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Among emerging pollutants, endocrine disruptors such as estradiol are of most concern. Conventional water treatment technologies are not capable of removing this compound from water. This study aims to assess a method that combines physicochemical and biological strategies to eliminate estradiol even when there are other compounds present in the water matrix. Na-montmorillonite, Ca-montmorillonite and zeolite were used to remove estradiol in a medium with sulfamethoxazole, triclosan, and nicotine using a Plackett–Burman experimental design, each treatment was followed by biological filtration with Daphnia magna. Results showed between 40 to 92% estradiol adsorption in clays, no other compounds present in the mixture were adsorbed. The most significant factors for estradiol adsorption were the presence of nicotine and triclosan which favored the adsorption, the use of Ca-montmorillonite, Zeolite, and time did not favor the adsorption of estradiol. After the physicochemical treatment, Daphnia magna was able to remove between 0–93% of the remaining estradiol. The combination of adsorption and biological filtration in optimal conditions allowed the removal of 98% of the initial estradiol concentration.

Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) alone or combined with carbon nanofibers (CNF) at different loadings have been fabricated by melt mixing with a focus on their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance for bipolar plates applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The incorporation of up to 20 wt% MWCNT in the PP matrix produces enhancements of 71, 47, 56, and 30% in microhardness, elastic modulus, and tensile and flexural strength, respectively. Combined additions of MWCNT and CNF allow producing hybrid nanocomposites with increased strength than when neat MWCNT as reinforcement, preserving their processability even at a total filler content of up to 30 wt%. The measured values of icorr in both PP/MWCNT and PP/MWCNT/CNF suggest a slow degradation rate in the PEMFC environment. Based on the US Department of Energy (DOE) targets, PP/20MWCNT, PP/21.5MWCNT, and PP/15MWCNT/15CNF nanocomposites are good candidates to produce bipolar plates for PEMFCs.

Tailored ruthenium sandwich complexes bearing photoresponsive arene ligands can efficiently promote azide–thioalkyne cycloaddition (RuAtAC) when irradiated with UV light. The reactions can be performed in a bioorthogonal manner in aqueous mixtures containing biological components. The strategy can also be applied for the selective modification of biopolymers, such as DNA or peptides. Importantly, this ruthenium-based technology and the standard copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) proved to be compatible and mutually orthogonal This research received financial support from the Spanish MINECO (SAF2016-76689-R, CTQ2017-84767-P and PID2019-106184GB-I00, and a FPU predoctoral Fellowship to AGG), the Xunta de Galicia (ED431C 2017/19, 2015-CP082, Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia accreditation 2019–2022, ED431G 2019/03), the ERDF, and the ERC (Adv. Grant No. 340055). The Orfeo-Cinqa network (CTQ2016-81797-REDC) is also acknowledged SI

La industria lítica del yacimiento de Galería (complejo de Atapuerca, Burgos), datado en la segunda mitad del Pleistoceno Medio, ha sido interpretada como uno de los más notables conjuntos del tecnocomplejo achelense que se conocen en la península ibérica y en el sur de Europa. Se ha estimado que su prolongada secuencia estratigráfica permitiría observar la evolución del Achelense en la segunda mitad del Pleistoceno Medio. Esta propuesta ha sido objeto por nuestra parte de una revisión reciente, en la que se destaca el carácter discontinuo de la estratigrafía de Galería y se valora negativamente la posibilidad de establecer cualquier tipo de secuencia arqueológica basada en el limitado registro que contiene. A partir del análisis nivel por nivel de la representatividad de la industria lítica publicada, se discutía además en ese trabajo la atribución exclusiva al tecnocomplejo achelense de los conjuntos arqueológicos de Galería. Con objeto de valorar en profundidad la atribución achelense y de contrastar la consistencia de las tendencias evolutivas que han sido propuestas para este tecnocomplejo a través de la estratigrafía de Galería, presentamos aquí un estudio detallado de todos los artefactos interpretados en publicaciones precedentes como LCT (bifaces, hendedores y otros macro-útiles). Este trabajo, complementario de nuestra revisión anterior, se ha efectuado sobre las colecciones obtenidas en las campañas realizadas en Galería en 1982-1996, actualmente depositadas en el CENIEH y en el Museo de la Evolución Humana (Burgos). Las conclusiones alcanzadas corroboran la débil y discontinua presencia de elementos achelenses característicos en este yacimiento, descartando la posibilidad de llegar a reconocer cualquier tipo de secuencia evolutiva en estos materiales. Nuestra principal conclusión es que las interpretaciones que proponen ver en la industria de Galería una secuencia representativa del Achelense europeo con una evolución progresiva, carecen de fundamento.

Mo-dependent nitrogenase is a major contributor to global biological N(2) reduction, which sustains life on Earth. Its multi-metallic active-site FeMo-cofactor (Fe(7)MoS(9)C-homocitrate) contains a carbide (C(4−)) centered within a trigonal prismatic CFe(6) core resembling the structural motif of the iron carbide, cementite. The role of the carbide in FeMo-cofactor binding and activation of substrates and inhibitors is unknown. To explore this role, the carbide has been in effect selectively enriched with (13)C, which enables its detailed examination by ENDOR/ESEEM spectroscopies. (13)C-carbide ENDOR of the S = 3/2 resting state (E(0)) is remarkable, with an extremely small isotropic hyperfine coupling constant, (C)a = +0.86 MHz. Turnover under high CO partial pressure generates the S = 1/2 hi-CO state, with two CO molecules bound to FeMo-cofactor. This conversion surprisingly leaves the small magnitude of the (13)C carbide isotropic hyperfine-coupling constant essentially unchanged, (C)a = −1.30 MHz. This indicates that both the E(0) and hi-CO states exhibit an exchange-coupling scheme with nearly cancelling contributions to (C)a from three spin-up and three spin-down carbide-bound Fe ions. In contrast, the anisotropic hyperfine coupling constant undergoes a symmetry change upon conversion of E(0) to hi-CO that may be associated with bonding and coordination changes at Fe ions. In combination with the negligible difference between CFe(6) core structures of E(0) and hi-CO, these results suggest that in CO-inhibited hi-CO the dominant role of the FeMo-cofactor carbide is to maintain the core structure, rather than to facilitate inhibitor binding through changes in Fe-carbide covalency or stretching/breaking of carbide–Fe bonds.

The isothermal oxidation behaviour of a titanium ATI425® alloy was studied in dry air at 850, 900, and 1000 °C. The parabolic rate law described the oxidation kinetics; the mass gained increasing when the temperature of the tests increased. The activation energy for the process was 120 kJ/mol. This value was comparable to the activation energy calculated for oxygen dissolution within the metal and the activation energy value for the oxidation of other titanium alloys. Oxygen dissolution within the metallic matrix resulted in the formation of an alpha case region whose thickness and hardness were also a function of the temperature of the tests. The chemical composition of the oxides changed from a scale comprised mainly by rutile TiO2 at the lowest test temperature to a layer consisting of a mixture of rutile TiO2 and non-protective alumina Al2O3 clusters when the temperature of the tests increased. The oxide structures formed on the surface of the alloy were also a function of the temperature and changed from a morphology comprised of small crystals at 850 °C to bar, platelets, and whiskers when oxidation occurred at 900 and 1000 °C. The oxidation rate of the alloy was compared against kinetics values reported for the Ti-6Al-4 V system, resulting in similar oxidation rates.

