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In this work, WO3 nanostructures were synthesized with different complexing agents (0.05 M H2O2 and 0.1 M citric acid) and annealing conditions (400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C) to obtain optimal WO3 nanostructures to use them as a photoanode in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) degradation of an endocrine disruptor chemical. These nanostructures were studied morphologically by a field emission scanning electron microscope. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed to provide information of the electronic states of the nanostructures. The crystallinity of the samples was observed by a confocal Raman laser microscope and X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, photoelectrochemical measurements (photostability, photoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Mott–Schottky and water-splitting test) were also performed using a solar simulator with AM 1.5 conditions at 100 mW·cm−2. Once the optimal nanostructure was obtained (citric acid 0.01 M at an annealing temperature of 600 °C), the PEC degradation of methylparaben (CO 10 ppm) was carried out. It was followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, which allowed to obtain the concentration of the contaminant during degradation and the identification of degradation intermediates. The optimized nanostructure was proved to be an efficient photocatalyst since the degradation of methylparaben was performed in less than 4 h and the kinetic coefficient of degradation was 0.02 min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disruptors chemicals (EDCs) pose significant health risks, including cancer, behavioral disorders, and infertility. In this study, we employed the photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) technique with optimized tungsten oxide (WO 3) nanostructures as a photoanode to degrade three diverse EDCs: methiocarb, dimethyl phthalate, and 4-tert-butylphenol. PEC degradation tests were carried out for individual contaminants and a mixture of them, assessing efficiency across different EDC families. Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry was used to control the course of the experiments. For individual solutions, 4-tert-butylphenol and methiocarb were 100% degraded at 1 hour of PEC degradation. Among the tested EDCs, dimethyl phthalate showed the highest resistance to degradation when treated individually. However, when assessed in a mixture with the other EDCs, the degradation efficiency of dimethyl phthalate increased compared to its individual treatment. Furthermore, four degradation intermediates were identified for each contaminant. Finally, toxicity tests revealed that the initial solution was more toxic than the samples treated for all the contaminants tested, except for the phthalate. • Optimized WO 3 nanostructures synthesized by electrochemical anodization. • Photoanode in PEC degradation of 3 endocrine disruptor chemicals. • UHPLC-MS-Q-TOF to control the degradation, identify intermediates and degradation pathways. • Comparison of the kinetics of degradation of the chemicals separately and in a mixture. • Ecotoxicology tests for the endocrine disruptor chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. Additionally, two composites of silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by the Stöber method. The synthesized nanocompounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The magnetite nanoparticles have a single crystalline phase corresponding to the cubic spinel structure. The magnetite nanocompound is formed by faceted nanoparticles with a mean size of 9 nm, while the composites consist mainly of aggregates of magnetite nanoparticles coated with silica, with mean sizes of 22 and 55 nm. The magnetization measurements of the three nanocompounds suggest that the nanoparticles are in the superparamagnetic regime at room temperature, with a small amount of nanoparticles in the blocked regime. • Magnetite nanoparticles crystallize in a single phase corresponding to the spinel structure. • The composites are formed by aggregates of magnetite nanoparticles coated with silica. • The nanoparticles are in the superparamagnetic regime at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photoelectrocatalyst consisting of WO 3 nanosheets or nanorods has been synthesized by electrochemical anodization under hydrodynamic conditions, and has been used for the degradation of two toxic pesticides: chlorfenvinphos and bromacil. Nanostructures have been characterized by FESEM and Raman spectroscopy. Photoelectrochemical degradation tests have been carried out both for individual pesticide solutions and for a mixture solution, and the concentration evolution with time has been followed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. For individual pesticides, pseudo-first order kinetic coefficients of 0.402 h−1 and 0.324 h−1 have been obtained for chlorfenvinphos and bromacil, respectively, while for the mixture solution, these kinetic coefficients have been 0.162 h−1 and 0.408 h−1. The change in behavior towards pesticide degradation depending on whether individual or mixture solutions were used might be indicative of a competitive process between the two pesticide molecules when interacting with the WO 3 nanostructures surface or when approaching the semiconductor/electrolyte interface. Unlabelled Image • The photoelectrochemical degradation of two toxic pesticides has been carried out. • Degradation behavior changed in pesticide mixed solutions. • Kinetic coefficient for bromacil degradation was higher in the mixed solution. • Interaction of pesticides and WO 3 nanostructures might play an important role. • The efficiency of WO 3 nanostructures as photoelectrocatalysts has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Very small WO 3 nanorods or nanosheets were obtained. • Annealing at 600 °C resulted in completely dehydrated and crystalline nanostructures. • Interfacial charge transfer was enhanced by annealing at 600 °C. • Chlorfenvinphos degradation took place through the cleavage of the aromatic ring. • Optimum values for degradation were pH 1 and annealing at 600 °C. Abstract A visible-light driven photoelectrochemical degradation process has been applied to a solution polluted with the organophosphate insecticide chlorfenvinphos. Different WO 3 nanosheets/nanorods have been used as photoanodes. These nanostructured electrodes have been fabricated by anodization of tungsten and, subsequently, they have been subjected to a thermal treatment (annealing). The combined influence of annealing temperature (400 °C and 600 °C) and operation pH (1 and 3) on the photoelectrocatalytic behavior of these nanorods has been examined through a statistical analysis. Morphological, structural and photoelectrochemical characterizations have also been carried out. The chlorfenvinphos degradation efficiency depended both on annealing temperature and, specially, operation pH. At pH 1 and using an annealing temperature of 600 °C, chlorfenvinphos has been effectively degraded following pseudo-first order kinetics with a coefficient of 7.8 × 10−3 min−1, and notably mineralized (more than 65% of Total Organic Carbon decrease). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming and climate change, as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, pose a major threat to the international community; therefore, such emissions must be reduced by moving to clean energy resources. In this paper, we follow an approach based on bankruptcy models using the proportional rule and the proportional run-to-the-bank rule to illustrate a novel allocation protocol for managing annual CO 2 equivalent emissions in European Union countries among a set of sectors included in Annex I to Decision No 406/2009/EC. Unlike the standard bankruptcy model, the current model deals with situations in which agent's claims are multi-dimensional and the issues correspond to greenhouse gases contained in Annex II to Directive 2003/87/EC. Considering that any Member State can limit the greenhouse gas emissions beyond their obligations under the European legislation, being able to establish national greenhouse gas emission reduction objectives in relation to 2005. Two types of situations will be considered to allocate emissions among greenhouse gases, sectors and source categories: when total emissions and removals from activities related to the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry are excluded, we will make a first allocation among sectors and categories to determine the amount of tonnes of CO 2 equivalent that they can emit for each greenhouse gas; and when land-use/forestry activities are taken into account for the distribution of emissions reduction efforts, we will make a second allocation among sectors in order to determine which source categories are involved in each case. • Annual GHG emissions by country exceeding the limits imposed by EU or national laws. • Allocating annual GHG emissions in countries by gas and source using bankruptcy rules. • The principle of proportionality has been applied to allocate GHG emissions. • The proportional rule and the proportional run-to-the-bank rule have been used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an organic geochemical characterization of heavy and liquid oils from Cretaceous and Cenozoic reservoir rocks in the Tiple and Caracara blocks in the eastern Llanos Basin, Colombia. Samples of heavy oil were recovered from the Upper Eocene Mirador Formation and the C7 interval of the Oligocene – Miocene Carbonera Formation; the liquid oils came from these intervals and from the Cretaceous Guadalupe, Une and Gachetá