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Here, we present a thorough taphonomic analysis of the 1.84 million-year-old site of Phillip Tobias Korongo (PTK), Bed I, Olduvai Gorge. PTK is one of the new archaeological sites documented on the FLK Zinj paleolandscape, in which FLK 22 level was deposited and covered by Tuff IC. Therefore, PTK is pene- contemporary with these sites: FLK Zinj, DS, AMK and AGS. The occurrence of these sites within a thin clay unit of ~20 cm, occupying not only the same vertically discrete stratigraphic unit, but also the same paleosurface, with an exceptional preservation of the archaeological record in its primary depositional locus, constitutes a unique opportunity to explore early hominin behavioral diversity at the most limited geochronological scale possible. The Olduvai Bed I sites have been the core of behavioral modelling for the past half a century, and the newly discovered sites, excavated with 21st century technology, will increase significantly our understanding of early human adaptive patterns. Here, we present PTK as another assemblage where faunal resources were acquired by hominins prior to any carnivore, and where stone-tool assisted bulk defleshing was carried out. The abundance of juvenile individuals extends our understanding, as in Kanjera (Kenya), about the hunting skills of early Homo sensu lato. The increasing number of sites, where bulk defleshing of small and medium-sized carcasses took place is underscoring the importance of meat in the diets of some of the early hominins, and their patterned use of the space for food processing and consumption. The patterning emerging has a profound importance for the evolution of some of the features that have traditionally been used to identify the behavior of the genus Homo., This work was supported by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) (AR-HS 2018-01045-3). We also thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for funding this research (PID 2020-115452 GB-C21), and the Ministry of Culture for their funding through the program of Archaeology Abroad. Our thanks also to the Palarq Foundation and E2in2 for financial support.

This work examines the possible behaviour of Neanderthal groups at the Cueva Des-Cubierta (central Spain) via the analysis of the latter’s archaeological assemblage. Alongside evidence of Mousterian lithic industry, Level 3 of the cave infll was found to contain an assemblage of mammalian bone remains dominated by the crania of large ungulates, some associated with small hearths. The scarcity of post-cranial elements, teeth, mandibles and maxillae, along with evidence of anthropogenic modifcation of the crania (cut and percussion marks), indicates that the carcasses of the corresponding animals were initially processed outside the cave, and the crania were later brought inside. A second round of processing then took place, possibly related to the removal of the brain. The continued presence of crania throughout Level 3 indicates that this behaviour was recurrent during this level’s formation. This behaviour seems to have no subsistence-related purpose but to be more symbolic in its intent., Funding for this research was provided by the Dirección General de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica de la Comunidad de Madrid, grant no. H2019/HUM-5840 (co-financed by the European Social Fund), and by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, grant no. PCG2018- 094125-B-100 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE). The analyses were carried out at the laboratories of the CENIEH-ICTS with the support of the CENIEH staf, and at the Geochronology Laboratory, Jaume Almera Institute of Earth Sciences (CSIC). S.G.-S. and L.V. are beneficiaries of predoctoral contracts within the programme H2019/HUM-5840 (co-financed by the European Social Fund). A.M. is funded by a grant from the Junta de Castilla y León, financed in turn by European Social Funds via the Consejería de Educación (BDNS 376062). A.C.D.-G. is a beneficiary of a postdoctoral grant funded by the Complutense University of Madrid (POP-UCM-CT17/17-CT18/17). A.A.-F. is supported by a PhD grant from the Reale Foundation via the Fundación Atapuerca. Currently, M.A.G.-P. is a beneficiary of a technical support staf contract (no. PTA2018-015145-I) from the Fundación General de la Universidad de Alcalá-Museo Arqueológico y Paleontológico de la Comunidad de Madrid, financed by the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad and the MAPCM. L.H.-V. is a beneficiary of a Research Assistant contract (no. PEJ-2020-AI/HUM-18786) co-financed by the European Social Fund, the Youth Employment Initiative, and the Consejería de Ciencia, Universidades e Innovación de la Comunidad de Madrid. M.V.-R. is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Universities with an FPU predoctoral grant (no. FPU18/05632).

Cognitive function relies on a balanced interplay between excitatory and inhibitory neurons (INs), but the impact of estradiol on IN function is not fully understood. Here, we characterize the regulation of hippocampal INs by aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estradiol synthesis, using a combination of molecular, genetic, functional and behavioral tools. The results show that CA1 parvalbumin-expressing INs (PV-INs) contribute to brain estradiol synthesis. Brain aromatase regulates synaptic inhibition through a mechanism that involves modification of perineuronal nets enwrapping PV-INs. In the female brain, aromatase modulates PV-INs activity, the dynamics of network oscillations and hippocampal-dependent memory. Aromatase regulation of PV-INs and inhibitory synapses is determined by the gonads and independent of sex chromosomes. These results suggest PV-INs are mediators of estrogenic regulation of behaviorally-relevant activity., We thank E. Jiménez, A. Arroyo, and C. Sanmartín Segovia for help with image analysis; C. Sánchez for Python data processing scripts, J.G. Yagüe and M.A. Arévalo for production and validation of aromatase antibody; A.P. Arnold (UCLA, USA) for the kind gift of the FCG mice and A. Bacci (ICM, Paris, France) and L.M. García-Segura (Cajal Institute, Madrid, Spain) for helpful discussions on the manuscript. This work was supported by grants: RYC-2015-18545 (to P.M.), funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 by “ESF Investing in your future”, BFU2017-84490-P (to P.M.) and RTI2018-098581-B-I00 (to L.M.P.) funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 by “ERDF A way of making Europe” and PID2020-112824GB-100 (to P.M.) funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033. N.C.-A. is supported by the Ph.D. fellowship PRE2018-084857 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 by “ESF Investing in your future”. A.S.-A. is supported by the Juan de la Cierva program FJCI-2017-32719 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