[Background]: In polygynous mammals, signalling may play a decisive role in mating behavior, mediating theintensity of male fights and female mate choice. During the rutting season, male red deer may show a visible darkpatch in their ventral fur. Recently, this patch has been suggested to act as a flexible sexual signal, due to itsrelationships with other variables such as age, body size, antler development, volatile compounds, or thecompetitive environment. The analysis of fur pigmentation at the ventral patch suggests that this might alsovisually indicate the male intrinsic predisposition to take part in mating competition., [Results]: To assess the possible role of this trait as a communicative signal related to mate competition, we usedred deer behavioral observations during the rut in Doñana National Park (Spain) to examine the link between thedegree of expression of the dark ventral patch and the rutting activity (assessed from both intra-and-inter-sexualbehaviors). Consistent with our predictions, we found in a field study that males with large dark patches showed ahigher frequency of rutting behaviors (mainly roaring and flehmen), more interactions with females, and attainedlarger harem sizes., [Conclusions]: The dark ventral patch was a better predictor of male behavior than antler tines or territory holding,thus standing as a short-term indicator of male willingness to invest in mating competition., Financial support came from projects CGL2013–48122-P and CGL2016–77052-P to JC.

In this research work, the effect of the change in the surface area of silicon dioxide nanoparticles of the same size on mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites (PLA) was studied, as well as the role of coupling agent amount in the compatibility of these nanomaterials. We consider a spherical silicon dioxide with a surface area of 170–200 m2/g (labeled as S–SiO2) and another considered amorphous with a surface area of 180–600 m2/g (labeled as P-SiO2). This surface areas difference plays an important role in modifying of nanoparticles polarity by incorporating a coupling agent and its integration into partially polar polymers. According to obtained results, for nanomaterials with high surface area, it was observed while increasing coupling agent amount, the elasticity of the composite was observed to increase. In contrast, in nanomaterials with spherical nanoparticles, it was observed that as the amount of coupling agent decreases, the resistance of the material increases, reaching a maximum when a 10:2 ratio is used. It was observed that behaviors for both nanoparticles were different, which gives an idea that the incorporation of nanoparticles in polymers is not an issue of coupling agent or quantity only, it is more important as it is arranged on the surface. This kind of couplings does not only affect mechanical properties, since the thermal behavior of the material was also influenced, where it was observed that particles with low surface area modify the crystallization rate when they have different percentages of coupling agent on the surface. Furthermore, it is observed that the incorporation of nanoparticles with high surface areas area does not modify the crystallization rate significantly. Besides, in both cases, it was observed that the highest crystallization rate is reached when a 10:2 ratio is used. However, the energy required to form crystals remains unchanged. Therefore, it is considered that the incorporation of nanoparticles only affects the crystal formation rate without disturbing the energy requirement for crystal formation. Finally, a maximum in the 10:2 ratio was observed for the compatibility in both particles, which was manifested in an increase in the storage module through a dynamic mechanical analysis. The rate of crystal formation as well as the number of formed crystals have a considerable effect on mechanical properties of nanocomposites when the surface area is modified.

Dams are structures designed primarily for water containment. They usually are found in areas with special transportation needs, either for mining purposes or for transporting heavy equipment, and with limited road infrastructure available. Heavy traffic over dams is discouraged, due to the damage this can cause to the integrity of the structure. The possible deformations caused by the passage of vehicles on the dam crest are not typically considered in the design of earth dams; however, the authorization of vehicle traffic on dams can be beneficial both economically and environmentally. A tolerance criterion is required to determine the allowable vehicle load on the dam crest. This paper presents an analysis of the permanent deformation caused in the core of a rockfill dam. Stress conditions that may be associated with a rapid accumulation of permanent deformation were identified, and an analysis method is proposed to specify the acceptable heavy traffic conditions for the dams.

Photocatalytic Ag-loaded (TiO2)0.95-(ZnO)0.05 thin films were synthesized by the sol-gel dip-coating method, with the Ag content varying in the range 1–4 mol%. The films were deposited on glass substrates at room temperature and then annealed at 500 °C. Raman spectroscopy disclosed basically the anatase phase of TiO2. Secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements proved the incorporation of Ag in the films, revealing its diffusion to the film surface as a consequence of thermal treatments. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study in detail the chemical composition and electronic structure of the samples. The O 1s, Ti 2p, and Zn 2p core level spectra indicated Ti4+ and Zn2+ states associated with TiO2 and ZnO regions. The chemical species identification was confirmed by calculating the modified Auger parameter for O, Ti, and Zn. In addition, an XPS depth profile analysis using an Ar+ ion gun showed the formation of Ti+2 and Ti+3 oxidation states as a consequence of the Ar+ bombardment. The photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue aqueous solutions, with the best response corresponding to (TiO2)0.95-(ZnO)0.05 thin films doped with 2 mol% Ag.

The role of the sputtering power, film thickness, and sputtering working pressure on the adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of MoO3 thin films was studied. The MoO3 thin films were deposited at room temperature by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering and subsequently post-annealed in air at 500 °C. X-ray diffractograms revealed the presence of the α- and β-MoO3 crystalline phases. The thin film adsorption was assessed by the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions under dark conditions. In addition, the photocatalytic activity for the most adsorbent films was evaluated by the degradation of MB aqueous solutions under UV-irradiation. Raman spectroscopy measurements showed a strong MB adsorption on the film surface. Photoacoustic spectroscopy experiments confirmed the adsorption of MB on the catalyst surface; specifically, a strong hypsochromic shift of the absorption bands indicated that MB forms aggregates on the MoO3 surface. The maximum adsorption and photocatalytic performances were observed for the samples deposited at 60 W and 12.0 mTorr, with a thickness of 400 nm. The results are explained in terms of the stoichiometry, as well as the structural, optical, and morphological properties of the films.

Sildenafil citrate (SC) has proved to be an effective and inexpensive drug for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This study aims to synthesize electrospun, submicron fiber scaffolds of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) loaded with SC for fast drug dissolution and its potential use in the treatment of PAH. These fiber scaffolds were prepared through the electrospinning technique. The chemical composition of the nanofibers was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and polymeric transitions by differential scattering calorimetry. Surface analysis of the nanofibers was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The wetting and dissolution time of the scaffolds and drug release rate were studied as well. The drug-loaded PVP fibers showed better quality regarding size and homogeneity compared to drug-loaded PVA fibers. These fibers encapsulated approximately 2.5 mg/cm2 of the drug and achieved immediate controlled released rate, which is encouraging for further studies leading to an alternative treatment of PAH in children.

An acceptable level of quality in data is nowadays a paramount for any kind of organization or enterprise that wishes its business processes to prosper. Thus, introducing activities focused in the data quality management is a crucial requirement for the analysts if the level of quality of data for the functionality or service at hand is to be ensured. Such specialized data quality management activities should be presented as early as possible during the software development process. So far and having done a search for proposals in this field, there is still a lack of either methodological or technological proposals with which a developer could be able to design data quality aware applications in the specific field of Web application development. Considering the benefits offered in the field of Model Driven Web Engineering, this work presents a partial outcome of our research in this novel field: a metamodel and a UML profile, both able to be used as data quality artefacts during the design stage of Web applications. The main objective is to provide the designer with the tools needed to design Web applications, in order to prevent data quality issues.

Viveen et al. (2020) raise several issues concerning the chronostratigraphic interpretations in our recent paper on the fluvial and archaeological deposits of Lower Mino River (Mendez-Quintas et al., 2020). Here we respond to these criticisms, reinforcing the key findings of our study and questioning the validity of their arguments. We find that the concerns of Viveen et al. (2020) are based on a series of poorly founded assumptions and generalisations, invalid comparisons, and inappropriate data analyses.

