites of high glutamate activity, triggering local protein synthesis processes that enhance selective memory consolidation. Together, these noradrenergic mechanisms increase perceptual and memory selectivity under arousal. Beyond explaining discrepancies in the emotion-cognition literature, GANE reconciles and extends previous influential theories of LC neuromodulation by highlighting how NE can produce such different outcomes in processing based on priority. PMID:26126507

Norepinephrine-deficient mice lack responses to antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

PubMed Central

Cryan, John F.; O'Leary, Olivia F.; Jin, Sung-Ha; Friedland, Julie C.; Ouyang, Ming; Hirsch, Bradford R.; Page, Michelle E.; Dalvi, Ashutosh; Thomas, Steven A.; Lucki, Irwin

2004-01-01

Mice unable to synthesize norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine due to targeted disruption of the dopamine β-hydroxylase gene, Dbh, were used to critically test roles for NE in mediating acute behavioral changes elicited by different classes of antidepressants. To this end, we used the tail suspension test, one of the most widely used paradigms for assessing antidepressant activity and depression-related behaviors in normal and genetically modified mice. Dbh–/– mice failed to respond to the behavioral effects of various antidepressants, including the NE reuptake inhibitors desipramine and reboxetine, the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline, and the atypical antidepressant bupropion, even though they did not differ in baseline immobility from Dbh+/– mice, which have normal levels of NE. Surprisingly, the effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine were also absent or severely attenuated in the Dbh–/– mice. In contrast, citalopram (the most selective SSRI) was equally effective at reducing immobility in mice with and without NE. Restoration of NE by using l-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine reinstated the behavioral effects of both desipramine and paroxetine in Dbh–/– mice, thus demonstrating that the reduced sensitivity to antidepressants is related to NE function, as opposed to developmental abnormalities resulting from chronic NE deficiency. Microdialysis studies demonstrated that the ability of fluoxetine to increase hippocampal serotonin was blocked in Dbh–/– mice, whereas citalopram's effect was only partially attenuated. These data show that NE plays an important role in mediating acute behavioral and neurochemical actions of many antidepressants, including most SSRIs. PMID:15148402

Topside Electron Density Representations for Middle and High Latitudes: A Topside Parameterization for E-CHAIM Based On the NeQuick

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Themens, David R.; Jayachandran, P. T.; Bilitza, Dieter; Erickson, Philip J.; Häggström, Ingemar; Lyashenko, Mykhaylo V.; Reid, Benjamin; Varney, Roger H.; Pustovalova, Ljubov

2018-02-01

In this study, we present a topside model representation to be used by the Empirical Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Model (E-CHAIM). In the process of this, we also present a comprehensive evaluation of the NeQuick's, and by extension the International Reference Ionosphere's, topside electron density model for middle and high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Using data gathered from all available incoherent scatter radars, topside sounders, and Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation satellites, we show that the current NeQuick parameterization suboptimally represents the shape of the topside electron density profile at these latitudes and performs poorly in the representation of seasonal and solar cycle variations of the topside scale thickness. Despite this, the simple, one variable, NeQuick model is a powerful tool for modeling the topside ionosphere. By refitting the parameters that define the maximum topside scale thickness and the rate of increase of the scale height within the NeQuick topside model function, r and g, respectively, and refitting the model's parameterization of the scale height at the F region peak, H0, we find considerable improvement in the NeQuick's ability to represent the topside shape and behavior. Building on these results, we present a new topside model extension of the E-CHAIM based on the revised NeQuick function. Overall, root-mean-square errors in topside electron density are improved over the traditional International Reference Ionosphere/NeQuick topside by 31% for a new NeQuick parameterization and by 36% for a newly proposed topside for E-CHAIM.

Modulation of the release of ( sup 3 H)norepinephrine from the base and body of the rat urinary bladder by endogenous adrenergic and cholinergic mechanisms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Somogyi, G.T.; de Groat, W.C.

Modulation of (3H)NE release was studied in rat urinary bladder strips prelabeled with (3H)NE. (3H)NE uptake occurred in strips from the bladder base and body, but was very prominent in the base where the noradrenergic innervation is most dense. Electrical field stimulation markedly increased (3H)NE outflow from the superfused tissue. The quantity of (3H)NE release was approximately equal during three consecutive periods of stimulation. Activation of presynaptic muscarinic receptors by 1.0 microM oxotremorine reduced (3H)NE release to 46% of the control. Atropine (1 microM) blocked the effect of oxotremorine and increased the release to 147% of predrug control levels. Activationmore » of presynaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors by 1 microM clonidine reduced (3H)NE release to 55% of control. Yohimbine blocked the action of clonidine and increased the release to 148% of control. The release of (3H)NE from the bladder base and body was increased by both 1 microM atropine (to 167% and 174% of control, respectively) and 1 microM yohimbine (to 286% and 425% of control, respectively). Atropine and yohimbine administered in combination had similar facilitatory effects as when administered alone. We conclude that the release of (3H)NE from adrenergic nerve endings in electrically stimulated bladder strips is modulated via endogenous transmitters acting on both muscarinic and alpha-2 adrenergic presynaptic receptors and that the latter provide the most prominent control.« less

Neutrophil elastase mediates acute pathogenesis and is a determinant of long-term behavioral recovery after traumatic injury to the immature brain.

PubMed

Semple, Bridgette D; Trivedi, Alpa; Gimlin, Kayleen; Noble-Haeusslein, Linda J

2015-02-01

While neutrophil elastase (NE), released by activated neutrophils, is a key mediator of secondary pathogenesis in adult models of brain ischemia and spinal cord injury, no studies to date have examined this protease in the context of the injured immature brain, where there is notable vulnerability resulting from inadequate antioxidant reserves and prolonged exposure to infiltrating neutrophils. We thus reasoned that NE may be a key determinant of secondary pathogenesis, and as such, adversely influence long-term neurological recovery. To address this hypothesis, wild-type (WT) and NE knockout (KO) mice were subjected to a controlled cortical impact at post-natal day 21, approximating a toddler-aged child. To determine if NE is required for neutrophil infiltration into the injured brain, and whether this protease contributes to vasogenic edema, we quantified neutrophil numbers and measured water content in the brains of each of these genotypes. While leukocyte trafficking was indistinguishable between genotypes, vasogenic edema was markedly attenuated in the NE KO. To determine if early pathogenesis is dependent on NE, indices of cell death (TUNEL and activated caspase-3) were quantified across genotypes. NE KO mice showed a reduction in these markers of cell death in the injured hippocampus, which corresponded to greater preservation of neuronal integrity as well as reduced expression of heme oxygenase-1, a marker of oxidative stress. WT mice, treated with a competitive inhibitor of NE at 2, 6 and 12h post-injury, likewise showed a reduction in cell death and oxidative stress compared to vehicle-treated controls. We next examined the long-term behavioral and structural consequences of NE deficiency. NE KO mice showed an improvement in long-term spatial memory retention and amelioration of injury-induced hyperactivity. However, volumetric and stereological analyses found comparable tissue loss in the injured cortex and hippocampus independent of genotype. Further, WT mice treated acutely with the NE inhibitor showed no long-term behavioral or structural improvements. Together, these findings validate the central role of NE in both acute pathogenesis and chronic functional recovery, and support future exploration of the therapeutic window, taking into account the prolonged period of neutrophil trafficking into the injured immature brain. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neutrophil elastase mediates acute pathogenesis and is a determinant of long-term behavioral recovery after traumatic injury to the immature brain

PubMed Central

Semple, Bridgette D; Trivedi, Alpa; Gimlin, Kayleen; Noble-Haeusslein, Linda J

2014-01-01

While neutrophil elastase (NE), released by activated neutrophils, is a key mediator of secondary pathogenesis in adult models of brain ischemia and spinal cord injury, no studies to date have examined this protease in the context of the injured immature brain, where there is notable vulnerability resulting from inadequate antioxidant reserves and prolonged exposure to infiltrating neutrophils. We thus reasoned that NE may be a key determinant of secondary pathogenesis, and as such, adversely influence long-term neurological recovery. To address this hypothesis, wild-type (WT) and NE knockout (KO) mice were subjected to a controlled cortical impact at post-natal day 21, approximating a toddler-aged child. To determine if NE is required for neutrophil infiltration into the injured brain, and whether this protease contributes to vasogenic edema, we quantified neutrophil numbers and measured water content in the brains of each of these genotypes. While leukocyte trafficking was indistinguishable between genotypes, vasogenic edema was markedly attenuated in the NE KO. To determine if early pathogenesis is dependent on NE, indices of cell death (TUNEL and activated caspase-3) were quantified across genotypes. NE KO mice showed a reduction in these markers of cell death in the injured hippocampus, which corresponded to greater preservation of neuronal integrity as well as reduced expression of heme oxygenase-1, a marker of oxidative stress. WT mice, treated with a competitive inhibitor of NE at 2, 6 and 12 h post-injury, likewise showed a reduction in cell death and oxidative stress compared to vehicle-treated controls. We next examined the long-term behavioral and structural consequences of NE deficiency. NE KO mice showed an improvement in long-term spatial memory retention and amelioration of injury-induced hyperactivity. However, volumetric and stereological analyses found comparable tissue loss in the injured cortex and hippocampus independent of genotype. Further, WT mice treated acutely with the NE inhibitor showed no long-term behavioral or structural improvements. Together, these findings validate the central role of NE in both acute pathogenesis and chronic functional recovery, and support future exploration of the therapeutic window, taking into account the prolonged period of neutrophil trafficking into the injured immature brain. PMID:25497734

Potential surface for the collinear collision of Ne and H/sub 2//sup +/. [eendoergicity, surface parametrization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hayes, E.F.; Siu, A.K.Q.; Chapman, F.M. Jr.

1976-09-01

A potential energy surface for the Ne--H/sub 2//sup +/ reaction has been obtained in the LCAO--MO--SCF approximation. Analysis of the surface indicates that the reaction Ne+H/sub 2//sup +/..-->..NeH/sup +/+H should proceed with an endoergicity of 12 kcal/mole, in agreement with the experimental results of Chupka and Russell. Several procedures for parameterizing a diatomics-in-molecules (DIM) representation of the NeH/sub 2//sup +/ surface are considered. The results show that an accurate representation of the SCF surface can be obtained from the DIM model using a minimum of diatomic and triatomic data. (AIP)

Interaction of excited He and Ne rare gas metastable atoms with the CHF2Cl molecule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chérid, M.; Ben Arfa, M.; Driss Khodja, M.

2005-06-01

We studied the Penning ionization of the CHF2Cl molecule with He and Ne metastable atoms (He* and Ne*). We measured the electron kinetic energy and the time-of-flight mass spectra; we also determined the branching ratio for the parent ion and charged CHF+2, CHFCl+, HCF+/CF+ and Cl+ fragments. These data led us to discuss the dissociation channels for all the energetically-accessible electronic states of the ionized molecule. We evidenced a marked contrast in the fragment ion proportions for Ne*-CHF2Cl and He*-CHF2Cl systems, and related it to the difference in polarizability and internal energy of the He* and Ne* atoms.

15O(alpha,gamma)19Ne breakout reaction and impact on X-ray bursts.

PubMed

Tan, W P; Fisker, J L; Görres, J; Couder, M; Wiescher, M

2007-06-15

The breakout reaction 15O(alpha,gamma)19Ne, which regulates the flow between the hot CNO cycle and the rp process, is critical for the explanation of the burst amplitude and periodicity of x-ray bursters. We report on the first successful measurement of the critical alpha-decay branching ratios of relevant states in 19Ne populated via 19F(3He,t)19Ne. Based on the experimental results and our previous lifetime measurements of these states, we derive the first experimental rate of 15O(alpha,gamma)19Ne. The impact of our experimental results on the burst pattern and periodicity for a range of accretion rates is analyzed.

18Ne Excited States Two-Proton Decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Napoli, M.; Rapisarda, E.; Raciti, G.; Cardella, G.; Amorini, F.; Giacoppo, F.; Sfienti, C.

2008-04-01

Two-proton radioactivity studies have been performed on excited states of 18Ne produced by 20Ne fragmentation at the FRS of the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud and excited via Coulomb excitation on a 209Pb target. The 18Ne levels decay has been studied by complete kinematical reconstruction. In spite of the low statistic, the energy and angular correlations of the emitted proton pairs indicate the presence of 2He emission toghether with the democratic decay.

Hyperfine structure of excited states and quadrupole moment of Ne-21 using laser-induced line-narrowing techniques.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ducas, T. W.; Feld, M. S.; Ryan, L. W., Jr.; Skribanowitz, N.; Javan, A.

1972-01-01

Observation results are presented on the optical hyperfine structure in Ne-21 obtained with the aid of laser-induced line-narrowing techniques. The output from a long stabilized single-mode 1.15-micron He-Ne laser focused into an external sample cell containing Ne-21 was used in implementing these techniques. Their applicability is demonstrated for optical hyperfine structure observation in systems whose features are ordinarily masked by Doppler broadening.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Szulagyi, Judit; Pascucci, Ilaria; Abraham, Peter

Mid-infrared atomic and ionic line ratios measured in spectra of pre-main-sequence stars are sensitive indicators of the hardness of the radiation field impinging on the disk surface. We present a low-resolution Spitzer IRS search for [Ar II] at 6.98 {mu}m, [Ne II] at 12.81 {mu}m, and [Ne III] 15.55 {mu}m lines in 56 transitional disks. These objects, characterized by reduced near-infrared but strong far-infrared excess emission, are ideal targets to set constraints on the stellar radiation field onto the disk, because their spectra are not contaminated by shock emission from jets/outflows or by molecular emission lines. After demonstrating that wemore » can detect [Ne II] lines and recover their fluxes from the low-resolution spectra, here we report the first detections of [Ar II] lines toward protoplanetary disks. We did not detect [Ne III] emission in any of our sources. Our [Ne II]/[Ne III] line flux ratios combined with literature data suggest that a soft-EUV or X-ray spectrum produces these gas lines. Furthermore, the [Ar II]/[Ne II] line flux ratios point to a soft X-ray and/or soft-EUV stellar spectrum as the ionization source of the [Ar II] and [Ne II] emitting layer of the disk. If the soft X-ray component dominates over the EUV, then we would expect larger photoevaporation rates and, hence, a reduction of the time available to form planets.« less

Stress hormonal changes in the brain and plasma after acute noise exposure in mice.

PubMed

Jin, Sang Gyun; Kim, Min Jung; Park, So Young; Park, Shi Nae

2017-06-01

To investigate the effects of acute noise stress on two amine stress hormones, norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the brain and plasma of mice after noise exposure. Mice were grouped into the control and noise groups. Mice in the noise group were exposed to white noise of 110dB sound pressure level for 60min. Auditory brainstem response thresholds, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, the organ of Corti grading scores, western blots of NE/5-HIAA in the whole brain and hippocampus, and the plasma levels of NE/5-HIAA were compared between the two groups. Significant hearing loss and cochlear damage were demonstrated in the noise group. NE and 5-HIAA in the hippocampus were elevated in the noise group (p=0.019/0.022 for NE/5-HIAA vs. the control). Plasma levels of NE and 5-HIAA were not statistically different between the groups (p=0.052/0.671 for NE/5-HIAA). Hearing loss with outer hair cell dysfunction and morphological changes of the organ of Corti after noise exposure in C57BL/6 mice proved the reliability of our animal model as an acute noise stress model. NE and 5-HIAA are suggested to be the potential biomarkers for acute noise stress in the hippocampus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of Ne VIII in an Intervening Multiphase Absorption System Toward 3C 263

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanan, Anand; Wakker, Bart P.; Savage, Blair D.

2009-09-01

We report the detection of Ne VIII in an intervening multiphase absorption line system at z = 0.32566 in the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer spectrum of the quasar 3C 263 (zem = 0.646). The Ne VIII λ770 Å detection has a 3.9σ significance. At the same velocity, we also find absorption lines from C IV, O III, O IV, and N IV. The line parameter measurements yield log [N(Ne VIII) cm-2] = 13.98+0.10 -0.13 and b = 49.8 ± 5.5 km s-1. We find that the ionization mechanism in the gas phase giving rise to the Ne VIII absorption is inconsistent with photoionization. The absorber has a multiphase structure, with the intermediate ions produced in cool photoionized gas and the Ne VIII most likely in a warm collisionally ionized medium in the temperature range (0.5-1.0) × 106 K. This is the second ever detection of an intervening Ne VIII absorption system. Its properties resemble the previous Ne VIII absorber reported by Savage and colleagues. Direct observations of H I and O VI are needed to better constrain the physical conditions in the collisionally ionized gas phase of this absorber. Based on observations with the NASA-CNES-CSA Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer operated by Johns Hopkins University, supported by NASA contract NAS5-32985.

Decreased norepinephrine (NE) uptake in cerebral cortex and inferior colliculus of genetically epilepsy prone (GEP) rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Browning, R.A.; Rigler-Daugherty, S.K.; Long, G.

1986-03-01

GEP rats are characterized by an enhanced susceptibility to seizures caused by a variety of stimuli, most notably sound. Pharmacological treatments that reduce the synaptic concentration of NE increase seizure severity in GEP rats while elevations in NE have the opposite effect. GEP rats also display a widespread deficit in brain NE concentration suggesting that their increased seizure susceptibility is related to a deficit in noradrenergic transmission. The authors have compared the kinetics of /sup 3/H-NE uptake in the P/sub 2/ synaptosomal fraction isolated from the cerebral cortex of normal and GEP-rats. Although the apparent Kms were not significantly differentmore » (Normal +/- SEM:0.37 +/- 0.13..mu..M; GEP +/- SEM: 0.29 +/- 0.07..mu..M), the Vmax for GEP rats was 48% lower than that of normal rats (Normal +/- SEM: 474 +/- 45 fmole/mg/4min; GEP +/- SEM: 248 +/- 16 fmole/mg/4min). Because of the possible role of the inferior colliculus (IC) in the initiation of sound-induced seizures in GEP rats, the authors measured synaptosomal NE uptake in the IC using a NE concentration of 50 nM. The IC synaptosomal NE uptake was found to be 35% lower in GEP than in normal rats. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a deficit in noradrenergic transmission is related to the increased seizure susceptibility of GEP rats.« less

Co-sleeping and childhood enuresis in China.