Formations. The heavy oil and most of the liquid oils probably originated from multiple source rocks or source facies, and showed evidence of biodegradation as suggested by the coexistence of n‐alkanes and 25‐norhopanes. The results indicate a close genetic relationship between the samples in the Carbonera (C7 interval), Mirador and Guadalupe Formation reservoirs. These petroleums are interpreted to result from at least two separate oil charges. An early charge (Oligocene to Early Miocene) was derived from marine carbonate and transitional siliciclastic Cretaceous source rocks as indicated by biomarker analysis using GC/MS. This initial oil charge was biodegraded in the reservoir, and was mixed with a later charge (or charges) of fresh oil during the Late Miocene to Pliocene. A relatively high proportion of the unaltered oil charge was recorded for heavy oil samples from the Melero‐1 well in the Tiple block, and is inferred to originate from Cenozoic carbonaceous shale or coaly source rocks. Geochemical parameters suggest that oils from the Gachetá and Une Formations are similar and that they originated from a source different to that of the other oil samples. These two oils do not correlate well with extracts from transitional siliciclastic source rock from the Upper Cretaceous Gachetá Formation in the Ramiriqui‐1 well, located in the LLA 22 block to the north. By contrast, one or more organofacies of the Gachetá Formation may have generated the heavy oil and most of the liquid oil samples. The results suggest that the heavy oils may have formed as a result of biodegradation at the palaeo oil‐water contact, although deasphalting cannot entirely be dismissed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Versatile Video Coding (VVC) standard was released in 2020 to replace the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, making it necessary to convert HEVC encoded content to VCC to exploit its compression performance, which was achieved by using a larger block size of 128 × 128 pixels, among other new coding tools. However, 80.93% of the encoding time is spent on finding a suitable block partitioning. To reduce this time, this proposal presents an HEVC-to-VVC transcoding algorithm focused on accelerating the CTU partitioning decisions. The transcoder takes different information from the input bitstream of HEVC, and feeds it to two Bayes-based models. Experimental results show a time saving in the transcoding process of 45.40%, compared with the traditional cascade transcoder. This time gain has been obtained on average for all test sequences in the Random Access scenario, at the expense of only 1.50% BD-rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we characterized asphaltic oil occurrences in the Misoa C2 and C3 reservoirs within Area 2 South of the Ceuta Field (Lake Maracaibo Basin, NW Venezuela). To perform the geochemical and petrological characterization of the C2 and C3 sub-units, which cover an interval in which tar-like material was detected, we analyzed core (18) and cutting (123) samples using the Rock-Eval 6 technique in reservoir mode. Samples were studied under fluorescence light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing the presence of two charges of oils and the relationships within silica cements and clay minerals. To evaluate vertical inter-reservoir communication and lateral intra-reservoir continuity, we also studied 12 oil samples from wells in Area 2 South. Biomarkers and isotopic signatures were examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The results suggest that oil and core extracts belongs to a single family derived from two pulses of hydrocarbon generation from the La Luna source rock, which was deposited in a marine reducing environment. The oil samples are a mixture of a paleobiodegraded oil charge and a later fresh, more mature oil recharge. The geochemical analyses also evidence that the formation of heavy oil tar zones can be related to biodegradation and in-reservoir oil mixing, though other formation mechanisms for the tar are also feasible. Finally, the GC fingerprints of the oils are indicative of lateral reservoir continuities across the F-1 and F-2 faults and vertical communication between the Misoa C2 and C3 sub-units in Area 2 South, suggesting that tar occurrences do not act as permeability barriers within the two reservoirs studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of coal seams (groups 4 to 11) of Paleocene age in the Marcelina Formation have been open pit exploited in two mines (Paso Diablo and Mina Norte) in the Guasare Coalfield (NW Venezuela). An investigation has been conducted on the elemental composition, mineralogy, and coalbed methane (CBM) in Guasare coals. For this study, 46 core coal samples of 16 seams (groups 2 to 7) were collected from 16 exploratory boreholes that were drilled in both mines. It was also considered unpublished proximate-ultimate and gross calorific data of other 66 coals of 31 seams intersected in most of these wells. The coals under study showed low ash yields (3.4 wt % on average) and were classified as high volatile bituminous A. Mean values of trace element and lanthanide (REE) contents in Marcelina coals generally indicate depletion compared to average values for world hard coals. The statistical evaluations indicate that elements (except Se) show inorganic affinity or intermediate association and mixed mode of occurrence. La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, and Th/Cr ratios support a felsic or metamorphic felsic source for the mineral matter present in Marcelina coals. Most coal samples exhibited similar normalized REE patterns, showing light REE enriched, as well as negative Ce and Eu anomalies. The comparison of REE patterns to those of some nearby granitoids suggests that Marcelina coals received a supply of sediments from theses granitic source rocks. The mineralogical compositions of representative coal samples are notably similar, kaolinite and quartz were noted as the major mineral species in all coal seams. The measured gas volumes available for CBM production from Marcelina seams vary approximately between 5 and 11 cm3/g. Variation in the illite content has an appreciable positive effect on gas adsorption capacity of Guasare coals. Lastly, a numerical model of the gas generative potential of the coals in the Marcelina Formation was also developed. • Element contents in Marcelina coals suggest depletion in relation to world hard coals. • Guasare coals received a supply of sediments from nearby granitoids based on REE data. • A numerical modeling of the gas generative potential of Guasare coals was developed. • Measured methane sorption capacity of raw coal samples range between 5 and 12 cm3/g. • Variation in the illite content impacts on gas adsorption capacity of Guasare coals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of auxins on root system architecture was studied by applying indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) to maize roots and analysing the main processes involved in root development: primary root (PR) elongation, lateral root (LR) formation, and LR root elongation. We found that these effects were not dependent only on concentration, but also on the type of auxin applied. We also studied temporal changes in auxin inhibition of PR elongation. These temporal changes were analysed calculating the elongation ratio between two consecutive one day periods after auxin application. It was observed that a reduction in root elongation was also dependent on the type of auxin applied and its concentration. The inhibitory effect of IBA and IAA decreased on the second day, and the ratio also increased with the concentration. In contrast, NAA increased root elongation inhibition with time. Indeed, the ratio decreased as the NAA concentration increased. Regarding LR formation, we observed that external auxin increased only LR formation in certain zones of the PR. Finally, comparison of inhibition elongation associated with auxin in the LR and PR clearly demonstrates that PR elongation was more sensitive to auxin than LR elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this work were to carry out a combined petrographic, palynofacies, and organic geochemical study of twelve drill-core samples collected from the lowest coal seams in the Paleocene Marcelina Formation (Paso Diablo mine, Guasare Basin, northwestern Venezuela), to characterize crude oil samples from three wells in the nearby Amana Field and to evaluate oil-source correlations of these crude oils with the Paso Diablo coal extracts. The coals under study were classified as high volatile bituminous A or at the B-A boundary, and showed vitrinite contents between 50.0 and 89.4 vol.%, liptinites ranging from 1.4 to 24.2 vol.%, and inertinites in the 6.2–30.8 vol.