The Mino River basin represents one of the main fluvial catchments draining the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula. The extensive sedimentary deposits of this basin have been documented since the 19th century, but limited research has been undertaken on these features historically, and the Quaternary record of the basin has remained understudied until recently. Research carried out over the last decade on the Spanish margin of the Mino River has enabled more detailed classification and mapping of the main fluvial landforms, as well as numerical (luminescence, electron spin resonance, cosmogenic) dating of some of the deposits associated with Palaeolithic archaeological sites. Here we synthesise the existing Quaternary fluvial record for the basin, and present new geospatial and chronological analyses for the lower catchment area. Our latest examination has enabled the identification of nine fluvial terrace levels and other regionally significant sedimentary features (e.g., alluvial fans) formed in response to tectonics, eustatic changes and associated global climate changes. The chronological data and calculated incision rates indicate that the various fluvial terraces were formed during the Early to Late Pleistocene. Numerous Palaeolithic sites have been found in association with the middle terrace levels (between +40 and + 13 m above present-day river level). Primarily, these archaeological sites preserve assemblages that feature large flake Acheulean (LFA) tools, though a number of Middle Palaeolithic sites have also been documented. Direct dating of these sites, together with morphostratigraphic correlations across the terrace system, suggest that the basin has been extensively occupied by human populations during the last 300 thousand years.

We use a sample of 706 galaxies, selected as [O ii]λ3727 ([O ii]) emitters in the Survey for High-z Absorption Red and Dead Sources (SHARDS) on the CANDELS/GOODS-N field, to study the differential attenuation of the nebular emission with respect to the stellar continuum. The sample includes only galaxies with a counterpart in the infrared and log10(M∗/M⊙) > 9, over the redshift interval 0.3 ≲ z ≲ 1.5. Our methodology consists in the comparison of the star formation rates inferred from [O ii] and Hα emission lines with a robust quantification of the total star-forming activity (SFR TOT) that is independently estimated based on both infrared and ultraviolet (UV) luminosities. We obtain $f\, =\, E(B-V)_{\mathrm{stellar}}$/E(B - V)nebular = 0.69$^{0.71}_{0.69}$ and 0.55$^{0.56}_{0.53}$ for [O ii] and Hα, respectively. Our resulting f-factors display a significant positive correlation with the UV attenuation and shallower or not-significant trends with the stellar mass, the SFRTOT, the distance to the main sequence, and the redshift. Finally, our results favour an average nebular attenuation curve similar in shape to the typical dust curve of local starbursts., LR-M thanks Casiana Muñoz Tuñón for useful suggestions on this manuscript. LR-M, GR, and AF acknowledge the support from grant PRIN MIUR 2017-20173ML3WW_001. LR-M also acknowledges funding support from the Università degli Studi di Padova - Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia ‘G. Galilei’. PGP-G and LC acknowledge support from Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades through grant PGC2018-093499-B-I00. LC acknowledges also financial support from Comunidad de Madrid under Atracción de Talento grant 2018-T2/TIC-11612. AVG acknowledges support from the European Research Council through the Advanced Grant MIST (FP7/2017-2020, No. 742719). AP gratefully acknowledges financial support from STFC through grants ST/T000244/1 and ST/P000541/1. Analyses were performed in R 3.6.1 (R Core Team 2019).

This paper deals with robust marginal estimation under a general regression model when missing data occur in the response and also in some covariates. The target is a marginal location parameter given through an M-functional. To obtain robust Fisher-consistent estimators, properly defined marginal distribution function estimators are considered. These estimators avoid the bias due to missing values assuming a missing at random condition. Three methods are considered to estimate the marginal distribution which allows to obtain the M-location of interest: the well-known inverse probability weighting, a convolution-based method that makes use of the regression model and an augmented inverse probability weighting procedure that prevents against misspecification. Different aspects of their asymptotic behaviour are derived under regularity conditions. The robust studied estimators and their classical relatives are compared through numerical experiments under different missing data models, including clean and contaminated samples. The methodology is illustrated through a real data set.

Antlion larvae have a complex tegumentary sensorial equipment. The sensilla and other kinds of larval tegumentary structures have been studied in 29 species of 18 genera within family Myrmeleontidae, all of them with certain degree of psammophilous lifestyle. The adaptations for such lifestyle are probably related to the evolutionary success of this lineage within Neuroptera. We identified eight types of sensory structures, six types of sensilla (excluding typical long bristles) and two other specialized tegumentary structures. Both sensilla and other types of structures that have been observed using scanning electron microscopy show similar patterns in terms of occurrence and density in all the studied species (with few exceptions). The sensilla identified are: coeloconica, placoidea, basiconica, trichodea type I, trichodea type II, and campaniformia. All these sensilla have mechano- or chemosensorial functions. Some regions of the larval body have been studied using SEM for the first time, such as the surface of the food canal, which bears sensilla coeloconica, and the abdominal segment X, that bears three types of sensilla: coeloconica, basiconica, and campaniformia. Sensilla placodea are newly reported on antlion larvae, being present on the mandibular base, pronotum, mentum, and cardum. Also, new locations of sensilla coeloconica (e.g., on rastra) and sensilla campaniformia (e.g., on odontoid processes) are noted. A novel porous texture with chemoreceptor function has been identified in the base of mandibles. A mechanism of dentate-notched surfaces that anchor maxillae and mandible, reinforcing the food canal, is detailed. All these sensorial structures, in addition to ocular tubercles for light caption and their great muscular system, confer to these larvae an extraordinary predation capacity to success hunting and living in such harsh environments.

The Juan Fernandez islands (Chile) are a volcanic archipelago, 670 km away from the continent. Arachnids still remain understudied in those islands. We report the first two records of Parabalta ree...

Trapped charge dating of optically bleached quartz deposits that lie beyond the dose-saturation limits of conventional optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) has typically focused on two main techniques over the last decade: electron spin resonance (ESR) and thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL). In spite of a clear association between these two dating techniques through their shared dose rate terms, the exact relationships between the various ESR centre (i.e., Al and Ti) and TT-OSL dating signals remain largely unexplored. In this study we undertake ESR and luminescence signal comparisons on paired sedimentary quartz samples from two Middle Pleistocene Spanish archaeological sites (Porto Maior in northwest Spain and Cuesta de la Bajada in northeast Spain) to examine the empirical relationships between quartz dating signals across different geological provinces. For this purpose we undertake 3-dimensional (3D) thermoluminescence (TL) spectral measurements, single-grain TT-OSL dating and signal analyses, normalised multiple centre (MC) ESR signal characterisation (ESR intensities, signal composition, dose-response curve properties), MC ESR De evaluation, and ICP-OES analysis of quartz extracts to evaluate potential correlations between elemental impurity concentrations and Al, Li–Ti and Li–H centre signals. The ESR samples from Cuesta de la Bajada and Porto Maior display similar Al centre signal intensities and dose-response behaviour, but they exhibit major differences in their Ti centre properties. Geochemical analysis reveals that the Cuesta de la Bajada quartz extracts contain higher concentrations of Al and Ti impurities (15 and 21% higher, respectively) when compared with the Porto Maior quartz extracts. These compositional differences appear correlated with the relative Ti–H signal intensities for the two sample datasets but not with the relative Al and Ti–Li signal intensities. The luminescence characterisation comparisons reveal a higher proportion of TT-OSL-producing grains in the Cuesta de la Bajada samples (∼6.2% versus 1.5% for Porto Maior), and single-grain TT-OSL signal intensities that are almost an order of magnitude higher than for the Porto Maior samples. The 3D TL spectra for the Cuesta de la Bajada quartz are dominated by two major TL peaks in the red emission band (620 nm) at 265–310 °C and 365 °C (when using a heating rate of 1 °C/s), which are up to seven times more intense than the corresponding signals observed for the Porto Maior quartz. However, no major inter-sample differences were observed in the blue and UV-blue bands of the 3D TL spectra. These contrasting luminescence characteristics may be indicative of variable signal sensitisation histories related to dissimilar sedimentary recycling or geological origins between the two sites. Our results provide a useful baseline dataset for future comparative ESR and luminescence characterisation studies, and indicate a potentially close relationship between the quartz ESR Ti centre and single-grain TT-OSL signals. There is significant potential to refine understanding of these signal relationships in the future by expanding the number, and geographic coverage, of paired ESR–luminescence comparison studies, and by incorporating comparative 3D TL spectral investigations that focus exclusively on TT-OSL-producing grains (as opposed to bulk grain populations) to better elucidate luminescence trapping and recombination characteristics.