PubMed

Ma, Jun; Li, Shenghui; Jiang, Fan; Jin, Xingming; Shen, Xiaoming; Li, Fei

2014-01-01

Co-sleeping is associated with disturbance of the natural sleep pattern, including sleep fragmentation and daytime sleepiness. Nocturnal enuresis (NE) or bed-wetting, although benign, is a significant cause of distress to affected children and their caregiver(s). This study investigated the relationship between co-sleeping and NE in primary school children from China. Data from a previous sleep study of primary school children from 8 cities across China were analyzed. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between co-sleeping and NE while controlling for a number of confounding factors. The prevalence of NE in co-sleeping and non-co-sleeping children in different age groups was evaluated. The prevalence of co-sleeping and NE in children aged 5 to 12 years was 22.8% and 4.6%, respectively. Co-sleeping was associated with a higher prevalence of NE in primary school age children (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-1.77; p < .001) after adjusting for confounding factors. The differences in the prevalence of NE between co-sleepers and non-co-sleepers were significant in the 9-year age group (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.06-2.11; p = .025) and 11- to 12-year age group (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 2.19-4.57; p < .001). Co-sleeping may increase the risk of NE in primary school children, particularly in those aged 11 to 12 years.

Measurement of 17F(d ,n )18Ne and the impact on the 17F(p ,γ )18Ne reaction rate for astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuvin, S. A.; Belarge, J.; Baby, L. T.; Baker, J.; Wiedenhöver, I.; Höflich, P.; Volya, A.; Blackmon, J. C.; Deibel, C. M.; Gardiner, H. E.; Lai, J.; Linhardt, L. E.; Macon, K. T.; Rasco, B. C.; Quails, N.; Colbert, K.; Gay, D. L.; Keeley, N.

2017-10-01

Background: The 17F(p ,γ )18Ne reaction is part of the astrophysical "hot CNO" cycles that are important in astrophysical environments like novas. Its thermal reaction rate is low owing to the relatively high energy of the resonances and therefore is dominated by direct, nonresonant capture in stellar environments at temperatures below 0.4 GK. Purpose: An experimental method is established to extract the proton strength to bound and unbound states in experiments with radioactive ion beams and to determine the parameters of direct and resonant capture in the 17F(p ,γ )18Ne reaction. Method: The 17F(d ,n )18Ne reaction is measured in inverse kinematics using a beam of the short-lived isotope 17F and a compact setup of neutron, proton, γ -ray, and heavy-ion detectors called resoneut. Results: The spectroscopic factors for the lowest l =0 proton resonances at Ec .m .=0.60 and 1.17 MeV are determined, yielding results consistent within 1.4 σ of previous proton elastic-scattering measurements. The asymptotic normalization coefficients of the bound 21+ and 22+ states in 18Ne are determined and the resulting direct-capture reaction rates are extracted. Conclusions: The direct-capture component of the 17F(p ,γ )18Ne reaction is determined for the first time from experimental data on 18Ne.

Modeling students’ instrumental (mis-) use of substances to enhance cognitive performance: Neuroenhancement in the light of job demands-resources theory

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Healthy university students have been shown to use psychoactive substances, expecting them to be functional means for enhancing their cognitive capacity, sometimes over and above an essentially proficient level. This behavior called Neuroenhancement (NE) has not yet been integrated into a behavioral theory that is able to predict performance. Job Demands Resources (JD-R) Theory for example assumes that strain (e.g. burnout) will occur and influence performance when job demands are high and job resources are limited at the same time. The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not university students’ self-reported NE can be integrated into JD-R Theory’s comprehensive approach to psychological health and performance. Methods 1,007 students (23.56 ± 3.83 years old, 637 female) participated in an online survey. Lifestyle drug, prescription drug, and illicit substance NE together with the complete set of JD-R variables (demands, burnout, resources, motivation, and performance) were measured. Path models were used in order to test our data’s fit to hypothesized main effects and interactions. Results JD-R Theory could successfully be applied to describe the situation of university students. NE was mainly associated with the JD-R Theory’s health impairment process: Lifestyle drug NE (p < .05) as well as prescription drug NE (p < .001) is associated with higher burnout scores, and lifestyle drug NE aggravates the study demands-burnout interaction. In addition, prescription drug NE mitigates the protective influence of resources on burnout and on motivation. Conclusion According to our results, the uninformed trying of NE (i.e., without medical supervision) might result in strain. Increased strain is related to decreased performance. From a public health perspective, intervention strategies should address these costs of non-supervised NE. With regard to future research we propose to model NE as a means to reach an end (i.e. performance enhancement) rather than a target behavior itself. This is necessary to provide a deeper understanding of the behavioral roots and consequences of the phenomenon. PMID:24904687

Modeling students' instrumental (mis-) use of substances to enhance cognitive performance: Neuroenhancement in the light of job demands-resources theory.

PubMed

Wolff, Wanja; Brand, Ralf; Baumgarten, Franz; Lösel, Johanna; Ziegler, Matthias

2014-01-01

Healthy university students have been shown to use psychoactive substances, expecting them to be functional means for enhancing their cognitive capacity, sometimes over and above an essentially proficient level. This behavior called Neuroenhancement (NE) has not yet been integrated into a behavioral theory that is able to predict performance. Job Demands Resources (JD-R) Theory for example assumes that strain (e.g. burnout) will occur and influence performance when job demands are high and job resources are limited at the same time. The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not university students' self-reported NE can be integrated into JD-R Theory's comprehensive approach to psychological health and performance. 1,007 students (23.56 ± 3.83 years old, 637 female) participated in an online survey. Lifestyle drug, prescription drug, and illicit substance NE together with the complete set of JD-R variables (demands, burnout, resources, motivation, and performance) were measured. Path models were used in order to test our data's fit to hypothesized main effects and interactions. JD-R Theory could successfully be applied to describe the situation of university students. NE was mainly associated with the JD-R Theory's health impairment process: Lifestyle drug NE (p < .05) as well as prescription drug NE (p < .001) is associated with higher burnout scores, and lifestyle drug NE aggravates the study demands-burnout interaction. In addition, prescription drug NE mitigates the protective influence of resources on burnout and on motivation. According to our results, the uninformed trying of NE (i.e., without medical supervision) might result in strain. Increased strain is related to decreased performance. From a public health perspective, intervention strategies should address these costs of non-supervised NE. With regard to future research we propose to model NE as a means to reach an end (i.e. performance enhancement) rather than a target behavior itself. This is necessary to provide a deeper understanding of the behavioral roots and consequences of the phenomenon.

QbD-based development of α-linolenic acid potentiated nanoemulsion for targeted delivery of doxorubicin in DMBA-induced mammary gland carcinoma: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

PubMed

Tripathi, Chandra Bhushan; Parashar, Poonam; Arya, Malti; Singh, Mahendra; Kanoujia, Jovita; Kaithwas, Gaurav; Saraf, Shubhini A

2018-05-10

Breast cancer is the most common cancer of occurrence in women and has the highest mortality incidence rate therein. The present study envisaged to develop doxorubicin (Dox) loaded folate functionalized nanoemulsion (NE) for profound therapeutic activity against mammary gland cancer. NE was prepared using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams utilizing α-linolenic acid (ALA) as lipid phase, to further enhance the anticancer potential of Dox. Box-Behnken design was employed to systematically develop the NE. Optimized NE (f-Dox-NE) was evaluated for in vitro and in vivo performance. f-Dox-NE, with globule size 55.2 ± 3.3 nm, zeta potential - 31 ± 2 mV, entrapment 92.51 ± 3.62%, drug loading 0.42 ± 0.08% and percent drug release 94.86 ± 1.87% in 72 h, was capable of reducing cell viability in MCF-7 cell lines vis-à-vis pure and marketed drug. Further, mechanistic studies in MCF-7 cell lines demonstrated that f-Dox-NE induces cellular apoptosis by reactive oxygen species generated and mitochondrial membrane mediated apoptosis. The antitumor effect was evaluated in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced mammary gland tumor in female Albino Wistar rats. f-Dox-NE exhibited enhanced antitumor targeting potential, therapeutic safety and efficacy vis-à-vis pure and marketed drug, as revealed by tumor volume, animal survival, weight variation, cardiotoxicity and biodistribution studies. f-Dox-NE restored the biochemical parameters viz., SOD, catalase, TBARS and protein carbonyl, towards normal levels in comparison to DMBA induced animal group. f-Dox-NE displayed downregulation of anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2 and MMP-9) proteins and upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (caspase-9 and BAX). The experimental results suggest that ALA augmented folate functionalized NE are able to overcome the challenges of developing safe and effective delivery system with enhanced potential for mammary gland carcinoma therapy.

A statistical approach to bioclimatic trend detection in the airborne pollen records of Catalonia (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Llamazares, Álvaro; Belmonte, Jordina; Delgado, Rosario; De Linares, Concepción

2014-04-01

Airborne pollen records are a suitable indicator for the study of climate change. The present work focuses on the role of annual pollen indices for the detection of bioclimatic trends through the analysis of the aerobiological spectra of 11 taxa of great biogeographical relevance in Catalonia over an 18-year period (1994-2011), by means of different parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. Among others, two non-parametric rank-based statistical tests were performed for detecting monotonic trends in time series data of the selected airborne pollen types and we have observed that they have similar power in detecting trends. Except for those cases in which the pollen data can be well-modeled by a normal distribution, it is better to apply non-parametric statistical methods to aerobiological studies. Our results provide a reliable representation of the pollen trends in the region and suggest that greater pollen quantities are being liberated to the atmosphere in the last years, specially by Mediterranean taxa such as Pinus, Total Quercus and Evergreen Quercus, although the trends may differ geographically. Longer aerobiological monitoring periods are required to corroborate these results and survey the increasing levels of certain pollen types that could exert an impact in terms of public health.

Differential metabolic profiles associated to movement behaviour of stream-resident brown trout (Salmo trutta).

PubMed

Oromi, Neus; Jové, Mariona; Pascual-Pons, Mariona; Royo, Jose Luis; Rocaspana, Rafel; Aparicio, Enric; Pamplona, Reinald; Palau, Antoni; Sanuy, Delfi; Fibla, Joan; Portero-Otin, Manuel

2017-01-01

The mechanisms that can contribute in the fish movement strategies and the associated behaviour can be complex and related to the physiology, genetic and ecology of each species. In the case of the brown trout (Salmo trutta), in recent research works, individual differences in mobility have been observed in a population living in a high mountain river reach (Pyrenees, NE Spain). The population is mostly sedentary but a small percentage of individuals exhibit a mobile behavior, mainly upstream movements. Metabolomics can reflect changes in the physiological process and can determine different profiles depending on behaviour. Here, a non-targeted metabolomics approach was used to find possible changes in the blood metabolomic profile of S. trutta related to its movement behaviour, using a minimally invasive sampling. Results showed a differentiation in the metabolomic profiles of the trouts and different level concentrations of some metabolites (e.g. cortisol) according to the home range classification (pattern of movements: sedentary or mobile). The change in metabolomic profiles can generally occur during the upstream movement and probably reflects the changes in metabolite profile from the non-mobile season to mobile season. This study reveals the contribution of the metabolomic analyses to better understand the behaviour of organisms.

Assessment of priority pesticides, degradation products, and pesticide adjuvants in groundwaters and top soils from agricultural areas of the Ebro river basin.

PubMed

Hildebrandt, Alain; Lacorte, Sílvia; Barceló, Damià

2007-02-01

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed for the determination of 30 widely used pesticides including various transformation products and alkylphenols in water and agricultural soils with the aim of assessing the impact of these compounds in agricultural soils and the underlying aquifer. The extraction, clean-up, and analytical procedures were optimized for both water and soil samples to provide a highly robust method capable of determining target analytes at the ppb-ppt level with high precision. For water samples, different solid-phase extraction cartridges and conditions were optimized; similarly, pressurized liquid extraction conditions were tested to provide interference-free extracts and high sensitivity. Instrumental LODs of 3-4 pg were obtained. The multi-residue extraction procedures were applied to the analysis of groundwaters and agricultural soils from the Ebro river basin (NE Spain). Most ubiquitous herbicides detected were triazines but some acetanilides and organophosphorus pesticides were also found; the pesticide additive tributylphosphate was found in all water samples. Levels varied between 0.57 and 5.37 microg/L in groundwater, whereas nonylphenol was the sole compound detected in soil. Alkylphenols are used as adjuvants in pesticide formulations and are present in sludges employed as soil fertilizers. Occurrence was found to be similar to other environmental studies.

78 FR 32184 - Importation of Fresh Apricots From Continental Spain

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-29

.... APHIS-2011-0132] RIN 0579-AD62 Importation of Fresh Apricots From Continental Spain AGENCY: Animal and... United States of fresh apricots from continental Spain. This action will allow interested persons... importation of fruits and vegetables to allow the importation of fresh apricots from continental Spain into...

7 CFR 319.56-31 - Peppers from Spain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Peppers from Spain. 319.56-31 Section 319.56-31... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREIGN QUARANTINE NOTICES Fruits and Vegetables § 319.56-31 Peppers from Spain. Peppers (fruit) (Capsicum spp.) may be imported into the United States from Spain only...

Different profiles of neuroendocrine cell differentiation evolve in the PC-310 human prostate cancer model during long-term androgen deprivation.

PubMed

Jongsma, Johan; Oomen, Monique H; Noordzij, Marinus A; Van Weerden, Wytske M; Martens, Gerard J M; van der Kwast, Theodorus H; Schröder, Fritz H; van Steenbrugge, Gert J

2002-03-01

Neuroendocrine (NE) cells are androgen-independent cells and secrete growth-modulating peptide hormones via a regulated secretory pathway (RSP). We studied NE differentiation after long-term androgen withdrawal in the androgen-dependent human prostate cancer xenograft PC-310. Tumor-bearing nude mice were killed at 0, 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, 47, 84, and 154 days after castration. The half-life of the PC-310 tumor was 10 days, with a stable residual tumor volume of 30--40% after 21 days and longer periods of androgen deprivation. Proliferative activity and prostate-specific antigen serum levels decreased to zero after castration, whereas cell-cycle arrest was manifested by increased p27(kip1) expression. A temporary downregulation of androgen receptor (AR) expression was noted after androgen deprivation. The expression of chromogranin A, secretogranin III, and secretogranin V (7B2) increased 5 days after castration and later. Subsequently, pro-hormone convertase 1 and peptidyl alpha--amidating monooxygenase as well as vascular endothelial growth factor were expressed from 7 days after castration on. Finally, such growth factors as gastrin-releasing peptide and serotonin were expressed in a small part of the NE cells 21 days after castration, but strong expression was induced late during androgen deprivation, that is, 84 and 154 days after castration, respectively. Androgen deprivation of the NE-differentiated PC-310 model induced the formation of NE-differentiated AR(minus sign) and non-NE AR(+) tumor residues. The NE-differentiated cells actively produced growth factors via an RSP that may lead to hormone-refractory disease. The dormant non-NE AR(+) tumor cells were shown to remain androgen sensitive even after long-term androgen deprivation. In the PC-310 xenograft, time-dependent NE differentiation and subsequent maturation were induced after androgen depletion. The androgen-dependent PC-310 xenograft model constitutes an excellent model for studying the role of NE cells in the progression of clinical prostate cancer. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Brain negativity as an indicator of predictive error processing: the contribution of visual action effect monitoring.

PubMed

Joch, Michael; Hegele, Mathias; Maurer, Heiko; Müller, Hermann; Maurer, Lisa Katharina

2017-07-01

The error (related) negativity (Ne/ERN) is an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram (EEG) correlating with error processing. Its conditions of appearance before terminal external error information suggest that the Ne/ERN is indicative of predictive processes in the evaluation of errors. The aim of the present study was to specifically examine the Ne/ERN in a complex motor task and to particularly rule out other explaining sources of the Ne/ERN aside from error prediction processes. To this end, we focused on the dependency of the Ne/ERN on visual monitoring about the action outcome after movement termination but before result feedback (action effect monitoring). Participants performed a semi-virtual throwing task by using a manipulandum to throw a virtual ball displayed on a computer screen to hit a target object. Visual feedback about the ball flying to the target was masked to prevent action effect monitoring. Participants received a static feedback about the action outcome (850 ms) after each trial. We found a significant negative deflection in the average EEG curves of the error trials peaking at ~250 ms after ball release, i.e., before error feedback. Furthermore, this Ne/ERN signal did not depend on visual ball-flight monitoring after release. We conclude that the Ne/ERN has the potential to indicate error prediction in motor tasks and that it exists even in the absence of action effect monitoring. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we are separating different kinds of possible contributors to an electroencephalogram (EEG) error correlate (Ne/ERN) in a throwing task. We tested the influence of action effect monitoring on the Ne/ERN amplitude in the EEG. We used a task that allows us to restrict movement correction and action effect monitoring and to control the onset of result feedback. We ascribe the Ne/ERN to predictive error processing where a conscious feeling of failure is not a prerequisite. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Comparison of electromagnetic and nuclear dissociation of 17Ne

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wamers, F.; Marganiec, J.; Aksouh, F.; Aksyutina, Yu.; Alvarez-Pol, H.; Aumann, T.; Beceiro-Novo, S.; Bertulani, C. A.; Boretzky, K.; Borge, M. J. G.; Chartier, M.; Chatillon, A.; Chulkov, L. V.; Cortina-Gil, D.; Emling, H.; Ershova, O.; Fraile, L. M.; Fynbo, H. O. U.; Galaviz, D.; Geissel, H.; Heil, M.; Hoffmann, D. H. H.; Hoffman, J.; Johansson, H. T.; Jonson, B.; Karagiannis, C.; Kiselev, O. A.; Kratz, J. V.; Kulessa, R.; Kurz, N.; Langer, C.; Lantz, M.; Le Bleis, T.; Lehr, C.; Lemmon, R.; Litvinov, Yu. A.; Mahata, K.; Müntz, C.; Nilsson, T.; Nociforo, C.; Ott, W.; Panin, V.; Paschalis, S.; Perea, A.; Plag, R.; Reifarth, R.; Richter, A.; Riisager, K.; Rodriguez-Tajes, C.; Rossi, D.; Savran, D.; Schrieder, G.; Simon, H.; Stroth, J.; Sümmerer, K.; Tengblad, O.; Typel, S.; Weick, H.; Wiescher, M.; Wimmer, C.