% range. Results from organic geochemical investigations indicate that the Guasare coals were generated in a limno-telmatic to telmatic zone under fluctuating oxygen conditions. A Type III kerogen with relatively high hydrogen content and a thermal maturity corresponding to the early oil window are proposed for these coals as supported by Rock-Eval and petrographic data, as well as biomarker interpretations. Oil generation potential from Marcelina Formation coals is probably due to the perhydrous nature of the vitrinite, high bitumen contents, and considerable liptinite concentrations, mainly oil-prone resinites and exsudatinites. Palynofacies observations denote a dominance of psilate pollen grains related to angiosperm plants and, as expected, Type III kerogens or humic coals in the studied seams, the parent material of which contained a significant contribution of algae. The non-detection of 18α(H)-oleanane does not preclude the fact that angiosperms are the dominant plants in the Guasare paleomire. On the other hand, the characterization of the Amana oils suggests that they all fall into a unique oil family; the presence of 25-norhopanes in them could indicate paleobiodegradation and mixing from various hydrocarbon charges in the reservoir. Thus, the crude oils from the Amana Field seem to be a mixture of one or more oil charges from the early mature marine carbonate source rocks of the La Luna Formation, deposited under anoxic reducing conditions, and a later pulse of hydrocarbon generation which originated from an unknown – so far – nonmarine source rock. In this regard, hydrocarbon liquid derived from the lowest Marcelina coal seams may be tentatively identified as the latter oil charge. Also, this work delineates some components of a currently subcommercial and hypothetical Tertiary petroleum system – identified and named as Marcelina/Misoa C5(.) – in the Lake Maracaibo region. Finally, the coalbed gas contents of sampled coals were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we analyzed oil samples from 35 wells in the Ceuta Southeast Area (Lake Maracaibo Basin, northwestern Venezuela) in order to evaluate lateral intra-reservoir continuity in the Misoa B4 unit. Biomarkers, isotopic signature, and also V and Ni were examined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Multivariate statistical analysis was also applied to obtain useful information from geochemical data. On the basis of the characterization of these samples, we conclude that they all fall into various oil families derived from two pulses of hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation from the calcareous La Luna source rock, deposited in an anoxic marine environment under reducing conditions. Thus, these oils are a mixture of an earlier biodegraded, less mature oil charge and a later fresh non-biodegraded oil recharge. In addition, we applied asphaltene pyrolysis to one (LG-62) of the three “anomalous” oils. The LG-62 sample was confirmed as an almost “pure” paleobiodegraded end-member, whereas the VLF-3020 oil was tentatively classified as the unaltered end-member oil-type. Finally, the GC fingerprints and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopic indices of the oils were used to detect minor variations in composition that are indicative of reservoir compartmentalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial carbonate precipitation has implications in geological processes and important biotechnological applications. Bacteria capable of precipitating carbonates have been isolated from different calcium carbonate deposits (speleothems) in caves, soil, freshwater and seawater around the world. However, the diversity of bacteria from calcareous deposits in Colombia, and their ability to precipitate carbonates, remains unknown. In this study, conventional microbiological methods and molecular tools, such as temporal temperature gradient electrophoresis (TTGE), were used to assess the composition of bacterial communities associated with carbonate deposits and drip-waters from two Colombian mines. A genetic analysis of these bacterial communities revealed a similar level of diversity, based on the number of bands detected using TTGE. The dominant phylogenetic affiliations of the bacteria, determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were grouped into two phyla: Proteobacteria and Firmicutes . Within these phyla, seven genera were capable of precipitating calcium carbonates: Lysinibacillus, Bacillus, Strenotophomonas, Brevibacillus, Methylobacterium, Aeromicrobium and Acinetobacter . FTIR and SEM/EDX were used to analyze calcium carbonate crystals produced by isolated Acinetobacter gyllenbergii. The results showed that rhombohedral and angular calcite crystals with sizes of 90 μm were precipitated. This research provides information regarding the presence of complex bacterial communities in secondary carbonate deposits from mines and their ability to precipitate calcium carbonate from calcareous deposits of Colombian mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contains a thorough isotopic and molecular characterization of a series of thirteen (13) gas samples and six (6) liquid hydrocarbons produced from late Miocene reservoirs in the offshore Progreso Basin (SW Ecuador), along with Rock-Eval and petrographic analyses of sixty-two (62) rock samples from the area. The principal aim of this research work is to investigate the geochemistry of hydrocarbon fluids and sedimentary rocks in the area of the Amistad field to determine the origin of the studied wet gases. Potential source rocks in the Amistad stratigraphic section are immature and have no oil-generating capability, except for the early Miocene Dos Bocas Formation. Studied low-boiling condensates have similar gas chromatographic fingerprints while their compound-specific isotopic analyses of lower diamondoids (CSIA-D) indicate an oil-source correlation between them and Dos Bocas extracts. Sampled gases are mainly methane of biogenic origin except for that from the Delfín B-17X well, which might represent the thermogenic end-member gas signature of the Amistad gases. Results suggest a complex hydrocarbon filling history with multiple charges of thermogenic gas and hydrocarbons generated from the distal deltaic Dos Bocas source rocks followed by biodegradation, leakage and partial displacement by biogenic methane due to the uplifting of the Amistad structure. The Amistad gases form three homogeneous groups located in the southern, central and northern parts of the Progreso reservoir, although the geological segmentation of it into compartments cannot be clearly identified. • Study of organic matter throughout the stratigraphic section in the Amistad area. • Sources of the hydrocarbon fluids from Amistad and Delfín fields. • Determination of reservoir continuity in the Amistad field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim It is accepted that leg stiffness ( Kleg) increases when surface stiffness decreases, and vice versa. However, little is known how the central nervous system fulfils this task. To understand the effect of surface stiffness on the neural control of stretch-shortening cycle movements, this study aimed to compare modulation of spinal and corticospinal excitability at distinct phases after ground contact during two-legged hopping when changing from solid to elastic ground. Methods Motor-evoked potentials ( MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation ( TMS) and H-reflexes were elicited at the time of the short ( SLR)-, medium ( MLR)- and long ( LLR)-latency responses of the soleus muscle ( SOL) during two-legged hopping on different stiffness surfaces, elastic and stiff. Results Soleus H-reflexes during two-legged hopping on the elastic surface were lower at SLR and larger at LLR than on the stiff surface ( P < 0.05 for both comparisons). SOL MEP size was higher at the time of SLR during hopping on the elastic surface than on the stiff surface ( P < 0.05) although the background EMG was similar. Conclusion It is argued that this phase-specific adaptation in spinal reflex excitability is functionally relevant to adjust leg stiffness to optimally exploit the properties of the elastic surface. Thus, the increased corticospinal excitability on the elastic surface may reflect a more supraspinal control of the ankle muscles to compensate the decrease in reflexive stiffness at the beginning of touchdown and/or counteract the higher postural challenges associated with the elastic surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Myosin interacting-heads (MIH) motifs are visualized in 3D-reconstructions of thick filaments from striated muscle. These reconstructions are calculated by averaging methods using images from electron micrographs of grids prepared using numerous filament preparations. Here we propose an alternative method to calculate the 3D-reconstruction of a single thick filament using only a tilt series images recorded by electron tomography. Relaxed thick filaments, prepared from tarantula leg muscle homogenates, were negatively stained. Single-axis tilt series of single isolated thick filaments were obtained with the electron microscope at a low electron dose, and recorded on a CCD camera by electron tomography. An IHRSR 3D-recontruction was calculated from the tilt series images of a single thick filament. The reconstruction was enhanced by including in the search stage dual tilt image segments while only single tilt along the filament axis is usually used, as well as applying a band pass filter just before the back projection. The reconstruction from a single filament has a 40Å resolution and clearly shows the presence of MIH motifs. In contrast, the electron tomogram 3D-reconstruction of the same thick filament – calculated without any image averaging and/or imposition of helical symmetry – only reveals MIH motifs infrequently. This is – to our knowledge – the first application of the IHRSR method to calculate a 3D reconstruction from tilt series images. This single filament IHRSR reconstruction method (SF-IHRSR) should provide a new tool to assess structural differences between well-ordered thick (or thin) filaments in a grid by recording separately their electron tomograms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report the case of a 39-year-old patient who underwent aesthetic bilateral augmentation mammoplasty 13 years before using cohesive gel implants placed in the subglandular plane throughout an inframammary incision. She came to consultation after being precipitated from a 3 meters height bridge, presenting pain and distortion in her left breast