Trapped charge dating of optically bleached quartz, which involves techniques such as electron spin resonance (ESR) and thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL), is increasingly being used to establish Middle and Early Pleistocene chronologies for archaeological, palaeontological and palaeoenvironmental sedimentary sequences. Comparative dating studies that make use of several independent or semi-independent radiometric techniques in tandem are an invaluable means of assessing the reliability of optically bleached quartz dating methods and ascertaining empirical relationships between different quartz dating signals. In this study, we undertake a comparative dating evaluation of single-grain TT-OSL and various ESR signals that exhibit different optical resetting properties (Al, Ti–Li and, where measurable, Ti–H centres) at the Middle Pleistocene archaeological site of Porto Maior, northwest Spain, which contains a distinctive, regionally significant Acheulean stone tool assemblage. We expand the existing chronological framework for Porto Maior using single-grain TT-OSL dating, derive combined numerical ages for individual depositional units using Bayesian modelling, and further examine the relationship between ESR and TT-OSL signals by reviewing a range of published comparative dating studies. The new single-grain TT-OSL ages obtained for unit PM3 at Porto Maior (225 ± 31 ka and 242 ± 32 ka) are in close agreement with previously published ESR Ti–Li ages for this unit (266 ± 23 ka and 279 ± 26 ka) and significantly younger than those reported for the Al centre (441 ± 75 ka and 452 ± 66 ka). Our broader comparison of published TT-OSL – ESR dating results also shows statistically significant agreement between single-grain TT-OSL and Ti–Li centre ages in other sedimentary settings, suggesting a potentially closer relationship between the TT-OSL-producing traps and the Ti–Li paramagnetic centres in quartz, rather than between the TT-OSL and Al centre signals. The Bayesian modelling results for Porto Maior enable us to refine the existing bracketing depositional age for the archaeological accumulation at Porto Maior and provide a stronger statistical foundation for chronostratigraphic correlations with other Acheulean archaeological deposits found in the Mino River basin. The Bayesian model indicates that the entire Porto Maior sedimentary sequence was deposited between 312.6 ± 32.6 ka and 18.8 ± 7.7 ka, and that the in situ large cutting tool assemblage from level PM4 most likely accumulated during Marine Isotope Stage 7 (mean depositional age = 210.7 ± 24.7 ka). The results of this study reinforce the usefulness of applying the multiple centre (MC) ESR dating approach in many dating contexts, and demonstrate the value of undertaking comparisons between semi-independent quartz dating signals in order to maximise the reliability of ESR and single-grain TT-OSL quartz chronologies.

Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) was synthesized in aqueous medium in presence of EDTA as structure-directing agent following a simple coprecipitation method at 23 °C and by microwave irradiation at 110 °C. The physicochemical properties of BiOBr (morphology, specific surface area, energy band gap and photocatalytic activity) were modified using different EDTA concentrations. Nanoparticles of BiOBr with {1 1 0} crystallographic exposed facets were obtained as a peculiar feature of the synthesis followed. The photocatalytic activity of BiOBr was evaluated in the oxidation reaction of nitric oxide (NO) in gaseous phase under UV–Vis and visible irradiation. An enhancement in the NO conversion degree was reached for BiOBr synthesized by coprecipitation with an EDTA/Bi molar ratio of 0.6. This sample showed a NO conversion degree of 94%, a selectivity to nitrate ions of 98%, a good stability after four cycles of irradiation and sample was able to retain its high photocatalytic activity under humidity conditions (70% RH). The use of different chemical scavengers revealed that superoxide radical (O2•-) was the main reactive specie in the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction. BiOBr photocatalyst was successfully incorporated in two formulations of ceramic coatings to develop prototypes of building materials with active surface for the photocatalytic elimination of NOx gases from the air.

The main goal of this work is the design of a mucoadhesive system, based on three layers for the unidirectional release of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX-F) for possible use in the oral mucosa...

In this work, results on the causes that could promote the abnormal spallation of the oxides formed on the surface of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels are presented. By means of Rietveld refining of X-ray diffraction spectra, scanning electron microscopy analyses and calculations, it was found that the value of the thermal stress experienced by the oxide scale reached a maximum when the oxide scale was comprised by 65% wt magnetite Fe3O4 and 24% wt wustite FeO this, due to the incomplete transformation of the latter phase to Fe3O4 and α-Fe from cooling from 670 °C to ambient temperature. Contrarily, it was found that when a balance in the amount of Fe3O4 and FeO was 46.4 and 46.5%wt respectively, the calculated thermal stress was reduced, and oxide spallation was not that severe. The reasons for oxide scale detachment from the surface of the steels are explained in terms of the adhesion energy of the bulk oxide scale, the amount of magnetite Fe3O4 present in the oxides and the chemical composition of the steel particularly the elements chromium and titanium.

Studying lithic raw material sourcing, processing and distribution is helpful when trying to reconstruct the territory, ecology, and cultural practices of Neanderthal groups. The use of multiple methods in such analyses allows for more refined characterizations to be made, helping to distinguish between materials better than any single method. Although 85% of the raw materials making up the Mousterian assemblage at the Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid Region of Spain) correspond to the available local geological resources, 10% is made of white/beige chert, which is not registered in regional geological cartography. Petrographic and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses were performed to determine the origin of this white/beige chert and thus shed light on the procurement strategies of the Neanderthal groups that occupied the rock shelter. The results show this chert to correspond to three different types of rock: quartz–kaolinite rocks from dykes, cretaceous marine cherts, and quartz fillings of cavities/fractures. These findings are in accordance with the geological features and formations present in the Lozoya valley, as recorded during a geoarchaeological survey, and indicate that the Neanderthals occupying the center of the Iberian Peninsula possessed a detailed knowledge of the landscape that allowed them to exploit its resources during MIS5a–early MIS4., The present research was partially funded by Spanish Project CGL2014‐54818‐P (Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad/FEDER,European Union). Telmo Pereira's research was funded by the Programa Investigador FCT (IF/01075/2013).

Camouflaging with crypsis is a known strategy in several invertebrates such as sea urchins, gastropods, crabs, and immature stage of insects. In harvestmen, soil crypsis are used as a defense strategy. The soil particles are attached to their bodies using secretions. Here we investigate this kind of camouflage in the Malagasy endemic genus Ankaratrix. Members of this genus produce a glue layer (= solidifying secretion) covering the cerotegument. This glue layer seems to play an important role in soil crypsis, together with the long tubercles or cuticular apophyses. These long tubercles could help to catch and retain the soil particles bringing stability to the camouflage layer. The specimens are covered by a very thick soil layer, determined by the tubercle sizes, mainly on the dorsal body surface. Only the body parts involved in feeding (chelicerae, pedipalps, feeding apparatus), reproduction (genital operculum), excretion (anal operculum) and sensory functions (leg tarsi) are clean of mud. Legs I exhibit a very long longitudinal row of spiniform apophyses that will be completely covered by soil, forming a kind of wall that protect the chelicerae and pedipalp of the dirt and could be adopted as camouflage strategy in thanatosis or resting periods. During our investigation, we discovered four new species, which are described herein: Ankaratrix maloto sp. nov., Ankaratrix makamba sp. nov., Ankaratrix fisheri sp. nov., Ankaratrix lawrencei sp. nov. Finally, we discuss the sexual dimorphism in pedipalps of the genus Ankaratrix.