2018-03-01

The Borromean drip-line nucleus 17Ne has been suggested to possess a two-proton halo structure in its ground state. In the astrophysical r p -process, where the two-proton capture reaction 15O(2 p ,γ )17Ne plays an important role, the calculated reaction rate differs by several orders of magnitude between different theoretical approaches. To add to the understanding of the 17Ne structure we have studied nuclear and electromagnetic dissociation. A 500 MeV/u 17Ne beam was directed toward lead, carbon, and polyethylene targets. Oxygen isotopes in the final state were measured in coincidence with one or two protons. Different reaction branches in the dissociation of 17Ne were disentangled. The relative populations of s and d states in 16F were determined for light and heavy targets. The differential cross section for electromagnetic dissociation (EMD) shows a continuous internal energy spectrum in the three-body system 15O+2 p . The 17Ne EMD data were compared to current theoretical models. None of them, however, yields satisfactory agreement with the experimental data presented here. These new data may facilitate future development of adequate models for description of the fragmentation process.

The University of Alcala de Henares (madrid, Spain), as a Dynamic Example and Laboratory of the Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Conservation of the Cultural Heritage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echeverría Valiente, E.; da Casa Martín, F.; Celis D'amicoa, F.; Navarro, P. C.

2013-07-01

Cardinal Cisneros launched in 1499 a major universitary project, that was located in Alcala de Henares (Madrid, Spain). It bestowed recently the recognition of the Council of Europe as a World Heritage Site in 1998 by UNESCO. Cisneros created the new university in the vicinity of the Roman town of Complutum. This site had two qualities which were particularly important: it was placed at a safe distance from the power of the Crown at Toledo, and it was well connected with other main Spanish cities, through the Roman road or calzada that crossed the Iberian peninsula from South to North going along some important settlements as Mérida, Toledo, Zaragoza, and Barcelona. Thus the old town of Alcala de Henares still keeps the remains of the Visigothic, Roman, Muslim and Hebrew cultures. Since the end of the fifteenth century the built Renaissance complex has gone through three clear stages, where lots of relevant architects developed their work. Among them, Pedro Gumiel and Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón can be cited for their first drawings, but other anonymous architects have also contributed to build such an interesting project. In a second stage some repairs were needed on the former structures, in order to adapt them to their new functions due to deterioration or even to changes in ownership or uses (as happened to the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso). Finally, at the latest stage at the end of the 20th and the early 21st centuries a new regeneration project took place in order to introduce the modern technologies and energy-efficient standards the old universitary buildings. An interesting example of this modern practices on dynamic conservation of the historical heritage is the new Learning and Research Center (LRC) on the ruins of San Diego headquarter built in 1859 on the site of the Franciscan convent of Santa Maria de Jesus, founded in 1445 by Archbishop Alonso Carrillo (which in turn it replaced an earlier one). The aims of the new LRC are to, preserve and document the archaeological remains from each one of the previous cultures, thus becoming an international research center on the cultural heritage documentation and preservation which heads the Spanish and European universities. In short, it intends to add value to the existing Heritage through a new project which involves not only an intensive use but a transdisciplinary complex including urban, architectural and functional changes which have been solved through a comprehensive rehabilitation project, a special urban development and a master action plans with focus in energy-efficient researches. Since the creation of the Schools of Architecture and Civil Engineery, the study of Built Heritage at the University of Alcala has been introduced as an essential educational tool, who can currently learn and apply both the traditional measurements and the digital invasive and non-invasive technologies (Such as X-Ray, radar or infrared methodologies) to study the old buildings, their constructive pathologies, and their evolution. Teachers also show to the students the possibility of including new and changing uses the old buildings, and they explore new proposals on this heritage.

75 FR 72942 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-29

..., Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Amdt 3 Harvard, NE, Harvard State, RNAV (GPS) RWY 35, Orig Harvard, NE, Harvard State, Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle DP, Orig Harvard, NE, Harvard State, VOR/DME RNAV OR GPS RWY...

KM3NeT/ARCA sensitivity to point-like neutrino sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trovato, A.; KM3NeT Collaboration

2017-09-01

KM3NeT is network of deep-sea neutrino telescopes in the Mediterranean Sea aiming at the discovery of cosmic neutrino sources (ARCA) and the determination of the neutrino mass hierarchy (ORCA). The geographical location of KM3NeT in the Northern hemisphere allows to observe most of the Galactic Plane, including the Galactic Centre. Thanks to its good angular resolution, prime targets of KM3NeT/ARCA are point-like neutrino sources and in particular galactic sources.

Vibrational Relaxation and Collision-Induced Dissociation of Xenon Fluoride by Neon

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

potential energy surface, which consists of a Morse function for the XeF interaction and Lennard - Jones functions for the NeXe and NeF interactions. Rate...interaction and a Lennard - Jones function for the NeXe and the NeF interactions. The values of the Morse potential parameters for XeF are taken from...interactions are calculated using the theoretical data provided by Svehla.59 The parameters for the Morse potential and the Lennard - Jones potentials are listed

Continuous opacity from Ne^-

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, T. L.

1996-04-01

Free-free absorption coefficients of the negative neon ion are calculated by the phase-shift approximation based on multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock continuum wave functions. These wave functions accurately account for electron-neon correlation and polarization, and yield scattering cross-sections in excellent agreement with the latest experimental values. The coefficients are expected to give the best current estimates of Ne^- continuous absorption. We find that Ne^- makes only a small contribution (less than 0.3 per cent) to stellar opacities, including hydrogen-deficient stars with enhanced Ne abundances.

Sympathetic Nerves in Breast Cancer: Angiogenesis and Antiangiogenic Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

directly regulate 4T1 growth through ARs. Using in vitro conditions that yielded NE-mediated functional effects in other cell lines (1), we assessed...Therefore we propose that 4T1 is a good model for examining the effects of NE-induced effects on stromal cell populations in the absence of direct NE... effects analysis or by Holm-Sidak multiple comparison test. RESULTS 4T1 Tumor Cells Do Not Respond to NE In Vitro or Signal via AR To determine

The MiniBooNE detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar-Arevalo, A. A.; Anderson, C. E.; Bartoszek, L. M.; Bazarko, A. O.; Brice, S. J.; Brown, B. C.; Bugel, L.; Cao, J.; Coney, L.; Conrad, J. M.; Cox, D. C.; Curioni, A.; Djurcic, Z.; Finley, D. A.; Fleming, B. T.; Ford, R.; Garcia, F. G.; Garvey, G. T.; Green, C.; Green, J. A.; Hart, T. L.; Hawker, E.; Imlay, R.; Johnson, R. A.; Karagiorgi, G.; Kasper, P.; Katori, T.; Kobilarcik, T.; Kourbanis, I.; Koutsoliotas, S.; Laird, E. M.; Linden, S. K.; Link, J. M.; Liu, Y.; Liu, Y.; Louis, W. C.; Mahn, K. B. M.; Marsh, W.; Martin, P. S.; McGregor, G.; Metcalf, W.; Meyer, H.-O.; Meyers, P. D.; Mills, F.; Mills, G. B.; Monroe, J.; Moore, C. D.; Nelson, R. H.; Nguyen, V. T.; Nienaber, P.; Nowak, J. A.; Ouedraogo, S.; Patterson, R. B.; Perevalov, D.; Polly, C. C.; Prebys, E.; Raaf, J. L.; Ray, H.; Roe, B. P.; Russell, A. D.; Sandberg, V.; Sands, W.; Schirato, R.; Schofield, G.; Schmitz, D.; Shaevitz, M. H.; Shoemaker, F. C.; Smith, D.; Soderberg, M.; Sorel, M.; Spentzouris, P.; Stancu, I.; Stefanski, R. J.; Sung, M.; Tanaka, H. A.; Tayloe, R.; Tzanov, M.; Van de Water, R.; Wascko, M. O.; White, D. H.; Wilking, M. J.; Yang, H. J.; Zeller, G. P.; Zimmerman, E. D.; MiniBooNE Collaboration

2009-02-01

The MiniBooNE neutrino detector was designed and built to look for ν→ν oscillations in the (sin 2θ,Δm) parameter space region where the LSND experiment reported a signal. The MiniBooNE experiment used a beam energy and baseline that were an order of magnitude larger than those of LSND so that the backgrounds and systematic errors would be completely different. This paper provides a detailed description of the design, function, and performance of the MiniBooNE detector.

Frequency measurement of the 260-THz (1. 15-. mu. m) He--Ne laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jennings, D.A.; Petersen, F.R.; Evenson, K.M.

1979-05-01

Absolute infrared frequency measurement has been extended to 260 THz with the measurement of the strong 1.15-..mu..m laser line in /sup 20/Ne. The frequency was synthesized in nonlinear crystals of CdGeAs/sub 2/ and Ag/sub 3/AsS/sub 3/ from stabilized CO/sub 2/ lasers and the 1.5-..mu..m laser line in /sup 20//sub Ne.Themeasuredfrequencyis/..nu..20/sub Ne,1.15mum/ =260.103 284 (30) THz.

Reserpine-induced Reduction in Norepinephrine Transporter Function Requires Catecholamine Storage Vesicles

PubMed Central

Mandela, Prashant; Chandley, Michelle; Xu, Yao-Yu; Zhu, Meng-Yang; Ordway, Gregory A.

2010-01-01

Treatment of rats with reserpine, an inhibitor of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), depletes norepinephrine (NE) and regulates NE transporter (NET) expression. The present study examined the molecular mechanisms involved in regulation of the NET by reserpine using cultured cells. Exposure of rat PC12 cells to reserpine for a period as short as 5 min decreased [3H]NE uptake capacity, an effect characterized by a robust decrease in the Vmax of the transport of [3H]NE. As expected, reserpine did not displace the binding of [3H]nisoxetine from the NET in membrane homogenates. The potency of reserpine for reducing [3H]NE uptake was dramatically lower in SK-N-SH cells that have reduced storage capacity for catecholamines. Reserpine had no effect on [3H]NE uptake in HEK-293 cells transfected with the rat NET (293-hNET), cells that lack catecholamine storage vesicles. NET regulation by reserpine was independent of trafficking of the NET from the cell surface. Pre-exposure of cells to inhibitors of several intracellular signaling cascades known to regulate the NET, including Ca2+/Ca2+-calmodulin dependent kinase and protein kinases A, C and G, did not affect the ability of reserpine to reduce [3H]NE uptake. Treatment of PC12 cells with the catecholamine depleting agent, α-methyl-p-tyrosine, increased [3H]NE uptake and eliminated the inhibitory effects of reserpine on [3H]NE uptake. Reserpine non-competitively inhibits NET activity through a Ca2+-independent process that requires catecholamine storage vesicles, revealing a novel pharmacological method to modify NET function. Further characterization of the molecular nature of reserpine's action could lead to the development of alternative therapeutic strategies for treating disorders known to be benefitted by treatment with traditional competitive NET inhibitors. PMID:20176067

Using the simple sample count to estimate the frequency of prescription drug neuroenhancement in a sample of Jordan employees.

PubMed

Wolff, Wanja; Sandouqa, Yaser; Brand, Ralf

2016-05-01

Epidemiological research indicates that the use of prescription drugs to enhance cognitive functioning is prevalent in Western countries, however, research on this phenomenon in Arab countries is lacking. Our study aimed to investigate the frequency of neuroenhancement (NE) using prescription drugs in a sample of employees in Jordan. A sample of 1186 employees (37.11±8.37 years old, 495 female), of whom 723 (35.65±7.53 years old, 396 female) served as teachers, completed a paper-pencil questionnaire. The single sample count technique (SSC) was used in order to secure confidential, self-reporting of prescription drug NE. The 12-month prevalence of NE, estimated with the SSC was 15.43%. At 26.16%, the prevalence estimate was markedly higher in the subsample of teachers compared to non-teachers, 0.29%. Surprisingly, 336 participants did not use the SSC and directly affirmed or denied prescription drug NE. These direct responses yielded a prevalence of 11.57% for the full sample, 9.73% for the teachers and 15.60% for the non-teachers. This is the first study of the frequency of NE in an Arab sample. Results indicate that the use of prescription drug NE is not limited to Western countries and that teachers in Jordan might constitute a high-risk population. Further, participants seem to differ in their use of indirect estimation methods for reporting prescription drug NE. For future research, it might be useful to triangulate standard self-reports and indirect estimation methods to assess NE. Possible cultural differences and specific high-risk populations for NE should be investigated further. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduced self-control leads to disregard of an unfamiliar behavioral option: an experimental approach to the study of neuroenhancement.

PubMed

Wolff, Wanja; Baumgarten, Franz; Brand, Ralf

2013-12-06

Neuroenhancement (NE), the use of psychoactive substances in order to enhance a healthy individual's cognitive functioning from a proficient to an even higher level, is prevalent in student populations. According to the strength model of self-control, people fail to self-regulate and fall back on their dominant behavioral response when finite self-control resources are depleted. An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that ego-depletion will prevent students who are unfamiliar with NE from trying it. 130 undergraduates, who denied having tried NE before (43% female, mean age = 22.76 ± 4.15 years old), were randomly assigned to either an ego-depletion or a control condition. The dependent variable was taking an "energy-stick" (a legal nutritional supplement, containing low doses of caffeine, taurine and vitamin B), offered as a potential means of enhancing performance on the bogus concentration task that followed. Logistic regression analysis showed that ego-depleted participants were three times less likely to take the substance, OR = 0.37, p = .01. This experiment found that trying NE for the first time was more likely if an individual's cognitive capacities were not depleted. This means that mental exhaustion is not predictive for NE in students for whom NE is not the dominant response. Trying NE for the first time is therefore more likely to occur as a thoughtful attempt at self-regulation than as an automatic behavioral response in stressful situations. We therefore recommend targeting interventions at this inter-individual difference. Students without previous reinforcing NE experience should be provided with information about the possible negative health outcomes of NE. Reconfiguring structural aspects in the academic environment (e.g. lessening workloads) might help to deter current users.

Robust Formation and Maintenance of Continuous Stratified Cortical Neuroepithelium by Laminin-Containing Matrix in Mouse ES Cell Culture

PubMed Central

Nasu, Makoto; Takata, Nozomu; Danjo, Teruko; Sakaguchi, Hideya; Kadoshima, Taisuke; Futaki, Sugiko; Sekiguchi, Kiyotoshi; Eiraku, Mototsugu; Sasai, Yoshiki

2012-01-01

In the mammalian cortex, the dorsal telencephalon exhibits a characteristic stratified structure. We previously reported that three-dimensional (3D) culture of mouse ES cells (mESCs) can efficiently generate cortical neuroepithelium (NE) and layer-specific cortical neurons. However, the cortical NE generated in this mESC culture was structurally unstable and broke into small neural rosettes by culture day 7, suggesting that some factors for reinforcing the structural integrity were missing. Here we report substantial supporting effects of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein laminin on the continuous formation of properly polarized cortical NE in floating aggregate culture of mESCs. The addition of purified laminin and entactin (a laminin-associated protein), even at low concentrations, stabilized the formation of continuous cortical NE as well as the maintenance of basement membrane and prevented rosette formation. Treatment with the neutralizing ß1-integrin antibody impaired the continuous NE formation. The stabilized cortical NE exhibited typical interkinetic nuclear migration of cortical progenitors, as seen in the embryonic cortex. The laminin-treated cortical NE maintained a continuous structure even on culture days 12 and 15, and contained ventricular, basal-progenitor, cortical-plate and Cajal-Retzius cell layers. The cortical NE in this culture was flanked by cortical hem-like tissue. Furthermore, when Shh was added, ventral telencephalic structures such as lateral ganglionic eminence–like tissue formed in the region adjacent to the cortical NE. Thus, our results indicate that laminin-entactin ECM promotes the formation of structurally stable telencephalic tissues in 3D ESC culture, and supports the morphogenetic recapitulation of cortical development. PMID:23300850

Monoamine transporter and receptor interaction profiles of a new series of designer cathinones.

PubMed

Simmler, L D; Rickli, A; Hoener, M C; Liechti, M E

2014-04-01

Psychoactive β-keto amphetamines (cathinones) are sold as "bath salts" or "legal highs" and recreationally abused. We characterized the pharmacology of a new series of cathinones, including methedrone, 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), 3-fluoromethcathinone (3-FMC), pentylone, ethcathinone, buphedrone, pentedrone, and N,N-dimethylcathinone. We investigated norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) uptake inhibition using human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells that express the respective human monoamine transporter, the drug-induced efflux of NE, DA, and 5-HT from monoamine-preloaded cells, and binding affinity to monoamine transporters and receptors. All of the cathinones were potent NE uptake inhibitors but differed in their DA vs. 5-HT transporter inhibition profiles and monoamine release effects. Methedrone was a more potent 5-HT than DA transporter inhibitor and released NE and 5-HT similar to para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). 4-MEC and pentylone equipotently inhibited all of the monoamine transporters and released 5-HT. Ethcathinone and 3-FMC inhibited NE and DA uptake and released NE, and 3-FMC also released DA similar to N-ethylamphetamine and methamphetamine. Pentedrone and N,N-dimethylcathinone were non-releasing NE and DA uptake inhibitors as previously shown for pyrovalerone cathinones. Buphedrone preferentially inhibited NE and DA uptake and also released NE. None of the cathinones bound to rodent trace amine-associated receptor 1, in contrast to the non-β-keto-amphetamines. None of the cathinones exhibited relevant binding to other monoamine receptors. In summary, we found considerable differences in the monoamine transporter interaction profiles among different cathinones and compared with related amphetamines. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Norepinephrine regulates hepatic innate immune system in leptin-deficient mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

PubMed

Li, Zhiping; Oben, Jude A; Yang, Shiqi; Lin, Huizhi; Stafford, Elizabeth A; Soloski, Mark J; Thomas, Steven A; Diehl, Anna Mae

2004-08-01

It is not known why natural killer T (NKT) cells, which modulate liver injury by regulating local cytokine production, are reduced in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. NKT cells express adrenoceptors. Thus, we hypothesize that the low norepinephrine (NE) activity of ob/ob mice promotes depletion of liver NKT cells, thereby sensitizing ob/ob livers to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toxicity. To evaluate this hypothesis, hepatic NKT cells were quantified in wild-type mice before and after treatment with NE inhibitors, and in dopamine beta-hydroxylase knockout mice (which cannot synthesize NE) and ob/ob mice before and after 4 weeks of NE supplementation. Decreasing NE activity consistently reduces liver NKT cells, while increasing NE has the opposite effect. Analysis of hepatic and thymic NKT cells in mice of different ages demonstrate an age-related accumulation of hepatic NKT cells in normal mice, while liver NKT cells become depleted after birth in ob/ob mice, which have increased apoptosis of hepatic NKT cells. NE treatment inhibits apoptosis and restores hepatic NKT cells. In ob/ob mice with reduced hepatic NKT cells, hepatic T and NKT cells produce excessive T helper (Th)-1 proinflammatory cytokines and the liver is sensitized to LPS toxicity. NE treatment decreases Th-1 cytokines, increases production of Th-2 cytokines, and reduces hepatotoxicity. Studies of CD1d-deficient mice, which lack the receptor required for NKT cell development, demonstrate that they are also unusually sensitive to LPS hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, low NE activity increases hepatic NKT cell apoptosis and depletes liver NKT cells, promoting proinflammatory polarization of hepatic cytokine production that sensitizes the liver to LPS toxicity. Copyright 2004 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

Agnostic stacking of intergalactic doublet absorption: measuring the Ne VIII population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Stephan; Pieri, Matthew M.; Mathur, Smita; Danforth, Charles W.; Shull, J. Michael

2018-05-01

We present a blind search for doublet intergalactic metal absorption with a method dubbed `agnostic stacking'. Using a forward-modelling framework, we combine this with direct detections in the literature to measure the overall metal population. We apply this novel approach to the search for Ne VIII absorption in a set of 26 high-quality COS spectra. We probe to an unprecedented low limit of log N>12.3 at 0.47≤z ≤1.34 over a path-length Δz = 7.36. This method selects apparent absorption without requiring knowledge of its source. Stacking this mixed population dilutes doublet features in composite spectra in a deterministic manner, allowing us to measure the proportion corresponding to Ne VIII absorption. We stack potential Ne VIII absorption in two regimes: absorption too weak to be significant in direct line studies (12.3 < log N < 13.7), and strong absorbers (log N > 13.7). We do not detect Ne VIII absorption in either regime. Combining our measurements with direct detections, we find that the Ne VIII population is reproduced with a power-law column density distribution function with slope β = -1.86 ^{+0.18 }_{ -0.26} and normalization log f_{13.7} = -13.99 ^{+0.20 }_{ -0.23}, leading to an incidence rate of strong Ne VIII absorbers dn/dz =1.38 ^{+0.97 }_{ -0.82}. We infer a cosmic mass density for Ne VIII gas with 12.3 < log N < 15.0 of Ω _{{{Ne {VIII}}}} = 2.2 ^{+1.6 }_{ _-1.2} × 10^{-8}, a value significantly lower that than predicted by recent simulations. We translate this density into an estimate of the baryon density Ωb ≈ 1.8 × 10-3, constituting 4 per cent of the total baryonic mass.