Introduccion: El agua subterranea del acuifero del Valle de Tecamachalco (AVT) es la principal fuente de abastecimiento para las actividades productivas en la zona, condicion que ha generado su sobreexplotacion. Objetivo: Analizar la variacion temporal de los niveles estaticos del AVT de 1997 a 2016 para determinar el nivel de abatimiento del agua subterranea del acuifero. Metodologia: Se utilizaron datos historicos de la red de monitoreo del Comite Tecnico de Aguas Subterraneas de Tecamachalco, y se registraron niveles estaticos de 89 pozos. Se aplico la prueba 30 Mann-Kendall a los datos piezometricos y se incorporo el analisis espacial con el metodo de 31 interpolacion de Kriging. Resultados: El nivel del agua en el periodo evaluado presento una tendencia decreciente. Los 33 niveles estaticos del acuifero presentaron un abatimiento promedio de 14 m; por ello, el proceso de agotamiento es insostenible de continuar con la misma tendencia. Limitaciones del estudio: No hay estadisticas de la extraccion de agua subterranea; los datos existentes son inconsistentes, por lo que se opto por una prueba estadistica no parametrica que refleja el comportamiento (abatimiento y recuperacion) de los pozos monitoreados. Originalidad: Existen pocos estudios sobre la dinamica de abatimiento de agua subterranea del AVT. La combinacion de un metodo estadistico y uno geografico es una herramienta util para mostrar el comportamiento de los niveles de agua. Conclusiones: El AVT presenta una situacion critica que condiciona la disponibilidad y el aprovechamiento del agua subterranea, lo que afecta directamente a la actividad agricola de la zona. Introduction: The groundwater of the Tecamachalco Valley aquifer (TVA) is the main source of supply for productive activities in the area, a condition that has generated its overexploitation. Objective: To analyze the temporal variation in the static levels of the TVA from 1997 to 2016 in order to determine the level of groundwater depletion in the aquifer. Methodology: Historical data from the monitoring network of the Tecamachalco Groundwater Technical Committee was used, and static levels of 89 wells were recorded. The Mann-Kendall test was applied to the piezometric data and spatial analysis was incorporated with the Kriging interpolation method. Results: The water level in the evaluated period showed a downward trend. The static levels of the aquifer showed an average drop of 14 m; therefore, the depletion process is unsustainable if the same trend continues. Study limitations: There are no statistics on groundwater extraction; the existing data are inconsistent, so a non-parametric statistical test was chosen to reflect the behavior (depletion and recovery) of the monitored wells. Originality: There are few studies on the dynamics of TVA groundwater depletion. The combination of a statistical and a geographical method is a useful tool to show the behavior of water levels. Conclusions: The TVA presents a critical situation that conditions the availability and use of groundwater, which directly affects agricultural activity in the area.

The production of estradiol within the brain, that is, neuroestradiol (nE2), is widely documented. nE2 deeply impacts adult brain physiology and synaptic plasticity. In the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential for cognitive function, multiple cellular sources, and targets of nE2 have been identified. The impact of estradiol in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission suggests a role for regulated nE2 synthesis in the coordination of the activity of different cellular elements of hippocampal network. Here, we review the role of nE2 in the physiology of the hippocampal circuits taking into account the cellular heterogeneity of the hippocampus. We aspire at expanding the consideration of neuron-derived estradiol as a neuromodulator of hippocampal network activities underlying cognition., This work was supported by grants PID2020-112824GB-100 (to PM) funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033. N C-A is supported by the PhD fellowship PRE2018-084857 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 by “ESF Investing in your future” and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (to IA).

La sostenibilidad se basa en satisfacer nuestras necesidades presentes sin comprometer la capacidad de las generaciones futuras de satisfacer sus propias necesidades. Esto requiere lograr el desarrollo equilibrado de tres pilares fundamentales: el económico, el medioambiental y el social. Ahora, hagamos un breve diagnóstico de la situación actual.