The photocatalytic activity of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films was studied. The MoO3 thin films were deposited on Corning glass substrates by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering using a metallic Mo target. The dependence of the physical properties of the metal oxides on the sputtering power and working pressure was investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns of the films revealed the formation of amorphous structures. From optical absorption spectra, the band-gap energy was obtained in the range 2.8–3.0 eV for most compounds, while this parameter decreased down to 1.64 eV for samples deposited at 4.5 mTorr and 80 W. X-ray photoelectron spectra disclosed signals associated with the Mo6+, Mo5+, and Mo4+ oxidation states, which correspond to MoO3 and other substoichiometric molybdenum oxides. The photodegradation of a methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution was chosen to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the thin films. There was found a dependence of the photocatalytic activity on the working pressure, with the samples deposited at 8.0 mTorr and 40 W displaying the highest MB removal.

The JWST MIRI instrument will revolutionize extragalactic astronomy with unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution in mid-IR. Here, we assess the potential of MIRI photometry to constrain galaxy properties in the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) survey. We derive estimated MIRI fluxes from the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of real sources that fall in a planned MIRI pointing. We also obtain MIRI fluxes for hypothetical AGN-galaxy mixed models varying the AGN fractional contribution to the total IR luminosity ($\rm frac_{AGN}$). Based on these model fluxes, we simulate CEERS imaging (3.6-hour exposure) in 6 bands from F770W to F2100W using MIRISIM, and reduce these data using JWST PIPELINE. We perform PSF-matched photometry with TPHOT, and fit the source SEDs with X-CIGALE, simultaneously modeling photometric redshift and other physical properties. Adding the MIRI data, the accuracy of both redshift and $\rm frac_{AGN}$ is generally improved by factors of $\gtrsim 2$ for all sources at $z\lesssim 3$. Notably, for pure-galaxy inputs ($\rm frac_{AGN}=0$), the accuracy of $\rm frac_{AGN}$ is improved by $\sim 100$ times thanks to MIRI. The simulated CEERS MIRI data are slightly more sensitive to AGN detections than the deepest X-ray survey, based on the empirical $L_{\rm X}$-$L_{\rm 6\mu m}$ relation. Like X-ray observations, MIRI can also be used to constrain the AGN accretion power (accuracy $\approx 0.3$ dex). Our work demonstrates that MIRI will be able to place strong constraints on the mid-IR luminosities from star formation and AGN, and thereby facilitate studies of the galaxy/AGN co-evolution., Comment: 31 pages, 24 figures, 3 tables. Re-submitted to ApJS after revision

The laniatorean family Phalangodidae has been largely reduced to a core of Holarctic species; however, many taxa were never formally transferred to other families. We examined a group of harvestmen related to Beloniscus Thorell, 1891, from South-east Asia and determined the nature of the relationships of the ‘Beloniscus-like harvestmen’, herein described as the new family Beloniscidae, fam. nov., in the broad context of Laniatores. Based on a molecular phylogenetic analysis of a broad representative laniatorean Sanger-sequences dataset we found support for our taxonomic hypotheses that (1) inclusion of Beloniscidae, fam. nov. in Phalangodidae would render the family non-monophyletic, and (2) Beloniscidae, fam. nov. represents a lineage that is morphologically and genetically distinct from all other known laniatorean families. The new family Beloniscidae is endemic to South-east Asia and comprises 37 species in two new subfamilies: Beloniscinae, subfam. nov. and Buparinae, subfam. nov. Beloniscinae includes the genera Beloniscellus Roewer, 1931, Beloniscops Roewer, 1949, Belonisculus Roewer, 1923, Beloniscus (type genus) and Kendengus Roewer, 1949. Buparinae includes the genera Buparellus Roewer, 1949, Bupares Thorell, 1889 (type genus) and Buparomma Roewer, 1949. Members of Beloniscidae are relatively homogeneous in their external morphology, but are recognised by well marked genitalic features. Male genitalia are described for exemplar species, and the morphology is compared with that of Epedanidae. Names are given to two new genitalic structures: sella curulis and pseudocalyx. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:540BCE49-6F2E-4372-BFD4-D3C6068F045D http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:FE8B011B-AA6D-4E6C-A321-123542A0563F http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E4A559CD-170A-40F2-924A-541C22974344

4-HNE-modified ankyrins have been described in diseases such as diabetes, renal failure, G6PD deficient, sickle cell trait, and P. falciparum infected erythrocytes with different AB0 blood groups. However, effects at the atomic level of this carbonylation on structure and function of modified protein are not yet fully understood. We present a study based on molecular dynamics simulations of nine 4-HNE modified residues of the ZU5-ANK ankyrin domain with β-spectrin and their binding energy profiles. Results show that 4-HNE induced local conformational changes over all protein systems evaluated, increased mobility in the modification sites, and localized structural changes between the positively charged patch of the ZU5-ANK domain. Carbonylation with 4-HNE on lysine residues decreased the affinity between ZU5-ANK and the 14-β-spectrin repeat by reducing electrostatic and van der Waals interactions. The presented work provides further insight into understanding the loss of human erythrocyte deformation capacity under conditions of oxidative stress in different diseases.

Relevant prior knowledge supported by historical data and expert judgments is common in many manufacturing processes. The classical viewpoint to the determination of acceptance sampling plans for k -out-of- n gamma systems is generalized to those situations in which the available previous information is appreciable. A beta distribution with a reduced parameter space is adopted to describe the stochastic behavior of the fraction of defective systems. An integer nonlinear programming problem is stated to find the inspection scheme that minimizes the required number of components to test and keeps the average producer and consumer risks below specified thresholds. First, lower and upper bounds, as well as an approximate solution, are derived. Then, an efficient step-by-step procedure, which finds the best acceptance sampling plan in a finite number of iterations, is provided. The inclusion of prior information into the decision process provides substantial savings in the sample size required for demonstrating system reliability, and also more accurate assessments of the actual producer and consumer risks. A system of five water pumps for cooling a reactor is analyzed for illustrative and comparative purposes.

The vane in cup flow involves the rotation of a bladed vane in a sample held within a cylindrical cup. The use of the vane in cup flow for rheological measurements is based on the assumption that the vane drags the specimen in between its arms as a rigid body and thus, constitutes a bob with equivalent radius, Req, i.e., the “Couette analogy.” In this work, rheo-particle image velocimetry was employed to characterize the velocity and shear stress distributions of a Newtonian fluid (glycerol) and a viscoplastic microgel [0.12 wt. % of poly(acrylic acid) in water] undergoing a steady vane in cup flow under constant torque conditions. The velocity distributions were complex for both fluids, showing that, once under flow, the vane drags only part of the specimen as a rigid body, with the boundary of the rigid body motion smaller than the vane radius, RV. Also, for both fluids, the tangential velocity increases monotonically up to a maximum and then decreases toward the wall cup. Furthermore, the radial locations which constitute the boundary of the rigid body motion or at which the maximum tangential velocity is observed are constant for the Newtonian fluid but decrease for the microgel with increasing the torque. Therefore, there is not a definite method to determine Req for a given vane in cup geometry to allow the application of the “Couette analogy” for non-Newtonian fluids. Otherwise, using RV or a Newtonian based Req to calculate the flow curve may lead to significant errors.