Financial impact of improved pressure ulcer staging in the acute hospital with use of a new tool, the NE1 Wound Assessment Tool.

PubMed

Young, Daniel L; Shen, Jay J; Estocado, Nancy; Landers, Merrill R

2012-04-01

The NE1 Wound Assessment Tool (NE1 WAT; Medline Industries, Inc, Mundelein, Illinois), previously called the N.E. One Can Stage, was shown to significantly improve accuracy of pressure ulcer (PrU) staging. Improved PrU staging has many potential benefits, including improved care for the patient and better reimbursement. Medicare has incentivized good care and accurate identification of PrUs in the acute care hospital through an additional payment, the Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG). This article examines the financial impact of NE1 WAT use on the acute care hospital relative to MS-DRG reimbursement. PrU staging accuracy with and without use of the NE1 WAT from previous data was compared with acute care hospital PrU rates obtained from the 2006 National Inpatient Sample. Hill-Rom International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey data were used to estimate the number of MS-DRG-eligible PrUs. There are between 390,000 and 130,000 MS-DRG-eligible PrUs annually. Given current PrU staging accuracy, approximately $209 million in MS-DRG money is being collected. With the improved staging afforded by the NE1 WAT, this figure is approximately $763.9 million. Subtracting the 2 reveals $554.9 million in additional reimbursement that could be generated by using the NE1 WAT. There is a tremendous financial incentive to improve PrU staging. The NE1 WAT has been shown to improve PrU staging accuracy significantly. This improvement has the potential to improve the financial health of acute care hospitals caring for patients with PrUs.

Error-related brain activity and error awareness in an error classification paradigm.

PubMed

Di Gregorio, Francesco; Steinhauser, Marco; Maier, Martin E

2016-10-01

Error-related brain activity has been linked to error detection enabling adaptive behavioral adjustments. However, it is still unclear which role error awareness plays in this process. Here, we show that the error-related negativity (Ne/ERN), an event-related potential reflecting early error monitoring, is dissociable from the degree of error awareness. Participants responded to a target while ignoring two different incongruent distractors. After responding, they indicated whether they had committed an error, and if so, whether they had responded to one or to the other distractor. This error classification paradigm allowed distinguishing partially aware errors, (i.e., errors that were noticed but misclassified) and fully aware errors (i.e., errors that were correctly classified). The Ne/ERN was larger for partially aware errors than for fully aware errors. Whereas this speaks against the idea that the Ne/ERN foreshadows the degree of error awareness, it confirms the prediction of a computational model, which relates the Ne/ERN to post-response conflict. This model predicts that stronger distractor processing - a prerequisite of error classification in our paradigm - leads to lower post-response conflict and thus a smaller Ne/ERN. This implies that the relationship between Ne/ERN and error awareness depends on how error awareness is related to response conflict in a specific task. Our results further indicate that the Ne/ERN but not the degree of error awareness determines adaptive performance adjustments. Taken together, we conclude that the Ne/ERN is dissociable from error awareness and foreshadows adaptive performance adjustments. Our results suggest that the relationship between the Ne/ERN and error awareness is correlative and mediated by response conflict. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KE108-conjugated unimolecular micelles loaded with a novel HDAC inhibitor thailandepsin-A for targeted neuroendocrine cancer therapy.

PubMed

Chen, Guojun; Jaskula-Sztul, Renata; Harrison, April; Dammalapati, Ajitha; Xu, Wenjin; Cheng, Yiqiang; Chen, Herbert; Gong, Shaoqin

2016-08-01

Neuroendocrine (NE) cancers can cause significant patient morbidity. Besides surgery, there are no curative treatments for NE cancers and their metastases, emphasizing the need for the development of other forms of therapy. In this study, multifunctional unimolecular micelles were developed for targeted NE cancer therapy. The unimolecular micelles were formed by multi-arm star amphiphilic block copolymer poly(amidoamine)-poly(valerolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) conjugated with KE108 peptide and Cy5 dye (abbreviated as PAMAM-PVL-PEG-KE108/Cy5). The unimolecular micelles with a spherical core-shell structure exhibited a uniform size distribution and excellent stability. The hydrophobic drug thailandepsin-A (TDP-A), a recently discovered HDAC inhibitor, was physically encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of the micelles. KE108 peptide, a somatostatin analog possessing high affinity for all five subtypes of somatostatin receptors (SSTR 1-5), commonly overexpressed in NE cancer cells, was used for the first time as an NE cancer targeting ligand. KE108 exhibited superior targeting abilities compared to other common somatostatin analogs, such as octreotide, in NE cancer cell lines. The in vitro assays demonstrated that the TDP-A-loaded, KE108-targeted micelles exhibited the best capabilities in suppressing NE cancer cell growth. Moreover, the in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging on NE-tumor-bearing nude mice showed that KE108-conjugated micelles exhibited the greatest tumor accumulation due to their passive targeting and active targeting capabilities. Finally, TDP-A-loaded and KE108-conjugated micelles possessed the best anticancer efficacy without detectable systemic toxicity. Thus, these novel TDP-A-loaded and KE108-conjugated unimolecular micelles offer a promising approach for targeted NE cancer therapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solar cycle variation of the electron density in the topside ionosphere at local nighttime observed by DEMETER during 2006-2008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xuemin; Qian, Jiadong; Shen, Xuhui

2014-05-01

The solar cycle variations of electron density (Ne) in the topside ionosphere are presented by observations around local time 22:30 from Detection of Electro-Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions (DEMETER) satellite during 2006-2008 in the low solar activity, in which the revisited orbits are selected to construct Ne time sequences at different points. The results show that electron density (Ne) reduced 50-100% since 2006 to 2008 at equatorial area and middle latitudes, with much bigger maximal Ne in 2006 but even no yearly peak in 2007 and 2008 around 30° latitude. The seasonal asymmetry is revealed by the yearly maxima of Ne in December over Southern Hemisphere always being larger than those in June over Northern Hemisphere. Furthermore, the equinoctial asymmetry is found around the magnetic equator and high northern latitudes under the low solar activity, and the latter one has not been revealed in other research. Ne from IRI2012 is close to the actual observation by DEMETER in 2008, even better than those in 2006 and 2007, indicating the great improvement of this empirical ionospheric model in this extremely low solar minimum. After comparison with the fitted results by indices of F10.7 and EUV combined with the first five periods in Ne, EUV is a little better to describe the variations in Ne during this solar minimum. By discussing the relationship among nighttime Ne and molecules in upper atmosphere, the [O/N2] density ratio is the key factor at high latitude, while [O] density plays a certain role to electron density around the equator.

Adenosine receptor activation potentiates phosphoinositide hydrolysis and arachidonic acid release in DDT1-MF2 cells: putative interrelations.

PubMed

Schachter, J B; Yasuda, R P; Wolfe, B B

1995-09-01

Studies were undertaken in an effort to discern possible mechanisms by which the A1 adenosine receptor agonist cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) enhances the norepinephrine-stimulated (NE-stimulated) hydrolysis of phosphoinositides in DDT1-MF2 cells. Measurements of arachidonic acid release revealed similar behaviours to those observed in measurements of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. In the presence of NE, both second messenger responses were potentiated by the addition of CPA, whereas in the absence of NE, CPA had little or no effect on either second messenger. The stimulation and potentiation of both second messenger responses were enhanced in the presence of extracellular calcium, and in each case these effects were persistent over time. For either second messenger system the stimulation by NE and the potentiation by CPA appeared to utilize separate mechanisms as evidenced by the fact that the potentiations by CPA were selectively antagonized by a cAMP analogue or by pertussis toxin, whereas the stimulations by NE were essentially unaffected by these agents. Inhibition of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) also blocked the potentiation of PLC by CPA, without affecting NE-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Furthermore, in the presence of CPA, the exogenous administration of PLA2 was found to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in these cells. These data are consistent with a hypothesis whereby the apparent potentiation of NE-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis by CPA is actually due to the stimulation by CPA of a second pathway of phospholipase C activity which is additive to that of NE. The activation of PLC and PLA2 by NE produces phospholipid products which may play a permissive role in the pathway coupling adenosine A1 receptors to these phospholipases. The formation of lysophosphatidic acid is suggested as one possible mediator of this permissive effect.

Identification of neuropathic pain in patients with neck/upper limb pain: application of a grading system and screening tools.

PubMed

Tampin, Brigitte; Briffa, Noelle Kathryn; Goucke, Roger; Slater, Helen

2013-12-01

The Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG) of the International Association for the Study of Pain has proposed a grading system for the presence of neuropathic pain (NeP) using the following categories: no NeP, possible, probable, or definite NeP. To further evaluate this system, we investigated patients with neck/upper limb pain with a suspected nerve lesion, to explore: (i) the clinical application of this grading system; (ii) the suitability of 2 NeP questionnaires (Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale [LANSS] and the painDETECT questionnaire [PD-Q]) in identifying NeP in this patient cohort; and (iii) the level of agreement in identifying NeP between the NeuPSIG classification system and 2 NeP questionnaires. Patients (n = 152; age 52 ± 12 years; 53% male) completed the PD-Q and LANSS questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive clinical examination. The NeuPSIG grading system proved feasible for application in this patient cohort, although it required considerable time and expertise. Both questionnaires failed to identify a large number of patients with clinically classified definite NeP (LANSS sensitivity 22%, specificity 88%; PD-Q sensitivity 64%, specificity 62%). These lowered sensitivity scores contrast with those from the original PD-Q and LANSS validation studies and may reflect differences in the clinical characteristics of the study populations. The diagnostic accuracy of LANSS and PD-Q for the identification of NeP in patients with neck/upper limb pain appears limited. Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cluster folding analysis of 20Ne+16O elastic transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamada, Sh.; Keeley, N.; Kemper, K. W.; Rusek, K.

2018-05-01

The available experimental data for the 20Ne+16O system in the energy range where the effect of α -cluster transfer is well observed are reanalyzed using the cluster folding model. The cluster folding potential, which includes both real and imaginary terms, reproduces the data at forward angles and the inclusion of the 16O(20Ne,16O)20Ne elastic transfer process provides a satisfactory description of the backward angles. The spectroscopic factor for the 20Ne→16O+α overlap was extracted and compared with other values from the literature. The present results suggest that the (20Ne,16O ) reaction might be an alternative means of exploring the α -particle structure of nuclei.

The NeXus data format.

PubMed

Könnecke, Mark; Akeroyd, Frederick A; Bernstein, Herbert J; Brewster, Aaron S; Campbell, Stuart I; Clausen, Björn; Cottrell, Stephen; Hoffmann, Jens Uwe; Jemian, Pete R; Männicke, David; Osborn, Raymond; Peterson, Peter F; Richter, Tobias; Suzuki, Jiro; Watts, Benjamin; Wintersberger, Eugen; Wuttke, Joachim

2015-02-01

NeXus is an effort by an international group of scientists to define a common data exchange and archival format for neutron, X-ray and muon experiments. NeXus is built on top of the scientific data format HDF5 and adds domain-specific rules for organizing data within HDF5 files, in addition to a dictionary of well defined domain-specific field names. The NeXus data format has two purposes. First, it defines a format that can serve as a container for all relevant data associated with a beamline. This is a very important use case. Second, it defines standards in the form of application definitions for the exchange of data between applications. NeXus provides structures for raw experimental data as well as for processed data.

75 FR 32503 - Stainless Steel Wire Rod From Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, and Taiwan

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-08

...)] Stainless Steel Wire Rod From Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, and Taiwan Determinations On the basis of the... revocation of the antidumping duty orders on stainless steel wire rod from Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, and... USITC Publication 4154 (May 2010), entitled Stainless Steel Wire Rod from Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain...

7 CFR 319.56-63 - Fresh apricots from continental Spain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... NPPO of Spain must be implemented. The NPPO of Spain must keep records of the placement of traps, trap visits, trap counts, and treatments for each registered place of production and make the records... be implemented. The NPPO of Spain must keep records of the placement of traps, trap visits, trap...

Chronic hepatitis C and individuals with a history of injecting drugs in Spain: population assessment, challenges for successful treatment.

PubMed

Roncero, Carlos; Littlewood, Richard; Vega, Pablo; Martinez-Raga, Jose; Torrens, Marta

2017-06-01

In Spain, there is a need to improve chronic hepatitis C care among people who inject drugs (PWID). Injecting drug use is an important risk behaviour for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Review of 28 sources of the relevant published literature mapped the size of the addiction-HCV population in Spain. Experts in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in Spain completed a consensus to define the population size, HCV prevalence and access or barriers to hepatitis C treatment for PWID populations. In Spain, over 300 000 individuals have a lifetime history of injecting drugs. Currently, 150 000 individuals in Spain have OUD; many have injected drugs. Each year, 80 000 individuals engage with treatment services for OUD. A proportion of this group continues to inject drugs. There is a high HCV prevalence in PWID - estimates of 60-80% in Spain. Uptake of hepatitis C therapy in PWID in Spain is limited; barriers include awareness of treatment pathways, advocacy for regular screening and effective joint care. There is an urgent need to address barriers to effective hepatitis C care for PWID in Spain. Practical and specific strategies including peer-led solutions, patient buddy systems and joint working models at the local level can make important short-term differences.

Gelatin

MedlinePlus

Gelatin contains collagen, which is one of the materials that make up cartilage and bone. This is why some people think ... Collagen Hydrolysate, Collagène Dénaturé, Collagène Hydrolysé, Collagène Marin Hydrolysé, Denatured Collagen, Gelatina, Gelatine, Gélatine, Gélatine Hydrolysée, Hydrolised ...

Ficts and facts of epinephrine and norepinephrine stability in injectable solutions.

PubMed

Hoellein, Ludwig; Holzgrabe, Ulrike

2012-09-15

Epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) play an important role in emergency medicine and acute treatment of hypotension and shocks in the intensive care unit. Injectable solutions can either be provided as proprietary medicinal products or as individually prepared dilutions. Due to the chemical structure of EPI and NE, the stability of the corresponding solutions is limited. Thus, most manufacturers of EPI and NE injectable solutions use sulfites and nitrogen for stabilization, Nevertheless, storage conditions such as temperature and light have to be considered, but are often neglected in the daily hospital routine. In addition, hospital pharmacies prepare EPI and NE solutions and dilute commercially available solutions for individual therapy, especially on ICUs. Since the influence of dilution and the presence of excipients and other preservatives are not systematically explored, we collected published data and investigations on stability on the potency of EPI and NE injectable solutions in order to deduce storage recommendations for diluted EPI and NE solutions of different concentration. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proposed morphologic classification of prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation.

PubMed

Epstein, Jonathan I; Amin, Mahul B; Beltran, Himisha; Lotan, Tamara L; Mosquera, Juan-Miguel; Reuter, Victor E; Robinson, Brian D; Troncoso, Patricia; Rubin, Mark A

2014-06-01

On July 31, 2013, the Prostate Cancer Foundation assembled a working committee on the molecular biology and pathologic classification of neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation in prostate cancer. New clinical and molecular data emerging from prostate cancers treated by contemporary androgen deprivation therapies, as well as primary lesions, have highlighted the need for refinement of diagnostic terminology to encompass the full spectrum of NE differentiation. The classification system consists of: Usual prostate adenocarcinoma with NE differentiation; 2) Adenocarcinoma with Paneth cell NE differentiation; 3) Carcinoid tumor; 4) Small cell carcinoma; 5) Large cell NE carcinoma; and 5) Mixed NE carcinoma - acinar adenocarcinoma. The article also highlights "prostate carcinoma with overlapping features of small cell carcinoma and acinar adenocarcinoma" and "castrate-resistant prostate cancer with small cell cancer-like clinical presentation". It is envisioned that specific criteria associated with the refined diagnostic terminology will lead to clinically relevant pathologic diagnoses that will stimulate further clinical and molecular investigation and identification of appropriate targeted therapies.