and swelling and tenderness in her left abdomen. Exploration showed extracapsular breast implant rupture and silicone spread into the subcutaneous space of her abdomen. Both breast implants and leaked silicone were removed as well as implants capsules and a neo-capsule formed in the abdomen, throughout a careful dissection from the previous inframammary incision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper encompasses an organic geochemical investigation on oils and sedimentary rocks from the southern coastal region of Ecuador that examines the hydrocarbon generation and accumulation in the strata of Progreso Basin Province. This petroliferous province represents an interesting area for an oil geochemistry study due to its non-elucidated petroleum systems. The present work focuses on the analysis of eighty-five oils and forty rock samples to determine kerogen types, depositional paleoenvironments, levels of thermal maturity, and in-reservoir petroleum biodegradation stages as well as to assess correlations between source facies and oil samples. Potential source rocks were selected and analysed from different outcrops and wells throughout the basin and the southern Gulf of Guayaquil. Classic biomarker, extended diamondoid, and isotope studies indicated that almost all oils from the Progreso Basin Province underwent biodegradation and were generated from multiple Tertiary source rocks deposited in a marine setting with significant influx of terrestrial organic material. Three families of oils were identified. Oil-source rock correlations suggest that the Socorro, Dos Bocas and San Eduardo formations can be considered as contributors to the studied oils. Geochemical data and previous thermal models point towards two probable hydrocarbon kitchens defined in the deepest parts of the basin as well as a third possible kitchen extended offshore beyond the Santa Elena Peninsula. • Three oil types were identified in the Santa Elena Peninsula and Gulf of Guayaquil. • Different levels of alteration are noted in the oils from the Santa Elena Peninsula. • Most oils from the onshore fields are the result of the mixing of two oil charges. • Three source rocks of Tertiary age are proposed in the Progreso Basin Province. • The Socorro Formation is the main source rock for most oils from the onshore fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Days to harvest (DTH) is the number of days a lamb is fed before reaching a target level of fatness. Although economically relevant, this trait has not been thoroughly evaluated in sheep. Most lambs harvested in the United Kingdom are crossbreds sired by purebred terminal sires, with Charollais, Suffolk, and Texel most commonly used. Sires from these breeds were selected on an index designed to increase lean growth while constraining fat. The purpose of this research was to 1 ) evaluate the effects of index selec-tion in terminal sires on DTH and 2) evaluate the fea-sibility of incorporating DTH into genetic evaluation programs. Charollais, Suffolk, and Texel sheep had participated in sire referencing schemes where genetic links among flocks were established by sharing rams. Rams with high or low index scores were chosen from these schemes and mated to crossbred ewes at 3 farms in the United Kingdom. Lambs were harvested at a target 11% subcutaneous fat. Records on DTH from 6,350 lambs were analyzed in 2 ways: 1 ) as time to har-vest fitting a survival model and 2) as a normally dis-tributed variable in a bivariate analysis with weight at harvest. The survival analysis was stratified by rearing type (single or twin). In both approaches, sires were fit-ted using a multivariate normal distribution with a rela-tionship matrix. Regardless of model fitted, sire index did not affect DTH (P > 0.10). However, Texel-sired lambs reached harvest faster (P < 0.01) than either Charollais- or Suffolk-sired lambs although DTH in those 2 breed types did not differ (P > 0.1 ). Ewe lambs reached harvest faster than wethers (P < 0.01). Lambs from older ewes were harvested faster (P < 0.001 ). The heritability of DTH was 0.21 from the survival model and 0.20 from the bivariate model. Rank correlation of sire EBV between methods was 0.9, suggesting strong agreement. The use of high or low index sires did not extend DTH in lambs harvested at a target fatness. Importantly, there is no antagonism between improv-ing carcass merit and extending the grazing season. Furthermore, DTH is moderately heritable. If econom-ically justified within a breeding program, it could be reduced through genetic selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tar residues ('tarballs') occur frequently on the SE coast of the Paria Peninsula, NE Venezuela. This paper reports on tarballs recovered from approximately 14 km of shoreline during monthly sampling over a two-year period ending in April, 2011. The tarballs were analysed geochemically and results show that more than 70% of them could be included within a single compositional group on the basis of their physical and organoleptic properties. The tarballs were fingerprinted using biomarkers (hopanes, steranes, alkanes, aromatic steroids, phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes) by gas chromatography and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Sulphur and trace element contents were also determined. These analyses indicate that the tarballs do not have an anthropogenic origin, but that they probably originated from petroleum generated by argillaceous limestones in the Turonian - Campanian Naparima Hill Formation. This formation includes marls and organic-rich shales and limestones, and is an important source rock at oilfields in Trinidad and the southern Gulf of Paria. In the southern part of the Gulf, petroleum escapes from Neogene reservoirs to the seafloor via natural seepages associated with the Los Bajos and other fault systems. It is inferred that the petroleum is then transported by wind and tidal currents to the coast of the SE Paria Peninsula where it strands as tarballs. The geochemistry of the tarballs collected is discussed to investigate their source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here we examined the light hydrocarbon and nitrogen content and isotopic signatures of eleven gaseous samples in order to evaluate lateral intra-reservoir continuity in a Venezuelan reservoir in the central area of Lake Maracaibo Basin. At least three single compartments, located in the northern-central and southern parts of the reservoir, are revealed by nitrogen concentrations showing clear step-like compositional breaks. The occurrence of step-breaks was also supported by the isotopic signature of individual hydrocarbon compounds in the range of C1–C4 alkanes. Samples presented only slight differences in N2 and hydrocarbon gas compositions within the central and northern parts of the reservoir, and therefore it was not possible to infer structural barriers in coherence with the geological section. Some oil bulk parameters corroborate gradual changes that provide additional information on the reservoir-filling history, thus suggesting that the lateral physical–chemical equilibrium of fluids was not reached in this reservoir. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lamb meat is often perceived by con-sumers as fatty, and consumption has decreased in recent decades. A lean growth index was developed in the UK for terminal sire breeds to increase carcass lean content and constrain fat content at a constant age end point. The purposes of this study were 1) to evalu-ate the effects of index selection of terminal sires on their crossbred offspring at finishing and 2) to evaluate its effectiveness within terminal sire breeds. Approxi-mately 70% of lambs marketed in the UK have been sired by rams of breeds typically thought of as spe-cialized terminal sires. The most widely used are Cha-rollais, Suffolk, and Texel. These breeds participated in sire referencing schemes from the early 1990s by sharing rams among flocks selected on the lean growth index. From 1999 to 2002 approximately 15 "high" and 15 "low" lean growth index score rams were selected from within their sire referencing schemes and mated to Welsh and Scottish Mule ewes. Their crossbred off-spring were commercially reared on 3 farms in the UK. Lambs were finished to an estimated 11% subcutane-ous fat by visual evaluation. At finishing, lambs were weighed, ultrasonically scanned, and assessed for condition score and conformation. Records were obtained for 6356 lambs on finishing BW (FWT), ultrasonic muscle depth (UMD), ultrasonic fat depth, overall con-dition score (OCS), and conformation of gigot, loin, and shoulder. Ultrasonic fat depth was log transformed (logUFD) to approach normality. High-index-sired lambs were heavier at finishing (1.2 ± 0.2 kg) with thicker UMD (0.7 ± 0.2 mm) and less logUFD (0.08 ± 0.01 mm; P< 0.05). There were no differences in OCS or conformation based on the sire index or breed (P > 0.08). Suffolk-sired lambs were heavier than Charollais (1.0 ± 0.3 kg), which were heavier than Texel (0.9 ± 0.3 kg; P < 0.001). Texel-sired lambs had thicker UMD than Charollais (0.7 ± 0.2 mm; P < 0.001) but were not different than Suffolk. Charollais-sired lambs had greater logUFD than both Texel (0.098 ±0.016 mm) and Suffolk (0.061 ± 0.017 mm) sired lambs (P < 0.001). Within a breed, high- and low-index-sired lambs differed in performance with the exceptions of FWT and UMD in Suffolks. Index selection produced heavier and leaner lambs at finishing. Producers have flexibility in choosing the terminal sire that best fits their production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main scope of this work is the geochemical characterization