Located within the Beni Fouda intramontane basin, the Oued Boucherit area (Guelta Zerga, North East Algeria) hosts a unique succession of archaeological and palaeontological deposits spanning from the late Pliocene to the Early Pleistocene. While the recent work by Sahnouni et al., (2018) mostly focused on the two Oldowan archaeological levels AB-Lw and AB-Up, we present here an updated overview of the entire Oued Boucherit sequence, resulting from a long-term multidisciplinary investigation that started in 1992. In particular, we report for the first time a description of the oldest palaeontological levels dated to >3 Ma, and of the uppermost archaeological level hosting Acheulean artefacts. The age-depth model initially proposed by Sahnouni et al. (2018) was further extended to chronologically constrain the whole sequence, which spans from ∼3.93 Ma at the bottom to ∼1.65 Ma at the top. The Oued Boucherit sedimentary sequence records the earliest evolutionary steps of lithic technology, with early Oldowan assemblages at Ain Boucherit dated to about 2.44 Ma (AB-Lw) and 1.92 Ma (AB-Up) Ma, followed by the ∼1.77-1.72 Ma assemblages of Ain Hanech and El Kherba showing more derived features, and the appearance of the Acheulean technology, dated to ∼1.67 Ma. This chonostratigraphic framework indicates that the Oued Boucherit area (, Research grants are awarded to M. Sahnouni and/or J. van der Made and/or J.M. Parés by CNRPAH, MINICIU (PGC 2018-095489-B-I00), MINECO (HAR 2013-41351-P & CGL 2017-89603-R) (Spain), The L.S.B. Leakey Foundation (San Francisco, CA, USA), Wenner-Gren Foundation (New York, USA), European Research Council (FP7-People-CIG2993581) (Brussels, Belgium), and Stone Age Institute (Bloomington, IN, USA). Mathieu Duval's research has been funded by the Australian Research Council Future Fellowship Grant FT150100215 and Spanish Ramón y Cajal Fellowship RYC 2018-025221-I.

We present an ALMA 1.3 mm (Band 6) continuum survey of lensed submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) at $z=1.0\sim3.2$ with an angular resolution of $\sim0.2$". These galaxies were uncovered by the Herschel Lensing Survey (HLS), and feature exceptionally bright far-infrared continuum emission ($S_\mathrm{peak} \gtrsim 90$ mJy) owing to their lensing magnification. We detect 29 sources in 20 fields of massive galaxy clusters with ALMA. Using both the Spitzer/IRAC (3.6/4.5 $\mathrm{\mu m}$) and ALMA data, we have successfully modeled the surface brightness profiles of 26 sources in the rest-frame near- and far-infrared. Similar to previous studies, we find the median dust-to-stellar continuum size ratio to be small ($R_\mathrm{e,dust}/R_\mathrm{e,star} = 0.38\pm0.14$) for the observed SMGs, indicating that star formation is centrally concentrated. This is, however, not the case for two spatially extended main-sequence SMGs with a low surface brightness at 1.3 mm ($\lesssim 0.1$ mJy arcsec$^{-2}$), in which the star formation is distributed over the entire galaxy ($R_\mathrm{e,dust}/R_\mathrm{e,star}>1$). As a whole, our SMG sample shows a tight anti-correlation between ($R_\mathrm{e,dust}/R_\mathrm{e,star}$) and far-infrared surface brightness ($\Sigma_\mathrm{IR}$) over a factor of $\simeq$ 1000 in $\Sigma_\mathrm{IR}$. This indicates that SMGs with less vigorous star formation (i.e., lower $\Sigma_\mathrm{IR}$) lack central starburst and are likely to retain a broader spatial distribution of star formation over the whole galaxies (i.e., larger $R_\mathrm{e,dust}/R_\mathrm{e,star}$). The same trend can be reproduced with cosmological simulations as a result of central starburst and potentially subsequent "inside-out" quenching, which likely accounts for the emergence of compact quiescent galaxies at $z\sim2$., Comment: 32 pages, 18 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in ApJ

Cancer is a group of related diseases in which there is uncontrolled cell growth that spreads to the surrounding tissues and damages them. Cancer remains the disease with the leading cause of death worldwide, and incidence and mortality are increasing rapidly. The main cancer treatment is chemotherapy; however, the compounds used in this treatment have serious side effects for this reason, is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. Natural products are an excellent pharmacological alternative for the treatment of cancer and infections. In search of new compounds with cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity, we have found quinones that have a high pharmacological potency in the treatment of these health problems. Quinones are an aromatic system of one or diketone and are mainly isolated from plants, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms. These compounds are secondary metabolites derived from the oxidation of hydroquinones; they include benzoquinones, naphthoquinones, anthraquinones, and polyquinones. This review summarizes the activity of 152 anticancer and 30 antimicrobial quinones.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft RTG1976, The nitrogen-fixing microbe Azotobacter vinelandii has the ability to produce three genetically distinct, but mechanistically similar, components that catalyze nitrogen fixation. For two of these components, the Mo-dependent and V-dependent components, their corresponding metal-containing active site cofactors, designated FeMo-cofactor and FeV-cofactor, respectively, are preformed on separate molecular scaffolds designated NifEN and VnfEN, respectively. From prior studies, and the present work, it is now established that neither of these scaffolds can replace the other with respect to their in vivo cofactor assembly functions. Namely, a strain inactivated for NifEN cannot produce active Mo-dependent nitrogenase nor can a strain inactivated for VnfEN produce an active V-dependent nitrogenase. It is therefore proposed that metal specificities for FeMo-cofactor and FeV-cofactor formation are supplied by their respective assembly scaffolds. In the case of the third, Fe-only component, its associated active site cofactor, designated FeFe-cofactor, requires neither the NifEN nor VnfEN assembly scaffold for its formation. Furthermore, there are no other genes present in A. vinelandii that encode proteins having primary structure similarity to either NifEN or VnfEN. It is therefore concluded that FeFe-cofactor assembly is completed within its cognate catalytic protein partner without the aid of an intermediate assembly site. IMPORTANCE Biological nitrogen fixation is a complex process involving the nitrogenases. The biosynthesis of an active nitrogenase involves a large number of genes and the coordinated function of their products. Understanding the details of the assembly and activation of the different nitrogen fixation components, in particular the simplest one known so far, the Fe-only nitrogenase, would contribute to the goal of transferring the necessary genetic elements of bacterial nitrogen fixation to cereal crops to endow them with the capacity for self-fertilization. In this work, we show that there is no need for a scaffold complex for the assembly of the FeFe-cofactor, which provides the active site for Fe-only nitrogenase. These results are in agreement with previously reported genetic reconstruction experiments using a non-nitrogen-fixing microbe. In aggregate, these findings provide a high degree of confidence that the Fe-only system represents the simplest and, therefore, most attractive target for mobilizing nitrogen fixation into plants., Work performed in the laboratory of D.R.D. was supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grants BNF Cereals Phase II (OPP1143172) and BNF Cereals phase III (INV-005889), work performed in the laboratory of O.E. was supported by funds from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft grant RTG1976, and work performed in the laboratory of L.C.S. was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, (BES) DE-SC0010687.