AL-1576, an aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI), did not prevent the decrease of norepinephrine turnover in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Yen, T T; Fuller, R W; Broderick, C L; Hemrick-Luecke, S K; Perry, K W

1988-08-01

ONO-2235 [(E)-3-carboxymethyl-5-[(2E)-2-methyl-3-phenyl-propenylidene]rhodanine], an ARI, was reported to prevent significantly the decrease of norepinephrine (NE) turnover in three tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats (1). To examine whether the partial restoration of NE turnover by ONO-2235 is related to its ARI activity, the effect of another ARI, AL-1576 [spiro(2,7-difluoro-9H-fluoren-9, 4'-imidazoline)-2'5'-dione], on NE turnover in STZ rats was investigated. STZ caused an accumulation of sorbitol in the lens and decreased NE turnover in interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT), heart and pancreas. AL-1576 totally prevented the accumulation of sorbitol in the lens but had no effect on the decreased NE turnover in all three tissues. These results suggest that the partial prevention of NE turnover decrease by ONO-2235 may not have been mediated by its ARI activity.

Norepinephrine transporter blocker atomoxetine increases salivary alpha amylase.

PubMed

Warren, Christopher M; van den Brink, Ruud L; Nieuwenhuis, Sander; Bosch, Jos A

2017-04-01

It has been suggested that central norepinephrine (NE) activity may be inferred from increases in salivary alpha-amylase (SAA), but data in favor of this proposition are limited. We administered 40mg of atomoxetine, a selective NE transporter blocker that increases central NE levels, to 24 healthy adult participants in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design. Atomoxetine administration significantly increased SAA secretion and concentrations at 75-180min after treatment (more than doubling baseline levels). Consistent with evidence that elevation in central NE is a co-determinant of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, salivary cortisol also approximately doubled at the same time points. Moreover, changes in salivary cortisol positively correlated with SAA (0.44

Locus coeruleus to basolateral amygdala noradrenergic projections promote anxiety-like behavior.

PubMed

McCall, Jordan G; Siuda, Edward R; Bhatti, Dionnet L; Lawson, Lamley A; McElligott, Zoe A; Stuber, Garret D; Bruchas, Michael R

2017-07-14

Increased tonic activity of locus coeruleus noradrenergic (LC-NE) neurons induces anxiety-like and aversive behavior. While some information is known about the afferent circuitry that endogenously drives this neural activity and behavior, the downstream receptors and anatomical projections that mediate these acute risk aversive behavioral states via the LC-NE system remain unresolved. Here we use a combination of retrograde tracing, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, electrophysiology, and in vivo optogenetics with localized pharmacology to identify neural substrates downstream of increased tonic LC-NE activity in mice. We demonstrate that photostimulation of LC-NE fibers in the BLA evokes norepinephrine release in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), alters BLA neuronal activity, conditions aversion, and increases anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, we report that β-adrenergic receptors mediate the anxiety-like phenotype of increased NE release in the BLA. These studies begin to illustrate how the complex efferent system of the LC-NE system selectively mediates behavior through distinct receptor and projection-selective mechanisms.

CRH engagement of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic system mediates stress-induced anxiety

PubMed Central

McCall, Jordan G.; Al-Hasani, Ream; Siuda, Edward R.; Hong, Daniel Y.; Norris, Aaron J.; Ford, Christopher P.; Bruchas, Michael R.

2015-01-01

Summary The locus coeruleus noradrenergic (LC-NE) system is one of the first systems engaged following a stressful event. While numerous groups have demonstrated that LC-NE neurons are activated by many different stressors, the underlying neural circuitry and the role of this activity in generating stress-induced anxiety has not been elucidated. Using a combination of in vivo chemogenetics, optogenetics, and retrograde tracing we determine that increased tonic activity of the LC-NE system is necessary and sufficient for stress-induced anxiety and aversion. Selective inhibition of LC-NE neurons during stress prevents subsequent anxiety-like behavior. Exogenously increasing tonic, but not phasic, activity of LC-NE neurons is alone sufficient for anxiety-like and aversive behavior. Furthermore, endogenous corticotropin releasing hormone+ (CRH+) LC inputs from the amygdala increase tonic LC activity, inducing anxiety-like behaviors. These studies position the LC-NE system as a critical mediator of acute stress-induced anxiety and offer a potential intervention for preventing stress-related affective disorders. PMID:26212712

Noble gases in Mars atmosphere: new precise analysis with Paloma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarda, Ph.; Paloma Team

2003-04-01

The Viking mission embarked a mass spectrometer designed by Alfred O. Nier that yielded the first determination of the elemental and isotopic composition of noble gases in Mars atmosphere. For example, the 40Ar/36Ar ratio in martian air is roughly 10 fold that in terrestrial air. This extraordinary accomplishment, however, has furnished only partial results with large analytical uncertainties. For example, we do not know the isotopic composition of helium, and only very poorly that of Ne, Kr and Xe. In planetary science, it is fundamental to have a good knowledge of the atmosphere because this serves as a reference for all further studies of volatiles. In addition, part of our present knowledge of Mars atmosphere is based on the SNC meteorites, and again points to important differences between the atmospheres of Earth and Mars. For example the 129Xe/132Xe ratio of martian atmosphere would be twice that of terrestrial air and the 36Ar/38Ar ratio strongly different from the terrestrial or solar value. There is a need for confirming that the atmospheric components found in SNC meteorites actually represents the atmosphere of Mars, or to determine how different they are. Paloma is an instrument designed to generate elemental and isotopic data for He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe (and other gases) using a mass spectrometer with a purification and separation line. Gas purification and separation did not exist on the Vicking instrument. Because Paloma includes purification and separation, we expect strong improvement in precision. Ne, Ar and Xe isotope ratios should be obtained with an accuracy of better than 1%. Determination of the presently unknown ^3He/^4He ratio is also awaited from this experiment. Knowledge of noble gas isotopes in Mars atmosphere will allow some insight into major planetary processes such as degassing (^3He/^4He, 40Ar/36Ar, 129Xe/130Xe, 136Xe/130Xe), gravitational escape to space (^3He/^4He, 20Ne/22Ne), hydrodynamic escape and/or impact erosion of the atmosphere (20Ne/22Ne, 21Ne/22Ne, 38Ar/36Ar, Xe isotopes), input of solar wind and galactic comic rays (^3He/^4He, 20Ne/22Ne, 21Ne/22Ne). Comparison with the Earth may also shed light on long standing problems such as the large isotopic mass fractionation of the Xe isotopes and the so-called missing xenon problem. Possible variations of Kr and Xe abundances due to adsorption phenomena related to the climatic cycle will be searched for by measuring along at least one martian year.

[Acute poisoning in patients over 65 years of age].

PubMed

Miranda Arto, P; Ferrer Dufol, A; Ruiz Ruiz, F J; Menao Guillén, S; Civeira Murillo, E

2014-01-01

There are few Spanish studies on acute poisoning in the elderly despite the associated risk factors of this group of patients. Retrospective descriptive study of acute poisonings treated in the Emergency Service of the University Hospital of Zaragoza from 1995 to 2009 on patients 65 years old or older. A total of 762 patients were selected in the study (4.74% of all acute poisonings) with a mean age of 74.16 (SD ± 6) years. Ingestion was the major route of exposure (85%) and alcohol overdose (28,7%) was the most frequent type of poisoning. A trend was also observed showing a lower emetic treatment and gastric lavage and an increase in activated charcoal. Benzodiazepines (14.3%) and toxic household products (11%) with caustic properties were also the main toxics found in the study. Acute poisonings in the elderly required more hospitalizations, have a higher mortality and more autolytic attempts which result in death.

L-Dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS): a norepinephrine prodrug.

PubMed

Goldstein, David S

2006-01-01

L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS, droxydopa) is a synthetic catecholamino acid. When taken orally, L-DOPS is converted to the sympathetic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine (NE), via decarboxylation catalyzed by L-aromatic-amino-acid decarboxylase (LAAAD). Plasma L-DOPS levels peak at about 3 h, followed by a monoexponential decline with a half-time of 2 to 3 h. Plasma levels of NE and of its main neuronal metabolite, dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) peak approximately concurrently but at much lower concentrations. The relatively long half-time for disappearance of L-DOPS from plasma, compared to that of NE, explains their very different attained plasma concentrations. In patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, L-DOPS increases blood pressure and ameliorates orthostatic intolerance. Inhibition of LAAAD, such as by treatment with carbidopa, which does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, prevents the blood pressure effects of the drug, indicating that L-DOPS increases blood pressure by augmenting NE production outside the brain. Patients with pure autonomic failure (which usually entails loss of sympathetic noradrenergic nerves), and patients with multiple system atrophy (in which noradrenergic innervation remains intact) have similar plasma NE responses to L-DOPS. This suggests mainly non-neuronal production of NE from L-DOPS. L-DOPS is very effective in treatment of deficiency of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), the enzyme required for conversion of dopamine to NE in sympathetic nerves. L-DOPS holds promise for treating other much more common conditions involving decreased DBH activity or NE deficiency, such as a variety of syndromes associated with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

Direct measurement of neon production rates by (α,n) reactions in minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cox, Stephen E.; Farley, Kenneth A.; Cherniak, Daniele J.

2015-01-01

The production of nucleogenic neon from alpha particle capture by 18O and 19F offers a potential chronometer sensitive to temperatures higher than the more widely used (U-Th)/He chronometer. The accuracy depends on the cross sections and the calculated stopping power for alpha particles in the mineral being studied. Published 18O(α,n)21Ne production rates are in poor agreement and were calculated from contradictory cross sections, and therefore demand experimental verification. Similarly, the stopping powers for alpha particles are calculated from SRIM (Stopping Range of Ions in Matter software) based on a limited experimental dataset. To address these issues we used a particle accelerator to implant alpha particles at precisely known energies into slabs of synthetic quartz (SiO2) and barium tungstate (BaWO4) to measure 21Ne production from capture by 18O. Within experimental uncertainties the observed 21Ne production rates compare favorably to our predictions using published cross sections and stopping powers, indicating that ages calculated using these quantities are accurate at the ∼3% level. In addition, we measured the 22Ne/21Ne ratio and (U-Th)/He and (U-Th)/Ne ages of Durango fluorapatite, which is an important model system for this work because it contains both oxygen and fluorine. Finally, we present 21Ne/4He production rate ratios for a variety of minerals of geochemical interest along with software for calculating neon production rates and (U-Th)/Ne ages.

Element Abundance Ratios in the Quiet Sun Transition Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, P. R.

2018-03-01

Element abundance ratios of magnesium to neon (Mg/Ne) and neon to oxygen (Ne/O) in the transition region of the quiet Sun have been derived by re-assessing previously published data from the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory in the light of new atomic data. The quiet Sun Mg/Ne ratio is important for assessing the effect of magnetic activity on the mechanism of the first ionization potential (FIP) effect, while the Ne/O ratio can be used to infer the solar photospheric abundance of neon, which cannot be measured directly. The average Mg/Ne ratio is found to be 0.52 ± 0.11, which applies over the temperature region 0.2–0.7 MK, and is consistent with the earlier study. The Ne/O ratio is, however, about 40% larger, taking the value 0.24 ± 0.05 that applies to the temperature range 0.08–0.40 MK. The increase is mostly due to changes in ionization and recombination rates that affect the equilibrium ionization balance. If the Ne/O ratio is interpreted as reflecting the photospheric ratio, then the photospheric neon abundance is 8.08 ± 0.09 or 8.15 ± 0.10 (on a logarithmic scale for which hydrogen is 12), according to whether the oxygen abundances of M. Asplund et al. or E. Caffau et al. are used. The updated photospheric neon abundance implies a Mg/Ne FIP bias for the quiet Sun of 1.6 ± 0.6.

Infrared and Microwave Spectra of Ne-WATER Complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xunchen; Thomas, Javix; Xu, Yunjie; Hou, Dan; Li, Hui

2016-06-01

The binary complex of rare gas atom and water is an ideal model to study the anisotropic potential energy surface of van der Waals interaction and the large amplitude motion. Although Xe-H_2O, Kr-H_2O, Ar-H_2O, Ar-D_2O and even Ne-D_2O complexes were studied by microwave or high resolution infrared spectroscopy, the lighter Ne-H_2O complex has remained unidentified. In this talk, we will present the theoretical and experimental investigation of the Ne-H_2O complex. A four-dimension PES for H_2O-Ne which only depended on the intramolecular (Q2) normal-mode coordinate of H2O monomer was calculated in this work to determine the rovibrational energy levels and mid-infrared transitions. Aided with the calculated transitions, we were able to assigned the high resolution mid-infrared spectra of both 20Ne-H_2O and 22Ne-H_2O complexes that are generated with a pulsed supersonic molecular beam in a multipass direct absorption spectrometer equiped with an external cavity quantum cascade laser at 6 μm. Several bands of both para and ortho Ne-H2O were assigned and fitted using the Hamiltonian with strong Coriolis and angular-radical coupling terms. The predicted groud state energy levels are then confirmed by the J=1-0 and J=2-1 transitions measurement using a cavity based Fourier transform microwave spectrometer.

Crystal preferred orientations of minerals from mantle xenoliths in alkali basaltic rocks form the Catalan Volcanic Zone (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández-Roig, Mercè; Galán, Gumer; Mariani, Elisabetta

2015-04-01

Mantle xenoliths in alkali basaltic rocks from the Catalan Volcanic Zone, associated with the Neogene-Quaternary rift system in NE Spain, are formed of anhydrous spinel lherzolites and harzburgites with minor olivine websterites. Both peridotites are considered residues of variable degrees of partial melting, later affected by metasomatism, especially the harzburgites. These and the websterites display protogranular microstructures, whereas lherzolites show continuous variation between protogranular, porphyroclastic and equigranular forms. Thermometric data of new xenoliths indicate that protogranular harzburgites, lherzolites and websterites were equilibrated at higher temperatures than porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites. Mineral chemistry also indicates lower equilibrium pressure for porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites than for the protogranular ones. Crystal preferred orientations (CPOs) of olivine and pyroxenes from these new xenoliths were determined with the EBSD-SEM technique to identify the deformation stages affecting the lithospheric mantle in this zone and to assess the relationships between the deformation fabrics, processes and microstructures. Olivine CPOs in protogranular harzburgites, lherzolites and a pyroxenite display [010]-fiber patterns characterized by a strong point concentration of the [010] axis normal to the foliation and girdle distribution of [100] and [001] axes within the foliation plane. Olivine CPO symmetry in porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites varies continuously from [010]-fiber to orthorhombic and [100]-fiber types. The orthorhombic patterns are characterized by scattered maxima of the three axes, which are normal between them. The rare [100]-fiber patterns display strong point concentration of [100] axis, with normal girdle distribution of the other two axes, which are aligned with each other. The patterns of pyroxene CPOs are more dispersed than those of olivine, especially for clinopyroxene, but there is good correlation between the [100] olivine axis and the [001] pyroxene axis in most protogranular peridotites. However, the [001] axes of the three silicates are parallel in equigranular and some porphyroclastic lherzolites. CPOs and misorientation axes indicate deformation by dislocation creep accommodated mainly by the [100](010) slip system for olivine and the [001](100), [001](010) for orthopyroxene. Also, subsidiary slip systems for olivine are [100]{0kl}, [001](100), [100](001) in porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites. The fabric strength of the three main silicates are consistent, all of them decreasing with grain size reduction. These results indicate that the lithospheric mantle in this area was affected by several deformation stages that took place at decreasing temperature and pressure. An earlier stage is preserved in protogranular peridotites and a pyroxenite, with olivine [010]-fiber patterns and consistent deformation of pyroxenes. It could be related to axial shortening, transpression and/or subsequent recovery and annealing. Later deformation stages would be recorded by most porphyroclastic and equigranular lherzolites characterized by orthorhombic and [100]-fiber patterns for olivine, and transitions between them and with the [010]-fiber one. These samples would come most likely from an active shear zone at shallower upper mantle depth, where deformation at higher strain rates would explain the olivine [100]-fiber symmetry. Transient deformation patterns for olivine, grain size reduction along with weakening of the fabric strength could be due to dynamic recrystallization through grain boundary migration and subgrain rotation mechanisms.

An optimized workflow for building 3D models from balanced sections and potential field geophysics: a study case in NE Spain.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayala, Conxi; Izquierdo-Llavall, Esther; Pueyo, Emilio Luis; Rubio, Félix; Rodríguez-Pintó, Adriana; María Casas, Antonio; Oliva-Urcía, Belén; Rey-Moral, Carmen

2015-04-01

Obtaining an accurate 3D image of the geometry and physical properties of geological structures in depth is a challenge regardless the scale and the aim of the investigation. In this framework, assessing the origin of the uncertainties and reducing them is a key issue when building a 3D reconstruction of a target area. Usually, this process involves an interdisciplinary approach and also the use of different software whose inputs and outputs have to be interoperable. We have designed a new workflow for 2.5D and 3D geological and potential field modelling, especially useful in areas where no seismic data is available. The final aim is to obtain a 3D geological model, at a regional or local scale, with the smaller uncertainty as possible. Once the study area and the working scale are is decided, the first obvious step is to compile all preexisting data and to determine its uncertainties. If necessary, a survey will be carried out to acquire additional data (e.g., gravity, magnetic or petrophysical data) to have an appropriated coverage of information and rock samples. A thorough study of the petrophysical properties is made to determine the density, magnetic susceptibility and remanence that will be assigned to each lithology, together with its corresponding uncertainty. Finally, the modelling process is started, and it includes a feedback between geology and potential fields in order to progressively refine the model until it fits all the existing data. The procedure starts with the construction of balanced geological cross sections from field work, available geological maps as well as data from stratigraphic columns, boreholes, etc. These geological cross sections are exported and imported in GMSYS software to carry out the 2.5D potential field modelling. The model improves and its uncertainty is reduced through the feedback between the geologists and the geophysicists. Once the potential field anomalies are well adjusted, the cross sections are exported into 3DMove (Midland Valley) to construct a preliminary balanced 3D model. Inversion of the potential field data in GeoModeller is the final step to obtain a 3D model consistent with the input data and with the minimum possible uncertainty. Our case study is a 3D model from the Linking Zone between the Iberian Range and the Catalonian Costal ones (NE Spain, an extension of 11,325 km2). No seismic data was available, so we carried out several surveys to acquire new gravity data and rock samples to complete the data from IGME petrophysical databases. A total of 1470 samples have been used to define the physical properties for the modelled lithologies. The gravity data consists of 2902 stations. The initial model is based on the surface geology, eleven boreholes and 8 balanced geological cross sections built in the frame of this research. The final model resulted from gravimetric inversion has allowed us to define the geometry of the top of the basement as well as to identify two structures (anticlines) as potential CO2 reservoirs.