of 12 crude oils and formation waters of the Ayoluengo oilfield (Basque-Cantabrian Basin, NW Spain) to delineate its reservoir compartmentalization. The Ayoluengo oil characteristics were also compared with data obtained from crude oil and formation water of the Hontomín-2 well located 25km to the SE of Ayoluengo. The 13 Ayoluengo and Hontomín oil samples are very similar in composition, bulk properties and isotopic signature, indicating that these oils are genetically related. However, the Hontomín oil is more mature and it is slightly biodegraded, which suggests some differences in the reservoir environments. The molecular parameters of both oils confirm a marine origin related to a Liassic source rock, coincident with the occurrence of lateral facies changes along the Sedano sub-basin. On the other hand, the connate waters are analogous and both classified as chloride–calcium type. Given the complex nature of the sedimentology and structures of the reservoir, gas chromatographic fingerprints of the analyzed crude oils have been used to detect minor variations in composition that are indicative of reservoir compartmentalization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work is an analysis of crude oil samples from thirty wells in the Alturitas Field (Lake Maracaibo Basin, western Venezuela). Different biomarkers, ten trace elements, and porphyrins were analysed using GC–MS, ICP–OES and UV–visible techniques, respectively. The characterization of these crude oils leads us to conclude that they all fall into a single non-biodegraded oil family derived from a single pulse of hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation from the thermally mature calcareous La Luna source rock deposited in an anoxic marine palaeoenvironment under reducing conditions. The main objective of this work is to present a secondary oil migration model for the Marcelina reservoir of the Alturitas Field. The multivariate statistical study of trace-element concentrations, porphyrin contents, and polar compound proportions shows that these parameters can be split into two groups. The first group (Cd, Cu, Mo, Fe, P, Zn, Ca, and Mg) indicates a chalcophic association (Cd, Cu, Mo, and Zn) or colloidal complexes with naphthenic acids (Ca, Mg, and Fe). The other two trace elements (V and Ni), together with porphyrins and polar compounds, reveal that oil compositions has been affected by geochromatography, indicating a highly probable secondary migration pathway along a preferential axis orientated southeast to northwest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of terminal sires (TS) for crossbreeding is integral to the UK sheep industry where approximately 71% of market lambs are sired by TS rams. Early growth of these crossbred lambs affects profitability. The objectives of this study were i) to evaluate the effectiveness of index selection among TS on BW and ADG of their crossbred offspring; and ii) to compare the efficacy of that selection within TS breeds. The most widely used TS breeds in the United Kingdom are Charollais, Suffolk, and Texel. These participated in sire referencing schemes in which they were evaluated on a lean growth index designed to increase carcass lean weight at a given age. From 1999 to 2002, approximately 15 high and 15 low lean growth index rams per breed (93 in total, differing in index on average by 4.6 SD) were selected from within their sire referencing schemes and mated to Welsh and Scottish Mule ewes. Their crossbred offspring were reared commercially on 3 experimental farms in England, Scotland, and Wales. A total of 6,515 lambs were born between 2000 and 2003. Lambs were weighed at birth (BWT), 5 wk (5WT), and 10 wk (10WT), and their ADG from birth to 10 wk was calculated. Lambs sired by high index rains were on average, across breeds, heavier at all ages (P < 0.01) with 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.3 ± 0.1, and 0.4 ± 0.1 kg greater BWT, 5WT, and 10WT, respectively. Their ADG was 5.1 + 1.9 g/d greater than low-index-sired lambs (P < 0.01). Suffolk-sired lambs were on average heavier at all ages, with greater ADG, whereas Charollais-sired lambs were lightest with smallest ADG. Overall, there was no significant interaction between sire index and sire breed (P> 0.10). Within Suffolk-sired lambs, there was little difference between high and low index sires for the traits studied (P > 0.3). High and low index Charollais-sired lambs differed in BWT (0.09 ± 0.04 kg) and 5WT (0.3 ± .0.1 kg), and Texel-sired lambs differed in 5WT (0.5 ± 0.1 kg), 10WT (0.9 ± 0.2 kg), and ADG (10.2 ± 3.3 g/d; P < 0.01). Lambs from Scottish Mule dams were heavier, with greater ADG, than lambs born to Welsh Mules (P < 0.01). Lambs reared in Scotland were heavier at all ages (P < 0.01). The results suggest that using index selection in TS can improve the growth of their commercial offspring reared on grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The organic geochemistry of samples from 11 oil seeps was studied. The samples were collected from the Cachirí area, Carboniferous Region of Tulé (Lake Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela), associated with the Tigre Fault. Biomarkers (hopanes, steranes, n-alkanes, acyclic isoprenoids, and aromatic steroids) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These hydrocarbon rich fluids have undergone biodegradation (2–6 on the Peters and Moldowan scale), showing both the partial loss of n-alkanes and the microbial degradation of isoprenoids and steranes. These oil seeps were generated from a mature calcareous source rock that was deposited in a marine paleoenvironment under reducing conditions. Moreover, these seeps are likely derived from the Cretaceous La Luna Formation that reached a level of maturity near the peak of oil generation in the study area. The nature of the studied oil seeps, together with the oil generation models reported for this rock unit in the study area, suggests that these oils are a mixture of an initially heavy, altered oil and a second migrated light crude oil resulting from two generation pulses from the La Luna Formation. Evidence for the presence of light oil trapped in the study area should prompt re-exploration in the northwestern coast of Lake Maracaibo in shallow reservoirs, previously discarded because they usually demonstrated a lack of light oils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research studies the petrophysical properties and lithofacies of the Naricual Formation (Venezuela) through the nuclear-magnetic resonance measurements of 12 lithologically complex sandstone core plugs from well FGB-1. Bulk volume irreducible index, free fluid index, critical water saturation, and other properties were determined. NMR estimates of permeability were derived from T2 distributions using a modified Timur-Coates Free Fluid model. The results showed that the values of the novel FFI0.9/BVI ratio covered five ranges depending on the lithofacies of each rock in the Naricual Formation. Last, we conclude that NMR technology is an effective tool for the determination of rock facies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term selection experiment for high or low 8-wk BW in White Plymouth Rock chickens was conducted to study effects of selection on BW and correlated characters. Two lines [high (HWS), low (LWS) weight] were established and have undergone 48 generations of selection. The lines were managed to curtail inbreeding and to maintain similar population structures; such is necessary for equitable comparison of selection response between lines. Our objective was to test the success of that breeding strategy by characterizing genetic diversity and inbreeding in these lines. A pedigree of 5,998 individuals was assembled, with 68 founders, 2,962 HWS chickens, and 2,968 LWS chickens. Inbreeding coefficients (F) were calculated for each line. Maximum F was 0.53 and 0.61, mean F was 0.26 (SD 0.15) and 0.30 (SD 0.17), and change in F was 1.3 and 1.6% per generation in LWS and HWS lines, respectively. The effective population size was 38.3 in LWS and 32.1 in HWS lines. The effective number of founders was 15.7 in both lines, and the effective number of ancestors was 17.5 and 15.5 in LWS and HWS lines, respectively. Thirty ancestors accounted for 90% of the genetic makeup of both lines. Seven male and eight female founders still contributed to both lines at generation 48, although some contributed more to one line than the other. Family sizes were similar for males and females of each line, with males having larger family sizes with greater variance. Accumulated inbreeding was high and effective population size was low, as expected in closed lines. Effective number of founders was relatively low compared with actual number of founders, indicating some contributed more than others to the last generation. Family size statistics indicated that fewer males than females were used, leading to the observed levels of inbreeding. Given their similarity in genetic diversity and family size, it can be concluded that breeding decisions throughout the project resulted in similar population structures in the lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation studies of steam-alkaline injection were made using the only two Eocene viscous crude oils from the Urdaneta District (Venezuela). Reactors were stainless steel and work conditions were a temperature of 200°C, 20 days' reaction time, and an alkali concentration of 4000 ppm. The aim of this work was to evaluate chemistry changes in the saturates and aromatics of both crudes as a result of the crude-alkaline-solid phase interactions. There were significant variations in the biomarker distribution in the two crudes (higher