14 p.-6 fig., DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism for controlling innate immunity against microbial pathogens in plants. Little is known, however, about the manner in which viral infections interact with DNA methylation pathways. Here we investigate the crosstalk between epigenetic silencing and viral infections in Arabidopsis inflorescences. We found that tobacco rattle virus (TRV) causes changes in the expression of key transcriptional gene silencing factors with RNA‐directed DNA methylation activities that coincide with changes in methylation at the whole genome level. Viral susceptibility/resistance was altered in DNA (de)methylation‐deficient mutants, suggesting that DNA methylation is an important regulatory system controlling TRV proliferation. We further show that several transposable elements (TEs) underwent transcriptional activation during TRV infection, and that TE regulation likely involved both DNA methylation‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms. We identified a cluster of disease resistance genes regulated by DNA methylation in infected plants that were enriched for TEs in their promoters. Interestingly, TEs and nearby resistance genes were co‐regulated in TRV‐infected DNA (de)methylation mutants. Our study shows that DNA methylation contributes to modulate the outcome of viral infections in Arabidopsis, and opens up new possibilities for exploring the role of TE regulation in antiviral defence., This work has been supported by a Ramon y Cajal grant (RyC‐2011‐07006) to VRF and by National Research grants BIO2012‐39973 and BIO2015‐70752‐R to CL from Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO/FEDER), Spain.

As the number of legal and illegal gold mining sites increases in the Andes–Amazonia region, integrative methods to evaluate the effects of mining pollution on freshwater ecosystems are of paramount importance. Here, we sampled water and sediments in 11 sites potentially affected by gold mining activities in the Napo province (Ecuador). The environmental impacts were evaluated using the following lines of evidence (LOEs): water physicochemical parameters, metal exposure concentrations, macroinvertebrate community response (AAMBI), and toxicity by conducting bioassays with Lactuca sativa and Daphnia magna. Dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids were under (130 mg/Ls) quality standards 65% of the sites. Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in water and V, B, and Cr in sediments were detected above quality standards at sampled sites. Nine out of eleven sites were classified as having bad environmental quality based on the AAMBI. L. sativa seed germination in both water (37% to 70%) and sediment (0% to 65%) indicate significant toxicity. In five sites, neonates of D. magna showed a 25% reduction in survival compared to the control. Our integrated LOEs index ranked sites regarding their environmental degradation. We recommend environmental impact monitoring of the mining expansion at the Andes–Amazonia region using multiple LOEs.

espanolEl estilo interpersonal del docente de educacion fisica puede condicionar los comportamientos afectivos, cognitivos y comportamentales de los estudiantes. Asi, bajo el sustento de la teoria de la autodeterminacion, el objetivo de este estudio ha sido realizar una revision sistematica sobre el apoyo de autonomia en las clases de educacion fisica. Para ello, se ha realizado una revision de 17 articulos cientificos procedentes de las bases de datos de Web of Science, Scopus y Science Direct, donde se miden los efectos que el estilo interpersonal del profesor de educacion fisica tiene sobre los estudiantes. En los estudios se evidencio que el apoyo a la autonomia del docente de educacion fisica genera en los estudiantes mayores niveles de satisfaccion de las necesidades psicologicas basicas, especialmente la autonomia percibida, ademas de la motivacion intrinseca, las emociones y pensamientos positivos de si mismo, las intenciones de realizar actividad fisica en el tiempo libre y el comportamiento futuro hacia la practica deportiva EnglishA physical education (PE) teacher’s interpersonal style may influence students’ affective, cognitive and behavioural patterns. Thus, on the basis of self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of autonomy support in physical education lessons. For this purpose, 17 scientific articles taken from the Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct databases measuring the effects of the PE teacher’s interpersonal style on students were reviewed. These studies show that a PE teacher’s autonomy support generates higher levels of satisfaction of basic psychological needs in students, especially in perceived autonomy, as well as intrinsic motivation, positive emotions and thoughts about themselves, their intention to do physical activity in their free time and future behaviour in terms of doing sport.

Cnidoscolus chayamansa (‘Tree spinach’ or Chaya) produces lupeol acetate (LUAC) naturally. Cell culture may represent a viable alternative production method to sustainably use of natural resources. No studies have reported LUAC production in vitro or in Chaya cell culture. The aim of the study was to establish a C. chayamansa cell suspension culture, quantify LUAC production and evaluate the extract's antioxidant and antibacterial activity. To induce callus, immature leaves were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium supplied with different combinations of auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-D; α-naphthalene-acetic acid, NAA; indole-3-acetic acid, IAA or indole-3-butyric acid, IBA) and cytokinin (6-benzylaminopurine, BAP; or kinetin, KIN) at concentrations of 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/L. The higher percentage of callus induction (75.0%) and the best friable characteristic were exhibited when combining NAA (2.5 mg/L) and BAP (5.0 mg/L). This callus was used to establish a cell suspension culture, quantify LUAC production and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The maximum dry biomass (DW) of the cell suspension culture was 9.2 g/L at 40 days, growth index 5.63; specific growth rate (μ) of 0.082 days; and doubling time (td) at 8.45 days. Cells growth was related with D-glucose culture medium concentration. Cell suspension culture produced 38.1 mg LUAC/g extract at 40 days of culture, which was greater than the production in wild plant leaves (2.9 mg LUAC/g extract). Extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (EC50 16.60 mg/mL) and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus coagulase. Although the extracts exhibited only moderate biological activity, these produced a large amount of LUAC. Therefore, C. chayamansa cell suspension culture represents an alternative LUAC source instead of using the wild plant.

The oxidation behaviour of Incoloy 909 superalloy subjected to diffusion boronizing treatments was studied at 750 and 850°C in atmospheres of dry air and a mixture of dry air + water vapour for tim...

The development of semiconductors capable of photocatalytic activity under visible light is very important, because such materials are potentially useful for performing photocatalytic conversion under solar illumination. However, these processes are frequently unselective because they involve the production of free radicals. Reports suggest that the selectivity of the photocatalytic processes may be adjusted through modification of the structural parameters of the semiconductor photocatalysts by the preferential exposure of certain crystalline planes. The present work focuses on the relationship between the preferential exposure of the (1 1 0) and (0 0 1) facets of bismuth oxyiodide and the cyclohexanol produced by the photocatalytic oxofunctionalization of cyclohexane. For this purpose, four bismuth oxyiodide photocatalysts (BiOI-4, BiOI-6, BiOI-10, and BiOI-12) were synthesized at different pH levels and characterized (via X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area). All BiOI photocatalysts showed higher selectivity for cyclohexanol. Additionally, a linear dependence between the cyclohexanol yield and peak intensity (1 1 0)/(0 0 1) ratio was established and related to the relative amount of hydroxyl radicals formed in the photocatalytic system.

To understand the identity of the early Acheulean, it is necessary to discriminate between the variables that influenced the selection of technological strategies. Functionality of the archaeological sites is crucial in assessing the manufacturing strategies of lithic tools. To achieve this goal, analysis of the post-depositional processes must be evaluated. When bone remains have been preserved, anthropic animal processing can be identified through zooarchaeological and taphonomic analyses, and the spatial relationships among all the components can also be assessed, especially when bone surface is not sufficiently preserved. There are two levels present at Thiongo Korongo, ~1.3 Ma, TKLF and TKSF. These are in autochthonous position with no significant temporal diachrony but with substantial technological differences in the manufacturing of the lithic tools, which enables the analysis of the influence of human activities on technological behaviour. In order to evaluate this issue at TKSF, we present lithic, faunal, taphonomic, fabric, and spatial analyses. An assemblage of megaherbivores, among which Sivatherium is outstanding, dominate the TKSF faunal remains. Cortical preservation is poor; there is no intervention of carnivores, the rate of green fractures is low, and a few cut marks on size 5 and 3b animals were identified. Hence, apparently human intervention on the fauna was not intensive. Spatial and geostatistical analyses hints of a specific area where megaherbivores were processed by humans. Through wear use and biomarker analyses on stone tools, we are currently trying to understand the activities that were carried out in the remaining paleosurface. At paleosurface TKLF, the main anthropogenic input could be related to activities other than animal resource exploitation, in which large handaxes were necessary. Without the assessment of site functionality and chronological context, this data could have lead to the differences observed at TKLF and TKSF being attributed to different Acheulean stages.