Immediate changes in topsoil chemical properties after controlled shrubland burning in the Central Pyrenees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zufiaurre-Galarza, Raquel; Fernández Campos, Marta; Badía-Villas, David; María Armas-Herrera, Cecilia; Martí-Dalmau, Clara; Girona-García, Antonio

2016-04-01

Prescribed fire has recently been adopted as an encroachment-fighting strategy in the Central Pyrenees. Despite relatively large information on wildfire impacts on soil, there is little information on prescribed fire effects, especially in mountain ecosystems (Shakesby et al, 2015). Fire effects are noticeable in the topsoil, particularly in relation to soil organic matter and nutrient contents and quality (Alexis et al, 2012). These components change with time after fire and at the scale of the upper few centimetres of mineral soil (Badía et al, 2014). The aim of this study is to evaluate the immediate effects of prescribed shrubland burning on soil's nutrients and organic matter content to detect changes at cm-scale, trying to differentiate the heat shock from the subsequent incorporation of ash and charcoal. The study area, densely covered with spiny broom (Echinospartum horridum), is located in Tella (Central Pyrenees, NE Spain) at 1900 meters above sea level. Three sites were sampled before burning and immediately after burning just in its adjacent side. The soils belong to the WRB unit Leptic Eutric Cambisol, Soil samples were collected separating carefully the organic layers (litter in unburned soils and ashes and fire-altered organic residues in burned soils) and the mineral horizon at 0-1, 1-2 and 2-3 cm depths. Soil samples were air-dried and sieved to 2 mm. Soil organic C (by the wet oxidation method), total N (Kjeldahl method), water-soluble ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, SO4=, NO3- and NH4+), exchangeable ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Fe3+ and Mn2+), total and available P, pH (1:5) and the electrical conductivity (in a 1:10 soil-to-water ratio) were measured. Immediately after the controlled fire, soil organic carbon content on burned topsoil decreases significantly within 0-3 cm of soil depth studied while total N decrease was not significant. Moreover, only a slight increase of the electrical conductivity, water-soluble ions and exchangeable ions was observed on burned topsoil. These changes detected immediately after fire (SOC decrease and slight nutrients increase) are related to the heat released during the severe intensity of prescribed burning. Few changes in nutrients are yet observed due to the negligible incorporation of ashes into the soil, still remaining on the surface. In the medium term, it can be expected its partial incorporation into the soil and, also, ash and soil losses depending on the rain intensity and the amount of time in which the soil is kept bare. REFERENCES Alexis et al. (2012). Evolution of soil organic matter after prescribed fire: A 20-year chronosequence. Geoderma 189-190: 98-107. Badía et al. (2014). Wildfire effects on nutrients and organic carbon of a Rendzic Phaeozem in NE Spain: Changes at cm-scale topsoil. Catena 113: 267-275. Shakesby et al. (2015). Impacts of prescribed fire on soil loss and soil quality: An assessment based on an experimentally-burned catchment in central Portugal. Catena 128: 278-293

Measurement of a Neutrino-Induced Charged Current Single Neutral Pion Cross Section at MicroBooNE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hackenburg, Ariana

Micro Booster Neutrino Experiment (MicroBooNE) is a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) operating in the Booster Neutrino Beamline at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. MicroBooNE's physics goals include studying short baslinemore » $$\

ALTERATION OF CATECHOLAMINES IN PHOECHROMOCYTOMA (PC12) CELLS IN VITRO BY THE METABOLITES OF CHLOROTRIAZINE HERBICIDE

EPA Science Inventory

The effects of four major chlorotriazine metabolites on the constitutive synthesis of the catecholamines dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) were examined using undifferentiated PC12 cells. NE release and intracellular DA and NE concentrations were quantified following treatme...

Fault linkage and continental breakup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cresswell, Derren; Lymer, Gaël; Reston, Tim; Stevenson, Carl; Bull, Jonathan; Sawyer, Dale; Morgan, Julia

2017-04-01

The magma-poor rifted margin off the west coast of Galicia (NW Spain) has provided some of the key observations in the development of models describing the final stages of rifting and continental breakup. In 2013, we collected a 68 x 20 km 3D seismic survey across the Galicia margin, NE Atlantic. Processing through to 3D Pre-stack Time Migration (12.5 m bin-size) and 3D depth conversion reveals the key structures, including an underlying detachment fault (the S detachment), and the intra-block and inter-block faults. These data reveal multiple phases of faulting, which overlap spatially and temporally, have thinned the crust to between zero and a few km thickness, producing 'basement windows' where crustal basement has been completely pulled apart and sediments lie directly on the mantle. Two approximately N-S trending fault systems are observed: 1) a margin proximal system of two linked faults that are the upward extension (breakaway faults) of the S; in the south they form one surface that splays northward to form two faults with an intervening fault block. These faults were thus demonstrably active at one time rather than sequentially. 2) An oceanward relay structure that shows clear along strike linkage. Faults within the relay trend NE-SW and heavily dissect the basement. The main block bounding faults can be traced from the S detachment through the basement into, and heavily deforming, the syn-rift sediments where they die out, suggesting that the faults propagated up from the S detachment surface. Analysis of the fault heaves and associated maps at different structural levels show complementary fault systems. The pattern of faulting suggests a variation in main tectonic transport direction moving oceanward. This might be interpreted as a temporal change during sequential faulting, however the transfer of extension between faults and the lateral variability of fault blocks suggests that many of the faults across the 3D volume were active at least in part simultaneously. Alternatively, extension may have varied in direction spatially if it were a rotation about a pole located to the north.

Early Energetic Particle Irradiation of the HED Parent Body Regolith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogard, D. D.; Garrison, D. H.; Rao, M. N.

1996-01-01

Previous studies have shown that many individual grains within the dark phase of the Kapoeta howardite were irradiated with energetic particles while residing on the surface of the early HED regolith. Particle tracks in these grains vary in density by more than an order of magnitude and undoubtedly were formed by energetic heavy (Fe) ions associated with early solar flares. Early Irradiation of HED Regolith: Concentrations of excess Ne alone are not sufficient to decide between competing galactic and solar irradiation models. However, from recent studies of depth samples of oriented lunar rocks, we have shown that the cosmogenic 21-Ne/22-Ne ratio produced in feldspar differs substantially between Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) and solar protons, and that this difference is exactly that predicted from cross-section data. Using Ne literature data and new isotopic data we obtained on acid-etched, separated feldspar from both the light and dark phases of Kapoeta, we derive 21-Ne/22-Ne = 0.80 for the recent GCR irradiation and 21-Ne/22-Ne = 0.68 for the early regolith irradiation. This derived ratio indicates that the early Ne production in the regolith occurred by both galactic and solar protons. If we adopt a likely one-component regolith model in which all grains were exposed to galactic protons but individual grains had variable exposure to solar protons, we estimate that this early GCR irradiation lasted for about 3-6 m.y. More complex two-component regolith models involving separate solar and galactic irradiation would permit this GCR age to be longer. Higher-energy solar protons would permit the GCR to be longer. Higher-energy solar protons would permit the GCR age to be shorter. Further, cosmogenic 126(Xe) in Kapoeta dark is no more than a factor of about 2 higher than that observed in Kapoeta light. Because 126(Xe) can only be formed by galactic protons and not solar protons, these data support a short GCR irradiation for the HED regolith. This would also be the maximum time peRiod for the solar irradiation. Various asteroidal regolith models, based on Monte Carlo modeling of impact rates as a function of size and on irradiation features of meteorites, predict surface exposure times of about 0.1 to 10 m.y., and depend on such factors as gravity, rock mechanical properties, and micrometeoroid flux. Because the depth at which solar Fe tracks are produced (is much less than 1 micrometer) is much less than the depth at which Solar Cosmic Rays (SCR) Ne is produced (about 1 cm), for a reasonably well-stirred HED regolith the "surface exposure time" for SCR 21-Ne production should be significantly longer than that for solar tracks and some other surface irradiation features. Enhanced Solar Proton Irradiation: For bulk samples of Kapoeta dark feldspar and a one-component regolith model, the derived ratio of 21-Ne/22-Ne = 0.68 implies that the early production ratio of SCR 21-Ne to GCR 21-Ne was about 0.5-1.5. This ratio is independent of any assumptions about the fraction of dark grains that are irradiated or of the variability in the degree of solar irradiation among grains. The 21-Ne SCR/GCR ratio indirectly derived from bulk Kapoeta pyroxene is somewhat larger, as is the ratio derived for simple two-component regolith models. Individual feldspar grains that were extensively solar irradiated would require even larger 21-Ne SCR/GCR production ratios. In contrast, the theoretical SCR/GCR production ratio for lunar feldspar with 0 g/CM2 shield ing is is less than or equal to 2, and the lowest ratio observed in near-surface samples of lunar anorthosites is less than or equal to 1. Considering the greater solar distance of Vesta (compared to the Moon), the likelihood that SCR 21-Ne was acquired under some shielding where production rates are lower, and the likelihood that the exposure time to galactic protons exceeded the exposure time to solar protons because of their very different penetration depths, the 21-Ne SCR/GCR production ratio on the HED parent body was probably < 0.1. The relatively large difference between the derived 21-Ne SCR/GCR ratio in Kapoeta dark feldspar and the estimated production ratio strongly indicates that the early solar irradiation involved a flux -20-50x the recent solar flux. This enhanced proton flux was probably associated with an overall greater solar activity in the first approximately 10(exp 7) to 10(exp 8) years of solar history.

50 CFR 648.87 - Sector allocation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... sector's allocation of the overall ACL available to all vessels issued a limited access NE multispecies... the GB cod ACL available to all vessels issued a limited access NE multispecies permit, that sector... this example, if the overall GB cod ACL available to all vessels issued a limited access NE...

76 FR 16530 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Creighton, NE

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-24

...-1170; Airspace Docket No. 10-ACE-13] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Creighton, NE AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action establishes Class E airspace... Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish Class E airspace for Creighton, NE, creating...

75 FR 64971 - Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Central City, NE

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-21

...-0837; Airspace Docket No. 10-ACE-10] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Central City, NE...: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Central City, NE. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Central City Municipal--Larry...

A simple kinetic model of a Ne-H2 Penning-plasma laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrov, G. M.; Stefanova, M. S.; Pramatarov, P. M.

1995-09-01

A simple kinetic model of the Ne-H2 Penning-Plasma Laser (PPL) (NeI 585.3 nm) is proposed. The negative glow of a hollow cathode discharge at intermediate pressures is considered as the active medium. The balance equations for the upper and lower laser levels, electrons, ions and electron energy are solved. The dependences of the laser gain on the discharge conditions (Ne and H2 partial pressures, discharge current) are calculated and measured. The calculated values are in a good agreement with the experimental data.

Ion and neutral energy flux distributions to the cathode in glow discharges in Ar/Ne and Xe/Ne mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capdeville, H.; Pédoussat, C.; Pitchford, L. C.

2002-02-01

The work presented in the article is a study of the heavy particle (ion and neutral) energy flux distributions to the cathode in conditions typical of discharges used for luminous signs for advertising ("neon" signs). The purpose of this work is to evaluate the effect of the gas mixture on the sputtering of the cathode. We have combined two models for this study: a hybrid model of the electrical properties of the cathode region of a glow discharge and a Monte Carlo simulation of the heavy particle trajectories. Using known sputtering yields for Ne, Ar, and Xe on iron cathodes, we estimate the sputtered atom flux for mixtures of Ar/Ne and Xe/Ne as a function of the percent neon in the mixture.

Study of Electromagnetic Interactions with the MicroBooNE Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caratelli, David; MicroBooNE Collaboration

2017-01-01

MicroBooNE is an experiment which employs the Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) detector technology to study neutrinos produced with the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam. As for any accelerator-based detector interested in studying neutrino oscillations, it is essential to be able to identify and reconstruct the kinematic properties of electrons and photons produced in μν and νe interactions. We report current progress in reconstructing electron and photon electromagnetic (EM) showers using data from the MicroBooNE LArTPC. These studies cover EM showers in the tens to hundreds of MeV energy range; they lay the foundation for MicroBooNE's investigation of the excess of low-energy EM events reported by MiniBooNE, and are of interest to the wider LArTPC neutrino community.

The NeXus data format

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Könnecke, Mark; Akeroyd, Frederick A.; Bernstein, Herbert J.

2015-01-30

NeXus is an effort by an international group of scientists to define a common data exchange and archival format for neutron, X-ray and muon experiments. NeXus is built on top of the scientific data format HDF5 and adds domain-specific rules for organizing data within HDF5 files, in addition to a dictionary of well defined domain-specific field names. The NeXus data format has two purposes. First, it defines a format that can serve as a container for all relevant data associated with a beamline. This is a very important use case. Second, it defines standards in the form of application definitionsmore » for the exchange of data between applications. NeXus provides structures for raw experimental data as well as for processed data.« less

Focal mechanisms and the stress regime in NE and SW Tanzania, East Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brazier, Richard A.; Nyblade, Andrew A.; Florentin, Juliette

2005-07-01

We report 12 new focal mechanisms from earthquakes in NE and SW Tanzania where the stress regime within the East African rift system is not well constrained. Focal mechanisms for events at the intersection of the Lake Tanganyika and Rukwa rifts in SW Tanzania indicate a complicated stress pattern with possible dextral strike-slip motion on some faults but oblique motion on others (either sinistral on NW striking faults or dextral on NE striking faults). Within the Rukwa rift, focal mechanisms indicate normal dip-slip motion with NE-SW opening. In NE Tanzania where the Eastern rift impinges on the margin of the Tanzania Craton, fault motions are consistent with a zone of distributed block faults and sub E-W extension. All twelve earthquakes likely nucleated within the crust.

The NeXus data format

DOE PAGES

Könnecke, Mark; Akeroyd, Frederick A.; Bernstein, Herbert J.; ...

2015-01-30

NeXus is an effort by an international group of scientists to define a common data exchange and archival format for neutron, X-ray and muon experiments. NeXus is built on top of the scientific data format HDF5 and adds domain-specific rules for organizing data within HDF5 files, in addition to a dictionary of well defined domain-specific field names. The NeXus data format has two purposes. First, it defines a format that can serve as a container for all relevant data associated with a beamline. This is a very important use case. Second, it defines standards in the form of application definitionsmore » for the exchange of data between applications. As a result, NeXus provides structures for raw experimental data as well as for processed data.« less

Online platforms to teach Nutrition Education to children: a non-systematic review.

PubMed

Domínguez Rodríguez, Alejandro; Cebolla Marti, Ausiàs Josep; Oliver-Gasch, Elia; Baños-Rivera, Rosa María

2016-11-29

Childhood obesity is now considered a worldwide problem. Nutrition Education (NE) has been identified as a key factor in preventing overweight and obesity in children. In recent years, there has been an increase in the interest in innovative ways to teach this knowledge to children, mainly through the use of the Internet. Review and analyze the available evidence about programs focused on NE for children through the use of the Internet. Three different ways were found to deliver NE over the Internet to children: platforms designed to communicate with other peers or professionals; platforms designed to provide NE through the contents included in the web tool; and platforms designed to provide NE through the contents included in the web tool and automated feedback. Most of these programs were effective in achieving the objectives established. Although the use of Internet platforms to teach NE to children has been shown to be effective, the amount of evidence is still scarce. Some of the main advantages the Internet provides are: the opportunity to put the children in contact with education and health professionals; children can keep a record of the food consumed; and it is a more attractive and interesting way for children to learn NE, compared to traditional methods.

Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system and nanoemulsion for enhancing aqueous miscibility of Alpinia galanga oil.

PubMed

Khumpirapang, Nattakanwadee; Pikulkaew, Surachai; Müllertz, Anette; Rades, Thomas; Okonogi, Siriporn

2017-01-01

Alpinia galanga oil (AGO) possesses various activities but low aqueous solubility limits its application particularly in aquatic animals. AGO has powerful activity on fish anesthesia. Ethanol used for enhancing water miscible of AGO always shows severe side effects on fish. The present study explores the development of self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) and nanoemulsions (NE) to deliver AGO for fish anesthesia with less or no alcohol. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the best SMEDDS-AGO formulation, whereas NE-AGO were developed by means of high-energy emulsification. The mean droplet size of the best SMEDDS-AGO was 82 ± 0.5 nm whereas that of NE-AGO was 48 ± 1.6 nm. The anesthetic effect of the developed SMEDDS-AGO and NE-AGO in koi (Cyprinus carpio) was evaluated and compared with AGO ethanolic solution (EtOH-AGO). It was found that the time of induction the fish to reach the surgical stage of anesthesia was dose dependent. NE-AGO showed significantly higher activity than SMEDDS-AGO and EtOH-AGO, respectively. EtOH-AGO caused unwanted hyperactivity in the fish. This side effect did not occur in the fish anesthetized with SMEDDS-AGO and NE-AGO. In conclusion, SMEDDS and NE are promising delivery systems for AGO.

Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system and nanoemulsion for enhancing aqueous miscibility of Alpinia galanga oil

PubMed Central

Khumpirapang, Nattakanwadee; Pikulkaew, Surachai; Müllertz, Anette; Rades, Thomas

2017-01-01

Alpinia galanga oil (AGO) possesses various activities but low aqueous solubility limits its application particularly in aquatic animals. AGO has powerful activity on fish anesthesia. Ethanol used for enhancing water miscible of AGO always shows severe side effects on fish. The present study explores the development of self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) and nanoemulsions (NE) to deliver AGO for fish anesthesia with less or no alcohol. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the best SMEDDS-AGO formulation, whereas NE-AGO were developed by means of high-energy emulsification. The mean droplet size of the best SMEDDS-AGO was 82 ± 0.5 nm whereas that of NE-AGO was 48 ± 1.6 nm. The anesthetic effect of the developed SMEDDS-AGO and NE-AGO in koi (Cyprinus carpio) was evaluated and compared with AGO ethanolic solution (EtOH-AGO). It was found that the time of induction the fish to reach the surgical stage of anesthesia was dose dependent. NE-AGO showed significantly higher activity than SMEDDS-AGO and EtOH-AGO, respectively. EtOH-AGO caused unwanted hyperactivity in the fish. This side effect did not occur in the fish anesthetized with SMEDDS-AGO and NE-AGO. In conclusion, SMEDDS and NE are promising delivery systems for AGO. PMID:29190663

Teacher Perceptions of Multilevel Policies and the Influence on Nutrition Education in North Carolina Head Start Preschools.