for the Boscan crude), particularly in the mono- and triaromatic steranes, and benzotiophenes of the two crudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work presents the results from evaluating the gases sorbed by coal samples extracted from the Paleocene Guasare Coalfield (Marcelina Formation, northwestern Venezuela), as well as by their distinct maceral concentrates. The aim of this work has been to obtain an initial experimental main value of the gas content per unit weight of high volatile bituminous A coal samples from the open-pit Paso Diablo mine. An additional goal was to study differences in the CH4 storage ability of the distinct maceral groups forming part of the coal matrix. Both the coal samples and the maceral concentrates were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in order to determine the temperature to be used in subsequent experiments. On-line analyses of hydrocarbons (C1, C2, C3) and CO2 yielded gas concentrations, plus δ 13C values. Thermogenic gas is prevalent in the Guasare coals with vitrinite reflectance (%R o) values from 0.65% to 0.88%. The amount of gas retained in the coals and maceral concentrates was measured with a special device that allows determination of the volume of gas sorbed by a solid sample subjected to controlled thermal treatment. The average coalbed gas concentration obtained was 0.51cm3/g. The following list of maceral concentrates shows the relative capacity for the volume of sorbed gas per unit weight: inertinite>low-density vitrinite>liptinite ≈ high-density vitrinite. It is concluded that the gas volumes retained in the distinct maceral concentrates are not controlled by porosity but rather by their microscopic morphology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this research work is a geochemical, mineralogical, and textural characterization of spontaneously smouldered coal-derived products in northwestern Venezuela (Cerro Pelado Formation, some 10km from Pedregal city). Several solid samples were collected from this formation, six of unweathering coal, an other six of resulting unmelted rocks forming on a surface coal bed, and the last four of mineralizations found accumulating around gas vents. The fresh coal and the unmelted material were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and proximate techniques. Products such as magnetite and chabazite-K were identified in the alteration rocks. Likewise, both materials were also studied in order to determine the mobilization of 17 elements into the environment; such elements were analysed through inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy on extracts obtained by a sequential extraction method: each sample was firstly extracted with MilliQ water and then the resultant residue was washed. This and the subsequently resulting residues are extracted according to the mentioned procedure by using, respectively, ammonium acetate, chlorhydric acid, peroxide and chlorhydric acid, nitric acid and fluorhydric acid, and nitric acid. The studied elements are classified as highly mobile (Na, Ni,...), nearly immobile (Ti, P) and partially mobile (Mg, Fe, K,...). In regards to mineralizations around fumaroles associated with smoldering coal seams, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses have revealed the presence of salammoniac, mascagnite and other solid combustion compounds formed by reaction of gas emitted from coal oxidation, in addition to previously non-reported sulfur-rich by-products associated with gas fissures, particularly ammonium thiosulfate, a phase first obtained only synthetically in the laboratory. Another objective of the research was to collect and analyse gases escaping from surficial vents. Relatively high concentrations of several aromatic compounds were detected in the gas collected at the studied coal outcrop, as well as aliphatic hydrocarbons including ethane, propane, butanes, among others. High contents of carbon monoxide, methane and carbon dioxide were also measured for gas samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research paper contains an integration of classical biomarker work with higher diamondoid examination to better characterize the petroleum systems in the north-central portion of the Sacha-Shushufindi Corridor in the Ecuadorian Oriente Basin. A set of crude oils, cuttings, and outcrop rock samples were analysed to address aspects such as source-rock lithology, paleo-depositional conditions, migration distances, as well as oil-oil and oil-source correlations. For this, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC-triple-quadrupole MS (GC-MS/MS), and carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) were performed on maltene fractions both from oils and rock extracts. GC-MS/MS analyses of oil-derived asphalthene hydrous pyrolysates were also included on the study. Classical biomarker results suggest mixing of pulses from distant siliciclastic and carbonate-rich Napo source rocks, with former oil charges being slightly biodegraded during the Paleogene and fresher Neogene pulses. These two types of Early-Late Cretaceous source rocks were deposited in shallow marine to nearshore and low-oxygen inner to middle neritic environments, respectively, with considerable and scarce contribution of land-plant material in both cases. Such differentiation of the two source facies types of the Napo Group is supported by results from quantitative extended diamondoid analysis (QEDA). • Study on oils from the Central Wrench Corridor of the Ecuadorian Oriente Basin. • Evaluation of inter-field compositional changes in oil samples from north to south. • Identification of contributions of carbonate and clay-rich Napo source rock facies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work is an analysis of crude oil samples from the two most recent producing wells in the Machete area (Orinoco Tar Belt, Venezuela). The aim is to determine the type of environment in which the precursor organic materials were deposited. In spite of the fact that the degree of maturity and the biodegradation of the two crude oils are similar, their characterization leads us to conclude that they have very distinctive and different origins. The comparative study was performed by separating their main fractions, pyrolysis of asphaltenes, and further identification of several indicators (aromatic, polar and sulfur compounds, linear aliphatic hydrocarbons, and cadalene). Moreover, several biomarkers (terpanes, hopanoids and steranes) present in the saturated fractions obtained from the two crude oils were analyzed by using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The statistical study of geochemical indicator values and relative proportions of lipid and lipid-like biomarkers present in products from asphaltene pyrolysis shows a high probability of there being two distinct crude oil families from the Machete area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Understanding mechanisms involved in the maintenance of gynodioecy in natural populations requires evidence concerning the phenotypic expression and reproductive consequences of male sterility. We have recently discovered male sterility in populations of Kalistroemia grandiflora from northwestern Mexico. Here we describe the development of anther and pollen grains in hermaphrodite and female plants and explore whether females experience any compensatory advantage over hermaphrodites. The major difference in anther development between morphs was the early disintegration of tapetal cells in anthers of pistillate flowers. Abnormalities in developing pollen grains in pistillate flowers were seen in the microspore mother cells, microspore tetrads, and young and mature pollen grains. Biomass allocation to flowers, petals, and stamens were larger in hermaphrodites, while both sexes had the same number of ovules per flower. Hermaphrodite flowers were self-compatible. Pollination experiments revealed evidence of pollinator limitation for female plants but not for hermaphrodites. No evidence of reproductive compensation was detected, as flower and fruit production were similar for both sexes in two populations of K. grandiflora. We suggest alternative mechanisms that could maintain male sterility in natural populations of K. grandiflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, WO 3 nanorods have been fabricated by simple anodization in the presence of different amounts of citric acid and at different anodization times. A comprehensive morphological, structural, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical characterization of different samples has been carried out. Moreover, a formation mechanism for WO 3 nanorods has been proposed. Finally, these nanostructures have been proven to be excellent visible-light photoelectrocatalysts to remove persistent organic pollutants present in wastewaters, such as fenamiphos. Almost the 80% of this molecule was eliminated from the test solution after 180 min of irradiation, indicating the great potential of these WO 3 nanorods, fabricated following a very simple and unexpensive procedure, in the energy and environmental fields as photoelectrocatalysts. • Citric acid influences the type and size of WO 3 nanostructures formed by anodization. • Large nanoplatelets were obtained in the absence of citric acid. • Nanorods formed with citric acid whose size decreased with increasing concentration. • WO 3 nanorods were used as photoelectrocatalysts for the degradation of fenamiphos. • After 180 min, almost the 80% of initial fenamiphos was degraded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of the latest video coding standard, known as Versatile Video Coding (VVC), has created the need to convert current