La presente investigación se realizó con el propósito de analizar la distribución geoespacial de los aprovechamientos de agua del Acuífero del Valle de Tecamachalco Puebla, México, a fin de identificar zonas de mayor densidad de aprovechamientos hídricos e intensidad del uso del agua. A partir de datos del Registro Público de Derechos de Agua de la Comisión Nacional del Agua, de 1994 a 2014 se obtuvieron 1286 aprovechamientos, con un volumen concesionado de 194 223 870.9 metros cúbicos anuales. El análisis espacial mediante el cálculo de la densidad tipo Kernel permitió determinar la probabilidad de ocurrencia y localización en el espacio de los aprovechamientos hídricos o pozos profundos, además de su diferenciación geográfica en el acuífero en función de su distribución. Con este método se generaron mapas de tipo isoplético, que representan conjuntos de puntos en el espacio. Conforme los resultados, se encontró que predominan, en un 78%, los pozos de uso agrícola; seguido por los de uso público-urbano, con un 16,7%. El patrón de distribución muestra que las áreas de mayor densidad de pozos profundos se ubican en los municipios de Palmar de Bravo y Quecholac, e indica las zonas de mayor extracción.

High catecolamine plasma levels because of sympathetic nervous system over-activity contribute to cirrhosis progression. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland might potentiate the deleterious effect exerted by this over-activity. Electrophysiological patch-clamp and amperometric experiments with carbon-fibre electrodes were conducted in single chromaffin cells of control and CCl4 -induced cirrhotic rats. The spontaneous action potential firing frequency was increased in chromaffin cells of cirrhotic rats with respect to control rats. The exocytosis evoked by that firing was also increased. However, exocytosis elicited by ACh did not vary between control and cirrhotic rats. Exocytosis triggered by depolarizing pulses was also unchanged. Amperometric recordings confirmed the lack of increased catecholamine charge released in cirrhosis after ACh or depolarization stimuli. However, the amperometric spikes exhibited faster kinetics of release. The overall Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC), or in particular through Cav1 channels, did not vary between chromaffin cells of control and cirrhotic rats. The inhibition of VDCC by methionine-enkephaline or ATP was not either altered, but it was increased by adrenaline in cells of cirrhotic rats. When a cocktail composed by the three neurotransmitters was tested in order to approach a situation closer to the physiological condition, the inhibition of VDCC was similar between both types of cells. In summary, chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland might contribute to exacerbate the sympathetic nervous system over-activity in cirrhosis because of an increased exocytosis elicited by an enhanced spontaneous electrical activity.

[EN] The sites at Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania) constitute a unique venue for the study of the first members of the genus Homo. The large amount of fossils recovered and the good state of preservation of these sites have boosted archaeological research in the Gorge throughout the years. The Olduvai Paleoanthropology and Paleoecology Project (TOPPP) research team, present at the Gorge since 2006, launched the construction of the Aguirre-Mturi Scientific Station within the limits of the Ngorongoro National Park with the aim of improving the working conditions and provide a safe working space. The safeguard of the archaeological materials was also one of the cornerstones during the design process and building of the station. The laboratory allows almost immediate cleaning, analysis and restoration of the materials recovered during field work. Meanwhile, in Spain, the Institute of Evolution in Africa (IDEA), current headquarters of the TOPPP team, was founded with the aim of promoting the study of African paleoanthropology and the origins of humankind in Africa. Along with the research work, TOPPP strives to bring the scientific knowledge to the general public in several ways, including the management of temporary and permanent exhibitions in Spain and Tanzania., [ES] Los yacimientos de la Garganta de Olduvai (Tanzania) constituyen un enclave único para el estudio de los primeros representantes del género Homo. La buena preservación de estos yacimientos y la cantidad de fósiles hallados en ellos posibilita que se sigan desarrollando excavaciones arqueológicas en este lugar. El equipo de investigación The Olduvai Paleoanthropology and Paleoecology Project (TOPPP), que trabaja en estos yacimientos desde 2006, promovió la construcción de la Estación Científica Aguirre-Mturi con el propósito de mejorar las condiciones laborales del personal investigador y de hacer del campamento un lugar seguro de trabajo. Durante el proceso de creación y construcción se tuvo en cuenta la salvaguarda de los materiales arqueológicos, y gracias a la existencia de un laboratorio en el campamento, es posible realizar tareas como la limpieza, el análisis y la restauración del material recuperado. En España, la creación del Instituto de Evolución en África (IDEA), sede actual del equipo TOPPP, nace con el objetivo de promover el estudio de la paleoantropología africana y el origen del ser humano en África. Junto a los trabajos de investigación, TOPPP realiza una intensa actividad divulgativa donde destaca la creación de exposiciones temporales y permanentes en España y Tanzania., A la Comisión para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (COSTECH), a la Autoridad del Área de Conservación del Ngorongoro (NCAA) y al Departamento de Antigüedades y al Ministerio de Turismo y Recursos Naturales en Tanzania por el permiso para investigar en la Garganta de Olduvai. Al Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades por el proyecto concedido (HAR2017-82463-C4-1-P) y por la financiación para los contratos predoctorales de Formación de Profesorado Universitario (FPU) de MVR y JA; al Ministerio de Cultura a través del Instituto de Patrimonio Cultural de España por las ayudadas concedidas para Proyectos Arqueológicos en el Exterior, y a la Fundación Palarq por las ayudas para apoyar las Misiones de Arqueología y Paleontología Españolas en el en el extranjero.