PubMed

Peterson, Amanda D; Goodell, L Suzanne; Hegde, Archana; Stage, Virginia C

2017-05-01

To develop a theory that explains the process of how teachers' perception of multilevel policies may influence nutrition education (NE) teaching strategies in Head Start preschools. Semistructured telephone interviews. North Carolina Head Start preschools. Thirty-two Head Start teachers. All interviews were transcribed verbatim. Following a grounded theory approach, authors coded interview data for emergent themes. Two primary themes emerged during analysis, including teachers' policy perceptions and teacher-perceived influence of policy on NE. A theoretical model was developed to explain how teachers' perceptions of policies influenced NE (eg, teaching strategies) in the classroom. Teachers discussed multiple policy areas governing their classrooms and limiting their ability to provide meaningful and consistent NE. How teachers perceived the level of regulation in the classroom (ie, high or low) influenced the frequency with which they used specific teaching strategies. Despite federal policies supporting the provision of NE, teachers face competing priorities in the classroom (eg, school readiness vs NE) and policies may conflict with standardized NE curricula. To understand how Head Start centers develop local policies, additional research should investigate how administrators interpret federal and state policies. Copyright © 2017 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

School gardens: an experiential learning approach for a nutrition education program to increase fruit and vegetable knowledge, preference, and consumption among second-grade students.

PubMed

Parmer, Sondra M; Salisbury-Glennon, Jill; Shannon, David; Struempler, Barbara

2009-01-01

To examine the effects of a school garden on children's fruit and vegetable knowledge, preference, and consumption. Self-report questionnaires, interview-style taste and rate items, lunchroom observations. An elementary school. Second-grade students (n = 115). Participants were assigned to one of 3 groups: (1) nutrition education and gardening (NE+G) treatment group, (2) nutrition education only (NE) treatment group, or (3) control group (CG). Both treatment groups received classroom instruction, and the NE+G group also received a school gardening experience. Fruit and vegetable knowledge, preference, and consumption. Analyses of variance (alpha = .05). Participants in the NE+G and NE treatment groups exhibited significantly greater improvements in nutrition knowledge and taste ratings than did participants in the CG. Moreover, the NE+G group was more likely to choose and consume vegetables in a lunchroom setting at post-assessment than either the NE or CG groups. School gardens as a component of nutrition education can increase fruit and vegetable knowledge and cause behavior change among children. These findings suggest that school administrators, classroom teachers, and nutrition educators should implement school gardens as a way to positively influence dietary habits at an early age.

Proteinase 3 and neutrophil elastase enhance inflammation in mice by inactivating antiinflammatory progranulin

PubMed Central

Kessenbrock, Kai; Fröhlich, Leopold; Sixt, Michael; Lämmermann, Tim; Pfister, Heiko; Bateman, Andrew; Belaaouaj, Azzaq; Ring, Johannes; Ollert, Markus; Fässler, Reinhard; Jenne, Dieter E.

2008-01-01

Neutrophil granulocytes form the body’s first line of antibacterial defense, but they also contribute to tissue injury and noninfectious, chronic inflammation. Proteinase 3 (PR3) and neutrophil elastase (NE) are 2 abundant neutrophil serine proteases implicated in antimicrobial defense with overlapping and potentially redundant substrate specificity. Here, we unraveled a cooperative role for PR3 and NE in neutrophil activation and noninfectious inflammation in vivo, which we believe to be novel. Mice lacking both PR3 and NE demonstrated strongly diminished immune complex–mediated (IC-mediated) neutrophil infiltration in vivo as well as reduced activation of isolated neutrophils by ICs in vitro. In contrast, in mice lacking just NE, neutrophil recruitment to ICs was only marginally impaired. The defects in mice lacking both PR3 and NE were directly linked to the accumulation of antiinflammatory progranulin (PGRN). Both PR3 and NE cleaved PGRN in vitro and during neutrophil activation and inflammation in vivo. Local administration of recombinant PGRN potently inhibited neutrophilic inflammation in vivo, demonstrating that PGRN represents a crucial inflammation-suppressing mediator. We conclude that PR3 and NE enhance neutrophil-dependent inflammation by eliminating the local antiinflammatory activity of PGRN. Our results support the use of serine protease inhibitors as antiinflammatory agents. PMID:18568075

Dynamics of response-conflict monitoring and individual differences in response control and behavioral control: an electrophysiological investigation using a stop-signal task.

PubMed

Stahl, Jutta; Gibbons, Henning

2007-03-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the functional significance of error (related) negativity Ne/ERN and individual differences in human action monitoring. A response-conflict model of Ne/ERN should be tested applying a stop-signal paradigm. After a few modifications of Ne/ERN response-conflict theory (Yeung N, Botvinick MM, Cohen JD. The neural basis of error detection: conflict monitoring and the error-related negativity. Psychological Review 2004:111(4);931-959), strength and time course of response conflict could be modeled as a function of stop-signal delay. In Experiment 1, 35 participants performed a visual two-choice response-time task but tried to withhold the response if an auditory stop signal was presented. Probability of stopping errors was held at 50% using variable delays between visual and auditory stimuli. Experiment 2 (n=10) employed both auditory go and stop signals and confirmed that Ne/ERN effects are due to conflict induced by the auditory stop signal, and not the mere presence or absence of an additional stimulus. As predicted, amplitudes of both the stimulus-locked and response-locked Ne/ERN were largest for non-stopped responses, followed by successfully stopped and go responses. However, independently of response type Ne/ERN also increased with increasing stop-signal delay. Since longer delay invokes stronger response conflict, results specifically support the notion of Ne/ERN reflecting response-conflict monitoring. Furthermore, individual differences related to measures of response control and behavioral control were observed. Both low response control estimated from stop-task performance and high psychometric impulsivity were accompanied by smaller Ne/ERN amplitude on stop trials, suggesting reduced response-conflict monitoring. The present study supported the response-conflict view of Ne/ERN. Furthermore, the observed relationship between impulsivity and Ne/ERN amplitude suggested that individuals with low behavioral control were characterized by lower activity in anterior cingulate cortex, the neural generator of Ne/ERN, in situations of strong response conflict. The present study, for the first time, employed a stop-signal paradigm to verify predictions regarding the temporal dynamics of response-conflict processing as derived from response-conflict theory of ERN.

Distribution and differential expression of microRNAs in the intestinal mucosal layer of necrotic enteritis induced Fayoumi chickens

PubMed Central

Rengaraj, Deivendran; Truong, Anh Duc; Ban, Jihye; Lillehoj, Hyun S.; Hong, Yeong Ho

2017-01-01

Objective Despite an increasing number of investigations into the pathophysiology of necrotic enteritis (NE) disease, etiology of NE-associated diseases, and gene expression profiling of NE-affected tissues, the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of NE-affected poultry have been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to induce NE disease in the genetically disparate Fayoumi chicken lines, and to perform non-coding RNA sequencing in the intestinal mucosal layer. Methods NE disease was induced in the Fayoumi chicken lines (M5.1 and M15.2), and non-coding RNA sequencing was performed in the intestinal mucosal layer of both NE-affected and uninfected chickens to examine the differential expression of miRNAs. Next, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR) was performed to further examine four miRNAs that showed the highest fold differences. Finally, bioinformatics analyses were performed to examine the four miRNAs target genes involvement in the signaling pathways, and to examine their interaction. Results According to non-coding RNA sequencing, total 50 upregulated miRNAs and 26 downregulated miRNAs were detected in the NE-induced M5.1 chickens. While 32 upregulated miRNAs and 11 downregulated miRNAs were detected in the NE-induced M15.2 chickens. Results of real-time qPCR analysis on the four miRNAs (gga-miR-9-5p, gga-miR-20b-5p, gga-miR-196-5p, and gga-let-7d) were mostly correlated with the results of RNAseq. Overall, gga-miR-20b-5p was significantly downregulated in the NE-induced M5.1 chickens and this was associated with the upregulation of its top-ranking target gene, mitogen-activated protein kinase, kinase 2. Further bioinformatics analyses revealed that 45 of the gene targets of gga-miR-20b-5p were involved in signal transduction and immune system-related pathways, and 35 of these targets were predicted to interact with each other. Conclusion Our study is a novel report of miRNA expression in Fayoumi chickens, and could be very useful in understanding the role of differentially expressed miRNAs in a NE disease model. PMID:28111433

Molecular analysis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Rickettsia in Hyalomma marginatum ticks removed from patients (Spain) and birds (Spain and Morocco), 2009-2015.

PubMed

Palomar, Ana M; Portillo, Aránzazu; Mazuelas, David; Roncero, Lidia; Arizaga, Juan; Crespo, Ariñe; Gutiérrez, Óscar; Márquez, Francisco J; Cuadrado, Juan F; Eiros, José M; Oteo, José A

2016-07-01

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) was detected in Spain in 2010. The presence of CCHFV in Hyalomma marginatum ticks from migratory birds passing through Morocco during the spring migration strengthened the hypothesis of the arrival of infected ticks transported by birds to the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, Hyalomma species are vectors of bacterial infections such as spotted fever rickettsioses. CCHFV and Rickettsia were screened in Hyalomma ticks from Spain attached to patients (n=12) and birds (n=149). In addition, Rickettsia was investigated in 52 Hyalomma ticks from Morocco (previously reported as CCHFV-infected). No sample collected in Spain showed an infection with CCHFV. Two ticks removed from patients (16.7%), as well as 47 (31.5%) and 4 (7.7%) from birds, collected in Spain and Morocco respectively, were infected with Rickettsia aeschlimannii. Rickettsia sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae was also found in 2 ticks from birds collected in Spain (1.3%). The risk of CCHFV-infected ticks attached to migratory birds to reach the North of Spain is low. This study corroborates the presence of R. aeschlimannii in Spain and Morocco, and supports that H. marginatum can be a potential vector of R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae in the Iberian Peninsula. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The Eastern delta-fan deposits on the Granada Basin as tectonic indicators of the Sierra Nevada uplift (Betic Cordillera, South Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roldán, Francisco Javier; Azañon, Jose Miguel; Mateos, Rosa Maria

2014-05-01

A geological mapping in detail of the Eastern sector of the Granada Basin (South Spain) reveals two different groups of Gilbert delta-fans related to the Sierra Nevada uplift. The first group, in the southern part and with a surface of 6 km2, has three major coarsening-upward sequences. They are composed of very coarse deposits, those of conglomerates, sands and silts. Progradational strata units to the basin have been observed. The dominantly fluvial facies association has locally developed shallow marine foreset deposits (partially with reef colonization) as well as topset red soils (Dabrio, et al., 1978; Braga et a., 1990; García-García, et al., 1999) . All the sequences are discordant over marine facies (calcarenites) dated over 8,26 Ma (Late Tortonian). The second group, in the northern part and with an extension of 12 km2, has similar characteristics, but some of the boulders have ostreids and lamellibranchs species which reveal their former position in a previous marine environment. The Sierra Nevada uplift caused the remobilization of these boulders, being transported by debris-flow inside the delta-fan bodies (García-García, et al., 2006). The dating of ostreids shells with Sr techniques reveals ages over 7,13, 6,61 and 5,45 Ma, from the lower to the upper delta-fan deposits, which are related to the three main sequences observed and with three major tectonic pulses during the Late Miocene. These interpretations are in agreement with apatite fision-track studies carried out in some boulders of these coarse delta-fan deposits (Clark and Dempster, 2013). They reveal a detailed record of Neogene denudation from the Sierra Nevada basement and with uplift periods between 5,45Ma- 2 Ma. The latest pulses affected the delta-fan sediments given rise to new fan systems in the Granada Basin (Alhambra Formation). The thoroughly study of the Miocene delta-fan sediments allows us to conclude that they were related to a sin-sedimentary tectonic activity linked to the Sierra Nevada uplift and with original NE-SW normal left-lateral fault system associated with a compatible ESE-WNW normal fault system. The asymmetrical morphologies of the two delta-fan bodies confirm this configuration as tectonic induced deposits. References Braga, J.C., Martín, J.M. and Alcalá, B. (1990). Coral reefs in coarse-terrigenous sedimentary environments (Upper Tortonian, Granada Basin, southern Spain). Sedimentary Geology, 66, pp 135-150. Clark, S.J.P.and Dempster, T.J. (2009). The record of tectonic denudation and erosion in an emerging orogen: an apatite fission-track study of the Sierra Nevada, southern Spain. Journal of the Geological Society, London, Vol. 166, pp. 87-100. Dabrio, C.J., Fernández, J., Peña, J., Ruíz-Bustos, A. y Sanz de Galdeano, C. (1978). Rasgos sedimentarios de los conglomerados miocénicos del borde noreste de la Depresión de Granada. Estudios Geológicos, 34, pp 89-97. García-García, F., Fernández, J., Viseras, C. and Soria, J.M. (2006). Architecture and sedimentary facies evolution in a delta stack controlled by fault growth (Betic Cordillera, southern Spain, late Tortonian). Sedimentary Geology, 185, pp. 79-92. García-García, F., Viseras, C. and Fernández, J. (1999). Organización secuencial de abanicos deltaicos controlados por la tectónica (Tortoniense superior, cuenca de Granada, Cordillera Bética). Rev. Soc. Geol. España, 12 (2): 199-208.

Improving modelled impacts on the flowering of temperate fruit trees in the Iberian Peninsula of climate change projections for 21st century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz-Ramos, Margarita; Pérez-Lopez, David; Sánchez-Sánchez, Enrique; Centeno, Ana; Dosio, Alessandro; Lopez-de-la-Franca, Noelia

2013-04-01

Flowering of temperate trees needs winter chilling, being the specific requirements dependent on the variety. This work studied the trend and changes of values of chilling hours for some representative agricultural locations in Spain for the last three decades and their projected changes under climate change scenarios. According to our previous results (Pérez-López et al., 2012), areas traditionally producing fruit as the Ebro (NE of Spain) or Guadalquivir (SO) valleys, Murcia (SE) and Extremadura (SO) could have a major cold reduction of chill-hours. This would drive a change of varieties or species and may enhance the use of chemicals to complete the needs of chill hours for flowering. However, these results showed high uncertainty, partly due to the bias of the climate data used, generated by Regional Climate Models. The chilling hours were calculated with different methods according to the species considered: North Carolina method (Shaltout and Unrath, 1983) was used for apples, Utah method (Richardson et al. 1974) for peach and grapevine and the approach used by De Melo-Abreu et al. (2004) for olive trees. The climate data used as inputs were the results of numerical simulations obtained from a group of regional climate models at high resolution (25 km) from the European Project ENSEMBLES (http://www.ensembles-eu.org/) first bias corrected for temperatures and precipitation (Dosio and Paruolo, 2011; Dosio et al., 2012). This work aims to improve the impact projections obtained in Pérez-López et al. (2012). For this purpose, variation of chill-hours between 2nd half of 20th century and 1st half of 21st century at the study locations were recalculated considering 1) a feedback in the dates in which the chilling hours are calculated, to take into account the shift of phenological dates, and 2) substituting the original ENSEMBLES data set of climate used in Pérez-López et al. (2012) by the bias corrected data set. Calculations for the 2nd half of 20th century will be used to evaluate the quality of the new data set of projections. Acknowledgements This research has been funded by project PEII10-0248-5680 from Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. References De Melo-Abreu, J. P. Barranco D. Cordeiro, A. M. Tous, J. Rogado, B. M. Villalobos, F. J. 2004. Modelling olive flowering date using chilling for dormancy release and thermal time. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 125: 117-127. Dosio A. and Paruolo P., 2011. Bias correction of the ENSEMBLES high-resolution climate change projections for use by impact models: Evaluation on the present climate . Journal of Geophysical Research, VOL. 116, D16106, doi:10.1029/2011JD015934 Dosio A., Paruolo P. and Rojas R., 2012. Bias correction of the ENSEMBLES high resolution climate change projections for use by impact models: Analysis of the climate change signal. Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 117, D17, doi: 10.1029/2012JD017968 Herrera et. al. (2012) Development and Analysis of a 50 year high-resolution daily gridded precipitation dataset over Spain (Spain02). International Journal of Climatology 32:74-85 DOI: 10.1002/joc.2256. Pérez-López; D., Ruiz-Ramos, M., Sánchez-Sánchez. E., Centeno A., Prieto-Egido, I., and López-de-la-Franca, N., 2012. Influence of climate change on the flowering of temperate fruit trees. Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 14, EGU2012-5774, EGU General Assembly 2012. Richardson, E.A. Seeley, S.D. Walker, D.R. 1974. A model for estimating the completion of rest for 'Redhaven' and 'Elberta' peach trees. HortScience, 9: 331-332. Shaltout, A.D. Unrath, C. r. 1983. Rest completion prediction model for 'Starkrimson Delicious' apples. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., 108: 957-961.

Community and the Myth of the Ideal School: Circulation and Appropriation of the Hamburg Gemeinschaftsschulen in Spain (1922-1933)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

del Pozo Andrés, María del Mar

2014-01-01

The progressive education movement was known in Spain from its very inception, and in fact many of its pedagogical theories and practices reached Spain before reaching other European countries. Yet traditional historiography has always maintained that Spain was never integrated in the progressive education movement, a misconception that helps…

What's Going On? An Overview of Adult Education Policies in Spain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lucio-Villegas, Emilio

2012-01-01

In this paper, I attempt to present the state of adult education in Spain. Adult education in Spain is not unlike that of other countries in Europe in that it focuses on the policies and practices of lifelong learning rather than on the perspectives of people and communities. However, Spain has two specific characteristics that are distinctive…

77 FR 47595 - Stainless Steel Bar From Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-09

...-805] Stainless Steel Bar From Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders... Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping and material... Brazil, India, Japan, and Spain pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act...