High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) content to this new standard. However, the traditional cascade transcoding pipeline is not effective due to the exorbitant computational complexity of VVC. With this in mind, this paper proposes a fast HEVC-VVC transcoder that implements a probabilistic classifier based on Naïve-Bayes at the first partitioning level (128 × 128 pixels). This model uses features extracted from the 128 × 128 size blocks of the residual and reconstructed frames in the HEVC bitstream, and their correlation with the block partitioning structure. For the subsequent VVC coding depth levels, partitioning decisions are derived from the HEVC structure. The results achieve a 57.08% transcoding time reduction with a BD-rate penalty of 2.40%, compared with a traditional transcoding approach for the random access encoding configuration. • HEQUS is a fast HEVC-to-VVC transcoding algorithm based on machine learning. • A Naïve-Bayes model assists the partitioning of the first level of the quadtree. • The remaining quadtree levels are based on the original HEVC partitioning. • HEQUS achieves 44% encoding time reduction at the expense of only 3% BD-rate. • Alternatively, Fast HEQUS achieves 60% time savings by replicating the HEVC quadtree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the timing of hydrocarbon generation in the northern part of the Urdaneta West field in the NW of the Lake Maracaibo Basin, NW Venezuela, based on 1D basin modelling at three wells referred to as wells X, Y and Z. Kitchen areas were identified and secondary migration directions were inferred based on analyses of the thermal and burial history of the Upper Cretaceous La Luna Formation source rock and the geochemistry of 20 oil samples from the Río Negro Formation reservoir. Aliphatic hydrocarbons in the oil samples were analysed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) while the vanadium‐nickel and sulphur contents were determined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, respectively. Bulk and molecular characterizations indicated that the oils originated from a marine carbonate source rock containing oil‐prone Type II kerogen, consistent with generation by the La Luna Formation. Burial and thermal history modelling in the study area indicated that the La Luna source rock at wells X, Y and Z reached the oil window during the late Eocene, mid‐Eocene and early Paleocene respectively. 1D model results from the three wells showed that hydrocarbon generation began in the early Eocene. The transformation ratio of the La Luna Formation source rock in the modelled wells reached values of 35%, 98% and 100% by the end of the Eocene. In the Urdaneta West field, two different oil charges appear to have mixed in the Río Negro reservoir. Both oil charges were generated by the La Luna Formation source rock but at different times. A first charge of less mature oil occurred in the middle‐late Eocene (Phase 1 generation), and a second, more mature oil charge took place in the Miocene – Quaternary (Phase 2 generation). The kitchen area for the first oil charge is inferred to have been located to the north and NE of Urdaneta West; that for the second oil charge to the south of the field. This migration model is supported by observed variations in the geochemical compositions of the oil samples analysed from different wells in the Urdaneta West field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two half-sib families of backcross progeny were produced by mating F1 Line 1 Hereford (L1) × composite gene combination (CGC) bulls with L1 and CGC cows. Feed intake and periodic weights were measured for 218 backcross progeny. These progenies were genotyped using 232 microsatellite markers that spanned the 29 BTA. Progeny from L1 and CGC females was analysed separately using composite interval mapping to find quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting daily dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI). Results from both backcrosses were pooled to find additional QTL. In the backcross to L1, QTL were detected for RFI and DMI on BTA11, FCR on BTA16, and ADG on BTA9. In the backcross to CGC, QTL were detected for RFI on BTA10, FCR on BTA12 and 16 and ADG on BTA15 and 17. After pooling, QTL were detected for RFI on BTA 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 16; for FCR on BTA 9, 12, 16, 17 and 21; for ADG on BTA 9, 14, 15, 17; and for DMI on BTA 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 20 and 23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WO 3 nanorods were obtained at 600 °C in air and N 2 atmospheres. • At 600 °C samples became completely crystalline and dehydrated. • Hole transfer from the samples to the electrolyte was favored at high temperatures. • Higher donor densities were observed upon increasing annealing temperature. • The best photoelectrochemical performance was obtained for samples treated at 600 °C. Nanostructured WO 3 photoanodes have been synthesized by electrochemical anodization under controlled hydrodynamic conditions in acidic media in the presence of 0.05 M H 2 O 2. Subsequently, samples have been subjected to a thermal treatment (annealing) at different temperatures (400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C) and under different gaseous atmospheres (air, N 2 , Ar). The influence of these annealing conditions on the morphology, crystallinity, photoelectrochemical behavior and dopant chemistry of the different photoanodes has been investigated through Electronic Microscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Photoelectrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky analysis. In general, higher annealing temperatures resulted in samples with higher degrees of crystallinity, which in turn favored the transport of electron-hole pairs through the semiconducting photoanodes. Besides, an increase in annealing temperature implied higher densities of donor species within the samples structure, which can explain the observed enhancement in charge transfer. Annealing temperature was observed to have a more marked impact on the photoelectrocatalytic performance of WO 3 nanostructures than the gaseous atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, WO 3 nanostructures were synthesized by the electrochemical anodization technique to use them on the degradation of persistent organic compounds such as the pesticide fenamiphos. The acids electrolyte used during the anodization were two different: 1.5 M H 2 SO 4 - 0.05 M H 2 O 2 and 1.5 M CH 4 O 3 S - 0.05 M H 2 O 2. Once the samples have been manufactured, they have been subjected to different tests to analyze the properties of the nanostructures. With Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) the samples have been examined morphologically, their composition and crystallinity has been studied through Raman Spectroscopy and their photoelectrochemical behaviour by Photoelectrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (PEIS). Finally, degradation tests have been carried out using the technique known as photoelectrocatalysis (PEC). The conditions that were applied in this technique were a potential of 1 V Ag/AgCl and simulated solar illumination. The degradation process was monitored by UV–Visible and High-Performance liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to control the course of the experiment. The nanostructures obtained with 1.5 M CH 4 O 3 S - 0.05 M H 2 O 2 electrolyte showed a better photoelectrochemical behaviour than nanostructures synthesized with 1.5 M H 2 SO 4 - 0.05 M H 2 O 2. The fenamiphos degradation was achieved at 2 h of experiment and the intermediate formation was noticed at 1 h of PEC experiment. • WO 3 nanorods were obtained changing the acid electrolyte employed. • A great behaviour of WO 3 nanostructures as photoelectrocatalysts has been shown. • The pesticide and WO 3 nanostructures could have a significant interaction between them. • The degradation of fenamiphos has been carried out using photoelectrocatalysis. • Fenamiphos was completely degraded after 120 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of different loading conditions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% of body mass) on leg stiffness during hopping performed at different frequencies (1.8 Hz, 2.2 Hz, 2.6 Hz and 3.0 Hz). Equipment and methods For this study, 13 male subjects performed a hopping task under different loading (added through weighted vest) and frequency conditions. Contact and flight times were recorded to compute leg stiffness using the sine-wave method. Results The results from present study showed that hopping frequency had a significant effect on leg stiffness. When hopping frequency was increased, the stiffness of the legs significantly increased. However, the data indicates that only loading conditions larger than 10% of the body mass significantly affect leg stiffness when subjects performed the hopping task at 3.0 Hz. Conclusion The control of the hopping frequency as well as the amount of added load using weighted vests should be taken into account by coaches and trainers when they are planning workouts to achieve specific acute effects on leg stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present contribution is motivated by the frequent occurrence of traces generated by lichens on the fossil record, the usual and erroneous attribution of them to plant roots, and the scarce information published about bioerosive damage caused by lichens. As a result, two different patterns were identified on the surface and inside the fossil bones and teeth. The first one is characterised by the presence of lines clearer than the rest of the surface, produced by the hyphae and interrupted by small pits