Electrospun nanofibers have been widely studied for many medical applications. They can be designed with specific features, including mucoadhesive properties. This review summarizes the polymeric scaffolds obtained by the electrospinning process that has been applied for drug release in different mucosal sites such as oral, ocular, gastroenteric, vaginal, and nasal. We analyzed the electrospinning parameters that have to be optimized to create reproducible and efficient mucoadhesive nanofibers, among them are: electrical field, polymer concentration, viscosity, flow rate, needle-collector distance, solution conductivity, solvent, environmental parameters, and electrospinning setup. We also revised the mucoadhesive theories as well as the mucoadhesive properties of the polymers used. This review shows that the most studied mucosal site is the oral cavity, because it is accessible and easy to evaluate, while the rest are uncomfortable for the patient and difficult to assess in vivo. We found problems that need to be solved for mucoadhesive electrospun nanofibers, such as improving adhesion strength and mucosal permanence time, and the design of unidirectional release, multilayer systems for the treatment of several pathologies, to ensure the drug concentration in the tissue or target organ.

The influence of a cadmium selenide (CdSe) layer on the thermochromic and photochromic properties of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films was studied. The films were deposited on glass substrates ...

An accurate procedure is proposed to calculate approximate moments of progressive order statistics in the context of statistical inference for lifetime models. The study analyses the performance of power series expansion to approximate the moments for location and scale distributions with high precision and smaller deviations with respect to the exact values. A comparative analysis between exact and approximate methods is shown using some tables and figures. The different approximations are applied in two situations. First, we consider the problem of computing the large sample variance–covariance matrix of maximum likelihood estimators. We also use the approximations to obtain progressively censored sampling plans for log-normal distributed data. These problems illustrate that the presented procedure is highly useful to compute the moments with precision for numerous censoring patterns and, in many cases, is the only valid method because the exact calculation may not be applicable.

The evolution of the landscape surrounding the rivers of the Madrid basin during the Middle Pleistocene is summarised in the present paper. Patterns of adaptation of human populations who settled on the riverbanks have been established in this area through geoarchaeological data recovered from associated deposits, mainly in the Manzanares and Jarama rivers. An exceptional paleoenvironmental record has been documented for the last 379,000 years in the sequences studied in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Pollen and non-pollen samples were studied in eight sequences obtained from different sedimentary environments of two terraces, one located in the Manzanares river (Complex Terrace of Butarque) and the other in the Jarama river (Complex Terrace of Arganda), both in Madrid (Spain). The findings show the constant presence of Pinus, sometimes as the prevailing species, and Juniperus as an element of the regional vegetation. The local vegetation is characterised by open Mediterranean forest and riverside woodlands, which together with the aquatic taxa demonstrates the presence of water. The occasional presence of deciduous forest taxa, probably related to riverside woodlands, suggest warmer conditions. Ubiquitous taxa prevail among the herbaceous strata. These types of plants do not require specific ecological conditions, but could suggest a certain degree of humidity and explain the low values of xeric taxa and sub-continental steppe grasslands. The development of nitrophilous taxa, associated with the presence of fauna, is consistent with the faunal remains recorded from the sites. However, the pollen record shows changes in the structure of the vegetation in all sequences (progressive increase in the tree component), as well as in the composition of the plant landscape (decrease of the Mediterranean taxa and increase of xeric and steppe grasslands), due to temperature and humidity rate related changes. Climatic oscillations are observed across the stratigraphic sequence, and discussed in light of the archaeological evidence for the human occupation of inland Iberia.

Metallobacitracins are complexes with an extensive antimicrobial and biological activity. In this work, we investigated the metal complexation of bacitracin with several divalent metal ions in aqueous solution. The binding constants of Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Pd(2+), Fe(2+), Mn(2+) and Mg(2+) to bacitracin were measured by UV/Vis spectroscopy, isotermic titration calorimetry (ITC) and potentiometry while the complexes were studied by Circular Dichroism and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (15N HSQC) for Zn(2+), Cd(2+) and Hg(2+) at different pH. By UV/Vis spectroscopy the affinity is in the range 104 to 105 M−1 at pH 6 and follows the order Ni(2+) > Cd(2+) > Hg(2+) > Zn(2+) > Fe(2+). By potentiometry, the binding constants were determined in the pH range 2–12. Microcalorimetry shows that the stoichiometry of metallobacitracins investigated is 1:1 with binding constants in the range 105–102 M−1 at pH 6 and with an order of stability of Ni(2+) > Cd(2+) > Zn(2+) > Hg(2+); ΔS, ΔH and ΔG parameters were also determined. NMR spectroscopy lets us establish the binding site of the metal ion when comparing 15N HSQC of free bacitracin and complex in natural abundance; these findings agree with calorimetric results. Chemical shift changes in complexes containing Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) exhibit a similar behavior despite pH differences. Conversely, there is not a significant change for Hg(2+) complex. The obtained data contribute to understand the mechanism of the biological activity of the metallobacitracins and give the guideline for the design of more powerful metalloantibiotics.

The successive fossil amphibian and reptile assemblages from the Middle to Late Pleistocene sites from the Manzanares and Jarama River Valleys (Madrid, central Spain) permitted the reconstruction of part of the climate instability with high-amplitude and rapid shifts of the last 450 ka and their associated landscapes: Aridos-1 (MIS11b), Valdocarros II (MIS8a/7e), Estanque de Tormentas de Butarque ETB-H02 (MIS7d or MIS6), PRERESA (MIS7/6 or MIS5a) and HAT (MIS5a). This work aims to present a regional synthesis of the palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental data obtained from the herpetofaunal assemblages for these two valleys and their influence on the biodiversity during the Pleistocene. As a whole, these archaeo-paleontological localities document a total of 20 taxa (8 anurans and 12 reptiles) thus representing 76.9% of the modern authochtonous herpetofauna of the southeast of the Region of Madrid. Taking as a reference the modern situation in the area, the successive herpetofaunal assemblages permits a hypothetical landscape reconstruction where three different periods are represented with a glacial landscape (ETB-H02), a landscape of transition from cool to temperate climatic conditions (Valdocarros II), and an interglacial landscape (Aridos-1, HAT, PRERESA, and today). Environment is particularly open during dry periods, independently of if it is cold or warm. The main difference between an interglacial and a glacial period is the opposite representation of woodlands vs. moist environments: the last ones being more represented during cold periods than during warm periods. Finally, as documented by the succession from Valdocarros II, periods of transition between cold and warm climate are more forested but at the expense of humid meadows progressively. According to the relation between richness, biodiversity and climatic and environmental factors, a clear correlation appears between reptile richness and woodlands. In a similar way, mean annual precipitation (MAP) is revealed to be the most influent factor on reptile local diversity certainly because of its implications on vegetal cover extension and ecosystem productivity and resources. For amphibians the MAP does not influence dominancy but species richness: anuran richness being higher for lower MAP. Such an unusual pattern is certainly due to the fact that there are no strict forest-dweller anurans within the archaeological assemblages and that most of the anurans present in the sites are well adapted to arid conditions.