Assessment of PM10 and heavy metals concentration in a Ceramic Cluster (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belen Vicente, Ana; Pardo, Francisco; Sanfeliu, Teofilo; Bech, Joan

2013-04-01

Environmental pollution control is one of the most important goals in pollution risk assessment today. The aim of this study is conducting a retrospective view of the evolution of particulate matter (PM10) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Ni and Pb) at different localities in the Spanish cluster ceramic in the period between January 2007 and December 2011. The study area is in the province of Castellón. This province is a strategical area in the framework of European Union Pollution control. Approximately 80% of European ceramic tiles and ceramic frits manufacturers are concentrated in two areas, forming the so-called "Ceramics Clusters"; one is in Modena (Italy) and the other in Castellón (Spain). In this kind of areas, there are a lot of pollutants from this industry that represent an important contribution to soil contamination so it is necessary to control the air quality in them. These atmospheric particles are deposited in the ground through both dry and wet deposition. Soil is a major sink for heavy metals released into the environment. The level of pollution of soils by heavy metals depends on the retention capacity of the soil, especially on physical-chemical properties (mineralogy, grain size, organic matter) affecting soil particle surfaces and also on the chemical properties of the metal. The most direct consequences on the ground of air pollutants are acidification, salinization and the pollutions that can cause heavy metals as components of suspended particulate matter. For this purpose the levels of PM10 in ambient air and the corresponding annual and weekly trend were calculated. The results of the study show that the PM10 and heavy metals concentrations are below the limit values recommended by European Union Legislation for the protection of human health and ecosystems in the study period. There is an important reduction of them from 2009 in all control stations due to the economic crisis. References Moral, R., Gilkes, R.J., Jordán, M.M., 2005. Distribution of heavy metals in calcareous and non-calcareous soils in Spain. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 162, 127-142. Sanfeliu, T., Jordán, M. M., Gómez, E. T., Álvarez, C. 2002. Contribution of the atmospheric emissions of Spanish ceramic industries. Environmental Geology 41: 601-607. Soriano, A.; Pallares, S.; Pardo, F.; Vicente, A.B.; Sanfeliu, T.; Bech, J. 2012. Deposition of heavy metals from particulate settleable matter in soils of an industrialised area. Journal Geochemical Exploration 113: 36-44 Vicente, A. B., Sanfeliu, T. Jordán, M. M., Sánchez, A., Esteban, M. D. 2008. Air prediction models of pollutants in an industrialised area of the Mediterranean basin. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 17 [10a]: 1554-1564.

Sodium-22 In Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amari, Sachiko

2008-05-01

There are several isotopically distinct noble gas components in meteorites. Of them, Ne-E(L), heavily enriched in 22Ne, is carried by graphite with a range of density (1.6 - 2.2 g/cm3). Bulk (=aggregates) noble gas analysis of graphite separates from the Murchison meteorite indicate that a dominant source of 22Ne is 22Na (T1/2 = 2.6 a) with varying proportions of 22Ne via 14N(α,γ)18F(e+ν)18O(α,γ)22Ne with density. Low-density graphite grains, from their isotopic signatures, are believed to have formed in supernovae. Examinations of both bulk and single-grain analyses of low-density graphite grains (Amari et al., 1995; Nichols et al., 1994) indicate that all 22Ne in low-density graphite grains is from the decay of 22Na that was produced in the O/Ne zone in supernovae. One may argue why implanted 20,22Ne was not observed in the grains, considering the fact that the mass fraction of 20Ne is 5 orders of magnitude larger than that of 22Na. Croat et al. (2003) observed TiC subgrains inside low-density graphite grains have amorphous rims with the thickness of 3 to 15 nm, indicating atom bombardment from the surrounding gas. Assuming the gas is He, they estimated the velocity is 50 km/s or less. If the relative velocities between the Ne and the graphite grains are in that range, the penetration depth into the graphite grains is 2nm. Such shallow surface layers would be sputtered once the grains hit the reverse shock and keep traveling into the hot H-rich region (Nozawa et al, 2007). It remains to be seen whether or not 22Na in higher-density graphite is from supernovae or novae, or both. Amari, S. et al. 1995, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 59, 1411 Croat, T.K. et al. 2003, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 67, 4705 Nichols R.H. et al. 1994, Meteoritics, 29, 510 Nozawa, T. et al. 2007 ApJ, 666, 955

Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic interactions measurement in MiniBooNE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perevalov, Denis

2009-12-01

The MiniBooNE experiment at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) was designed to search for v μ → v e neutrino oscillations at Δm 2 ~ 1 eV 2 using an intense neutrino flux with an average energy E v ~ 700 MeV. From 2002 to 2009 MiniBooNE has accumulated more than 1.0 x 10 21 protons on target (POT) in both neutrino and antineutrino modes. MiniBooNE provides a perfect platform for detailed measurements of exclusive and semiinclusive neutrino cross-sections, for which MiniBooNE has the largest samples of events up to date, such as neutral current elastic (NCE), neutral currentmore » π 0, charged current quasi-elastic (CCQE), charged current π +, and other channels. These measured cross-sections, in turn, allow to improve the knowledge of nucleon structure. This thesis is devoted to the study of NCE interactions. Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic scattering (vN → vN) accounts for about 18% of all neutrino interactions in MiniBooNE. Using a high-statistics, high purity sample of NCE interactions in MiniBooNE, the flux-averaged NCE differential cross-section has been measured and is being reported here. Further study of the NCE cross-section allowed for probing the structure of nuclei. The main interest in the NCE cross-section is that it may be sensitive to the strange quark contribution to the nucleon spin, Δs, this however requires a separation of NCE proton (vp → vp) from NCE neutron (vn → vn) events, which in general is a challenging task. MiniBooNE uses a Cherenkov detector, which imposes restrictions on the measured nucleon kinematic variables, mainly due to the impossibility to reconstruct the nucleon direction below the Cherenkov threshold. However, at kinetic energies above this threshold MiniBooNE is able to identify NCE proton events that do not experience final state interactions (FSI). These events were used for the Δs measurement. In this thesis MiniBooNE reports the NCE (n+p) cross-section, the measurement of the axial mass, M A, and the Δs parameter from the NCE data.« less

Measurement of the reaction 18O(α,n)21Ne

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Best, A.; Falahat, S.; Görres, J.; Couder, M.; deBoer, R.; Güray, R. T.; Kontos, A.; Kratz, K.-L.; LeBlanc, P. J.; Li, Q.; O'Brien, S.; Özkan, N.; Sonnabend, K.; Talwar, R.; Uberseder, E.; Wiescher, M.

2013-04-01

Background: The reaction 18O(α,n)21Ne is a part of the reaction chains leading to the production of 19F and 22Ne during He burning in low-mass and massive AGB stars, respectively. Additionally, it has been observed as a strong background source in the measurement of other (α,n) reactions.Purpose: Previously low-energy 18O(α,n)21Ne cross section data have only been available in a non-peer-reviewed form. An improved measurement of this reaction has been done to both clarify its astrophysical influence as well as to provide background yield data for future (α,n) experiments.Method: The 18O(α,n(0+1)) reaction has been measured with a moderating neutron detector. In addition the (α,n1γ) channel has been measured independently by observation of the characteristic 350.7 keV γ transition in 21Ne. The reaction cross section at energies above Eα=1100 keV was determined by a simultaneous R-matrix fit to both channels. The strengths of the two lowest-energy resonances at Eα=959 keV and Eα=1066 keV were analyzed separately using individual Breit-Wigner fits.Results: The cross section of both reaction channels, 18O(α,n0)21Ne and 18O(α,n1γ)21Ne, was determined from the threshold energies at 851 keV and 1280 keV, respectively, to 2300 keV. A new reaction rate has been deduced for the temperature range of 0.1 GK to 10 GK. A previously reported resonance at Eα=888 keV is explained as background from the contaminant reaction 17O(α,n)20Ne.Conclusions: In general, our reaction rate is slightly lower than the reaction rates in recent compilations. At temperatures below 0.2 GK the present rate is significantly lower because it could be shown that the lowest reported resonance is background from the reaction 17O(α,n)20Ne that has been wrongly assigned to 18O(α,n)21Ne.

Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic interactions measurement in MiniBooNE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perevalov, Denis

The MiniBooNE experiment at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) was designed to search for numu → nu e neutrino oscillations at Deltam 2 ˜ 1 eV2 using an intense neutrino flux with an average energy Enu ˜ 700 MeV. From 2002 to 2009 MiniBooNE has accumulated more than 1.0x1021 protons on target (POT) in both neutrino and antineutrino modes. MiniBooNE provides a perfect platform for detailed measurements of exclusive and semi-inclusive neutrino cross-sections, for which MiniBooNE has the largest samples of events up to date, such as neutral current elastic (NCE), neutral current pi 0, charged current quasi-elastic (CCQE), charged current pi +, and other channels. These measured cross-sections, in turn, allow to improve the knowledge of nucleon structure. This thesis is devoted to the study of NCE interactions. Neutrino-nucleus neutral current elastic scattering (nuN → nu N) accounts for about 18% of all neutrino interactions in MiniBooNE. Using a high-statistics, high purity sample of NCE interactions in MiniBooNE, the flux-averaged NCE differential cross-section has been measured and is being reported here. Further study of the NCE cross-section allowed for probing the structure of nuclei. The main interest in the NCE cross-section is that it may be sensitive to the strange quark contribution to the nucleon spin, Deltas, this however requires a separation of NCE proton (nup → nu p) from NCE neutron (nun → nun ) events, which in general is a challenging task. MiniBooNE uses a Cherenkov detector, which imposes restrictions on the measured nucleon kinematic variables, mainly due to the impossibility to reconstruct the nucleon direction below the Cherenkov threshold. However, at kinetic energies above this threshold MiniBooNE is able to identify NCE proton events that do not experience final state interactions (FSI). These events were used for the Deltas measurement. In this thesis MiniBooNE reports the NCE (n+p) cross-section, the measurement of the axial mass, MA, and the Delta s parameter from the NCE data.

Parental perception and factors associated with treatment strategies for primary nocturnal enuresis.

PubMed

Tai, Thomson T; Tai, Brent T; Chang, Yu-Jun; Huang, Kuo-Hsuan

2017-06-01

The aim was to investigate the factors influencing parents seeking reasonable managements for their child and their overall outlook toward primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE). We recruited 93 children with PNE from enuresis clinics and requested their parents to complete questionnaires regarding their child's medical history and behavior, their methods for coping with PNE, and their perception of enuresis. Logistic regression models were applied to investigate factors influencing the parents to adopt a positive approach toward enuresis and to subsequently seek a medical consultation. One-third of the parents had an encouraging attitude toward children with PNE, whereas slightly less than half reacted with anger. The more educated the father or the younger the child with NE, the larger the possibility of the parents utilizing a positive approach, such as encouragement, for coping with NE. Factors that influenced parents to seek medical consultation for NE were socioeconomic status, maternal educational level, and the age and birth order of their child. From our results, angry and frustrated parents (43.0%) were significantly more likely to punish their child for bedwetting than were parents who approached NE positively (comfort and encouragement; 33.3%). A lack of encouragement may negatively affect the self-esteem of children with NE. Moreover, an individual's self-esteem or confidence, both of which can help them eliminate NE, determines the person's behavioral response to bedwetting. In our study, approximately 50% of the parents who approached NE positively (comfort and encouragement) or inconsistently (ambivalence) reported that they comforted their child after bedwetting. Nearly half the parents reacted angrily to children with NE, and some parents even punished their child. The parents' socioeconomic background, education, and the age and birth order of the child were the factors associated with their seeking active treatment for NE. A father's education and young age of the child were factors that influenced parents who preferred positive approaches, such as encouragement, for coping with NE. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors controlling present-day tufa dynamics in the Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park (Iberian Range, Spain): depositional environmental settings, sedimentation rates and hydrochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vázquez-Urbez, M.; Arenas, C.; Sancho, C.; Osácar, C.; Auqué, L.; Pardo, G.

2010-07-01

The tufa record and hydrochemical characteristics of the River Piedra in the Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park (NE Spain) were studied for 6 years. The mean discharge of this river was 1.22 m3/s. The water was supersaturated with calcium carbonate. The HCO3 -, Ca2+ and TDIC concentrations decreased along the 0.5-km-long studied stretch, whereas the calcite SI showed no systematic downstream or seasonal variation over the same stretch. Several sedimentary subenvironments exist in which four broad types of tufa facies form: (1) Dense laminated tufa (stromatolites), (2) Dense to porous, massive tufa, (3) Porous, coarsely laminated tufa with bryophytes and algae, and (4) Dense, hard, laminated deposits in caves. The half-yearly period thickness and weight of sediment accumulated on 14 tablets installed in several subenvironments showed that the deposition rate was greater in fast flowing river areas and in stepped waterfalls, and lower in slow flowing or standing river areas and in spray and splash areas. Mechanical CO2 outgassing is the main factor controlling calcite precipitation on the river bed and in waterfalls, but this process does not explain the seasonal changes in depositional rates. The deposition rates showed a half-yearly period pattern recorded in all fluvial subenvironments persistent over time (5.26 mm, 0.86 g/cm2 in warm periods; 2.26 mm, 0.13 g/cm2 in cool periods). Mass balance calculations showed higher calcite mass values in warm (21.58 mg/L) than in cool (13.68 mg/L) periods. This biannual variation is mainly attributed to the seasonal differences in temperature that caused changes in inorganic calcite precipitation rate and in biomass and the correlative photosynthetic activity. Tufa sedimentation was therefore controlled by both physicochemical and biological processes. The results of this study may help test depositional rates and their environmental controls and thus assess the climatic and hydrological significance of ancient tufas in semi-arid conditions, in particular in the Quaternary.

Summer ammonia measurements in a densely populated Mediterranean city

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandolfi, M.; Amato, F.; Reche, C.; Alastuey, A.; Otjes, R. P.; Blom, M. J.; Querol, X.

2012-08-01

Real-time measurements of ambient concentrations of gas-phase ammonia (NH3) were performed in Barcelona (NE Spain) in summer between May and September 2011. Two measurement sites were selected: one in an urban background traffic-influenced area (UB) and the other in the historical city centre (CC). Levels of NH3 were higher at CC (5.6 ± 2.1 μg m-3 or 7.5 ± 2.8 ppbv) compared with UB (2.2 ± 1.0 μg m-3 or 2.9 ± 1.3 ppbv). This difference is attributed to the contribution from non-traffic sources such as waste containers, sewage systems, humans and open markets more dense in the densely populated historical city centre. Under high temperatures in summer these sources had the potential to increase the ambient levels of NH3 well above the urban-background-traffic-influenced UB measurement station. Measurements were used to assess major local emissions, sinks and diurnal evolution of NH3. The measured levels of NH3, especially high in the old city, may contribute to the high mean annual concentrations of secondary sulfate and nitrate measured in Barcelona compared with other cities in Spain affected by high traffic intensity. Ancillary measurements, including PM10, PM2.5, PM1 levels (Particulate Matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm, 2.5 μm, and 1 μm), gases and black carbon concentrations and meteorological data, were performed during the measurement campaign. The analysis of specific periods (3 special cases) during the campaign revealed that road traffic was a significant source of NH3. However, its effect was more evident at UB compared with CC where it was masked given the high levels of NH3 from non-traffic sources measured in the old city. The relationship between SO42- daily concentrations and gas-fraction ammonia (NH3/(NH3 + NH4+)) revealed that the gas-to-particle phase partitioning (volatilization or ammonium salts formation) also played an important role in the evolution of NH3 concentration in summer in Barcelona.

Summer ammonia measurements in a densely populated Mediterranean city

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandolfi, M.; Amato, F.; Reche, C.; Alastuey, A.; Otjes, R. P.; Blom, M. J.; Querol, X.

2012-04-01

Real-time measurements of ambient concentrations of gas-phase ammonia were performed in Barcelona (NE Spain) in summer between May and September 2011. Two measurement sites were selected: one in an urban background traffic-influenced area (UB) and the other in the historical city centre (CC). Levels of ammonia were higher at CC (5.6 ± 2.1 μg m-3 or 7.5 ± 2.8 ppbv) compared with UB (2.2 ± 1.0 μg m-3 or 2.9 ± 1.3 ppbv). This difference is attributed to the contribution from non-traffic sources such as waste containers, sewage systems, humans and open markets more dense in the densely populated historical city centre. Under high temperatures in summer these sources had the potential to increase the ambient levels of ammonia well above the urban-background-traffic-influenced UB measurement station. Measurements were used to assess major local emissions, sinks and diurnal evolution of NH3. The measured levels of NH3, especially high in the old city, may contribute to the high mean annual concentrations of secondary sulfate and nitrate measured in Barcelona compared with other cities in Spain affected by high traffic intensity. Ancillary measurements, including PM10, PM2.5, PM1 levels (Particulate Matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm, 2.5 μm, and 1 μm), gases and black carbon concentrations and meteorological data, were performed during the measurement campaign. The analysis of specific periods (3 special cases) during the campaign revealed that road traffic was a significant source of NH3. However, its effect was more evident at UB compared with CC where it was masked given the high levels of NH3 from non-traffic sources measured in the old city. The relationship between SO42- daily concentrations and gas-fraction ammonia (NH3/(NH3+NH4+)) revealed that the gas-to-phase partitioning (volatilization or ammonium salts formation) also played an important role in the evolution of NH3 concentration in summer in Barcelona.

Emotional states of love moderate the association between catecholamines and female sexual responses in the laboratory.

PubMed

Dundon, Carolyn M; Rellini, Alessandra H

2012-10-01

Research suggests that there are three interrelated, yet distinct, emotion-motivation brain systems for human love (lust, romantic love, and attachment), each associated with a unique catecholaminergic and hormonal profile. Of interest for the current study are norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA), which have a hypothesized connection with romantic love. As NE and DA are also known to facilitate sexual arousal, it is plausible that NE and DA may have a greater positive association with the sexual arousal responses of women in romantic love compared with women in lust. This study investigated if the effects of NE and DA activity on sexual arousal responses would differ depending on emotion-motivation state (Lust or Romantic). Physiological sexual arousal was assessed by photoplethysmography and subjective sexual arousal was assessed with a participant-controlled lever. Seventeen women were included in the Lust group and 29 in the Romantic group. All participants provided a urine sample (to assess NE and DA) and completed a psychophysiological assessment. Elevated NE was positively and significantly associated with greater subjective and physiological sexual arousal for the Lust group, but not for the Romantic group. Similarly, elevated DA was positively and significantly associated with greater subjective sexual arousal for the Lust group, but not for the Romantic group. The sexual arousal responses of women in the Lust group, but not in the Romantic group, were positively and significantly associated with elevated NE and DA. It is feasible that, when women are seeking a partner (Lust), NE and DA may facilitate attention toward sexually relevant stimuli. © 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.