corresponding to the apothecia. These traces are often confused with Corrossichnia and Sphenoichnia, a situation that leads to taphonomic and palaeoecological misinterpretation. The second pattern, more unnoticed among other visible traces, consists of isolated pits without any other surficial trace distributed in the fossil surface. These pits can be confused with perforations made by many organisms. However, the presence of apothecia and, in some cases, also hyphae on the fossil remains, allows the accurate identification of the causal agent and the mechanism of action by which it occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we undertook an inorganic geochemical study of Cenomanian-Campanian bedded cherts (the Táchira Ftanita Member of the La Luna Formation) in the western region of the Táchira State, Venezuela. The aim of this study was to determine the paleo-oceanographic and paleo-environmental conditions that governed the deposition of chert beds and put forward a sedimentation model for the Táchira Ftanita Member in the study area. Seventy-two chert samples were collected and trace/rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Rb, Cs, Th, U, Y, Co, and Sc) and major/trace elements (SiO 2 , TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , MgO, CaO, Na 2 O, K 2 O, P 2 O 5 , Mn, Ba, Sr, Cr, Ni, and V) were determined by ICP-MS and ICP-OES, respectively. On the basis of the stratigraphic abundance and distribution of relatively immobile elements, as well as the distribution of rare earth elements, we established that the detrital sediments associated with the sequences studied have matching characteristics with distinct continental materials, with an intermediate composition, thus pointing to the Guayana Massif as the main source of sediments. In addition, we also determined the influence of hydrothermal input on the chemical composition of some cherts from La Molina Mine. On the basis of geochemistry, we found a biological influence regarding the uptake of dissolved silica for forming chert beds. The application of parameters for relatively immobile elements allowed us to establish a still proximal continental-margin (hemipelagic) for most samples from the Zorca River and a continental-margin for almost all the cherts from the Delicias-Villa Páez section and the remaining samples from La Molina Mine. Finally, we propose that the rhythmicity that accompanies the sequence of bedded cherts is related to changes in the intensity of upwelling patterns of water and/or to variability in the supply of silica dissolved in the Táchira sub-basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on applying parallel processing techniques to HEVC encoder in order to significantly reduce the computational power requirements without disturbing its coding efficiency. So, we propose several, synchronous and asynchronous, parallelization approaches working at a coarse grain parallelization level, based on the Group Of Pictures (GOP), which we call GOP-based level. GOP-based approaches encode simultaneously several groups of consecutive frames. Depending on how these GOPs are conformed and distributed it is critical to obtain good parallel performance . The results show that near ideal efficiencies are obtained using up to 10 cores. Furthermore, when the computational load is unbalanced, the asynchronous versions outperform the synchronous ones. The parallel algorithms developed in this work support all standard coding modes proposed by the reference software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The RTD was interpreted using a mathematical model of stirred tanks in parallel. [•] The oxidation of sulfide and the phases generated through the biooxidation process were evaluated via X-ray diffraction. [•] The estimated mean residence time for the model was approximately 36% greater than the theoretical residence time. [•] Dead zones could increase the likelihood of jarosite precipitations in a CSTR biooxidation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The commonest way of determining the passivation of steel in reinforced concrete is to spray a pH indicator onto the surface of a reinforced concrete specimen. To do so, the traditional indicator used has been phenolphthalein in ethanol, which shifts from colourless to purple in the pH range of 8.5–10.0. If the concrete encasing the rebar turns purple, it indicates it is passivated; that is, it has a film of iron oxide impermeable to oxygen that protects it from oxidation. However, the reduction in the pH of the concrete due to carbonation (between 11.4 and 8.5) indicates, despite the reddish-purple colour, the disappearance of the passive layer of the steel. Consequently, we propose a novel in situ technique for determining with a high degree of reliability, the passive state (pH over 11.7) and the active state (pH under 11.4) using two reactants: alizarine yellow R and indigo carmine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A case study of a 32-year- -old male patient with sporadic smoking and social alcohol drinking with no history of chronic degenerative or pathological diseases relevant to the current clinical condition. Topics include appearance of a hyperemic exophytic lesion in the skin, which was prone to profuse bleeding when touched or from rubbing clothes; and Physical examination confirmed the presence of a mass measuring with the skin covering the hyperemia.

[Display omitted] • Seepages containing ecosystems of oil-degrading microbes in the Riutort oil shale mine. • Aerobic microbes were predominant in samples but facultative ones were also present. • Bioremediation of soil and microbial enhanced oil recovery experiments were conducted. • The Riutort consortium degraded 50.8% of TPH in oily sludge from La Libertad Refinery. • This consortium and its metabolites achieved a 7.2% incremental recovery of Ancón oil. Preservation of the environment of the Riutort oil shale mine for more than a century has favored the presence of a paradigmatic ecosystem of oil-degrading microorganisms. After extensive sampling and analysis by 16S rRNA sequencing, a marked prokaryotic community comprising diverse groups of bacteria (genus such as Methylobacter , Thiothrix , and Desulfobacca) and archaea (e.g., Methanobrevibacter genus) with hydrocarbon-degrading activity was found. Aerobic microorganisms were predominant in several samples but facultative microorganisms were also present, and there was an interesting transition to strict anaerobic conditions in some areas. One of the samples contained oil degrading aerobic bacteria such as Pseudomonas spp. and Brevundimonas spp. Of the microbes studied, we conducted a laboratory assessment of the capacity of this specific consortium for bioremediation of petroleum-polluted soil and microbial enhanced oil recovery processes. To this end, we used oily sludge-contaminated soil from La Libertad Refinery and cores from the Ancón Field, respectively, both sites in southwestern Ecuador. The Riutort consortium degraded 50.8% of total petroleum hydrocarbons, 64.2% of saturates, 41.3% of aromatics, and 37.4% of polar compounds after a 60-day incubation using oily sludge as the sole source of carbon. The performance of this consortium reflects its notable potential for bioremediation purposes. In turn, flooding with the natural Riutort consortium and its metabolites achieved a 7.2% (v/v) incremental recovery of crude oil through a sand-pack assay. These results are comparable to those reported using synthetic bacterial consortia, and thus reveal the great interest of the study seepages, not only for understanding microbial activities in oil degradation but also their use in biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface liquid and solid hydrocarbons are common in Cretaceous carbonate exposures throughout the Basque Cantabrian Basin (N Spain). This study investigates the oil shows that appear in the upper Albian-lower Cenomanian reefal limestones cropping out in the eastern margin of the basin in order to assess potential source rocks and common characteristics with other oil occurrences in the basin. Specifically, the study focuses on (i) the petrography and fluid inclusion thermometry of the host rock and cements, and (ii) geochemistry of the hydrocarbons including biomarkers and isotopes. Geochemistry results indicate that the studied oils, in a way similar to previously reported hydrocarbons from the eastern Basque Cantabrian Basin, were generated from marine carbonate source rocks deposited in a hypersaline environment. However, their isotopic signatures are notably different, and thus discard a common source rock. Moreover, the studied oils are notably different from those reported elsewhere in the basin, both in the western and northern parts. The petrography of the calcite cements and the fluid inclusion thermometry suggests a scenario of condensates to light oils HC migration trapped in burial calcite cements at a minimum temperature of 174 °C. The generation, migration and entrapment of these oils took likely place between Turonian and Campanian time in close association with the elevated heat flow resulting from the rift extension. Following this stage, a second entrapment of heavy to asphaltene-rich oils occurred at 72 °C, likely during the Late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic uplift related to the early stages of inversion of the Basque Cantabrian Basin. The elevated temperature of the oil entrapment suggests the occurrence of abnormal geothermal gradients in the eastern Basque Cantabrian Basin during the middle Late Cretaceous, which is ultimately associated with the opening of the Bay of Biscay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]